Make-A-Wish 5K – We sponsored this event; both Anne and I are running!  If you would like to support me, go to:

http://snv.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1086130&lis=1&kntae1086130=D2676380D3104A72B8F1D2F1D4B68E1E&supId=398795969.

I’ll do the heavy lifting – all you have to do is write a check.  All proceeds to a very worthy cause!

NIGA – My friend Andy Choy (Casino Offer Network) and I will partner on a booth at NIGA in San Diego in May. Hope to see you there!

The Godfather Sit Down – In the beginning (10 years ago)…these mixers were created so I could introduce my friends, client and business partners…to each other.  Guest list is corporate executives, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and entertainers.   No marketing, promoting or soliciting.  No consultants, service providers or vendors, just an opportunity to meet 60 quality people in an exclusive venue.   Clients tell me this opportunity to meet amazing people is a true benefit of doing business with The Godfather.   Las Vegas event is in the House of Blues Foundation Room this month.  Sponsored by Live Nation – thank you EVP ROBERT SIMEONE!   LA event is in March at the House of Blues Foundation Room West Hollywood, sponsored by Lori Kopczynski and Kevin Conroy (Blue Rooster) and Tony Rose and Clara Mayer (Rose, Snyder & Jacobs).   Silicon Valley event is in March at the Garden Court Hotel, sponsored by Lori Kopczynski and Kevin Conroy (Blue Rooster) and Sanjiv Goyal and Amit Goel (Droisys).

The Godfather’s Career Guide –  You can purchase the book for $14.95 on Amazon, or get the whole package (resume and one dedicated hour of my time).  Remember, 80% of the highly competent executives don’t get the job offer because they don’t understand the process.

The Foundation, LLC – My Executive Recruiting business. Over the last ten years I have placed 600 executives in the gaming/casino and high tech industries. In 2013 that included a CEO, three Presidents and two CFOs. A portion of each placement is donated to a dozen charities, including Make-A-Wish, Opportunity Village and Olive Crest (foster children). To whom much is given, much is required.

New Year’s Resolution #1: No Whining – You don’t live in the Sudan or Syria or Egypt, and are not the Chief Information Security Officer for Target.  If you have your health, your family and friends, and live in America… you are exceedingly blessed! 

New Year’s Resolution #2: You Always Have Enough – Right now, right where you are.  The key to happiness is knowing you have “enough”.  I deal with executives every day that just want “another 10% raise.”  They leave excellent jobs with excellent companies for a $5,000 increase with mediocre companies.  If you are always chasing the next job or next house or next vacation…you will never be happy.

New Year’s Resolution #3 – Life is About Relationships – In the opening scene of “The Godfather” Bonasera is asking The Godfather for a huge favor. Vito Coleone responds, “We’ve known each other many years, but this is the first time you came to me for counsel, for help. I can’t remember the last time that you invited me to your house for a cup of coffee, even though my wife is Godmother to your only child. But let’s be frank here: you never wanted my friendship.”  Life is about relationships – stay in touch.

Read This Before you Die – Here are a few excellent New Year’s resolutions. Researchers who have studied and interviewed people at the end of their life report several common regrets:

Worked Too Hard

Did Not Forgive

Did Not Stay in Touch with Friends

Did Not Live a Life of Faith