DL, a senior executive, sat next to me on the plane ride to LA. During the four-hour flight, he read a detective novel.
It relaxed him, he said. I wasn’t impressed. (more…)
DL, a senior executive, sat next to me on the plane ride to LA. During the four-hour flight, he read a detective novel.
It relaxed him, he said. I wasn’t impressed. (more…)
When Israeli medical doctors went on strike in 2000, the number of deaths in that country went down.
They went down so far, in fact, that funeral directors were protesting the strike!
Emergency care and other vital services were not disrupted during the strike. What decreased — drastically — were visits to outpatient centers.
It’s a common story. Entrepreneur starts company. Company gets too big for one man to handle. Professional managers take over. Business tanks. Original (or new) entrepreneur takes over. Business is saved.
I’ve seen it from afar and have experienced it firsthand. (more…)
“We don’t talk much about office morale,” my main client said in a memo to his top execs recently. “Why not? Partly because we don’t know much about these things. Another is that we don’t think about it.” (Note: When he says “we,” he means “I.”)
As far as I know, this has always been true. When I first met him 30 years ago, he showed no interest in management issues. And when I began consulting with his company 10 years after that, he hadn’t changed.
Your employees want to work less and get paid more. Your vendors want to charge more and deliver less. Your customers are tough to please. What should you do?
In today’s main essay, I’ll give you my view. (more…)
You invested your money and time to start your own business. After several years of very hard work, it is starting to produce significant profits.
It’s time to start paying yourself. How much should that be?
What’s your excuse for not working toward your most cherished dream?
It could be to start your own Internet business or learn a new language or travel to Asia.
Do you think you’re too old? Too inexperienced and unqualified? Too busy with other things? Too broke?
Time passes so damn quickly. And as you get older, it speeds up so much that, if you don’t do something about it, your life will take place without including the person who’s buried deep inside you.
You know the person I mean. The dreamer. The bright, starry-eyed optimist who was once in charge of your body and soul.
I have wanted to be a writer since I was six years old. It was my father who first encouraged me. After reading a poem I wrote called “How Do I Know the World Is Real?” (Can you believe I can still remember it? Cripes, I can still recite it!), he told me I had a special talent. And that if I nurtured it, I could be a great writer some day.
(more…)
If you work hard all week, then find yourself “crashing” on the weekend – just when you need even more energy to do the things you love – here are some tips for you:
1. Go to bed and get up at the same time as you do during the week.
I guarantee you won’t be tired all weekend – and you won’t have trouble falling asleep on Sunday night.
2. Start your weekend days with 30 minutes of fun activity.
It doesn’t have to be a structured workout (you can save that for during the week), but getting up and getting moving will get you off to a high-energy start.
3. Avoid high-calorie, high-sugar brunches.
A surefire way to make yourself sleepy is to load up on orange juice and pancakes after your weekend “workout.” So skip those foods, stick to an omelet filled with vegetables, and drink green tea.
And when you get together with your friends, keep your energy high by going for a hike or bike ride, rather than sitting down in a pub or movie theater with a bunch of high-calorie snacks.
[Ed. Note: Regular exercise can help keep your energy levels high any day of the week. Fitness expert Craig Ballantyne has put together a high-energy program that allows you to burn fat and build muscle in three 45-minute sessions each week. Learn more here.
For more easy-to-implement ideas about how to live longer and feel better, get your free subscription to ETR's natural health newsletter.]
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?”)
That doesn’t mean personalizing a mailing doesn’t work. Only that the same principle that made it a good idea decades ago has matured today. That is, using your prospect’s name is a good beginning – but better is a stronger, fuller profile of what the customer cares about.
Think Amazon remembering past purchases and suggesting new ones. Think psychographic marketing, not just demographics. The baseline rule: The goal of getting personal with your prospect is actually getting personal, not just pretending to have a connection.
That said, one of the most popular pieces of copywriting advice you’re likely to hear is to write your sales pitches in the second person. This doesn’t mean developing a split personality at the keyboard. It means writing to the “you” – as in, your reader.
Of course, arbitrarily stuffing “you” into every sentence is no better than overplaying your reader’s name. If it isn’t genuine, it will irritate him.
The difference is often just a mindset. Really write to the “you” while you picture him in your head, and all the phoniness falls away.
[Ed. Note: To get more of copywriting expert John Forde's wisdom and insights into marketing (and much more), sign up for his free e-letter, Copywriter's Roundtable, atwww.copywritersroundtable.com. Or send an e-mail tosignup@jackforde.com. Get a free report about 15 deadly copy mistakes and how to avoid them when you sign up today.
Personalized mailings are just one secret to having a profitable Internet business. Learn dozens more at Early to Rise's premier Internet Business Building Conference this July in Denver. Find out more about how you can change your life in just five days
here.]
What’s the best way to get rid of ugly belly fat? If you say “Long, slow cardio to burn as much fat as you can during your workout,” you’ve got it wrong.
I’ve written before in ETR about the futility of cardio. But there’s another argument to consider.
It’s well known in the workout world that women burn a greater percentage of fat during endurance exercise than men. It’s also clear that women have higher body fat percentages. In other words, women, despite burning more fat, have more fat. And men, who burn more carbohydrate, have LESS fat.
So, you see, it’s not all about how much fat you burn during your workout. That’s why I don’t recommend long, slow, boring “fat-burning-zone” cardio workouts. In fact, I have the opposite mindset when designing workouts for my clients. I want them to focus on burning carbohydrate instead. And you do that through intense exercise.
When you exercise intensely, you burn carbohydrate and put “turbulence” on the muscles. And you can do that with heavy resistance training or interval training.
So remember…
Burn CARBS not fat!
Short, intense exercise works better for fat loss and fitness.
[Ed. Note: It's time to break out of the "long, slow cardio" exercise routine for good! Fitness expert Craig Ballantyne can help you burn carbs AND fat and build muscle with three 45-minute workouts a week. Learn how right here.
For more easy-to-implement ideas about how to live longer and feel better, sign up for ETR's free natural health newsletter.]
I had an old friend – no longer with us – who used to say, “If writers write, copywriters copy. Isn’t that how it works?”
I wince to hear it put that way, given the many times I’ve sat there staring at a blinking cursor and trying to come up with something “new.” But yes, in a lot of ways, it’s true.
And really it’s nothing to be ashamed of. After all, we’re not talking about stealing other people’s copy. We’re talking about learning from other copywriters by studying what they’ve done in a way that can only be accomplished deeply through verbatim copying – over and over – of their best stuff.
It’s more or less that simple.
To do it right, you have to make sure you are starting with a winning direct-mail package and not a dud. Either something you’ve seen mailed over and over or something you know for a fact was a control.
Then, before you do anything else, read the copy.
You’re not going to do anything complicated. You’re just going to copy out the package page by page, word for word.
All of it.
If it’s too big to do in one sitting, I recommend you spread out the task over a few days, a week, whatever you need. As long as each copying session is at least 45 minutes to an hour long.
And to get the full effect, don’t let too much time go between sessions – or what you’ve learned from one day to the next will go stale before it gels together as a whole.
And, yes, you have to do this by hand. Typing it out just isn’t the same. Why? Slower is better. As you copy out words, you’re hoping to soak up lessons between the lines. You need time between syllables for discovery.
It’s tough on your elbow, but worth the pain.
And, hey, if you REALLY want to learn from this exercise, go back and do it again. As soon as you’ve finished. You won’t be sorry, once you see the results.
[Ed. Note: To get more of copywriting expert John Forde's wisdom and insights into marketing (and much more), sign up for his free e-letter, Copywriter's Roundtable, at www.copywritersroundtable.com. Or send an e-mail to signup@jackforde.com. Get a free report about 15 deadly copy mistakes and how to avoid them when you sign up today.
Good copywriting is just one aspect of running a successful business. For a full rundown on starting and running a work-at-home Internet business that could soon replace or exceed your current income, check out ETR's 5 Days in July business-building event. You'll discover how to set up a website, choose a product, write copy that sells, and much more - and you WILL walk away with your own Internet business. Learn more here.]
“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.’
“Absolutely brilliant and spot on. They have to fill so many newspaper/magazine pages and so much TV airtime that any ‘news’ item is completely overexposed and hyped up. (Swine flu is a good example.) It also seems that many journalists really don’t know much about the subjects they are writing about. Fortunately, the same cannot be said about Early to Rise.
“Keep up the good work.”
Karen Letherby
Cheltenham, UK
“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.”
Judith Pazmino
Covington, KY
“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.”
Theo P.
[Ed. Note: We want to hear what you think! How has ETR helped you most? Let us know at AskETR@ETRFeedback.com.]
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:
“I have always admired Michael’s writings & this is another needed message he has delivered. Thank you.”
S. Ford
“Thank you so much for your wonderful article. It was so very helpful and accurate. Self Esteem is exactly the crux of the problem.”
Luann C.
“Good article!
“I have been out of work for almost a year. I have no financial assets anymore, and I am 63 years old. But I work out every day, climb a mountain every weekend, and I have not given up looking for a job. Sure, lots of people would say a 63-year-old guy is not going to find a good job again. I say they are morons!
“Anyone in this predicament should stay active (exercise). Keep the blood pumping and maybe the brain will come up with a new idea.
“Over the course of the last year, I have learned so much more about business (Ready, Fire, Aim) and Internet marketing in particular that I just know it will pay off eventually.
“Thanks for continuing to inspire me!”
Bill M.
“Great Pep Talk!
“At 66, I’ve lost my retirement and nearly all of my savings. I am still hoping to do something productive. I am working on my AWAI copywriting program, and hope to finish next month. The bumps in life can be disturbing, but you have to keep going. Try to smile whenever you can. I find it helps!”
Larry R.
“‘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.
“ETR is the best newsletter I’ve come across in years.”
Fred R.
“I want to thank you for Michael Masterson’s piece on dealing with rough times. It was uplifting. Thank you for being a source of hope and inspiration (and information) for your readers.”
Jim Young
Los Altos, CA
“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).
“When I read Michael Masterson’s book, Ready, Fire Aim, I thought I just went through business school in about 300 pages.
“Michael, you’ve helped me start my business – and I never thought I could pull it off. Thank you!”
Koohzad K.
Laguna Hills, CA
Comment on this article
“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.
“Your writers and contributors represent the best in their varied disciplines. Stay with it.”
Richard K.
[Ed. Note: We want to hear what you think! Let us know what you love most about Early to Rise by sending an e-mail to AskETR@ETRFeedback.com.]
“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.
“So, I decided to bring my own source of ‘boredom equalizer’ to help me through my workouts. I had purchased Michael Masterson’s book, Ready, Fire, Aim, on CD. I bring one of the CDs to the gym and listen while I’m on the cardio machines… and it works like a charm! I’m so busy concentrating on the information Michael gives in the book that I lose track of what I’m doing on the machines. Before I know it, I have more than doubled my treadmill time and distance and I have increased the rpm speed.
“I am seeing great results from my new method of working out. My body is getting trimmer faster, my stamina is improving quickly, and the knowledge I am getting from the book has been invaluable. As Michael states in the book, ‘Keep your eye on the target and not the barrel.’ This new exercise plan I’m using is a perfect example of this philosophy.
“Use your workout time not only to strengthen your body but to strengthen your mind as well. The results are phenomenal!”
Jo Ann C. Dearden
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
“I want to thank you for providing the ETR Goals Program.
“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:
“This program has made ahuge difference to me in the outcome of 2008, and I look forward to Bob and Karin’s mentoring in 2009 as I successfully launch my home business… despite the doom and gloom we hear on the news!
“Obviously, I recommend this program to anyone who wants to get focused and get things done.”
- Dave S.
[Ed. Note: Make this the year you accomplish your longest-held dreams. Success mentor Bob Cox can help you do it. Learn the details here.
Have something to say about ETR or one of our products? Let us know at AskETR@ETRFeedback.com.]
“I’m an aspiring writer and poet. Your vocabulary and grammatical lessons have helped me find more readers. People notice those ‘little things!’
“Plus, since subscribing to ETR, I’ve taken up yoga, lost around 20 pounds, write better articles, and I’ve re-discovered an attitude that remembers that all is not lost, as far as my financial future goes.
“It’s almost like becoming 18 years old again.
“I just want you all to know that your newsletter serves to remind folks like me that the fight is worth it. Overcoming the challenges is better than giving up. To know that there are others like me, who choose not to quit, is your gift to the world.
“Thank you for letting me give you guys a little feedback.”
Don Pennington
donpennington.info
Borger, TX
[Ed. Note: What's your favorite part of ETR? Let us know at AskETR@ETRFeedback.com.]
As you know, dark chocolate is high in antioxidants. Its health benefits include helping to lower blood pressure, prevent cancer, lower the risk of heart disease, and improve brain function. And that’s not all…
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.
So don’t feel guilty about reaching for another dark chocolate truffle. Keep in mind, though, that, eating too much dark chocolate can lead to weight gain and excessive exposure to sugars and fats. To get the benefits without the sugar and fat, consider taking a capsule of a cacao supplement in the morning with breakfast.
[Ed. Note: Healthy food doesn't have to taste like cardboard. Simply make smart choices when it comes to what you eat, and you can live a healthier, fuller life. For tasty, good-for-you recipes - plus the latest health breakthroughs and easy-to-follow fitness techniques - sign up for ETR's natural health newsletter.
Ray Sahelian, MD - an internationally recognized expert in the evaluation of natural supplements - has agreed to offer a free bottle of his cacao supplement to ETR readers. Click here to learn more.]
“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.
“I enjoy reading the thoughts of Michael, MaryEllen, and Robert. But most especially I look forward to the notes Suzanne Richardson writes as ETR’s Managing Editor. They are sharp, down-to-earth, and business-helpful.
“Keep those helpful business hints coming. Some of us are very appreciative of what you’re doing.”
Carlos
Glen Allen, VA
[Ed. Note: What's your favorite part of Early to Rise? Let us know at AskETR@ETRFeedback.com.]
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.
Example (as used by Clayton Makepeace today): “Okay, I admit it: I’m a marketing chauvinist.”
[Ed. Note: Become a more persuasive writer and speaker ... build your self-confidence and intellect ... increase your attractiveness to others ... just by spending 10 VERY enjoyable minutes a day with ETR's new Words to the Wise CD Library.]
Copyright ETR, LLC, 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.
Example (as used by Francesca Mari in a New York Times review of Doctor Olaf Van Schuler’s Brain by Kirsten Menger-Anderson): “People [Consumer Reports] concluded, actually like going to the doctor: They like the bestowal of paper robes and the perfunctory poking!”
[Ed. Note: Become a more persuasive writer and speaker ... build your self-confidence and intellect ... increase your attractiveness to others ... just by spending 10 VERY enjoyable minutes a day with ETR's new Words to the Wise CD Library.]
Copyright ETR, LLC, 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.
“I thought all the geniuses were in Science and Medicine. After the conference, my narrow focus has expanded to the mind-boggling aspects of Internet Marketing.
“Alex Mandossian blew my mind with his ability to ‘connect’ with everyone, express a genuine, sincere interest, maintain a high level of energy, and share an incredibly genius entrance into the world of Internet Marketing. His extraordinary talent is enhanced by his ‘down to earth’ sentiments and personality.
“Brian Edmondson, another genius talent, impressed me with a purity of intent that is hard to find among the ‘Gurus.’ (My daughters are both married. I wish I had another one for him!)
“I don’t mean to single out these two speakers. They were all excellent and did everything possible to deliver accurate and usable information. I thoroughly enjoyed them all.”
Constance Alfano-Weigand, MD, CCN, ND
Medical Consultant for Nutritional Medicine
[Ed. Note: What was your favorite part of ETR's 2008 Info Marketing Bootcamp? Let us know at AskETR@ETRFeedback.com.
Didn't make it to Bootcamp this year? Discover dozens of techniques for winning over your customers - and making tons of sales - with ETR's 2008 Info Marketing Bootcamp "Take Home Edition" DVD Library.]
To “expropriate” (ek-SPROH-pree-ate) – from the Latin for “to deprive of property” – is to transfer someone else’s property to yourself.
Example (as used by Fintan O’Toole in the Irish Times): “Very few voters, after all, really believe Europe’s new generation of social democratic leaders are wild Bolsheviks plotting to expropriate their Toyotas.”
[Ed. Note: Become a more persuasive writer and speaker ... build your self-confidence and intellect ... increase your attractiveness to others ... just by spending 10 VERY enjoyable minutes a day with ETR's new Words to the Wise CD Library.]
Copyright ETR, LLC, 2008