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Why the Blog?

Life is about making good choices, and this blog is about learning to lead yourself so well that others cannot help but follow. It is designed to help leaders find their voice of influence.
I write in this blog following nothing more than the 24hr Rule - Share with others what you have learned, within 24hrs, in order to help it stick with you.

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I am writing to help leaders find their voice of influence. Plus, I like to inspire others to be their best.



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Dads Do Fun

That is the theme…

…or slogan, for that matter, which I would hand to an advertising agency if I were trying to redefine the image of the father. A company like Crispin Porter + Bogusky, the brilliant advertising agency behind the Burger King ‘King’ commercials, Coke Zero, the Truth Campaign (this single handedly flattened the tobacco industry), and most recently the recipients of a $300 million dollar contract to, “Make Microsoft Cool.”; would have a hay-day with this type of campaign.

I am coming off a 10-day ‘play’ binge with my daughter. A time in which I dubbed, “DAD DOES FUN.”  We spent the Independence Day holiday at our summer home, and to tell you the truth, if I could make a living playing with my daughter, I would start this very moment!

Being a dad is just pure fun. Every morning I would wake up to a great big smile and a loud “Da – DA”. Then Lexi would smack me on the face a few times just to make sure I was awake and not going to fall back a sleep again. At 18 Months old she is very effective at waking me up. 

We would then head straight to the lake for an early morning wakeboarding session, one of which included holding Lexi in my arms while she giggled and cheered as we crossed the wake and sprayed water everywhere.  Then we shared a bagel + soufle’ together at Panera.  The highlight of the breakfast would be at the end when I was preparing my coffee to go, I would have her lick her finger and stick it in the PURE sugar cane packet.  I believe she loves hanging out with her dear old dad.(… and it has nothing to do with the fact that I let her do things her mother won’t.)

47 seconds.

That is the amount of daily quality time a national study determined that a father spends with his children.

“Becoming a father has changed my life”, that is what I tell anyone who asks. What they really want to know is if it changes their life in a negative way. Everyone hears the ‘horror’ stories that you will never accomplish what you want and your personal life is over once you have a child. So, is it true that having a child changes your life? Yes – but the truth is it does not have to change your ‘lifestyle’. I would argue that the people who stop actively doing things once they have a child do so because they want to. For me having a child has increased the quality of my life 100 times over.

I have become a much better person since having my daughter, Lexi. I am far more focused and, as a leader, I am learning new and influential ways to communicate with individuals. What I look forward to the most is the responsibility of helping this young woman become a magnificent person. My dream is for her to accomplish more than I have ever dreamed. To discover whom she is and help her make the most of it, and I could not do that if I was only spending 47 seconds a day with her.

See ‘Red’ and Save A Lot of ‘Green’

[In CELEBRATION of the release of the Audio Version's of my book, all copies of Developing a Million-Dollar Relationship: A Man's Strategy to a Real Relationship are 'On Sale' for a limited time.  Plus - get a FREE eBook copy with the purchase of the downloadable MP3.]  


The hard work has finally paid off…      

Today, I am releasing the audio version of Developing a Million-Dollar Relationship: A Man’s Strategy to a Real Relationship, the popular book for men on how to develop an outstanding romantic relationship. 

 

“In a day when men and women are willing to pay thousands to sophisticated dating services or for costly marital counseling, Developing a Million-Dollar Relationship: A Man’s Strategy to a Real Relationship, may be the most economical solution yet!”

 

… And it just got better.

 

If you have been waiting to purchase your copy of Developing a Million-Dollar Relationship: A Man’s Strategy to a Real Relationship, don’t wait any longer.  Everything is ‘On Sale’ at JamesSchellman.com.

For a limited time you can purchase your signed copy for only $8.99. 

Can’t Wait?  You can now purchase a downloadable MP3 copy of Developing a Million-Dollar Relationship: A Man’s Strategy to a Real Relationship for immediate download.  Then you can import it onto your favorite MP3 Player to listen while riding the subway, running on the treadmill, or wherever you chose to listen. That is not all; you will receive a FREE eBook copy of Developing a Million-Dollar Relationship: A Man’s Strategy to a Real Relationship with every MP3 copy of the book. 

The MP3 is the discreet, gentlemen’s way of developing that ‘Million-Dollar’ relationship with that special lady. 

On Sale Today For $8.99. 

Would you prefer to have it on CD? We have also recorded the audio on four ‘high quality’ CD’s for your listening pleasure. 

On Sale Today For $8.99.

 

Discover what so many already have – the pleasure of a great relationship!

 

This Sale is not going to last forever. Purchase your copy of Developing a Million-Dollar Relationship: A Man’s Strategy to a Real Relationship today!

 

Purchase Now For Only $8.99.

Š

Coming Very Soon…

Delays are a part of business.  No matter how much you kick and scream, sometimes you just have to work through the delays. 

My goal was to have my audio version of my book available a few months ago, but it just was not to be.  Some of the tracks became corrupted, and a few more became lost.  But, nevertheless, the audio version of Developing a Million-Dollar Relationship: A Man’s Strategy To A Real Relationship is very near production ready, and I am very excited. 

Check back soon and you will find that the much anticipated MP3 and Audio CD will be available for purchase at very special prices. 

Hope you have a great day.  -James

Questions and Answers

Q: Why did you write this book?
A: I love my wife. It is no secret, and certainly not something I am ashamed of. If you were to ask me on the street ‘why’, I would be more than happy to share it with you. Our dream is to be sitting one day, late in our lives, just as happy to be together as we were the day we married. To do so requires a substantial amount of accountability from me.

Originally, I began writing this book for myself as a collection of all my thoughts and lessons I have collected and organized to improve my own relationship. The theme of my book revolves around business concepts and sports – two things I relate to best. As the thoughts continued to become more structured, I felt inspired to share it with other men. If what I have written helps even one man, married or single, to improve or have a meaningful relationship, then the time spent on this will be well worth it. For me, it already has been worth its weight in gold.

Q: What makes your advice different?
A: It is fresh, fun, and practical. I do not have a degree in psychology, nor am I a counselor – and I will never pretend to be.

What I am is a communicator. As one of my favorite leadership teachers, Dr. John Maxwell, says, “I put the cookies on the bottom shelf so everyone can have some.” As a communicator, I prefer to take a complex subject, issue, or topic and break it down making it simple to understand. That is what I offer: Logical, Practical, and Enjoyable solutions to relationships. I think you will find the information to be relevant and you will be able to immediately apply it to your life.

Q: Is this book going to revolutionize my relationship?
A: Yes - without a doubt. This book is intended to open your eyes, provide you with positive practical applications, and encourage you to approach your relationship with the same enthusiasm as you would your career. It is going to be a catalyst - a person or thing that precipitates an event or change - in your relationship. However, you are the Agent of Change - someone who intentionally causes or accelerates behavioral change. This book is going to get you excited about your relationship.

Q: Who should read this book?
A: Anyone who desires more than just the ‘average’ relationship - that is the ’standard’ answer, right? But let me explain why both men and women will enjoy this book:

Men - you need to read this book because you will have fun reading the stories of successful businessmen and athletes who can model, through analogies, how to have a great relationship. Furthermore, the book expresses exactly what women want you to know, presented in a manner that you will enjoy reading, which makes this material invaluable. Whether you are married, have a girlfriend, or would like one - this book is for you. (When you are done; have her read it.)

Women - While the book is written with a man’s interest in mind, women should read this book because it expresses exactly what they want men to know, presented in a manner men relate to. Therefore, women should read the book to, first become oriented with the message. By doing so she may be able to articulate to her man what she is looking for. Then, once she has read it, she can pass the book along to her significant other and say, “this expresses exactly what I want you to know.” If you have a husband, a boyfriend, simply want a better relationship, or you just want to help a family member - you need this book.

Q: What is your experience?
A: I hold a degree in Speech Communication. Dealing with people is something I find very enjoyable, maybe because it is what we do everyday - constantly. I think everyone, even with wide differences, should be able to communicate. Why? Because there is no real need not to. Communication, or lack thereof, is what starts wars and ends friendships. Therefore, interacting with people in a manner that relates to them has always been a passion of mine. My background is in TV and Radio Broadcasting and I have worked in both fields through college and into my early adulthood.

In the midst of this, I was fortunate enough to become a professionally sponsored wakeboarder. I traveled the country doing demos, competing, teaching lessons, representing my sponsors, and generally being an ambassador to the sport. I am often asked: where is the coolest place I have ever ridden? The answer can fall under the strangest, most unique, and yes ‘coolest’ place – Alaska. I would have never thought I would be doing a water sport where the ice barely melts off the lakes, the sun does not go down until after midnight, and where the moose, bald eagles, and grizzly bears are part of the audience. (Honestly, the bears were just cheering for you to fall near shoreline)

Since college, I have worked for a fortune 50 company, founded and/or consulted to multiple small businesses, and most recently became a father. Throughout all of this, I have learned that I can do a few things very well – Communicate, Lead, and Teach and I have decided to share what I have learned, or am learning, with you. Since discovering my strengths, I absorb as much information on these subjects as I can in order to help me mature these strengths and live my life with purpose and passion.

Q: How did you start writing?
A: As a hobby. I started writing in a journal to clarify and organize my thoughts. The more I wrote the clearer and quicker the thoughts became. That is why I wrote Developing a Million-Dollar Relationship. It defines my plan of action on how I am going to guarantee I have a long and happy marriage.

As I see it, my wife gambled on me, took the initiative to say ‘I Do’, and chose to spend the rest of her life with me. The least I can do, for both of us, is to make sure that I give her the best odds of winning and having the best years of our lives. The book serves as my manual and record of how I can accomplish that.

Q: Why did you start blogging?
A: Regarding leadership and life lessons, I believe in two rules.

No.1 – Whether or not you want to be a leader, in life, everyone has one person they must lead – Themselves. And whether you want to lead many or simply be a follower; you always have to at least be accountable for yourself. Life is nothing more than leading yourself so well that others cannot help but follow. That is simply why I blog – they are thoughts to myself so that I can lead myself effectively.

No.2 – I follow the 24 Hour Rule. What it says is: if you share with people something new that you learned within 24 hours, you have a higher percentage of remembering it and applying it to your life. (Now - you are doing two things – you are leading yourself and influencing others)

So in essence, the blog offers me the following benefit: A place to share with myself/others what I have learned so that I can retain it and lead myself effectively.

As for my readers, they serve two additional purposes. First they will help to keep my motives pure. Meaning they will help keep me honest and strengthen the thought. Also, if I am involving my readers, I am certainly not going to do something that would be irresponsible for me and definitely not for someone else. The second purpose the reader serves is an outlet to share my ideas. I have an intense desire to add value to people’s lives and this blog fulfills that purpose as well.

Q: So what is next?
A: Currently I am going to continue promoting my blog and book, and I have begun writing my next book which is scheduled for release late 2008. Finally, with a little favor, maybe I will be making an appearance on Oprah. LOL

Purchase Today.

A Step Closer

It is official.  The cover has been decided.  Recently I requested feedback from readers who have signed up for the pre-release sale on the most preferable cover design, and with overwhelming votes the cover has been decided. 

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone to shared comments and constructive feedback on the cover design.  We could not have completed the project with out you.  The good news is that the book is on schedule for its release - scheduled for summer 2007.

One Day at a Time

With each passing day I am getting closer and closer to the release of my book - Developing a Million-Dollar Relationship.  And I wanted to bring you all up to speed with its progress.  I have been pleasantly surprised with the response to the book thus far, and as anxious as I am to release it, I must remember to take it one day at time. 

Currently, it is being polished by my editor and should be back on my desk in early May.  What that means is that once I re-read it once again it will be ready for press.  But, before it can be sent off to press, it will need to be wrapped in a stylish cover.

I met last week with the Graphic Artist who is working on my cover design and received twenty potential covers to begin sorting through.  As I narrow down the list I am going to release the top three or four on this blog for you to assist me in choosing the final cover design.  So stay posted for those releases in the coming weeks. 

I also think it would be appropriate to say thank you to everyone who has already signed up for the pre-release sale.  I am refreshed at the amount of people who have signed up and this has only increased the anticipation.  (if you have not already signed up - you may sign up for the pre-release sale here) While I would love to have the book completed and ready for release today, as I know you would too, I also know that you want the very best product possible.  In the mean time, stay tuned for more information…

Developing a Million-Dollar Relationship (the book)

Developing a Million-Dollar Relationship: A Man's Strategy to a Real RelationshipRecently I decided to write a book titled Developing a Million-Dollar Relationship: A Man’s Strategy to a Real Relationship based off of over a decade of experience and time invested in relationships, communication, and business.  The intent was to write a book that would make life a little easier for men in their relationships with women - utilizing business as ‘the model’.  I am very excited about this book and the potential impact it has to improve your current or future relationship.  After many hours spent researching, applying, and writing; the book is finally finished and is going through the final preperations for print. 

Where we are at right now:  The cover is currently being designed, while the manuscript gets a final polish to make certain that it offers the most powerful impact upon the lives of those that read it.  Very soon you will be able to find it on the bookshelves of your favorite retail outlet or your favorite online retailer. It is currently scheduled for release late Summer 2007.  But before they, bookstores, ever get their hands on it, anyone who signes up for our Pre-release sale will have the chance to purchase the book at a discounted price and receive a signed copy.  Sign up for the Pre-Release Sale. 

Right here at JamesSchellman.com/blog you will be able to find articles I have written on communication, relationships, life, and love.  And at times you will be able to read articles from guest authors.  Check back often for updates or sign up for our RSS feed.

Intrested in reading more about the book?  Visit our About page for more information.