Danny Beyer

As far back as he can remember, R&B singer, rapper, and activist/social worker Will (Keeps) Holmes has dreamed of a career in music. Originally inspired and influenced by Michael Jackson, Keeps felt the call to perform, to sing and to dance, and he knew there was magic in his voice. But growing up on the South Side of Chicago as gangs were beginning to cast a long shadow over the city, the far more pressing need to appear strong and defend the people he loved put a stranglehold on his aspirations. Caught up in the inescapable gravity of divorce and poverty, a tragically abusive home life, and endless fighting at school and in the streets, Keeps was sucked into gangland culture, feeling no choice but to join or die.

WillPower is his gritty memoir—the story of a boy with unmistakable talent who learned too young about the darkest impulses of the human heart and the bravery and resilience required to shine a light upon them. A haunting tale of violence and transcendence, Keeps’s bold account of every scar he’s carrying challenges each of us to look behind tough exteriors and trust there is tenderness within, to be stalwart in our progress toward our aspirations, and to understand that life is a collection of meandering paths. Keeps’s struggle for survival somewhere between power and vulnerability reminds us that the ugly side of life can sometimes lead to profound beauty.

Today, Keeps is the founder and president of the Des Moines area advocacy group for lost kids, Starts Right Here, under his given name of William Holmes. Blending his love of music with his desire for children never to have to struggle through childhood the way he did, Holmes/Keeps moves through political, professional, and educational circles sharing the lessons he learned both on and off the street—that success comes down to choices and consequences, and that unity is the only way to break the cycle.

Everyone has a network, and in today’s interconnected world, networking happens all the time. Those who seem to attain more in life have figured out how to access and use that network. Whether you have a small, close-knit group of friends or a vast network with far-reaching influence, this book will walk you through ways to expand your influence and achieve your dreams using the network you already possess.

The Ties that Bind provides strategies and ideas for anyone, from those new to networking to seasoned professionals, in an easy-to-follow, story-telling guide. Learn how to navigate the networking landscape both in person and online.  Find out how to make the most of existing connections. Discover how to build real, lasting relationships. Use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to build your brand and expand your reach. A good network can turn dreams into reality if used properly. The Ties that Bind will show you how.