God gave us this bird,
With bread and all of the rest.
Thanks HP for the grub.
“
—
Occasional Haiku by John Wren.
*On Amazon.com John Wren’s Daring Mighty Things: The Simplest Way to Start Your First (or Next) New Business.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Does this terrify you?
Most of us left comments like this back on the elementary school playground.
I'm with the Wall Street Journal, it's time to consider Trump's finger on the nuclear button.
Terrifying!
Republicans must stop relying on losers like @KarlRove if they want to start winning presidential elections. Be tough and get smart!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 24, 2015
Karl Rove's new book is dynamite!
Just out, endorsed by author of The First American, my favorite Ben Franklin biography, and by Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals,
I'm just into the first couple of chapters after getting my copy today, it's terrific! Check out this interview about it on CBS:
http://www.rove.com/appearances/2719
I'm just into the first couple of chapters after getting my copy today, it's terrific! Check out this interview about it on CBS:
http://www.rove.com/appearances/2719
Poem a Day with Your Help!
Ill write a poe'm a day for you, but only when I get feedback from at least two or three people per day.
Check out what I wrote today, let me know what you think of it.
Here's link to today's poem, let me know via comment here or there what you think of it, ok?
http://johnwren.tumblr.com/post/133885743657/governor-john-evans-celebrated-back-then-but-now
John Wren
Consultant + Citizen + Old Crow
"Have poem, will travel."
Check out what I wrote today, let me know what you think of it.
Here's link to today's poem, let me know via comment here or there what you think of it, ok?
http://johnwren.tumblr.com/post/133885743657/governor-john-evans-celebrated-back-then-but-now
John Wren
Consultant + Citizen + Old Crow
"Have poem, will travel."
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Photo? Memory?
Do you have any photos of Mom and/or Pop? Please share any photo and/or memory here as a comment. Or call me and I'll share it here or keep it just between me and you if you'd prefer. Thanks! John Wren (303)861-1447
Friday, November 20, 2015
Startup Show-- Live at 10 a.m. each Friday, or by recording.
Startup Show with John Wren. Sponsored by
Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
"Help to do more Good Work."
http://www.SmallBizChamber.org
To be on the show call next Monday, (303)861-1447
Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
"Help to do more Good Work."
http://www.SmallBizChamber.org
To be on the show call next Monday, (303)861-1447
Saturday, November 14, 2015
The 4 Practices of our SBCC Startup Method
JohnWren.com +Recover+Start+Grow+Flourish+: The 4 Practices of our SBCC Startup Method.
Real ...: The 4 Practices of our SBCC Startup Method. R eal help for people who want to go in a new direction with their work , those people who...
The 4 Practices of our SBCC Startup Method.
Real help for people who want to go in a new direction with their work, those people who want to start a new career, project, campaign, or a new business, and those who help them start, accountants, lawyers, consultants, etc.
If formal market research and formal planning were useful tools for going from zero to first customer or first day on the job, we’d have a planned economy rather than the market economy that has served us, the citizens of our United States, for centuries.
Our SBCC meetings are optional, of course, but each of these four practices is essential a startup in our market economy.
For each practice suggested reading and an optional, free, facilitated meeting. We will help you start one of the meetings in cooperation with your local chamber of other group. Call John Wren for details. (303)861-1447.
1. The practice of imaginative action.
Group: IDEA Cafe Startup Workshop.
Books: Just Start; What Color is Your Parachute— 2013; Daring Mighty Things.
Confidential meetings where we teach the IDEA model, share startup experience and brainstorm. Best held each Friday afternoon, if we are successful participants are too busy to attend the following week, but they can if needed.
2. The practice of critical thinking.
Group: Socrates Cafe
Books: Socrates Cafe; Dialogs of Socrates. Inspired by Chris Phillips book Socrates Cafe, we don’t just talk about philosophy, we practice doing philosophical thought about great ideas.
3. The practice of (true)Self-directed Learning.
Group: Franklin Circle
Books: Self-Directed Learning for Teachers and Learners; Praxis of Suffering.
Based on the group Ben Franklin and his friends had they called the Junto, it’s much the same as Malcolm Knowles recommended.
4. The practice of recovery.
Group: Root & Branch Open Discussion Meeting Books: Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book); Breathing Under Water; Discovering Awareness.
An introduction to the 12-steps as a spiritual path and to meditation.
Real help for people who want to go in a new direction with their work, those people who want to start a new career, project, campaign, or a new business, and those who help them start, accountants, lawyers, consultants, etc.
If formal market research and formal planning were useful tools for going from zero to first customer or first day on the job, we’d have a planned economy rather than the market economy that has served us, the citizens of our United States, for centuries.
Our SBCC meetings are optional, of course, but each of these four practices is essential a startup in our market economy.
For each practice suggested reading and an optional, free, facilitated meeting. We will help you start one of the meetings in cooperation with your local chamber of other group. Call John Wren for details. (303)861-1447.
1. The practice of imaginative action.
Group: IDEA Cafe Startup Workshop.
Books: Just Start; What Color is Your Parachute— 2013; Daring Mighty Things.
Confidential meetings where we teach the IDEA model, share startup experience and brainstorm. Best held each Friday afternoon, if we are successful participants are too busy to attend the following week, but they can if needed.
2. The practice of critical thinking.
Group: Socrates Cafe
Books: Socrates Cafe; Dialogs of Socrates. Inspired by Chris Phillips book Socrates Cafe, we don’t just talk about philosophy, we practice doing philosophical thought about great ideas.
3. The practice of (true)Self-directed Learning.
Group: Franklin Circle
Books: Self-Directed Learning for Teachers and Learners; Praxis of Suffering.
Based on the group Ben Franklin and his friends had they called the Junto, it’s much the same as Malcolm Knowles recommended.
4. The practice of recovery.
Group: Root & Branch Open Discussion Meeting Books: Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book); Breathing Under Water; Discovering Awareness.
An introduction to the 12-steps as a spiritual path and to meditation.
Other Recommended Books:
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. The True Believer, Human Accomplishment, ReWork, Bowling Alone, The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, The Origin & Evolution of New Businesses, Care of the Soul.
What books have helped you?
Visit us! Denver Free Sample Groups:
IDEA Cafe Startup Workshop. Fridays, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Panera, 13th & Grant.
Socrates Cafe @ DU, Saturdays, 6:30 p.m.
Root & Branch Open Discussion Group Monday’s, 4:30 p.m. 1311 York St. 3rd Floor.
More information about these model groups and optional RSVP (walk-ins welcome) see www.Meetup.com/Small-Biz-Chamber
SBCC MEDIA:
Colorado Caucus News, Strengthening the voice of the grassroots: http://Facebook/Colorado.Caucus.News
Startup Show, live each Friday at 10 a.m. via link on http://www.JohnWren.com
Grassroots Rules Online, http://www.COCaucus.org
Daring Mighty Things— The Simplest Way to Start Your First (or Next) New Business. On http://www.Amazon.com/JohnWren/a Money back if not satisfied
Join us today, get a free online membership now in your Small Business Chamber:
Go to http://Facebook.com/Small.Business.Chamber, Then 1) post intro of you/your biz, 2) Like & 3) Share. 7000+ members now, we’d love to have you join with us, too, if you’re starting something new or if you help startups!
Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
+Recover+Start+Grow+Flourish+AGDM+
1881 Buchtel Blvd. #501, Denver, CO 80210 www.SmallBizChamber.org (303)861-1447
Teach for us! See SBCC’s new http://WrenCollege.org
Those attending SBCC meetings are encouraged to also be an active participant in at least one of the following: Local chamber of commerce; business incubator; 12-step fellowship; NAMI; individual and/or group therapy; spiritual direction; pastoral or other counseling; consulting; coaching; mentoring.
In SBCC discussion meetings we maintain confidentiality for these resources, especially if they have NOT been helpful; what was helpful or not for me might have an entirely different effect for you. We cooperate with all who are trying to help
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. The True Believer, Human Accomplishment, ReWork, Bowling Alone, The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, The Origin & Evolution of New Businesses, Care of the Soul.
What books have helped you?
Visit us! Denver Free Sample Groups:
IDEA Cafe Startup Workshop. Fridays, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Panera, 13th & Grant.
Socrates Cafe @ DU, Saturdays, 6:30 p.m.
Root & Branch Open Discussion Group Monday’s, 4:30 p.m. 1311 York St. 3rd Floor.
More information about these model groups and optional RSVP (walk-ins welcome) see www.Meetup.com/Small-Biz-Chamber
SBCC MEDIA:
Colorado Caucus News, Strengthening the voice of the grassroots: http://Facebook/Colorado.Caucus.News
Startup Show, live each Friday at 10 a.m. via link on http://www.JohnWren.com
Grassroots Rules Online, http://www.COCaucus.org
Daring Mighty Things— The Simplest Way to Start Your First (or Next) New Business. On http://www.Amazon.com/JohnWren/a Money back if not satisfied
Join us today, get a free online membership now in your Small Business Chamber:
Go to http://Facebook.com/Small.Business.Chamber, Then 1) post intro of you/your biz, 2) Like & 3) Share. 7000+ members now, we’d love to have you join with us, too, if you’re starting something new or if you help startups!
Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
+Recover+Start+Grow+Flourish+AGDM+
1881 Buchtel Blvd. #501, Denver, CO 80210 www.SmallBizChamber.org (303)861-1447
Teach for us! See SBCC’s new http://WrenCollege.org
Those attending SBCC meetings are encouraged to also be an active participant in at least one of the following: Local chamber of commerce; business incubator; 12-step fellowship; NAMI; individual and/or group therapy; spiritual direction; pastoral or other counseling; consulting; coaching; mentoring.
In SBCC discussion meetings we maintain confidentiality for these resources, especially if they have NOT been helpful; what was helpful or not for me might have an entirely different effect for you. We cooperate with all who are trying to help
Friday, November 13, 2015
"Death of Dreams?" Startup Show Nov 13, live 10 a.m. or by recording after 10:30 a.m.
Is the American Dream still alive? Nearly everyone sees there is a problem, what's the solution? Finding it starts with a decision, does the USA need hospice care or recovery? John Wren shares his thoughts about this today. To be on the show call (303)861-1447 Monday morning. SPONSORED BY JOHN WREN'S SMALL BUSINESS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INC. Meet with us this afternoon and every Friday afternoon at Panera Bread, 13th & Grant here in Denver, soon in 30 cities across Colorado. PLEASE SHARE
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
John Wren talks with Edmund Phelps about Mass Flourishing.
Edmund Phelps, Mass Flourishing (Click)...: "Mass Flourishing is what Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations should have been..." Robert J. Shiller, 2013 Nobel Prize in Economic...
Saturday, November 07, 2015
Imagination is more important than knowledge.
I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.
~ Albert Einstein
"Einstein 1921 by F Schmutzer - restoration" by Ferdinand Schmutzer - http://www.bhm.ch/de/news_04a.cfm?bid=4&jahr=2006 [dead link], archived copy (image). Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.
~ Albert Einstein
"Einstein 1921 by F Schmutzer - restoration" by Ferdinand Schmutzer - http://www.bhm.ch/de/news_04a.cfm?bid=4&jahr=2006 [dead link], archived copy (image). Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.
Wednesday, November 04, 2015
Socratic Startup
I've been working with startups since before it was popular.
Today, there are startup weekend, workshops, consultants, college classes, a flood of books, Shark Tank and many other TV and radio shows, we've gone from one extreme to the other.
Same thing is true of business and management advice, but it's much further along. First MBA was awarded by Harvard in 1912.
So how is all this observation and instruction working out?
Are we better off today than in 1994 when I started my TV and radio shows about startup, published my little booklet that's still sold on Amazon, and started meeting each week with entrepreneurs and those who wanted to be entrepreneurs?
Used to be about a million startups a year in the US, now there are about half that many. The more we are talking about startup, the few startups we are actually getting off the ground.
Some say, yes and that's a good thing, those that haven't started would have failed.
I'm not so sure.
Businesses with 10 to 100 employees have suffered a dramatic drop, too. If we just have more business that don't fail, seems to me this number would not have had as sharp a drop. Other factors enter into this statistic, but I believe fewer startups is at lease part of the problem.
So what is to be done? I'd like to see a return to people thinking hard on their own about what they are doing. Few teach that any more. Now the big virtue is listening.
Edmund Phelps, the Nobel Prize winning economist in his newest book Mass Flourishing sees productivity world wide taking a dramatic fall. Scroll down here or search on this site for his name and you can see the interviews I've done with him.
Phelps sees that we've lost our sense of adventuresomeness, the strong desire to blaze a new trail, to set off in a different direction.
Looking back, maybe Athens was having a similar problem when Socrates started asking his questions. Do you suppose his purpose might not have been so much to get to the truth as to start a fire under the young men he was questioning?
Maybe it's time for at least a few of us to do the same.
If so, what's needed is not all the motivational, positive thinking talks and seminars that we are flooded with, not all the how to do it books and classes, but more people asking in a kind, helpful way, why do you think that? How do you know? What are you doing with your life?
The problem is we've all become domesticated, like the cow chewing his cud contentedly, happy to just give milk, to eat, to live out the days contented.
Men have become as domesticated as women have been for centuries. Instead of liberating women what the women's movement seems to have done is domesticated men so they are equally miserable.
Maybe it's time to just do it!
If so, there is no time to wait. This life is very short, let's get started!
Today, there are startup weekend, workshops, consultants, college classes, a flood of books, Shark Tank and many other TV and radio shows, we've gone from one extreme to the other.
Same thing is true of business and management advice, but it's much further along. First MBA was awarded by Harvard in 1912.
So how is all this observation and instruction working out?
Are we better off today than in 1994 when I started my TV and radio shows about startup, published my little booklet that's still sold on Amazon, and started meeting each week with entrepreneurs and those who wanted to be entrepreneurs?
Used to be about a million startups a year in the US, now there are about half that many. The more we are talking about startup, the few startups we are actually getting off the ground.
Some say, yes and that's a good thing, those that haven't started would have failed.
I'm not so sure.
Businesses with 10 to 100 employees have suffered a dramatic drop, too. If we just have more business that don't fail, seems to me this number would not have had as sharp a drop. Other factors enter into this statistic, but I believe fewer startups is at lease part of the problem.
So what is to be done? I'd like to see a return to people thinking hard on their own about what they are doing. Few teach that any more. Now the big virtue is listening.
Edmund Phelps, the Nobel Prize winning economist in his newest book Mass Flourishing sees productivity world wide taking a dramatic fall. Scroll down here or search on this site for his name and you can see the interviews I've done with him.
Phelps sees that we've lost our sense of adventuresomeness, the strong desire to blaze a new trail, to set off in a different direction.
Looking back, maybe Athens was having a similar problem when Socrates started asking his questions. Do you suppose his purpose might not have been so much to get to the truth as to start a fire under the young men he was questioning?
Maybe it's time for at least a few of us to do the same.
If so, what's needed is not all the motivational, positive thinking talks and seminars that we are flooded with, not all the how to do it books and classes, but more people asking in a kind, helpful way, why do you think that? How do you know? What are you doing with your life?
The problem is we've all become domesticated, like the cow chewing his cud contentedly, happy to just give milk, to eat, to live out the days contented.
Men have become as domesticated as women have been for centuries. Instead of liberating women what the women's movement seems to have done is domesticated men so they are equally miserable.
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."
Maybe it's time to just do it!
If so, there is no time to wait. This life is very short, let's get started!
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