NOVEMBER 2003 Greetings & Salutations: All too often, people who achieve little or nothing in life or business blame society, their parents, the establishment, or some other outside source for their lack of achievement. In truth, the blame rests firmly upon their shoulders alone. On the other hand, the man or woman who progresses logically and steadily up the "ladder of success" has learned they must assume total responsibility for their actions, or lack of action. Most of the "business fairy tale" writers include a number of references to the need for total responsibility on your part in their writings, but, they do it more as a matter of self-defense. In other words, they say it so, should you fail using their plan, they can always point out those references and keep you from blaming them. As for myself ... I couldn't care less whether or not you blame me for your failures. The reason I take that stance is because I know for an absolute fact that you are going to fail more times than you succeed. If you blame me, or someone else, it is only one more failure to add to your total. Like any other person who has reached a level of secure success, I can count my real success on my fingers. The failures I couldn't count if I used all of my fingers, toes and hairs on my chest. But I accept the fact that those failures are just as much my responsibility as the successes. It wasn't always that way, though. Back in my younger days, I rationalized each one of my failures and shortcomings ... placing the blame in each instance on that nefarious party known as "they." (Much like you probably have at one time or another.) Over the years, as I look back on my multitude of failures, I can clearly see where, in each instance, it was my actions, or lack of action, that directly caused my failure. This realization that I am, and was, responsible for everything that has happened to me ... both good and bad ... also opened the eyes of my mind to another great realization. If I was totally responsible for the failures and shortcomings in my own life, it stands to reason that I cannot, and must not, assume the blame for the failures and shortcomings of those who read my writings ... or the failures and shortcomings of my brothers, sisters, wife, children and associates. For you to succeed, you must start, right now, assuming total responsibility for every action you take ... or don't take. That means that you must also accept the total blame for those actions that result in your failures also. To get you started on your acceptance of total responsibility on your climb up the "ladder of success," let's break it down into a number of sub-categories and illustrate the proper approach to each. First comes the ... Responsibility Decision You must first decide, within yourself, that you will accept the total responsibility for all of your actions ... or lack of action. Although that sounds easy, it really isn't. -- You may say to yourself, "I will be responsible for all of my actions from now on," but just saying it won't make it so. To make your "Responsibility Decision," go back in your mind to your last failure ... or select a person you are currently blaming for some unhappiness in your life. -- Go through all of the things in this situation for which you blame others. Now comes the hard part. Try to make every part of that situation fall directly on your shoulders. Come up with as many reasons as you possibly can why the blame is yours and yours alone ... not someone else's. -- In other words, rationalize the whole situation in reverse so the total responsibility is yours. Only after you are able to do this with each and every similar situation in your life will you be ready to say that you have made your "Responsibility Decision." When you have finally made your decision to be totally responsible for your actions, or lack of action, you must then apply some ... Corrective Responsibility Granted, you can't go back and change any of your mistakes, failures, or shortcomings. However, you can recognize them, assume the responsibility for them, and then apply "Corrective Responsibility" to them by not making the same mistakes a second, third and fourth time. As an example: A piano player consistently makes the same mistake, in the same piece of music, every time he plays it. He rationalizes that the teacher did not correct his mistake the first time, so it is the teacher's fault he always makes that mistake. Once the piano player makes the decision to accept responsibility for that mistake, he must then take it upon himself to correct it in any future playing of that particular piece. With the piano player, the "Corrective Responsibility" is simply a matter of practicing his mistake over and over, correctly, until the mistake is gone. -- Unfortunately ... In the business world, it isn't possible to practice your mistakes over and over, however, there is a way. Take a look at your current situation. Are there things about it that are similar to other situations in which you have been involved? When I am faced with any situation that is similar to a happening in my past, I go through a short mental test; something like this ... 1) In the previous situation, did I win or lose? 2) Has time proven that I was right or wrong? 3) Will the changing of my actions bring a better result? 4) Do I want the same outcome from this situation, or do I want a different result? 5) Am I prepared to accept the outcome without blaming someone else? Once I have made my decision ... based on "Corrective Responsibility" ... I assume total and complete responsibility for the results of my actions; or lack of action. By the time you have made your decision to e responsible for your actions, and have started correcting your mistakes, failures and shortcoming, you are ready to start practicing ... Prior Responsibility "Prior Responsibility" can best be summed up in the one line you have heard repeated over and over in "cop" shows over the past 20 years ... "Don't do the crime, if you can't do the time." In other words ... Don't do anything for which you are not prepared to accept the consequences! Most of the "business fairy tales" I have read since the age of nine have repeated over and over that a person must keep a "positive mental attitude" at all times. I suppose they think denying the negatives will make them go away. It doesn't! When you enter into any venture, gather all of the pertinent facts regarding the venture, then consider all of the possible results ... both good and bad. -- Try to figure on the "worst" possible outcome. Pretend that every facet of the venture fails. Imagine where you will be if it does. Looking over this imaginary worst case scenario, you must then decide whether or not you could survive that situation. If it happens, would you be able to recover? Would you be willing to pay this price, or would it be too much for you to bear? Do the possible gains outweigh the eventuality of your imaginary worst case? If you think this is an easy task, you are sorely mistaken. It is against human nature to think that anything bad can really happen to you. In order to accomplish "Prior Responsibility," you must use the most negative form of logical thought ... even going so far as to deny the possibility of success. Creating this imaginary worst case scenario may well be one of the most difficult tasks you ever have to accomplish but, doing so will place you in a position of knowing for sure whether or not you are willing to assume "Prior Responsibility" for the outcome of your venture. Then, if you can't accept the possible worst results, you can stay out of the venture. As you become more and more adept at applying those sub-categories of responsibility to your activities, you will soon find yourself accepting ... Total Responsibility Until you reach the point of "Total Responsibility" in both your business and personal life, your chances of climbing high and staying on the "ladder of success" are limited. Over the years, I have witnessed tragedy after tragedy of young men and women who have achieved some modicum of success only to lose it all because of irresponsible actions in their personal lives. Like the person who develops a small, but growing, business and then, through the irresponsible use of alcohol, or drugs, loses it all. Or, those who irresponsibly mistakes sex-urges for love and destroy their earned achievements in order to satisfy their physical urges. Total and complete responsibility for all of your actions ... or lack of action ... is probably the single most important factor in the accomplishment of your life goals. Without it, you will go through life blaming the world for the perpetual state of mediocrity you have created for yourself.
NOVEMBER 2003
Greetings & Salutations:
All too often, people who achieve little or nothing in life or business blame society, their parents, the establishment, or some other outside source for their lack of achievement.
In truth, the blame rests firmly upon their shoulders alone.
On the other hand, the man or woman who progresses logically and steadily up the "ladder of success" has learned they must assume total responsibility for their actions, or lack of action.
Most of the "business fairy tale" writers include a number of references to the need for total responsibility on your part in their writings, but, they do it more as a matter of self-defense. In other words, they say it so, should you fail using their plan, they can always point out those references and keep you from blaming them.
As for myself ...
I couldn't care less whether or not you blame me for your failures.
The reason I take that stance is because I know for an absolute fact that you are going to fail more times than you succeed. If you blame me, or someone else, it is only one more failure to add to your total.
Like any other person who has reached a level of secure success, I can count my real success on my fingers. The failures I couldn't count if I used all of my fingers, toes and hairs on my chest. But I accept the fact that those failures are just as much my responsibility as the successes.
It wasn't always that way, though. Back in my younger days, I rationalized each one of my failures and shortcomings ... placing the blame in each instance on that nefarious party known as "they." (Much like you probably have at one time or another.)
Over the years, as I look back on my multitude of failures, I can clearly see where, in each instance, it was my actions, or lack of action, that directly caused my failure. This realization that I am, and was, responsible for everything that has happened to me ... both good and bad ... also opened the eyes of my mind to another great realization.
If I was totally responsible for the failures and shortcomings in my own life, it stands to reason that I cannot, and must not, assume the blame for the failures and shortcomings of those who read my writings ... or the failures and shortcomings of my brothers, sisters, wife, children and associates.
For you to succeed, you must start, right now, assuming total responsibility for every action you take ... or don't take. That means that you must also accept the total blame for those actions that result in your failures also.
To get you started on your acceptance of total responsibility on your climb up the "ladder of success," let's break it down into a number of sub-categories and illustrate the proper approach to each.
First comes the ...
You must first decide, within yourself, that you will accept the total responsibility for all of your actions ... or lack of action.
Although that sounds easy, it really isn't. -- You may say to yourself, "I will be responsible for all of my actions from now on," but just saying it won't make it so.
To make your "Responsibility Decision," go back in your mind to your last failure ... or select a person you are currently blaming for some unhappiness in your life. -- Go through all of the things in this situation for which you blame others.
Now comes the hard part.
Try to make every part of that situation fall directly on your shoulders. Come up with as many reasons as you possibly can why the blame is yours and yours alone ... not someone else's. -- In other words, rationalize the whole situation in reverse so the total responsibility is yours.
Only after you are able to do this with each and every similar situation in your life will you be ready to say that you have made your "Responsibility Decision."
When you have finally made your decision to be totally responsible for your actions, or lack of action, you must then apply some ...
Granted, you can't go back and change any of your mistakes, failures, or shortcomings. However, you can recognize them, assume the responsibility for them, and then apply "Corrective Responsibility" to them by not making the same mistakes a second, third and fourth time.
As an example: A piano player consistently makes the same mistake, in the same piece of music, every time he plays it. He rationalizes that the teacher did not correct his mistake the first time, so it is the teacher's fault he always makes that mistake.
Once the piano player makes the decision to accept responsibility for that mistake, he must then take it upon himself to correct it in any future playing of that particular piece.
With the piano player, the "Corrective Responsibility" is simply a matter of practicing his mistake over and over, correctly, until the mistake is gone. -- Unfortunately ...
In the business world, it isn't possible to practice your mistakes over and over, however, there is a way.
Take a look at your current situation. Are there things about it that are similar to other situations in which you have been involved?
When I am faced with any situation that is similar to a happening in my past, I go through a short mental test; something like this ...
1) In the previous situation, did I win or lose? 2) Has time proven that I was right or wrong? 3) Will the changing of my actions bring a better result? 4) Do I want the same outcome from this situation, or do I want a different result? 5) Am I prepared to accept the outcome without blaming someone else?
1) In the previous situation, did I win or lose?
2) Has time proven that I was right or wrong?
3) Will the changing of my actions bring a better result?
4) Do I want the same outcome from this situation, or do I want a different result?
5) Am I prepared to accept the outcome without blaming someone else?
Once I have made my decision ... based on "Corrective Responsibility" ... I assume total and complete responsibility for the results of my actions; or lack of action.
By the time you have made your decision to e responsible for your actions, and have started correcting your mistakes, failures and shortcoming, you are ready to start practicing ...
"Prior Responsibility" can best be summed up in the one line you have heard repeated over and over in "cop" shows over the past 20 years ...
"Don't do the crime, if you can't do the time."
In other words ...
Most of the "business fairy tales" I have read since the age of nine have repeated over and over that a person must keep a "positive mental attitude" at all times. I suppose they think denying the negatives will make them go away. It doesn't!
When you enter into any venture, gather all of the pertinent facts regarding the venture, then consider all of the possible results ... both good and bad. -- Try to figure on the "worst" possible outcome. Pretend that every facet of the venture fails. Imagine where you will be if it does.
Looking over this imaginary worst case scenario, you must then decide whether or not you could survive that situation. If it happens, would you be able to recover? Would you be willing to pay this price, or would it be too much for you to bear? Do the possible gains outweigh the eventuality of your imaginary worst case?
If you think this is an easy task, you are sorely mistaken. It is against human nature to think that anything bad can really happen to you. In order to accomplish "Prior Responsibility," you must use the most negative form of logical thought ... even going so far as to deny the possibility of success.
Creating this imaginary worst case scenario may well be one of the most difficult tasks you ever have to accomplish but, doing so will place you in a position of knowing for sure whether or not you are willing to assume "Prior Responsibility" for the outcome of your venture. Then, if you can't accept the possible worst results, you can stay out of the venture.
As you become more and more adept at applying those sub-categories of responsibility to your activities, you will soon find yourself accepting ...
Until you reach the point of "Total Responsibility" in both your business and personal life, your chances of climbing high and staying on the "ladder of success" are limited.
Over the years, I have witnessed tragedy after tragedy of young men and women who have achieved some modicum of success only to lose it all because of irresponsible actions in their personal lives.
Like the person who develops a small, but growing, business and then, through the irresponsible use of alcohol, or drugs, loses it all. Or, those who irresponsibly mistakes sex-urges for love and destroy their earned achievements in order to satisfy their physical urges.
Total and complete responsibility for all of your actions ... or lack of action ... is probably the single most important factor in the accomplishment of your life goals. Without it, you will go through life blaming the world for the perpetual state of mediocrity you have created for yourself.
Now, let's do some ... Questions & Answers, Comments & Other Good Stuff! Richard Curry, Jr. was doing it backwards ... "You've always said that there's no such things as a dumb question, except the one not asked. So here goes. I have chosen a field of interest to begin exporting. Now, I don't have my own product, I am hoping to be able to export existing products not being marketed in such a way. -- I am taking advice from one of your students (and yourself) and am looking for potential qualified buyers overseas first, before contacting USA manufacturers about my desire to market their product. Having a potential buyer first might give me some clout. -- My question to you is: Being a novice (wet behind the ears), am I being unrealistic or too forward asking for the exclusive exporting rights for their product, especially since I have never attempted exporting yet. Or, should I proceed differently and accept commission on a sale? (of course, all is depending upon a manufacturer even willing to work with me). -- I guess what I'm doing is combining your exporting advice with Joe Cossman's advice. I've learned from the Cossman program to not touch a product unless, when sold, a part of that always comes back to you. -- I'm not greedy. I'd be willing to settle for anything in order to gain valuable experience in the exporting business. What would you do if starting over again for the first time?" Richard: Finding "buyers" first sounds good - BUT - buyers of what?? -- If don't know what you'll be selling, how can you identify a buyer for it. First ... locate manufacturers in your area that have products to sell. Get their catalogs & price lists ... DO NOT approach them about being a dealer/exporter/finder or anything else ... just get their product information. When you have that information, go "find" some buyers who might be interested in those products. If you find some buyers, you may either approach the company about exporting their product, or as a finder ... either way, use blanked-out copies of the buyers' letters to demonstrate to them that you are capable of finding buyers for their products. Be sure when you try to find buyers that you do NOT give the potential buyers any brand names or company names ... use only generic descriptions of the products. Then, if the manufacturer you want to work with isn't interested, you can take the deal to another company that manufactures the same; or very similar, products.
Now, let's do some ...
Richard Curry, Jr. was doing it backwards ...
"You've always said that there's no such things as a dumb question, except the one not asked. So here goes. I have chosen a field of interest to begin exporting. Now, I don't have my own product, I am hoping to be able to export existing products not being marketed in such a way. -- I am taking advice from one of your students (and yourself) and am looking for potential qualified buyers overseas first, before contacting USA manufacturers about my desire to market their product. Having a potential buyer first might give me some clout. -- My question to you is: Being a novice (wet behind the ears), am I being unrealistic or too forward asking for the exclusive exporting rights for their product, especially since I have never attempted exporting yet. Or, should I proceed differently and accept commission on a sale? (of course, all is depending upon a manufacturer even willing to work with me). -- I guess what I'm doing is combining your exporting advice with Joe Cossman's advice. I've learned from the Cossman program to not touch a product unless, when sold, a part of that always comes back to you. -- I'm not greedy. I'd be willing to settle for anything in order to gain valuable experience in the exporting business. What would you do if starting over again for the first time?"
Richard:
Finding "buyers" first sounds good - BUT - buyers of what?? -- If don't know what you'll be selling, how can you identify a buyer for it.
First ... locate manufacturers in your area that have products to sell. Get their catalogs & price lists ... DO NOT approach them about being a dealer/exporter/finder or anything else ... just get their product information.
When you have that information, go "find" some buyers who might be interested in those products. If you find some buyers, you may either approach the company about exporting their product, or as a finder ... either way, use blanked-out copies of the buyers' letters to demonstrate to them that you are capable of finding buyers for their products.
Be sure when you try to find buyers that you do NOT give the potential buyers any brand names or company names ... use only generic descriptions of the products. Then, if the manufacturer you want to work with isn't interested, you can take the deal to another company that manufactures the same; or very similar, products.
When I got this email message, I figured it was just more hype. Then, after I thoroughly read the offer, it impressed me enough I signed up. What the hey ... it was only $10. Here's the ad I received ... Sell your own stuff and Flood your Paypal and Stormpay accounts with $10.00 Bills at the same time. You pay a one-time low $10.00 entry fee plus a $2.50 set up fee to admin and you get to collect again and again! It's called Radvertising and it combines the potent concept of randomizing with a unique way to actually promote your own product or service day after day. Looks good to me. -- Check it out yourself, at: CashMagnet I even signed up for the StormPay account as well, at: StormPay
Then, after I thoroughly read the offer, it impressed me enough I signed up.
What the hey ... it was only $10.
Here's the ad I received ...
Sell your own stuff and Flood your Paypal and Stormpay accounts with $10.00 Bills at the same time. You pay a one-time low $10.00 entry fee plus a $2.50 set up fee to admin and you get to collect again and again! It's called Radvertising and it combines the potent concept of randomizing with a unique way to actually promote your own product or service day after day.
Sell your own stuff and Flood your Paypal and Stormpay accounts with $10.00 Bills at the same time. You pay a one-time low $10.00 entry fee plus a $2.50 set up fee to admin and you get to collect again and again!
It's called Radvertising and it combines the potent concept of randomizing with a unique way to actually promote your own product or service day after day.
Looks good to me. -- Check it out yourself, at:
I even signed up for the StormPay account as well, at: StormPay
Dave had a question about Card Decks ... "May I ask you a question: If I have a winning classified ad for a newsletter/moneymaking offer, do you know of any good, responsive card deck advertisers I can place the ad with and (2) is it necessary to place a 8x11 postcard ad in the card deck to get good results or can I stick with the much smaller classified ad initially." Dave: I haven't used Card Decks for years & years ... although productive in their beginnings, the costs have become almost prohibitive over the years. About the only thing they can be used for effectively is to capture names & addresses for follow up ... then, it is only cost effective if your backside products have enough profit to support a very costly lead generator. My best postcard ads were the small ones ... didn't see any significant increase in response by using a larger card. Actually, using the current PostCard Postage Rate, you can actually rent mailing lists & mail the post cards yourself cheaper than what you would have to pay for a Card Deck mailing.
Dave had a question about Card Decks ...
"May I ask you a question: If I have a winning classified ad for a newsletter/moneymaking offer, do you know of any good, responsive card deck advertisers I can place the ad with and (2) is it necessary to place a 8x11 postcard ad in the card deck to get good results or can I stick with the much smaller classified ad initially."
Dave:
I haven't used Card Decks for years & years ... although productive in their beginnings, the costs have become almost prohibitive over the years. About the only thing they can be used for effectively is to capture names & addresses for follow up ... then, it is only cost effective if your backside products have enough profit to support a very costly lead generator.
My best postcard ads were the small ones ... didn't see any significant increase in response by using a larger card.
Actually, using the current PostCard Postage Rate, you can actually rent mailing lists & mail the post cards yourself cheaper than what you would have to pay for a Card Deck mailing.
Jim Pitre was looking at franchises ... "What are your thoughts on an individual starting a business without franchising? I'm considering all options (seriously) and a lot of the steps involved in the process I can accomplish. I don't have any fears on my capabilities to accomplishment so, I'm guess what I'm asking is: Do You Think its A Good idea. -- I'm in a rural community that's enjoying an above moderate growth spell right now centered between several good size lakes with new businesses being built Subway, Dollar Stores, Sonic, Brookshire's, etc. If you think self-start is a possibility or would like more info let me know." Jim: Over the years, I have investigated a great number of franchises - but - never bought one. In every case, I have started my own ... after gathering all the information I could from EVERY franchise I could find. Then, I just adopted & adapted their methods to my own business. BUT ... With a franchise you do have the support of the franchisor ... which could hasten your success.
Jim Pitre was looking at franchises ...
"What are your thoughts on an individual starting a business without franchising? I'm considering all options (seriously) and a lot of the steps involved in the process I can accomplish. I don't have any fears on my capabilities to accomplishment so, I'm guess what I'm asking is: Do You Think its A Good idea. -- I'm in a rural community that's enjoying an above moderate growth spell right now centered between several good size lakes with new businesses being built Subway, Dollar Stores, Sonic, Brookshire's, etc. If you think self-start is a possibility or would like more info let me know."
Jim:
Over the years, I have investigated a great number of franchises - but - never bought one.
In every case, I have started my own ... after gathering all the information I could from EVERY franchise I could find. Then, I just adopted & adapted their methods to my own business. BUT ...
With a franchise you do have the support of the franchisor ... which could hasten your success.
Mailorder is still King! You can still make a fortune in mailorder without ever selling anything on the Internet - BUT ... You can NOT make any real money on the Internet without using Mailorder Marketing. Starting in September, 1999, I put my web site URL on every mailorder sales piece that left our offices. -- That little act alone produced 83% of the "buying" customers who have visited my web site. On the Internet, your customers have to FIND YOU. -- That means you must continually market your web site ... using every trick in the guru's book ... to generate traffic to your site. -- Even then, all you're doing is preaching to the choir. Using known demographic profiling, in the mailorder business, you FIND YOUR CUSTOMERS ... then, tell them what you have and how they can get it from you on the Internet. People who visit, or contact, you from a mailorder campaign are NOT the customary Internet Surfers; other Internet Marketers; or Freebie Seekers, you get by marketing on the Internet. -- They are people who are looking for what you have but don't know where to find it. If you plan on making an Internet fortune ... using tried and proven mailorder methods ... you MUST be a member of the "National Mail Order Association." (I am.) Find out all about it, at: NMOA The benefits of membership are beyond belief. -- And ... While you are there, be sure to visit the Mail Order Museum ... in the links on the left hand side of the page.
You can still make a fortune in mailorder without ever selling anything on the Internet - BUT ... You can NOT make any real money on the Internet without using Mailorder Marketing.
Starting in September, 1999, I put my web site URL on every mailorder sales piece that left our offices. -- That little act alone produced 83% of the "buying" customers who have visited my web site.
On the Internet, your customers have to FIND YOU. -- That means you must continually market your web site ... using every trick in the guru's book ... to generate traffic to your site. -- Even then, all you're doing is preaching to the choir.
Using known demographic profiling, in the mailorder business, you FIND YOUR CUSTOMERS ... then, tell them what you have and how they can get it from you on the Internet.
People who visit, or contact, you from a mailorder campaign are NOT the customary Internet Surfers; other Internet Marketers; or Freebie Seekers, you get by marketing on the Internet. -- They are people who are looking for what you have but don't know where to find it.
If you plan on making an Internet fortune ... using tried and proven mailorder methods ... you MUST be a member of the "National Mail Order Association." (I am.)
Find out all about it, at:
The benefits of membership are beyond belief. -- And ...
While you are there, be sure to visit the Mail Order Museum ... in the links on the left hand side of the page.
Stephen B. Lord just wanted to say ... "This email is nothing more than an unabashed marketing email to promote my new website. It is a site selling gift baskets and gifts for babies. -- If you know someone who's going to be having a baby, or your friends/family do, please let them know about my site. -- In addition, a portion of all sales will be donated to charitable organizations. My church is in the process of building a new sanctuary so part of all sales will go to the building fund. And, I love kids, so part of all sales will also go to helping children." You can find Stephen's site, at: http://www.BabysGiftBasket.com
Stephen B. Lord just wanted to say ...
"This email is nothing more than an unabashed marketing email to promote my new website. It is a site selling gift baskets and gifts for babies. -- If you know someone who's going to be having a baby, or your friends/family do, please let them know about my site. -- In addition, a portion of all sales will be donated to charitable organizations. My church is in the process of building a new sanctuary so part of all sales will go to the building fund. And, I love kids, so part of all sales will also go to helping children."
You can find Stephen's site, at: http://www.BabysGiftBasket.com
Mike Johnson wanted some marketing advice ... "I'm trying to advertise my collection agency on the cheap. What's the cheapest route to go short of printing up flyers and handing them out? What's cheapest direct mail options?" Mike: "Flyers" are NOT the way to go. You will, by & large, be dealing with business people who honestly think a Collection Agency must be "professional" ... they aren't, but they expect you to appear to be. If I were doing it, I would first send out a simple PostCard to businesses in the area; something like this ... Let Me Increase Your Cash Flow ... As the collection agency for this area, I would be pleased to review your Past-Due Accounts Receivable for collection. Call me for a FREE review of your accounts. Thank You, Mike Johnson 555-1111 I would also post the same PostCard on the bulletin boards anywhere & everywhere in your community ... anywhere they have a bulletin board ... especially where business people might see the notice. And, I would post the same message ... not necessarily a PostCard ... at the Chamber of Commerce. Then, I would simply start making telephone calls to businesses in the area ... ASK to speak to their "accounting department" ... and offer them a "FREE review of your Past-Due Accounts Receivable."
Mike Johnson wanted some marketing advice ...
"I'm trying to advertise my collection agency on the cheap. What's the cheapest route to go short of printing up flyers and handing them out? What's cheapest direct mail options?"
Mike:
"Flyers" are NOT the way to go.
You will, by & large, be dealing with business people who honestly think a Collection Agency must be "professional" ... they aren't, but they expect you to appear to be.
If I were doing it, I would first send out a simple PostCard to businesses in the area; something like this ...
Let Me Increase Your Cash Flow ... As the collection agency for this area, I would be pleased to review your Past-Due Accounts Receivable for collection. Call me for a FREE review of your accounts. Thank You, Mike Johnson 555-1111
As the collection agency for this area, I would be pleased to review your Past-Due Accounts Receivable for collection.
Call me for a FREE review of your accounts.
Thank You,
Mike Johnson 555-1111
I would also post the same PostCard on the bulletin boards anywhere & everywhere in your community ... anywhere they have a bulletin board ... especially where business people might see the notice.
And, I would post the same message ... not necessarily a PostCard ... at the Chamber of Commerce.
Then, I would simply start making telephone calls to businesses in the area ... ASK to speak to their "accounting department" ... and offer them a "FREE review of your Past-Due Accounts Receivable."
Jack Gately needs your help ... "May I seek your advice regarding a project that I am working on as a United Nations volunteer with the Orphans Society of Zambia? -- My law practice focuses on military clients worldwide and has often brought me into harm's way in interesting foreign locales. Along the way, I have met many wonderful people and made a host of friends. Some of them have asked for my help and I need some advice as to how to best achieve their goals. -- In the Copper Belt of Zambia, there are about 2,500 children who are now orphan's due to civil war or the AIDS epidemic. While relief societies servicing the area are providing well for basic needs, they really need a chance to learn how to be children. You would be amazed at the way their eyes light up when given a toy or some sporting equipment, Jim. -- Right now, my goal is to obtain donations of sporting equipment sufficient to allow the local society to begin a sports program focusing on gymnastics, soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. While monetary donations are always welcome and could help toward building facilities, the real desire is to be able to provide the children with something to do at the end of the school day. Thus, some basic sporting equipment could go a long way to building self-confidence, teamwork and spirit. -- At present, I am the only UN volunteer focusing on this mission. I am due to travel to Zambia during the rainy season from January to March. Frankly, my local contacts are already planning a regional conference around my arrival, including attendance by members of Parliament, the First Lady of Zambia, etc. -- No one else really wanted this job, Jim. Now that I have it, I really need some help thinking outside of the box. Routine letters to sporting goods manufacturers and professional sports teams are typically routed to a public relations functionary for a perfunctory response. I really need some help from someone with an unconventional mindset. Since you have made a career out of thinking outside of the box, I was hoping that you could provide me with some sound advice." Jack: First ... I have put your message here because I have the best people in the world reading the e-Letter ... maybe some of them can assist you.. Beyond that, I suggest you contact your local Shrine Club ... Masonic order. They are always willing to help children.
Jack Gately needs your help ...
"May I seek your advice regarding a project that I am working on as a United Nations volunteer with the Orphans Society of Zambia? -- My law practice focuses on military clients worldwide and has often brought me into harm's way in interesting foreign locales. Along the way, I have met many wonderful people and made a host of friends. Some of them have asked for my help and I need some advice as to how to best achieve their goals. -- In the Copper Belt of Zambia, there are about 2,500 children who are now orphan's due to civil war or the AIDS epidemic. While relief societies servicing the area are providing well for basic needs, they really need a chance to learn how to be children. You would be amazed at the way their eyes light up when given a toy or some sporting equipment, Jim. -- Right now, my goal is to obtain donations of sporting equipment sufficient to allow the local society to begin a sports program focusing on gymnastics, soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. While monetary donations are always welcome and could help toward building facilities, the real desire is to be able to provide the children with something to do at the end of the school day. Thus, some basic sporting equipment could go a long way to building self-confidence, teamwork and spirit. -- At present, I am the only UN volunteer focusing on this mission. I am due to travel to Zambia during the rainy season from January to March. Frankly, my local contacts are already planning a regional conference around my arrival, including attendance by members of Parliament, the First Lady of Zambia, etc. -- No one else really wanted this job, Jim. Now that I have it, I really need some help thinking outside of the box. Routine letters to sporting goods manufacturers and professional sports teams are typically routed to a public relations functionary for a perfunctory response. I really need some help from someone with an unconventional mindset. Since you have made a career out of thinking outside of the box, I was hoping that you could provide me with some sound advice."
Jack:
First ... I have put your message here because I have the best people in the world reading the e-Letter ... maybe some of them can assist you..
Beyond that, I suggest you contact your local Shrine Club ... Masonic order. They are always willing to help children.
Willy Lami was involved in an oil deal ... "I have read your finder's fee information and now I have to submit you a question. -- I saw an advertisement on the internet: WANTED:SAUDI ARAB GOVERNMENT CONNECTION $100,000. REWARD - If you have high level SAUDI Government connections, we would like to talk with you. Our client is a large USA based oil refinery that wants to buy SAUDI or other(OPEC) ARAB LIGHT CRUDE OIL. We need an introduction to a SAUDI ARABIAN PRINCE in charge of oil sales or a top official or mandate of ARAMCO. We agree to pay you a minimum of $100,000.00 USD, only if your introduction leads to a completed deal. Therefore, Please only call us if you have good reliable ARABIAN OIL connections. -- I tried to contact many Arabian oil company by E-mail but without success. -- So, Dear Jim, I ask you what do you think about this, what should I do now, maybe it's too late?" Willy: Don't waste your time. The "oil industry" is a very, very tight knit fraternity. The ad you read is from someone like yourself who thinks there may be someone who will put them in the oil business. The following item appear in my "WorldWide Business Exchange" ... If you've taken my course on Finder's Fees (the bible of the industry since 1978), you will remember that I warned you about getting involved in what I called "exotics" ... such as Crude Oil & Petroleum Products. Even back when I was super-active as a Finder, I didn't do any "oil deals," leaving that ëexoticí field to people who knew the industry inside out. -- Since 1963, in almost every issue, there have been listings ... both Available & Wanted ... for Crude Oil & Petroleum Products in this newsletter. Some of them have been real - some of then have been daisy-chains - some of them have been nothing but hopeless pipe-dreams ... I've never even taken the time to find out which was which but, I know for a fact a number of you need what this contact has to offer. -- Contact is a real Petroleum Broker. Faced with the daisy-chainers, nonsense offers, false offers & misinformed finders, back in 1995 he finally wrote "The Petroleum Broker's Notebook" in self-defense. -- "The Petroleum Broker's Notebook" explains his experiences in the business of international petroleum product brokering ... from the ridiculous to the real, & competitive, arena where he makes his money ... contains stories, discussions & notes with oil industry friends ... details the marketing of Fuel Oil, Naphtha, Jet Fuel, etc., including the mechanics, trade calculations & marketing traps. -- Last year, he updated it with more information on the fake oil business & false offers with quantity risk minimization information for oil traders looking to "trade up" in the business to full scale cargo trading. -- Now, it's over 150 pages of pure, oil-industry dynamite. -- So, if you have ever thought about doing an "oil deal" you had better buy this book & memorize it before you start. "The Petroleum Broker's Notebook" is only $53.95 (postpaid) in the U.S. & Canada ... to all other countries it's just $63.95. -- Chevron, Fina, Huntway, Singapore Oil Report, Kern Oil, and a host of other notables in the oil industry have already bought their copies. -- Order your personal copy, today! -- Contact: RICHARD FAGNANI, 324 Lincoln Ave., Alameda, CA 94501 -- (831) 684-1613 -- FAX: (510) 521-5409 If you are going to attempt to break in to the oil business, you will need Richard's book.
Willy Lami was involved in an oil deal ...
"I have read your finder's fee information and now I have to submit you a question. -- I saw an advertisement on the internet: WANTED:SAUDI ARAB GOVERNMENT CONNECTION $100,000. REWARD - If you have high level SAUDI Government connections, we would like to talk with you. Our client is a large USA based oil refinery that wants to buy SAUDI or other(OPEC) ARAB LIGHT CRUDE OIL. We need an introduction to a SAUDI ARABIAN PRINCE in charge of oil sales or a top official or mandate of ARAMCO. We agree to pay you a minimum of $100,000.00 USD, only if your introduction leads to a completed deal. Therefore, Please only call us if you have good reliable ARABIAN OIL connections. -- I tried to contact many Arabian oil company by E-mail but without success. -- So, Dear Jim, I ask you what do you think about this, what should I do now, maybe it's too late?"
Willy:
Don't waste your time. The "oil industry" is a very, very tight knit fraternity. The ad you read is from someone like yourself who thinks there may be someone who will put them in the oil business.
The following item appear in my "WorldWide Business Exchange" ...
If you've taken my course on Finder's Fees (the bible of the industry since 1978), you will remember that I warned you about getting involved in what I called "exotics" ... such as Crude Oil & Petroleum Products. Even back when I was super-active as a Finder, I didn't do any "oil deals," leaving that ëexoticí field to people who knew the industry inside out. -- Since 1963, in almost every issue, there have been listings ... both Available & Wanted ... for Crude Oil & Petroleum Products in this newsletter. Some of them have been real - some of then have been daisy-chains - some of them have been nothing but hopeless pipe-dreams ... I've never even taken the time to find out which was which but, I know for a fact a number of you need what this contact has to offer. -- Contact is a real Petroleum Broker. Faced with the daisy-chainers, nonsense offers, false offers & misinformed finders, back in 1995 he finally wrote "The Petroleum Broker's Notebook" in self-defense. -- "The Petroleum Broker's Notebook" explains his experiences in the business of international petroleum product brokering ... from the ridiculous to the real, & competitive, arena where he makes his money ... contains stories, discussions & notes with oil industry friends ... details the marketing of Fuel Oil, Naphtha, Jet Fuel, etc., including the mechanics, trade calculations & marketing traps. -- Last year, he updated it with more information on the fake oil business & false offers with quantity risk minimization information for oil traders looking to "trade up" in the business to full scale cargo trading. -- Now, it's over 150 pages of pure, oil-industry dynamite. -- So, if you have ever thought about doing an "oil deal" you had better buy this book & memorize it before you start. "The Petroleum Broker's Notebook" is only $53.95 (postpaid) in the U.S. & Canada ... to all other countries it's just $63.95. -- Chevron, Fina, Huntway, Singapore Oil Report, Kern Oil, and a host of other notables in the oil industry have already bought their copies. -- Order your personal copy, today! -- Contact: RICHARD FAGNANI, 324 Lincoln Ave., Alameda, CA 94501 -- (831) 684-1613 -- FAX: (510) 521-5409
If you are going to attempt to break in to the oil business, you will need Richard's book.
Semmy Stumpp wanted me to tell you this ... "Imagine this: You will never buy a single computer book again! You will learn about any major computer software any time when you like with an interactive Elearning Library that costs less than $300 ... I wrote, a couple of years ago, a book on project management software after teaching people one-on-one in person. Being frustrated not being able to reach more people with effective software know how - I partnered now with an interactive Elearning Online Project. -- Read the short document that gives you a interesting insight into Elearning - The Next Billion Industry." You can get a FREE copy of "The Real Worth Of Elearning" by Semmy Stumpp, at: http://www.onlinestudyadvisor.com/education.pdf
Semmy Stumpp wanted me to tell you this ...
"Imagine this: You will never buy a single computer book again! You will learn about any major computer software any time when you like with an interactive Elearning Library that costs less than $300 ... I wrote, a couple of years ago, a book on project management software after teaching people one-on-one in person. Being frustrated not being able to reach more people with effective software know how - I partnered now with an interactive Elearning Online Project. -- Read the short document that gives you a interesting insight into Elearning - The Next Billion Industry."
You can get a FREE copy of "The Real Worth Of Elearning" by Semmy Stumpp, at:
Back in the January, 2001, issue of the e-Letter, I shared with you the writings of Henry S. Bunting in "The Elementary Laws of Advertising And How to Use Them" written in 1913. At the end of the article, I asked if anyone knew what happened to Bunting's Advertising company ... based in Chicago in 1913. Well - I was just contacted by the successor publications that began with Henry Bunting's writings ... "INCENTIVE" Magazine Go back and re-read what Henry Bunting wrote in 1913 ... Jan01.html -- then, go take a look at where Bunting's writings went from there, at: http://www.incentivemag.com
Back in the January, 2001, issue of the e-Letter, I shared with you the writings of Henry S. Bunting in "The Elementary Laws of Advertising And How to Use Them" written in 1913.
At the end of the article, I asked if anyone knew what happened to Bunting's Advertising company ... based in Chicago in 1913.
Well - I was just contacted by the successor publications that began with Henry Bunting's writings ...
Go back and re-read what Henry Bunting wrote in 1913 ... Jan01.html -- then, go take a look at where Bunting's writings went from there, at:
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
"Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not." -- Walter Bagehot "If educators teach the lessons of responsibility to their students, they have done their job." -- J.F. (Jim) Straw
"Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not." -- Walter Bagehot
"If educators teach the lessons of responsibility to their students, they have done their job." -- J.F. (Jim) Straw
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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