Change agent Matt Cheuvront at Life Without Pants is helping sponsor a giveaway of New Day Revolution. All you have to do is blog about change this month.

So, go do it.

For today's video installment, I take you inside a weekly staff meeting at Cool People Care.

A few weeks ago, I discussed the idea of a suggestion room. For us, we always have good ideas flying around the room. So, we need a way to recognize the great ones and then act.

How do we do that? Click play to find out.


Recognizing a Good Idea from Sam Davidson on Vimeo.

And, here's the YouTube version.

I'd like to thank my mom for providing the buttons. She always has good ideas.

This weekend, I spent most of the time at the Green Business and Living Summit and Expo.

Cool People Care had a booth at the event. We also coordinated a scavenger hunt, brought a Nerf basketball hoop for some prize-winning fun and tried our best to have fun while working on the weekend.

Not every job out there is a roller coaster ride of excitement. But, adding a little bit of fun in our daily routine can make us a bit happier at work. And of course, when we enjoy our work, we'll love our life even more.

So, think about what elements of fun you can add to your workday in order to feel more balanced in life.

Also in this video: a glimpse at what our interns get to do - and how they get to dress.


Having Fun with Cool People Care from Sam Davidson on Vimeo.

Here's the YouTube version.

Here's my second crack at this video blogging thing. The question is simple:

Do you have a space at your home or office (or home office) where dreams can run wild?

If not, you'll be surprised at what dreams and ideas will flourish once you designate a space just for them.


The Suggestion Room from Sam Davidson on Vimeo.

Yesterday, I spoke to four college classes. Two were at Belmont and were full of entrepreneurship majors. The other two were at Vanderbilt and were classes on business strategy.

One thing I told each class:

We started this thing on accident. We didn't write a business plan until we were 18 months old. That means, we've been operating for longer without a business plan than with one.

A lot of times, we do things in the wrong order. But, stuff usually works out in the end. Case in point: today, we put the final touches on our first media kit.

We've been lucky in getting the media coverage we have. We think that's just a testament to our story and what we offer. So, it's exciting to get covered in OdeMagazine.com, in print in the Boston Globe, or in every print news outlet in Nashville.

But, we want more. We'd love more press and more buzz (who wouldn't?). So, that's why (with the gracious help of one of our very talented interns), we've finally got our version of a media kit. It's not much. It simply details our story. Because for us, that's the best part of what we do - how we got here, what we're up to, and where we'd like to be.

So, click the link below if you want to take a look at it. You'll find some neat pictures, a 99-word description of what we do, how our business operates, more about our history, and even a sneak peek at what the new site design looks like.

CoolPeopleCare Media Kit [pdf]

When your business or nonprofit or church thinks about trying something new, is there an excitement? Or is there a nervousness?

After all, it could fail. You could think about bringing seven interns on board, and they could all screw up, do terrible work, and completely waste your time. So, maybe you shouldn't try it.

Or, you could get people so talented and gifted that one of them just got accepted into Teach for America for this fall.

Congrats, Lauren. I can't wait to see what you'll be able to do with us the rest of the semester before going off to change more worlds in August.

When you start a company, creativity comes easily. There's never been a shortage of ideas at CoolPeopleCare. But, there have been more than a few roadblocks to pulling off these creative endeavors, mainly money, time and people.

We're solving that this spring by bringing on six quality interns.

We had an intern a few summers ago. We weren't looking for one. She contacted us. I appreciated the initiative and agreed to interview her. After coffee and a chat, she came on board and handled various tasks and we couldn't have been happier.

So, we decided to try it again, albeit a bit differently. We decided to go after an intern or two, instead of waiting and hoping they'd find their way to our doorstep. We thought we'd maybe have one or two college kids show an interest, have one take us up on the offer, and put in about five hours a week taking care of various, routine details.

Instead, we were blown away. And now, we've got a half dozen interns, all taking on new initiatives, all highly qualified, providing the equivalent work of three extra, talented people. Here's how we found them:

It Begins With a Network
We didn't use Craig's List or post flyers around campuses. We went straight to professors and directors of career centers and asked them to send students our way. Because I'd spoken to several college classes over the last few months, I already had a network in place. And, I mentioned the internship each time I spoke. Because I mainly speak in business and entrepreneurship classes, I knew I had a good chance of finding a motivated and creative student. If you want talented students, then ask your professor contacts to send you talented students. If you don't have professor contacts, then you need to get some, starting now.

Don't Give Them a Job Description
Click here and you can see the one-pager (PDF) that we sent out. We technically call the position a Social Media Intern, because that's what we thought we were looking for. As you can see, the description is vague. That's because we were flexible and open to anyone showing an interest. There is no way that you can make up for initiative and hunger. I'll turn down an unmotivated, super-qualified person for one that's energetic and untested.

Do Give Them Money
As you can see, we pay our interns. That's because all interns should be paid. And that's because they're doing work that is worth something. If you have interns that aren't doing worthwhile work, then why do you have them? Better yet, why does this work even need doing in the first place? Offering to pay interns means you'll get more and better applicants to choose from.

Let Them Work on What They Love
Each of our interns is focusing on a task or area that excites them and is in a direction they hope to go for their career. They don't expect a job offer from us come May. But they do expect a hell of a resume line when it's time to apply elsewhere. So, we have one intern working in product development, one in media relations, one in social networking, one in content development, one in marketing, and so on. Some of these interns should be working at PR firms or larger companies in town. But we snatched them up because the work here is more exciting. And no one gets anyone coffee. Coffee here is free and is only about 8 steps from the farthest chair.

Currently, the CPC staff numbers 3 people. We're tripling it in one week (when everyone starts). And, we expect to more than quadruple our reach and effectiveness. It's bound to happen when you've got an entire team of curious, unique and dedicated people.

Here we are, right in the middle of autumn. Which means I have a new book ready for you.

Stephen and I decided to follow up last year's New Day Revolution: How to Save the World in 24 Hours with a handy guide that helps you save the world each and every day.

So I humbly show you Today is a New Day!

This page-a-day beauty includes past CoolPeopleCare articles, inspirational quotes and even journal pages. Saving the world is a journey, and we think you need every resource you can get.

You should enjoy this if you enjoy CoolPeopleCare's online content and want to hold it in the palm of your hand. And, of course, this easily fits into any stocking.

We're self-publishing this one, so get 'em early. Thanks for your support.

Stephen & Sam's Author Profile from Stephen Moseley on Vimeo.

Sort of.

We're hiring for an 18-week spring intern.

So, if you're curious as to what a social entrepreneurship looks like on the inside, or if you want to work for a start-up, or if you just want a job that saves the world, then click here to download the description and get the conversation started.

The Tree Line, CoolPeopleCare's first issue-based product line is now available for preorder.

We've got some stellar artwork from Jen Lemen to go along with our sweatshop-free T-shirts, our BPA-free water bottles, our corn-based plastic mugs and our organic cotton totes.

Preorder pricing is available until midnight tomorrow. And if you use coupon code HEYSAM, you'll get 5% off AND 5% of what you spend will be donated to Oasis Center.

My friend Ariah reviewed New Day Revolution last week. I thanked him, and together we came up with a great way to get all of those world-changing ideas out of you.

So, between now and Friday, you can go to Ariah's blog and share your idea for making a small, but meaningful, difference in the world. We'll choose one lucky winner to receive a signed copy of New Day Revolution.

Who knows? We may even include some sweet stuff from the new Tree Line.

Scarritt Bennett hosted us last month as part of their Books and Bread series. We discussed and signed New Day Revolution.

And, thankfully, Jenny Sherouse was there to document it. She does great work. Check her out if you ever need pictures taken.

They say you never forget your first time. I won't forget mine. I was a junior in high school. And even then, I knew that it deeply mattered who you did it with.

I'm not sure when most people do it for the first time. I'm sure there are tons of studies. But for me, I knew the time was right, and so did my partner. In fact, the idea had been there for some time, so it was almost like we couldn't not do it.

I’ve heard that some people never do it. Maybe they can't find the right person. Of course, this further cements my theory that it matters who you do it with.

And before we go any further, I should clarify. I'm not talking about sex. I'm talking about starting something.

Junior year, Jacob and I had an idea. We had a group of friends who all either went to church or school together. We wanted an authentic expression of our young faith – something that went beyond regularly scheduled church activities. We wanted something that created a venue for us – and people like us (kids our ages) – to ask deep questions, comment on our personal spiritual journeys, and enjoy the outdoors.

So, we came up with an idea to get a group of folks together to meet at a picnic shelter in the park on Saturday nights during the school year. We'd grill out on a Coleman camping grill, some people would bring burgers, some were in charge of condiments or drinks, and others simply brought some friends and themselves. We'd have a theme for discussion, sing some songs and dismiss quietly and obediently into the night.

To get it off the ground, I remember Jacob and I being so excited to start something – something that was real and needed. Something that other people wanted to be a part of. Something that had the potential to continue indefinitely.

And so, to get it launched, we talked it up. Jacob and I spread the word. I wrote letters to adults I knew and we actually raised $300 to get some of the necessary supplies to get it started. And while it was exciting, fun and important to us, through the experience, I first learned that it matters who you do it with.

For us, our Saturday night gatherings were easygoing. They were never really stressful. Above all, they were fun. Sure, there would be deadlines and a bit of pressure in coming up with the week's theme, or having to run to the grocery store at the last minute to get something we forgot, or that time I had to go back to the park close to midnight because I forgot Jacob's handmade stool at Pavilion #12. But in all that minimal amount of stress, Jacob and I were able to work together, support and encourage each other, and make sure that we kept doing what we were doing. Indeed, still to this day, I credit Jacob with being the one who has helped make me the speaker I am today. We had the kind of relationship that saw us through the organizational requirements of starting something; and we had the kind of friendship that made us better people, because what we started wouldn't be all we ever did as people.

Had I tried a similar initiative with someone else, we might have had the same results (attendance, income raised, success stories), but there could have been more stress. It might not have been as meaningful for me personally. I could have been turned off from starting anything ever again.

Fast forward nearly ten years later. After searching for nearly three years for a church to call our own in Nashville, my wife and I decided to create the community we sought. It was hard at first. After we announced that we were starting a faith community and invited people, we sometimes sat alone in our house. Sometimes only a few people came. And now, over two full years into it, we've got a group of about 12 people, who meet each week to encourage one another, speak honestly about faith and dream together about the good that can be done in the world, starting with a dozen people who dare to meet with one another for that very purpose each week.

Again, if Lynnette weren't the person to take this journey with me, I might have closed the thing down a while ago. If the person I love more than anyone else weren't the one with whom I traveled on this journey of leadership and outreach, well then, it might not even be worth it. And if our friend Mark didn't join in with us, who knows where we'd be?

And, what seems to be the epoch of my entrepreneurial life thus far, CoolPeopleCare would not be what it is today without Stephen Moseley. We wouldn't continue to operate and grow without Malinda Moseley or Michelle Andrade. For us, the team helps shape the direction of the organization. It's that important.

When things get tough, when money gets thin, when questions get asked, when horizons get bleak, when sleep gets missed, when travel gets long, when rejections get sent – what keeps us going is often each other.

In reading and learning more and more about venture capital and the world of investing, you'll quickly see that many individuals and institutions often invest in good teams. And this often means people with great track records, years of experience, and many lines and highlights in their resumes. And while that's all well and good, I don't think I'd trade CoolPeopleCare's lack of experience for a mountain of experience that could be found in some people who aren't able or willing to get in the trenches with you and sit and sulk when that time comes.

What works for Stephen and I – and what works for Lynnette, Mark and I, and what worked for Jacob and I – was a commitment to the same ideological vision. Unfortunately, this is something that isn't often discussed in many entrepreneurial circles or in startups. Because when times get tough – and they will get tough – you have to remain committed to the bigger idea, the bigger vision and values that got you to take the risk in the first place.

A few weeks ago, a close friend of mine was telling me about a business she is thinking of starting. A registered dietician with a few years of experience, she sees a great opportunity for her and her passion, especially if she couples it with another person's expertise. She and this person have thought about going into business together. However, she has one hangup: she doesn't really like the guy that much. And nether do some other people. So, she's torn: on the one hand she could be successful and make a lot of money. But, she could also not enjoy the very work that's bringing her the success.

So I told her, "It matters who you do it with. Because at the end of the day, if finances are tight, if there are disagreements, or if things aren't going as well as you hoped, you want someone on board with you who you enjoy being with. You want someone you can stand to be around when the picture isn't so rosy. You want someone who can stay true to the vision and encourage you to be the best you."

Besides, if it's as good an idea as she thinks, she'll be able to find someone who fits that bill, and she won't have to settle for someone who's not worth it.

The folks at Xigi, which helps folks discover the capital market that invests in good, reviewed CoolPeopleCare today. It's an objective analysis, which we appreciate, and also provides some good insights and ideas. Check it out here.

Stephen and I have put together a discussion guide for New Day Revolution: How to Save the World in 24 Hours.

It's mainly intended for church discussion groups - youth gatherings, Sunday school classes, small groups, etc.

And it's free. Download it here.

If you want to use it in your community, let us know if you're keeping a blog or any other record. Steve in Texas is.

Here's a few shots from the CoolPeopleCare world, sent to us by some fans and all around cool people.

This is when Stephen and I went to speak to Woodland Middle School, to an entire group of teenagers eager to change the world.


And this is from my friend Mark, who outfitted his summer camp staff with CPC merchandise.

The CoolPeopleCare Shoppe has some new product pictures up so you can get a feel on the size/shape/fit of our stuff. Thanks to good friend Rob for donating his time.

Stephen has more about the whole process here. This was my first and last modeling gig.

And here's my favorite of the bunch:

My mom wrote today's "5 Minutes of Caring."

You know - since Mother's Day is Sunday and all.

Earth Day is tomorrow. Celebrate by doing some of the ideas I share here. I gave away prizes on the video. Sadly, I can't do the same in your living room.


Simple Steps to Save the World from Cool People Care on Vimeo.