Business Lyceum

e-Letter
Practical Instruction in the Arts and Sciences of Making Money


Editor/Publisher:  J.F. (Jim) Straw

JULY 2009

Greetings & Salutations:

My daddy used to say, "You can only see another man through your own eyes. Whatever you think he might do to you is exactly what you would do to him if you were in his place."

Over the past 50-odd years in business, I have learned the absolute truth in my Daddy's saying. - My customers have given me step-by-step, point-by-point instructions on exactly how I could cheat them.

After spending months (sometimes years) devising a plan, idea or concept for making, saving or investing money for my mailorder customers (about 700,000 of them all together world wide), I would finally implement the program and begin getting it into the hands of my customer base. Then, it would usually take about 10 days before the orders and letters begin flowing in.

Inevitably, in those letters, there would be 3 or more that begin, "I'm not going to order your plan because you could steal my money by....." Then, they proceed to tell me exactly how I could cheat them. - Some of their plans are so complex and well thought out I really wonder where they find the time to do anything legal and constructive. I sure wouldn't want to do business with them if I was on the buying side.

If they think I would cheat them - and tell me exactly how I could do it - it is a foregone conclusion that that is exactly what they would do if they were in my position. Since they cannot read my thoughts, they must rely solely upon their own mental processes for any conclusions they may draw. Therefore, what they conclude that I could do would be the result of their own scheming, conniving little minds.

You cannot get behind another person's eyes; see what they are seeing, think what they are thinking, or know what they know. You can only see what you are seeing, think what you are thinking, and know what you know. Therefore, whatever you think that other person could do is what you would do, because it is your thought processes that have created the scenario.

After lo' these many years, I have come to the realization that my Daddy's truism was really nothing more than an example of a much older truism - "Judge not, lest ye be judged." The meaning comes out the same. When you judge others, you reveal to the world your own thoughts and mental processes.

Now that you know where judgmental opinions come from why not have some real fun with it.

The next time you read an article about what someone could have done; or hear someone explaining what the President meant when he said something; or a governmental investigating committee asks an accusing question, remember the "thought" process originated in the mind of the writer or speaker.

You'll know more about that writer or speaker than they ever wanted you to know.

THINK ABOUT IT!!


In  Loving Memory

Tuesday; 6/9/09, my beloved wife of over 42 years; Delores, passed on.  Thankfully, she passed quietly in her sleep.

My heart is heavy right now but it is bolstered by the multitude of good memories we had together over the past 42 years.

Delores Satterfield Straw

The woman I loved, honored and cherished.


I have a long, lonely road ahead of me but with friends like you I will survive.



Now, let's do some ...

Questions & Answers, Comments & Other Good Stuff!

Steve P.
asked ...

"In your June e-zine you said ... "The original "How-to Make Money From Classified Ads"method! Nearly 40 years ago, I paid $1 for the report. -- it's bundled-up in my old archives somewhere - but - I'll never forget the ad it used to teach the method:" -- Question is....where is the whole report? -- If you made it into a full blown course and updated it for 2009, I would definitely buy it. And I doubt I would be the only one. Please let me know if you decide to do this. -- Or could you recommend a book/course on making money from classified ads?"

Steve ...

The original report is probably in my archives and could take months to find.

No need to update that old report.  One of the greatest (if not the greatest) classifed advertisers in the world is my old friend Melvin Powers.  -- I wrote the following about his book some years ago ...

How s this for the opening line of a book... I started in mail order with less than $100 & made millions with classified ads. It Sounds like one of those bullstuff ads on TeeVee, doesn t it - but - in this case it is the honest-to-goodness truth & nothing but the whole truth. t I ve known the man who wrote that opening line for longer than I care to remember.  Melvin Powers has made, does make, and will continue to make millions of dollars from his classified ad campaigns...running literally thousands of classified ads every month. t Unfortunately, right now, over 90% of the how-to information on the market today, about making money in mailorder, is pure, unadulterated bullstuff (you know what I mean).  Most of it written by people who simply tell you how to do it from books they have read...they ve never really done it themselves. t  In his book, Making Money with Classified Ads, Melvin Powers tells you how it s done & how you can do it from his years & years of real experience...not taken from somebody else s book...no b.s. t If you ve ever wondered how fortunes are made with classified ads, here s your chance to learn from a true master of the art...someone who does it every day. t Making Money with Classified Ads is truly a masterpiece, written by a real master. t Order your personal copy, today...it s only $23 ($20 + $3 s&h).  Learn the real truth about making money with classified ads. t Tell Mel that ol Jim sended ya. -- Contact:  MELVIN POWERS, Wilshire Book Co., 12015 Sherman Rd. #J-1,  North Hollywood, CA  91605 ­ (818) 765-8579 ­ FAX:  (818) 765-2922

You can find it online at:  http://www.mpowers.com/books/classifiedads.html




Anony Mouse has a great iea but wanted to know how ...

"I've been a life and annuity salesman over 35 years.  It is a widely recognized fact, among my peers. that referrals (frrom existing clients) are the warmest leads one can possible receive.  Since that is the case, I thought ... why not enlist 'bird dogs' that would refer potential  clients to me and pay them a finder's fee (a percentage of my commission) when I sold a life insurance policy or annuity contract to the individual who  was recommended to me.  Since these type of sales usually generate significant commissions, the finder could realize a very large (thousands of dollars for each referral) fee for his or her service.  Hopefully, he or she could make a business out of referring folds to me.  To my knowledge this concept is totally unique and is not currently being  promoted by any other agents. -- I'm sure you know how many folks are ouf of work right now.  In these  hard economic times there must be thousands of people in and around  my home town that either need extra cash, a part time job, or full-time employment and know people that could benefit from my professional services.  The finder would not have to have an insurance license or be trained in the sale of insurance, annuities or any other financial product.  As a matter of fact, it could be anyone who has some contacts.  Of course, the more contacts the better.  I would put the finder through an orientation session so he or she would become acquainted with me and the vast amount of services I could provide. -- Based on your experience, how would I advertise for or seek out the 'bird dogs' I'm looking for.  I could use as many  folks as possible. -- I truly believe I could substantially grow my business if I could find the 'bird dogs' to make the introductions. -- Your feedback would be greatly appreciated."

Mouse ...

Over the years I have known a few (very few) Insurance Salesmen who have used a finder's fee referral system.

In your email, you  said  " I would put the finder through an orientation session so that he or she would become acquainted with me and the vast amount of services that I could provide. "

So, if I were doing it, I would run a classified ad under  "Help Wanted " ..
.
PART TIME work from home.  Substantial earnings.  Telephone for Interview:   000-0000

When people call, DO NOT reveal what it is about.  Simply set an appointment for them to meet with you ... you can probably handle 3 or 4 at a time.  No matter how many times they ask, DO NOT reveal anything.  Those who agree to come to the interview will be hot propects.  Those who won't come aren't worthy of your effort.

At the  "interview" first have them  fill out a regular employment application.  Then, give them a basic orientation.  Invite those who accept your proposal back for a complete orientation.

Make them come to you.  Don't chase them.



Harvard Kinkead says ...

"Thank you for giving of your wisdom from your years of experience.  I like your writing style.  You seem to get to the point without a lot of fluff.  -- I am starting a business myself.  I have a website that sells personal security products like stun guns, pepper spray, surveillance cameras, alarms, and other gadgets.  -- I will try to answer any questions anyone might have for me, not that I have much experience in these things, but I am willing to try to help."

Okay, Gang ...

Check out his offerings at:  http://www.TotalSecurityForYou.com



Shahid Khatai needed to know ...

"I have a friend in USA who is busy with writing many books so I agreed to get Copyrights for her Vol 1 and 2 New Completed Printed books and ebooks,so that she can write undisturbed. -- Can you guide me step by step through an easy process on how to get copyrights for new books in USA. -- I went to copyright.gov site but too much info there and confusing. -- Is it better to hire someone to do it for me?  Will that be costlier?"

Shahid ...

A copyright is automatic.  All you need to do is add the copyright notice to either the first page or the back of the first page.

The copyright notice is:  Copyright (or ©) year, name of copyright holder -- Mine would be:  Copyright 2009. J.F. (Jim) Straw - or -  © 2009. J.F. (Jim) Straw

That is all it takes.  No forms to fill out.  No processing.  Just add the copyright notice to the work.



Philip Camacho had a similar question ...

"I need some advice on trademark issues, and who better to go to than my favorite business mentor...even before the internet days!!!  -- Anyhow, this is the issue.  I am going to market some t-shirts, and maybe mugs, hats, etc., through CafePress until I can do more of it on my own.  I am spinning around several of what I consider to be catchy slogans and sayings.  My concern is that in the event that some of them take off really big, that someone with more resources and deeper pockets may come along and snatch up the copyright/trademark to those slogans.  -- I was on the USPTO site and their knowledgebase suggests this would be more of a trademark issue as opposed to copyright.  They also stated that even if a preliminary search showed that certain slogans or sayings were not being used, did not mean they could be trademark protected.  They further suggested the use of a trademark attorney or firm which specializes in such matters.  Now...between the two of those "possible" necessary evils, I think I would go with the attorney.   -- Your advice?"

Philip ...

Forget the attorney.

Both Copyright © and Trademark Q are yours just by adding them to your product ... of course, the © has to be followed by the year and your name ... the Q only has to be added at the end of the title or whatever.

The ONLY time you have to file the © or the Q is when someone infringes it.

If you inadvertently infringe some elses Q they will let you know and you can get rid of that product.  None of them will file any action until they give you a chance to eliminate the infringement.

If you have a Q that takes off  - THEN - you can register the Qand replace the Q with the ® ... meaning it has a "registered" Q.

It's that simple.




John Becker opened a new website  ...

"Thank you for the great inspiration, tremendous knowledge, and foresight extended over the years. I have always enjoyed reading your letters. -- With your guidance, believe it or not, my son and I started a internet business which is selling Vintage Clothing, Gently used clothing and other items such as Sports Clothing, Memorabilia, Outerwear, Westerns, Flannels, College tees.  Items added regularly.  "

Okay, Gang ...

Check it out at:  http://www.EndlessVintage.com


Marian Krajcovic says ...

"I value people like you. I've been reading every one of your emails.  I just released a brand new ebook AutoBlogging Decoded. I thought this could be a good product for your subscribers and friends."

Okay, Gang ...

Check this one out at:  http://www.autobloggingdecoded.com


Rogerio wanted me to tell you ...

"I've just posted a blog post that may be of use to your subscribers, it's pure information - there is no selling of any kind. "

Well worth reading ... http://www.itjuju.com/blog/website-owners-do-you-make-these-rookie-mistakes/



Eric Cole tells me ...

"A contact of mine; Ronnie Nijmeh, is a Healthy Living Expert,  Business Coach in Canada.  He's been in the national press in Canada  and written 4 books on stress management and healthy living.   Including one he co-authored with Dr. Joseph Mercola, Gary Craig, Dr.  Marcus Laux, & Dr. Susan Lark. -- Ronnie has a PLR membership site for web sites in the personal  development niche.  I tried it out for a month and thought the quality was quite good.  Your newsletter readers might be interested in his PLR material? "


Looks good to me ... http://www.plr.me/?id=wmecole




Jane Long wanted to share this with you ...

"Having been on your list for years and having earned good money here and there but never succeeding consistently, I think I have just found the answer to every online marketers dreams. -- This is such an incredible offer I want to share it with everyone I know."

Go see for your own self at:  http://www.streamlinefunnelsystem.com/?ID=1877


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


Thoughts For The Month!

 

"If you play in the mud, you're gonna get dirty. If you sleep with dogs you're gonna get fleas.  And if you walk with the lame, you will learn to limp. So choose your comrades VERY wisely." -- Craig Garber

"The only freedom that deserves the name is that of pursuing our own good, in our own way, so long as we do not attempt to deprive others of theirs." -- John Stuart Mill


Can you stump the old master? -- Betcha can't!

Over the past 50 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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