Just finished reading Raleigh Pinskey's book - 101 Ways to Promote Yourself, and I thought I'd share my 'take-aways'.
It's an awesome little book full of great ways on how to promote yourself (and your business of course).
The book deserves kudos for several reasons:
- It's written concisely and to the point - making it perfect as a reference book - which means that you'll actually use it - as opposed to it sitting on your book shelf forever.
- Some of the 101 ways are quite common, but it's good to hear about them because the most obvious things we forget most often…
- Other than just describing the methods of promotion, Raleigh also finishes off with a Resources section - awesome if you wanted to dig a lot deeper into any of the 101 ways to promote yourself.
- Because of the way it's written it is VERY quick to read. Plus you can read each part independently - I can skim through the Contents page and brush up just of the method I need on that day - great!
- Part XI - Keys to Success - anyone who's in business for themselves should print this out and stick it in a visible place to look at every day - awesome.
This $7.99 little treasure should be in every marketer's and business owner's library.
And if you feel you need a little more, couple it with the legendary E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
I really don't want to sound hipy when I write this - but I just can't help it.
Just about 2 weeks ago I read an email Alwin Cosgrove had sent out about a pretty amazing (he said) method of working out. He mentioned the Fitness Anywhere guys and their TRX Suspension Trainer… I had to go see it - I trust Alwin as he doesn't do hype so anything he endorses is worth at least a read through…
About 20 minutes later, I ordered my TRX kit… I knew I'd love it but on Friday when I tried it for the first time, I can tell you - it's absolutely awesome!!!
It's pure power creator. It's easy to setup, and easy to get going… The only thing that's not easy are the exercises. But I was looking for my next challenge in my gym routine, so I'm over the moon. It isn't something that everyone would enjoy - you have to love gym and to want to push yourself, and to get your body to be in above average condition - so if you're looking for an easy/passive exercise routine - don't click on the link that follows :o)
If you ARE looking for an power-filled workout, where you can feel the work you're doing, then have a look at the intro video here - and if you decide to get it - you can thank me later ;o)
Just when I was starting to give up on Customer Service departments everywhere (post a very negative experience with Ryanair… again), a glimmer, nei a bright ray of hope shone through…
And before I get too poetic for my own good, here's what happened;
A month and a half ago I sent a heart pendant necklace to my 11 year old niece for her birthday. I used Amazon, as my niece lives in Bulgaria, and Amazon seems to be the most reliable and the one with most product variety. Well, after a lot of waiting, and multiple trips to the post office, we finally decided that the gift has got lost in the system. And last night I decided to contact Amazon.co.uk to see what they can do. Saying that, I wasn't hoping for much to be honest - I just had to check with them before deciding to get my niece something else…
I was astonished - within 30 minutes, I had a personalised reply (not a machine generated cookie-cutter response that some other big companies like to send) telling me that they are sorry for the inconvenience and would I like to re-send the present. That was followed by a set of really simple options and instructions…
As a marketer I know that Amazon is one of the most avid examples of a great business. I often study their marketing tactics to gleam into the genius of simplicity. They always streamline and optimise their processes and how they display data to help their users.
It's just so pleasing to see that they have the customers really at the upfront of their goals. It goes to show really, that when you take care of your customers, they take care of you…
Thanks Amazon for giving me hope that somewhere in that commercial internet thing we so love, there is a company that cares… aaahhhh…
There are many reviews of the book on Amazon.com - some bad, mostly very good. As it is with everything, you'll need to make up your own mind about the information you find within.
For me however, this book has been one of the best and most useful books I have ever read - and I read a lot… It has thought me that having a good diet and a good exercise routine, can still fail to produce the mental state you crave.
I have always been intrigued by the human mind, and body. I spend a lot of my time researching, experimenting and learning new ways to help me live better, be more alert, be physically fit and mentally astute - I like that and it makes me feel happy.
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With winter creeping in and the festive season swiftly approaching (not to mention the doom and gloom of the economic downturn) it is hard, and will get harder, to keep up your motivation and keep persevering with that important 'project'.
So to try and help you and myself through any wavering of will power, I wanted to give my top 10 strategies for staying motivated and focused on the things that are important to us.
1. Keep re-evaluating your reasons.
Don't be afraid to change the reasons for sticking with a 'project'. We all evolve, especially if we're pushing the boundaries, and learning new things. So your reasons for staying in the 'flow' may evolve. Change your motivating factors if you need to…
2. Be clear on what you want.
Yes, have a clear picture of what it is that you want to get out of this. If it is a one-off project, have a clear deliverable at the end of it. If it is an ongoing thing (like to keep fit), then create milestones at consistent intervals, to allow you to measure your success.
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