The Paradox of Learning
Published July 24, 2012 | 
Many people have dreams of doing great things, writing a book that will move people’s hearts and minds for example. So why do they shrink back and avoid doing it?
I believe when it comes to doing something as outrageous as writing a book – we’re waiting for someone to say, “It’s okay, you can do it. You have my permission.” But the is truth no one gives us permission. There’s no Queen Elizabeth who’s going to tap you on both shoulders and say, “I now proclaim you expert of _____________.” and then you’re magically it and everyone automatically accepts you as as the expert of ______________.”
Life doesn’t work that way. We have to claim it for ourselves. A leader is someone who goes first. What that means is that when you claim it, when you say that, “I am an expert” or “I deserve this” then other people begin to say, “Oh, okay.” It doesn’t start with you hoping and wishing they they will come up with the idea that you’re an expert or you deserve a certain amount of money for your expertise. It starts with you.
This leads in perfectly to the Paradox of Learning…
Let’s say you decide you want to learn something new – how to buy and own a restaurant, for example. But you don’t really know much about the restaurant business yet. Let’s say everything you know about restaurant ownership is about the size of grape. And everything you don’t know about restaurant ownership is touching the outside of the grape.
So you read a book on what it takes to own a restaurant. And now everything you know about restaurant management is about the size of a lemon.
But you still don’t feel like you know quite enough so you go and read two more books on restaurant ownership. Now everything you know about restaurant ownership is about the size of an orange. And everything you don’t know about restaurant ownership is touching the outside of the orange. However, you still don’t feel like you’re ready to sign on the dotted line and buy a restaurant yet.
So you do more to learn about this subject. Now you take a seminar on restaurant ownership. What happens? Well everything you now know about restaurant ownership is about the size of a grapefruit. And, that means everything you don’t know about restaurant management has expanded too – because it’s the size of a grapefruit, too.
Next you get a job bussing tables at a restaurant. And everything you know about restaurant ownership expands to the size of a coconut. However, everything you don’t know about restaurant ownership has expanded too – because it’s touching the outside of the coconut, remember?
So when do you know that you know enough?
You know enough when you know that you don’t know everything – but you’re willing to step out courageously and take action anyway – despite your fear that you probably still don’t know enough.
That’s courage and confidence in action. That’s true leadership.
Boldness has Success Written All Over It
Published July 23, 2012 | 
I’m typing this post to you from a lovely two-bedroom suite at the Hyatt Pinion Point in Sedona Arizona. It’s beautiful, elegant, natural, relaxing and great Feng Shui around here. Tomorrow we’re going to shoot some video in the morning and we’ll probably go hang out in the vortexes. It’ll be interesting to see if I feel anything while I’m there.
It was about five hour drive down here through quite a bit of rain but it looks like it’ll be a gorgeous day tomorrow.
As I’m sitting here on the terrace with sultry summer breezes, overlooking an inky dark sky filled with stars I’m reflecting on what it took to get to this spot. This is actually our celebration and reward for a successful “Occupy Your Life… NOW!” workshop last month.
If I’m going to be honest – there was some galloping chutzpah involved. I always tell people at my workshops, my webinars and my private mentoring clients that it takes getting out of your comfort zone to get to where you want to be. After all, if the way you are right now was exactly what you need to have your defininition of success – you’d be there by now, right?
Just makes sense.
I’ve discovered is you can’t hide out if you want to be successful. There is a notion in some circles that “I don’t have to sell to get sales.” There’s a belief among some people that, “I can keep being quiet and stay in my comfort zone and charge top dollar for what I do because people will be attracted to me according to law of attraction principles.”
I believe those principles. In fact my business partner and friend Stacey Hall who wrote the bestselling, “Attracting Perfect Customer: the Power of Strategic Synchronicity” is here with me. We believe in attracting what you want – but please don’t cotton to lovely however false idea that you can skip everything about marketing and business strategy and still get there. The Universe works in amazing ways – but not quite like that.
Many people find this hard to believe because I’m known as a speaker, a trainer and a motivator – but at my core I really am an introvert. That means I re-charge my batteries when I’m alone. I’m most comfortable in my own skin when I’m writing or doing something either solitary of with just one other special person – probably Ernie, my husband, or a close friend.
To manifest where I’m at right now I had to speak into my greatness. I had to be willing to claim it. I had to be willing to say in a bold way that I’m capable of helping people make some pretty incredible positive transformations in their lives and in their business. That means knowing me and really seeing who I am as a magnificent person with powerful gifts to share with the people who want to receive them.
I know I’m good at what I do. You probably know you’re good at what you do, too. But there’s a very good chance you’re waiting for others to discover it with out you saying a word.
Many years ago Woody Allen famously said, “Eighty percent of life is just showing up.”
Are you showing up for you?
There’s so much noise, confusion and caccaphony out there – showing up in a way so the right people notice and start paying attention (that’s what marketing is all about) is a challenging job for any small business owner. I’ll be honest – its not the most comfortable easy thing that I do. However, when I step outside my comfort zone and into “the puke zone” and say what needs to be said and speak my truth loud and strong – I always get positive results.
Take an honest assessment of yourself and your true desire to achieve your definition of success. 
Are you willing? Or, is your intention to keep visualizing and meditating on what you want without taking the action steps required to get there. If you’re not willing to get out of your comfort zone – it certainly doesn’t make you a bad person. But maybe it’s time to stop kidding yourself about how you’re going to create what you say you want.
Can you get there by just giving to others? I’m sorry, nope. There must be a fair exchange of value. Money is an exchange of value. Barter is an exchange of value – but you must see value in what another person is offering to agree to it.
Norman Vincent Peale said, “Help enough other people to get what they want and you’ll get what you want.” I do believe in Karma and that what goes around comes around. But if you don’t clearly state what it is that you want - you won’t get it. People will give back but it may not be what you need and want to create the success you’ve been visualizing for so long.
Every now and then I’ll see an award given. Someone is given a plaque of appreciation for tireless, selfless work on behalf of others. These never seem to be bold people. People will whisper, “She’s the nicest person. Always giving and never asks for anything in return.” Nice. That’s like telling the Universe, “No, please, stop. I don’t want anything.” The Universe says yes to our most dominant desire. Giving, giving, giving is a great way to receive appreciation and a moment onstage – but will it give you the success and the life you want?
Be honest now. *smile*
Are You Getting Paid What You’re Worth?
Published July 10, 2012 | By Denise Michaels
For over a decade now, women have been inching toward creating a new kind of success – business success. Most aren’t interested in building the next General Motors or MicroSoft. Does this sound like you?
You want to provide a service your passionate about and genuinely enjoy. You want to live a nice life doing what you love. You don’t want to be consumed by work and business on a 24/7 basis. You want success – on your own terms.
Chances are you started your business excited about helping clients AND making money. However, in the recesses of your mind you may have believed you wouldn’t make much money right away.
So you started: full of hope, working hard, getting your ducks in a row. You’re building a good reputation with your services at a rock bottom price. The strategy? “As my reputation and my brand grows – I’ll gradually increase my fees.”
Click here now for my upcoming webinar program, “Get Paid What You’re Worth – for Women!!”
Oh, the best laid plans of mice and men…
Reality often shows a picture that’s quite different.
As a marketing mentor for over a decade now, here’s what I see – a woman a few years later who is still passionate about helping people with what she does. Only now she’s a little discouraged and living month to month on less money then she did back when she had a job. Struggling to pay her bills. Wondering when it will get better. Does this sound like you?
- A web designer – client of mine – was dangerously undercharging. She thought she was taking her business seriously – but she really didn’t know how. People weren’t seeing her value even at her rock bottom prices. I got her to triple her prices. Not all at once – but she did it. She actually gets MORE web design clients than she used to, she has a part-time helper at her home who also does dishes and vacuums. And now her husband is no longer bugging her about going out and getting a “regular job.”
There’s a silent code which says there’s something unseemly, unattractive or not “nice” about women who have the nerve to CARE about making money. Society sees that woman as strident, cold and calculating. We don’t like her one bit.
If you quietly look down on another woman who is making the big bucks in her business – how can you possibly feel good about the thought of making a larger income from your own business?
For some inexplicable reason you may quietly judge women who show clear, focused ambition. “She’s okay,” we might sniff. “I just don’t happen to like her. I don’t know what it is about her.”
Click here now for my upcoming webinar program, “Get Paid What You’re Worth – for Women!!”
After all, in our Mom’s generation (maybe Grandma) a woman’s job was to make a home – not make an income. It was a husband’s job to bring home the bacon. Women were not allowed in that arena. Ever.
Money was rarely talked about in in mixed company. And, it sure as heck was NEVER talked about in the quilting circle, the garden club or the coffee get-together. In my groundbreaking book, “Testosterone-Free Marketing” I say that 40 years of feminism doesn’t wipe out 40,000 years of human conditioning.
- Met an attorney and mom of three at a summer barbeque two years ago. She told me she charges half what other attornies charge to be nice. She was stunned how her clients didn’t seem to respect her. I suggested she double her fees. She balked. Six months ago I bumped into her and she had the same lament. I gave the same advice and told her how to do it. Two weeks ago she called and said, “It worked!” She’s making enough income now to hire a part-time assistant AND a housekeeper one day a week. Plus, she STILL has 25% more income after paying her new helpers, but less stress, more time for family, and, more respect from clients and peers.
“She only cares about the money!” is one of the worst insults. It implies a woman who’s dishonest, lacks integrity, doesn’t care what she does to get money, and, who might even gladly sell her kids down the river for a few extra bucks. Okay, I’m only joking about that last part. *smile*
Some men are still threatened by a wife who makes as much or more money as he does. A few knuckle-dragging Neanderthals still exist. Just as many men don’t give a darn one way or another. It won’t change his love for her. But she’s still wired to the unspoken belief he might be bent out of shape if she’s successful.
A fascinating study I read about a year ago said man’s greatest fear is that if he’s not successful he’ll lose everything that matters to him. He’ll lose love and his family.
Conversely the study also said a woman’s greatest fear is if she’s successful she’ll lose everything that matters to her. She’ll lose love and her family.
Click here now for my upcoming webinar program, “Get Paid What You’re Worth – for Women!!”
These are extremes – but our subconscious mind doesn’t know the difference. We have put in place a glass ceiling of our own making. Now, it isn’t some mean-spirited male boss trying to keep us in our place. It’s us doing it to ourselves. Most women who are struggling to succeed as business owners are stopping themselves from creating and enjoying success.
- A copywriter in one of my webinars was approached by a highly successful man about writing his web copy. Then he dropped a bomb and tried to dicker her prices down. She replied, “Sir, with all due respect, I can’t afford to work with people who can’t afford my fees.” Not exactly what I taught her – but she stood up for herself. He replied, “I can afford you. I just wanted to see if you’d go lower.” She said, “I’ve already given you an excellent price.” Within 24 hours she had the largest check she’d ever received on her desk via FedEx. Within three months she quadrupled her income. In less than a year she moved out of her crappy little apartment and into a luxurious condo overlooking a golf course.
Isn’t it time to stop condemning ourselves and judging other women for caring about money and our financial future? Why do we assume making money, passion and integrity cannot happily co-exist? Why do we assume the people we love the most will suddenly turn on us when we’re successful?
It’s time to stop:
- Working harder and harder to make up for not clearly, politely asking for what you want in your business.
- Allowing clients to dicker down your fees, as they moan about “the economy and then silently resenting them later
- Spending tons of your valuable time doing “research” instead of spending that time creating more income
- Living the little ”white lie” that everything is fine to keep up appearancesyou’re making more money then you are
- Secretly worrying about the fact that you’re not saving money for your future needs as you probably should.
- Smiling at clients and not even telling them when you give away hours of time you should rightfully get paid for
- Spouting silly excuses about ”giving back” as a reason for undercharging when your own cup is almost empty
Click here now for my upcoming webinar program, “Get Paid What You’re Worth – for Women!!”
Women are starting businesses faster than men, and have been for almost a decade now. Isn’t it time we stop acting like we don’t care about money? That’s the purpose of having a business – to make money. If along the way you get to express your passion and do what you love that’s a wonderful thing. But the purpose of enterprise is to create income.
Get honest with yourself. When you do – you may discover you’re finally ready to release yourself from The shackles of what you thought was being “nice” and go for it, free from the bondage of limiting thoughts that have held you back until now.
On Tuesday October 30th, 2012 I’ll start, “Get Paid What You’re Worth!!” a five-session webinar series for women business owners of service-oriented businesses. If you provide a service in your business whether you’re a graphic designer, a life coach, a massage therapist, an attorney, a bookkeeper or something check it out. If you relate to the article above and know you undercharge, I’m confident it will be perfect for you. For more information, a 3-minute video and to get registered, go ahead and click here now.
Seven Secrets to Become an Overnight Sensation
Published April 20, 2012 | By Denise Michaels
What do reality star Kim Kardashian, investor mogul Warren Buffett, and super attorney Gloria Allred have in common (besides the fact all three are swimming in money)?
They are all media darlings. When they want the world to know what they are doing – people listen. When they have a new offering, or, they want you to know about something they are doing, the headlines flash, the video cameras roll and within hours we know what they want us to know about them.
Wouldn’t it be great having the ability to command headlines to tell people about your business without the paparazzi or the need for rehab a year later?
Knowing how to build your platform of fans and customers is an essential part of creating a business people will notice in 2012 and beyond. It’s how books become number one on the bestseller lists, how bloggers with a business drive sales into hyperspace, or how products like the Missoni line of designer fashions at Target are snapped up and sell out in a few hours. Below are seven secrets to help you get noticed and be seen as influential when you want to get the word out about your business.
- Your presence on social networking platforms like Facebook is essential. Connect with movers and shakers you want to know you. You can add comments, start a group of followers or develop a fan page. Don’t know what to say? Share what you’re doing in a compelling way. There’s only one degree of separation with social networking. Post daily and build a fan base.
- Conduct business with integrity and honesty – not for a quick buck. In this new era of citizen media, disgruntled customers can spin out of control and destroy your reputation faster than you can say “Twitter.” Trust is critical to your success in the post Bernie Madoff environment. Take care of customers and let them go online with a positive story about your business, not a negative one.
- Get comfortable with media including radio, television, print and online sources. Surprisingly radio is an unsung hero because you have an opportunity to tell listeners how to connect with you. Print can be powerful, too. Professional trade journals are usually crying out for fresh articles for their eager readers. If you’re uncomfortable with this strategy remember that every day you own a business is like the biggest kick-butt seminar you’ll ever attend. Be willing to stretch.
- Use public speaking in front of groups as a way to position yourself as an expert or an authority in your field. The minute you stand in front of a room full of people you’re automatically seen as an expert. Develop a sense of humor or at least memorize a few jokes. People are more open to new ideas right after a good chuckle. If speaking makes you uncomfortable consider joining a Toastmasters group for practice and constructive support.
- Discover ways to keep your energy level or “chi” up. You can work 24/7 and never get everything done. Learn to delegate things to others who are better suited and love to do the tasks you don’t have to do. Building up your success only to crash and burn a year or two later is no fun. Plus, in 2012 you never know when someone has a camera and captures you being you.
- Use short videos (no more than five minutes) to share helpful tips and ideas about your expertise and how you help customers. Or, tell people about exciting events coming up in your business or life. Don’t be afraid to share your successes when they happen. Let your enthusiasm and passion for what you love shine. Upload them to a platform like YouTube and share all over the Web.
- Share your story of success in a way that’s emotionally compelling and helps people relate to you and what you’re all about. If you’re a positive person, generally you want to forget the tough times. But that’s where your ideal customer is at right now, in need of your product or service. There’s a way to craft your story so you come across as a person who has overcome obstacles and who can relate to their concerns now.
These seven keys provide the broad brushstrokes to become an overnight sensation. Of course an “overnight sensation” is really a person who’s worked hard for years then it appears they suddenly burst upon the scene. When you harness and leverage these secrets you’ll be well on your way to commanding the influence and positive attention that will help your business grow successfully.
NOTE: A powerful way to gain the strategic skills and the confidence you need to pull it off is with the help of two bestselling authors, Stacey Hall and Denise Michaels. Both know the ins and outs of In two and a half days, in a workshop called “Occupy Your Life… NOW!” both teach business owners how to embrace the skills necessary to become influential and an “overnight sensation” in your own right. “Occupy Your Life… NOW!” is being sponsored by In-Touch Credit Union and PR/PR.
For more information about “Occupy Your Life… Become an Overnight Sensation and Sustain it!” and our next workshop June 2-4, 2012 please click here now.
Getting Ready for Success in “The New Normal”
Published November 12, 2011 | 
Even as we are all hurtling toward the holidays at breakneck speed, in the back of your mind you are probably thinking about the goals you want to set for 2012. For many small business owners the holiday season is a slowing down time. A good opportunity to hunker down and think about what you want next year.
I consider goals differently now because the world is changing so fast. In a post Arab Spring world, you must be flexible and adaptable. Goals must be set in Jello® not in concrete.
Otherwise you:
- Will achieve your goals faster than anticipated because of a new technology that didn’t exist before. This is the good news.
- Won’t achieve goals because you underestimated the one-two punch this economy packs. Offers that formerly resulted in a feeding frenzy of sales can result in thundering silence today.
- May set a goal that becomes obsolete. New discoveries can result in a quantum leap to something better. More good news if you’re nimble and quick like Ol’ Saint Nick.
The economic foundation and constancy most Americans always took for granted has changed. Thousands of Americans are scrambling to create financial abundance, good health, reduced stress and balance in the midst of accelerating changes.
The seismic shifts the last three years may have changed where you work, live, your relationships, and/or, your health. Truth is, few people have been unscathed by the spiral that resulted from the credit crunch and the housing bubble that went, “Pop!”
If you’re striving to return to the way it was – save yourself time. Instead, embrace a new way of 
working with change and you will create an unprecedented opportunity to build what you always wanted in the first place but perhaps never believed was possible.
Insisting others must change seems simple, but it’s a path to nowhere. Assigning blame is what we see in the media, however it doesn’t solve how to move forward in “the new normal.” Only swimming with the flow of change rather than against it will help you create the abundance you’ve always wanted, financially, emotionally, spiritually, in your relationships and in your health.
Whether you agree or disagree with the “Occupy” protesters fanning out across the country and around the globe, the only thing we truly have power over changing is ourselves. If you’re open to discovering how to make essential strategic moves now, life can improve in an instant.
Working harder may look like the solution. That’s our tradition: the “American work ethic.” Working smart and focusing on the highest and best use of your time is key. Also, working with the eleven energy surges discussed by Stacey Hall in her groundbreaking book, “Chi-to-Be: Achieving Your Ultimate B’All” is the secret to feeling an elevated level of prosperity and increased hope in every facet of your life.
Hall says, “There are times when it makes sense to take a rest stop and re-charge your batteries. Or, it may be time to surge ahead and get things done even if the result is not the picture of perfection you envisioned.”
Many Americans never considered owning a business a few years ago. Yet as the Fortune 500 and large businesses continue to morph and re-shape, sending jobs overseas, the lure of becoming an entrepreneur is undeniable. Benefits include increased flexibility, family time, time for health and personal pursuits, and, an opportunity to create greater financial success. Increased wellness and quality of life on every level.
The trade-off is less of what we used to call “security.” Twenty years ago I met a woman who worked for a Fortune 100 manufacturer. She was laid off for the third time in five years.
I asked, “Why not consider a different career?”
She replied, “And leave behind all that job security?”
As a business owner it’s impossible to get laid off – which is pretty cool. There are no barriers to entry, but there are indeed barriers to success. Many new business owners jump in with enthusiasm, but they possess few business skills. The skills to creating income in your business are marketing and selling. They are essential.
Its time to embrace these skills. Ignore new marketing and selling strategies and you don’t have a business – you have an expensive hobby. You can be yourself and have customers happily say ‘yes.’ Stretching outside your comfort zone isn’t about becoming a “pushy” salesperson. Old-school approaches fail in a sea of smart consumers. Align with your customer’s values and goals and they will rightfully see you as trustworthy and helpful.
We live in a new environment that requires different skills than ever before. Dump the old. Instead, open up and apply the skills and strategies that work in “the new normal.” That’s when you can finally create the fun and abundance you missed all those long, boring years sitting in a cubicle.
Stacey Hall and Denise Michaels are conducting their breakthrough workshop, “Occupy Your Life… NOW!” in Las Vegas, January 26-28th,2012. They will provide essential tools and strategies to make your life and business work in “the new normal” For more information and to register click here now.
Back to the Drawing Board
Published October 20, 2010 | 
In recent days I’ve gone back to the drawing board on this whole excellent adventure thing.
Y’know how it is – there’s something you want to do different in your life – and you want it right this moment. And the more your life is entrenched in being a certain way – the more of a struggle it is to unwind years of building and do something different. It’s like turning an ocean liner around. It takes a Herculean effort to make it happen.
It took me four years to write my book, “Testosterone-Free Marketing.” I thought I wanted to build a seminar empire like I worked for with Robert Allen. I watched and learned. I invested a lot in them – and in myself. And I enjoy speaking. It’s a blast. But the job of filling seats with attendees is 90% and speaking is the other 10% of the business. I finally came to the conclusion even though I’ve sold out the workshops I’ve done – I have no interest in spending 90 percent of my time worrying about how to fill seats.
I want to focus on writing. That’s what I’ve known God put me on the planet for since I was a girl of eight years old.
The Perils of “Cupcake Marketing”
Published September 7, 2010 | Let’s be honest. 
Many women who own businesses say they’re dedicated to creating success but they really have an expensive hobby. They take mincing steps questioning spending ten bucks on flyers or twenty bucks for a new book. But they effort spend hundreds on a new outfit or purse. Will this help you get closer to living an excellent adventure?
I call it Cupcake Marketing.
Back in the day women were always asked to bake cupcakes for bake sales. So they did. Some women still do. Many women always comply – and never ask for anything in return. They give it all away. Their hard work and ingredients are sold.
Eventually, many get peeved they’re always asked to bake cupcakes. But they wouldn’t dare say “no.” After all, they want to “be nice.” Nice is more important than time or money.
What am I Doing? All Appears Calm and Unruffled – Actually I’m Paddling Like Hell
Published July 28, 2010 | (Part One of a two part post)
To some of you watching this blog you might think, “Gee, it doesn’t seem like Denise is doing much with this excellent adventure thing.
Truth is I’m like a duck. Everything appears calm and unruffled 
on the surface – but underneath – I’m paddling like hell.
What have I been doing since starting this adventure in lifestyle design? The only trip I’ve taken so far was a weekend visit to SoCal to see the grandkids. Not exactly adventurous. But travel is only part of creating an excellent adventure.I’ve been discovering, scheming, learning, strategizing, making mistakes, brainstorming, talking and building. I’ve been working at getting my ducks in a row to create cash flow – or, it’s equivalent (I’ll explain later) while traveling.
So, I’m considering taking a three or four day trip to San Diego. Here’s what needs to happen before I can pack and make the trip – if I’m doing it as part of my excellent adventure.
First, I need to get a Video FlipCam – but I’m waiting for a check to arrive in the mail first. It should come this weekend or maybe beginning of next week. Then, I need to learn how to use a FlipCam. I have a friend who just bought one – so that shouldn’t be difficult
Second, Ernie had a job interview last weekend and he’s supposed to find out Wednesday (7/28) if he has a job or temporary assignment. If he has a temporary assignment for a couple weeks, no big deal – I can work around him. If he has a permanent job I might choose a girlfriend to go on this first adventure with. I’d rather have my husband by my side. But hey – you gotta do what you gotta do.
My intention is to visit San Diego. The weather’s 30-35 degrees cooler than here in Las Vegas. I lived there ten years and our first date was to Seaport Village. I’d love to return. I’d hate to come without Ernie – but if he’s stuck working – I might.
That’s just the beginning….
The third part of this little adventure involves creating cash flow. I’ve been working hard building up fans on my Facebook fan page.* Tuesday, I spent most of the afternoon making a spreadsheet of active blogs around the idea of long term travel as a lifestyle and what is called “lifestyle design.” Yesterday I spent the entire evening looking for appropriate ways to comment on said blogs. They’re not really my “ideal customers” as many are by 20-somethings just out of college, married, no mortgage, no spouse. It’s perfect for them. For me, it involves more “arranging.” You too?
I also want to put together a list of blogs that have to do with empowering women. I make comments with the idea of bringing traffic to my blog. However, it’ll probably be awhile before I have enough traffic here to attract any paying advertisers. I don’t want to wait till next year before taking some kind of excellent adventure trip – even if it’s just for two or three days.
What to do?
* To visit my Facebook Fan Page click here now.
Posted in Excellent Adventure, Marketing Adventures, Travel Adventures | 
adventure, cash flow, facebook, planning, San Diego, travel, trip | 
2 CommentsAnother Excellent Adventure Get-together at Starbucks
Published July 20, 2010 | Yesterday I met at Starbucks with another group of aspiring adventurers. Boy, did we have fun! The purpose of these get-togethers is providing support for people ready to re-design their lives. Its about making big shifts and creating new life grooves.
We met at the Starbucks in the Chinatown area of Las Vegas. Believe it or not, Vegas has it’s own Chinatown area. I wanted to meet there because going to China and walking The Great Wall is on my “bucket list.”
We pulled a couple tables together and got our beverages. This time of year it’s too hot to drink anything other than an iced Passion Tea, for me anyway. Although there was an Iced Chai in the group, and, Ernie got a Vivanno smoothie.
We talked about our excellent adventures. We talked about the shifts we needed to make it happen. When you have commitments and a certain way of doing things it takes conscious effort to change. We also discussed creative ways to make it happen faster: from house-sharing to sleeping on trains (my husband’s favorite) to finding work along the way to provide funds.
What always amazes me is the sense of ebullient hope people show at these events. Everyone around the table yesterday has struggled with the economy the last couple years. From job layoffs, to down-sizing homes, to a recent divorce and a woman who gets around town by bus because she doesn’t own a car. Yet, I didn’t hear a single complaint. Not one moan about the recession. 
Instead, the conversation was about using the unexpected changes in our lives as a catalyst for positive growth. Turn lemons into lemonade. Rising from who you are now and gradually be, do, have something different. Totally different. It’s about your willingness to get out of your comfort zone. From an insurance agent who wants to be a life coach to a psychic who wants to write a book and travel the world.
I was proud of my group yesterday. Everyone who came is looking the right direction so they can thrive anew.
Are we a little crazy? Sure. We may drink the same iced coffee or Frappucino as the folks in suits rushing off to their jobs. But that’s where the similarity ends. We’re making happiness our aim. We’re redefining it in ways that happiness isn’t about the stuff you own. It’s about the experiences you have and the ways you share.
Join me at the next Excellent Adventure get-together coming soon.
All the best,
Denise Michaels
Author, ‘Testosterone-Free Marketing’
PS: Next month, I’m planning to put together a small tour of Starbucks in Southern California. I’ll be doing Excellent Adventure get-togethers. Want to meet and enjoy a get-together at a Starbucks near you? Can you gather a nice group of people looking to re-design their life? Let me know. I may put your city on my “tour.”
“Old Spice Guy” and a Changing World
Published July 19, 2010 | Back in the day – the average person didn’t have access to media. They talked at us. We either listened, listened and purchased or turned the channel. Now, it’s a whole new ball game.
Until recently Old Spice was a tired, old brand. Enter some new ads (seen largely as YouTube videos)
featuring hunka, hunka burnin’ chocolate love former NFL wide receiver Isaiah Mustafa. So far so good. The videos are going crazy on YouTube.
Here’s where it shifts. Old Spice asked people to submit questions to Old Spice guy. One guy asked if he’d propose to his girlfriend. He did.
Go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-fLV28SkZ8 (If the link doesn’t work, copy and paste it into your browser window.)
The proposal video featuring Old Spice guy’s been online six days and has over 736,000 views. What does this mean? The average person has access to getting a message out in ways that were formerly impossible.
When my book was released, I wanted like crazy to get on Oprah and other national shows. Unfortunately, my crackpot publisher (don’t ask!) didn’t get distribution to major booksellers – so, no national TV exposure. I struggled, but made “Testosterone-Free Marketing” a business bestseller with internet sales – so it’s all good.
People ask, “When will you write another book?” Or, “When will you go BIG?”
My aim is to write and hopefully help people that way. It doesn’t have to be a book – but I do want to get paid. If I have an idea for a book I must write – I will. The world’s changing. Lately, I’m happy blogging, writing articles, etc. I can create a following using social media. When that following is big enough, I can get paid without being in bookstores or getting on Oprah.
Visit your average bookseller. What do you see? Books written by celebrities and wannabes. People with a big platform of fans growing bigger. People seen in Hollywood, reality TV, politics, or, they’ve had bestsellers out for decades. This is where the majority of book contracts go. Where are the thoughtful, intriguing books written by an unknown author that make you think and discover new ideas? They’re buried or never make it into print. Without promoting the right way – well, fuddegaboudit.
Recently I met a woman who paid $65,000 for a package that promised support getting her book written, published, promoted and a bunch of bells and whistles. The guru who sold her the package fell short. But that’s not the point. People are desperate to crack the code on becoming known.
Create an Internet following and your own platform. Become a known expert on twitter, your fan page or your blog. Don’t wish and hope for national TV exposure. Build your following, your tribe, one happy fan at a time. And, do it from your laptop or Ipad while enjoying an excellent adventure.
Posted in Adjusting to Change, Excellent Adventure, Marketing Adventures, News You Can Use | blog, book, change, Internet, marketing, platform, struggle | 2 CommentsTop 10 Problems You Must Resolve to Get Your Business Growing
Published December 9, 2009 | 1. You think it looks good, but your website probably looks like your little brother designed it. And, don’t go to one of these template businesses. Most people can see them a mile away. You get what you pay for! Look professional!
2. Your business phone answering machine is your house phone and the message is: “Hi…You’ve reached the Smith clan…Mark, Mindy, Mary, and Michael value your call, so please leave message when you hear Ruffy, our dog, bark”! Change it and tell your Mom when she calls not to hang up…she has the right number.
3. Your business cards and stationary were produced with your inkjet printer or are from some spiffy, cut-rate printing service…Once again, you get what you pay for.
4. You only check email three times a week and are not prompt with replies…this goes for phone calls, too. People love to deal with someone who is professional…and, that means being prompt.
5. Not wanting to call anyone outside your area code. Hey, call that guy in Great Britain or on the other side of the country if you think it will benefit you.
6. Banner exchanges, reciprocal links, mail blasters, spamming, etc. The work is NOT worth the return. Nobody really cares about your banner, link, or email blast to 500,000 for $4.95……they only care about theirs!
7. Fearing failure and not having a “failure is not an option” mindset…Attitude is key!
8. Little passion for your business…just doing it to make money….forget success if this is the case and go get another job if you just want money.
9. Buying into the “something for nothing” pitfall on the net. Buying the “silver bullets” of self-proclaimed gurus who promise you something for nothing. Get a real, live Mentor who has “made it”… don’t try to reinvent the wheel!
10. Playing too safe and taking little risk….working hard and not smart.
To find out more about mentoring with me (I’ve mentored over 1,400 people to success the last decade – one at a time) click here now.
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Dedicated to every 40+ person still kickin' it. If you have dreams and adventures you refuse to abandon - follow me on the journey. Life is one big adventure! Make yours excellent.
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