My friend, have you ever read something in the newspaper that was so good that you clipped it out to read again later, used in a speech or an article, or just to share with family and friends? If you have been a newspaper reader or subscriber for any length of time, I suspect you have. I know that I have done this many times.
To be sure, I have a purpose in asking you this question, as it is central to a unique idea that I am developing. This idea came to me just recently after reading a book that I had written and was copyrighted in 1986. It had been several years since I had picked up a copy of this book, at least to read it. The title of this book is “How to Plan Your Life,” and when I started reading, it was far better than I ever dreamed possible. Not that I am not a capable writer.
If you read my column last week, you will recall that back in 1970, I went into business with my Dale Carnegie instructor, the late Bob Gannaway, to distribute the Earl Nightingale Attitude Motivation programs produced on cassette tape. After starting our business, I soon learned that our best prospects for these programs were our state’s schools and colleges. When I started calling on them, most superintendents greeted me with open arms and a good number purchased our materials. After a short period of time, many invited me to come and do in-service programs with their teachers and speak to their students.
I can truthfully tell you these were the most rewarding days of my life, as I loved working with teachers and students, and I did this for more than a decade. Now, what I am going to say next may sound like I am bragging but I am not, it is to the glory of God. Sometime after writing the book I referred to a moment ago, I did a little overview of my work and found that I had spoken to more than 500 school faculties, most at pre-school workshops, countless student bodies, and was the speaker for 17 school commencement exercises. I also conducted 50, six-hour, How to Plan Your Life seminars with high school seniors, plus many out-of-state educational conferences. My fee for out-of-state talks was $1,000 plus expenses.
Keep in mind, I was talking with them as a businessman and not an educator. Most educators had never heard much of the information I was sharing. In a very real sense, this is what my “How to Plan Your Life” book is all about, and I am planning to write columns to share this planning concept with you readers. The book is available on Amazon for anyone who wants a copy. I can promise you that the information it contains is terrific.
If you are willing, here is how you can help. Would you be willing to take a pair of scissors and clip out my column each week and place it in a file folder? You would have 52 of these each year and they would be unique. I am also developing a plan to help save our nation’s newspapers. You may know that more than 2,500 of them have gone out of business since 2004. It is a win-win for everyone. To God be the glory.
Please let me know if you are willing to help. Just a brief note, an envelope and a postage stamp are all that is required. This is most important. My address is Jim Davidson, 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034, Hope to hear from you soon. My best, Jim.
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(Jim Davidson is an author, syndicated columnist, and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. For a personalized copy of Jim’s latest book “Keep Your Fork” send $25 (includes P&H & TAX) to Jim Davidson, 2 Bentley Dr. Conway, AR 72034.)