About Matthew Toone
Growing up in a family with eight children, Matt spent a lot of time with his family–often playing games together. He developed a love for creating and collecting fun games, which often led to being called the 'Game Guy'–and eventually, to writing this book. More than games, Matt refers to this book as proof that anyone can make their dreams a reality if they just believe and take action. And perhaps most importantly, his goal in writing this book was simply to bring families together more, and provide fun and wholesome entertainment for everyone.
Matt owns two successful businesses in the Washington D.C. area, where he lives with his wonderful wife and two sons. An entrepreneur at heart, Matt's ventures focus on inspiring individuals to achieve their dreams and awaken their potential, as well as helping families. Matt is also the co-founder of a non-profit organization, Act and Empower, located in Alexandria, VA, whose mission is to empower impoverished individuals in developing countries.
In the spring of 2009, Matt was asked the following four questions:
(Below are his responses)
It is interesting that you ask that question in that way. If there is anything I have learned from this entire process, it is that people everywhere have great ideas – but they spend too much time listening to the voices of fear and failure that they thus never act on those ideas!
I have been collecting and creating games for years – and my siblings, friends, and others have often encouraged me to write a book such as this. To make an extremely long story short, in early 2008 I had an idea of how I could compile these games and set up a small little business to try and help people. To say the least – it failed! Truthfully, after adjusting my approach, marketing, and objective again and again – it failed 2 more times after that.
However, when I originally started this, I completely committed to doing whatever necessary to accomplish my goals, dreams, and bringing this idea into reality! I remember making a very specific promise that I would put God and my family first, that I would work extremely hard on this idea and not quit until it was accomplished, and that when successful and blessed – I would help other people with my time and resources.
Some people say to me: 'Matt, it's just a simple book of games' – but they don't understand that it is actually much more than that. I personally believe that this is a product that truly helps other people! It is also the result and the reality of an idea that was acted upon – and is successful not because of the content of the book necessarily, but because of the combination of putting God first, believing in myself, overcoming doubt and fear, taking action every day, never quitting, and trying to help others!
As I was writing and compiling this book, I made sure that every game included would require no money to plan or participate in. It is interesting because one lady who bought my book commented to me that with everything that has happened in our economy, she simply can't afford to go to the movies or eat out any more (or as often). She told me that since buying my book, she has not only saved money on entertainment and had a lot of fun playing these games with her friends and family, but she has made it a goal to get together with her family more often – and just have simple, no-cost evenings of treats and playing games. She is one of the many examples that I feel has saved some money; but more importantly, one who epitomizes why this book was written – bringing families and friends together, creating fun and meaningful memories, and providing wholesome entertainment for everyone!
In addition to helping people save money, I have made it possible for any individual or business that purchases my book to actually make money by helping me promote it! Thus, after purchasing the book, the customer will be allowed to sign up as an affiliate, which doing so will generate their own specific affiliate link. As an affiliate, the individual or business will have various options as to how to make money. Essentially, people can send a promotional email to their close contacts (or customers), or they can place their affiliate link on their personal or business websites, blogs, and social networking sites (and there are many other ways to make money). But, anyone who then clicks on the affiliates specific link and ends up purchasing the book, the affiliate will be paid $5 for each person!
I start businesses and ventures that I am extremely passionate about, and that will help others. This book is such a venture! The vast majority of authors, however, are unsuccessful because they fail to realize that their book is a product, that authorship is a business, and that successful businesses and products must help people – not just make money!
Thus, my book is simply the 'product' of a larger business and mission of trying to help other people! Occasionally, I have had someone ignorantly tell me that people just don't play games like this anymore, or that a book like this has a relatively small market and limited potential. It is interesting because the only limitations in life are the ones we create, believe, and nourish within our own minds! What these same people fail to realize is that an individual's desire, faith, commitment, and persistence in the goal or business they are pursuing are the necessary elements for its success – regardless of the market, potential, or what the 'product' is!
I have personally found that the vast majority of people are far more scared of accomplishing their dreams than actually failing to achieve them. Being mediocre is certainly easier and less-risky than the work necessary for success in anything! Despite our potential, we allow our fears and doubts to become traitors – and the result is always inaction and regret!
Most people give the excuses that they don't have the necessary knowledge, time, or money required to achieve success. The reality is that they lack the essential elements and attributes to be successful in anything – desire, faith and belief, a plan and goals, daily action, commitment and determination, learning from failure, and persistence! Truthfully, you do not need money to make money, anyone who is completely committed to their goal will do whatever it takes to gain the necessary knowledge, and it is not the lack of time that is the problem – it is the inability to prioritize and make time for their goals and dreams!
It is my personal belief that an individual can become and accomplish anything – IF they truly believe in themselves, overcome their own fears, take a risk, and persist until their goal or dream is realized!
Looking for Family Games, Group Games, or Children's Games & Activities? Planning a Party, Date Night, Family Get-Together, or a Game Night? This book includes hundreds of fun game and activity ideas for people of all ages, groups of all sizes, and for every type of setting!
More importantly, the purpose of this book is to bring families together, create fun and meaningful memories, and provide wholesome entertainment for everyone!
