Whitney Keyes: Propel: Five Ways to Amp Up Your Marketing - Blog Business Success Radio

Listen to Wayne Hurlbert on Blog Talk Radio



Marketing expert, blogger, global business strategist, and author of the straight talking and very hands on book Propel: Five Ways to Amp-Up Your Marketing and Accelerate Business, Whitney Keyes, describes how to combine the best of traditional marketing techniques with the best of new marketing methods, to create a powerful marketing strategy. Whitney Keyes provides guidance for marketers on how to improve their marketing and strengthen their brands by adopting a strategic approach to marketing. This holistic way of thinking about marketing will avoid the most common mistakes that can derail any marketing process. Whitney Keyes demonstrates how to remove the obstacles that are holding back your marketing, and shares ideas for finding and new opportunities that had been hidden from view. Learn how to create a customized marketing strategy that is best suited for your unique brands, and how to implement that strategy effectively to produce powerful results quickly.

Whitney Keyes is my internet radio show guest on Blog Business Success; hosted live on BlogTalkRadio.

The show airs live on Thursday, February 28, at 8:00 pm Eastern Time; 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

Marketing expert, blogger, global business strategist, and author of the straight talking and very hands on book Propel: Five Ways to Amp-Up Your Marketing and Accelerate Business, Whitney Keyes, describes how to combine the best of traditional marketing techniques with the best of new marketing methods, to create a powerful marketing strategy. You will learn:

* Why marketers must take a strategic approach to marketing

* How to avoid the most common mistakes made by marketers

* How to combine the best of traditional marketing with the best of new marketing

* How to implement the marketing strategy effectively



Whitney Keyes (photo left) is regularly asked to serve as a subject matter expert on current business and career-related news.

From Pinterest to personal branding, Whitney’s commentary is engaging, insightful and timely.

She advises viewers, listeners and readers on everything from how to use social networks for business to free ways to market in a down economy.

Whitney hosted an award-winning segment of the popular TV show, Designing Spaces, and co-hosted and produced WhitneyandWyatt.com, a magazine-style talk show for women on the web.

Whitney Keyes has helped organizations and individuals be more successful. Whitney has worked as a senior Microsoft manager, a strategic advisor for American Express and a marketing consultant to thousands of businesses around the world through the U.S. Department of State's programs to empower women entrepreneurs in Malaysia, Kenya and Namibia. Whitney serves as a fellow for the Center for Strategic Communications and professor of Global Reputation Management at Seattle University.

While at Microsoft, Whitney managed global marketing campaigns, including the launch of Office 2000, an $8 billion business, and helped create the company's primary philanthropy program, Unlimited Potential. Prior to that, she worked for the City of Tacoma helping over 500 small businesses stay in business and started her career managing her family's retail store.

Today, Whitney manages a consulting practice, delivers keynotes and facilitates workshops for national organizations including Small Business Administration and writes for business publications including the Seattle Post-Intelligencer's Biz Bite Blog.

Whitney lives in Seattle, Washington.

My book review of Propel: Five Ways to Amp-Up Your Marketing and Accelerate Business by Whitney Keyes.

Listen live on Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern, 5:00 pm Pacific time.



If you miss this very informative show, it will be available for free download as a podcast for iPod, iTunes, and MP3 players; or play it right on your computer. To download this, or any other of my guest interviews, go to the Blog Business Success host page and click on Archived Segments. Once there, click on the podcast icon at the end of the episode description, to download the show free of charge for your listening enjoyment. You can also subscribe to the show feed.



To call in questions for my guest, the number is: (347) 996-5832

Let's talk with marketing expert, blogger, global business strategist, and author of the straight talking and very hands on book Propel: Five Ways to Amp-Up Your Marketing and Accelerate Business, Whitney Keyes, as she describes how to combine the best of traditional marketing techniques with the best of new marketing methods, to create a powerful marketing strategy. Whitney Keyes provides guidance for marketers on how to improve their marketing and strengthen their brands by adopting a strategic approach to marketing. This holistic way of thinking about marketing will avoid the most common mistakes that can derail any marketing process. Whitney Keys demonstrates how to remove the obstacles that are holding back your marketing, and shares ideas for finding and new opportunities that had been hidden from view. Learn how to create a customized marketing strategy that is best suited for your unique brands, and how to implement that strategy effectively to produce powerful results quickly on Blog Business Success Radio.

Propel by Whitney Keyes - Book review

Propel

Five Ways to Amp-Up Your Marketing and Accelerate Business

By: Whitney Keyes

Published: August 22, 2012
Format: Paperback, 224 pages
ISBN-10: 1601632339
ISBN-13: 978-1601632333
Publisher: Career Press








"Where many people get tripped up in their marketing is not in their ability to do it,but in their knowledge about it", writes marketing expert, blogger, and global business strategist Whitney Keyes, in her straight talking and very hands on book Propel: Five Ways to Amp-Up Your Marketing and Accelerate Business. The author describes a strategic approach to marketing that combines the latest social media marketing methods with the timeless techniques of traditional marketing to create a powerful synthesis to expand market shares, enhance loyalty to a company's brands, and increase profits.

Whitney Keyes recognizes that that there are tangible benefits for companies through the utilization of traditional marketing strategies, and bottom line increases that result from implementation of social media techniques. Rather than choose either one marketing system or the other, the author offers a combination of the best concepts from both the old and the new marketing processes. The result is a stronger marketing program that exploits opportunities that would remain hidden from either traditional marketers on the one hand, or from social media marketers on the other. Whitney Keyes presents a comprehensive marketing approach that is also customizable to zero in on the unique aspects of any organization and its brands.



Whitney Keyes (photo left) understands that companies make mistakes in their marketing programs because they are missing the basic knowledge about effective marketing. Despite that lack of information, marketers believe they are doing a good job with their marketing strategy. The author disagrees with the marketing executive self assessment and lists the following five most common marketing mistakes:

* Being impatient
* Overachieving
* Obsessing
* Getting overwhelmed
* Being overconfident

To overcome these five frequent marketing errors, Whitney Keyes shares her five ways to improve a firm's marketing. The five principles are as follows:

* Strategy: Set your course for success
* Story: Connect with the people who matter the most
* Strength: Boost your efforts by extending your reach
* Simplicity: Keep the plan and process straightforward
* Speed: Accelerate and move forward

For me, the power of the book is how Whitney Keyes combines a comprehensive framework for combining traditional and new marketing effectively, with the practical steps and processes to implement that new strategy. The author takes an overall strategic approach to marketing, with an emphasis on a holistic route to success. All too often, the strategic thinking in an organization becomes overwhelmed by the tactics to put the plan into action. What is left is a piecemeal system that repeats the mistakes outlined by the author.

Whitney Keyes avoids that trap by always keeping the marketer aware of the overarching strategy. The tactics are then implemented to put the overall strategy into action. The author adds value to the book by providing a series of thought provoking and probing questions, at the end of each chapter, for the reader to consider for their own organizational strategy. Whitney Keyes also presents a series of case studies that illustrate the principles at work in the real world. The examples provide context and visualization of the concepts, ensuring their overall understanding by thhe reader.

I highly recommend the empowering and very practical book Propel: Five Ways to Amp-Up Your Marketing and Accelerate Business by Whitney Keyes, to any marketing executives, strategists, CEOs, brand managers, and entrepreneurs seeking to take their marketing to the next level, while avoiding the mistakes that have hurt otherwise great brands and companies. This book will create a strategic approach to marketing within any organization, and result in a stronger bottom line.

PBS Digital Studios "Inventors: Bob "Rosebud" Butt

PBS Digital Studios biweekly series called "Inventors," features portrait videos by filmmaker and photographer David Friedman, chronicling the work of contemporary inventors from all walks of life. It offers rare glimpses into the inspiration for their creations, which range from the first digital camera and first video game console to a drive-able amphibious ice-fishing vehicle. Bob Butt, the inventor of the Long Island Iced Tea, is the subject of this week’s video.

Bob "Rosebud" Butt is credited with inventing the Long Island Iced Tea while he was a bartender at the Oak Beach Inn on Long Island in the 1970s. Bob may not be the first bartender to have made a mixed drink resembling iced tea -- some stories say that a similar drink was mixed during prohibition -- but Bob says he's pretty sure he's the first person to come up with this particular recipe. Bob in included in the “Inventors” series because he serves as a reminder that not every invention has to be serious, or for profit, or part of a larger plan.

Joan Wood: The Influence Matrix - Blog Business Success Radio

Listen to Wayne Hurlbert on Blog Talk Radio

Speaker, consultant, founder of Leadership Edge, and author of the strategy based and very hands on book The Influence Matrix: Strategies for Engaging Others to Get Results, Joan Wood, describes the concept of developing personal stories to establish a matrix of reality for interacting with and influencing others. Joan Wood provides a complete guide to the strategies for become a master influencer, starting with developing greater self awareness. Joan presents practices for improving clarity in communication with others to prevent misunderstandings and the use of vague dialogue. Joan shows you how to engage others with stories and actions the build and establish trust. Joan demonstrates why building influence in today's rapidly changing and unpredictable business climate is essential for success. In a time when the old command and control management structure is breaking down, it is more critical than ever to become an effective leader within your own matrix of influence.

Joan Wood is my internet radio show guest on Blog Business Success; hosted live on BlogTalkRadio.

The show airs live on Thursday, February 26, at 8:00 pm Eastern Time; 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

Speaker, consultant, founder of Leadership Edge, and author of the strategy based and very hands on book The Influence Matrix: Strategies for Engaging Others to Get Results, Joan Wood, describes the concept of developing personal stories to establish a matrix of reality for interacting with and influencing others. You will learn:

* What an influence matrix means and why it is important

* How to use personal stories to define your personal influence matrix

* How to engage more effectively with others to enhance influence

* How to become a master influencer and a more effective leader

Joan Wood (photo left) has over twenty years of experience in the areas of organization development, leadership training, and management consulting. Her expertise is in executive coaching and leadership development. She specializes in assisting clients with identifying and implementing change strategies to achieve critical business objectives. Her approach is to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, and attitude required for attaining organizational goals. Joan's clients value the way she partners with them by providing the clarity and power that comes from strategic thinking and honest dialogue.

Utilizing customized training programs and team building methods, she moves groups toward enhanced performance and bottom-line results. Her technique empowers clients to generate new initiatives for continuous revitalization of the organization's competitive edge. Joan's strong facilitative style and her innovative ability to deliver needed messages bring dramatic insights for her clients.

Her resume includes management and consulting positions with a number of companies including Frito-Lay, The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, Siemens (formerly SMS), Human Dynamics, and Pritchett.

My book review of The Influence Matrix: Strategies for Engaging Others to Get Results by Joan Wood.

Listen live on Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern, 5:00 pm Pacific time.



If you miss this very informative show, it will be available for free download as a podcast for iPod, iTunes, and MP3 players; or play it right on your computer. To download this, or any other of my guest interviews, go to the Blog Business Success host page and click on Archived Segments. Once there, click on the podcast icon at the end of the episode description, to download the show free of charge for your listening enjoyment. You can also subscribe to the show feed.



To call in questions for my guest, the number is: (347) 996-5832

Let's talk with speaker, consultant, founder of Leadership Edge, and author of the strategy based and very hands on book The Influence Matrix: Strategies for Engaging Others to Get Results, Joan Wood, as she describes the concept of developing personal stories to establish a matrix of reality for interacting with and influencing others. Joan Wood provides a complete guide to the strategies for become a master influencer, starting with developing greater self awareness. Joan presents practices for improving clarity in communication with others to prevent misunderstandings and the use of vague dialogue. Joan shows you how to engage others with stories and actions the build and establish trust. Joan demonstrates why building influence in today's rapidly changing and unpredictable business climate is essential for success. In a time when the old command and control management structure is breaking down, it is more critical than ever to become an effective leader within your own matrix of influence on Blog Business Success Radio.

Seward: Lincoln's Indispensable Man by Walter Stahr - Book review

Seward: Lincoln's Indispensable Man

By: Walter Stahr

Published: September 19, 2012
Format: Hardcover, 720 pages
ISBN-10: 1439121168
ISBN-13: 978-1439121160
Publisher: Simon & Schuster








"Most Americans know Seward's name and that Alaska was 'Seward's Folly', but they do not know much else about him", writes acclaimed biographer Wlater Stahr, in his brilliant and landmark book Seward: Lincoln's Indispensable Man. The author shares the life, in lively and outstanding detail, of one of the most important and complex figures of his nineteenth century America.

Walter Stahr recognizes the monumental importance of William Seward, to the transformational period of the American Civil War and Reconstruction. One of the most important individuals of the nineteenth century, William Seward served as Governor of New York, a United States Senator, and was considered the front runner for President in 1860. Walter Stahr delves into the powerful impact of William Seward, not only as Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of State, but as a key adviser on foreign affairs, politics, and personnel issues.

The author points out how Seward's contemporaries considered him the most influential person in the Lincoln Cabinet, and as a result he was targeted for assassination, along with President Lincoln, by John Wilkes Booth. William Seward survived the attempt, continued to serve as Secretary of State under President Andrew Johnson, and began the process that established America as a global empire.



Walter Stahr (photo left) understands that the popular impression of William Seward today falls far short of the towering importance of the man in his time. Not only was William Seward influential in politics, but Walter Stahr presents a portrait of a man who was a colorful story teller and raconteur. With his unkempt hair and messy attire, William Seward was an intriguing character who regaled guests, from all walks of life, with his tales. Despite this disarming appearance, William Seward was considered the foremost statesman in the North, prior to the Civil War.

William Seward's political importance continued during the conflagration of the War, and long afterward. An outspoken opponent of slavery before the War, Seward continued his support for the policies of Abraham Lincoln during Reconstruction. Alienating some of the radical Reconstructionists, William Seward continued on a pragmatic course, that the author considers a step toward reconciliation with the South, and a restoration of a restored Union.

For me, the power of the book is how Walter Stahr combines a powerful historical narrative of the political life of William Seward, with an intimate portrait of the man behind the politics and public office. The author brings history to life, creating a complete and balanced picture of a leading figure of his time. Walter Stahr presents the controversy and accomplishments of William Seward with an even hand and lively prose. The author covers Seward's entire political career, but even more intriguingly offers some crucial insights into the private man as well.

William Seward was a larger than life personality during his eventful lifetime, and this biography certainly does justice to this complex and important man. The author draws on numerous sources, including those long neglected by historians. The book includes notes for each chapter to facilitate even more research into the life and times of the fascinating William Seward.

I highly recommend the important and engaging biography Seward: Lincoln's Indispensable Man by William Stahr, to professionals in academia, students of history and politics, and anyone interested in the life of one of the most important and interesting figures of the nineteenth century. This book is a much needed biography of a pivotal individual during one of the most tumultuous and transformational eras of American history.

Jim Jensen: Beyond The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind - Blog Business Success Radio

Listen to Wayne Hurlbert on Blog Talk Radio

Coach, consultant, former CEO, and author of the empowering and very practical book Beyond the Power of Your Subconscious Mind, C. James Jensen describes the real relationship between your conscious and subconscious mind. Jim Jensen provides information about how this understanding will improve your life, create more opportunities, and build greater success. Jim shares the practices and techniques needed to utilize the power of your subconscious mind. Jim points out that the information he offers is based on valid science, and can be applied to anyone. Jim demonstrates how to harness your subconscious mind for creative problem solving, building wealth, and improving your skills as a leader. Learn how to achieve greater personal happiness and live more harmoniously with others, while overcoming your personal fears and internal self talk.

Jim Jensen is my internet radio show guest on Blog Business Success; hosted live on BlogTalkRadio.

The show airs live on Thursday, February 21, at 8:00 pm Eastern Time; 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

Coach, consultant, former CEO, and author of the empowering and very practical book Beyond the Power of Your Subconscious Mind, C. James Jensen describes the real relationship between your conscious and subconscious mind. You will learn:

* How the subconscious mind works differently from the conscious mind

* How to utilize the subconscious mind for creative problem solving

* How your subconscious can make you a better leader

* How the subconscious can improve your interpersonal relationships

C. James Jensen (photo left) began his career as a salesman with Encyclopaedia Brittanica in his senior year of college. Within 7 years he had become International Sales Manager. At the age of 28, he became Senior Vice President and CEO of Great Books of the Western World. In this same year (1969) Jim and his wife, Jeri, attended a 4 day seminar that would have an incredible impact on his life forever. As is written in the “Introduction”, Jim became both a voracious student and, ultimately, teacher of many of the principles written in Beyond the Power of Your Subconscious Mind.

Jim also became President and CEO of two additional companies that each became the leading company within their respective industry. Jim attributes much of the success of those companies to the management and employees embracing many of the philosophies outlined in this book. Today, Jim provides executive coaching, consulting, and advisory services to emerging growth and mid-size companies.

He is an active member of the World Presidents’ Organization, and serves on the board of directors of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, Aspen University, and Sugarmade, Inc., a sustainable solution in producing 100% tree-free paper products. Jim and his wife, Jeri, live in Bellevue, Washington.

My book review of Beyond the Power of Your Subconscious Mind by C. James Jensen.

Listen live on Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern, 5:00 pm Pacific time.



If you miss this very informative show, it will be available for free download as a podcast for iPod, iTunes, and MP3 players; or play it right on your computer. To download this, or any other of my guest interviews, go to the Blog Business Success host page and click on Archived Segments. Once there, click on the podcast icon at the end of the episode description, to download the show free of charge for your listening enjoyment. You can also subscribe to the show feed.



To call in questions for my guest, the number is: (347) 996-5832

Let's talk with coach, consultant, former CEO, and author of the empowering and very practical book Beyond the Power of Your Subconscious Mind, C. James Jensen, as he describes the real relationship between your conscious and subconscious mind. Jim Jensen provides information about how this understanding will improve your life, create more opportunities, and build greater success. Jim shares the practices and techniques needed to utilize the power of your subconscious mind. Jim points out that the information he offers is based on valid science, and can be applied to anyone. Jim demonstrates how to harness your subconscious mind for creative problem solving, building wealth, and improving your skills as a leader. Learn how to achieve greater personal happiness and live more harmoniously with others, while overcoming your personal fears and internal self talk on Blog Business Success Radio.

Small Business Book Awards 2013 Nominations Open

Nominate your favorite business book in the 2013 Small Business Book Awards. The nomination deadline is March 3, 2013.

The 2013 Small Business Book Awards celebrate books for entrepreneurs, small business owners, CEOs, managers and their staffs.

This is the 5th year for these community Awards. In the past, almost 100,000 votes were cast by the community. Winners receive publicity and the right to display winners’ insignia on books, websites, brochures and elsewhere. Ten overall winners and 5 winners in each category will be named.

Nominating is fast — and free.

The Small Business Book Awards consist of two phases:

Phase 1 - Nomination: Anyone can nominate a business book or resource. All nominations are subject to editorial review and approval by the Editors of Small Business Trends, to ensure they meet eligibility criteria. Nominations open January 29, 2013 and close on March 3, 2013 at 11:59 pm Los Angeles time.

Phase 2 - Voting: Anyone can vote on the nominations. Voting takes place from March 4, 2013 through March 26, 2013 at 11:59 pm Los Angeles time. To vote, simply find the nominations of your choice and click on the "VOTE" button. Come back daily and vote. One vote per person, per nominee, per day. Vote for as many books / resources as you wish.

Nominate your choices for 2013 Small Business Book Awards here.

Winning Body Language for Sales Professionals by Mark Bowden - Book review

Winning Body Language for Sales Professionals

Control the Conversation and Connect with Your Customer—without Saying a Word

By: Mark Bowden

Published: September 6, 2012
Format: Paperback, 256 pages
ISBN-10: 0071793003
ISBN-13: 978-0071793001
Publisher: McGraw-Hill










"Clients and customers have to trust before they can buy. It comes down to the sales professional to help build the trust and credibility that engages a client or customer", writes author, trainer, keynote speaker and the creator of TRUTHPLANE™, Mark Bowden, in his very hands on and results oriented book Winning Body Language for Sales Professionals: Control the Conversation and Connect with Your Customer—without Saying a Word. The author describes why the way a salesperson delivers their message is even more important than the words being spoken, and shares the the best techniques for establishing trust with clients through non-verbal communication.

Mark Bowden understands that non-verbal communication, in any sales presentation, is at least as important as the spoken words. The author even goes one step farther in offering evidence from the latest findings in neuroscience. The most recent discoveries in brain science provide powerful clues that people are more affected and motivated by non-verbal cues than by words. Mark Bowden points out that how the speaker positions their body, moves their body, and how they speak the words have more effect on the listener than the content of the presentation itself. Through deep processes within the brain, humans determine who to trust, based on the other person's body positioning, movements, facial expression, and voice tone. As a result, Nark Bowden offers advice on how to utilize body language and voice to establish trust with the prospective client.



Mark Bowden (photo left) recognizes the fundamental importance of non-verbal communication as crucial to establishment of trust between the sales representative and the potential customer. The author shares the concept that trust can be created through body language alone, and without any words being spoken by the sales person. Mark Bowden demonstrates how to create good feelings and trust that influence the behavior of the sales prospect.

Mark Bowden shares his GesturePlane™ System for dividing the body into horizontal sections to establish rapport with what he calls predictable feelings, judgements, and the elan. The author also offers his TRUTHPLANE™ for maintaining open and honest communication between the seller and the buyer. Mark Bowden also shares his concept of the PassionPlane™ to maintain high energy levels, and how to avoid what he calls the GrotesquePlane™ of low energy and a loss of interest. By following the GesturePlane™ concept, with gestures made at the appropriate horizontal level, the proper levels of emotion, attitude and energy will be maintained. The author presents evidence that this process will build trust and relationships with clients.

For me, the power of the book is how Mark Bowden combines a complete theoretical framework for utilizing body language effectively, with the practical techniques and exercises to put those guidelines into action. The author presents his proven strategies for improving the important non-verbal aspects of any sales presentation. With the application of the author's specific processes, any sales representative can become much more effective in establishing trust with clients.

To achieve proficiency in these methods, Mark Bowden offers the practices and skills necessary for peak sales performance. The author combines the latest discoveries in neuroscience, about how the brain really functions, with his proven techniques for creating a trusting environment with prospects. The author also adds the often overlooked elements of clothing selection and meeting room environment to augment the individual actions. The techniques are not manipulative but instead reflect the natural responses of the human brain when faced with an unfamiliar person.

I highly recommend the very practical and comprehensive book Winning Body Language for Sales Professionals: Control the Conversation and Connect with Your Customer—without Saying a Word by Mark Bowden to any sales representatives, sales managers and executives, entrepreneurs, and anyone making presentations to others, who are seeking a groundbreaking and readily applicable guide to understanding non-verbal communication. This book will improve the reception given to your presentations, boost your number of closed sales, and build your client list.

BlogBloke: Socializing Your Blog - Blog Business Success Radio

Listen to Wayne Hurlbert on Blog Talk Radio



Long time blogger BlogBloke and I discuss techniques for utilizing social media effectively as part of an overall blogging strategy. We talk about how Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ can be used to not only drive traffic to the blog, but become integral components of the blog itself. We describe how a blog is the hub of a social media family of sites, and how traffic flows between the blog and social media sites, and between the social media platforms themselves. We also share ideas for utilizing the power of the blog to build more social media connections, as the power of the blog and social media flow in several directions at once. Find out how social media enhances and extends the conversations taking place on the blog itself, and how social media can enrich the blog's comment section. You will discover how the use of YouTube videos can boost your business, and find additional exposure from embedding on the blog, and from promotion through other social media sites. Learn how social media connections can also become regular blog readers and commenters as well.

BlogBloke is my internet radio show guest on Blog Business Success; hosted live on BlogTalkRadio.

The show airs live on Tuesday, February 19, at 8:00 pm Eastern Time; 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

Long time blogger BlogBloke and I discuss techniques for utilizing social media effectively as part of an overall blogging strategy. You will learn:

* How to integrate social media into your blog

* Ho to transform your blog into a social media hub

* Howe to enhance and extend your blog comments through social media

* How to boost your blog traffic through social media



BlogBloke (avatar left) has worked in journalism and as a programmer in the computer industry before most had heard of Bill Gates or Steve Jobs. A crusader at heart, he switched to law and soon made a name for himself as a successful litigation expert and mediator, helping folks who under normal circumstances can't afford justice.

A geek in every sense of the term, he carried his passion for helping others and computers into blogging that he helped pioneer. In those days there was no such thing as Wordpress or RSS newsfeeds for blogs. Having created the "Blog Tips" niche, his blog is an outstanding resource for helpful blogging tips and how-to tutorials. He has a reputation for being a straight shooter, his sharp wit and an outspoken champion for online ethics. He is bullishly pro blogging, social media, an outspoken advocate for online rights, security and technology issues.

Tech Editor and Author, BLOGBloke has been quoted in the Washington Post, New York Times and CBS News. Here are just a few of the comments that his readers have made:

Listen live on Tuesday at 8:00 pm Eastern, 5:00 pm Pacific time.



If you miss this very informative show, it will be available for free download as a podcast for iPod, iTunes, and MP3 players; or play it right on your computer. To download this, or any other of my guest interviews, go to the Blog Business Success host page and click on Archived Segments. Once there, click on the podcast icon at the end of the episode description, to download the show free of charge for your listening enjoyment. You can also subscribe to the show feed.



To call in questions for my guest, the number is: (347) 996-5832

Let's talk with ong time blogger BlogBloke and I discuss techniques for utilizing social media effectively as part of an overall blogging strategy. We talk about how Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ can be used to not only drive traffic to the blog, but become integral components of the blog itself. We describe how a blog is the hub of a social media family of sites, and how traffic flows between the blog and social media sites, and between the social media platforms themselves. We also share ideas for utilizing the power of the blog to build more social media connections, as the power of the blog and social media flow in several directions at once. Find out how social media enhances and extends the conversations taking place on the blog itself, and how social media can enrich the blog's comment section. You will discover how the use of YouTube videos can boost your business, and find additional exposure from embedding on the blog, and from promotion through other social media sites. Learn how social media connections can also become regular blog readers and commenters as well on Blog Business Success Radio.

Rob Dietz: Enough Is Enough: Building A Sustainable Economy - Blog Business Success Radio

Listen to Wayne Hurlbert on Blog Talk Radio

Editor of the Daly News, an online publication named in honor of visionary economist Herman Daily, and former executive director of CASSE (the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy, and co-author of the revolutionary and thought provoking book Enough Is Enough: Building a Sustainable Economy in a World of Finite Resources, Rob Dietz, describes how the current economic paradigm of never ending economic growth is unsustainable for the economy, the environment, and for society. Rob Dietz offers the alternative concept of the steady state economy. Rob shares why that model, championed by economist Herman Daly, will result in a more prosperous, stable, and equitable economy. Rob presents the principles of conserving natural resources, stabilizing population, reforming the financial system, and achieving a more fair distribution of income and wealth. At the same time, Rob points out that the steady state economy will reduce unemployment and improve the overall well being of the world's people.. Rob Dietz also offers an action plan for making the steady state economy vision a reality.

Rob Dietz is my internet radio show guest on Blog Business Success; hosted live on BlogTalkRadio.

The show airs live on Thursday, February 14, at 8:00 pm Eastern Time; 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

Editor of the Daly News, an online publication named in honor of visionary economist Herman Daily, and former executive director of CASSE (the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy, and co-author of the revolutionary and thought provoking book Enough Is Enough: Building a Sustainable Economy in a World of Finite Resources, Rob Dietz, describes how the current economic paradigm of never ending economic growth is unsustainable for the economy, the environment, and for society. You will learn:

* Why the current economic paradigm of never ending growth is unsustainable

* Why a steady state economy results in more prosperity and more employment

* How a steady state economy benefits the environment and society

* How to implement a steady state economy effectively

Rob Dietz (photo left) grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta during the 1970s and 80s, immersed in the culture of consumerism. By the time he finished college, he knew that he'd have trouble following the rules of this culture (buy, buy, buy, work, work, work). His career has consequently taken some unusual turns.

Rob started out as an economist, trying (and failing) to use economic tools to solve environmental problems. He reinvented himself as a scientist and geographer, working for the U.S. government to support the conservation of wildlife and habitat. He then switched to activism, serving as the first director of steadystate.org, a nonprofit organization with an aim of advancing a sustainable economic agenda.

During his meandering career, Rob has been compelled to write about big-picture topics at the interface of society and nature, such as how nations can align their economic practices with ecological realities. He is currently the editor of the Daly News, an online publication named in honor of the visionary economist Herman Daly.

Rob is married, has one daughter, and lives at CoHo Ecovillage in Corvallis, Oregon, where he occasionally shuts down the computer and ventures into the great outdoors (despite the uncooperative weather).

My book review of Enough Is Enough: Building a Sustainable Economy in a World of Finite Resources by Rob Dietz and Dan O'Neill.

Listen live on Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern, 5:00 pm Pacific time.



If you miss this very informative show, it will be available for free download as a podcast for iPod, iTunes, and MP3 players; or play it right on your computer. To download this, or any other of my guest interviews, go to the Blog Business Success host page and click on Archived Segments. Once there, click on the podcast icon at the end of the episode description, to download the show free of charge for your listening enjoyment. You can also subscribe to the show feed.



To call in questions for my guest, the number is: (347) 996-5832

Let's talk with editor of the Daly News, an online publication named in honor of visionary economist Herman Daily, and former executive director of CASSE (the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy, and co-author of the revolutionary and thought provoking book Enough Is Enough: Building a Sustainable Economy in a World of Finite Resources, Rob Dietz, as he describes how the current economic paradigm of never ending economic growth is unsustainable for the economy, the environment, and for society. Rob Dietz offers the alternative concept of the steady state economy. Rob shares why that model, championed by economist Herman Daly, will result in a more prosperous, stable, and equitable economy. Rob presents the principles of conserving natural resources, stabilizing population, reforming the financial system, and achieving a more fair distribution of income and wealth. At the same time, Rob points out that the steady state economy will reduce unemployment and improve the overall well being of the world's people.. Rob Dietz also offers an action plan for making the steady state economy vision a reality on Blog Business Success Radio.

Enough is Enough by Rob Dietz & Dan O'Neill - Book review

Enough Is Enough

Building a Sustainable Economy in a World of Finite Resources

By: Rob Dietz, Dan O'Neill

Published: January 7, 2013
Paperback: 240 pages
ISBN-10: 160994805X
ISBN-13: 978-1609948054
Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers







"The evidence shows that the pursuit of a bigger economy is undermining the life-support systems of the planet and failing to make us better off - a grave situation to be sure. But what makes the situation even more serious is the lack of a viable response", write editor of the Daly News and the former executive director of CASSE (Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy), Rob Dietz; and lecturer in ecological economics at the University of Leeds and the chief economist for CASSE, Dan O'Neill, in their revolutionary and thought provoking book Enough Is Enough: Building a Sustainable Economy in a World of Finite Resources.

The authors describe the challenges of how the current ideas and techniques for running the economy are causing long term damage to the environment, the economy, and to society itself, and offer the alternative they call a prosperous and stable steady-state economy.

Rob Dietz (photo left) and Dan O'Neill recognize that there is something very wrong with economies around the world. The authors cite severe economic inequality between countries and within countries, dangers from global climate change, unsustainable national debt levels, and dead zones within the world's oceans as some of the critical challenges facing the world. The authors present evidence that these challenges are only the symptoms of what they pinpoint as the fundamental cause of the problems.

For the authors, the pursuit of never ending economic growth is the principle cause of the social, economic, and environmental issues. In place of the current constant growth economic paradigm, the authors offer another path where the goal changes from more to one of enough.



Dan O'Neill (photo left) and Rob Dietz understand that it will be a challenge to transform people's thoughts and vision from one of getting more to an idea of having enough. The authors share compelling evidence that the goal of never ending growth, in the form of more, is both unsustainable for the environment and a failed plan for the economy.

The authors apply the economic ideas of Herman Daly, who advocated a steady-state economy, where an equitable and sustainable approach replaced the continual growth model that is based on short term profits.

The authors share their vision of a steady-state economy, with a sustainable and equitable future, that incorporates the following principles:

* Widespread recognition that our planet is finite
* Practical policies for achieving a steady-state economy
* The will to act and make the necessary changes

For me, the power of the book is how Rob Dietz and Dan O'Neill combine an effective analysis of the current challenges facing society, the environment, and the economy if the current never ending growth model is continued, with the alternative approach of a sustainable, environmentally conscious steady-state economic model. The authors demonstrate that the current economic paradigm will fail to achieve the desired growth, and only contribute to even more economic, societal, and environmental problems in the longer term.

The authors provide evidence that steady-state model, where the goal of more is replaced by the goal of enough, provides a better economy, greater levels of equality, and a healthier environment. To support their concepts, the book includes numerous charts and graphs that show how the overwhelming challenges can be solved for the benefit of everyone on the planet. Instead of simply presenting an economic program alone, the authors also share a series of steps for individuals and governments to take to make the steady-state economy vision a reality.

I highly recommend the visionary and provocative book Enough Is Enough: Building a Sustainable Economy in a World of Finite Resources by Rob Dietz and Dan O'Neill, to economists, business leaders, government policy makers at all levels, academics, environmentalists, sociologists, and anyone interested in the future of national and global economies, the environment, and society. This book will challenge your current ideas on the economy and sustainability, and you may not agree with the authors, but the book is worth reading for anyone who is seeking solutions to the most crucial problems of today and tomorrow.

Larry Mohl: Networking Is Dead - Blog Business Success Radio

Listen to Wayne Hurlbert on Blog Talk Radio

Founding partner and Chief Innovation Officer at Performance Inspired, Inc., and co-author of the engaging and idea packed business fable Networking Is Dead: Making Connections That Matter, Larry Mohl, describes a fresh approach to making connections that are deeper, more meaningful, and long lasting. Larry Mohl shares how conventional networking advice is filled with misconceptions and ideas that fail to establish real connections. Larry Mohl demonstrates how quality of connections are far more important than quantity of contacts. Larry offers advice for establishing your why of making connections that differs from the usual ideas. Larry shows how to become a person who gives to others, and who becomes an exchanger who makes introductions and facilitates connections for others. Larry Mohl presents the principle of establishing relationships with people who share common values to build lasing relationships, Learn how to move beyond standard networking to making connections that really matter.

Larry Mohl is my internet radio show guest on Blog Business Success; hosted live on BlogTalkRadio.

The show airs live on Tuesday, February 12, at 8:00 pm Eastern Time; 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

Founding partner and Chief Innovation Officer at Performance Inspired, Inc., and co-author of the engaging and idea packed business fable Networking Is Dead: Making Connections That Matter, Larry Mohl, describes a fresh approach to making connections that are deeper, more meaningful, and long lasting. Youwill learn:

* Why conventional networking is ineffective

* Why building connections based on shared values establishes relationships

* How the ten principles of making connections work effectively

* Why quality of connections matters much more than quantity

Larry Mohl (photo left) the Chief Innovation Officer and a founding partner of Performance Inspired, Inc., a research-based learning and consultancy firm specializing in assisting organizations to increase workplace and marketplace performance by activating the proven “Drivers of Inspiration.” Larry Mohl is a nationally recognized thought leader, author, speaker, chief learning officer for Fortune 100 companies, and entrepreneur.

As Chief Learning Officer for the Personal Communications Sector of Motorola Inc., The American Express Company, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Larry Mohl has pioneered innovative approaches to leadership development, knowledge communities, and integrated talent management.

As a senior human resource leader and well-known change architect, Larry Mohl’s contributions have included development of talent strategies and implementation of company-wide programs that have led to measurable increases in employee engagement, retention, leadership supply, and organization capability.

My book review of Networking Is Dead: Making Connections That Matter by Melissa G. Wilson and Larry Mohl.

Listen live on Tuesday at 8:00 pm Eastern, 5:00 pm Pacific time.



If you miss this very informative show, it will be available for free download as a podcast for iPod, iTunes, and MP3 players; or play it right on your computer. To download this, or any other of my guest interviews, go to the Blog Business Success host page and click on Archived Segments. Once there, click on the podcast icon at the end of the episode description, to download the show free of charge for your listening enjoyment. You can also subscribe to the show feed.



To call in questions for my guest, the number is: (347) 996-5832

Let's talk with founding partner and Chief Innovation Officer at Performance Inspired, Inc., and co-author of the engaging and idea packed business fable Networking Is Dead: Making Connections That Matter, Larry Mohl, as he describes a fresh approach to making connections that are deeper, more meaningful, and long lasting. Larry Mohl shares how conventional networking advice is filled with misconceptions and ideas that fail to establish real connections. Larry Mohl demonstrates how quality of connections are far more important than quantity of contacts. Larry offers advice for establishing your why of making connections that differs from the usual ideas. Larry shows how to become a person who gives to others, and who becomes an exchanger who makes introductions and facilitates connections for others. Larry Mohl presents the principle of establishing relationships with people who share common values to build lasing relationships, Learn how to move beyond standard networking to making connections that really matter on Blog Business Success Radio.

Networking Is Dead: Making Connections That Matter by Melissa G. Wilson & Larry Mohl - Book review

Networking Is Dead

Making Connections That Matter

By: Melissa G. Wilson, Larry Mohl

Published: November 6, 2012
Format: Paperback, 224 pages
ISBN-10: 193785602X
ISBN-13: 978-1937856021
Publisher: BenBella Books









"Networking has gotten such a bad name, especially in this new world of social networking. I prefer to call it what it should be, making connections that matter", write Founder and President of Networlding, Melissa G. Wilson; and Chief Innovation Officer and founding partner of Performance Inspired, Inc., Larry Mohl, in their engaging and idea packed business fable Networking Is Dead: Making Connections That Matter. The authors, through the medium of a business parable format, describe a fresh approach to the traditional concept of networking by building high quality, and deep business relationships based on shared values.

Melissa G. Wilson (photo left) and Larry Mohl understand the value and importance of making connections that go beyond the surface and form deep, long lasting relationships. Through the narrative, the authors share the story of a collection of engaging, yet very typical business people who learn a new philosophy for making connections.

The protagonists replace their ineffective traditional methods of networking, including the most popular online and social media techniques, with the goal of making deep and meaningful connections. The people in the fable discover the power and importance of telling a story, of giving to others first with the goal of offering value, and learning how to make connections between other people through sharing introductions.

Larry Mohl (photo left) and Melissa G. Wilson recognize that the internet in general, and social media in particular, have added new dimensions to the concept of networking. Where the authors depart from that conventional wisdom is through the necessity for establishing meaning and depth to those social media created relationships. For the authors, that transformation in thinking and approach involve going much more deeply in connecting with people who have shared values. Those deeper connections can then be leveraged to make more connections with others, and between other people as well.

The authors present the following ten meaningful connection building lessons through the narrative in the business fable:

* Define your Why
* Create quality over quantity
* Dig below the surface
* Have your authentic story ready to go
* Give first
* Upgrade your network - five levels of exchange
* Learn to make great introductions
* Expand your circle of connections
* Make your progress and commitment visible to others
* Inspire others

For me, the power of the book is how Melissa G. Wilson and Larry Mohl share their revolutionary and deep connection building concepts through a narrative that illustrates the principles in action. The authors present their alternative to traditional networking, based on quality over quantity, through the actions and dialogue of the characters in the business parable. Because the conventional wisdom, of establishing as wide a range of networks as possible, is so ingrained in business thinking, the vehicle of the fable presents the fresh thinking in an engaging and understandable format.

The ten principles of deep, meaningful connections are offered, in ten separate chapters, that demonstrate how and why quality over quantity and giving to others, form a stronger foundation for building lasting relationships. At the end of each chapter, the authors summarize the key lessons and take away tips for each of the ten ideas. As a result, the book is effective whether read as a business parable, or as a series of techniques for establishing long term connections.

I highly recommend the entertaining and connection building book Networking Is Dead: Making Connections That Matter by Melissa G. Wilson and Larry Mohl, to any business leader, executive, manager, sales or media representative, or entrepreneur seeking an effective and proven method for transforming old fashioned networking into more effective and quality oriented connections. With this new set of principles in action, there is no need to revert to outmoded and less effective networking methods again.

A Natural History of the Piano by Stuart Isacoff - Book review

A Natural History of the Piano

The Instrument, the Music, the Musicians - from Mozart to Modern Jazz and Everything in Between

By: Stuart Isacoff

Published: November 20, 2012
Format: Paperback, 384 pages
ISBN-10: 0307279332
ISBN-13: 978-0307279330
Publisher: Vintage









"But the piano is more than just an instrument; in the words of Oliver Wendall Holmes, it is a 'wondrous box',filled as much with hopes, yearnings, and disappointments as with strings and hammers and felt', writes pianist, composer, critic, and educator at the SUNY at Purchase,Stuart Isacoff, in his engaging and highly informative book A Natural History of the Piano: The Instrument, the Music, the Musicians - from Mozart to Modern Jazz and Everything in Between. The author describes the fascinating story of the rise in importance of the piano, from its origins in the Medici court, along its astounding journey through classical and jazz music composition and performance.

Stuart Isacoff recognizes the overall preeminence of the piano as more than a mere musical instrument, but also as an expression of human culture and creativity. The author guides the reader along a musical voyage that spans several centuries of piano composition and musical expression. Stuart Isacoff shares the beauty and grandeur of the piano, its music, and the pianists who play the piano's eighty-eight keys.

From Mozart to Beethoven and Debussy to Liszt, the author presents the piano as integral to the sounds, textures, and history of classical music. Offering the performances and compositions of jazz pianists from Peterson to Ellington, Stuart Isacoff demonstrates the versatility of the piano as musical instrument and outlet for cultural expression.

Stuart Isacoff (photo left) understands that a piano can capture the spirit of any time and place, as well as an outlet for emotions and creativity. Whether in a concert hall, a home, or a tavern, the piano and its myriad of moods and sounds forms a crucial point of focus and enjoyment. Indeed, the author presents the concept of the near mystical overtones of the piano, and the spell it casts over those who play it, and those who listen to its music. The piano can express the music of any time, any style, and any place as a universal bearer of music and delight.

Stuart Isacoff takes the reader for a magical musical tour of the times and places of the piano, and of those who tinkle its ivories. The book includes the following chapters in the piano's amazing and intricate journey:

* A gathering of traditions
* The piano is born
* The first piano superstar
* Piano fever
* Performers on the road
* The four sounds
* The combustibles
* The alchemists
* The rhythmitizers
* The melodists
* The cultivated and the vernacular
* The Russians re coming
* The Germans and their close relations
* Keys to the world
* On the cutting edge
* Everything that is old is new again

For me, the power of the book is how Stuart Isacoff combines a a detailed and entertaining history to the piano, with a fascinating account of those who play the piano and utilize it as an inspiration to create new music. The author creates a history that is part musical and part social, as he sheds light on how musical tastes in the world of classical and jazz based piano have both evolved and been reborn. The story of the piano is one of passion for music, creative expression, and the central importance of the piano itself in musical history.

Stuart Isacoff enhances the delightful text and narrative with numerous photographs and artwork pieces to illustrate the great composers and performers who created their own special joy of music. The book is fully annotated with end notes for each chapter along with a brief, but useful biographical appendix. The book also contains additional contributions by great musicians and composers, of today and through history, that enrich the text and provide depth and background to each chapter.

I highly recommend the enjoyable and informative book A Natural History of the Piano: The Instrument, the Music, the Musicians - from Mozart to Modern Jazz and Everything in Between by Stuart Isacoff, to anyone who shares the joy of the piano as a composer, educator, performer, historian, or a listener seeking a clear and concise history of the piano, its music, and some of its greatest jazz and classical performers. This book will both entertain and enlighten you, while increasing your enjoyment of the wonderful piano.

Rooftop Revolution by Danny Kennedy - Book review

Rooftop Revolution

How Solar Power Can Save Our Economy - and our planet - from Dirty Energy

By: Danny Kennedy

Published: September 3, 2012
Format: Paperback, 192 pages
ISBN-10: 1609946642
ISBN-13: 978-1609946647
Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers










"Right now it;s important that everyone know the truth about solar's power and how we should be making energy. Our future - our safety, our prosperity, and our environment - depends on the success of the Rooftop Revolution" writes solar power advocate, award winning innovator, and founder and president of Sungevity, Inc. Danny Kennedy in his eye opening and societal action oriented book Rooftop Revolution: How Solar Power Can Save Our Economy - and our planet - from Dirty Energy. The author describes how now is the time to move away from energy generated by fossil fuels and embrace the ever increasing importance of solar generated energy.

Danny Kennedy recognizes that the solar generated electricity is increasing at an exponential rate. At the same time, the author points out the employment in the solar industry has doubled since 2009. Danny Kennedy writes that he expects that employment growth trend to continue to soar both in the near and longer term. On the other hand,m the author provides evidence the amount of electricity produced by coal has declined to levels of the 1930s. Along with this decline in coal powered electricity has been an accompanying loss of employment within the coal power industry.

Danny Kennedy presents evidence that the information about solar energy, as shared by its opponents, is false In place of fossil fuel generated electricity, the author presents solar power as a viable and clean substitute for fossil based energy in general, and coal generated electricity in particular.

Danny Kennedy (photo left) understands the critical importance of electricity to modern society. The author also recognizes that the production and provision of electricity is very big business. As a result, Danny Kennedy offers alternative information to that provided by the entrenched interests in the fossil fuel and nuclear based energy business. The author refutes the standard arguments made against solar generated electricity by those who support coal, oil and gas, and the nuclear industries.

Along with sharing effective rebuttals to the usual sources, Danny Kennedy goes farther in demonstrating that solar energy creates more jobs, boosts the economy, and provides a clean and sustainable energy source. The author makes the compelling case for solar generated electricity in the following chapters:

* Sunny side up
* Empires of the Sun: Dirty energy's petty politics
* Role models for the rooftop revolution
* Take a walk on the sunny side
* Hot jobs
* Energized

For me, the power of the book is how Danny Kennedy provides a powerful economic, energy consumption, and environmental sustainability case for solar energy, combined with the practical steps for making the solar vision a reality. The author refers to the transformation from fossil fuel based energy to solar power a rooftop revolution. The changes created by the now ongoing transition, from the declining fossil fuel based industry to one powered by the Sun, are indeed revolutionary. That revolution is not only technological and economic, but also represents a complete sea change in thinking on the part of the population.

For entrepreneurs, the book offers some very good news. Solar power generation saves money for businesses of all sizes, but also provides opportunities for technological innovation and and new venture start ups. The author enhances his case for solar energy through careful research, the results of which are presented in the book. Danny Kennedy also shares anecdotes and case studies of successful solar energy projects and companies, and how solar has proven effective in replacing traditional energy sources in new and exciting ways.

I highly recommend the visionary and transformational book Rooftop Revolution: How Solar Power Can Save Our Economy - and our planet - from Dirty Energy by Danny Kennedy, to any entrepreneurs, homeowners, home designers, architects and engineers, electrical utilities, environmental groups, and public policy makers seeking a clear and concise guide to the importance and benefits of solar generated electricity to individuals, businesses, the economy, and the environment. This book will change the way you think and approach the whole question of solar energy and how it is already replacing fossil fuel generated electricity.

John Buck: Dynamic Self Governance - Interview

Dynamic self governance expert John Buck, CEO of the Sociocracy Consulting Group, associate at Creative Learning Solutions, Inc, and author of We the People: Consenting to a Deeper Democracy was kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions about the principle of dynamic self governance, and about the Dynamic Self-Governance: Become More Effective Together workshop and conference.

Thanks to John Buck for taking the time to share his thoughtful responses to the interview questions. They are greatly appreciated.







What was the background to creating this workshop on the Dynamic Self-Governance: Become More Effective Together and how is it organized?

John Buck: Dynamic self-governance (DSG) emerged about 30 years ago from experiments in The Netherlands in Endenburg Elektrotechniek, Inc., a company that serves as a living management science laboratory while doing heavy electrical installation work for buildings, oil rigs, ships, and other large projects. The Sociocracy Group, an international firm spun off from Endenburg Elektrotechniek, offers workshops such as the one in Washington, DC, through affiliates around the world.

What does the concept of dynamic self governance mean?

John Buck: The Dutch name for the method, sociocracy, was coined by social scientist August Compte in the 1800s. It means "rule by the socios" - that is, people who have a social relationship with each other. Socios in Spanish means partner. In contrast, democracy means "rule by the demos" - that is, the general mass of people. Dynamic self-governance (DSG) means the same thing as sociocracy, and we have chosen to use it in the U.S. and Canada rather than sociocracy because it is more descriptive and easier to say! DSG is "a way to guide ourselves in a world that is constantly changing."

How does the idea of dynamic self governance help leaders make better decision?

John Buck: Leaders like to use DSG because it gives them a process that can think smarter than they can as individual leaders. Leaders don't share or diminish their power. Rather they reconfigure their power during policy formation. DSG procedures create a "many-mind" decision process that has been used successfully across nonprofit and business sectors in many countries.

Such sayings as “It’s lonely at the top” or “The buck stops here” reflect an assumption that ultimate authority to make decisions lies with one person. Now imagine that you are a CEO who no longer manages your company--rather you simply steer creativity. The loneliness at the top goes away as well as the constant pressure that pushes decisions upward to you, challenging your ability to delegate. Current corporate governance is seldom if ever so elegant.

In the Washington, DC workshop, participants will work in small groups to experience key structural principles and the new DSG decision-making methods that allow people to work together to make collective decisions efficiently.

John Buck (photo left)

Meetings are often unproductive in many organizations. How can this concept aid in making meetings more productive for everyone?

John Buck: The phrase "almost magical" seems to pop up a lot when people describe their experiences with making decisions in a DSG circle. Everything is organized around the aim or purpose of the organization, that is the organization's deepest potential. This focus lets everyone sense gaps between that purpose and what is and work together to resolve the tensions around those gaps. Every voice gets heard and respected. The processes gently handle the politics not related to purpose that so often prevent satisfying and productive meetings.

How does the dynamic self governance approach establish accountability and the ability to measure results objectively?

John Buck: DSG distributes power throughout an organization. It first asks the organization to lay out how it accomplishes its aim. It asks the organization to specify for each step in its process how it will measure whether the step is being accomplished successfully. Then defines roles with the accountability and authority to act on what needs to be done and what needs to be measured and adjusted. No one else can second guess that authority. The result is systems that are easy to guide and are so dynamic that they adjust to changing and often surprising conditions. As one DSG leader says, "I don't manage the organization anymore. I just steer the creativity."

Is the principle of dynamic self governance applicable to today's most pressing business and economic challenges?

John Buck: A complete list of today's pressing business and economic challenges AND opportunities would certainly be an exciting document. They go hand-in-hand. In the past we''ve gotten our sense of security from sticking to fixed patterns that have proved successful in the past. That's what happened to Kodak and Borders Books and General Motors. They felt secure until they suddenly collapsed. DSG helps us meet our need for security from our ability to steer our way through rapidly changing times punctuated by surprising, even shocking events.

Today's wild technology explosion is highly destabilizing. For example, there would not be an environmental crisis if we hadn't invented gas engines and medical technology that's unleashed a population explosion. We need DSG to give us the tools to cope with and prosper from that instability.

Where is the workshop held and how can a person get involved in participation in this workshop?

John Buck: The workshop will be held in Washington, DC on February 26-27, 2013. Go to www.sociocracyconsulting.com for more information and registration.

What is next for John Buck?

John Buck: I'm excited about new initiatives we have going for 2013. The next development for DSG is organizing collections of organizations for collective impact. That's how whole towns and regions can get together to improve their lives from a whole systems perspective - not just government but also businesses, nonprofits, schools, churches, neighborhoods all handling their piece of the society in a coordinated way. On the frontier proud and independent farmers knew how to get together for a barn raising or to build a local town hall. With DSG processes and tools, the many proud and independent organizations that make up our society can gather do the same thing and on a bigger scale.