Personal Update
First off, let me say “thanks” for reading. I hope that you’ve enjoyed the topics over the past few weeks.
A few days ago when I was at a loss for something to write about, my friend Greg suggested that I just write about what is going on. When he suggested it, I was a little bit opposed to it, but I’ve had a lot happen in the last week or two, so I’m going to take up his challenge topic-by-topic.
BLOG:
I’ve written two series recently: Communicating with Integrity and The Influence Factor. From a purely selfish perspective, these have definitely helped to boost readership. But, beyond that, they’ve really challenged me to think more deeply about both of the topics. I’m finding myself giving much more thought and taking more responsibility for both my communication and my influential encounters.
BOOKS:
A lot of what I’ve written has been influenced by what I’ve been reading. Some of those, I’ve referenced along the way. Several that I’ve just finished include,
- Church Marketing 101 by Richard Reising
- The Dip by Seth Godin (reflections post here)
- The Sky is Falling by Alan Roxburgh
- Customer Satisfaction is Worthless by Jeffrey Gittomer
- The Emergence of the Relationship Economy by Scott Allen et. al.
I’m also working on two books that are really challenging me
- The Revolutionary Communicator by Medefind and Lokkesemo (Found this right after finishing Communicating with Integrity and they have many similar concepts)
- Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus (sparked the ideas for The Influence Factor)
WORK:
I’ve been in my “new” job for 3.5 months now (time flies). I’m still loving it. We’re planning a big event in about 6 weeks and shooting a promotional commercial next week. My own communication, influence, and relational acumen have really been challenged and (I think) have risen to a new level.
PERSONAL:
Even though our big event is in 6 weeks, 4 weeks from now I will be in Antigua, Guatemala with my wife for vacation. We’re going with another couple to language school for five days and then a couple of sightseeing days. It should be an exciting and interesting new experience.
Also, I wrote and recorded my first song in nearly two years this month. I want to put it online, but I’m just not satisfied with it yet (though, I probably never will be).
MUSIC:
I’m listening to Jason Mraz: We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. as I write.
You can find my thoughts on what I’m listening to here, but in the meantime here’s a list of new albums I picked up this month.
- Gavin DeGraw: self-titled
- The Frames: Fitzcarraldo
- Maroon 5 w/ Rhianna: If I Never See Your Face Again (single)
- Jaymay: Autumn Fallin’
- Sara Bareilles: Little Voice
So there’s the month of June in a nutshell. Hope yours has been good as well.
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June 27th, 2008 - 10:23
I am glad that you took Greg up on his writing suggestion. I think it’s good to take a break from intentional and objective filled writing to let your readers know who you are and remind them that you are just a normal guy.
I know that with ToC I need to start writing more personal posts, posts that connect me with the reader so there doesn’t exist a disconnect between a)reader and b)ToC…I want it to be a)reader and b)Dan.
I hope that made sense.
June 27th, 2008 - 11:15
Dan,
Thanks for the encouragement.
Let me first say that I commend what you do over at ToC. I like that it’s “real.” (You know, like “keepin’ it real”.)
I think that if we write to build bridges (as I’ve discussed before) then people will be ok with a personal aside every once and again.
Second, people are coming to you and you can’t overestimate the power that gives you. You have an audience and they will receive your message so you have the freedom to say whatever you want. But if you’ve built a following based on one thing and then throw them a curveball, it could at least catch them off guard and at worst be offensive.
All that to say, I for one would be interested to read personal musings and life stories.
June 27th, 2008 - 13:33
Wow. Now that you’ve written a personal update, I feel very “influential.”
I’m really glad you did this. I had no idea you and K were going to language school in Antigua. What a beautiful and amazing city! You’ll have to let me know what you think of THE statue in the town square. (You’ll know which one I’m talking about when you see it).
The cathedral there is also well worth hanging out it. There’s just something about old churches that we miss in our new buildings (as much as I love our church).
See?? I wouldn’t have know to tell you about these things if you hadn’t posted. Maybe this communication thing works!
June 27th, 2008 - 15:01
Greg,
Thanks for the comment.
Yeah, we didn’t get final approval until Wednesday. I can give you more details face-to-face.
It’s exciting. We were hoping to go to Honduras with Orphan Outreach, but the cost was just so prohibitive. We’re going to be able to take this trip both of us for the price of one of us to go to Honduras.
Thanks for the inspiration. Definitely a big part that I wanted to talk about, but didn’t have time was the CR event. I’ve told everyone that I’ve seen since then, how great it was and we’re looking forward to coming back.