Update: The 4 1/2 day, sold out, once little-known but morphed into a pop-culture gargantuan 39th annual Comic-Con arrived in San Diego. Superheroes, sci-fi buffs and fantasyland freaks came to The Big Party with the likes of Keanu Reeves, Mark Walhberg and Stan Lee. Almost an entire week of spandex wearing, adrenaline-induced and right brain wannabe rogues of film fiction ran amok at the Convention Center.

The attendance drew approximately 130,000 fans — which added a few more zeroes than the 300 that attended the first convention back in 1970. Not knowing this would have grown into a colossal convention, would you have the foresight to support Comic Con founder Shel Dorf back then? You would have... if you believed in him.

Feature Article: Do You Believe in You?

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Speaking of Controversy...

The emotionally charged cover from The New Yorker of Barack and Michelle Obama has polarized the voting community. Many long-time subscribers have cancelled their subscriptions while many others have become first-time subscribers. It's as if someone clicked the refresh button.

Which brings up this next question: Are you a friend or stranger to controversy?

One of my mentors teaches and wrote an e-zine about how the late Pope John Paul's teachings can harm an individual's prosperity. Of course even mentioning the beloved pope in any negative light could get you in a lot of hot water. He lost close to 500 subscribers.

But you see, my mentor was true to his beliefs. He didn't bend, bow or break because he stirred up the pot. He wanted the klingons on his database to return warp speed back to their planet.

And just as he teaches: when you create a vacuum, you create space for something better to take its place. In his case, he received about 1,400 new subscribers.

If you hold true to your beliefs, there will be people who won't look up to you like they once did. Then there will be those who will love you because you took a stand they believe in. Whatever the case, people will respect you more because you weren't afraid to take a stand.

Do You Believe in You?

Dear Associate,

Haley wrote:

"Thanks for 'talking me off the ledge.' I have such an intense phobia about speaking and today put me over the edge. Couldn’t you tell how bad I was shaking the entire time? Just between you and I, I was considering leaving the club because I don’t think I can endure the anxiety. (I physically felt ill for the remainder of the day.)

"Please, please take my slot? I just need time to decompress and gain clarity on this. I promise to try my best to stick with it.

"Thanks for listening."

I was in shock when I received that e-mail. Haley started well and made progress in our speaking group. She was caught off-guard with her recent brief talk and became much too hard on herself.

I didn't want to see Haley leave. She is a positive addition to our membership. But interfering with her decision wouldn't be right. So I encouraged her to see things from a different angle by making fun of my mistakes. (For example: I have said the wrong things, mispronounced names and lost my train of thought.)

Then I replied:

"I'll take your slot. You're among friends at our assembly. It's one of the safest rooms in the world. Everyone was in awe the last time you spoke."

I waited over a month not knowing if Haley would ever return. Then I received a nice surprise from her in my inbox:

"Just wanted you to know that I dusted myself off and I’m climbing back up on the horse – I’m giving my 2nd speech this Friday. Thanks for your kindness during a real low point."

I was ecstatic. She didn't give up. She really had more talent than she gave herself credit for. She just needed a big dose of BELIEF.

Friday came around. Haley looked naturally stunning. She wore a flowery summer dress with a dash of make-up. Her brunette hair cascaded down her shoulders. She wore the look of success.

"Well I'm going to try this again," she said.

"That's good," I replied. "You'll do great."

(She brought a sheet with notes.)

"Don't be too concerned about your content," I suggested. "Your audience is looking at the total package. How you make us feel carries more weight than what you say. So have fun."

Haley took the floor and owned it. She told the story of her parents and the goofy things they did together that binded their love. Her gestures flowed naturally as did her humor. She held everyone in rapt attention.

Afterwards, she said she'll be back. That's great news. She is loaded with potential and is more talented than some of the advanced members in our group. She just doesn't know it yet.

I was compelled to send her a note that afternoon. To encourage her. It went like this:

"You taught many of us how to speak today. You possess a special gift many polished speakers don't have. You have an authenticity that's alluring."

Like my friend Haley, you can accomplish the most amazing things if you believe in you. When she did not believe, she wanted to quit. When she did believe, she worked to achieve her goal.

Do you believe in you?

Warm regards,