The Business Viking Blog

YOU - Big Dreams? GOOD.

2009-05-03T05:57:00.011-05:00

Since it's a fact that you can make millions doing anything imaginable -- then you may as well make it something you like to do.

Right?

So make a decision and get behind it.

And put away the 'How to Get Rich Overnight' books. The problem with getting rich overnight is this: If you're tapped into "money" -- then it's already coming to you -- and if you're not tapped into it then it's NOT coming to you and it's not likely that you're going to just be 'zapped' into the zone. It's like trying to get into the NBA without understanding basketball.

You don't belong there yet - don't worry about it. Just start moving in the direction of it right now. If you've tried and tried and tried to make it happen - then take a new approach:

Try less. Play more. Imagine more. Pretend more. Get creative more. Relax more. Do what's fun and I suspect you'll one day be one of those people who says:

"I was just enjoying my day and right out of the blue - - it happened."

It doesn't HAVE to take years -- but it absolutely DEMANDS the right attitude.

Stimulus Entrepreneur Business

2009-02-07T07:25:00.008-06:00

The big talk of course is President Obama's stimulus plan which isn't winning him any awards. At this point is seems that even democrats are starting to pull back from it. Couple hundred million here, 2.X billion there -- and not very much going towards 'stimulating' ends.

This isn't a political blog - but when I found this website that lists the parts of Obama's plan in detail - something occured to me: Look at how much money is always available!

The bad attitude goes like this:

"Of course there's always money available to the government - they can just take it from us and we can't do anything about it!"

The right - meaning HELPFUL - attitude is more like this:

"People talk about a shortage of money - and look at this. Really there is no shortage. About a trillion dollars has already been spent and nearly another trillion is on its way into the marketplace. I'm not worried about diminishing value. I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for opportunity. Maybe I can use this to my advantage. Maybe people will be open to creative negotiation. Maybe I can partner with others who agree that as things 'worsen', the potential for a huge gain increases."

People say they want to be up on the news - they want to know what's going on in the world - and that's their excuse for watching all the doom-and-gloom-filled shows. But remember, when you have your head out looking at the relatively few problems in the world - you have your head in the sand about the MAJORITY of the world where things are working in perfect harmony - and you DEFINITELY have your head in the sand about those people who latch onto a passionate idea and thrive no matter what the economy is doing.

You can't look at what ISN'T working and what IS working at the same time. So what are you going to spend your time learning about? Take advantage of your surroundings. Always.

And just in case you're interested - here's a link to the website with the stimuls plan broken down in detail:

StimulusWatch

.

Cyber Monday Online Deals

2008-11-30T07:01:00.002-06:00

Well if you missed out on Black Friday - it's time to pick up your chin - stop crying - and get ready for the Internet's version of 'Door Busting' Savings on Cyber Monday. It's safer and even EASIER on your wallet since you're saving gas and frustration caused by driving across towns to wait in never-ending lines.

For all you Shoppers:

Click over to CyberMonday.com as well as the biggest online retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Overstock.com etc.... Almost all of them will have free shipping and a little comparison shopping can net you some big-time holiday savings cheer.

If you ARE or WANT to Sell:

Get your best deals on your homepage. Price is King on a day like today but the trick is to find the lowest price that brings you the most sales and thus....highest profit. The way to find that number is to TEST, TEST, TEST. As you put up your prices, keep a keen eye on those statistics. Play with them a bit.

YOU might want to check out some of the bigger retailers too -- it's a quick easy way to spot any methods that you might be over-looking. I especially like Amazon's hour-by-hour special item price slash(The Gold Box): You have to be there to see it and if you don't buy within the set time frame, you're S.O.L. It uses many selling tactics that we cover here.

So get your Prices down. Get them up on the site, and then get the word out. Tap your customer list or use your best traffic-driving methods. You've got enough time right now to implement a successful marketing strategy.

End the year on high note by being prepared.

Black Friday Discounts Shopping

2008-11-28T04:01:00.001-06:00

YES. Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving where all the major stores give their best deals and discounts encouraging riotous mobs of people to start standing in line at 9pm, in front of a store that doesn't open until 5am....in 30 degree temperatures.

Can you be considered a 'riotous mob' if you're standing in a line?

Best Buy will start handing out tickets at 3am and open their doors at 5am -- Limited number of tickets. No purchases without tickets. That's a good way to discourage the trampling of slower, patrons who aren't at full speed once the doors are thrown open.

Now that's riotous.

Oh - you don't have to be a part of those insane mobs and even if you don't celebrate Christmas - it might be worth your while to have a look at Amazon.

I've seen $40 savings on Video Games.
$400 savings on GPS Navigation Systems.
$500 savings on Plasma TVs.

This link goes dead after today.
Black Friday is at Amazon.com

Thankful to Yourself and What You DO Have

2008-11-27T06:01:00.006-06:00

There are a lot of things that are working for you. No matter what situation you are in - you DO have assets.

Friends.
Family.
Clothing.
You live in a free country.
You have determination.
You laugh frequently.

It doesn't matter what country you're in or what financial circumstances you face - TODAY - be thankful for all you have right now. And be hopeful for what you WILL HAVE in the future.

Make a list, take a deep breath - feed your body some extra oxygen - and do something fun.
That's the best way you can spend a Thanksgiving.

Better Business wih Better Advertising

2008-11-26T00:01:00.002-06:00

As I was listening to the radio on the iPhone I was unfortunately forced to hear some commercials - normally I can bypass commercials with TiVo and Satellite Radio - but I wasn't too bothered and I'm now glad that I was in a good mood or my mind wouldn't have caught the business tactic that I heard.

If I asked you to tell me one thing that all commercials have in common relative to the show you're watching or listening to on that channel - what would you say?

Answer: VOLUME.

Normally, you have to jack the volume up to hear the show and then when they go to commercial, your ear drums reach bursting levels. The message is clear: TV and radio stations want you to pay attention to those commercials.

But what I heard on the radio from one company was THE EXACT OPPOSITE. The volume - compared to the show and the other commercials - was WAY DOWN. I thought the radio had turned off. But then I heard the commercial and thought: "Wow, I haven't heard that before, but it makes perfect sense."

Can you guess what the commercial was for?

A hearing aid company.

Gee - could it be that they want unsuspecting listeners to be thinking: "Hey - I can't hear this commercial - maybe I DO need a hearing aid." Maybe that's what they're after - maybe not - but either way it should make you think of advertising in a new light. Beyond the message, beyond the persuasive words you choose - think about ALL of the ways you can influence people.

Don't be under-handed but DO be creative.

Same Clients, New Image

2008-11-07T16:59:00.012-06:00

Obama's campaign for change has already led to changes in the private sector. One area that has pivoted 180 degrees is right-wing radio. Radio hosts that usually spend all day talking down to democrats as confused children had to make some big decisions on Tuesday. Will it be a simple switch from

"We're the best and we're in charge"

"You guys are the worst - we're gonna get you."

Sean Hannity - the #2 guy in radio - has had to make that decision. Where originally he positioned himself as the cynical parent of liberals - educating them in proper thinking - now he has made a switch. He - or his staff - has already invented new catch phrases and 1-liners:

"The Radical Liberals Have Taken Over."
"The Conservative Underground movement is under way."
"Conservatism in Exile."

He has effectively created a whole new purpose for the show and goal-setting entrepreneurial minds should take note: For the past 365+ days his show's whole purpose was to get the republicans back in the white house - now that the election is over what is he to do? What does any business person do when they reach one of their goals? They set new ones.

"The Radical Liberals have taken over." Now he's the underdog. Now the Rocky 3 Music that he plays at the beginning of his show actually means something. Simply put, Sean Hannity's message is this: Whether we're ON top or AIMING for the top - it's cool to be with us. It's a fun energy with attitude and I think that's why right-wing radio gets far more listeners than the left side.

Politics is like business on steroids - especially during the election process.

Take a look at your business and its image, its position in the market. Is it time to change directions? Choose a new image? Do you even HAVE an image? Are you consistently building, molding and stregnthening it?

No Brand. No Attitude. No Emotion. No Customers.
Brand Your Business.

President Obama and YOUR BUSINESS

2008-11-05T00:01:00.001-06:00

Will President Obama be good for business or not?

That's the big question and the answer is simple:
[Get the Answer]

IT WILL NOT AFFECT YOU.
(Not in any drastic way.)

The tall and short of it is this: If you're a new entrepreneur or small business owner (earning less than $200K/year), you don't pay higher taxes. You don't pay capital gains taxes. If you've built your business from NOTHING to over $200,000 then the assumption is that you can grow it a bit more and afford to pay the roughly 4% increase.

Personally, I'm not a fan of taxing successful people MORE than others. I'm all for the flat tax, but that doesn't look like it's going to happen any time soon. So what you can do in the mean time is take advantage of the situation that YOU are in.

Wherever you are there are benefits for you.

If you're just starting out:: Relish in the fact that taxes will not be hurting you - get your mind on your business and OFF all the scare tactic tax talk. The economy is behind you. The government wants you to succeed - to create jobs - to be a leader.
If you're earning $200k+ and Worried:: Here's the biggest problem with this group - usually the thought-process is a little jumbled. Small business owners at this level have been here for awhile. They've settled in. They've gotten comfortable. They have been here so long that they have actually FORGOTTEN what it's like to CLIMB THROUGH THE INCOME LEVELS.

Can you imagine what your mindset was like while you were transforming an idea into a fully-functional business earning hundreds of thousands of dollars per year? That's what you want to get back - that mindset. You weren't thinking about taxes. You weren't worried about 4-5% increases. You were utterly focused on building your idea. Get back to that fun, creative mindset.

People who watch the news, become worried, and point The Finger of Blame this way and that way DO NOT CREATE BUSINESSES. They move into old folks' homes.

Stop worrying.

Obama isn't going to hold you down. And he's not going to lift you up.
Be a leader. Take responsibility, and focus on building YOUR idea into a successful business. You are the President of your Life.

Hail to the Chief.

WARNING: Yahoo Domain Name PRICE INCREASE

2008-10-27T06:05:00.005-05:00

Yahoo sees Dollar Signs.

I know that a lot of you have your own domain names and so when I came across this piece of information I thought it'd be good to inform everyone that:

As of some time in July, Yahoo! has increased their prices on yearly domain renewals. In other words, if you bought your domain in May for around $9, you will now pay about $35 to renew that domain name every year.

Ouch!
[Get the Full Story]

I'm not sure what Yahoo! was thinking, but they're not THAT good. I didn't get an email from them informing me of an increase. It was only because I was recently purchasing a new domain name that I saw on the confirmation page: "You agree to pay $9 now and $35 yearly."

"Actually...you know what? I don't think so."

I called customer service, received incredibly uninformed, rude service and promptly clicked "Cancel Order."

Needless to say I'll be transferring BusinessViking.com to a new company.

Don't get caught blind-sided. Check your domain/hosting packages and be sure to read the fine print. In every post I try NEVER to focus on what I don't want - always frame situations from the perspective of what you DO want.

So in this case, it's not:

"Don't be taken-advantage of."

It's:

"DO find a solid company that offers a good deal."

It's a small tweak, but it's a completely different perspective. And one perspective leads you where you want to go, the other leads you away from it.

Business Interview: Jinsoo Terry, part 2

2008-10-21T05:01:00.006-05:00

Today we're continuing the interview with Jinsoo Terry - The Author, Rapper, Columnist, Motivator, Speaker, and Leader who moved across the globe to an unknown country and quickly became a leader within it. She didn't have excess money. She didn't have connections. She barely spoke the language and her degrees from Korea were virtually useless.

If you want to learn how to move from the bottom to the top - this is someone with first-hand experience.

You might want to pick up her inspirational business book for the full story that depicts every turning point, every shift in her thinking, every 'A-ha!' moment.

Just in case you missed it, here is Part 1 of this 2-part Business Interview series.

Now, let's continue with part 2....
[Continue...]

BusinessViking: You consciously and purposely developed a positive train of thought - partly thanks to daily calls to your mother as you mention in your book - other successful people also talk about the importance of this kind of thinking and still people don't really think their mindset has anything to do with succeeding - any words for those people?

There are three things you can do to enhance your mindset.

1. Laughing a lot. You practice laughing. Force yourself to laugh. Toddlers laugh 400 times a day as they are learning. They are open minded, positive, and laughing. They learn things fast.
Jinsoo's knowledge and advice has glossed the pages of Forbes and Newsweek magazines.
2. Be open minded to new cultures and learning new things. Every day meet one new person. Don’t care about their social status, different culture or age. Get to know them. Ask questions and listen to other points of view. You can always learn from people instead of just books. Experience from meeting people can open your mindset.

3. Be positive. Anything that happens in your life you can find a way to be positive with the situation. If you practice a positive mindset only good things can happen to you and people will call you “a lucky person.”

When did you make the connection between growing as a team with your employees and seeing the company's production grow?

I joined a new company and I started with the mindset thatJinsoo has been invited to and has spoken for some of the most influential businesses in the world including Google, Yahoo, Hyundai, LG, Samsung, and the Red Cross. I’m going to improve the productivity of my company through the workforce rather than through machines or better materials. Using this philosophy, productivity improved within six months.

While you were in your first position of leadership, and you ran into problems with employees - the current boss simply fired you, but TODAY when you see that your own employees are having problems with others, rather than just firing them, you actually help them improve - why? Should other managers and small business owners do the same?

If you want to grow your business and improve productivity, you need to ask your employees for their ideas on how to improve your business. Any employees having problems you need to think about how you can help them? Ask questions and find out what the problem is.Jinsoo is the President and Founder of Advanced Global Connections, LLC. Ask questions and listen and they will become an asset not a liability to the company. Instead of firing me they could have asked questions to find tools to help me.

What advice do you have for small business owners and budding entrepreneurs in this "economic meltdown"?

Give extra service to your loyal customers and companies. Narrow down your niche market identifying the ones that you are doing the best job and market to them. Risky times can be opportunityThe U.S. Department of Commerce honored Jinsoo with the Minority Business Advocate of the Year Award in 2003. for small business owners because they don’t have a lot of employees like a large business. Small businesses can take more risks.

What plans do you have in the next year or next few years? Can you share one of your next big goals and how your attitude about it is at this stage of its development?

We want to be known as the expert on how to do business in Korea and the United States. Our attitude is we are the experts, we are having fun, and we are doing it.

You mention how the simple act of peeling an apple brought you and other coworkers from different cultures closer together - and since growing together actually improves production within the company - how can others bring that closeness to the workplace instead of just going there and doing the minimum for the paycheck?

Everyday my job is to be a cheerleader to my team, recognize their talent and creativity, encourage them to come up with more ideas and solve problems. Ask questions to bring their curiosity and creativity to the meetings. Inspire them to be the best team.

---------- End Interview ----------

I want to say a big 'Thank You' to Jinsoo and I learned a lot from her book and even more from her answers here. I hope you guys liked it. If you want more info about Jinsoo you can also visit her website: http://www.JinsooTerry.com

Again - if you have questions you can email me directly - or if you have comments:

I took off all restraints so anyone can easily click and post comments. Please don't bother with spam - I'll just clean it out anyway.

The next interview will be coming up soon so sign up to get that email when it goes live or you can just bookmark the site and visit religiously!

That's it for today.

Business Interview: Jinsoo Terry, part 1

2008-10-20T00:01:00.008-05:00

This is post number 98 for BusinessViking.com and as we lead into #100 - and the global economy makes its way through this time of lightning-quick change - I thought it would be helpful and fun to bring in a fresh, exciting, creative voice to the table.

She's a business leader, a success motivator, and as she puts it - a superhero creator.

She has spoken across the globe for fortune 500 companies, she's been featured on Television, and honored by the United States Government. She's Jinsoo Terry and she was good enough to answer some poignant questions about her journey to success, and how others can do the same - in fact - that's her motto: "If Jinsoo can do it, you can do it too!"

Enjoy part 1 of this 2-part Interview:
Jinsoo's Book.
[Continue to See Part 1...]

BusinessViking: Hi Jinsoo - In your book, “Succeeding in America, The Jinsoo Way”, you explained that as a girl growing up in Korea, you were expected to become a teacher, the ‘appropriate’ role for a woman, but you wanted more. Do you think that today you are a sort of teacher? How would you describe what you do?

Good question. Yes, today I am a teacher although I didn’t think ofOn July 10^th 2001, the Mayor of San Fransico honored her with an official "Jinsoo Terry Day." it that way. I think of myself as leader and motivator creating superheroes in the world. I love to inspire people and challenge to do something they’ve never done before.

After all your schooling and effort, you finally were in a good job position in Korea, but then:

You come to the U.S. and struggle with the language and culture,
You manage to get work on an assembly line,
You are repeatedly turned down for interviews to move your career forward,
Then you even get struck by a car -

and somehow you decided THAT was a good time to spend your savings on a vacation. I like that move but I don’t think most people would have done the same. Why did you make that decision?

For years I have been curious about the world. I studied different languages, cultures and religions and wanted to meet the people personally. So this was a good time in between jobs to satisfy my desire to travel. I met a lot of women in different countries some were suffering with AIDS in Africa, in India working women had beautiful clothing but they were fixing the roads in the hot sun, and women in the Middle East kept their tradition but wanted to move forward. In Switzerland I met independent women who wanted to challenge their traditions.Jinsoo's speaking tours have taken her all over the world including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. No matter what country I visited, rich or poor, women wanted change yet still protect their families. I became more open minded and understood more about different cultures because of this experience. That’s why I decided to become a multicultural expert.

You moved up at your assembly line job here in the U.S. and finally you were in a position of leadership over 60 people – but then – you were fired because "people didn't enjoy working with you." Some or most people would get down on themselves but you took it just as 1 more skill that you needed – Where did you learn to think like that? What's the secret?

When I was young my mom always told me, “If you want to catch the tiger go to the cave where the tiger lives.” My mother, an educated music teacher, was my mentor in my early years. I loved learning new things. I enjoyed discovery. My mom’s tiger phrase followed me throughout my life. Going back to the cave is important. It can help you put fire in your belly and take risks in your life.

Joining and then starting the Toastmasters club seemed to be a big turning point for you - what happened mentally or psychologically during those 4 weeks from when you first joined to when you asked about starting your own group - the Red Cross Rhinoceros Toastmasters Business Club or Rhino Club?

I was looking for a group that could help me improve my presentation skills and build my confidence because I had to give a speech to the textile industry. This was the first time I had to give a speech in public. I was scared and thought I could not explain myself very well. When I visited my first Toastmasters Club I was surprised that American people would join a speaking club. I thought they knew everything already about speaking English.Jinsoo is now a member of the National Speakers Association as well as the International Federation for Professional Speakers. While I was practicing my speech I became more confident and realized that I was not only learning how to improve my English I was learning how to present my ideas to the audience. I realized that all business leaders needed these skills, so I decided to start my own club for global business leaders in San Francisco.

In your book, you mention a 4-part formula for success but on that road to success - Where do most people get tripped up and why do you think that is or how can you help them over that hurdle?

Many people have “tunnel vision” and they want to put a bandage on their scar. People need to follow their dreams and keep their eyes on the target. They need determination and a passion for what they want to do. Just keep your eyes on the target and find mentors and friends that will support your dreams. Enjoy your challenge.

---------- Part 2 is NOW AVAILABLE ----------

Take a look at Jinsoo's inspiring book: "Succeeding in America the Jinsoo Way."

And don't forget to come back tomorrow for part 2 where Jinsoo explains:

3 Ways to Improve Your Mindset for Better Results
How Small Business Owners and other Leaders should be acting during this changing economic climate, and
How You can Improve your company's production output.

Preparing for Economic Improvement

2008-10-19T06:11:00.007-05:00

While the media runs around with their heads lopped off screaming about the coming this or that - I thought of a great redirection for small business owners, entrepreneurs, or any of you managers out there:

GET READY FOR THINGS TO GET BETTER.

I would say most people watch the news and unfortunately buy into the garbage. They're left feeling vulnerable and unsure. As a leader, you can use the fear people might be facing to connect with other owners and companies who share your target market but don't compete with you. Plan an event under the banner of increased strength of numbers and resources.

If you're noticing a change in your numbers - this is for you.
[Story Continues...]

One of the industries that always does well in 'economic downspells' is the Entertainment Industry. Why? Because no matter what is going on in the world - people really just want to feel good.

But don't fret if you're not directly involved in that industry. You can Host or co-host an Event. Wrap the shopping experience in a fun, interesting package and you'll notice the response. People who normally might tense up at the thought of spending money in your store during the day, might come out of their shells during an up-tempo event hosted by your shop and the one around the corner, on the other side of town - or if you're online: IN ANOTHER PART OF THE WORLD.

Use this time wisely.

Plan for an event right now - plan for a few. You'll be tapping into 2 powerful human emotions:

The need to feel good, and
The need to belong.

Be a leader through this time and you'll be able to point back to how you acted when everyone else was losing their grip. It will pay you back right now - and it will continue to pay you back as things INEVITABLY improve.

Get to the Drawing Board.

2008 Presidential Debate: Communication.

2008-10-17T06:05:00.012-05:00

Obama explains troubled Columbian Labor Unions while McCain discreetly masks his incredulity at what is being said.

If you caught the third and final 2008 Presidential Debate between John McCain and Barack Obama, then you noticed a difference between this one and all of the other debates - the high level of energy led by John McCain.

Politics aside - the fact is that John McCain was on the offensive throughout the entire debate. His senses were so 'on' that when the moderator said he was going to change topics to "climate control" - McCain immediately jumped in with: "You mean 'climate CHANGE.'" It was the first and only time (as I recall) any moderator had been corrected.

McCain switched his style of communication and almost everyone agreed that his last debate was his best.

Communication is King, and in the majority of instances in the business world - communication is more vital than traditional credentials.

Why aren't you getting hired?
Why aren't you making sales?
Why does your dog not listen to you?

It's all communication.

Staying with the political parallel - did you know that Barack Obama has only been in the senate for 2 years? Do you know how he made a name for himself? He gave a speech - a really....good....speech. Now he's on the cusp of leading one of the most powerful nations on Earth. Communication OFTEN trumps credentials.

It's not a bad thing at all - but it DOES mean that if you want to be a leader in any field - you need to be an effective communicator.

Benjamin Franklin wrote in his autobiography that he would NEVER begin any sentence of opinion without the phrase: "I believe...", "It's my contention that...", or "As I've come to see it...." He knew that he couldn't afford to offend other people in his business and daily life. He knew the value of communication.

How is YOUR communication? If it needs a little work then watch people who ARE effective communicators and find out what they are doing that you are not. Write it down and most importantly - practice what you learn.

It sounds a bit ridiculous to say 'practice talking' - but this is surgical talking. You want your words to achieve a specific outcome. Practice with everyone you know. This is just an intro - I'll get into greater detail as we go.

By the way - if you think you're a great communicator - and your business is stuck - then you need to look at your DIRECTION. It's likely that you're lost in the field with your razor sharp blades - but you're headed in the wrong direction. Don't get so lost IN your job that you neglect to work ON your job.

New Business Across the Globe

2008-10-07T06:05:00.009-05:00

I'm about to impart some fantastic advice, and if you follow it - you'll know what I mean.

I was going to write about the U.S. economy and talk about things like mortgages and 'financial bailouts' and how people might get through the tough times they may be facing - blah blah blah - a better idea occurred to me.

I once wrote that if you want to get new ideas - and by the way new ideas are what you need when your current ideas are not working - I wrote that if you want new ideas, go to new places. But I realize that's easier said than done - MUCH EASIER said than done.
[Continue Story...]

But a very good second alternative to going somewhere new - is TALKING to someone from somewhere new. Even just someone who isn't in your particular situation. Specifically I'm thinking that if you're in the U.S. and you're inundated with all this economy junk - then it will serve you well to speak with a business person who ISN'T part of the U.S. economy.

You pick up newspapers and across every front page - on every news channel is the same top story - even many blogs have the same type of headlines - Economic Woes. It can wear you down if you aren't paying attention to the fact that you feel a little bit worse each time you read, hear, or see that kind of story. You start to believe it and then you start to live it.

Talking to someone who isn't a part of all that nonsense is a breath of fresh air.

"Oh - I thought EVERYONE was about to be out in the street. Well - that's what it sounds like in all the media outlets."

When you talk to new people who haven't been paying attention to problems you'll jump right back on-track. The ideas will start coming. New strategies. You'll have a completely different energy. You'll be in sync with the people who thrive no matter what the stocks or mortgage companies are doing.

Want to do yourself a huge favor? Turn off mainstream media. TV. Newspapers. Magazines. Radio. Just take a little break to regain your composure and re-energize your mind and body. Get those juices flowing and then dive back in - ready to lead.

Question for you:

How much time are you thinking, writing, talking, and crowing about what you want? And how much time do you spend thinking, worrying, talking, and blabbing about what you don't want? Where does the balance tip? I guarantee the answer matches what you are living.

This was good.

Promotions, Sales, Tips, or Your Mind.

2008-10-06T00:01:00.005-05:00

Getting A'head'

You are where you are right now in terms of money and career (and everything else for that matter) because of only 1 SINGLE reason: YOU.

It's not discrimination. It's not someone holding you down. It's not that your ship has already sailed or that you missed your big opportunity. There's always another boat coming to port. There's always another opportunity around the next corner. But YOU need to be ready for it and being 'ready' starts with taking absolute responsibility for the outcome of your life.

I recently heard a quote:

"You never know what hand life is going to deal to you."

There's a good and bad spin from here. Some people see that and think: "Yep, so I'm just prepared for anything. I'm always ready. I know I can adapt. I know I'll come out on top." That's a mindset to shoot for. But more people - I think - fall into the latter category of spin which goes this way: "Life hands out to you what it will and preparation is virtually useless. I'm at the mercy of people in power. I'm at the mercy of my boss, the government and my country's economic standing. All I can do is all I can do."

That quote hurt just to write and be in that mindset momentarily.

There are a TON of ideas that fill this blog and they are all based on this one premise that you are in control, but you see it really IS useless if you don't believe you're in control and that you determine how your life unfolds.

The cards are already dealt. Look around you: Is a boss keeping you back? Money becoming tight? Ideas drying up? Are you on the brink of something big? THAT is the deal. Now what are you going to do? Will you look at the cards in your hand and complain about them? Feel badly about them? Or have you already begun planning your strategy to win this hand?

Every successful person that I've ever known or known about eventually came around to this way of thinking: "That's it - I'm getting what I want. " or "I have to make this happen." There's a certainty in their head that just doesn't allow for excuses.

If you want to really JUMP-START your movement upward and onward - adopt this mindset as quickly as you can. Look around in all the areas of your life from a new perspective of: "OK, that's the hand that I was dealt - now what can I do about it? How can I make this work for me?" Especially in the areas where you're tempted to blame someone else - that's a red flag - you will most likely repeat that situation over and over until you understand that if you are experiencing it, you have the ability to turn it into what you want.

No amount of business tips, success strategies, or money advice will ever make a difference if your mindset is off track. It's like loading a train up with all the gold in the world and sending it to the wrong destination. Doesn't help you at all.

Before Autumn gets too far underway - before this Holiday Season really gets into gear - take stock of your Mental Inventory. You'll make far more progress with a focused, determined, confident foundation.

Stop now and do it.

Paul Newman VS. The Economy

2008-09-28T07:01:00.004-05:00

"Wall Street meltdown" seems to be a phrase people are throwing around more and more frequently with more and more angst. You can see some people viscerally tighten up when the subject turns to 'the economy'. Yahoo showed a story today from BusinessWeek about the 10 Cities Around the Nation Hit Worst by 'The Meltdown'. And on top of it all - Paul Newman just died at 83 years old.

So what now? How can we all get through this?

PERSPECTIVE.

Actually - hearing that Paul Newman died brought back some thoughts I've always had about him and it improved my day. (Don't distort my words to mean I'm glad -- just that I quickly found the silver lining.) Wikipedia describes Newman as an actor, director, entrepreneur, and racer.

He was in the Navy, and then he went to college. He Majored in Economics, and then he moved to Speech and English. He was only helping a friend fill in for an audition scene, and then he became a star.

You can see a sort of flow in how his life unfolded which is evidence that he was actually in the flow. It's a good flow and it's impervious to death (he was in a gunner in the Navy during world war 2) and it's impervious to so-called economic downturns.

People who are "in the flow" seem to live on a different planet.

Chris Rock was just interviewed on a radio show. He was explaining how he had been touring the world for the past few months doing his stand-up routine all over the globe.

"Because of the Internet, people are the same everywhere now. There's money. It's everywhere."

He realizes that there's actually MORE opportunity now for him than ever before and that goes for everyone. More people speak english than ever. More people across the world are closer in touch than ever. There is WAYY more potential right now than 10 years ago. And those misguided people say, "Oh if only it could be like it was 10 years ago."

Change is in the air - not turmoil.
"Dramatically Increased Opportunity" is the phrase that accurately describes this time-period, not "economic meltdown".

I've said it before and I'll say it probably 1,000 more times: The Media makes MONEY by talking about strife, struggle, and worry. Listen less and think more about how YOU can do the same. If you MUST watch the news - do it from an Entrepreneurial mindset, not a consuming, easily-influenced, worried citizen one.

There's more money and more opportunity than ever before. That's a fact.

Paul Newman chose to ignore studying about the economy. (Remember at first it was his Major.)
And he went on instead - to RULE it.

Selling Tricks & Techniques part 2

2008-09-25T00:01:00.004-05:00

Persuasive Selling II: Peer Pressure

If you remember my first Persuasive Selling Tip, then you know why it works and you'll know why this one works too.

You know that knowledge is power, right? Right.
2+2=4. Correct? Yes.

Getting people to say 'Yes' was Tip #1. But everyone knows that just one tip won't solve the complex problems that arise in a business - well....not usually. Want to know something else that everyone knows? Everyone knows that peer pressure is a great way to nudge potential customers into becoming actual customers.

Why does it work?

Using peer pressure taps into that fundamental human need 'to belong'. Those bastards. Using human tendencies against us. Well if you like to stay business savvy then you can count yourself out of the 'under the influence' group since you NOW KNOW what is going on when you see statistics being thrown at you:

52% of Americans support (insert any candidate) while his/her opponent is garnering only a 40% approval rating.

Don't tell me statistics are just facts - everyone knows that statistics are a tool that are routinely manipulated, spun around, and leveraged to mean just about ANYTHING. That's why I urge you to use them to your benefit or disregard them wholly.

The fact remains that there is an undercurrent of peer pressure when you see that a majority of people are thinking in a certain way. When you hear that millions of people are visiting a website or have watched a viral video - don't you want to be a part of it?

Great. So you know that it's used - you know why it works.

Put it to work for you. Either millions of people already support you, or big-name people support you, or there is some aspect of your business that MANY people would agree with -- highlight those aspects immediately. Tell potential customers about it. Get that word out.

Peer Pressure: Bad for kids. Good for business.
(sounds more sinister than intended - just be ethical)

Business Ideas - Mind First

2008-09-14T10:57:00.003-05:00

I'm in Chicago - and after 2 solid days of rainfall - the most in the history of Chicago....EVER - I was in the mood for a change of scenery.

Get there in your mind first,
And your experience won't be too far behind.
(I would go fullscreen)

Refreshed?
Then let's get down to Business...

Hurricane Ike-like Thoughts don't Help Business.

2008-09-13T08:01:00.004-05:00

Today Hurricane Ike is "pounding" Texas and the golf coast, but while the news outlets make their money by focusing on struggle and violence - I prefer to use hurricane Ike to help the BusinessViking cause:

Coming up with ways to make more money by being more effective.

I've been wanting to talk about a subject for awhile and Hurricane Ike has given me the perfect metaphor. When you're in a hurricane - or if you're watching it on TV - you'll notice debris blowing every which way, destabilized homes, flooded out streets - and general chaos. Hard to be very effective in that kind of environment, wouldn't ya say?

See where this is headed?
[Story Continues...]

Successful, accomplished people have many things in common - and this site is filled with them - but one characteristic that hasn't been addressed is orderliness. Successful people are ordered; they have structure. On the other hand just take a look at someone you know who isn't being very effective at the moment - notice the chaotic mess that surrounds them.

Sloppy thoughts. Sloppy habits. Sloppy results.

Give yourself some structure if you want to see immediate results. Here are some quick tips to help you get started:

First: Write down your Thoughts/Goals/Agendas. If you have a chaotic mind - and you try to just remember everything - you'll actually wind up forgetting everything. The nature of the human being is to focus and create habits. If you leave new ideas floating around in your head they'll just get lost in your mental hurricane. You say it's important - but when you don't write it down your body says it's not.
Second: Order your Living Space. Writing things down is a great FIRST FIRST FIRST step. But most people don't go on to say that there's more. If you get a lot of ideas and they pop into your head in many different circumstances - while you're out and about - then you'll have a tendency to write it down on just anything - anywhere. The result? Papers and notebooks filled with ideas that ARE NOT STRUCTURED and are rendered - useless.

Get a Filing Cabinet, use labeled binders, create a program on Excel - just make sure that your ideas or goals or agendas are written in a presentable way - as thought they are ACTUALLY important.

You can pick any area of your life - add a little structure to it and it will improve. Plan ahead. Plan for what you want - and you'll soon find yourself getting more of it.

More Conversions. More Sales. More Money.

2008-09-06T08:01:00.001-05:00

You can quickly and easily understand how to get more conversions and sales - in fact, if you've read all my articles then you already have this information jumbled around in your head. But just in case you're new or....forgetful....I'll clean it up.

I think a big problem comes when people go into a store or major website like Amazon or Ebay and they think:

"Gee, look at how they do it. They just showcase all their stuff and people just start buying."

So people set up their websites - put some half-assed effort into it or sometimes a few will even go all out for it - and make a great display case. But no sales.

Why? Because they're not following the 3 rules.

[Get the 3 Rules]

3 Rules to Convert and Sell

#1. Connect with Potentials. The first step to the sale is the connection. Have you ever gone into a small shop and you found the person behind the counter busy at something or sometimes doing nothing and yet you weren't even greeted? Ouch.

So they arrive on your site, or walk into your store - you've got to CONNECT with them. A lot goes into that. Who is THEM? What's your demographic? How do you connect with them? 'Hi' for starters.
#2. LEAD Your Potential. Once you establish a connection - imagine locking arms - now you take the lead. You show them what they ask for or you make recommendations based on what you learn. One way to lead on a website is to get them saying 'yes' or other tactics you can find in some of my other articles.
#3. Ask for the Sale. In every sales book, guide, or 12-step sales process you'll see everyone eventually coming around to this same point: When it's time to make the sale ASK for it. Cheesy sales pages will ask you to join 5, 6, 7 times all on that 1 page.

They welcome you to the site - and ask for a sale. They give you some information that makes you feel good - and ask for a sale. They list their credentials - and ask for a sale. They get you to say 'yes' a half-dozen or a dozen times - and they ask for the sale. ASK for the sale.

These work. That's why they're RULES.

Chrome: The New Google Browser Download

2008-09-02T07:01:00.003-05:00

*Update: Here's the Link for the new Google Chrome.
(Review coming)

You might be a bit uncomfortable with the amount of power Google wields online, but you've got to give it to them: for a titanic-sized company, they're always ready for a change and a challenge - they're always game. Today - in mere hours or less - Google will officially give the 'go ahead' for their new web browser, Chrome.

[Learn More. See their Advertising...]

The browser is one subject to talk about - but another is the way they started putting the word out: A) Their blog and B) A mini Comic Strip that explains the whys, hows, and wherefores.

Have a look.

A multi-billion-dollar company put out a simple comic to announce its new software launch. Doesn't that make you feel comfortable knowing that you don't have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars marketing your company's new products or services?

Creativity will always beat out throwing money at the problem.

BusinessViking isn't about selling software, so the features aren't as important as WHY they're there and how they got there. Read the comic and you'll see that they got ideas from Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer - and everywhere else they could find information. They didn't reinvent the wheel - they just aimed to improve upon what was already there.

Here are a few of the features of Chrome according to Google - You can weigh in on how well they did on executing their goals:

Faster Page Loads
Fewer Viruses
If you use tabs and 1 tab crashes - that's the only one that goes out - not the whole browser

As a Business Owner or Entrepreneur, you should be looking at this launch with a watchful eye from a PRODUCER'S perspective, NOT a consumer's.

Today, as creative thinkers test out this beta version of Chrome, they'll be hatching ways to incorporate it into their businesses - or ways they can make it the centerpiece of a product or service. How long until a "Chrome for Dummies" hits Barnes & Noble and Amazon?

Can YOU take advantage?
Does the way they're handling this launch give you any ideas about your OWN launch?

WHO you are determines HOW you see and interpret your surroundings.
BE an Entrepreneur today.
(Maybe I should have made that today's quote.)

Feel Good: Improve Your Life.

2008-09-01T09:01:00.004-05:00

[Video Below]
It's Labor Day -- at least in the U.S. But really it doesn't matter where you live or what day it is when you see this - kick back for a few minutes. I hunted down this video and when I saw this guy ask his question I knew it was going here.

[Why did I Like this Video?]

The guy is chosen by the speaker to ask his question....

The answer starts with: "We're going to give you exactly what you're asking for. Get ready for this."

And you hear him whisper "OK" and shift in his seat like he's preparing for a ride.

Classic.

If it's true that when you feel good, people around you respond to you in better ways -- and it is...

And if it's true that when you feel your best, things work out for you -- and they do...

Then this video will do more for you than you might think. Before you fire up the grill this evening -- or if it's not Labor Day -- then just have a little taste of this...

Rampage of Invincibility.

Business Online: Quick Trust.

2008-08-29T07:01:00.002-05:00

This man is a spy.

Well - he used to be for the C.I.A anyway. He's Mike Baker and in 2004 he did a reality TV show called SPY. A bunch of 'wannabe' spies join up and go through test after spy-like test to determine who really "Has what it Takes to be a Real Spy."

How this came to me - 4 years later - don't ask.

Now here's the helpful bit:

As a spy, you need to be a master of peopleology. You need to know how to connect with people and gain their trust in MOMENTS. Your life or the possibly the lives of thousands of others can depend on it. (Really - we're all 100% in charge of our destiny, but just go with me on this.)
[Put this Method to Work...]

You must gain people's trust - so how do you do that? By now you've realized that you'll be applying these rules to your business, your website, and your relationships from now on.

I've already talked about getting people to say 'yes' to your questions and to your intellectual points - but this time, you want to get people to say 'yes' to DOING SOMETHING FOR YOU. This little test was part of more than one activity on the SPY show. First was getting someone to watch your stuff. Next was getting someone to sign a document, and lastly was getting someone to admit you into their home -- all with different 'targets' and all on the first meeting.

A Real-Life Working Example

If you've been around the internet then the odds are that you've already come across this tactic - and I'll tell you where. Remember those cheesy websites I've mentioned over and over? Those big, long sales pages where seemingly thousands of people benefited from a $39 ebook? Have you noticed that many of them ask you to fill in your name and email address before proceeding to the next page where "you'll learn all the secrets"?

2 Purposes are being served:

1. The website Owner Gets Your Email. Very little is more important to the health of an online business than its list of potential customers. It's really the lifeblood of an e-enterprise. By gaining yours, they have access to you at their will.

2. You've Marked Yourself as a 'Likely Buyer'. Once you've jumped through a hoop for them - you're likely to jump through another and another and another right up to and including the hoop that costs you money.

There's nothing wrong with jumping through a hoop - especially when you're genuinely interested and YOU made the decision on your own rather than being influenced to the decision based on hype and promises.(That is not an intended reference to Barack Obama's speech at the Democratic Convention last night.)

The point is plain and simple: Get people to do something small for you...

Give an opinion
Report something on your site
Make their own contribution
Sign Here or Click Here to Support the Cause

...you'll be weeding out the ones who don't care while pulling those potential clients all the closer to making a purchase. Keep in mind, when they agree to do 1 thing for you, they'll get used to listening to you if you're consistent.

James Bond is a SPY, and he gets lots of 'sales'.

2008 Democratic Convention: Lesson on Image

2008-08-26T06:01:00.003-05:00

Even if you're part of the 50%+ part of America or the 98%+ part of the world that doesn't vote in the US or pay very close attention to the process - there are BIG business lessons to be learned from even just this single photo comparison.

[Learn What that Lesson is...]

On the left is a photo from the 2008 Democratic National Committee Convention in Denver last night - it's a pep rally for the guy who wants to be president. On the right is a still image from a video of the CURRENT Philippine President moments before she was to deliver a message on TV.

Why is Michelle Obama standing before

Dozens of Television Cameras
Thousands of live cheering people
Millions of at-home viewers
With her Name and Image blasted on the Jumbo Vision?

Because she's telling people how she grew up and what she believes in.

Why is the Philippine President standing in a doorway before an address? Because she's waiting for dozens of blank-faced assistants and technicians to properly display the teleprompter and change the design of the desk where she will sit.

There's something strange about seeing the leader of a nation waiting in a small doorway for the event to be set up properly.

The lesson here is clear - Take care of your image. Is your company van falling apart? Are your representatives poor-spoken? Is your website stuck in the style of 1998? Do you realize that's a decade ago?

Not only did the Democratic Convention LOOK the part - the presentation was complete. Michelle Obama didn't step on stage until after a 7-minute video (complete with soundtrack) creatively told her story - narrated by her mother. Then her former pro-basketball brother came out and went further into the "Michelle of today." Cue up the theme song - and NOW we get to see her.

THAT is an entrance.
THAT is taking care of your image.

You make it easy for people to say 'Yes' to whatever you're offering when you purposefully, creatively, and SPECIFICALLY present the image of your brand. Your business is your life. It should be as important to you as the presidential election is to a potential president.

Take another look at what you're doing for your image.

Oh - and if you're interested - here's the video of the President getting a bit frustrated - it's long so you might want to click and drag to the parts where you see Yellow:

Changing Beliefs to Make Money

2008-08-25T07:01:00.005-05:00

Isn't it great when something goes wrong in your business or at work, and it's as if God Himself was watching you, knowing that you're in need of something? He placed a coworker near you - perfect. Someone to blame.

You feel great. Problem identified - it's not you - perfect.
[Change Your Beliefs Changes Everything. Continue...]

WAKE UP. The problem IS you. When you own the business, when you're the manager - YOU are the one. Now if you'll get over the "I want to feel badly for myself" bit - then you can skip straight to the solution.

That's also YOU.You are living your beliefs.

Part of Leadership means you take responsibility for everything that affects you. So if for some reason sales are down, no one will hire you, or customers just aren't getting what you're offering - it's time to turn inwards.

Fact:

Each and every day incompetent people are promoted, lazy people win money, and people with inferior skills sell their product, while earning millions.

Why does this happen? What's the factor? Luck or Belief? If you think Luck exists, then you need to go back to my first post and start reading from the beginning. See you in a few months.

The difference is BELIEF. It's easy to see how your belief is doing for you. Just take a look at your life, because you are living your beliefs. Every detail is determined by your belief system. So don't pick up the newspaper or turn on the 5 O'clock news, listen to the state of the economy and go: "AHA! I knew it wasn't me!" It's a good thing that it's you because when you're in control, YOU say what goes. You make the decisions.

“A belief is just a thought that you keep thinking.”

-Abraham

To change a belief you just need to consistently change your thoughts. How often are you muttering complaints about sales or your business or your coworkers or your boss? Nix all that. Sounds easy, but just try it and you'll see that you've worked yourself into a little groove in your mental dialogue.

It's easier to complain about those things than it is to think well of them. That groove is why things are as they are. Get yourself out of the groove by making small changes each day. Get a notebook, head a page with the subject you want improvement on and fill it with positive things about that subject. Catch yourself during the day complaining about the very thing you're trying to change - say something else. Talk yourself into feeling better about it before you do anything else.

Try it for 30 days, then come back here and report.