This is Newsletter Number One

You found me! I’m grateful. You are one of the first.

Presumably, you found this newsletter through the presence I’m beginning to establish online.

I’m building a personal brand. For a long time, I engaged minimally with social media, but that is changing.

I’m becoming enlightened. The potential of learning and socializing online is clear. I’m excited about the scope of possibilities available to us now.

I’m in.

I’m excited about many topics, in fact. Naturally, personal interests will influence what I write about. You’ll find common threads in future newsletters, including:

• Self-empowerment (creating opportunities, cultivating health & energy)

• Social interactions that feel good, working with others.

• Modern business models, including personal brands.

• The arts & creative self-expression.

However, I won’t get into all of that today.

I’ll start by writing about… starting.

Start From the Heart

Like many people, I work full-time (offline) which has pros and cons:

• Con: Free time is limited

• Pro: Free to make my personal brand whatever I want

What do I want?

I want to follow my heart and my interests, with energy and enthusiasm. I intend to stay connected to a learning process that excites me and social interactions that feel good.

So, I will. Let’s see what happens.

Fortunately, one of my interests is providing value to other people. What that in mind, I welcome you. I hope you find it helpful to see me build. My intention is to share useful information with you along the way.

I’m putting good energy at the top of the priority list.

The future is never certain. But I know how to enjoy what I do today.

Truly successful people are driven by a passion for what they do. They enjoy the process so much that they want to repeat, refine, and master it. It’s not about money or recognition. Build your future by doing what you love right now and then repeat it day after day.

Some people are born into this. Little musicians gravitate to the piano as soon as they can stand up and reach the keys. Small children tag along with their parents in the store, mentally calculating the grocery bill, destined to be mathematicians. They have highly specific interests. Their path is clear.

I was not one of these people. I’ve always had many interests. It can be hard to pick a favorite. But I’m fine. I am who I am. I’m pulling together my interests and moving forward with enthusiasm.

We are in a special time right now. A great time to build a personal brand, for anyone who wants it. I’m putting my skills together and stepping out.

Step Out into the Light

I don’t know about you, but music lyrics run through my brain constantly.

When I write “Step Out into the Light” I have a Daniel Johnston song in my mind. Do you know it? The song is called “True Love Will Find You in the End” and it tells you this - What you are looking for cannot find you until you step out into the light.

I’m building in public, in the light. When we make ourselves visible and we interact with others, we begin to create opportunities.

The photo of a painting of mine, by the way. A touch of sunlight.

Thanks for reading newsletter number one.

Until next time,

Dan (short for Dan Ryan Neff)