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Nov 26

3 Ways to Make a Thanksgiving Toast People Will Remember

By Ryan Avery Motivation One Comment

It’s time for the holidays and being a true Toastmaster I had to give you three ways to make a Thanksgiving toast people will remember! If you want to make an impression on those you are spending time with this holiday season try one of these three ideas:

1) Share a time your family (or those you are eating with) helped you this year: Most likely people around you have helped you accomplish something in your life this year! Let them know how much you appreciate them and what you learned along the way as they supported you! Relive an up or down moment but make sure to end with a positive story or inspirational thought that will leave everyone happy and thankful that you are in their life!

2) Put a note under everyone’s chair: Before everyone comes over, you can write a letter of thanks to each person who is coming over for dinner. Tape it under their chair if they have assigned seats or pass them out at dinner, but ask them to read it when they get home! Make a short toast to give thanks and remind them why they mean so much to you.

3) Initiate A “One Word” Toast: Start by sharing the power of one word and let everyone go around the room to say in one word what are they thankful for (some people will say things like family, health, love, house, kids or friends). Take photos throughout the night and remember their one word. The next morning in a subject line write their one word and then attach the photos with a message that says, “Me, too!”

Happy Thanksgiving Todayers! I am so thankful I have you in my life. You give me an outlet to share my voice, you have helped me learn so much along the way, and have truly made me into the speaker I am today! I would not be here without all of you, and I am so lucky to be able to do what I do! If I can remind you to do one thing today and forever it would always be…

Dream BIG,
Ryan

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Nov 10

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The Best Business Question You Need To Be Able To Answer!

By Ryan Avery Leadership, Motivation 2 Comments

What is the best business question you need to be able to answer when determining your worth to a client or customer?

What value do I bring?

What is your answer to that question?

Can you quantify it?

Can you show and illustrate what value you bring to those who buy your product, service or ideas?

Until you know the answer to this question, you will never know what you are worth, what position you should be in, or what you should charge!

Take time this week to find out what value you, your team or company bring. Write it out and know the value!

Keep making things happen and as always…

Dream BIG,
Ryan

Oct 13

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Adventures of Public Speaking: Sumter, SC

By Ryan Avery Motivation, Videos 2 Comments

Here are a few leadership lessons learned while in Sumter, SC this week to speak at my first

Advice form John C. Maxwell: Good Leaders Ask Great Questions
He mentioned there are seven questions that can unlock big doors for you. The next time you are getting together with someone ask them one or all of these questions:

1) What is the greatest lesson you have ever learned?
2) How has failure shaped your life?
3) Who do you know that I should know?
4) What have you done that I should do?
5) What have you read that I should read?
6) What are you learning now?
7) How can I add value to you?

The one that I would add that I always ask those I meet with is, “What would you do differently if you were starting out again at my age?” This one always gets me great answers.

Advice from Linda Kaplan Thaler: It’s all about GRIT
“Every time you do something nice for someone, you create a positive imprint, and positive impressions are like seeds. It may take 1, 5 or 10 years, but those seeds will blossom and flower in some wonderfully unexpected way!” – Linda Kaplan Thaler

1) Every leader needs GRIT to succeed: GUTS. RESILIENCE. INITIATIVE. TENACITY.
2) Be brave enough to try!
3) Dont prepare! Over OVER prepare!

There was SO much I learned while speaking and listening to the other speakers, like Craig Valentine and Tim Sanders, and I am very thankful Lefford Fate put this event on in Sumter, SC. Hope you are having a great day and as always…

Dream BIG,
Ryan

Sep 29

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What is Passion?

By Ryan Avery World Records No Comments

The book I am reading this week is Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki. He talks a lot about money in this book but more importantly passion. What is passion?

PASSION = LOVE + ANGER

Most people have one or the other. They give too much (love) so they get taken advantage of or they hate so much (anger) they don’t do anything productive with their potential. If you can find a balance between what makes you angry and what you are willing to do about it because you care about others, that is where you find passion!

If you are lacking passion right now, ask yourself “Am I balanced in love and anger?” What can you do to find that balance? As always…

Dream BIG,

Ryan

Sep 22

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PODCAST: The Reality of Mortality with Chris Guillebeau

By Ryan Avery Motivation No Comments

Chris Guillebeau is the New York Times Best Selling author of The $100 Startup and his new book, The Happiness of Pursuit: Finding the Quest That Will Bring Purpose to Your Life. Chris has been on several quests himself with one of his most notable being visiting every country in the world from 2002-2013.

He is the Creator of World Domination Summit and Pioneer Nation held annually in Portland and has one of the most popular blogs home for remarkable people of all kinds called The Art of Non-Confomity.

I learned about Chris from one of his TED Talks where he shared the concept of not focusing on what you are passionate about, but rather what bothers you and going out and fixing that problem! Chris has more interesting travel stories than a box of Rice Krispies has individual Krispies. He is genuine, approachable and relatable to many.

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With all the things we could talk about with Chris one thing came to mind that many don’t discuss is his take on the power of understating your reality of mortality and how that can motivate you to go after your dream. In this podcast we cover questions like:

How can we benefit from understanding our own mortality?
What are ways someone can switch to a more of an emotional side of knowing their mortality?
What is the difference between a Hobby and a Quest?
How do you get support from your partner who might not have the same interests as you?
What has been the worst travel experience for Chris and why?

Chris is traveling to several cities right now for his

Ryan

P.S. I would like to thank Jared Easley with Starve the Doubts for pushing me and teaching me how to start podcasting! Thank you Jared for your support, you rock!

Sep 19

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Adventures of Public Speaking: Myrtle Beach

By Ryan Avery Motivation One Comment

Would you like to see more videos like this that discuss lessons learned while being on the road in each city I speak in? Let me know in the comments below!

Sep 17

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How to Be Niche and Famous

By Ryan Avery Motivation No Comments

I recently had an interview with Craig Valentine, 1999 World Champion of Public Speaking, whom I will be speaking on stage with at Lefford Fate’s Event next month. Craig told me, “If you want to make a difference and make money in this business, you have to learn how to be niche and famous. You do that by going after a small piece of the pie!”

I think some of us struggle with this, as sometimes we feel like we need to take on the entire pie at once! So, let’s start small and dream BIG!

Identify your pie and what slice of it you want to bite into, first.

Examples of popular pies could include:

1) Leadership
2) Public Speaking
3) Personal Development

Example of slices of that pie:

1) Leading teams, emerging leaders, or dealing with honesty
2) Storytelling, humor, or delivery
3) Mindset, time management, or confidence building

If thin slices become a pie, what are five ways you can go after that slice of pie and be niche and famous?

Listen to the questions people ask you: What questions do you get asked often? People are coming to you for this advice. Can these questions help you identify the piece of the pie in which you already might have an interest?

Let your products sell your other products: Too many people forget about letting their readers or audience know about the other resources they have. A blog can promote a book. A speech can promote a coaching session. A book can promote a CD set.

Know exactly to whom you are marketing: If you try to market to everyone, you will reach no one! Begin by picking one demographic. Can you identify the type of person who buys your product? Who buys Nike gear? Who shops at DSW? What group of people buys Rolexes? All great companies know their target market! Will others buy their products at times? Sure, but the bulk of their business is based off the ones they target!

Build your list: Without your email list you can’t become niche and famous. Start today by offering a way to have people sign up to receive your newsletter. Give them a free download that adds value to their life to make it more enticing for them to subscribe. Communicate with them on a regular basis.

Change your mindset from artist to marketer: Everyone is an artist. Few are marketers. The more you get your artwork out there, the more artwork you will sell. What are you doing to market your services and products so you can be identified as the amazing artist you already are? Just think of those talented friends of yours who have so much potential but who aren’t marketing their products and services correctly. They aren’t going anywhere. Don’t be that person! Be a marketer!

Go out there and take ownership of that thin slice of pie! Put a bunch of little slices together and over time what will you get? As always…

Dream BIG,
Ryan

Sep 15

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6 Lessons Leaders Can Learn Staying at a JW Marriott

By Ryan Avery Motivation 2 Comments

Chelsea and I recently experienced a stay at the JW Marriott in Phuket. While the view was spectacular, the services spot on, and the sun sizzling, I learned a lot about what leaders can do to make their guests have an out-of-this-world experience!

1) Pay attention to details: From the orchid petal “eyes” of the towel animals gracing our bed to the wood trim surrounding the bed frame, every detail was thought out. Chelsea and I even started playing a game to find out what detail they didn’t pay attention to, it was so good! Details make a guest feel special. What little things are you doing to make a big difference with your customers?

2) Treat all your guests like VIPs: Even when staff members didn’t know we held elite status they treated us like royalty with a smile, a “Hello”, a “Can I get you anything?” attitude. It was spectacular! Treat your customers as kings and queens from the moment of first contact.

3) Create an Experience: We didn’t just stay at the JW Marriott, we experienced it. What are you doing to create an experience for your customers?

4) Build a Community: The JW Marriot we stayed at hosted an event for elite members and gave us hors d’oeuvres and drinks while staff came around and introduced themselves to get to know us better. They went out of their way to build a community and bring people together.

5) Be disguisable through your customer service: My preferred hotel is Marriott because of their customer service. Instead of a generic email stating “Your hotel room is ready,” we received a personal email that said, “We are looking forward to you checking in. Please let us know what we can do to make your stay even better”. I emailed them a few things I wanted to do, and they made it happen. Plus, when we checked in the woman who emailed me was there to greet us in person! What are you doing to have outstanding customer service for your customers?

6) A smile goes a long way: Every time we walked by a staff member he or she smiled. Every time we saw staff members working, they were smiling. Smiles make you more approachable and can give the appearance that you, too, should be having a good time if the ones who are working there are happy!

Chelsea and I had such a good time that we even talked about doing our next tour exclusively at JW Marriott because of their service, their standards, and their style.

What are you doing as a leader to make your customers want to return and not care about price because of how well you treat them? As a leader, think like the JW Marriott, and make your next customer interactions ones they’ll remember! As always…

Dream BIG,

Ryan

Aug 06

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10 Questions You Should Be Asking to Grow Your Blog

By Ryan Avery Motivation, Productivity No Comments

Last month I sent out a survey to my friends and followers to see how I can improve the experience on RyanAvery.com and ways I can add the most value to you as a reader.

The answers you provided blew my mind! I was posting mostly on Tuesdays and Thursdays but you wanted Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

I was posting blog articles but you wanted to see more videos!

I was thinking you wanted a newsletter only once a month, but you said send it out every week!

After I got the results I have started implementing what you want (still working to incorporate more videos and the weekly newsletter). By listening to my readers and giving them what they want, the page views on my blog almost tripled in one month (photo above is a screenshot of my WordPress stats)! Thank you to everyone who took that survey. My hope is to make this the best blog you visit and that adds the most value to your life!

So what should we do to grow our blogs? Create your own survey this week and listen to what your friends and followers tell you. Once they tell you, give them the information they want, how they want it and when! It will help grow your blog and in turn help you produce stronger, more sharable, content.

Here are the 10 questions I sent in the survey that you can copy or modify to make your own:

What type of content would you like to see more of on THEBLOGHERE.com (Select all that apply)
a) leadership b) communication c) public speaking d) INSERT YOUR OWN CATEGORIES

What type of content do you enjoy most?
a) educational-based b) entertainment-based c) BLOGGER’s personal life d) interviews

If you wanted to sign up for INSERT BLOGGER HERE newsletter, how often would you like to receive an email-based newsletter that offers valuable content?

a) daily b) weekly c) monthly d) I would prefer to receive text updates

How do you like your content presented (please select all that apply).
a) blogs b) videos c) podcast

How often would you like content to be posted on THEBLOGHERE.com? (Select all that apply)
DAY: M T W T F S S

What is the best time of day for you to read/watch/listen to your favorite blog?
a) morning b) afternoon c) night d) what time zone are you in?

What one thing could INSERT BLOGGER HERE do online to help you in your life? Or what/how can INSERT BLOGGER HERE improve in order to add more value to you?
Left this field empty for them to fill in

Would you pay $XX.XX a month to be part of an exclusive group were you learn BLANK every week and hear BLANK on how to BLANK?
a) absolutely b) maybe c) no d) if maybe, why?

When you think of THE BLOG what comes to mind?
Left this field empty for them to fill in

What tagline resonates with you more when you think of INSERT BLOGGER HERE?
Pick your top three tag lines and see what resonates with your readers

Copy these questions and use them in your survey to survey your following. Make it a priority this week because the quicker you give your audience what they want, the faster your blog will grow and the more value you will add to others. Keep using your voice to make a difference and as always…

Dream BIG,
Ryan

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Aug 04

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5 easy ways to live in the present moment everyday

By Ryan Avery Motivation, Productivity One Comment

Today’s question comes from Kapil Patel from Ronkonkoma, NY when he asks “How do you live in the present moment everyday?”

This can be difficult now that we are conditioned to be distracted with the temptation of multitasking and the various communication channels we use. But is necessary if we want to taste what life has to offer!

They say, “Today is a gift, that’s why we call it the present.” I know sometimes I will wake up and say, “Where did my weekend go?” or “How was that day was so quick?” It’s because I numbed out or while or was focused on something else. There are times when I am trying to complete a task and the whole time I will be thinking about the next thing I have to do. Rather than put my energy and focus in what I am doing I am out in la-la land and wake up feeling like I didn’t live that day.

We only get one life. Some of us get better lives than others. Some get more years. Very few find ways to be happy everyday but it is possible!

Here are five things to do to center yourself and be present everyday:

Remind yourself you will be gone one day: This can be hard to think about but if we can remind ourselves we are not immortal and one day their will be a last page to our autobiography it can help get us focused. I know when I think about this it brings me back to what is important in my life; family/friends, adding value to others and being adventurous.

Give thanks for all your senses at night: I used to do this for years. I would lay in bed and go through all of my senses one by one and think about what would I see that day? What did I feel ? Hear? Taste? Smell? Now I don’t wait till the end of the night. I do it when I experience it. This exercise has heightened my senses and makes me appreciate the small things.

Do something random: That photo you see above! I took a run the other day and all these kids were playing in that fountain so I decided to run through it. I have always wanted to do this and decided “What the heck, I am sweaty anyways, why not get wet!” I think some of the moms might have judged me, but who cares, I still want to feel like I am 12 sometimes and I smiled the entire way home. It’s like in the

Set up reminders: Put a reminder every 3 hours in your phone during the times you are awake that says, “Are you being present right now?” Or put quotes up around your house, car, bathroom or office! Set up visual reminders and make sure you change them often so they don’t become things you look at and pass over.

Take 5 minutes of alone time: This has been one of the best things I have done in the past few years. Everyday I take five minutes of alone time. No phone. No computer. I don’t think about what I need to get done or what I did wrong or where my future will take me. I sit, walk or lay in an area that is calming and I won’t be distracted for at least five minutes. Sometimes this can be me locked in a laundry room or on a hotel balcony overlooking the ocean.

The Latin word for present is Ostendo, Ostendo is defined as: show, reveal, make plain or declare. So being present is more than a “feel-good” feeling. This can often be the time when you come up with the best ideas, when you reveal who you really want to be, when your inner self declares what you want to accomplish in life. It can also be a great way to feel alive and happy!

Take time to implement these five action items into your daily routine and start living in the present moment. Thanks for the question Kapil and as always…

Dream BIG,
Ryan

P.s. What other ways can we be in the present moment? Remember to sing up for my blog in the top right hand corner if you want to receive posts similar to this every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9am PST!