Traditional Rewards Aren't Always As Effective As We Think.

Suggested by my close and valued colleague, Margo Meeker, here's a powerful and informative TED presentation by career analyst Daniel Pink on the real secret of motivation and rewards:

Dan examines the puzzle of motivation, starting with a fact that social scientists know but most managers don't: Traditional rewards aren't always as effective as we think. Listen for illuminating stories — and maybe, a way forward.

How Much Of Your Success Would You Chalk Up To Luck?

Billionaire GoPro CEO Nick Woodman:

"Dedicating myself to actually following through was my single biggest achievement."

Read Nick Woodman's full answer to this question.

Microsoft Once Again Fails To Understand.

Microsoft’s new Windows 8 vs. iPad campaign:

"They're so afraid of letting go of past success that they'll take future failure instead. They'll refuse to compromise on anything other than making the user experience horribly, needlessly, compromised.

In most cases, they've touted the advantages of a more desktop-like experience, and Windows is, perhaps, the most desktop of desktops. And it's precisely what mainstream customers have resoundingly said is the absolute last thing they want on a tablet."

Read Rene Ritchie's full article from iMore.

Top 8 Critical Articles You Should Be Reading TODAY.

I've been blown away with the level and caliber of magazine articles lately. 

Instead of puff pieces, they are cutting right to the chase with powerful, informative and critical information executives, business owners and in-transition people need to succeed in today's marketplace. So here goes:

Inc. Magazine

The 25 Most Audacious Companies

Inc. 's first annual Most Audacious list features entrepreneurs who are original, ambitious, and totally uncowed by impossible odds.

Why Everyone Is an Entrepreneur Now

Job-hopping might ruffle a corporation's feathers, but employers need to accept it's a way of life.

Fast Company

The 100 Most Creative People In Business 2013

Data Geeks, World-Changers, Actors, Rappers, and all types of innovators prove the value of creativity at a crucial time in business.

The Future Of Technology Isn’t Mobile, It’s Contextual

It’s called situational awareness. The way we respond to the world around us is so seamless that it’s almost unconscious. Our senses pull in a multitude of information, contrast it to past experience and personality traits, and present us with a set of options for how to act or react.

Bloomberg Businessweek

In The Future, We'll All Be TaskRabbits

The temporary workforce in the U.S. is looking increasingly permanent. In April, 2.66 million people took on temp work, making up almost 2 percent of the country’s overall workforce, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Boomers Plan to Delay Retirement. Then Life Intrudes

If you’re one of those aging boomers who’s counting on extra years of work to save your nest egg, keep in mind that relatively few people end up doing it.

Entrepreneur Magazine

Entrepreneur's 100 Brilliant Companies for 2013

We talk a lot about ideas: what inspires them, how to act on them. But it's really quite simple: The best ones come from just going about our lives -- encountering, then attempting to resolve, both major obstacles and quotidian annoyances.

10 Habits College Entrepreneurs Should Forget at Graduation

You've made it. The finish line. With that degree in hand, now you can finally start the business you've spent years planning, right? Not so fast. After years of cramming for exams and attending class in your pajamas, you may have picked up a few bad habits.

I've tried to mix it up a bit for all readers of my site — please pick up all of these issues — they are chock full of POWERFUL ARTICLES.

The Rules Of Job Hunting Have Changed.

Bob Weinstein, a reporter who has interviewed me a number of times on job search, business, and career issues, has hit another home run again yesterday in the Connecticut Post, one of CT's largest newspapers. A whole article about job hunting rules from ME (click image or here to enlarge).

Bottom line:

• Take stock of all social media sites where you have been posting information.
• Step back and view each site with a laser focus — is there anything unprofessional?
• They are looking — especially LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.
• Use these sites to enhance your professional image and stature in the industry. 

A big shout-out to Bob — he's in a rarefied class all by himself - professional, understanding, and informs readers with solid and clear advice.

10 Reasons Why 2013 Will Be The Year You Quit Your Job.

As a general rule, I read 75-100 business/career articles each week. But once in awhile, I come across a powerful and ground-breaking idea, I just have to share it. Yesterday while reading TechCrunch, I ran across one of these articles by James Altucher.

In 10 very simple, scary, and true reasons, James lays out why you HAVE to quit your job. Basically,  The myth of corporate safety is over and here is how it currently lays out:

1. The middle class is dead. You know it and everyone else does - time to make your next move.
2. You’ve been replaced. Technology & robots are the new middle class.
3. Corporations don’t like you. They never have and are getting worse by the day.
4. Money is not happiness. Looking for that promotion or bonus? That won't make you happy.
5. Count right now how many people can make a major decision that can ruin your life. They can fire you in an instant.
6. Is your job satisfying your needs? It's Monday - are you really happy to hit your job (I am).
7. Your retirement plan is for shit. We're living longer and no amount of savings is going to last.
8. Excuses. Stop making excuses to leave the rat race. Do it today.
9. It’s okay to take baby steps. Move slowly and take small steps toward your goals.
10. Abundance will never come from your job. You have to build it within you.

To read the entire article (and I advise you to), click here.

It's a wake-up call for your career. I came to this conclusion 12 years ago and made my move — I've never been happier.

Also, please visit James' site - he is writing and doing great things.

Make It Count.

One of the most energizing videos I've seen lately - great music, editing, quotes — Casey Neistat is a force to be reckoned with.

Quotes from the video:

"Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all." - Helen Keller

"Buy the ticket, take the ride." - Hunter S. Thompson

"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." - Mae West

"Above all, try something." Franklin D. Roosevelt

"I never worry about the future, it comes soon enough." - Albert Einstein

"One who makes no mistakes, makes nothing at all." - Giacomo Casanova

"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years," - Abraham Lincoln

"Do More" - Casey Neistat (tattoo)

"If I'd followed all the rules, I'd never have gotten anywhere." - Marilyn Monroe

And my favorite: "Action expresses priorities." - Gandhi

You Have To Keep Your Eye On Goldman Sachs.

We all know Goldman Sachs. Big company. Billions. Influences and touches a large portion of the investment world. Here's the letter (NY Times Op-Ed) from a past GS employee.

Then . . . here's their rebuttal from the CEO and COO.

But then the facts start trickling in from other sources.

Here are some immutable business truths:

• You can't hide bad behavior forever. It will see the light.
• Being bad has short term gains, but in the long run being good wins out.
• Don't work for GS in the near future. I think this is just the start.

Start Living Like The Main Character In Your Life Story.

My wife and I were at a party this weekend and we met a lot of interesting people. Most of the guests were doing well and making lots of personal and business connections. I say most.

There were a few who stood out during the evening with their attitude towards business, life, politics, the market, whatever. They were downers to say the least — they were pessimistic, short-sighted, and downright uncomfortable to be around.

Years ago, a good friend pulled me over when I was acting like a downer during a party and said, "No one, let me repeat, NO ONE cares or wants to hear your pessimistic rants. Start acting more positive in your life — take the bull by the horns — and you will begin living the life you've always wanted."

POW — right between the eyes. Today, I say this to myself everyday: "Start Living Like The Main Character In Your Life Story". Why? Because I'm an avid reader, I believe we all have a wonderful story in our lives and we either embrace and expand the narrative or we shun and quell our story.

We see this often with retired people. They complain about their lives, their ailments, and anything else they can think about. Do you like hanging around people like that? Now remember back and envision the one elderly person who taught you something or made a major impact in your life — were they complaining all the time? Or did they engage you, ask you questions, and energize you?

Which one will you today? And tomorrow? And every day?

POST YOUR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS BELOW

P.S. Are you the main character in your life's story? No? Let’s talk. I’ve worked with thousands of people and have helped them manage their ‘de-motivational’ behaviors — call or email me to schedule a complimentary session.

Watch this video/commercial — it brings home my idea of becoming YOUR main character:

106 Excuses That Prevent You From Ever Becoming Great.

I rarely do this. I'm pointing you to an incredible blog with an incredible message. I'm an avid reader of Chris Brogan's blog and tweets — he is THE guru of social media and tours the world helping organizations efficiently and effectively employ it in their marketing. Well . . . he hosted a guest post from Tommy Walker that knocked my socks off.

I went through all 106 excuses and to be honest — I find many of them creep into my head from time to time. This information is a great way to stop that from happening and ensure you stay on your chosen path to greatness.

So here it is . . . Enjoy!

POST YOUR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS BELOW

P.S. What excuses do you use to keep you from being great? Let’s talk. I’ve worked with thousands of business owners and executives and have helped them manage their 'de-motivational' behaviors — call or email me to schedule a complimentary session.

The Happy Secret To Better Work.

Shawn Achor - this man can present:

How To Inspire People.

"They don't buy WHAT you do. They buy WHY you do it." From close friend and colleague Craig Flaherty at Redniss & Mead, here's a spot from the Ted Conference in Puget Sound, WA on how to inspire people:

Catch Rich on the GardenFork Podcast!

Eric Rochow is a very peculiar man. Peculiar in a way that he's just like me. He loves a lot of really cool things. Eric has one of the most listened to and watched podcasts on iTunes, called GardenFork TV. I ran into it one day while browsing the main list of famous podcasts. GardenFork is an eclectic mix of cooking, DIY gardening, and whatever cool stuff Eric thinks might be fun to share with people.

And his personality is perfect for the podcast medium. He's a great interviewer, knowledgable about a million different things, and a genuinely nice person. I listen to ALL of his podcasts on my commute to my office each day and on the weekends, my family and I watch his video podcasts.

I reached out to him a few weeks ago with a short letter* inviting him to breakfast since his weekly commute (to his weekend home in CT) takes him smack dab past my town of Oxford, CT. Next thing I know, Eric invites me on the air to coach him!

So without further ado — here's my full interview with Eric. Enjoy!

*Did you catch that readers? A simple email invitation opens doors. Yes it happens in real life.

3 Things I Learned While My Plane Crashed.

Ric Elias had a front-row seat on Flight 1549, the plane that crash-landed in the Hudson River in New York in January 2009.

What went through his mind as the doomed plane went down? At TED, he tells his story publicly for the first time.

The #1 Way To Communicate With Your Prospects.

Talk to them through a video. But . . . it's a lot harder and more complicated than it looks.

You need to keep it simple, straightforward, and powerful — to allow potential clients to experience YOU. To hear you, to see you, to understand exactly how your products and services will help them.

Today, videos are ubiquitous — everyone is doing them. I feel there are two stages of video production out there:

DIY - Do It Yourself - You and your cam on your laptop, phone, small video or Flip camera. It's quick, easy, and inexpensive to produce. The quality is okay (and I'm stretching that phrase) but with the advent of YouTube, on the spot cameras, and smart phones, people are totally okay with the result.

Gary Vaynerchuk uses this model and he's made millions doing it. So make it happen!

High-End Production - You're in a studio, with a director, photographers, make-up, lights, sound people, background, clapboard slate, multiple cameras, constant lens changing . . . you get my drift.

Of course there's super high-end with a cast of thousands, but I won't go there.

Over the next few weeks, I will be working with my director to edit down the hours of film shot to a 30-60 second video. Now the real work begins. And I know there will be an outtake spot too . . . so stay tuned.

Many thanks to Lauren Clark, Makeup (clarkmakeup@gmail.com), Dave Woolery, Sound (davewoolery@gmail.com) and Rich Freeda, Photography (rich@richardfreeda.com). If you are shooting video, these are the people to call!

And special thanks goes to the director and principal photographer, Phil Nelson (http://www.panelson.com/) - he is the master at what he does, whether it is landscape photography, headshots, or video.

He even makes me look good!

Oh yes, and here's the coolest thing I encountered during the shoot - I have to get one!

How Not To Run Your Business.

Borders is filing for bankruptcy protection and closing 1/3 of their stores. This post is near and dear to me because I used to work for the Reader's Market/Waldenbooks/Borders chain many, many years ago.

The funny thing is, I saw this coming many years ago and knew that Borders would stick their head in the sand.

Inc. Magazine has a great piece on why Borders is tone-deaf.

Summarized, it comes down to six reasons:

1. No future strategy.
2. No real use of customer data.
3. Antiquated operations and supply chain.
4. Carrying the wrong products.
5. In-store experience is bad.
6. Management churn.

Just one can kill a business. Borders had all six. Well . . . that's the marketplace!

Did you see this coming? What is happening in your business?

"If You Have Fear, You Will Fall."

If you know me, I'm constantly out in the electronic zeitgeist learning new things and meeting new people. This morning, I came upon Human Planet, an incredible BBC documentary on a man called Tete (who makes Chuck Norris look like a schoolgirl). He climbs a very tall tree (120-150 feet in the air) with just a vine and his willpower.

Why? To break into a bee hive to get honey for his family. By the way, he probably gets stung scores of times during the process.

There's one line he mentions about getting the willpower to climb the tree, "If you have fear, you will fall." Tete is truly a man without fear.

How many times in your career are you faced with a fear? I suggest we be more like Tete and focus on the problem at hand. Then you won't fall.

Milton Levine Died Last Month.

Flash of inspiration . . .

Milton Levine’s eureka moment came in 1956, when he spotted a mound of ants during a Fourth of July picnic at his sister’s poolside in Southern California.

Coalescence into an idea . . .

Recalling how as a boy he had collected ants in jars at his uncle’s farm, thought “We should make an antarium.”

Milton takes action . . .

The resulting product —  Uncle Milton’s Ant Farm — selling for $1.98, the original 6-by-9-inch ant farm was an immediate hit, soon selling thousands a week by mail order to children persuaded by commercials on after-school television shows.

The result . . .

It has been a staple in children’s bedrooms ever since. More than 20 million have been sold. Mr. Levine once said of his company’s success: “Most novelties, if they last one season, it’s a lot. If they last two seasons, it’s a phenomenon. To last 35 years is unheard of.” That was in 1991.

From a dream into a reality . . .

Last year, Uncle Milton Industries, based in Westlake Village, Calif., was sold to the Transom Capital Group for more than $20 million. Mr. Levine died Jan. 16 in Thousand Oaks, CA. He was 97.

Do you have a flash of inspiration? Do you have an idea or dream? Do you take action? Do you follow through?

Take a moment today to assess where you accelerate, where you sputter, and where you eventually stop.

Milton took a simple idea, made it into a novelty, and grossed $20M.

You can too.

Quotes taken and modified from the New York Times.

Happy Birthday IBM!

IBM is 100! Check out this imaginative and powerful spot:

A Simple Act Elevates All.

By Yvonne Abraham at the Boston Globe Everybody was waiting for Rudy.

On Tuesday night, Patty and Rick Parker were in their cramped kitchen with their 8-year-old son Ben. Dinner was over. Bedtime was near.

Ben’s twin brother, Sammy, lay on a cot in the narrow hallway just outside the kitchen. Unable to see or speak or control his limbs, he coughed or let out a little moan every now and then. Rick and Patty took turns feeding Sammy, who has cerebral palsy, through a stomach tube. He cooed when they kissed his face or stroked his cheek, and when they cooed back, he opened his mouth into a wide, joyful O.

A few feet away was the narrow, winding stairway that is the family’s biggest burden lately.

Which is where 17-year-old Rudy’s simple, life-changing act of kindness comes in.

Until recently, Rick carried Sammy up those 14 stairs to his bedroom each night. But a few months ago, Rick had major surgery for a life-threatening heart condition, and now he can’t lift much at all, let alone a 75-pound child.

“We thought Rick was going to die, and we were terrified,’’ Patty recalled. “We knew right away he had to stop carrying Sam.’’

Patty couldn’t carry him, either. Desperate, she called her pediatrician, who put her in touch with Elizabeth Paquette, the nurse at Malden Catholic High School. Paquette said she’d take care of it. The boys at Malden Catholic are taught to embrace service: She’d find plenty of students to help.

Rudy Favard was the first kid Paquette came across after that call. At Malden Catholic on a partial scholarship from the Catholic Schools Foundation, this son of Haitian immigrants was one of Paquette’s treasures. The linebacker, cocaptain of the football team and honor roll student was always willing to lend a hand.

The nurse had barely begun telling Rudy about the Parkers before he said he’d help. Another boy would fill in for Rudy on game nights. And a third boy was on standby in case neither of the others could make it.

When Paquette brought the boys to meet the family for the first time, the Parkers cried.

“Just to see this outpouring of people,’’ Rick Parker began, his eyes welling at the memory. “To see that these people were willing to put their hands and feet to what they believed…’’

It is profoundly isolating to have a child as severely disabled as Sammy. It’s hard even for well-meaning friends to understand the immense strain of his all-consuming needs. Patty and Rick — who tried for 8 years to get pregnant before Ben and Sam were born — grieve for one son’s lost potential every day, even as they struggle to give the other as normal a life as possible.

“You plan for your child’s future, but it’s hard to do that for Sam,’’ Rick said. “You have this pathway he should have taken, and the pathway he did take, and you don’t want to look at either one.’’

And over it all hangs the certainty that Sammy’s condition will never improve — even as he gets bigger and heavier.

Into this world of love and hurt comes Rudy. Four nights a week, he leaves his homework and makes the 10-minute drive to the Parker house. Around 8 p.m., he carries Sammy upstairs, chats a bit, hugs everybody, and heads home to finish his work. After considerable effort, the Parkers convinced Rudy to take enough money to cover gas, with a little left over.

In the few months the Parkers have known him, Rudy has become not just a help with Sammy, but a salve for their pain. He and Rick talk about football. Patty quizzes him on girls. Ben usually parks himself as close to Rudy as possible, looking up at him adoringly. And most nights, Sam will tremble with excitement as Rudy picks him up.

“It’s like family,’’ said the shy senior. It goes both ways: The Parkers were on the field with Rudy’s mother the night Malden Catholic honored its senior football players.

And so Rudy had barely knocked on the door Tuesday night before Ben was at it, jumping up and down, yelling, “Rudy is here! Rudy is here!’’

He greeted the Parkers, and went over to Sammy, gently lifting the boy’s left arm and sliding his hands under his back, the way Rudy’s father, a professional caregiver, had shown him. He lifted Sammy and held him close to his chest, and as the boy made his joyful O, Rudy carefully maneuvered him around the corners on the narrow stairway.

You couldn’t help but be struck by the painful contrast between the two boys: The robust athlete cradling the pale, helpless child; the young man preparing to go out into the world carrying someone who never will.

It’s a comparison lost on nobody, least of all Rudy himself.

“Can I ask you something?’’ he said, sitting in the Parkers’ living room after Sammy was asleep. “Is it OK if this article is more about Sam than me?’’

Why?

“He’s done more for me than I’ve done for him,’’ Rudy said. “There are times when I don’t want to go to practice, and then I look at Sam. By God’s grace, I can do what I’m doing, so I should keep it up. I’ve never been one to complain a lot, but just seeing Sam reaffirms everything, you know?’’

The Parkers won’t have Rudy for long. He’s already been accepted at four colleges, and others are courting him. Where he goes depends on financial aid and football.

The Parkers hope to be out of this cramped house and into a bigger one — with no stairs — before Rudy leaves town in search of his degree.

Until then, Rudy will bound up to the modest, pale green house on Fairmount Street. He’ll carry Sammy up to his cozy room. Then, for a little while, he’ll carry the Parkers somewhere better, too.

Yvonne Abraham is a Globe columnist. She can be reached at abraham@globe.com. Here are all her columns.