Posted by Michael Hartzell on Mon, Feb 08, 2010
Manage
your business from start to finish with free resources.
Business Success is considered B.S. if you take a short cut and abbreviate it. Do you know how business success can be achieved without going to school and saving money too? Internet plus government equals business plan tempates and resources.
Careful planning is fundamental to success. The Small Business Planner includes information and resources that will help you at any stage of the business lifecycle.
Now you can make a snapshot evaluation. What stage are you in? Have you ever used these resources? Are you willing to take a moment to draw a map and sketch your route? Need a guide? Have to say it: Don't let Business Success become B.S. for you. Especially when so many
free business resources are available with a click.
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Tue, Feb 02, 2010
Would a good business success tip be appreciated if it was shared as the title says? Regardless of the fact that experts come in every shape and size, and a self proclaimed expert makes you as nervous as someone who claims to be the most humble person you know, here is another consideration:
Forget about the business experts today. Forget about the TV news, the radio, the consultants. Yes, even forget about little old me. Pay no attention to the advisors today. Business can happen without the participation (interference) and help (distraction) of those who can bend your ear for hours and befuddle you with a gourmet buffet of choices.
Today let there be only two people in the world:
- People with money in their pocket and a wish for something more.
- The second person is You.
Given this new fact that you have no one to ask, no magazines, no life coaches, no sales people, no advertisers; how will you find out what those in your immediate community want or need? What is something that father needs to be a better dad? What about the son who wants to get the girl? Is there something the teacher could use to save time grading papers? How will you find out?
There is no one except you...and those in the community with dollars in their wallets. They are keeping both eyes open for an answer.
The answer is within your grasp. It is as easy as picking up a phone, shaking a hand, talking face to face with people and asking, "How's it going? All right? Is there anything that could change the way you ____________? Is there something you wish you had?"
Once they tell you personally what it is they don't have time to search for, you become the finder, the go-getter, the researcher. You put it on your shelf. You price it reasonably. Then you go back to those who had the wish and say: "Hey, remember yesterday when we were talking and you mentioned there was one thing you wished you really had? Well I found it for you and put it on my shelf. Since you gave me the idea to find it, I will personally deliver it to you and guarantee that it will work perfectly." Ask when they would like it delivered, as they will be astounded that you went to so much trouble for them.
The best consultants for letting you know what clients, customers, or guests might want is themselves. If you are looking for ways to do it faster, easier, simpler, funner, (and for less cost) then you call the consultant.
If you block time each day to talk to the most important business consultants in the world, you will never lack business because they will tell you what they want even before you have the product. (But you have to shut down your brain and listen carefully.)
Now that you know the process, now add the internet. You can know what people are searching for with keyword search tools. This does NOT replace listening to people person to person but it certainly helps.
Today. Stop listening to me. Pretend there are only two people in the world. Grow your business and astound those who need you with how quickly you take care of business and how much you care.
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Wed, Jan 27, 2010
Recent Survey asks: "What percentage of your digital marketing budget will be invested in the following?"
First off, stop reading junk and hype. Listen to the people who are likely to give you money. (If they know you, like you, and trust you enough.) Think locally, act personally.
Then add blogs and articles to your reading list which will give you good analysis. One such blog / community for you might be Society of Digital Agencies.
They have put together an outlook report for 2010. (There are 11 more months to go.) I am here to encourage you to consider the facts in the report, then determine how far your priorities and perspectives might be from the report. The graph you see above is from the 2010 DM0.
The information presented in this document comes primarily from our online survey as well as select interviews, other research sources, and industry expert opinions. All data was gathered in the last quarter of 2009. Download the DMO here.
The Society of Digital Agencies (SoDA) serves as a worldwide voice of digital marketing professionals with a mission to advance the industry through best practices, education, and advocacy.
For more information or to get in touch with us, please visit our website at
SoDAspeaks.com. Add your input to the survey by visiting
SoDAspeaks.com/surveySome notable indicators from the survey that substantiate this bullish POV:
- 81% of Brand Execs expect an increase in digital projects for 2010.
- 50% will be shifting funds from traditional to digital media.
- 78% of global participants believe the current economy will actually spawn more funds allocated to Digital.
| "Rather than spending another misguided year trying to "engineer" viral campaigns that will propagate themselves, regardless of consumer intentions, it's time to refocus our marketing efforts to align with the way that people actually behave." - Ivan Askwith, Big Spaceship |
While there is a higher priority for companies to focus on digital marketing (especially social media), some say that about 70% are attempting to keep the process in house vs. outsourcing. Have to wonder how many of you want to "use social media" but have limited time and resources.
How about you? Do you like the report? Well then, go thank Andy Beal at Marketing Pilgrim. He a person to appreciate. He's in the groove.
As you look at the graph above and think to yourself: WoW, is the competition going to prioritize digital marketing? What will I do? Here are three great resources.
What do you need? Is the report helpful?
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Tue, Jan 26, 2010
First, I have to tell you that I owe Steve Poland a favor. At the top of his blog "100 Web Start-up Business Ideas" there is a link for a $25 discount on istock photos and videos. Since I was about to go to istockphoto.com for photos, Steve saved me $25.
Now I am going to give YOU the link for an istockphoto discount. Now you owe me a favor? Naw. Just pay it forward. I do thank you, Steve, and hope this blog review will be payback.
I wonder at times if people come to me with "I want to open a restaurant" because there appears to be a lack of options. Maybe their Google finger is broken. To put this issue of lack of ideas to rest, I will keep Steve's list handy for those who may be looking for more ideas. 
The interesting thing about Steve Poland? He doesn't just offer ideas. He actually has a general layout for a business plan for many on the list. This is a thumbs up.
- Don't get me wrong, not every idea has a plan. Some are just sketches of an outline attached to an idea. What do you expect for free?
Thumbs down for 100. That is so many. It hurts my head. Why, you say? Watch this video: Barry Schwartz The Paradox of Choice. Too many will make people freeze.
Ranking them other than by number would have been great. Maybe ranking them based on capital needed or possibly by skill / education. Maybe rank them in the order to show the dirtiest to the cleanest or by the coolest. That's ok, Steve. You can do another post or two.
Stop looking for ideas. Don't say you want to open a restaurant because eating is the one thing you do 3 times a day and seems fun. Here is where Steve will start:
By Steve Poland • April 29, 2009
With this recession and unemployment so high, there’s likely a lot of people looking to start their own business. Hopefully one of these ideas of mine can provide some inspiration to just one of those people.
I’m formerly a TechCrunch writer, a serial web entrepreneur, and an idea guy. I can’t believe I’ve posted 100+ web start-up business ideas in the past couple years. Below is a compilation of them. They are all for the taking and if they aren’t perfect, hopefully they give you some ideas of your own. If you’ve seen any of these implemented, please post in the comments as I’d love to check them out. And if you know other ‘idea’ websites, please post in the comments for others to visit.
I’m currently working on my own start-up, InSeconds, which is launching a beta in early June 2009. If you have a website, you’re going to want InSeconds (I hope!). Be sure to sign-up your email address to be apart of the beta.
IDEA #100 – Twitter License Plate social network
Only 99 more start up business ideas to go. You can finish reading it here: 100+ Web Start-up Business Ideas.
Don't go through them by yourself. Have a mentor, confidant or your advisory board help you. Don't have an Advisory Board? Why not? Award winning author Terri Dunevant wrote a book that shows you step by step to make one. I am half way done with it and believe you will find it very helpful. GO! How to Start and Run Your Own Business Advisory Group
Steve, thank you for the discount link. We are even. Right? And a bigger thank you for sharing so many new start up business ideas that people can use on the web.
This may make people pause and ponder while they think seriously about the options vs. just jumping into one.
Don't be shy. I am a person. Let me know how many ideas would have been the perfect number? 100 is too many, right?
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Mon, Jan 18, 2010
Listen to Audio MP3
I have a magic answer for you to the question:
“What do you suggest to someone who finds it hard to engage people in conversations on social media? Sometimes I feel like a digital leper…”
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Even though:
- The question could mean it is hard for you to create the contact.
- Or it could be referencing that people do not respond to you when you make the attempt.
Here is the magic answer:
Listen first. Listen hard. Listen carefully. |
In my
recommended reading, Stephen Covey says: “Seek first to understand, then be understood.” This applies to the social media tools as well as other types of online and off-line interactions. (This concept is also in the Prayer of Saint Francis).
I have an advantage after being in the restaurant business.
Success was dependent on the ability to watch people, listen between the lines, and anticipate needs/wants before they speak.
This is more difficult via social media as people are jabbering in an attempt to get attention. Sometimes they will say something honest, genuine, and from the heart. When they do? You give them a hand.
Think of it like a restaurant (or any large public gathering for that matter). You are wandering through the the public or dining area.
Everyone is jabbering (about whatever).
- Then someone has a spill.
o Do you help? Or pass on by?
- Someone has too much to carry.
o Do you help? Or pass on by?
- You try to talk to folks at a table deep in their own conversation?
o They will look up and give a blank stare and go back to yakking.
- Online, people have a question about a specific thing.
o Do you help? Or do you pass by?
- The person you help to find or fix something...is now your new “friend”.
The puzzle? Is anyone good enough and "in-tune" enough to help the person in need? Be good enough to offer value first. Be trustworthy enough that you will do what you promise.
Do you have a system, process, or book available for purchase (or free + premium) so a new friend can take more of what you have to offer with them?
- I am sure you already have Google Alerts set up for your name, key words, etc., don't you?
- And you are in tune to Google Trends page?
- And you listen to the questions on Twitter, LinkedIn, Plaxo and the like?
- When you answer questions for those who are in need, do you incorporate information from your site?
- They see your answer and will consider whether you offer value.
If you are a fake? An opportunist? A sales person? They will know.
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If you are a person with a passion, a vision and mission? That will come out and some will get on board.
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If you are a person looking for the next transaction? Pretty easy to know this as well.
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It is best for businesses to not use the tools the same as an individual does for socializing (which is what businesses fail to understand).
A strength of social media tools is that they allow you, as a business owner, to listen well, make better decisions, and connect with current / past customers while extending a hand to those in need. Social Media tools are like any social tool, they are temporary points of contact. This point of contact is as rich and meaningful as your relationship already is.
So you are not a leper. Nor is anyone. It is just that 99% of the people are concerned about their lifestyle, their time, their health, their money, their glory, their ego, their family. their control, and their life after death.
Do you have a system or tool whereby they might benefit? Then you have their attention. Let them know with Social Media tools that you have something they are looking for. You become a star as you make their lives best.
Social Media can help you let others know that you can help them out of their frump. (I think Kate Phillips from Total Wealth Coaching would like that word.)
You will see businesses who are using the social media tools to broadcast. For a big brand, well known, already trusted business? Could work fine.
For most small businesses the journey is: Listen First. Then respond and help those in need. Maybe a few of those will like what you do. If they don’t you still create smiles and value. Just be sure to have a system, book, process, thingamajig they can click and say, "I want that."How can you listen?
There are so many options to listen and assist.
This was not so much about the
social media tools, it was about the mind set. Disagree? Shout it out! Be heard in the comment below.
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Wed, Jan 13, 2010
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Maria Marsala is the founder of Elevating Your Business, a business management company that focuses on helping independent financial and service industry professionals. When you want to know more, dig deeper, and solve problems; you want to talk to someone who has not only a history but also walks the talk in the here and now.
Maria Marsala created a step-by-step program called "Corporate Secrets Marketing"TM. Her concepts have been quoted regularly in prestigious media outlets including "Money" magazine, Jim Cramer's "The Street," and others.
Maria is a good person to reach out to. So here we ask Maria how one can critique a business, improve profits, and keep confidence high during good times or bad.
Question: What can a business owner do today to grow business faster?
Maria Marsala: I'd love to have just one answer, but of course I don't. The "what" is different for each person who hires me because they are running their business differently than someone else. What I can tell you is that when you are not winning in the way you would like to be, there are tried and true methods which can help. You're not going to like the answer, so I'll hold off on telling you for a little bit longer.
Question: What is the minimum amount of time to spend on marketing a business as an entrepreneur?
Maria Marsala: Even if you love the work you're doing -- and I hope you are in a business you love -- like accounting or selling mortgages or being a financial planner, it is imperative that you take at least 1 day a week and be the boss of you and at least one day a week to be the marketing director! Even if you're an independent professional or an agent working for a BIG company, you need to take time out to be the boss and marketer.
Question: What is it that a boss does that takes such a large chunk of time?
Maria Marsala: In smaller companies, they manage the functions of the company so that everything is running smoothly. They review the performance of employees (even if they're the only employee)! They do the hiring and firing -- of consultants and clients, alike. They make sure that accounting, purchasing, and HR functions are running without a hitch. They have a team of other business owners that they confide in, and at the very least they’ve hired a business coach to keep their ass in gear.
Question: What would you say that most small business owners look back and regret?
Maria Marsala: You may not want to hear the answer. A new small business owner has a daily plan in place that they use as a guide to monitor performance. For experienced business owners, the day comes when they realized that the only thing they hadn't yet done which they "knew" they needed to do, was create a plan. They came to this realization when they became sick and tired of putting out fires all the time or they became sick and tired of knowing that they could be earning more or working less. Try as they did, something was always in the way of their continued growth and they regret not creating a plan.
Question: Not having a plan is their regret. Seems like a lot of time and work. Right?
Maria Marsala: 50,000 organizations have benefited from bringing The One Page Business Plan® System into their companies. And 30 universities use the system as part of their business curriculum. Business Planning doesn’t have to be as difficult as "we" (and I was included in that "we" years ago) make it.
Question: Is there a way to know if The One Page Business Plan® System would be helpful?
Maria Marsala: If you can't answer all 28 questions below confidently, it's time to put the pedal to the metal and create a business and marketing plan. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
28 Questions To Help You Critique Your Business, Boost Your Confidence & Profits from Maria Marsala
- Is the legal structure of your business protecting you personally? (Like an LLC, S or C Corp)
- What services and/or products do you offer?
- What is your experience with this market?
- What are the risks involved with this business?
- What are the risks you have in regards to growing your business?
- What are your business strengths?
- What business are you building? (VISION) *
- What problems does your company solve?
- Who is struggling with the problem your company solves?
- Who is your ideal client?
- How large is the market share for that "ideal client"?
- Where do you find most of your clients?
- What is the best way for them to learn about the services or products your company offers?
- Who is your competition?
- How do the problems your company solves differ from existing or competing businesses?
- How does your company differ from your competition?
- How will your product/service help your prospects have better lives/businesses? (MISSION) *
- How are you going to make money?
- What amount of money do you think you need to have an enjoyable life?
- What are the core values of your company?
- What 10 BIG ways are you planning to market or build your company? (STRATEGIES) *
- How will you monitor the results of your marketing efforts? (OBJECTIVES)*
- How are you pricing your services or products?
- What does your marketing funnel look like?
- Who is on your management team and what is their experience?
- Who is on your board of advisors and what is their experience?
- What are the BIG steps that you must take to achieve your dreams? (ACTION STEPS) *
- Do you have a website that is capturing prospects?
* These 5 concepts are from The One Page Business Plan® program.
Thank you, Maria Marsala! Time to dust off the printer and print this one out. Looks like there will be few more business owners who will be having less regrets in the years to come as a result of your business planning tips.
By the way, did you know that in 10 minutes you can learn which areas of your business scream for immediate attention and which areas deserve a hurrah!
Take the Business Checkup today.
Coach Maria's Bio
(c) 2008 Maria Marsala, founder of Elevating Your Business, a business management company that focuses on helping financial and service industry independent professionals and small business owners get more. More money, more clients, more quality free time. Claim your copy of MORE Business at www.ElevatingYourBusiness.com/free/
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Sat, Jan 09, 2010
As I begin to read Doug Bursch's article in the Auburn Reporter, I felt ashamed and wanted to hide my head. Not because of the New Years Resolutions he was shaming everyone about. It was because I was thinking: "If only I could write a blog article so well".
The same 26 letters are available to me and yet I am unable to juggle them in such a way that Doug Bursch does. If you want to know how to write a blog article better, bookmark any and all of Doug Bursch's "writings". He will touch your heart, your mind, your funny bone and maybe most importantly, your spirit.
Doug's latest blog article talks about being part of a community. This stuck out and rang particulary true because there is a "buzz" in our recent culture as technology advancement pushes us farther. Such words as "Tribes" and "Twibes" and "Community" are much more common in our lives than a few years back.
Enough about my thoughts. Stop reading my paltry common words and move over to he who is more in touch with the heart, mind, and spirit, and able to connect them with ease.
Fairly Spiritual: Don't go it alone, be a part of community
By DOUG BURSCH
Auburn Reporter Columnist
Jan 08 2010, 1:36 PM · UPDATED
I’d like to start today’s article by shaming everyone who has not kept their New Year's resolutions. What’s wrong with you people? Is this really how you want to start a new decade?
Those of you who’ve kept your resolutions, I want to castigate you for picking such lame and easily achievable goals. For those of you who cowardly avoided resolutions all together, well I have nothing but indifference for you. Extreme, passionate indifference. ..... I know you want to read more
I doubt that Doug Bursch has a shortage of content from which to write about. His passion, belief and purpose in life are apparent. Once you too understand what talents God has given you, the content will flow much easier. If you need inspiration or thought provoking ideas, consider tuning in to Doug, whether it be his article in the Auburn Reporter, his website at FairlySpiritual.com, or his radio show. You may be surprised as I am each and every week at what his gift will give you.
Doug Bursch is on the weekly reading list in our home and we do so aloud. Afterwards there is always something more to chat about as his God-given talent makes us SMink. (SMink = Smile and Think at the same time.) We read and share his articles each week because he helps us to keep in touch with what is important and remains an example of passion and commitment to consider more than the present moment.
Business success comes from more than doing tasks and being energized. "Purpose" and "Vision" are words so commonly used that they are probably on the gobbleygook list. Yeah, yeah... purpose, vision. I get it. What is something deep inside that moves you so much that you are willing to go through pain for it? Who are the people you would jump in front of a train to save, risking your own life to do so? Who are your top ten buddies that if they called, you would go to war with them?
I just sent my book to the editor. The goal of the book is to save people from themselves in the restaurant business. Those who are thinking about jumping into the restaurant business and those who have jumped in and might be having regrets. Hundreds of hours have been put into writing this book, with many more to come until it is finalized. If I can sell one copy and help one person save tens of thousands of dollars, save a marriage, a family, or their health...then my efforts are not in vain.
What is your passion? Do you share your passion with others? Would a blog be a great tool to do so? I think so.
Now that you have the tools and someone to inspire you, what keeps you from putting your thoughts into action...by writing? Let me know.
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Thu, Dec 31, 2009
It is not quite 2010 and you are about to execute your business success plan. Here are five essentials to ensure a long term healthy and prosperous business.
Ask yourself:
How Can
You Improve
Business in 2010?
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FIVE Essentials for Business
Growth:
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The
Unbelievable:
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The goal is to have the customers say; 'WoW, how
do they do that?" Service? Speed? Out Care everyone? Price? Convenience? Free? Support? Knowledge? Make them scratch their head in wonder about something every day, week, month.... year.
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The
Invitation:
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Unique & Personal Each and
Every Time. I pronounce it "oopy". The more unique and personal your invitation becomes the better chance of receiving a response. Don't blast, don't treat everyone the same. Give them oopy.
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The Leader: |
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With the highest skill &
will. Without a leader in place who will drag the business behind them vs. the other way around, any business will flounder. If a business is being managed by someone who struggles to keep up with the current business volume and flow, how in the heck will that person be able to double the business over two to three years?
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The High Tech: |
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Latest and greatest - leave the competition
behind. Technology keeps a small business ahead of the large business as the logistics to invest and change systems and processes can be slow. Technology can improve decisions with data, improve service, WOW the customer, create better efficiencies. Technology can make a business look like a winner and people love to be a part of winning, successful teams (and technology can make it faster, easier, simpler & funner).
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The Mindset: |
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"Good" today is not good enough
tomorrow! Even as you execute today someone is becoming unimpressed and bored or another business is preparing to improve on what you offer and leap frog, thus pulling attention away from you. Seth Godin offers this: "Good" is not good enough. "Good" is boring. Where is your purple cow?
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| Apply these essentials to
grow your business and avoid the slow death other business are destined to suffer due to their lack of action. |
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Is your business growing? Which of these essentials does
your business include? | |
If I was to walk into your business or review your business online and you are missing a few (or all) of these basic essentials, the next step would be to understand the barriers and "why".
If your business plan says:
- Do what other businesses are doing.
- Do saturation marketing and the same message to everyone.
- The leader can be hard working and maintain status quo.
- Don't invest time, resources, effort or training in technology.
- Have good quality and service that is equal to others in our industry.
Then I would get some business band-aids and buy business sadness flowers to prepare for the eventual business hospital. Then you would call the very expensive business doctor to give you business drugs and business therapy. You would say, "If only I had put the five essentials on the wall as a constant reminder, I would not be in the crummy business hospital getting tests from the business doctor."
Disagree if you want on this one... but I am pretty firm in my opinion. Take a look at the business success in so many other companies. How many of these essentials do you see?
So how are you stuck? Need forms? How about a marketing planning calendar? Need to read more books to sharpen your saw? Do you need videos about business success? Need to contact me? Who or what will keep you from making 2010 not just ok, but a year that Rocks? If you let me know, I can be of better service and hopefully can do something UNBELIEVABLE!
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Wed, Dec 16, 2009
In Guerrilla Marketing by Jay Conrad Levinson, I remember distinctly "treat the customer as if they were your friend, family or royalty". So do you want to meet my family? I have two brothers. They have no idea that I
recorded the session of us dancing. (Lucky for my four sisters that I don't have them in the video, too!)
My dad, of course, I have already
bragged about. He wrote and published his very first book at virdean.com. If you decide to order a book, be sure to ask him to autograph it.
So here is the trouble I have with Guerrilla Marketing.
While Jay Conrad Levinson doesn't know it, he has been a mentor of mine going on 19 years. Doubling, tripling and quintupling sales was partially due to what Jay Conrad taught me via his visit in the early 90's and his books. I remember distinctly in his books "treat the customer as if they were your friend, family or royalty".
Thus my dilemna,
If this is how my family is (dancing Santas), will others want to dance the Santa dance with us? I will go back and listen again to Jay talk about What is Guerrilla Marketing.
Christmas is a great time of year. With only 10 days left, you might feel a little pressure. If so, go hit 'play' again. If it doesn't make you smile, then you need to pause and ponder.
I hope your take away is:
- Read Jay Conrad Levinson books Guerrilla Marketing Excellence
- Buy my Dad's new book "Changing the Rules"
- Tis the season to smile.
- Even during the tough times, invent ways to have some fun.
- If you see me with a video camera, run.
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Sun, Dec 06, 2009
I am thinking of great ideas and deep thoughts.
Oddly, when I share my thoughts, not everyone thinks my ideas are so great.
Someone is always there to tell me why it's hard, how it has already been done, why I am not good enough, or how long it will take.
There is always someone in the crowd who shouts out: "It takes money to make money!" Where is that guy who shouts out "You can do it!" in the movies for Adam Sandler? Could certainly use him at times.
Don't forget the amazing people who shine a little more brightly with obvious talents who can make the rest of us humble and appreciative. (Although they make me think, "I can't do what they can, so why try?)
If I have thoughts and everyone for the most part disagrees, does that mean I am crazy, out of touch or just too far ahead of the curve? (I like to think the latter.)
If I have what appears to be an OK idea and lots of people say "Yes Mike, what a great idea", does that make me a thought leader if others are agreeing and following an idea that was just OK?
Who can say if you are a thought leader or not? Is there a judge? Or is it crowd driven? Who can put the label on your shirt? Do you need a book or can you just be thinking a lot? (I think all day long and sometimes even think in my sleep.)
If a group of people who aren't so smart call somone else a thought leader in their community, can others then look to that newly designated thought leader for thoughts (and then maybe get disappointed because the thoughts are not relevant?)
If you think a lot, share some of it, write pieces of the thoughts and one person says "magnificent concepts and thoughts", doesn't that make you a thought leader? How many does it take? Does it take action? Or do others have to repeat the words to make them thought leaders?
I am enthralled by the minds of people who seem to see around corners, through walls, and almost have a crystal ball. In comparison I am the dirt, they are the rainbow. (Love Adam Sandler movies, don't I?)
I am also amazed at the amount of expertise and knowledge almost everyone I meet or talk to carries with them. And oddly enough, many of these people with expertise and knowledge are instead trying to pursue the thoughts and ideas of others instead of their own.
If you talk to me, I will think of you as a thought leader. Don't care much about whether you have a book, your age, or your background.
You think. You speak. You write. You share thoughts, ideas and opinions. You will influence others around you. What you do matters. What you believe is important. It can't be helped. Right or wrong, you influence others.
I realize that you may be wrong, but that is the journey. Learning and
adopting to the new stuff we learn. After all, I have been known to be
wrong once in a while.
When you think, speak, write... please remember there is at least one other person in the world looking your way for an example, knowledge, or a special clue. I would hope now that you are a validated thought leader, you will take the responsibility seriously and not lie, cheat, steal, con and blabber idiotic stuff just to make a buck, get even, or get a reaction.
Seth Godin could have said all this in about 4 sentences. I am not so powerful.
Still they are my thoughts and I will keep thinking, sharing and listening to yours.
Lucky for me I keep many of my thoughts in a free software program called The Personal Brain. Recently I was also introduced to my.brainshark.com which is an online presentation service. I am creating a presentation to upload soon. With my additional brains, regardless of what you think of my thoughts, you can say: "Mike sure has a lot of brains" and it will be true. I can't live without my Personal Brain. my.brainshark.com looks very simple to use. Love the stuff that makes it faster, easier, simpler & funner. Stay tuned.
How will I end this? Let me gather my thoughts and decide.
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