A normal part of parenting teens involves worrying about the choices they make. Talking with other parents, the conversation quickly leads to the unknown damage if phone cameras and social media were part of their own youth. Can you imagine the come-to-Jesus meetings between Olympic officials, parents and their young Olympians about the hazards of social media during the Sochi Games?

When getting accredited and prepped by Olympic officials in Albertville the conversations were about banned substances and conduct. At these games the conversations include social media and even terrorism.

As for social media, an athlete's conduct can be photographed, videoed and broadcast to millions. Sochi is already taking a hit by people latching onto the damaging photos of unfinished hotel rooms, toilets with viewing chairs, surveillance videos of people leaving their showers on, last minute construction and so on.

All it would take is a poor decision by an athlete with a snap happy buddy holding a camera phone and the world would know within seconds.

Now I can neither confirm nor deny we tried to steal the Olympic flag at our Olympics, nor would I ever admit our entire team trying to moon a VIP delegation passing by in limos when we were riding in short little busses they put athletes on. So, thanks to the lack of phone videos and Twitter these "hypothetical" deeds were never captured (if they ever, in fact happened) in digital forever-tude.

One thing that did get caught on video was a short incident where I was joining a bunch of tourists at an Erdinger Weisbeir sponsored pub in Albertville. Some camera crews were there and I held up a beer stein with some new friends. I wasn't drunk - nor out of control - but that might not be what it looked like. I never did catch any serious heat over this PR left-turn but had there been social media posts on Twitter or Facebook - things might have gotten way out of hand.

From an Olympic keynote speaker to the athletes attempting to enjoy their Olympic experience, use your best judgment. Err on the side of not taking any big chances away from the competition arena. Or, as my mom always says, "When in doubt, don't." You don't need to step on any social media metaphorical landmines.

The most asked question (in private) as Olympian speaker is, "What's it like in the athletes' village? Are there all the 'hookups' you hear about?" Based on the evidence, what do you think? 

In this case, take a group of coeds at one of the biggest parties in the world, at the peak of their physical and hormonal prime, away from home, boyfriends/girlfriends and a whole lotta steam being blown off... the evidence seems to add up.

In Albertville there was no central athletes village, but I've had the good fortune to be at both winter and summer athlete villages.

The summer Olympic Games, by far, out-shines the athlete proclivities of the winter Games. The summer Olympians typically have a few central relaxation areas. Swimming pools and recreational areas, condusive to flip flops and less clothing. Thus removing a step or two in the path to friendly encounters.

Winter Olympians have a smaller village but still have the movie rooms, perfect for dark, intimate hand holding. 

As you watch the events, know that there is a whole story unfolding away from the Olympic sport venues. Snow boarders who never cross paths with hockey players have chance encounters in the cafeteria or at the backgammon table. Lugers are laying down while ski jumpers are jumping. Bobsledders are ___________ while biathletes are ___________ (you fill in the blanks... I'll attempt to keep this PG).

The story lines at the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi are a plenty. The ones you don't need to know about are happening between two consenting adults (hopefully, after they have competed ;-).

If you're an Olympic Athlete you either realize you need to be 'chill' or get consumed by 'the jitters.' If your event is towards the beginning of the Olympic program the jitters are pretty intense. If you compete later the jitters just fester. Either way you need to chill. It's the Olympic Winter Games after all.

Our speed skiing event in Albertville occured on the last three days of the games. Each of us had been training and competing for years leading up to a brief 72 hours. Yet, a bunch of the speed skiers were so amped up, they marched in in the Opening Ceremonies, then dashed back to a training facility in Vars to cram some last minute work.

Me, I did the opposite. I didn't ski. I didn't train. I became a tourist until our official training runs. It was a blast! 

The way I figured it,

"If you don't know it by now, you won't know it by race day."

I resisted the temptation to join my fellow Canadian Olympic speed skiers. I didn't want take the chance to be secummed to 'the jitters.' I wanted to 'chill' instead. 

Being chill, whether you are a plumber, physician or a top closing keynote speaker... the payoff is always better than being overtaken by the jitters.

Right now a collection of skiers and skaters are struggling with the same issues. It's a pretty sure bet,

"If you don't know it by now, you won't know it by race day."

It’s not clear how it works. But it works! If you have a place of inspiration, you need to visit it frequently to accelerate towards your own Goals Fast. 

Last night, your friendly neighborhood Speaker Olympian Dude had a few moments to quiet the mind. Meditation is in important part of an everyday routine but having times of active-thoughtfulness is key too.

The fire pit in our backyard has a creek beside it, providing the serene sound of running water. Sure it was cold outside but to be the best speaker on goal setting I need to take short inspirational thoughts seriously.

Armed with an iPhone and a down jacket (oh… and pants too… in case that isn’t clear) it took a few moments stir up some ideas for the next phase of our Facebook marketing efforts. We strategically release quotes with an inspirational photo and #GoalsFast slogan. All with the intention of the our branded quotes going viral.

It was amazing how a setting can facilitate clear thinking. In less than fifteen minutes the following 26 quotes spilled out in the order they appear:

• The challenge in life is to rise above human nature. 
• Give yourself a chance by giving yourself a change. 
• Choice is certain to disappoint when it is not taken. 
• Those who are lonely have turned their back on the Zen of solitude. 
• Never, ever make a decision based on fear. 
• Hope is at the intersection of optimism and daring. Breath deep when facing uncertainty and you will soar to new heights. 
• Never keep your talent a secret. 
• Step 1. Make a wish. Step 2. Blow out your candles. Step 3. Tell everyone your wish to keep the fire burning. 
• Find the place in your body that holds anxiety. Ball it up and throw it away. 
• Be a seeker. 
• The most courageous journey is the journey within. 
• The path to happiness always right under your feet. 
• Given the choice between money or happiness - take both. 
• Feeling down makes happy possible. 
• Seek fulfillment before happiness. Seek happiness before patience. Seek patience before fulfillment.
• The secret to a long marriage is to not get divorced. 
• Every opportunity has a cost. Be insatiably curious about both.
• Sometimes it doesn't have to make sense. It just has to feel right. 
• Life's great paradox is the comfort and arrogance of being right. 
• Learn how to let go with determination and you will exceed your wildest expectations.  
• Go now. Procrastinate later. 
• Uncover the pain and the anger goes away. 
• If you want more money, start with less fear. 
• When love is above all, fear is no longer a wall. 
• One morsel of evidence does not satisfy the truth. 

LIKE our Facebook Page so you will be the first to see the power of an inspirational quiet spot. And remember to find a quiet place for your active-thoughtfulness.

The art of communication is simpler than you think. How you dial in energy can make you a messaging virtuoso.

It may be overwhelming to absorb all the nuances of effective messaging:

• The art of story telling
• Objection handling techniques
• Non-verbal cues
• Reflective communication.
• Parroting
• DISC interactive strategies
• Neuro Linguistic Programing

Pirouette back, take a lesson from our ballerina daughter, Isabella, and simplify.

Her brother Max is an extraordinary singer, musician and songwriter. He confidently stands on stage and communicates through his art. Isabella’s sister Alex is equally talented in the performing arts. From an unforgettable presentation to 1,500 professional speakers or the lead in recent play or in various improv troupes’, Alex has an uncanny ability to express her verbally.

A couple of years ago, Isabella went in front of her school to sing a song. She froze in front of the entire middle school. Her 11-year-old psyche had a defining moment. About the same time, her passion for dance was starting to flourish. Then, there was an “out of the mouths of babes” moment.

Talking about her student body nightmare, “Dad, I’m not like Max and Alex. I like to communicate to people through dance.”

In a recent performance of the Nutcracker, put on by the Dallas Ballet Company, it was a real time experience in communicating through dance. With the complete spectrum from tiny Sugar Plum fairies to professionals with the New York City Ballet, everyone communicated in an equally diverse range of messaging through dance.

The youngest ones mimicked their teacher in the sound booth. The developing dancers kept up the precipitous balance between muscle memory and staying in sync with their fellow ‘Russian Dancers’ while the more experienced dancers explored the art of letting go in an controlled, choreographed setting. 

Isabella was a Mirliton. She was one of a dozen others on stage. Parents really don’t pay close attention to any other children. Knowing your child well, you can tell what they are going through. In Isabella’s case – it was pure joy. The manner she danced was the way she was feeling.

Whether it’s dance, singing or good ol’ speaking with others, you have the same chance to exude this kind of energy. Express what gives you joy and all eyes will be on you. Revel in your passion and you will be able to have both impact and influence.

Force it and you will flounder.

Dial in on your passionate energy and enjoy.

Movember. A great cause for men’s health. BUT, every time I try to grow a moustache I look like an Amish version of Wolverine. So, I flirted with my own theme. Put the “No” in November. Therefore, say ‘no’ to French Fries for the entire month. Scrreeeech. Then, Josh Kaufman showed up.

Now it’s ‘Yesvember.’

Saying ‘no’ to something is a pretty easy concept to wrap your mind around. Just pick something and don’t do it. Don’t eat it. Don’t say it. Don’t believe it. Don’t buy into it. So, no french fries.

But “Yes?” That’s a whole lot like commitment.

Mr. Kaufman’s TEDx talk refocuses the 10,000 hours rule made famous by Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Outliers. Originally, research determined it takes 10,000 to be highly skilled and occupy the pinnacle of a specific vocation. But, as Kaufman explains, "like a giant game of telephone," the rule has morphed into a watered down version: “It takes 10,000 hours to be good at something.” Kaufman jumped on the TEDx soap box and explains how we are way off.

According to Kaufman, all you need are 20 hours to be acceptably good at anything. 20 hours of focused, targeted time and you're good. Not an expert, just good. Things like learning a language, playing an instrument, learning a new sport, learning a technical skill or selling a certain product or service. He argues the age-old learning curve of aptitude is very steep at the beginning. You start as grossly incompetent, then gain a great deal of ground in the first ten hours or so. Its not until the learning curve starts to plateau (flatten out), the gains become subsequently more difficult to get, and greatness comes thousands of hours later.

If you said yes to learn something this month, what would it be?

Lest you think this is a one-way 70 Second eBrief – here’s my offer to join you.

I pick learning Spanish. I’ve had the Pimsleur Spanish CDs for years. Time to stop procrastinating.

What do you choose?

Here’s how Kaufman suggests we approach our 20 hour challenge.

1. Deconstruct the skill. Target the parts of the skill that make it work. For learning Spanish, what are terms and constructs most likely needed in conversations?
2. Learn enough to self-correct. Being able to notice when you’re making a mistake and doing something a little different.
3. Remove practice barriers. Use a little bit of willpower to remove distractions while you practice.
4. Practice at least 20 hours. Get past the initial-frustration phase, into the quantifiable-gains phase.

Still not sure? Pick something that scares you. Parachuting doesn’t count. That just takes a few seconds.

• Pick something where you can test yourself.
• Stretch your preconceived notions.
• Face your fears.

Here’s to an adventure in your capabilities in Yesvember – or, as they undoubtedly say in Spanish, Si-vember.

Get a thick, red permanent marker. Write this on your computer screen: 

It’s all about conversions!

Stop email lunacy by being an email ninja. Convert your emails to the result you want.

In the mid 90’s electronic mail went mainstream. It’s been a regression in communication ever since. In a recent survey, email marketing response rates have fallen 57% since 2004. From long boring emails, to scattered diatribe, to confusing brevity – we all seem to be flailing away at how to write the best email. Here's how.

Subject Line
For starters, look again at the graffiti on your screen. 

It’s all about conversions!

Due to an interesting Subject Line, compel your reader’s index finger to click-through.

Let’s say you want to reach out to a past client to strengthen your network. If you were an emailunatic you’d the subject would read: “Follow up” or “Checking in” or the single worst one “______________” (“NOTHING?” You couldn’t think of anything? Were you too busy, important, creatively bankrupt to come up with a few words?)

What if your subject line said: “Okay... enough popping into my brain.”

In six words you’ve converted your reader to wanting to know more.

Body

The sequence:

1. Grab ATTENTION
2. Get to the POINT
3. Call to (a Specific) ACTION

If you want a result from your email, even if your email is solely informative, make sure you model this sequence.

1. ATTENTION
Little Miss BornToBore would write, “How are you?”

Yes, start with their name. Then immediately inspire your reader to read the next line. Imagine if your reader saw this: “Honestly… this has to stop.”

2. POINT
You could blah, blah, blahhhhh all over your reader or you could get to the point. Mr. BoringLederhosen would write, “You’ve been on my mind and I wanted to reach out and say hi.”

Continue to get their attention with your point: “You keep popping into my noggin. So, “Wassup?”

If you absolutely must be more formal: “You keep coming to mind and I wanted to reach out.”

3. ACTION: 
Those in the marketing world call it a CTA (Call to Action). Combine a CTA with specificity to skip the nauseatingly common, back-and-forth emails. Don’t just say, “Let’s connect.” 

Instead, spell it out, “Let’s spend 15 minutes and catch up. How about I call your cell on Thursday at 10 am or would Friday at 9 am be better?”

Let’s recap (the thick, red permanent marker and these two examples):

Emailunatic
Subject: Follow up
Body: Robert 
How are you?
You’ve been on my mind and I wanted to reach out and say hi.
Let’s connect.

Emailninja
Subject: Okay… enough popping into my brain.
Body: Robert
Honestly… this has to stop.
You keep popping into my noggin. So, “Wassup?
Let’s spend 15 minutes and catch up. 
How about I call your cell on Thursday at 10 am or would Friday at 9 am be better?

Be the Emailninja you were meant to be.

It’s all about conversions!

At lunch, he was preoccupied. Dan had to fire two people when he went back to the office. The details don’t matter as much as what inspired his next thought. On his way to be President of the company, he used the fear of being fired to get him on a better track. This example and others can be a way to scare yourself to get ahead.

The best time to fire someone? According to Dan, long enough after they get the kids in school and well before Thanksgiving and Christmas. In other words, right about now. Whenever October rolled around, Dan would imagine he was on the bubble for being fired.

“I’d picture the guy who'd replace me and the changes he would make. Then I’d make the course corrections instead. This fear forced me to up my game on the job. It seems like it worked, because I never got fired.”

Most believe, fear can be your single greatest enemy. Eleven years ago, a conversation with Bruce Jenner changed all that. Skip his reality show, tabloid and plastic surgery hijinks – or his propensity for a Brian Regan-esque “Me Monster” keynote where his opening video tees up "the world’s greatest athlete" and "the world's greatest father." In a one-on-one conversation, he said something that turned fear on its ear.

“Make fear your friend.”

We compared training notes (actually, he told me about his training and didn't seem curious about mine) and we each had stories (well I heard his - mine didn't make it into the conversation) how we (in his mind - he) used scare tactics to drive our (his) conditioning further ahead. (Hey, c'mon... Between the two of us we have one Olympic gold medal, an appearance on the Wheaties box and, hopefully, a healthy ego.)

There were times when 100 push-ups was the target. At 95 push-ups, a self inflicted mind game would surface. “Okay, if I don’t do 110 push ups I won’t get to the Winter Olympics.” Despite burning arms and shaky form, the mind pushed the body to go the extra distance. "107 - 108 -- 109 --- 110."

Other times I’d be cycling up a curved hill and eyeball the time. “If I don’t get to the top in 7 minutes, I won’t be marching in the Opening Ceremonies.” Fear of missing the dream would be enough to get past the pain of pushing harder.

The idea is NOT to put fear in your heart all the time, but it helps, now and then, to turn fear into results. Use fear as a tool. Not an anchor.

So… it’s October... and you haven’t been fired – YET.

What change or changes would your replacement make?

Execute those changes!

Go beyond keeping your job. Be the replacement your boss was looking for all along.

Scare yourself to get ahead.

(Bosses: Feel free to forward this 70 Second eBrief. You won't be accused of being subtle. ;-)

Maybe it took a movie featuring a strong female character. Possibly a documentary about the objectification of women did it. Or, more likely, with two daughters coming of age, it was a twobyfourish whack on the head. Whatever factors catalyzed this realization, let’s see how our future generations can reach new heights (or stop sinking lower depending on your POV).

Watch Gravity with Sandra Bullock and your back will not touch the chair. Heck, I practically held the hand of the equally captivated stranger sitting beside me. (And he didn’t seem like the holding-Vince’s-hand kind of guy.) It was refreshing to see a portrayal of a buffed hero who wasn’t airbrushed with impossible abs or as a heroine sporting a bikini and a sword on top of a mountain.

If you have access to Netflix or DVD rental, absolutely, definitely, unreservedly watch a documentary called MISS Representation. Chances are you’ll be educated on the conditioning we’re getting regarding women and their influence in society. It profiles the media’s misrepresentations of women in positions of power and impact.

It’s unsettling to realize the limited portrayals of women and girls in the media. Considering 97% of media executives are male, it’s not surprising the perception of ‘normal’ is skewed.

A haunting line in Jennifer Siebel Newsome’s documentary is, “You can’t be what you can’t see.”

If there are scarce images of female presidents, believable heroines, clever engineers not sporting a divine shoe/purse combinations and scientists who don't have perfect hair and nails, how can our younger generations imagine being one? If the media comments on the attractiveness of a female politician, yet would never talk about a male counterpart’s legs, how can we begin to make progress?

Money. Specifically, your money.

If there’s a movie showcasing helpless women, what message are you endorsing by buying or renting? Take a position with your wallet.

If there is a reality show, TV program or news service superseding a women’s drive and intellect and with eye-candy appeal, does it fit within your moral wheelhouse to support the companies who support this kind of messaging?

If there are tabloids objectifying women, is it wise to support them? Anything with a Kardashian in it would be one rag to avoid.

Some of our readers may be nodding with self-awareness, “I don’t have a male/female bias.” Consider a study done within the scientific/academic community, our beloved bastion of rational thought.

Identical resumes were sent to 127 professors of both sexes. For the position of lab manager, either John or Jennifer applied by mail. Each academician was asked to rate hireability, likeability, competence and the mentor-ability of each. They were then asked what salary they would endorse.

Regardless of the professor’s sex, age or specialization area, John scored 14% higher in all categories (except likeability) and 17% higher for a starting salary.

• Become more attuned to the stereotypes of femininity and masculinity limiting our girls and boys.
• Support a female’s ability to see herself as a leader and hold leadership positions.
• Be a part of a culture that encourages equal representation.

A less biased future is counting on you.

Prince was sitting off to our right. Max was waiting his turn to perform. The place was pulsing. Then up pops an Asian fella with a gold tooth, the right half his hair dyed platinum, an Alaskan Husky light blue eye on the same side and whack of so-so talent. But, all this was overshadowed by his infectious enthusiasm. He took the room’s energy to a whole new level. He said something to his appreciative audience that still sticks with us months later.

Simon made it clear he wanted to be a singer and performer his entire life. His thick accent was irrelevant when he performed a Michael Jackson song, Human Nature. He drew the packed room into the groove. Holding the microphone out to the audience, everyone participated.

“Why, Why? Tell her that it’s human nature. Why, Why?”

As the professional musicians played their roll of a live band version of Karaoke, other musicians dropped in and played too. It was Black Velvet Monday, full of uber talented, musical drop-ins. The location? New York's famous Village Underground, frequented by Prince and other of the musician elite. Later that evening, Tweet sang a couple of songs. (We’d never heard of her either – but the entire rest of the club had.)

To support Max, his sisters, mother and dad got there early. Turned out we were the only Caucasians in the place. It was a slice of an African American Speakeasy from the 20’s. Quite the scene!

Before he finished his song, Simon improvised a little motivational talk. He said he came to this country knowing this was the land of opportunity. Then he gathered more momentum and encouraged everyone to “Follow your dreams.” For him to sing in the USA was his life-long aspiration. Then the coup de grace… he declared with unbridled enthusiasm,

“Remember this. If you do nahteene… nahteene will happen. If you do somteene, somteene will happen. So everyone… DO SOMTEENE!”

The entire place erupted in in a spine-buzzing ovation. It was a magical moment.

It was also poetic significance for the 16 year-old white boy from Dallas who was about to go on stage – completely out of his typical element.

When Max got up he dismissed the band. Instead of doing covers of other famous works, he sang his own original. In place of an energy boosting tune, he sang a ballad on his acoustic guitar. The looks between his mother and I didn’t need spoken words, “I’m sure glad I’m not going on stage.”

But he did. He performed well and the audience showed their appreciation.

Was it the right venue to have a lyrical ballad. Maybe not. But, in the sentiments of Simon: