When I discovered I was included in The Domino Project’s most recent publication, I felt honored. The fleeting feeling passed quickly however when I began to consider the bigger issue at hand: Namely that there’s an urgency for all Professional Creatives to keep Poking the Box. The need is undeniable and entirely not optional!

This is an idea that simply must spread. Want to make your mark in the sand? Turns out there’s nothing stopping you. Make your own ruckus and see what shows up.

The publication itself (link below) is a collection of bite size snapshots from some remarkable people (this author notwithstanding), organized into a free eBook called SXSW Pokes.

From advertising entrepreneur Cindy Gallop to tech founder Loic Le Meur, from best-selling author Gretchen Rubin to professional storyteller C.C. Chapman, from eFlirt expert Laurie Davis to professional wingman Thomas Edwards. The eBook also includes Jenny Blake, Laura Fitton, Nick Reese, Sean Ogle, Becky Johns, Andy Drish, Steve Garfield, Rob Wu, Clay Hebert, Melissa Pierce, Amber Naslund, AJ Leon, David Spinks, Carla Blumenthal, Ari Greenberg, Jay Goldman, Nick Seguin, and others.

When you’re done, you’ll hopefully be left with 50 inspiring stories about taking initiative that are meant to provoke. It’s not enough to read ‘em though. It’ll then be on you to add your own. We need you.

*CLICK HERE* to download it for free!

C’mon… go ahead and poke.

- Dane

PS… Thanks especially to Amber Rae, the chief evangelist over at The Domino Project for including me. Amber’s a catalyst of rare proportion. I’d encourage you to follow her on Twitter. I have a hunch you’ll be glad you did.

Music & Imagery were made to go hand in hand. When put together well, I can’t tell whether its the high fidelity or the photographs that move me more. In truth, it’s both together that make the sum greater than their parts.

But as a photographer, finding great music without being tempted to lift it from the Internet is a challenge. Same thing for musicians finding stills or moving photographs I’m guessing. When Triple Scoop Music came along though, that all changed. They shifted the game fundamentally so music and photographs could play without anyone being cheated. Plus, the price/song is so inexpensive relative to any other commercial option, especially when you consider the unlimited use rights that’s included.

So, when my friend Roy Ashen (my guest this week on Fast Track Coaching) asked me if I would be willing to hand pick some music for a new collection from TSM, I was totally stoked. Thankfully, Jennifer Herbig (TSM Audio Queen) held my hand through the process and opened my eyes to a whole new world of creativity. The  selections I landed on really inspire me. I’m hoping that when you combine them with your work, they will open up a whole new level of connection for you and your clients.

I’m thrilled to be giving away a free copy of the entire new collection at my WPPI U talk this Friday night.

Also, if you’re at WPPI, swing by TRIPLE SCOOP MUSIC BOOTH #920. They’ll have the entire collection at every one of their listening stations at the trade show.

Here’s a list of my song selections with some descriptions for use:

I hope you love them!

- Dane

Is it time to put first things first?

CLICK HERE to see for yourself!
CLICK HERE to register while you can and here for the main site.

-Dane

Many of you know that I only have one picture of me and my dad together.
That’s a big reason why I started taking pictures for a living.

Well, when I was in Las Vegas speaking, I shared in passing that it was ironic that I don’t have many pictures of me with my kids because I’m the one behind the camera.

So, what does my friend Kevin Swan of KISS Wedding Books do in response? He calls & tells me he is going to jump on a plane, on his own dime, to come remedy that problem. I told him there was no way I was going to let him do that. But, he told me he would beat me up if I didn’t let him. And since he probably could, I relented.

Here are a couple of my favorites…

How might you insist your way into a giving life?
-Dane