Rocky Tilney

The Cadillac CTS-V Wagon is not a Country Squire. From the outside it is pure, seething evil. Its stance is aggressive, almost sinister. It’s matte black wheels look like they were forged out of pure coal. On the inside, it was a different story; a story full of contradictions. The dash was elegant with chrome [...]

I have always been impressed with the visual simplicity of necktie instructions. The illustrator always seems to provide just the right amount of detail and omit what isn’t necessary. These particular examples from  Bows ‘N Ties offers simplicity and clarity. With these illustrations I learned how to tie a Double Windsor from my iPhone while [...]

During the last two weeks of December I start my goal planning sessions preparing for 2010. I really look forward to this time of year as it allows me to focus on my business for a change. I’d like to share my process with you as well as some insight into goal planning. I don’t [...]

Remember the movie Short Circuit from the mid-80’s? An experimental robot (#5) gets electrocuted and becomes “intelligent”. It escapes from the Army base where it was designed and instead of destroying everything in its path, it looks for “inputs”. “Number 5 needs more inpuuuuts!” Often times we focus on inputs. We read far more than [...]

I admit it. I’m a foodie—big time! Today I received the latest issue of Gourmet magazine and it was like Christmas morning—sans the wrapping paper and nagging relatives. I gnawed through the cellophane, reflected on the cover photography for just a moment,  then I dove right in. I read it cover to cover, then I [...]

It takes patience and reflection to truly be grateful, it’s definitely not automatic. Living in one of the most expensive parts of the world can be frustrating at times, but I’m grateful for spectacular weather and proximity to world-class venues. I’m also grateful for the supply and diversity of business opportunities Silicon Valley offers—this is [...]

No matter if you work from home or an office, sometimes you just need a change of scenery. Swapping locations can enhance your energy and bring you new ideas. Some locations can be an energy suck. I’ve had to work in offices that were poorly lit and had zero natural light. These locations are not [...]

I believe the way you start your day is an important part of being happy and successful. If you have a plan each and every morning, you are less likely to get caught up in someone else’s agenda. This is the “jet stream” effect I discussed in early posts. Generally, if you get caught up [...]

For over the past 10-years my business has been purely service based, I trade hours for dollars and thus make a living. It wasn’t until sometime last year that I realized I couldn’t continue on with this model, it was too limiting. Unless I wanted to work every hour of everyday, my earning potential was [...]

Working 9-5 or any other similar schedule is the norm in America. It’s when America wakes up and when America comes home. It’s also happens to be the worst time of day  to be productive. Here’s why: Traffic: Everyone needs the roadway, subway, train, or bus at the same time everyday. These are peak commute [...]