Business Lyceum
e-Letter
Practical
Instruction in the Arts and Sciences of Making Money
FEBRUARY 2002
Greetings & Salutations:
This month, let's talk about ...
Stupid People & Stupid Questions!
No doubt, you have often heard it said, "There are no
stupid questions," or, "The only stupid question is
the question you didn't ask."
Although these statements-of-truth are often repeated, over
the years I have found that very, very few people ever really
ask the questions they should. -- For that reason, if you will
notice, in almost every book I have written I capitalize the
word "ASK" whenever it is used.
It is my opinion that the reason most people don't ask questions
is because of the teachers (?) they encountered during their
earliest education. -- How many times did a teacher (?) tell
you to "sit down and shut up" when you asked a question
in class? -- After enough instances, you finally 'learned' that
asking questions was not acceptable behavior.
Beyond that, it is also my opinion that those of us who keep
asking questions ... even after we have been told to "sit
down and shut up" countless times ... are the ones who succeed
in business and in life. That's because, unlike those who
quit asking questions, we eventually get the answers
we need to accomplish the things we want to do. The more
questions we ask ... questioning anything and everything ...
the greater our understanding of business and life.
I have known a lot of stupid people in my life.
But, how do I know they are really stupid?
It's really very simple...
Really Stupid People never ask any questions.
Because ...
Stupidity is a learned condition ... not an inherited
trait.
Stupid people are created by parents, teachers, the clergy,
and all the other authority figures. It begins the first
time an inquiring young mind is denied the opportunity to 'question'
the efficacy, accuracy, fidelity, veracity, or effectiveness
of anything ... or that same inquiring young mind is denied access
to known facts because the parent, teacher, or whoever, is too
lazy to assist a child in finding an answer the child can understand.
Education should be about 'answering questions,' and teaching
children how to 'find answers,' rather than about maintaining
rules and accepting the input from any one source. Even
known, proven facts should be taught to be questioned.
Then again, don't be holding your breath waiting for our society
to adopt such an educational format; based upon teaching
'questions,' rather than rote 'answers,' because ...
Bureaucratic bodies and crooks ... in government and business
... depend upon stupid people for their very existence.
Although the vast majority of authority figures ... in education,
religion, the professions, business, government, and all other
activities and endeavors ... are quick to recite "There
are no stupid questions," or, "The only stupid question
is the question you didn't ask," their 'sit down and shut
up' attitude toward those who do ask questions speaks louder
than their words.
When a person has been told to 'sit down and shut up' ...
by either word or action ... enough times, that person finally
learns that asking questions ... about anything ... is
an unacceptable behavior. Then, it is easy for anyone seeking
'control' over that stupid (unquestioning) person by using one
of the oldest tricks in the con-man's handbook -- "first
give the victim the answer you want, then ask the question."
Unfortunately, in today's society, it has become ingrained
in our populace that, "only stupid people ask questions."
Thereby, it is only necessary for the bureaucratic body, or crook,
seeking control over another ... for any reason ... to first
give that person, or those people, the answer they want before
they ask the question. -- Because their intended victim has already
been conditioned to be stupid, they can proceed with impunity
knowing they will never be questioned - and - if anyone should
have the audacity to raise a question, it will be all too easy
to get the stupid people they control to assist them in labeling
the questioner a fool, an heretic, or even worse.
Fortunately...
Stupidity Can Be Cured!
All you have to do is ASK!
Every condition in your life has it's cause. -- Poor people
are poor, because they have never asked themselves, "why
am I poor?" -- They just accept the condition and pass it
along to their offspring.
Unless YOU learn to ASK for what you want from life, you will
be stupid. But, you have to keep on asking, and Asking,
and ASKING until you get the answers that will, finally and lastingly,
lead you to a full understanding of success in business and in
life.
ASK, and you will receive. -- It is better to appear to be
stupid in the eyes of really stupid people than to NOT ASK and
really be stupid yourself.
Now, let's do some ...
Questions & Answers, Comments
& Other Good Stuff!
Leo J. Quinn, Jr. wrote:
"I've attached a PDF of my new report "Don't
Pay $500-$10,000 For Any Business Opportunity". -- If
you have a moment, and are so inclined, I'd appreciate any comments,
criticisms, suggestions for a better title, etc. -- It is all
of 22 pages long and the sample sales letter is at http://www.LeoQuinn.com/tenk.html"
Thank You, Leo ...
Your book is an excellent work ... written from experience.
-- I have just told my readers about it.
I Still Don't Believe It!
Would you believe ... lil'ol me has been included as one of
the "20 Greatest Business And Marketing Minds On the Planet"??
-- Then again, like Groucho Marx, I really don't know if I want
to be included in any group that would have me as a member.
Anywho ... a couple months ago I responded to a series of
questions about surviving & prospering during a recession.
-- My answers ... and answers from 19 other notables ... are
included in the new eBook, "How You Can Survive And Prosper
During A Recession! -- 20 Of The Greatest Business And Marketing
Minds On The Planet Reveal Their Easy To Apply Methods For Conquering
Any Recession!"
Hey, I had some good stuff to say - but - when I received
the review copy, I couldn't put it down until I had read, enjoyed
and gained some profitable ideas from the other 19 contributors.
-- If you're interested, you can check it out at:
http://hop.clickbank.net/?doddy/manyebooks
Tony Ciceran wrote:
"About drop shipping, I have not heard this term before
until recently. Is there a document that explains the process
of drop shipping and how to become a drop ship dealer, and also
sourcing possible products."
Tony:
My mailorder course ...
... includes everything you need to know about being a drop ship
dealer - but, let me first explain what drop shipping is.
Under a drop ship arrangement, the company that produces &
sells a product allows its dealers to use the same sales flyers,
brochures, etc., to sell their products .. they are the "drop
shippers."
The "drop ship dealer" is the person (individual
or company) that sells the product for the "drop shipper."
-- The "drop ship dealer" either uses the same materials
as the drop shipper, or creates their own materials, and receives
the orders directly from, and gets paid by, their customers.
-- In some cases; involving large tangible goods, the "drop
ship dealer" may display a sample of the product and take
orders from his customers ... getting paid when the order is
made; or receiving a deposit equal to the drop ship dealer's
profit (with the balance being paid C.O.D. directly to the drop
shipper).
When the "drop ship dealer" receives an order, it
is relayed to the "drop shipper" with the wholesale
price of the product plus shipping & handling charges. --
Or, in the case of the C.O.D. shipments, the "drop ship
dealer" simply sends the customer's order to the "drop
shipper." The "drop shipper," in turn, ships
the product to the customers and collects the payment C.O.D..
There are "directories" of companies that offer
"drop ship" programs - BUT - a sad, but true, fact
of life ... most companies that do drop ship DON'T advertise
their drop ship programs. Basically, it is just something
they do while selling & shipping their products themselves.
Suggest you look for ads offering the kinds of products you
want to sell. Then, contact those advertisers and ASK if
they drop ship their products. -- Or, you might order the product
from them and see where it comes from when you get it.
By the way, MOST companies that produce, sell & ship their
own products will drop ship if ASKed.
Samuel A. Opoku Jr. wanted to
know:
"I'd like to lean on your business experience. -- I am
an engineer and in the course of my daily life I've worked out
several innovations for existing products through my continued
"rigging" of common items to suit my purposes better
(i.e.: Making a cleaner more powerful but safe, or a stove function
more efficiently). I also travel in circles of engineers
who do much the same things. I want to know how to sell
these ideas to the respective companies? Who would you
recommend I contact in a corporation, such as Pepsi or DuPont,
and how would you go about doing that?"
Sam:
Over the years, I have discovered that the biggest mistake
made by most people is they just don't ASK.
Any time you have an idea for a company, telephone the company
and ASK for the Product Development Department (if it relates
to their product), or the Advertising Department (if it relates
to their advertising), or the Procurement Department (if you
have something to sell them).
Hey ... all ya gotta do is ASK. -- You'll be amazed at the
kind of response you get - because - not many people ASK.
Vlad Slavnic wrote to tell
me:
"I have ventured into sales training (that is my background
as a sales trainer and sales manager), but I am finding it rather
tricky to break into it alone. -- On My site http://www.sellingmadeeasy.net
everything is set up. The course content, the venue, the
affiliation etc. -- Can you suggest as to how could I go about
getting more students?"
Vlad:
The best I can do is tell my readers about your site. -- Then,
it's up to them.
Bud Somers wrote to tell me:
"I have a new website I would like you to take a look
at ... if you have the time. You have advertised our distributorship
program in the past but things have changed substantially.
I value your opinion and would greatly appreciate any suggestions
you may have regarding the site and the opportunity we are offering."
Okay, Gang ... I've seen Bud's deal for a few years now and
I am still impressed with its simplicity and its Money Making
potential. -- This could be just the deal you've been looking
for. -- Check it out at:
http://www.freehotelcertificates.com
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
Why?
Thoughts For The Month!
"I am prejudiced in favor of him who, without impudence,
can ask boldly. He has faith in humanity, and faith in
himself." -- Johann Kaspar Lavater
(Me, too!)
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.
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Copyright - 2002, J.F. (Jim) Straw. All rights reserved.