The unwritten rules of direct selling revealed!

Have you ever wondered why some women achieve great success in direct sales while others don’t? Kirsten McCay-Smith shares the secrets in these exclusive interviews with ten super achievers who have already broken the million dollar profit mark in networking marketing and direct sales.

The …

I will try to share things that grab my attention and might give you a strategy to consider for yourself… Here’s one of those instances. Hope you enjoy!

My version of 10-10-10 is a challenge I issue to you … seriously consider this next question: WHERE will you be, WHO will …

The brief excerpt below is from
the book; 50
Interviews: Entrepreneurs Thriving in Uncertain Times. The award winning
300 page book includes exclusive interviews with over 50 successful
entrepreneurs in a variety of industries.

John Fischer – recapturing a childhood obsession and
becoming the giant in world of stickers

John Fischer started StickerGiant, www.stickergiant.com, in 2000. Today he
has eight full time employees and five part-time in Hygiene, Colorado. What
began for John as a curiosity, at a time when he was home sick with the flu,
WhatPresident.com, quickly became an overnight national sensation during the
five week period when the USA didn’t know who its president was, Gore or
Bush! The slogan, “He is not my president,” died as quickly as it grew, but
along the way, sold thousands of stickers, mugs, and T-shirts. From that
experience, the vision for StickerGiant began to grow in John’s mind. He
partnered with a young designer, Mike Brooks, on building a brand that was
hip, and fed the demand for stickers that reflected all things in our pop
culture. Do a Google search for the word “stickers,” and stickergiant.com is
number one. StickerGiant’s stickers are all over the world and beyond. They
even have StickerGiant stickers

INTERVIEW
Q: What was your initial startup cost and source?
A: $80,000 from personal savings and credit cards.

Q: How long until there was a positive cash flow?
A: Twelve months. I started making a profit just about the time I ran out of
money and credit.

Q: Did you use a business plan?
A: Yes, and I recommend it for the sole purpose of having a communication
tool others can give you feedback on. It’s a good reality check.

Q: What was the genesis of the idea?
A: I was an avid collector of stickers as a kid, back to the days of the
“Garbage Pail Kids” stickers. My entire career always centered around
printing. Stickers are one of the earliest forms of social media. Stickers
provide a way for others to personally endorse something. It gives people a
voluntary way to show their support and pride for something. What’s more
effective, a sticker on a car or a billboard? I would argue the former, and
it’s one of the lowest cost forms of advertising. Of all the Obama stickers
you see today, nobody is paying them to put them up, but the impact of them
has no doubt contributed to who our next president will be. I’m a firm
believer that everyone should have the right to voice their opinion, and
stickers provide an effective way to do so.

Q: Are there one or two things you can attribute your success to? Was it
luck, timing, someone who helped you?
A: I was lucky in that I had good parents, and grew up in a supportive
family in the USA. Beyond that, I believe you must create your own luck.
Early in my career, I am thankful that the jobs I held were
commission-based. It caused an appreciation for how businesses make money on
a day-to-day basis. I’d suggest you work for a smaller company right out of
college to get that kind of experience firsthand. Too many college kids
today go right into large corporations, only to be so far removed that they
never learn the basics of how a company makes money, or for that matter, how
to manage their own finances. I come from a family of entrepreneurs that was
always there to support me, and offer valuable advice.

Q: What is the most important attribute you look for in an employee? What
are your thoughts on the employee-ownership model?
A: I began by hiring part-time stay-at-home moms to help pack and ship the
stickers I sold online. While we don’t have an employee ownership stake
today, our business model doesn’t yet support it, I am an advocate for it.
Right now we are focused on near term profitability to sustain our growth.

This is one of the foundational steps of internet marketing.  And this is something simple you can each start doing sooner than later…Here’s the task:

Wondering what to send your interviewees to help spawn sales?  Below is a copy of the email we worked up for Randy. It explains why your interviewees should buy multiple copies of the book and invites them to join our VIP affiliate program (where they earn a higher % than our typical affiliates). I encourage you to go ahead and customize it for your own use and send it out as soon as your first volume is complete!

The idea for this video came from an interview I did yesterday with Michael Wilson. Thanks for giving me the idea and letting me run with it!
You can read the excerpt from Michael Wilson’s interview.

The brief excerpt below is from
the book; 50
Interviews: Entrepreneurs Thriving in Uncertain Times. The award winning
300 page book includes exclusive interviews with over 50 successful
entrepreneurs in a variety of industries.

Allen Fishman – Creator of The Alternative Board

BACKGROUND
Allen Fishman established The Alternative Board (TABR) in 1990. TAB provides
peer board and coaching services for business owners and CEOs in over 400
cities around the world.  Today TAB has over 150 franchisees and 35
full-time employees. Allen’s first company, Infinite Horizons Training
Systems, is a business education system.  His second venture; Sun
Development Company built, and currently manages, shopping centers and
office buildings. He still holds controlling interest in these companies.
In 1980, Allen became a part owner, President & COO in Tipton Centers Inc.
(TCI), a consumer electronics retailer, which Allen took public in 1986
before it was acquired by Dixon in 1987.  Following the sale of TCI, at the
age of 45, Fishman retired to Aspen, Colorado area where he wrote the
nationally syndicated advice column, Business Insights. While doing
interviews for the column, he identified the key factors common to those
entrepreneurs who had achieved success that led him to author two books: 7
Secrets of Great Entrepreneurial Masters: The GEM PowerT Formula for
Lifelong Success and 9 Elements of Family Business Success. In addition to
being featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Fortune Small
Business, Business Week, The Los Angeles Times, and the Chicago Tribune,
Allen hosted the radio show Formula for Success on a CBS, and is a frequent
guest on CNBC, Bloomberg, and CNNfn.

Q: The genesis of the idea for TAB?
A: It took place at a party.  A few business owners were talking about the
fact that they had needs that they could not discuss with employees or
family members.  They had no place to get real advice, no support group.
That night it hit me that they had been quite comfortable talking about this
situation among themselves.  The next day we skied together and I asked
them, “What if I could provide you with a professional who would facilitate
a group meeting once a month and coach you during the month?”  They liked
the idea and the company was launched.

Q: What were your biggest challenges? Looking back now, is there anything
you wish you had done differently?
A: When I formed The Alternative Board I required little structure from the
people who are facilitating and coaching.  After a period of time I realized
that that wasn’t good enough and we needed a uniform offering providing the
same value to all members wherever they are located. For example, it is very
important that somebody coaching in Oakland, California coaches with the
same materials, the same SBL process and the same soft skills as somebody
coaching in London.  It took awhile to correct that mistake.  That’s the
competitive edge of our TAB facilitator coaches.

Q: Do you recommend an MBA for an entrepreneur?
A: No. At the same time I will tell you that one of my members on the
founder’s board just got his MBA  and feels that getting an MBA has been
very good for him. He is a second generation in the business, and for a lot
of reasons he felt he had not been exposed to things outside his business
and the MBA rounded off his knowledge base.  But generally speaking I’d say
no because most MBA’s are geared to teaching how to work for someone else.

I talked to one TAB board member with an MBA program who told me he felt
that his MBA had been a waste because the people teaching him were not
entrepreneurs.  They taught nuts and bolts, but they didn’t really
understand the entrepreneurial mindset.  That’s one of the keys to success
as an entrepreneur.  It’s also one of the reasons why many businesses that
are successful while they are being driven by an entrepreneur, but fail when
they are acquired by a big company and run by professional managers.  It’s a
different mindset.

strong>In our interview yesterday, I asked Michael Wilson “What makes the difference between an attractive networker, a boring networker and an irritating networker?”
Michael : That’s funny because I think they are all the same person at different stages. There’s a riddle. What’s that old riddle? What’s the animal that walks on four legs, then two [...]

Just last week Linda Quirk, who I interviewed and feature in my book, completed the first leg of her 4-deserts odyssey. You can stay up with her updates on her blog run7on7.

Linda Quirk During her 2009 7 Marathons on 7 Continents Adventure

It is really great to shift gears now that my book is out and see reviews as they come in. The following are excerpts of independent reviews and so far I am pleased with what people think.

Existence proofs that people can be competitive athletes well into their seventies

March 8, 2010

By Charles Ashbacher on Amazon.com

Fortunately, while people are generally living longer, there has not been as significant a corresponding decline in the quality of that life. The extra years are generally not spent in a state of weakness that has some percentage of being an invalid. This fact is common knowledge, what is not so well known is that many people can remain athletically competitive over the age of fifty, sometimes decades over. This book is a case study of fifty such people.
Granted, there has been some “cherry-picking” of the representatives, but that does not change the fact that it is proven that it is possible for humans to remain active to the point of being athletic several decades after hitting their fiftieth birthday. Some of these people even had to overcome serious injuries from auto and other accidents. The overwhelming message from the acts of these people is that determination is generally more important that the physical aspects of your body. In chapter 10, Dr. Vonda Wright M. D. makes statistical arguments to support the position that “Only 30% of how we age is determined by genetics, while the remaining 70% is determined by the lifestyle choices we make.” Furthermore, Wright also uses data supporting the point that, “Masters athletes’ performance declined less than 2% a year for both men and women from age 50 to 75. Then, after the age of 75, something else happened. Their performance suddenly dropped by 8% a year.”
These statistics point out that it is not only possible to remain extremely active after the age of fifty, but something that should be done. While it is true that not everyone can remain as active and competitive as the 50 portrayed here, together they are an existence proof that it is possible. Even old dogs need role models, and these are some very good ones.

Superb motivation in hard cover, even better on the iPhone for Kindle

March 5, 2010

Wine is one of the joys of my life, and I enjoy it in two different ways: first, going to a large “tasting” for a couple of hours, say one with 50 different wine lovers and 50 different wines; and second, spending an hour or two with a single wine, sipping and watching it develop over time. Each event provides different types of pleasures, but each is highly rewarding.

This is a wonderfully motivating book for an OF like me, who tries, sometimes successfully [ ], to keep in shape, primarily by walking and hiking in the hills near my home in the Ramapo Mountains. Don McGrath has put together an outstanding collection devoted to 50 different athletes who are committed to maintaining their health through exercise.

Reading the book straight through is like my large wine tastings: there’s a kaleidoscope of impressions: some people stand out and their techniques and approaches resonate in many ways for me. Others sunk into the background and didn’t have much to say of importance to me. But, taken together, it was an exciting and rewarding “event”, especially under McGrath’s leadership.

McGrath makes an important point early on: it was empowering to read that he refers interchangeably to “athletes as people who exercise, and people who participate in a sport.” He makes a very strong case for consistent, regular exercise, relying on a number of studies demonstrating the benefits. And, this is clear, compelling writing, from an author who is clearly enthusiastic and committed to his subject:

“My goal in writing the book was to learn how to stay active and successful in my sport, rock climbing, for as long as possible. Along the way, I discovered that the athletes I was interviewing had a much more important tale to tell. They are all living spectacularly strong, healthy lives….

But, you can get lost in a big wine tasting, and in a certain way, I did with this book — there is just so much you can remember about any one person when there are so many fascinating people, and people who can help you deal with your own personal challenges — in my case, lack of time, other commitments and personal motivation.

Putting the book on my iPhone was a wonderful discovery. I’ve always got the phone with me, and I’ve been reading about one of the 50 athletes before, during and after each of my hour long hikes. Even athletes I sort of skipped over during the first “read through” suddenly become much more interesting when I spend an hour with them, especially when I’m doing some of the same striving they did, and are still doing. (I’ve often had the same experience with wine — not thinking much of a wine during the big tasting, but discovering interesting depths and real excitement when I spend an hour sipping and analyzing.)

I understand that McGrath plans to make this book audio edited and made available in iTunes. I can imagine that an audio version would be excellent for motivation during a hike, and I hope McGrath follows through with his plans to do so. In the meantime, however, reading about McGrath’s suggestions, and the suggestions of the 50 interesting people he’s collected here, has greatly enhanced my exercising during my rest periods.

It’s clear that consistent, vigorous exercise is a splendid idea for OF like me. This excellent book is a superb aid to achieving that goal.

Robert C. Ross 2010

Note: this review is based on a review copy furnished by the author. I found it so useful, that I purchased a copy for my Kindle, to use before, during and after my hikes. B.

Review By Koach Karl on Basil and Spice

Do you make excuses not to workout?  Are you over weight?  Has your doctor advised you to exercise?  Is it too late?!  Not by a long shot!!  As author Don McGrath leads us through 50 interviews with 50 athletes over 50 we realize that it’s never too late.  Most importantly anyone can excel in sports regardless ofage, gender, handicap or circumstances.  These stories will inspire you to get off the couch and get moving.  If you are currently exercising you will find yourself asking “Am I doing enough?”  All of these athletes are competitive in their own ways.  From 50-year-old former pro triathlete Gale Bernhardt who has turned her sights to mountain biking to ”The Ultimate Over 50-Athlete — Banana” George Blair, the 94-year-old water skier, you will see that anything is possible.

McGrath first leads us through his Performance-to-Lifestyle Transition Phases and the keys behind it.  Dream it, Live it and Love it.  From there he explains the Four Joys and how they help the older athlete stay focused and motivated to not only stay active but to stay competitive in their chosen sport.  He wraps things up with the last two chapters focusing on the studies and statistics of older athletes–the physiology and psychology of the athlete over 50 and what happens as we age.

All of the interviews were interesting and moving in their own way.  You will read about track athletes, swimmers, rock climbers–the list goes on and on.  Gene GeBauer, a dancer, seemed full of life and not planning to stop dancing anytime soon.  He is 75 and just recently had a tap jam session with one of the world’s best, Jason Samuel Smith, and held his own.  Then you have of course “Banana” George Blair he 94 year old skier who did he start skiing until he was 46.  Since the he has become a phenomenon in the skiing world.  “Banana” George not only skies, he took up wakeboarding at 70, snowboarding at 75, race car driving at 81, skydiving at 82, surfing at 83, and he rode a bull at 85.  This man can do anything he puts his mind to!!  My favorite though is 53-year-old Terry Peterson from Redondo Beach, CA who in his late forties had gained weight and had high cholesterol and needed to exercise.  None of the normal stuff seemed to inspire him–such as swimming, biking or running.  He fond his passion at www.unicycle.com.   Terry is now a sponsored and competitive rider with Mountain Unicycling (MUni).  You can see more of Terry and what he does at his site www.unigeezer.com. Checkout the videos! They are amazing.

This book was fun and inspiring no matter where you are in life, whether it’s 8-years-old or 80, I encourage you to pick it up at your local book store.  Who knows, maybe you will be in the revised edition.

Teresa Konopka’s Book Review Blog

“50 Athletes over 50 Teach Us to Live a Strong, Healthy Life” by DonMcGrath, PhD is a great book. It has a wonderful format that quickly introduces readers to what it takes to be an older athlete mentally, physically, and emotionally. Then, it dives right into the excitement with the 50 athletes over 50. There are copious interviews that are written in a question-and-answer layout. Photos of the athletes are included, too, some of which are whimsically amusing. At the end of chapters, there are even questions for the reader to answer with spaces to write in. These questions serve as stepping stones for the reader to get more active and rekindle their inner athletic passions. What makes this book so great is that the 50 athletes are not all famous and well-known. Chances are the readers may have not even heard of one. Still, this makes the book more riveting as readers discover new stories that could be about them some day. Most of the athletes in this book do not do group sports, but the athletic endeavors will impress nonetheless. Athletes of all ages will enjoy this book.

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The brief excerpt below is from the book; 50 Interviews: Entrepreneurs Thriving in Uncertain Times. The award winning 300 page book includes exclusive interviews with over 50 successful entrepreneurs in a variety of industries.

John Comeau and his wife, Allie, founded Horsetooth Hot Sauce, a retail and wholesale food company, in 2008 in Fort Collins, Colorado. When he was laid off in early 2008, and couldn’t find work, the necessity of making a living became the genesis for his company. John had no prior food company experience, but making hot sauce was something he had always enjoyed as a hobby. His wife encouraged him to start the business, since she had already been self employed for many years. The fact that she is in marketing and copywriting has helped them significantly. John likes the appeal of producing a locally made product. He has two employees, and in the future hopes to expand their product line beyond hot sauce to build a “Horsetooth Foods” brand.
THE INTERVIEW
Q: What was your initial startup cost and source?
A: $4k, credit cards

Q: What were your biggest challenges?
A: The health department, and all the licensing required to sell a food
product. Everything from the font size on the labels to having to convince
the FDA that it was not an “acid” food.

Q: What aspects of ownership are the most rewarding?
A: I’d have to say it has been the freedom, but also the joy of selling a
product I really believe in.

Q: Are there one or two things you can attribute your success to?
A: My wife has been the biggest supporter, which helped me push on.

Q: What is the most important attribute you look for in an employee?
A: I look for passion, pride in the product, and knowledge.

Q: Any recommended books or other resources? Do you recommend an MBA?
A: No on the MBA. Michael Gerber’s E-Myth was a valuable book. I learned a
lot through tutorials on YouTube, especially when it came to label and
business card design (Adobe Illustrator tutorials).