Are you a person of your word? In a world of contracts, non-disclosure agreements and other legal paraphernalia a person’s “word” appears to be a bit of an archaic concept. Why is it then that the fictional character of Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice is so revered?

Being a person of your word is ultimately at the heart of every relationship, whether it’s familiar members, friends or in business. When you say you will do something then you will do it…..but what happens when you can’t?
In this Saturday Musings I attempt to explore what it means to be a person of character where your word is your bond and how to overcome the problem of failing the “Mr Darcy” high bar.

One thing is for sure, the world could use more people that do what they say and say what they will do. I wonder what it would be like if you were a little more like Mr Darcy and the impact you would have on the people around you. I would encourage you to take some time-out this weekend to consider the challenges posed in this video.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel or the browser notifications on the website. Don’t be a stranger….or a lurker, feel free to share about your own experiences on this topic.

Have a great weekend!
Michael

While attending the recent NamesCon conference I was sitting in the bar late one night and I was asked a question that had nothing to do with business or domains. It was how I managed to stay married to the same woman for the last 32 years.

I was initially a little confused by the question as it was highly unexpected, but the friend opposite me was really seeking how they could make their own relationship richer. With a sense of humility, I began to share some of my own experiences and lessons from over the years.

I openly admit that I don’t have all the answers about how to make a perfect marriage, but I have learned a few things along the journey. Sure, like any relationships they’re have been some road bumps along the way but through it all we’ve managed to grow our love for each other and enjoy a little "slice of heaven on earth".

I would welcome hearing from readers/viewers of the video if it provokes you to reflect on what has worked for your own relationship with your significant other. No one hands out a manual on how to have a great marriage....so let's share so we can all learn. Also, don’t forget to like/subscribe to the video or sign-up to the alerts so you never miss out on another blog.

In this video, I take you through the three camera setup that he uses for video blogging. This includes the BlackMagic Designs video mixer, video assist, sound mixing desk, cameras and microphones. This is a must view video if you have ever contemplated video blogging or have been curious about what was involved.

I must admit that it took me a while to work out which equipment to purchase as I had more than just video blogging in mind. One of my behind the scenes projects includes creating the audio book for my science fiction novel "Battleframe". This is a bit of a labour of love but one that I'm really looking forward to doing.

The equipment that I'm using includes:

• Blackmagic Designs ATEM Mini - video mixer
• Blackmagic Designs Video Assist - displays what camera I'm focused on and records the video.
• 2 x Rode procaster microphones with desk mount stands
• 2 x Rode Lapel micrphone that I plan on using mainly for interviews while on the move.
• Behringer QS1222USB sound mixing desk
• JVC HD camera for wide shots
• 2 x Panasonic H-VC800 HD cameras
• LED lighting rig to illuminate the set
• Brickwall backdrop

I'm sure that as time goes by and I get a little more experience in this new medium that I'll update various components. What is for sure is that I'm having a LOT of fun creating the videos. Make sure that you like them and subscribe to my Youtube channel. I would also encourage you to sign-up to receive alerts from WhizzbangsBlog each time I release a new article/video. This is new feature that I've only just added to my site.

Have a great weekend and go and get creative!

Michael

One of the most powerful things you can do in your life is to develop a razor sharp focus. We can spend huge amounts of time on issues that may concern us but which we have little to no influence over.

Your business or work may be faced with a large number of opportunities, but should you really try and tackle them all or just one or two? Sorting out the answer to this question is often the difference between success and failure.

How does focus apply to your family and friends? Does your crazy hectic schedule get the best of you and loved ones end up getting the scraps left over? Being focused can transform who you are to those you love…..I wonder what life would be like if you were really focused on what mattered?

This is the very first Saturday Musings video I’ve produced, and I hope you enjoy it. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Youtube channel, leave a comment or click the “like” button.

Yep, you read that heading correctly, it’s my birthday today. I’m fifty-four years young, fighting fit (well, sort of) and feel just as energized now as I was thirty years ago. The big difference is I now have a LOT more perspective on life and in particular, what really matters.

At my birthday time, I began to reflect on my life and just how blessed I am. My wife and kids are completely awesome and we’re all healthy. I have a fantastic business in an even more incredible industry. I have friends across the world and can jump on a plane to meet with them whenever I would like. The list goes on and on…..

I remember when I was a teenager my goal was to become a millionaire. I met the girl of my dreams, got married at twenty-one and discovered that with her I was worth far more than a million dollars….I’d discovered something priceless.

This sounds so touchy feely but it’s a real fact of my life. I’ve been married for thirty-two years (thirty-three this year) and I can say that I’m more in love with my wife now than I was when we were first married.

Late one night at the NamesCon conference I was sitting in the bar with a group of people and one of them asked me how is it that I’m so happily married. I will condense a long conversation in one sentence, “Seek first to serve, rather than be served.”