One of my friends forwarded this commercial to me. I think it’s a great creative way to identify a problem ( Men don’t like to look at naked men) and turn it into advantage.

Just like Futbol (Err Soccer) was invented in England, and now the rest of the world is always kicking English butt (in international soccer arena that is) Commercials were invented by Americans, but it seems the rest of the world is kicking American butt when it comes to TV Advertising.

Bookmark it

I believe the reason we have 2 party political system in the US, is so the big business can control the public opinion easier and cheaper. I believe the real democracy requires at least 3 parties.

I can’t believe more Americans do not at least demand opening the presidential debates to the third and fourth party candidates So at least they can raise the issues TV Stations are afraid to do.

Here is an example of what I mean.

Bookmark it

Look for these things and consider them well as you walk your road to success:

_    Know that Failure is Just an Event.  We talked about this at length previously, but it bears repeating.  If you fail, it doesn’t define you-it just puts you back at ‘square one’ with your idea and plan.

_    Consider Your Responsibilities Before Your Rights.  Our American culture drums it in to us that we must “have it now,” and many of us comply.  You are successful when you are mature enough to delay gratification and move your focus from your “rights” to your “responsibilities.”

_    Fill Up on Faith, Hope, & Love.  Your outlook determines your output, and your output determines your outcome.  Choose to be optimistic, to read uplifting books, to listen to inspirational speakers.  When you put faith, hope, and love in your mind and heart, you’re able to overcome adversity and live free from anger, greed, guilt, and envy.

_    Make Friends with Your Past-and then Look Ahead.  You can use your past as a stepping stone to your future or you can let it cripple you.  Either way, it’s your choice.  When you can make friends with your past, be focused on the present, and have a bright opinion of your future, you have succeeded, no matter what your goal is.

_    Know that Success Doesn’t Make You.  Along with the idea above, understanding that a win doesn’t make you and a loss doesn’t break you.  If you win, you’ll still have more wins to make before you “arrive,” and if you lose, you’ll have more opportunities to turn that around in the future.

_    Stand up for Morality.  If you take a stand for what is right, even if it’s unpopular or costs you your job, you are successful.  There is no disputing this fact.

_    Be a “Servant Friend.”  Success isn’t defined by how many people wait on your every whim or need; it’s defined by how many people you can help or serve while you achieve your goals.  If you can help others as you climb, you’ll learn more and climb quicker.  A servant’s heart is the true hallmark of a leader and shows the character of the person in the position of leadership.

Bookmark it

Most of my leads come from my fully wrapped Honda Element.

I know when my car is in my drive way I am not marketing. So, I get out as much as I can, but I also know just being out there is not efficient enough for me.

Because I want my customers to come to me I am really big on branding and positioning. Of course that requires a lot of strategical thinking and leg work at the start, but in my experience pays handsomely later.
I thought it might be helpful to other newcomers (like myself) to share my set up.
PARKING

Because you’re using your car as a marketing tool, you want to pay extra attention to where you park.

This is a new-mixed used development where average income is high. I am parked in front of an upscale Asian restaurant, my roof is wrapped so anyone on the second floor (or higher) will see my number when they look out of their window.

I want to be a natural inclusion in their lives. I want them to know Sit Means Sit ::::: from somewhere:::: but also ::::see it everywhere:::::::

Click on the picture to see notes. Use your browsers back button to return

I work my dog a lot like Stella (Anthony from DEN)

Seven will stay in the back of the car until I call him out. usually the lower door is closed, but I wanted to show you how things are set up.

Click on the picture to see notes. Use your browsers back button to return

Although when I bought it I didn’t know I was going to be dog trainer buying an Element proved to be a good move.

Having the divider between where the dog(s) are and me provides extra room to have all the things I may need.

This way if I see an opportunity as in the case where these photos were taken. I can pull over and do variety of things to match my prospective clients ( Match as in NLP)

Click on the picture to see notes. Use your browsers back button to return

I got Seven in Denver and he’s having hard time with the Southern heat and humidity. So when I have Seven in the car, even while waiting for me to call him out ( as in the back door is open) I have my AC in full blast.

This is a good practice when you have human employees also.

Treat your employees the way you want them to treat your customers.

Last but not least… GPS

As well as being a great tool to know where you going, it’s also a great tool to lock-in a location.

What I mean is: If I am in a new neighborhood (as in this one) and on Wednesday 7 pm I see a lot of foot traffic . I save this location in my GPS favorites as Wednesday 7pm.

So If I have an appointment canceled or I am free on a future Wednesday 7pm, I can look at my GPS and get there. I also mark (the same way) where I see lots of people with dogs.

I hope this helps.

Bookmark it

I normally don’t like to say “See I told you so.”  That’s why I am posting here that TomTom the GPS company will be bankrupt within 12-24 months.

I spent 2 days about an hour trying to buy a license from them.

While I was on hold on the second day I went to amazon and bought a Garmin GPS. When the person came to line, and I asked how can you keep on hold for an hour? are you the only person working she said yes.

I told her I actually bought a garmin unit while waiting for her to pick up she said Oh so you don’t need us any more and hung up.

What is so funny is the script they read starts like ” Hello, my name is………. My goal is to provide exceptional customer service.”

Clearly Tomtom is clueless about customer service.

Bookmark it