All Issues



What’s In a Name?
by John Forde (06/17/2009)

Personalized mailings were all the rage in direct marketing… back in 1975. They continue to be a staple today, online as well as off, based on the idea that no sound is sweeter than that of your own name. Given my one or two experiences with hand-shaking, name-abusing car salesman over the years, I beg to differ. (”John, what can we do to get you behind the wheel of this beauty today… John?”)

Burn Carbs Not Fat!
by Craig Ballantyne (06/12/2009)

Imitation: The Secret to Stronger Sales Copy
by Justin Ford (06/12/2009)

Rich Schefren has really hit the nail on the head.
by ETR (06/05/2009)

Just had to say that Rich Schefren has really hit the nail on the head about the media and so called ‘journalism’ in his article ‘How to Make More Money During a Recession.

It was a nudge into looking at life in a fresh way
by ETR (05/04/2009)

"I recently read Michael Masterson’s article on golfing with his son. The message became very important because it was a nudge into looking at life in a fresh way. It is really amazing how routine we are. I keep a notebook now. Every day, I pluck out some incident to write about. It’s great. Thanks for the nudge Michael."

I can’t describe how helpful ETR is
by ETR (04/13/2009)

I’ve been subscribed to your newsletter for a long time, and I can’t describe how helpful ETR is. You give a lot of support - and in most cases, your articles seem to be written for me. Thank you for drawing my attention to some details which I hope will finally put me on the path to a better, richer life

Finding Happiness and Hope in Tough Times
by ETR (04/10/2009)

Feeling down because of the current state of the economy? Michael Masterson presented a simple way to overcome those feelings of despair in his article "Defeating Depression Before It Defeats You." ETR readers took comfort in his words. Here’s some of what they had to say:

ETR is the best newsletter I’ve come across in years
by ETR (04/02/2009)

“‘How to Make Your Ideas More Valuable‘ was a very informative article, giving me exactly what I need to make sure my JV proposals are tight.

Thank you for being a source of hope and inspiration
by ETR (03/30/2009)

I want to thank you for Michael Masterson’s piece on dealing with rough times. t was uplifting. Thank you for being a source of hope and inspiration (and information) for your readers

I thought I just went through business school in 300 pages!
by ETR (02/23/2009)

“I’m a biology major who studied his way to medical school. My last business class was in 6th grade (about ways to save your allowance money).

There’s something for everyone.
by ETR (02/04/2009)

"ETR is a superlative and unique offering on my computer during the week. It simply has no peer at what it sets out to do. There’s something for everyone. I’ve gained wisdom, knowledge, background information, understanding, and, not the least, some badly needed business acumen.

I am seeing great results from my new method of working out
by ETR (01/28/2009)

“If you’re like me, you get very, very bored doing cardio on the treadmill, stationary bike, or whatever your favorite piece of exercise equipment is. Five minutes can feel like hours. The gym has plenty of TVs to try to entertain you while you work out. However, the news is too depressing, watching the food channel only makes me want to eat (definitely defeats the purpose of being at the gym), and the other mindless programs bore me.

I want to thank you for providing the ETR Goals Program
by ETR (01/13/2009)

This year, with everything that I received by entering into the program - the workbook and DVD, the weekly planner, the weekly power surge messages, the twice a month teleconferences, the website forum, and Bob and Karin Cox’s personal phone mentoring - I have been able to:

Reader Feedback: “Your newsletter serves to remind folks like me that the fight is worth it.”
by ETR (01/02/2009)

“I’m an aspiring writer and poet. Your vocabulary and grammatical lessons have helped me find more readers. People notice those ‘little things!’

Now You Can Enjoy Your Chocolate Fix Even More…
by Kelley Herring (12/30/2008)

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD tested the effect of dark chocolate on platelet activity, C-reactive protein (CRP - an indicator of heart disease and stroke risk), and lipid profile in 28 healthy volunteers. For one week, the volunteers ate dark chocolate (providing 700 mg of flavonoids per day). At the end of that time, the researchers found that, on average, their LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) had fallen by 6 percent and their HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) had increased by 9 percent. Their CRP levels, too, were reduced.

Dear ETR: “Keep those helpful business hints coming.”
by ETR (12/24/2008)

Here I am, taking you up on the offer to ‘cast my vote‘ for ETR. I love reading ETR’s daily newsletter. I own a small building contracting firm here in Central Virginia, and it’s always refreshing to keep up with the articles you guys put out.

Chauvinist
by ETR (12/18/2008)

A “chauvinist” (SHOH-vuh-nist) is a person with a prejudiced belief in the superiority of his or her own kind. The word comes from Nicolas Chauvin, a legendary French soldier known for his extreme devotion to Napoleon.

Perfunctory
by ETR (12/09/2008)

Something that’s “perfunctory” (per-FUNGK-tuh-ree) - from the Latin for “to get through with” - is done routinely and with little interest or care.

Reader Feedback: “I was overwhelmed by the incredible talents and real genius qualities of the speakers and the faculty at ETR’s Bootcamp.”
by ETR (11/29/2008)

Please extend my sincere thanks to your entire group for a very dynamic and lively conference at the Marriott. I was overwhelmed by the incredible talents and real genius qualities of the speakers and the faculty at ETR’s Bootcamp.

Expropriate
by ETR (11/18/2008)

To “expropriate” (ek-SPROH-pree-ate) - from the Latin for “to deprive of property” - is to transfer someone else’s property to yourself.

Redivivus
by ETR (11/14/2008)

“Redivivus” (red-uh-VIE-vus) - from the Latin for “again” + “alive” - means brought back to life, revived or restored.

The Writer Is Always at Fault
by Robert Ringer (11/11/2008)

Even if you’re not a professional writer, you should follow this rule when writing letters, e-mails, advertisements, agreements, or just about anything else. Unfortunately, the modern-day overuse of e-mail has made people even worse writers than they used to be - and most people have always been pretty bad writers to begin with.

Bifurcate
by ETR (11/10/2008)

To “bifurcate” (BY-fur-kate) - from the Latin for “two-pronged fork” - is to divide into two parts.

Thank you for the daily Word to the Wise
by ETR (11/10/2008)

I just wanted to thank you for the daily Word to the Wise section. I have a very large reading vocabulary, which means that although there are numerous words which I more or less understand and can use in context, I am often unsure of pronunciation or exact definition. It is nice to have this reference to provide additional clarity and confidence.”

Bobs article definitely has set my male ego flying.
by ETR (11/04/2008)

I’m now sixty-one and starting over. I retired at forty-eight, moved to the Northeast Georgia Mountains with high intentions of relaxing, but also of finding work that would push my excite button. I found that job, but the company went out of business. So I began to look for another opportunity.

Internet Marketing Expert David Cross on Changing the Channel: “If I’d Only Had and Followed the Advice in This Incredible Book All Those Years Back…”
by ETR (10/27/2008)

“My first ‘online business’ was in 1989, using bulletin boards. People consider me an ‘expert’ at online marketing now, but really it’s because I’ve made and learned from many, many mistakes along the way.

Internet Marketing Expert Rich Schefren on Changing the Channel: “Michael and MaryEllens Book Stands Way Above All the Others.”
by ETR (10/24/2008)

“I just finished reading Changing the Channel, and all I can say is WOW! I read four to five books a week, and Michael and MaryEllen’s book stands way above all the others.

Worth Quoting: Seth Godin on the Right Time to Start a Business
by ETR (10/08/2008)

“Whenever a business cycle starts to falter, the media start wringing their hands. Then big businesses do, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and soon everyone is keening.

The Belly-Blasting Power of Antioxidants
by James B. LaValle (09/29/2008)

You have probably heard that obesity raises your risk for heart disease and diabetes, as well as other diseases. And recent studies have found that fat around the waist or belly is particularly harmful.

Critique the Work of Others - and Get Paid for It!
by Don Hauptman (09/23/2008)

Whatever your specialty or area of expertise, you may have overlooked an opportunity: critiquing the work of others for money...

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