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BLUE THING #10: BACKTALK: Comments From Our Readers
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Thomas C. Kern
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BLUE THING #10: BACKTALK: Comments From Our Readers
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Thomas C. Kern
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BLUE THING #10: BACKTALK: Comments From Our Readers
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Thomas C. Kern
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10:15 AM
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BLUE THING #10: BACKTALK: Comments From Our Readers
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Thomas C. Kern
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BLUE THING #10: BACKTALK: Comments From Our Readers
Posted by
Thomas C. Kern
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10:29 AM
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"Teri,
Great interview! Hopefully this will motivate the decision makers in some companies to consider non-traditional approaches to achieve success."
Peter Biadasz
Author/Speaker/Publisher
www.TotalPublishingAndMedia.com
"Well-written article."
C. G. J.
"Dick,
Very interesting article. I think if you do a follow up you should point out somehow that valuation may be of little import early on, but it becomes very important in later rounds of financing, especially if early round investors want to be properly rewarded for taking the earlier, bigger risk and not let later stage investors steal returns the earlier investors deserve. One reason the one area not to skimp is on legal counsel.
I also want to make you aware of the Invest Southwest Capital Conference, which occurs every December in Scottsdale, AZ. Companies from AZ, CA, CO, NM, and NV seeking $500,000 to $5,000,000 are open to apply and applications are due September 1st. More details are available at the web site, www.investsouthwest.org."
L. S.
"Dick,
As always, you provide great and relevant content organized in such a way that it is usable and critical to entrepreneurs everywhere. You have 'de-mystified' one of the most confusing elements of funding your business."
Teri Aulph
"There are reputable companies out there that will pay you, but don’t expect to find more than a few dollars per survey. For the more extensive surveys (for instance, if you are asked to try out a particular brand of laundry detergent and the test takes a few weeks), you will be paid more money. But even if you took surveys all day long, the odds of being able to pay the bills with survey money alone are very, very slim."
Dokemion
"Rick,
Great article! It seems that the 80/20 rule may apply to networking also. Keep building those quality relationships and good things will follow."
Peter Biadasz
Author/Speaker/Publisher
www.TotalPublishingAndMedia.com
BLUE THING #10: BACKTALK: Comments From Our Readers
Posted by
wlkovitz
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12:58 PM
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Labels: Backtalk, Blue Things, Penny Ng, the national networker, TNNW, TNNW BackTalk, tnnwc
"Peter,
As a speaker I appreciate your step-by-step approach to doing this. Thank you for sharing it. Good article.
Thanks!"
Rick Itzkowich
"I would suggest adding a ghostwriter to this process. A good ghostwriter can re-assemble various parts into a logical order; add transitions and filler where needed, and clean up the wording that can be awkward in print, even though it worked in speaking. It is money well spent."
Duncan
"Speakers had better be writing books, especially if they want to capture sales that are rightfully theirs. Many of my authors are speakers, and the fastest selling books usually belong to the speakers. I have one who moves a couple hundred books per weekend (he paid just over $1 per book and is selling for $10 or $15 per book). So, speakers should be writing books, without question!"
Brian Mast
"Amen to what Brian said. And if the thought of writing a book gives you a fright, use a ghost (pun intended). Most of my business is working with speakers who are subject matter experts yet they have neither the time nor the talent/patience/or inclination to write an entire book themselves. There is no shame in using a ghostwriter; frankly, most all non-fiction authors do. "
Kerry Zukus
"A blank envelope that I used because of Harvey McKay's business-ENVELOPES. I used it all last year to market and brand our company. Wrote their personal name and delivered to several offices with a great response. Who doesn't like their name and the word "stimulus check". I was checking the market with them and offering a stimulus discount and a check to see if they needed the TOP 20% of personnel in the area. GREAT SUCCESS with that."
Gloria Kelley
"Ms. D'Ausilio described the problem perfectly. Too often execs are short sighted and do not consider the bigger picture when letting workers go because of short term dips in their balance sheet. Then, do not spend appropriately when back in re-hiring mode."
Dennis Kunkler
"Ah, Bonnie! You are always right on.. and to see your tips in this precise list is great. I think I'll pass it out at my next networking event! Thank you."
Anonymous

The National Networker Companies™
“Empowering Emerging Enterprises”
Membership in TNNWC’s Global Interactive Cooperative Business Community is free of charge and entitles you to receive both The National Networker Newsletter and The BLUE TUESDAY Report, as well as access to our unparalleled Suite of Business Services.
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BLUE THING #10: BACKTALK: Comments From Our Readers
Posted by
PENNY NG
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7:22 PM
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"Dear Douglas:
I’m glad you reprinted this article because I accidentally deleted it from my E mail.
While I don’t totally agree entirely with your thesis, I believe you’ve “nailed” the dilemma facing most if not all budding entrepreneurs. I would like to add my thoughts to your article.
Most entrepreneurs have to start small often with limited resources. That being said, add these to your analysis:
1) YOU’RE IN BUSINESS TO MAKE MONEY. You are not in business to make the world a better place.
2) BECOME A SALESPERSON, NOT A MISSIONARY. You need to learn how to make appointments, present, close and overcome objections. There are no magic formulas, shortcuts or silver bullets. You need to be persistent, resilient and motivated. No one will do this for you. Some sales training would also help.
3) You need to make sales calls. That means getting yourself in front of real prospects by using every resource; social media (only marginally effective) or actual real-world cold-calling (difficult but very effective).
I really enjoyed this article, Douglas . We agreed over dinner that the cultural dynamics are changing; that still doesn’t negate the need to earn money. Some of the old “tried and true” still apply."
Gabriel Siegel
"Dear Douglas:
At what point in recent memory do you think the stock market was ever fair? But human nature being what it is, there were always those who felt they could 'beat' the market. Likewise, there are a plethora of trading programs peddled as a sure fire mechanism to achieve great wealth in the market.
But, human nature being what it is, there are always those who are foolhardy enough to match wits with the major houses. Think Atlantic City, OTB or street corner crap games. There's always a player; and, as you know, most will lose.
Your friend,"
Gabriel Siegel
"Hi Linda,
I loved your recent article on why the left is nervous."
R. L.
"Good question Rick. A question asked in shops all the time and it always amazes me the ignorance of some people who simple just walk past and ignore the person who has asked it."
W. T.
"Rick,
You nailed it with your comment, 'when you aggregate all of the activities together, they become a very powerful force'. Business networking, like advertising and marketing, is morphing into a network of different channels driven by technology. A while back I wrote about this in an article discussing a new advertising model entitled, '2010, Businesses Go to War Online'.
http://bit.ly/9B2GB6"
T. H.

The National Networker Companies™
“Empowering Emerging Enterprises”
Membership in TNNWC’s Global Interactive Cooperative Business Community is free of charge and entitles you to receive both The National Networker Newsletter and The BLUE TUESDAY Report, as well as access to our unparalleled Suite of Business Services.
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Visit our website at http://www.TheNationalNetworker.com
BLUE THING #10: BACKTALK: Comments From Our Readers
Posted by
PENNY NG
at
8:43 PM
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"Beth,
As always you are a fount of wisdom and this is what I needed to hear. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
And I do agree with you, #2 is critical, one cannot overcome #1 or #3, and many of the other reasons prior commentators have offered without putting in the work.
Obviously, #2 is what I'm working on.
Great post!"
Victor Powell
"In times of universal deceit, telling the truth will be a revolutionary act. -- George Orwell
People say they love truth, but in reality they want to believe that which they love is true. -- Robert J. Ringer
I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts. -- Abraham Lincoln
It is one thing to have an open mind. . . . but don’t let your brains fall out at the smallest puff of wind.
Journalism is not rocket science. . . Tell the story factually. The ability to do that without slanting to your preconceived views?. . . now that is becoming the extinct from yesterdays model of journalism.
Most news papers (Print Media) smell so poorly that you dare not taint the fish that you would wrap it in. The meteoric plunge of subscription and add revenues along with the bankruptcies are a direct proof of this. Media over the air waves is experiencing the same purging effect as well.
Ask any banana republic what is the first to go under poor conditions?
Transparency then Information.
Today’s model (whatever form it takes, Print and electronic medias melting together) that will emerge, (through painfully evolutionary means) will simply be nonpartisan and non-corrupted media streams of immediate reports. The focus will reside in Transparency, Information and Knowledge.
Those that do not change?
Are already dinosaurs. . . they just haven’t reported it yet.
And in the end?
Isn’t that what it is all about?
A little word called truth.
Blessings,"
Mike Fesler
"Rick, from one fellow BNI member to another, it is all about mindset and embracing the giver's gain approach. High value, high content and a personal touch makes all the difference in a marketing strategy. As you mentioned in your article once a connection appears to be made, take the next step and reach out to actually introduce yourself to that person deepening the relationship."
L. F.
"Thanks Rick for your article and candid and ON TARGET perspective. I use the words 'on target' specifically as that is one of the assets I appreciate about you. You are personal, professional and offer myself and others expertise in systems that help us all be 'on target'"
J. N.
"Social Networking and Business Networking can help individuals to improve their visibility in professionals network.
Ff you are visible then you will have an opportunity to share your knowledge with more people and these people can convert into customers."
Y. A.
"Rick,
In your article you mention an important element (at least for me) of social networking which goes beyond the Internet and steps into good, old fashioned, pre-Internet business building style of making a connection: you picked up the phone, all be it probably not a rotary dial phone on the desk in your office but a cell phone while on the go.
I find that social networks are a great starting point and one method to 'stay in touch' - a key element for me is 'making the call' and having a conversation. In fact, I think that's how we actually 'met'."
D. O.
"I have been aware of the power of Social networking since Thomas Power visited Denmark last year. I have been a Management Consultant and Business coach in Denmark since 1998 and all my customers have come from personal references/network activities. About a year ago I began to write on different blogs and groups and now I get customers who have liked my comments. So I really believe in Thomas Powers 3 steps:
1. Know me
2. Like me
3. Follow me"
E. F.
"Whether it is a large corporation or a person you meet at a networking event, you need to do your due diligence. I wish I had a nickel for every MLMer I ran into a networking events. And most of them are gone before the next networking event.
I agree with you, I'd rather do business with someone that I know, like and have a connection with. But that doesn't excuse me from the need to do my own due diligence."
Fred Bauer
"The article is quite concerning. We are slowly losing our freedoms in areas that need not be affected."
D. S.
"Adam:
This is by far one of the most insightful and sharply-pointed articles I have ever read. It is the reason why most networking and relationship-building efforts continually fail. The "one-sided" Mutual Admiration Society marketplace falsely appears to be our comfort zone (filled with friends and compliments), but is, in actuality, the "black hole" that saps our energies.
Faithfully,"
Douglas Castle

The National Networker Companies™
“Empowering Emerging Enterprises”
Membership in TNNWC’s Global Interactive Cooperative Business Community is free of charge and entitles you to receive both The National Networker Newsletter and The BLUE TUESDAY Report, as well as access to our unparalleled Suite of Business Services.
Join Us! Simply click on http://bit.ly/JoinTNNWC
Visit our website at http://www.TheNationalNetworker.com
BLUE THING #10: BACKTALK: Comments From Our Readers
Posted by
PENNY NG
at
3:02 PM
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comments
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"I find #2 very interesting but, more so this excerpt on what makes a best seller discussion ... "desire or dream readers didn’t even know what they had until the book was in front of them." Now, that is difficult to quantify!"
J. N.
"Very interesting. I have completed my first book, which is currently at the Editors. Thereafter, I have an agreement with an international company to help me publish the book.
But I have given it thought to publish it for free, with the principle of first sow then reap in mind."
C. S.
"Beth, about 'And readers want to be surprised, delighted, and wowed. So, dig deep and find out how your book is unique. How do you do that? You do your homework. Research other books similar to yours and face facts, and ask the hard questions. How is my book different specifically? In what way can I stand out, both in content and by highlighting who I am as the author? What may I need to add or subtract to achieve that stand-out uniqueness?'
Powerful. These are vital questions. A writer needs to feel in her deepest intuition if now is the time. Also, she will likely want an excellent editor to help her raise the quality of her book.
I've written 9 books and I have 2 editors per book.
And, non-fiction might be part of your career in a different way: As a professional speaker, I wrote and released a book in 2000 entitled 'Communicate to Win' which was a required textbook and part of Cogswell College's Time Capsule to be opened in 2100.
Recently, I released a *third edition* of that book -- but I re-titled it 'Be Heard and Be Trusted' http://bit.ly/8H0rOO
For non-fiction and as a professional speaker, I am glad that I released the first edition. And, it is true that my 3rd edition is much better (and much longer at 396 pages).
My point is that if a non-fiction book is part of your total career path -- it may be highly useful for you to get expert help now.
The best to you,"
Tom Marcoux
Blog: www.BeHeardandBeTrusted.com
America's Communication Coach
www.TomSuperCoach.com

The National Networker Companies™
“Empowering Emerging Enterprises”
Membership in TNNWC’s Global Interactive Cooperative Business Community is free of charge and entitles you to receive both The National Networker Newsletter and The BLUE TUESDAY Report, as well as access to our unparalleled Suite of Business Services.
Join Us! Simply click on http://bit.ly/JoinTNNWC
Visit our website at http://www.TheNationalNetworker.com
BLUE THING #10: BACKTALK: Comments From Our Readers
Posted by
PENNY NG
at
9:34 PM
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comments
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"It takes a seasoned professional and results oriented player to run the relay race backward and still win...What I mean is that working backward from the finish line can create a map chock full of insight.
One way to out trump and out jump the obstacles, even though often that is not what one wants to see, is to know about them NOW. Overcoming illusions leads you to a closer reality and authentic success, that you as a writer truly need to grow. Unconventional solutions makers can envision the best possible outcome and success for each unique project ..if you are ready and willing to train, one page at a time.
Thanks for the hard facts and reverse psychology exercise Beth....the publishing world is full of illusions and pitfalls. Pass the baton to those who can take the highest hurdle. They can help you with their invaluable experience."
Geocolors
"Disagree-
But it's conditional!
If you are going to write a series (Chicken Soup, idiot's guide to, etc.) you want to self-publish so you can control the series and keep the majority of profits.
If you have your distribution covered, and have partners with a proven record of success.
Your book is ready to print (edited by a pro)
If you have one or more published (not self published) authors on the project,
Otherwise, I would say, don't self publish!"
T. S.
"There are different types of books. I agree that if you're writing a novel it should be because you have a story you are eager to tell regardless of the profits you seek from it. You make a very good point about making sure that what you have to share is either unique in that it's never been told or unique in how it's being told or it's not going to get published.
As for business books, that's a totally different arena. So I'm not sure all of your advice would apply."
J. G.
"Great Article Peter!"
Josh Lakey
"Hi Peter,
I enjoyed your very informative article. Thanks for sharing it."
Ronnie Dauber
"My husband writes brilliant business related pieces, but as far as fiction, his crayon box is empty. Conversely, being an old school project manager, I too write for business, but my strong suit is paranormal science fiction, including speculative, paranormal.
My point is, just because you want to write fiction, does not mean you will be successful at it. But just like painting, everyone should give it a try. I'm just saying.... "
Cheryl Gray
"This is a good article, thanks, makes me think to direct people to my blog rather than the standard real estate answer."
N. V.
"Fantastic advice, Maria. I am also an introvert so I find it far easier to break the ice by asking questions of others. One that I like to ask is 'So how did you get into [insert business here]?'.
I'm attending a chamber of commerce lunch tomorrow so I'll be keeping your advice in mind. Thanks!"
Laura Sultan
"Cool! I can't believe that there is a road to nowhere called Million-Dollar Bridge... Nice stuff!"
Hanmi

BLUE THING #10: BACKTALK: Comments From Our Readers
Posted by
AJKovitz
at
1:43 PM
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comments
Labels: Backtalk, Blue Things, Penny Ng, the national networker, TNNW, TNNW BackTalk, tnnwc
"Nice, Beth!
My Reason #4: You don't have a business plan that makes sense.
In college, I took creative writing seminars actually hoping someone would tell me I had no talent and I was free to seek my fortune elsewhere.
Writing is part of living the examined life, and I recommend it to everyone. Publishing makes sense only as part of a larger vision of your career. Too few authors realize that we are all entrepreneurs, no matter when, where, or how we publish. Writing is an art. Publishing is a business."
Gwyn Nichols
"Rick you're exactly right - we're all out networking and meeting people but not developing the relationships that lead to sales opportunities. Next time someone asks me how they can help, I'll be ready!"
N. W.
"Dear Rick,
Article is amazing and very true, thanks for sharing with me and of course your quotes are so wonderful and very appropriate every day.
How I can help you?
Thanks and best regards,"
H. T.
"Rick, first of all, I am thankful of your Quote for an Action letter. Very often I have even acted, if not just as proposed in the mail, but anyway done something that I would not have done otherwise. So keep them coming.:-)
Then regarding your Blog about VCP-model, I agree 100%. I am personally a member of BNI - claimed to be a worlds largest Business Networking organization. Everything in there is based on getting Business Referrals by maximizing your VCR, and most often asked question from me and by me is 'How can I help you?'.
Since I joined about 18 months ago, I have been able to create a group of (business) friends to whom I can trust close to 100%, and still we are building our credibility among ourselves all the time. We meet every week (V), we over deliver every time we do business together, and due to that our business deals are profitable for everyone.
Another important philosophy, which I had even before joining BNI, is 'Givers Gain'. It really works.
So, how can I help you?"
K. V.
"Thank you Rick. Your quote actions are eerily relevant to my daily challenges. As for this article... I am a member of BNI and I get asked the question, 'How can I help you?' all the time. I rarely know how to answer. This article has helped me to understand that this offer does not need to inspire the panic of being offered 'only one magic wish'. I can use the offers to help build relationship capital with people who really do want to help me and who I would also like to help. VERY USEFUL. Thank you. You are a networking angel."
Kerry Wiley Bnima
"Hey Rick, I loved this article. It really hit home. How many times have I been asked, overtly or covertly, to help someone? Sometimes I can and sometimes I can't. And, you are right, it is all a matter of trust. Well done!"
B. T.
BLUE THING #10: BACKTALK: Comments From Our Readers
Posted by
wlkovitz
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2:14 PM
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