The AH HA!

That One Moment..

2010-01-31T10:34:00.000-08:00

Now I know we all have that one moment where we are by ourselves and are either sitting at a red light, in the shower, or in bed in the pitch dark starring at the ceiling. It’s the moment that out of no where comes this blast of an idea that will get your body tingling and your brain racing with excitement. It is what many call the “AHA!” moment, one of the best feelings in the world! Once you get it, you start to scramble and there is nothing in your mind at that moment that concerns you. You really start to develop tunnel vision which is not all that great that is if you are changing your child’s diaper. Once the idea comes in it doesn’t leave for several minutes, but if you don’t capitalize on it, it can disappear just as quickly as it came. So what you have to do when that moment comes is grab anything a piece of paper, a box , a napkin, whatever! Just right down those thoughts, because if you were asked what the idea was an hour later I will guarantee you..you will have forgotten 40% of it. The other thing is some people what to tell people about before anything has even happened as in a spouce, better half, friend, parent, etc. To that I say one thing to you Keep Your Mouth SHUT!

Twitter is becoming a marketing goldmine for some..

2010-01-09T18:15:00.001-08:00

We know when it comes to Twitter that many people use it, from top celebrities to the common person on the street. What is it? Well it's simple...you type a 140 character status and share it with the world. Sounds pretty general right? Well it is but it can also make you A LOT of money as it can be the ultimate PR agent for your business. By using twitter you can post certain promotions, specials, hot news, etc. that your business is currently having and also keep your customers "in the know" of the goings on in your business. First you have to start an account and then after you just need to promote it and that starts with customers, let people know and trust me they will come and then word will spread like wildfire. The only word of advice I am going to give you about the twitter posts you are going to type in is this...make it interesting. There are many cool books on Twitter and how to include it in your marketing plan, just look in the marketing section at your favorite bookstore. Another website Hootsuite.com it's a great site to premeditate your "tweets" for future postings. HAVE FUN and use twitter!!

It's all about FREE marketing folks!

2009-11-05T06:44:00.000-08:00

One thing I try to teach at my seminars/lectures is to spend as less money as you can on marketing online. Then you get "HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?!" it is possible by many different ways, you just have to do your homework. The best resource is social sites: facebook and twitter leading the cause. set up fan sites on Facebook for your business and constantly tweet the goings on of your business through Twiiter. The best thing is it's FREE! To read more into social marketing go to your book store and specifically the marketing section and pick up books about social marketing. Once you start reading these books...you will start having A LOT of AHA MOMENTS I guarentee.

Pick Up Your Head The Future Is Looking Brighter!

2009-04-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

So much of a negative impact has bewildered us to the point we have become economic zombies to the world. Yes people have lost their jobs, businesses have fallen but listen...this is NOT THE END OF THE WORLD! Pick yourself up and rediscover a new game plan! Take a look around at what is going on in your neighborhood, state, or country and see if there are other NEW opportunities that will benefit to a new career! I just heard this yesterday by a very successful individual and I couldn't agree more... he said "it's not about being a lawyer, doctor, or accountant anymore...those careers have become to most people unattractive careers. Mind you the internet has caused a major dent in those sectors also. What is happening is a "new interest" in "new careers" "That is exactly as he put it as to what is going on in the world.. I mean don't you feel nowadays that people are really getting invovled in certain aspects of getting the country back in gear? There is nothing wrong in wanting to do something new, you've got your health right? Well if you do, then there is no excuse to looking in the sectors that this recession is NOT affecting. New tech, green, and new businesses are and will be taking over where the old and tiresome businesses have failed and fallen with a new and much better perspective of focus and in most part success. If anyone out there told be either one of these two things "I really have no talent in anything" or "Nothing really interests me". You know what ..your lying to me and most importantly to yourself, everybody either discovered or undiscovered has a talent and second we all have an interest in at least one sector of the working world. Pick up magazines, like INC, Fast Company, Enterpenuer and see what is happeing out there and get involved! Now granted this will not happen overnight of course, but the time is to start is now! Remember the best businesses to start are the ones that come out of your mind, those will become successfull. BUSINESSES TO AVOID like I had mentioned in a previous article are MLM's, they are NO GOOD! Also don't look for advice from friends people...it's not a winning game. Just go with your gut and give it a GO! If you don't I am sure you will regret it in the long run or if you have a good idea and don't act on it someone else a couple years from now will and you will regret it. How many times have said in your life time after looking at a new idea "I had that same idea a couple of years ago" My question to that person would have been "So what happened?" The answer "My friends said it would never work, it's stupid, or the infamous if it's such a great idea why does it not exsist today?" People actually listen to that crap and give up.. a complete NO NO! You go for it the best way possible by being clever, doing your homework, studying companies and not spending too much money. So in conclusion should you be hanging your head down? Of Course Not! Get back on track and think logically, write it down , and make some thing of it.. Without doing those three things you are bound to fail, but if you do...you will win in the long run!

When to act on your AHA! Moment!

2009-03-17T12:55:00.000-07:00

Inspiration can come at a moments notice with a movie , an indivdual, a song, and the right place at the right time. Have you been in a certain situation were a good idea about a service or a product comes into play? We all have had that moment but the truth of it is only 3% act on it and others just go on with their lives. For those 97% you might have just wasted a huge opportunity and maybe a couple of years down the road where someone else comes up with your idea, you usually say " I thought of that idea three years ago!" Guess what...who cares..you didn't follow through..

What stops a person from following their dreams? Usually other people. The people that say "it's a stupid idea" or "if it is such a good idea why isn't anyone else doing it?!" When certain people hear that from family or friends their spark fizzles and the dream is over.. However the 3% they don't listen to that usually follow through with their plan. When they succeed, those same critics that rained on their idea at the begining usually say "I told him/her that their idea would be great!" You have to love it!

But you must follow your inspiration and instinct once you have your "aha moment" because it might only come once or twice in your lifetime. But before you fully act on your idea, research it, and really do your homework, at that point you'll see what kind of niche you fall into. Once you have done all your coverage, at that moment use that information you have gathered and start putting your business plan together.

As far as marketing goes get on all the social networks and use them daily to promote your brand. Brand is obviously the key part to your business, by rushing into it you might make a slight mistake that you might regret for a long time because you might have acted carelessly. So take your time and make the right moves and things should go smoothly. If you rush into business without doing any kind of homework you are bound to fail..

I usually hear during my classes "what kind of business do I start?" My answer to that is "do what you love, don't just do it just for the money...the money will come" How many people do you know that make a lot of money but hate what they do? I know many... But it is the people that start slowly doing what they love that will become successfull in the long run and will be rewarded nicely... So go for it, make the smart choices, and always be the smartest cat at the table!

To conclude study your competition in detail, see what they do right and see what they do wrong and capitalize on it. That basic theory has been around for many years but now with the power of the internet the focus can change at a moments notice and to your advantage. Always remember more product/service at a cheaper price is much better than less product/service at a expensive price. In the past the latter would win...in today's world that has changed...

Multi Level Marketing Too Risky Of A Business Model

2009-03-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

Just recently I was asked to attend a MLM (multi-level-marketing) get together to share my thoughts on a product my friend was about to sell. Now first anyone that knows me knows I simply hate that form of business because I find it as a "pushy" business towards family and friends. The product that they were trying to pitch was a "video phone company" that I guess is going to get it's spotlight on Celebrity Apprentice on 3/22, which I think is great exposure for the product but my question is how are they going to beat the heavyweights..Verizon and ATT? (which verizon already has their own version) So with that being said when it comes to MLM's there is a ton of business out there for you to start with. From "health drinks to video phones and everything in between", mind you, you can start up any of these businesses tommorrow. Don't get me wrong a lot of people have done well, but it's not for everyone..

I just can't see in these tough times where people are losing the houses, businesses, jobs, etc. you can approach them and ask them to contribute X amount of money to start a business. On top of that most of these businesses count on you to "recruit" more family and friends to start making money. So to be blunt to your family and friends you might as well say to them "would you like to start this business with me so I can start making money?!?" If you are going to involve yourself in a MLM business start with strangers and be honest with them about the process of the business. It's better that way because if you involve family or friends you are setting yourself up for either praise or ridicule.

So places where you would find these types of businesses advertised are... Most magazine stands at bookseller (Barns and Noble , Borders, etc) under the business sections. Those are magazines that have titles "Start A Business From Home" "Success at Home", and a few others YOU SHOULD AVOID!. The magazines you should be picking up are "Entrepenuer", "Fast Comapany", and "INC" just to name a few. What is great about those magazines is you learn from people that "have been there" and you learn from their faults and their successes. To me that is the best lesson in business and it's the best education.

No one is a "know -it - all" so learn from several people and continue to get inspired. If you know someone successful personally, ask them certain questions about what made them a success? Trust me they will tell you more than you think, they will be "flattered" and of course it will boost their ego (let's be honest now:) ) That's how I learn and continue to learn by studying people and by doing that I now have a couple of mentors I totally respect.

So with that being said start a business from scratch no need to take this route (MLM), because in the end the business you start from scratch is more rewarding!

I just can't see in these tough times where people are losing the houses, businesses, jobs, etc. you can approach them and ask them to contribute X amount of money to start a business. On top of that most of these businesses count on you to "recruit" more family and friends to start making money. So to be blunt to your family and friends you might as well say to them "would you like to start this business with me so I can start making money?!?" If you are going to involve yourself in a MLM business start with strangers and be honest with them about the process of the business. It's better that way because if you involve family or friends you are setting yourself up for either praise or ridicule.

So places where you would find these types of businesses advertised are... Most magazine stands at bookseller (Barns and Noble , Borders, etc) under the business sections. Those are magazines that have titles "Start A Business From Home" "Success at Home", and a few others YOU SHOULD AVOID!. The magazines you should be picking up are "Entrepenuer", "Fast Comapany", and "INC" just to name a few. What is great about those magazines is you learn from people that "have been there" and you learn from their faults and their successes. To me that is the best lesson in business and it's the best education.

No one is a "know -it - all" so learn from several people and continue to get inspired. If you know someone successful personally, ask them certain questions about what made them a success? Trust me they will tell you more than you think, they will be "flattered" and of course it will boost their ego (let's be honest now:) ) That's how I learn and continue to learn by studying people and by doing that I now have a couple of mentors I totally respect.

So with that being said start a business from scratch no need to take this route (MLM), because in the end the business you start from scratch is more rewarding!

Get ready to be taxed...

2009-02-22T18:19:00.001-08:00

Too good to be true might be the case when it came to purchases online. Now in the coming future online retailers and services must tax their customers. Now I have no idea how this will take place, a flat tax price?, an online tax price?, a state tax price?, or a national tax price? who knows... But all I can say is contact your small business state office and ask about this so you are prepared for this change..

Online Auctions? A Good Way To Start An Online Business?

2009-02-06T07:38:00.001-08:00

I get this question asked to me at every consultation or class and my answer is yes but it all depends. I think the best way to utlilize the online auction business is doing it by selling rare items. Rare items are mostly on demand and fetch great money. Where do you find those items? First look around the house, go to yard sales, and flea markets. You are bound to get great deals there, but do your homework! Know what you are looking for and create a knowledge about the product, if you don't you will go to these places blind and not know what your buying. Go to Ebay look at completed auctions on that product and see what it has sold for, that will tell you if that product is worth it. To resell new products..well I wouldn't advise it unless it was a "it" product at the moment. We will talk more about this subject in future posts.

Going Green Is Good For Business!

2009-02-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

Green , Green , Green that is all you hear these days and it is a fantastic word to hear. Because it appears that the enviromental aspect to our culture is evolving, people want to save the planet....period. The best thing when it come to business these days is being Green, not only is it great for business it attracts new customers! What you need to do as a business person is to figure out how your business can be green, or to be a Green Business all together. One great thing that President Obama is trying to put on the map is to strengthen the Green world with jobs and opportunities. Time to implicate it to your business today.

There is simply nothing wrong in having a mentor..

2009-02-01T11:01:00.000-08:00

A lot of people sometimes have too much pride when it comes to their own ideals, which I guess is fine. The truth is, there is simply no person out there that knows every simple thing of everything..it's impossible. With that in mind I find there is no reason why you should not consider finding a mentor in the field you want to explore.. Now you might be saying.."where the heck am I going to find someone as a mentor?!" The answer to that is pretty easy..either go to social mixers that involve your field, social online networks seem to work just fine (linked in , facebook, twitter)or even go work for someone until you are comfortable to go at it on your own. People say to me "people don't help people" to those people I say...your stupid to think that. People do help people sometimes it's their ego that makes them do it, so in short it's not that hard. My mentors are in books..Richard Branson, Donny Deutsch, and Seth Godin to name a few. They are masters in what they do (mostly marketing) and their advice is imortal and priceless. So with that said go to a book store and pick up their stuff.. For Seth Godin pick up "Purple Cow" one of the best marketing books out there today. If you are not a reader ( you should be) start exploring social networks and connect with someone that fits just right.

CafePress A Great Place To Be Creative and Make A Few Bucks!

2009-01-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

When I talk about cafe press to my classes the number one thing I hear from students after the class is over is, I want to learn more! I have been a member of cafe press for a few years and I rave about it! It is a place where you can be creative and create shirts, mugs, books, etc with your logo, saying, etc and make money on it. You create it and cafepress does the rest. They give a base price for each item and you add your price on top, and if it sells it's yours. It is that easy!!! At the 15th of each month you will recieve a check in the mail containing all your comissions. It is a great way to make additional money and some people have made it their full time job. They create it, pack it, and send it all you need to do is come up with the idea and get your check. They also provide you with a store where they do all the marketing for as low as $6.95 a month. I love it and I am sure you will too!

Richard Branson The Ulitmate Icon Of Rebel Enterpenuership

2009-01-27T14:42:00.001-08:00

If you are in business or going start a business there is no better book out there today other than "business stripped bare" by Sir Richard Branson. It so good that I read it twice and made a bunch of notes on this book.. Who is Sir Richard Branson you may ask well he is Mr. Virgin as in Virgin Atlantic, Superstores, Mobile, Cola, etc, etc, etc.... I can go on and on. It's just a great book and this is guy is a total rebel in business and that's why he stands right out! Pick it up today!!!

Do Not Buy Into All Those Work At Home Magazines..

2009-01-27T09:24:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how many people go to a book store look at the business magazine section and buy those "start a business at home magazines". Look the reason why I say this is because sure it is legit but it also is filled with scams. If you read one ad which I have right in front of me.."Make thousands of dollars a week with gumball machines!!!" WHAT!! Since when do you see people diving for the gumball vending machine desprately trying to put their 50 cents in before it empties out...NEVER! It is a legit business but you will probably make a few bucks at best a week but not thousands. Look into these magazines first before you buy them and realisticly take it all in and see if you think it is what you want. The magazines you should be reading is INC and ENTREPENUER (BEST)to name a couple, those will give you the best insights to have a new business. Also it shows you other businesses now matter how big or small and how they got there..it's real, educational, and inspiring.