Learn how I saved $1500.00 by doing 10 minutes of research and asking one simple question.

Download File

Take A Stand - by Justin Boudreau (for now, my dream is that Brett Dennen will make it his)

Upbeat Version (it’s all relative… really)

Download File

Midnight Mellow Version

Download File

A few weeks ago, I was playing music with one of my best friends Patrick and shared with him that Santana, Kai (his first live performance) and I were going to see Brett Dennen (March 28th, 2009) in concert.

I played a song that I wrote a few years back (the only one I ever wrote pretty much). He commented how much he liked the song and that he always felt that it was good enough to get airplay on the radio. (while I knew he was exaggerating a little) I appreciated the compliment. I explained to him that I love music, goofing around with a guitar and writing songs, however I am not a musician…He then suggested that I record my song and give it to Brett Dennen personally when I see him this week.

So here it is… Garage Band rocks… If you have a mac you already know this… and it took less than 10 minutes to make.

If you know someone, who knows someone, who knows someone, who knows Brett Dennen… let him know that you know.

To say that it would be a dream would be cliche but very true.

With hopes that you be bold and take actions towards your dreams.

Peace and There YOU Are! Justin

Yes, I do save most emails that I have received from students. I hope that doesn’t come across as sad or clingy…Truth is, it is a motivator for me to know that my message is helping youth in some way, shape or form.
So here is my very first student email. I officially started speaking in Feb of 2003 and I received this email after my very first gig.

my name is XXX,

and I am a student at XXX. I recently saw you at an assembly at our school. I wanted to talk to you but I didn’t get a chance. To tell you that I admire you and everything that you do. I think you’re great. today is the 22nd of February and the assembly was on the 17th and still today I am thinking of the things that you said. It made even the smallest of my dreams want to come true. I just wanted to be able to tell you that you are one in a million. How can you stand in front of a huge crowd like that and just tell your life story . I don’t think I could ever do that. Well I found your website by going to solomax.com. I also think it is Great what he is doing. He is a really nice person. And I enjoy learning about people who fulfilled their dream. at that Moment when I heard your talk I really needed that at that point in my life because everything was looking downhill for me. I had recently gotten over pneumonia and the school was bugging me about missing so much school and I had so much homework to finish. But I really believe that you helped me through it. Thank you for being you. I don’t think I would have done so much work if it wasn’t for the many things you said. I hope to hear from you again. Have a wonderful life.

XXX

Random and Simple acts go further than you think. There You Are!

Peace,

Justin

I am grateful to the Clinton County Youth Bureau for bringing me in to share my message with their leaders.  The students were exceptional (as always).  I have to be honest, it was a tough first 2-3 minutes… It had been a long time since my “I am were to change your life” line bombed… well, let’s just say it was silent for a long time… no, it bombed.

Luckily, they were a forgiving group.  Within minutes, all was good.  Still on the reserved quiet side, but good.

Oh, this trip had a few firsts for me.  It was my first time in VT.  I landed in Burlington and ate at a cool Coop.  Another first is that in order to get to Plattsburg, NY from VT, I had to take a Ferry.

So please listen to my thoughts on the Ferry… It’s a short one because it was way cold.

Peace, JB

Yes, I have a fear of heights. Yes, this is a picture of me rappelling. Will this blog / audio inspire you to extend your comfort zone? You be the judge.

Download File

I have been a fan of Taylor Mali’s for a long time now. I used to read this poem / spoken word when I would lead a workshop or keynote for educators. I got to meet Taylor at a Leadership Conference in NJ and I am even more of a fan now. Unfortunately, I was not able to see him on stage, but in the hour that I spent with him it is clear that he is the real deal. Enjoy and forward it to teachers who you feel could benefit from his words.

Listen to Cindy share her excitement as she applies for “The Best Job in The World.”   Her application video has received more than 5000 and is consistently in the top 10 most popular videos since she posted her video less than a week ago. Cindy’s insight of being one of 30,000 participants applying for the same job is something that everyone should hear. After listening to the interview please Watch Cindy’s Video and help Cindy Nadeau get the Best Job in The World by rating it a 5 star.

Download File

In Cindy’s own words… it’s not too late for you and any of your friends to apply.   Check out the website.

600 Student Leaders in NJ will never be the same…

Download File

The concept is genius and brilliant.

5/1/05 - $3.52 (don’t spend it all at one place)

Dinner for two at our favorite restaurant: $13.50
Rent for one bedroom appt in San Diego: $850.00
My salary Jan 2004: $3.52
Sticking to my dream: Priceless

Unfortunately that is not a master card commercial but my real earnings last January. Yup, $3.52. My mother bought a journal off of my website. Mom’s know how to come through for their kids.

All joking aside, I was very stressed out. It didn’t help that my wife was 6 months pregnant (not working) and that I didn’t have any gigs booked until the end of March.

My wife asked me to consider getting my credential for the state of CA. Then, I could be a substitute teacher, hence do something other than speaking in order to pay the bills. It hurt to see her worry so much. I was a speaker with a great message but no one to hear my words. What hurt most is that I was failing to provide for my family.

Late one evening, while I was crunching the numbers and seeing how we would
make our money last for 2 maybe even 3 more months, I had a moment. I remember saying to myself: “Justin, maybe I am not meant to be a speaker.” Even though I believed with all my heart that it is what I am destined to do. It was the first and last time I contemplated quitting. I went to bed that night feeling defeated.

The next day I received 3 important phone calls. (It is important for me to explain to you that as a speaker, especially at the beginning of my career, I was rarely on the receiving end of a phone call.)

The first call was a client that wanted to book a 2 day leadership retreat for a weekend in Mid-March. The second call was a local school that had received my promotional flyer in the mail and was 95% sure that they wanted me to speak at their school in April. I got the gig. The third phone call was confirming a project that would allow me to speak to 20 schools in my home province of New Brunswick in May. (Yes, I did say province, I am from Canada.) The last call alone was a guaranteed $10,000. (that’s more than a third of my whole first year’s earnings as a speaker.)

I’ll be honest, I am still intrigued as to what is the moral or main message of this
story. Potentially there are many. You could say that it was luck. One could say that if you stick it out long enough good things happen. From a spiritual stand point, you could speculate that I am destined to be a speaker and that I am being supported by a higher power. (If you can hear me up there, thanks a bunch.) Please feel free to select which works best for you.

I will never forget the words that my mentor, Patrick Combs once said: “Your
mind set and attitude will determine your success as a speaker. There is no space or time for you to doubt or feel sorry for yourself. Others can believe in you all they want, in the end you will make it happen.”

I know that it is very common for students to be surrounded by people who constantly put down and knock down your dreams and goals. (Yes, even your best friends.) They will only be successful if you allow them to. Don’t give them that power. Stay strong and persevere.

Looking back at those first three months of 2004, I can say that chasing my dreams was scary, but in the end it is all worth it. What’s your dream? Get to it!

Peace,

Justin