It must be that time of year, where I have time to read ther's blogs and think hard about them. Here's another post, this time, in respnse to Dave Lakhani's post regarding the current economic trends - you know, the recession - and how it affects small business.
This is the revised, expanded edition:
Bravo Dave!
It is true that you can set yourself up for failure by creating a failure oriented mindset - that is, believing that you're doomed to fail just because the economy sucks.
But you are essentially sticking your head in the sand - leaving your butt ripe for kickin' - if you put all your eggs in the "mindset" basket.
And I teach on mindset, so this is critical.
Whether you think you can or can't is only part of the equation. If you think you can't, you've given up before you've even seen the equation. Thinking you can, is the first step - but not the only step.
The Little Engine that Could (i.e. small business) can't just say "I Think I Can". You have to keep moving down the track. Heck, you have to be ON the track in the first place. You also have to know where that track is heading, or you could end up on a one-way path to nowhere fast.
You can't just think positive thoughts, or wish something away. YOU MUST TAKE ACTION, PLAN AND PREPARE for success.
To do otherwise is what got us in this mess in the first place.
The people that are taking action now are the Carnegies and Rockefellers of this century. Thse are people that saw the recession of their day for what it was, and capitalized on it, by making a plan and taking action - when others around them were wallowing in self-defeatism and failure oriented mindset. But these movers and shakers aren't ignoring the fact that there's a recession going on in full swing - they're taking advantage of it, and making swift plans for massive action NOW.
So yeah, you can do something about the recession by looking forward, and even by creating a positive oriented mindset - but mindset alone doesn't change what's REALLY happening in the world around us.
The Physics scholars of yore got it right: and object at rest tends to stay at rest, and object in motion tends to stay in motion, unless acted upon by an outside force.
It's action that makes all the difference - regardless of your mindset.
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Obama Camp Got It Wrong: Last Minute Marketing Mistakes
Regardless of how you vote (or if you vote) today, I have a "real life marketing" story about the campaign that demonstrates what COULD have been a great last minute push for a presidential candidate, but instead turned into just so much litter on the streets.
As I sat in my office working on my ezine yesterday, a strange looking, ball cap wearing gentleman approached my home. He walked up to the door, never rang the bell and walked away.
Nervous, I went to the door and saw him descending the stairs and heading down the street. It was not my mail carrier, but I knew that the mail carrier had just delivered, so I opened the door to get the mail out of my box, thinking this weirdo might have tried to swipe my mail.
No such luck. All the bills, letters and magazines were still tucked safely inside my mailbox.
But as I collected the mail and turned around I noticed two things: first, another gentleman was on the other side of the street, pacing this nut job, going from house to house. Second, there was an annoying blue hang tag attached to my door asking me to "Vote Tuesday Nov. 4th for Change".
With no concern as to who or how I'm voting, what matters to me or why, these yahoos are going door to door leaving their yard waste on the front doors of my neighbors, without so much as a knock.
It reminded me of when the kids used to play ring and run. Only not as much fun.
Here's where the Obama Camp got it wrong. First, they're just plastering. I call this "the shotgun approach" to doing business - and say what you want political campaigns are business. They're just throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something will stick.
Never mind looking in the yard to see if there is a political sign or anything. Just hang a tag on every door (there are at LEAST 3 McCain supporters on my street - they've got signs - and these yahoos put hang tags on their doors anyway).
There's a difference between "never pre-judge" and "don't take no for an answer". I would think a yard sign would be a fair indicator of how a person feels.
This morning, there are a handful of these hang tags blowing down the street - several of the houses they posted are vacant.
How could this have been solved?
Ring the bell, folks. Knock on a door. Say HELLO, for pity's sake. You'll have better luck encouraging someone to get out the vote if you take the time to connect with them.
The same holds true in business. CONNECT with your constituents (customers). Build a relationship - at least say HELLO and ring the dang bell.
Otherwise, don't be surprised if they choose your competitor IN SPITE of your actions.
As I sat in my office working on my ezine yesterday, a strange looking, ball cap wearing gentleman approached my home. He walked up to the door, never rang the bell and walked away.
Nervous, I went to the door and saw him descending the stairs and heading down the street. It was not my mail carrier, but I knew that the mail carrier had just delivered, so I opened the door to get the mail out of my box, thinking this weirdo might have tried to swipe my mail.
No such luck. All the bills, letters and magazines were still tucked safely inside my mailbox.
But as I collected the mail and turned around I noticed two things: first, another gentleman was on the other side of the street, pacing this nut job, going from house to house. Second, there was an annoying blue hang tag attached to my door asking me to "Vote Tuesday Nov. 4th for Change".
With no concern as to who or how I'm voting, what matters to me or why, these yahoos are going door to door leaving their yard waste on the front doors of my neighbors, without so much as a knock.
It reminded me of when the kids used to play ring and run. Only not as much fun.
Here's where the Obama Camp got it wrong. First, they're just plastering. I call this "the shotgun approach" to doing business - and say what you want political campaigns are business. They're just throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something will stick.
Never mind looking in the yard to see if there is a political sign or anything. Just hang a tag on every door (there are at LEAST 3 McCain supporters on my street - they've got signs - and these yahoos put hang tags on their doors anyway).
There's a difference between "never pre-judge" and "don't take no for an answer". I would think a yard sign would be a fair indicator of how a person feels.
This morning, there are a handful of these hang tags blowing down the street - several of the houses they posted are vacant.
How could this have been solved?
Ring the bell, folks. Knock on a door. Say HELLO, for pity's sake. You'll have better luck encouraging someone to get out the vote if you take the time to connect with them.
The same holds true in business. CONNECT with your constituents (customers). Build a relationship - at least say HELLO and ring the dang bell.
Otherwise, don't be surprised if they choose your competitor IN SPITE of your actions.
Presidential Candidate Exposed!
You know what they say...
If you want something done right, do it yourself!
Okay, I'm sure you've figured out I'm not REALLY running for President, although I chuckle at the idea of having an old lady tattoo a tramp stamp on her backside with my name on it!
But this viral marketing video is taking the nation by storm and yes, you too can get in on the fun.
Hey Mark! Any chance of seeing you "run for Prez"? You'd get my vote! Maybe if Don Williamson had something like this going on for his campaign, it might stimulate a little more interest.
Hee hee.
Viral marketing is a powerful tool. You can use video - or other means of transference to build a powerful word-of-mouth reputation online and off.
Establishing trust is based in getting people to know you and like you. I've written about this before, but ultimately, it's the measuring stick by which all interactions take place. People have to feel like they know, like and trust you in order to want to do business with you and create what I call an Affirmative Buying Decision with you.
Buying can be anything, essentially it's an affirmative agreement to your offer - whatever your offer is. It could be dining out, it could be a movie, it could be buying a new car.
It could be getting your vote for president.
If you want something done right, do it yourself!
Okay, I'm sure you've figured out I'm not REALLY running for President, although I chuckle at the idea of having an old lady tattoo a tramp stamp on her backside with my name on it!
But this viral marketing video is taking the nation by storm and yes, you too can get in on the fun.
Hey Mark! Any chance of seeing you "run for Prez"? You'd get my vote! Maybe if Don Williamson had something like this going on for his campaign, it might stimulate a little more interest.
Hee hee.
Viral marketing is a powerful tool. You can use video - or other means of transference to build a powerful word-of-mouth reputation online and off.
Establishing trust is based in getting people to know you and like you. I've written about this before, but ultimately, it's the measuring stick by which all interactions take place. People have to feel like they know, like and trust you in order to want to do business with you and create what I call an Affirmative Buying Decision with you.
Buying can be anything, essentially it's an affirmative agreement to your offer - whatever your offer is. It could be dining out, it could be a movie, it could be buying a new car.
It could be getting your vote for president.
Touching All the Bases Revisited
There are times in your life when you're faced with the challenge:
Do the right thing, and risk losing out on something you really want.
--OR--
Do nothing, and earn your heart's desire.
These girls are simply amazing - and a lesson to all of us.
Yes, I cried when I watched this video. That's why I'm sharing it with you. But also, because it's the right thing to do.
So let me pose this to you:
How often have you overlooked something because it was more inconvenient to do the right thing ans report it?
What do your children see when you don't think they're looking?
How is your sleep at night? Restful? Wakeful?
This was a ball game that MAYBE 100 people got to see. What do you do when no one is looking?
This was a powerful lesson to me. And I guess I'm on a quasi-mission to share that power with others.
Character is built in the moments when we think little and act foolishly. It's also built in the moments when we think hard and act courageously.
This video was shared with me by my upline. Why do you think she did that? Her message to me was "this is so inspiring" - but it's so much more than that.
It's an example of how business should be run EVERY day - even when people aren't looking.
Are you touching all the bases in your business? Are you looking at what needs to be done - and not just putting out fires, doing the minimum, or something worse?
Are you so concerned about this month's quota and winning that award, that you overlook the fact that your client truly CAN'T afford to make a purchase at this time? Do you see them as more than just a stepping stone to what's next?
In our community, the mayor has decided to throw his hat into the ring for Governor.
Heaven forbid. The only good thing that I think would come of it, is that he wouldn't be our mayor anymore.
He's a classic example of someone that doesn't touch all the bases - out for himself, his own benefits and gains - he's a convicted criminal, which only adds insult to injury!
And I think about how he must conduct his business, and what he's like when no one's looking. And I pray on a daily basis that I'll NEVER turn out like that.
What about you?
Do the right thing, and risk losing out on something you really want.
--OR--
Do nothing, and earn your heart's desire.
These girls are simply amazing - and a lesson to all of us.
Yes, I cried when I watched this video. That's why I'm sharing it with you. But also, because it's the right thing to do.
So let me pose this to you:
How often have you overlooked something because it was more inconvenient to do the right thing ans report it?
What do your children see when you don't think they're looking?
How is your sleep at night? Restful? Wakeful?
This was a ball game that MAYBE 100 people got to see. What do you do when no one is looking?
This was a powerful lesson to me. And I guess I'm on a quasi-mission to share that power with others.
Character is built in the moments when we think little and act foolishly. It's also built in the moments when we think hard and act courageously.
This video was shared with me by my upline. Why do you think she did that? Her message to me was "this is so inspiring" - but it's so much more than that.
It's an example of how business should be run EVERY day - even when people aren't looking.
Are you touching all the bases in your business? Are you looking at what needs to be done - and not just putting out fires, doing the minimum, or something worse?
Are you so concerned about this month's quota and winning that award, that you overlook the fact that your client truly CAN'T afford to make a purchase at this time? Do you see them as more than just a stepping stone to what's next?
In our community, the mayor has decided to throw his hat into the ring for Governor.
Heaven forbid. The only good thing that I think would come of it, is that he wouldn't be our mayor anymore.
He's a classic example of someone that doesn't touch all the bases - out for himself, his own benefits and gains - he's a convicted criminal, which only adds insult to injury!
And I think about how he must conduct his business, and what he's like when no one's looking. And I pray on a daily basis that I'll NEVER turn out like that.
What about you?
About This Bugsy Guy...
So I blogged previously about Don Williamson and his "pal" Bugsy, and the strange irony of that relationship.
Then I found out I know someone related to Bugsy. Turns out Bugsy isn't his real name, and he is a VERY VERY nice man, former police officer and all around good guy. According to my acquaintance, Bugsy is THE person to talk to if you really DO want some customer service in the City of Flint.
Small worlds keep getting smaller.
Never let it be said I didn't give equal time to all sides. Don, you're welcome to chime in any time you'd like. But I'm not sure you even know how to USE a computer.
Then I found out I know someone related to Bugsy. Turns out Bugsy isn't his real name, and he is a VERY VERY nice man, former police officer and all around good guy. According to my acquaintance, Bugsy is THE person to talk to if you really DO want some customer service in the City of Flint.
Small worlds keep getting smaller.
Never let it be said I didn't give equal time to all sides. Don, you're welcome to chime in any time you'd like. But I'm not sure you even know how to USE a computer.
Ask to Speak with Bugsy
This just blows my mind.
If you live in or around the Flint area, you have heard of our illustrious Mayor. His Kitchen-cabinet style leadership has been a conversation piece for years around these parts.
But the letter I got in the mail the other day just boggles my mind.
In essence, it's a message to citizens of the city, asking for our help in contacting our council representatives. Apparently our Mayor can't get them to return his calls to discuss road work and the like. This, in and of itself might sound outrageous, except for the fact that it's a known fact that our Mayor and city council don't play nicely with each other.
That in and of itself would make a great topic for my blog, but the thing that REALLY caught my eye was down at the bottom of page two:
"You may call Mayor Williamson's Community Service Office... and ask to speak with Joe... or Bugsy."
Bugsy? Are you serious?
Now, before I get hate mail, I don't know Bugsy, and he may be a great person with a charming personality. But with illegal activities of our Mayor's past, inviting the public to call anyone named "Bugsy" for customer service issues reeks of bad PR and bad customer service.
Perhaps I'm over reacting, but in my mind, I immediately conjur images of a large, burly man with a baseball bat in one hand and a flower in his lapel, with a broken Brooklyn accent asking me "So, you's gotta problem wit' sumtin?"
Um... no, Mister Busgy, sir. No problems at all.
"Dat's wat I tawt!" he replies, with a menacing grin as he lowers the bat and leans on it like a walking stick.
I just get shivers thinking about it!
The Community service number itself is actually the phone line originally used for the re-election headquarters, so it doesn't even appear to be officially associated with the City.
So what is this letter all about? Is it just more whining on the part of our Mayor? Is it indeed a call to action? I'd encourage anyone from the city with more information to please fill me in on this.
Well, anyone except Bugsy.
If you live in or around the Flint area, you have heard of our illustrious Mayor. His Kitchen-cabinet style leadership has been a conversation piece for years around these parts.
But the letter I got in the mail the other day just boggles my mind.
In essence, it's a message to citizens of the city, asking for our help in contacting our council representatives. Apparently our Mayor can't get them to return his calls to discuss road work and the like. This, in and of itself might sound outrageous, except for the fact that it's a known fact that our Mayor and city council don't play nicely with each other.
That in and of itself would make a great topic for my blog, but the thing that REALLY caught my eye was down at the bottom of page two:
"You may call Mayor Williamson's Community Service Office... and ask to speak with Joe... or Bugsy."
Bugsy? Are you serious?
Now, before I get hate mail, I don't know Bugsy, and he may be a great person with a charming personality. But with illegal activities of our Mayor's past, inviting the public to call anyone named "Bugsy" for customer service issues reeks of bad PR and bad customer service.
Perhaps I'm over reacting, but in my mind, I immediately conjur images of a large, burly man with a baseball bat in one hand and a flower in his lapel, with a broken Brooklyn accent asking me "So, you's gotta problem wit' sumtin?"
Um... no, Mister Busgy, sir. No problems at all.
"Dat's wat I tawt!" he replies, with a menacing grin as he lowers the bat and leans on it like a walking stick.
I just get shivers thinking about it!
The Community service number itself is actually the phone line originally used for the re-election headquarters, so it doesn't even appear to be officially associated with the City.
So what is this letter all about? Is it just more whining on the part of our Mayor? Is it indeed a call to action? I'd encourage anyone from the city with more information to please fill me in on this.
Well, anyone except Bugsy.
I don't HEART Huckabee
Okay, I'm all for political campaigning. I think it's important for the voice of the politician to be heard before it's mired in the smarminess of the corruption that's inherent in a power position on Capitol Hill (wow, that sounded almost eloquent!).
I can even deal with the new trend of automated endorsements being sent over the phone lines (Really, I hate that, but in the spirit of marketing, I'm trying to be understanding).
But I absolutely have a dinosaur sized bone to pick with Presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee.
Please STOP CALLING MY HOME!
I swear if he calls me one more time I WON'T vote for him just because of THAT!
Honestly, I've tried hard not to get too close to any of the candidates, their positions, or any of that hoodoo until October. I should vote in the Primaries, I know, but I figure more than half of them won't be in the final run-off anyway, so why get attached? Besides, their positions will appear to have waffled back and forth at least as many times as Hillary Clinton changes her hair.
So why am I so miffed - because someone from Mike's Campaign has called me no less than 3 time today.
Some Representative just called and as soon as he said "Let me tell you why I support Mike Hucka...."
I hung up the phone.
I honestly don't remember the guy's name, but after 2 previous calls this evening, I was not impressed - or amused.
What ever happened to the good old days when people would knock on doors, or at least all in person? Have we gotten so impersonal that a phone call from Dr. Phil will make me sit up and take notice?
I kid you not. Dr. Phil called me today too. Not to promote a candidate (although, I wouldn't be surprised), but to thank me for donating blood and to ask me to donate again.
Obviously he didn't get the voice mail from Red Cross that says I'm scheduled to donate double reds on the 28th. Perhaps he was screening his calls.
I wonder though, how effective this form of marketing is? I know that automated phone campaigns are efficient and generally cost-effective on a per-thousand basis. But do they REALLY think that I believe Dr. Phil would call to talk to me?
The silly thing is, I saw this done at the local level during our mayoral race last fall. Both candidates had local "celebrities" calling to endorse their campaign. The elections were nearly a dead heat. Frankly, I was shocked the defeated candidate didn't ask for a re-count when fewer than 100 votes were the deciding factor.
But then again, they didn't call me every day either - and they most CERTAINLY didn't call me THREE TIMES in one day.
And you know this is serious, because I just did a blog post today. So for me to do another one in the SAME day - whoo. That's saying something!
So now I'm going to enjoy some quality time with my sick kids and my nearly sick husband. Did I mention the eldest has a mid case of pink eye, too? Joy of Joys. But hopefully things around here will be a little more mellow tonight.
Are you listening Governor Huckabee?
You really don't want to test me on this.
I can even deal with the new trend of automated endorsements being sent over the phone lines (Really, I hate that, but in the spirit of marketing, I'm trying to be understanding).
But I absolutely have a dinosaur sized bone to pick with Presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee.
Please STOP CALLING MY HOME!
I swear if he calls me one more time I WON'T vote for him just because of THAT!
Honestly, I've tried hard not to get too close to any of the candidates, their positions, or any of that hoodoo until October. I should vote in the Primaries, I know, but I figure more than half of them won't be in the final run-off anyway, so why get attached? Besides, their positions will appear to have waffled back and forth at least as many times as Hillary Clinton changes her hair.
So why am I so miffed - because someone from Mike's Campaign has called me no less than 3 time today.
Some Representative just called and as soon as he said "Let me tell you why I support Mike Hucka...."
I hung up the phone.
I honestly don't remember the guy's name, but after 2 previous calls this evening, I was not impressed - or amused.
What ever happened to the good old days when people would knock on doors, or at least all in person? Have we gotten so impersonal that a phone call from Dr. Phil will make me sit up and take notice?
I kid you not. Dr. Phil called me today too. Not to promote a candidate (although, I wouldn't be surprised), but to thank me for donating blood and to ask me to donate again.
Obviously he didn't get the voice mail from Red Cross that says I'm scheduled to donate double reds on the 28th. Perhaps he was screening his calls.
I wonder though, how effective this form of marketing is? I know that automated phone campaigns are efficient and generally cost-effective on a per-thousand basis. But do they REALLY think that I believe Dr. Phil would call to talk to me?
The silly thing is, I saw this done at the local level during our mayoral race last fall. Both candidates had local "celebrities" calling to endorse their campaign. The elections were nearly a dead heat. Frankly, I was shocked the defeated candidate didn't ask for a re-count when fewer than 100 votes were the deciding factor.
But then again, they didn't call me every day either - and they most CERTAINLY didn't call me THREE TIMES in one day.
And you know this is serious, because I just did a blog post today. So for me to do another one in the SAME day - whoo. That's saying something!
So now I'm going to enjoy some quality time with my sick kids and my nearly sick husband. Did I mention the eldest has a mid case of pink eye, too? Joy of Joys. But hopefully things around here will be a little more mellow tonight.
Are you listening Governor Huckabee?
You really don't want to test me on this.
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