I have just updated the blog’s ‘about’ page and was going to include some personal information about me, which is not business related.
Then I realised that if the information just gets added to the about page, almost none of my regular readers will see it! I like to know a little about the people who’s work I read and I know others do too. So, here are 6 things about me that you probably didn’t already know.
Early exit
On the day my son Lewis was born, (a month before he was due), a story appeared in a UK newspaper with the headline; “Jim may have to make an early exit!” The story related to a comment I made to a reporter, about a talk I was giving at The London Stock Exchange building for AWD PLC. I said that it was my last speaking engagement because my wife was 8 months pregnant. The newspaper is a great keepsake for when Lewis grows up.
Dead serious
I ‘died’ briefly, when I was 17 years old; after receiving three scull fractures during a fight, where one of my assailants was armed with an axe. I grew up dirt poor, on a London council housing estate – very much on the ‘wrong side of the tracks’. Although blessed with loving parents, I got in with the wrong crowd and almost paid the ultimate price. I was 21 years old when I turned my life around (that was 23 years ago); thanks to the support of my mother, father and older brother.
Relative strangers
Billy Connolly, the famous comedian / actor is a cousin of mine. I only found out about 15 years ago, when visiting another cousin for the first time, in Galway, Ireland. I noticed pictures of Billy Connolly on the wall and then realised that the pictures of Billy were actually taken in the house. I have never met Billy but those I know who have, tell me he’s a really nice fella!
Radio days
I once coached a BBC Radio presenter live on air! Lara King was hosting her first ever solo radio show and was extremely nervous, so the interview she had planned with me on her launch show, became a live on air coaching session. Lara is a real professional, a genuinely lovely person and it was always a joy to work with her.
Boxing clever
I have been in love with boxing all my life, both inside the ring and outside. Though I never fought professionally, I have sparred with scores of professional fighters and have a dedicated boxing gym at home. This is one of the reasons I don’t drink alcohol or smoke – It made training so much harder! I have just restarted training (last week) and need to lose a STACK of fat, after a serious shoulder injury stopped me from training for almost 5 months.
Jim loves tech
I own (and write for) The Tech News Blog. The blog is just a year old and has already been referenced as a news source by many of the best known people in tech news, including; Leo Laporte’s TWiT network, Dave Winer’s Scripting News, The BBC, C|net and ReadWriteWeb.
So, those were six random things about me, which usually don’t fit into the topics I cover. I hope you found them interesting and that maybe you feel you know me a little better now too.
Related posts:
Those were interesting facts. Thanks for writing them. It makes your column more interesting to know a little back story.
Thanks Gina!
Thanks for this. You should write a book about your life, Jim.
Kyra,
Thanks for the comment. A few people have said that to me over the years. Maybe one day.
Thanks for this post, Jim.
Its always worth remember that people love stories, I certainly do.
Stories help you understand people, give them depth and context, and make them memorable. Telling stories helps people remember what you care about, too.
You’re younger than I thought, must be that deep voice which misled me!
Hello Su,
Thanks for the comment. I agree, its helpful to learn a little more about people. Makes them more ‘real’ in some way.
By the way, I’m 43 years old.
You kinda have that boxers “don’t mess with me” look in your avatar above – LOL. You’re an inspiration – keep up the good fight Jim, as you continue to have a positive impact on all those folks in your personal and business life. That gift only comes from those that have overcome great odds. Kudos!
By the way – I’m 43 years old too
Hello Mark,
Thanks for your comment, it’s always great to hear from you sir.
I think you make a good point, regarding how overcoming severe circumstances can help you build your character.
I see we are the same age too.
I love when people sprinkle a few personal facts in their business copy when appropriate (bio and “about” pages are those kind of venues). It adds to the personality of the person behind the business. After all, we tend to associate and do business with people we know, like and trust…add the very important “respect” to that list.
Thanks for great nuggets to help us get to know you better, Jim!
Jim how do you deal with idiot bosses who don’t believe in marketing?
Gail,
Thanks for the feedback. I like to know a bit about the people I read and follow online too.
Gebadia,
Marketing’s not something your boss needs to believe in. He or she may not believe in gravity, but if they jump out of a window, they will still fall.
The honest truth is, bosses who neglect marketing tend not to be bosses for very long.
Fantastic insights Jim…
There is always room for a little bit of personal info in this cyber world that seems full of “systems”, “automation” and impersonal contacts..
Thanks for sharing..
Peace
Jay
Thanks for the insight into what made you who you are.
It goes to show that with strong determination and persistence, we can all achieve a great deal in life, no matter where we came from.
Jay,
Thanks for the comment. I agree totally.
Tony,
Thanks for the comment. I believe that it’s easier for people like myself, who have had to overcome adversity, to succeed in other areas of their lives.
Jim, I really enjoyed this post. It helps people relate to you so much better when they have an understanding of where you’re coming from. Nice blend of facts too.I wonder what 6 facts other people would choose to reveal themselves? Thank you!
PS Everyone seems to be sharing their ages! For the record, I am 53, and have never boxed!Yet…
Jane,
I’m pretty sure you already knew everything in this post, as I have been privileged to have had you as a valued friend (and a client) for a couple of years now.
Why not do a similar post on your blog?
Hi Jim,
Great, thoughtful post. It is always nice to know a bit about the person behind the blog and understand what motivates them. Inspiring stuff, keep up the good work both here and on the tech news blog (a favourite in the Edelman digital office!)
All the best,
Anna
Thanks Anna!
Jim, I’m playing catch-up through your backwards links. This post was written during the height of my Wausau Whitewater season and I wasn’t reading anything then. Reading this gave me an even better understanding of why I like you. It also gave me hope.
My oldest son, who is in my The Blame Game post is struggling with the same thing. He’s doing a little better right now but fighting both alcohol and the financial consequences of very bad choices and may have to face bankruptcy. I’ve often struggled with the why of both my sons choices but when I hear of people who came out the other side, it gives me hope. My boys are 22 and 23 so perhaps some day…. The oldest is a talented writer that if he channeled his ability, the sky could be the limit. The youngest excels in math and is well versed in building things.
You see now I know many of these things because I listen to your Motivational Master Class!
Scott Gould´s last blog ..Times are Changing, Teams are Changing
Hey Jim,
Love that, I did know a few of those facts about you during out little chats, but not the whys and the wherefores. Thanks for sharing, it is nice know who is behind a blog.
Michelle