100 Free Kindle Copies of JUMP!

10 copies each day, for 10 days: 12/20 – 12/30/2011

Yes, that’s right.

We gave away 100 free Kindle copies of JUMP!

After thinking, “what can we do to help?” related to the ongoing job-related challenges many individuals are facing, we decided, “well, why not share the inspiring message in JUMP! with 100 folks who are struggling to create positive, forward momentum in their job searches!”

And — as we move into January 2012, we have lowered the Kindle price for JUMP! from $9.99 to $5.99. As good friend and fellow author Dan Clemens said in a Linked IN post, “Make JUMP! your new year’s resolution!” My sentiments exactly! ORDER HERE

Wishing everyone a both a joy-filled and prosperous 2012!

Some feedback from those using JUMP! to help with their job search process:

“Outstanding — I’ve struggled with many of these concepts for years. Inspirational – transformational – it works!! It’s liberating!!”

“This is just what I needed and when I needed it. I learned to expand my boundaries / past, preconceived notions for what I can do / should do / would do. Instead, I am looking at what’s possible. Regardless of what I accept in meeting survival needs, I am searching and planning for and working toward what is now OPTIMAL – that’s a big attitude change.”

Appreciate…

“Deficiency motivation doesn’t work. It will lead to a life-long pursuit of try to fix me. Learn to appreciate what you have and where and who you are.”
Wayne Dyer

Appreciate… I’m pretty sure it’s my favorite word in the English language (but with over 250,000 words in English, I’m sure there’s more than just a few I’ve never heard of!).

Why do I feel so strongly about it? Because appreciate has two meanings, both of which are positive (unlike the word ‘oversight’ — which also has two meanings, but they are diametrically opposite — either you’re watching closely, or you missed it completely!).

What does appreciate mean?

1. To see the value in (as in, “I appreciate you”)
2. To increase the value of (as in, “My investment is appreciating”)

How great is that!

And… Appreciation is the source of power in my work as a transformation facilitation. I first begin by appreciating the situation about which I’ve been asked to help, and then I seek to appreciate the individual, group, team, or organization I’m helping to move forward.

So — what about the results? No coincidence here. When I focus on appreciation, the results are almost ALWAYS positive.

Are you in the market for a little positive change? Some appreciation? Take a look here… I’ve captured the essence of an approach called “Appreciative Inquiry” — a tool that’s all about expanding the positives, growing strengths, and creating powerful results.

Finally — the transformation tip is this. Remember to appreciate those around you, the situation you find yourself in, and you yourself as well. A little appreciation — expanded and extended throughout the world — will go a LONG way. Appreciate it!

It’s jarring, it’s counter-culture, and it’s exactly right – especially if what you have to accomplish involves any creativity, innovation, or synergy.

However, in our “go-go” society, where we need to be immediately reachable via Twitter, Facebook, email, text messaging and the like, and where many people pride themselves on their ability to multitask, the very notion of meditation (at all, much less for one or two hours!) is unthinkable.

I have TOO much to do!

We keep pushing. We keep going. Until… Well, we stop. We either shut down, tune out, fall apart, or go on an extended mental vacation. Or worse. And, as we keep the pedal to the metal, our productivity, our creativity, and our ability to innovate spirals downward rapidly. The irony is this – the more we push to be creative, the less successful we are. Like my golf swing. The more I press, the more time I spend in the weeds.

So… There is a different answer – available now – and the sales person was a small, quiet, non-threatening Indian man who accomplished a few innovative things in his life. Like – ending the centuries-long occupation of his country – all without firing a single shot, dropping a single bomb, or taking a single hostage.

Would you like to feel more in control of your time AND be more productive when it comes to creativity? Here are a few suggestions:
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1. Spend time getting clear about the “real” issue you’re wanting to solve. Is it about being more peaceful or less anxious? More creative or more productive? Take some time here – and then just put the “issue” out to the universe and ask for an answer. Don’t create an answer, just ask.

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2. Ban talk radio from your car. Listen to relaxing music if you must (I like total silence most of the time), but absolutely no talk radio. Why? The things on talk radio aren’t about calmness, serenity, or peace. It’s about anger, being offended, and fear (plus about 1,000,000 other negative energy stuff). Just shut it off.

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3. Schedule 50 minute meetings instead of 60 minute meetings. Why? We can ALWAYS get everything done in 50 minutes for which we schedule 60 (just be a little more efficient), and that gives us 10 minutes to recharge between meetings. How many days do you run from one meeting to the next – and wind up totally drained by the end of the day? Find 10 minutes of quiet – and you’ve just opened up a chance to reflect, reset, and to pee.

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4. Unless you’re on call for a HUGE deal (or your 13 year old who’s at summer camp), put your cell phone in your glove compartment and lock it when you’re driving. Really. That’s what voice mail is for – and by having your phone unreachable by you, the temptation to just “look” at your email and text messages (or worse) will be ended. Plus – you’ve just now added 30-60 seconds of quiet at every stop light (provided of course you’re following tip number two above).

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5. Then – if you’re ready for some very productive quiet time, take 5 minutes at the start and end of your day and sit in stillness. No list making, no pro/con analysis, no problem solving, just sit. To get myself quiet this way, I like to use the visual metaphor of being a conductor who has just walked into a busy, crowded concert hall. I then stand at the podium, tap my baton, and wait for the audience to settle. It’s then that I’m in a moment of quiet. If the audience (my internal dialog) interrupts, I just quietly tap the baton and do it all over again. I actually do this about 10 times a day, and that’s how I get my hour (or so) of meditation in. It works!

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Anyway, thankfully none of us have the same level of stress and challenge that faced Gandhi in his time – but we do have exactly the same tools available to us to help us create power-filled, positive, innovative answers.

Quiet. Stillness. And the resulting “Aha!” moments that flow . . . are, well, extraordinary.

The Four(teen) Golden Rules of Successful Change

Today’s “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment” suggests that maybe the word “change” should be spelled with three A’s, not just one. These “A’s” would stand for Awareness, Attitude, and Actions. Additionally, there are four(teen) golden rules associated with these “A’s” — each of which contribute to successful change.
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06-15-2011, © 2011, Robert S. Tipton

(A Robert S. Tipton “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment)

Today’s “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment” is based on the realization that we don’t really fear change — instead we fear BEING changed without our involvement, or without our permission. The message for leaders? Recognize that change is a grieving process — and those that “need to” change will need to process through their grief. Also, encourage PARTICIPATION in the change process, and the outcome will far better, more positive and enduring as a result.

06-02-2011, © 2011, Robert S. Tipton

Attendee feedback:

It forced me to consider other career options and to take a “leap of faith” into a new career. I start work Monday. Dave B.

The real benefit for me is this expanded my view of possibilities. I am now motivated to consider more risk to realize my goals. Eva P.

Motivated me to seriously look at the difficulties I’m experiencing and how to overcome. Barbara N.

We hope you join us — and that you tell your friends, family, etc. — really anyone who is unemployed, under-employed, or unhappily-employed! Thank you.
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(A Robert S. Tipton “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment)

Today’s “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment” focuses on the notion that introverts (like me!) can be successful users of social media — and NOT feel trapped into having to react to everything, to exposing ourselves unnecessarily, etc. Take control of your social media as an introvert, and it can create success for you!

05-03-2011, © 2011, Robert S. Tipton

Yes? Then — this is for you.

Robert S. Tipton brings his wildly successful “Career CPR: Getting Unstuck in Your Job Search (JUMP!)” workshop series to a video audience.
We are excited to announce the availability of this new no-cost video workshop series that’s focused on “Getting Unstuck” in your job search.

As each episode of the video workshop is available (about twice a month from April through June of 2011), we’ll post it here — along with the accompanying worksheets.

In the meantime, here’s a video from Robert S. Tipton to introduce you to the workshop:

Attendee feedback:

It forced me to consider other career options and to take a “leap of faith” into a new career. I start work Monday. Dave B.

The real benefit for me is this expanded my view of possibilities. I am now motivated to consider more risk to realize my goals. Eva P.

Motivated me to seriously look at the difficulties I’m experiencing and how to overcome. Barbara N.

We hope you join us — and that you tell your friends, family, etc. — really anyone who is unemployed, under-employed, or unhappily-employed! Thank you.
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I just got a message from a long-time friend who is also the chief of staff for Governor Hickenlooper here in Colorado. She says:

Over the next week, the State will post almost 100 Senior positions for our departments. These are executive level and pay has been $100-120K a year. Appreciate any help getting the word out.

If the old saying, “The Early Bird Gets the Worm” holds true, it’s probably a good idea for you to check the State of Colorado jobs notification website regularly for the next couple of weeks.

Here’s the link: Colorado State Employment Opportunities

Best of luck!
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Arapahoe/Douglas Works! offers no-cost, intensive entrepreneur academies

The Arapahoe/Douglas Works! workforce center invites interested citizens to register now for no-cost entrepreneur academies designed to give participants the skills necessary for starting and managing a business. The two-week, intensive academies will be held 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, April 18-29 or May 16-27.

In order to participate in “Entrepreneur Essentials”, a citizen must have been laid off from employment through no fault of their own anytime in the previous five years and have received unemployment insurance benefits. You may currently be employed, as long as you meet these criteria for prior unemployment and have a high desire to start your own business.

Participants will learn how to integrate marketing, product and service development, operations, strategies planning, financial and human aspects of a new enterprise. The course also will address funding sources to start a business. Classes will be facilitated by 360 Solutions, Inc., a provider of employee training services. You do not need to already have a business concept in mind to attend.

Following each academy, participants will have access to six months of bi-weekly coaching and mentoring by local entrepreneurs through 360 Solutions Inc. Participants also will receive three undergraduate credits at Arapahoe Community College, applicable toward a certificate or associates degree.

The location of the academies will vary between the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and the Arapahoe/Douglas Works! workforce center in Greenwood Village.

Space in the academies is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to register for the academies, please call Workforce Specialist Brie Weger at 303-636-1227. To learn more about the Arapahoe/Douglas Works! workforce center’s free services for businesses and job-seekers, please visit www.adworks.org.
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You Might Be Stuck in Your Job Search If:

• You find yourself thinking in circles, hoping everything would just return to the “good old days…”
• You have rising frustration, increased fear, and are regularly blaming “outside” forces like the economy
• You are unable to create positive, sustainable, forward progress — two steps forward, three back…
• You seem overwhelmed by insurmountable challenges and may be starting to panic

REPLAY NOW

The “Get Unstuck for Job Seekers” webinar replay leverages the four stages of the JUMP! innovative Change Model™ in helping you to make sense out of your job search options, Get Unstuck, and move forward, farther, faster in your job search than you’d thought possible.

JUMP!-inar Feedback:

“This is just what I needed and when I needed it. I learned to expand my boundaries / past, preconceived notions for what I can do / should do / would do. Instead, I am looking at what’s possible. Regardless of what I accept in meeting survival needs, I am searching and planning for and working toward what is now OPTIMAL – that’s a big attitude change.”

“Outstanding — I’ve struggled with many of these concepts for years. Inspirational – transformational – it works!! It’s liberating!!”

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(A Robert S. Tipton “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment)

Today’s “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment” focuses on the process of asking great questions. And the best question of all? What If? However, many folks tend to ask the low energy question of “What Now?”… Try it yourself — the next time you’re facing a difficult situation, or the world seems to be throwing you nothing but curveballs, ask “What If?”

03-01-2011, © 2011, Robert S. Tipton

(A Robert S. Tipton “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment)

Today’s “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment” focuses on the word appreciate. It is my favorite word — because it has two meanings, both of which are positive. Are you appreciating those around you today?

02-16-2010, © 2011, Robert S. Tipton

(A Robert S. Tipton “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment)

Today’s “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment” on why some people “make it” and others don’t when faced with difficult, life-threatening situations. It’s all about adopting the “survivor’s mentality” as quickly as possible according to writer Lawrence Gonzalez in his book, “Deep Survival.” Adapt and overcome.

02-03-2010, © 2011, Robert S. Tipton

(A Robert S. Tipton “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment)

Today’s “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment” focuses on the nature of accelerating your own energy as you accelerate the energy of those around you. Using the book, “29 Gifts,” by Cami Walker, as a foundation, this message looks at how positive it can be to give to others.

01-31-2010, © 2011, Robert S. Tipton

(A Robert S. Tipton “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment)

Today’s “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment” focuses finding ways to “be still” even as we have to keep going. Using the book, “Stopping, How to Be Still When You Have to Keep Going” as a foundation, this message looks at some practical advice about finding quiet moments even in the hub-bub of everyday life.

01-19-2010, © 2011, Robert S. Tipton

(A Robert S. Tipton “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment)

Today’s “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment” focuses the messages we hear often this time of year related to “stop procrastinating, and get doing!” Certainly, “doing” is important — but “doing” without a sense of purpose can be aimless and pointless. Therefore, let’s get our “being” right so our “doing” is connected to something of meaning.

01-11-2010, © 2011, Robert S. Tipton

(A Robert S. Tipton “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment”)
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01-11-2010, © 2011, Robert S. Tipton

Artwork: AC Canales

David’s Letter Below is EXACTLY Why I Wrote JUMP!

(BTW — I said yes to David’s request to participate with him… I’m working on formalizing my coaching business, and I’m hoping David will be interested in helping me with some things I’m thinking about too!)
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Bob,

Happy New Year Bob. I trust all is well with the Tipton clan. 2011 is going to be an amazing year don’t you think?. I am traveling today from Denver to Frankfurt then on to Marseille. I am taking some time during this trip to ponder a few of my personal and professional goals as I do this time every year. During this time I also find myself visiting the highlights of the previous year. One of the big highlights for me in 2010 was reading JUMP, twice!

More and more I find myself using the JUMP paradigm in my personal and professional life to face “Stuck” situations. I want to thank you for including me in your pre-publication team last March. It has made a big impact on my life.

One of my AHA moments came yesterday on the plane trip. As a rare treat I sat in a first class upgrade seat on United 932 from Dulles to Frankfurt. The United Airlines staff is made sure all was just right for my trip. I am really not used to first class service. The comfort gave me a rare chance on an international plane trip to focus on my personal work. I usually occupy this time with urgent “billable” client deliverables. Yesterday though, it was my turn!

During my thinking I found myself in an AHA moment. I realized that every year I set goals & objectives for myself. But this year I have a new frame of reference. Thanks to you that new frame is JUMP. I am very fortunate to have the Jump model as a part of my thinking.

I realized today that I have always planned for myself in somewhat of a vacuum. Perhaps this is a plague of an independent consultant or just my personal comfort routine, but today’s thinking brought me to a “Franklin” moment. Until now I have been the early Franklin in my thinking. I viewed that involving others would be a sign of failure or weakness.

When Franklin and Jo opened to new opportunity and ideas the paths forward became almost limitless. So, why shouldn’t I include others ideas and thinking into my quest for 2011? “AHA” not so novel an idea in the Jump model!

Bob, I would like to invite you to consider assisting me in some thinking regarding my 2011 quests. If you are available to put on your JUMP hat on my behalf, I would like to share with you two of my current big issues/goals that need more than just my thinking. These issues are just too important to leave to my usual “planning alone” model. One personal and one business. But the two are very much related.

Let me know if you have any interest in joining my thinking process. I value your opinions and am anxious to take a JUMP forward.

Best regards,
David

(A Robert S. Tipton “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment)

Today’s “Live Unstuck Coaching Moment” focuses on the challenges associated with fretting, worrying, and generally “suffering in advance” about things… Using the technique of “welcoming meditation” can help even the biggest “Worry Wart” to relax.

01-05-2010, © 2011, Robert S. Tipton

JUMP!-ing into the National League of Cities Convention Bookstore 2010

I knew there was a possibility it “might” happen, as another friend, Clint Robinson, whose company is a corporate sponsor for the convention, recommended JUMP! to the conference organizers. But — to have JUMP! be on the FRONT table, along side a book from one of my heroes, Jim Collins, well – the feeling is just amazing!

Thank you Clint for recommending JUMP!, and thank you Keith for sending along a picture!

Next JUMP!-inar? JUMP-inar archive? CLICK HERE

We conducted our first ever JUMP!-inar this evening, November 3, 2010, at 5PM MDT, 7PM EDT, and it focused on using the JUMP! Innovative Change Model™ to assist folks in their job searches. While we were as well-prepared as we could be, “Mr. Murphy” did make an appearance, and we didn’t have the kind of audio quality we wanted. As such, we weren’t able to get a good sound recording.

But, even with that, we had some great feedback… Here’s a comment from one attendee:

Just want to start by saying that I enjoyed the webinar.

• I was surprised at how much this presentation related to my life, on so many different topics. None of which, however, related whatsoever to job searching, career changes, etc.
• The presentation was energy driven, exciting, easy to follow, and paced well!
• I liked specifically, the section about being “Open to new possibilities” as this relates to me and my (job) training. Everyday, we work the same situations, etc., give or take a few minutes. But, as the webinar highlights….all possibilities are available to me at once. WHY then do we choose the same option?
• The same solution to a (job) problem is seldomly the BEST option. Unfortunately, we trainees tend to go for the status quo and choose the same old option that turns out being not so good. Our instructors are always pushing this theory.
• Also, “moving forward!” Getting ahead of the scenario at hand and staying ahead! I was also able to relate this webinar to financial topics, life, friendships, etc and staying “Unstuck”.

Overall, a great presentation and I’m glad I got to be a part of it! Thanks again!

Chase J.

Next JUMP!-inar? JUMP-inar archive? CLICK HERE

On Thursday, November 4th, Robert Tipton author of the transformational book JUMP! – Get Unstuck, will be on “The Finding You In The Goo Radio Show” from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. (PST) / 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (EST).

JUMP! – Get Unstuck, brings a fresh voice to the complex and difficult process of creating and sustaining meaningful life, career, and organizational change. It is filled with time-tested change secrets and processes that inspire readers to break free of their “status quo tarpits” and feel powerful and courageous related to recapturing their passion.

This information is priceless. Put it in your schedule now and make sure you are listening tomorrow!

CLICK HERE for more information.

Also, on my way back to LAX, I thought I’d check to see if JUMP! has made it to any stores in California yet. Lo and behold, I went into the Borders in Torrance (about 1/2 between Long Beach and LAX), and there were TWO copies in the store! It’s hard to explain, exactly, but there’s something amazing about seeing JUMP! “in the real world.”

Borders in Torrance, CA -- JUMP! is Inside!

JUMP! on the shelves at the Borders in Torrance, CA 10/30/2010

JUMP!-ing on to the Nook (B&N)

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It find it interesting and really gratifying to discover where JUMP! is being mentioned (thanks to Google — through their Analytics and Alerts services)… The post below came from a website devoted to bringing innovation to higher education. The blog’s author, Omar Habayeb, is Director of Higher Education Innovation for Harrison College.

READ ENTIRE POST

Just thought I’d poke around a little today, and see if we’re making headway with our distributor and their efforts to get JUMP! into the traditional book trade.

Guess what? Both Barnes and Noble.com and Borders.com have JUMP! available for pre-order (the publication date is November 2010 to ensure that books will be “in their stores” by then). Wahoo! It’s only a “short matter of time” before you’ll be able to go to your local bookstore and ask for a copy. How cool is that?

And thanks Eric… We really appreciate you and what your company are doing for us.

JUMP! at the Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile in Paris

Another great photo from my friend Nahid Sewell who is currently on vacation in Paris. She brought her galley copy of JUMP! with her for another photo op! So far, JUMP! has made photo appearances in Singapore, London, Rome, The Vatican, Paris, Boston, and right here in Denver. Please send along your pictures too!

And, in the meantime — check out Nahid’s breakout novel, The Ruby Tear Catcher. I recommend it HIGHLY.

Thanks Nahid!

About a month ago, I was fortunate enough to be asked to facilitate a JUMP! – Get Unstuck workshop at the OCEAN User Conference in Costa Mesa, CA. While out there, I had the chance to sit down with Mr. Chris Smith of MC Press, and he recorded a video interview. CLICK HERE to view it.

Last Friday, we were in beautiful Costa Mesa, CA for a JUMP! Workshop and Book Signing event. I had the privilege of facilitating a workshop focused on Stage One in the JUMP! Innovative Change Model™ (Get Ready), and the group provided a table in their vendor expo for us to sell books. I even had the chance to meet many of the attendees who were kind enough not only to buy, but to request my signature too!

Here are a couple of photos from the event:





Here is the “marketing blurb” for the event:

JUMP! – Getting Ready for Change:
Are you a technical professional that is unemployed, under-employed, or unhappily employed? Many in technical professions been outsourced, off-shored, or are fearful it will happen to them in the near future.  Further, the lack of results in traditional approaches to job finding cause many desperate, depressed technical professionals to simply tune out and give up.

Turning traditional models upside-down is one of Innovative Change Expert Robert S. Tipton’s missions in life, and using the tools and approaches in his book, JUMP! – Get Unstuck, Extraordinary Life Breakthroughs Through Innovative Change (Alden-Swain Press, ISBN 9780982590003, $24.95 hardcover, $12.99 eBook), his “JUMP! – Get Unstuck” workshops are driving rapid and satisfying results for otherwise frustrated, weary job seekers.

When:     Friday, July 16, 2010 – The 17th Annual OCEAN Tech Conference, Vendor Solutions Expo
Where:     National University – 3390 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA (John Wayne SNA Airport 10 min.)

JUMP! (and the author) pose at the Bodhi Tree Bookstore

We went there with the purpose of introducing them to JUMP!, and to ask for them to carry it in their store. They agreed to review it, and we’re hoping for a big thumbs up.

This is a one-of-a-kind store, part bookstore, part gathering place, that is focused on bringing alternative perspectives on a variety of topics. As JUMP! isn’t your “typical book” on change, transition, and transformation, we hope they will decide to carry it. Hold the good thought — it’s Oprah’s favorite bookstore!

I just led a group of managers at my company through a brainstorming session using the Jump! methodology. Fantastic results! We used the Scenario Planning exercise (worst case, best case, most preferred case scenarios), followed by the Force Field Analysis Tool. What positive results! Our first attempt with old methodologies was full of negative results and emotions. We came out of this session with uplifting results, and with a clear, motivated focus. Next up will be the B.L.U.E. exercise. Thanks Bob!

We’re going to do our best, each Tuesday, to post another new JUMP!-related tool — thus, JUMP! “Tools-Day” (oh, my kids love my sense of humor!).

To kick things off, we have two tools available right now: A “Change Checklist” (a stage zero, or impetus to change, tool), and the “B.L.U.E. Tool” (a stage four tool focused on critical evaluation). Next week we’ll be adding the “Force Field Tool” (a stage one tool related to identifying the “right” problems to solve).

JUMP! Change Checklist

Here are direct links:

CHANGE CHECKLIST – and – B.L.U.E. TOOL

As always, please let us know your thoughts and suggestions! Thanks…

JUMP! Innovative Change Model™ #ourjump #idodi #innovation #change #ourjump

JUMP! at DI Global Finals 2010

JUMP! is officially on sale at the DI Global Finals bookstore in Knoxville, TN this week. How cool is that?

I used Jack Miller and his son, Jason, to introduce Destination ImagiNation (DI) to you as part of the Falcon Foundation story. I’ve been involved in one way or another with DI (and other creative solution-finding programs) since 1985. As Jack’s character said, DI is the best after-school program. Period. Why?

There are some 1.3 million DI alumni worldwide, and about 35,000 volunteers support DI’s activities annually. Here’s more information from DI’s international organization website:

Destination ImagiNation, Inc. is an extraordinary non-profit organization that provides educational programs for students to learn and experience creativity, teamwork and problem solving. Every year, we reach 100,000 students across the U.S. and in more than 30 countries. Destination ImagiNation, our core program, is an exhilarating after-school activity in which students work in teams to solve mind-bending Challenges and present their solutions at Tournaments. Teams are tested to think on their feet, work together, and devise original solutions that satisfy the requirements of the Challenges. Participants gain more than just basic knowledge and skills—they learn to unleash their imaginations and take unique approaches to problem solving. (Source: Destination ImagiNation)

I’m donating a portion of the profits from JUMP! to DI at three levels: the South Metro region in Colorado (a geographic area representing the southern suburbs of Denver in which I live, and other rural parts of south- central Colorado), Colorado Extreme Creativity (the overall DI organization in the state of Colorado), and the international Destination ImagiNation organization as well. I’m doing this so that more kids, both here in the US and in the developed and developing world, have the chance to participate in DI. I believe it’s one of the best ways to help our kids become prepared for the complex challenges they’ll encounter later in life. Like, next week.

For more information about DI, please check out their website. Better still, become involved. It’s a great way to touch the future.

Published by more than 100 TV stations, 30 business journals, and a dozen national business outlets such as:

DENVER, May 20 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. economy appears to be improving. However, the financial health of the majority of non-profits, governmental agencies, and educational institutions is just now reaching critical condition – forcing leaders to make unprecedented austerity-related decisions.

While these “survival-first” approaches are required for short-term viability, the status quo bias embodied by most leaders during crisis situations tends to squeeze out innovation at an alarming rate. Ironically, without focusing on innovative change, the strategy to simply survive for the short-term more often than not puts the long-term sustainability of the organization very much at risk. Without new approaches, many non-profits will fail, governmental agencies will crumble, and educational institutions will be forever scarred.

In Robert S. Tipton’s new book, JUMP! – Get Unstuck, Extraordinary Life Breakthroughs Through Innovative Change (5/17/10, Alden-Swain Press, ISBN 9780982590003, $24.95 hardcover, $12.99 eBook), he shares the power of science, philosophy, spiritual practices, and sound leadership models to arm leaders with new insights, new approaches, and better tools to accelerate their ability to not only survive today’s financial crisis, but to thrive well into the future.

One of JUMP!’s earliest premises is that movement, any movement, is necessary to get the energy of the organization moving. However, the more challenging the economic situation, the more “stuck” an organization tends to be. Borrowing a quote from Newton’s first law of motion (an object at rest tends to stay at rest), the organization finds itself mired in its status quo quagmire, and doesn’t want to move. However, as Tipton asserts, “The greatest failure related to change is NOT choosing the wrong path forward, it’s choosing NO path forward.”

Based upon Tipton’s JUMP! Innovative Change Model(TM), a toolset he has perfected over the past two decades in designing and facilitating transformational change for a wide variety of non-profits, governmental agencies, and educational institutions, JUMP! focuses on preparing leaders to discover and implement radical, quantum-leap breakthroughs in vision development, strategic planning, and organizational execution.

Outcomes include: compelling vision, unity in leadership, consistency in management, and intrinsic individual, group, and organizational motivation – the shift from begrudging compliance toward personal commitment. Tipton’s proven methods have provided non-profits, governmental agencies, and educational institutions with direct cost savings in the tens of millions, and the abilities to recapture and grow membership participation, foster collaborative relationships in private / public partnerships, and improve revenue production. As Tipton states it, “JUMP! isn’t about ‘causing the result.’ It’s about ensuring that the right elements in the environment – attitude, energy, focus, etc. – are present so that the outcome is ensured.”

JUMP! is available today at Amazon.com (hardcover and Kindle editions), and direct from the publisher at http://www.OurJUMPStore.com. It will be available in eBook format at Google Books and Apple iBookstore, and hardcover at bookstores in early June.

About Robert S. Tipton

Robert S. Tipton is an author, consultant, and speaker who specializes in designing and facilitating innovative change. He has developed and uses the JUMP! Innovative Change Model(TM) (the basis for JUMP!) to assist his clients (many Fortune-class organizations, start-up companies, non-profits, governmental agencies, and educational institutions) to move out of their status quo quagmires and deliver substantial and sustainable improvements. For more about the author, visit www.RobertSTipton.com

He is passionate about creativity and innovation, and is donating a significant portion of the proceeds from JUMP! to Destination ImagiNation, http://www.idodi.org, a non-profit organization devoted to empowering children with creative problem solving and innovation-based tools and experiences.

Contacts: Alden-Swain Press 720-279-7100 parker@aldenswain.com

#innovation #change #creativity #transformation

Order One Today!

Just a quick announcement post to let everyone know that JUMP! is really, officially, really ON SALE, and it’s hoppin’ around here! Early sales have been strong — thank you to those who have ordered already! The Tipton family college fund really appreciates it (two more to go!).

Also, until 6/1/2010, we’re offering a 10% discount through the Our JUMP! Store (see more details below). Be sure to enter offthepad into the promotion code when ordering. Certainly, if you’re interested in buying in bulk, we offer quantity discounts too — CLICK HERE for more information.

So… Tell your friends, neighbors, family members, seat mates on your next trip, etc. — JUMP! is ready to leave the lily pad, and make it to your “pad”. (Sorry for the 70s humor — my kids are ALL groaning right now.)

Anyway — here are the particulars on where to order:

Our JUMP! Store (hardcover and ePUB format — this is our preferred channel, as the Tipton family college fund gets the most $$ this way).

Amazon.com (hardcover and Kindle editions)

Coming soon to: ShopDI (Destination ImagiNation Store), Penton’s Left Brain Bookstore, MC Press Books, Google Books and the Apple iBookstore. (We’ll be sure to let you know when these happen).

Follow JUMP! on Facebook

THANK YOU to everyone!
Bob

JUMP! on an iPad

Okay, so having JUMP! “actually” on an iPad through Apple’s iBookstore is about two weeks away (don’t get me started on all the technical and legal hurdles of making this happen — I’ll need a box of tissues to help me get through it!), but due to some spontaneous shenanigans on behalf of our 14 year old daughter Grace, you are looking at JUMP! on an iPad. Well — sort of…

A couple of nights ago, Debi received an email that her long-desired 64GB, 3G+WiFi iPad was waiting for her at our local Apple Store. As it was approaching closing time for the store when the email showed up, Grace, Debi and I hustled out the door to the store. Now, while Debi was completely the transaction to buy her iPad, Grace was scheming.

The store was virtually empty, and Grace has — well, an active mind and a bit of a devious streak. We caught up with her after a few minutes, only to discover that she’d set up Safari (the browser on an iPad) to point to the “Our JUMP!” home page. There must have 15 iPads — all with the same image on them. What a scream! We laughed long and hard.

Viral marketing takes on a whole new perspective. Thank you Grace! You’re doing an excellent job promoting my book. <3 you Grace...

JUMP! on ALL the iPads (not literally...)

Pallets of jUMP! on the Shipping Dock

JUMP! has arrived in Denver! Just yesterday I went to the warehouse to meet the shipment from the printer — and took this picture of a couple of pallets filled with copies of JUMP! It was pretty cool — there’s something, oh I’m not sure, heartwarming, fulfilling, exciting, relieving and just amazing to see tangible evidence of a new book. Maybe it’s something only another author would really understand, but what a feeling!

However — the adventure is just beginning, really… The supply chain is now kicking into full gear — for those who have ordered early, look for shipment notifications to begin flowing this coming week. Amazon will be stocked on Monday or Tuesday, the “Our JUMP” eCommerce site will be up and running, etc.

More soon — but just a note to let you know that JUMP! is very real indeed. Wow!

Big announcement! JUMP! is officially on sale as an Amazon Kindle eBook. Click on the picture, and you’ll be taken directly there! Now, at some point, I’m going to need a LARGE dose of therapy related to this announcement — but instead of that, I’m going to write an article about it all. What a DIFFICULT process to navigate the first time — hopefully it will be far easier the next time.

Also — more updates… The “real” books are scheduled to be finished tonight (4/30) at the printer, with shipping to Denver scheduled for Monday. We’ll be getting the hardcover books into the supply chain next week — so for those who have pre-ordered (THANK YOU!), you’ll be getting your book as soon as all the different freight and shipping companies get their work done.

More things to look for: an announcement related to the Alden-Swain eCommerce site (my publisher — who will be selling the book directly) as well as availability of JUMP! on the Apple iBookstore, Google Books, the Sony Bookstore as well as Barnes and Noble. One step at a time — but we’re clearly making progress.

JUMP! Finds a Red Telephone Box in London

One more image from my friend Nahid — this one from London. JUMP! is looking for a way to phone home — to let everyone know that Nahid “barely” beat the Heathrow closure due to the Icelandic volcano.

Also – more updates… I’m finding that the process of “e-Publishing” is anything but simple and straightforward. Not only is the technology for eBooks archaic, but the processes of making it happen are confusing, slow and complicated! And to make matters more interesting, there’s almost nothing in the way of learning that can be transferred from Amazon to Sony to Apple to Barnes and Noble to Google. Each one is unique — agreements, process, technology, rules, etc.

Wow! But, I’m slogging my way through it — the lawyers will NOT win! I will overcome all the challenges!!

JUMP! is Always Close At Hand...

Another image from Nahid’s “European Adventure.” This one shows just how “close at hand” an ancient Roman philosopher keeps his copy of JUMP!. Some say he’s a little “stiff and cold” and isn’t much fun at parties, but he likes his reading material. ..grin..

Also — another milestone reached today… The first “full version” of the ePUB version of JUMP! has successfully been ported to my Sony Reader. A few minor issues remain, but overall we’ve crossed the threshold of being an ePublisher! Next step — using Calibre to convert it to .mobi format, and look out Kindle. Here it comes. Then we have to navigate the online bookstore publishing agreements — and Voila! We’ll have an eBook available.

JUMP! Brings Positive Energy to the Vatican

Also — a quick update… Production of the first printing of JUMP! is in full swing, and “real” books should be available in two weeks or less. In the meantime, I’m fully absorbed in the learning curve associated with creating eBook versions. You’d think it would be simple — just a button to push that says “CONVERT” and the work is done. Not so. Think websites in 1995, and you have a fair approximation of the current standard related to eBook publishing. Ugly, ugly, ugly. But, I’m making my through it!

But — as I say in JUMP!, “Be CLEAR about what you’re asking for, because that’s what you’re likely to get…” And, that’s happening. Two things to report.

First — we passed a HUGE milestone today as the printer has officially accepted and scheduled the production of “real” books (hardcover). Consequently, all of my fretting and futzing with the the content, graphics, legal permissions, etc. is now behind us. The next step will be to receive PALLETS of books for distribution. It’ll be longer than we’d originally thought — sometime toward the end of April, not the middle. Alas – it was important to get official permission from Pixar. We’d hate to have to throw out thousands of books because an animation company attorney got steamed.

Second — the “new” learning curves are beginning. I’m starting to get serious about the ePUB version of JUMP! — and hope to have that available on the Kindle, the iPad, the Sony Reader and the Nook (as well as all the smartphone and computer-based variants) sometime in the next couple of weeks. However, there’s a GIGANTIC difference between the printed version of a book and an electronic book. The “words” are about the only similarity. The layout is totally different, and I’m going to see what’s possible to do with the graphics in the model section. I’m guessing the learning curve will be steep once again.

Anyway — keep that positive energy flowing! Thank you for all of your encouragement and support. JUMP! is becoming REAL!

I’m so pleased to have had the chance to collaborate (in the truest sense of the word, for those who know my definition of it!) with such a passionate, talented, and caring group — thank you to everyone who has been part of the process.

Now — I’m taking a few days to reconnect with Debi, to celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary (I love you!), and to generally chill out up in the mountains. There’s still plenty to do, but nothing pressing for a few days. And, the only decisions I’m interested in making will be in the category of, “Medium or Medium Rare…”

Look for a press release sometime in the next few weeks announcing JUMP!’s availability!

John Leyba, The Denver Post

“I was in Denver for your big Spring snow (on March 23, 2010). I actually was stranded overnight. While waiting in the long line at United to rebook for a Wednesday morning flight, I was thinking about the story in JUMP! and also how lucky I had been to find a hotel room just as someone cancelled.

About that time, an elderly woman from Nebraska told me she can’t get out until Thursday and that she was stuck in the airport until then. Pebbles in the pond, Bob. Long story short, I had a roommate that night. I don’t know if I would’ve thought of it without reading your work.” LM, Texas

Goosebumps.

JUMP! Brings Positive Vibe to DC

Once again, Connie Ward shares a travel photo of JUMP! During her around-the-world blitz, she took a photo of JUMP! in front of the Washington Monument in Washington DC. Hopefully the positive message and powerful energy contained in the book will rub off on our nation’s lawmakers. Things in DC are, well, a little tense — and the energy level is not very “clean.”

Thank you Connie!

BTW — We’re in the final stages of preparing the hard cover “first printing” of JUMP! Look for a message in the next couple of weeks indicating “real” books are available. It’s both exciting and busy around here… Actually, VERY exciting, and VERY busy.