I Dare You!

"I Dare You!" is the perfect starting point for my blog efforts in 2012.

We have all heard "I Dare You!" from someone at sometime in our lives. It was most likely someone who cared enough about you to encourage you to do something, such as something new, perhaps something a bit risky, or even something dangerous. The point was to get you first to read the blog, and then to act. I Dare You to read on!

"I Dare You!" is a little-known book, written by William H. Danforth (1870-1956) which was a gift to me from a successful man that I hardly knew. He was the Founder of a vibrant business that helped me to earn my way through college. Prior to graduation, I was advised to sit with him for a cup of coffee, and I did. I shared my plans for getting a job, with no Google, no internet, and an economy in recession. Whatever I said, he reached into his desk drawer, and pulled out a copy of the book. I can only assume that he saw something in me, and felt this book would inspire me to act, so he gave it to me and asked only the I read it. So, I did! Below please find the Author's Preface:

"I Dare You" is for the daring few who are headed somewhere. Those afraid to Dare might as well pass it up. It will weary the lazy because it calls for immediate action. It will bore the sophisticated, and amuse the skeptics. It will antagonize others. Some will not even know what it is all about. It will not be over-popular because it calls for courage, swift and daring. But in the eyes of you, one of the priceless few, I trust will come a renewal of purpose as you read on. You can be a bigger person than you are, and I am going to prove it to you." - W.D.

In 1998, I read "I Dare You!" for a second time. It inspired me, reminded me that I could be bigger than I was, and so I accepted a new dare. BNI was thus born in Miami-Dade on October 21st, 1998. I can't say for certain that this book was the sole reason that I started BNI with BNI Coral Gables; however, I can say that it contributed to my effort for without the concepts of this book, I may not have taken the steps necessary to endeavor to become a bigger person than I was at that time.

So now what?

I DARE YOU....

- to change something about your life, yourself, your business or all three!
- to educate yourself on a topic of life or business importance!
- to debate someone about advantages/disadvantages of the status quo!
- to invest in someone deserving of your time, experience, or
- to explore your community!
- to develop and execute a new business development strategy!
- to serve your customer in a world-class way!
- to develop your people as if your business depended upon it (b/t/w, it does!)
- to care more about others!
- to give more to charitable organizations!
- to donate your time to someone or some organization in need!
- to solve your most challenging life or business circumstance this week!
- to learn a new skill!
- to form a new hobby!
- to start a blog!
- to post on Facebook!
- to write your U.S. Congressman/woman or U.S. Senator!
- to start a non-profit organization to serve the underserved!
- to get involved in the upcoming election!

I DARE YOU to accept the dare, to confront something boldly, and to enjoy your life more as a result!