Now Appearing in an Extended Engagement! Join David Robison as he takes you into his world and his daily life of reviving a stand-up comedy career. Prepare for side trips exploring the "art" of salesmanship and business ethics and his experience with Multi-level Marketing. Enjoy some frequent detours describing his observations on life. Read the exploits of this self-proclaimed Renaissance-man and blooming blogger as you go
On The Road With Dave.
A new job. A new house. New friends. New places I visited.
And a new activity; Blogging.
This activity brought new thoughts, new ideas, and clarification and focus on old ideas unexplored.
I have seen growth in my life this past year. Financially and Personally.
There are still some "regrets". Not all things were accomplished, but nor were the ideas abandoned; just placed on a "back burner", until another appropriate time.
I admit there were some times of confusion and chaos, but they were short-lived; because it was easy to get back on track, because there was a plan to follow.
Now, I look ahead to 2005.
I'm not wondering IF I will accomplish my goals in 2005; I know they will happen.
The "wonder" comes in how each activity of the new year will manifest itself. What "roads" it will lead down? But as always, you'll be along for the ride via this blog.
If you are just joining me "On the Road"; I offer you 5 of 2004's "On The Road With Dave" entries, in no particular order, as a "Look Back"
I belong to a Comedy Writing Forum and this was posted a few days ago. It seems that if you are a New York comic, and New York is the only place you do your "gigs", you are getting short-changed.
A Comedians' Union? Imagine the Meetings
December 22, 2004
By JESSE McKINLEY
So a comic walks into a bar, does a set and still can't
feed his kids. Or his pets. Or his pets' kids. So what does
he do? He gets a lawyer, forms a coalition and threatens to
strike.
Hello? Is this thing on?
Seriously, folks, you can't make this stuff up. Hardened by
decades of low wages and even lower self-esteem, some 300
New York comedians have decided to unite to ask the city's
comedy clubs for, well, a little respect. (Oh, and more
pay.)
Two weeks ago, the group, the New York Comedians Coalition,
sent a letter to the owners of 11 clubs around the city,
asking for $120 for a 10 to 20 minute set on the weekends,
up from the current average of $60. They are also seeking a
small increase in weekday pay, which runs about $15 to $25
a set, as well as holiday pay for regulars. M.C.'s, who
introduce acts and plug the audience for information ("So,
where you from?"), would make upward of $200 for a weekend
gig under the coalition's plans, as opposed to the current
industry rate of $75 to $125.
"Comics have been making the same wage essentially since
1985," said Ted Alexandro, one of the coalition's founders
and a regular performer on the city's comedy circuit. "And
the revenue being created is outrageous."
In particular, Mr. Alexandro and his comedic colleagues
point to the clubs' practice of charging covers and an
enforced two-drink minimum, a policy that makes it almost
impossible for weekend audiences to escape without spending
at least $30 a head. Comedians say that when you add in
lucrative special shows for corporate events, proms and
bachelor parties, the clubs are killing (the comics' patois
for doing well).
Club owners aren't so sure. "It's an extremely competitive
market," said Chris Mazzilli, the owner of the Gotham
Comedy Club on West 22nd Street. "You've got clubs in
Midtown handing out free tickets and pulling people in off
the street. We're charging $15. That can make it tough."
But workanight comedians say the rates in city clubs pale
to what they can make doing longer sets on college campuses
or headlining in other cities. "I could do 30 shows in town
and make $800," said Ben Bailey, a 34-year-old comic with a
wife and a cat at home. "Or I could work the road and do
eight shows and make $2,000. There's no comparison."
Many club owners hope there's some room for compromise,
especially in a close-knit industry where tough crowds have
hardened owners and comedians alike. Mr. Mazzilli, a former
comedian himself, has agreed to raise his weekend rate to
$75 and will meet with the coalition after the New Year to
see if a bigger raise can be arranged. The Comedy Cellar,
the venerable club in Greenwich Village, has added acts and
also raised its rate to $75.
Cary Hoffman, the owner of Stand Up New York, on West 78th
Street, which pays $60 a set on the weekends, says he, too,
will meet with the comedians, but says he isn't sure how
much more he can pay. "The economics are staring me in the
face," Mr. Hoffman said. "My rent is up, my insurance is
up, everything is up. The only thing I can do is try to
find some way to raise the money so that I am viable."
For their part, the comedians say most of the city's club
owners have offered to talk and Mr. Alexandro said plans
for a possible work stoppage have been put on hold unless
talks on pay break down. (Health insurance? No one's even
going there.)
Russ Meneve, another coalition founder and a regular at
clubs like Caroline's in Midtown and Comic Strip on the
Upper East Side, said the increase in base pay is
especially important for younger, less established comics
for whom making an extra $10 an hour during the week is -
here comes the pun - no laughing matter.
"For newer and development acts, that money means a lot to
them," Mr. Meneve said. "But believe me, it helps me as
well."
Today I am recommending a link from my past. It takes a little explanation.
It's 1990 and I'm this old guy(30) going to college at The Mississippi for Women. (that's another story, entirely)
In most of my journalism classes, there are these two guys; Mark and Mark. (Largent and McCrary; respectively) Both are aspiring cartoonists. They self-publish a black and white comic book called Terrans, a sci-fi-through-a secret-portal type comic and a politically charged comic called Mr. America.
They also produce a fan-film parody of James Bond called The Spy Who Bugged Me featuring inept spy, Elliot Wangley as Double-0 Eight. Yep, he's way down the list on Her Majesty's Secret Service.
Later on, (a few years) I enlist the aid of Largent to help me in the production of an "awards" video for a local chapter of The American Advertising Federation.
"Elliot Wangley"(Largent) appears in the video "For Your Ads Only" trying to thwart the evil "Lardo" and his attempt to stop the awards show featuring celebrity actor Tom Wiggen; then of "As The World Turns"-fame.
Well, fast forward 10 years, and yesterday I hear from Largent via email. The clever guy, now doing artwork for Coca-Cola in Dallas, found my blog via a Google search on yours truly and a few other key words.
So to award his efforts in tracking me down, pay a visit to Endeavor Comics. It's a cool idea. Comic titles via electronic download.
As a self-proclaimed Renaissance man, being a student of new things is what interests me.
I have always been like this. When I was a kid, (before the Internet) I grew up on World Book Encyclopedias. I would read an article down to the end where it says SEE ALSO and lists the other related articles, and then I would pull down from the bookshelf the appropriate volume and look those articles up.
(For those not savvy in the ways of encyclopedias, it was kinda like clicking on a link inside an article on the Internet and going to that site to learn even more, or read a related article)
When I went back to college in my early 30s, to get my degree in Journalism, I wanted to learn a specific skill. But it wasn't those classes in my “major”, that I enjoyed so much; it was the “core” courses of Science, Mathematics, Literature, and History that fueled my thought processes.
(Even though I hated Algebra and suffered through it)
These other courses allowed me to gain knowledge in areas that my Journalism classes could not explore. And yet, that knowledge increased my skill as a writer.
Currently in my “day job”, I am learning the principles of building a house.
Why?
Because someday I want to build my own house using photovoltaic (solar) technology. That’s one of the reasons I decided to join my partner in his home renovation company, because I wanted to learn this new thing.
And as I watch this structure progress to completion, I have a greater understanding of geometry, engineering, and even art; as well as an increase in my carpentry skills.
You can continue to educate yourself in the “majors” of your life. If you are in sales, read a new book on marketing strategies. If you use a computer everyday and don’t have a website, learn to build one of your own. If you are a writer, learn one new word a day. If you work on airplanes, learn the principles of balloon flight. It’s always recommended becoming an expert in your field. You increase your credibility in all that you do.
But don’t let that specific education stand in your way of learning and continuing your education in another field. You needn't become an expert, but imagine the next time you talk with someone and they mention a topic you recently studied. Can you imagine the conversation progressing further, becoming more enjoyable?
If you are in sales, read a new book on Artists of the 19th Century. If you stay in a cubicle throughout the day; decide to learn how to build your own guitar and then learn to play it. If you work on airplanes, learn a new foreign language. If you are a writer, learn how to refinish a hardwood floor.
As with every "TIF" article, you can apply what I'm saying to your own life, if you choose, but this will be my focus.
How on earth do I justify my actions to the perceptions someone develops of me by what I write?
I understand the "fan mentality" some people develop of certain celebrities. A fan sees a television star each week and assumes the star would be exactly like the character he or she plays in each episode.
There are people who would assume that a comic would be just as funny in "real life" as he is "on stage". I know when I tell someone I want to perform as a comic on stage, they invariably always say, "really? Say something funny!"
So, when I tell someone I am a Quixtar IBO, they immediately take whatever they may know about the company, or it's history, and attach those perceptions to me.
On the opposite side of the coin, I know some people that write objectively of Quixtar, and yet their sites attract what is affectionately called "cons" or people with a negative perception of Quixtar, who would insist that the author is "one of them". Whenever the author of the sites in question, say something remotely positive about Quixtar, it's looked upon by the "cons" as treasonous to the cause.
In my case, I write positively about Quixtar, and when I say something that might be considered negative, or when I point out things I object to, I'm looked upon as "seeing the light" or "finally coming around".
Either that, or my positive statements and my insistence on remaining a Quixtar IBO, is seen as "justifying the evil, and perpetuating it". Any other honest statement I have made is nullified.
If a person has made a "mission" of their writing efforts and has a definite agenda, and then suddenly changes their "mission" or drops the issue entirely, surely questions will arise and that writer may be subjected to questions and speculation. It's doubtful that anyone could be mistaken if an author wrote consistently with sentences that began "I hate Quixtar because...." what his mission may be.
But such is usually not the case. Most writers discussing Quixtar are able to write objectively on the "pros" and "cons", and it is up to the reader to make his own decisions and not project their own perceptions on to the writer.
In my case, the "mission" is simple. I'm building a business based on the MLM-concept. Some see this concept as flawed; others question the very legal existence of it. I have deemed it viable.
I have chosen the company I want to work with, within the rules of conduct they set forth, and will conduct my business within those rules. No other speculation is warranted. No other explanation is needed. Any other perceptions by my readers would be just their perceptions.
As a business owner with various interests, my job is to learn each new day, adapt, modify and continue to provide for myself and my family and act responsibly toward those I conduct business with.
My readers here at this blog, and elsewhere that I may write, can color their perceptions in any manner they wish, but my "mission" will not change.
On record as one of the coldest days in Columbus, Mississippi. (5 degrees at Noon)
At approximately 11:00AM, in a small Church of Christ in Caledonia, MS; the preacher asked the woman standing beside me would she promise to love me, not just be "in love with me" for the rest of her life and stand beside me as my wife.
And now the horror of those gifts are made known. (Rated PG-13 for intense language)
December 20th
John: What’s with you and those fucking birds???? Seven swans a-swimming. What kind of goddam joke is this? There’s bird shit all over the house and they never stop the racket. I’m a nervous wreck and I can’t sleep all night. IT’S NOT FUNNY…So stop with those fucking birds. Sincerely, Agnes
December 21st
OK Buster: I think I prefer the birds. What the hell am I going to do with eight maids a-milking? It’s not enough with all those birds and eight maids a-milking, but they had to bring their own goddam cows. There is shit all over the lawn and I can’t move in my house. Just lay off me. SMART ASS. Ag
December 22nd
Hey Shithead: What are you? Some kind of Sadist? Now there’s nine pipers playing. And Christ – do they play. They never stopped chasing those maids since they got here yesterday morning. The cows are upset and stepping all over those screeching birds. No wonder they screech. What am I going to do? The neighbors have started a petition to evict me. You’ll get yours. From Ag
December 23rd
You Rotten Prick: Now there’s ten ladies dancing – I don’t know why I call those sluts ladies. They’ve been balling those nine pipers all night long. Now the cows can’t sleep and they’ve got diarrhea. My living room is a river of shit. The commissioner of buildings has subpoenaed me to give cause why the building shouldn’t be condemned. I’m sicking the police on you. One who means it, Ag
December 24th
Listen Fuckhead: What’s with the eleven lords a-leaping on those maids and aforementioned “ladies”? Some of those broads will never walk again. Those pipers ran through the maids and have been committing sodomy with the cows. All 234 birds are dead. They have been trampled to death in the orgy. I hope you’re satisfied, you rotten swine. Your sworn enemy, Miss Agnes McCallister
December 25th
(From the law offices of Tadker, Spreder, and Baegar)
Dear Sir: This is to acknowledge your latest gift of twelve fiddlers fiddling, which you have seen fit to inflict on our client, Miss Agnes McCallister. The destruction, of course, was total. All correspondence should come to our attention. If you should attempt to reach Miss McCallister at Happy Dale Sanitarium, the attendants have instructions to shoot you on sight. With this letter, please find attached a warrant for your arrest.
We've all heard it and sang it, but what are the consequences of these gifts?
December 14th
Dearest John: I went to the door today and the postman delivered a partridge in a pear tree. What a delightful gift. I couldn’t have been more surprised. With dearest love and affection, Agnes.
December 15th
Dearest John: Today the postman brought your very sweet gift. Just imagine, two turtle doves… I’m just delighted at your very thoughtful gift. They are just adorable. All my love, Agnes.
December 16th
Dear John: Oh aren’t you the extravagant one! Now I must protest. I don’t deserve such generosity. Three French hens. They are just darling but I must insist … you’re just too kind. Love, Agnes
December 17th
Dear John: Today the postman delivered four calling birds. Now really! They are beautiful, but don’t you think enough is enough. You’re being too romantic. Affectionately, Agnes
December 18th
Dearest John: What a surprise! Today the postman delivered five golden rings. One for each finger. You’re just impossible, but I love it. Frankly, John, all those squawking birds were beginning To get on my nerves. All my love, Agnes
December 19th
Dear John: When I opened the door there were actually six geese a-laying on my front steps. So you’re back to the birds again, huh? Those geese are huge. Where will I ever keep them? The neighbors are complaining and I can’t sleep through the racket. PLEASE STOP!! Cordially, Agnes
Not Einstein's theories on time travel; not about how much time it takes to drive cross town when we are late for an appointment; and not about how much time is left until Christmas.
It’s time we focus on Time Management. That's getting organized, setting up a workable schedule, consistently working a set time frame, and getting things done the first time every time, so that we can spend time doing other things besides worrying about getting things done.
As with all Tuesday In Focus entries, when I say "we", I'm really talking about me. But feel free to take what I say, and use it; if it seems helpful.
Most self-employed people I know have a collection of self-help books on their bookshelves, especially Network Marketers. Part of my new time management program is from "If you haven’t got the time to do it right, when will you find the time to do it over?" By Jeffrey J Mayer. I have owned the book for several years, but like most self-help books, sometimes they are bought with good intentions, but left mostly unread. I changed that last week. I read it, and have implemented the strategies.
Also in the interest of this new time management program, I have ordered a FranklinCovey personal planner through my Quixtar business. Just like a budget in financial management, one needs to have a “budget” for their time management. A planner takes care of those time allotments.
Now if you are employed somewhere, a good deal of your time is allotted for you, by your employer. You can still gain a great amount of control over that time, using a planner effectively and using the "clean desk" techniques of Mr. Mayer.
But for me, I'm employed during the day, and self-employed in my spare time. That "spare time" was the crux of my time management problem.
So, based on my goals and what I want to achieve in life, I need to use my time more effectively. Sometimes, I "sign on" the Internet with great intentions to write, to meet new contacts, to "take care of business", only to "sign off" three hours later, with nothing accomplished but reading my email and chatting and surfing the blog world. Oh sure, it may have been "Quixtar-related" or reading some Comedy Writing group, but no money was made. And, to make matters worse, I could have spent the time with the kids or my wife, but I had it in my mind that I was "working." I might as well been just sitting in front of the television.
Now, I'm not advocating giving up television (like some network marketers do). Everyone needs a little "vegetable time". I have my favorite TV shows,(Lost and Star Trek: Enterprise) and I think it's perfectly okay to watch TV. Only now I plan on scheduling that time.
Also, my business is important, so my family knows that it takes some time away from them, but I wouldn't dare miss my kid's school program or not take the time to teach my daughter to drive, or not take time to listen to my wife tell me about "her day at work".
So I asked myself, "Based on your goals and when you want to achieve them, what nights or days, are you available to build your business; and barring unforeseen circumstances, consistently build your business during those times?"
This is what I have come up with.
Monday through Friday, from 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM, I am on the job with my partner working on our various construction projects. Because I am organized and using a schedule, my mind is not thinking about other jobs and activities, and I give that job my full attention. That makes me a better worker, a better contractor, and allows me the security and income to focus on my other activities in my “free” time.
If you have a job, I highly recommend this mindset. There's no shame in giving your employer "your time" in order to be secure.
I plan to awake one hour earlier each morning, than I do now. This will give me 2 hours of free time before I go to work. I will use these two hours for planning and reflection; reading emails and responding; message board and internet community postings and replies and catching up with my blogger friends.
In the evenings after work, I will devote an additional two hours to the same activity, as well as writing for this little blog and for comedy writing and ventriloquism practice.
Saturdays, will be split between family activities and concentrating on specific marketing for my Quixtar business.
Sundays will also be split for family activities and will act as a "catch-up" for any unfinished projects.
I have also allotted time for those occasional off-days one experiences in the construction business.(like rain). I will have a list of "rainy day activities" that will be devoted to administration details, market research, and intensive email campaigns.
The key, like all the other Focus series, is a focused commitment and consistency to the plan.
I will operate on a level of awareness about my time, and all those concerned will be made aware of the schedule. No chaos, no confusion.
If you decide to make the same kind of time commitment, notify those involved in your time, as well.
It's 10:55 CST, Tuesday. I had a small problem with my "Tuesday In Focus" tonight. It's on it's way, but for some people, it may officially be Wednesday when it's posted.
But it should be posted prior to midnight...My time.
Blog entry titles are hard to come up with, sometimes.
I was back at work today. Missed three days last week on account of the flu, or cold or "creeping crud" or whatever malady I was stricken with.
I returned to see that my partner had been busy on the story and a half garage we are constructing. Over the time I missed, he managed to set in place all the rafters for the roof AND start the framing for the utility shed in the back yard.
He's a workaholic.
So I literally didn't raise the roof myself, but I returned in time to apply the sheeting for the walls to the frame. We got the entire first floor sheeting in place, the second story side walls sheeting in place, and began on the upper level over the garage opening.
By then we were pretty tired, and the temperature was beginning to drop. (It got down to 29 last night, which is pretty cold for the Gulf Coast. Another cold night is expected tonight.) So we called it a day at around 4:30. I didn't do too bad for being sick all last week and still suffering from the sniffles.
But, lifting 4x8 sheets of plywood all day and running up and down the attic stairs and ladders left me feeling pretty drained.
So, I'm gonna finish tomorrow's entry for my "TIF" series, at some point tonight and wrap some Christmas presents and get ready for another day of garage construction tomorrow. I have some serious hours to make up this week.
One day in the future, years to come, when I have a corral of rental houses; I'll look back on days like this; (while I oversee my own crews working on new construction projects) and I'll think about how it was all worth it.
If you can infer from that title, I went Christmas shopping today.
That's right; I drug(dragged)(whatever) my sick self out of the house and drove into downtown Mobile, with my wife, and for a few hours spent some money on the kids for Christmas.
Now, I'm not saying that was the smartest thing I have ever done, but at least I got some of it done.
It was busy everywhere(DUH!) and the traffic was terrible(Double-Duh!), and now I feel like I've been ate by a bear and s**T over a cliff, but you can't say I ain't a good dad. Stupid...yeah. Still sick...yeah. But, at least my wife didn't have to do it all by herself, like last year.
Just for the record, we had a budget for each kid, and they pretty much got what they wanted, and we are still under budget. Granted, I may spend twice that, if and when I call the EMT's to cart my sorry sick self away; but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. (Geez, whoever came up with THAT line, needs to be shot)
I just hope I'm alive, when they open their presents on Christmas morning. If I die from this "crud", that would really suck.
The preceding rant was brought to you by a real whiner when he's not feeling well
Down south, there's an expresion, "I'm sick like a dog".
Well, just call me Fido.
I'm not feeling well. It started on Tuesday and I have missed two days worth of work. Which makes me feel worse, cause I know the job I'm working on now has to be completed by year's end.
So I'm sick and I'm sick about being sick.
Not sure what I got, maybe a cold, maybe something else. I won't bore you with the symptoms. My wife manages a DME(Durable Medical Goods)company and I suspect she brought home the "crud" that her employees have got right now. Several of those people are also "out sick", too. As a matter of fact, as of tonight she ain't feeling too sporty herself.
My partner is pretty cool about me missing work. He understands I can't work, but I hate leaving him without any help.
So, for the last few days, I have slept, watched a lot of Star Trek on Spike TV, and moaned about being sick. I'm pretty much of a baby when I don't feel good.
I hope by the weekend, I'll be feeling better. I was sick last Christmas, and I don't won't a repeat of last year.
Okee dokee, gotta go take some more Ibuprofen and drink something.
And if you need a mental image; imagine me in grey sweat pants, a t-shirt and a sweatshirt and a two-day beard. Throw in the sounds of sniffling and a stuffed-head type of voice and you got it.
I belong to and help moderate a business forum. One of the posts we often refer new people to; is a post we call "The Flower Story"
It's basically a primer on how we, as this forum's originators, think the Internet should be used as a sales aid.
It's what you might hear me call "community building"
The idea isn't flashy, and some would say it's more passive than pro-active, but I think the story has some merit and some vital lessons that anyone could modify for their own business.
Here's my summary on how to sell flowers.
I want to open a florist shop. I want to open on the internet instead of a brick and mortar shop. I have two choices of how to offer my beautiful, well priced flowers.
I can build a cool website with a cool flash presentation of a rosebud coming into full bloom and some nice music, and then I can spend thousands advertising my site in order to drive traffic to my shop
Once there, my site visitors will look at my site, and decide to buy or not to buy. I'll have to constantly upgrade the site, have "sales", try to get them to opt-in for my promotional newsletter and still they may not buy.
And they may not return.
Then, I'll most likely spend more money trying to get more advertising to get new people to visit my site.
My other option is to build an online community such as a www.romancecommunity.com
(please don't click that, I just made it up. Although I'm sure one probably exists or is already owned by someone at GoDaddy)
At that site I can offer dating tips, marriage tips and just overall relationship tips. I'll invite relationship managers, etiquette experts, and I'll post personal experiences in the area of romance. I may even get permission to re-print some Dr. Phil articles. By offering this service to folks without the pressure of buying, I create a huge potential base of customers.
Those who are dating and looking for romantic ideas often include flowers in their plans. Should dating lead to marriage, again, flowers are almost always in the plan.
Now, it's possible for all in the community to network with each other on dating tips, wedding planning, marriage problems, even problems with sex. The community takes on a life of it's own, as a community should.
Perhaps no one at the community has any desire to buy flowers today, but they do enjoy my community and "see" me there on most days. But maybe in the future, they decide to get married, heck maybe they met someone at MY community. If they need to buy flowers, who do you think they will purchase from? Someone from an internet search? Someone out of the phone book? Or, would they buy from someone they know and trust and have been talking to for months?
What if my community grew to include photographers, tailors, real estate agents, caterers, as well as those interested in romance. And those interested in romance, could be attorneys, teachers, doctors, new car dealers. Everyone getting to know everyone else.
If one of the reasons why people don't buy online is because they don't trust a site, or only trust the "big name" sites; don't you think building a community is a good way to gain that trust?
At the very least, I could participate in a community like this; offering advice and saying "hi" to new people. I don't even have to mention my business. I can be there just to help out.
I think it's a perfect way. And, I might be able to sell some "flowers". I may even find a service I want to purchase from one of my community members.
I think the second way to sell flowers is a much better way. But you gotta admit; that blooming rosebud would have been cool!
We temporarily interrupt the "Tuesday In Focus" Series to call your attention to an historical landmark "On The Road." TIF will return next week with the focus on my time management
Today is December 14, 2004. Six months ago today, I took up the blogging gauntlet with a little entry entitled "Here Goes Nothing".
With about 141 entries and over 30,000 words later, that "nothing" has become quite a habit; with a few loyal readers, a little recognition, and an extreme sense of satisfaction on the writer's part.
I've learned some new things, met some nice people, and hopefully have successfully found my "voice" on the Internet.
The "roads" I've traveled have been enjoyable, and I look forward to leaving my "tracks" on many more, and possibly blazing a few new "trails" that others can pave in the future.
At the end of my very first entry I said,
"So, bookmark this blog, drag it into your "Favorites" file, and email your friends that there's a new blogger in town, and they call him, Dave."
That still holds true today, ok, so the "new blogger" may have 9000 newer bloggers that have come on the scene since then, but I have a few more entries left in me.
Okay folks, It's time for a little diversion from the normal.
If you are a Blogger or a Blog reader, then you have to admit you're something of a voyeur. I mean, c'mon, we bloggers love to read other blogs and find out what's going on in people's lives. We like to hear the thoughts, rants and ramblings of other people. That, and we have this ego that makes us want to have other people read what we write. (okay, the ego thing may be just me)
So anyway, I'm surfing through some sites trying to find something interesting to report on or to inspire me for today's entry; and I come across this site called The Aim Bastard.
This is a guy(Drift82) that publishes his AIM( AOL Instant Messenger) conversations.
But, he uses AIM a lot like those telephone prank calls you hear on certain radio stations. He calls them "Tormentings"
I'm in a goofy mood, so I've been reading these chats and some are pretty funny. You can even vote on the ones you like best.
I know a couple of bloggers that have sites that promote or at the very least the blogger themselves are Passport Associates. I respect the guys.
Passport has critics, just like any other MLM company. It goes with the territory.
Lately, one of the side issues in the critic's corner is the alleged practice of Passport Associates using the Internet Search Engines to attract those doing research on Quixtar.
The case is said that Passport Associates fill their personal sites with info against Quixtar, and then cleverly mention Passport or a Passport link on their site to offer as a solution to the problems they see with Quixtar. One critic of Passport has deemed it "parasitic marketing"; riding on the name recognition of Quixtar, to then downplay the company and promoting their own.
I admit I even made a reference to the practice back in early September. But now I am not so sure of the widespread practice of this claim. In the words of my good friend at QuixtarBlog, I'm not so sure that Passport, the company, "gets it" when it comes to the Internet. QBlog often says Quixtar "doesn't get it" when it come to some of their Internet usage.
In some of his most recent months' articles, Qblog speaks about the Quixtar Web Initiative, an apparent flood of websites being offered by Quixtar, with the name Quixtar, Quixtar brand names, Quixtar IBOs, etc. that are seemingly trying to garner the top page rankings in Search Engines everywhere, so that when someone tries to search the "Quixtar" name, all they see are Quixtar sites, not "anti" sites or Passport sites that talk about Quixtar.
Whether you call it a "conspiracy" or a "marketing strategy" is up to your own interpretation, but it does show that Quixtar "gets it" when it comes to making their Internet presence known.
So what does this have to do with Passport, not "getting it?"
Let's go back to my post yesterday.
I wanted to include the Passport Corporate site in the article. Hey, if someone likes it, fine with me.
I did a search on "Passport". I got places to get a passport.
I typed in "www.passport.com"..I got Microsoft's Passport.Net.
I typed in "passport" "MLM". I got lots of stuff about MLMs, a company called Emerald Passport, and a Passport Associate's Blog.
The only way I could provide my readers with a generic, corporate Passport site was to go to the associate's site and remove his associate ID from the web address.
And what's the address?
http://mpoinfo.net/index_corp.asp
mpoinfo? How does anyone searching for the Passport Opportunity dare to come up with the possibility that "mpoinfo" would get them that information?
Well cool...maybe if I type in "Passport Info", I'll see the site pop up.
Nope, There's the US State Department that's #1 in that search.
So, what's my observation?
If there is a Passport Web Initiative to steal away Quixtar IBOs then it is small and ineffective means. Unless all Passport Associates are blogging and paying for ads to increase their site traffic, and I really don't see evidence of that.
I think Passport, the company, should consider some easily searchable domain purchases of their own.
Until then, you can go here or here for more Passport information and their opinions about Quixtar.
As a Quixtar-affiliated Independent Business Owner, I encounter many people on the Internet with two main objections to Quixtar or MLM businesses in general.
1. The use of motivational tools as a "second source" of income, that overshadows the actual income from a Quixtar business.
2. The use of the "curiosity approach".
Today, I want to address the curiosity approach.
For those NOT in the know, this approach is simple and was effective in it's heyday.
In the history of MLM, some people involved were considered "door-to-door" salesmen, shysters, "down-on-their-luck" type people who got involved in MLM as a last resort.
So naturally, if a legitimate person was involved and successful, he had to overcome the initial objection to MLM.
To do this, the MLMer might ask a potential prospect to view a business presentation to see if the prospect might be interested in an opportunity.
"What opportunity?" the prospect might ask.
The MLMer may have replied, "Well, I have my own business, one of my focuses is to help others set up a similar business, and then we both profit, but it needs a thorough explanation, can we set up an appointment?"
And later, the prospect sees the presentation, sees the potential, and is told that the opportunity is an MLM company...in my case, Quixtar.
If the presentation is/was conducted successfully, the prospect joins, having any misperceptions about MLM satisfied.
That was the IDEAL curiosity approach. But, the IDEAL is at least 24 years old in my experience. I was first prospected with the "curiosity approach' by an Amway distributor in 1981.
Nowadays, someone in MLM approaching a prospect with a vague question about "starting their own business" is not only cliche', but annoying to most.
Stories of people being "attacked by MLMers in malls and bookstores, is an everyday occurrence on the Internet. Couple this with an influx of internet ads about "awesome" income, "no money down" and "Internet riches" and anyone can see that suspicions about a person wanting to show you "a business" is going to be met with some opposition.
So, what's the solution?
If you have a part-time Quixtar business, or Passport, or Shaklee, or Nu-Skin and someone asks you what you do for a living... Tell them!
I'll use me as an example.
"Dave, what do you do for a living?"
"I'm a partner in a home renovation buiness, but I really want to be a comic. I also have a Direct Sales/Multilevel Marketing Business.
Now, if that satisfies them. Cool. They ain't interested in what you do.
If they say, "oh really? MLM? hmmmmm, what company are you with?"
Now here's the tricky part. Pay close attention to what I do.
I TELL THEM!
"I operate a Quixtar-affiliated Independent Business. I use virtual commnunities to build an organization of other Quixtar Independent Business Owners and we market products via websites and personal contact."
If they say, "hmmm, that ain't for me." or " really? that's interesting...I have a hangnail that's giving me some problems."
Then, guess what?
THEY AIN'T INTERESTED!
Console with them about hangnails, and don't try to sell them!
It doesn't mean they hate you. It doesn't mean they are a loser. It doesn't mean they aren't interested in you, personally.
It just means they got the answer. And they aren't curious anymore.
If they say, "Really? Tell me, does that work for you?" or "I have heard some good things and bad things about that."
Then, they might want to know more, and they might be willing to hear more.
Now, I'm not saying that a person being curious about your business, ANY business of yours, is not a good thing.
I've been working on a mission statement for my Quixtar business. It's still a work in progress but, here's my rough draft:
Robison and Associates is an Independent Business affiliated with Quixtar Corporation. We strive to build a new concept in Quixtar distributors organizations. We believe the Quixtar Opportunity is OUR opportunity.
Our Method is based on the policies and approved practices of Quixtar Corporation. We duplicate the founders, rather than other "leaders" in the business. We believe this method will bring out the real leaders in the "World of Quixtar".
We teach a system that involves merchandising products and sponsoring other distributors to do the same.
We believe through these actions, a person can have a very profitable business of their own.
We believe success is achieved by proper sponsoring of people who will both sponsor others and merchandise the excellent products and services of Quixtar.
We believe that true motivation comes from the satisfaction of building a strong network and the profits derived from it.
I remember reading somewhere that most Americans save less than five percent of their earnings per year. Couple this with ever increasing reports that we as a society live in debt and it's no wonder that people fall for every "get-rich" scheme that comes along.
I am by no means debt-free. When I was in my 30s I joked that I was $50,000 dollars in debt and had no yard of my own to mow. I still rented. That was when fifty thousand dollars would buy a very nice home in my area.
I have attempted many forms of debt recovery in my last 20 years, other than bankruptcy, but the one that has served me the most are the principles set by Debtors Anonymous and a small book written in 1955 called The Richest Man in Babylon by George S Clason.
The principles are simple from both sources.
Just for Today Incur No New Debt.
Save 10 percent of all you earn, pay yourself first. I think that most people should have 3 months of salary saved in the bank before they begin investing. Self-employed people should have six months saved.
Track every penny you spend, do not live in disorder and confusion, know what you spend, and know where you spend it.
Devise your repayment method to your creditors. Stick with it until all is paid. Then re-divert that money back into your life via savings, investing, and then lifestyle enhancement.
And most important; Remember Money is not the determining factor in what you are worth as a person.
Some people that work these programs, also include an allotment to their faith, be it God, a Higher Power, or Charity. Learning to give, even when you feel needy, empowers your spirit and well-being.
And so, I devised my financial plan, this is for me. But as with all Tuesday In Focus entries, what you may find helpful, feel free to use. What you might deem helpful to me, please share.
Maybe we shall succeed in keeping us both "in focus".
STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT
THE IDEAL COMMITMENT 10% of all I earn is Mine to keep.
10% of all I earn is God's to begin with.
20% of all I earn, I should pay my creditors.
60% of all I earn, I support my Family.
As I begin, this commitment, I will set aside 5% to a tithe envelope, until we are grounded again in church; this savings will be collected in faith that we will renew our bonds with church membership. The remaining 5% will go to the paying of debts, so that I will be able to pay my debts in a timelier fashion.
Working with Faith, My bounty will increase.
My prosperity and abundance depends on this commitment.
As I devote 25% to my creditors as promised, and delay gratification, soon I will be debt-free and return the 20% back to my Family and the 5% back to God.
Above all, I will always be Thankful for my Blessings.
This commitment is dependent upon breaking a cycle of under-earning. I have great potential and I strive each day to exceed that potential.
For my business ventures, I adopted a similar program.
BUSINESS STEWARDSHIP
My Business shall keep 20% of all it earns as an Unemployment Account.
My Business shall maintain 20% in an account to pay expenses.
My Business will Pay Profits to the Robison Household as an uniformed Salary.
My Two Defined Businesses:
Robison and Associates; powered by Quixtar Ventures Entertainment featuring Skyler and Dave
I know with proper management and faith, these will attract future endeavors.
Business must be self-sustainable after a short period of time. Personal income should not fund the business. It should ideally be the other way around.
If you feel you would like to learn more and devise your own Stewardship Commitment I suggest the following Resources:
First, I want to thank those who commented and wrote me emails expressing their condolences on the passing of my mother. I wrote a brief post Saturday, the anniversary of her death.
Many misunderstood the entry, and thought I had lost my Mom that day. It was actually two years ago. I just wanted to call attention to the fact that I still miss her; even though it had been two years ago that day.
Her death was actually one of the reasons why I moved from my hometown. After caring for both my parents who were quite elderly(I was born very late in their lives), I was finally able to move away, knowing nothing was holding me back.
My sincere thanks to those readers, though.
Second, I have completed tomorrow's Tuesday in Focus series. Look for that.
Third, many are asking me about my comedy career. It's still on hold, but if you have been following "On the Road", you'll see I am still planning on doing something in 2005. In fact, I will begin work on a new ventriloquist figure in the following weeks, that will be an addition to my act.
And finally, the Christmas season has begun at the Robison household. A Christmas tree is standing a few feet from this computer. In the words of Clark W. Griswold in Christmas Vacation, "Its kinda full..lot of sap"!
Polly Hall Robison, 76, died Wednesday, December 4, 2002 at Magnolia Nursing Home in New Albany, Mississippi.
Mrs. Robison was born May 26, 1926 in Charleston, MS, to the late Mattie Moore and Rowena Cole Hall. She was a homemaker and member of Caledonia United Pentecostal Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sydnel E. Robison.
She is survived by....
...a son that misses her and Dad still to this day. I love you, Mom.
One of the first things you hear when you sign up in a network marketing company, (after you are told that it’s the answer to your financial dreams) is you need to make a list of all your family, friends, associates, and acquaintances. This will be your potential network of new business partners.
One book I read, even suggests that the list should contain 2000 people. WOW! I thought. There is no way I know 2000 people.
I once attended a church seminar on church growth. Studies show that a church cannot grow past around 250 members, because that’s all the names and faces we are capable of recognizing. If a church grows past that number, then they must split the services up; so the membership can retain a familiarity with each other.
But, being a duly diligent student of MLM, I decided I would attempt to make this list. How many names did I come up with?
886.
That’s a list of friends, family, old school chums, church lists, club memberships, past clients, and co-workers. Some on the list were as vague as “The guy who takes his breaks at the B-Quik store every morning” or “Lady who always says Hello at the Country Club”. I mean I wrote down everyone I could think of.
I thought it was a pretty impressive “warm list”. I can’t go wrong.
The problem was and still is; most of my (and probably yours, too) friends, acquaintances and associates have already been approached by other friends, acquaintances, and associates about some other “awesome” opportunity.
Everyday people are bombarded with countless pitches, advertisements, fliers, and opportunity meetings disguised as dinner parties. Online; they suffer through pop-ups, SPAM, message board ads, and countless other pitches hawking everything from the latest electronic gadget to the next cure for cancer. Seth Godin describes it as clutter or static. People are tired of the constant interruption of their time.
That’s why I practice a technique called “attraction marketing.” New teachings encourage adding value back into the lives of people. “Community building on the Web” strives to bring together like-minded people into online communities. In these communities, we have the chance to discuss issues that are relevant to the community. We truly network with people that may be attracted to our opportunity. They ask what we do; they are truly interested in how we run our business.
They may contact us by e-mail or instant message; they may visit our website. They come to rely on our opinions. They ask to be contacted. There is no need to “sell” them on your opportunity. You become a valued member of the community. But your community is not just contained in your own city; your community becomes worldwide. Your potential is limitless.
So what do I do with that old list of 886 names?
Well, think back to the “guy who takes his break at the B-Quik”; What do I really know about him? What do I know about any of the people on my list? They are just names. If I started calling them, most would only have a vague idea of who I am? Even if my opportunity is the “greatest deal ever”; it will not be important to them because I just become an off-line version of the pop-up ad. An interruption in their daily lives. More static to clear away.
BUT, what if I re-kindled the relationship with these people? What if I contacted them merely to say “hi” and catch up with what’s going on in their lives?
I don’t mean contact them and say, “What’s up…Good…Let ME tell YOU what I’m involved with!”
I’m talking about becoming an active part of my community. What difference would that make in my business?
What if I was an active member in the Chamber of Commerce? What if I was bringing soft drinks for the little league team? What if I was writing to the local paper op-ed section on a regular basis? What if I was on the PTA committee? What if I volunteered to help the guy next to me finish a difficult report at work?
The question is, If I was adding value to my off line community the way I was adding value to my online community, would I need to put a flier on the windshield of a car? I don’t think so.
If I was adding value to my off line community, people would be attracted to me, they would be interested in me, they would contact me. There would be no need to pitch an opportunity. No need for a magnetic sign on my car.
I wouldn’t have to bring up my business in some stilted form of conversation. I would not have to listen to the audible “cues” of people complaining about their jobs or unable to pay their bills. People in my community would just recognize I might be able to help them with a problem. And when I did, they would be grateful, and they might ask me again and again.
Temporarily, I have had to change the settings of my blog format to only show one entry on the page. The most recent post seemed to play havoc with the sidebar; forcing everything way down the page. I had a similar problem with an entry a month or so ago.
You can still access the recent posts via the sidebar links. Sorry for the inconvenience. Scrolling down and reading several entries on the page should be available in two or three more entries.
UPDATE
Thanks to Eric in "Comments" the problem has been fixed. Although I misunderstood the advice at first. He suggested removing a solid line from the post that was causing the trouble. But since he said "posts" I thought he meant the line that normally separates each entry along with the timestamp and author notation. I removed that first. Then I realized he might have meant a long solid line that was originally included in the MacKay entry. That's the one that fixed the problem.
Hey, being a blogger doesn't mean you have to be the brightest bulb in the lamp. I'm proof of that!
Harvey MacKay, author of "How to Swim with the Sharks without Getting Eaten Alive" has all his salespeople fill out a questionaire about their clients. It's 66 things he feels is essential to know, in order to service the needs of his clients.
Granted, these are not questions his salespeople ask all at once; it takes time and a relationship to learn these crucial elements, but he feels that if a salesperson attempts to know these things about his/her client, then the relationship between them becomes more than salesprson/client it becomes friendship. The network the salesperson builds with this knowledge becomes strong and productive. Sales become a matter of helping a friend, not "grabbing the sale."
The questionaire and other resources are at Harvey's website. But here's the questionaire. What do YOU know about your clients?
It's critical to have information about your customer. Armed with the right knowledge, we can outsell, outmanage, outmotivate and outnegotiate our competitors. Knowing your customer means knowing what your customer really wants. Maybe it's your product, but maybe there is something else, too: recognition, respect, reliability, service, friendship, help - things all of us care more about as human beings that we care about malls or envelopes. Once you attach your personality to the proposition, people start reacting to the personality, and stop reacting to the proposition. Use this questionnaire to develop a profile of each customer. Some of your resources for the information might include secretaries, receptionists, suppliers, newspapers, assistants, trade publications, and the customer themselves. Look, listen, and learn all you can about the customer, both personally and professionally. You'll find topics for opening conversations, which can open doors for you and your company.
Date __________________________
Customer
1. Name
Nickname 2. Company name 3. Address Home address 4. Telephone: Business: Home: 5. Birth date: Place Hometown 6. Height (approx.) Weight (approx.)
Education
7. High school Year graduated College Year graduated 8. College honors
Degrees
9. College fraternity/sorority
Sports
10. College extracurricular activities
11. If customer didn't attend college, is he/she sensitive about it? 12. Military service
Discharge rank
Attitude toward being in the service
Family
13. Spouse's name and occupation 14. Spouse's education 15. Spouse's interests 16. Anniversary 17. Children; if any. Names and ages 18. Children's education 19. Children's interests (hobbies, problems, etc.) Business Background 20. Previous employment: (most recent first) Company Location Title Dates Company Location Title Dates
21. Previous titles at present company Title Dates 22. "Status" symbols in office 23. Professional/trade 24. Offices held or honors 25. What business relationship does he/she have with others in our company? 26. Who are they? 27. Is it a good relationship? Why? 28. What other people in our company know the customer? 29. Type of connection Nature of relationship 30. What do you feel is his/her long-range business objective? 31. What do you feel is his/her immediate business objective? 32. What do you think is of greatest concern to the customer at this time--the welfare of the company or his/her own personal welfare? 33. Does the customer think of the present or the future?
Special Interests
34. Clubs, fraternal associations or service clubs (masons, Kiwanis, etc.) 35. Politically active? Party: Important to customer? 36. Active in community? How? 37. Religion Active? 38. Highly confidential/sensitive items not to be discussed with customer (i.e.: Divorce, AA member, etc.) 39. On what subjects (outside of business) does the customer have strong feelings?
Lifestyle
40. Medical history (current condition of health) 41. Does customer drink? If yes, what and how much? 42. If no, is customer offended by others drinking? 43. Does customer smoke? If no, object to others? 44. Favorite places for lunch? Dinner? 45. Favorite items on menu 46. Does customer object to having anyone buy his/her meal? 47. Hobbies and recreational interests 48. Vacation habits 49. Spectator sports interest: sports and teams 50. What kind of car(s) 51. Conversational interests 52. Whom does the customer seem anxious to impress? 53. How does he/she want to be seen by those people? 54. What adjectives would you use to describe the customer? 55. What is he/she most proud of having achieved? 56. What do you feel is the customer's long-range, personal objective? 57. What do you feel is the customer's immediate personal goal?
The Customer and You
58. What moral or ethical considerations are involved when you work with this customer? 59. Does the customer feel any obligation to you, your company or your competition? If so, what? 60. Does the proposal you plan to make to him/her require the customer to change a habit or take an action that is contrary to custom? 61. Is he/she primarily concerned about the opinion of others? 62. Is he/she very self-centered? Highly ethical? 63. What are the key problems as the customer sees them? 64. What are the priorities of the customer's management? 65. Can you help with these problems? 66. Does your competitor have better answers to the above questions than you have?
