Written by Greg Nielsen , Chairman for Aspyres Foundation .
I've personally seen the effects early intervention can have by dedicated, patient and loving parents and family on severely autistic children like Carly. Too often the inner thoughts of people of all abilities, even those we consider normal, are never fully understood, leading us to judge too quickly, or dismiss the reality of them. Even more so, are the actual thoughts and intellectual abilities of those like Carly who can't speak and therefore express them. Watching Carly's story brought back a very touching experience I had just like this. I've shared the experience before, but it's worth repeating.

I was given the privilege of reviewing Uncommon Sense by Stephen Palmer while I also happened to be on a month long tour of some of the poorest countries in the world. My journey, simultaneous to my reading of this book awakened my senses as I saw a marked difference an individual can make in his own life and in his own society. Those who had pride in themselves not only had greater happiness, but also greater hope for success compared to the known communist countries I was in where a heavy reliance upon government, and not upon themselves seemed to have defeated them before they even tried. As quoted in this book, John Adams said “If worthless men are sometimes at the head of affairs it is because worthless men are at the tail, and the middle”.
Every citizen of this world regardless of their nationality, political or party affiliation and every person who earns or spends money should read this book. I know that as I did, I found myself feeling a greater sense of personal empowerment to change my own circumstances and those of the world around me. It filled me with pride for my nation, for my family and for myself. Stephen Palmer bridges the gaps I believe a majority of individuals don’t see and aptly instills the desire for change that all begins at the most important source, each of us as individuals.
Greg Nielsen

I was recently given the opportunity to read and write a review of a book by New York Times best selling author. I wasn't sure what to expect when I was introduced to Hub Mentality: Shifting from Business Transactions to Community Interaction, by Stephen Palmer It was exceptional. You can click on the link for a completely free digital download, or buy it online at Amazon.com. Here is my book review:

"Everything you’ve ever been taught about selling is wrong. To be successful today, individuals and companies need to unlearn their outdated methodologies and implement the ‘Hub Mentality.’ I’ve spent my entire career focused on selling only to find the process starting over month in and month out. Reading Hub Mentality has shifted my perspective on the value of finding, building and retaining customer relationships through interaction that creates value over and over again. Customer relationships and brand loyalty are at a premium. This book was effective at re-directing my energy to creating a new ‘hub’ based on coherent interaction with my customers that will lead to greater success in every aspect of my business and my customers." Greg Nielsen, Chief Sales Officer at Velocity Networks.

My wife posted this humorous video about me on Valentines day by telling me that some how I made her life "interesting". It's a short compilation of various pictures I've taken over my life, over-layed to some of the Dos Equis beer commercials, called "The Most Interesting Man in the World". It's rather funny. The reality is, that it is actually her that makes my life interesting. I could do none of these things if it weren't for her. She is a woman of great strength, devotion and faith. I'm grateful to be celebrating 15 years of marriage with her. Thanks for the life and the laughs Kathleen!!! Happy Valentines back.

AT&T made a series of commercials in the early 90's that seemed quite visionary at the time. However, looking back after the fact, they were very close. Watch this video. What do you think?