Archive for April, 2006
Who Stands Out?
When you look back on your week, which people stand out in your memory? I just completed a seven day speaking and training tour to Ontario, interspersed with meetings, during which I spoke to hundreds of people. As the aircraft was descending back home in Vancouver, I thought of the people who had made a strong impression on me. I came up with sixteen out of hundreds. I could see their faces clearly in my mind. With the exception of one, who was an unhappy, negative type, they all shared the same characteristic that earned them a special place in my head and heart. I added one yesterday, even though I was already home.
From Patsy, a sixty-something waitress at one of the hotels I stayed at, to Edeltraud, an Austrian exchange student on an aircraft, to Jennifer, my publicist who put the whole tour together and made it all work, Jerry, a highly successful businessman who attended every event in Toronto, and Winston, who went the extra 1000 miles as always, they all shared this characteristic. They stake a claim in your heart that earns them special priority. What is it that these people from such diverse backgrounds do, that sets them apart from thousands of others? How do they manage to get and keep your attention and loyalty?
I think real life examples will clarify my point, so here goes. Joan quietly greases the wheels, spending her own money, caring about everybody and everything, with humility and purpose. Although she is very successful, she understands the big picture and is always there for you. Shawn is constantly checking how he can produce a better video, add value, and make it easier for me to work. Richard is a generous, professional, friendly man who makes friends with everyone and brings light into the darkest room. Brenda is always seeking to direct others to their goals, helping them, encouraging them and gently pushing them. And Andrew gives you the distinct impression that he will have your back in any situation. Perceptive, attentive and sensitive to my needs and the situation. I could go on, but you get my drift?
These people are naturally caring and giving people. They understand at a cellular level that “what goes around, comes around”, but that is not their motive. They just care. They like people. They want to help. They are secure and comfortable with themselves. They have high self-esteem that allows them to put their egos on hold. They don’t manipulate others or sacrifice themselves like some altruist or mystic – don’t misunderstand me – they just care about others and it soon becomes abundantly clear that their motive is pure. They’re the Eagles in my life, and I am so grateful to meet and know these wonderful people who are salving balm for the cynicism, greed and dishonesty that is so abundant these days. And they are the type of people who join the DollarMakers Joint Venture Forum. Thank you for being in my life, even if it’s only to point out the raccoon in the garden or ask me if I’m thirsty. You’re Eagles!
The Dollar Sign
Symbolism. Icons. Archetypes. Emblems. Signs. Symbols. There is a deep philosophical and ideological message communicated through these visual depictions and signals. The dollar sign represents a different message to different people, depending on their conditioning and outlook on life. In our increasingly Collectivist society, I think it is important for every entrepreneur to clarify his internal representation and translation of the Dollar Sign. The way we perceive the Dollar Sign has a significant effect on our business dealings, choices, and success.
The Aristotelian philosophy is seldom taught in our academic institutions. In this age of liberalism, business is getting an increasingly bad rap and we have to guard against creeping socialism. I see too many entrepreneurs making excuses for their success, as though altruism is the higher way. The political looters and leeches encourage the unions even as they condemn them. What does the Dollar Sign really mean to you? Are you sliding down the slimy pathway of guilt that is so carefully greased by the mystics and Collectivists? Beware – your business will suffer violently.
To me, the Dollar Sign represents the word that I hold as my standard in life: RESPONSIBILITY. My highest value is Freedom and I am personally responsible for that freedom: its acknowledgement and attainment. And for maintaining the freedom, I create. The Dollar Sign reminds me to be grateful that I live in a free society. It urges me to strive to create more value for more people so that I am rewarded according to the principles of Capitalism. The Dollar Sign represents the objective evaluation of my accomplishments and production. It is the standard by which I judge my business contribution. The Dollar Sign is the happy reminder of free enterprise and the opportunity to be whatever you want to be. What we are determines what we do. What we do determines the value we create. And it is measured in Dollars.
When entrepreneurs start apologizing and pandering to those who would steal from them, they need to regroup and surround themselves with likeminded people who understand that we are responsible for ourselves. We do not owe others a living. We are not responsible for others. We can chose to help others if we wish, but they have no claim on the wealth we have worked hard to produce. We should be proud of our handiwork and accomplishments. The Dollar Sign is the business owner’s symbol of freedom, responsibility, productivity, value and reward. We understand that we earn money in direct proportion to the value we create in a Capitalist society. Money is regarded as “dirty” by those who are dirty. It is respected by those who understand it and contribute, build and create. Next time you see the Dollar Sign, ask yourself what it means to you.
Robin J. Elliott www.NoMoneyNoRisk.com
The Power of Connecting
We have been told by smart psychologists and sociologists that people are a lot happier and more fulfilled when they have many good relationships. When you have more friends and a strong support group, you’re happier, more at peace, more relaxed and congruent – and ultimately more successful in business. Unlike the desperate, quick buck sharks that sometimes roam the business networking groups seeking to sell at any cost, perceptive entrepreneurs know that building solid, reciprocal relationships is the ideal foundation for strong, sustained business growth.
At the risk of being shot as the messenger, let me remind you that nobody cares about you or your product or your service until they know, like and trust you. We all have multiple other options. Why would I do business with someone I did not know just because he thrust his business card at me and forced his elevator speech on me? Some networking groups actually oblige their members to only work with other members in the same club, without having had the time to due their due diligence or build a relationship. They are even forced to give leads to people they don’t really know! Now THAT is dangerous in our litigious society, let alone the risk to your reputation,nes pas? “Meet your quota of referrals to other members (that’s why so many of those leads are false) or you’re in trouble.” Nonsense!
When you understand Joint Ventures, your ego goes away and you start asking other people what they want. You seek to meet their needs and you stop pushing products and services. Your shingle changes from “Beware of the Salesperson” to “How Can We Help?” and people actually want to talk with you. You get interested in their family, dog, hopes and dreams and you become a friend. Then, when they need your product or service, you become the natural, automatic choice. In addition, you can make much more money through them by directing them to your JV partners in the meanwhile. JV income is 100% profit, remember?
One of my most satisfying business relationships is with someone I knew for two years before we did any business. We met in order to do business and it didn’t work out, so we became friends instead. When business came, it flowed easily and strongly. And my business relationship that currently enjoys the highest potential return on investment started when my JV Partner offered to do work for me at no charge, just because he’s a nice, caring, genuine person. Instead of $2,500 and three weeks, he did the work overnight at no cost. Since then the relationship has blossomed and it’s great to work with Winston.
Darcy Rezac says, “The single biggest determinant of happiness is how connected people are. See what you can contribute.” My motto is, “Together, we can do amazing things.” And the cornerstone of solid business growth is solid, mature relationships with solid, mature people. Connect on a personal level and business will follow.
Win By Giving Stuff Away
When Gwen sets up her seminars of 150 people, how much would you have to pay to have her introduce you to all of them from the front of the room? How about $20? It’s easy if you give stuff away.How can I get radio time for pennies on the dollar, with ten times more credibility than a high-priced advertisement? You can do that if you give stuff away.
How can you make money by giving away $100 to each of a thousand people?
People don’t want to get sold stuff. They want stuff for nothing. And they want to be able to choose to buy – they don’t like being manipulated by a slavering salesperson. That’s why you love the cake samples in Safeway and often end up buying something fattening. When you stand in Starbucks munching on a tiny piece of chocolate brownie, which is generously offered as a sample on a paper plate, did you know that many people end up buying brownies because of that tantalizing taste? Remember the vacuum cleaner salesman who showed up at your door with a five dollar set of steak knives and a three-dollar flashlight? He told that you his manager insisted he give away one of these precious and highly coveted gifts to some lucky homeowner who agreed to watch a riveting, sensational, thirty minute vacuum demonstration as he sucked minute bugs from a mattress, and which one of these two priceless offerings which you like? You chose the steak knives and two hours later you gratefully bought an overpriced vacuum cleaner.
You offer Gwen two of your books and a complimentary consultation worth $100 as door prizes and you get exposed to 150 people in the room. You give away your CD’s or a gift certificate to clean the carpets in a house as a radio give-away. And if you’re not into carpet cleaning, could you set it up for a carpet cleaner, have him do the work and take 20% of all the resulting business? Of course, you could. You could have Jimbo distribute 1,000 gift certificates to his indebted clients, entitling them all to a complimentary Yoga class with Yippee Yoga. The certificates are printed and paid for by Yippee herself, Jim and his clients are ecstatic and when Yippee gets business out of this joint venture transaction, you obediently collect 20% of all the resulting income. Or you could kindly introduce Bob’s money to Sally[‘s project and make $25,000 for the effort as I did very recently.
I spoke to a group of Newcomers in Toronto who were enjoying a Government-sponsored job finding program. The government spends many thousands advertising this course. The lecturer realized that he could save the civil servants tens of thousands of dollars by simply offering two movie tickets to any student who introduced a new student. It’s doubtful, though, that the government will accept his wise suggestion. (Do you know how a civil servant winks? He opens one eye!) Seriously, Joint Ventures opens our minds to many new opportunities, and the power of giving away stuff is only one of many simple yet powerful concepts.
New Book, New Opportunity!
Joint Adventures – How to Create Financial Independence Using Joint Ventures.
(This is The Joint Venture Instruction Manual)
Marketing, Joint Venture and Fundraising Opportunities –
How This Book Can Make You Lots of Money.
After reading this book, you will realize the power and value it contains. It is unique and whereas most similar books contain about 24,000 words, this one is packed with 46,697 words, 141 Pages, $450 in Bonuses and no padding at all. In addition, it contains a Presentation Page and it is digitally printed, so it is possible to change, do short runs (Minimum 500) and brand / customize.
The information and tested tools and systems in this book is applicable at any level, from CEO’s to salespeople to seniors, teens, immigrants and Employees.
The output of the Flesch Reading Ease formula is a number from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating easier reading. The average document has a Flesch Reading Ease score between 6-70. This book is easy to read – it’s 62.2! The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level is 8.2.
In addition, the price is low and it contains carefully vetted and selected, valuable real-life and practical Bonuses worth hundreds of dollars.
1. The Fundraising Opportunity
Buy the books for a very low price, resell them, and make a profit for charities, service clubs, religious organizations, churches, sports clubs, schools… We can brand / customize the cover especially for you to reflect the name of the charity, the purpose of the sale, or any other message you want to convey.
If you have a Sponsor who pays for the books, you will want the Sponsor’s logo / information reflected on the cover. We can also include information / special offers from the Sponsor in the book. He will gain leverage, reciprocity and credibility by supporting the charity, resulting in sales of his products / services.
In this way, the Sponsor looks good and also gets his marketing material distributed by you. This is a very cost effective way of marketing for the Sponsor as he may also get a tax break as the cost of books could be deemed a “donation” – check with local tax laws.
2. The “Corporate Gift with a Motive” Opportunity
If a business has a target market that it wants to deal with / Joint Venture with / impress, it makes sense to give them a book that will educate and persuade them. The book can include information about the company, special offers and incentives as well. The cover can be branded for the company, too. This is far more effective and cheaper than giving someone a golf shirt, a pen and a coffee mug. And of the course the Presentation Page can be used.
3. The JV Sales Opportunity
Entrepreneurs and businesses can include their own coupons, flyers and Gift Certificate and buy books to distribute to prospective and existing customers. They can also brand the cover, of course. When you give someone a personalized gift like this, (use the Presentation Page) you create obligation / reciprocity. This increases sales and loyalty, reduces customer attrition and builds strong relationships.
4. The Income Opportunity
You can buy books and resell them for a profit through other’s distribution, retail outlets, databases, sales teams, ezines, websites, affiliate programs and more. You can bundle them with others’ products and services, too. Members of the DollarMakers Joint Venture Forum can sell the books off their Member Replicator Websites. Use the books as a JV opportunity. Use Press Releases and Articles, get Robin J. Elliott onto radio shows, and benefit from all resulting book sales.
5. In-House Gifts, Incentives and Education to Increase Sales
Businesses will benefit tremendously by educating their employees and sales staff with this book. Sales will rocket when salespeople understand this skill. Buy books for the entire staff. In addition, use the Presentation Page to give the books away as incentives for good performance, attendance awards, production awards and more. Brand the cover, too.
6. Use an a premium / Bonus
“Sir, when you purchase this desk / computer / coaching package / consulting system / business opportunity, I am entitles to gift you a copy of this powerful Joint Venture Instruction Manual to help you make thousands of dollars in your business / life.”
“Buy this now and get a copy of Joint Adventures with our compliments.”
This can increase your sales dramatically for a few dollars.
7. Use the Book to Uplift and Help the Less Fortunate.
Homeless people, new immigrants, people who have been laid off from work, people who need rehabilitation, newly released prisoners, students who need to make extra money or can’t find a job, seniors, stay at home Moms, teens – anyone who needs to make money with no cost or risk and very little time, regardless of their background or circumstances, can benefit from this book. Find Sponsors to pay for the books and consider complementing it with a customized Joint Venture Broker Bootcamp.
8. ASK – If you Have Ideas or Need Ideas How to Use this Unique Book to Make You Money!
For more information on pricing, applications, costs and profits, feel free to call us at any time.
Tel and Fax 1.866.746.0631 Tel 604.945.5754
Together, we are doing amazing things!
New business startups in the U.S. numbered 611,000 in 2005, according to the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City (MO).
Every new and existing business needs this new book!
