Selling, Marketing, Branding: the Big Three Defined

Some words of wisdom from Myron Golden. I watched Myron on Think Media from the VidSummit in Dallas. He is a business consultant, best-selling author, public speaker, marketing consultant who began posting his Bible studies in a live format on YouTube and now has over 400,000 subscribers.

1. Selling is revealing value. The goal is to help the consumer purchase what they are looking for, providing them the best value you can for their money. It's not about trying to convince someone to buy something they don't want. It's about serving the consumer and revealing the value of your product or service in order to help them, not bully them or manipulate them.

2. Marketing is the art, and science, of discovering and developing in others a desire for your product or service or opportunity. The art of marketing is about the emotions, what people are feeling. The science is about the research and hard, cold, facts. The goal is to discover (research, gathering data) and developing in others the desire for your product or service because it has the value they need.

3. Brand building. A brand is a name that reminds you of a story. Each of us has a story to tell. Our companies have a history, a story to share. Premium branding makes others want to be a part of the story, your story. They want to be a part of something greater than themselves. They want to share in your success because it helps them grow, too.

The idea is to serve others. We put others first, do what's best for them, look out for their best interests, provide them value.

Wisdom from Weezy: A Dog with Unlimited Energy

I'm sitting on the couch looking at him and I can't help but laugh. Weezy is a small dog but has a big heart. He probably has a small brain, too, but that's another story. Let's just say Weezy won't be attending Harvard anytime soon. 

However, Weezy does have much to teach me. He's a walking encyclopedia of activity and curiosity. Constantly on the move, sniffing, wagging his tail, never stopping for long periods of time. He'll stop to eat but his food bowl rattles like a tambourine. Weezy is all action. 

As I shift my position on the couch, Weezy sniffs my shoe. Why? Who knows. The shoe is there and he has to sniff it. Here are some lessons from the wisdom of Weezy.

1. Success is defined by movement. It's hard to make any progress sitting still. If I'm going to accomplish anything, I've got to get off the couch and get to work. Weezy may sniff my shoe for no reason, but at least he's on the move. 

2. I've got to remain curious. Weezy is always looking for something. His curiosity is limitless. He knows there is something in the kitchen he must check out. A snack perhaps? What's under the couch? Success is often found when I become curious about something. I ask questions. I want answers. Why does that product work so well? Why am I not getting more action on my social media campaign? How can I improve on that idea? 

3. It's not how smart I am, but how much I'm willing to learn. Weezy is able to take directions and learn how to behave. He will sit when told to, especially if a doggie biscuit is a reward for doing so. He will ask to go outside, politely whining and making a face as if to say, "Hey, let me out!" I may not be the smartest person in the room, but I can learn. I have to remain teachable.  

4. Loyalty is perhaps Weezy's greatest trait. He is loyal to Aka, the other dog of the house. Aka and Weezy are best friends. They play and sleep side by side. Where Aka goes, Weezy follows. Loyalty to my family and friends is an important lesson to learn. In the work place, loyalty is earned and is perhaps the most valuable asset. Am I working hard to earn the trust and loyalty of those around me? 

Weezy just dropped by, looking up at me, curious about what I'm doing? "I'm doing some writing," I tell him. Thankful for a response, he waddles away wagging his tail, excited to see what's happening in the next room. 

Weezy

3 Reasons Why College is Still Worth the Money

 Dr. Kent Ingle, President of Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, recently wrote an article outlining why he thinks a college degree is worth the high price tag. 

First, a college degree can give a student one of the best returns on investment for their future success. Studies show that people with a bachelor’s degree or higher earn more over their lifetime than those with a high school diploma. Bachelor’s degree holders earn a median of $2.8 million during their career, 75 percent more than those with no more than a high school diploma. And in our nation, the highest-paying occupations require at least a graduate degree. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher have the lowest unemployment rate (2.2 percent) compared to those with a high school diploma (4.5 percent).

Second, a college degree can positively contribute to a student’s well-being. A new report by Lumina and Gallup found that bachelor’s degree holders are more likely to say their health is excellent or very good compared to workers with no higher education. They are also more likely to exercise and seek preventative health care when needed.

Finally, Dr. Ingle writes that a college degree can increase a student’s civic engagement. Studies have shown that people with a four-year degree are more likely to participate in the political process (such as voting), volunteer in their communities and give to charities.

College graduates also recognize the value of giving back to their communities through their time and finances. In fact, 67 percent of bachelor’s degree holders say they donated to charity in the last 12 months, compared with 38 percent of U.S. adults with no higher education, according to the Lumina and Gallup report. And the rate of those who volunteer nearly doubled from degree holders to those with no higher education.

Today's Generation Z has more tools to learn from these days. The internet was a game-changer. Many Gen Zers can earn substantial salaries using online resources. Now that artificial intelligence has entered the game, this generation has knowledge and academic assistance at the tips of their fingers. 

So...who needs a college education?

I agree with Dr. Ingle that a college degree provides more for a student than just academic achievement and a better chance to succeed in life. It offers a lot more. It offers those intangibles that Generation Z needs. Intangibles like social interaction, for one. College can be the place where many students learn how to interact with peers from various backgrounds, build community and establish lifelong friendships. Remaining in one's bedroom hunched over a computer does little to support the need to develop meaningful relationships. Gen Zers are the most diverse generation we've ever had. They need to learn how to get along. 

In addition, many Gen Zers need to develop a work ethic that will see them through tough times. Instead of relying on the social welfare net, they can learn to overcome many obstacles just by applying elbow grease. Hard work is hard to learn typing in a question on chatGPT. 

Finally, a college degree in someone's pocket says to an employer, "This person has completed something. They have worked on a goal and accomplished it. They have spent the time and money to achieve something worthwhile. They know how to finish what they have started. Life is more than about having fun. It takes work."

(Source: "2022 Global Crowd DNA study commissioned by SNAP, Inc.)

Deion Sanders: Four Lessons We Can Learn from Prime Time

Deion Sanders, also known as "Prime Time," is widely regarded as a success story in the world of professional sports and beyond. There are several reasons for his success, but here are four key factors that contribute to his remarkable journey:

1. Exceptional Athletic Talent:

   Deion Sanders possessed extraordinary athletic ability from a young age. He was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in football, baseball, and even track and field. His speed, agility, and natural talent set him apart from his peers, allowing him to become one of the most versatile and dominant athletes in history. His skills on the field led to successful careers in both professional football and baseball.

2. Versatility and Work Ethic:

   Deion's versatility was one of his greatest assets. He played both cornerback and wide receiver in football and was an outfielder in baseball. His ability to excel in multiple positions demonstrated his work ethic and dedication to honing his skills. He was known for his relentless work ethic, spending countless hours training and practicing to maintain his elite level of performance.

3. Charisma and Marketability:

   Beyond his athletic prowess, Deion Sanders possessed a charismatic personality and a unique sense of style. He was a charismatic figure both on and off the field, which made him highly marketable. His larger-than-life persona attracted endorsements and opportunities in the entertainment industry, including television and music. His ability to connect with fans and sponsors contributed to his overall success.

4. Championships and Records:

   Deion Sanders had a highly successful career in both the NFL and MLB. In football, he won two Super Bowl championships with the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys, earning the Super Bowl MVP award in one of them. In baseball, he played for several teams and was known for his outstanding fielding skills. He also holds the record for the most return touchdowns in NFL history, showcasing his impact on the game.

In addition to these four reasons, Deion Sanders' perseverance in the face of adversity and his ability to adapt to different challenges throughout his career have further solidified his status as a success story. His transition from a legendary athlete to a successful sports commentator and coach demonstrates his continued relevance and impact in the world of sports.

But wait. What about me? What can I learn from Deion? 

1. Use the talent God gave us. Whatever it is, all of us have something special. God didn't create us for without the ability to serve. What's your talent? Are you using it?

2. Work hard. We all can outwork the other guy. Deion has said he brought his work ethic with him to Colorado. The staff, players, organization are being noticed for their hard work on and off the field. 

3. We can market ourselves by developing some style and uniqueness. Others will appreciate us for who we are, if we are genuine and honest about our strengths and weaknesses. 

4. We all can't be champions in sports or set records, but we can strive to become the best in our given profession. It's a lifelong struggle to become better tomorrow than we are today. In addition, Deion won championships and set records on the back of those who coached him and joined him as team mates. He didn't accomplish those goals alone. He had support from others. We must can seek out others and join teams that want to succeed. 

Rupert Murdoch Stepping Down at Such a Young Age! (He's 92.)

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch is transitioning from his roles as Chair of Fox Corporation and Executive Chairman of News Corp this week. But why? He's so young! I mean, 92 is the new 30, isn't it?

Murdoch informed colleagues in a letter Thursday of his decision, noting he was in good health. He will officially make the transition in November, and his son Lachlan will become the sole chairman of both companies.

"Our companies are in robust health, as am I. Our opportunities far exceed our commercial challenges. We have every reason to be optimistic about the coming years - I certainly am, and plan to be here to participate in them," Murdoch said.

Opportunities exceeding our challenges. That's something to think about. Whether it's a conglomerate news organization like Fox or an individual working two jobs to feed their family, the principle applies. Challenges are a part of life, in all arenas, both personally and organizationally. However, so are opportunities. 

When faced with challenges, let's look for opportunities to tip the scales. If we can find opportunities in the midst of our struggles, then those obstacles become less important. I face challenges on a daily basis, as do you. Nevertheless, I see tremendous opportunities to grow as a better human being, a better entrepreneur, a more skilled professional in those areas I've chosen to spend my life. 

Rupert Murdoch, 92.

The Movie "Inside" a Nutty Film About Art

I know artists are a bit crazy, but art thieves?

Inside is a 2023 psychological thriller film written by Ben Hopkins and directed by Vasilis Katsoupis in his feature directorial debut.  The film follows an art thief (Willem Dafoe) who is trapped inside a luxury penthouse, slowly losing his grip on reality. I watched this nutty film on Amazon Prime Video and I must say, it is very weird.

Nothing beats watching Willem Dafoe going crazy when he's trapped, alone, in a luxury penthouse full of expensive art. I give Ben Hopkins credit for trying to keep this story interesting. It must have been a challenge to write the screenplay. Just how many ideas can one come up with to keep our art thief busy for the weeks (months?) he's trapped inside a penthouse that looks like a museum in Soho. One rich dude owns that place. 

The theme is obvious, not to say well-intentioned. Defoe's character, Nemo, says it aloud in voice over. "Cats die, music fades, but art is for keeps." (Nemo, looking rather worn and aged for an art thief, tells a story of his childhood, in which a teacher asked him to choose three things to save in a house fire. Rather than his family, Nemo selected his cat, an AC/DC record, and his sketchbook. He reflects that the cat died and he lent the album to an acquaintance who did not return it, but he still has the sketchbook.)

My only reaction is this: being an artist is a lonely choice, we are often isolated and alone in our work. Only other artists appreciate our desire to create. Many think we are foolish. We are all broke. I can relate to being trapped. 

Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes Teach Patience

After the amazing comeback win last night (or should I say this morning), a broadcaster pulled head coach Deion Sanders aside and asked him what he learned from their amazing win. "Patience," Deion said. "We learned a lot about patience." 

Colorado was behind eleven points in a game full of terrific action and ups and downs. I, for one, thought they had lost. Colorado State was driving the ball with under three minutes left and the game was over, or so I thought. But then I look up and see Colorado State having to punt on fourth down. The kicker sets the ball nicely on the two yard line with a deftly timed punt. Luck was certainly on their side. The Buffaloes had ninety-eight yards to go. Being down by eight points, they had to score a touchdown and convert two extra points to tie the game and get into overtime. 

Deion's Cinderella team did exactly that. They not only scored the touchdown and extra points to make it to overtime, they scored twice in two overtimes to win the game. 

Sanders has turned the Buffaloes into the talk of college football since taking over a team that went 1-11 last season.

Patience. Deion said they learned to be patient. The confidence in his team and coaching staff were evident. It was like he knew things were going to turn out okay if they would just continue to work and be patient. Wait for something good to happen. It did.

The next time I'm stressed out to the point of exhaustion, I'll remember Deion and this game. I'll fight like hell to be patient and let the game come to me. I'll wait for something to turn things around.