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9 Must-Dos for Making Yourself Necessary to the World
Emerson once suggested, “Make yourself necessary to the world, and mankind will give you bread.” Bread meaning support and livelihood. Bread meaning money and financial reward. Bread meaning nourishment and sustenance. Dee-licious. Unfortunately, as profound as that quotation is, there’s never been much of a how-to on the topic. Until now. Here’s a list of nine strategies for making yourself necessary to the world: 1. Be essential. Whenever there’s…
Now You Can Become as Trusted as Oprah without Resorting to Brainwashing or Jedi Mind Tricks
The more people trust IN you, the more they will bet on, buy from, follow after, stand beside and tell others about you. And if you’ve ever wondered, “Why don’t people don’t trust me?” perhaps it’s time to ask the bigger question, “Am I trustable?” Here are ten practices to become as trusted as Oprah without resorting to brainwashing or Jedi mind tricks: 1. Trust people first. I learned…
The #1 Secret to Getting Discovered as an Artist, Entrepreneur or Independent Professional
Everyone’s just waiting to get discovered. And that’s the problem: They’re waiting. BIG mistake. You can’t just sit around, hoping someone will discover how cool and special and unique and talented you are. You’ve GOT to stick yourself out there. And whether you’re a salesperson, writer, photographer, entrepreneur or entertainer — the absolute, number-one, failproof strategy for getting discovered is: BE MORE DISCOVERABLE. Here’s a list of four ways…
8 Ways to Make Your Name More Invokable
“I invoke your name a lot.” Now THERE’S a compliment. If people start telling YOU that they’re telling others ABOUT you, congratulations. That makes you invokable. Not in a religious way or anything. I assume your clients, friends and fans aren’t setting up candle-lit shrines with pictures, newspaper clippings and locks of your hair in their bedrooms. Wait. ARE they? Nevermind. THE POINT IS: Having someone “invoke” your name…
Does Your Business Pass the Brokeback Mountain Test?
“I can’t quit you!” Remember when Heath Ledger said that to Jake Gyllenhall in Brokeback Mountain? Whatever. Don’t act like you didn’t love that movie. Because that’s exactly what you want: Customers who can’t quit you. HERE’S WHY: If you can get to that point, you no longer have customers. You have fans. And they’re lightyears beyond “satisfied” or “loyal.” They’re INSISTENT. SO, HERE’S THE SECRET: If you want…
4 Secrets to Retain Relevancy So Customers Don’t Get Bored with You and Buy from Someone Else
As an author, used book fairs are my candy store. The price is insanely cheap. The selection is overwhelming. The smell is mildewy and wonderful. Is there a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon? I think not. Recently, I stopped by the 31st annual St. Louis YMCA Book Fair to stock up on fall reading. And I’m excited to report that I DID NOT find one of my…
11 Questions to Determine if Your Passion Will become Profitable
“Passionate” doesn’t (necessarily) mean “profitable.” Passion isn’t a panacea. This is a common entrepreneurial mistake. People think that just because they’ve pinpointed their passion – POOF! – They can now magically make a business out of it. Wrong. Entrepreneurship isn’t a Beatles song. Passion (or love, for that matter) isn’t all you need. Passion only becomes profitable when it’s: (1) Enhanced by competence, (2) Entwined with purpose, and (3)…
13 Strategies for Creating an Aura of Superiority around Your Brand – Without Looking Like an Arrogant Ass
The word “superior” comes from the Latin superus, which means, “situated above.” So, for your brand to be superior, you don’t have to be arrogant – you just have to be awesome. Plus, a lot of people have to agree with you. That’s the formula. What about you? How do you demonstrate superior expertise? And are you turning out work that has a genuine superiority? If not, today you’re…
8 Ways to become More Buyable than a Bottle of Viagra at a Boca Raton Bingo Hall
“I just cannot WAIT to send you a check!” How cool would it be if your customers thought that? How profitable would it be if your customers SAID that? Very. And the best part is, this concept has nothing to do with selling; but rather, enabling people to buy. IN SHORT: Being buyable. AND HERE’S THE DISTINCTION: Most salespeople constantly run around asking prospects, “Do you want to buy…
5 Ways to Make Your Business a Friend of Simplicity
Chopin once remarked, “Simplicity is the final achievement. After one has played a vast quantity of notes and more notes, it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art.” Bravo! What about you? Is your business a friend of simplicity? If it’s not, you’re losing money. Every day. And here’s why: Simplicity is currency. Especially since we live in hyperspeed, A.D.D., instant gratification culture. Simplicity is approachability….
