TED Presentations on Creativity by Ben A. Ratje

Are you interested in how to become more creative?

At TED, many of the world's most creative people
come together to share their ideas with each other.

TED Conference is one of the places to get the best ideas
in my opinion. I watch it a lot and so do many other
experts I know.

Here are a couple of the presentations I know you will
be interest in:

Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?

Tim Brown: The powerful link between creativity and play

Amy Tan: Where does creativity hide?

To Your Creativity!

Think BIG! Act Bigger!

Ben
www.influence7.com

What It Means to Be An Entrepreneur/Innovator by Ben A. Ratje

I recently saw a video on Peter Shankman's
blog which I check out every now and then.

http://www.shankman.com

Shankman called his entry: "WHY I DO WHAT
I DO" and the answer can be found in the video.

As for myself, I felt the same way.

Have a look and see if it also describes why YOU
do what you do (or want to do):



Enjoy!

Ben
www.influence7.com

Wallstreet Movie Presentation (or how to use a mic) by Ben A. Ratje

During my corporate workshops I'm often asked:
"How can I use a mic effectively?"

Michael Douglas gives a perfect example in one
of the best movie presentations ever in his movie
'Wallstreet':



Michael, like most persuasive presenter, easily walks
around with a mic in his one hand.

Most poor presenters hide behind the podium while talking
into the microphone. Doing so creates a distance between
them and their audience.

This is what I also call the "I-hide-behind-the-podium-
and-talk-to-the-mic-not-the-audience" syndrome. It
is one of the best ways to send your audiences to sleep.

Whenever you have to use a microphone, put it in
your hand and comfortably walk the room while
presenting.

That way you show that you not only have confidence,
but will also show your audience that they are your
focus.

Think Big, Act Bigger!

Ben

www.influence7.com

Have you ever tried wakeboarding? by Ben A. Ratje

I love wakeboarding!

Two years ago was the first time I tried
it, and immediately fell in love with it.

I believe wakeboarding is one of the
ultimate fun and lifestyle sports for
summer.















The excitement, the adrenaline. Plus, the
great time you can spend with friends.

Similar to snowboarding, the first session
might be a little painful.

The first time I tried it, it took me over
15 minutes before I was able to ride the
water without falling down (in the first
15 minutes I must have fallen a thousand
times or so ^^).

Last year I mastered many of the basics,
so this year I will start jumping. Wish me
luck!

In case you've never tried wakeboarding,
give it a shot this summer. It is less dangerous
than it looks and you will for sure get at least
a fun story to tell friends about.

Have a look at some professional wakeboarders
(don't try this out at home):



The only question left: when and where can
you try it out?

Think Big, Act Bigger!

Ben

www.influence7.com

P.S. The picture above is me from last year.
I was riding next to the boat. What a blast!!!

3 Must-Read Books for Entrepreneurs (and those who want to be) by Ben A. Ratje

What do the most successful entrepreneurs know
you don't?

Here are the 3 books I strongly recommend if you
want to become more successful with your business
(or if you want to start one):

1. The Star Principle by Richard Koch

Richard made 100+ million pounds using the principle he
teaches in this book. This book will help you chose
the right business opportunities (and you will figure
out if you're in the wrong business).

2. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber

Michael will give you the mindset to automate your
business. You will learn the #1 biggest mistake
people make who start in their own business.
This book shows you how to take a quantum leap.



3. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferris

What's your business worth if you don't know how
to enjoy your life?! Tim shows you how to outsorce,
cut hours and create the lifestyle you want.



Think Big, Act Bigger!

Ben
www.influence7.com

Google on Innovation by Ben A. Ratje

Every wondered how they innovate at google?

One of the world's most innovative companies
sharing its ways and ideas in this video. Have a
look at what google CIO Douglas Merrill has to
say:



Usually one of the major keys to create an innovative
culture is to have a FUN office environment.

Have a look at the new google office in Zurich:



What can YOU do to become more innovative and
create a more innovative environment?

Get excited,

Ben

www.influence7.com

Master Marketer Seth Godin by Ben A. Ratje

Marketing matters!

Having worked myself in marketing, sales
and partially advertising, I can say with
certainty: It's an absolute MUST for your
success!!!

Without proper marketing your products or
services will be a success and neither will
you.

Especially if you have your own business (or
want it someday in the future) marketing is
the one area you will not be able to delegate
for the most part.

The question is just who do you learn from
about marketing?

Even though I've read lots of books and taken
lots of workshops on the topics, there are only
a few people I will listen to (because many of
them I believe simply aren't good enough).

One of the few people I recommend to learn
from about marketing is Seth Godin.

(BTW, when I say learn from I'm talking to
young and old. I don't think you can be too
old or too young to continue learning about
marketing)

His blog is the most famous marketing blog
(a marketer who makes his own blog No. 1,
how is that for credibility) on the planet full
of great tips.

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/

Besides being a great marketer, Seth is also
a pretty strong presenter.

Have a look at a presentation he gave at TED
and another one he gave at GOOGLE:





Get excited,

Ben

www.influence7.com

P.S. My favorite book from Seth currently is
"All Marketers Are Liars"