Good Bye Theory, Hello Action

I finally started reading Bob Prosen's book, "Kiss Theory Good Bye," today. He begins his 200+ page book by stating that theory is important while action and results are more important. Focusing on theory sure can be comfortable. I've had the theory of developing my career as a professional speaker based on what I've learned works. Great data. Makes perfect sense.

At the same time, just as I begin activating my new division of MakStar Marketing, Superman Design, I have started thinking about the importance of having goals, a plan, and planning.

When it comes to money, I don't think I've ever had specific financial goals. I've just ridden the wave over the years while maintaining a positive attitude that money would come easily and frequently, or at least eventually.

I know the right way to get what I want. I have always known. The information seems right and the process makes sense. Sometimes, I don't act and strive for actual results. Most of the time I wait for opportunities to arise. There has never been an urgency to succeed.

Turning 30 in June was nice. It wasn't a big deal like it was for a month after turning 25. Boy, were those four weeks tough. As a 30-year-old, I feel I'm at peace compared to the hustle of my 20s. I've felt as if I've never been more focused. I call that theory. It's all in my head.

Now it's time to take the theory - what I've learned, worked, and waited for - and proactively give it life by taking action, having specific and timely goals, and getting the results I've been fantasizing about for a few moments each year. It's time to finally blow out the candles and eat the cake. Let's dig in.

Visit Las Vegas and You May Change Your Career Focus

I recently attended the Magic fashion tradeshow in Las Vegas, NV, and was hit with a rather prominent - and life-changing - realization.

For many years, my objective was to speak to corporations and associations given the potential impact of influencing large quantities of people while receiving a positive return on investment.

While in Las Vegas this past week, upon sharing my current book idea with a few new team members, I realized I have been blind for two years.

It's been two years since I've spoken to young audiences as a professional speaker. Upon finishing up my work with Monster.com during the summer of 2006, I had decided that I was no longer interested in speaking to that demographic. I felt that the experience was invaluable, the impact positive, and portfolio-building... nearly perfect.

The future, I believed, would be filled with opportunities to speak to corporate audiences and associations - sharing my messages, stories, and expertise. That was the plan.

While moving forward and building upon my career, I now find myself gearing up again to speak on behalf of OPEN from American Express four times over three days at a tradeshow in Baltimore, MD next month. While hosting another 12 business clinics, I will enjoy speaking to business owners and the like. Yes, I will like that.

What I would like more, it turns out - given my experience in Vegas, is that of all the people out there, I would most be interested, most be comfortable, most be passionate about speaking to college audiences.

Duh. My first book was a college guidebook to the University of Maryland. I've been president of the UM Alumni Club of San Diego for over three years. I'm the founding president of my high school alumni association. My #2 priority is education. The seven books I've written and the 13 I've revised are for young adults. I've spoken at UMaryland and Univ. of California several times.

This is a no-brainer. Talk about "fighting biology" - I've been secretly fighting with myself for two years. Secretly meaning I didn't know it until recently. And fighting meaning holding myself back from really doing what I would love doing.

For many years, I've battled with determining what my one topic would be as a professional speaker. I never gave thought to my target demographic, since I felt my messages, experience, and delivery would be universal.

I don't get excited about much and I'm happy to announce that I'm very excited about starting a new speaking business plan. I am currently a professional speaker who speaks to college audiences about developing creativity, marketing, and building relationships. Let's go back to school, kids.

The U.S v. Bad Creativity

Your honor, I bring before you and those of the court, the case of the U.S. v. "Bad Creativity." For every moment that is spent being creative with fear in mind, I ask the jury to consider the first and most impressive piece of evidence.

For every, "What if," spoken or thought by Americans, at times of fear and doubt, they have taken the proactive part of being creative for all the wrong reasons. With the freedom to be creative in the first place, these self-destructive choices have led our citizens to experience "bad creativity" instead of "good creativity."

Conflict and chaos can happen. Why had these victims not previously thought, "Well, there is a chance that...," and followed up with, "And I understand the potential reality and risks, and would still like to take the risk and attempt reaching the outcome."?

When facing a challenge - something that can lead to a negative response in our minds - we are often creative. Whether or not we know it, we are often creating. Here's an example:

You've got a new job opportunity! - "Good Creativity" would prompt a person to say out loud or to themselves, "I would like to apply for this job. Should I ultimately receive an offer, I intend to learn a lot, gain experience and income, build relationships, and connect with my next opportunity. The potential is unlimited." "Bad Creativity" could alternatively prompt a person to say or state, "What if I apply and don't get an interview? What if I get the interview, but don't get the job?" What if I get the job and don't like it?" What if I get the job, like it, but get fired for non-compliance or because of downsizing?" With all of that "creativity in mind," I'm surprised more Americans aren't using their "Good Creativity" by painting, writing, performing, and designing. Perhaps they're too consumed with "Bad Creativity."

Kids, most of what happens in our lives prompts us to respond with creativity - whether you like it or not and whether you know it or not. Until now. That is, of course, we attempt to fight biology and prevent our imagination from taking wing.

Therefore, I'd like to bring a lawsuit against "Bad Creativity" on behalf of the United States. "Bad Creativity" is responsible for making Americans feel poorly and for motivating them to either take foolish action or not act at all. The sole "principal in the first" is one of humanity's most wanted, "Ignorance." What say you?

Change and Conflict Make My Day

I was the guy in the office who welcomed change or conflict. Someone let go? Perfect. A crew of 40 advertising sales execs booted out on a Friday morning? Sure thing. And what about when I was the target of significant change or a crappy conflict? Not a problem.

That is, unless, I was really enjoying my life before the change or conflict. However, sometimes, my connection to that which I desired at the time may have simply been superficial. This would be the perfect opportunity to provide an example, but I'll keep you compelled by moving on to my next thought.

I'm not fearless. I've got a few things that I've yet to evaluate and "get over" like heights, snakes, and bugs. However, compared to most people (complete assumption with little merit), I feel I suffer from a lack of general, common, or popular fears. That's right boys and girls, this cat loves change and understands conflict, so what's there to fear? Everything that's on my little list or those things of which I have feared in the past all came about because of being ignorant.

So, if you consider these four points, you may begin to understand that I'm headed for the "top dog" door:

1) Beyond the career objective of being a professional speaker, I have had no other significant goals in life aside from optimal health. Therefore, no goals, no fears of not reaching them.
2) I am a product of change - and soldier of change - given that 1/2 of my childhood was spent living in two homes every-other-week. Back and forth. Back and forth. Great divorce, great training.
3) I feel conflict leads to opportunity and the potential for excitement and freshness. Bring it on an we'll face off.
4) I have the strong feeling that most fear doesn't have to be overcome by courage, faith, or hope, but by knowledge, education, training, and understanding.

I am so close to writing this book. Let me just finish reading the third one on fear. I promise to finish before Sunday. Boo.

Two Ideas About Fear of Which I'm Uninterested

I've read a lot of books on fear recently and when I note the word "books," I mean three books. And when I note the word "read," I mean finished one, got halfway through another, and just started a third one yesterday. I took notes on the first two and don't recall much at this moment. The third book has one underlying theme, which is included in its subtitle: courage. Courage is one thing I'm not interested in covering in my new book about fear and doubt. I'll also intend to leave out hope and faith as well.

The other area of fear I'd like to not focus upon is related to psychology and biology. While I may want to touch upon Hans Selye's "Fight or Flight Response" with regard to the "Stress Response," I won't be covering stress or stress management or what happens within as human beings when we face those "non-specific responses to the demands in our lives."

My book will cover creative ways to go from scaredy cat to top dog by using two powerful weapons in our arsenal of protective gear: knowledge and attitude. My hopes are to not use the word "courage" once in the book beyond explaining my reasons for not mentioning courage throughout the book.

Finally, hearing "it's been done before" is actually making me feel good.

The First Time I Learned About Experiential Marketing

The first time I learned about experiential marketing was potentially the same exact time I had experienced it for the first time, too. I was a Junior at The University of Maryland and an MTV "Campus Invasion" tour came to our school. I remember a few tents with some activities and certainly a few marketing tie-ins and complimentary treats from sponsors such as Neutrogena, Master Card, and Best Buy.

After the tour had left the campus, I had passed by the event area and noticed one of the banners there. I did what any student would do: I grabbed it and ran for the hills. I eventually used it as a floor mat in my residence hall room for a month or two before leaving for the semester. This was at the same time that I had decorated my room with a beach theme. Apparently, I valued bringing the beach experience into my university "living and learning" unit. Palm trees made of paper and empty rolls from carpets sold to new students in the courtyard combined with blue skies and clouds comforted me during that school year.

Perhaps it was developing the perfect "experience" in my room combined with experiencing my first experiential marketing program that silently introduced me to what I'd be focusing on a few years down the road. A road that would be over 2,500 miles away in sunny San Diego, Calif. Experiences can be priceless. That's why some experiential marketing programs can be expensive.

Many years later, it only makes sense to me that I've contributed towards over 100 national live marketing programs for big name companies that have motivated consumers to buy new products. My marketing keynote, "The Power and Profit of Experiential Marketing," explores the impact of live marketing in the 21st century. Should you know of someone thirsty for a compelling presentation that includes how I contributed towards the experiential marketing program that led to a $4.1 billion buyout of VitaminWater by Coca Cola, just let me know. You may even get a complimentary sample.

Am I Ready to Start Writing the Book Now?

After a few months of creativity, I'm not longer compelled to continue my previous efforts of developing new titles and subtitles for my next book. I may be set (for now) to start writing. Here are four reasons why I'm ready to start writing:

1) I'm satisfied with the latest title and subtitle.
2) I understand that more changes are possible.
3) I've been preoccupied with other forms of creativity.
4) I feel prepared to starting writing again.

The expression about buying a house before the furniture comes to mind. I've written seven books - is it necessary to write yet another one?

Yes.

This will be the first book ever that I write in which a publisher does not ask me to write. Self-publishing has been the objective for the past year or so. However, I am open to the alternative idea of Random House or Penguin dropping me a line. We begin tomorrow! I begin tomorrow. You just keep reading. Read all you want. I'll write more.

The Truth About Fear and Doubt

We've gotten it all wrong, people. There's good fear and bad fear. Good doubt and bad doubt. How does one differentiate, separate, and investigate? Easy. Write a book on the subject.

"But Jared, you're not an expert on the subject of fear and doubt. They won't buy the book." (Fear)

"But Jared, what if no one buys enough copies? What then?" (Doubt)

Boy oh boy... the things we tell ourselves. The things those closest to us tell us, too. And let's not forget the strangers who barely know us at all. Finally, how about the experts in publishing: the best selling authors, the publishing execs., and the research? What if they all say, "Keep your day job, Jared," but my day job is based on one inconsistent thing?

Creativity.

The book will indeed be about our relationships with fear and doubt, how we allow it in our lives and how we take advantage of it. It'll be about a fun look at frightening and sometimes very scary subject.

To satisfy everyone's preferences, I could design a book and its accompanying concept for each person: a customized book. I could even include their name and personal stories. Now sure, the book would cost about $1000 each. They sure would enjoy it, though. And it would last them a lifetime. And they could even pass it on within their family.

This isn't sarcasm by the way, it's just a potential creative idea. That's the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me... write.

It's Okay to Judge a Book by Its Cover

At what point does a person decide they've come up with a brilliant idea or concept? When can they put down their tools and accept their pure genius? Their best-selling idea? Having spent ten months recently talking about a book I'm not writing, I am now focused on a new book which I am intending to write. I mean it this time.

The challenge is the cover. I really enjoy designing it. This way. That way. While the look remains consistent, it's the title that's keeping me in a cyclical pattern of redesigning. By changing the title, the cover is slightly modified. Every day. For weeks.

I thought I was done during the past 24 hours. Then I started thinking some more. Starting from scratch (sic), I intend to write a book on fear and doubt that will take a fun look at a serious topic, encourage people to "get over it," and provide me with a great keynote speech on creativity. Oh, and I want there to be a cat and dog theme. Scaredy cat, top dog - you get the picture.

Now, if I could only commit to that image, I could start writing the darn book.

Nothing to Fear (Including Fear Itself)

Do you know which former President of the United States said this popular quote?: "Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself." No matter who he was, he could have been more positive. It was FDR that is known for this saying around the time of the World War II. I wonder what would have come about in the nation had he mentioned something along the lines of there being nothing to fear as long as Americans were well-informed, and understood, accepted, and forgave people for things which they did not respect.

There is nothing to fear. Why would we want to go fearing fear? Sometimes we can use fear to protect us from harm. Other times, we take advantage of fear and use it to our disadvantage without considering the consequences.

There sure is a lot of talk about fear and doubt these days. Someone should really write a book about the topic, but do so from a fun perspective. Yes, a serious and sometimes misunderstood topic combined with a light-hearted take on understanding it and as my mom would say, "Getting over it" would be nice.

Fear doesn't have to be such a bad thing in our lives. When it is a bad thing, however, there are often ways to recognize when it's best for it to be the worst. Are my writing skills getting any better? Just you wait, kids, just you wait.

Adding "Voice Over Artist" to My Creative Portfolio

For many years, people have been telling me that I could use my strong voice professionally beyond experiential marketing and public speaking. I've made friends with a few voice over artists along my journey and never considered adding that venue to my creative portfolio. It seemed fitting though at the time, I simply wasn't interested or prepared to make it a priority.

Things have changed, my friends. Today, I submitted an audition for that Newber application project which will be for business presentations, sales, and their web site. You can hear it on Voice123.com. Click here: Jared Meyer and you'll find the demo on the middle right-hand column. Isn't that neat, kids?

If you're familiar with voice over demos, they usually include a variety of examples of work combined with music in the background. Perhaps one day, I'll have a demo that we can all be proud of. Until then, this will do just fine.

Can Some Ideas Be Too Creative?

I recently promoted the upcoming movie, "Hamlet 2," at the annual Comic-Con in San Diego. This event had over 120,000 attendees over the four-day show. The comedy is about an awful actor who becomes a terrible high school drama teacher. He comes up with an idea that is rather absurd to me and calls the script, "Hamlet 2." Besides one of the characters in the show being potentially offensive to certain people, the concept is wacky. As you may know, the main characters in Shakespeare's Hamlet die at the end of the play. Due to the inclusion of a time machine, the high school production of H2 in the movie moves forward successfully. The idea can be viewed as silly, stupid, cute, or a work of genius. Who is to say what it is or what it isn't? The juxtaposition of theater and film combined with some imagination and letting go can sometimes lead to a neat idea. Even one that is perhaps too creative.

Creativity Killed the Cat

Curiosity can sometimes seem harmless compared to the potency of creativity. I bet you never heard of the cat that died because it was compelled to update its web site each week. Or the feline friend that passed on after coming up with over 50 titles for its next book (before even having a chance to start writing it!). I feel that it is easy to deal with curiosity: stay or go; seek or hide. One finds out the truth or doesn't. Then, if they're still alive, they move on.

Creativity is a silent killer. When is a painting really finished? At what point does a writer decide that the poem they are writing is complete? Are works of art, literature, or architecture ever really done?

The same justification for explaining a misinterpreted "lie" is the same as one I could easily come up with regard to my next book: change. In this instance, I'm not afraid of change - I readily embrace it. It's the concern that I won't be able to change the cover, the title, the concept, the chapter structure, or any single word after I'm done without some consequences.

Fourteen versions or revisions before 100 copies are sold? Ridiculous; it's true. This is not a matter of perfectionism. It's the power of creativity. Paintings could always take more color or texture. Poems could often include an additional stanza. Songs could sometimes take on another few lines.

This cat loves creativity. Does he fear it as well? It's time to think outside the litter box.

The Commercial That Never Made It

I heard awhile back that one of a few commercials that I worked on never made it to the big leagues. Above is a still shot from the commercial. I'm the only adult male in the scene - the cat with the light, blue shirt. We jump because of our excitement. Pretty neat. There was a scene that never made it in which I stated something along the lines of me being happier that my lady friend was losing weight. What a guy!

The Power of Public Transportation

I've lived in San Diego, Calif., for over six years and today was the first time ever that I took the bus somewhere. And where? To downtown to see two shows. One was a dress rehearsal of "The Phantom of the Opera" with my new friend, Trista. She's preparing to be "Christine," a lead-role mind you and will begin next month. Her tour leaves San Diego on Sunday. The other show was determined last minute. "tick, tick... BOOM!" was a show I learned about a few months ago and magically or randomly, I learned it was playing tonight downtown. Oh what a day. Easy, convenient, safe, and smart, public transportation in San Diego is pretty powerful.

Today's Commercial Shoot for "Newber"

Just when you thought I had enough experience being creative on the set of television shows or commercials, I returned to San Diego shortly after the National Speakers Association convention in NYC for another taste of TV work. "Newber" is a service that will be launched at the end of the month. It's an application on the iPhone that will allow users to do some pretty magical stuff. I instantaneously become the silent spokesperson for Newber. We'll see if I can lock in the speaking part in the commercial. Expect some press from this project, kids.

My First National Commercial

For many years, I have sought creativity in many forms: professional speaking, writing books, designing logos and web sites, writing songs, singing, and playing piano, and even taking a few stabs at acting and modeling. The "Swiss Colony" commercial was my first nationwide attempt at contributing towards the sales of a pretty well-known brand. The challenge? I didn't say a single word.