Newsflash! Listen Live To My Radio Interview May 20th — Mid-Morning Magazine … Plus New Ad Running in Radio and Television Interview Report (RTIR)

Newsflash!  I’ll be a guest on Mike Buchanan’s program tomorrow morning (May 20th) at 9:45 AM (ET).  The program is called Mid-Morning Magazine.  Folks can listen live by visiting this site:

http://www.kbizam.com/programs/midmorningmag.php

The topic?  The Power of Making a Promise.  Specifically we’ll be discussing my idea that we should anchor promises to holidays or other special occasions as a way to increase our emotional commitment to the outcome.  My message has been:  If you’re  serious about reaching a specific goal or making a change in your life, make a promise.  If you really want to increase your chances of following through, anchor that promise to a special day or holiday.  For example, I urged people to make a promise to their mothers on Mother’s Day.  Use that special day to give your mom flowers AND a promise!  I’m developing this idea of anchoring promises to special days for my forthcoming book — The Power of Making a Promise — with a foreword by Jack Canfield.  I’m writing an article on this topic as well.  Tomorrow’s interview will touch on it briefly.  Hope you’ll tune in!

By the way, thought you might want to see my new ad that’s running in RTIR.  A series of ads will be running in May and June.  Here’s the first in the series.  I’ll post the others soon too.  For TV and radio producers, if you’re looking for an uplifting, entertaining interview guest … give me a call.

About Matthew Cossolotto: Creator of “Make A Promise Day” (May 4th), Matthew Cossolotto (aka “The Podium Pro”) is an author, guest speaker, CEO-level speechwriter, and speech coach. A former aide to House Speaker Jim Wright and Congressman Leon Panetta, Matthew also served as a CEO speechwriter at MCI, Pepsi-Cola International, and GTE. The author of HabitForce! and All The World’s A Podium, he’s working on a new book with a foreword by Jack Canfield about the power of making a promise. Matthew brings his Personal Empowerment Programs — “PEPTalks”– to colleges, associations, and corporations.

Visit http://www.ThePodiumPro.com;  http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.com; http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.wordpress.com; Follow Matthew and “Make A Promise Day” on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/MakeAPromiseDay.  “Make A Promise Day” greeting cards and other exciting gift items are available for convenient online purchase by visiting Matthew’s Zazzle store: www.Zazzle.com/TheCoz.

Foreword To My Forthcoming Book — The Power of Making a Promise — By Jack Canfield

As you may know already, I’m writing a book about the power of making a promise with a foreword by Jack Canfield, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.  In the foreword Jack describes a life-changing promise he made in his life.  He also says some very nice things about my Make A Promise mission.  I want to thank Jack for his support and encouragement.  Here’s just a sampling of what Jack writes in his uplifting and very generous foreword:

When Matthew first told me about the heartfelt promise he made to his mother and that he was launching a special day called “Make A Promise Day” on May 4^th, I was hooked.  You could say he had me at “I promise.”

There was something very attractive, almost magnetic, about this concept.  And I say that as somebody who has been intimately involved in the personal development field for many years.  I’ve seen and heard just about everything …

With a promise your heart and emotions are fully engaged.  Because of this, a promise is what I call a personal empowerment ‘twofer.’  It combines The Power of Intention with The Law of Attraction.  And that is a very powerful combination indeed …

Contributing the foreword to this book and being associated with Matthew’s inspiring “Make-A-Promise” project is totally aligned with my life’s purpose. I applaud Matthew for collecting and celebrating these uplifting stories about promises made and promises kept.

About Matthew Cossolotto: Creator of “Make A Promise Day” (May 4th), Matthew Cossolotto (aka “The Podium Pro”) is an author, guest speaker, CEO-level speechwriter, and speech coach. A former aide to House Speaker Jim Wright and Congressman Leon Panetta, Matthew also served as a CEO speechwriter at MCI, Pepsi-Cola International, and GTE. The author of HabitForce! and All The World’s A Podium, he’s working on a new book with a foreword by Jack Canfield about the power of making a promise. Matthew brings his Personal Empowerment Programs — “PEPTalks”– to colleges, associations, and corporations. Visit http://www.ThePodiumPro.com;  http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.com; http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.wordpress.com; Follow Matthew and “Make A Promise Day” on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/MakeAPromiseDay.  “Make A Promise Day” greeting cards and other exciting gift items are available for convenient online purchase by visiting Matthew’s Zazzle store: www.Zazzle.com/TheCoz.

Listen to My “Make A Promise” Interview with Laurie Gerber on Handel Group Radio

My interview is now available.  Click on this link (also see link below).  My segment lasts less than 15 minutes I guess.  Laurie Gerber does a great job.  She’s a big fan of the power of making promises.  She refers to it as “a tool everyone has to combat fear and get into action.”  She’s so right!  Laurie also said making promises is her favorite topic and she was kind enough to say that I am “always inspiring” in talking about this topic.  Laurie talked on air about one promise she made to get into action and get past her fears.  She promised that she would take at least one risk every day, do something that took her outside her comfort zone.  She made that a promise and it has helped her succeed in business as a life coach and radio host.  Here’s to your promise Laurie!

During my segment (which begins at about the halfway point in the hour-long show) we covered a wide range of topics including:

• Make A Promise Day on May 4th.  Laurie gets a big kick out of “May The Fourth Be With You!”

• The Power of Making a Promise generally

• The promise I made to my mother on her deathbed

• My book HabitForce! (available on www.ThePodiumPro.com) and the habits of SUCCESS and FAILURE.  We talked about the FAILURE Trap of “Finger Pointing” (the F in FAILURE) and the need to Recognize, Reject & Replace it with “Shoulder Responsibility” (the first S in SUCCESS).

• My “What’s Your Promise?” interview with John Assaraf (http://youtu.be/LYdemF5H1KA) in which he discusses the promise he made to God on the birth of his first (and second) son.  Also see my blog post for more details (http://wp.me/pSLX3-7w)

• The idea of a new “birthday” tradition or ritual to make a promise to take care of newborn children.

• My new ebook A Promise A Day (available on www.ThePodiumPro.com) and one promise from the ebook that I recommend for everybody:  “I Promise … to be the change I want to see in the world.”

All in all, a very good interview.  Fast-paced, entertaining.  Many thanks to Laurie for inviting me back on her show to talk about the power of making promises.  Always a delight to speak with Laurie Gerber and listen to the Handel Group Radio Show.

Again, here’s the link to my interview with Laurie Gerber.  Enjoy!  http://archives.warpradio.com/ltrn/HandelRadio/051112.mp3

About Matthew Cossolotto: Creator of “Make A Promise Day” (May 4th), Matthew Cossolotto (aka “The Podium Pro”) is an author, guest speaker, CEO-level speechwriter, and speech coach. A former aide to House Speaker Jim Wright and Congressman Leon Panetta, Matthew also served as a CEO speechwriter at MCI, Pepsi-Cola International, and GTE. The author of HabitForce! and All The World’s A Podium, he’s working on a new book with a foreword by Jack Canfield about the power of making a promise. Matthew brings his Personal Empowerment Programs — “PEPTalks”– to colleges, associations, and corporations.

Visit http://www.ThePodiumPro.com;  http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.com; http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.wordpress.com; Follow Matthew and “Make A Promise Day” on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/MakeAPromiseDay.  “Make A Promise Day” greeting cards and other exciting gift items are available for convenient online purchase by visiting Matthew’s Zazzle store: www.Zazzle.com/TheCoz.

One Week Later … Author and Guest Speaker Matthew Cossolotto, Creator of “Make A Promise Day,” Recaps Major Developments Surrounding Second Annual Make A Promise Day, May 4th 2011 – May The Fourth Be With You!

Leading Up To MAPD, Cossolotto Released A Series of “What’s Your Promise?” Interviews –With Guests That Included Best-Selling Author John Assaraf – and Published Ebook Titled A Promise A Day: 30 Days To A Promising Future

May 11, 2011 – Matthew Cossolotto (aka The Podium Pro) today provided a recap of development surrounding the second annual Make A Promise Day – May 4, 2011.  Cossolotto, author of HabitForce! and All The World’s A Podium, is a former aide to U.S. House Speaker Jim Wright and Congressman Leon Panetta (now CIA Director).  He’s currently writing a book called The Power of Making a Promise with a foreword by Jack Canfield, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

Here are some of the major MAPD-related developments that occurred in recent weeks:

• Heartwarming John Assaraf Interview Released on May 4^th — Cossolotto released a heartwarming “What’s Your Promise?” interview with best-selling author John Assaraf.  During the interview, Assaraf revealed a remarkable, life-changing promise he made to God on the day each of his two sons was born.  On several occasions during the interview, Assaraf expresses strong support for Cossolotto’s “Make A Promise” initiative:  “It’s a great cause and a great mission you’re on.  Good purpose, good mission, good vision attracts good people.”  Read Cossolotto’s blog post for more details (http://wp.me/pSLX3-7w) and to get the link to the interview.

• Those Two Magic Words – I Promise:  Cossolotto proposed that we start a new tradition by making heartfelt promises to our mothers on Mather’s Day.  Inspired by friends and family of Tony McColl, a 19-year-old who was tragically killed on April 16^th by a drunk driver in Canada, Cossolotto urged young people everywhere to make a solemn promise to their mothers on Mother’s Day not to drink and drive and not to let their friends drive under the influence.  Cossolotto called attention to the moving “I Promise” video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzGhT5hweNM) created by Tony’s friends as well as the “Tony’s Promise” Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_205770589445576).  Both offer vivid testimony to the power of making a promise as a way to turn tragedy into a positive campaign to save lives and restore hope.

• The Westchester County Executive (New York) issued a proclamation designating May 4th 2011 and each year thereafter to be “Make A Promise Day.”  Here’s a link to a short YouTube video Cossolotto posted about this Proclamation.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fXex1ZjpXs.    To read more about the Proclamation, click here (http://wp.me/pSLX3-6W) and read this article on Patch.com (http://pelham.patch.com/articles/may-4-official-unofficial-make-a-promise-day).

• On Make A Promise Day, Cossolotto has announced a public promise to donate 10% of his guest speaking fees to Study Abroad Alumni International to foster study abroad opportunities and global awareness and understanding.  Cossolotto offers several Personal Empowerment Programs (PEPTalks) to a variety of audiences including schools and colleges, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits.  Here are the titles of Cossolotto’s top three PEPTalks:

• The Power of Making a Promise: Make A Promise. Keep Your Word. Change Your Life. Transform The World.

• The Joy of Speaking: Turn Stage Fright Into Stage Delight and Speak Your Way to the Peak

• Success Is An Inside Job:  Harness Your HabitForce and Reach Your Peak Personal Potential

• Just before “Make A Promise Day,” Cossolotto was featured as an “Inspirational Luminary? on Gail Lynne Goodwin’s popular Inspire Me Today website.  Here’s the link to the feature story: http://www.inspiremetoday.com/archiveDisp.php?type=0&ref=1126. Also here’s the link to an edited version of the “What’s Your Promise?” interview Cossolotto recorded with Goodwin about the life-changing promise she made to her daughter:  http://youtu.be/NfsOpV92sB0

• Cossolotto spoke about the power of making a promise to the Human Capital Institute’s executive members.  This HCI seminar was a return appearance for Cossolotto.  The author of HabitForce! and All The World’s A Podium, Cossolotto conducted two executive conversation programs last year for HCI.  One program was titled “Supercharge Your HabitForce!” and the other was called “Energize Your PodiumPower!”

• Cossolotto spoke about HabitForce and the power of making a promise to the Project Management Institute of Westchester. Here’s what Paul O’Connor, the event organizer, said about Cossolotto’s presentation:  “Wow!  You achieved the incredible top rating of 87.5% as a keynote speaker to our Project Managers Group! Our member evaluations said you were highly thought-provoking, you skillfully engaged participants in meaningful discussions and inspired us in numerous positive and empowering ways.  Thanks again for your generous sharing of time and talent.”

• To celebrate “Make A Promise Day” 2011, Cossolotto published an updated, new and improved version of his ebook A Promise A Day – 30 Days to a Promising Future.  This is a unique collection of 30 personal empowerment promises including the potentially life-changing “Top Ten Promises for a SUCCESSFUL Life.”  Here’s a short video of Cossolotto announcing the publication of A Promise A Day. (http://youtu.be/tXEeMIlRTb4)  This powerful ebook is now available for a nominal investment on Cossolotto’s main website:  http://www.ThePodiumPro.com

 Other Noteworthy Developments Surrounding “Make A Promise Day” 2011

• From Brian Proctor’s Popular Insight of the Day Email (sign up for free:  http://www.InsightoftheDay.com)

“Promises are the uniquely human way of ordering the future, making it predictable and reliable to the extent that this is humanly possible.”

Hannah Arendt
1906-1975, Political Theorist

I want to call your attention to an exciting and inspiring initiative created by my friend Matthew Cossolotto. Matthew’s project launched last year on this day. He calls it “Make A Promise Day” – the first-ever “holiday” dedicated to personal empowerment and goal achievement. With “Make A Promise Day” (see Matthew’s “Top 10 Promises for a SUCCESSFUL Life”) Matthew is encouraging people to turn important goals into heartfelt promises. I really like that idea and I thought it would appeal to you as well.

Some of Matthew’s impressive career achievements are as a former aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a CEO-level speechwriter at major corporations, and as an author and personal empowerment speaker and coach. More details about “Make A Promise Day” are available at: www.MakeAPromiseDay.com

• From Author and Guest speaker Diana DiResta – Make A Promise To Be A Better Public Speaker

May 4th is Make a Promise Day which was started by Matthew Cossolotto. Why make a promise? Because a promise is more powerful than a goal. Quick! How many New Year’s Resolutions have you already broken? When you promise to be a better public speaker, there is an energy and commitment that drives you to action. My military father taught me to never break a promise. When you gave someone your word, that was sacred.

You may keep your promise to others; but what about yourself? I recently made a promise to give up chocolate for one month. It was hard, but I would never have done it if I hadn’t made a promise. A promise is putting a stake in the ground. It’s drawing a line in the sand. You can become a better public speaker right now and the first step begins with a promise.

Read the rest of DiResta’s insightful comments:  http://diresta.com/knockoutpresentationsblog/?p=687

• From Andrea Adams-Miller, “The Sexuality Tutor” — Making a Promise to Foster a Healthy Relationship

This blog is inspired by my friend, Matthew Cossolotto, Creator of “Make A Promise Day” (http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.com) because I would like all of you to make a promise to your partner. While Matthew discusses various financial, moral, and personal decisions when it comes to making a promise, my challenge to you is focused on your relationship and your partner. As a relationship consultant, I want you to make a promise to keep the words “Break Up” and “Divorce” out of your vocabulary. Each time we utter these words, we add power to them and start imaging our life as somehow happier if we were alone, rather than deal with the day to day stresses of maintaining a healthy relationship.  For more information visit http://www.sexualitytutor.com (click on BLOG tab)

Links to Additional “What’s Your Promise?” Interviews Recently Posted on www.YouTube.com/ThePodiumProTV

•  Todd Newton

Interview Link:  http://www.youtube.com/ThePodiumProTV#p/u/9/4ECJFj5wx-o

Blog Post Link:  http://wp.me/pSLX3-4Y

• Patti Wood

http://www.youtube.com/ThePodiumProTV#p/u/13/An7IbxbCuC8

• Gail Lynne Goodwin

Interview Link:  http://www.youtube.com/ThePodiumProTV#p/u/6/NfsOpV92sB0

• Chris Cade

Interview Link:  http://www.youtube.com/ThePodiumProTV#p/u/8/6ZzMtlVqR_0

Blog Post Link:  http://wp.me/pSLX3-5M

• Dallas Teague Snider

Interview Link:  http://www.youtube.com/ThePodiumProTV#p/u/0/BafbQAZ9L_w

Blog Post Link:  http://wp.me/SLX3

• Stefania Lucchetti

Interview Link: http://www.youtube.com/ThePodiumProTV#p/u/7/mHeajeyyJTg

Blog Post Link:  http://wp.me/pSLX3-5R

• Roslyn Franken

Interview Link: http://www.youtube.com/ThePodiumProTV#p/u/3/kV6Tv8J2ZYM

Blog Post Link:  http://wp.me/pSLX3-6v

• Kim Wright

Interview Link: http://www.youtube.com/ThePodiumProTV#p/u/4/mSZ4WaZT2Cs

Blog Post Link:  http://wp.me/pSLX3-6k

About Matthew Cossolotto: Creator of “Make A Promise Day” (May 4th), Matthew Cossolotto (aka “The Podium Pro”) is an author, guest speaker, CEO-level speechwriter, and speech coach. A former aide to House Speaker Jim Wright and Congressman Leon Panetta, Matthew also served as a CEO speechwriter at MCI, Pepsi-Cola International, and GTE. The author of HabitForce! and All The World’s A Podium, he’s working on a new book with a foreword by Jack Canfield about the power of making a promise. Matthew brings his Personal Empowerment Programs — “PEPTalks”– to colleges, associations, and corporations.

Visit http://www.ThePodiumPro.com;  http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.com; http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.wordpress.com; Follow Matthew and “Make A Promise Day” on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/MakeAPromiseDay.  “Make A Promise Day” greeting cards and other exciting gift items are available for convenient online purchase by visiting Matthew’s Zazzle store: www.Zazzle.com/TheCoz.

Author and Guest Speaker Matthew Cossolotto – aka “The Podium Pro” – Underscores His Audacious Mission To Share His Uplifting Personal Empowerment Programs (PEPTalks) With Millions of People Around the World and Promises to Donate 10% of His Speaking Fees to Support Study Abroad Opportunities and Global Understanding

Leading Up To Make A Promise Day 2011, Cossolotto Speaks About The Power of Making A Promise to The Human Capital Institute and The Project Management Institute of Westchester

May 11, 2011 – Matthew Cossolotto (aka The Podium Pro) today underscored his audacious mission to share his uplifting messages including his Personal Empowerment Programs (PEPTalks) with millions of people around the world.  In pursuit of that goal, he promises to donate 10% of his speaking fees to Study Abroad Alumni International, a nonprofit organization he launched dedicated to fostering study abroad opportunities and global understanding.

Cossolotto, a former aide to Congressman Leon Panetta and House Speaker Jim Wright, said that he was delighted to speak recently about the power of making a promise to the Human Capital Institute’s executive members.  This HCI seminar was a return appearance for Cossolotto.  The author of HabitForce! and All The World’s A Podium, Cossolotto conducted two executive conversation programs last year for HCI.  One program was titled “Supercharge Your HabitForce!” and the other was called “Energize Your PodiumPower!”

In an online message to executive members, HCI issued the follow announcement about Cossolotto’s April 29^th program:

Beyond traditional goal-setting–Focus and align results with a promise

Making and keeping an important promise affects a leader personally as well as their followers. Stated in the form of a promise, an affirmation about attaining a goal helps to define a personal or organizational vision. Join our Executive Conversation to discover the power of making Personal Empowerment Promises (PEP) and put a “pep” talk in every promise. Share your promises with others and you’ll inspire your team, and align focus on results. All Executive Members who actively participate in the conversation will receive a signed copy of Matthew Cossolotto’s book, HabitForce! All Executive Members will also receive a copy of Matthew’s eBook, A Promise A Day – 30 Days to a Promising Future, in honor of “Make a Promise Day” on May 4th. Leaders, plan your promises now!

Cossolotto also spoke recently about the power of making a promise to the Project Management Institute of Westchester. Here’s what Paul O’Connor, the event organizer, said about Cossolotto’s presentation:

“Wow!  You achieved the incredible top rating of 87.5% as a keynote speaker to our Project Managers Group! Our member evaluations said you were highly thought-provoking, you skillfully engaged participants in meaningful discussions and inspired us in numerous positive and empowering ways.  Thanks again for your generous sharing of time and talent.”

PEPTalks and a Promise

Cossolotto has made a public promise to donate 10% of his guest speaking fees to Study Abroad Alumni International to foster study abroad opportunities and global awareness and understanding.  Cossolotto offers several Personal Empowerment Programs (PEPTalks) to a variety of audiences including schools and colleges, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits.  Here are the titles of Cossolotto’s top three PEPTalks:

• The Power of Making a Promise: Make A Promise. Keep Your Word. Change Your Life. Transform The World.

• The Joy of Speaking: Turn Stage Fright Into Stage Delight and Speak Your Way to the Peak

• Success Is An Inside Job:  Harness Your HabitForce and Reach Your Peak Personal Potential

Other Developments Surrounding “Make A Promise Day” 2011

• The Westchester County Executive (New York) issued a proclamation designating May 4th 2011 and each year thereafter to be “Make A Promise Day.”  Here’s a link to a short YouTube video Cossolotto posted about this Proclamation.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fXex1ZjpXs.    To read more about the Proclamation, click here (http://wp.me/pSLX3-6W) and read this article on Patch.com (http://pelham.patch.com/articles/may-4-official-unofficial-make-a-promise-day).

•  Just before Make A Promise Day, Cossolotto was featured on Gail Lynne Goodwin’s popular Inspire Me Today website.  Here’s the link to the feature story: http://www.inspiremetoday.com/archiveDisp.php?type=0&ref=1126.  Also here’s the link to a short version of the “What’s Your Promise?” interview Cossolotto recorded with Goodwin about the life-changing promise she made to her daughter:  http://youtu.be/NfsOpV92sB0

• Finally, to celebrate “Make A Promise Day” 2011, Cossolotto published a new and improved version of his ebook A Promise A Day – 30 Days to a Promising Future.  This is a unique collection of personal empowerment promises.  Think of it as a Promise Diary.  Now available for a nominal investment on Cossolotto’s main website:  http://www.ThePodiumPro.com

Make A Promise Day Background
Cossolotto knows about the power of making a promise from personal experience. He made a promise to his mother on her deathbed that he would finish writing a book he had been discussing with her, get it published, and dedicate it to her memory. The resulting book, complete with Cossolotto’s dedication to his mother, is HabitForce!

Motivated by that firsthand experience, Cossolotto launched the first annual “Make A Promise Day” last May 4th as part of his ongoing mission to share the power of making a promise with millions of people around the world. He’s writing a book about the power of making a promise with a foreword by Jack Canfield, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. The book includes stories about people who have made and kept important promises in their lives.

Here is a brief excerpt from Jack Canfield’s foreword to Cossolotto’s forthcoming book The Power of Making a Promise:

“When Matthew first told me about the heartfelt promise he made to his mother and that he was launching a special day called “Make A Promise Day” on May 4th, I was hooked. You could say he had me at “I promise.”… Contributing the foreword to this book and being associated with Matthew’s inspiring “Make-A-Promise” project is totally aligned with my life’s purpose.” http://www.JackCanfield.com

To highlight the power of making a promise, Cossolotto cites several high-profile examples:

• Oprah Winfrey made a promise to Nelson Mandela that she would build a school for girls in South Africa.
• Entertainer Danny Thomas made a promise to build a shrine to St. Jude.  That promise led to the establishment of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
• Nancy Brinker, author of Promise Me and founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, promised her sister and breast cancer victim Suzy that she would help find a cure.
• Before his daughter’s wedding, former president Bill Clinton made a promise to Chelsea that he would watch his diet and take care of his health.
•  Kody Bateman, founder of Send Out Cards, made a promise to his older brother that led to the creation of this inspirational company.
•  NBC’s Al Roker made a promise to his dying father that he would deal with his weight issues.

About Matthew Cossolotto: Creator of “Make A Promise Day” (May 4th), Matthew Cossolotto (aka “The Podium Pro”) is an author, guest speaker, CEO-level speechwriter, and speech coach. A former aide to House Speaker Jim Wright and Congressman Leon Panetta, Matthew also served as a CEO speechwriter at MCI, Pepsi-Cola International, and GTE. The author of HabitForce! and All The World’s A Podium, he’s working on a new book with a foreword by Jack Canfield about the power of making a promise. Matthew brings his Personal Empowerment Programs — “PEPTalks”– to colleges, associations, and corporations.

Visit http://www.ThePodiumPro.com;  http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.com; http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.wordpress.com; Follow Matthew and “Make A Promise Day” on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/MakeAPromiseDay.  “Make A Promise Day” greeting cards and other exciting gift items are available for convenient online purchase by visiting Matthew’s Zazzle store: www.Zazzle.com/TheCoz.

Matthew Cossolotto, Creator of “Make A Promise Day” and Author of The Forthcoming Book The Power of Making a Promise, Interviews Author Dallas Teague Snider About Her Promise to Tell Her Personal Story

Cossolotto recently announced his promise to donate 10% of his guest speaking fees to Study Abroad Alumni International to foster study abroad opportunities and global awareness and understanding.

Dallas Teague Snider, Author of The Power to Say Yes!

Matthew Cossolotto, creator of Make A Promise Day, interviewed Dallas Teague Snider, America’s Business Etiquette Coach, about her promise to share her personal story in the form of a book titled The Power To Say Yes. Matthew and Dallas talk about the importance of making a promise in reaching goals and staying on track toward your purpose and your passion in life.

Click on this link to listen to the 18-minute What’s Your Promise? interview: http://youtu.be/BafbQAZ9L_w

More About Dallas Teague Snider Dallas Teague Snider, America’s Business Etiquette Coach is a speaker, author and radio show host. LeadReferrals Consulting and Marketing Services Inc. was established in 1999 as networking, sales and marketing organization based on a strong code of ethics.

After attending the Protocol School of Washington® in 2007, Dallas launched Make Your Best Impression to offer training in the areas of business etiquette, communications, and personal development.  She is a columnist for Birmingham Works Magazine, Collinson Publishing, and has been featured as a guest columnist for America City Business Journals since 2004.

March 2009, Dallas was featured on the cover of Personal Excellence Magazine and quoted in the New York Times. Passionate to help others be their best -self and to eliminate the barriers that impede success, she offers workshops and seminars as well as personal coaching. Dallas’ warm personality and effervescent style will inspire audience members to experience new levels of building sustainable relationships. Dallas is the author of Professionally Polished, Business Etiquette Savvy for Today’s Competitive Market, a contributing author of Executive Etiquette Power, and now co-author of Success Skills for Life- a curriculum for high schools.

Dallas is a proud member of Meeting Professionals International, President- Elect for the American Society of Training and Development (Alabama Chapter), Women of Will, National Speakers Association and has partnered with Sunshine International Camps. Sunshine International Camps provide students from the English speaking world and China an opportunity to engage in a highly interactive, cross-cultural character and leadership development experience.

PEPTalks and a Promise

Cossolotto recently announced that he was making a public promise to donate 10% of his guest speaking fees to Study Abroad Alumni International to foster study abroad opportunities and global awareness and understanding. Cossolotto offers several Personal Empowerment Programs (PEPTalks) to a variety of audiences including schools and colleges, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits.

Here are the titles of Cossolotto’s top three PEPTalks:

• The Power of Making a Promise: Make A Promise. Keep Your Word. Change Your Life. Transform The World.

• The Joy of Speaking: Turn Stage Fright Into Stage Delight and Speak Your Way to the Peak

• Success Is An Inside Job: Harness Your HabitForce and Reach Your Peak Personal Potential

Why Is Make A Promise Day So Important?

Make A Promise Day is the only unofficial “holiday” dedicated to personal empowerment, goal-achievement and integrity enhancement. To share the power of making a promise with millions of people, Cossolotto conducts What’s Your Promise interviews, gives presentations and is now writing a book called The Power of Making a Promise with a foreword by Jack Canfield, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

In his foreword to Cossolotto’s forthcoming book Canfield writes about a promise he made to God when he was a young man. Here’s a short excerpt from Canfield’s foreword:

“When Matthew first told me about the heartfelt promise he made to his mother and that he was launching a special day called “Make A Promise Day” on May 4th, I was hooked. You could say he had me at “I promise.”… Contributing the foreword to this book and being associated with Matthew’s inspiring “Make-A-Promise” project is totally aligned with my life’s purpose.  I applaud Matthew for collecting and celebrating these uplifting stories about promises made and promises kept.”

John Assaraf, best-selling author of Having It All, wrote this about my “Make A Promise” project: “I agree completely with that there is something uniquely powerful about making a promise that goes beyond traditional goal-setting.”

Here are a few prominent examples of the power of making a promise:

• Nancy Brinker, author of Promise Me and founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, promised her sister and breast cancer victim Suzy that she would help find a cure.

• Bill Clinton made a promise to Chelsea that he would watch his diet and take care of his health.

• Oprah Winfrey made a promise to Nelson Mandela that she would build a school for girls in South Africa.

• Kody Bateman, founder of Send Out Cards, made a promise to his older brother that led to the creation of this inspirational company.

• NBC’s Al Roker made a promise to his dying father that he would deal with his weight issues.

The Westchester County Executive (New York) issued a proclamation designating May 4th 2011 and each year thereafter to be “Make A Promise Day.” Here’s a link to a short YouTube video I posted about this Proclamation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fXex1ZjpXs.

Leading up to Make A Promise Day, Cossolotto was featured last week on Gail Lynne Goodwin’s popular Inspire Me Today website. Here’s the link to the feature story:

http://www.inspiremetoday.com/archiveDisp.php?type=0&ref=1126.

Also here’s the link to a short version of the “What’s Your Promise?” interview Cossolotto recorded with Goodwin about the life-changing promise she made to her daughter: http://youtu.be/NfsOpV92sB0

Additional “What’s Your Promise? interviews are available on Cossolotto’s YouTube channel: http://www.YouTube.com/ThePodiumProTV.

Finally, to celebrate “Make A Promise Day” 2011, Cossolotto published a new and improved version of his ebook A Promise A Day – 30 Days to a Promising Future. This is a unique collection of personal empowerment promises. Think of it as a Promise Diary. Now available for a nominal amount on Cossolotto’s main website: http://www.ThePodiumPro.com

About Matthew Cossolotto: Creator of “Make A Promise Day” (May 4th), Matthew Cossolotto (aka “The Podium Pro”) is an author, guest speaker, CEO-level speechwriter, and speech coach. A former aide to House Speaker Jim Wright and Congressman Leon Panetta, Matthew also served as a CEO speechwriter at MCI, Pepsi-Cola International, and GTE. The author of HabitForce! and All The World’s A Podium, he’s working on a new book with a foreword by Jack Canfield about the power of making a promise. Matthew brings his Personal Empowerment Programs — “PEPTalks”– to colleges, associations, and corporations. Visit http://www.ThePodiumPro.com; http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.com; http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.wordpress.com; Follow Matthew and “Make A Promise Day” on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/MakeAPromiseDay. “Make A Promise Day” greeting cards and other exciting gift items are available for convenient online purchase by visiting Matthew’s Zazzle store: www.Zazzle.com/TheCoz.

Matthew Cossolotto – Creator of “Make A Promise Day” and a Former Aide to Congressman Leon Panetta and House Speaker Jim Wright – Praises President Obama for Making and Keeping His Promise to Capture or Kill Osama bin Laden

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY – May 9, 2011 – Author and guest speaker Matthew Cossolotto – creator of Make A Promise Day and former aide to Congressman Leon Panetta and House Speaker Jim Wright – today praised President Obama for making and keeping his promise to get Osama bin Laden.

“Too often we’re disappointed by political leaders who break their campaign promises once they’re in office,” said Cossolotto.  “It’s refreshing to see a politician who makes a firm commitment during the campaign and then keeps his word after winning the election.  That’s just what President Obama did with this daring mission that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden.  And so I say, ‘Job well done, Mr. President.  A promise well kept.’”

When he was a candidate for president, Barack Obama said on several occasions that he would make it a top priority to capture or kill Osama bin Laden.  Although he didn’t actually use the two magic words — “I Promise” – it was clear on those occasions that Obama was making a firm commitment.

• In a foreign policy speech in August 2007, Barack Obama said the following:

“I understand that President Musharraf has his own challenges. But let me make this clear. There are terrorists holed up in those mountains who murdered 3,000 Americans. They are plotting to strike again. It was a terrible mistake to fail to act when we had a chance to take out an al Qaeda leadership meeting in 2005. If we have actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets and President Musharraf won’t act, we will.”

• At the August 19, 2007, debate among Democratic candidates for president, candidate Obama said:  “I think that, if we have Osama bin Laden in our sights and we’ve exhausted all other options, we should take him out …”

• Finally, during the second presidential debate (Oct. 7, 2008) with Senator John McCain, candidate Obama made the promise to kill bin Laden explicit:

“What I have said is we’re going encourage democracy in Pakistan, expand our non-military aid to Pakistan so that they have more of a stake in working with us, but insisting that they go after these militants. And if we have Osama bin Laden in our sights and the Pakistani government is unable or unwilling to take them out, then I think that we have to act, and we will take them out. We will kill bin Laden. We will crush al-Qaida. That has to be our biggest national security priority.”

In his White House speech on May 1, 2011, announcing the success of our commando mission against bin Laden, President Obama explained that “shortly after taking office” he ordered CIA Director Leon Panetta to make the capture or killing of Osama bin Laden “the top priority of our war against al Queda.”

“It’s clear from this brief recounting of the history,” Cossolotto said, “that candidate Obama made a specific promise on several occasions regarding bin Laden and that he took steps shortly after taking office to make good on that promise.  And of course the world now knows that President Obama kept his promise by ordering the courageous and expertly executed commando assault on bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.  This is an uplifting story of a solemn promise made and kept on the part of President Obama.  And by the way, as a former aide to Congressman Leon Panetta I also want to say how proud I am of Leon’s skill and leadership in bringing justice to bin Laden.”

Cossolotto knows about the power of making a promise from personal experience.  He made a promise to his mother on her deathbed that he would finish writing a book he had been discussing with her, get it published, and dedicate it to her memory. The resulting book, complete with Cossolotto’s dedication to his mother, is HabitForce!

Motivated by that firsthand experience, Cossolotto launched the first annual “Make A Promise Day” last May 4th as part of his ongoing mission to share the power of making a promise with millions of people around the world. He’s writing a book about the power of making a promise with a foreword by Jack Canfield, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. The book includes stories about people who have made and kept important promises in their lives.

Cossolotto says his mission is to share the power of making a promise with millions of people around the world.  He’s make strides toward that long-term mission.

The Westchester County Executive (New York) issued a proclamation designating May 4th 2011 and each year thereafter to be “Make A Promise Day.”  Here’s a link to a short YouTube video Cossolotto posted about this Proclamation.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fXex1ZjpXs.    To read more about the Proclamation, click here (http://wp.me/pSLX3-6W) and read this article on Patch.com (http://pelham.patch.com/articles/may-4-official-unofficial-make-a-promise-day).

Leading up to the second annual “Make A Promise Day” on May 4, 2011, Cossolotto was featured on Gail Lynne Goodwin’s popular Inspire Me Today website.  Here’s the link to the feature story: http://www.inspiremetoday.com/archiveDisp.php?type=0&ref=1126.  Also here’s the link to a short version of the “What’s Your Promise?” interview Cossolotto recorded with Goodwin about the life-changing promise she made to her daughter:  http://youtu.be/NfsOpV92sB0

To celebrate “Make A Promise Day” 2011, Cossolotto published an ebook called A Promise A Day – 30 Days to a Promising Future.  This is a unique collection of personal empowerment promises.  Think of it as a Promise Diary.  Now available for a nominal amount on Cossolotto’s main website:  http://www.ThePodiumPro.com

In praising President Obama for keeping his promise, Cossolotto urges people to extend the spirit of “Make A Promise Day” and harness the power of making a promise on other days with special meaning – birthdays, Memorial Day, Valentine’s Day, wedding anniversaries, graduation day, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, even Independence Day.

“On Independence Day,” Cossolotto suggests, “why not make a patriotic promise and commit to doing something positive for your country.  At a minimum, people could promise to vote on Independence Day.  On Memorial Day, why not make a promise to do something tangible to honor the men and women who have died in service to our country.”

To underscore the power of making a promise, Cossolotto cites several high-profile examples:

• Oprah Winfrey made a promise to Nelson Mandela that she would build a school for girls in South Africa.
• Entertainer Danny Thomas made a promise to build a shrine to St. Jude.  That promise led to the establishment of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
• Nancy Brinker, author of Promise Me and founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, promised her sister and breast cancer victim Suzy that she would help find a cure.
• Before his daughter’s wedding, former president Bill Clinton made a promise to Chelsea that he would watch his diet and take care of his health.
•  Kody Bateman, founder of Send Out Cards, made a promise to his older brother that led to the creation of this inspirational company.
•  NBC’s Al Roker made a promise to his dying father that he would deal with his weight issues.

Cossolotto invites people to submit short summaries of their true promise stories for possible inclusion in forthcoming books, presentations, and interviews. Send a few sentences describing your promise to: Matthew.Promises@Gmail.com.

About Matthew Cossolotto: Creator of “Make A Promise Day” (May 4th), Matthew Cossolotto (The Podium Pro) is an author, guest speaker, CEO-level speechwriter, and speech coach. A former aide to House Speaker Jim Wright and Congressman Leon Panetta, Matthew also served as a CEO speechwriter at MCI, Pepsi-Cola International, and GTE. The author of HabitForce! and All The World’s A Podium, he’s working on a new book with a foreword by Jack Canfield about the power of making a promise. Matthew brings his Personal Empowerment Programs — “PEPTalks”– to colleges, associations, and corporations. Visit

http://www.ThePodiumPro.com; http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.com; http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.wordpress.com; Follow Matthew and “Make A Promise Day” on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/MakeAPromiseDay.  “Make A Promise Day” greeting cards and other gift items are available for convenient online purchase by visiting Matthew’s Zazzle store: www.Zazzle.com/TheCoz

This Mother’s Day … Say Those Two Magic Words To Your Mother – “I Promise”

Matthew Cossolotto – Creator of “Make A Promise Day” – Says We Should Start A New Tradition and Make Heartfelt Promises to Our Mothers, Urges Young People To Make A Promise Against Drunk Driving

Cossolotto made a promise to his dying mother and now his mission is to share the power of making a promise with millions of people around the world:  Make A Promise. Keep Your Word. Change Your Life. Transform The World.

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY – May 7, 2011 – Matthew Cossolotto – creator of Make A Promise Day and former aide to Congressman Leon Panetta and House Speaker Jim Wright – says we should make a heartfelt promise to our mothers on Mother’s Day.

“This Mother’s Day,” Cossolotto suggests, “start a new tradition and give your mother flowers and a promise.  Promise her you’ll do something you know will make her happy and proud of you.  That will make for a very special Mother’s Day.  For instance, young people should promise their mothers they will not drink and drive and that they will never allow their friends to drive under the influence.  They could also promise never to text and drive.  Promises like that will have real meaning to your mother, especially on Mother’s Day.”

In Tony’s honor, hundreds of high school students signed this “I Promise” t-shirt promising not to drink and drive or let friends drive under the influence.

In April, Cossolotto called attention to a moving “I Promise” video and anti-drunk driving campaign in honor of Anthony (Tony) McColl.  McColl was killed tragically on April 16^th by a drunk driver on Highway 148 near Luskville, Quebec (Canada).

“This ‘I Promise’ video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzGhT5hweNM) and the ‘Tony’s Promise’ Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_205770589445576) offer vivid testimony to the power of making a promise,” Cossolotto said.  “It’s an inspiring, healing, heart-centered power that can help turn a terrible tragedy into a positive campaign to save lives and restore hope.  There is something very powerful about publicly declaring ‘I Promise.’ If you say those two magic words to your mother on Mother’s Day, it will mean the world to her.”

Cossolotto with his mother before her cancer diagnosis.

Cossolotto knows about the power of making a promise from personal experience. He made a promise to his mother on her deathbed that he would finish writing a book he had been discussing with her, get it published, and dedicate it to her memory. The resulting book, complete with Cossolotto’s dedication to his mother, is HabitForce!

Motivated by that firsthand experience, Cossolotto launched the first annual “Make A Promise Day” last May 4th as part of his ongoing mission to share the power of making a promise with millions of people around the world. He’s writing a book about the power of making a promise with a foreword by Jack Canfield, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. The book includes stories about people who have made and kept important promises in their lives.

Cossolotto says his mission is to share the power of making a promise with millions of people around the world.

The Westchester County Executive (New York) issued a proclamation designating May 4th 2011 and each year thereafter to be “Make A Promise Day.”  Here’s a link to a short YouTube video Cossolotto posted about this Proclamation.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fXex1ZjpXs.    To read more about the Proclamation, click here (http://wp.me/pSLX3-6W) and read this article on Patch.com (http://pelham.patch.com/articles/may-4-official-unofficial-make-a-promise-day).

Leading up to Make A Promise Day, Cossolotto was featured on Gail Lynne Goodwin’s popular Inspire Me Today website.  Here’s the link to the feature story: http://www.inspiremetoday.com/archiveDisp.php?type=0&ref=1126.  Also here’s the link to a short version of the “What’s Your Promise?” interview Cossolotto recorded with Goodwin about the life-changing promise she made to her daughter:  http://youtu.be/NfsOpV92sB0

To celebrate “Make A Promise Day” 2011, Cossolotto published a new and improved version of his ebook A Promise A Day – 30 Days to a Promising Future.  This is a unique collection of personal empowerment promises.  Think of it as a Promise Diary.  Now available for a nominal amount on Cossolotto’s main website:  http://www.ThePodiumPro.com

In addition to making a promise on Mother’s Day, Cossolotto urges people to extend the spirit of “Make A Promise Day” and harness the power of making a promise on other days with special meaning – birthdays, Memorial Day, Valentine’s Day, wedding anniversaries, graduation day, Father’s Day, even Independence Day.

“The key to reaching a goal or keeping a promise is to commit emotionally to the outcome.  Making a promise on a special day like Mother’s Day, or Father’s Day, increases your emotional connection, your heart connection, to fulfill that particular promise.  Let’s say you want to lose weight, stop smoking, or make a career change.  If you say those two magic words – I Promise – to your mother you’ll dramatically increase your chances of following through.”

To underscore the power of making a promise, Cossolotto cites several high-profile examples:

• Oprah Winfrey made a promise to Nelson Mandela that she would build a school for girls in South Africa.
• Entertainer Danny Thomas made a promise to build a shrine to St. Jude.  That promise led to the establishment of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
• Nancy Brinker, author of Promise Me and founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, promised her sister and breast cancer victim Suzy that she would help find a cure.
• Before his daughter’s wedding, former president Bill Clinton made a promise to Chelsea that he would watch his diet and take care of his health.
•  Kody Bateman, founder of Send Out Cards, made a promise to his older brother that led to the creation of this inspirational company.
•  NBC’s Al Roker made a promise to his dying father that he would deal with his weight issues.

Cossolotto launched “Make A Promise Network” on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Make-A-Promise-Network/183664501663269?sk=info) and invites people from around the world to join the network and post stories and videos of their promises made and kept.  He also invites people to submit short summaries of their true promise stories for possible inclusion in forthcoming books, presentations, and interviews. Send a few sentences describing your promise to: Matthew.Promises@Gmail.com.

About Matthew Cossolotto: Creator of “Make A Promise Day” (May 4th), Matthew Cossolotto (aka “The Podium Pro”) is an author, guest speaker, CEO-level speechwriter, and speech coach. A former aide to House Speaker Jim Wright and Congressman Leon Panetta, Matthew also served as a CEO speechwriter at MCI, Pepsi-Cola International, and GTE. The author of HabitForce! and All The World’s A Podium, he’s working on a new book with a foreword by Jack Canfield about the power of making a promise. Matthew brings his Personal Empowerment Programs — “PEPTalks”– to colleges, associations, and corporations. Visit http://www.ThePodiumPro.com; http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.com; http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.wordpress.com; Follow Matthew and “Make A Promise Day” on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/MakeAPromiseDay.  “Make A Promise Day” greeting cards and other gift items are available for convenient online purchase by visiting Matthew’s Zazzle store: www.Zazzle.com/TheCoz

A Few Highlights From Make A Promise Day — May 4th 2011 — May The Fourth Be With You!

Brand New MAPD Greeting Card and Other MAPD Gift Items Available on www.Zazzle.com/TheCoz

So much going on in recent weeks leading up to the 2^nd annual Make A Promise Day on May 4th.  I feel pretty good about it all.  Making steady progress.  Quite a few radio interviews on the topic in recent weeks and some nice local stories.  Several print ads coming out in RTIR (www.RTIR.com) in the coming weeks that should keep the momentum going.

I was especially delighted to be featured on Gail Lynne Goodwin’s www.InspireMeToday.com as an Inspirational Luminary just a few days before Make A Promise Day.  Hope you’ll enjoy my luminary piece but don’t forget to check out Gail’s site and sign up for free daily inspiration!

Several important MAPD items were posted or circulated online on May 4^th 2011, such as …

A Promise Story From Best-Selling Author John Assaraf – My Edited What’s Your Promise? Interview

(Blog Post:  http://wp.me/pSLX3-7w)

During the interview, John revealed a remarkable, life-changing promise he made to God on the day each of his two sons was born.  This is a heartwarming and revealing interview about the power of making a promise.  On several occasions during the interview, Assaraf expresses strong support for my “Make A Promise” initiative.  At one point, Assaraf asserts:  “We are neurologically wired, I believe, not to break our promises.”  And he also states:  “A promise takes it [goal-setting] to a whole new level.”  Commenting on my project, John says:  “It’s a great cause and a great mission you’re on.  Good purpose, good mission, good vision attracts good people.”

Listen to the interview as posted on YouTube on Make A Promise Day, May 4, 2011: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYdemF5H1KA&feature=related

From The Westchester County Executive, Robert Astorino, A Make A Promise Day Proclamation!

I was delighted that the Westchester County Executive (here in New York) issued a “Make A Promise Day” proclamation.  Here’s a short link to my blog post (http://wp.me/pSLX3-6W) and a nice article on Patch.com (http://pelham.patch.com/articles/may-4-official-unofficial-make-a-promise-day) to get additional information about the Proclamation.

From Author and Guest speaker Diana DiResta – Make A Promise To Be A Better Public Speaker

May 4th is Make a Promise Day which was started by Matthew Cossolotto. Why make a promise? Because a promise is more powerful than a goal. Quick! How many New Year’s Resolutions have you already broken? When you promise to be a better public speaker, there is an energy and commitment that drives you to action. My military father taught me to never break a promise. When you gave someone your word, that was sacred.

You may keep your promise to others; but what about yourself? I recently made a promise to give up chocolate for one month. It was hard, but I would never have done it if I hadn’t made a promise. A promise is putting a stake in the ground. It’s drawing a line in the sand. You can become a better public speaker right now and the first step begins with a promise.

Read the rest of DiResta’s insightful comments:  http://diresta.com/knockoutpresentationsblog/?p=687

From Andrea Adams-Miller, “The Sexuality Tutor” — Making a Promise to Foster a Healthy Relationship

This blog is inspired by my friend, Matthew Cossolotto, Creator of “Make A Promise Day” (http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.com) because I would like all of you to make a promise to your partner. While Matthew discusses various financial, moral, and personal decisions when it comes to making a promise, my challenge to you is focused on your relationship and your partner. As a relationship consultant, I want you to make a promise to keep the words “Break Up” and “Divorce” out of your vocabulary. Each time we utter these words, we add power to them and start imaging our life as somehow happier if we were alone, rather than deal with the day to day stresses of maintaining a healthy relationship.

READ MORE:  Visit http://www.sexualitytutor.com (click on BLOG tab)

From Brian Proctor’s Popular Insight of the Day Email (sign up for free:  www.InsightoftheDay.com)

“Promises are the uniquely human way of ordering the future, making it predictable and reliable to the extent that this is humanly possible.”

Hannah Arendt
1906-1975, Political Theorist

I want to call your attention to an exciting and inspiring initiative created by my friend Matthew Cossolotto. Matthew’s project launched last year on this day. He calls it “Make A Promise Day” – the first-ever “holiday” dedicated to personal empowerment and goal achievement. With “Make A Promise Day” (see Matthew’s “Top 10 Promises for a SUCCESSFUL Life”) Matthew is encouraging people to turn important goals into heartfelt promises. I really like that idea and I thought it would appeal to you as well.

Some of Matthew’s impressive career achievements are as a former aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a CEO-level speechwriter at major corporations, and as an author and personal empowerment speaker and coach. More details about “Make A Promise Day” are available at: www.MakeAPromiseDay.com

Thanks to John Assaraf, Diane DiResta, Andrea Adams-Miller, Brian Proctor (and so many others too numerous to mention but here are a few … Jack Canfield, Steve Harrison, Peggy McColl, Roslyn Franken, Norm Lapalme, Todd Newton, Patti Wood, Ken Shelton, Tara Taylor, Gail Lynne Goodwin, Lauren DiBiase, etc. etc.)   I really appreciate the enthusiastic support so many have expressed for the idea of Make A Promise Day and the power of making a promise more generally.  Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

On Make A Promise Day, I published my new A Promise A Day ebook.  The 35-page ebook is a unique collection of what I call Personal Empowerment Promises (PEPs).  So you could say there’s a “pep” talk in every promise.  Think of this ebook as a daily Promise Diary.   Please visit my main website (www.ThePodiumPro.com) and consider making a nominal investment in yourself and your future.  I promise you won’t regret it!

I hope you enjoy the personal empowerment messages contained in this powerful little book.  Please let me know what you think.  I believe “The Top 10 Promises for a SUCCESSFUL Life” all by themselves are extremely powerful as a life-changing, transformational tool.  If you like it and think it would be beneficial to others, I hope you’ll let your friends and associates know know it’s available by visiting www.ThePodiumPro.com.  That would really be helpful.

Finally, as you may know I’m collecting stories of promises made and kept by real people.  If you have a true story about a promise made and kept that you’d like to share with the world, please send a brief overview of the story to: matthew.promises@gmail.com.

To Your Promise!

Matthew

About Matthew Cossolotto: Creator of “Make A Promise Day” (May 4th), Matthew Cossolotto (aka “The Podium Pro”) is an author, guest speaker, CEO-level speechwriter, and speech coach. A former aide to House Speaker Jim Wright and Congressman Leon Panetta, Matthew also served as a CEO speechwriter at MCI, Pepsi-Cola International, and GTE. The author of HabitForce! and All The World’s A Podium, he’s working on a new book with a foreword by Jack Canfield about the power of making a promise. Matthew brings his Personal Empowerment Programs — “PEPTalks”– to colleges, associations, and corporations. Visit http://www.ThePodiumPro.com;  http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.com; http://www.MakeAPromiseDay.wordpress.com; Follow Matthew and “Make A Promise Day” on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/MakeAPromiseDay.  “Make A Promise Day” greeting cards and other exciting gift items are available for convenient online purchase by visiting Matthew’s Zazzle store: www.Zazzle.com/TheCoz.

Make A Promise Day Advice from Diane DiResta: Make a Promise to Be a Better Public Speaker

Thanks and kudos to my friend, Diane DiResta, public speaking expert and author of Knockout Presentations.  In honor of Make A Promise Day, May 4, 2011, Diane posted a very insightful blog article urging people to make a promise to get better at public speaking.  Just about everybody knows effective public speaking is a critical success skill.  If you want to boost your career, become a better public speaker.  That’s Diane’s message.  I’ve said the same thing for years too.  And now Diane recommends that people should do more than pay lip service to this public speaking goal.  They should make a promise.  I agree!  Turn important goals into heartfelt promises.

Here’s a bit of what Diane wrote.  To read the whole article, visit her blog:

http://diresta.com/knockoutpresentationsblog/?p=687

May 042011

May 4th is Make a Promise Day which was started by Matthew Cossolotto. Why make a promise? Because a promise is more powerful than a goal. Quick! How many New Year’s Resolutions have you already broken? When you promise to be a better public speaker, there is an energy and commitment that drives you to action. My military father taught me to never break a promise. When you gave someone your word, that was sacred.

You may keep your promise to others; but what about yourself? I recently made a promise to give up chocolate for one month. It was hard, but I would never have done it if I hadn’t made a promise. A promise is putting a stake in the ground. It’s drawing a line in the sand. You can become a better public speaker right now and the first step begins with a promise.

READ MORE