The following projects are social, philosophical, or nerdy projects that I challenge myself with. I know it’s a bit strange to keep a list of mental games or trivial exercises, but it helps me focus. Plus, some of my friends have already asked me how some of the projects are going– it’s a conversation starter! With so many use cases, how can I delete this page?

The “I Will Teach You Marketing” Project

Description: Create a series of videos called “I Will Teach You Marketing.” It’s a take on Ramit Sethi’s “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” book, which I think is absolutely hilarious. Actually, Ramit is absolutely hilarious. Anyway, many of my friends and colleagues have told me that I should write a book or hold a conference on marketing. I’m sure they were just being kind, but I easily buy into flattery. Seriously, I’ve been doing marketing for my entire career– I got really good at making people buy stuff. Now, it’s my turn to give back.

Status: I created a rough topic list and I purchased a domain name. I hope to release a series of introductory videos by the end of next year. If you have any suggestions on marketing topics or really off-the-wall examples of marketing strategy, just let me know!

The Myers-Briggs Project

Description: Build a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator application analyzes my social circles. I want to see if there are any commonalities between people and their occupation, hobbies, and other behaviors. Yep, I’m a sociology nerd. My hypothesis is that most of my friends are “iNtuitives” with an evenly split breakdown of E/I, F/T, and P/J. I hope Facebook is still around by the time I get to this.

Status: abandoned. Apparently, an app for the MBTI already exists! Doh. Too slow, too slow.

“Three Points” Project

Description: My wife challenged me to improve my communication skills by answering all open-ended questions with three points. I’m fine when I prepare to speak (like a presentation or interview), but when I think on the fly, my brain is often overloaded with information and I end up spitting out a convoluted message. I have too much to say! Even my wife thinks I need to slow my thinking down and process more. Let’s see how this goes.

Status: I began this exercise as a New Year’s resolution (for 2009) and it’s working for me. I hope I can keep this up.

Random Interviews with Andrew Chau

Description: Ever since I bought my Flip Video, I’ve been taking videos of my everyday life. My wife thinks it’s a bit intrusive and annoying, but I just happen to love videos. Then, it hit me last summer. One day, I want my own web talk show. It’s not going to be big production; I just want something simple that other people can watch and relate to. I have really interesting people in my life and I think the world should get to know them!

Status: On hold. I have tons of footage, but no time for editing. The MBA applications and my grandpa’s failing health had to come first this year. I did get some good videos of my grandpa, so maybe that’ll be my first official video. Big ups to my Yeh Yeh who is going on two years with his fight against cancer.

The Andrew Chau Collective

Description: Do you ever Google your name? I do. I’ve been Googling my name since Alta Vista and Excite.com, pre-Google. Between then and now, I’ve compiled a short list of other Andrew Chau’s in the world. Sadly, in the Internet Age, we must think about how other people with the same name influence our personal brand. What if I found out another Andrew Chau was a well-known ballet dancer? I wouldn’t want that. But I would want another Andrew Chau to win the Nobel Prize. People will come up to me during conferences and say, “Aren’t you the Nobel Prize winner?” Um, yeah, I guess I am!

Status:  I have yet to put my Word Doc online. If you are another “Andrew Chau,” please leave a comment and we’ll connect.