No cell phone service. No Internet. Huge fluctuations in temperature. 50,000 people. And a circus act.
Yes, yours truly is going to Burning Man.
What is that you ask. It's kinda hard to explain but here it goes.
It is a festival of "free expression" in the desert. It's basically a HUGE festival in harsh conditions. There's art, music and people being who they "really are." At the end of this extravaganza, there is a ceremony where they burn and GIANT wooden man.
Can ya guess who wanted to go to this. Yes, my freaky California girlfriend.
I'm am stepping way outside my comfort zone. So much so that I am going to be on another planet. And you know what? I'm looking forward to it!
Over the past two years, I've had many major life changes. Some have not been easy. In fact, some have been downright brutal. But one of the most important changes I have made is to be much more open and to try things that are outside my comfort zone - not only in my personal life but in my business life as well.
Later this year, I have my first book coming out, I'm taping and infomercial, I am doing this super-cool even on the Internet (you'll hear more about that in the weeks to come) and so much more. Next week, I will be hiring my first employee....something I never would have considered a couple of years ago.
By stepping outside my comfort zone in my personal life, I have much greater depth as a human being, have become much less judgemental, have experienced things I would never have experienced (not that I've liked everything, I have not but I am still glad I did it) and I'm a happier, more well-rounded person.)
The key to growth in your business or in your personal life is to step outside your comfort zone. Most people would agree with that and I used to understand it on an intellectual level. And when I made my greatest leaps in business, like quiting my job and becoming a professional magician, I stepped outside my comfort zone. Then I got very conservative (scared?) and was less willing to take risks. I was trapped inside my little box.
If you are not satisfied with where you are in your life, if you feel your are stagnating, if you are making progress as quickly as you'd like to, it's time to step outside your comfort zone. Do something that your normally wouldn't do. Try something you normally wouldn't try.
I promise you, that even if you don't enjoy it, it will cause you to grow and success almost always follows growth.
(As always, your comments are VERY welcome and I do read each of them.)
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero!
~Dave Dee
P.S. Since I'm going to be in a land "far, far away" over the next few days. I'm going to send you a KILLER email series called "The 11 Best Money Ideas of All Time." After I created it, I was thinking about selling it for $97 but, instead, I'm going to send it to you for nada. You will be getting two installments per day. Enjoy!
PPS. I'm going to video some of my Burning Man experience and show it to ya when I get back.
PPPS: Oh, let me explain the "circus act" comment at the beginning. I am driving back from Burning Man in an RV with a woman who is in a circus...I am not kidding!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
How it feels to sit next to an infamous murderer
I saw him walking through the airport.
He was a mountain of the man - tall, long hair, a beard and a menancing look in his eyes. You couldn't noticing him
I take my seat on the plane. He boards the plane and takes his seat next to me. He doesn't say a word. He just sits down, closes his eyes and goes to sleep.
I put on my Bose, noise cancelling headphones and do likewise.
When I awake, he is drinking a Jack and Coke. I order a Bailey's and coffee.
I notice his watch, which is super cool and make a friendly comment about it. He shows it to me and explains time in two different time zones. I tell him that's exactly what I need because I split my time between the coasts.
"Who is the guy?" I think to myself. "He looks so familiar."
So I ask him what he does for a living.
He tells me he's an actor and I inquire, "So you're a real actor?" He laughs and tells me, that, yes, he actually makes his living as an actor. I ask him what movies he's been in and lo and behold, he stars in my favorite genre of movies - horror. He played Michael Myers in Rob Zombies remake of Halloween, was one of the stars in the Devils Rejects and other movies I have seen. His name is Tyler Mane.
I ask him how he got into the movies and he explains that he was once a professional wrestler. (Ah, ha that's also how I knew him.) I used to be a big wrestling fan and actually had the WWF as an account at the radio station where I used to work. We talked a bit about the wrestling biz which is not at all glamorous.
I then inquired how was made the transition from being a successful wrestler to a successful movie star - two businesses which are VERY difficult to be successful in.
Tyler humbly says. "I have been very lucky."
Yeah, right.
"I don't believe that for a second, " I tell him. "You might have got some lucky breaks but you put yourself in position to get those breaks by working your ass off, " I say. I then asked him again how he became successful.
He said that he always treated wrestling and the movies as business and worked hard to master his craft. He set goals and had a plan. He knew what he wanted and then set out to "find his path." He took action, paid his dues and worked hard...and would not give up.
Ah, the ultimate success formula.
People are always looking for "the secret" to success. There is no secret. Success in ANY endeavor is clearly laid out for you right here. Follow the formula and you will be successful.
I talk to Tyler for the rest of the flight about a myriad of subjects and find him to be one of the nicest, most humble and intelligent people I have spoken to in a long time.
Who would have thought that flying with Michael Myers for four hours would have been such a pleasure.
(As always, your comments are very welcome and I do read each of them.)
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero!
Dave Dee
He was a mountain of the man - tall, long hair, a beard and a menancing look in his eyes. You couldn't noticing him
I take my seat on the plane. He boards the plane and takes his seat next to me. He doesn't say a word. He just sits down, closes his eyes and goes to sleep.
I put on my Bose, noise cancelling headphones and do likewise.
When I awake, he is drinking a Jack and Coke. I order a Bailey's and coffee.
I notice his watch, which is super cool and make a friendly comment about it. He shows it to me and explains time in two different time zones. I tell him that's exactly what I need because I split my time between the coasts.
"Who is the guy?" I think to myself. "He looks so familiar."
So I ask him what he does for a living.
He tells me he's an actor and I inquire, "So you're a real actor?" He laughs and tells me, that, yes, he actually makes his living as an actor. I ask him what movies he's been in and lo and behold, he stars in my favorite genre of movies - horror. He played Michael Myers in Rob Zombies remake of Halloween, was one of the stars in the Devils Rejects and other movies I have seen. His name is Tyler Mane.
I ask him how he got into the movies and he explains that he was once a professional wrestler. (Ah, ha that's also how I knew him.) I used to be a big wrestling fan and actually had the WWF as an account at the radio station where I used to work. We talked a bit about the wrestling biz which is not at all glamorous.
I then inquired how was made the transition from being a successful wrestler to a successful movie star - two businesses which are VERY difficult to be successful in.
Tyler humbly says. "I have been very lucky."
Yeah, right.
"I don't believe that for a second, " I tell him. "You might have got some lucky breaks but you put yourself in position to get those breaks by working your ass off, " I say. I then asked him again how he became successful.
He said that he always treated wrestling and the movies as business and worked hard to master his craft. He set goals and had a plan. He knew what he wanted and then set out to "find his path." He took action, paid his dues and worked hard...and would not give up.
Ah, the ultimate success formula.
People are always looking for "the secret" to success. There is no secret. Success in ANY endeavor is clearly laid out for you right here. Follow the formula and you will be successful.
I talk to Tyler for the rest of the flight about a myriad of subjects and find him to be one of the nicest, most humble and intelligent people I have spoken to in a long time.
Who would have thought that flying with Michael Myers for four hours would have been such a pleasure.
(As always, your comments are very welcome and I do read each of them.)
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero!
Dave Dee
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
I am ADDICTED to the Wii! (There is a lesson here!)
Okay, it's confession time.
I am addicted to Nintendo's Wii video game - specifically Wii tennis. If you're living under a rock and don't know what this is, it's a interactive video game. Meaning you hold the controller in your hand and swing like you would a tennis racket. You can either play against the computer or someone else. Because of my brilliance :) , it's tough for me to find live opponents.
Fortunately, I do not have this game in Atlanta but have played it every night in while in LA.
The game is brilliantly designed. The better you play, the higher your ranking is and the more difficult your opponents get It's tough to stop playing when you see your ranking going up and even tougher to stop when you get beat!
Anyway, last night I was playing my nemesis, a Japanese dude, and was down two sets to love, facing two match points. I battled back to win the match! Exciting, isn't it?
Believe it or not, there are life, business and success lessons I was reminded of while playing this game.
First, is that you must always keep your eye on the ball. You must stay focused on your goal and not let your attention or INTENTION drift or waiver.
Second, you don't win until the point is actually over. A couple times last night, I hit what I thought was a winning point and lost concentration, only to have the Japanese dude track down my shot and win the point. (Damn, him!) In business, don't celebrate a victory until you actually have achieved it.
Third, ultimate victory is made up of smaller wins...and don't let the defeats along the way get you down. When you have a big goal you want to accomplish, chunk it down into smaller steps and focus on accomplishing ONE STEP at a time. Also, be prepared for setbacks in your pursuit of ultimate victory. Stay focused, don't get discouraged, keep moving forward and watch out for the Japanese dude.
(As always, your comments are welcome and I really do read all of them.)
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero!
~Dave Dee
P.S. I am looking for a 12-step, Wii recovery program. And to pay for it, I need ya to buy some stuff. But before you buy anything, I want to give you some cool gifts. Check it out now at www.davedee.com/ic
I am addicted to Nintendo's Wii video game - specifically Wii tennis. If you're living under a rock and don't know what this is, it's a interactive video game. Meaning you hold the controller in your hand and swing like you would a tennis racket. You can either play against the computer or someone else. Because of my brilliance :) , it's tough for me to find live opponents.
Fortunately, I do not have this game in Atlanta but have played it every night in while in LA.
The game is brilliantly designed. The better you play, the higher your ranking is and the more difficult your opponents get It's tough to stop playing when you see your ranking going up and even tougher to stop when you get beat!
Anyway, last night I was playing my nemesis, a Japanese dude, and was down two sets to love, facing two match points. I battled back to win the match! Exciting, isn't it?
Believe it or not, there are life, business and success lessons I was reminded of while playing this game.
First, is that you must always keep your eye on the ball. You must stay focused on your goal and not let your attention or INTENTION drift or waiver.
Second, you don't win until the point is actually over. A couple times last night, I hit what I thought was a winning point and lost concentration, only to have the Japanese dude track down my shot and win the point. (Damn, him!) In business, don't celebrate a victory until you actually have achieved it.
Third, ultimate victory is made up of smaller wins...and don't let the defeats along the way get you down. When you have a big goal you want to accomplish, chunk it down into smaller steps and focus on accomplishing ONE STEP at a time. Also, be prepared for setbacks in your pursuit of ultimate victory. Stay focused, don't get discouraged, keep moving forward and watch out for the Japanese dude.
(As always, your comments are welcome and I really do read all of them.)
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero!
~Dave Dee
P.S. I am looking for a 12-step, Wii recovery program. And to pay for it, I need ya to buy some stuff. But before you buy anything, I want to give you some cool gifts. Check it out now at www.davedee.com/ic
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
No wonder this guy is so successful...
Yesterday I was talking to my bookkeeper over the telephone and said, "Ah, it's sunny, about 75 degrees and I'm standing outside overlooking the ocean. How is it there in Lawrenceville, GA?"
Yes, I can be a jerk but it is oh so fun!
I did not feel like working yesterday and kept putting off the "hard stuff" I needed to do but then, I finally buckled down and got it done. Of course, because I procrastinated earlier, I was up until midnight finishing something that I promised would be done that day.
But the bottom line is: I got 'er done.
My favorite motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, has a saying, “No wonder this guy is so successful. Look at all that he does!”
If you’re not getting the results that you want, you need to look at your activity. Are you really taking massive action? Or are you just thinking about it? Are you taking action consistently?
Consistency in your marketing is of extreme importance. If you want to get consistent results, you need to take consistent action. Remember that activity begets success.
Of course, if you’re sending out sales letters, doing e-mail lead generation, placing ads and you’re doing all the things that you should be doing, you’re going to get direct response from that.
Not to get metaphysical with you, but on a different plane, good things start to happen when you are working towards your goals and you have laser-like focus on your goals; things that are unexpected, serendipitous things, things that seem like “good luck”.
But, in order for this to happen, you have to have activity, activity, activity. You have to have a plan and you have to be consistent with it. If you’re not getting the results that you want, look at your activity level.
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero!
Dave Dee
P.S. "Who Else Wants To Learn How To Read Their Prospects' Minds, Increase Their Powers Of Persuasion And Sell More With Less Time And Effort?" I show you how to do it completely at my risk so even if you're a skeptic, there's no excuse for not trying this out. Go to: http://www.davedee.com/psychic/
Yes, I can be a jerk but it is oh so fun!
I did not feel like working yesterday and kept putting off the "hard stuff" I needed to do but then, I finally buckled down and got it done. Of course, because I procrastinated earlier, I was up until midnight finishing something that I promised would be done that day.
But the bottom line is: I got 'er done.
My favorite motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, has a saying, “No wonder this guy is so successful. Look at all that he does!”
If you’re not getting the results that you want, you need to look at your activity. Are you really taking massive action? Or are you just thinking about it? Are you taking action consistently?
Consistency in your marketing is of extreme importance. If you want to get consistent results, you need to take consistent action. Remember that activity begets success.
Of course, if you’re sending out sales letters, doing e-mail lead generation, placing ads and you’re doing all the things that you should be doing, you’re going to get direct response from that.
Not to get metaphysical with you, but on a different plane, good things start to happen when you are working towards your goals and you have laser-like focus on your goals; things that are unexpected, serendipitous things, things that seem like “good luck”.
But, in order for this to happen, you have to have activity, activity, activity. You have to have a plan and you have to be consistent with it. If you’re not getting the results that you want, look at your activity level.
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero!
Dave Dee
P.S. "Who Else Wants To Learn How To Read Their Prospects' Minds, Increase Their Powers Of Persuasion And Sell More With Less Time And Effort?" I show you how to do it completely at my risk so even if you're a skeptic, there's no excuse for not trying this out. Go to: http://www.davedee.com/psychic/
Monday, August 18, 2008
Didja, miss me? I'm back with good stuff!
"What is your passion," I asked one of the guys in the mastermind meeting I recently attended at an undisclosed location in Virgina.
"I don't know," was his reply.
"Yes, you do dammit!", I said with a slightly raised voice. "You just don't want to admit it to yourself. "
"No, I really don't know. I just want to make money," he said defensively.
"That's bullshit and you know it, " I challenged. And then I asked him a very powerful question, that you are going to want to write down and remember:
"I know you, don't know what your passion is but if you did know, what would it be?"
Ah, that magical phrase gave him permission not to know but then opened his mind and allowed him to think of the passion he had hidden in is subconscious mind.
He then told us what his passion was. And guess what? His passion would EASILY be turned into a business that would make him a ton of dee-nero. The rest of the mastermind group "caught on fire" and started giving him idea after idea for turning his dream into reality.
Joe Jackson once sang, "You can't get what you want 'til you know what you want." He was right and it is my belief that most people do know what they want but are afraid to admit it for fear of ridicule, for fear that if they do admit and go for it, they'll fail or for fear that they'll go for it and succeed. (Yes, fear of success is very real.)
People, especially men, when they fear going for what they really want, often default to "I just want to make a lot of dee-nero." And while that is a worthy goal, it almost is never the only thing that people want.
Sure, Donald Trump makes a ton of money in real estate and now in television but he has an absolutely PASSION for both. I'm sure he wouldn't be doing what he's doing if there wasn't big dee-nero involved but he also wouldn't be as successful at what he does if he did not have a passion for it.
I know I keep teasing you about the release of my "How To Turn Your Passion Into Profits" course. The fact is that the course is completely finished and some lucky people who got in on the advanced release already have it. But, I am planning something MASSIVE that will benefit you whether you invest in my course or not. I'm tellin' ya, this is going to be something super special and BIG. My team and I are working hard getting this bad boy ready. More details are to follow.
But for now let me say to you...
"I know you don't know what your passion is but if you did know, what would it be?"
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero!
~Dave Dee
"I don't know," was his reply.
"Yes, you do dammit!", I said with a slightly raised voice. "You just don't want to admit it to yourself. "
"No, I really don't know. I just want to make money," he said defensively.
"That's bullshit and you know it, " I challenged. And then I asked him a very powerful question, that you are going to want to write down and remember:
"I know you, don't know what your passion is but if you did know, what would it be?"
Ah, that magical phrase gave him permission not to know but then opened his mind and allowed him to think of the passion he had hidden in is subconscious mind.
He then told us what his passion was. And guess what? His passion would EASILY be turned into a business that would make him a ton of dee-nero. The rest of the mastermind group "caught on fire" and started giving him idea after idea for turning his dream into reality.
Joe Jackson once sang, "You can't get what you want 'til you know what you want." He was right and it is my belief that most people do know what they want but are afraid to admit it for fear of ridicule, for fear that if they do admit and go for it, they'll fail or for fear that they'll go for it and succeed. (Yes, fear of success is very real.)
People, especially men, when they fear going for what they really want, often default to "I just want to make a lot of dee-nero." And while that is a worthy goal, it almost is never the only thing that people want.
Sure, Donald Trump makes a ton of money in real estate and now in television but he has an absolutely PASSION for both. I'm sure he wouldn't be doing what he's doing if there wasn't big dee-nero involved but he also wouldn't be as successful at what he does if he did not have a passion for it.
I know I keep teasing you about the release of my "How To Turn Your Passion Into Profits" course. The fact is that the course is completely finished and some lucky people who got in on the advanced release already have it. But, I am planning something MASSIVE that will benefit you whether you invest in my course or not. I'm tellin' ya, this is going to be something super special and BIG. My team and I are working hard getting this bad boy ready. More details are to follow.
But for now let me say to you...
"I know you don't know what your passion is but if you did know, what would it be?"
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero!
~Dave Dee
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Another GREAT date and big reminder
A few weeks ago, I told you about my date with my daughter Gina. Last night it was my eight year old son, David's, turn.
He had literally been talking about our date for a week and was so excited to just be going out with his daddy. Of course, this made me feel great and I was really looking forward to some one on one time with my son.
As soon I picked him, he started talking...and talking...and talking. And he didn't stop talking for the entire three hours we were together. He spoke of many things, Club Penguin, why he isn't into superheros any more, the newest Wii game and the ill fated lemonade stand he and his sister had the previous week. (More about this later.)
We went to a Chinese restaurant for dinner (it's both of our favorite food.). When we walked in, we were "greeted" by a woman who had a big scowl on her face and muttered, "This is to go, right?"
"Um, no. We are eating here," I reply.
I don't think this answer made her very happy. She escorted us to our table and then walked away without saying a word..
David already knew what he wanted, a scallion pancake (also known as "Chinese pizza") and tofu with vegetables.
Our waitress arrived at the table and lo and behold, she too had a scowl on her face too. (I started to think that maybe it was something the waitress and the hosted both ate and wanted to make sure I didn't order that.)
Contrast that with another Chinese restaurant David, Gina and I went to the day before for Dim Sum. When we arrived, the owner greeted us with a big smile and hello. The waitress, also very enthusiastically, greeted us and commented on how "beautiful your daughter is" and how "well behaved your son is."
During the meal, all of the servers were super friendly (we were the only, non-Chinese folks in the restaurant - which is always a tip off that you are going to have great meal) and the owner came by our table, smiling, asking us is everything was okay and did we need anything.
The food at both restaurants was good, (although the Dim Sum restaurant was great) but which place do you think left me with a better feeling? At which restaurant did I have a better "experience"? The answer is obvious and the question you need to ask yourself is what experience are your customers having when they buy from you.
Remember, you can have the finest product or service on the planet but if your receptionist isn't pleasant, it does not matter.
Anyway, David tells me about his lemonade stand experience. He and his sister made great lemonade, the had tattoos they were going to sell and even set up a little face painting stand. There table was set up at the top of their driveway and they were ready for business!
And they waited and waited and waited in the hot sun. Soon they discovered the problem almost all new business owners have...lack of leads or, using an Internet term they did not have any "traffic."
My kids had fallen into the trap of "build a great business and the customers will come." As I've said zillions of times, that's not just the way it works. Having a great product is not enough. You need to let people know about your product. That is why...
It's more important to be a master marketer than it is to be a master of your craft. (The combination of the two is deadly and virtually guarantees success.)
David and I finished our meal. I drove to my apartment and he. talked and talked and talked.
When we arrived, we immediately started in on our favorite activity, mixed martial arts fighting on my bed. The kid is tough and hits like a ton of bricks. I have a huge bruise on my arm today to prove it.
It was an epic battle but I can't tell you much about it because "What happens in 'Fight Club' stays in fight club." (Big lesson for entrepreneurs. Keep your mouth shut about what you're doing in your business. Your competitors are listening.) I can tell you that he ended up winning the championship, three rounds to two.
After the fight, we were both sweaty and tired and decided we need a break. He got a Nestle Crunch bar (his favorite candy and definitely the food of champions) and we lied on my bed and watched "Sponge Bob" which, by the way, is very funny. Of course, even Sponge Bob didn't stop him from chatting away.
As we both laid on the bed holding hands, I said a brief thank you prayer, for yet another perfect date with one of my kids
And was reminder of what I am really working for.
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero,
~Dave Dee
P.S. As always, your comments are welcomed and appreciated. I really do read all of them.
He had literally been talking about our date for a week and was so excited to just be going out with his daddy. Of course, this made me feel great and I was really looking forward to some one on one time with my son.
As soon I picked him, he started talking...and talking...and talking. And he didn't stop talking for the entire three hours we were together. He spoke of many things, Club Penguin, why he isn't into superheros any more, the newest Wii game and the ill fated lemonade stand he and his sister had the previous week. (More about this later.)
We went to a Chinese restaurant for dinner (it's both of our favorite food.). When we walked in, we were "greeted" by a woman who had a big scowl on her face and muttered, "This is to go, right?"
"Um, no. We are eating here," I reply.
I don't think this answer made her very happy. She escorted us to our table and then walked away without saying a word..
David already knew what he wanted, a scallion pancake (also known as "Chinese pizza") and tofu with vegetables.
Our waitress arrived at the table and lo and behold, she too had a scowl on her face too. (I started to think that maybe it was something the waitress and the hosted both ate and wanted to make sure I didn't order that.)
Contrast that with another Chinese restaurant David, Gina and I went to the day before for Dim Sum. When we arrived, the owner greeted us with a big smile and hello. The waitress, also very enthusiastically, greeted us and commented on how "beautiful your daughter is" and how "well behaved your son is."
During the meal, all of the servers were super friendly (we were the only, non-Chinese folks in the restaurant - which is always a tip off that you are going to have great meal) and the owner came by our table, smiling, asking us is everything was okay and did we need anything.
The food at both restaurants was good, (although the Dim Sum restaurant was great) but which place do you think left me with a better feeling? At which restaurant did I have a better "experience"? The answer is obvious and the question you need to ask yourself is what experience are your customers having when they buy from you.
Remember, you can have the finest product or service on the planet but if your receptionist isn't pleasant, it does not matter.
Anyway, David tells me about his lemonade stand experience. He and his sister made great lemonade, the had tattoos they were going to sell and even set up a little face painting stand. There table was set up at the top of their driveway and they were ready for business!
And they waited and waited and waited in the hot sun. Soon they discovered the problem almost all new business owners have...lack of leads or, using an Internet term they did not have any "traffic."
My kids had fallen into the trap of "build a great business and the customers will come." As I've said zillions of times, that's not just the way it works. Having a great product is not enough. You need to let people know about your product. That is why...
It's more important to be a master marketer than it is to be a master of your craft. (The combination of the two is deadly and virtually guarantees success.)
David and I finished our meal. I drove to my apartment and he. talked and talked and talked.
When we arrived, we immediately started in on our favorite activity, mixed martial arts fighting on my bed. The kid is tough and hits like a ton of bricks. I have a huge bruise on my arm today to prove it.
It was an epic battle but I can't tell you much about it because "What happens in 'Fight Club' stays in fight club." (Big lesson for entrepreneurs. Keep your mouth shut about what you're doing in your business. Your competitors are listening.) I can tell you that he ended up winning the championship, three rounds to two.
After the fight, we were both sweaty and tired and decided we need a break. He got a Nestle Crunch bar (his favorite candy and definitely the food of champions) and we lied on my bed and watched "Sponge Bob" which, by the way, is very funny. Of course, even Sponge Bob didn't stop him from chatting away.
As we both laid on the bed holding hands, I said a brief thank you prayer, for yet another perfect date with one of my kids
And was reminder of what I am really working for.
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero,
~Dave Dee
P.S. As always, your comments are welcomed and appreciated. I really do read all of them.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Exploding beer bottles and sex...
"Daddy, how come your kitchen smells like beer?"
"Well Gina, Daddy put a Heineken in the freezer last night to make to make it really cold. But, Daddy is getting old and forgot that it was in there. I bet it exploded."
Sure enough, inside my freezer was a Heineken-sicle mixed with pieces of broken glass.
The moral of this story: Stick with drinking Coors Light in a can.
Okay, actually there is a better lesson in this email than that!
How many emails did you get today with a subject line that really caught your attention? When you saw mine, "Exploding beer bottles and sex" did it catch your attention? Didn't you just have to open it and see what "Crazy Dave" was talking about?
In order to get your email opened or advertisement or sales letter read, you need to grab your reader's attention and suck them into reading your ad with a powerfully compelling headline. And the best headlines speak to your prospect's own self-interest.
The subject line for today is what is called a "curiosity" headline. These can be effective but they are also tricky because there must be a logical "payoff" or the reader will feel tricked.
For example, on occasion, you will see an ad with the headline "Sex". Then the body copy of the ad will go on to say, "Now that's I've gotten your attention, let me talk to you about multi-level marketing..." or some other non-related product or service.
This does NOT work. It only serves to piss your prospect off and make 'em not trust you - which is the complete opposite of what you want to do.
Here is a partial list of killer fill in the blank subject lines/headlines that you can use. (This is just a sample of dozens of subjects line you get in my "How To Turn Your Passion Into Profits" System, that will be released very soon.)
"Well Gina, Daddy put a Heineken in the freezer last night to make to make it really cold. But, Daddy is getting old and forgot that it was in there. I bet it exploded."
Sure enough, inside my freezer was a Heineken-sicle mixed with pieces of broken glass.
The moral of this story: Stick with drinking Coors Light in a can.
Okay, actually there is a better lesson in this email than that!
How many emails did you get today with a subject line that really caught your attention? When you saw mine, "Exploding beer bottles and sex" did it catch your attention? Didn't you just have to open it and see what "Crazy Dave" was talking about?
In order to get your email opened or advertisement or sales letter read, you need to grab your reader's attention and suck them into reading your ad with a powerfully compelling headline. And the best headlines speak to your prospect's own self-interest.
The subject line for today is what is called a "curiosity" headline. These can be effective but they are also tricky because there must be a logical "payoff" or the reader will feel tricked.
For example, on occasion, you will see an ad with the headline "Sex". Then the body copy of the ad will go on to say, "Now that's I've gotten your attention, let me talk to you about multi-level marketing..." or some other non-related product or service.
This does NOT work. It only serves to piss your prospect off and make 'em not trust you - which is the complete opposite of what you want to do.
Here is a partial list of killer fill in the blank subject lines/headlines that you can use. (This is just a sample of dozens of subjects line you get in my "How To Turn Your Passion Into Profits" System, that will be released very soon.)
- How to…
- 6 ways to….
- A simple method for…
- How to solve____ once and for all.
- Quick and easy________.
- The secret to______.
- How to __________revealed.
Your assignment for today, is to fill in the blanks based on what you are selling. Then use one of them in the next email you send out. You'll like the results.
(As always, your comments are welcome and I do read every one of them.)
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero!
Dave Dee
Friday, August 8, 2008
The Prince Of Print ANd Your Bank Account
The late, great Gary Halbert was the marketing guru to marketing gurus. Nearly every direct marketer including Jay Abraham and Dan Kennedy acknowledge Gary’s greatness and influence. He’s known as the “Prince of Print”.
In a recent seminar tape set I purchased, and yes it was on TAPE, Gary was one of the speakers and his presentation was, to say the least, electrifying. Here are some of the tips and techniques he spoke about on the tapes that directly relate to you:
1. Sell to people who have money.
2. Selling a high priced product or service (or show) puts the odds of being a successful marketer in your favor.
3. Your offer is king. You must make a killer offer if you’re going to get results.
4. CSI– Your central selling idea should be articulated in the headline of your letter.
5. The best format to sell with is a powerful direct mail letter.
6. You can increase the effectiveness of your letter by:
A. Including a copy of a newspaper article, magazine article, or a tear sheet about yourself.
B. Include your prospect’s name in the headline at the top of the letter. (HOMERUN IDEA!)
C. Letters should be personalized, include the date, and look like they were written on a typewriter or word processor.
D. Utilizing a grabber such as a dollar bill will increase response in most cases.
7. Don’t use bulk rate mail. Mail first class.
8. Mail your letter or promo package to leads immediately, as fast as possible.
9. Avoid putting brochures in your letter. See tip 6A for what to include with your letter.
10. Never try to sell more than one product (one show) at a time.
11. Don’t be creative. Model others and get rich.
I suggest you print this out and keep it for reference. It is cliche but this list could make you rich.
Have a great weekend. Talk to ya on Monday.
(As always, your comments are welcome and I do read everyone of them.)
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero!
~Dave Dee
P.S. "Your Marketing Department In A Box" kits are flying out the door like bats out of hell. And for good reason, the price of this powerful product is going way up on Monday, if not before. This will be the last chance you have to get this bad boy for less than one hundred bucks. (What have I been thinking charging so little for this?) If you don't have it yet, get it now while the gettin's good. http://www.davedee.com/box
In a recent seminar tape set I purchased, and yes it was on TAPE, Gary was one of the speakers and his presentation was, to say the least, electrifying. Here are some of the tips and techniques he spoke about on the tapes that directly relate to you:
1. Sell to people who have money.
2. Selling a high priced product or service (or show) puts the odds of being a successful marketer in your favor.
3. Your offer is king. You must make a killer offer if you’re going to get results.
4. CSI– Your central selling idea should be articulated in the headline of your letter.
5. The best format to sell with is a powerful direct mail letter.
6. You can increase the effectiveness of your letter by:
A. Including a copy of a newspaper article, magazine article, or a tear sheet about yourself.
B. Include your prospect’s name in the headline at the top of the letter. (HOMERUN IDEA!)
C. Letters should be personalized, include the date, and look like they were written on a typewriter or word processor.
D. Utilizing a grabber such as a dollar bill will increase response in most cases.
7. Don’t use bulk rate mail. Mail first class.
8. Mail your letter or promo package to leads immediately, as fast as possible.
9. Avoid putting brochures in your letter. See tip 6A for what to include with your letter.
10. Never try to sell more than one product (one show) at a time.
11. Don’t be creative. Model others and get rich.
I suggest you print this out and keep it for reference. It is cliche but this list could make you rich.
Have a great weekend. Talk to ya on Monday.
(As always, your comments are welcome and I do read everyone of them.)
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero!
~Dave Dee
P.S. "Your Marketing Department In A Box" kits are flying out the door like bats out of hell. And for good reason, the price of this powerful product is going way up on Monday, if not before. This will be the last chance you have to get this bad boy for less than one hundred bucks. (What have I been thinking charging so little for this?) If you don't have it yet, get it now while the gettin's good. http://www.davedee.com/box
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Honor, horrible parenting, tears of gratitude
Last night, after a huge Chinese meal with friends, and then some exercise (not a good combo, let me tell ya) I watched a documentary on HBO called, "The Recruiter" which followed the lives of Sergeant Clay Usie, one of the most successful U.S. military recruiters and four of his recruits during and after basic training, up until some deploy in Iraq.
There were a number of business and life success messages in this intriguing film - both of the positive and negative side.
On the positive side. Sergeant Usie was a MASTER salesperson. And lest you think otherwise, he has one of the toughest sales jobs on the planet. He prospected by phone, made speeches and talk to young men and women one on one. After lead generating, he then had to close his prospects.
Why was he so successful? Did he use tricky sales techniques and fancy closes?
No. He was totally PASSIONATE about what he was selling. He believed 100% in his product - never wavering in the slightest. He fully associated on an EMOTIONAL level to the importance of what he was doing - Protecting the country, protecting his buddies in combat and protecting his family.
Working for the Army is Sergeant Usie's mission in life, his passion. It is what he must do above all else - including cancelling a vacation with his family much to the dismay of his annoyed but adoring and proud wife. (All men should re-read this paragraph because it contains some very important relationship information that's counter-intuitive and powerful.)
On the negative side, one of the female recruits' single mother, a woman who has obviously had a tough life, gives her daughter, who also has had a tough life, this piece of "sage" advice when she mentions that she is having second thoughts about enlisting, (I am paraphrasing.) "Let me tell you something. You are always going to be having someone telling you what to do. You are always going to have someone who bosses you around. You are always going to be working in a little shit job that you hate."
Wow. It really hit me that the majority of people actually believe that about life. And this very destructive lie is being perpetuated by parents, who don't know any better and actually think that they are preaching truth.
Maybe someone actually said that kind of stuff to you and you rose above it. Whatever the case, might I suggest that you encourage other people by telling them the TRUTH? That they can make money doing something they love to do. That they can take charge of their lives.
I recently received an INCREDIBLE honor from Lee Smith, a soldier in Afghanistan. He sent me an amazing letter about how my work and writings inspire him and that when he comes back home, he is going to kick his personal training business into high gear. Along with the beautiful letter was a United States Flag that had been flown in the combat zone. I am not ashamed to say that tears of gratitude rolled down my face. Here is a REAL hero, thanking me.
I sent Lee a package of my products to help him explode his business and I would like to make the same offer to any of our men and women who are currently serving in the Armed Forces. If you or anyone you know is an entrepreneur in the military and you would like to get a business building gift from me, please email me at david@davedee.com with the subject line, "Armed Forces Marketing Gift" along with your name and your military address. It would be my honor to send you or someone you know, this gift.
If you run across one of our heroes in the Armed Forces, stop and thank them for giving us the freedom to pursue our passion.
(As always, your comments are welcome and I do read every one of them.)
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero!
Dave Dee
P.S. As I said yesterday, I am taking Dan Kennedy's advice and raise the price of my most popular product, "Your Marketing Department In A Box." On Monday, if not before, the price goes up significantly to reflect it's true value. So, if you've been sitting on the fence about getting this, now is the time to jump off and race over to http://www.davedee.com/box and get your personal copy now.
There were a number of business and life success messages in this intriguing film - both of the positive and negative side.
On the positive side. Sergeant Usie was a MASTER salesperson. And lest you think otherwise, he has one of the toughest sales jobs on the planet. He prospected by phone, made speeches and talk to young men and women one on one. After lead generating, he then had to close his prospects.
Why was he so successful? Did he use tricky sales techniques and fancy closes?
No. He was totally PASSIONATE about what he was selling. He believed 100% in his product - never wavering in the slightest. He fully associated on an EMOTIONAL level to the importance of what he was doing - Protecting the country, protecting his buddies in combat and protecting his family.
Working for the Army is Sergeant Usie's mission in life, his passion. It is what he must do above all else - including cancelling a vacation with his family much to the dismay of his annoyed but adoring and proud wife. (All men should re-read this paragraph because it contains some very important relationship information that's counter-intuitive and powerful.)
On the negative side, one of the female recruits' single mother, a woman who has obviously had a tough life, gives her daughter, who also has had a tough life, this piece of "sage" advice when she mentions that she is having second thoughts about enlisting, (I am paraphrasing.) "Let me tell you something. You are always going to be having someone telling you what to do. You are always going to have someone who bosses you around. You are always going to be working in a little shit job that you hate."
Wow. It really hit me that the majority of people actually believe that about life. And this very destructive lie is being perpetuated by parents, who don't know any better and actually think that they are preaching truth.
Maybe someone actually said that kind of stuff to you and you rose above it. Whatever the case, might I suggest that you encourage other people by telling them the TRUTH? That they can make money doing something they love to do. That they can take charge of their lives.
I recently received an INCREDIBLE honor from Lee Smith, a soldier in Afghanistan. He sent me an amazing letter about how my work and writings inspire him and that when he comes back home, he is going to kick his personal training business into high gear. Along with the beautiful letter was a United States Flag that had been flown in the combat zone. I am not ashamed to say that tears of gratitude rolled down my face. Here is a REAL hero, thanking me.
I sent Lee a package of my products to help him explode his business and I would like to make the same offer to any of our men and women who are currently serving in the Armed Forces. If you or anyone you know is an entrepreneur in the military and you would like to get a business building gift from me, please email me at david@davedee.com with the subject line, "Armed Forces Marketing Gift" along with your name and your military address. It would be my honor to send you or someone you know, this gift.
If you run across one of our heroes in the Armed Forces, stop and thank them for giving us the freedom to pursue our passion.
(As always, your comments are welcome and I do read every one of them.)
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero!
Dave Dee
P.S. As I said yesterday, I am taking Dan Kennedy's advice and raise the price of my most popular product, "Your Marketing Department In A Box." On Monday, if not before, the price goes up significantly to reflect it's true value. So, if you've been sitting on the fence about getting this, now is the time to jump off and race over to http://www.davedee.com/box and get your personal copy now.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Topless Dancers & Abundance
Today is one of those melancholy days for me.
I'm leaving the love of my life and flying back to Atlanta to see my kids. I am super excited and so looking forward to being with my babies (they are the greatest joy in my life) and will miss my girlfriend at the same time.
But, I had a great trip to the Left Coast.
During my Vegas vacation, we went to the Crazy Horse show at the MGM. This is a "topless" review from Paris. Of course, I went for educational purposes only. Seriously, the truth is that after about ten minutes, the novelty of the show had worn off and it was kinda boring. (Both Alexis and I liked two. fully clothed, male break dancers the best!)
Being in Vegas made one thing very clear, there are a lot of people who are not being that adversely effected by the so-called "recession."
When we arrived at the Wynn hotel, we decided we wanted to upgrade to a suite on the "resort" side of the complex. (This is the five star side.) As you can imagine, a suite at a five star hotel in Vegas isn't exactly cheap. BUT, there were only 3 three suites that were left available. Fortunately, we snagged one of them. (Oh, and it was gorgeous and worth every penny.)
The casino was humming with people gambling, betting and losing a lot of money. (After Alexis lost $100 of her money and $25 of MY money, we decided we were the world's worst gamblers and that we should stick with what we knew best...eating.)
Here's the point: In any economy, there are always people who are doing well. And, as entrepreneurs, we have a major advantage over regular "working folk" because we control our destiny, to a much greater extent.
Dan Kennedy gives some sage advice about thriving in tough economic times. He says to focus on selling to the affluent and to RAISE YOUR PRICES instead of lowering them.
But, a LOT of doing well in ANY economy has to do with your mindset. If you watch the news, read the paper and listen to all the gloom and doom news, it is going to affect how you think and how you think affects your actions and your actions have a direct effect on your bank account.
Yep, there are always people who do well no matter what is happening around them. The question is, are you going to be one of them?
(Your comments are very welcome and I do read all of them.)
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero!
~Dave Dee
P.S. I am going to take Dan Kennedy's advice and raise the price of my most popular product, "Your Marketing Department In A Box." On Monday, if not before, the price goes up significantly to reflect it's true value. So, if you've been sitting on the fence about getting this, now is the time to jump off and race over to http://www.davedee.com/box and get your personal copy now.
I'm leaving the love of my life and flying back to Atlanta to see my kids. I am super excited and so looking forward to being with my babies (they are the greatest joy in my life) and will miss my girlfriend at the same time.
But, I had a great trip to the Left Coast.
During my Vegas vacation, we went to the Crazy Horse show at the MGM. This is a "topless" review from Paris. Of course, I went for educational purposes only. Seriously, the truth is that after about ten minutes, the novelty of the show had worn off and it was kinda boring. (Both Alexis and I liked two. fully clothed, male break dancers the best!)
Being in Vegas made one thing very clear, there are a lot of people who are not being that adversely effected by the so-called "recession."
When we arrived at the Wynn hotel, we decided we wanted to upgrade to a suite on the "resort" side of the complex. (This is the five star side.) As you can imagine, a suite at a five star hotel in Vegas isn't exactly cheap. BUT, there were only 3 three suites that were left available. Fortunately, we snagged one of them. (Oh, and it was gorgeous and worth every penny.)
The casino was humming with people gambling, betting and losing a lot of money. (After Alexis lost $100 of her money and $25 of MY money, we decided we were the world's worst gamblers and that we should stick with what we knew best...eating.)
Here's the point: In any economy, there are always people who are doing well. And, as entrepreneurs, we have a major advantage over regular "working folk" because we control our destiny, to a much greater extent.
Dan Kennedy gives some sage advice about thriving in tough economic times. He says to focus on selling to the affluent and to RAISE YOUR PRICES instead of lowering them.
But, a LOT of doing well in ANY economy has to do with your mindset. If you watch the news, read the paper and listen to all the gloom and doom news, it is going to affect how you think and how you think affects your actions and your actions have a direct effect on your bank account.
Yep, there are always people who do well no matter what is happening around them. The question is, are you going to be one of them?
(Your comments are very welcome and I do read all of them.)
Kick butt, make mucho dee-nero!
~Dave Dee
P.S. I am going to take Dan Kennedy's advice and raise the price of my most popular product, "Your Marketing Department In A Box." On Monday, if not before, the price goes up significantly to reflect it's true value. So, if you've been sitting on the fence about getting this, now is the time to jump off and race over to http://www.davedee.com/box and get your personal copy now.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Rene, the foul mouthed cab driver
Woo hee, mama!
I'm back from a great vacation with the love of my life. I had one of the best times ever and now I'm rarin' to get back to work!
During my vacation, I had one of the most memorable cab rides of my life...
We hop in the cab and are greeted by our cab driver, and older Mexican gentleman by the name of Rene.
Rene immediately starts chatting away and asks us if we like jokes. "Why, yes Rene we do" is our reply.
With a stereotypical Spanish accent he says, "Well, I am better than any of the comedians in Las Vegas."
We pick up on his not so subtle hint and ask him to tell us a joke. Well, mi amigo (didja catch my little bit of wit there?) he tell us a Michael Jackson joke which I cannot repeat here but it was really funny.
Seeing an opening based on our laughter, Rene says, "I have many jokes but some of them are dirty. But you two don't seem to mind, do you want to hear more?"
"What the hell Rene, we're in Vegas, go for it!", we tell him.
That's all he needed to hear. Rene then told us a string of jokes in a non stop fashion only taking an occasional break to throw in, "I'm better than any of the comedians in Las Vegas."
This dude literally had a complete comedy routine. His jokes were all original, dirty and SUPER FUNNY. The guy was indeed better than many of the comedians I have seen.
We asked Rene whether he had ever tried to be a comedian. His answer? "No." When then asked him if that is something he would love to do. His answer? "Yes."
"Well, Rene, you really should go for it. You're hook could be 'Rene, the cabbie'" we tell him. "Are there any open mic nights you could perform at?" we ask.
He confirms that there are but then, sadly, he tells us why he can't go to them. All excuses. All B.S.
"I am better than all the comedians in Las Vegas," he repeats as we exit his cab. We give him an extra large tip and say "goodbye."
The story I just told you is all too familiar as it is sad. So many people have dreams but never take a chance on making them a reality. They look at other successful people doing what they want to do and think, "I'm better than that guy. He just got lucky."
While it may be true that luck did come into play, the successful person took a risk and worked hard to make his or her "lucky" break happen.
You only live once. This is it. The time is now for you to start living your passion. Don't wait any longer. Take an action today that moves you one step closer to your dream.
Oh, and if you're ever in Las Vegas, try to get a ride with Rene The Cabbie. He'll entertain you because, as you know, he's better than all of the comedians in town.
(As always your comments are welcome and I do reach each and every one of them.)
Kick butt, make mucho "dee-nero!"
~Dave Dee
P.S. Next week, I'll officially be releasing my "How To Turn Your Passion Into Profits" course. I am so proud of this product. It is my best ever and is going to change lives. I hope one of them will be yours.
I'm back from a great vacation with the love of my life. I had one of the best times ever and now I'm rarin' to get back to work!
During my vacation, I had one of the most memorable cab rides of my life...
We hop in the cab and are greeted by our cab driver, and older Mexican gentleman by the name of Rene.
Rene immediately starts chatting away and asks us if we like jokes. "Why, yes Rene we do" is our reply.
With a stereotypical Spanish accent he says, "Well, I am better than any of the comedians in Las Vegas."
We pick up on his not so subtle hint and ask him to tell us a joke. Well, mi amigo (didja catch my little bit of wit there?) he tell us a Michael Jackson joke which I cannot repeat here but it was really funny.
Seeing an opening based on our laughter, Rene says, "I have many jokes but some of them are dirty. But you two don't seem to mind, do you want to hear more?"
"What the hell Rene, we're in Vegas, go for it!", we tell him.
That's all he needed to hear. Rene then told us a string of jokes in a non stop fashion only taking an occasional break to throw in, "I'm better than any of the comedians in Las Vegas."
This dude literally had a complete comedy routine. His jokes were all original, dirty and SUPER FUNNY. The guy was indeed better than many of the comedians I have seen.
We asked Rene whether he had ever tried to be a comedian. His answer? "No." When then asked him if that is something he would love to do. His answer? "Yes."
"Well, Rene, you really should go for it. You're hook could be 'Rene, the cabbie'" we tell him. "Are there any open mic nights you could perform at?" we ask.
He confirms that there are but then, sadly, he tells us why he can't go to them. All excuses. All B.S.
"I am better than all the comedians in Las Vegas," he repeats as we exit his cab. We give him an extra large tip and say "goodbye."
The story I just told you is all too familiar as it is sad. So many people have dreams but never take a chance on making them a reality. They look at other successful people doing what they want to do and think, "I'm better than that guy. He just got lucky."
While it may be true that luck did come into play, the successful person took a risk and worked hard to make his or her "lucky" break happen.
You only live once. This is it. The time is now for you to start living your passion. Don't wait any longer. Take an action today that moves you one step closer to your dream.
Oh, and if you're ever in Las Vegas, try to get a ride with Rene The Cabbie. He'll entertain you because, as you know, he's better than all of the comedians in town.
(As always your comments are welcome and I do reach each and every one of them.)
Kick butt, make mucho "dee-nero!"
~Dave Dee
P.S. Next week, I'll officially be releasing my "How To Turn Your Passion Into Profits" course. I am so proud of this product. It is my best ever and is going to change lives. I hope one of them will be yours.
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