Are You Awake?
June 19, 2008
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“I like thinking of possibilities. At any time, an entirely new possibility is liable to come along and spin you off in an entirely new direction. The trick, I’ve learned, is to be awake to the moment.” - Doug Hall
Hooked on the Bubble Cycle
May 3, 2008
Fascinating article over on Harpers, The next bubble: Priming the markets for tomorrows big crash. Reading to the end of the article, this paragraph really stood out…
That the Internet and housing hyperinflations transpired within a period of ten years, each creating trillions of dollars in fake wealth, is, I believe, only the beginning. There will and must be many more such booms, for without them the economy of the United States can no longer function. The bubble cycle has replaced the business cycle. (emphasis is mine)
This article was written in February 2008 and makes a cogent and rational argument that is wrapped up at the end showing how Alternative Energy could be the next bubble. The point to remember is this, forget about the business cycle, watch the bubble cycle and plan your business strategy to leverage growth of the new bubble - alternative energy.
Stagflation A Reality
Stagflation Defined: A period of time characterized by high inflation and recessionary conditions.
I live in Edmonton, Alberta and we are experiencing stagflation already here in Alberta. Housing value on our home grew 100% in three years. The tar sands, the second largest deposit of oil is just north or us in Ft. Mcmurray which has been fueling growth here for decades.
We will need to control our spending, reinvent our business models, and go after new sources of income from the innovators of new “bubble”.
The New Bubble: Watch for the Declining Market in Iraq
A sign that the alternative energy bubble is upon us will be marked by a decline in the Iraq market.
In a hyperinflation, infrastructure upgrades will accelerate, with plenty of opportunity for big government contractors fleeing the declining market in Iraq. Thus, we can expect to see the creation of another $8 trillion in fictitious value, which gives us an estimate of $20 trillion in speculative wealth, money that inevitably will be employed to increase share prices rather than to deliver “energy security.” When the bubble finally bursts, we will be left to mop up after yet another devastated industry. FIRE, [The new economy belonged to finance, insurance, and real estate—FIRE.] meanwhile, will already be engineering its next opportunity. Given the current state of our economy, the only thing worse than a new bubble would be its absence.
Bring on the bubble!
My Social Networks: An Incomplete Tour
April 12, 2008
My Social Networks is a incomplete list of the social networks and services I use online. This was inspired by my friends from Joyful Jubilant Learning, specifically, Joanna whose post “What Difference Does Voice Make” inspired me to try out Voice Thread which I think is the cats meow and exactly the type of tool I had been looking for.On Voice Thread you can leave text message, voice message, video, or annotate and doodle on the screen. An example, My Social Networks is displayed below. As you can see a fully functional version can be embedded within a blog or website. Enjoy!
One Minute Entrepreneur Fails to Impress
March 29, 2008
Source: WikipediaThe author of the One Minute Manager has developed a new Program called the One Minute Entrepreneur.
I discovered this program via an email. I opened it because it carried the authors name. Curious I decided to check it out. They really did a good job with the internet marketing, must have had a consultant or outsourced it.
I decided to enroll to see what a big name is doing online. I was not impressed. The content included was light to say the least, elementary at best. The forums were full of multilevel marketers and no one else. You would be better off listening to Kelly Clarksons Album One Minute, No!
Anyway, stay away from this program unless you are an absolute newbie to business.
Apple is Brilliant and Crazy Stupid at the Same Time
February 19, 2008
I don’t get it. How can a company be so brilliant and progressive and stupid?
I got an iPod Touch for my birthday. Love the iPod Touch. I am using it as a mobile extension of desktop computer. I noticed that when I enter a contact into the iPod Touch it does not sync with Address Book. Thinking it was a bug, I called Apple.
I was surprised to learn that they only support syncing from the computer to the iPod Touch. I was dumbfounded. When I enter a appointment on the iPod Touch it adds it to my iCal calendar what is the big deal with contacts?
I realize that the iPhone and iPod Touch are the first devices to support data entry on the device itself but geez Louise this makes no sense at all.
Anyone out there figure out how to get your contacts from the iPod Touch into Address Book?
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
December 22, 2007
Here is a wish for you and your family. May you have a pleasant and peaceful Christmas holiday of peace and reflection wherever in the world you are, whatever religion you believe in, and whatever culture you are part of.
Value of Blogging
October 17, 2007
Continuing from my post Is blogging a marketing or networking activity? When does blogging become a distraction? Michael Martine, the Remarkablogger asks Call to Business Bloggers: How Does Blogging Help Your Business? You can take the poll and/or blog your answer.
Visit and take part in his poll and share your thoughts. I voted that blogging gets me more “customers/sales”, what say ypu?
Is blogging a marketing or networking activity? When does blogging become a distraction?
September 30, 2007
Perhaps asking this question is heresy in the blogging community.
It is a question I am asking with increasing frequency these days. I have been writing daily since 1998 and writing about small business will always have a place in my schedule.
A busy schedule makes blogging especially challenging.
I have noticed that when I have multiple problem solving or creative projects on the go my desire to write for my blogs slips dramatically. I recall feeling the same way about my podcasts. Producing a quality podcast consumes more time than blogging. Perhaps that is why I stopped podcasting and kept blogging. If so, how do we measure the value of blogging?
Quantify the Value of Blogging
Personally, I love writing and blogging provides immediate feedback. The hard nosed capitalist pig in me asks, “What is the economic value of blogging? What metrics should we use to determine the efficacy of blogging? Should we apply a simple economic (sales increase) measure? Should we measure success by the number of comments a post gets? How can I determine if blogging has become a distraction?
No Blogging = No Distractions
Perhaps that statement is just to simplistic. If I just stopped blogging it would certainly eliminate the “distraction” but would it solve the problem? Is the consumption of creative energy that blogging requires really a problem or is it an opportunity disguised as a problem? Is it just my situation that makes it a problem?
My Current Situation
I am in the midst of reviving and updating a seminar I created in the mid 1990’s before I got involved with the Internet and writing online.
What struck me most was the fact that in those days all my writing and creative energy was 100% focused on developing and delivering seminars. I did not have blogging as an outlet. But these days I am finding that blogging is draining my creative energy and time.
Manage My Creative Energy
I have always justified the time and energy investment into blogging as an essential marketing activity - especially given the fact that my business is 100% international. All my clients, writing, and business opportunities stem from my blog or the relationships I have built with the readers.
I do not question the value of the relationships that result from getting to know the readers on my blog but the potential energy drain. Here is the paradox - the business needs me to redirect the creative energy from my bogs into developing seminars, tools, and web applications. Which causes me to ask the question, “Is blogging a marketing or a networking activity?”
Blogging Resembles Networking
Unless you actually have a marketing plan wherein blogging is one of many marketing tools and activities you use to reach your market - your blogging is more of a social, networking activity. Bottom line, I am questioning the efficacy and ability of blogging to produce the desired result. Is this just a phase? Do I have writers block?
No Writers Block
Writing is easy. Writing well is hard work.
Late in 2005 I wrote Tips and Traps When Buying a Business (274 pages) and in the winter of 2006 wrote Tips and Traps for Writing an Effective Business Plan (374 pages) all while maintaining my blogs. It was a huge commitment that sapped every ounce of creative energy I had. Writing those books was an amazing experience as I uncovered knowledge and capabilities I knew I had but had not fully developed.
Could it be that I just need to get comfortable with directing my writing and creative energy somewhere else?
Can a Blogging Consultant Help?
I wonder how the blogging consultants out there might react or respond to these questions I ask? How many blogging consultants ask their clients about their marketing and business plan?
Mind Map Collaboration Tips
September 16, 2007
As a long time mind mapper I was delighted to find the MindMeister online application. What follows are some observations and tips for using MindMeister Mind Map application to collaborate online. Read more
Internet: Distractor or Enabler?
September 7, 2007
This has been a strange week, strange because my ISP decided to upgrade and rebuild equipment on my street. But they forgot to tell anyone.
My internet access was intermittent at best. It has now stabilized as they competed work in the area.
Working with Distractions
I discovered that I have learned to work with a number of distractions. Internet based distractions including listening to podcasts, email, Skype, RSS feeds and of course phone calls from clients. We also home school and my office is at home. What is your typical day like?
How Do You Cope with Distractions?
What is your experience? Do you work with your email, IM, and feed reader open? Do you turn everything off and check your mail manually?
What works for you?
Questionable Chinese Product Quality
August 6, 2007
Poisonous pet food, toxic toothpaste, and now toys with excessive levels of lead based paint. How safe are products that come from China?
China has had 431 products recalled in three years whereas in the same period only 97 products have been recalled for US products. Via Global National TV
I know I am very careful that we do not buy canned goods that come from China. At least not until they get better quality controls in place and implement some quality management systems. Japan had the same issue in the 1950’s & 60’s. In the 1970’s Japanese products started to turn the corner and today Japanese products ooze quality.
Hopefully China will be able to make the transition much quicker than Japan. A guy can hope.
Transitions: Small Business Self Help
July 30, 2007
Regular readers will know that I have been working on a number of projects here and at The Remote Control CEO.
I have also been crowd sourcing this idea over at Cambrian House, a Web 2.0 community for entrepreneurs to collaborate, cooperate and connect with one another as well as refine our ideas. Cambrian House is a pretty cool community. Each week they hold a competition and the one with the highest votes wins the competition.
Your help would be appreciated. You can help by visiting my idea page and voting according to your conscience (Five stars is the best). Perhaps you might be inspired to leave me a comment. I have 63 votes so far, the more the merrier. There you will find links to a brief strategic plan and an overview of the concept.
The competition ends Tuesday evening so if you could drop by and vote now, that would be super!
White Collar Baby Boomers Love Books!
July 26, 2007
Not only are Baby Boomers avid readers, they also make great great used booksellers too. This study comes from Abe Books, the worlds largest new, used, rare and out-of-print books. Abe books polled 1,949 booksellers from the US who sold through its network of Web sites as part of a global research project. Look at what the survey revealed (emphasis mine):
Online book-selling has only existed since the mid-1990s when Internet marketplaces like AbeBooks emerged and the research shows how the profession appeals to entrepreneurial ‘Silver Surfers’ eager to escape the 9-to-5 rat race. The poll also reveals that long working hours and knowledge of technology are key aspects of the job.
Key findings include:
- 79% are aged over 45 – more than half have a degree or a higher qualification;
- Most sellers had left white-collar careers to become booksellers – the most common previous professions were jobs in teaching, libraries, sales, and management;
- 11% work between 51 and 60 hours per week, and 9% are working more than 60 hours a week with the online cataloguing of books being the most time-consuming task;
- 25% will increase their online book inventory by between 10% and 25% in 2007;
- 21% plan to launch their own e-commerce website;
- Sellers acquire books through a large number of sources - many of which require time on the road - including library sales, estate sales, private sales, and auctions. 26% had traveled up to 100 miles to buy a book and 9% had gone abroad to buy books;
- Many sellers also sell through other online marketplaces and 74% had set up their Internet selling operation without outside IT assistance;
- 60% of sellers polled operate purely online – the others had bookstores or showrooms;
- 64% of the sellers offer mostly out-of-print books and most specialize in a number of genres - history, fiction and children’s books are the most common;
- 68% list falling book prices as their biggest fear for the future but 38% are also concerned that fewer young people are reading books now;
- Despite their long working hours, 33% read between five and 10 books per month.
“Hard work is the key to successfully selling secondhand books on the Web,” said Hannes Blum, CEO of AbeBooks.com. “Although this profession is relatively new, it requires dedication to build up an online inventory of books and considerable effort to find books ideal for the Internet. We’re seeing a commitment to put more used books for sale online – sellers already offer over 100 million books through AbeBooks so that could expand to 120 million by the end of 2008, which is great news for people who love buying used, rare and hard-to-find books.”
I have purchased out of print books and the quality of them are great and they are quite affordable.
Ginormous Blog Restructuring, Shift in Coaching Philosophy & My 10 Year Strategic Plan
July 22, 2007
You may have noticed that the site has been reorganized over the weekend.
This change represents the greatest shift in my philosophy, methodology, and approach to business development in the last 17 years.
Note: The image on the right will give you an overview of the Transitions Method and I will be writing a lot more about this soon.
Why the Big Change?
In September 2006, I set a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (aka BHAG) after reading a post over at my friend Rosa’s blog Talking Story. The BHAG I committed to was:
“Today I declare that my Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) of impacting the lives of 1,000,000 business owners before I leave terra firma.
That BHAG changed my life.
It is the first time in my life that I set and made a public commitment to a BHAG. I knew that publicly declaring my intention on Rosa’s blog and combining it with a BHAG would require a big change in my life and business. I have both embraced and resisted pursuing this ginormous goal - my way of admitting I became complacent and was procrastinating. 
The Complacency Trap
I became comfortable (and lazy) with my business. Read more
What’s Your Greatest Business Challenge?
July 20, 2007
This has truly been interesting to watch how the results of the survey change over time.
Today I checked and found the results had shifted since July 16th. Hat tip to Mark Smallwood from Eversmall who linked to the July 16th results.
It’s not too late to take my survey and help shape the direction of my writing and content development for this website. Thanks!
What’s Your Greatest Business Challenge?
Master the Transitions
July 18, 2007
I have been a busy boy working on my business transformation project. I have identified six phases in the Life Cycle of a Business and 30 Transitions that business owners need to make between start up and retirement. I wrote about it:
Whether you are starting a business, building revenues, coping with growth, fortifying your business structure, or exiting and retiring - with the right information, at the right point in time, and a plan of action - you will be able to accelerate the development of your business and results. Via The Remote Control CEO
Sneak Peek
Here is a sneak peek at part of the menu and how I am organizing the content on my Business Transitions Member site (click the image on the right).
I have also reflected this new thinking on The Remote Control CEO.
If I created a content site that allowed you to zero in on the ‘transition’ you need to make and provide access to information, tools, and resources to help make that transition - is that something you would be interested in subscribing to?
What do you think?
A Revised Title for My Next Book
July 16, 2007
What a great way to start the day, as a result of appearing on Be Happy Dammit Sirius talk show I finally came up with a sub-title for my next book:
The Remote Control CEO: How Irrepressible Entrepreneurs Transform Their Business and Life
What do you think?
Joyful Jubilant Learning: Live from New York, It’s JJLN
July 15, 2007
Got Sirius Satellite Radio? If so, check out the Karen Salmansohn show Be Happy Dammit 8 AM until 9 AM (Eastern time) Monday July 16th on Ch. 114
Live on Sirius Satellite Radio channel 114 from 8 AM until 9 AM (Eastern time) on Monday July 16th Benjamin Bach, Phil Gerbyshak, EM Sky and Steve Sherlock, and yours truly will join host Karen Salmansohn on the the Be Happy, Dammit! show for what is sure to be a fast and furious 60 minutes of conversation.
Can’t catch it live? Don’t worry, check out the Be Happy Dammit archives, especially this great show with Keith Ferrazzi, and soon, you’ll see the JJLN show there too! We’ll be talking about all things learning, and no doubt learn a thing or two from Karen! Hope you can hear us soon! Via Joyful Jubilant Learning: Live from New York, It’s JJLN
This will be fun, check it out!
Express Yourself-Take My Poll
July 13, 2007
Take my survey and help shape the direction of my writing and content development for this website. Thanks!
What’s Your Greatest Business Challenge?
Apple, Mac Bloggers: Get Flock 0.9
July 10, 2007
Just discovered that Flock is also available for Windows.
Today, I downloaded the latest Flock browser. I have been trying it occasionally since version 0.4.
I always felt that it had great potential. I am glad to say that Flock version 0.9 just became my new browser when I am blogging. It is just so efficient and easy to use.
It has an integrated RSS feed reader, blogging application, clip board to store your text and image clips, favorites, media bar, and something called My World which consolidates all your RSS feeds, Flickr, Photo Bucket, , Delicious, and You Tube plus your Live Journal, Magnolia, Wordpress.com, Typepad, and Xanga - accounts into one browser window.
Reading blog feeds, excerpting and linking to them on my blog, has ever been easier.
If you are an Apple computer owner and a blogger, get Flock, it is impressive and will save you time.
Let me know what you think about Flock.
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Getting the Price Right
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My Books on Amazon
