You can't watch this video without being totally amazed by this kid. Not only is he an excellent public speaker, but he's literally a genius. Was he born this way? I think not, talent is overrated. People only get this way through 'deliberate practice.'

Viewing this video further motivated me in my 4-H work with technology. I really liked how he started an app club at his school where kids can get together and learn how to create mobile apps. It's what I'm currently working on so we have a community of kids like him in Southern Utah.

I wouldn't be surprised if his club is an actual 4-H club, that's what 4-H is all about - kids learning skills under the guidance of caring adults. It can be after school, at your house or any community center. Adults who have the time and want to share what they know with kids in their neighborhood are encouraged to get involved, consider this your invitation.

Here's the situation:

You need people to volunteer, to take initiative, to lead. You have responsibilities to be filled.

You call a meeting, you announce what you need and ask for volunteers...I bet your response goes something like this:

How do I know this? I just experienced it! This kind of impersonal invite does not work.

Here's a situation that does work:

Observe the people who you would like to serve in the various capacities you need filed. Who's the best match? Make notes, figure out who your first choice would be along with alternatives.

Call or meet with each person individually. Compliment them on their skills. Tell them why they would do well in the role you need them in. They will respond positively and the likelihood of them accepting your personal invitation is much greater. It takes longer, but you'll get what you want. 

I learned you've go to "Prime the Pump."

I just found out today that Utah State University published my first factsheet. Not a huge deal, but cool nonetheless. I plan to publish many more techy articles in peer reviewed journals in 2012, I love the fact that writing is now a component of my job! My next one will be about utilizing online surveys for data collection in programming. 

Right now I'm writing one about the advantages and disadvantages of connecting with clients via social media outlets and allowing them into your personal life, it's a fun one.  It can take as long as a year for an article to get published so let's hope it's not too outdated by the time it hits the press, if it ever does.

For my first factsheet, I thought it would be cool to write about my favorite web application, so I chose to introduce Dropbox! While many folks are like, "Duh! Everyone uses Dropbox!" You'd actually be surprised at how many people do not. 

Here's a fun game: 

1. Ask someone if they've heard of Dropbox. 
2. If they say Yes, reply "Cool, right on." If they say no, invite them through your Dropbox account (you'll get 250MB) and show them how it works.
3. They will thank you from the bottom of their heart and think you are so very smart.

Follow this link to set-up your Dropbox account, the first 2GB are free: 

http://db.tt/ZLoaJyr