Sunday, April 30, 2017

The unfairness (and wisdom) of paint

Repainting your house the same color it already was feels like a waste. It's a lot of effort merely to keep things as they are.

But if you don't do it, time and entropy kick in and the house starts to fade.

The same can be said for 1,000 elements of your organization, including your relationships with customers, staff, suppliers and technology. The way you approach your market, the skill you bring to your craft, the culture in your organization—it constantly needs another coat of paint.

Rust never sleeps.

[PS... delighted that I'll be speaking at the upcoming Convertkit event in June in Boise... Hope to see you there.]

       


from Seth Godin's Blog on marketing, tribes and respect http://ift.tt/2pKRQRy

Saturday, April 29, 2017

Empathy is the hard part

The rest is mechanics. We're not wired to walk in someone else's shoes, it's not our first instinct.

Showing up with empathy is difficult, hard to outsource and will wear you out.

But it's precisely what we need from you.

       


from Seth Godin's Blog on marketing, tribes and respect http://ift.tt/2oIibzx

Friday, April 28, 2017

Taking it for granite

Look around for a second.

Those bedrock institutions, the foundational supports you take for granted--they rarely last forever.

Nurturing and investing in the things we need and count on needs to be higher on the agenda.

Things that appear to be made of granite rarely are.

       


from Seth Godin's Blog on marketing, tribes and respect http://ift.tt/2psl4U4

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Updates on Giving Back (and an Ask for Help!!)


Today I want to talk about FLYTE, this website’s nonprofit arm.

Over the last few months, I haven’t kept everyone as up to date about the organization as I would like. I apologize for that and promise that, starting today, that will change.

Though quiet, we’ve been doing a lot of work behind the scenes, improving our website and strategy, and creating new partnerships so that FLYTE becomes a more integral part of this website and community.

First, as a refresher, what is FLYTE?

The Foundation for Learning and Youth Travel Education (FLYTE) provides logistical, planning, and financial support to high schools and teachers who want to take their students overseas to give them a real-world context for what they are learning in school — think visiting the D-Day beaches in France or learning about sustainable development in a rainforest in Costa Rica. I started it in 2015 because I believe not enough kids get the chance to travel, see the world, experience other cultures, and realize the practical side to their education!

While many wealthy school districts send students on overseas educational trips, schools and teachers in underserved areas have little or no opportunity to offer their students this experience. Their schools and communities lack the resources to make such a trip happen. I wanted to create an organization that helps people in forgotten parts of the country, because everyone deserves a chance to see and learn about the world!

Thanks to you, FLYTE has raised over $88,000 USD. Last year, we sent a group of students from Atlanta to Mexico and another group from Washington, DC, to Cuba (and we’re preparing for a third trip in June). These students had an amazing time and the trips had a profound impact on them. Here’s what a couple of the students said about their experience:

“This trip means so much to me because having the opportunity to travel outside of the country and my community (an opportunity a lot of peers don’t get to have) is amazing and it really helped open my eyes and see that there is so much more outside of Atlanta.” – Nokio, BEST Academy student

“I would’ve never thought I would have gotten out of my city, where people hurt and do bad things to one another. It makes me want to travel and learn the history of every country in the world!” –Tija, junior at Anacostia High School

So, today, I want to talk about a few other changes with FLYTE:

First, we’ve created a volunteer section on the FLYTE website.
Now we’ve created a space where volunteers can help grow the organization with us. I love the passion this community has for FLYTE and I want to better channel that into action. You can visit this page to see our current volunteer needs.

Second, we’re looking for interns. We need help. We’ve tried to do it all alone, but we need some help growing FLYTE. If you live in the NYC area and are fluent in social media, we’d love to have you! We’re a licensed 501(c)(3) and you can get an internship that counts for college credit. You’ll work in my office in NYC with my executive director and the rest of the Nomadic Matt team. You can apply here!

Third, this website now has a dedicated FLYTE page where you can see all the updates and information about the program, school trips, and anything else FLYTE related. Moving forward, FLYTE is going to become a more integral part of this website. Let’s work together as community to show more kids the world (especially in today’s environment where people want to close borders rather than open them)! This page is a work in progress and we’ll be expanding it over the next few weeks!

Fourth, we’re starting weekly emails to donors that will update them on the school, kids, organization, and everything in between. This is something that should have happened a long time ago, and I just never got my act together. My executive director and I are now making it a priority to send out weekly emails to you, so that you will always know what is going on in the organization and the kids, and how your donation is being used.

Fifth, we’ve moved to a new donation platform that will allow us to host donations right on our website (no more going to another website), reduce fees, and accept recurring donations. This new system will ensure that it’s easier to donate and that there are fewer fees when you do! It will be live by tomorrow!



Finally, I need your help again.
We’re sending a group of students from Excelsior Academy in Newburgh, NY, to Quito, Ecuador in June! The students will volunteer at Casa Victoria, a grassroots community betterment program located in a struggling section of Quito, and work with local students in an after-school program. Not only will they get to experience another culture, country, and continent but they will also give back while there.

Please help us finish raising money for the students at Excelsior. We’re a little over $20,000 from our goal. I’ll be matching donations up to $10,000, which means that if the community can donate at least that much, we’ll hit our goal and send the kids on their way (any extra money raised will go to future trips)! For most of these students, this will be their first time out of the country so this is a chance to really make an added difference!

Newburgh, once a thriving manufacturing center on the Hudson River, has faced deindustrialization and failed urban renewal attempts that have left the town struggling both financially and socially. Complicating the matter, the Newburgh school district is located in what the FBI has repeatedly named one of the ten most dangerous cities per capita in the United States.

As Excelsior teacher Christine McCartney says, “At Excelsior Academy, we strive to create global citizens who recognize their power to enact change at both the local and global level.”

Here are the students talking about why this is so important to them — and what this trip means to them:

Donations can be made via our Crowdrise page (minimum $10) or via the widget below. Those who donate more than $10 will get some awesome swag:

$50 – For donations of at least this amount, I’m offering my e-books How to Teach English Overseas and The Ultimate Guide to Travel Hacking, and my guides to NYC, Paris, Bangkok, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Thailand, and Hong Kong.

$100 – For donations of at least this amount, you will get the e-books and city guides PLUS a signed copy of the print book How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and a FLYTE t-shirt (US shipping only).

$250 – For donations of at least this amount, you will get all of the above PLUS an hour of travel planning with me, a souvenir from Ecuador, and a thank you card from the students!

Excelsior Academy Goes Global on Crowdrise

If everyone donated just $10, we could fund the entire trip – and many more like it – right away. The more we raise, the more we can help these students and others like them.

Ten bucks isn’t a lot — it’s one less Chipotle meal, a couple of beers, one Old Fashioned, one Uber ride. It’s not much in the grand scheme of things.

If you can’t donate, you can also help by sharing this campaign on Facebook and Twitter, and by emailing your friends, family, cousins, pen pals, coworkers – anyone – and letting them know about this. Help us spread the word about this cause so we can change as many lives as possible. The more people know about this, the better!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your past, present, and future support of this program!

P.S. – Here’s a super awesome and shareable Adobe Spark page that has all the essential information you want to know about FLYTE! You can share this page with your friends, family, and on social media! Please help up spread the word!

P.P.S. – If you’re in the NYC area, I’ll be hosting a meet-up next Thursday at Solar at 7pm. Come down, have fun, meet other travelers, and let’s toast the world!

The post Updates on Giving Back (and an Ask for Help!!) appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.



from Nomadic Matt's Travel Site http://ift.tt/2ppuhww

You go first

That's the key insight of the peer-to-peer connection economy.

Anyone can reach out, anyone can lead, anyone can pick someone else.

But if you wait for anyone, it's unlikely to happen.

It begins with you.

       


from Seth Godin's Blog on marketing, tribes and respect http://ift.tt/2q8YyOh

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Cambie + 31st by Cressey – Vancouver Westside Parkside Luxury

Cambie + 31st by Cressey.

At a Glance

  • two six-storey concrete buildings
  • nine townhomes
  • 65 1-, 2-, 3-bedroom condos
  • across from Queen Elizabeth Park
  • CresseyKitchen™
  • minutes from Oakridge Centre shopping
  • 3 levels of underground parking
  • LEED Gold standard

Southern rendering of Cambie + 31st.

The Cressey Difference

A collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom condos and townhomes located across the street from historic Queen Elizabeth Park. These 6-storey concrete residences are situated on Vancouver’s natural elevation offering stunning views of Downtown Vancouver, North Shore Mountains, and Vancouver’s Westside. Featuring concrete construction with stunning finishes, these beautiful homes will be another excellent example of the Cressey Difference.

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Home owners will appreciate an enviable choice of prime amenities within easy walking distance. Across the street at Queen Elizabeth Park, enjoy a stroll through its lush gardens, exercise your pet at the dog park, play a game of tennis, or hit the links for a round of golf. Just a few blocks along Cambie at Oakridge, find grocery shopping at Kin’s Farmers Market and Safeway, banks, a pharmacy, post office, public library, telecom providers, medical centre, cafes, restaurants, Hudson’s Bay department store, home decor stores, travel agencies, boutique shopping, and specialty shops. For your recreational needs, Hillcrest Community Centre offers sports fields, a swimming pool, ice rink, gym, and activity rooms.

Pricing for Cambie + 31st
As this project is in pre-construction, prices have yet to be finalized. For those with a serious interest in purchasing, we recommend you sign up to our VIP list in the form above to receive priority notifications for this development.

Floor Plans for Cambie + 31st
Final floor plans have yet to be approved. Currently, the following mix of urban homes is being offered:

  • 26 x 1-bedroom
  • 27 x 2-bedroom
  • 12 x 3-bedroom

Contact me today to discuss plans, pricing, and availability suited to your needs.

Amenities at Cambie + 31st
Plans call for a 900 sq ft gym, a 1,076 sq ft multi-function room with amenity patio, an outdoor children’s play area, and a reflecting water feature with seating. Both buildings will offer private landscaped rooftop patios.

Parking and Storage
Cambie + 31st will provide 101 bicycle spaces and 157 vehicle parking spaces, of which six will be for visitors and three will be handicapped stalls.

Maintenance Fees at Cambie + 31st
To be determined. Will be included in final pricing package.

Developer Team for Cambie + 31st
After 40 years in the business, Vancouver-based Cressey has remained committed to the pursuit of superior design and quality construction. From conception to completion, every Cressey-built space is the result of extensive collaboration by a team of leading industry professionals and highly experienced development and construction personnel. This collaborative process leads to thoughtful attention to detail, numerous landmark buildings as well as industry awards from the Urban Development Institute, Canadian Home Builders Association of BC, and others.

Cressey has chosen IBI Group, a globally-integrated architecture, planning, engineering, and technology firm, as architects for Cambie + 31st. From high-rises to industrial buildings, schools to state-of-the-art hospitals, transit stations to highways, airports to toll systems, bike lanes to parks, they have designed every aspect of a truly integrated city for people to live, work, and play.

Expected Completion for Cambie + 31st
Sales launch is expected in Winter of 2017.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in the Cambie Corridor, Mount Pleasant, or Southeast False Creek?

Check out these great Cambie Corridor Presales!

The post Cambie + 31st by Cressey – Vancouver Westside Parkside Luxury appeared first on Mike Stewart.



from Blog – Mike Stewart http://ift.tt/2p5YAYv

GD Omni’s Cambie62 – Availability, Plans, Prices

Cambie62 west elevation.

At a Glance

  • Cambie & 62nd corner lot
  • 27 1- & 2-bedroom condos
  • 6-storey concrete building
  • walking distance to schools
  • near Langara Golf Course & Winona Park
  • close to future Canada Line station
  • Oakridge Centre & Marine Gateway shopping
  • LEED Gold standard

Cambie62 south elevation.

Intuitive Elegance, Exquisite Living

Envision 27 residences that elevate your lifestyle through an ultimate pairing of luxury and location. Cambie62 is poised within a peaceful neighbourhood close to parks and urban amenities on Vancouver’s Westside, standing prominently along the Cambie Corridor at West 62nd Avenue. The one- and two-bedroom homes in this favourable setting are defined by unwavering quality. Elegance is intuitive. Design is modern. Living is exquisite.

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  • Should be Empty:

[intro text2]
Cambie 62 offers you the convenience of picking up groceries at T&T, taking in a blockbuster at the new Marine Gateway Cineplex, or playing a round of golf at Langara Golf Course. Transit-oriented development means the nearby Canada Line whisks you within minutes to high street shopping at Oakridge Centre, deals at Richmond’s McArthurGlen designer outlets, downtown Vancouver’s vibrant nightlife, your next adventure departing from YVR Airport, and more – all without the hassle of traffic and parking. Livability is by design.

Pricing for Cambie62
As this project is in pre-construction, pricing has not been finalized.

Floor Plans for Cambie62
GD Omni has yet to release detailed floor plans for its 1- and 2-bedroom Cambie Corridor condominiums. Sign up to our VIP mailing list above for priority mailings on Cambie62 updates.

Amenities at Cambie62
Select residences offer private landscaped patios at grade. There is also one private rooftop patio.

Parking and Storage
Two levels of underground will provide a total of 25 vehicle parking, 36 secure bicycle, and 28 storage spaces.

Maintenance Fees at Cambie62
Maintenance fees have not yet been determined.

Developer Team for Cambie62
GD Omni Investments has retained GBL Architects to design Cambie62. GBL is a cohesive and progressive, Vancouver-based firm of 38 architects, project managers and technicians with a 25-year reputation of providing a full range of architectural services to the private and public sector. Their projects include Homei Properties’ Henry at 5389 Cambie, Brenhill Developments’ 8X On The Park, and Transca Development’s Primrose.

Expected Completion for Cambie62
The completion date has not been announced. Sales are estimated to begin May 2017.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in the Cambie Corridor, Kerrisdale, or Mount Pleasant?

Check out these great Cambie Corridor Presales!

The post GD Omni’s Cambie62 – Availability, Plans, Prices appeared first on Mike Stewart.



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Wilmar Residences – Storied West Side Vancouver Estate Redevelopment

Artist rendering of Wilmar Residences aerial view.

At a Glance

  • prestigious Southwest Marine Drive location
  • 1.95-acre estate lot
  • 5 luxury single-family residences
  • heritage mansion duplex conversion
  • beside esteemed country clubs & golf courses
  • near top-rated private schools
  • close proximity to YVR airport

Elite Heritage Estate Community
The Wilmar Residence is one of Vancouver’s most important grand estate houses. Built in 1925 for Willard Kitchen, the director of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway, it was designed in the Tudor Revival style by the prominent architectural firm of Benzie Bow. All of Kitchen’s children and grandchildren were raised in the house. His youngest daughter, Gladys, became one of Vancouver’s first female barristers. Her daughter, Judith Jardine, a well-known supporter of the city’s arts and heritage communities, lived in the house her whole life. She was the last heir to the property and passed away in 2006. Consequently, the estate has remained remarkably unaltered from its original construction. Due to its storied history and good condition, the Wilmar Residence is listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register.

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To preserve the Wilmar Residence and coach house, Coromandel Properties, in partnership with Stuart Howard Architects, is redeveloping the estate to maintain its economic viability. The mansion will undergo extensive restoration and transformation into a grand duplex. Five new infill homes will be constructed with design elements, massing, and scale to fit contextually with the existing Wilmar Residence. They will be sited to give the impression of a series of cottages surrounding a multi-use garden access space with a driveway meandering through the middle. Wilmar’s landscaping is an important aesthetic feature. Historical plant material will be salvaged and reused where practical. New landscaping will filter views of the infills and complement the existing buildings.

Pricing for Wilmar Residences
Wilmar is currently in pre-construction. Subscribe above to our VIP list to ensure priority notification of availability, pricing, and other updates for this rare opportunity.

Floor Plans for Wilmar Residences
The Wilmar redevelopment proposes five new luxury single-family homes, ranging from 3,600-3,800 sq ft, and the conversion of the heritage mansion into a duplex consisting of one 4,500 sq ft residence and one 5,200 sq ft dwelling. Serious buyers should contact me immediately to indicate their interest in evaluating plans when available.

Amenities at Wilmar
The upper floor of the restored coach house will be available as a shared amenity space to supplement the private rec rooms in each home. Residents will also enjoy the tranquility of Wilmar’s heavily-landscaped grounds, either from the comfort of their own private patios or when strolling the historical trail system along the escarpment at the southern end of the property.

Parking and Storage
Each residence will have its own private, enclosed garage with additional room in the common driveway for uncovered visitor parking. Ample storage space is available in all homes, as well as individual laundry rooms.

Maintenance Fees at Wilmar Residences
TBA.

Developer Team for Wilmar Residences
Coromandel Properties is a commercial and multi-residential property developer that works with clients and communities to create inspired environments. They combine the latest advances in technology, while being sensitive to the unique nature of each location and the responsible use of resources.

Stuart Howard Architects have been chosen to design the redevelopment of Wilmar Estate. They are committed to creating high-quality, cost-effective, innovative design solutions for their clients. Over the years, the firm has been involved in many building types with a strong emphasis on residential buildings, and heritage restoration and rehabilitation. Various members of the firm are multiple award winners in residential design.

Coromandel has retained Toronto-based Cecconi Simone Inc. to design Wilmar’s luxurious interiors. Since 1982, the multi-disciplinary interior-design practice has met with continued success, creating award-winning interiors for the retail, corporate, hospitality, and residential sectors in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Cecconi Simone’s wide-ranging work reflects a “whole design” philosophy in which a cross-pollination of design experience leads to a deeper understanding of how people live their lives and the design needs that arise from those lifestyles.

Expected Completion for Wilmar Residences
To be announced. Sales launch is expected in the fall of 2017.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in Kerrisdale, Kitsilano, or South Vancouver?

Check out these great Kerrisdale Presales!

The post Wilmar Residences – Storied West Side Vancouver Estate Redevelopment appeared first on Mike Stewart.



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Willow by Coromandel – A Boutique Oakridge Townhome Community

External rendering of Willow, designed by Yamamoto Architecture.

At a Glance

  • 20 x 3-bedroom residences
  • three x 3-storey townhouse buildings
  • 30 underground parking spaces
  • steps from Oakridge Centre shopping
  • near Canada Line rapid transit
  • walking distance to VanDusen Botanical Garden
  • close to excellent schools
  • LEED Gold standard

Modern West Coast Living

Coromandel Properties and Yamamoto Architecture present Willow, a boutique community of 20 striking modern townhomes in the heart of Vancouver’s West Side. Just steps away from Oakridge Centre, you’ll enjoy the convenience of grocery shopping at Kin’s Farmers Market and Safeway, banks, a pharmacy, post office, public library, telecom providers, medical centre, cafes, restaurants, Hudson’s Bay department store, home decor stores, travel agencies, boutique shopping, and specialty shops. The adjacent rapid transit station connects you in minutes with endless options in Downtown Vancouver and Richmond. For your recreational needs, find skating, swimming, a gym, and more at Hillcrest Community Centre, or enjoy the tranquility of VanDusen botanical gardens but a short walk along Oak Street.

As this project is in its pre-construction phase, interested purchasers should contact me to discuss availability, prices, and plans. Given the neighbouring Oakridge Transit Centre redevelopment, we believe Willow offers a very attractive investment opportunity that will undoubtedly increase in value.

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Pricing for Willow
Coromandel have not yet published pricing information. We recommend interested buyers sign up to our VIP list to ensure timely receipt of important updates.

Floor Plans for Willow
Willow offers a choice of 20 family-oriented 3-storey, 3-bedroom townhomes ranging in size from 1,279 – 1,416 sq ft.

Amenities at Willow
Each residence will have its own private landscaped patio at grade and a partially-enclosed 13’6″ x 9’10” third-storey deck. Public areas include landscaped central courtyard and public walkway.

Parking and Storage
A single-level underground parkade will provide 24 standard and six small vehicle parking spaces with direct private access to each residence parking spot, 19 horizontal and six vertical bicycle spaces, and 20 secure private storage spaces.

Maintenance Fees at Willow
To be announced with finalized pricing information.

Developer Team for Willow
Coromandel Properties is a commercial and multi-residential property developer that works with clients and communities to create inspired environments. They combine the latest advances in technology, while being sensitive to the unique nature of each location and the responsible use of resources.

Yamamoto Architecture is a young design-oriented firm focused on multi-family and mixed-use buildings. They are currently working on projects ranging in scale from single-family homes to concrete high-rises.

Expected Completion for Willow
To be announced. Sales launch is expected in the fall of 2017.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in the Cambie Corridor, Kerrisdale, or Mount Pleasant?

Check out these great Cambie Corridor Presales!

The post Willow by Coromandel – A Boutique Oakridge Townhome Community appeared first on Mike Stewart.



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4 Types of Exterior Window Shutters

Shutters are window treatments that are attractive and functional. Most people prefer having them indoors but for people who seek extra privacy and shelter from storms, shutters can adorn exterior windows as well. Below is a list of the different types of shutters meant for exterior use.

Image Source: Flickr

Louvered
Louvered shutters have angled slats that allow air and light to pass through. These have a more defined look than the more low-key panel shutters, and work best on homes that are ornate, classical or casual in appearance:

  • Victorian
    ·         Italianate
    ·         Federal and Colonial (operable louvers are common on second floors of these style homes)
    ·         Georgian
    ·         Cape Cod
    ·         Ranch
    ·         Greek Revival Source: DIYNetwork

Board-and-Batten
These slab-like window coverings hail from the American Old West. They are highly durable in temperate and tropical climates alike. They are side-mounted, and meet in the center of the window. Source: EstatemillWork

Combination
A combination shutter is simply a mix of two or more shutter styles—in this case, the shutters are a louvered, raised-panel, cut-out combo. This style is a great choice for homeowners who want a customized, one-of-a-kind look that reflects their style and personality. Source: BobVila

Raised and Solid Panel
Panel shutters utilize panels in its design, similar to the decorative panels seen on a front door or kitchen cabinet door. Some of the fancier styles may even contain cut-out shapes or designs for added visual appeal. Panel shutters are great for luxury and contemporary homes. Source: SpokaneExteriors

 

Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988

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Save as draft

Is that a habit?

If your instinct is to publish, to share, to instruct, to give away, to engage and to put it into the world, then 'save as draft' is a rare thing.

On the other hand, if you find yourself noodling then putting aside, waiting for perfect, you're on track to be waiting for a very long time.

Ship.

[Tomorrow, Thursday April 27 is the first priority deadline for the next session of the altMBA. This is an intensive 30-day workshop that creates the habit of shipping. We help people learn to see, to take action, to make decisions and to cause change to happen. It might just be for you.]

       


from Seth Godin's Blog on marketing, tribes and respect http://ift.tt/2qdsEz1