Orange County Internet Marketing Advice by Darby Works, Inc.

A Simple Truth About The Quality of Life

I came across this brilliant quote in Julia Cameron's book, The Artist's Way.

"The quality of life is in proportion, always, to the capacity for delight. The capacity for delight is the gift of paying attention."

Passing The Baton

This week I am on a much needed vacation with my family down in San Diego. Yesterday I took my 11-year old son surfing in Del Mar - my favorite surf spot from my college days. My son is just learning, so he lays on the 9-foot surfboard. I spin him around, push him into the wave whitewash, and he tries to stand up. As he races toward shore with his back to me, I watch him while other waves wash over me.Then he paddles out to me after each wave. We do this over and over...

Finally, he gets it! I watch him stand up with a look of jubilation on his face.

Maybe it's too much salt water on my brain, but suddenly this little metaphor pops into my head. As his father, I help my son learn to stand and negotiate the waves of life. I remain farther out in deeper water facing my own bigger waves. Nonetheless, it brings me satisfaction and contentment to see my son achieve mastery over the little waves he negotiates. Soon my life will fade. It will be my son's turn soon. And if do my job right, he'll teach his son to stand too.

Please Remember 911

This is probably one of the most powerful 9.11 videos I have ever seen. I wept and remembered. Please take 8 minutes to love your family and friends today. (Video run time is about 8 min.)

Get Around Smart, Passionate People

I had a fascinating meeting tonight. My friend, Kelly, asked me to meet two recent associates of his. Guy #1 turns out to be a golf caddy. For the last 20 years! He has invented this amazing golf swing assistant. He has passion for what he does and is excited about it. Patents. Packaging. Production. The whole deal. Except he doesn't know marketing. Would I be willing to help?! He tells me his whole story. How he taught pros. Tried all the gadgets. Decided to develop his own thing. I am ready to buy then and there. I caught his passion. And he didn't have to sell me.

I love that. This guy is passionate about golf and is clearly an expert's expert. But he is secure enough to know his limits so he finds people who are good at what they do, and says: Do it!

Leverage. Most of us are too afraid or don't know enough to tap into it's power. Leverage means letting go and sharing a little bit of the wealth, prestige, whatever, so you and your enterprise can grow. My new golf friend is embracing leverage whole hog. He knows that's what it's about.

Guy #2. Ph.D in I.T. Wow.  I mean a regular degree in I.T. would be impressive enough, but a  Ph.D? And he is a lawyer too for some reeeaaaaally smart and wealthy people. Anway, he starts talking statistics, forecasting, business strategy, and yes, leverage. We talk about how business people can limit their potential (and others too) by failing to use leverage. Overall, just a plain great conversation.

I don't know what will come of any of it, but who cares. I was fed. I felt nourished from meeting two new people who are passionate about what they do - still, after all these years. That just gives me hope. Being with smart people makes me feel good.

Need something to change in your life? Find some smart people who are really excited about what they are doing. New doors will open for you. I promise.

Cheers!