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Maryville businessman Tim Richardson, an author and nationally known keynote motivational speaker, is getting ready to throw the “World’s Biggest Blog Party.”
Richardson is recruiting 1,000 people from around the world who will, if things go according to plan, use blogging to raise at least a million dollars for organizations and charities with a global reach.
A blog, which evolved from the word “weblog,” usually refers to a magazine-style online journal or electronic diary. Starting Sept. 11, selected bloggers will begin creating what Richardson calls “an invisible matrix of global fund-raising.”
Each Internet blog host will write about a favorite charity or an organization that makes a difference, encouraging readers to donate to that charity with the intention of raising a million dollars globally between Make A Difference Day (Oct. 27) and Family Volunteer Day (Nov. 17). Richardson and the other 999 bloggers will direct attention and support to organizations working to solve problems facing people all over the world.
“Aimlessly browsing the Internet can suck away hours that can never be regained,” Richardson said.
“With the popularity of blogging and social networking, we can combine one of the biggest potential time-wasters with one of the fastest-growing technologies to make a global difference.
“People watch the evening television news and see horrible things going on in the world, but they don’t think they can do anything about it.
“This is an opportunity for average people to do wonderful things and have a global impact. The Internet really does allow anyone to reach out and touch the whole world.
“September 11th is an ideal date to get people thinking about making a positive difference in the world by simply writing about people and organizations making a difference, and directing donations toward those causes.”
Earlier this year, Richardson drew national attention when he published a list of “The Richest People in America” timed to correspond with Forbes Magazine’s release of its “2007 The World’s Billionaires” list.
While Forbes’ most popular issue of the year focuses on the world’s wealthiest people, Richardson’s list had nothing to do with money but highlighted ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Those who made Richardson’s “Richest People” list are those who are changing the world, contributing to their communities and trying to help others, Richardson said.
As a motivational speaker for the past 18 years, Richardson travels the country showing companies and organizations how to experience greater richness and wealth through giving. He says there is a direct correlation between giving and employee morale, customer loyalty and even corporate profitability.
Richardson believes becoming rich has almost nothing to do with money and everything to do with personal and professional richness. He wanted to offer an alternative for people who “get too hung up on money.”
Corporations including Merrill Lynch, Verizon, Nabisco, BellSouth, Marriott Hotels and Merck have hired Richardson to motivate their companies. He has also given presentations and workshops for the Internal Revenue Service, Florida Power and Light, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the Mayo Clinic.
“The obsession our culture has with the super wealthy is often disgusting. Forbes and other publications further the erroneous notion that if you have money you are successful,” Richardson said.
“I believe too much emphasis is placed on material wealth and not enough on the wealth and richness that are truly important and fulfilling.
Richardson, the author of “Jump Starts: Wit and Wisdom to Super Charge Your Day,” is currently researching and writing a new book entitled “Living Rich.”
The book features stories of people who create richer lives for others. Richardson also co-authored the book “Transformation Thinking: Tools and Techniques That Open the Door to Powerful New Thinking” and was the contributing author of “Meditations for the Road Warrior” and “Grand-Stories: 101 Bridges of Love Joining Grandparents and Grandkids.”
To kick off the World’s Biggest Blog Party efforts in East Tennessee, bloggers will network with community members at Capitol Coffee in downtown Maryville Sept. 11.
At the kickoff, attendees will get a free concert by award-winning singer and songwriter Jana Stanfield. She has performed with Kenny Loggins, Lily Tomlin, Patty Duke, Gloria Steinem and the Dixie Chicks.
Stanfield, who will also be one of the guest bloggers during the event, volunteers each summer at Muscular Dystrophy camp for kids and performs annually on the national broadcast of the Jerry Lewis Telethon.
Richardson said, “The World’s Biggest Blog Party Kick-off Concert is open to children and adults who want to enjoy a humorous musical show — and to bloggers who want to be one of the 1,000 people connecting the world for good.”
Interested bloggers, writers and charity organizations can get more information at www.TimRichardson.com or www.TheWorldsBiggestBlogParty.com.