Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Machine unreadable

More and more, we create our work to be read by a machine.

SEO specialists tell you how to write a blog post that Google will like. Your resumé needs to have the right keywords to get tagged. Everything has an ISBN, an ASIN or a catalog number.  Ideas become data become databases...

We did the same thing when assembly lines started up. Every part had to be the same size, the cogs in the system were less important than the system itself.

Being machine readable might feel like a shortcut to getting where you're going. After all, fitting in as a machine-readable cog into the database of ideas gets you a faster start. But it's also the best way to be ignored, because you've chosen to be one of the many, an idea that's easy to pigeonhole and then ignored.

What happens if your work becomes machine unreadable?

So new we don't have a slot for it.

So unpredictable that we can't ignore it.

So important that we have to stop feeding the database and start paying attention instead...

       


from Seth Godin's Blog on marketing, tribes and respect http://ift.tt/2zkY7YS

Monday, October 30, 2017

Win a Free Trip Around The World!


Twelve years ago, I was inspired to travel the world by five backpackers I met while on a trip to Thailand. As we talked on our way to a temple outside Chiang Mai, I was captivated by their tales from the road. Since my trip to Costa Rica the previous year, I had thought about nothing but travel. All I wanted to do was travel more and here were five people who had managed to unlock “the secret” to long-term travel. They were living my dream.

And I wanted to nothing more than to follow in their footsteps.

So, in a moment of spontaneity, I quit my job, finished school, and with my savings went on a yearlong trip around the world. Eighteen months later, I finally came home and immediately decided to head out again.

I’ve been a perpetual nomad ever since.

My life is not what I imagined it would be. What started as a yearlong trip has turned into a decade-plus adventure. I’ve been to close to 90 countries, lived and worked overseas, and seen and done things I never thought possible. I was just going to get travel out of my system before I settled down with a corporate job – but life had other plans!

And, along the way, what started as a personal journal has morphed into a six-figure business with employees, digital guides, a best-selling book, a charitable foundation, media school, a hostel, and a host of conference and speaking engagements.

It’s been a crazy ride.

And it can all be traced back to my decision to travel. I never had any intention of making travel a career.

Today, the third edition of my New York Times best-selling book, How to Travel the World on $50 a Day, is out. This new edition contains over 40 pages of new content, updated prices, tips, tricks, and travel advice. It features new companies and resources you can use to help you travel cheaper. It also has more of a global perspective to help non-Americans, couples, and families travel.

So, in honor of this new edition, I want to do something special. I want to give someone the chance to travel and change their life the way travel changed mine:

I am giving away a FREE trip around the world.

For real.

I know how lucky I was to be able to do that original trip and how much of a positive impact it had on my life.

So I am going to give a free trip around the world worth $18,250 USD (i.e., $50 a day) to one lucky person who buys the book. It’s like Willy Wonka’s golden ticket contest…except winning this won’t turn you into a giant purple ball!

So, without further ado, here are the details of the contest — and how you can win:

nomadic matt contest giveaway banner

The Prize: One trip worth $18,250 USD (i.e., $50 a day) with money paid out in monthly increments.

You have six months to start your trip after you win and nine to eighteen months to complete it (or when the money runs out, whichever comes first).

How to Enter:

  1. Purchase a copy of the latest edition of my book, How to Travel the World on $50 a Day. You can buy it in person at any retailer or online at the following places:
  2. Write a 500-word (no more) mini-essay on why you really want the trip, what you hope to accomplish, and how you will give back to the world along the way. Be honest and raw. I want to know what drives you. I want to know your why. Essays will be judged on clarity, humor, and creativity.
  3. Submit a copy of your receipt along with your contact details and essay by clicking the button below:

This contest will run from now until 11:59:59 EST November 30th, 2017. Winners will be picked on or around December 17th, 2017.

Three other things to know

  1. Winners will be required to update readers about their trip once a month on this blog so we can follow along with your adventure!
  2. This is open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec), age 18 or older. I wish it was open to the entire world but since this is a published, print book, I must work within the constraints my publisher’s legal department tells me!
  3. Be sure to read all of the legal information below!

So I wish you luck. Even if you don’t win, the book is an up-to-date collection of all the best ways to save money. It’s my most complete guide to date, containing resources, tips, and details you won’t find on this blog (so you should totally get it!). (Plus it makes an amazing gift for anyone you know who travels…and the holidays are coming up soon! Just saying!)

Here’s all that legal jazz that my publisher told me I had to tell you:

Official Rules for the HOW TO TRAVEL THE WORLD Contest

Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec), age 18 or older.

HOW TO ENTER

1. To enter the How to Travel the World Contest (the “Contest”), presented by Nomadic Matt, Inc. (“Author”) and TarcherPerigee, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC (together, the “Sponsors”) purchase a copy of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day by Matt Kepnes and complete the entry form as instructed at nomadicmatt.com by submitting the transaction or purchase order number from your receipt , along with your first and last name, e-mail address, telephone number, and an essay of no more than five hundred (500) words on why you want to take a trip around the world, what you hope to accomplish on your trip, and how you will use this trip to give back. Contest begins October 30, 2017, 9:00:00 AM, Eastern Time and all entries must be received no later than November 30, 2017, 11:59:59 PM, Eastern Time. Limit one entry per person and per email account. The sole determinant of time for the purposes of receipt of a valid entry will be the computer servers of the Author. Proof of transmission (screenshots or captures, etc.) does not constitute proof of receipt

2. Entries will not be returned. By entering the Contest, contestants agree to abide by these rules, and represent and warrant that the entries are their own and original creations, and do not violate or infringe the rights, including, without limitation, copyrights, trademark rights or rights of publicity/privacy, of any third party.

3. Entries are void if they are in whole or in part illegible or incomplete. Sponsors assume no responsibility for late, lost, incomplete, illegible, or misdirected e-mail entries.

4. Sponsors and their parent, subsidiary or affiliated companies are not responsible for technical, hardware or software malfunctions of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections, or failed, incorrect, incomplete, inaccurate, garbled or delayed electronic communications caused by the sender, or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in this Contest which may limit the ability to play or participate, or by any human error which may occur in the processing of the entries. If for any reason the Contest is not capable of being conducted as described in these rules, Sponsors shall have the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest. In the event of a dispute over the identity of an online entrant, entry will be deemed submitted by the authorized holder of the email account.

PRIVACY POLICY

All information submitted in connection with entry to this Contest shall be governed by Author’s privacy policy (at http://ift.tt/2yYnz3a). By entering this Contest, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to this privacy policy and you agree to receive e-mail communications from Author.

JUDGING

1. On or about December 17th, 2017 one (1) will be selected by the Author.

2. Entries will be judged on clarity, humor, and creativity, with equal weight being given to each criterion. The decisions of the Sponsors with respect to the selection of the winners, and in regard to all matter relating to this Contest, shall be final and binding.

3. Winner will be notified via email and/or telephone. Winner must respond to the email notification or telephone call within six (6) days or an alternate winner will be chosen.

PRIZES

1. One (1) Winner shall receive a trip around the world in consultation with the Author as more fully described below. Total Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) = $18,250.

Winner will consult with Author to book initial flights for the trip and to purchase travel insurance and travel gear (ARV = $2,000). Winner and Author will consult to book subsequent flights for the trip (ARV = $2,700). Winner will receive $1500 upon commencement of the trip for the first month of travel to cover other travel and living expenses in connection with the trip. Winner will receive an additional $1500 to cover travel and living expenses in connection with the trip every thirty (30) days for twelve (12) months, the money runs out, or until the trip concludes, whichever occurs first. Travel must be commenced within six (6) months of winner being notified and must be completed within eighteen (18) months of commencement of the trip. Winner shall submit travel journals with itineraries, tips, and highlights to Author every thirty (30) days from commencement of the trip and a final journal upon conclusion of the trip. Non-compliance with these terms and conditions may result in forfeiture of part or all of the prize.

2. Winner is responsible for any expenses not expressly included in the prize description in excess of the prize amounts, such as transportation to and from the airports, travel within destinations, personal expenses, travel and health insurance, meals, beverages, gratuities and any additional hotel expenses such as telephone calls, incidentals and upgrades or other charges that may arise.

3. In the event that there is an insufficient number of qualified entries or if the Sponsors determines in their absolute discretion that no or too few entries meet the quality standards established to award the prizes, Sponsors reserve the right not to award the prizes.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec), age 18 or older. Employees of Sponsors and their parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates or other parties in any way involved in the development, production or distribution of this Contest, as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible to participate in the Contest. Void where prohibited by law. All state and local restrictions apply.

GENERAL

1. This Contest will be run in accordance with these Official Rules, subject to amendment by Sponsor. These Official Rules shall govern in the event of any inconsistency with other Contest-related materials.

2. No cash substitution, transfer or assignment of prizes allowed. In the event of the unavailability of a prize or prizes, Sponsor may substitute a prize or prizes of equal or greater value.

3. All expenses, including taxes (if any), related to receipt and use of prizes are the sole responsibility of the winner.

4. Winner shall be required to execute an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release. The affidavit must be returned within fourteen (14) days of notification or winner will forfeit their prize and another winner will be selected. Should the ARV equal or exceed $600.00, winners shall be required to provide a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to Sponsors for issuance of a 1099 Form. Winner is responsible for obtaining all necessary visas and a valid passport/travel documents for international travel.

5. By accepting a prize the winner grants to Sponsors the right to edit, publish, copy, display and otherwise use their entries in connection with this Contest, and to further use their names, likenesses, and biographical information in advertising and promotional materials, without further compensation or permission, except where prohibited by law.

6. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. By competing in this Contest and/or accepting a prize, entrants release Sponsors, their parent, subsidiary or affiliated companies, or the agencies of any of them and the authors and/or editors of any books promoted hereby from any and all liability for any loss harm, injuries, damages, cost or expenses arising out of or relating to participation in this Contest or the acceptance, use or misuse of the prize(s). UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL THE RELEASED PARTIES BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, ATTORNEYS’ FEES, OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES.

7. Any dispute arising from this Contest will be determined according to the laws of the State of New York, without reference to its conflict of law principles, and by entering the entrants consent to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in New York County and agree that such courts have exclusive jurisdiction over all such disputes.

WINNERS LIST

For a copy of the winners list, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope by June 4, 2018 to TarcherPerigee Marketing, 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014, Attention: How to Travel the World Contest Winners List.

SPONSORS

Nomadic Matt, Inc.
207 E. 9th Street
Georgetown, Texas 78626

TarcherPerigee
An imprint of Penguin Random House LLC
345 Hudson Street
New York, New York 10014

The post Win a Free Trip Around The World! appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.



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

The thing about maps

Sometimes, when we're lost, we refuse a map, even when offered. 

Because the map reminds us that we made a mistake. That we were wrong.

But without a map, we're not just wrong, but we're also still lost.

A map doesn't automatically get you home, but it will probably make you less lost. 

(When dealing with the unknown, it's difficult to admit that there might not be a map. In those cases, a compass is essential, a way to remind yourself of your true north...)

       


from Seth Godin's Blog on marketing, tribes and respect http://ift.tt/2z1KlJE

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Imposter syndrome

It's rampant.

The big reason is that we're all impostors. You're not imaging that you're an impostor, it's likely that you are one.

Everyone who is doing important work is working on something that might not work. And it's extremely likely that they're also not the very best qualified person on the planet to be doing that work.

How could it be any other way? The odds that a pure meritocracy chose you and you alone to inhabit your spot on the ladder is worthy of Dunning-Kruger status. You've been getting lucky breaks for a long time. We all have.

Yes, you're an imposter. So am I and so is everyone else. Superman still lives on Krypton and the rest of us are just doing our best.

Isn't doing your best all you can do? Dropping the narrative of the impostor isn't arrogant, it's merely a useful way to get your work done without giving into Resistance.

Time spent fretting about our status as impostors is time away from dancing with our fear, from leading and from doing work that matters.

       


from Seth Godin's Blog on marketing, tribes and respect http://ift.tt/2iIHG1o

Saturday, October 28, 2017

On being a good driver

The best drivers are unremarkable. Their actions are predictable. The drive is unexciting. They get from here to there with a minimum amount of fuss. 

A good driver fits in, all the way.

It's entirely possible to drive your career this way, your day at work, the interactions you have.

The alternative is to understand that the opposite of good driving at work isn't crashing. The opposite is leaping. Connecting, changing things.

Don't do it in your car, but consider trying it at your keyboard.

       


from Seth Godin's Blog on marketing, tribes and respect http://ift.tt/2ySl8BK

Friday, October 27, 2017

Money for nothing

A friend asked me for some ways to make money. (All direct quotes).

"Can I do okay taking those surveys where they pay me?" 

"What about buying or trading shirts from Supreme and then selling them?"

"Do you think I can get paid $50 an hour to be a dog walker?"

The thing is, almost all the easy shortcuts are taken. And the problem is that the ones that aren't taken are hiding really well among a forest of scams and ripoffs.

Or how about,

"How can I get an agent for my screenplay," or

"Where do I find a publisher who will pay me a big advance for my first novel?"

Your best work isn't nothing, it's the heart of what you have to offer. Finding the long, difficult way is worth the journey, because it's the best way to get what you deserve.

       


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

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Marquise Vancouver on Cambie Corridor – Plans, Prices, Availability

New Cambie Corridor presales from Mission Group Homes.

At a Glance

  • located at Cambie & King Edward
  • 6-storey concrete mid-rise
  • 50 condos from 1-3 bedrooms
  • 8 x 2-storey laneway townhouses
  • short walk to Canada Line
  • near Queen Elizabeth Park & Hillcrest Community Centre
  • close to schools
  • goal of LEED Gold certification

Designed with Precision
Marquise is a brilliant collection of 58 flawless residences designed with precision. Located in the centre of Cambie with unobstructed views of downtown and North Shore Mountains. Marquise is just steps from SkyTrain, the shops and restaurants of Cambie Village, and Queen ELizabeth Park.

Be A Presale Condo VIP!

Find Out About New Presales & Get Access to VIP Openings & Special Promotions!

Are you a realtor? Click here

  • Reload
  • Should be Empty:

Pricing for Marquise
As this development is in pre-construction, pricing has not yet been finalized. Sign up to our VIP list above for priority access to Marquise updates.

Floor Plans for Marquise
Purchasers have a choice of 1- to 3-bedroom condominiums, ranging from 550 – 1,337 sq ft. or 2-bedroom, 1,009 sq ft townhomes. Contact me today to discuss availability and plans according to your needs.

Amenities at Marquise
Residents will enjoy the use of an interior courtyard and a shared rooftop space with superb views of the Vancouver skyline that includes a childrens play area, outdoor dining area with barbecue, and gardening beds. All ground floor homes come with private patios. Level 1 apartments facing the courtyard have a private deck. The laneway townhomes include both private patios and rooftop decks.

Parking and Storage
Marquise will provide residents with 66 vehicle and 85 bicycle parking spaces in two levels of underground. Additional storage space is also available underground.

Maintenance Fees at Marquise
TBD.

Developer Team for Marquise
Mission Group Enterprises is the parent company to a rich set of businesses united by common values. Headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, it focuses on residential and commercial real estate development, and construction. Mission Group Homes has completed several multi-family communities across southern British Columbia. Over the years, the company has received numerous Canadian Home Builders’ Association Tommie Awards including Multi-Family Builder of the Year in 2014, Built Green Builder of the Year in 2012, Outstanding Customer Service in 2012, 2010, and 2008, Townhome Community of the Year in 2010 and Building Company of the Year in 2007.

GBL Architects is a 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. GBL design with the belief that form plays a vital role in defining experience through an ever-changing dynamic between sculptural artistry and social responsibility. To that end, they regularly practice green design through the LEED Canada Program.

Expected Completion for Marquise
TBD.

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 Marquise Vancouver on Cambie Corridor – Plans, Prices, Availability appeared first on Mike Stewart.



from Blog – Mike Stewart http://ift.tt/2hdNfS7