It’s time to sweep 2009 under the rug and celebrate 2010 the only way us geeks can … Web 2.0 style! Most of us use the new year as a time to reflect and make resolutions for the coming year. Unfortunately, after a few months, we forget all about those resolutions and go back to our old habits. The number one cause for this is the lack of accountability. While self-accountability plays a key role, having the support of others, is often just the motivation you need to follow through.

Of course, you could use the old fashion method of simply telling your friends and family your resolutions, but then you probably wouldn’t be reading MakeUseOf.com if you participated in such old school methodologies. I’m kidding of course, but if you are reading this, you are interested in how to help make your resolutions a reality using free web 2.0 tools.

Following are two free social networks that can help you create, share and follow through with all of your 2010 new years resolutions and beyond.

continue reading "Keeping Your 2010 Resolutions, Web 2.0 Style"

I often tell entrepreneurs that the ability to sell is the most important skill you can learn. Be it in relationships, trying to get a job, seeking funding or selling a product, the skill of selling is key. Very close to this skill is the art of negotiation. Most times you will not sell your idea, product or service right away, instead there will be a period of back and forth negotiation. Here are some tips I’ve learned along the journey of life that I think will help you become a more powerful negotiator.

continue reading "10 Ideas for More Powerful Negotiations"

There are many moments where computing is available in the palm of your hand, but using a NetBook is not. For example: waiting in line anywhere, executing tedious chores or performing any type of repetitive task. In these cases, you can maintain your quest for ultimate productivity with your trusty iPhone or iPod Touch. Following are some ideas you may find useful during those times when the only computing device you can use, fits in the palm of your hand.

continue reading "Mobile Productivity with the iPhone or Touch"

Before continuing with The System, I find it necessary to take a step back and define the overarching Rules, Methods and Framework.

continue reading "Rules, Method and Framework"

After acquiring a MacBook Pro, and basking in its glow, I became motivated to re-evaluate my overall system for managing my life. I began to conceptulize an all encompassing master system some time ago under the massively creative name Life 2.0. I invite you to take a journey with me towards … drum roll please … Life 3.0! I will start first with a very high level overview of what elements the system must contain for maximum effectiveness.

continue reading "The System"

In a time of information overload, less is more is an appealing mantra. So when I heard about start.io on net@night, my interest was immediately piqued. It took me about 10 minutes to setup my dashboard. So far, I find it to be a fantastic, minimalist dashboard.

continue reading "Moving from iGoogle to Start.io for my Internet Dashboard"

It’s hard enough to keep fit at home, but when traveling the challenges could be a bit tougher. Especially, if you have much work to do and no time to travel to a local gym. Use these resources to keep fit right in your room with no special equipment.

continue reading "Exercising Without Weights – Staying Fit on the Run for the Traveling Entrepreneur"

Andrew Warner of Mixergy.com has put together some incredible interviews with some amazing people with purpose of helping entreprenuers create better Internet companies. Amazingly, all of the interviews are free!

There was one issue I encountered that minimized my joy a tiny fraction at finding this treasure trove; 1) not enough time to listen to them all right now! and 2) no one place to go for an easy short list of all of the interviews (this is undoubtedly because Andrew is busy creating awesome interviews!)

In this post, I have created a list of all the interviews in a easy to browse format that takes you directly to the interview page for your convenience. On that interview page, Andrew has an introductory video, written summary of the interview, streaming audio and download link. Enjoy! I sure am.

continue reading "70 Interviews to Help You Build an Outstanding Internet Company"

Do you have a todo list with hundreds of seemingly important items? Does looking at that list make you want to just ignore the whole list altogether? If you answered a resounding yes to these questions, this post is for you. The following advice assumes you are using the GTD methodology. If you are not using GTD, please read this first to gain the best value from this information. I hope that these tips can help you get back on track with your GTD-fu for the new year.

continue reading "Afraid of Your ToDo List? 6 Steps to Courage"

Dr. David Schwartz, author of “The Magic of Thinking Big” contends that a key element of success is to follow a plan for liking people. In the book, he talks of President Johnson’s ten-point formula for success. Here are those points for your review. Ask yourself after reading each one: How can I better practice this idea in my daily life?

continue reading "A Ten Point Formula for Success by President Lyndon Johnson"