Thursday, August 30, 2007
Why I Trust You
As published in the Saipan Tribune
Why I Trust You
I recently recruited a new business associate to oversee several sensitive aspects of my company. I asked for no resume or referrals, but simply acted on a feeling I got upon meeting her at a workshop. Within 48 hours of her signing on, I had shared with her details of my business and personal life that apparently surprised her. She called today, to ask a simple question: "Why do you trust me?" she asked. "I've been with the company less than 48 hours officially, and already I know things about your operations and you personally, that indicate a deep level of trust. So, I ask, why do you trust me?"
The question was a fair one. So, I gave it some thought. These are some of the answers I gave her on the phone, which I'll now share with you.
Why Do I Trust You?
I trust you because with me, trust is a given. It's not something you have to earn, necessarily. It's something that we start off with, and you either keep it or lose it as time goes by. You either confirm the soundness of my decision, or you reveal that I made a mistake.
I trust you because trust is the basis of you meeting the expectations of our agreement and interaction. I trust you, therefore, because I want you to succeed, and my trust is what you need in order for you to do your job.
I trust you with and share the intimacies and secrets of my world because you cannot harm me. As a spiritual being, no one can harm me in any way that really matters. I am not my user id and password. I am not my credit rating. I am not my bank account. I am not the image and impression you may have of me once you know these things. I trust you, therefore, because I am fearless.
I trust you because it's efficient. I trust you because if I am wrong in giving you my trust, there really is nothing that I've lost except a little time. If I am right, however, we hit the ground running and conquer the world starting from day one. Whereas, if I wait for something you do to earn the trust, we may wait and waste days or weeks that might have been spent productively producing results.
I trust you because trust is a function of a vibe that I respond to. If I felt I could not trust you, I would not trust you. You need prove nothing, but simply continue to be who you are.
In other words, I trust you because trust is a function of character, and your character is what it is from the day I meet you. It's not a gift I give you for something you do tomorrow, but a given YOU come with based on who are today.
My trust you'll never earn, my friend
by what you do and say
My trust is like a gift
you'll keep or lose along the way
My trust is automatic
yes, I'll trust you at first sight
I trust you first and what you do
will prove me wrong or right
My trust is what you need
to do your best, so why indeed
would I withhold the very thing
you need most to succeed?
For trust is not a prize you win
from points that you accrue
no trust derives from what's inside
and THAT'S why I trust you!
Why I Trust You
I recently recruited a new business associate to oversee several sensitive aspects of my company. I asked for no resume or referrals, but simply acted on a feeling I got upon meeting her at a workshop. Within 48 hours of her signing on, I had shared with her details of my business and personal life that apparently surprised her. She called today, to ask a simple question: "Why do you trust me?" she asked. "I've been with the company less than 48 hours officially, and already I know things about your operations and you personally, that indicate a deep level of trust. So, I ask, why do you trust me?"
The question was a fair one. So, I gave it some thought. These are some of the answers I gave her on the phone, which I'll now share with you.
Why Do I Trust You?
I trust you because with me, trust is a given. It's not something you have to earn, necessarily. It's something that we start off with, and you either keep it or lose it as time goes by. You either confirm the soundness of my decision, or you reveal that I made a mistake.
I trust you because trust is the basis of you meeting the expectations of our agreement and interaction. I trust you, therefore, because I want you to succeed, and my trust is what you need in order for you to do your job.
I trust you with and share the intimacies and secrets of my world because you cannot harm me. As a spiritual being, no one can harm me in any way that really matters. I am not my user id and password. I am not my credit rating. I am not my bank account. I am not the image and impression you may have of me once you know these things. I trust you, therefore, because I am fearless.
I trust you because it's efficient. I trust you because if I am wrong in giving you my trust, there really is nothing that I've lost except a little time. If I am right, however, we hit the ground running and conquer the world starting from day one. Whereas, if I wait for something you do to earn the trust, we may wait and waste days or weeks that might have been spent productively producing results.
I trust you because trust is a function of a vibe that I respond to. If I felt I could not trust you, I would not trust you. You need prove nothing, but simply continue to be who you are.
In other words, I trust you because trust is a function of character, and your character is what it is from the day I meet you. It's not a gift I give you for something you do tomorrow, but a given YOU come with based on who are today.
My trust you'll never earn, my friend
by what you do and say
My trust is like a gift
you'll keep or lose along the way
My trust is automatic
yes, I'll trust you at first sight
I trust you first and what you do
will prove me wrong or right
My trust is what you need
to do your best, so why indeed
would I withhold the very thing
you need most to succeed?
For trust is not a prize you win
from points that you accrue
no trust derives from what's inside
and THAT'S why I trust you!
Labels: Life Rhymes, Walt's Articles
(Click on a 'Label' category above to read all the posts in that category)
Thursday, August 9, 2007
How to Be An Effective Coach the PassionProfit Way
How to Be An Effective Coach
(as published in the Saipan Tribune)
So, do you want to be a coach? Do you believe you have some expertise or experience to share with others to help them achieve their goals? Do you see yourself as a life coach, a business coach, relationship or success coach? Or have you signed up as a coach for a children's or employee team? While I can't claim any sports coaching experience, I do have a business and career coaching practice through which I've culled the following general guidelines and principles that might help.
A COACH MUST HELP FIND THE HIDDEN VALUE
Whether you're coaching a little league team or million-dollar client, everyone has a unique value and thus a unique advantage they bring to their journey. Your task is to identify, present and help your team members or client develop that individual value. You must help him complete his own master list of assets and direct him towards honing those assets that are most conducive to success in the project at hand.
A COACH MUST STIR--BUT NOT SERVE--PASSION
As your coach, it's not my job to remind you every day to do what you know needs to be done. I can remind you what needs to be done, but I won't remind you to do it.
The purpose of my coaching practice is not to produce income (for me) but to produce results for you. I don't want to provide on-going coaching just to have a constant source of income, by constantly replenishing a depleted well of passion. You have friends, church sermons and good motivational audio programs that can do that for you quite well. My task, and the best use of my resources and your money, is to get you from point "A" to point "B" in your journey. I can help you set the destination. I can help you find the vehicle. I can help you plot the course. But I won't drive the car for you.
My coaching style demands that you find the motivation and the energy yourself. How? By aligning your dream with a higher life purpose, by helping you set achievable goals, by helping you find your own personal "why" for embarking on the journey. I can't motivate someone who can't find the time or energy to devote to their passion. But once a person has identified his reasons for pursuing a goal, that energy starts to flow.
A COACH MUST OFFER CLARITY
As a coach, one of my most important roles is simply to ask the right questions, and then wait for answers. So, when I ask a client, "what do you want to see happen next in your life?" it forces her to conceptualize, visualize, and formulate a response that communicates that vision to me--another human being waiting for an answer. It's that communication that makes all the difference.
You see, the average person, if left to his own habits and comfort zone, will not adequately answer the basic questions that can help him formulate accurate intentions and a direction for his life. Communication creates clarity. Without it, the intention and the goal is just a nebulous idea in mind without clear focus.
A COACH MUST KNOW "WHAT'S NEXT?"
This is a critically important ability to develop. Even though it may appear to be another way of saying that a coach must have a plan, there's a subtle distinction. "What to do next" varies from person to person. I can coach two people towards the same objective but the steps for each person will be radically different. Each person comes to the table with a different set of assets, abilities, and--very importantly--perspectives that you must take into account if you are to move them forward effectively. Someone who has a piece of information missing in his/her perspective of reality must be helped in a unique way.
A COACH MUST BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY AND FILL IN THE GAPS IN UNDERSTANDING
It's been my experience that everyone is potentially capable of doing anything they desire. The reason more people do not manifest that potential is that there are gaps in their understanding of the world and of themselves—what they believe about the world and their role in it.
Sometimes that understanding may be of some practical process (i.e. how to start a business, how to apply for a grant), but often it's a less quantifiable misapprehension of some basic laws of the universe. In other words, some people believe they have to be smart to be wealthy. Some people believe they must be cutthroat to be successful. Some people believe
in a universe of scarcity. Some people aren’t aware of the law of cause and effect. Some people believe that it's ungodly to be rich. Some people believe that life and scoring must be difficult. Some people believe in the chaos theory of reality, in a punitive and vengeful God, and the list of beliefs goes on and on.
Many of these beliefs, more than anything else in life deprive an individual of greater expectations, and thus a fuller experience of the game of life.
You as a coach must have a more complete understanding of the universe, the world, reality, individual potential, (i.e. the game) and how it works. Then you must be able to listen to what a client is saying--listen very carefully—and watch what a client is doing--observe very keenly--then, by dissecting the words and ideas that they use, and the actions they choose, assess what's missing from their understanding of the universe. It might be their belief system as it relates to money, people, duty, purpose, goal scoring, whatever.
So your task as a coach is to have that understanding and then supply it to your team member or client. The trick here is, if YOU also share an erroneous understanding of the way the world works as it relates to the path a client is taking, then you cannot effectively coach that person along that path. This brings me to the next important concept.
A COACH MUST LEAD THE WAY BY EXAMPLE
I couldn't write an article on coaching without mentioning a quote that has always inspired me:
"You teach best that which you need to learn most."
The spirit of that quote (credited to Richard Bach, author of Jonathan Livingstone Seagull), is the permission you need to jump into coaching even if you're not the best player around. Even though I believe "you'll coach best that which you've already achieved," you don't need to be Pelé to be able to coach soccer. And you don't have to be a millionaire ALREADY to help others become rich. You only need to be a few steps ahead on the path in order to guide someone to follow you.
That's why I can promise to be able to help people do the things I have personally done (write and publish books, launch websites that sell, generate passive, residual income, quit their jobs, and live a nomadpreneur life). When and if I ever choose to focus on and achieve the goals of getting on Oprah, having one of my books on the New York Times Bestseller list or taking a company public, then I'll add those to my list of coaching deliverables.
A COACH MUST RAISE BELIEF LEVEL
Finally, having value, clarity, passion, a plan and true understanding all serve the ultimate purpose of raising the client's belief level. Everything you do as a coach must be with that purpose in mind. Your job is really quite easy, actually. Your primary job as a coach is to raise your client's belief level about what's possible. That's it.
Once someone believes that a thing is possible, that thing becomes more probable. Once clarity is achieved about a thing that is probable, that thing becomes more likely. Once steps are taken towards a thing that is likely, that thing becomes anticipated. Once faith and purpose are aligned with an anticipated thing, that thing becomes expected. And a thing expected, pursued diligently, with an understanding of the basic laws of the universe eventually becomes a result.
A coach helps to reduce the time between intention and manifestation by raising the client's belief level. I’ll say that again. A coach helps to reduce the time between the desire for a goal and the scoring of that goal by raising the player’s belief level.
A COACH MUST GET RESULTS
As a coach, people are coming to you achieve a desired goal. Nothing else matters.
A COACH MUST RECOGNIZE OPPORTUNITY NOT CREATE IT
Producing results is a function of optimizing the opportunities that exist in a person's experience. The “how” will usually take care of itself once the intention and expectation is developed. Every person's life will present a unique set of opportunities that, more often than not, you will find already exist* The steps to achieve a thing, therefore are always a secondary consideration. Your task through your actions is simply to open up the channels to allow, experience and manifest that which has already been created in mind, honed by clarity, backed by faith and flavored with understanding. (Read Acres of Diamonds by Russell Conwell at www.passionprofit.com/resources/acresofdiamonds.html)
IT WORKS!
The reason coaching works in developing winning teams, in guiding clients
in their careers, business ventures and relationships is because there ARE
certain truths of reality that are consistent and knowable. Yes, coaching works because
value CAN be found
clarity CAN be developed,
results can be achieved
purpose CAN be known
beliefs CAN be raised,
and action CAN be taken
towards the realization of any worthy ideal or specific goal.
Whether you're starting your own coaching practice, or doing it for fun,
to be an effective coach you must develop first your own awareness, practice, habit, mastery of these truths of the game in your own experience, then share them with those who look to you for guidance and success!
To the degree that an individual or a society recognizes its value, achieves clarity pursues results, aligns with a higher purpose, raises its belief level and takes necessary actions to manifest the goal, success can be achieved!
(as published in the Saipan Tribune)
So, do you want to be a coach? Do you believe you have some expertise or experience to share with others to help them achieve their goals? Do you see yourself as a life coach, a business coach, relationship or success coach? Or have you signed up as a coach for a children's or employee team? While I can't claim any sports coaching experience, I do have a business and career coaching practice through which I've culled the following general guidelines and principles that might help.
A COACH MUST HELP FIND THE HIDDEN VALUE
Whether you're coaching a little league team or million-dollar client, everyone has a unique value and thus a unique advantage they bring to their journey. Your task is to identify, present and help your team members or client develop that individual value. You must help him complete his own master list of assets and direct him towards honing those assets that are most conducive to success in the project at hand.
A COACH MUST STIR--BUT NOT SERVE--PASSION
As your coach, it's not my job to remind you every day to do what you know needs to be done. I can remind you what needs to be done, but I won't remind you to do it.
The purpose of my coaching practice is not to produce income (for me) but to produce results for you. I don't want to provide on-going coaching just to have a constant source of income, by constantly replenishing a depleted well of passion. You have friends, church sermons and good motivational audio programs that can do that for you quite well. My task, and the best use of my resources and your money, is to get you from point "A" to point "B" in your journey. I can help you set the destination. I can help you find the vehicle. I can help you plot the course. But I won't drive the car for you.
My coaching style demands that you find the motivation and the energy yourself. How? By aligning your dream with a higher life purpose, by helping you set achievable goals, by helping you find your own personal "why" for embarking on the journey. I can't motivate someone who can't find the time or energy to devote to their passion. But once a person has identified his reasons for pursuing a goal, that energy starts to flow.
A COACH MUST OFFER CLARITY
As a coach, one of my most important roles is simply to ask the right questions, and then wait for answers. So, when I ask a client, "what do you want to see happen next in your life?" it forces her to conceptualize, visualize, and formulate a response that communicates that vision to me--another human being waiting for an answer. It's that communication that makes all the difference.
You see, the average person, if left to his own habits and comfort zone, will not adequately answer the basic questions that can help him formulate accurate intentions and a direction for his life. Communication creates clarity. Without it, the intention and the goal is just a nebulous idea in mind without clear focus.
A COACH MUST KNOW "WHAT'S NEXT?"
This is a critically important ability to develop. Even though it may appear to be another way of saying that a coach must have a plan, there's a subtle distinction. "What to do next" varies from person to person. I can coach two people towards the same objective but the steps for each person will be radically different. Each person comes to the table with a different set of assets, abilities, and--very importantly--perspectives that you must take into account if you are to move them forward effectively. Someone who has a piece of information missing in his/her perspective of reality must be helped in a unique way.
A COACH MUST BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY AND FILL IN THE GAPS IN UNDERSTANDING
It's been my experience that everyone is potentially capable of doing anything they desire. The reason more people do not manifest that potential is that there are gaps in their understanding of the world and of themselves—what they believe about the world and their role in it.
Sometimes that understanding may be of some practical process (i.e. how to start a business, how to apply for a grant), but often it's a less quantifiable misapprehension of some basic laws of the universe. In other words, some people believe they have to be smart to be wealthy. Some people believe they must be cutthroat to be successful. Some people believe
in a universe of scarcity. Some people aren’t aware of the law of cause and effect. Some people believe that it's ungodly to be rich. Some people believe that life and scoring must be difficult. Some people believe in the chaos theory of reality, in a punitive and vengeful God, and the list of beliefs goes on and on.
Many of these beliefs, more than anything else in life deprive an individual of greater expectations, and thus a fuller experience of the game of life.
You as a coach must have a more complete understanding of the universe, the world, reality, individual potential, (i.e. the game) and how it works. Then you must be able to listen to what a client is saying--listen very carefully—and watch what a client is doing--observe very keenly--then, by dissecting the words and ideas that they use, and the actions they choose, assess what's missing from their understanding of the universe. It might be their belief system as it relates to money, people, duty, purpose, goal scoring, whatever.
So your task as a coach is to have that understanding and then supply it to your team member or client. The trick here is, if YOU also share an erroneous understanding of the way the world works as it relates to the path a client is taking, then you cannot effectively coach that person along that path. This brings me to the next important concept.
A COACH MUST LEAD THE WAY BY EXAMPLE
I couldn't write an article on coaching without mentioning a quote that has always inspired me:
"You teach best that which you need to learn most."
The spirit of that quote (credited to Richard Bach, author of Jonathan Livingstone Seagull), is the permission you need to jump into coaching even if you're not the best player around. Even though I believe "you'll coach best that which you've already achieved," you don't need to be Pelé to be able to coach soccer. And you don't have to be a millionaire ALREADY to help others become rich. You only need to be a few steps ahead on the path in order to guide someone to follow you.
That's why I can promise to be able to help people do the things I have personally done (write and publish books, launch websites that sell, generate passive, residual income, quit their jobs, and live a nomadpreneur life). When and if I ever choose to focus on and achieve the goals of getting on Oprah, having one of my books on the New York Times Bestseller list or taking a company public, then I'll add those to my list of coaching deliverables.
A COACH MUST RAISE BELIEF LEVEL
Finally, having value, clarity, passion, a plan and true understanding all serve the ultimate purpose of raising the client's belief level. Everything you do as a coach must be with that purpose in mind. Your job is really quite easy, actually. Your primary job as a coach is to raise your client's belief level about what's possible. That's it.
Once someone believes that a thing is possible, that thing becomes more probable. Once clarity is achieved about a thing that is probable, that thing becomes more likely. Once steps are taken towards a thing that is likely, that thing becomes anticipated. Once faith and purpose are aligned with an anticipated thing, that thing becomes expected. And a thing expected, pursued diligently, with an understanding of the basic laws of the universe eventually becomes a result.
A coach helps to reduce the time between intention and manifestation by raising the client's belief level. I’ll say that again. A coach helps to reduce the time between the desire for a goal and the scoring of that goal by raising the player’s belief level.
A COACH MUST GET RESULTS
As a coach, people are coming to you achieve a desired goal. Nothing else matters.
A COACH MUST RECOGNIZE OPPORTUNITY NOT CREATE IT
Producing results is a function of optimizing the opportunities that exist in a person's experience. The “how” will usually take care of itself once the intention and expectation is developed. Every person's life will present a unique set of opportunities that, more often than not, you will find already exist* The steps to achieve a thing, therefore are always a secondary consideration. Your task through your actions is simply to open up the channels to allow, experience and manifest that which has already been created in mind, honed by clarity, backed by faith and flavored with understanding. (Read Acres of Diamonds by Russell Conwell at www.passionprofit.com/resources/acresofdiamonds.html)
IT WORKS!
The reason coaching works in developing winning teams, in guiding clients
in their careers, business ventures and relationships is because there ARE
certain truths of reality that are consistent and knowable. Yes, coaching works because
value CAN be found
clarity CAN be developed,
results can be achieved
purpose CAN be known
beliefs CAN be raised,
and action CAN be taken
towards the realization of any worthy ideal or specific goal.
Whether you're starting your own coaching practice, or doing it for fun,
to be an effective coach you must develop first your own awareness, practice, habit, mastery of these truths of the game in your own experience, then share them with those who look to you for guidance and success!
To the degree that an individual or a society recognizes its value, achieves clarity pursues results, aligns with a higher purpose, raises its belief level and takes necessary actions to manifest the goal, success can be achieved!
Labels: Walt's Articles
(Click on a 'Label' category above to read all the posts in that category)Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Archives of the Empire!
Had a very nice coaching session with a new client yesterday and I suggested that she start thinking about her book project not as single book but as the beginnings of an empire. Building an online reputation that results in sales and "effortless income" is a process. When I started my writing career in 1992, it was with a single book that I sold through mail order. When I started my online identity in 1997, I started with a single site (nichemarket.com). When I started doing my life rhymes, it was just as a little boost to my business partners. When Monica Blache, a member of my nichemarket.com mailing list suggest I start a poets niche, it was to provide an outlet for a few poets she knew. 10 Years later, I have over 50 registered domains and about a dozen active sites, the life rhymes grew and continued for 9 years! The poetsniche membership exploded, and we even had a day named after us in Atlanta when poets came from as far away as Canada for our first "meet up!" It's all been a process, but now 10 years later, I can look back and compile a body of work of which I'm very proud--a body of work which continues to offer information, inspiration and ideas!
10 Years of information, inspiration and ideas!
The Complete PassionProfit™ Archives
10 Years of information, inspiration and ideas!
468 Life Rhymes!
It started in 1997 as an email to a small group of family and friends
which grew into a mailing list of 10,000, Walt's Friday Inspirations became
a weekly ritual that inspired people every Friday without fail for 9 years!
Making it one of the longest running weekly email newsletters on the internet!
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in 1997 by Walt, was the first online community to publish a group effort book! Read the full archives
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Labels: Life Rhymes, Update, Walt's Articles
(Click on a 'Label' category above to read all the posts in that category)Monday, July 30, 2007
In Search of Assets
(My article as Published in Saipan Tribune)
The only way to take control of your life, raise your standard of living and move beyond merely surviving is to create your own unique product or service that you offer to increasing numbers of people in exchange for the things of value that you desire. This simple formula applies to countries as well as people. A self-sufficient economy has its own products or services of value to export to the world. Similarly, a self-sufficient individual has something of value to exchange in the global marketplace. That thing of value is based on your natural talent, skill, or interest-in other words, your passion!
In the pursuit of your passion, it is important to first identify your assets. An asset is a thought, belief, word, action, person or object that you or others perceive that, when associated with or attributed to you, affects your own, as well as the world's perception of you, and can make the world go wow. This “wow factor” is the quality that makes your passion-centered business viable, profitable and ultimately successful.
You may have noticed, that by this definition, anything can be an asset. It’s true. Who you are, what you do as well as what you possess can all be assets.
Who You Are
"Who you are" is an asset, along with the thoughts, words, actions, people and objects associated with who you are. For example, the thoughts about yourself (your self-perception, your identity) are assets. The thoughts that others have about you (public perception) can be assets. The words that describe who you are (feedback), whether in written or spoken form, represent assets. The actions that correspond to who you are (your mannerisms and behavior and personality) are all potential assets. The people who correspond to who you are (your friends) can be assets. The object that corresponds to who you are (your body), yes all of these are assets.
What You Do
Similarly, "what you do" is an asset, along with the thoughts, words, actions, people and objects associated with that. The thoughts that you and others have about what you do, again, are called perception. The words that correspond to what you do are called knowledge or education. The actions that correspond to what you do are your expressed talents, skills, or your profession. The people who correspond to what you do are your associates, students, or masters. The objects that correspond to what you do are your creations. And, too, all of these can be assets.
What You Have
Finally, "what you have" are also assets along with the thoughts, words, actions, people and objects associated with it. The thoughts you and others have about what you have, again, are called perception. The words that correspond to what you have are called descriptions. The actions that correspond to what you have are called accomplishments. The people who correspond to what you have are your fans, employees, or servants. The objects that correspond to what you have are your possessions.
So again, just to be clear, everything that you are, everything that you do, and everything that you have, all have thoughts, words, actions, people and objects associated with them. All of these resulting thoughts, words, actions, people and objects are your potential assets.
Assets Everywhere
When you really understand the nature of reality, you'll realize that absolutely everything is an asset that can help you reach your goals. In addition, every point of contact with the world is an asset.
How you speak, where you live, what you see out your window, how you smell, the way you walk, the way you sneeze, what you believe, what you don't believe, what you've experienced, what you've never experienced, how you write, your possessions, your musical tastes, your butterfly collection, your comic books, your friends, your enemies, your body, what people say about you, what they don't say about you, the languages you speak, the size shoe you wear, the arrangement of furniture in your living room, your ability to whistle a tune on key, your children, your pets, as well as the way you and others perceive these things, all have value in moving you further toward your goal, and may represent some specific perception, language, action, person or thing that you can use to make things happen the way you wish.
With so many potential assets at your disposal, then, how do you determine which ones are to be harnessed to create a Wow in the minds of the masses to be used as the basis of your passion-centered business? The critical step in choosing and harnessing your assets lies in making the right connections.
If, for example, your goal is to become a famous actor, then you should first expect that everything you have ever seen, done, heard, said or owned offers some way-some connection-to turn that dream into a reality. You might ask, “How can my past experience as a clerk in a bank help me to become a world famous actor? Well, it qualifies me to be able to convincingly portray certain roles. It gave me access to information about the banking system. It introduced me to employees, supervisors and customers who might figure into my future success. Who did I meet while there who might have a connection to the movie industry? Perhaps I'll go back there for a visit and mention to whomever I speak with that I'm serious about my acting career. Who knows who I'll meet on the way there?”
Or, perhaps your goal is to find a mate. You might ask, “What do people say about me that is an asset that can help me meet the man/woman of my dreams? What places do I frequent that might prove helpful in exposing me to more people? What music do I like? How can that lead to me meeting people with similar interests? What physical, emotional or personality attributes can I highlight that can make the world go wow?”
The possible connections are almost infinite.
In order to find the best uses of your assets, you must ask, answer and act on the right questions. Here are some suggestions.
The key questions about assets
- What specific assets do I have or have access to that I can use to achieve my goal?
- What creative ways can I come up with to harness the power of these assets?
- Who do I know? What do I know? What do I believe? What Do I own? What have I created? What am I good at? What am I known for? What have I done?
Making a comprehensive list of your assets is the first step in building a successful passion-centered business!
The only way to take control of your life, raise your standard of living and move beyond merely surviving is to create your own unique product or service that you offer to increasing numbers of people in exchange for the things of value that you desire. This simple formula applies to countries as well as people. A self-sufficient economy has its own products or services of value to export to the world. Similarly, a self-sufficient individual has something of value to exchange in the global marketplace. That thing of value is based on your natural talent, skill, or interest-in other words, your passion!
In the pursuit of your passion, it is important to first identify your assets. An asset is a thought, belief, word, action, person or object that you or others perceive that, when associated with or attributed to you, affects your own, as well as the world's perception of you, and can make the world go wow. This “wow factor” is the quality that makes your passion-centered business viable, profitable and ultimately successful.
You may have noticed, that by this definition, anything can be an asset. It’s true. Who you are, what you do as well as what you possess can all be assets.
Who You Are
"Who you are" is an asset, along with the thoughts, words, actions, people and objects associated with who you are. For example, the thoughts about yourself (your self-perception, your identity) are assets. The thoughts that others have about you (public perception) can be assets. The words that describe who you are (feedback), whether in written or spoken form, represent assets. The actions that correspond to who you are (your mannerisms and behavior and personality) are all potential assets. The people who correspond to who you are (your friends) can be assets. The object that corresponds to who you are (your body), yes all of these are assets.
What You Do
Similarly, "what you do" is an asset, along with the thoughts, words, actions, people and objects associated with that. The thoughts that you and others have about what you do, again, are called perception. The words that correspond to what you do are called knowledge or education. The actions that correspond to what you do are your expressed talents, skills, or your profession. The people who correspond to what you do are your associates, students, or masters. The objects that correspond to what you do are your creations. And, too, all of these can be assets.
What You Have
Finally, "what you have" are also assets along with the thoughts, words, actions, people and objects associated with it. The thoughts you and others have about what you have, again, are called perception. The words that correspond to what you have are called descriptions. The actions that correspond to what you have are called accomplishments. The people who correspond to what you have are your fans, employees, or servants. The objects that correspond to what you have are your possessions.
So again, just to be clear, everything that you are, everything that you do, and everything that you have, all have thoughts, words, actions, people and objects associated with them. All of these resulting thoughts, words, actions, people and objects are your potential assets.
Assets Everywhere
When you really understand the nature of reality, you'll realize that absolutely everything is an asset that can help you reach your goals. In addition, every point of contact with the world is an asset.
How you speak, where you live, what you see out your window, how you smell, the way you walk, the way you sneeze, what you believe, what you don't believe, what you've experienced, what you've never experienced, how you write, your possessions, your musical tastes, your butterfly collection, your comic books, your friends, your enemies, your body, what people say about you, what they don't say about you, the languages you speak, the size shoe you wear, the arrangement of furniture in your living room, your ability to whistle a tune on key, your children, your pets, as well as the way you and others perceive these things, all have value in moving you further toward your goal, and may represent some specific perception, language, action, person or thing that you can use to make things happen the way you wish.
With so many potential assets at your disposal, then, how do you determine which ones are to be harnessed to create a Wow in the minds of the masses to be used as the basis of your passion-centered business? The critical step in choosing and harnessing your assets lies in making the right connections.
If, for example, your goal is to become a famous actor, then you should first expect that everything you have ever seen, done, heard, said or owned offers some way-some connection-to turn that dream into a reality. You might ask, “How can my past experience as a clerk in a bank help me to become a world famous actor? Well, it qualifies me to be able to convincingly portray certain roles. It gave me access to information about the banking system. It introduced me to employees, supervisors and customers who might figure into my future success. Who did I meet while there who might have a connection to the movie industry? Perhaps I'll go back there for a visit and mention to whomever I speak with that I'm serious about my acting career. Who knows who I'll meet on the way there?”
Or, perhaps your goal is to find a mate. You might ask, “What do people say about me that is an asset that can help me meet the man/woman of my dreams? What places do I frequent that might prove helpful in exposing me to more people? What music do I like? How can that lead to me meeting people with similar interests? What physical, emotional or personality attributes can I highlight that can make the world go wow?”
The possible connections are almost infinite.
In order to find the best uses of your assets, you must ask, answer and act on the right questions. Here are some suggestions.
The key questions about assets
- What specific assets do I have or have access to that I can use to achieve my goal?
- What creative ways can I come up with to harness the power of these assets?
- Who do I know? What do I know? What do I believe? What Do I own? What have I created? What am I good at? What am I known for? What have I done?
Making a comprehensive list of your assets is the first step in building a successful passion-centered business!
Labels: Sideline Business Tips, Walt's Articles
(Click on a 'Label' category above to read all the posts in that category)Thursday, June 7, 2007
Island Issues Interview & The New Saipan
As I mentioned, last Friday morning found me on Harry Blalock's Island Issues radio program. Here's the full 50-minute interview for those interested. (To download, "right click" on the link (PC) or "CTRL click" (MAC) to see options that should allow you to save file to your harddrive)
Or, if you have a dial-up connection, and need to download in parts....
It was the first public unveiling of some ideas that I've come to call "The New Saipan," which I subsequently put in written form in my column in the Tribune.
Labels: Interviews, Walt's Articles
(Click on a 'Label' category above to read all the posts in that category)Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Um, Does that Mean You Won't Be Telling me More About My Eyes?
I woke to a few interesting communications today.
1. Um, I Guess that Means You're Not Going to Tell Me More about My eyes?
First, I routinely check my books' pages on Amazon to see what reviews people are posting,
and I came across this NEWLY posted review of my book on Amazon.com's Turn Your Passion Into Profit
page:
Why I'm Returning This Book, April 15, 2007
Reviewer:
Sally Atman
This book includes some excellent information. The first third gives the basics of going with your passion, and the rest of the book is about starting a business. Nothing new, but a nice little package.
But. The author lets us all know he's Jamaican-American (which we already know from the two photos on the cover). I refuse to call him an African-American because he is from Jamaica. His affirmations include "despite racism" and "because of racism," etc., which is completely and utterly unnecessary. The affirmations (and other advice) applies to everyone, but the author just can't drop the racism card.
I'm a native of a suburb of Los Angeles and I'm lily white. Here, we "European-Americans" can be accused of and called anything, with no repurcussions to the accuser or heckler. But heaven help any of us if we're socially and/or policially incorrect.
Another problem is the nasty habit the author has of putting stupid and childish little rhymes on every other page. He writes them, and seems to think they belong in a book on other people's passions. They don't. If this man's passion is poetry, let him write a book on poetry. Don't inflict nursey rhymes on us when we're trying to learn about business. It's annoying.
I hope the author reads this review. Yeah, we allllll know about slavery and understand the problem of racism. As a personal victim of physical racial abuse by African-Americans against myself, a "European-American," I'm offended by the references to racism in this book.
And, buddy, if you want to write nursery rhymes, stick them in a children's book and sell them to toddlers. As a former English professor, I find them unbelievably trite, sophormoric, and downright idiotic.
Ouch!
Now you may think this is a not-so-good thing, but I was excited!
First of all, she got my name and my nationality right! Seriously, though,
this sort of review, when balanced with the other positive reviews I receive,
doesn't seem to be affecting sales. Quite the contrary, I woke
to find a new order from Amazon, so it might even be stirring
up some controversy that is helping sales. But having said that,
I wondered if I should respond to it.
Given the nature of many of her other reviews on Amazon,
I might not have responded, were it
not for some factual errors in her review which seemed to reveal
a personal issue, and which, for the sake of new visitors to the
Amazon site, I felt I needed to set straight. So I wrote the following and
posted it as a comment to her review:
MY REPLY:
Hi Sally,
Walt Goodridge (the author) here. Thanks so much for the feedback!
The section you're referring to occurs between pages 46 and 49 in Turn Your Passion into Profit and is used to illustrate the types of thinking that people often engage in that limit their success. In doing workshops and in coaching clients of all nationalities, ethnicities and backgrounds for years, I've come across many reasons as to why people feel they are limited in their accomplishments. On page 49, I state:
[begin quote]
"Reacting to Racism(1)/Sexism/Classism
Think about it. "Isms" exist full force in our society. Racism(2) is at the basis of the United States' rise to world power. Sexism defined Voting rights in this country for decades. The very constitution of the country supports it. As a result there are people in this society who are routinely excluded from "the mainstream" for a variety of reasons. Rather than being a setback, however, this shameful reality may just as easily be viewed as an opportunity."
[end quote]
Each actual use of the word "racism" (as well as sexism, age-ism, etc; what I refer to "other people's issues") in those 4 pages is included simply to illustrate the thoughts people have about these various "isms" ranging from those who use them as excuses, to those who use them as motivation. For example, in defining what I call "The Creative Success Attitude" I state:
[begin quote]
"There is another group of successful entrepreneurs who have taken the attitude adjustment one step further. These rare individuals exist in a reality all their own. For them, the normal rules of life don't apply. They have turned things upside down and their thoughts may sound something like this:
BECAUSE of racism(3), BECAUSE of setbacks, and BECAUSE of other people's issues, I will succeed!"
[end quote]
note: there are only four instances of use of the word itself in the entire book (3 of them are numbered above), and all appear just within those 4 pages-- two used in the way described above (as illustrating suggested thoughts on how to use them as motivation), and the other two appearing exactly as quoted from page 49 (once in the heading, and in one sentence in the quote). (I'm sure it just seemed like an entire deck)
As you correctly mentioned, prejudice (racism/sexism/classism, etc) is not a blemish unique to any one group. People of practically every group engage in it in some form or other, and as a result, people of practically every group can be on the receiving end (as you yourself can attest to) and consequently feel victimized. The discussion of this phenomenon, and the affirmations in my book are not MY thoughts about MY situation. These are the thoughts of my clients, customers and potential passionpreneurs of all stripes that I routinely encounter which I feel are worthy of being addressed, as not everyone shrugs the barbs off easily.
You will note for the record (I even did a word search myself):-) , that absolutely nowhere else in the fully 334 (extra) pages in the book is that word or are those excuses addressed again (nor, for the record, does the word slavery or even any discussion of it appear in my book). For they are, after all, naught but excuses...and speaking of which....
Excuses, Excuses
It's not about credentials
regulations or degrees
It's not about some board
that validates your expertise
It's not about the cash flow
or that "money's kinda tight"
It's not about your rent
or getting finances just right
It's not about you needing proof
and knowing this scheme works
It's not about your pension plan
job benefits or perks
It's not about your debts
or paying back the student loan
It's not about your age
or waiting 'til the kids are grown
And NO, it's not a time thing
so just stop THAT idle chatter
We all know people find the time
for things that really matter
So what is it that stops you?
Well, the truth is that you're scared
But rather than admit it
you just say you're unprepared
When children want they're fearless
for there's nothing they want more
But as adults choose safety
the predictable and sure
And skill and time and money?
You know what I'll say is true:
You've known those who do more with less
who're not half as bright as you!
Yes, all you need's desire
forget all that other stuff
And simply ask one question:
"Do I want this bad enough?"
(Smile)
p.s. There are actually only 13 of these Life Rhymes throughout the book, with NONE appearing in Chapter 4 (Your Wow Factor), or Chapter 5 (Finding Your Purpose), or Chapter 9 (Starting a business), or Chapter 10 (Selling with Passion), or Chapter 11: (Accounting and Taxes), so that technically makes it 338/13= every 26 pages on average.
END.
As of this posting (Apr 25), 81%o f people who visit my book's page on Amazon.com purchase it. I'm eager to see how that number changes...
People are talking!
2. At same time, I also found in my morning email:
hey Walt,
I bought your Business plan (www.hiphopbusinessplan.com) when I realized I had an interested investor and it made me do something I'd never done before.FLESH OUT ALL THE DETAILS! I haven't even finished the plan and have gotten the a-ok on the finances! 6 figures! My plan is edgy so I had to alter a couple things but it was a great template. The stats you found fit our objectives exactly! They were up to date and cited with references. As I sit here chunking out the last few details and financial report (and Yes I used that calculator feature at least 20 times today), I'm here to say there is no equal for your business plan. Keep your fingers crossed, its time for me to save hip-hop.
-Sir (formerly Sir Reigns)
3. And this in response to today's article in the Saipan Tribune entitled "Selling Survival"
I was a recent visitor to the Northern Mariana Islands. I read your column in the Saipan Tribune while I was there. It's a nice read with some very good, common-sense suggestions for people taking charge of their lives.
Anyway, I really loved the Marianas. I think many people here in San Francisco and Northern California would love to visit there if they knew more about those lovely isles. I also think that you touched on something when you discussed your take on the future. In my opinion the Marianas have everything needed to transition to a sustainable and green economy. The Marianas have all the elements to create an alternate paradigm that will benefit all of its population. The people of the CNMI need to have a conversation about how they are going to sustain their culture and their islands--in fact, they have to, if they are to survive water and energy shortages, plus the potential loss of their number one income, tourism.
I appreciate your efforts on their behalf. I believe you are helping them prepare for that conversation.
Good Luck.
Dex
AHHHHHH! Ain't it great! And it's not even 9am yet!
1. Um, I Guess that Means You're Not Going to Tell Me More about My eyes?
First, I routinely check my books' pages on Amazon to see what reviews people are posting,
and I came across this NEWLY posted review of my book on Amazon.com's Turn Your Passion Into Profit
page:
Why I'm Returning This Book, April 15, 2007
Reviewer:
Sally Atman
This book includes some excellent information. The first third gives the basics of going with your passion, and the rest of the book is about starting a business. Nothing new, but a nice little package.
But. The author lets us all know he's Jamaican-American (which we already know from the two photos on the cover). I refuse to call him an African-American because he is from Jamaica. His affirmations include "despite racism" and "because of racism," etc., which is completely and utterly unnecessary. The affirmations (and other advice) applies to everyone, but the author just can't drop the racism card.
I'm a native of a suburb of Los Angeles and I'm lily white. Here, we "European-Americans" can be accused of and called anything, with no repurcussions to the accuser or heckler. But heaven help any of us if we're socially and/or policially incorrect.
Another problem is the nasty habit the author has of putting stupid and childish little rhymes on every other page. He writes them, and seems to think they belong in a book on other people's passions. They don't. If this man's passion is poetry, let him write a book on poetry. Don't inflict nursey rhymes on us when we're trying to learn about business. It's annoying.
I hope the author reads this review. Yeah, we allllll know about slavery and understand the problem of racism. As a personal victim of physical racial abuse by African-Americans against myself, a "European-American," I'm offended by the references to racism in this book.
And, buddy, if you want to write nursery rhymes, stick them in a children's book and sell them to toddlers. As a former English professor, I find them unbelievably trite, sophormoric, and downright idiotic.
Ouch!
Now you may think this is a not-so-good thing, but I was excited!
First of all, she got my name and my nationality right! Seriously, though,
this sort of review, when balanced with the other positive reviews I receive,
doesn't seem to be affecting sales. Quite the contrary, I woke
to find a new order from Amazon, so it might even be stirring
up some controversy that is helping sales. But having said that,
I wondered if I should respond to it.
Given the nature of many of her other reviews on Amazon,
I might not have responded, were it
not for some factual errors in her review which seemed to reveal
a personal issue, and which, for the sake of new visitors to the
Amazon site, I felt I needed to set straight. So I wrote the following and
posted it as a comment to her review:
MY REPLY:
Hi Sally,
Walt Goodridge (the author) here. Thanks so much for the feedback!
The section you're referring to occurs between pages 46 and 49 in Turn Your Passion into Profit and is used to illustrate the types of thinking that people often engage in that limit their success. In doing workshops and in coaching clients of all nationalities, ethnicities and backgrounds for years, I've come across many reasons as to why people feel they are limited in their accomplishments. On page 49, I state:
[begin quote]
"Reacting to Racism(1)/Sexism/Classism
Think about it. "Isms" exist full force in our society. Racism(2) is at the basis of the United States' rise to world power. Sexism defined Voting rights in this country for decades. The very constitution of the country supports it. As a result there are people in this society who are routinely excluded from "the mainstream" for a variety of reasons. Rather than being a setback, however, this shameful reality may just as easily be viewed as an opportunity."
[end quote]
Each actual use of the word "racism" (as well as sexism, age-ism, etc; what I refer to "other people's issues") in those 4 pages is included simply to illustrate the thoughts people have about these various "isms" ranging from those who use them as excuses, to those who use them as motivation. For example, in defining what I call "The Creative Success Attitude" I state:
[begin quote]
"There is another group of successful entrepreneurs who have taken the attitude adjustment one step further. These rare individuals exist in a reality all their own. For them, the normal rules of life don't apply. They have turned things upside down and their thoughts may sound something like this:
BECAUSE of racism(3), BECAUSE of setbacks, and BECAUSE of other people's issues, I will succeed!"
[end quote]
note: there are only four instances of use of the word itself in the entire book (3 of them are numbered above), and all appear just within those 4 pages-- two used in the way described above (as illustrating suggested thoughts on how to use them as motivation), and the other two appearing exactly as quoted from page 49 (once in the heading, and in one sentence in the quote). (I'm sure it just seemed like an entire deck)
As you correctly mentioned, prejudice (racism/sexism/classism, etc) is not a blemish unique to any one group. People of practically every group engage in it in some form or other, and as a result, people of practically every group can be on the receiving end (as you yourself can attest to) and consequently feel victimized. The discussion of this phenomenon, and the affirmations in my book are not MY thoughts about MY situation. These are the thoughts of my clients, customers and potential passionpreneurs of all stripes that I routinely encounter which I feel are worthy of being addressed, as not everyone shrugs the barbs off easily.
You will note for the record (I even did a word search myself):-) , that absolutely nowhere else in the fully 334 (extra) pages in the book is that word or are those excuses addressed again (nor, for the record, does the word slavery or even any discussion of it appear in my book). For they are, after all, naught but excuses...and speaking of which....
Excuses, Excuses
It's not about credentials
regulations or degrees
It's not about some board
that validates your expertise
It's not about the cash flow
or that "money's kinda tight"
It's not about your rent
or getting finances just right
It's not about you needing proof
and knowing this scheme works
It's not about your pension plan
job benefits or perks
It's not about your debts
or paying back the student loan
It's not about your age
or waiting 'til the kids are grown
And NO, it's not a time thing
so just stop THAT idle chatter
We all know people find the time
for things that really matter
So what is it that stops you?
Well, the truth is that you're scared
But rather than admit it
you just say you're unprepared
When children want they're fearless
for there's nothing they want more
But as adults choose safety
the predictable and sure
And skill and time and money?
You know what I'll say is true:
You've known those who do more with less
who're not half as bright as you!
Yes, all you need's desire
forget all that other stuff
And simply ask one question:
"Do I want this bad enough?"
(Smile)
p.s. There are actually only 13 of these Life Rhymes throughout the book, with NONE appearing in Chapter 4 (Your Wow Factor), or Chapter 5 (Finding Your Purpose), or Chapter 9 (Starting a business), or Chapter 10 (Selling with Passion), or Chapter 11: (Accounting and Taxes), so that technically makes it 338/13= every 26 pages on average.
END.
As of this posting (Apr 25), 81%o f people who visit my book's page on Amazon.com purchase it. I'm eager to see how that number changes...
People are talking!
2. At same time, I also found in my morning email:
hey Walt,
I bought your Business plan (www.hiphopbusinessplan.com) when I realized I had an interested investor and it made me do something I'd never done before.FLESH OUT ALL THE DETAILS! I haven't even finished the plan and have gotten the a-ok on the finances! 6 figures! My plan is edgy so I had to alter a couple things but it was a great template. The stats you found fit our objectives exactly! They were up to date and cited with references. As I sit here chunking out the last few details and financial report (and Yes I used that calculator feature at least 20 times today), I'm here to say there is no equal for your business plan. Keep your fingers crossed, its time for me to save hip-hop.
-Sir (formerly Sir Reigns)
3. And this in response to today's article in the Saipan Tribune entitled "Selling Survival"
I was a recent visitor to the Northern Mariana Islands. I read your column in the Saipan Tribune while I was there. It's a nice read with some very good, common-sense suggestions for people taking charge of their lives.
Anyway, I really loved the Marianas. I think many people here in San Francisco and Northern California would love to visit there if they knew more about those lovely isles. I also think that you touched on something when you discussed your take on the future. In my opinion the Marianas have everything needed to transition to a sustainable and green economy. The Marianas have all the elements to create an alternate paradigm that will benefit all of its population. The people of the CNMI need to have a conversation about how they are going to sustain their culture and their islands--in fact, they have to, if they are to survive water and energy shortages, plus the potential loss of their number one income, tourism.
I appreciate your efforts on their behalf. I believe you are helping them prepare for that conversation.
Good Luck.
Dex
AHHHHHH! Ain't it great! And it's not even 9am yet!
Labels: Tell Me More About My Eyes, Walt's Articles
(Click on a 'Label' category above to read all the posts in that category)Thursday, April 19, 2007
Filmmaking on Saipan
There's a new film available, shot entirely on location on the island of Saipan by local filmmakers Dan Shor and Ben Salas. With this new product, Looking for America, a pilot of a not-yet-produced television series,
they've joined the ranks of the growing community of Saipanpreneurs!
Order your copy at www.shodavision.com, and
check out the interview with them in The Saipan Tribune at
Apr 17, 2007: Saipanpreneur Profile: Dan Shor & Ben Salas
they've joined the ranks of the growing community of Saipanpreneurs!
Order your copy at www.shodavision.com, and
check out the interview with them in The Saipan Tribune at
Apr 17, 2007: Saipanpreneur Profile: Dan Shor & Ben Salas
Labels: Walt's Articles
(Click on a 'Label' category above to read all the posts in that category)Friday, April 13, 2007
Life is Great! Life is Fantastic!
.
Labels: Walt's Articles
(Click on a 'Label' category above to read all the posts in that category)Tuesday, February 20, 2007
For authors: is selling your book on Amazon worth it?
Feel like I 've been a little remiss in my promise to make this a business and lifestyle blog. I've been focusing much on the lifestyle part of it all. So, here is a little "business on the side" tip for those passionpreneurs who are thinking of writing and self-publishing a book, brought to you by the following sponsor:
WITH 55% DISCOUNT, CAN I REALLY MAKE ANY MONEY SELLING MY BOOK ON AMAZON?
A client of mine recently emailed me the following:
"hey Walt,
I am not making any money selling my books because Amazon gets a
55% commission and printing and shipping the book costs me almost $13!"
What should I do?"
PART I: Crunching the Numbers
First, here's what he's referring to:
Let's say your book has 200 pages, sells for $24.95 and your printing
and shipping costs through your Print-on-Demand company = $13.50.
(i.e.
Printing = $7.00
Handling = $1.50
Shipping = $5.00
TOTAL: = $13.50)
Now, at 55% discount, that means Amazon will pay you 45% of $24.95, which is $11.23
for each book it sells on its site through the Amazon Advantage program.
You can see, therefore, that if it costs you $13.50 to make the book,
and you only earn $11.23 for it, that you LOSE $2.27 each time you make a sale.
You have two options.
1. Get your printing costs down below $11.23,
Reduce the page count, opt for a basic/media mail shipping, play around
with the trim size of the book to make it more cost effective.
OR
2. Raise your price.
Your book has to sell for at least X, where
45% of "X" should at least cover your printing costs.
(i.e. 0.45X = 13.50
X = 13.50/.45
X = $30
If neither of those two is an option, it might still be worth it to have
your books selling on Amazon. Here's why:
I. Larger orders will ease the pain
Hopefully as your book's popularity and the demand for it
increases, you'll start to receive
larger orders. Typically, the handling charge stays the same,
while shipping increases only marginally. So, NOW, when
Amazon orders TWO copies of your book, your cost analysis
looks like this
(i.e. for TWO books
Printing = $14.00
Handling = $1.50 (stays the same)
Shipping = $6.00 (increases slightly)
TOTAL: = $21.50)
But now, however, Amazon will pay you
24.95 x 2 x .45% = $22.45 for the two books.
Not a great difference, but at least you
made $0.90 or at the very least breaking even.
II. Being on Amazon adds legitimacy to your product.
There's a good percentage of people who refuse to purchase
my books directly through my website. That's why I've added
a "purchase on Amazon" link to all the product listings on
all of my sites. (I'll share a linking option that can earn
you a few extra dollars)
III. Being on Amazon helps you reach a wider audience.
It's still the first place book buyers worldwide go to
purchase a book.
There are people who START their searches for new and interesting
books on the Amazon.com site.
Having your product on the Amazon site may result in "purchase these two items"
link associations with other products extending the market you might
otherwise not reach.
Being on Amazon gets your name out there for future clients and other channels of
income like consulting, writing, collaborations, as well as exposure to media for
reviews, etc.
IV. Everything else about your listing with Amazon is
therefore multiplied in its potential reach
Industry reviews
Customer feedback
& your Amazon Ranking
all serve to increase exposure for you and your products.
Whenever I get a great review, I add it to my Amazon listing.
Whenever a customer or client emails me a great testimonial or review,
I request that they post it to the book's listing on the Amazon site.
Once you have an impressive ranking, you can then use it on
YOUR website (This book is ranked #500 on Amazon.com!") to increase
sales through that channel.
I therefore like to think of the 55% discount as a necessary price
to pay for the exposure and legitimacy that Amazon provides--with my
focus on the future, and the invaluable intangible good will that
providing a secure sales channel provides.
Now, having said that, here are some tips on how to maximize your Amazon
relationship
PART 2: THREE Ways to Maximize your Amazon relationship
There are THREE ways I make money through Amazon.
1. First, as a publisher, I'm a member of the Amazon Advantage Program.
That allows me a regular listing on Amazon and they place an initial order to have my books in stock. Then when people order, they order more from me to replenish stock. I just filled an order for 10 copies of Turn Your Passion into Profit a few minutes ago. This method gets more orders but you only get 45% of retail.
Amazon ships the order to the customer.
2. Second, I place my own competing listing in the Amazon Marketplace.
If you look to the right of the regular listing, you'll see people selling used copies of the book listed. I offer an autographed copy at a price just a few pennies less than the regular listing. I make more money through this method, but there aren't as many takers. I ship this out myself via Media Mail.
3. Third, I am also an Amazon Associate.
If you look on my sites you'll see an option for people to purchase my books through Amazon.
I place my associate code in this link so that if they do, and/or if they purchase ANYTHING from Amazon, I earn a commission.
So, in the long run, I'd have to say that my relationship with Amazon has been a good one.
I receive frequent orders, timely payments, great exposure and enough orders of two or more books,
plus Marketplace orders to make it worthwhile.
Today I received an Amazon order for 17 copies of Turn Your Passion Into Profit.
It's easier to get your business degree online
if that is one of your goals.
WITH 55% DISCOUNT, CAN I REALLY MAKE ANY MONEY SELLING MY BOOK ON AMAZON?
A client of mine recently emailed me the following:
"hey Walt,
I am not making any money selling my books because Amazon gets a
55% commission and printing and shipping the book costs me almost $13!"
What should I do?"
PART I: Crunching the Numbers
First, here's what he's referring to:
Let's say your book has 200 pages, sells for $24.95 and your printing
and shipping costs through your Print-on-Demand company = $13.50.
(i.e.
Printing = $7.00
Handling = $1.50
Shipping = $5.00
TOTAL: = $13.50)
Now, at 55% discount, that means Amazon will pay you 45% of $24.95, which is $11.23
for each book it sells on its site through the Amazon Advantage program.
You can see, therefore, that if it costs you $13.50 to make the book,
and you only earn $11.23 for it, that you LOSE $2.27 each time you make a sale.
You have two options.
1. Get your printing costs down below $11.23,
Reduce the page count, opt for a basic/media mail shipping, play around
with the trim size of the book to make it more cost effective.
OR
2. Raise your price.
Your book has to sell for at least X, where
45% of "X" should at least cover your printing costs.
(i.e. 0.45X = 13.50
X = 13.50/.45
X = $30
If neither of those two is an option, it might still be worth it to have
your books selling on Amazon. Here's why:
I. Larger orders will ease the pain
Hopefully as your book's popularity and the demand for it
increases, you'll start to receive
larger orders. Typically, the handling charge stays the same,
while shipping increases only marginally. So, NOW, when
Amazon orders TWO copies of your book, your cost analysis
looks like this
(i.e. for TWO books
Printing = $14.00
Handling = $1.50 (stays the same)
Shipping = $6.00 (increases slightly)
TOTAL: = $21.50)
But now, however, Amazon will pay you
24.95 x 2 x .45% = $22.45 for the two books.
Not a great difference, but at least you
made $0.90 or at the very least breaking even.
II. Being on Amazon adds legitimacy to your product.
There's a good percentage of people who refuse to purchase
my books directly through my website. That's why I've added
a "purchase on Amazon" link to all the product listings on
all of my sites. (I'll share a linking option that can earn
you a few extra dollars)
III. Being on Amazon helps you reach a wider audience.
It's still the first place book buyers worldwide go to
purchase a book.
There are people who START their searches for new and interesting
books on the Amazon.com site.
Having your product on the Amazon site may result in "purchase these two items"
link associations with other products extending the market you might
otherwise not reach.
Being on Amazon gets your name out there for future clients and other channels of
income like consulting, writing, collaborations, as well as exposure to media for
reviews, etc.
IV. Everything else about your listing with Amazon is
therefore multiplied in its potential reach
Industry reviews
Customer feedback
& your Amazon Ranking
all serve to increase exposure for you and your products.
Whenever I get a great review, I add it to my Amazon listing.
Whenever a customer or client emails me a great testimonial or review,
I request that they post it to the book's listing on the Amazon site.
Once you have an impressive ranking, you can then use it on
YOUR website (This book is ranked #500 on Amazon.com!") to increase
sales through that channel.
I therefore like to think of the 55% discount as a necessary price
to pay for the exposure and legitimacy that Amazon provides--with my
focus on the future, and the invaluable intangible good will that
providing a secure sales channel provides.
Now, having said that, here are some tips on how to maximize your Amazon
relationship
PART 2: THREE Ways to Maximize your Amazon relationship
There are THREE ways I make money through Amazon.
1. First, as a publisher, I'm a member of the Amazon Advantage Program.
That allows me a regular listing on Amazon and they place an initial order to have my books in stock. Then when people order, they order more from me to replenish stock. I just filled an order for 10 copies of Turn Your Passion into Profit a few minutes ago. This method gets more orders but you only get 45% of retail.
Amazon ships the order to the customer.
2. Second, I place my own competing listing in the Amazon Marketplace.
If you look to the right of the regular listing, you'll see people selling used copies of the book listed. I offer an autographed copy at a price just a few pennies less than the regular listing. I make more money through this method, but there aren't as many takers. I ship this out myself via Media Mail.
3. Third, I am also an Amazon Associate.
If you look on my sites you'll see an option for people to purchase my books through Amazon.
I place my associate code in this link so that if they do, and/or if they purchase ANYTHING from Amazon, I earn a commission.
So, in the long run, I'd have to say that my relationship with Amazon has been a good one.
I receive frequent orders, timely payments, great exposure and enough orders of two or more books,
plus Marketplace orders to make it worthwhile.
Today I received an Amazon order for 17 copies of Turn Your Passion Into Profit.
Labels: Sideline Business Tips, Walt's Articles
(Click on a 'Label' category above to read all the posts in that category)Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Blog Your Way to Better Times
As promised in today's "Blog Your Way to Better Times" article appearing in the Saipan Tribune, the link to learn more about, and sign up for Google's Adsense program is in the left column.
Many companies profit if they incorporate in Nevada
due to various tax reasons. Incorporating is valuable in many states
but incorporating in Nevada is amongst the best.
Labels: Walt's Articles
(Click on a 'Label' category above to read all the posts in that category)Thursday, January 4, 2007
Why it's Impossible to Raise Your Standard of Living Working a Job...and What To Do About It
It's now Wednesday morning, January 3, 2007, here in Saipan. I'll probably spend the day tweaking websites for my clients, brainstorming on some new ideas and such. I'll go bicycle riding later on along Beach Road and take in some sun and scenery.
As I was checking the visits to my various websites with the free tracker I use from extremetracking.com, I noticed that I received a visitor from a link on www.nurse-entrepreneur-network.com. Seems the webmaster of that site posted my Standard of Living article on that site. So, I figured I'd provide it here for you. You should still check out the nurse entrepreneur network as it looks pretty full of valuable information.
Why it's Impossible to Raise Your Standard of Living Working a Job...and What To Do About It
Before I share why it is impossible to raise your standard of living working a job, let me lay some groundwork. Think about this. Everything in nature has been endowed with what it needs to survive. There is no living thing that
isn't inherently equipped with the skills and abilities it needs to secure its continued existence. Whether through instinct, size, camouflage or speed, no gazelle, lion or giraffe has to go to trade school to learn how to survive. That's the beauty of the divine plan. We, as humans, are part of this plan and each one of us is given something that sets us apart from everyone else; something that we can use to ensure our own survival. In fact, before industrialization sent hoards of us to the cities to work on assembly lines in factories, we all used something we did or owned to exchange for the things we
couldn't do or didn't own. Experts say that before the Industrial Revolution, 80% of us were entrepreneurs.
Unfortunately, because we now live in a capitalistic society, we rarely have a chance to be rewarded for the extraordinary potential we bring to the universe. Instead, we are rewarded for the lowest common denominator--something we share with just about everybody else--that is, our time and our presence.
Think about it. On a job, you're paid simply for showing up for a certain number of hours to do a job which somebody else could probably do just as easily. It's this replaceability that ensures that big business - which competes on price - can stay in business. If people were compensated based on the real value of their "talents" big business couldn't survive.
So even if he or she wanted to, no employer can or will ever pay you what you're worth. It would violate the basic laws of business and everything would crash.
So how do you raise your standard of living while working a job? First, it's necessary to understand that the only way to make more money in a capitalistic society is to sell more, or charge more. So, since what you're selling are your hours, you can work more hours (obviously there's a limit to this), or you can beg for a raise every year, or go on a constant quest for the next higher paying position that will pay you more for those same hours. Many people make this constant effort to improve their lives, but find that conditions invariably stay the same. That's because the only way to effectively raise your standard of living is to leverage your talents, your gifts, your interests and your hobbies to create a product or service that you can sell to increasing numbers of people and free yourself from the cycle of trading time for money. In other words, you
need to turn your passion into profit!
By taking this bold step, you'll join the ranks of a unique group of people I call "Passionpreneurs."
Passionpreneurs are men and women of every age, ethnic group, educational background, profession and religion. They include housewives, inventors and artists. They are a diverse group of people from every corner of the globe. However, Passionpreneurs do share one common trait: they've all found something they enjoy doing and have decided to keep doing it.
More significantly, not only do Passionpreneurs enjoy what they do, they get paid to do it! They've found the hidden value in their talents, interests or pastimes, offer that value to the world in the form of unique products and services, and do so for profit. In other words, they've created businesses that allow them to make money doing what they love. As a result, many have walked away from frustrating jobs to live what I call a Passion-Centered lifestyle. They set their own schedules and control their time. They live according to their own personal value system rather than someone else's. Furthermore,
Passionpreneurs experience the joy, empowerment and unique satisfaction of being compensated for being who they choose to be, honoring what they believe in, and doing something they feel divinely called to do.
So why should you become a passionpreneur? I can think of no greater case one can make than simply happiness.
But I can hear you asking, "How can I discover my passion?" But before you answer that question, there is an even more important first step you must take, and that is you need to find your purpose. It is one of four major steps/questions that you need to have clear before you can successfully turn your passion into profit. The four steps, in order, are PURPOSE, PASSION, PRODUCT & PROFIT. (On my website, I offer additional insights into
the other steps.)
The key question associated with step one is: "Why am I here?" Unless you first align yourself and your life with your purpose, any pursuit of passion will be fruitless because it will not be providing the fulfillment you need to
feel completely valuable.
There's a test you can take to discover your purpose. But even without taking the test, ask yourself which of the following four words resonates with you: CREATOR, SAVIOR, GURU or GUIDE. Are you here as an artist/creative type? Are you
here to heal/fix/save people? Are you here to teach/instruct? Or are you here to guide/lead others en masse to a new way of life?
So even before you ask yourself "what's my passion?" knowing your purpose will help you move in the right direction as you seek to create a business around it. For more on the process, and to take the personality test, visit:
http://www.passionprofit.com
Whether you need to consolidate student loans debt
in order to help you in the process to pay off student loans
or you need some other debt consolidation process
make sure you fully look into various debt consolidation for non-homeowners
before deciding.
Labels: Walt's Articles
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