Dad and 8-year old Daughter Publish Business Book

June 8, 2001/Xpress Press/ - Already an award-winning salesperson and business owner, it still took an insight that Jeff Tobe received from a child to finally inspire him to write the business book Coloring Outside the Lines: Business Thoughts on Creativity, Marketing and Sales. Each story in this charming collection is an example of the power of creativity to turn an average or vulnerable business situation into a uniquely successful one. In keeping with the delightfully creative spirit of this book, it is illustrated by Tobe's eight-year old daughter Jordan.

It all began when Jeff's young nephew colored everything in a coloring book around the object that was meant to be colored. Jeff began to chide his nephew and then stopped himself. The picture actually still looked good. Jeff realized that the assumed correct way isn't the only way. Instead he decided to compliment his nephew on his outside-the-lines way of accomplishing the project. Jeff has since taken this lesson to heart.

Today Tobe is a top professional speaker whose signature keynote presentation, company name and new book all bear the title Coloring Outside the Lines™. Widely regarded as a master of imparting business wisdom through his storytelling, Jeff works with such companies as Kraft Foods, Arthur Anderson Worldwide, Carlson Wagonlit, Chase Manhattan Bank and Pepsi Cola Co.

These days, as the father of two girls (Maya who's twelve years old and Jordan, who recently turned nine) Jeff observes their behavior for insights into creative problem solving. For example, by playing the popular board game Chutes and Ladders with his kids, Jeff learned that if you aren't winning, its best to reinvent the rules. Jeff doesn't see this as cheating; he's proud that his daughters are quick to create new approaches to playing an old game. Jeff believes its time business people start to color outside of the lines too. In doing so, they will learn to go beyond competition, inspiring breakthroughs by reinventing the way the "business game" is played.

While working on his book, at first Jeff looked for a professional illustrator but everything he saw looked too traditional for what he wanted. Then it hit him! He should practice what he preaches and be outside-the-lines. So he asked his then eight-year old daughter Jordan if she would like to illustrate his book. Jordan was delighted by her dad's request. And she met every deadline, which is more than can be said for her dad.

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