The connected life

Publishing may never be the same...

2011-04-20T15:20:00.001-04:00

Corporate Sponsor+ Amazon Kindle Download= Free book. I would imagine this makes print publishers very very nervous.

in reference to:

"Do the Work is a logical outgrowth of the writing in The War of Art, but it’s quite clearly a manifesto, a short, powerful, memorable rant on what it means to do work that matters. This book is so important, I’d like everyone to read it again and again."
- Changing the game: Do the Work is free for now (view on Google Sidewiki)

Your Incredible Life: Truly a transformation

2011-03-01T15:53:00.000-05:00

Hey, I'm really proud of my friend Rob taking responsibility for his health and nutrition... Losing 30 lbs in just a few months and looking great man! Folks be encouraged, you can change... One choice and one day at a time...

Check out his blog at...

Your Incredible Life: Truly a transformation: "September 9, 2010 was a turning point in my life. It was the day, or night to be specific, that I made the decision to begin taking better c..."

Got telepresence?

2010-12-15T15:06:00.001-05:00

Fascinating to see this the same week I had a Skype/Go2Meeting Call with Africa...

Even though I am in the business of internet technology, even I am amazed at the rate of change and potential connections globally the future holds.

This week, I had a 6am call with someone who is in Africa. Our goal- to help them more effectively use the internet in growing their audience and business, ultimately use the techonology to serve better.

I'm told that already, over 25% of Africans have a cell phone. Seventy percent of Africans are under the age of 30 years old. The group we are working with have as their vision "The Renaissance of Africa: from subjects to citizens."

Amazing how our firm (a virtual team centered here in little Asheville NC) in the USA can reach and touch and ultimately help bring about positive change to a continent that I have yet to visit. However, I will, some day (God willing) either virtual or in the flesh...

Simply an amazing time to be on the planet, isn't it!?! ;-)

in reference to:

"Because telepresence deliver life like video across distances, making telepresence meetings as similar to live meetings as possible when participants can’t get together face to face – and in today’s economic situation companies continue to trim travel budgets and look for economies wherever they can."
- Telepresence is a Trend to Watch in 2011 | Forrester Blogs (view on Google Sidewiki)

What does "Google Instant" search really mean...

2010-09-08T17:57:00.001-04:00

Wondering how Google Instant affects our clients=merchants that depend upon them for significant traffic and revenue...

in reference to:

"“We’re actually predicting what query you’re likely to do and we’re giving you results for that,”"
- Google Speeds Queries With 'Instant' Results - NYTimes.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Mobile Commerce is Happening NOW!

2010-08-16T16:20:00.001-04:00

Just a little note to a webinar I did a couple weeks back to an International Audience as a part of the New Life Event! Enjoy!

in reference to: The Planet is Going Mobile, 10 Things You Should Know About how to profit from it! Webinar Replay - Matt Ledford, Fast Pivot (view on Google Sidewiki)

Is multitasking really sapping us of our creativity and focus?

2010-07-29T07:34:00.001-04:00

Recently at the office we discussed the possibility of moving all meetings to only Tuesday and Thursday to open Monday/Wed/Fri for focused work and project time.

While it may not always be practical working with those outside our organization, I'm thinking it could be a worthy goal for all our internal/team meetings.

What do you think?

in reference to:

"Multitasking has been stressing me, robbing me of my focus, my productivity, and my appreciation of the beauty of the exact moment I’m experiencing right now, and dammit, I want my brain back!"
- Stubbornella » Blog Archive » Multitasking is killing me (and probably you too) (view on Google Sidewiki)

References Needed for Children's Home in Toba Tek Singh, 36050, Pakistan

2010-07-25T09:09:00.004-04:00

Dear Friend,
Please pardon my interruption. I’m Matthew Ledford, an Entrepeneur and giver. I’m also about using social media for social good.

I’m working to verify/validate the ministry at the Children’s Home requested by Sundas Saddique in Pakistan this morning. She reached out to me on Facebook in the last 24 hours and appears to have a website http://chcpk.webs.com/ and a Children’s Home at:
St,1, home,2. Mubarikd Abad Colony. Toba Tek Singh, 36050, Pakistan.

Because there isn’t yet a CharityNavigator.org to filter or assess request for help, I created a little survey for us to share information with each other with regard to Sundas needs and requests.

If she is doing good for the children of her region, I’m interested in helping her. If she is merely seeking funding without transparency or relationship/accountability, I am concerned about the authenticity of her requests and the safety of the children there.

So first, help me do good by praying for Sundas and the children in the photos on her website.

Also, If you wouldn’t mind-share a little (totally voluntary) information on the form at:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dG9YOWZWT1NFNi00amNpb0wzdFNkaGc6MQ#gid=0

I’ll share with all who respond the results of the survey and my notes on building a relationship with Sundas and her ministry in Pakistan.

Feel free to friend me on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/matthew.ledford
Linked-In: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mattledford
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mattledford

in reference to:

"Toba Tek Singh, 36050, Pakistan"
- Home - Children's Home Center Pakistan (view on Google Sidewiki)

Sunday, 7/25/2010 10:08 EST Update: Good news- Looks like she is connected with http://www.messiahmissions.org/saddique_about.htm

Lookout Google! First Facebook and Now Twitter Going for the Merchant Purse!

2010-07-13T17:04:00.001-04:00

There was a time when Google Adwords and Google SEO were the main game in town when it comes to driving traffic to e-commerce websites.

With tongue firmly in cheek, I predict the days of TOTAL Google dominance are numbered. Here is the hipshot, unshod of why and how here at the end of the day and a little advance scoop on the @earlybird ...

Yahoo! and Bing are looking much stronger together than they did apart.

People are spending a huge percentage of their time online on Facebook.

Now comes the Twitter @earlybird !! It seems Twitter finally has a monetization model that looks a lot like Woot! for everyman. (Given Amazon's purchase of Woot! -might not be a bad idea.)

Now, early adopters shouldn't expect the agency dashboard that Google Provides and could be forced to manage ad campaigns awkwardly with their own personal logins a la Facebook BUT reshaping the incoming traffic pipeline so it is a little less dependent upon Google and more diversified should be a goal of all merchants before the end of Q3! (What if Google pulls another November stunt that crashes your organic rankings to the cellar!? How will social search change your traffic pattern-will they like "like"? )

While merchants must still monitor changes to the google bot, diversifying traffic sources is a key survival tactic for our clients in our ecommerce strategy portfolio.

in reference to:

"What is @earlybird?"
- Twitter Help Center (view on Google Sidewiki)

Haiti Six Months Later...Patchy Progress...

2010-07-12T09:56:00.001-04:00

Sadly, the infrastructure and property records challenges hamper rebuilding efforts... Praying for a mild storm season...

Today, on twitter, @worldvision is encouraging discussion around the tag #rememberhaiti.

Still haven't gotten an update on the Orphans in the NYT story... Do you have friends at @unicef or other missions working in Haiti? These orphans need them http://nyti.ms/bDffbE -please RT and update!

in reference to: Reuters AlertNet - Progress on quake recovery patchy in Haiti - aid groups (view on Google Sidewiki)

Help me solve a problem in Haiti?

2010-07-10T14:34:00.001-04:00

Wednesday at lunch, I was reading a recent NY Times article on the plight of orphans in Haiti, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/06/world/americas/06haiti.html

I was burdened by what appeared to be the fact that these children were basically appeared to be falling thru the cracks amidst the flood of international aid.

So, you can’t always believe what you read right? Fact checking in Haiti is probably 100x harder than it is in the USA, right?

What can I do? Tweet. Facebook. Recommend via other NYTimes people that we do the same to call attention to their plight.

My family supports World Vision-mentioned in the article so I went there first. I tagged them both of Facebook and Twitter! The responded in less than 24 hrs:
I also made a new friend Kayann who was also concerned after reading the article! Facebook Profile: http://www.facebook.com/kayann.daley -she also got a gracious response from Lindsey on the World Vision (WV) staff.
Then I thought, well-the journalist who wrote the article might have an update since Wednesday-so I wrote her too:

Then I said-”Who are my friends on twitter who might also know people who can help?” First I thought of Shaun King @shaunking a Pastor in ATL who is taking a team to Haiti in a couple weeks and has been providing tents there thru www.ahomeinhaiti.org since the disaster... Then I tweeted @Oprah...

and so...
I find out that today is Seth Godin’s 50th birthday and he has given it to @Charitywater . So I tagged them both too!

To see if there was any mention of the article, I watched the UNICEF update at:
http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/haiti_54239.html but nothing there. Tons of other info though...

Then tagged my buddy Matt Shultie who has an awesome ministry for children called CasaViva! His goal is to see 1 million children will be placed in family based care in Latin America.
And
@BarackObama...

Then I remember that it was really the former President Bill Clinton’s job to represent us there... Evidently he was officiating a wedding ceremony... Yup. Clinton. Wedding ceremony. I tweeted him anyhow and requested to be his ‘friend’.

Then I decided to have Breakfast with my wife as she was having lunch at 2:30pm and see who responds...

New OS without the new phone YET! My three points-Pretty cool!

2010-06-22T11:07:00.003-04:00

I really didn't realize how limiting the old iPhone OS was until I upgraded to the new iOS4 on my iPhone 3Gs so here is the short scoop:

Love the folders! I didn't realize how many apps I had that I couldn't see because of the 11 page limit.

Didn't love resetting my ATT voicemail password, but fortunately dialing 611 and navigating the menu got me a pretty easy password reset.

Multitasking-still searching for it, but would love not to have my groove harshed by dropping out of Rhapsody or Pandora or my favorite.

More as time allows, have you found any cool new things with your iPhone?

in reference to:

"Apple has just released the iOS 4 update for iPhone and iPod touch owners. The iPhone 4 might not be in stores until Thursday, but existing owners can take advantage of the new software features coming to the new device starting now."
- iOS 4 Update Has Arrived (view on Google Sidewiki)

More mobile, more social, more real time-are e-retailers ready?

2010-04-29T17:27:00.001-04:00

We are also seeing amazing change in the online marketing/ internet retail space!

Customers are local, vocal and social. If you don't believe me, just ask any merchant who has been "flamed" on Yelp.com without recourse to defend themselves against unfair, biased or fraudulent (from competitors) reviews.

Smartphone and mobile shopping is growing exponentially. (If you doubt that-check out the recent Morgan Stanley report.)

Integrated multichannel strategies that manage audience, promotion and source but are open to shopper preference and convenience. Protecting a channel is dead. Online contributes to Brick and mortar and vice versa, merchants must not see these channels as exclusive/competition but as complementary.

in reference to: Holiday 2010 Will Be Business As UnUsual (view on Google Sidewiki)

Quick thoughts on developing a Conflict of Interest Policy...

2010-04-16T16:01:00.001-04:00

In the age of Enron and bank bailouts and derivatives , some fear ethics in business are dead.

Here are just a few of our core values...

Trust

Mutual respect

Transparency

Mutual Loyalty... in a world that where churn and burn, wham bam thank you maam are far too common.

When an opportunity arises to serve a competitor in a niche we feel our obligation is to our first client -first.

If the request is similar and them market competitive, our first step is to disclose the nature of our relationship and commitment.

If that disqualifies us for the deal, so be it.

in reference to:

"A conflict of interest can only exist if a person or testimony is entrusted with some impartiality; a modicum of trust is necessary to create it. The presence of a conflict of interest is independent from the execution of impropriety. Therefore, a conflict of interest can be discovered and voluntarily defused before any corruption occurs."
- Conflict of interest - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (view on Google Sidewiki)

Got Twitter issues? ;-P gapingvoid gallery

2010-04-02T08:15:00.006-04:00

gapingvoid gallery

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Yahoo Store Floating Cart-Just released!

2010-03-31T12:59:00.002-04:00

Thanks to the Yahoo Team for this great new feature!

Our clients have seen the benefits of custom floating carts with our customizations before, but now it is easier and more accessible for more stores!

Our initial testing is showing some minor issues with IE, but Yahoo is aware of the issues and is working thru them.

For stores with custom templates and those unfamiliar with CSS, contact www.fastpivot.com for help!

in reference to:

"Using Floating Cart Manager, you can now set up and customize a mini-cart and floating cart for your store pages. These features are designed to keep your customers in the shopping flow until they’re ready to complete their order, which helps optimize their shopping experience and encourages increased order values."
- Official Yahoo! Store Blog tips and tricks for ecommerce success » Introducing Floating Cart Manager (view on Google Sidewiki)

Comparing conversion rates chaps my chaps

2010-03-16T15:50:00.000-04:00

This recent Marketing Sherpa chart got my hackles up because it reminded me of so many conversations with newbie etail and ebusiness folks who ask "what should my ideal conversion rate be"?

Jen Doyle's post alludes to the fact that conversion rates are so site specific and 'user defined'...

The main issue isn't comparing conversion rates with other sites but:
Having proper site specific unique conversion events defined,Measured and in a
State of continuous improvement FOR YOUR SITE and business!

Your ideal conversion rate should be something better than your current rate, but isn't really productive to spend much time comparing it to others...

Whew. Had to get that off my chest.

in reference to:

"In analytics, a conversion event is what is known as a user-defined event. In other words, it can be anything you want it to be."
- MarketingSherpa: New Chart: How Do Your Search Conversion Rates Compare? (view on Google Sidewiki)

Masters Athletes Goals: All American Anyone?

2010-02-12T19:58:00.001-05:00

It seems that through college, many of us found competing easier and benchmarks closer at hand.

Enter jobs, kids and responsibility and athletic pursuits (and often our own health and fitness) take a priority backseat.

After becoming thirty-something, it is great to rediscover the joys of youth again! (Or at least some of the pursuits of youth!)

Enter USA Track and Field (USATF) and their "age graded standards for long distance running"!

What a hoot it would be to see how many of these marks me and my fitness/triathlon training buddies could achieve in the next five years!?! Any takers? Are you an "All-American"? Check it out! I challenge you to begin where you are and go for it!

in reference to: http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2010/01/hey-masters-runner-are-you-all-american.html (view on Google Sidewiki)

How will America respond and lead in helping, will this be our "finest hour"?

2010-01-13T07:05:00.001-05:00

Prayin' for Haiti and all the relief workers being rallied around the globe and their leaders. Heartbreaking tragedy...

May God help us in love and action to help Haiti rise from the ashes and rubble to help be a better place in the aftermath...

in reference to: Haitians Confront Devastation of Quake - NYTimes.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Wondering about exercise nutrition? Great NYT article on the basics!

2010-01-13T06:36:00.001-05:00

Seems like in the New Year, everyone is starting or restarting an exercise program. Leslie Bonci in one short Q&A style NYT article packs a lot of good sense into a single article. Her advice on drinking during exercise may bear some individual testing (i.e.) gulps, but aside from that solid counsel reminding folks that ultimately food is fuel for your body, not entertainment. ;-)

in reference to:

"No matter what kind of exercise you do – whether it’s a run, gym workout or bike ride – you need food and water to fuel the effort and help you recover. But what’s the best time to eat before and after exercise?"
- Eating to Fuel Exercise - Well Blog - NYTimes.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Merry Christmas just isn't saying enough.... So here is my Christmas prayer for you and yours...

2009-12-25T09:58:00.013-05:00

Friday 12/25/2009

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas seems just so over used.... So here is my Christmas prayer for you and yours...

May you know how much God truly loves you on this day and how special you are in His eyes. There is no one else on the planet who holds your place. Even if you have a twin, there is not another like you who holds your place in this world. Even if there were not another soul on the planet, he would have sent Jesus (the Baby who was King) just to rescue you. He also wants to give you wisdom, strength and courage to face whatever comes. You simply can humbly ask as would a little child.

You see, we are born into a natural family but adopted into a spiritual one. Our earthly fathers (though there are many fine ones) are far from perfect. Natural birth carries with it a certain set of attributes, attitudes and some measure of inheritance. Spiritual rebirth brings an inheritance that transcends the natural predisposition. There are spiritual rights, privileges and promises that are ours by faith and adoption by Our Heavenly Father. Our spiritual family joins us to a King and a Kingdom and a Royal Birthright. Our Heavenly Father, the King knows each of us better than a natural father ever could and He has set promises and decrees that provide for us if we will but discover them and receive them by faith. May you discover your birthright as a child of the King.

I am reminded on this day of our freedom to choose truth and life and love. Giving you choice to accept and believe or to reject even His existence is a sign of love and freedom and respect for you and your dignity. You see, if God required or forced our love, it wouldn't really be love would it? If we weren't given the choice to believe (or not), we wouldn't be made in the image of an infinitely creative creator who holds ultimate freedom for all time. While we cannot choose what the world brings us, we certainly can choose our response to each new day's arrival and the adventures it brings us.

May life giving thoughts frame your world. May truth and God's Word (both written and spoken) light your path and guard your heart. May clarity be yours and abundance of true wealth. May you grow in the depth of love, insight, wisdom and tenderness with your creator and with those around you. May you grow in the knowledge of who God is and who you were created to become and stay the course in that journey.

May you choose truth, life and love consistently..

Believing for God's best for a great 2010 with you...

Shalom,

Matthew and Amy Ledford and the Ledford family

We all have thoughts that frame our world, lenses as to how we see things. Sometimes our world of experience causes our thoughts and view to get clouded or even broken. Our thoughts and lenses can become colored with disappointment, unforgiveness, bitterness, rejection, cynicism. Usually, these are rooted in lies that we adopt that bind us to a small distorted place that is far less than God's best for us. I pray you be refreshed and renewed to shake off anything that would keep you living in a place that is less than worthy of your birthright.

"This is your life, are you who you want to be?" Switchfoot Concert was AWESOME Tonight!

2009-12-05T00:52:00.006-05:00

Switchfoot Concert was AWESOME Tonight! Took Jordan and Summer and they loved it!

We saw lots of friends, the Orange Peel had the sound RIGHT!

They played the entire Hello Hurricane Album and our favorite older stuff!!!

Thanks Switchfoot for a great concert!

ML OOO Dec 4-14, Email Amnesty Day Declared 12/15/09

2009-12-03T16:52:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends, Clients, Colleagues (or "Spammers" if the 'shoe fits'),

I'm out of the office from essentially 12/4/09-12/14/09 in Nicaragua with limited cell phone and internet access. (We do expect to have power, indoor toilets and running water occasionally-just in case you wondered.)

If I owed you an email or otherwise had a ball on my side of the court before Delta removes me from North America, please accept my apology.

Friends, As does most of America now, I'll be checking and posting on Facebook first while travelling and when I return first. If you haven't heard me say it yet: "Facebook is the New Top Drawer of the Email Inbox. " There, I've said it and this is the proof. This is also where I'll blog and post links to our trip photos and videos as power and time allow.

Colleagues, After I check Facebook, I'll peek at my inbox at Linked-In.

Clients, I have designated the following really cool FastPivot Team Members and their unique talents to cater to your every whim while I'm out of North American airspace:

New Accounts, Positivity and Very good alternating Texas and Yiddish accents: Leta Kreiger leta@fastpivot.com 888-770-8883 x327
Business Affairs, HR, Payables, Receivables, My Appointment Calendar, AshevilleTriClub Business and Tireless Encouragement, etc Daphne Weimer dweimer@fastpivot.com 888-770-8883 x326

Press Inquiries, Fan Club Applications, Marketing or Advertising Opportunities (and any mechanical issues with your bicycle) Jen Boos jen@fastpivot.com 888-770-8883 x312
All things FastPivot Software, holding down the West Coast Office while simultaneously keeping the Golden Gate Bridge Golden and California from slipping into the ocean, Ken Lubeck ken@fastpivot.com 888-770-8883 x315

Current Accounts, Vice President for Operations and Project Oversight and General Pooper Scooper, Sweeper & Clean Up Batter where all the above leave off- Keith Enloe kenloe@fastpivot.com 888-770-8883 x302

Given that incredible matrix of coverage and masterpiece of delegation, I hereby declare December 14-15th (depending upon your time zone Aussie and Kiwi Friends) as EMAIL AMNESTY DAY!

On this day, I'll archive all my email for the year to date and will start with a fresh inbox and new ideas.

If you have something that needs specifically my attention and doesn't fit any of the above categories, please contact me again after 12/15/09 and I will read it from my squeaky clean inbox.

Sincerely,

Matthew Ledford

President,

FastPivot LLC and FastPivotSoftware.com

ps... If you are synchronous and retro enough, you could also call the office sometime after 12/15 at 828-225-8883 x301 and I'll do my best to answer!

PPS... Spammers, even though you aren't reading this... Don't call me, I'll call you. Merry Christmas! ;-)

If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call or contact Daphne (dweimer @fastpivot.com) at 828-225-8883 x326 and she can help you!

Google Commerce Search, it is a gamechanger? Where is Yahoo?

2009-12-01T17:25:00.002-05:00

Product search is such a critical feature of most sites and is lacking in many as the product inventory grows... Google brings another solution to the table -however at a serious price!

"The pricing model for Google Commerce Search is based on the number of products/items (SKUs) in your data feed and the number of search queries entered on your site each year. Pricing starts at $50,000 per year."

I think we can improve store search for a price that is far less...

in reference to:

"Visitors spend an average of just eight seconds before deciding whether or not to remain on a website, so having a good search tool is important for turning visitors into buyers. Google Commerce Search is hosted by and uses Google search technology to make online retail searching both fast and customizable"
- Official Google Blog: Introducing Google Commerce Search: Finding holiday gifts faster (view on Google Sidewiki)

Flock+Univision=Spanish Browser for 22mil Hispanics

2009-12-01T17:07:00.001-05:00

Very excited about the Flock/Univision.com partnership. This is a good reach into a growing vibrant and social market that has been under served! A sign of things to come!

in reference to:

"Of the 22 Million Hispanics who are online today, 40% frequently spend time on social networks like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. With the Univision Edition of Flock, this vibrant and fast-growing community can now remain connected to their friends, their favorite social networks, and stay up to date with the best Spanish content available from Univision."
- Flock Browser - Flock Teams Up With Univision To Distribute Spanish Language Flock Browser | Flock (view on Google Sidewiki)

It's a small world after all...

2009-11-18T19:08:00.001-05:00

Today, I spoke to our team across all the timezones in the US in one simultaneous screen sharing conference call. Then later in the day I was on Skype, having IM conversations with great people in Guatemala and Israel simultaneously... Amazing...

Bring A Blessing to Children in Nicaragua This Christmas!

2009-11-16T21:52:00.005-05:00

I’d like to share with you an opportunity. Good things are worth sharing in our journey of faith... I invite you to take this opportunity to join us and help us minister to ‘the least of these’.

In 2007, I first went with to Nicaragua with Tim Skinner and a great group of men! This December, I'm exciting to return with a group that includes my son Jordan!!

The PROJECT: Christmas Gift Bag Distribution and feeding programs and documentary work in coordination with Vision Nicaragua and “Children of Destiny” orphanages with Missionary Sandy Carter.

My challenge to you:

· To Pray as the Holy Spirit directs

· To Give as God prompts

· To consider going on a future trip this Spring or Summer

· To share this opportunity to make a difference with others

Locations in Nicaragua: Bethel, Managua, Jinotega, Los-Cedros, Los Brasilias

When: Dec 5^th through the 13^th

Cost per team member (all inclusive): $1500. Includes: Materials & supplies for the feeding locations/orphanage, flight, food, housing, resources for the children of Nicaragua, supplies for the Christmas outreaches.

Mission/Ministry focus: Reaching remote communities and orphanages with the love of Jesus and Vision Nicaragua Christmas Gift Bags-food and blessing with resources, building relationships with the Nicaraguan people, and providing ministry/celebration time for the kids at the orphanage and pre school feeding center.

Additional goals: Bringing all of our supporters and friends and family along on the internet via Facebook, Youtube my blog at and the VisionNicaragua.org blog!!! Documenting the work of VisionNicaragua and the missionaries and organizations doing great work in Nicaragua!

Go with us in prayer! I really covet your prayers. I recognize prayer is the ‘air cover’ without the ‘airfare’. Many of you are on this list specifically because I know you are prayer warriors. I will confess I am still a bit anxious about being away from family and our internet retail business in December. My prayer is that the business will be stronger and even more profitable as a result and will help provide for many more such trips.

Be a part of the team by giving financially as the Holy Spirit prompts. Many of you know the team and the mission we are visiting and your giving will go directly to benefit the children. This mission will be to complete a feeding location, kitchen and shelter where the children will be fed and led by a team of Nicaraguans. During feeding times, the leaders also share the Gospel the love of Christ with the children and give hope...

Checks made out to:

My Church: Highland Christian Church

Our sending organization: Vision Nicaragua or give online at VisionNicaragua.org

I do apologize for the short notice; our departure is only weeks away (Dec 5th). If you want to invest in the future of Nicaragua, please send your check today to:

Vision Nicaragua
PO Box 2172
Fairview NC 28730

In the note line of your check please simply mark the word “December Missions Trip”. Please do not put my name on the check.

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1:26-27 (NKJV)

'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matt 25:30 (NIV)

Attending Internet Retailer in Boston? We are meet us there!!

2009-06-01T08:48:00.000-04:00

This is the must attend conference of the year for our E-tailers! Over the years, this conference continues to grow and improve!

The Internet Retailer 2009 Conference & Exhibition offers a wide variety of conference registration options, all of which have been priced at last year's levels even as the content of the conference has been greatly increased.

FastPivot is scheduling appointments with current clients and partners! Call 828-225-8883 x1 and talk to Colin for an appointment with one of our team in Boston!

IRCE 2009 Conference & Exhibition

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Fight of Our Life Health Tour-Kirk Franlin Partnering with AHA 4 Stroke Awareness! How cool is this!

2009-05-30T10:29:00.003-04:00

Given that I have close friends whose lives have been altered by stroke, I am excited to see more awareness developing on avoiding, treating and dealing with stroke.

I'm also proud to be associated with one of FastPivot's newest community-ecommerce strategy clients StrokeResources.com! This community will help develop a support network of resources of those whose lives have been altered by the effects of stroke.

I'm very proud that Kirk Franklin would partner with the American Heart Association! Even more that AHA would choose to partner with Kirk!!!!

Lets all go to the concerts and support them, shall we!!!?? Bring them to the Carolinas or ATL for us!! !

Go Kirk! I'm crankin' up the Fight of My Life on the speakers right NOW IN CELEBRATION !!
Fight of Our Life Health Tour

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Seriously fine Spring morning for the HayMed Triathlon This Morning!

2009-04-25T12:03:00.003-04:00

Around one hundred folks participated in the HayMed Triathlon today around the Haywood Regional Medical Center in Clyde, NC. The weather and conditions couldn't have been better! The staggered (300 yd) swim start makes it truly a race against the clock, but everyone raved about the ease of the swim and the beauty of the bike (10mi) course (sans hill from last year).

The 5k run on the other hand didn't disappoint for those looking for a challenge. What would a mountain tri course be without a couple hills worthy of respect, especially for flat landers?

This was a good early season baseline for many and had quite a few first time triathletes! The great thing about sprint tris, is that almost anyone can complete one! I love them because they are such a great celebration of life, wellness rolled in with a healthy dose of challenge!

This is the third event of the Asheville Tri Grand Prix Series a points series for AshevilleTri.com members to enjoy racing throughout the season. Consider checking out the next three events coming up:

Xterra Uwharrie Triathlon May 3
Clemson Triathlon May 16
Enka Triathlon @Biltmore Lake June 13

No, I personally didn't race this one but did photos and 'encouragement'! Hope to see you next time at a race soon! Register early as races can fill and reach capacity weeks in advance of the event!

Results forthcoming at The Asheville Tri Club Website-Blog

For more photos visit...

Great job Gloryhound Events, Setup Events and our thanks to the Haywood Regional Medical Center and Fitness for hosting such a great event!

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Happy New Year! Locate faith and hope anyone?

2009-01-04T09:01:00.005-05:00

I don't think I've heard too many folks complaining about the end of 2008. Many of the things Americans put their hope, security and trust in were shaken this year. Real estate, the stock market and even employment and trust in our banking system are all in question. You see, our faith determines the value we place upon things. It also determines the direction things go.

In a few weeks, we will have another President. History is being made and he will face unparalleled economic and political challenges . I am expectant, hopeful and encouraged by the changes but I am quite concerned that the "Hope" he represents to many will be a high (and perhaps even impossible ) bar to attain.

This New Years Eve, we spent in Naples, Fla watching the sunset with some family and friends. It was awesome! Despite the fact that the value of Naples real estate has evaporated, there was still a beautiful celebration of the New Year arriving.

On the beach, as the sunset disappeared into the water, I was grateful and filled with joy and hope for our future. Not because we have a new President, or new administration or even because of the economic stimulus package is coming. I am hopeful because the sunrise and the sunset are daily dramatic reminders that God is still in control. No matter the temporal circumstances, there is another level to things that we may perceive but don't always see or understand. I am reminded that if we put our faith and hope in things that are temporal or even in very talented people, ultimately we will be disappointed. I'm also reminded that being challenged and uncomfortable aren't necessarily bad things. So as we enter 2009 boldly, let us consider these words from the Message:

"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced out into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."

The current state of America will not respond to a quick fix. Fundamental truths, values and foundations must be re-established for any change to be lasting.

So may each of us learn lessons from our past, be prepared to work through the process and show our 'true colors' of what it is to live a life worth living. May God help us become a nation worth following again by collectively reestablishing faith, hope and value in things that are good and true. These are the things that ultimately will stand the test and tides of time.

Asheville Triathlon Photos from Rec Park in East Asheville!

2008-07-20T16:17:00.002-04:00

Thanks to all the volunteers, to the fire and law enforcement folks for one of the safest races I can remember. Thanks to Doug Methvin, SetupEvents did a fabulous job making a great, safe event for everyone.

Hope you all enjoy the photos and the slides. God blessed us with another incredible day!

I think I need my Sunday afternoon nap now!

Billy Graham on Ted

2008-07-16T22:04:00.003-04:00

I'm struggling with how to respond to the comments on Rev. Grahams' talk. He is still the most respected senior statesmen for the American church at large. Clearly, he speaks a different language than most scientists and technical folks. Many Ted readers are skeptical of anything that cannot be proved by the scientific method.

It is also amazing how we all are so unaware of our own "lenses" and biases, whether existential, evolutionary or evangelical.

If the video takes to long to load on the blog visit it at Ted.com .

Enka Triathlon at Biltmore Lake was AWESOME!

2008-06-14T14:15:00.009-04:00

No, that really isn't a smile, it is a post-race grin and grimace.

First triathlon of the season, experienced adrenaline, pain, exhilaration and a very cool but gnarly course. Good news! I was in a better shape than I thought! Felt so good on the swim for the first 200 I swam well past the first buoy before I realized it! I think my swim was 3min faster than last time we did the course. Thank you , Bill Keel and my Reuter YMCA Master Swim Buddies!

On the ride, unfortunately, I still couldn't hang with the amazing Dewayne Robinson with his kickin' fresh new aero bike. This is his home course. Like REALLY his home course. Like his house is ON the course. That said, Dude is a total machine wherever he goes! Before the race, he said he had been at the beach all week and did virtually nothing but hang out drinking sweet tea and eating cheese puffs. (Mild exaggeration on the tea & cheese puffs.) Here's to beach week before a race! I want to get on your training program Dewayne!

My main man, Team Red Leader, Hudson Owen overtook me and made me chase him from about mile 3 to 13 of the bike. Then politely, as only a Brit can do, he let off the accelerator so I could overtake and return the favor. Unfortunately, I never returned the favor. We Americans can be ugly like that. Maybe next time bro! (He still took home some Mugware for the Clydesdale division!)

Yet another lesson in humility today. I made a mistake I had only heard of total novices making. Got H2O and Gatoraide bottles confused in a cool downhill and generously squirted my helmet and head with Gatoraide! Sticky. ROTFL

No surprise with the winners. Kevin Lisska was #1, Brad Miller #2 finishing strong for the AshevilleTri home team. Julia Tobias won the womens and was hanging out with the baby after as though they had just been out for a little stroll!

Some cool post race tees were spotted including Underdog and "Chicks dig my ride."

Wendy Miller (while simultaneously kid wranglin) and I took a few photos. I think I still have some to upload but I'm late for my nap.

The littlest Curwen got the most fashionable sunnies award while his mom Monica had the "most advanced hands free to accept awards" friendly child front pack. Like is Jay in the gear business or what! ;-)

Lecky Haller shared with Joe and I that part of his paddling success was due to his very well accomplished 'Robot' dance/warm up routine.

Thanks to all the volunteers, to the fire and law enforcement folks for one of the safest races I can remember. Thanks to Greg Duff, GloryHound Events and AshevilleTri Club Officer! Thanks to our sponsors, especially Apollo Flame for the very tasty Grilled Greek Chicken Salad. Extra thanks to SetupEvents did a fabulous job making a great, safe event for everyone.

I think we ran out of AshevilleTriClub Membership Apps in the first 15 minutes before the race.

Hope you all enjoy the photos and the slides. God blessed us with an incredible day!

Montreat Deer luv the iPhone!

2008-05-17T12:53:00.000-04:00

If you can get this close with the iPhone, they obviously like you or want your iPhone or both!

Piano, Montreat and the Dripolator for a Great Saturday

2008-05-17T12:49:00.001-04:00

Gotta say this morning was splendid!

Summer had a piano competition at 8:30 at the Chapel of the Prodigal in Montreat. She performed flawlessly! (Or to Jordan & Dad's ear anyhow!) Then we drove up to the campgrounds in Montreat to see the flora and fauna. Got some neat shots (to follow with the iPhone) of the tame deer up near the campground. (If you can get close enough to get photos with an iPhone, they aren't easily spooked!)

Then the celebration with Larry's Peruvian java, scones and smoothies at the Award Winning Dripolator! I have such cool kids, it was great to hang out with them and make a memory this Saturday!

They have a photo of a Tienda in Matagalpa on the wall and visit Fair Trade growers every year!

Places like this make me glad I no longer invest in SBUX stocks.

WebStore by Amazon: Web Business Made Simple, Sell Online The Easy Way!

2008-05-10T21:38:00.000-04:00

So, I was just looking for a decent business book and find this big honkin' banner for the Webstore By Amazon!

7% commission is steep!

WebStore by Amazon: Web Business Made Simple, Sell Online The Easy Way!

TonerForAutism.com cool tees!

2008-05-07T11:55:00.003-04:00

TonerForAutism.com cool tees!
Originally uploaded by mattledford

We love it when great e-tail FastPivot clients send us cool SWAG and tee shirts and are very excited about the launch of BuyToner and Benefit-Autisum http://www.tonerforautism.com
Thank you for being such cool clients, we love working with nice folks with great causes like you folks! I think Brookie looks cooler in her tee than I do, but I was so excited I had a difficult time containing my excitement.

What's not to like with early morning jog around a lake like this?!

2008-05-06T08:52:00.000-04:00

Just gotta say, this morning was pristine perfect for the appx 4 mile "wakeup jog" around the lake. Note the serious 'bed head' and the very sleepy state that preceeded the first of two laps... Yah, I can see why people want to move to Asheville.

Simplify your metrics anyone? Our MEC friends doing free webinar today!

2008-04-16T09:19:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to invite our clients and friends to hear my friend Dr. Flint McGlaughlin in a free webinar on "Simplifying Your Metrics". After all, who really wants more complex metrics! ;-)

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/112267708

Had to do a new layout... Nicaragua Board=Visual Noise=Bad..

2008-04-08T08:59:00.005-04:00

Yes it is still generic, but cleaner generic. I know it seems boring but the easiest web pages to read are still simple black text on a white background. Old fashioned, but effective!

I was reminded of this when I shared blogging with the Board of Vision Nicaragua last night and the commented how they really didn't like visually busy blogs or websites in general. They have several mission trips to Nicaragua going down in the next few months to the Village of Bethel, Nicaragua. It is a good work, check them out!

Great kids! Biking Biltmore

2008-04-06T20:59:00.000-04:00

What a couple of great kids!

I'm Considering Getting A "Mellow Out Chair"

2008-04-06T20:29:00.001-04:00

IMG_0192.jpg
Originally uploaded by mattledford

Ever just need one of these? Tell your boss or co-workers to have a seat there? How 'bout the children, or a spouse-maybe have a seat in the "mellow out" chair instead of the "Naughty Chair"!

Cosmic!

Corporate blogs and the challenges of Web 2.0

2008-04-01T09:39:00.001-04:00

Are You Taking Advantage of Web 2.0? - Pogue’s Posts - Technology - New York Times Blog

As our team considers 'social shopping' and 'commerce communities' like
the ones we've built for Group Publishing's YouthMinistry.com and www.simplyyouth.com
it seems there is are balance and control issues around the voice
companies use and the level of control over dialogue. David Pogue's article is worth reading for all our clients that desire to own/run/have a 'commerce community' and to be Web 2.0.

The most sailent point:
"Without comments, a blog is not a blog at all. It’s just a Web page—Web 1.0."

Best April fools so far today goes to Google!

2008-04-01T09:17:00.002-04:00

Guys- the best April
Fools Joke I've found so far today goes to Google (make sure you aren't logged
in):

http://mail.google.com/mail/help/customtime/index.html

Then:

http://tinyurl.com/yokjgf

Well Played!!

Consistency, habits, why are difficult things challenging to keep up?

2008-03-29T10:33:00.005-04:00

Well, now it is the end of March, the first quarter of 2008 and I ask myself: "What things did I start the year and not follow-thru on?" "Where did I begin well and almost immediately lose momentum?" Sometimes the loss of momentum can be discouraging. Where did busyness and pull of the details of the 'lesser things' crowd out the 'greater things'? How can I recover the 'greater things'?

The things we consistently value, we consistently do. Unfortunately, new things don't have value or habit patterns established yet and must crowd out something else we are already doing or thinking.

The end of a quarter, while not as dramatic as the end of a year, is still a good time to re-evaluate priorities. Whether it is exercise, consistent learning, or spiritual disciplines it is easy to begin in earnest only to see new good things in our life fade away from our patterns and priorities. Every day is a new day and a potential fresh start! Regaining momentum always starts with an action, a doing something, even praying for next steps in a specific area.

Once such area is blogging, even well intentioned bloggers start strong but get distracted by life outside the blog! So, now that I'm back in the blog, I'll be sharing a few more posts about the connected life.

This week Mark Anderson and Surfers On Mission are in Nicaragua with my friend Mark Randall altough IM HUGELY DISAPPOINTED NOT TO BE serving and surfing in Nicaragua THERE WITH THEM! ;-)

So as a part of the HOME team, I promise to pray for God to bless the work of their hands and the words of their mouths. I'm also reviewing my commitments to pray and help support other friends and teams in Nicaragua like Sandy and the sweet orphanages Children of Destiny and Melissa Buzbee and her family at La Chuerca-The Managua Dump and the very cool church called Verbo in Managua.
Live well, be blessed...

You know you are in Asheville when...

2007-12-20T22:17:00.000-05:00

You pass an elaborately decorated car with "The journey is all there is..." painted above the fuel door. Not really sure how far the journey in that car will go but the ornamentation probably reduces gas mileage. Decor and creativity A+!

Thai Basil & THE GONG SHOW!

2007-12-10T12:52:00.001-05:00

Thai Basil & THE GONG SHOW!

still life with Ninjas

2007-12-10T11:55:00.001-05:00

Office Still life with Ninjas by Thomas FitzPatrick in honor of Resident FastPivot Ninja & Book Artist Jen Brook.

When I am bored...

2007-12-09T22:20:00.000-05:00

What a full weekend! Sunday evening, past my bedtime is the first time I've gotten to sit in my leather recliner to read and think and begin to relax.

"...when I am bored it is no fault of creation or covenant. Familiarity dulls my perceptions. Hurry scatters my attention. Ambition fogs my intelligence. Selfishness restricts my range. Anxiety robs me of appetite. Envy distracts me from what is good and blessed right before me..."

Eugene Peterson-Reversed Thunder

Nica Gringoes@Brueggers

2007-12-08T10:05:00.001-05:00

Brueggers w/Doug & Dean.

I posted some photos from Jinotega!

2007-12-07T17:22:00.001-05:00

Just posted trip photos of the ChildrenofDestiny orphanage in Jinotega, Nicaragua. Enjoy!

First blog post with blogger

2007-12-07T16:49:00.001-05:00

It is amazing what a small world it is. I'm chatting on skype with my friend Mark Randall who is currently by the pool in Nicaragua!