Cool Things My Friends Do - Patrick Henry's New Book: The Pancake Principle

Each Friday on this blog I enjoy highlighting some of the cool things my friends do in their work and personal lives. 

My friend Patrick Henry (not the "give me liberty or give me death" guy) just released his new book, The Pancake Principle.  In this entertaining book he shares his "seventeen sticky ways to make your customers flip for you".... and weaves his personal experiences with sage advice to better serve the world.

Patrick is one of the first people I met when I joined the National Speakers Association four years ago.  He is a second generation professional speaker who weaves his down-home southern wisdom with humor and an occasional song (he is also an accomplished guitar player and song writer).  It has been great to see his career expand over the past few years, and his book is a key part to what will be continued success educating and entertaining corporate and association audiences around the country.

Patrick, and his wife Lesley, were among an amazing group of people who made me feel at "home" at my first NSA national conference.  They both grew up around the business (Lesley's mother has worked for a legendary professional speaker for over 30 years) and they are a great example of how a career as a speaker really is a "family affair".  (side note: Patrick and Lesley actually originally met through the organization as teenagers attending the NSA Youth Leadership Program.....a very cool story, actually).

As I look back at a year of "Cool Things My Friends Do" posts each Friday, there are several times I have written about new books that my friends have released.  No matter how many people I know who publish new books... it is ALWAYS very cool --- and a huge accomplishment!!!  I think we need to remember to celebrate the milestones that impact the lives of those around us!

Congratulations to Patrick on this great publication! Order your copy today at Amazon.com.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

PS - I almost forgot, each of the 17 chapters begins with a home-made pancake recipe.  My kids are thrilled to have me cook my way through each flavor of pancake!!!

Innovation You by Jeff DeGraff

I recently read Innovation You: Four Steps to Becoming New and Improved.  It is a new book by the "Dean of Innovation", Jeff DeGraff.

I have been thinking about the topic of innovation.  Change has been so consistent in my life and I know the only way to find more success is to be willing to accept this reality.  If we want to discover our potential we must constantly be innovating.  I have the most fun working with those who are excited by change, as they are the ones who achieve results.

The companies, law firms and individuals I work with want more business in the changed economy, but many have remained the same in their attitudes toward business, sales, marketing, relationships, brand, visibility, etc.....  "We have always done it this way" has become the lamest excuse in the marketplace.  What worked before is no longer the guarantee for the future. (While it might work for some, not paying attention to what is new in your industry is a bad idea).

I also witness this struggle in myself.  As my business grows I find new and exciting opportunities, but I need to expand my expertise.  I am harnessed with the same economic conditions other businesses are facing, but I am not other businesses.  My unique situations present a chance for me to forge my own path to success.  I get excited when I can find ways to overcome problems with a new and fresh approach.

DeGraff is a professor at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and the Executive Director of Innovatrium, a creativity center for executives.  He works with some of the worlds "best and brightest" to help them rethink their innovation, approach, methods and journey.  His experience is important, but he goes further than just another academic who writes a book... he writes with impact that keeps the reader's attention and interest.

In the end, creativity is the key to innovation and success. He tells stories throughout the book that show how people can overcome the road-bumps and reached their victories.  The game has changed, and we all can use a dose on innovation.

Innovation You is a good book, and it is worth the time to read it, as it will kick-start your own re-engineering process.

Have A Great Day

thom singer