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I’m fascinated with the concept of money. I believe money demands of you your highest virtues, if you wish to make it or to keep it. I love working for money. I love when my money works for me. I love using money to pay for the things I value. I’m comfortable with and appreciate the small necessary transactions that money allows. I love the big transformations money can provide. I hate when I don’t have enough money to do things I want to do. I love it when I have enough to invest in new and exciting interests.

Recently, I posted a question about money and wealth on my Facebook page that I expected to get some fun and interesting responses. I didn’t consider it to be a controversial topic at the time but boy was I wrong. I simply asked:
what do you consider to be an annual amount of income that would make you wealthy? As a follow up I asked what amount of net worth would make you wealthy?

To my surprise I received some pretty nasty responses along the lines of “how dare you ask about money?” and “money is the problem in this world how can you glorify its pursuit?” and finally “ money is the cause for all wars”. Well, needless to say I was a bit put off as result of the difference between what I was hoping to be a thought provoking question and discussion and the actual comments. I initially thought I should just stay away from this concept because it clrealy triggers tremendous dissonance with my fans and friends.

But, then I thought again. The fact that the subject is polarizing is not a reason to shut down discussion rather I think it makes it a more interesting subject- more worthy of pursuit and edification.

So, I’m going to ask for a little help from Ayn Rand and her book Atlas Shrugged where her character Francisco d’Anconia utilizes nearly 40 pages to defend the value of money. Oh, don’t worry I’m not going to make you read the 40 pages- (though you’d be the most informed person you know about the real concept of money) I’m just going to highlight a few quotes here to see if they trigger a more enlightened and cogent exchange.

From Atlas Shrugged

• Money is a tool of exchange, which can’t exist unless there are goods produced and men able to produce them
• Money is the material shape of the principle that men who wish to deal with one another must deal by trade and give value for value
• When you accept money in payment for your effort, you do so only on the conviction that you will exchange it for the product of the effort of others.
• Your wallet is your statement of hope that somewhere in the world around you there are men who will not default on the moral principle, which is the root of all money.
• Wealth is the product of man’s ability to think.
• To trade by means of money is the code of the men of good will. Money rests on the axiom that every man is the owner of his mind and his effort.
• Money will not give you the unearned, either in matter or spirit
• To love money is to know and love the fact that money is the creation of the best power within you, and your passkey to trade your effort for the effort of the best among men.

And finally for the haters out there:

• It’s the person who would sell his soul for a nickel, who is loudest in proclaiming his hatred of money- and he has good reason to hate it. The lovers of money are willing to work for it. They know they are able to deserve it.
• Run for your life from any man who tells you that money is evil. That sentence is the leper’s bell of an approaching looter. So long as men live together on earth and need means to deal with another- their only substitute, if the abandon money, is the muzzle of a gun

If you could see my face right now as I type these words- form these thoughts, and share Rand’s defense of money(and man) you’d see a blissful smile of a content man doing what he should be doing. Staking a claim to enjoy the fruits of his labor and hoping you do the same.

I’d also share that if any of the above statements ring true for you then its likely we  share similar values and I hope that we can trade together soon and often. Whether you agree or disagree with the ideas above I hope you post your comments and contribute to a dialogue I find worthy of discussion and debate.

I’m re-reading Atlas Shrugged and enjoying Ayn Rand’s epic novel once again. For those of you who are my friends it’s not a surprise I’m a devotee. Much of my work is centered on the core values of individual responsibility and productivity Rand espouses in her philosophical works.

Let me share with you where I was in the novel last night in just a second. First, I want to share a couple of personal observations/behaviors you may find interesting if not a bit funny about reading books in 2012.

For the last two years I read exclusively on an IPad. From a purely rational, economic and rational perspective I read on my IPad because books are less expensive in digital form and I don’t have to drive anywhere to obtain them. My conscious capitalist thirst for knowledge can be quenched whenever I want. Well, as long as I have Wi-Fi, very Randian don’t you think?

But, if John Galt himself looked at me for even a second he would immediately observe and understand that the real reason I’m reading on an IPad has less to do with economic choice and much more to do with survival of this rugged individual.

You see, I must confess to a personal flaw in my physical world. I flaw- a lie- an infirmity in my physical being.

I can’t read the small type in printed books anymore. Well, without my reading glasses I can’t read menus, mail or maps either. I especially can’t read the small size type the publisher chose in a 1200 plus page printed edition of Atlas Shrugged that rests untouched on my bedside.

On an IPad though, my problems are solved with a quick flick of a finger and a change of the font size. Voila! I can read- still with glasses but I can read. So, I can continue my nightly affair with Dagny Taggart and Ayn Rand while my wife sleeps on the other side of the bed blissfully unaware of my literary ménage a trois.

Which leads me to the real reason I no longer read printed books: The Bedroom Light.

You see I like to read in bed as I finish my day. I read for 30 minutes to 2 hours each night depending on the book, my day and a couple of other factors. Back when I read only printed books this inevitably led to the “when are you going to turn out the light?” question from my wife. Of course, this question was soon followed by the always sweetly offered “would you turn off the light”. This generally was NOT a question but it was said so kindly and with such love I complied by gently closing my printed book and quickly switching off the offending light without any protest or concern for my own interest.

What?

Now, of course this immense threat to the health of my marriage and to the sleep habits of she-who-must-be-obeyed has been removed. The backlighted IPad book reader glows dimly (to me) as I read the nightly book of choice. No bedside table light interrupts the beauty sleep of the Queen. The knowledge intake of the King continues as I silently read and flick thru digital page after digital page. No need for the bedroom light when you read from an IPad.

I’m now in the last 1000 pages of my 2766 page IPad edition of Atlas Shrugged. Wahoo, I’m cruising to the conclusion.

Which, (finally, I know) brings me to last nights reading. As you may recall, after Dagny has literally crashed the gate to enter Galt’s Gulch those prominent individuals already on strike share with her the reasons for their decision to leave the looter’s world.

Ellis Wyatt said, “I quit because I didn’t wish to serve as the cannibals’ meal and do the cooking, besides.”

In an eerily insightful and relevant point to today’s political discussions considering Rand wrote this prior to 1957 her Dr. Hendricks says with regards to leaving his practice as a brain surgeon “ I quit when medicine was placed under state control. … I would not let them dictate the purpose for which my years of study had been spent, or the conditions of my work, or my choice of patients, or the amount of my reward. …That a doctor should have any right, desire or choice in the matter, was regarded as irrelevant self-ishness; his is not to choose, they said, only to serve.”

Sounds way to close to the narrative of 2012 doesn’t it?

I can’t put all the compelling reasons I enjoy her work here or do Ayn Rand’s work any justice in this short space but if this brief reference stirs you to pick up and read Fountainhead or Atlas Shrugged we are kindred spirits. I get inspired, feel tremendous joy and read in awe of her focus and clarity in thought. Perhaps you do too?

As I read last night about the diverse roster of strikers sharing their reasons for leaving the looters world its been a potent reminder of the choices we have each day and in this year of presidential election. I’m not going on strike- or vanishing. I am reminded of the reasons and value of living a productive life. I’m again thankful to Rand for making the choice so clear, for making the invisible visible and demanding we make our choices consciously and with complete understanding of their meaning.

I’d love to hear from you about Ayn Rand, John Galt, Dagny Taggart, digital books, marriage or other compelling thoughts and welcome you comments below.

I love sharing with all of you the people I admire. I hope that it provides an opportunity for us to connect and share our values. One the great influences in my life has been the work of Nathaniel Branden. His writing and speaking on the subjects of self esteem, psychology and living on purpose greatly impact my daily life. He worked with and was Ayn Rand’s spokesperson for many, many years. I’ve worked with Nathaniel, read everything he has published and had the privilege of brining his Six Pillars of Self esteem course to the internet a few years ago.

Take a look at this MyWisdomFlash piece of content from Dr. Branden’s work and let me know if it resonates with you:

http://www.MyWisdomFlash.com/WF.php?id=Demo&WF=253&stg=1

My Monday post has me a little concerned . I don’t really like the politics of Google founders Brin and Page but I do sit up a listen when they speak about their own business landscape. When Google can’t figure out how to defeat a country’s goal of censorship ( China, Saudi Arabia perhaps Iran) I get a little concerned.

Check out Brin’s remarks here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/apr/15/web-freedom-threat-google-brin

I’m more concerned about how a private enterprise like Google or Twitter agrees to work with a country like China. In what ways to they agree to compromise the sharing of information in order to gain access to the marketplace? 1 Billion new users in a country is a pretty compelling market but does it allow Google to compromise its ethics or values regarding access to information. Does Google provide the access to information only allowed by China’s government? The only way for Google to handle this is with full disclosure- let us know where they compromise and where they do not.

I would have thought that the mere access to information would have been the “genie out of the bottle” example that was the tipping point to topple the old regimes in China and perhaps elsewhere. But, according to Brin China has been successful stuffing the genie back in the bottle. I wonder for how long?

For the last 8 years I’ve been creating high performance conversion systems (HPCS) for leading experts in the fields of personal and professional development. By high performance conversions systems I mean internet platforms that are actually designed to convert into leads and sales using the latest proven integrated systems. These systems can incorporate product/program development, brand development, HTML design, video, email delivery and management, live event hosting and promotion, JV and affiliate support, and integrated shopping cart tools. I only use systems I know work and provide a high performance returns.

For the next 8 years I want to create HPCS ONLY for individuals and companies that share my core values of:

• Individual Responsibility- No external causes
• Growth- personal and professional growth are more important than comfort
• Learning- keep learning and don’t accept plateauing
• Accountability- No blaming

• Change as Choice- decide, choose -it’s not a matter of capacity

• Resiliency/Challenge- you’ll come thru- you’re not fragile- high expectations

If your core values match mine, I’d love to work with you to create a High Performance Conversion System for you or your business. If there is not a match, please don’t bother contacting me there’s no amount of money you could offer that would allow me to work with you.

On the other hand, if these values match and you have a need:

You’ll have one of the great personal and professional experiences of your life as we work to make your dream come true. I’ll get to utilize my expertise, experience and passion to create a high conversion system that works for you instead of a website that functions as nothing more than an online brochure.

I offer high conversion systems that you can “Do It Yourself” where my team just does the essentials and we send you on your way. Or, we can offer a “Done For You” system that provides everything you need to start converting leads and sales right now. And finally, if you know you have a great idea but just not sure how to create your initial product or program we offer a “Creation to Conversion” system you’ll love because you’ll be up in running in a few short weeks instead of months.

If you’re interested in getting started on one of these systems right now or just want to learn more click here and we will contact you right away to disucss the relevant details.

If I told you I wanted to meet you in Montana would you find a way to make it?

I know, I know- Montana?

If I told you I was going to an event designed for experienced business people and professionals who want to accelerate their own growth as well as the growth of their organizations would you do everything in your power to get there?

 I hope you would.

 I’m intending to attract several kindred spirits from my members and friends that are interested in growing with me and a few others. It’s going to be challenging and very rewarding.

 But let me make sure you’re aware of a few important points before we go any farther. I’m going to this event- a weekend retreat because of my interest in subject matter, my faith in the event leaders and what I hope to obtain as a results for me and my business. I’m very excited about were doing. I’m paying my own way- I’ve received no discounts for my endorsement or participation. I will not receive any fees if my friends or members decide to participate.

I hold this retreat in such high regard I wanted to share the opportunity with you. If this appeals to you- I hope you make it.

I know if you make it we’ll create more meaningful businesses and lives as a result of your participation.

Take a look at the information below that was sent to me about the event. Make sure to check out the links too.

Too Many Leaders Fail To Live Up To Their Potential, Because They Stop Working On Themselves
(Harvard Business Review, 2011)

This quote captures the essence of the Executive MBA retreat Morrie Shechtman will be teaching next month at the University of Montana. This is my personal invitation to you letting you know this event has my highest personal recommendation and I’d like you to consider joining Morrie and me for this event.  It’s designed for experienced businesspeople and professionals who want to accelerate their own growth as well as the growth of their organizations. The premise of this learning experience is simple: The growth potential of all your relationships – with individuals, groups, or organizations – is capped by the self-imposed limits of your own personal growth.

The Leadership Challenge: Managing Yourself for Growth and Change
June 10 – 12, 2011. Missoula, Montana

This is a great opportunity to dramatically expand your leadership skills and abilities while also enjoying a true Montana experience. Morrie’s working with the owners of a very unique Montana ranch to integrate an afternoon and evening experience with the seminar experience at the Business School.

All the details are available at the links below:

To get to the seminar website, go to: www.business.umt.edu/leadership

You can register online at:
https://www.bber-secure.umt.edu/registerLC2011.asp  

 I’m sending you this invitation because I would like to have you join Morrie, me and small group of like minded individuals for this extraordinary accelerated growth experience.

 You can speak to Morrie directly about the value of this event by calling him at 406-260-7631

 You can call me to discuss as well at 850-650-8085 ext 106

  There are just 7 spots left for this event so please call now if you’re interested in learning more.

Scott Martineau

Take a look at this article about how Google defines success related to management. Notice it’s not about finding consensus or agreement, notice it’s not about being more technically adept or smarter. Notice it IS about being specific, holding people accountable, giving feedback often and directly. (HT: Greg Link)

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/13/business/13hire.html

For those of us who live in hurricane prone areas this video of the moment the tsunami actually hit is amazing and a bit scary. I’m wondering what was going on in the mind of the guy filming this. There has to be a moment where he says “I better get out of here!”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12725646

Also, when you live on the coast in any part of the world the prevalence of oil will prompt discussions of how to approach energy policy. In this insightful article Hugh Hewitt he discusses how the lack of truth and honesty by POTUS is of great alarm to those of us who live in the Gulf Coast.

Check it out here:  http://budurl.com/thh3

 I’m excited to be interviewing Ephren Taylor the author of “Elite Entrepreneur” on March 23 for my New Leader Summit venture. Make sure you check me out on the interview and please join over 2000 others who have joined www.NewLeaderSummit.com The New Leader Summit is an internet resource for entrepreneurs, small business owners and free agents who will lead the economic turnaround. This turnaround will not be lead by Big Business, Big Government or Unions it’s going to be lead by people like you and I and we’re creating a place to make it happen. My interview with Ephren Taylor will be about the “7 Phases” he believes a business/entrepreneur must be able to navigate if it really wants to be successful.  His take is unique and very specific and I know you’ll benefit by participating.

For the LOCALS in Destin: 

For those of you in my home town of Destin I’m wondering if you’ve noticed that the spring breakers are back in town.  How could you not? The beach and roads are packed and it couldn’t be any nicer weather. Sunday was 75 and Sunny all day long. My wife and I went to the beach and say young students in from Alabama, TCU, Tennessee and Penn State. They all looked pretty pale so it must be there first day here. This morning as I’m driving on scenic 98 I was overwhelmed by a sea of pale skinned young women out for the morning jog. I literally saw more than 100 women running on the path, the beach or on the road dutifully getting their Monday morning exercise. Good for them! But, where were the guys?  I wonder? Was every guy still sleeping it off or just sleeping in. It was amazing from the Whale’s Tail to Henderson Beach Inn I saw perhaps 3 men and they we’re all in their 60’s +  If I was a spring break college dude in Destin right now I’d make a point to get up early and get my exercise in while all the young ladies are out getting healthy. It’s a much better plan to run with her at the beach than try to run after her in the bar. Costs less too.

For those of you into tennis make sure you stop by Seascape Tennis Club at 4pm on Tuesday, March 15^th for an exhibition by local tennis phenom Alexa Gaurachi. Alexa is in town on spring break from the University of Alabama where as a sophomore she is paying #1 doubles and singles. She is going to demonstrate her skills in an exhibition at the Seascape courts on Tuesday and the public is invited.

It’s the time of year when most of us make the New Year’s resolutions promise to ourselves that we will do more of ‘x’ or less of ‘y’.

Work less, play more? Eat better? Drink more water?

Or how about the always ever popular, go to the gym more.

So what’s your ‘x’ or ‘y’? As great as the ones above sound, how about the New Year Resolution of Changing Your Frequency (CYF).

So what is CYF? Well CYF means having a different focus on or outlook on your life, thus being open to endless wonderful possibilities. It’s more about changing how you feel and which way you look at things. So for example let’s say you want to travel but you don’t think you have enough money, don’t focus on your lack of money, instead focus on the places you want to visit and what you would do when you visit. Or how about the always popular, “I hate my job!” Well instead of focusing on all the things you hate about your job, focus on what you love about it and more things you love will appear.

Remember, you can change your life, just by changing your focus.

Your life does not have to be the one way linear experience many of us think it is. It can be and is filled with multiple opportunities you just have to be open to them. And by you being more in tune with positive frequency, you will be more in tune with these possibilities.

So how do you become more in tune with positivity? Well first, sign up for our blog to keep updated on all our fantastic findings which we share.

Another great way to change your frequency with the power of positive thinking is to create a gratitude journal.

This is a daily journal where every day you write down items that you are grateful for such as a healthy body, eyes to see, ears to hear, a job, a home, a wonderful family etc.

So, let’s add on a new resolution of changing your frequency with the power of positive thinking!

We featured this series of ConsciousOne Conversations with Marcia Wieder over the Holidays to support you start your 2011 with new insights to make your dreams real! Here’s a handy way to view any of the videos you may have missed.

There are eleven short videos in the series. I ask Marcia many questions I’m sure you’d ask her yourself: What is your definition of a dream? How do you deal with the doubter? How do you do more of what you love each day? What are three ways to Quick Start making your dreams real? And many, many more.

My suggestion is to watch one video each day and explore the concepts and ideas Marcia shares with us. Be sure to see the very last one – Marcia’s truly inspiring personal dream journey!

If you subscribe to my YouTube channel, you’ll receive an email next time we upload more videos to support the Power of YOU!