APRIL 2005 Greetings & Salutations: Have you ever heard of the "Master Mind" principle?? -- If you've been in business for any length of time, or you've been reading opportunity type advertising, you probably have. In his book, "The Law of Success," Napoleon Hill explained it this way ... "A Master Mind may be created through the bringing together or blending, in a spirit of perfect harmony, of two or more minds. Out of this harmonious blending the minds create a third mind which may be appropriated and used by one or all of the individual minds. This Master Mind will remain available as long as the friendly, harmonious alliance between the individual minds exists. It will disintegrate and all evidence of its former existence will disappear the moment the friendly alliance is broken." NOTE: Although Napoleon Hill is credited with the Master Mind concept, it actually pre-dates his writings by about 2,000 years: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." - Matthew 18:20 Within those two writings is an even greater secret. My Daddy once told me, "There are no secrets in this old world, just things you don t happen to know, yet." -- So ... What I am about to tell you is only a "secret" if you didn t happen to know about it; until now - but - I will continue to use the word "secret" for what I am about to tell you; for lack of a better word. Although the secret inside the "Master Mind" should be obvious to anyone reading it, the secret seems to be overlooked by those who both teach and practice the Master Mind methodology. Observe ... There is no such thing as a Master Mind "group" and there never can be. What? I know. I know. -- Almost everyone who teaches or practices the Master Mind method espouses the joining together in "groups" in order to generate, and benefit from, a Master Mind - but - it CAN NOT happen. Why? Although Napoleon Hill says "two or more" minds can create a Master Mind, the much earlier writing limits the affect to "two or three" only. There is a reason for the limitation on the number of people who can generate and benefit from a Master Mind ... the reason, in fact, why there can never be a Master Mind "group." Have you ever been involved in any "group" activities ... in school, church, Chamber of Commerce, lodge, fraternity, sorority, sports, or whatever? -- I m pretty sure you have. When you have participated in those "groups," have ALL of the people in that "group" shared "perfect harmony" with each and every other member of that "group?" If you answered "Yes," you need to be more observant. Any time you are in a "group" of more than three people, there is always at least one person who is NOT in "perfect harmony" with the "group" ... or NOT in "perfect harmony" with some other member of the "group." -- When that is happening, the Master Mind can never manifest itself. As Napoleon Hill said ... "This Master Mind will remain available as long as the friendly, harmonious alliance between the individual minds exists." Go ahead! Try to get more than three people to be in "perfect harmony" ... anywhere at any given time. It just doesn t happen. When even one mind in a "group" isn t in "perfect harmony" with the others, a Master Mind can not be generated. -- That s why ... There is no such thing as a Master Mind "group" and there never can be. Only by your personal, one-on-one interaction between yourself and only one (or at the most, two) other people at a time will you be able to generate, and benefit, from the Master Mind created between you. -- Each alliance between yourself and one or two other people will open the doorways to your future successes and generate multiple Master Minds for your mutual benefit. You now know a "secret" that seems to have been overlooked by most of the Master Mind scholars.
APRIL 2005
Greetings & Salutations:
Have you ever heard of the "Master Mind" principle?? -- If you've been in business for any length of time, or you've been reading opportunity type advertising, you probably have.
In his book, "The Law of Success," Napoleon Hill explained it this way ...
"A Master Mind may be created through the bringing together or blending, in a spirit of perfect harmony, of two or more minds. Out of this harmonious blending the minds create a third mind which may be appropriated and used by one or all of the individual minds. This Master Mind will remain available as long as the friendly, harmonious alliance between the individual minds exists. It will disintegrate and all evidence of its former existence will disappear the moment the friendly alliance is broken."
NOTE: Although Napoleon Hill is credited with the Master Mind concept, it actually pre-dates his writings by about 2,000 years:
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." - Matthew 18:20
Within those two writings is an even greater secret. My Daddy once told me, "There are no secrets in this old world, just things you don t happen to know, yet." -- So ... What I am about to tell you is only a "secret" if you didn t happen to know about it; until now - but - I will continue to use the word "secret" for what I am about to tell you; for lack of a better word. Although the secret inside the "Master Mind" should be obvious to anyone reading it, the secret seems to be overlooked by those who both teach and practice the Master Mind methodology. Observe ...
What? I know. I know. -- Almost everyone who teaches or practices the Master Mind method espouses the joining together in "groups" in order to generate, and benefit from, a Master Mind - but - it CAN NOT happen. Why? Although Napoleon Hill says "two or more" minds can create a Master Mind, the much earlier writing limits the affect to "two or three" only. There is a reason for the limitation on the number of people who can generate and benefit from a Master Mind ... the reason, in fact, why there can never be a Master Mind "group." Have you ever been involved in any "group" activities ... in school, church, Chamber of Commerce, lodge, fraternity, sorority, sports, or whatever? -- I m pretty sure you have. When you have participated in those "groups," have ALL of the people in that "group" shared "perfect harmony" with each and every other member of that "group?" If you answered "Yes," you need to be more observant. Any time you are in a "group" of more than three people, there is always at least one person who is NOT in "perfect harmony" with the "group" ... or NOT in "perfect harmony" with some other member of the "group." -- When that is happening, the Master Mind can never manifest itself. As Napoleon Hill said ...
"This Master Mind will remain available as long as the friendly, harmonious alliance between the individual minds exists."
Go ahead! Try to get more than three people to be in "perfect harmony" ... anywhere at any given time. It just doesn t happen. When even one mind in a "group" isn t in "perfect harmony" with the others, a Master Mind can not be generated. -- That s why ...
Only by your personal, one-on-one interaction between yourself and only one (or at the most, two) other people at a time will you be able to generate, and benefit, from the Master Mind created between you. -- Each alliance between yourself and one or two other people will open the doorways to your future successes and generate multiple Master Minds for your mutual benefit. You now know a "secret" that seems to have been overlooked by most of the Master Mind scholars.
Now, let's do some ... Questions & Answers, Comments & Other Good Stuff! Chip Tarver tells me ... "As you know, blogs are the rage right now, and rightfully so. I just put together a Special Report PDF called 'Exactly How to Have Your Own Blog Set Up and Hosted in Three Minutes or Less - The How-To Guide You Can't Go Wrong Using.'" You can snag a copy at ... http://www.free-targeted-traffic.com
Now, let's do some ...
Chip Tarver tells me ...
"As you know, blogs are the rage right now, and rightfully so. I just put together a Special Report PDF called 'Exactly How to Have Your Own Blog Set Up and Hosted in Three Minutes or Less - The How-To Guide You Can't Go Wrong Using.'"
You can snag a copy at ...
Deric Neufeld got an easy answer ... "What is the best advice that you can give to any marketing newbie's out there? -- If you had a gun to your head ... and was forced to give out the best of the best advice? -- I am not planning on doing the gun thing to you ... just a figure of speech." Deric: That's an easy one ... On my wall is a small card with the letters PYBOAC ... it stands for "Put Your Butt On A Chair." It means ... quit jumping from one thing to another. Finish one thing before you take on another. Prioritize your work. Do what needs to be done first, first - and - don't quit until that job is done. Most people don't have too much work. They just jump from job to job without ever finishing anything.
Deric Neufeld got an easy answer ...
"What is the best advice that you can give to any marketing newbie's out there? -- If you had a gun to your head ... and was forced to give out the best of the best advice? -- I am not planning on doing the gun thing to you ... just a figure of speech."
Deric: That's an easy one ... On my wall is a small card with the letters PYBOAC ... it stands for "Put Your Butt On A Chair." It means ... quit jumping from one thing to another. Finish one thing before you take on another. Prioritize your work. Do what needs to be done first, first - and - don't quit until that job is done. Most people don't have too much work. They just jump from job to job without ever finishing anything.
Gregory Shepelev has a goodie for you ... "I have a logo embroidery business and would like to give 10% off to your readers. -- I'm just starting out and targeting church groups, clubs or companies looking to stand out from the crowd with their embroidered apparel. -- Embroidered shirts can also be used for promotions. -- To get the 10% off, all your readers have to do is go to my website and write me an email mentioning that you referred them to me. -- Only your readers qualify for this incredible offer and it expires April 18, 2005." Okay ... if you need any embroidered stuff, go to ... http://www.GetLogoWear.com
Gregory Shepelev has a goodie for you ...
"I have a logo embroidery business and would like to give 10% off to your readers. -- I'm just starting out and targeting church groups, clubs or companies looking to stand out from the crowd with their embroidered apparel. -- Embroidered shirts can also be used for promotions. -- To get the 10% off, all your readers have to do is go to my website and write me an email mentioning that you referred them to me. -- Only your readers qualify for this incredible offer and it expires April 18, 2005."
Okay ... if you need any embroidered stuff, go to ...
Amanda Bennett didn't want to goof up ... "I have recently been asked to do a bit of "locating" for a company here in Houston. They have offered me around $10,000 per house that I find and they sell. Is this illegal to do with out a Broker of real estate license? I just don't want to get my hinny in a crack if I do this. -- I have found over 10 Houses that meet their criteria and I just want to know b-4 I make a big goof." Amanda: Just remember Straw's First Law of Finding ... "Get it in writing. Put it in writing." Just make sure the company gives you a written comfirmation and agreement to pay you. Then, when you find something for them, send it to them by Certified Mail; Return Receipt. That way, they have agreed to pay you ... in writing. And, you have proof that you sent them the lead ... in writing. Real Estate Brokers and Agents are not allowed to share their fees with anyone other than another R.E. Agent/Broker - but - if you have an express offer (in writing) to pay you a fee, it has nothing to do with their sharing their fees.
Amanda Bennett didn't want to goof up ...
"I have recently been asked to do a bit of "locating" for a company here in Houston. They have offered me around $10,000 per house that I find and they sell. Is this illegal to do with out a Broker of real estate license? I just don't want to get my hinny in a crack if I do this. -- I have found over 10 Houses that meet their criteria and I just want to know b-4 I make a big goof."
Amanda: Just remember Straw's First Law of Finding ... "Get it in writing. Put it in writing." Just make sure the company gives you a written comfirmation and agreement to pay you. Then, when you find something for them, send it to them by Certified Mail; Return Receipt. That way, they have agreed to pay you ... in writing. And, you have proof that you sent them the lead ... in writing. Real Estate Brokers and Agents are not allowed to share their fees with anyone other than another R.E. Agent/Broker - but - if you have an express offer (in writing) to pay you a fee, it has nothing to do with their sharing their fees.
Bruce Randall needed to know ... "Thank you, to you and your staff for getting your book, "FINDER'S FEES - The Easiest Money You'll Ever Make" to me so quickly. I'm pleased how clearly and concisely this book was written and am looking forward to finding my first "match." -- In your opinion, would a personal photo be appropriate on the letterhead? Also, should I use either a P.O. Box or my street address since I will be doing business from my home? -- Thanks for sharing your valuable experience as a professional finder." Bruce: Whether or not you put your photo on your letterhead is a matter of your choice. Either way, it is up to you. When I use a P.O. Box as a mailing address, I include the street address at the very bottom of the letterhead: Shipping Address: 2310 First Street N.E., Dalton, GA 30721-8127 That way, you have the security of a P.O. Box for mail deliver but include the street address too.
Bruce Randall needed to know ...
"Thank you, to you and your staff for getting your book, "FINDER'S FEES - The Easiest Money You'll Ever Make" to me so quickly. I'm pleased how clearly and concisely this book was written and am looking forward to finding my first "match." -- In your opinion, would a personal photo be appropriate on the letterhead? Also, should I use either a P.O. Box or my street address since I will be doing business from my home? -- Thanks for sharing your valuable experience as a professional finder."
Bruce: Whether or not you put your photo on your letterhead is a matter of your choice. Either way, it is up to you. When I use a P.O. Box as a mailing address, I include the street address at the very bottom of the letterhead: Shipping Address: 2310 First Street N.E., Dalton, GA 30721-8127 That way, you have the security of a P.O. Box for mail deliver but include the street address too.
Mark England was in a quandry ... "I've always been interested in the Import/Export business but I don't know the mechanics of the business, like: Where do I get the buyers overseas to sell the products to." Mark: There is NO secret or magic formula. You find the buyers just like you would here in the U.S. -- You ADVERTISE ... exactly the same way you would here.
Mark England was in a quandry ...
"I've always been interested in the Import/Export business but I don't know the mechanics of the business, like: Where do I get the buyers overseas to sell the products to."
Mark: There is NO secret or magic formula. You find the buyers just like you would here in the U.S. -- You ADVERTISE ... exactly the same way you would here.
Joseph G. Petitti wanted some marketing advice ... "I'm an independent Insurance Agent that specializes in Health Insurance. My biggest obstacle is trying to get appointments. -- I have no problem selling the plans its just getting appointments. -- Do you have any advice?" Joe: If I were doing it ... I would pick out some of the hottest benefits of your policies. Then, I would put together a series of Postcards with a different benefit on each. Postcard could say something like ... "Did you know ... (benefit) (i.e., If you go to the hospital, you can receive $XX every day you are in the hospital.) "Call me for complete information." Then again, you might put together a small pamphlet of benefits ... without mentioning insurance ... and mail them into prospective neighborhoods.
Joseph G. Petitti wanted some marketing advice ...
"I'm an independent Insurance Agent that specializes in Health Insurance. My biggest obstacle is trying to get appointments. -- I have no problem selling the plans its just getting appointments. -- Do you have any advice?"
Joe: If I were doing it ... I would pick out some of the hottest benefits of your policies. Then, I would put together a series of Postcards with a different benefit on each. Postcard could say something like ... "Did you know ... (benefit) (i.e., If you go to the hospital, you can receive $XX every day you are in the hospital.) "Call me for complete information." Then again, you might put together a small pamphlet of benefits ... without mentioning insurance ... and mail them into prospective neighborhoods.
Jacques T.Bastide has a freebie for you ... Full Color Business Card Design and Business Card Printing To Impress Your Customers! -- Try It Free. http://www.BusinessCardMakeover.com
Jacques T.Bastide has a freebie for you ...
Linda Hall had a question ... "I love your Finder's Fee course. -- I want to try to earn finders fees by finding businesses for business buyers. Can you please let me know how to structure the contracts; if I need a contract at all." Linda: In the Mergers & Acquisitions field, you use the exact same exchange of letters explained in my course in order to get the agreement for your fee. After you introduce a buyer to a seller, if they decide to do the deal, your agreement will be made part of the purchase contract - but - even if it isn't, you will be protected by your exchange of written correspondence. Remember Straw's Law ... get it in writing, put it in writing. Then, Linda wanted to know ... "I want to know if you know how to contact people that were in search of purchasing businesses or franchises? -- Is there a certain publication that I can read, or website search I can do, to find a list of people or organizations that are interested in purchasing a business or franchise?" Linda: Unfortunately, there is no publication that provides that type of information. People looking to "buy" businesses usually don't advertise - but - they do read the ads for "Businesses For Sale" in the publications directed to the industry in which they are seeking an acquisition. In order words, if you have a "Restaurant" for sale, you would advertise the restaurant in the various trade publications directed to the restaurant industry. To find the publications available in any industry, go to your local public library and ASK to see a Directory of Periodical Publications, then check the classifications for the industry in which you are interested. -- Be sure to take a pen & paper becaue they won't let you take the directory out of the library.
Linda Hall had a question ...
"I love your Finder's Fee course. -- I want to try to earn finders fees by finding businesses for business buyers. Can you please let me know how to structure the contracts; if I need a contract at all."
Linda: In the Mergers & Acquisitions field, you use the exact same exchange of letters explained in my course in order to get the agreement for your fee. After you introduce a buyer to a seller, if they decide to do the deal, your agreement will be made part of the purchase contract - but - even if it isn't, you will be protected by your exchange of written correspondence. Remember Straw's Law ... get it in writing, put it in writing. Then, Linda wanted to know ...
"I want to know if you know how to contact people that were in search of purchasing businesses or franchises? -- Is there a certain publication that I can read, or website search I can do, to find a list of people or organizations that are interested in purchasing a business or franchise?"
Linda: Unfortunately, there is no publication that provides that type of information. People looking to "buy" businesses usually don't advertise - but - they do read the ads for "Businesses For Sale" in the publications directed to the industry in which they are seeking an acquisition. In order words, if you have a "Restaurant" for sale, you would advertise the restaurant in the various trade publications directed to the restaurant industry. To find the publications available in any industry, go to your local public library and ASK to see a Directory of Periodical Publications, then check the classifications for the industry in which you are interested. -- Be sure to take a pen & paper becaue they won't let you take the directory out of the library.
Nathan Pennington was looking in the wrong place ... "I have a question about your mailorder book. In it you say the best magazines (besides newsletters) to advertise in are the small circulation magazines. -- What directories do you recommend I look in besides SRDS?" Nathan: The SRDS is fine for locating mailing lists. To find the magazines, go to your local public library and ASK the librarian for a Directory of Periodical Publications. Those directories are fully indexed, so you can find magazines in almost every industry. -- Be sure to take a pen & paper with you because they will not allow you to take the directory out of the library.
Nathan Pennington was looking in the wrong place ...
"I have a question about your mailorder book. In it you say the best magazines (besides newsletters) to advertise in are the small circulation magazines. -- What directories do you recommend I look in besides SRDS?"
Nathan: The SRDS is fine for locating mailing lists. To find the magazines, go to your local public library and ASK the librarian for a Directory of Periodical Publications. Those directories are fully indexed, so you can find magazines in almost every industry. -- Be sure to take a pen & paper with you because they will not allow you to take the directory out of the library.
Ron Cheatham wanted me to tell you ... "You may know about this already but I think it may be something you might want to pass on in you newsletter to your members. It's called legal zoom and it gets small matters taken care of real cheaply. It was founded by Robert Shapiro O.J's trial laywer, with some other high power laywers. I think it's on the up and up. " If you need some help with legal matters, check it out at: http://www.legalzoom.com/
Ron Cheatham wanted me to tell you ...
"You may know about this already but I think it may be something you might want to pass on in you newsletter to your members. It's called legal zoom and it gets small matters taken care of real cheaply. It was founded by Robert Shapiro O.J's trial laywer, with some other high power laywers. I think it's on the up and up. "
If you need some help with legal matters, check it out at:
Ellen Kratka wanted me to tell you ... "What if the perfect business development program c comprehensive, affordable, convenient, and offering on-going motivation as well as premium training c was also the perfect product c providing both high profits and residual income through a ready-made internet marketing system? Wouldn t you want to know about it?" She says the deal at: http://www.masterytv.com/makeawish -- is such a deal. Then, she says ... "If folks contact me directly (rather than enrolling online) and mention your name, I can offer them an extra 15% discount until my inventory of subscriptions at this special price runs out." It's not my cuppa tea - but - maybe it's something of interest to you.
Ellen Kratka wanted me to tell you ...
"What if the perfect business development program c comprehensive, affordable, convenient, and offering on-going motivation as well as premium training c was also the perfect product c providing both high profits and residual income through a ready-made internet marketing system? Wouldn t you want to know about it?"
"If folks contact me directly (rather than enrolling online) and mention your name, I can offer them an extra 15% discount until my inventory of subscriptions at this special price runs out."
It's not my cuppa tea - but - maybe it's something of interest to you.
Al Pooser was wondering ... " I know you have tons of valuable ideas,but what do you recommend as the best of the best for the average person?" Al: What business is the best? -- Who is the most beautiful woman in the world? -- Either answer would be subjective, depending upon the advantages you seek and the disadvantages you will accept.
Al Pooser was wondering ...
" I know you have tons of valuable ideas,but what do you recommend as the best of the best for the average person?"
Al: What business is the best? -- Who is the most beautiful woman in the world? -- Either answer would be subjective, depending upon the advantages you seek and the disadvantages you will accept.
Well ... that's it for this month. -- In order to make every issue responsive to YOUR needs, please send me your questions; or tell me what sources or resources you need to build your business; or give me any thoughts you want to share with your fellow members. Believe it or don't ... I ain t a mind-reader. -- If n you doesn't tell me what you need, I may never touch upon the information, sources or resources you need. This is your publication for you to use to your benefit ... I am just your moderator. Until next month, keep well ... J.F. (Jim) STRAW Grande Panjandrum
Well ... that's it for this month. -- In order to make every issue responsive to YOUR needs, please send me your questions; or tell me what sources or resources you need to build your business; or give me any thoughts you want to share with your fellow members.
Believe it or don't ... I ain t a mind-reader. -- If n you doesn't tell me what you need, I may never touch upon the information, sources or resources you need.
This is your publication for you to use to your benefit ... I am just your moderator.
Until next month, keep well ...
J.F. (Jim) STRAW Grande Panjandrum
Can you stump the old master? -- Betcha can't! Over the past 40 years (man and boy), I have made bundles of money in direct selling, service contracting, wholesale merchandising, entertainment (I was a professional Trumpet player, vocalist & Radio Announcer), freight forwarding, import/export, retail merchandising, warehousing, real estate, electronics manufacturing, finder's fees, closeout merchandising, financial brokerage, business consulting, steel fabrication, gold and coal mining, offshore banking, mailorder, writing, and publishing. -- That being the case ... No matter what business you're in ... whether you're just starting, well on your way, or at the top of the heap ... I've probably been where you are, done what you are doing. -- So ... Anytime you have a question about 'how' to do something in your business - or - if you have any comments about anything I've said in issues of this e-Letter; or if you want to add your 2 cents worth ... just "ask" me or "tell" me. Send your Questions, Comments or 2 Cents Worth to ... with "Question" - "Comment" - or, "2 Cents Worth" in the SUBJECT. If I, personally, don't have an answer to any question you may ask, I will contact some of the professionals in your field of endeavor (I will probably know one or more personally) to get the real 'skinny' for you. Note: If you want to ask a question anonymously just tell me so when you send in the question. -- Nobody but you and I will know who asked the question.
Over the past 40 years (man and boy), I have made bundles of money in direct selling, service contracting, wholesale merchandising, entertainment (I was a professional Trumpet player, vocalist & Radio Announcer), freight forwarding, import/export, retail merchandising, warehousing, real estate, electronics manufacturing, finder's fees, closeout merchandising, financial brokerage, business consulting, steel fabrication, gold and coal mining, offshore banking, mailorder, writing, and publishing. -- That being the case ...
No matter what business you're in ... whether you're just starting, well on your way, or at the top of the heap ... I've probably been where you are, done what you are doing. -- So ...
Anytime you have a question about 'how' to do something in your business - or - if you have any comments about anything I've said in issues of this e-Letter; or if you want to add your 2 cents worth ... just "ask" me or "tell" me.
If I, personally, don't have an answer to any question you may ask, I will contact some of the professionals in your field of endeavor (I will probably know one or more personally) to get the real 'skinny' for you.
Note: If you want to ask a question anonymously just tell me so when you send in the question. -- Nobody but you and I will know who asked the question.
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