SEPTEMBER 2007 Greetings & Salutations: This month, let's talk about ... "Stupid People & Stupid Questions!" No doubt, you have often heard it said, "There are no stupid questions," or, "The only stupid question is the question you didn't ask." Although these statements-of-truth are often repeated, over the years I have found that very, very few people ever really ask the questions they should. -- For that reason, if you will notice, in almost every book I have written I capitalize the word "ASK" whenever it is used. It is my opinion that the reason most people don't ask questions is because of the teachers (?) they encountered during their earliest education. -- How many times did a teacher (?) tell you to "sit down and shut up" when you asked a question in class? -- After enough instances, you finally 'learned' that asking questions was not acceptable behavior. Beyond that, it is also my opinion that those of us who keep asking questions ... even after we have been told to "sit down and shut up" countless times ... are the ones who succeed in business and in life. That's because, unlike those who quit asking questions, we eventually get the answers we need to accomplish the things we want to do. The more questions we ask ... questioning anything and everything ... the greater our understanding of business and life. I have known a lot of stupid people in my life. But, how do I know they are really stupid? It's really very simple... Really Stupid People never ask any questions. Because ... Stupidity is a learned condition ... not an inherited trait. Stupid people are created by parents, teachers, the clergy, and all the other authority figures. It begins the first time an inquiring young mind is denied the opportunity to 'question' the efficacy, accuracy, fidelity, veracity, or effectiveness of anything ... or that same inquiring young mind is denied access to known facts because the parent, teacher, or whoever, is too lazy to assist a child in finding an answer the child can understand. Education should be about 'answering questions,' and teaching children how to 'find answers,' rather than about maintaining rules and accepting the input from any one source. Even known, proven facts should be taught to be questioned. Then again, don't be holding your breath waiting for our society to adopt such an educational format; based upon teaching 'questions,' rather than rote 'answers,' because ... Bureaucratic bodies and crooks ... in government and business ... depend upon stupid people for their very existence. Although the vast majority of authority figures ... in education, religion, the professions, business, government, and all other activities and endeavors ... are quick to recite "There are no stupid questions," or, "The only stupid question is the question you didn't ask," their 'sit down and shut up' attitude toward those who do ask questions speaks louder than their words. When a person has been told to 'sit down and shut up' ... by either word or action ... enough times, that person finally learns that asking questions ... about anything ... is an unacceptable behavior. Then, it is easy for anyone seeking 'control' over that stupid (unquestioning) person by using one of the oldest tricks in the con-man's handbook -- "first give the victim the answer you want, then ask the question." Unfortunately, in today's society, it has become ingrained in our populace that, "only stupid people ask questions." Thereby, it is only necessary for the bureaucratic body, or crook, seeking control over another ... for any reason ... to first give that person, or those people, the answer they want before they ask the question. -- Because their intended victim has already been conditioned to be stupid, they can proceed with impunity knowing they will never be questioned - and - if anyone should have the audacity to raise a question, it will be all too easy to get the stupid people they control to assist them in labeling the questioner a fool, an heretic, or even worse. Think abou it. -- Have you ever heard anyone quesstion Al Gore's "theory" of global warming? -- Why? -- Because asking would question the intellect and veracity of an ex-Vice President of the U.S. of A. Fortunately... Stupidity Can Be Cured! All you have to do is ASK! Every condition in your life has it's cause. -- Poor people are poor, because they have never asked themselves, "why am I poor?" -- They just accept the condition and pass it along to their offspring. Unless YOU learn to ASK for what you want from life, you will be stupid. But, you have to keep on asking, and Asking, and ASKING until you get the answers that will, finally and lastingly, lead you to a full understanding of success in business and in life. ASK, and you will receive. -- It is better to appear to be stupid in the eyes of really stupid people than to NOT ASK and really be stupid yourself.
SEPTEMBER 2007
Greetings & Salutations:
This month, let's talk about ...
No doubt, you have often heard it said, "There are no stupid questions," or, "The only stupid question is the question you didn't ask." Although these statements-of-truth are often repeated, over the years I have found that very, very few people ever really ask the questions they should. -- For that reason, if you will notice, in almost every book I have written I capitalize the word "ASK" whenever it is used. It is my opinion that the reason most people don't ask questions is because of the teachers (?) they encountered during their earliest education. -- How many times did a teacher (?) tell you to "sit down and shut up" when you asked a question in class? -- After enough instances, you finally 'learned' that asking questions was not acceptable behavior. Beyond that, it is also my opinion that those of us who keep asking questions ... even after we have been told to "sit down and shut up" countless times ... are the ones who succeed in business and in life. That's because, unlike those who quit asking questions, we eventually get the answers we need to accomplish the things we want to do. The more questions we ask ... questioning anything and everything ... the greater our understanding of business and life. I have known a lot of stupid people in my life. But, how do I know they are really stupid? It's really very simple...
Because ...
Stupid people are created by parents, teachers, the clergy, and all the other authority figures. It begins the first time an inquiring young mind is denied the opportunity to 'question' the efficacy, accuracy, fidelity, veracity, or effectiveness of anything ... or that same inquiring young mind is denied access to known facts because the parent, teacher, or whoever, is too lazy to assist a child in finding an answer the child can understand. Education should be about 'answering questions,' and teaching children how to 'find answers,' rather than about maintaining rules and accepting the input from any one source. Even known, proven facts should be taught to be questioned. Then again, don't be holding your breath waiting for our society to adopt such an educational format; based upon teaching 'questions,' rather than rote 'answers,' because ... Bureaucratic bodies and crooks ... in government and business ... depend upon stupid people for their very existence. Although the vast majority of authority figures ... in education, religion, the professions, business, government, and all other activities and endeavors ... are quick to recite "There are no stupid questions," or, "The only stupid question is the question you didn't ask," their 'sit down and shut up' attitude toward those who do ask questions speaks louder than their words. When a person has been told to 'sit down and shut up' ... by either word or action ... enough times, that person finally learns that asking questions ... about anything ... is an unacceptable behavior. Then, it is easy for anyone seeking 'control' over that stupid (unquestioning) person by using one of the oldest tricks in the con-man's handbook -- "first give the victim the answer you want, then ask the question." Unfortunately, in today's society, it has become ingrained in our populace that, "only stupid people ask questions." Thereby, it is only necessary for the bureaucratic body, or crook, seeking control over another ... for any reason ... to first give that person, or those people, the answer they want before they ask the question. -- Because their intended victim has already been conditioned to be stupid, they can proceed with impunity knowing they will never be questioned - and - if anyone should have the audacity to raise a question, it will be all too easy to get the stupid people they control to assist them in labeling the questioner a fool, an heretic, or even worse. Think abou it. -- Have you ever heard anyone quesstion Al Gore's "theory" of global warming? -- Why? -- Because asking would question the intellect and veracity of an ex-Vice President of the U.S. of A. Fortunately...
Every condition in your life has it's cause. -- Poor people are poor, because they have never asked themselves, "why am I poor?" -- They just accept the condition and pass it along to their offspring. Unless YOU learn to ASK for what you want from life, you will be stupid. But, you have to keep on asking, and Asking, and ASKING until you get the answers that will, finally and lastingly, lead you to a full understanding of success in business and in life. ASK, and you will receive. -- It is better to appear to be stupid in the eyes of really stupid people than to NOT ASK and really be stupid yourself.
Now, let's do some ... Questions & Answers, Comments & Other Good Stuff! Mike Higgins wanted to know ... "You suggested specializing in a particular finder's "niche". May I ask what niche or niches you specialized in?" Mike: I'm an old man, now ... only take on very specialized projects. Right now, one of the hottest markets is "Building Materials." Since Hurrican Katarina there have been tons of over produced building materials available and local building material suppliers have been grabbing them as fast as they come available. As Will Rogers used to say, "The problem with success is that it goes around disguised as hard work."
Now, let's do some ...
Mike Higgins wanted to know ...
"You suggested specializing in a particular finder's "niche". May I ask what niche or niches you specialized in?"
Mike: I'm an old man, now ... only take on very specialized projects. Right now, one of the hottest markets is "Building Materials." Since Hurrican Katarina there have been tons of over produced building materials available and local building material suppliers have been grabbing them as fast as they come available. As Will Rogers used to say, "The problem with success is that it goes around disguised as hard work."
Jae Jans had this for you ... "I have a suggestion for both your own site and if you feel inclined you could include it in your next e-letter for the rest of your subscribers. It's a service called instant audio and it's an easy way for your customers to leave audio testimonials. -- Here is my affiliate link to the site ... http://members.instantaudio.com/specialinfo.asp?x=1351811" Thank you, Jae ... I just told my readers about it. -- I might even use it myself.
Jae Jans had this for you ...
"I have a suggestion for both your own site and if you feel inclined you could include it in your next e-letter for the rest of your subscribers. It's a service called instant audio and it's an easy way for your customers to leave audio testimonials. -- Here is my affiliate link to the site ... http://members.instantaudio.com/specialinfo.asp?x=1351811"
Thank you, Jae ... I just told my readers about it. -- I might even use it myself.
Jason Nails was in a quandry ... "I have been trying to learn how to earn finder's fees from excess merchandise. <>Do I just pick a random industry and start contacting companies(manufacturers) within that industry? Asking if they have excess inventory? <>How does this differ from the procedures in your course? <>I've been to sites like Hoover's and Thomas Register, trying to find manufacturers to contact, but one is for larger companies, and the other is for industrial companies?" Jason: Like so many "new" entrepreneurs, you are putting way too much faith in the Internet. To get started, I suggest you start in your local area using the telephone book yellow pages for both sellers and buyers. Don't limit yourself to manufacturers. Retailers, wholesalers, distributors, importers, etc., all may have excess inventories. Just ASK ... you'll be amazed at what you may find. Then, when you find some excess inventories, ask yourself; "Who sells it?" because ... Every seller is also a buyer. Shoe stores buy shoes; grocery stores buy groceries; building material suppliers buy building materials; etc., etc., etc.
Jason Nails was in a quandry ...
"I have been trying to learn how to earn finder's fees from excess merchandise. <>Do I just pick a random industry and start contacting companies(manufacturers) within that industry? Asking if they have excess inventory? <>How does this differ from the procedures in your course? <>I've been to sites like Hoover's and Thomas Register, trying to find manufacturers to contact, but one is for larger companies, and the other is for industrial companies?"
Jason: Like so many "new" entrepreneurs, you are putting way too much faith in the Internet. To get started, I suggest you start in your local area using the telephone book yellow pages for both sellers and buyers. Don't limit yourself to manufacturers. Retailers, wholesalers, distributors, importers, etc., all may have excess inventories. Just ASK ... you'll be amazed at what you may find. Then, when you find some excess inventories, ask yourself; "Who sells it?" because ... Every seller is also a buyer. Shoe stores buy shoes; grocery stores buy groceries; building material suppliers buy building materials; etc., etc., etc.
Tatiana K. needed a little direction to her efforts ... "I am not looking for a get rich quick scheme, but wanted to ask you for advice based on your billing as a marketing genius. -- I am about to start a non-internet based home businesss. It's a cost consulting service for businesses, and IF I am able to find savings for my client we share in the savings for my fee. I do not get paid upfront and there is no risk for the client. -- So far the response to a few cold calls I've made has been lukewarm. To me it's a no-brainer, there is no risk, I do the work up front, and if I can't produce quantifiable solid savings I don't get paid - but to the business owners it must sound too much like a scam or something. I don't know how to effectively market this type of service. I want to come across as professional, not too hyped up, (no cheesy mass mails) and would like to come up with an effective marketing plan. -- Since you have a great deal of experience in the area, how would you do it? I feel bad asking for your advise without purchasing your products, but they really don't apply to what I am trying to do, and it sounds like you have experince to spare and like to help others." Tatiana: Actually, that's what much of my BeAMillionaire course is all about ... The secret, of course, is that if you have the buyers, you can always find the sellers. Best bet would be to first locate a cheaper source for a product currently being sold by the merchant. Then, contact them and tell them what you have to offer that they currently need at a price they can't pass up. If you've done your homework ... you know they buy & sell the product ... they should be interested. Then, explain your service and your fees. Of course, they won't be able to buy at the better price until they sign-up as a client and agree to pay your fee. Don't feel bad about ASKing ... that's what I'm here for.
Tatiana K. needed a little direction to her efforts ...
"I am not looking for a get rich quick scheme, but wanted to ask you for advice based on your billing as a marketing genius. -- I am about to start a non-internet based home businesss. It's a cost consulting service for businesses, and IF I am able to find savings for my client we share in the savings for my fee. I do not get paid upfront and there is no risk for the client. -- So far the response to a few cold calls I've made has been lukewarm. To me it's a no-brainer, there is no risk, I do the work up front, and if I can't produce quantifiable solid savings I don't get paid - but to the business owners it must sound too much like a scam or something. I don't know how to effectively market this type of service. I want to come across as professional, not too hyped up, (no cheesy mass mails) and would like to come up with an effective marketing plan. -- Since you have a great deal of experience in the area, how would you do it? I feel bad asking for your advise without purchasing your products, but they really don't apply to what I am trying to do, and it sounds like you have experince to spare and like to help others."
Tatiana: Actually, that's what much of my BeAMillionaire course is all about ... The secret, of course, is that if you have the buyers, you can always find the sellers. Best bet would be to first locate a cheaper source for a product currently being sold by the merchant. Then, contact them and tell them what you have to offer that they currently need at a price they can't pass up. If you've done your homework ... you know they buy & sell the product ... they should be interested. Then, explain your service and your fees. Of course, they won't be able to buy at the better price until they sign-up as a client and agree to pay your fee. Don't feel bad about ASKing ... that's what I'm here for.
Vishal Srivastava wanted to know ... "I purchased finder fee course from you. -- <>Most of the people insist on NDA/NC agreement. Is there any legal issue in signing this agreement with each and every prospects?" Vishal: You may sign any agreement with those who request it -- IF -- you read the agreement thoroughly and don't find anything in it you are not willing to do.
Vishal Srivastava wanted to know ...
"I purchased finder fee course from you. -- <>Most of the people insist on NDA/NC agreement. Is there any legal issue in signing this agreement with each and every prospects?"
Vishal: You may sign any agreement with those who request it -- IF -- you read the agreement thoroughly and don't find anything in it you are not willing to do.
William Lucas wanted me to tell you ... "I have just created a new blog." If'n ya wanna see what William is blogging about, go to: http://www.williamlucas.wordpress.com
William Lucas wanted me to tell you ...
"I have just created a new blog."
If'n ya wanna see what William is blogging about, go to: http://www.williamlucas.wordpress.com
Here's where I have found some of the best information on the Internet ... Be A Bum And Still Earn $1,800 per Month! FREE Step-by-step instructions. http://www.bummarketingmethod.com
Here's where I have found some of the best information on the Internet ...
FREE Step-by-step instructions.
Dave Sharpe says ... "If you're thinking about manufacturing cast stone, you'll want to check this out because I'm practically giving away my molds. -- No equipment, no supplies, just the molds at a ridiculously low price. -- I want these things out of my garage!" Interested? -- Check it out at: http://clicks.aweber.com/z/ct/?cJA.PrqqBJjEzsty7WinsA
Dave Sharpe says ...
"If you're thinking about manufacturing cast stone, you'll want to check this out because I'm practically giving away my molds. -- No equipment, no supplies, just the molds at a ridiculously low price. -- I want these things out of my garage!"
Interested? -- Check it out at: http://clicks.aweber.com/z/ct/?cJA.PrqqBJjEzsty7WinsA
Pete Monismith was trying to find it ... "I was trying to find a report that details how to set up a website (such as yours) and then to market it correctly. I didn't see that you offered this report, but I'm sure that you know of people that do. I have searched myself, but I'm not sure if some are just scammers. I know that if you recommend it, it is a good product. I'm not so interested in setting up the website as there appear to be lots of companies that offer that. However, I would be interested in the marketing and how to promote the website so that it gets noticed and I can begin to build up a client list. Do you know of a reliable person selling/providing that information?" Pete: Don't feel like the Lone Stranger. What you want is what every Internet marketer wants ... the problem is all of the list building methods work but none of them work. Even now ... after 10 years marketing on the Internet ... I still test almost every list building method I can. Most of them work for a while then quit ... too many of them don't work at all. The only way you can do it is by testing every method you can - but - don't expect any BIG responses. Just try to get some visitors to your site every day and add some names to your list. That's the way I have to do it.
Pete Monismith was trying to find it ...
"I was trying to find a report that details how to set up a website (such as yours) and then to market it correctly. I didn't see that you offered this report, but I'm sure that you know of people that do. I have searched myself, but I'm not sure if some are just scammers. I know that if you recommend it, it is a good product. I'm not so interested in setting up the website as there appear to be lots of companies that offer that. However, I would be interested in the marketing and how to promote the website so that it gets noticed and I can begin to build up a client list. Do you know of a reliable person selling/providing that information?"
Pete: Don't feel like the Lone Stranger. What you want is what every Internet marketer wants ... the problem is all of the list building methods work but none of them work. Even now ... after 10 years marketing on the Internet ... I still test almost every list building method I can. Most of them work for a while then quit ... too many of them don't work at all. The only way you can do it is by testing every method you can - but - don't expect any BIG responses. Just try to get some visitors to your site every day and add some names to your list. That's the way I have to do it.
Kenny Love wanted me to tell you ... "EVERY HOMEOWNER WILL BE YOUR CLIENT! Provide a desperately needed service of home mortgage reduction that has no competition, no shortage of clients, earning over $4,000 monthly. No experience necessary. Will train. (800)365-7550, ext. 85295 (Call 24 hrs./7 days) Check it out, aces high.
Kenny Love wanted me to tell you ...
"EVERY HOMEOWNER WILL BE YOUR CLIENT! Provide a desperately needed service of home mortgage reduction that has no competition, no shortage of clients, earning over $4,000 monthly. No experience necessary. Will train. (800)365-7550, ext. 85295 (Call 24 hrs./7 days)
Check it out, aces high.
Michael E.V. Knight said you would like to know ... "Thought your readers would like to know that America's first millionaire became a millionaire the same way you did -- http://www.answers.com/topic/john-jacob-astor" Thank you, Michael ... I do greatly appreciate the comparison. Just shows to go ya ... entrepreneurs are the same; no matter the industry, generation after generation.
Michael E.V. Knight said you would like to know ...
"Thought your readers would like to know that America's first millionaire became a millionaire the same way you did -- http://www.answers.com/topic/john-jacob-astor"
Thank you, Michael ... I do greatly appreciate the comparison. Just shows to go ya ... entrepreneurs are the same; no matter the industry, generation after generation.
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
"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated." -- Confucius
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.
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.
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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