Some people have asked me about the responses to my appearance on CNN. To be honest, their weren't many. The video hasn't been posted on the CNN website as of the blog post.
As any good job hunter would do, I've posted the video on Youtube myself.
I'm still waiting for someone to say "we need you!" Until that time, here is the edited version of the my 30 seconds of fame. Please feel free to share the video with people you know.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Goals!
"You have to set goals that are almost out of reach. If you set a goal that is attainable without much work or thought, you are stuck with something below your true talent and potential." Steve Garvey
Great Quote!
Every year I make a list of personal and professional goals. Goals are like dreams, we want them to happen but we rarely do all the hard work required to make the dreams come true. Many times, we don't share our goals with people because we too embarrassed! We are embarrassed to hear what other people think. We get embarrassed at the thought of not accomplishing our dream. We get embarrassed at the thought of people thinking we're crazy or our dream is too big.
The truth is, we need to be embarrassed not to share with the people. You never know who can help you make your dream come true or what advice you might get to make your dream come true faster. Many of us are afraid of failure, but the true failure is not to share our dreams! We can't make our dreams come true by ourselves. We need a lot of help and assistance along the way!
So, I'm off to work on one of my dreams for 2010. The most speaking jobs I've had in a year has been 30. My goal for 2010 is to hit 50 speaking jobs/performances.
If anyone can help my achieve this, please contact me!
www.frankkitchen.com
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Hitting the Road
February has a arrived and I am hitting the road! Here is my upcoming calendar:
February 5 - Edgewood College, Madison, Wisconsin
February 17-19 - APCA National Convention, Atlanta, Georgia
If anyone is in need of a speaker, entertainer, MC; please contact look me up at www.frankkitchen.com
February 5 - Edgewood College, Madison, Wisconsin
February 17-19 - APCA National Convention, Atlanta, Georgia
If anyone is in need of a speaker, entertainer, MC; please contact look me up at www.frankkitchen.com
Thursday, January 28, 2010
This Is CNN
Today I was on CNN. I was on the "30 Second Pitch." The segment is designed to help people who are out of work find work. You get thirty seconds to tell the world why they should hire you. Going on the segment meant I needed to suck up my pride and admit the truth. I need to find work! I love speaking and entertaining! It's something I'm super passionate about, but the work is 100% commission! If you are not speaking you are not working. You can be busy for two months and have nothing for three. If you don't have something else to fall back on when you're not performing, you are out of luck.
So, I told the world that I was not employed and looking for work. I'm not un-employed today, I more "poorly" employed. I can speak to a school group, college or corporation one day; the next day I'm like a lot of America. Working two Part-Time jobs that don't pay enough to make ends meet. I've gone to job fairs, temp agencies, friends, family and surfed all corners of the internet! When it was all said and done, no one was calling other than scams artists or companies looking to take advantage of people.
Last year I only had a Part-time job that had me work about twenty hours a week. By the end of the year I was spending about 60 hours a week scooping up animal poop or being a cashier at a retail establishment. This isn't glamorous work, but you have to do what you can. Just like many of you reading this, I didn't plan for this to happen.
Almost three years ago I took a risk I moved from Ohio to Arizona. I moved to
#1 Be close to my girlfriend; who is now my fiance and soon to wife.
#2 Pursue a career as a speaker and entertainer.
The plan was to be with the one I love and pursue speaking full-time while working the normal 9-5 until things took off.
Things were going great the first year, then the economy hit. Companies and schools lost their budgets and speaking/training jobs became hard to find. I wasn't counting completely on my speaking to pay the bills, but it became my only income when no one will even call you for an interview. The funniest moment might have been when I applied for a school to work as a event planner for their speakers series. I was told I didn't have enough experience or the proper experience! So, I work as a professional speaker and spent 10 years as a speaker, but I'm not qualified..hmmmm! Things got worse when even McDonald's wouldn't call. I guess I'm too Happy to sell Happy Meals!
It was pretty sad, I could talk to students at a school or employees at a business one day and be turned down for employment at similar institutions the next. I don't know If I could say I was turned down, because less than 10% ever caller or e-mailed to say "we don't want you!" Over the two years of job searching and job scamming, I gathered a lot of new material to add to my talks and shows! Rule #1 for everyone reading this....Don't EVER Rent Cars! Especially don't work for a certain company named after a famous Starship/Naval ship.
My speaking was on life support early last year. A lot of performers got out of the game all together. For me I just worked harder. When you have something you love almost taken away from you, you really push to get it back. My performances got a lot better. Rule #2 for everyone reading this.....Don't get to complacent! Even if success come early, you must keep working hard to to keep things going. While working on my speaking I worked on finding other sources of income. I started working two part-time jobs, but I also needed to do more. Sometimes you have to take drastic or risky measures. For me, I decided to write a nice "honest" e-mail to CNN. I saw their 30 Second Pitch segment on New Year's Day and said, I'm going to get on their show. I sent my e-mail and resume in, and today I was on the show, proving why companies should hire me.
Many of us should be hired for work, we just need to given the chance. As of this blog, I've received a lot of e-mails about today's broadcast. Most of the e-mails were fellow un-employed or poorly employed people saying, "great job." Other e-mails were from people directing me to sites to find jobs. One legit e-mail offer was sent to me and a lot of scams/ get rich "business opportunities" were sent to me too.
I hope all of you enjoy the video below. For those of you not working, keep pressing and find new and creative opportunities to get your face in front of employers. When that opportunity does present itself, make sure you go for it 100%!
Good Luck and keep believing in yourselves! The video below was posted by my brother. Thank you Jim! You're the best!
Rule #3 for everyone reading this...."Don't let your pride get in the way! Be sure to admit when you need help and ask for it when you need it!"
(I didn't know how to post this video, so I asked my brother for help!)
Posted by ~Jim-Jim~
So, I told the world that I was not employed and looking for work. I'm not un-employed today, I more "poorly" employed. I can speak to a school group, college or corporation one day; the next day I'm like a lot of America. Working two Part-Time jobs that don't pay enough to make ends meet. I've gone to job fairs, temp agencies, friends, family and surfed all corners of the internet! When it was all said and done, no one was calling other than scams artists or companies looking to take advantage of people.
Last year I only had a Part-time job that had me work about twenty hours a week. By the end of the year I was spending about 60 hours a week scooping up animal poop or being a cashier at a retail establishment. This isn't glamorous work, but you have to do what you can. Just like many of you reading this, I didn't plan for this to happen.
Almost three years ago I took a risk I moved from Ohio to Arizona. I moved to
#1 Be close to my girlfriend; who is now my fiance and soon to wife.
#2 Pursue a career as a speaker and entertainer.
The plan was to be with the one I love and pursue speaking full-time while working the normal 9-5 until things took off.
Things were going great the first year, then the economy hit. Companies and schools lost their budgets and speaking/training jobs became hard to find. I wasn't counting completely on my speaking to pay the bills, but it became my only income when no one will even call you for an interview. The funniest moment might have been when I applied for a school to work as a event planner for their speakers series. I was told I didn't have enough experience or the proper experience! So, I work as a professional speaker and spent 10 years as a speaker, but I'm not qualified..hmmmm! Things got worse when even McDonald's wouldn't call. I guess I'm too Happy to sell Happy Meals!
It was pretty sad, I could talk to students at a school or employees at a business one day and be turned down for employment at similar institutions the next. I don't know If I could say I was turned down, because less than 10% ever caller or e-mailed to say "we don't want you!" Over the two years of job searching and job scamming, I gathered a lot of new material to add to my talks and shows! Rule #1 for everyone reading this....Don't EVER Rent Cars! Especially don't work for a certain company named after a famous Starship/Naval ship.
My speaking was on life support early last year. A lot of performers got out of the game all together. For me I just worked harder. When you have something you love almost taken away from you, you really push to get it back. My performances got a lot better. Rule #2 for everyone reading this.....Don't get to complacent! Even if success come early, you must keep working hard to to keep things going. While working on my speaking I worked on finding other sources of income. I started working two part-time jobs, but I also needed to do more. Sometimes you have to take drastic or risky measures. For me, I decided to write a nice "honest" e-mail to CNN. I saw their 30 Second Pitch segment on New Year's Day and said, I'm going to get on their show. I sent my e-mail and resume in, and today I was on the show, proving why companies should hire me.
Many of us should be hired for work, we just need to given the chance. As of this blog, I've received a lot of e-mails about today's broadcast. Most of the e-mails were fellow un-employed or poorly employed people saying, "great job." Other e-mails were from people directing me to sites to find jobs. One legit e-mail offer was sent to me and a lot of scams/ get rich "business opportunities" were sent to me too.
I hope all of you enjoy the video below. For those of you not working, keep pressing and find new and creative opportunities to get your face in front of employers. When that opportunity does present itself, make sure you go for it 100%!
Good Luck and keep believing in yourselves! The video below was posted by my brother. Thank you Jim! You're the best!
Rule #3 for everyone reading this...."Don't let your pride get in the way! Be sure to admit when you need help and ask for it when you need it!"
(I didn't know how to post this video, so I asked my brother for help!)
Posted by ~Jim-Jim~
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Frank Kitchen Website!
The "NEW" FrankKitchen.com is up and running. There are still a few things I need to tweek with the designer, but it's up and running and I'm Happy with the results! Click the links above to see the site!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Product of the Month
My product of the month is the MP3 Speaker Amp by Blue Sky Designs.
I was looking for a small speaker with quality sound. When I travel and give workshops in smaller rooms, I like to play music during my programs. I wanted something that would fit in my airplane carry on bag and work with my laptop and Ipod. I found the solution for $20. It's about a four inch by four inch by four inch square.
The MP3 Speaker Amp can be found online or at your local Bed, Bath and Beyond Store. I got mine for $15 by using a coupon I got in the mail. The speaker runs on THREE AA Batteries or can plug into your USB port on your computer. It has adjustments for the bass and treble and the volume is loud and clear.
My fiance has been using the speaker lately to listen to music while she cleans the house. She's not a big tech person, but tells me she's glad I bought the speaker. I may have to get her one for her birthday!
Success Magazine
It's tough finding good things to read these days. If you are looking for a good read that will inspire you, educate or just give you that little push to achieve your dreams; I suggest Success Magazine.
I rarely read books or magazines from cover to cover, but this is one of them.
When you have time, check out their website for more information.
www.successmagazine.com
Monday, January 04, 2010
Amazing People!
In life, we have to opportunity to meet, work with or know amazing people. I've been luck enough to meet several.
One of these people is Katie Spotz. She was one of my students years ago and she has remained a good friend since her graduation. On January 2, 2010, she jumped in a boat in Africa and began rowing a boat towards South America. The SOLO voyage will take anywhere from 70 to 100 days. When Katie completes the trip, she will be the youngest person to complete the voyage. She will also be raising money for charity.
With her crazy schedule, Katie still took the time to call me and say "thank you" for my support. I'm going to do my art to support Katie by spreading the news of my blog, website, facebook and twitter page. You can do your part by following her adventures and leaving a note or two on her site/twitter page.
To find out more about Katie and her adventures, please click on the links below:
Row for Water (Click Here)
New York Time Article (Click Here)
One of these people is Katie Spotz. She was one of my students years ago and she has remained a good friend since her graduation. On January 2, 2010, she jumped in a boat in Africa and began rowing a boat towards South America. The SOLO voyage will take anywhere from 70 to 100 days. When Katie completes the trip, she will be the youngest person to complete the voyage. She will also be raising money for charity.
With her crazy schedule, Katie still took the time to call me and say "thank you" for my support. I'm going to do my art to support Katie by spreading the news of my blog, website, facebook and twitter page. You can do your part by following her adventures and leaving a note or two on her site/twitter page.
To find out more about Katie and her adventures, please click on the links below:
Row for Water (Click Here)
New York Time Article (Click Here)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Happy New Year!
2009 was some year! It was a tough and long year for many of us, including me! We can't change the past be we can make our future! A New Year begins in a few hours! 2010 is a new day and the beginning of a new decade.
I hope everyone has a great 2010, but we need more than hope. Hope just means you're waiting around waiting for something to happen! We can do more than that! We have to make things happen!
So, go out and make something happen! Have a great 2010 Everyone!
Be on the lookout for more blogs with more info, pictures, comments and advice! I promise to write more in 2010!
Thank you to everyone for reading my blog! If you have any ideas or thoughts on what I should write about in the future, please let me know!
Thank You!
Frank
Saturday, December 05, 2009
New Promo and Website
Just completed some new promotional material for "The BAD BAD Apples!" Also did an update to the website www.badbadapples.com check out the site when you have time.
Thank you,
Frank
Here is some more information about us.
The BAD BAD Apples are on a global mission to inspire individuals to experience success!
Forming a friendship while working at Community Colleges, Frank Kitchen and Rodger Campbell assisted thousands of students and professionals on the road to personal and professional success. Challenged by these individuals, they developed the popular keynote "Are you a B.A.D. A.P.P.L.E?” What once began as a challenge has turned into an adventure that has taken them from college professionals to full-time speakers. Faster than they could have imagined, they went from writing notes on napkins to performing in front of audiences large and small.
They have a menu full of experiences that offer a taste of success to individuals and groups. Every interactive experience is designed to work as keynote, training session, workshop or consultation.
Invite them to your next event to find out why they believe B.A.D is a way of life!
Inspiration for 2010
Everyone is looking to make changes for the new year and become something they dream of becoming!HANDBOOK 2010
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a
beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that
is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead
invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her
mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems
are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like
algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends
will. Stay in touch.
Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
Last but not the least:
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about, I just did.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Food Inc
I watch movies and read books when I'm on the road. This documentary was recommended to me. I'll give my review on it when I return from my trip!
On the Road Again!
I'm preparing to hit the road again! I'll be speaking at the following locations on the following dates. Please feel free to stop by and watch or hang out with me.
Thursday, December 3rd - Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, December 8th - Nestle Corporation, Solon, Ohio
Wednesday, December 9th - Nestle Corporation, Solon, Ohio
Thursday, December 3rd - Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, December 8th - Nestle Corporation, Solon, Ohio
Wednesday, December 9th - Nestle Corporation, Solon, Ohio
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
Everyone Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your time with your friends and family! Eat lots of turkey and pie!
Frank
Frank
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Adopt a Soldier
Hello everyone! With the holidays approaching fast, I would like you help spread the "Holiday Spirit!"
My sisters is serving in the United States Navy. She was recently stationed at the Naval Air Base on Whidbey Island in Washington state. The base is in a very isolated area north of Seattle. Melissa and her shipmates (airmen) won't have the opportunity to return home for the holidays this year. There is also a high probability that here will have to serve time in Iraq in the future.
To thank my sister and the rest of the men and women serving on her base an in her squadron, could you please write a note of thanks, send a holiday card or maybe a little gift. Anything would be appreciated.
I sent my first care package this week. Melissa has told me that she and others are fans of the following:
Apple Chips
Banana Chips
Any type of dried fruit
Chewing Gum
Crossword puzzles
Word Find books
Pistachios and other nuts
Towels and washcloths (navy issued ones are rough and not soft)
P.S. - Melissa is a HUGE animal lover, especially dogs and horses. If you have any questions about either write her a question. She managed a Animal Resort before joining the military. If you have photos or books, she'd love those too.
Please write when you can. Letters, cards and post cards make a big difference when you're far away from home.
For more information on the base click this link. Whidbey Island Naval Air Station
Here is the mailing address for my sister and her fellow service men and women
AME AN
Melissa Kitchen
Barracks 8
3665 North Princeton Street
Oak Harbor, WA 98278
Thank you in advance,
Frank
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Veterans Day
Today is Veterans Day. A time to remember all of the men and women who served or are serving in our armed forces to protect our freedoms. I've had my father, uncles, aunts and cousins serve in the military. Now my sister is serving in the Navy.
If you see anyone serving in the military today or in the future, be sure to say thank you, not just today but everyday.
Thank you!
If you see anyone serving in the military today or in the future, be sure to say thank you, not just today but everyday.
Thank you!
Monday, November 09, 2009
Ouotes of the Day
Are you LIVING your dream?" - Kelly Duran
"Dress for the position you want to be in, not the position you are in!" - Scott Cummings
"Dress for the position you want to be in, not the position you are in!" - Scott Cummings
Monday, November 02, 2009
New Programs!
Exciting News! I have a new website, programs and shows!
My new website should be up and running in less than two weeks. Testing out the bugs before the launch. I'll post the address soon
I have written three new programs with my friend Rodger Campbell as a part of our BAD BAD APPLES programs.
I've also added new shows for my solo performances.
Performed with Rodger Campbell as the "BAD BAD APPLES"
“I’m more than a Check BOX!” – Celebrating the truth of Uniqueness.”
(Diversity Program)
Every day we use labels created to help us understand one another; to explain ourselves; to identify our backgrounds, and to organize data. Do labels really define who we are? Do they determine what we can become? Does a predetermined “BOX” on an application define us? No! We are defined by the Legacies we create. This humorous and eye opening two-man show will challenge participants to rise above the labels and stereotypes; identify what creates negative self-attitudes; and discover the steps to needed to celebrate a life full of infinite possibilities. Join the BAD BAD Apples and discover how your beliefs, actions and determination can produce people who make history versus becoming history.
“Champions of the Game!” The People who Broke through and Rose above the Color Line!”
(Black History Month Program)
For centuries being Black in America has been negative and positive. More positives exist today than ever before. These positives exist because champions of the game accepted the challenge of making their dreams into reality. As African-Americans, the BAD BAD Apples use their own special “flava” to dissect and discuss the journey taken by the champions of the game. Come discover how champions make history and don’t become history!
“The TRUTH will set you free!” Breaking through and Rising above the Color Line!”
(Black History Month Program)
For centuries, Africans were enslaved in the Americas. TRUE! Being Black in America has been difficult. TRUE! History determines our legacy. TRUE! We (Blacks/ African Americans) will always be trapped by the color line. TRUE??? The challenge of African Americans today is to rediscover the truth of our people. Using their own special “flava,” the BAD BAD Apples will take audiences on a journey that will show there are more opportunities to “Rise Above” today than ever before. They have developed a playbook that will help people of color develop a winning strategy for this game called life. In order to “Break Through” the color line, we must know who we are, we must know the game, and we must know the Truth. Come discover the power in creating history not just becoming it.
“You want me to be a model?” – Real stories of an accidental model
In 2001 Frank Kitchen was "discovered" and accidentally became a model. Since that day, he has learned a lot about himself, the industry, clothing, photography and even how to apply his own make-up. Sit back and enjoy stories that will educate you on how to become a model; how to choose an agent; how to avoid scams; and truths and myths of the industry.
“Life is Funny!”
Having the initials FCK is just the start of a life full of funny stories for Frank Kitchen. Come enjoy an hour full of laugh out loud stories that are so funny it’s hard to believe their true.
My new website should be up and running in less than two weeks. Testing out the bugs before the launch. I'll post the address soon
I have written three new programs with my friend Rodger Campbell as a part of our BAD BAD APPLES programs.
I've also added new shows for my solo performances.
Here are the descriptions of the new programs:
Performed with Rodger Campbell as the "BAD BAD APPLES"
“I’m more than a Check BOX!” – Celebrating the truth of Uniqueness.”
(Diversity Program)
Every day we use labels created to help us understand one another; to explain ourselves; to identify our backgrounds, and to organize data. Do labels really define who we are? Do they determine what we can become? Does a predetermined “BOX” on an application define us? No! We are defined by the Legacies we create. This humorous and eye opening two-man show will challenge participants to rise above the labels and stereotypes; identify what creates negative self-attitudes; and discover the steps to needed to celebrate a life full of infinite possibilities. Join the BAD BAD Apples and discover how your beliefs, actions and determination can produce people who make history versus becoming history.
“Champions of the Game!” The People who Broke through and Rose above the Color Line!”
(Black History Month Program)
For centuries being Black in America has been negative and positive. More positives exist today than ever before. These positives exist because champions of the game accepted the challenge of making their dreams into reality. As African-Americans, the BAD BAD Apples use their own special “flava” to dissect and discuss the journey taken by the champions of the game. Come discover how champions make history and don’t become history!
“The TRUTH will set you free!” Breaking through and Rising above the Color Line!”
(Black History Month Program)
For centuries, Africans were enslaved in the Americas. TRUE! Being Black in America has been difficult. TRUE! History determines our legacy. TRUE! We (Blacks/ African Americans) will always be trapped by the color line. TRUE??? The challenge of African Americans today is to rediscover the truth of our people. Using their own special “flava,” the BAD BAD Apples will take audiences on a journey that will show there are more opportunities to “Rise Above” today than ever before. They have developed a playbook that will help people of color develop a winning strategy for this game called life. In order to “Break Through” the color line, we must know who we are, we must know the game, and we must know the Truth. Come discover the power in creating history not just becoming it.
New Solo Programs
“You want me to be a model?” – Real stories of an accidental model
In 2001 Frank Kitchen was "discovered" and accidentally became a model. Since that day, he has learned a lot about himself, the industry, clothing, photography and even how to apply his own make-up. Sit back and enjoy stories that will educate you on how to become a model; how to choose an agent; how to avoid scams; and truths and myths of the industry.
“Life is Funny!”
Having the initials FCK is just the start of a life full of funny stories for Frank Kitchen. Come enjoy an hour full of laugh out loud stories that are so funny it’s hard to believe their true.
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