Selling Ideas...Developing a different business model...

Is it possible that people want success so bad, that they will buy an idea from someone they don't know on ebay?

We wanted to find out, take a look at our Ebay Listing.

Tell us your thoughts on this...
Is it worth while?
Is it wrong/right?
Could this be a profession?
Would you need to establish credibility with ebay members before you could become successful?
Could this be a new type of service?
Will ebay leave it as a listing, or will they remove it?

Mandatory & definitions?

"Mandatory"

What does this word mean anymore?

Main Entry: ¹man·da·to·ry
Pronunciation: 'man-d&-"tor-E
Function: adjective
1 : containing or constituting a command

OK...
That is a nice definition, but what is a mandatory? Is it something that is an absolute, or else? Is someone going to fire me if I don't go to a "Mandatory" meeting? What if I'm sick, is that acceptable or grounds for termination? Or is mandatory a word that just means "more than important"?

I challenge the word mandatory, I challenge the idea of what it means pushes in business. To me, it means that someone will reign down fire "On Me'' if I don't do something that is mandatory. Is that how you see it? Should we have a word like that in business or can we successfully get by without it? Even though we have such a nice definition up top, we all make up or skew words to mean what we want. That's all words are in the first place aliases to emotions, feelings, and ideas.

We need to have proper (and common) definitions (The boss needs to state what his definition of words are and then he needs to properly communicate them to others). If a boss does not inform his employees of his thoughts and definitions of certain words, they wouldn't know which "mandatory" to follow, his or theirs...

Challenge the dictionary, challenge your teachers, challenge your parents, challenge your bosses...think for and push yourself...

Reward the front line...

The majority of time in business, the main people that get the big rewards, are the people in charge. While this philosophy has its advantages for the Boys in charge...it really sucks for the little guys.

If you have worked in retail, the food industry, at a local swimming pool, or a manufacturing plant, you have probably had the thought "what would they do without me". That thought is more valid than you probably realize. You are the front line people, and some of the most important people in your organization. You decide whether the company makes it or breaks it. You decide whether the company excels or is average. Whoever your boss is, he/she needs to be taking notice of this fact and thinking about what they can be doing to make sure you have the things you need to do your best.

I'm not saying that if you feel like your bosses aren't respecting you that you should curse the customers away or poison the food at the local diner. I am saying that you (the employees as a whole) have control in a positive and negative way with the company you work for. Be aware, if you decide to start doing things that will affect your company in a negative way, you have the extreme possibility of getting fired (as any good boss/ manager should do if an employee is in sabotage mode). But if your looking at and trying to change things in a positive way, you need to be noticed and rewarded.

Last night I went to a local coffee shop. It was Sunday night at 9:30 PM and I had a huge craving for a Large, Skinny, Spiced Chai Tea Latte, with a shot of vanilla (oh ya, that sounds good). I went through the drive through, put my car in park and imagined the amazing taste of my soon to be chai tea while I was waiting for the employee to come to the window. Here he comes, only he is wearing street clothes, "I'm confused" I thought, "where is his Barista's Daily Grind (the name of the coffee shop) Uniform?" This particular employee I have never met before. I asked him if they were open, and he said that on Sundays they close @ 7 and he was just hanging out after work. He asked me what I had wanted and I told him without even registering that he was there on his own time, "a Large, Skinny, Spiced Chai Tea Latte, with a shot of vanilla" and he said ok. What? did I hear him right? He didn't say, "come back tomorrow night and we will be open later". No, he said, "What would you like?" I look into the window to see if he is playing with my mind or something, he's not, he is making my drink! I am ecstatic! I get my wallet out to give him a big tip, he hands me my drink and says "sorry the register is closed, I am just going to have to give it to you." WOW! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I am in awe of this guy that his precious mother so thoughtfully named "Mike". Mike, Thank you so much for making me a permanent patron of this coffee shop.

Mike did a very little thing that required 3 minutes of his own personal time, and he championed all employees that work for Barista's. I will never forget that little sacrifice from a coffee shop employee. He is "the front line person" that should be noticed, recognized, and rewarded. I'll tell a lot of people about this experience, and Barista's definitely will get additional business because of this small act of kindness. Nice Job Mike!

Mike, when you feel you aren't being respected or appreciated by your employer, let me know and we will find a place for you within our organizations. Thanks again.
`chais

I'm keeping track of it...and I LOVE it!

It is amazing, I purchased a little memo book. No, really it actually has the word "MEMO" in gold foil on black vinyl. I purchased it for an outlet of any idea I might have, and it works. I put it in my back pocket and whenever I think of something I want to write down, I do. Later, I look at it and I remember what I was thinking and I expand upon the ideas. Who would've guessed that something so simple could make my life so much easier and allow me to be more creative? Probably, anyone else that owns a memo pad.

That is why I'm blogging about this. Learn from my experience, buy a memo pad if you want to remember creative things, write down blog ideas, make doodles, or get someones email address, etc. Now the fun part is trying to remember to carry a pen...

Have fun memoing...

I'm Excited about Real Estate...

Three Dot has just set a 5 year goal for Items we want to invest in. Real Estate (residential and commercial) is going to be a big part of our corporation Three Dot, and where it wants to be financially in 5 - 10 years. I have been doing more and more research on strategies for buying, selling, and misc., and I have found a lot of information. A lot of this information comes from one of my favorite financial men Robert Kiyosaki. Now, I knew that he has been in real estate and other investments for a long time, but I had no idea how well his wife is doing. Here is a video I found with Robert Kiyosaki's wife, Kim Kiyosaki:

I think it is amazing that an average woman, if she so desires, can become a financial, real estate, and industrial leader in an industry that has been stereotypically focused on men.

Here is a link to her book Rich Woman, I am going to purchase it for my wife, just in case she would ever want to read it. :) It hasn't been just a man's world for a long time, but I still like to bring up whenever I notice a woman doing so well.

Keep Innovating...

Have you ever thought of a great idea, service, product revision, a new way to thank your customers, or things that could make your business grow? You might have been on your way to the coffee shop before work, or sitting around your kitchen table in the morning and it hits you... You just came up with an idea, that if implemented, might bring a revival to your job or current company your with. You rush into work or pick up the phone just to talk to someone from your organization that might care and help with the initiative. You spill it all out on the table, every little detail... ...and you ask, So, What do you think?... You give a long blink as if you know what you are already going to hear. And here it comes... ...That is an interesting idea, but... But What? Why does there always have to be that "but"? Why are "the people in charge" the ones that are scared of change and growth? Was it in our presentation? Did they not see the benefit and the little sacrifice that it would take to do things a little differently?

All of these questions rush through your mind, while at the same time you feel like you wasted some life force and creative energy on a company that doesn't appreciate growth or their employees/members thoughts.

A person can only be rejected a few times within the same organization before he/she loses any motivation to help with change. The only thing that the business is hurting by not considering every idea it hears, is itself. If a business isn't trying to improve itself, then why not take your improvements somewhere else, where they might be appreciated, or maybe given some consideration. Wouldn't it feel nice to have someone tell you, "Wow, that is a sweet idea, let's see if we can use that somewhere". Even if it wasn't implemented exactly as you thought, you helped create that change, you are one of the important people in the business, your thoughts matter.

Don't lose that creative edge, or your problem solving abilities because your current organization is lazy and scared. These traits will be what takes you where you want to go professionally. Keep innovating...

Do your best right now...

Whether you are a lawyer, pilot, gardener, plumber, or beautician, it's okay to do your best. I know that some people feel like they should only work as hard as they are paid, this mentality puts us in a catch 22. We aren't going to get recognized as a better employee, manager, CEO, or part-timer, unless we actually become better. I am challenging myself to be better, it is very difficult to push all of the time, but why not. It will improve our lives in every other aspect.
`chais

Share of Mind

What's the first thought that comes to mind when you think of a computer, an automobile, or can of soda? More than likely its a brand name or a particular feeling towards a company and its product. For example, when I think of a computer I think of Apple. When I think of an automobile I think of Ford. When I think of a can of soda I think of Coke. In addition, I tend to associate each company name or product with a feeling: Apple = Sweet Design; Ford = "Fix or Repair Daily" + Cheap; Coke = Refreshing + Classic + Color Red + etc.

Notice, not all of the examples I mentioned above have a positive description or feeling associated to the company name, products, or services. Is this a problem? An opportunity? How do these direct relationships between general product categories and company branding occur? How do these companies embed their product branding in ones mind and synchronize their look and feel with ones perspective on common goods and services? Its called "Share of Mind", and companies spend millions of dollars annually in hopes of purchasing positive "Share of Mind" via advertising, and promotional endeavors. With today's overpopulated marketplace and everyone begging for attention, this concept is especially vital in obtaining brand recognition and customer interaction. Is this the only way to purchase "Share of Mind"? No.

So, how do you purchase this "Share of Mind" without investing millions of dollars? Make something worth talking about. Be remarkable, and don't settle for mediocrecy. More than likely, if your products and services are worth talking about you already have a share of your customers mind, for a moment. But this temporary spike in brand recognition hasn't been set permanently. In order to ingrain your product or service with a lasting impression, continue to be remarkable while exceeding expectations. Continually repeating this level of performance will slowly but surely create a positive "Share of Mind" in your customers thoughts and actions which will lead to the increasingly prized attention in today's marketplace.

What are your thoughts? Did I miss something? Feel free to post a comment with your suggestions or any questions you might have.

If you don't like it, do something...

Yesterday, I picked up a book from the public library (I like to read them first, if they are worth buying, I will) by Seth Godin, titled "Free Prize Inside!" (It is worth buying, so I will). It's a book explaining how everyone in your company, is in the marketing department.

This is not the standard thought within the majority of organizations. Many organizations and businesses believe that marketing can and should only be done by one person, "the marketer". This is a false statement, and if you were to ask a true marketer if they would appreciate any help or outside input, you would most likely here a unanimous yes. We are all able to think of great ideas for the companies we're involved with, so don't put the blame of your company's bad advertising, bad storefront, bad logos, or bad Marketing on one person or group. If you feel like something should change within your organization, make it change by giving your ideas and input.

If your ideas are not valued, or not given constructive criticism, you are probably working with an organization that is either dying or doesn't want to be remarkable (If that is the case get out, you will be much more appreciated elsewhere).

Telemarketers...

Has anyone heard of a successful telemarketer? I've always wondered if that was a way to make a career.

I'm not sure, but I can think of a couple of things that would most likely help their cause...

1. Practice, Practice, Practice... If I am a telemarketer, and I am calling someone I have never called before, I would practice saying their name before I dialed their #. This would probably be a starting place anyway.

2. Memorize the script before call your potential client. Seriously, how hard is it to know what you are going to say in a round about way instead of reading every word off of a script.

3. Ask for the person your calling by their first name. Why would you ask for the person you are calling by their full name? When I call a buddy (which is probably what you want to sound like your doing), I ask for him by his first name. Because we are on a first name basis, not strangers, wouldn't they want that impression also?

4. When you do finally get me on the phone, use salesman ship 101. Tell me what I am going to get out of this. Don't tell me about your company, I DON'T CARE!!! I want to know how your product, service, or idea will benefit myself and my company.

5. The Most Important things... ...Have something worth my time and yours (and say it like you believe in the product, so I will), or you might have just as well had that robot call me, you know, the one I hang up on within 1 second of hearing "Hi this is John, with second source..." ...CLICK.

Good Luck Mr. Telemarketer, I hope you make many riches off of this advice.
`chais

Take away what you can, from any situation...

Yesterday, I walked into the local 4 plex theater (hilltop 4 theaters) in Kearney, Nebraska . My wife and I were going to go see Borne Ultimatum, the latest in the Borne series. We get to the theater at 1:30PM and pay our $11.00 for our admission (it is a matinée, so it is a little cheaper than normal). We stroll over to the concessions line preparing ourselves for the $7 feast of a medium popcorn, and a large soda. While we are waiting for our refreshments to come, I look around at this "fine" establishment trying to notice the things they have in the lobby that might be the reason they can charge $20 for 2 people to see a movie (with refreshments of course). ...what, I don't see a video arcade area, I don't see nice comfy and clean waiting benches, I don't see clean flooring that looks like they just cleaned it for me... How can they do this? How can this establishment be worth $20 a couple (during matinée pricing)?

We go and take our seats, and prepare our selves for a sweet action packed movie. It starts, and it is everything I hoped for (besides being able to hear the theater next to ours through the paper thin walls)... ...uhhh, wait a minute... I realize that while I was trying to get some of my money back, by chugging the large soda in hopes of getting as many FREE refills as I can during the movie, that I have to relieve my bladder. This is a good thing, I think to myself, now I will see that the bathroom will be everything I want it to be for the price of admission.

No, it can't be... a total of 3 urinals, 1 of which is broken, dirty floors, and dirty walls. Now, I can understand that because this is a little theater there doesn't need to be 20 toilets in the bathroom, but for the few you do have, please have them working. Take 4 couples admission $ and use it to have a plummer come to your theater and fix your toilet as soon as it breaks. Make people believe that this theater is a well oiled machine and always working.

Probably the most frustrating part about this dirty theater is that they let it be that way. They decided that they are not going to manage their employees to clean "anything" when they don't have a task to do ( They decided to be less than average). The sad part is that most of the people that go in there to watch a movie, wont complain because they don't expect much more in Kearney, Nebraska.

Why Does it have to be like this? Why can't businesses realize that if they were to put a little more effort in (not just to survive, but to be remarkable) that they could possible own the market in that area and surrounding areas? It frustrates me to see the stereotype of small town, mid-west businesses to be true over and over again. Don't get me wrong, this type of "survival only mentality" is everywhere in the US. But in the places where people expect businesses to be that way (small town, small time, and low quality) why don't they push through the extra steps and make the stereotype change? Do they know that they need to change? or that they can change?

I can honestly say that I learn more daily,(the right things to do for my businesses and the wrong things to do) from other businesses examples. Any business that wants to start a change should start with reading the book Purple Cowby Seth Godin.
`chais

A weekend of camping means no blogging...

We'll be back in front of a computer and internet on Monday September, 3rd.
`chais