Introduction
My father told me about Derek Sivers a few years ago, since l have read his book, read his blogs and follow him on twitter and now l am sharing with you!
Derek Sivers describes himself as "Entrepreneur, programmer, avid student of life. I make useful things and share what l learn"
Derek Sivers was the creator and founder of CD Baby, the largest seller of independent music online. Derek is a musician who wanted to sell his CD's online, before the like of Amazon were around. He created a website with a simple buy it button and shipped his CD to the customer. Friends within the music industry asked him to sell their CDs too and it boomed! He sold the company in 2008 for $22M.
He lectures around the world, writes and inspires other business owners; often thinking out of the box, adding fun to the business and client experience as the following YouTube clip shows http://youtu.be/KCIXkbfgR6g
It's all who you know?
Derek Sivers latest blog is titled "It's all who you know?".
The blog explores the importance of connections with other people; in one simple but astute act opened many doors to him, which lead him to be surrounded by many successful people who, in his own words:
"I learned so much from watching how people become successful, hearing their stories, philosophies, and mistakes. The people you surround yourself with don't just open doors. They change the way you think, and change your self-image of your capabilities!"
Being in a big city would obviously help making these connects but now
"But more and more it feels like 'where everything is happening' is online - and the way to be there is to create something that adds to it."
Derek Sivers goes onto to say the most connected people he knows are connected;
- because they keep creating great stuff and posting it online, which gets the attention of their peers, so soon “everyone” knows who they are
- because they reach out to say hello to the people they admire.
Read full Blog at http://sivers.org/xn
The LJN Connection
When l read Derek Sivers article l immediately think of the fantastic community on LJN; to paraphrase Derek "I learned so much from watching how people become successful, hearing their stories, philosophies, and mistakes. They change the way you think, and change your self-image of your capabilities!"
My best connections l have meet through the LJN, espcially at the meet-ups and continue to build on those friendships online. The meet-ups are priceless and would encourage anyone to attend these or similar events in your area.
Personal Thanks
My personal thanks to those who continue to inspire me and for their help and advice.
Kerry Jackson - Jackson's Landscape Design
Mick Gammage - Crystalclear
Richard Bickler - Arbour Design & Build
Gary Cobb - Acer Paving & Landscaping
and thanks to Phil Voice for Landscape Juice Network
More About Derek Sivers
You can find out more about Derek Sivers, CD Baby and his interesting business advice at;
Website http://sivers.org/
Follow on Twitter @sivers
Or read his book available from Amazon on Kindle or Hardback called Anything You Want
Written by
Craig McGibbon
Garden Design & Landscaping
Comments
Never thought I was an inspiring chap. Thanks Craig
excellent blog post Craig and I am humbled by your kind comment