be intrepid.

A pleasure to welcome back Joshua Fields Millburn to the show. He joins me to discuss the launch of his latest work, Days After The Crash. In a special treat, Joshua also reads an excerpt from the book! SHOW NOTES: 1. Joshua is best known for his essays at The Minimalists, where he writes about minimalism and living with less stuff. But the new book, Days After the Crash, is literary fiction. We discuss the shift from nonfiction to literature. 2. Joshua says that fiction feeds another side of his writing that maybe The Minimalists does not. 3. As a special request, Joshua reads an excerpt from Chapter One in the book. 4. The book's foreword is brief but it tells a lot about Joshua, especially the foreword's final paragraph, which suggests that much of this book is autobiographical. I asked if his fiction, in fact, is autobiographical. 5. We discussed what Joshua hoped to accomplish in writing this book. 6. I noticed a few reoccurring themes in this book: the number 8 appears a lot, and there's a line that appears twice, seemingly bookending a large chunk of the book. That line is, "People don’t know how to love the ones they love until they disappear from their lives." Joshua explains these recurring elements of his book. 7. This book is published by Asymmetrical Press, a publishing company and community that he and Ryan Nicodemus (the other minimalist) recently founded with Colin Wright and Thom Chambers. We discussed why did he decided to embark on this journey into the publishing world. 8. Learn more about Joshua Fields Millburn, his writings, and The Minimalists. You can get the book here (affiliate link): ### Join my list to learn ways to simplify your marketing and sales.

What will Jeff Goins tell you when you claim that you would like to be a writer? He'll say emphatically, "You are a writer." And his point is, until you believe and act that way, you will never do anything creative, especially writing. You see, I believe we are all creatives. But in my humble opinion, it isn't necessarily about talent, it is about belief. And that's the message from Jeff Goins. We welcomed Jeff back to the show to discuss his latest e-book, You Are A Writer, So Start Acting Like One. Here are some of the highlights of the conversation in today's show notes: 1. "Writing is really simple. But that doesn't mean it is easy." 2. "Writers are born, and not made." 3. This doesn't just apply to writing, it applies to all skills that you have. You must believe that you are a photographer, an entrepreneur, a painter... 4. We explore why people are afraid to make bold claims about what they believe they are, or want to be. Once you make the claim, you now feel a burden to produce, and many people, frankly, fear that burden. 5. Even though you want to be read, you need to write for yourself first. 6. "You are not a true, honest writer until you start to contradict yourself." Writing is sometimes a paradox. 7. "Art is supposed to be shared, to change things, and cause people to act." 8. "Stop writing for accolades, and start writing for passion." 9. Why a platform matters to writers (and creatives). And why establishing a brand is essential. 10. How do writers (and creatives) come up with ideas and inspiration... 11. "What holds most writers back is fear, not laziness. And it masks itself in the form of procrastination." 12. A discussion around how bloggers can repackage older blog content into fresh, current books to sell on Amazon. You can get the book here (affiliate link): ### Join our list to learn other ways to become more creative in both your life, and in your marketing.

I can almost guarantee one (or more) of three things: you are an introvert, you work with one, or your customer is one. As an introvert myself, it is hard to figure out how to make our way in a world full of noise. But that is why I was so thrilled to read Susan Cain's book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. Today's show notes: 1. Introverts have their own "tool belt of powers" that can make them very effective in today's world, a world that seems to favor extroverts. 2. "There are introverts everywhere, you just don't realize it." 3. Why introverts make self-negating choices, and why that might change. 4. 50% of people are introverts, and managers are waking up to realize that they need to change work environments (designed for extroverts) so that they can get better, more creative work out of HALF of their people... 5. Introverted children are sometimes labeled problem children. And introverted adults are sometimes not made to feel welcome in business environments. This has to change... 6. Introverts in a workplace designed for extroverts could explain why so many people are unsatisfied with their job and work. 7. Open plan office space, which are obviously problems for introverts, Susan makes the case that they are actually problematic for extroverts as well. More opportunities for solitude would do ALL people well, especially for creativity. 8. What can management do to better support the introverts on their team? 9. Hiring is a big problem, because obviously, extroverts are more likely to be comfortable in an interview process. What has to change with talent management? Personality tests in a hiring process can be particularly troublesome for introverts. 10. Can introverts succeed in sales? 11. What can introverts do to thrive in this loud, noisy world? 12. Do introverts make better leaders? Susan says yes, because introverted leaders are more likely to let their people run with their creative ideas... 13. Does social media help -- or hurt -- introverts? Susan and I debate this question. 14. Does the modern world stifle the creativity of introverts? In fact, Susan shares a study that says community brainstorming is not a great way to foster creativity. In fact, you should send people off on their own to generate and flesh out ideas, THEN bring people together. 15. You can learn more about Susan Cain and her work here. 16. Check out Susan's excellent TED talk: You can purchase Susan's book here (affiliate link): ### If you enjoyed this broadcast, you can leave a review and rating, as well as subscribe to hear from more fascinating people on Intrepid Radio!

The latest conversation in the Todd and Taja video series, with Taja Dockendorf, principal out of Pulp + Wire. Today, we turn the tables, and Taja leads the conversation about how she and I conduct the discovery process with our clients. TODAY'S SHOW NOTES: 1. Taja and I discuss how each of us go through an initial discovery process with our respective clients, in order to get a sense of who they are, and what they want to become. And thus, how each of us can best serve them. 2. "Why are you in business? What is your purpose? What is your mission? What's the story about you and your business?" 3. Both Taja and I attempt to spend time with the organization's customers, in an attempt to get a sense of what our client's brand means to them. From this, we can see where we need to go from there, whether that is a corrective measure, or if things are on the right track. 3.5. And frankly, if an organization can't ask themselves - and their customers -- these hard questions, they cannot improve and innovate over the long-term. We stress the importance of daily self-examination... 4. We both agree that an organization has to be willing to change. And that they have to be willing to put everything on the table, or the working relationship will most likely be unfruitful. 5. "Being human. And finding solutions." The keys to success from Taja... 6. Once you know the "why" of your business, virtually everything else becomes so much simpler... 7. "How can we make your life easier?" This is the question EVERY business should ask of it's customers...including Taja and myself. 8. And if you've made your customer's life easier...word of mouth about you and your business becomes almost automatic. 9. And if your customer achieves that...then business becomes fun again...and worth getting up in the morning. 10. The importance of "the energy for success." 11. You can find Taja here at Pulp + Wire. ### If you want to make the lives of your customers easier, here are some tips!

I am a regular contributor to Alicia Arenas' blog, SaneraCamp: Radical Results for Entrepreneurs. Just the other day, I had an essay published there called Warning: Human Beings Ahead. But today, I thought I'd share an audio version of the essay. The central theme is this: I think too many entrepreneurs are distracted by technology, apps, social media (as a broadcast medium), and other fancy schmancy software. Distracted in that they think they can deploy this tech in place of hard work and human interaction and conversation. What do you think? ### Join our list to learn how to add a human side to your business. Drawing by Hugh Macleod.

My pleasure to welcome one of the truly cool and kind people of the social webs, Becky McCray, to IntrepidTV. Becky is an author, speaker, and rural entrepreneur...truly a small-town girl. Her latest book, co-authored with Barry Moltz, is called Small Town Rules: How Big Brands and Small Businesses Can Prosper in a Connected Economy. What do small town businesses know that big brands need to adopt? Becky and I discussed that and these other topics on the show: 1. Changes in the economy, technology, and a cultural change which lead to an increased focus on local, all make small town rules more important than ever. 2. This really fascinating contradiction: we are more connected GLOBALLY than ever...but yet small town rules are more necessary than ever. 3. We are as connected globally, as we are with the intimacy of local small-town relationships. Everyone knows, and can easily speak with, everyone else. 4. People used to trust the large brands, but nowadays, they are trusting small, local businesses too...and maybe even more so. 5. Large, global brands can adopt small town rules to connect with people on a deeply, personal level. This wasn't possible even just a few years ago. 6. Any business can connect with people online. What is the modern equivalent of seeing your neighbors at the local parade? Hanging and connecting with them on Twitter. [Becky share three SIMPLE AND POWERFUL online tips for small business] 7. It is not just about finding new business. It is also about nurturing existing relationships. And the importance of the community manager! 8. "Reputation is forever." You can learn more about Becky McCray and the book here, and purchase the book below (affiliate link): ### To learn how I am adopting small town rules to my business, join our list. Editor's note: my apologies for the video quality. I was in a rather poorly lit hotel room, coupled with weak WiFi, so today's skype isn't as good quality as I'd prefer. Appreciate your patience. The content still rocks though!

Sometimes you stumble upon a book that has an immediate impact on how you conduct your life day-to-day. Peter Bregman's 18 Minutes: Find Your Focus, Master Distraction, and Get The Right Things Done did that for me. And I wanted to get Peter on the show so that I could share the book with you. Peter does CEO advisory work out of Bregman Partners, and is an author, consultant, and speaker. On the show, Peter and I discussed the following topics: 1. We are easily distracted, and the most important things aren't getting done. Peter wrote the book to address this problem. 2. You CANNOT get it all done. You are a limited resource. And what happens is the wrong things get done, instead of the important things. So, the purpose of the book? Well, if you can't get it all done, how do we make the right choices to do the IMPORTANT things? 3. We discuss WHY we feel like we have to get it all done. Perhaps we follow the wrong role models? 4. To make the necessary changes, you have to be able to break old habits and patterns...and how do you do that? 5. What does 18 Minutes actually mean? It is a process to help you get focused, and then STAY FOCUSED. [5.5. Part of the 18 Minute strategy is getting an hourly reminder to bring your day back into focus, to ensure that you are on track and focusing on the important tasks for the day. For me, I use the Re.minder iPhone app. I love it.] 6. The "Six-Box" To Do management system (this is really cool, and something I have begun to adopt myself...). This exercise helps you see what you are NOT doing towards your own stated important goals. 7. The importance of...the pause. This helps you create self-awareness, which is essential in making the right choices for yourself. 8. The fixed mindset verses the growth mindset. 9. It is one thing to learn how to say no, but the hard part is in the enforcement of it. 10. And to take it a step further, when you give someone instructions, you MUST be sure they execute them, because if you let it slide, you lose control. You can learn more about Peter Bregmen here, and purchase the book below (affiliate link): ### Join our intrepid list of business leaders.

Scott Dinsmore is about helping people do the work that matters to them. What inspires him is the sad fact that 80% of the people on this earth do work that does NOT make them happy. Scott is trying to change that, and help those same people find a better path. He blogs and works out of Live Your Legend. He is about changing the world by helping you do work you love... SHOW NOTES: Scott and I discussed the following topics: 1. First, we discuss how in the heck it is still possible that people, in this day and age, still accept a life of mediocrity, and are willing to go to a job that is unfulfilling. There is a limiting belief prevalent in our society... 2. We discuss the question of whether or not people working a corporate gig, in a cubicle, can still do meaningful work that matters... 3. The importance of "starting with why," and how we both subscribe to the message of Simon Sinek. 4. The initial steps to understand your why, to understand how to live your legend...to start doing work that matters... 5. It starts with spending time with the right people...the right influencers. As he says, if you are trying to lose 30 lbs, don't spend all your time with people who are 30 lbs overweight... 6. The EPIC Work Tool Kit...which can be found here. ### [join our mailing list to help you do legendary work and business!]

You know that I feel we are all creatives. I don't mean we are all painters, musicians, or poets. I mean we are all problem-solvers and solutions-providers. Thus, we are creative. This is why I was so pleased to welcome Austin Kleon to the show, to discuss his latest book, Steal Like An Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative. On the show, Austin and I discussed the following topics: 1. Are we ALL creatives? [short answer: yes] And do the ten lessons of this book apply to entrepreneurs? 2. Stop romanticizing that only a genius is creative. You are too... 3. And perhaps, if you change your mindset, and view yourself as a creative, you might bring a whole new viewpoint to what otherwise is a mundane day job... 4. You need to steal like an artist. And why that is CRITICAL to executing your business plan. 5. "See the world as raw material for YOUR work." [your job is to collect good ideas...] 6. Keep a note book. Keep a swipe file. Record your ideas and inspirations. 7. The importance of getting started. And why. "Inertia is the death of creativity." 8. Write the book you want to read. Create the product you want to use. Because if you try to create for everyone else, creativity is thus hard. But you will find that the world is large enough, you will ultimately find an audience for your work... You can learn more about the book here, and purchase it here (affiliate link): ### [learn more about being creative with your business strategy by joining our list]

It's not everyday we're told to be unpopular...but that's exactly what Erika Napoletano suggests we do in this really fun and NSFW conversation: Erika is a copywriter, business strategist, author, and blogger out of RedHeadWriting.com. She is a breath of fresh air, and as you'll see in this interview, she has no fear about speaking her mind... As she says, she is unfiltered, uncensored, and unapologetic. She joins me to discuss her new book, The Power of Unpopular. On the show, Erika and I discussed the following topics: 1. What it means to be unpopular, and why we need to fight against societal norms of striving to be popular. The idea is that when you become unpopular with a certain audience, you become BELOVED by a more important audience... 2. And the role, positive or negative, social media plays into that idea... 3. Followers don't matter. The amount of relationships with real people do... 4. When you stop worrying about achieving popularity, and focus on people, you will naturally become popular with the right audience. 5. Conflicts makes for devoted fans (and customers), and storied rivalries prove this point: Coke vs. Pepsi, Mac vs. PC, or the Yankees vs. Red Sox. Devoted fans have a rival. The Yankees, cannot, and will not, be loved by everyone... 6. Instead, you must elevate your audience... 7. The continuing battle to encourage businesspeople to speak to a niche...not to EVERYONE. 8. Audience building strategy by way of the Sex Pistols, or how to stir up the passion from your customers! 9. Good vs. Bad publicity: publicity is bad when it reminds the audience that you've forgotten what it means to serve your customer. 10. "Love me, hate me, but don't be indifferent..." 11. How fighting to be unpopular can make it easier to be creative in telling your story... 12. The difference between unpopular and unlikeable. 13. The five ingredients necessary for an unpopular brand... Follow the book on Facebook, and you can purchase the book here (affiliate link): ### [be an intrepid -- and unpopular -- marketer by joining us here]

Joined in the studio recently by Jeff Goins, author, writer, and blogger. You can learn more about Jeff here. Here, you can also download some great manifestos and other materials. On the episode, Jeff and I discussed the following subjects: 1. How to be a professional writer...and yet not devote full-time to the craft of writing. And despite that, still get book deals, build a large audience, and make a difference. 2. The debate about whether we are ALL creatives, or artists in our own way. Perhaps creativity is something that is obvious to you, but brilliant to someone else... 3. Steve Pressfield's notion of "the professional," and what it takes to turn pro. And how you have to turn pro in your head first... 4. The mindset of an author and a creative. And how finding passion in the work you are doing is essential to generate the ideas you write about and create. 5. Content marketing for sales and marketing is all about helping people, adding value, doing it well, and connecting with an audience. 6. Is the practice of writing effortless? Maybe, maybe not. But the key is to show up. And the more you work on a craft, the easier it becomes. It is no different with writing and creativity. 7. Guest posting, meaningful networking, and sincerely trying to get to know people -- are three keys to building an audience. Jeff's book, Wrecked, will be published later this year. We look forward to having him back to discuss it! ### [join my family of intrepid creatives here]

You may or may not know that I offer a FREE Content Marketing Course. You can sign-up for this course RIGHT HERE. The goal of the course is to help business folks get a better handle on the ins and outs of content marketing. So, I've created, and constantly update, a 30-part weekly course on the strategy and the tactics behind content marketing. In this case, I just created some new audio content to add to the course, and I wanted to share it here. In this podcast, which you can listen to above, I talk about ten benefits to podcasting: 1. Builds rapport with your audience. Hearing your voice works wonders to deepen the connection. 2. Creating audio content is easy. I recorded the audio here via my smartphone. 3. Interview others to create good content for YOU. You don't always have to create from scratch. 4. Podcasts are easy to share on the internet. The social webs are great for sharing and spreading! 5. Published podcasts become indexed content on the search engines, helping your SEO. Just tie the audio to the appropriate keywords! 6. The interview process for your podcast becomes high-end networking for you. All everyone benefits. The interview process is a great way to learn about someone. 7. Your audio content is available 24 hours a day. Helpful content when your audience wants it! 8. If your podcast guest is a prospect, the show experience is a kick ass sales call. The experience is memorable and fun. 9. Reaching out to invite someone to your show is much easier approach than a sales cold-call. And more effective. A sales call puts people on the defensive. A radio show invitation does not. 10. The interaction builds trust, rapport, and a friendship. Much easier to sell this way. Once again, sign-up for my FREE "Workingman's Content Marketing Course" right here! ### [in addition to the above course, you can also sign-up here to learn more about intrepid business strategy!]

I was speaking with a prospect of mine from the west coast the other day. We were discussing a brand vision development engagement, where I will help her craft a message and vision for what she wants her newly-formed organization to stand for. As a result of that chat, I jotted down six things we talked about, and wanted to share these with you. These are some simple, yet critical things you should think about when it comes to executing your brand vision and fulfilling your brand promise. 1. Start with why - Simon Sinek says we need to know why we do what we do. Why are you doing what you are doing? What is our purpose? What is our mission? 2. My obituary model - What do you want your obit to say? What cool story about your life and work should that obit say? What do you want people to think about when they reflect upon your life? So, write your obit right now. Then live it. 3. What emotions do you want people to feel when they interact - or are exposed to your brand? I want to distance run and achieve big things when I see Nike ads. What actions/emotions do you want people to feel with your brand? 4. The "Live vicariously though you" concept. Your story, and your mission, needs to be so compelling that people want to be a part of it, to go on the journey with you. In other words, to live vicariously through you. Read another way, they are living your brand too. 5. How can people contribute to the story? How can they add to it? Look at what Coca-Cola is doing with their Content 2020 initiative. You don't tell the story of your brand...your audience does. Empower them to do so... 6. Is living your brand promise enough to get you up and moving in the morning? If not, you need to find something else to do.... What do you think? What other ideas about branding can you share...or identify with? ### [learn more intrepid branding strategies here] [you can purchase Simon's book here (affiliate link): [photo from flickr]

I published a series of IntrepidTV episodes around the turn of the year that were originally - and obviously - published on video. I've gotten a bunch of requests for the audio-only versions of four episodes (Julien Smith, David Meerman Scott, Jonathan Fields, and Amber Rae). I also had a bunch of requests for Colin Wright and Jason Falls, which were recorded way back in the fall that I will republish as audio-only soon too... So, this is the fourth of those six, Colin Wright. You can view the original broadcast on IntrepidTV with Colin here. [Oh, and rumor is, he will be swinging through Atlanta late March/early April. And yeah, he and I have been in touch to get him and crew in the studio to talk about their latest adventures...and perhaps get into other trouble while they are in town...] From now on, all episodes filmed for the TV show will also be available on mp3 for download at the time the original conversation is published. Enjoy my conversation with Colin Wright on his latest projects, minimalism, and world travel! ### [by the way, you are encouraged to subscribe to the Intrepid Radio podcast on iTunes here, and you won't miss a thing from here on out!]

In this segment of the Todd and Taja Show, a special series on IntrepidTV, our discussion focuses on the art and science of product packaging. Discussion topics include: 1. Making an impact on the shelves, yet still moving the needle for your business. 2. The really really long list of things to think about when considering your product packaging. 3. Product design --> "Market testing" verses "The Steve Jobs Way." 4. Why to look at your future shelf space first! 5. The psychology of buying, and the psychology of design - with regards to product packaging. 6. Value of Pinterest with product design and sales: how Pinterest can be a organizational and design tool. 7. The "Looks Matter" design philosphy. 8. How going cheap with product packaging design will cost you more. 9. Whole Foods verses Wal-Mart. You can learn more about my co-host, Taja Dockendorf here. ### [learn more about psychology of good business here] [link to YouTube video here] [DOWNLOAD the mp3 by right-clicking on this link]