Senior Management Services

Got Time Wasters in your organization?

2008-08-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday...

I'll try a different coffee shop. I walk in. There's a long line at the counter. I grab something to read while I stand and wait. Occasionally, I look up to see virtually no progress. The "server" behind the counter moves like a slug.

Finally, I get to move up a couple of places - because people in front of me got tired of waiting and left - probably never to return. I know I won't be back.

Trust me. If I ran a retail store, no one would have to stand in line to put money in the register. To see a fast-moving retail line, go to Fry's Electronics.

There, you can join a line of 50+ people (not an exaggeration) pushing grocery baskets full of costly electronics. Their line moves so fast, it's hard to keep up! They'll have your money and you'll be on your way faster than you can say WOW!

There's little difference between running checkout stands (a business process) and any other business process. People waste about a third of their time working inefficiently. However... Delays built into a whole business PROCESS waste much more time.

After your customer places an order, s/he waits for delivery. (However, in most coffee shops and "fast-food" restaurants, you must WAIT to place your order - then WAIT for delivery.)

Ninety percent of that wait-time adds no benefit the customer or to you.

This is both a problem and an opportunity! Be a Time Warrior!

"Time is your most lethal weapon," says Philip Thomas, author of "Competitiveness through Total Cycle Time."

Be a Time Warrior, a courageous person engaged in a competitive battle. Be a champion who wins first place in a competitive business. Create your business that is clearly superior.

Create a winner!

Why do time-wasters persist?

There may be many reasons why time-wasters persist. Do reasons really matter?

Results or Reasons,
Excellence or Mediocrity,
You Decide!

Stop time-wasters and take market share from your competitors by improving your customer response.

For example: Long ago, Motorola reduced their cycle time for manufacturing cellular phones from three weeks ... to two weeks ... to six per day! They cut the waste and made phones 60 TIMES FASTER!

And, their QUALITY improved dramatically!

Why?

Because Motorola built a feedback loop into each cycle. With shorter cycle times, they could improve quality more often.

Can you reduce your manufacturing and delivery cycle time?

When your cycle time is much shorter than your competitor's, you can introduce products a year before anyone else. Capture the market for yourself!

How?

Sure, you must create your company as a set of FUNCTIONS. However, you must combine those functions into a streamlined PROCESS that serves your customers.

So, find the functions and processes that add no value - and drop them.

Click to continue article

Want to LEAP ahead, grow even faster?

...Get 5 Revealing Tips in 12 Minutes TODAY on this Ultimate Career Builder audio.

Your business associates will appreciate knowing about this blog. Why not forward it to them now?

Get the FREE eBook (below) to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational strategies and trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go to Organize your Business for Success and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

============================================================

HELP Profitable Venture Tactics help your colleagues.
This Blog relies on subscriber's participation. So, it stands to reason, the more subscribers, the more participation. You can expand the circulation by telling your colleagues about Profitable Venture Tactics.

Your business and management colleagues will thank you for being so thoughtful.

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Why is Your Job like an Apple Tree?

2008-04-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

Why your job is like an apple tree.

Imagine that you plant a seed for an apple tree...

You can't see underground, but the seed first grows a tiny root and sprout. Later, you see a tiny sprout emerge with tiny leaves.

You're thrilled as you watch that sprout grow into a sturdy trunk, strong branches, and healthy leaves. Much later, thanks to bees, you see tah dah - apples! And they're so juicy!

You see that each apple has its stem, shiny skin, meat, and seeds in the middle. And, you know that those seeds contain the genetic plan, a complete system for generating another apple tree.

Think about it! Your apple tree, from its roots to its apples, is a life-support system for its seeds... which, in the right environment will lead to...

... Reproduction!

Reproduction = Duplication. You see your tree survive by duplication! Your tree's seed sprouts to grow another tree that will product more apples. That's how your tree "moves on."

But, you know only a tiny percentage of seeds become trees. And, if your tree doesn't produce viable seeds, that's the end of the line. No survival.

So, how is your job like your apple tree?

Like your apple tree, it took YOU years of growth and development to get your job and develop your career. You are the tree, a life support system for your job. Your job is like that apple. Does your job-apple have viable seeds? Can you reproduce, duplicate yourself so you can move on?

Do you have a genetic plan, a complete system for generating another job-tree? If you don't, that's the end of the line. Stagnant salaries, fewer employment opportuneness, fewer raises and job promotions.

Can you say, "Dead-end job?"

Did you know that only a tiny percentage of job-apples have viable seeds with a system that can be duplicated?

Want to LEAP ahead, grow even faster?

...Get 5 Revealing Tips in 12 Minutes TODAY on this Ultimate Career Builder audio.

Your business associates will appreciate knowing about this blog. Why not forward it to them now?

If you've decided that 2008 is the year…
... that you really want to break out --and take your career to a completely new level, then go to "The Ultimate Career Builder".

Get the FREE eBook (below) to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational strategies and trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go to Organize your Business for Success and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

For Rising Organizational Stars:

2008-03-05T09:03:00.000-08:00

For Rising Organizational Stars:

Free Audio Tutorials: How to Organize a Business, How to Assign the Work, How to use Org Charts, and more.

If you want to learn some key techniques for building successful organizations, you can request these free audio tutorials (mp3 files) from Senior Management Services.

You'll get audio excerpts from two books: The Ultimate Career Builder and Organize your Business for Success. You will receive a new 7- to 17-minute excerpt every week or so at no charge.

However, you must specifically request these audio tutorials because I don't want to bombard my whole list. Let me explain.

I want to send goodies and learning to only those who WANT it - and will BENEFIT from it. (Of course, you can drop out with one click, but why would you?)

Click to request this free audio series and sign up at the bottom.

Your business associates will appreciate knowing about this blog. Why not forward it to them now?

If you've decided that 2008 is the year…
... that you really want to break out --and take your career to a completely new level, then go to "The Ultimate Career Builder".

Get the FREE eBook (below) to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational strategies and trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go to Organize your Business for Success and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Be A "Rising Star" In Your Career for a Raise & Promotion!!

2008-02-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

Be A "Rising Star" In Your Career!

Learn To Write Operations Manuals

Great careers depend on SYSTEMS, not people. That's because you can duplicate systems - but not people - especially with all that YOU KNOW today.

If you can't duplicate your results through someone else, you'll be stuck in one dead-end job after another. Duplication is Nature's Law of Survival.

If you can't/won't develop an Operations Manual, your career growth and success will be limited because you lack a duplicable system.

Use a SYSTEM to develop your Operations Manuals!

I call my system "The Ultimate Career Builder."

Ordinary people create EXTRAordinary careers using a duplicable system, which I call an Operations Manual. The faster you develop good Operations Manuals... the faster you will have a dynamic career!

I hear many excuses and attitudes for why people don't develop their Operations Manuals.

"I just don't have enough time!" ... "It's not my job! You hired me to be a [manager, programmer, accountant, engineer, whatever]. I'm not a writer!" ... "I hate to write. Who needs it!" ... "Whenever I feel like writing... I lie down until the feeling goes away." ... "It's different here. Things change too fast. The minute we write something down, it's obsolete!" ... "...yada...yada...yada..."

But, here is the most UNEXPRESSED FEAR:

"If I document my job in an Operations Manual, I can be replaced! I'll lose my job!"

Let's face it. You can grow your career ONLY if you can promote and/or replace yourself - you and your team can MOVE UP only if you can replace yourselves.

And YOU can do this by documenting your position(s) in well-organized Operations Manuals.

Details at The Ultimate Career Builder

Your business associates will appreciate knowing about this blog. Why not forward it to them now?

If you've decided that 2008 is the year…
... that you really want to break out --and take your career to a completely new level, then go to "The Ultimate Career Builder".

Get the FREE eBook (below) to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational strategies and trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go to Organize your Business for Success and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Employers: Are these recruiters your weakest link?

2008-01-22T10:37:00.000-08:00

EMPLOYERS! Do you really want these "recruiters" to represent YOUR business?

When I started my business, I used direct mail to promote my business.

Later, local recruiters did a decent job of marketing because they knew the market; they knew the employer's business; and they actually knew the hiring managers and what they were looking for.

I was happy to pay someone else to do my marketing.

But, times have changed.

Thanks to email and the Internet, the recruiting game is flooded with so-called "recruiters" from all over the world - meanwhile, the good recruiters have left the field.

Are today's "recruiters" YOUR weakest link to professional talent?
 
In the past 3 years, I have received thousands of emails and hundreds of phone calls from these so-called recruiters. Every last second I have spent with these "recruiters" has been a total waste of time.

Recruiting has become a popular work-at-home business. But...

Nowadays, ANYONE - ANYWHERE - can become a "recruiter." Experience or qualifications NOT NECESSARY! Anyone anywhere can buy a recruiter's prepackaged website template for $500 and be in the recruiting business in minutes.

These "recruiters" have no @&$#!^&* idea of the client's problems or opportunities! Worse, hundreds of these "recruiters" send out the same resume to the same companies. It's a numbers game.

In my opinion, most "recruiters" are just Internet slave traders and illiterate to boot. Here's a recent "recruiter's" email:

"I am sorry mike made u confuse on jon sight location infact saip on of the branch used to be in freemount area but most recently client moved to palo alto, we had same reqs since then I just copied the same req sentto u.

"I just spoke to manager [...] he wants to finish some of the new project releses unfortuntly some his team members got regined and he need fill the gaps and he said could go end of feb or could go longer. Pl let me know if u have any more questions."

HOW is this illiterate able to read and match a resume to an employer's job description? He is totally UNqualified to represent anyone, their resume, or the Silicon valley clients he claims to represent (Intel, Bea, eBay, PayPal, etc.).

The other day, I received a call from another "recruiter" who claimed to be on Market Street in San Francisco. I asked,

"Where's the nearest Starbucks?"  
"I don't know."  

"What is the nearest cross street?"  
"I'm sorry, I don't know..."

Well of course, this lying recruiter was neither in San Francisco nor in the US. Of course, she didn't know the hiring manager or the company. If she doesn't know these basics, how the hell would she know who's qualified to fill the position?

With "recruiters" like these, the employer gets the lowest common denominator - the cheapest "product" - at the highest possible price.

BEWARE the Pretext Callers!

Some recruiters demand a SSN, DOB, or other personal information in order to submit your resume to the client. They're making pretext calls - they're in the business of identity theft! Yes, I know. Picky, picky, picky!

Your business associates will appreciate knowing about this blog. Why not forward it to them now?

If you've decided that 2008 is the year…
... that you really want to break out --and take your career to a completely new level, then go to "The Ultimate Career Builder".

Get the FREE eBook (below) to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go to Organize your Business for Success and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Free Blogging Course!

2008-01-16T08:41:00.000-08:00

Free Blogging Course!

I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.

It covers:

The best blogging techniques.
How to get traffic to your blog.
How to turn your blog into money.

I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.

Your business associates will appreciate knowing about this blog. Why not forward it to them now?

If you've decided that 2008 is the year that you really want to break out--and take your career to a completely new level, then go to "The Ultimate Career Builder".

Get the FREE eBook (below) to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go to Organize your Business for Success and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Trouble Getting Organized? How to create an Org Chart.

2008-01-13T09:30:00.000-08:00

Trouble Getting Organized?

"I've Gotta Get Organized!"

Every year about this time, people make resolutions to really get organized. "I've gotta get organized! I can't even start on my project because I can't seem to 'get organized.'"

Struggling to create your Org Chart?

Do you really want to build an organizational structure? Yes? OK. Here's more about how to start building your "Org Chart" ...

When you create an Organizational Strategy, you arrange things in a pattern or structure so you can act to achieve a specific goal.

Are you concerned about how to delegate what to whom? First, you must create your Organization Chart so it shows a "box" for every management position.

Take a look at my sample Organization Chart:

Basic rules for creating your Org Chart:

1. Make sure each "box" represents a Strategic Objective.

2. In each box, you list Tactical Objectives (not shown).

3. Put the Position's Title - NOT a person's name - in each box. This prevents your need to update the Chart for every personnel change.

Important! Never create or delete a position to please someone. Never be convinced to break this rule. Don't create your organization around personalities or prima donnas. (What happens when they leave?)

Instead, have personnel fit your organization, not vice versa. You may need to retrain people, move them...or let some go.

Why organizational design problems persist.

Managers usually neglect to properly design their organization because it seems too "academic." But, when you actually design your organization, you will realize long-lasting benefits.

When it comes to getting organized, "Immediate action produces immediate results!"

Here's a proven approach with sample Organization Chart.

I created my Org Chart around the idea that you "sell it, build and deliver it, and get the money." In that order.

Some ventures sell an idea to an investor to get the money first. This often makes the company more accountable to the investor than the customer. In Silicon Valley, we've seen what can happen when people get the money first, if you know what I mean. (Like giving credit cards to a teenager?)

Notice that under the CEO/President, I have Vice Presidents. The above chart doesn't show the following, but...

Under VPs, I have Directors.
Under Directors, I have Managers,
Under Managers, Associates, etc.

Notice that I put the QA Manager under the President - but that's a topic for another article. (In my organization, QA monitors the condition of people, not products; QC monitors the condition of products.)

The general rule is:

The CEO delegates to VPs who delegate to Directors, who delegate to Managers, who delegate to Associates, on down the chart.

Remember: The CEO's Strategic Objective is by definition the Organization's Strategic Objective. His Tactical Objectives are MARKETING, OPERATIONS, FINANCE ("sell it, build and deliver it, and get the money").

I added the LEGAL department more recently - under the CEO - because he is accountable for legalities even if the work is outsourced.

(NOTE. I deliberately omit politically correct "he/she, his or her" wording to minimize further confusion. I base the Org Chart on FUNCTIONALITY, not plumbing!)

Each VP inherits ONE of the CEO's TACTICAL Objectives as his STRATEGIC Objective. Confused? (The difference between Tactical and Strategic depends on the Position's PERSPECTIVE. The Objective remains the same.)

Now, notice that I numbered the top-level departments 1.0, 2.0 3.0, etc? Also notice that departments are color-coded. This allows color-coding of Pendaflex folders and computer folders.

For more details about organizing your company , see Trouble Getting Organized? How to Create your Org Chart.

Your business associates will appreciate knowing about this blog. Why not forward it to them now?

If you've decided that 2008 is the year that you really want to break out--and take your career to a completely new level, then go to "The Ultimate Career Builder".

Get the FREE eBook (below) to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go to Organize your Business for Success and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Lost profits due to "irreplaceable" employees?

2008-01-04T16:01:00.001-08:00

Lost profits due to "irreplaceable" employees?

Do you really understand how irreplaceable employees and tribal knowledge CAUSE lost profits?

Would you change your strategy if you knew how your irreplaceable employees and tribal knowledge cause lost profits? If you knew a simple solution to these problems... would you use it?

Irreplaceable: Cannot be replaced.

Tribal knowledge: Unwritten information (verbal only) not known by others, but needed to produce quality products and services. Caution: Inaccurate tribal knowledge can be very destructive!

Imagine what THIS cost! I'm sure this customer's story will ring true for you. Notice the clues that caused lost profits and enraged customers.

It doesn't feel like a disaster at first...

To begin with, you're in a fashionable hotel for a special holiday with friends... You call the hotel's fancy restaurant...

(Continued with audio at) Lost Profits due to "irreplaceable employees? Just click the PLAY button to HEAR the audio (about 7 minutes).

Your business associates will appreciate knowing about this blog. Why not forward it to them now?

If you've decided that 2008 is the year that you really want to break out--and take your career to a completely new level, then go to "The Ultimate Career Builder".

Get the FREE eBook (below) to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go here and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Management Warning

2007-12-12T16:10:00.000-08:00

Management Warning

Disorganized strategy can stunt your growth.

Your business associates will appreciate knowing about this blog. Why not send a link to them now? (http://www.seniormanagementservices.com/smsblog/)

If you've decided that 2008 is the year that you really want to break out--and take your career to a completely new level, then go to this web page.

Get 'em before they're gone! Waiting just doesn't make sense!

You have organized your company or department, but...

You've operated successfully this way for a while... but you've discovered a problem that stifles your growth...

I recently posted 6 linked blogs with important steps that solve this HUGE problem that plagues MOST companies...

Get the FREE eBook (below) to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go here and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Can You Get A Career Makeover For Almost "Zip?"

2007-11-26T16:13:00.000-08:00

Can You Get A Career Makeover For Almost "Zip"

Read These Amazing Facts To Find Out How.

Yes, it's absolutely true. You can really get a career makeover and pay almost nothing out of your pocket (But only if you are one of the first 37 people to respond to this letter.)

Let me explain. Last June, my little company took a big gamble and signed up for a book promotion for my book, "The Ultimate Career Builder."

To get on the promotion, I had to agree to print a lot of books. (And for a small company like mine, it's scary to have a lot of books tied up in inventory). Now, I have just 37 left.

And My Problem Is Your Opportunity

To move these last 37 books I've decided to do something somewhat daring.

First, thanks to ever-escalating energy prices, you should know that my printer's special price on these books ends December 15th. Any unsold inventory could be sold to a local dealer at wholesale.

Get the bargain details here. Cool bonus included while offer lasts.

Get the FREE eBook (below) to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go here and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Silicon Valley Mastermind on Steroids

2007-11-12T14:08:00.000-08:00

Silicon Valley Entrepreneurs: A RARE OPPORTUNITY!”

Special Mastermind Series for Entrepreneurs and other Fanatics...

We are scheduling a very small number of Passionate Thinkers to attend our Thoughtstorm® sessions to create and develop valuable ideas.

(Dinner meetings at 7pm, Mondays in Mountain View.)

This means those special few will get more personal attention and creative problem-solving interaction than can be delivered in a larger, oversold group.

So if you've ever considered becoming one of the CognoScenti (superior knowledge and understanding), now's the time. Wheeeeeooooo!! This is a fun, outrageous, mind-bending blast! (You didn't learn this in your government schools.)

Click now for details about the Silicon Valley Mastermind on Steroids!

Get the FREE eBook (below) to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go here and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Is this why you Hate Writing?

2007-11-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

Is this why you Hate Writing?”

Do you hate writing because you must manage all this INFORMATION?
You know... stuff like drawings, illustrations and photos, audio recordings, video recordings, computer files, old manuscripts, notes on the backs of cocktail napkins, reviewer’s comments and insults...

Is that what's bothering you?

Or, do you hate writing because you must manage all these PROCESSES?
You know... activities like researching, interviewing subject matter experts, shooting photos or videos, collecting, organizing and filing, writing and editing, verifying all data and processes, releasing manuscripts for review, coordinating review process, organizing, merging and implementing review comments, preparing materials for distribution...

Is that what's bothering you?

But, let's say you’re a Subject Matter Expert who needs documentation...
... but you hate to write... What do you do?

You must use a SYSTEM to manage all that information and all those processes... and more... or you'll have an agonizing long-term mess on your hands.

If you need documentation but don’t have a SYSTEM, your best bet is to find someone who does have a SYSTEM.

Yes, you can let someone else do all the work using a proven SYSTEM... \but that doesn’t take YOU out of the loop. Find Out Why Here

Get the FREE eBook (below) to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go here and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Are ‘fossil fuels’ a MYTH?

2007-11-05T12:53:00.000-08:00

Wheeeeeeeeooooooo! Are ‘fossil fuels’ a MYTH?”

I thought you might enjoy reading a book that addresses these questions:

“Why do we find biological molecules in petroleum and coal? Why do oil reservoirs keep refilling?”

If we strip away the belief that “life” is only a surface phenomenon, we can entertain the idea that the biological molecules found in crude oil are NOT remnants of surface-life fossils partially transformed by geological processes…

…Instead, we can investigate whether these biological molecules are evidence of subterranean microbes feasting on hydrocarbons from a deep-earth NON-biogenic origin.

We can investigate the existence of an IMMENSE deep biosphere to account for the biological molecules in oils around the globe.

For example, indispensable evidence shows that microbes live in oil wells at depths of more than 2.5 miles (4 kilometers).

In other words, if crude oil's biological molecules are NOT remnants of surface-life - transformed by geological processes - then crude oil is likely created from geological material transformed by biological processes. (Ditto for methane, coal, even diamonds, etc.)

I'm only halfway through the book, but this is EXCITING STUFF of real science. Retired physics professor, Howard Hayden, recommended the book to me. See Energy Advocate

Check out The Deep Hot Biosphere: The myth of fossil fuels by Thomas Gold. Gold advances controversial, astonishing theories and facts about where oil and gas come from and how they acquire their organic “signatures.”

Get the FREE eBook (below) to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go here and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Watch Out!

2007-10-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

WATCH OUT!

You're about to get nailed by "the past!"

I just discovered "In Search of Stupidity: Over 20 Years of High-Tech Marketing Disasters" (aka ISOS). ISOS site

You gotta just love that ISOS cover!

Get the FREE eBook (below) to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go here and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

The Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun!

2007-09-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

The Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun!

For a change of pace, check out Michael Bungay Stanier’s The Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun!

Get this FREE eBook to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go here and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

How Specifications Live Forever!

2007-09-17T18:40:00.000-07:00

How Specifications Live Forever!

Here's a bit of folklore that I got from Geoff Metcalf…

The U.S. Standard Railroad Gauge (distance between the rails) is 4 feet, 8.5 inches. That's an exceedingly odd number.

Why was that size used? Because that's the way they built them in England, and the U.S. railroads were designed and built during the Industrial Revolution by English expatriate engineers to accommodate English-built locomotives.

Why did the English build them like that? Because the first rail lines were built by the same people who built the pre-railroad tramways, and that was the gauge they used.

Why did they use that gauge then? Because the people who built the tramways used the same jigs and tooling that they used for building wagons, which used that wheel spacing.

Okay, why did the wagons use that odd wheel spacing? Well, if they tried to use any other spacing the wagons would break on some of the old long distance roads in Europe and England. This was due to the old wheel ruts worn into the road.

So, who built these old rutted roads? The first long distance roads in Europe were built by Imperial Rome for the benefit of their legions. The thoroughfares have been used ever since.

And the ruts? The initial ruts, which everyone else had to match for fear of destroying their wagons, were first made by the Roman war chariots. These chariots were designed to be pulled by two horses hitched side-by-side. In order to roll smoothly, the chariot wheels had to be spaced far enough apart to avoid the hoof marks left by the horses, yet not protrude past the flanks of the horses to prevent entanglement with opposing traffic or roadside vegetation. Since the chariots were made for, or by Imperial Rome, they were all alike in the matter of wheel spacing.

Thus, we have the answer to the original question. The U.S. Standard Railroad Gauge of 4 feet, 8.5 inches derives from the specification for an Imperial Roman army war chariot. Two thousand years later, and a continent away, the track layout of the entire U.S. railway network is based upon the fact that Imperial Roman chariots were made to be just wide enough to accommodate the rear-ends of two war horses.

Specifications and bureaucracies live forever. So, the next time you are presented with a specification and wonder if some horse's ass is responsible for it, you may be exactly right!

Get this FREE eBook to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go here and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Follow the Money!

2007-08-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

The Federal Reserve Pyramid Scheme

Most people don't know the first damn thing about our "money." Neither did I until a few years ago.

For a great historical perspective on money, read The Creature from Jekyll Island, by G. Edward Griffin.

"The modern banking system manufactures money out of nothing. The process is perhaps the most astounding piece of sleight of hand that was ever invented. Banking was conceived in inequity and born in sin... Bankers own the earth. Take it away from them but leave them the power to create money, and, with a flick of a pen, they will create enough money to buy it back again... Take this great power away from them, or if you want to continue to be the slaves of bankers and pay the cost of your own slavery, then let bankers continue to create money and control credit." -- Sir Josiah Stamp, former president of the Bank of England

Using the phrase, "follow the money," I made some flowcharts that helped me understand where our "money" comes from -- how it is created from thin air, backed by nothing.

Follow these links below (in sequence) to get some idea of how the "Federal Reserve Bank" works. (Clue: It's not "Federal," there's nothing in "Reserve," and it's not a "Bank.")

1. Background Tips on Data vs. Process used in Mandrake Chart

2. Mandrake Chart (About the "Federal Reserve" - or - Follow the so-called "money")

3. Mandrake Chart (About the "Federal Reserve" - or - Follow the so-called "money") (PDF file. To download, right-click link & choose "Save Target As"

You can't borrow your way out of debt. Yet, there is no alternative given how our government sponsored Ponzi scheme money system works. The money system depends on an ever-growing number of borrowers who borrow to repay previous borrowing. As long as someone borrows, this monetary curse continues to enslave the citizens.

None of these lawless government activities would be needed – or possible – if government had not stripped the citizens of real money and forced the use of borrowed bank credit.

"Give me control of a nation’s money and I care not who makes the laws." -- Mayer Amschel Bauer

You CAN Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it’s too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go here and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
Exercise for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Got a file naming system for your product pages?

2007-08-07T12:07:00.000-07:00

If you don't create a consistent SYSTEM for file naming, you'll be pulling your hair out!

That's right!

If you don't create a consistent system for file naming, you'll be pulling your hair out and screaming obscenities for every product, freebie, price change, etc., that you offer. (When I started adding product pages, I ad libbed filenames, which created a HUGE time-consuming can o' worms.)

For each product you offer, whether free or not, you will need up to four web pages, maybe more. If you have dozens or hundreds of web pages, you'll never remember those filenames the next time you want to make a change.

That's why you need a SYSTEM for naming your files for PayPal, 2CO, AWeber Opt-In, and others!

For example, assume you have one product with 2 payment methods, say, PayPal and 2CO. And let's say you're using a list management system with double opt-in feature like AWeber. You'll need at least the following:

1. Product Page: This is your sales page with links to each payment method (PayPal and 2CO). When the buyer clicks "Buy," send them to your "Thank you" page and AWeber will send them an email. (You earlier provided AWeber with the link to your Thank You page.)

2. 1st Thank You Page: This is your page that says in effect, "Thanks for your order, please check your email and verify your email address." You'll need one page for each payment option (PayPal and 2CO).

3. 2nd Thank You Page: This page tells your buyer that their email address is confirmed and provides links to any download items that your promised. You'll need one page for each payment option (PayPal and 2CO).

4. 3rd Thank You Page: This page is not required in some cases, but 2CO has an "order pending" (not approved yet) feature ... You must plan how you are going to handle this.

OK. What if you have 2 payment options PLUS 2 purchase options?

What??? You know, Plan A (regular) and Plan B (regular plus extra goodies for a few dollars more.) Uh oh, now you need more pages!

Soooo, with all these pages, you should have a consistent naming system for your files. Why? Because you will need to provide these filenames to PayPal, 2CO, AWeber, etc. (There's a whole communication sequence going on here that's invisible to the buyer, who simply clicks "Buy" and verifies his email address.)

Oh yes. . .

...If you're doing split testing, you'll need even MORE pages!

Now you know why you'd better have a SYSTEM for naming your files or you, like me, will be pulling your hair out!

By now, I hope I've inspired you to think about your file naming system! OK, in the following example:

[prodname] is the name (or abbreviation) of your product.

[paymethod] is the name (or abbreviation) of your payment method such as PayPal or 2CO.

abc is the sample product name.

I'm not telling you exactly how to name your files, my intent here is to give you the IDEA so you can create your own system.

Example file naming convention:

1. Product Page

[prodname].html
abc.html

2. Thanks Page - verify email based on payment options

Thanks Verify Email - Payment Option 1

[prodname]-aprv1-[paymethod].html
abc-aprv1-paypal.html

Thanks Verify Email - Payment Option 2

[prodname]-aprv2-[paymethod].html
abc-aprv2-2co.html

3. Thanks Page - payment approved & download page

Thanks Download Page - Payment Option 1

[prodname]-aprv1.html
abc-aprv1.html

Etc.

4. Thanks Page - payment pending

Payment Pending - Payment Option 1

[prodname]-pend1-[paymethod].html
abc-pend1-2co.html

Etc.

Also, you should document WHERE these file names are used for PayPal, 2CO, and AWeber. Recognize that your payment processors and other vendors and services are not mind readers. You must provide the necessary links and whatever to create a smooth interface for your buyer.

But wait, there's more!

There's more that will help you - and that is - you must diagram the whole transaction sequence in each case - because there are several players involved as you will discover if you haven't done this before. (Click this diagram to see enlarged details.)

Click above diagram to see a larger version with explanations!

Get this FREE eBook to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go here and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Do your phone greeters suffer these problems?

2007-07-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

Are you losing money because of THIS problem?

Let's pursue a simple marketing question. How much does YOUR company lose everyday (if any) due to shabby telephone communication?

You might have the most compelling positioning statements backed by fantastic commodities but... Have you ever called your company as a customer would? Do you really know what's happening on your communication lines?

You might be SHOCKED at what you hear from the people who answer the phone! Poor communication costs YOU money whether you're the CEO or the janitor!

Does your company suffer THIS kind of RUDENESS?

In the last couple of weeks, I have made more than three hundred phone calls to companies I found in a directory.

I told the person who answered the phone that I found their name in the directory and that I needed to know a little more about their company before I could decide whether to do business with them. (I didn't say whether I was buying or selling.)

I couldn't believe some of the responses I got!

Obviously, some CEOs haven't handled the most basic customer contact - the person who answers the phone. Many phone attendants are just plain rude, saying in essence, "Hey, I'm busy here! You're taking up MY valuable time. What the hell do YOU want?"

When I called one of the largest employers in Silicon Valley, I got transferred from one arrogant, snotty secretary to another - and I still got no answers!

Do your phone greeters suffer THIS IGNORE-ance?

It's amazing how many people who answer business phones know NOTHING about the company that gives them a paycheck.

One "receptionist" even told me, "If you want to find out about our company, you'll have to call back at 4:30." Pathetic! Naturally, she didn't ask for my phone number so someone could call me back.

Do I remember the good calls? Sort of... But the bad ones are indelibly etched into my psyche - AND my computer's memory for backup. I always document my calls.

Here's a simple solution.

A simple, effective solution is to write a script for those who answer your phone. Then, occasionally call your company to make sure they're using it.

Hint: The FIRST thing the phone receptionist should get is the caller's phone number!

It is always good to offer help to your callers. Be honest with each caller. If you aren't the person to answer their question, tell your caller the following:

"I will do everything I can to assist, and I will forward your question to my associate if necessary."

During the call, take notes. Write down their phone number. Write down all information your caller gives you. If you must refer the caller to someone else, explain honestly:

"Mr/s. Customer, I want to be sure we give you the right answer. Let me bring this matter to my associate, __(name)___. S/he is the best person to help us explain this matter and answer your questions.

"I have taken careful notes of our conversation and will explain everything to _____(name) when s/he returns.

"It should take me about __ minutes to review my notes with _____(name). Then I will call you back personally, or make sure _____(name) calls you with the answer.

"Meanwhile, let me give you the spelling of my name and direct phone line, so you can call me if you have any further questions."

If you want some really good ideas on telephone handling, checkout Abe's Voicemailwhere you'll find several Acrobat files that specialize in telephone message-taking.

Get this FREE eBook to help YOU Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go here and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
FREE Book for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Plain Talk for Independence Day

2007-06-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

This July 4th Marks the 231st Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Every July 4th, I read the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. To me, this documentation parallels a company's Mission Statement and Operations Manual, which, in plain talk states WHAT the company is gonna do and HOW it will do it.

Usually, a Mission Statement specifies ongoing purpose rather than a final goal. And the Operations Manual specifies ongoing operations rather than a final task.

What is a "Declaration?"

Generally speaking, a declaration is an explicit, formal announcement, either oral or written.

A Company DECLARES its purpose and mission in writing in its Mission Statement.

Similarly, people DECLARE their mission in life via written purposes and goals. (Actually, fewer than 10% of people have written plans and goals according to people that keep track of stuff like that.)

What is "Independence?"

Independence, derived from independent, means:

--> NOT governed by a foreign power;

-->SELF-GOVERNING; free from the influence, guidance, or control of another or others;

--> NOT determined or influenced by someone or something else;

--> NOT dependent on or affiliated with a larger or controlling group or system.

(Definitions excerpted from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition ©1996 by Houghton Mifflin Company.)

The Declaration of Independence proclaimed the independence of the 13 British colonies in America. The Continental Congress adopted the Declarations on July 4, 1776. It DECLARED the colonies to be free and independent states.

Thomas Jefferson prepared the draft. John Adams and Benjamin Franklin made a few minor changes before it was submitted to Congress.

On July 4, 1776, Congress made a few changes and the Declaration of Independence was unanimously adopted. The Declaration served as a source of authority for the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States.

"...we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." -- Declaration of Independence

"Do you recollect the pensive and awful silence which pervaded the House when we were called up, one after another, to the table of the President of Congress [John Hancock] to subscribe what was believed by many at that time to be our own death warrants?" --Benjamin Rush

"The Sun never shined on a cause of greater worth." --Thomas Paine

"There! His Majesty can now read my name without glasses. And he can double the reward on my head!" --John Hancock

"We must hang together or assuredly we shall hang separately." --Benjamin Franklin

"...I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not." --John Adams

"[T]he flames kindled on the 4 of July 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism; on the contrary, they will consume these engines and all who work them. ... The Declaration of Independence ... [is the] declaratory charter of our rights, and the rights of man." --Thomas Jefferson

What happened to the 56 signers of the Declaration?

5 signers were captured by the British.

Colonel Thomas McKean of Delaware was "hunted like a fox by the enemy -- compelled to remove my family five times in a few months, and at last fixed them in a little log house on the banks of the Susquehanna . . . and they were soon obliged to move again on account of the incursions of the Indians."

2 sons of Abraham Clark of New Jersey were captured by the British.

The son of John Witherspoon, a major in the New Jersey Brigade, was killed at the Battle of Germantown.

11 signers had their homes and property destroyed. Francis Lewis's New York home was destroyed and his wife was taken prisoner.

John Hart's farm and mills were destroyed when the British invaded New Jersey and he died while fleeing capture.

Carter Braxton and Thomas Nelson (both of Virginia) lent large sums of their personal fortunes to support the war effort, but were never repaid.

15 of the signers participated in their states' constitutional conventions; 6 signed the United States Constitution.

After the Revolution...

13 signers went on to become governors. 18 served in their state legislatures. 16 became state and federal judges. 7 became members of the House of Representatives. 6 became United States Senators. 2 became Justices of the United States Supreme Court. 5 signers helped establish colleges and universities.

Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Elbridge Gerry each became Vice President.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson became President.

The sons of John Adams and Benjamin Harrison also became Presidents.

By comparison, starting a company is easy!

Was Independence a popular movement?

Only about 5% of the people know that rights do NOT come from government, and believe in limited government, and will fight for freedom.

About 5% believe that rights come from government, that government should control everyone and everything, that elite intellectuals know what's best for YOU. (They're the ones who murdered more that 100,000,000 people in the 20th century "to make society better.")

The remaining 90% "majority" are apathetic, go along to get along, and will not take a stand for anything.

Could this be why so few people start a company? Could this be why so few salespeople generate the business and employment for millions of employees?

Where do you stand? What do you stand for?

Visit here for complete details and interesting reading.

Don't let the lack of Declarations (Mission Statement) and Constitution (Operations Manuals) stunt the growth of your business!

Senior Management Services can help.

You CAN Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go here and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
Exercise for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Do you have real-time Internet protection?

2007-06-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

Introducing the Internet Airbag

I have a client who offers a must-have anti virus product for PC (not Mac) users. So, I thought I would tell you about it in this issue of PVT.

Are you using Norton Anti Virus by Symantec? McAfee Anti Virus? Are you risking your computer with free anti virus? Have you tried Panda Anti Virus? Others? You do want the best anti virus, right?

When you're on the Internet highway you MUST have Anti Virus Software that acts instantly -- like your Automobile Airbags. Imagine this...

...What if your car's airbag was just 1 or 2 seconds late ... AFTER someone CRASHED into your car? Imagine how you would feel about that!

Now, imagine how you would feel if your computer's anti virus protection was late ... AFTER a hacker, virus, exploit, Trojan, or worm CRASHED into your computer system?

Yes... your anti virus provider warned you about that malware - unfortunately, they warned you AFTER it had already crashed into your system!

I'm sure you'd rather be protected BEFORE your computer is attacked. Yes siree!

The Best Anti Virus Protection is what I call the "Internet Airbag."

Remember this fact. Any anti virus software can detect a virus AFTER it has been identified - and AFTER your system has been updated. Yes, you can update your anti virus software daily - even hourly. But, millions of computers - yours - can still be infected before the update. That's a fact.

To prevent this time lag, you need real-time protection - an "Internet Airbag" - that can accurately predict and disarm new attacks BEFORE they harm, infect, or crash your computer.

Internet Airbag Article continues here.

You CAN Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go here and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
Exercise for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Jake's sign said, "Breakfast 11 cents."

2007-05-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

Jake's sign said, "Breakfast 11 cents."

I was about 5 years old...

For Mother's Day, Binks, my father (everyone including us kids called him Binks), took the family to breakfast at Jake's little cafè on 4th street. That was a big deal, probably the first time I ever went to a restaurant. Jake's had waitress service.

Breakfast for 11 cents! Back then, "cents" was represented by a "c" with a vertical line through it. (How long since you've seen one of those...?)

One day, I asked Mom how much money Binks made. "About $3-$4 a day, sometimes $100 a month." Binks was the sole provider, married with 2 kids. "WOW!" I couldn't imagine $100; I had never had anything bigger than a penny.

Times have changed. That same breakfast at Jake's today would cost what... $5 (stand in line)? $11 (with service)? Is that same breakfast worth 50-100 times more than it cost then?

When I got my driver's license, gas was 10-11cents a gallon. Today, I pay 30-40 times more. Is that same gas worth 30-40 times more than it cost then?

(Today, people wait 'til the last second buy gas - when they're so low they have to turn off the radio.)

A "dime novel" now costs $10-$20! What's going on here? They call it inflation; it Inflation hits you right in the wallet.

(Some guy stole my wallet the other day... He called up and said, "Man, you gotta get your finances straightened out... credit cards, gas cards, phone cards, all maxed out. I had to use MY phone card to call YOU!")

I used to think rising prices caused inflation!
Wrong! Continued...

How to turn a cold job into a hot opportunity.
Are YOU wasting YOUR expensive education and unique experience in a dead-end job?

Are you really serious about getting the raise or promotion you deserve? Do you want to know how to leverage your skills and knowledge -- AND how to make management HAPPY TO PAY YOU MORE?

Read The Ultimate Career Builder! (At this temporary LOW $7.00 price, waiting just doesn't make sense.)

You CAN Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it's too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go here and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
Exercise for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Please email your comments

Best Regards,

Mike Hayden
Slightly Famous Author of
The Ultimate Career Builder: Turning cold careers into hot opportunities.

PS. If you're not on our P V T Roster, click here PVT sign up (FREE)
PPS. Click here to sign up for the PVT Forum (FREE).
Copyright © 2007 Mike Hayden

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Mike Hayden
1805 North Carson St. #386
Carson City, Nevada 89701
(408) 817-5684 CA
(510) 789-7578 CA
(952) 674-1767 FX

Blogs: http://www.SeniorManagementServices.com/smsblog/
http://www.americansafari.blogspot.com/

Audio Generator
http://members.audiogenerator.com/specialinfo.asp?x=184643

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Secrets of Competitive Market Research

2007-05-02T14:38:00.000-07:00

Pray your competition doesn't learn these secrets...

Winning at business may not be your idea of fun, but... your competitor is someone who's getting your prospect to buy his stuff and lowering your profits. You've got to know who your competitor is and how he works.

You’ll want to get this handy new workbook (currently FREE) to help you do this. Read on.

The goal of market research is to obtain information that will help you:

Get your prospect to contact you first, and
Buy your stuff instead of your competitor's stuff.

Your competitor is likely doing research to create counter arguments against you - to get his prospects to buy his stuff instead of yours, right? And let's face it. Your prospects may suffer constraints that make it difficult to acquire your stuff, such as:

Limited resources,
Prior relationship with your competitor,
Heard more about your competitor,
Heard something negative about you (inaccurate of course).

Here are two things that will help you:

1. Collect factual information about your competition, and,
2. Carefully plan how you will present this competitive information.

To collect the features and facts that'll make ALL the difference for YOU download my new eBook with useful worksheets NOW while it's still FREE. Just send a blank email to marketsecret@aweber.com

AWeber (my autoresponder) will send you an email. Just click the email’s confirmation link to download "Secrets of Competitive Market Research."

You CAN Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it’s too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go here and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
Exercise for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

Perspectives on Business Planning

2007-04-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

How will Mike’s advice help you with your business planning TODAY?

"You meet 4 kinds of people on the ocean of life," Mike Metzger said.

"Those who drift … Those who surf … Those who drown … Those who sail toward a fixed point ..."

Read this great Monday Morning Memo for a fresh new perspective on your strategic business planning.

You CAN Organize Your Business & Get Rid of Confusion, Turmoil, and Discord!

Today we see various organizational trends trying to adapt to fast-changing markets. If you're involved in a fast-changing market your success probably depends on fast reaction to competition.

NOW! Today, you can download this F-R-E-E eBook entitled, Organize your Business for Success (Acrobat PDF download) before it’s too late.

For a brief time, I am offering my "Organize your Business for Success" Booklet as a F-R-E-E GIFT for you and those in your mail list.

To download, go here and click the button. That's all there is to it!

============================================================
Exercise for the Serious Organization Builder.
Download an updated (FREE) version of the Business Builder Outline (PDF file).

"Hi Mike ... thanks for your Business Builder outline ... good overview of what to plan for! I am about to launch my business ... and want to make it 'franchisable' ... a 'timely' download ... Thanks again, Ash"

What did you learn today that you found most beneficial?
How will you apply what you have learned at work?

The Real Face of the European Union

2007-04-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

The EU has been sold to Britain as Britain's best hope for the future . . . But behind the scenes, has another, more unsettling agenda been unfolding? The European Economic Community (EEC) began for Britain as a free-trade agreement in 1972. Today's European Union is well on its way to becoming a federal superstate, complete with one currency, one legal system, one military, one police force â€“ even its own national anthem. In this shocking new documentary featuring EU insiders and commentators, independent author Phillip Day covers the history and goals of the European Union, as well as the disturbing, irrevocable implications this new government has for every British citizen. Whether the viewer is for or against Britain's participation, this film asks the troubling questions the mainstream media has refused to confront.