http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:26:56 GMT http://bandzoogle.com http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=1731634 So I guess I have to comment on SOPA/PIPA since everyone else is. :-) You guys know me, I'm the FIRST to tell Gov't to get the h*ll out of our lives. They've certainly slimed their way into just about every aspect/industry they can under the pretense of recovery. And the Internet is NO exception. We cannot/should not hamper the innovation and job creation that comes from our nations' fastest growing business sector. And I work in this sector! Ready for the big butt?.... HOWEVER (the big butt)...as a 'creative' guy, I'm tremendously passionate about protecting the rights & Intellectual Property of folks whose business/livelihood(sp) is based on creating content (i.e. movie, music, publishing, etc...). The Internet makes it easy for this content to be downloaded shared/illegally(the entertainment industry lost millions in revenue last year in sales/ad revenue because of this-I see people pirating copies of movies pre-release all the time) Case & point, Napster...which in my mind was the beginning of the end of the recording industry. Also you have offshore pharma companies falsely selling meds and undercutting our own industry. And yes, sorry, but Internet sites should have some level of accountability for the content made available on their page. Censorship or no...if one person thinks having relations with a sofa cushion is art, that doesn't mean they should have a right to post it. And whether this should be managed by the public or private sector...that’s a whole separate discussion. One more big butt and the Big Finish...SOPA is definitely not the answer. It is correct in intent, but falls way short in execution...goes too far and is too broad in reach. Find a middle ground...find a way to protect IP, prevent piracy & counterfeiting, but NOT at the expense of the vitality and innovation of the Internet.
HOWEVER (the big butt)...as a 'creative' guy, I'm tremendously passionate about protecting the rights & Intellectual Property of folks whose business/livelihood(sp) is based on creating content (i.e. movie, music, publishing, etc...). The Internet makes it easy for this content to be downloaded shared/illegally(the entertainment industry lost millions in revenue last year in sales/ad revenue because of this-I see people pirating copies of movies pre-release all the time) Case & point, Napster...which in my mind was the beginning of the end of the recording industry. Also you have offshore pharma companies falsely selling meds and undercutting our own industry. And yes, sorry, but Internet sites should have some level of accountability for the content made available on their page. Censorship or no...if one person thinks having relations with a sofa cushion is art, that doesn't mean they should have a right to post it. And whether this should be managed by the public or private sector...that’s a whole separate discussion.

One more big butt and the Big Finish...SOPA is definitely not the answer. It is correct in intent, but falls way short in execution...goes too far and is too broad in reach. Find a middle ground...find a way to protect IP, prevent piracy & counterfeiting, but NOT at the expense of the vitality and innovation of the Internet.
]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:26:56 GMT FAF0FF7E9A162D72EF3B6AAFE66F5DCD http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=1484554 Henry Ford I have been trying very hard not to do this, but alas...given recent developments in Oakland I have to comment (vent really) on this whole &ldquo;Occupy&rdquo; movement, or as I call it...&rdquo;Entitlement Mindset&rdquo;. Not sure when/how this started, but the fact that it&rsquo;s gotten this far I think is a real indication of our current leadership, or lack thereof. And the fact that certain elements of our own Government, along with Labor Unions are actually embracing and supporting these &ldquo;people&rdquo; is beyond maddening. Those who would defend Occupy say that it is just a natural and proper result of frustration. Frustration about the supposed lack of opportunities...frustration towards those who are successful despite economic conditions...frustration that our Government has not done more to provide the things these &ldquo;people&rdquo; feel they&rsquo;re owed...money, health insurance, property, education. But here&rsquo;s the thing...we&rsquo;re all frustrated! My wife and I have been working very hard for nearly two decades now, trying to make ends meet month to month, to pay bills, to keep our three children fed and clothed. Sometimes it&rsquo;s a struggle. Often we have to get creative...but in the end we do what we have to do for ourselves and our family. Are we out marching with a sign, pointing fingers and flinging blame at those who live in a bigger house or drive a nicer car? No! Are we calling for the end of Capitalism so that everyone can get an equal share of the pie regardless of our effort? NO!&nbsp;&nbsp;We all know that&rsquo;s been tried before...we all know where and when, and we all know it doesn&rsquo;t work. And the fact that we&rsquo;re even having this discussion on merits of socialism is, to me, beyond belief! And I don&rsquo;t understand where the breakdown happened. Are parents not raising their children with the proper perspective on history, what works, and what doesn&rsquo;t? Our schools succumbing to revisionist history, strategic agendas and political correctness? Let&rsquo;s check with that all important but sadly forgotten document, the US Constitution. It really boils down to one of the most simple yet eloquent and important phrases in the history of mankind. &ldquo;We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.&rdquo; And what is the most important, and most over-looked word in the phrase? &rdquo;PURSUIT&rdquo;. Whether intentional or not, this word seems to have been omitted in the bong resin-filled &ldquo;minds&rdquo; of those who are all too ready to hold their hands out and demand from their government and from those who have more. Well I, like the millions of others who HAVEN&rsquo;T forgotten what made this country great, say NO!&nbsp;&nbsp; Don&rsquo;t demand from ME...don&rsquo;t demand from THEM...DEMAND FROM YOURSELF! Push harder, work harder, think harder!&nbsp; There IS opportunity out there...perhaps harder to find, but out there none the less! And isn&rsquo;t this the Land of Opportunity?&nbsp; Go get it!&nbsp; Don&rsquo;t wait for someone to find it for you or take you to it...GO GET IT!&nbsp; Capitalism WORKS!&nbsp; It&rsquo;s the ONLY thing that works! But CAPITALISM only works if YOU work! Take a lesson from past generations who had it SO much harder than us...in a world-wide depression, in a World War...what did they do?&nbsp; They picked themselves up by the bootstraps, rolled up their sleeves and went on to forge the world's greatest economy!&nbsp; Government is not the solution, it is the PROBLEM!&nbsp; So look INWARD, not OUTWARD!&nbsp; Create...Innovate...Inspire...Work...Earn...Improve... DO! Join us as we&nbsp;fight back on Facebook -&nbsp;<a target="_new" href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.252435708136445.60380.252412168138799&amp;type=1#!/pages/Occupy-Entitlement-Street/252412168138799">Occupy Entitlement Street!&nbsp;

Henry Ford

I have been trying very hard not to do this, but alas...given recent developments in Oakland I have to comment (vent really) on this whole “Occupy” movement, or as I call it...”Entitlement Mindset”. Not sure when/how this started, but the fact that it’s gotten this far I think is a real indication of our current leadership, or lack thereof. And the fact that certain elements of our own Government, along with Labor Unions are actually embracing and supporting these “people” is beyond maddening.

Those who would defend Occupy say that it is just a natural and proper result of frustration. Frustration about the supposed lack of opportunities...frustration towards those who are successful despite economic conditions...frustration that our Government has not done more to provide the things these “people” feel they’re owed...money, health insurance, property, education. But here’s the thing...we’re all frustrated!

My wife and I have been working very hard for nearly two decades now, trying to make ends meet month to month, to pay bills, to keep our three children fed and clothed. Sometimes it’s a struggle. Often we have to get creative...but in the end we do what we have to do for ourselves and our family. Are we out marching with a sign, pointing fingers and flinging blame at those who live in a bigger house or drive a nicer car? No! Are we calling for the end of Capitalism so that everyone can get an equal share of the pie regardless of our effort? NO!  We all know that’s been tried before...we all know where and when, and we all know it doesn’t work. And the fact that we’re even having this discussion on merits of socialism is, to me, beyond belief!

And I don’t understand where the breakdown happened. Are parents not raising their children with the proper perspective on history, what works, and what doesn’t? Our schools succumbing to revisionist history, strategic agendas and political correctness? Let’s check with that all important but sadly forgotten document, the US Constitution. It really boils down to one of the most simple yet eloquent and important phrases in the history of mankind.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

And what is the most important, and most over-looked word in the phrase? ”PURSUIT”. Whether intentional or not, this word seems to have been omitted in the bong resin-filled “minds” of those who are all too ready to hold their hands out and demand from their government and from those who have more.

Well I, like the millions of others who HAVEN’T forgotten what made this country great, say NO!   Don’t demand from ME...don’t demand from THEM...DEMAND FROM YOURSELF! Push harder, work harder, think harder!  There IS opportunity out there...perhaps harder to find, but out there none the less! And isn’t this the Land of Opportunity?  Go get it!  Don’t wait for someone to find it for you or take you to it...GO GET IT!  Capitalism WORKS!  It’s the ONLY thing that works!

But CAPITALISM only works if YOU work!

Take a lesson from past generations who had it SO much harder than us...in a world-wide depression, in a World War...what did they do?  They picked themselves up by the bootstraps, rolled up their sleeves and went on to forge the world's greatest economy! 

Government is not the solution, it is the PROBLEM!  So look INWARD, not OUTWARD!  Create...Innovate...Inspire...Work...Earn...Improve...

DO!

Join us as we fight back on Facebook - Occupy Entitlement Street! 

]]> Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:30:00 GMT EFB5F537A0D6CEBA5BB9C3309009FAEC http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=846774 Sorry I haven't been blogging as much as I should...but that's going to change soon!&nbsp; Lot's coming down the pipe, stand by for the new and improved... B.log!
B.log!]]> Mon, 21 Mar 2011 08:53:27 GMT E7C2915E8B8041994D46C980FD361EDC http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=809907 Is this thing on?&nbsp; More treble!&nbsp; Just testing my website social-network sync function.&nbsp; Happy Friday! www.bobbrunson.com
Happy Friday!

www.bobbrunson.com
]]> Sat, 05 Mar 2011 00:39:21 GMT 944BBD622C07DB3B6653435EE9C0167D http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=591444 Dear Friends: Happy almost Thanksgiving! Most of you have been hearing me rant about my KISS Tribute Song/Charity project Friends With Painted Faces for a few years now. Long story short, after my appearance on Gene's show, I put out a call to KISS Fans everywhere asking them to tell my why they (&amp; I) were so passionate about the group. I got SO many inspirational stories, from all walks of life. I used that, and my own experience as inspiration to write/record Friends With Painted Faces. I knew for this to be a credible, worthwhile project, the right thing to do would be to partner with a charity for them to also benefit. In thinking about the intent of the song (believe in yourself and your dreams, no matter what), and looking at groups KISS has supported, the obvious choice was AmeriFace...the country's leading Support organization for children/individuals with facial differences, like Cleft or Craniofacial issues. (visit their site here <a href="http://www.ameriface.org">www.ameriface.org &nbsp;) I also thought for this project to really work, from a visibility standpoint, that I should try and team up with a mainstream artist to get their involvement, either re-recording my version, or at least helping to market it. Well, after years of trying to everyone from KISS to Bret Michaels to Garth Brooks, (we've been targeting artists who work with KISS and are active with charity), I guess I just wasn't able to sell it. And a few weeks back, I got so frustrated and decided to pull the plug. And that's when I remembered the most important thing in life is never, ever...EVER giving up on your dreams. Between that, and wanting to keep my promise to Ameriface, I've decided to move forward with this project WITHOUT artist support...I'm gonna do it myself!!! SO, starting December 1st, my Friends With Painted Faces demo will be available for purchase/download on my website, here. <a href="http://www.bobbrunson.com/fwpfthesong">www.bobbrunson.com/fwpfthesong &nbsp; Here's where you come in! I really need help promoting this and spreading the word, so I'm looking for folks that would be willing to post the banner below to your won personal website and link to the FWPF page! Or if not the banner, just a simple text link? I will absolutely give you credit on my site...creating a section called FRIENDS OF FRIENDS WITH PAINTED FACES! With a link back to your page. (I believe in the golden rule) :-) SO...please respond to this note, or send me an email to bob@bobbrunson.com if you're game for getting involved! I really want to make this work, for me yes, and for the AmeriFace kids! And truly, hopefully you'll agree it's a really catchy tune too! So whether you're a KISS fan or not, I'm hoping you'll help me out. Thanks so much for reading this,&nbsp;and always...LIVE LOUD! Warm regards, Bob Brunson
Happy almost Thanksgiving! Most of you have been hearing me rant about my KISS Tribute Song/Charity project Friends With Painted Faces for a few years now. Long story short, after my appearance on Gene's show, I put out a call to KISS Fans everywhere asking them to tell my why they (& I) were so passionate about the group. I got SO many inspirational stories, from all walks of life. I used that, and my own experience as inspiration to write/record Friends With Painted Faces. I knew for this to be a credible, worthwhile project, the right thing to do would be to partner with a charity for them to also benefit. In thinking about the intent of the song (believe in yourself and your dreams, no matter what), and looking at groups KISS has supported, the obvious choice was AmeriFace...the country's leading Support organization for children/individuals with facial differences, like Cleft or Craniofacial issues. (visit their site here www.ameriface.org  )

I also thought for this project to really work, from a visibility standpoint, that I should try and team up with a mainstream artist to get their involvement, either re-recording my version, or at least helping to market it. Well, after years of trying to everyone from KISS to Bret Michaels to Garth Brooks, (we've been targeting artists who work with KISS and are active with charity), I guess I just wasn't able to sell it. And a few weeks back, I got so frustrated and decided to pull the plug.

And that's when I remembered the most important thing in life is never, ever...EVER giving up on your dreams. Between that, and wanting to keep my promise to Ameriface, I've decided to move forward with this project WITHOUT artist support...I'm gonna do it myself!!! SO, starting December 1st, my Friends With Painted Faces demo will be available for purchase/download on my website, here. www.bobbrunson.com/fwpfthesong  

Here's where you come in! I really need help promoting this and spreading the word, so I'm looking for folks that would be willing to post the banner below to your won personal website and link to the FWPF page! Or if not the banner, just a simple text link? I will absolutely give you credit on my site...creating a section called FRIENDS OF FRIENDS WITH PAINTED FACES! With a link back to your page. (I believe in the golden rule) :-)

SO...please respond to this note, or send me an email to bob@bobbrunson.com if you're game for getting involved! I really want to make this work, for me yes, and for the AmeriFace kids! And truly, hopefully you'll agree it's a really catchy tune too! So whether you're a KISS fan or not, I'm hoping you'll help me out.

Thanks so much for reading this, and always...LIVE LOUD!

Warm regards,



Bob Brunson

]]> Mon, 22 Nov 2010 05:18:42 GMT 66DD4B57B0831CE3AFD48A71E020D44D http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=549724 Tonight We the People have spoken, and we make that first step towards taking our country, and our future back!&nbsp; Now let's roll up our sleeves and get to work!&nbsp; We the People have spoken, and we make that first step towards taking our country, and our future back!  Now let's roll up our sleeves and get to work! ]]> Wed, 03 Nov 2010 11:00:30 GMT DC09C90BF26D4773093257D8FACEDDF0 http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=408873 Spent a great day at Corona Del Mar beach yesterday with the family and my kid sister who was visiting from Jersey. Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:11:40 GMT 0AC4FAF05107B63EEC6D804D977E6868 http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=402661 Moderated a terrific CFO/Executive Finance Roundtable today for TechAmerica, with presenters by senior partners at Moss Adams.&nbsp; The Topic...Upcoming changes to expect from&nbsp;Healthcare reform and the impact to individuals/companies bottom lines.&nbsp; The take away...be afraid...be very afraid. Thu, 19 Aug 2010 02:23:41 GMT 31EBC49F55C225F9B9BBD3987C11214B http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=385929 Caught my all-time FAVE Western last night, &quot;The Magnificent Seven&quot;. Got me to thinking...where are all of our larger than life heros? &nbsp; The Steve McQueens, Yul Brynners, Frank Sinatras, John Waynes, Humphry Bogarts, Jimmie Stewarts, Gary Coopers, etc... Something we're sorely lacking, and could ...desparately use these days, IMHO. Unfortunately, the prob is our culture has evolved into one that scoffs at the idea, turning the classic 'hero' into a cliche, and instead idolizing/embracing the non-traditional, sensitive, inward/quiet type who is in touch with his feelings, and hugs first, shoots second. :-) In my best John Wayne accent - &quot;Well pilgrim, that's a god-damn shame!&quot;  
The Steve McQueens, Yul Brynners, Frank Sinatras, John Waynes, Humphry Bogarts, Jimmie Stewarts, Gary Coopers, etc... Something we're sorely lacking, and could ...desparately use these days, IMHO. Unfortunately, the prob is our culture has evolved into one that scoffs at the idea, turning the classic 'hero' into a cliche, and instead idolizing/embracing the non-traditional, sensitive, inward/quiet type who is in touch with his feelings, and hugs first, shoots second. :-)

In my best John Wayne accent - "Well pilgrim, that's a god-damn shame!"

]]> Fri, 06 Aug 2010 23:57:21 GMT 00A6E8557BA02D5A1D588CD3C73B3FF5 http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=355288 By KISS - sung by the late/great Eric Carr.&nbsp; (and words to live by) Ten million stories in the city, ten million backs against the wall... Desperation's out tonight, you can cut it with a knife, Everybody wants to have it all... Well they tell you that the world is rough But they never rocked it hard enough Hey little Caesar, nobody messing with you Hey little Caesar, go show 'em what you can do Nobody said that it was pretty, you haven't got a penny or a prayer... You know it's gonna be a fight, if you wanna see your name in lights, Ain't nobody gives a damn out there... Well you got your guts, you got your pride But you'll never let them see inside Hey little Caesar, nobody messing with you Hey little Caesar, go show 'em what you can do
Ten million stories in the city, ten million backs against the wall...
Desperation's out tonight, you can cut it with a knife,
Everybody wants to have it all...
Well they tell you that the world is rough
But they never rocked it hard enough

Hey little Caesar, nobody messing with you
Hey little Caesar, go show 'em what you can do

Nobody said that it was pretty, you haven't got a penny or a prayer...
You know it's gonna be a fight, if you wanna see your name in lights,
Ain't nobody gives a damn out there...
Well you got your guts, you got your pride
But you'll never let them see inside

Hey little Caesar, nobody messing with you
Hey little Caesar, go show 'em what you can do]]> Wed, 14 Jul 2010 03:25:45 GMT 2E3B1686160094A8BB0864D673922CBD http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=352192 We rented Crazy Heart last night with Jeff Bridges. A terrific movie about a washed up country star who's relying on his hit songs from the distant past and barely scraping out a living playing at bars and bowling alleys. Everyone around him, including a current top-40 country act whom he mentored, is urging him to write new material, but he resists, insisting that it's too late for some at 57 to re-invent themselves. Bridges acting was phenomenal...he really deserved all the accolades he got. But more important I think was the message the movie delivered so poignantly... that no matter who you are or where you are in life, it's never too late to start over, set a goal and go after it. I know I sure need to reminded of this from time to time. I sometimes get complacent in terms of pursuing those hobbies and projects of mine that sit in the corner of my mind gathering dust. Its natural to feel that once you reach a certain point in life those types of activities are a waste of time...but nothing could be further from the truth. On the contrary, that's when you need them most. So get out there and write that song or book, create something that is uniquely you. Our dreams are who we are, and who we aspire to be. Go after them...no matter how old you are or how bogged down you are in the daily grind of life...make it happen...find a way...you can!&nbsp;&nbsp; Be a Crazy Heart, before it's too late.
I know I sure need to reminded of this from time to time. I sometimes get complacent in terms of pursuing those hobbies and projects of mine that sit in the corner of my mind gathering dust. Its natural to feel that once you reach a certain point in life those types of activities are a waste of time...but nothing could be further from the truth. On the contrary, that's when you need them most. So get out there and write that song or book, create something that is uniquely you. Our dreams are who we are, and who we aspire to be.
Go after them...no matter how old you are or how bogged down you are in the daily grind of life...make it happen...find a way...you can!   Be a Crazy Heart, before it's too late.]]> Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:28:57 GMT 53BE2DED6AAC24AE6160ABC4CA5FAB98 http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=334790 Started the day early (5:30 am) to attend at 7:00 am Executive Board meeting at my company <a target="_new" href="http://www.techamerica.org">TechAmerica. We're a non-profit High-Tech Trade Association advancing the cause of technology and innovation across the country. We are primarily driven by volunteers and committees from member companies in the area who are passionate about technology. Software/Hardware, Internet, Cloud Computing, Chips, Telecom, Networks, BioTech, you name it...our membership represents the best of all sectors in the technology space. I am head of the Orange County Council (19 councils total across the country). I manage one staffer, 7 committees,&nbsp;around 30 volunteers and&nbsp;approximately 40 annual events/roundtables. In addition, I manage all of our PR, marketing and business development efforts, so cultivating new business while managing/growing existing relationships. It&rsquo;s fascinating and a privilege to work with executives in the business community...they are so passionate about what they do. And what's most interesting, NONE of them are in it for the money...they do it because they love it. They thrive on technology, and asking the question &quot;What's next?&quot; And I think we can all learn a lesson from them....as the saying goes... Happiness brings success...Not the other way around! I am very lucky to be in this position. I am working with pioneers in technology, and learning so much about what it takes to be successful in business, and in life. Do what makes you happy, help others...and the rest will fall into place. TechAmerica. We're a non-profit High-Tech Trade Association advancing the cause of technology and innovation across the country. We are primarily driven by volunteers and committees from member companies in the area who are passionate about technology. Software/Hardware, Internet, Cloud Computing, Chips, Telecom, Networks, BioTech, you name it...our membership represents the best of all sectors in the technology space.

I am head of the Orange County Council (19 councils total across the country). I manage one staffer, 7 committees, around 30 volunteers and approximately 40 annual events/roundtables. In addition, I manage all of our PR, marketing and business development efforts, so cultivating new business while managing/growing existing relationships. It’s fascinating and a privilege to work with executives in the business community...they are so passionate about what they do. And what's most interesting, NONE of them are in it for the money...they do it because they love it. They thrive on technology, and asking the question "What's next?" And I think we can all learn a lesson from them....as the saying goes...

Happiness brings success...Not the other way around!

I am very lucky to be in this position. I am working with pioneers in technology, and learning so much about what it takes to be successful in business, and in life. Do what makes you happy, help others...and the rest will fall into place.
]]> Sat, 26 Jun 2010 00:46:28 GMT 2C9D80B514CE2B18ECC326316BFE61FE http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=318054 Hi all!&nbsp; Sorry I've been absent for a few weeks...been so busy at work with our Annual Awards Banquet we hold every year.&nbsp; Its our biggest event...and this year's took place last week in Irvine.&nbsp; It was a smashing success...I'm told the best one in 17 years, so definitely happy about that.&nbsp;&nbsp; Can't believe the year is nearly half over...went by in a blink didn't it?&nbsp; Its funny how you, or I&nbsp;should say I,&nbsp;start each year with such lofty goals and high hopes, but more often than not by this time they're just random memories and forgotten ambitions.&nbsp;&nbsp; So much I want to do...so much I want to achieve...so many ideas floating around...but&nbsp; how and when to start.&nbsp; I guess the answer is...NOW.
I guess the answer is...NOW.]]> Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:52:57 GMT 23B25C94D157B7539BA4C4F457EB4D19 http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=286207 SO many ideas for new 'creative' projects. The hardest part?,,,getting started. Here's a brief synopsis of some of the ideas I've started, or are still floating around in my head. Book concepts - 2 Song concepts - 6 Fundraising concepts - 3 Cartoon/Comic Book concepts - 4 TV Show concepts - 6 Business concepts - 2 So how do you put legs on concepts. There are no rule books, no maps, no guides. All you have is your gut, and MAYBE an example to follow by someone who's travelled the path before. Even that does not free up the time you need, or put the funding you need in your pocket, so how/where to start. How does something go from your head, to paper, to market, to bank, if you don't have the time, connections or relationships. Gene Simmons LOVES to tout how he has all these projects in the works, and how HE made them all happen and nobody helped in, he makes the calls, he gets the appointments, and that if he could do it you could too. Great words, and all true, the problem and difference is if you HAVE a name people recognize, if you HAVE an established brand or track-record, of COURSE people are going to take your call, and take your meeting. the problem is 99% of the rest of us don't. The moral of the story...? NONE, just venting/whining. Have a great weekend everyone.
Book concepts - 2
Song concepts - 6
Fundraising concepts - 3
Cartoon/Comic Book concepts - 4
TV Show concepts - 6
Business concepts - 2

So how do you put legs on concepts. There are no rule books, no maps, no guides. All you have is your gut, and MAYBE an example to follow by someone who's travelled the path before. Even that does not free up the time you need, or put the funding you need in your pocket, so how/where to start. How does something go from your head, to paper, to market, to bank, if you don't have the time, connections or relationships.

Gene Simmons LOVES to tout how he has all these projects in the works, and how HE made them all happen and nobody helped in, he makes the calls, he gets the appointments, and that if he could do it you could too. Great words, and all true, the problem and difference is if you HAVE a name people recognize, if you HAVE an established brand or track-record, of COURSE people are going to take your call, and take your meeting. the problem is 99% of the rest of us don't.

The moral of the story...? NONE, just venting/whining. Have a great weekend everyone.
]]> Sat, 15 May 2010 02:09:21 GMT DDEB975AE10BB67EF7888C6B4502AC88 http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=269718 Happy 8th Bday to my youngest daughter Cameron. Words aren't enough 4 this one, she has the biggest heart &amp; brightest soul of anyone Ive ever known. She's the one who wakes dad up every morn at 6:30 w. a hug &amp; kiss, and the one who, before I even turn the car off, opens the door greets me with a hug when I pull up in... the driveway at the end of the day. She IS unconditional love, and mark my words..she will be President one day. ;-) Tue, 04 May 2010 22:06:40 GMT A1B001D3F3B624CC2135862929370ED3 http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=262234 A busy day at&nbsp;the office in store.&nbsp; My 'to-do' list has 21 items on it...some big, some small.&nbsp; We shall see! Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:13:43 GMT C7B45F38C51765149976C00ACAEB426F http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=203473 How funny. Went to one of our FAVE Japanese places last night...Shogun in Mission Viejo. You know, the ones where they cook at your table and do all the silly, fun tricks like catching an egg on their hat, or the famous onion volcano? Corny, but we love it, especially the kids. Anyway, the other folks at the table were staring for the longest time and finally said &quot;you look so familiar&quot;. I still get this from time to time, and my stock reply is '&quot;do you watch the Gene Simmons show on A&amp;E?&quot; And I still get a kick when their faces light up and I hear &quot;OH YEAH, you're that guy...!&quot; The moral...SO, whether you have 15 minutes of fame, or 5, or an entire lifetime, I say cherish it, embrace it, CELEBRATE IT! And figure out a way to leverage it...I sure am!
The moral...SO, whether you have 15 minutes of fame, or 5, or an entire lifetime, I say cherish it, embrace it, CELEBRATE IT! And figure out a way to leverage it...I sure am!


]]> Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:15:00 GMT 953365EC3DF1C3B87A24EFEF662C501D http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=196867 After a great couple of days with meetings, in the office today hoping to plow through a lot of pending projects/work.&nbsp; One of the items we're working on is a Podcast of some of our&nbsp;member company CEO's.&nbsp; Recorded one the other day, and I have to say, one of the real joys of my current position is talking to and working with people who are so passionate about what they do.&nbsp; Listening to these business leaders describe their vision and passion is truly inspiring, and is something we all should aspire to. Morale of the story, best told by David Frost...&quot;Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally&quot;
Morale of the story, best told by David Frost..."Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally"
]]> Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:08:16 GMT 37AE0953C2EF9D704C55F743B792D21B http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=193897 It's easy to get frustrated when the weekend finally rolls around and the weather doesn't want to cooperate. Here in Social we were deluged with yet another good rainstorm all night Friday and all day Saturday. Don't get me wrong...we really need the rain as we have a pretty major water crisis going on. (if your shower lasts longer than 2.4 minutes the shower police come and take you away in handcuffs.) But really, sometimes when the weather forces you to stay inside it can be a blessing in disguise. Case and point... Come Saturday night our family (my wife and 3 wonderful kiddles) hunkered down with some yummy appetizers and an old fashioned game of Monopoly. Now, this is actually our normal Saturday night routine...we'll switch between Scategories, Boggle, Blockus, etc... It's a chance to get us all together and get the kids off of Xbox Modern Warfare for a time. But this weekend's 'game night' proved extra fun. Not for any particular reason...it was just...fun. While we were all scrambling for Boardwalk or Park Place, or sneaking hundred dollar bills from eachother's stockpile, we found ourselves laughing harder than usual. I even threw in my own twist by breaking into Abba's song &quot;Take A Chance&quot; whenever someone landed on the Chance square. So the moral of the story... Take a step off the hamster wheel of life once and a while and look around at what's right in front of you. And this is more for me than anyone, because I am very guilty of taking the little things for granted. And truly, the little things are the big things! A hug from your daughter, a high-five from your son...a shared look across the table with your loved one. Celebrate all these things, because they're what matter most.
Case and point...

Come Saturday night our family (my wife and 3 wonderful kiddles) hunkered down with some yummy appetizers and an old fashioned game of Monopoly. Now, this is actually our normal Saturday night routine...we'll switch between Scategories, Boggle, Blockus, etc...
It's a chance to get us all together and get the kids off of Xbox Modern Warfare for a time. But this weekend's 'game night' proved extra fun. Not for any particular reason...it was just...fun. While we were all scrambling for Boardwalk or Park Place, or sneaking hundred dollar bills from eachother's stockpile, we found ourselves laughing harder than usual. I even threw in my own twist by breaking into Abba's song "Take A Chance" whenever someone landed on the Chance square.

So the moral of the story...

Take a step off the hamster wheel of life once and a while and look around at what's right in front of you. And this is more for me than anyone, because I am very guilty of taking the little things for granted. And truly, the little things are the big things! A hug from your daughter, a high-five from your son...a shared look across the table with your loved one.

Celebrate all these things, because they're what matter most.]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:45:00 GMT 247E5A33CFAD8D32FBB5BA5BA5CDC5FA http://bobbrunson.com/theblog.cfm?feature=1230479&postid=191264 Started at 9:00 with a client meeting/presentation, then back to the office at 10:00 for a committee meeting, then back out for a lunch meeting with an important law firm/client. Meeting lots of great, important new people in this position. Growing and nurturing a robust, engaged network is so critical to success! Started at 9:00 with a client meeting/presentation, then back to the office at 10:00 for a committee meeting, then back out for a lunch meeting with an important law firm/client. Meeting lots of great, important new people in this position.

Growing and nurturing a robust, engaged network is so critical to success!]]> Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:15:00 GMT 16CDE40CFA637A514D06CB8AECC786AA