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For those who know me, I'm a quote lover.  While these quotes may only instill fleeting moments of inspiration and perhaps a placebo effect of optimism, I find that to keep this kind of material around on a weekly basis can only do you good.  With that being said, I'm happy to have discovered a source for bite-size bits of motivation.  

Oh so true.  Although, extraordinary words are simply superfluous when not backed up by action.  Either way, I will not fall in love with the superficial.

This could not be closer to the truth. We NEED to learn how to WANT more of what we truly NEED and LESS of what we selfishly WANT. I personally have learned to cut back both from an economical standpoint and overall personal-wants standpoint. You learn to do this as what you once took for granted becomes scarcer and in my case, once another human life depends on you. It's a bitter-sweet thing. Verdict: I need to want (and get) more effectively...

via RecoveringLazyHolic.com

This is Dale Carnegie's summary of his book, from 1936.  Most of it seems like common sense but reading it reminded me of our social interactions on the web - both professionally and personally.  Particularly in the social media industry, it seems with just one tweet, we can risk our reputation. 

Much of these items below can serve as a great reminder as to how companies online should interact with those they're engaging with.  The common-sense way of treating people can often be the easiest to do but hardest to remember.

Fundamental Techniques in Handling People

1. Don't criticize, condemn or complain.
2. Give honest and sincere appreciation.
3. Arouse in the other person an eager want.

1. Become genuinely interested in other people.
2. Smile.
3. Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
4. Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
5. Talk in terms of the other person's interests.
6. Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely.

1. The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it.
2. Show respect for the other person's opinions. Never say, "You're wrong."
3. If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.
4. Begin in a friendly way.
5. Get the other person saying "yes, yes" immediately.
6. Let the other person do a great deal of the talking.
7. Let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers.
8. Try honestly to see things from the other person's point of view.
9. Be sympathetic with the other person's ideas and desires.
10. Appeal to the nobler motives.
11. Dramatize your ideas.
12. Throw down a challenge.

A leader's job often includes changing your people's attitudes and behavior. Some suggestions to accomplish this:

1. Begin with praise and honest appreciation.
2. Call attention to people's mistakes indirectly.
3. Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person.
4. Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.
5. Let the other person save face.
6. Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement. Be "hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise."
7. Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to.
8. Use encouragement. Make the fault seem easy to correct.
9. Make the other person happy about doing the thing you suggest.

This is great!  Love seeing this technology serve a great purpose for businesses and customers alike.  To see my full blog post on this, visit my blog.

Charles River, Cambridge, MA - Took this photo across the street from an academic institution I am dreaming to attend next year for a graduate program.   The goal of getting in to is a long shot but a shot worth taking.  It still surprises me that I'm back in Boston.  What I had pictured years before graduating college was a life continuing in Manhattan where I'd work as a producer for a major network television show.  I was well on my way.... that is until life played a funny little trick on me.  I ended up in Africa and then back to Boston - a place that I called home but vowed to never return to again in terms of residence.  Once you accept that you really can't plan life and you certainly don't have full control, you then begin to truly value and appreciate the little things you once took for granted.  Boston looks a bit different to me these days.  I don't mind the snow as much as I used to (although definitely don't love it) and although I'm not sure if I'll live here forever, I'm okay with discovering more now and working in a field that does more than what TV/Film could have ever done for me.  Look forward to seeing this city with these new eyes as well as in the eyes of a child.  Funny how it all works...

Got this in an email today and had to share considering I currently work in the marketing/advertising industry.  One word for these?  Priceless.

**This One Is A Definite Must Read***