JUNE 2004 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 40-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 customers (about 400,000 of them all together world wide), I finally implement the program and begin getting it into the hands of my customer base. Then, it usually takes about 10 days before the orders and letters begin flowing in. Inevitably, in those letters, there will 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 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!!
JUNE 2004
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 40-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 customers (about 400,000 of them all together world wide), I finally implement the program and begin getting it into the hands of my customer base. Then, it usually takes about 10 days before the orders and letters begin flowing in.
Inevitably, in those letters, there will 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 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.
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.
Now, let's do some ... Questions & Answers, Comments & Other Good Stuff! Paul Marshall wrote to tell me ... "I have just set up my website for one of the greatest information products I've ever had the pleasure of reading." So ... I went to the website. Liked what I saw, and asked Paul to shoot me a review copy. -- He did. -- Almost crippled the delivery man when he brought it into my office. I've spent hours, and hours, and hours with the material and still haven't finished it all ... it's GREAT! An absolute must for anyone wanting to know how to really market their products and services ... online & offline. Do yourself a favor. -- Check it out, today, at: http://www.entrepreneurshipbootcamp.com/
Now, let's do some ...
Paul Marshall wrote to tell me ...
"I have just set up my website for one of the greatest information products I've ever had the pleasure of reading."
So ... I went to the website. Liked what I saw, and asked Paul to shoot me a review copy. -- He did. -- Almost crippled the delivery man when he brought it into my office.
I've spent hours, and hours, and hours with the material and still haven't finished it all ... it's GREAT! An absolute must for anyone wanting to know how to really market their products and services ... online & offline.
Do yourself a favor. -- Check it out, today, at:
Jim Porter, Sr. needed to know ... "In your opinion, is there still a market for high-priced (in the $100/year range) business newsletters? -- I was under the impressed that, with the geometrical expansion of the internet, that the need for business newsletters had disappeared. -- I've always wanted to do a couple, , but I had come to the conclusion that they are no longer necessary." Jim: Actually, with all the b.s. on the Internet, paper & ink newsletters are having a revival. Besides, with most of the amateurs going "online" to make their fortunes, mailorder marketing has improved ... less "junk" mail to compete with. Business people are becoming highly skeptical of online newsletters. Paper & Ink readers can be converted to PDF email distribution - but - only after they are satisfied with the paper & ink version of the newsletter. Only about 30% of my "WorldWide Business Exchange" readers have converted to PDF delivery.
Jim Porter, Sr. needed to know ...
"In your opinion, is there still a market for high-priced (in the $100/year range) business newsletters? -- I was under the impressed that, with the geometrical expansion of the internet, that the need for business newsletters had disappeared. -- I've always wanted to do a couple, , but I had come to the conclusion that they are no longer necessary."
Jim:
Actually, with all the b.s. on the Internet, paper & ink newsletters are having a revival. Besides, with most of the amateurs going "online" to make their fortunes, mailorder marketing has improved ... less "junk" mail to compete with.
Business people are becoming highly skeptical of online newsletters. Paper & Ink readers can be converted to PDF email distribution - but - only after they are satisfied with the paper & ink version of the newsletter. Only about 30% of my "WorldWide Business Exchange" readers have converted to PDF delivery.
Andy wanted to tell you ... "This is in response to a question on your April 2004 Business Lyceum e-Letter ... Is anybody really making money doing internet surveys for pay? Can one find the paying surveys by oneself? My Answer on making money with surveys: If you use the search engines and really search, you can find the surveys that are PAYING for free. Why pay to join something when you can find them for free. I'm registered with about 30 sites and I've answered maybe several hundred surveys. -- Have I made any money? -- Yes!! -- How much? -- I've made around $75, plus a free (testing) bag of soy chips. -- Conclusion: I've given up. I find that it's a waste of my time. " Thank You, Andy ... I greatly appreciate the feedback and feel sure my readers will also appreciate your candor.
Andy wanted to tell you ...
"This is in response to a question on your April 2004 Business Lyceum e-Letter ... Is anybody really making money doing internet surveys for pay? Can one find the paying surveys by oneself? My Answer on making money with surveys: If you use the search engines and really search, you can find the surveys that are PAYING for free. Why pay to join something when you can find them for free. I'm registered with about 30 sites and I've answered maybe several hundred surveys. -- Have I made any money? -- Yes!! -- How much? -- I've made around $75, plus a free (testing) bag of soy chips. -- Conclusion: I've given up. I find that it's a waste of my time. "
"This is in response to a question on your April 2004 Business Lyceum e-Letter ...
Is anybody really making money doing internet surveys for pay? Can one find the paying surveys by oneself?
My Answer on making money with surveys:
If you use the search engines and really search, you can find the surveys that are PAYING for free. Why pay to join something when you can find them for free. I'm registered with about 30 sites and I've answered maybe several hundred surveys. -- Have I made any money? -- Yes!! -- How much? -- I've made around $75, plus a free (testing) bag of soy chips. -- Conclusion: I've given up. I find that it's a waste of my time. "
Thank You, Andy ...
I greatly appreciate the feedback and feel sure my readers will also appreciate your candor.
Rebecca J. Basenfelder needed some clarification ... "I just got through reading your export course ... "Sell American" ... and hope you will review my comments. I really liked it because of the lack of fluff. If the publications I read get too complicated, I talk myself out of any further pursuit before I even get through the book. Your book, however, gave me the impression that "hey, I can really do this.... it 'ain't that hard." Thanks. -- You say in the book that most export sales are made through 'direct marketing' or mail order. When I check out stats on the Dept of Commerce's web site, the top exports appear to be oil, chemicals, metals, etc. These certainly are not mail ordered over "there" so I am wondering what you mean (what class of products get direct mailed). I am particularly interested in this type of export because it seems cheap and easy. I am at the very beginning of exploring a business in exporting to India and I believe that direct marketing may have some merit because of its cost effectiveness (would you agree?). I know you have written a piece on direct marketing. Does the info apply to exports too? (I know you will tell me "yes"!) -- One last thing: What are the best resources for me to find out what Indian buyers want? Please remember that I am at the very beginning of the discovery process when it comes to exporting so I am ignorant as to how to proceed." Rebecca: Although the top exports are oil, chemicals, metals, etc., it is highly unlikely that you will be involved in selling those products ... unless you happen to have a functional background in one or more of those industries. The allusion to mailorder marketing in my export course is because almost everything that is exported is done so by way of correspondence by mail ... in other words, no one really goes traveling overseas to sell; they just send letters. NO ... my mailorder course really wouldn't benefit you in the pursuit of your export ambitions. That course is about selling products by mailorder that are currently being sold by mailorder. A word of caution: You are attempting to do your export business backwards. I know that most of the "export gurus" tell you to find the "buyers" overseas then try to find something to sell to them. It really has never worked that way ... it's backward. First ... locate a manufacturer that isn't currently exporting their products. Get all the information about their product. Then, go looking for buyers in whatever country you want to sell to. Best bets are the smaller manufacturers in your own area. -- Once you have located a possible buyer, contact the manufacturer again about acting as an export agent for their product. To find leads in India (or any other country), go to your public library and ASK the librarian to help you find a "Directory of International Periodical Publishers." You won't be able to take that directory out of the library, so take a pencil & pad with you to write down the names & addresses of publications in India that relate to the products you will be exporting. -- If your library doesn't have a directory, ASK them to borrow one for you from their regional library service. Please reread my export course ... there is a world of information about locating markets in it. Thank You for asking. If I may be of further service, just ASK.
Rebecca J. Basenfelder needed some clarification ...
"I just got through reading your export course ... "Sell American" ... and hope you will review my comments. I really liked it because of the lack of fluff. If the publications I read get too complicated, I talk myself out of any further pursuit before I even get through the book. Your book, however, gave me the impression that "hey, I can really do this.... it 'ain't that hard." Thanks. -- You say in the book that most export sales are made through 'direct marketing' or mail order. When I check out stats on the Dept of Commerce's web site, the top exports appear to be oil, chemicals, metals, etc. These certainly are not mail ordered over "there" so I am wondering what you mean (what class of products get direct mailed). I am particularly interested in this type of export because it seems cheap and easy. I am at the very beginning of exploring a business in exporting to India and I believe that direct marketing may have some merit because of its cost effectiveness (would you agree?). I know you have written a piece on direct marketing. Does the info apply to exports too? (I know you will tell me "yes"!) -- One last thing: What are the best resources for me to find out what Indian buyers want? Please remember that I am at the very beginning of the discovery process when it comes to exporting so I am ignorant as to how to proceed."
Rebecca:
Although the top exports are oil, chemicals, metals, etc., it is highly unlikely that you will be involved in selling those products ... unless you happen to have a functional background in one or more of those industries.
The allusion to mailorder marketing in my export course is because almost everything that is exported is done so by way of correspondence by mail ... in other words, no one really goes traveling overseas to sell; they just send letters.
NO ... my mailorder course really wouldn't benefit you in the pursuit of your export ambitions. That course is about selling products by mailorder that are currently being sold by mailorder.
A word of caution: You are attempting to do your export business backwards. I know that most of the "export gurus" tell you to find the "buyers" overseas then try to find something to sell to them. It really has never worked that way ... it's backward.
First ... locate a manufacturer that isn't currently exporting their products. Get all the information about their product. Then, go looking for buyers in whatever country you want to sell to. Best bets are the smaller manufacturers in your own area. -- Once you have located a possible buyer, contact the manufacturer again about acting as an export agent for their product.
To find leads in India (or any other country), go to your public library and ASK the librarian to help you find a "Directory of International Periodical Publishers." You won't be able to take that directory out of the library, so take a pencil & pad with you to write down the names & addresses of publications in India that relate to the products you will be exporting. -- If your library doesn't have a directory, ASK them to borrow one for you from their regional library service.
Please reread my export course ... there is a world of information about locating markets in it.
Thank You for asking. If I may be of further service, just ASK.
Dave Bouchard asked ... "Having read your newsletter, the Business Lyceum, over the past few months and being familiar with your bio from Marc Goldman's Joint Venture Secrets Revealed, it's obvious that you've had a long and successful career in the business world. I also like your straight-to-the-point, no-nonsense style. -- I was wondering if I could call on your expertise to help me with a personal issue: -- Here's my question: If you needed to raise $25,000 in cash ASAP within the next 60 days (without borrowing), which vehicle(s)/strategy(s) would you use out of all of the vehicles and strategies you're aware of? -- Thanks in advance for any ideas you might have on this." Dave: With only 60 days, I wouldn't even attempt it ... unless, of course, I already had a functioning business that could produce that kind of income with additional work. Every business; or undertaking, has a learning curve involved ... and, each person's learning curve is different. Beyond that, every business involves an element of risk ... and each person's risk threshold is different. So, even if I could raise $25,000 in 60 days using any one of my methods, it would depend entirely upon your learning curve and your risk threshold. To select the type of business that you want, you must determine what advantages you seek and what disadvantages you are willing to accept. Unfortunately, there is no way I can tell you what you are thinking ... only you can do that.
Dave Bouchard asked ...
"Having read your newsletter, the Business Lyceum, over the past few months and being familiar with your bio from Marc Goldman's Joint Venture Secrets Revealed, it's obvious that you've had a long and successful career in the business world. I also like your straight-to-the-point, no-nonsense style. -- I was wondering if I could call on your expertise to help me with a personal issue: -- Here's my question: If you needed to raise $25,000 in cash ASAP within the next 60 days (without borrowing), which vehicle(s)/strategy(s) would you use out of all of the vehicles and strategies you're aware of? -- Thanks in advance for any ideas you might have on this."
Dave:
With only 60 days, I wouldn't even attempt it ... unless, of course, I already had a functioning business that could produce that kind of income with additional work.
Every business; or undertaking, has a learning curve involved ... and, each person's learning curve is different. Beyond that, every business involves an element of risk ... and each person's risk threshold is different. So, even if I could raise $25,000 in 60 days using any one of my methods, it would depend entirely upon your learning curve and your risk threshold.
To select the type of business that you want, you must determine what advantages you seek and what disadvantages you are willing to accept.
Unfortunately, there is no way I can tell you what you are thinking ... only you can do that.
Hand written on a slip of paper that has been in the top drawer of my desk for nearly 40 years ... where it came from, I do not know ... who said it originally, I do not know ... when I transcribed it and put it in my desk, I do not know ... it simply says, "Let him who would be great among you be servant to all." It has been the foundation of my business life. -- Well, at last, another entrepreneur of the first order ... Shel Horowitz ... has voiced the same simple admonition in great depth, in his new book, "Principled Profit: Marketing that puts people first." -- This long-overdue book sets forth clear & practical advice on how & why you can succeed by marketing ethically & cooperatively. Tells you how you can turn your customers & even your competitors into marketing evangelists for you ... with dozens of examples of large & small businesses that have succeeded by doing the right thing. "Principled Profit" is a powerful antidote to the Enron/WorldCom way of doing business. -- By the by, Southwest Airlines bought 1,000 copies of "Principled Profit." -- If you had given up on the ethics of business, you need to read this one. -- Order your personal copy of "Principled Profit" today. It's only $21.50 ($17.50 + $4 s&h). Learn how your business can profit greatest by being servant rather than master. -- Order, today, from: SHEL HOROWITZ AWM Books P.O. Box 1164 Northampton, MA 01061 OrderLine: (800) 683-WORD OnLine: http://www.principledprofits.com
Hand written on a slip of paper that has been in the top drawer of my desk for nearly 40 years ... where it came from, I do not know ... who said it originally, I do not know ... when I transcribed it and put it in my desk, I do not know ... it simply says, "Let him who would be great among you be servant to all."
Hand written on a slip of paper that has been in the top drawer of my desk for nearly 40 years ... where it came from, I do not know ... who said it originally, I do not know ... when I transcribed it and put it in my desk, I do not know ... it simply says,
It has been the foundation of my business life. -- Well, at last, another entrepreneur of the first order ... Shel Horowitz ... has voiced the same simple admonition in great depth, in his new book, "Principled Profit: Marketing that puts people first." -- This long-overdue book sets forth clear & practical advice on how & why you can succeed by marketing ethically & cooperatively. Tells you how you can turn your customers & even your competitors into marketing evangelists for you ... with dozens of examples of large & small businesses that have succeeded by doing the right thing. "Principled Profit" is a powerful antidote to the Enron/WorldCom way of doing business. -- By the by, Southwest Airlines bought 1,000 copies of "Principled Profit." -- If you had given up on the ethics of business, you need to read this one. -- Order your personal copy of "Principled Profit" today. It's only $21.50 ($17.50 + $4 s&h). Learn how your business can profit greatest by being servant rather than master. -- Order, today, from:
SHEL HOROWITZ AWM Books P.O. Box 1164 Northampton, MA 01061 OrderLine: (800) 683-WORD OnLine: http://www.principledprofits.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 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
Thoughts For The Month! "You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus." - Mark Twain
"You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus." - Mark Twain
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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