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.
Currently, I am watching two lively debates at two separate internet forums.
Both started, as all do, with a stated opinion based on "facts"; followed by a different opinion with other "facts".
Both concern MLM practices.
And both have exceeded several pages of back and forth exchange.
Neither side is willing to give an inch in each debate. The following is not the actual debates, but rather my impression of the tone of the debates.
"the sky is blue'
"the sky is not blue,it's how our minds perceive the lightwave"
"what color do you see when you look up, it's blue..I rest my case.
"You aren't really looking "up", the earth is spherical, your location on the earth really has you looking "out" instead of "up"
"Well, I don't fall "in" when I slip on a banana peal, so it must be "up" ...as in up, up and away into the wild BLUE yonder."
"You are a moron!"
"No you are, can't you see I am right?"
"I figured you must be "right", you are an obvious Bush supporter."
"that's right I don't live in a "blue" state."
"I thought you said, there was no such thing as "blue".
And so it goes. Needless to say, I have lost interest, as I'm sure the rest of the readers at those two forums have. The real value of the debate is lost. Nothing will ever be decided upon. No common ground will be found.
It's like two kids on the playground playing, "I dare you" and "I double-dog dare you". Eventually someone winds up with their tongue frozen to a flag pole.
All Things Considered, February 21, 2005 · The Duhks defy easy categorization. Fans and acquaintances have used phrases like "Blue Rodeo meets Celtic rock," "progressive soulgrass" and "Destiny's Child meets the Chieftains" to describe the Canadian band.
"I think what we really play is good music, music that we like," says Leonard Podolak, the clawhammer banjo player who put together the band from Winnipeg, Manitoba. "The music comes from all of us... you can't really describe it in a category."
Indeed, The Duhks (pronounced ducks) take Celtic, French Canadian and old-timey music and punch it up with shades of blues and soul and driving Afro-Cuban beats
Read the Full Story and you even get to hear some of their music. It's really cool sounding, and I can attest that it sounds like stuff you have heard, but not really. You'll get hooked.
Item B:
If you are looking for a place to hear the Duhks, you just missed one of their performances at The Green Parrot Bar, a sunny place for shady people.
The Parrot is located at the very end of Highway 1 in Key West, Florida; and is now included on my list of places I have absolutely got to visit.
Their website is filled with information, history, and pictures about what appears to be the "most happening" place in The Keys. And as a special added bonus, The Green Parrot has a blog and a newsletter.
The line up of bands and performers listed show a multitude of musical forms for everyone's taste.
I can see myself now, sitting at the bar, watching the sunset, listening to some blues, and enjoying a "cold one'.
I wonder if they'd let an aspiring comedian do a "short set" one night, as long as I promise to obey the "no sniveling" rule?
In keeping with standard legalese, and the litigous circumstances of publishing on the web, On The Road with Dave would like to publish this blog's official fine print.
IMPORTANT:
This blog is intended for the use of individual readers and may contain information that is confidential, privileged or unsuitable for overly sensitive persons with low self-esteem, no sense of humor, or irrational religious beliefs. If you are reading this blog, then you should know that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this blog is not authorized (either explicitly or implicitly) and constitutes an irritating social faux pas. Unless the word absquatulation has been used in its correct context somewhere other than in this warning, it does not have any legal or grammatical use and may be ignored. No animals were harmed in the publication of this blog, although the crazy dog next door is living on borrowed time, let me tell you! Those of you with an overwhelming fear of the unknown will be gratified to learn that there is no hidden message revealed by reading this warning backwards, so just ignore that Alert Notice from Microsoft. However, by pouring a complete circle of salt around yourself and your computer you can ensure that no harm befalls you and your pets. If you are reading this blog in error, please add some nutmeg and egg whites, whisk and place in a warm oven for 40 minutes. Sure, you can TRUST the Gov't. Ask any Indian.
I have been hanging on to a copy of an Instant Message I was engaged in several, several months ago.
I was in a chatroom when an enthusiastic, but somewhat inexperienced IBO came into the room, and immediately began extolling the virtues of his Quixtar business, He was new, and saying all the "New" things. (Like, Awesome!)
The chatroom is predominantly made up of other MLMers and they were quite savvy to the terminology and cliches', the young IBO was throwing around.
The chat went downhill from there, as each person in the room began firing questions at the IBO, accusing him of things, and generally treating him like "fresh meat" on Survivor island. They were eating him up.
I saw a chance to help the guy out, and asked him if he would like to chat via Instant Message.
The reason I am sharing it is because I believe that:
1) I should always try to help someone out. 2) Sometimes you gotta know when someone doesn't want your help. 3) I really need a surgeon. (don't worry, you'll understand at the end of the "IM")
The following is the IM we shared. I have changed the IBO's screen name; and I have removed direct references to any specific Line of Sponsorship, other than a "pin" level mentioned. I have also fixed two "typos" of the IBO so the conversation makes more sense.
One thing, I'd like to comment on is that, the IBO seems to be confused as to what MLM is, I couldn't figure that one out.
Remember, this was a free flowing conversation, some questions and answers may overlap or be a line or two delayed in the text. Read carefully.
davidrbsn: Hi E700: hey davidrbsn: Thought I would take company specific conversation out of the room E700: wow...okay E700: This is Quixtar not the CIA:-D davidrbsn: There are many LOS that don't participate in seminars like Spring leadership davidrbsn: I know not CIA davidrbsn: but you have to understand the room E700: I thought that seminars were essential for success and to set the example for other downline davidrbsn: I have lines in the UK, Singapore, and Australia, so I am quite active E700: help me to understand davidrbsn: ok....question E700: Don't the tapes always talk about attending all business functions? E700: go ahead davidrbsn: How long have you been an IBO? E700: since July E700: Tell me about the room davidrbsn: The room has many MLMers in it, all coming to prospect, and it has alot of Anti MLMers all coming to argue E700: So then why are you in the room? did you come to prospect or to argue? davidrbsn: Quixtar is usually a "hot button". It can stir the room into a frenzy E700: true E700: i see your point davidrbsn: neither, I have developed friendships in the room and I try to educate when I'm there E700: educate what? davidrbsn: Most that are aware of my IBO status respect me for my non-prospecting stance davidrbsn: I clear up misstatements, give general advice and such davidrbsn: mostly general business... davidrbsn: non-MLM E700: sounds like a blast E700: what is MLm? davidrbsn: Multi Level Marketing or Network Marketing E700: so what if someone was to IM you and asks you about Quixtar... would you link them to the site?
davidrbsn: I normally ask some questions and direct them to my online virtual community so they can learn some general business, and then if they are still interested, we can talk Quixtar davidrbsn: most people are not ready for business ownership of any kind davidrbsn: that’s why they fail E700: Well, I usually don't look for IBOs on the Internet, I just make some clients and occasionally a member E700: In fact, I never look for IBOs on the Internet davidrbsn: you do that off-line? E700: of course... I'm about to be an eagle davidrbsn: you’re in ABC Worldwide? E700: yes davidrbsn: ok..Eagle is a ABC level davidrbsn: that’s how I knew E700: what do you mean by a ABC level? davidrbsn: Eagle is a level only in the ABC system davidrbsn: It doesn't exist elsewhere. It's not an official Quixtar pin level. E700: and you’re not in the ABC system? davidrbsn: No, but I am familiar with it davidrbsn: as well as most other systems E700: I thought Quixtar and ABC were entertwined E700: Do you show the plan? davidrbsn: ABC is one of the largest IBO organizations but their system is separate from Quixtar davidrbsn: I show the compensation plan, yes davidrbsn: but not in the manner you do E700: and what in the world is the compensation plan? davidrbsn: the compensation plan is basically how the money is made E700: Do you listen to the ABC taped and read the books? davidrbsn: you most likely show 9 circles or 9 houses in a STP book davidrbsn: yes I once listened to hundreds of tapes E700: and why did you stop?
davidrbsn: ( I, then, name some High-ranking IBOs) E700: (He, then names a few others)
davidrbsn: I discarded the tool system for a more profit driven system.....based on product volume and not tapes E700: So then why doesn't anyone else do that and why are the tapes so recommended by the diamonds and the crown ambassadors? E700: and platinums davidrbsn: because the diamonds and everyone else make money on the tapes and seminars davidrbsn: Do the tapes carry PV, or can you buy the tapes at wholesale and sell them retail? davidrbsn: is there any profit for YOU in buying tapes, or is that an expense? E700: That doesn't matter... the tapes is what keep your mind programmed for the positive so that your business will function E700: You(r) mind is what profits davidrbsn: That’s fine, if you just want your mind profited E700: I don't think $5.00 for a tape is such a large expense for financial freedom E700: how do you teach your downlines to do business? davidrbsn: Does you product volume pay for that expense? davidrbsn: or are you losing money davidrbsn: I teach my downline by attraction marketing and online virtual communities with no cost other than their ISP of their choosing E700: your are looking at it so negatively... loosing money is not a factor.... what is $5 ? You are getting advice from millionaires on how to make your business work. the few dollars used to buy a tape is just an investment davidrbsn: I make no money on their training
E700 changes the subject
E700: Just out of curiosity.... are you a christian? davidrbsn: I made those investments a long time ago..saw no more need in it davidrbsn: yes I'm a Christian, why? E700: Just wondering... because people in Quixtar usually were and I just wanted to see if you were E700: Do you have an upline? davidrbsn: Quixtar has Muslims, Buddhists, Amish, and all kinds of religions in it..including Atheists davidrbsn: Yes I have an Upline davidrbsn: and a downline E700: Does he build the business the same way you do? davidrbsn: Yes E700: I have yet to find and atheist in Quixtar although I do believe they exist E700: \Quixtar is really founded on Christian beliefs davidrbsn: Quixtar is merely a contracting company..it has no religious affiliation..although the founders were Dutch Calvinists davidrbsn: Jewish people in Quixtar would be offended if you said the principles were Christian in origin davidrbsn: but you are correct in saying the principles are morally centered davidrbsn: and ethical
E700:oh my god...here we go again with the offended non-sence... Take care man... You give me a headache. I don't like the way to do business. You are a bootleg IBO and you really need to surgically remove the stick from your ass
davidrbsn: pleasure speaking with you
So, Does anybody know someone that can help me with that stick?
One of the MLM message boards I frequent has a collective dislike for MLM cliches'.
Our favorite one that we make fun of, is when a "newbie"(a person new to MLM and inexperienced) describes his "opportunity" as "AWESOME!" It seems every MLM upline in the world teaches its downline to say "AWESOME!". To me it's a dead giveaway that the opportunity might not be so awesome as one might think.
But today, I am revising my list of dreaded MLM cliches and knocking "AWESOME" out of the #1 position. That's right listeners, welcome the term "J-O-B" to the top spot.
That's the word "job" spelled out. If a MLMer uses it, it is normally followed by their rendition of what J-O-B stands for. It may be, "Just Over Broke"; or Jackass Of the Boss".
The term is used by "newbies" and seasoned MLM junkies alike. It's used disdainfully to criticize those involve in a regular 9-5 job, or it is used to persuade a new prospect that they should be dissatisfied with their job and seek the benefits of the MLMer's hottest "awesome" opportunity.
In conjunction with that discourse is usually something about "Education" to get a J-O-B is also equally worthless.
Okay, sure, I'll admit that if there was a way for most people to sit around all day in complete comfort and financial independence, they might quit their job. I admit that some people may be stuck in an employment position they absolutely hate. I'll even admit there are people "out there" maybe fantasizing about their boss hog-tied in their underwear, covered in honey, and lying next to an ant bed. (oh alright, I had THAT fantasy ONCE, and it was a LOOONG time ago)
The truth is, though, that most people define themselves by their job. Why would an MLMer, who is trying to attract someone to their opportunity, dismiss that "prospect's" very existence, by insulting him and his employment?
Most people also have no inkling about being their "own boss" or even have the skills and self discipline to be a "boss". I think "hyping" someone up in a frenzy about "being free" and quitting their J-O-B, does a disservice to the person your MLM company is trying to help.
It's all about respect and meeting your prospect on his terms.
If you are an MLMer, I implore you to drop the "J-O-B" nonsense.
In fact, encourage your prospects in their job. Use your networking skills and business acumen to help them ascend further in their jobs.
Show them that your "opportunity" will provide supplemental income to their existing job and provide them skills to possibly enhance their job. And if you are lucky, they will succeed in both your "opportunity" and their employment.
If they become successful in the MLM company you promote, they may very well choose, at some point, to pursue it on a full-time basis. But, when they do, you can be assured that they have the knowledge and experience to make "the break" a long term and ongoing concern.
And if by chance, they discover that "business ownership" is not for them or in their future, they will leave you on good terms and without anger or discord.
This will certainly prevent you from being the "Jackass" withOUT a Boss.
This entry is about Country Music Television, not any kind of "crossroads" decision.
I just had the opportunity to watch CMT's Crossroads featuring legendary John Fogerty and country/pop idol Keith Urban.
I like both singers, although my wife has more than a passing fancy for jeans-wearing-hip-hugging Urban.
The show highlighted both artists' hits as they sang together.
I watched another episode some while back, featuring Kenny Chesney and John Mellencamp.
The show's premise is to pair a country artist with a rock or pop artist in a one hour concert.
Interviews with the artists are interlaced between songs.
My favorite moment was their rendition of Fogerty's classic, Centerfield The reason why I'm blogging about it is what I noticed about Keith Urban.
Here's a guy on top of the music industry at the moment. he can do no wrong.
And yet, if something happened to him tomorrow that knocked him from his perch, I dare say he would still pick up that guitar and play it.
If he was stricken with some voice-altering malady, he would still draws thousands to concerts just to hear the man play a few licks on his guitar.
I would not put him in a class with Jimmy, or Stevie Ray or even Eric Clapton, but he isn't far from it, and his love for the guitar is evident on his face and his actions on stage. The man is first and foremost; a musician. Vocals come second.
This morning, thanks to QuixtarBlog, I discovered an informal survey, posted at Random Observations concerning Quixtar and the religious practices of some Quixtar IBOs.
The survey seems somewhat directed at ex-IBOs, as most of the questions seem to ask about past experiences regarding Christianity and Quixtar IBO organizations.
The issue at hand, is the practice of certain IBO organizations, to include religious faith and religious services into their business meetings, rallies and seminars.
Rather than be constricted by the "Comments" section at Random Observations, I have decided to answer the survey questions here at "On The Road with Dave".
Before I answer the questions, I will say (for those that do not know) my religious background is a very fundamental faith classified by most religious dictionaries and resources as "non-denominational" and its history lies in the roots of The Restoration Movement of 1800s America. My personal views and faith lie in a somewhat "liberal" strain of that faith.
My answers will be in regard to my past experience with Quixtar IBO organizations that may have practiced the issues brought up by Random Observations. I am still a Quixtar IBO, but do not belong to an organization that conducts these practices now.
Listening to another's religious convictions has little to do with my faith. Faith comes from study and reflection on that study.
Did it make you more cynical about religion when you left? Or at the time?
No, but it made me mad that I attended a business meeting and wound up hearing someone's religious teachings that were less in knowledge of religious fact than a average layman.
Or did having a bad experience cause you to try to clarify your own values?
No bad experience in a business should have any bearing on your values. Your values should in fact have a bearing on how you handle a bad experience.
Did it give you a bad view of Christianity, the faith they pretend to represent? Or did it encourage you to look into it?
The only thing it encouraged me to do, was look past the religious rhetoric and move on with a BUSINESS. Christianity for me is a private matter that is expressed in my actions in all my life. So I have no doubt, that my values play a part in how I conduct business, but religion is not part of business.
If you're not a Christian, did you feel your own faith, or non-belief, was respected? Or was there any heavy-handed attempts to pressure you into something you didn't believe?
I was and am a Christian. In my short experience with these type of groups, I was encouraged to attend their Sunday Services, but respectfully declined. I told my upline that a church of my faith was in the area, I would attend THAT service, and he was welcome to join ME. I did experience some insistence to conform to their practice, but I was there to learn how to sponsor others into a business, sell products and make a profit. I was not there for preaching.
Did your experiences make real differences in the way you live? Do you treat other people better? Did being in Quixtar help you attend to get involved in non-Quixtar religious organizations regularly? Or did it draw you away from whatever faith you had?
Quixtar is just a business. Its impact on my faith should be negligible.
But the way I live with faith; or without faith for that matter, should most likely impact my business in some small way. If one's faith builds strong ethics, then one would most likely practice business ethically.
What are your actual, first-hand experiences?
I removed myself from this type of organization, mainly due to a better way to conduct business. Religious and political rhetoric are not good sales techniques.
Yesterday, I made a comparison of Anti-MLMers to pro-MLMers.
Here was my premise.
On the Internet, there are several websites and forums; and a dozen or so blogs, that have a negative slant toward MLMs and specifically Quixtar.
In that circle of sites, there are a few recurring names and "players" that have gained respect among the anti-MLM crowd.
I said, in effect, that these "players" were kind of like "Diamonds" or high-ranking MLMers. And new converts to the "Anti-MLM" crowd, used their sites and referral links to the sites like an MLMer would use a "tape of the week".
Instead of a MLMer telling his "downline", "go listen to this tape"... the anti-MLMer would say, "to answer that question, go to this link"
It was my observation that the anti-MLMer crowd was developing their own organization of "anti's", or IBOs in reverse.
Privately, I was contacted by someone, who thought my premise was "irresponsible".
If I grasped anything he proceeded to tell me, this is what I came away with.
In any setting or group, two sides of a issue will develop. Comparisons can be made. A political internet group will form into Democrats and Republicans, as an example. That's okay.
But if one side refers to the other as Communist or Fascist, then the discussion and sharing of ideas falters. Placing unfair labels on a group is wrong, or in the case of anti-MLMers, merely labeling them as a "group" or "organization" in and of itself is wrong.
So, I thought about what the person told me.
Here are my conclusions.
1) There are particular people and sites on the Internet with an agenda to bring down MLM as we know it, and Quixtar in particular.
2) These sites will attract disgruntled, frustrated, ex-MLMers.
3) These ex-MLMers might look at each other and gain respect from each other's views.
4) These sites, by shear ranking on Search Engines will also attract people doing MLM research.
5)Discussions, both "pro" and "con" will take place, and certain decisions will be made.
BUT! (the inevitable "but")
A pro-MLM company-specific organization has more cohesion, their efforts are united. There may be different techniques within the organization, but their aim and purpose is the same.
Such as the United States of America. Both Democrats and Republicans love their country. They may disagree on budget constraints, or the war effort, but their common goal is for "the good of the country."
Those that described themselves as "anti-MLM" or even "anti-Quixtar" are more like the Confederate States of America, rather than IBO-wannabes-in-reverse.
They have a general "dislike", or cause; but like the CSA, they are more like individual states fighting. Each state in the Confederacy, had particular concerns, printed their own money, worked on individual trade agreements. They were not all "united" in the ultimate "cause".
That, ultimately led to their downfall.
These critical websites and those that frequent them, also stand little to gain in the downfall of MLM. Possible personal satisfaction may be their only reward. This excludes those sites, that may criticize a specific MLM company, because they favor another company for their own financial gain.
However, my "financial gain" may be affected by what an "anti-site" may make a "prospect" decide. That colored how I felt towards these sites, and why I grouped them together. I think I realize now, that any decision made at these sites by someone, without them having a conversation with me or a reputable IBO, is a "battle" I would not have won anyway, nor even "fought" in.
So, I won't lump all "anti-MLMers" into one group anymore. I, myself, generally dislike it, when someone says, "all IBOs are alike".
I constantly stand on my "soapbox" and preach the individuality of an IBO. I plead that people don't assume something about my personality, because I chose MLM as a way to make some extra money.
So, I must continue to approach each "anti-MLMer" at their individual level. It would have been easier to lump them all together in one group. To have an "us" versus "them". Maybe some of them do have that "mindset", but not all.
I hear this guy was immediately hired for his honest and creativity.
APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT NAME: George Martin
SEX: Not lately, but I am looking for the right Woman (or at least one who'll cooperate).
DESIRED POSITION: Company's President or Vice President. But seriously, whatever's available. If I were in a position to be picky, I wouldn't be applying here in the first place.
DESIRED SALARY: $185,000 a year plus stock options and a Michael Ovitz style severance package. If that's not possible, make an offer and we can haggle.
EDUCATION: Yes.
LAST POSITION HELD: Target - For middle management hostility.
PREVIOUS SALARY: A lot less than I'm worth.
MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT: My incredible collection of stolen pens and post-it notes.
REASON FOR LEAVING: It sucked.
HOURS AVAILABLE TO WORK: Any.
PREFERRED HOURS: 1:30-3:30 p. m. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL SKILLS?: Yes, but they're better suited to a more intimate environment.
MAY WE CONTACT YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER?: If I had one, would I be here?????
DO YOU HAVE ANY PHYSICAL CONDITIONS THAT WOULD PROHIBIT YOU FROM LIFTING UP TO 50 lbs.?............. Of what?
DO YOU HAVE A CAR?: I think the more appropriate question here would be "Do you have a car that runs?"
HAVE YOU RECEIVED ANY SPECIAL AWARDS OR RECOGNITION?: I may already be a winner of the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes.... so they tell me.
DO YOU SMOKE?............... On the job - no, on my breaks - no.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS? Living in the Bahamas with a fabulously wealthy dumb sexy blonde supermodel who thinks I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread. Actually, I'd like to be doing that RIGHT now.
DO YOU CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE IS TRUE AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE?......................Oh Yes , Absolutely.
"Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each one of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation. "
Today is the birthday of a very special friend. I won't mention the name.
(even though I have no qualms about putting my life in public view, I know my friend is private)
It's one of those "decade" birthdays, the ones that end in "0".
Those are the one's that often lead to a great amount of reflection on the past.
Such as "What have I done in my life so far?" "Have I made a difference?" "Do I matter, in the grand scheme of things?"
I want to say that even though I have only known you in the last two years leading to this landmark birthday, that you have definitely made a difference in my life.
You are one of those special people that makes it seem like you have been involved in my life for a lifetime, rather than just a couple of years.
I feel blessed that circumstances brought us together to grow a wonderful friendship.
A man identifying himself as Jonas'Dad, is publishing his thoughts about Quixtar at Quixtar Criminals. "Dad" is undergoing a traumatic break-up in his marriage and is attributing it to his wife's involvement in a Quixtar group of IBOs.
After reading all of his blog, I don't think "Dad" would mind if I observed that his marriage probably had some significant problems at the beginning that he probably did not notice, in retrospect. And like all blogs, his story is uniquely his and through his eyes.
I made a comment at his blog, and he replied with some kind words.
He asked me the same thing a lot of people asked me.
"Is it true you don't purchase motivational material?"
Well, I do purchase "motivational material". I have quite a library of books from Ayn Rand to Og Mandino to Walt Whitman to Zig Ziglar. But, I purchased them through many years, most before my involvement with Quixtar. And, I never purchased a single one through my "upline".
I did purchase motivational tapes for a short time with a previous upline many years ago, but it didn't take me long to realize most of the tapes were not to my taste.
I suppose the "brainwashing" that people like "Dad" talk about on their sites, could happen with those that are already predisposed to accept everything a person in a perceived higher authority says as fact and religion.
And maybe those of that ilk are naturally drawn to the charisma of leaders involved in MLM companies. Or maybe those leaders seek those type of people out.
As for me, I love accepting new ideas, new challenges, and new motivation; but they all must be tempered and sifted through my own individuality. I think motivation should make the individual act effectively, not just act "motivated."
I feel sorry for "Dad's" experience.
And in turn, his experience motivates me to continue on with the way I conduct myself.
For those readers who are not "Mardi Gras literate"; today's entry is entitled "Let the Good Times Roll!!!" and is in tribute to my day of "reveling" in downtown Mobile, Alabama at the annual Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Celebration.
From 9am until a little after 6 o'clock this evening; I watched parades, caught some beads, moonpies, and stuffed animals being hurled from the dozens and dozens of parade floats, drank some beer, ate some funnel cakes and corn dogs, watched drunken ladies dance in very un-lady-like fashion, and saw my share of T-shirts with witty inscriptions such as "Ride Me Like a Float, Eat Me Like a Moon Pie."
Tommorow begins Lent for those of that religious denomination. Today was the traditional end-all-be-all day to rid yourself of any temptations that might make you stumble during the Lenten season.
For those not of the faith of the Holy Roman Church, it was a great way to celebrate a Tuesday. I fall into the latter category. And let's just say I had a great Tuesday.
"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these."
I have had a cold all week. Only worked barely a half-day yesterday, but today I felt some better, and tonight was one of the many Mardi Gras parades leading up to Fat Tuesday, here in Mobile. So I took the family down to enjoy the parade.
Mobile has the disputed reputation as being the birthplace of Mardi Gras. Not New Orleans. I describe it as a PG-13 version of Mardi Gras. A little tamer than the one in the Big Easy, just two hours west of us.
Tomorrow is Joe Cain Day. It's an all day celebration of parades, music and revelry, as well as ample beer drinking, bead catching, and other assorted debauchery.
My kids and wife plan on spending tomorrow in downtown Mobile hoping to catch their share of Moon Pies and beads. I'll see how I feel after tonight, if I decide to join them or not. I must be able to work Monday, as I do get Mardi Gras Day off.
Back when I was a wee lad of 15, I published my own book.
It was entitled "It's For The Birds" and was a collection of ventriloquist routines.
The book was published by Maher Studios and garnered me quite a bit of publicity in my local market.
Yesterday thanks to a referral link I got from a "OTR" visitor, I found out a copy of that book is located at a Magic Auction site. If you want to own a piece of history(note: sarcasm), you can go to the site and bid on it. Opening bid is $3.95.
If you win the book, send it to me, and I'll send it back autographed.
You better sit down for this. Take a couple of deep breaths. Make sure your medication is handy. I'm going to recommend a "motivational" tape and book, to purchase.
I guess, if you aren't a regular reader to "On The Road With Dave", I might have some "splaining" to do.
As most know that frequent this blog, I'm an Independent Business Owner affiliated with Quixtar. One of the controversies surrounding Quixtar is the promotion by certain IBOs of "systems" that sell motivational materials to other IBOs.
These motivational systems are the subject of some debate on the Internet; and the "system of training" by these IBOs are the subject of many "critical" websites of Quixtar located in the vast expanse that is the World Wide Web.
I have "distanced" myself from these motivational systems, and I do not operate my Quixtar business using these motivational systems.
BUT!
I do like to be "motivated". I read self-help books, inspiring stories, personal development non-fiction, as well as classic literature and popular mainstream novels.
(See, I told you this needed to be read while sitting comfortably!)
Okay, here comes my book recommendation.
In 1922 screenwriter Peter Kyne penned a short novel entitled "The Go-Getter". I did indeed first hear about the book many years ago when I was in Amway. I bought it and never read it.
Then, later on in the 90s, sometimes, I was reading a book called The Challenge by Robert Allen. In the book, Allen gives his seminar participants a cassette tape with a dramatization of The Go-Getter. Allen's version is updated with 1990s income ranges and references.
I want to add, that this was prior to Allen himself subcumbing to "seminar and book selling" rather than providing down to earth info. I think Kiyosaki(Rich Dad, Poor Dad) has also become more of a "self" promoter rather than an info provider.
Anyway...after listening to the tape, I dug out the original book and found the story entertaining and inspiring even in the language and terms of Kyne's 1920s.
Well, the book has been re-released in an unabridged CD or cassette narrated by Arthur Morrey. I would highly recommend the book or the new CD.
From Publishers Weekly
This audiobook, based on a 1921 story, follows Peck, a war veteran and double amputee eager to work for Ricks' Logging Company. The firm's executives hire the hardworking and honest Peck almost as a lark, because they're unhappy with several current employees' performance. Peck immediately surprises them by going out and selling the most undesirable lumber for unbelievably high prices. He's back in the office briefly before heading out on another sale when he's asked to do an odd errand: he has to track down a particular blue vase in a shop on Sunday and deliver it to the company president by that evening. The intrepid Peck finds the store, tracks down the owner and finally obtains the vase, proving he is indeed a go-getter. The story is undoubtedly old-fashioned, but the actions and attitudes of both the worker and the manager still ring true today.
All of us have at one time pursued a goal, that seemed insurmountable, but as we persevered and vowed that "it shall be done", we were able to overcome the obstacles placed before us. The Go-Getter is a great reminder, that any goal can be accomplished if we adopt the motto once again.
You can purchase the book at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. If you are a Quixtar Client, or Quixtar IBO you can also purchase it through the Quixtar website via Quixtar's partnership with Barnes and Noble.
