Break the rules and do things for yourself

Break the rules and do things for yourself. 

            Who said this?

a. Janis Joplin

b. Sex Pistols

c. Richard Branson

d. Gordan Ramsay

e. Howard Schultz

If you chose "e", you're the big winner. Mr. Schultz, CEO of Starbucks said this to a group of his employees and the results are staggering. The store in Seattle's trendy Capital Hill neighbourhood looks like an independent with an independent name- 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea. How can this be? Big Bucks Starbucks masquerading as an independent?  Mr. Schultz  is a very clever businessman.(google Starbucks Rebounds- blogger won't allow me to  hyperlink!)

Perhaps time for a refresher course taught by community-based economist  Michael Shuman, author of Going Local:  Creating self Reliant Communities in a Global Age (1998) and the more recent book The Small-Mart  Revolution: How Local Businesses are Beating the Global Competition (2006). Shuman writes in his blog.

Growing evidence suggests that every dollar spent at a locally owned business generates two to four times more  economic benefit—measured in income, wealth, jobs, and tax revenue—than a dollar spent at a globally owned business.

Please read Michael Shuman soon! He's one of our greatest hopes for re-igniting economically smart, vibrant communities. When is he coming to Vancouver? Hopefully soon!


Now I know he's not from Vancouver either but please google JOHNNY CUPCAKES (blogger won't allow me to hyperlink!) to really let it sink in how extraordinary it is to be a local business and the amazing impact it has on everyone in the community! 


His twitter bio says: "Dropped out of school + started a family run, ltd edition multi-million dollar t-shirt brand w/ no start-up loans, education, investors, advertising + wholesale". Worth following I'd say...
  

And a big meow to that!

Follow your Dreams or else....

I am prepared to go anywhere provided it be forward. 


~David Livingstone


A few months ago while living in my dingy Edmonton apartment I had the pleasure of viewing Dr. John Izzo's DVD Series "The Five Secrets you must Discover Before you Die." 


The series is based on interviews with individuals aged 60-105 and asks the question, "what would you do differently if you were young again?"


And the Five Secrets...

• Take More Risks
• Be More Generous
• Be more Loving
• Be more Reflective

Oops...Is that only four? Guess you'll have to read or watch the series and Dr. John Izzo's candid approach to living a fun, awesome, rich I ain't got-no-regrets life. He is the main reason I got off my butt and 
moved back to Vancouver. 

Thanks Dr. Izzo! Would otherwise still be miserable in my crappy apartment in arctic cold Edmonton..

And don't miss Jonathan Mead's fabulous blog Illuminated Mind. 

He has captured the essence of living life to its fullest without being an annoying "think positive cheerleader".  (you can follow him on twitter@jonathanmead)


(Blogger won't allow me to link his site so simply google "Illuminated Mind".)


Since returning to Vancouver at the end of December, I'd say my appreciation for the city has appreciated exponentially! 

 

In upcoming blogs, I'll be featuring local businesses, artists, writers... 

Smart, fun, daring, bold people who capture the essence of Vancouver and its' dynamic, vibrant spirit. 

And a big meow to that.