Cutting Through The Online Clutter, by Doug Grady
April 11, 2012 by Doug · 5 Comments
Cutting Through The Online Clutter
Gary Vaynerchuk, star of Infusioncon 2012
Just last week I attended a three day event called Infusioncon. Some really smart online and offline marketers shared their often not-so-simple strategies for getting your message and ultimately your product to your prospect. It was over 40 hours of training in various aspects of marketing, including, but not limited to:
CRM, QR codes, SEO optimization, sales automation, social media marketing, content development, keywords, geo-targeted social media integration, link building, mobile marketing, membership sites, automated webinars...
Have I lost you yet?
It was at times overwhelming. The "key points" portion of my notes alone was two full pages. If you sometimes feel like you are drowning on a sea of online noise, you are not alone. Let's begin with a fun fact I learned on day two. According to Google CEO Eric Schmidt:
Every two days now we create as much information as we did from the dawn of civilization up until 2003.
Are you kidding me? Wow! Is that why I just went through three days of intense marketing training? How do you win the battle for people's attention in an "attention deficit" world? Here are a few broad strokes for you:
- Listen. While the vast majority of marketers, salespeople, and social media pontificators constantly strive to out-shine, out-talk, or out-shock for attention, you automatically distinguish yourself by investing time to listen. Seek out conversations about your business. Respond to people who express an interest in you. Join groups with common interests. Don't just contribute, edify the contributions of others by acknowledging their comments and posts. The search function on twitter is a great tool for this.
- Pinterest is now the third highest ranked social media site. Check it out.
- Last year smart phones out sold computers- how's your mobile marketing plan?
- Video content is huge. Youtube is now the #2 search engine on the web.
- Don't try to do it all yourself. Effective marketing requires vision, strategy, and tactics. Very few of us are strong in all three. Find people who are strong in the areas you are not. Don't have an adequate budget? You might be able to create synergy with skilled professionals without monetary compensation. On occasion I have been able to help with strategy for organizations in exchange for tactical assistance.
- Be consistent. If you're going to be an effective marketer (online or otherwise), don't expect to "show up and throw up" on special occasions and expect to be taken seriously.
- Get personal. Write a letter. Make a house call. Call someone just to say hello.
"Twitter marketing is about listening, not talking." -Gary Vaynerchuk
At the height of my personal overwhelm toward the end of day two, something clicked for me. I don't need anything new to be successful. And neither do you. This actually gave me the freedom to relax, take a breath, and continue learning through the rest of the trainings. While my head is still spinning with a vast array of new ideas and technological game-changers, I know in my heart that true success can be achieved right now without ever turning on a computer.
On The Bus with Jon Gordon
April 10, 2012 by Doug · Leave a Comment
Jon Gordon endorses my book, The Ripple Effect
On The Bus with Jon Gordon
Jon Gordon and I go way back. Back before he opened up the Park Bench in Atlanta in 1996; before he started the Phoenix Organization shortly thereafter to mobilize young adults for community service; way before he wrote his first book. I knew him then to be a peer and a businessman. I know him now to be a best-selling author and keynote speaker, a man of faith, and a friend.
Jon Gordon's best-selling books and talks have inspired readers and audiences around the world. His principles have been put to the test by numerous NFL, NBA, and college coaches and teams, Fortune 500 companies, school districts, hospitals and non-profits. He is the author of The Wall Street Journal bestseller The Energy Bus, Training Camp, and The Seed. Today Jon shared his wisdom at the Peachtree Ironmen's Big Breakfast.
"God doesn't pick the best, he picks the most willing." -Jon Gordon
Here are a few of the highlights from today's keynote with Jon:
- Being positive can be learned. Focus on developing positive energy and self-talk. Eliminate energy vampires.
- God doesn't pick the best, he picks the most willing.
- Not everyone is going to get on your bus.
- Have a vision statement for you and your family.
- Declare a one word vision to live by. Jon gave several examples: intentional, motivated, purpose. I chose "faith."
- Invite God into your marriage.
I'm on the bus Jon- thanks for driving.
TUESDAY IRONMEN meetings are from 6:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. SHARP. We meet at The Lodge in Buckhead, 3417 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305
Ironmen Ecuador trip is June 22-29
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
High Achievers membership options
Change Your Mind, Change Your World, by Doug Grady
March 28, 2012 by Doug · 5 Comments
Change Your Mind, Change Your World, by Doug Grady
After watching a PBS documentary on Steve Jobs last week this quote stuck with me:
"Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you and you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use. Once you learn that, you'll never be the same again." -Steve Jobs
There was a time in my life I didn't think I could change much of anything in my world. I changed my mind.
"When you change the way you look at things the things you look at change." -Dr. Wayne Dyer
The turnaround in my life came from accepting that God had a plan for me and that I was not living it. This change in perspective eventually brought about massive changes in every area of my life. If you are taking on a change in your life, your environment, or the world around you, it begins with changing your mind.
Your mind is powerful. It can be stubborn, stuck, and stagnant. You can tell it "yes" but it still says "no." It can delude you into a life that is not much more than a slow, just-comfortable-enough death. Or you can change your mind.
You can change:
- the way you talk to yourself. That little voice in your head is always telling you something. Listen to it. If it is not consistent with the world you want to live in, you can choose a different voice.
- your input. Change what you read, what you watch on television, what you pay attention to online. Consciously add mental inputs that nurture you and grow you as a person. Let go of some of the garbage that pollutes your mind. Access to a High Achievers membership (just $9.95/month) is a great way to do this. You will receive one personal development program each week in your email box from the best in the business.
- your focus. One of the simplest, most powerful ways to change your focus is to develop a sense of gratitude. Each day list at least 20 things you are grateful for. If this is difficult or uncomfortable for you, do it anyway.
- your attitude. This one can take awhile. Consistently maintaining a better attitude is often a by-product of the first three changes. If you choose to, you can change your attitude right now.
"Change happens in an instant." -Tony Robbins
Change is a choice. Make one simple choice today to change the course of your life. You may not think you can change the world, but you can always change your mind.
More simple choices...
A Lifestyle Of Achievement, by Doug Grady
March 22, 2012 by Doug · Leave a Comment
A Lifestyle Of Achievement, by Doug Grady
The High Achievers Lifestyle of Achievement award was created to recognize extraordinary men and women who truly embrace a lifestyle of high achievement. There were three criteria for the "HALO" award. I was looking for someone who:
- Plays BIG. Someone who is fully engaged in a mission that can change the world in a powerful, positive way.
- Walks their talk. It was critical that this person be the same "on stage" and "off stage"; someone who lives their mission, not just talks about it.
- Intentionally helps others. I wanted a person who was willing to put people over profits. Who truly cared for others, not just themselves.
And the award goes to...
The recipient of the first ever HALO award is Day Adeogba. Day has been a long time player in the world of health and fitness. However, his mission, teachings, and example go way beyond that of a personal trainer.
For over 14 years Day has worked with CEO's, executives, and athletes in the areas of health, fitness, and success. Day created YourDay Inc in 2004 and is currently the president. Here is a bit of Day Adeogba's philosophy:
The YourDay BALANCE Game
Balance – Believing all life and nature coexist equally.
1. Understand some Basic Principles in life
A. For every choice there is a consequence
B. Health is pro life
C. Balance is the precursor to longevity2. Build a healthy relationship to body(self) and life
A. Create a Purpose – serve life and others
B. Awaken your Passion – love to do what you do
C. Love life – Enjoy the ride! Enjoy each day!3. Balance out your health and fitness – A New Game – A New Paradigm
• If the experience of life is the game then there is an athlete in everyone
• Your Body is the Vehicle – Life is the Road – Health and Fitness is the Test Track
• 50% of results comes from consciousness(belief); 30% - put in and take out; 20% movement
• Your Health and Fitness is the Truth about your relationship to life.Check out Day's character fitness blog.
Doug Grady, Day Adeogba, David Alexander
Just yesterday on the High Achievers facebook page someone asked me what it meant to be a high achiever, specifically referencing a "six and seven figure income." This has never been part of my definition, although there is a very good possibility this may show up when you:
Play BIG, walk your talk, and intentionally help others.
Congratulations to Day Adeogba.
Who in your world best exemplifies the three criteria for the HALO award? Connect with us on facebook and tell us about your nominee!
Join us and embrace a lifestyle of achievement.
One Simple Choice, by Doug Grady
March 14, 2012 by Doug · 5 Comments
One Simple Choice, by Doug Grady
In retrospect, it may have been more for therapy than for any other purpose. On October 31, 2010 I published an article called The Ripple Effect. It contained glimpses of a painful journey out of a very dark place.
What began as a simple 30 day commitment to physical exercise led to an ongoing awareness of what was showing up in my life as a result. From this one choice all kinds of extraordinary happenings surfaced.
My struggle seemed to resonate with others. The more I observed the more I wrote. Eventually my life turned around.
The Ripple Effect is now a published book. The following is an excerpt...
Consider your life as a series of ripples. The experiences in your life and your response to them have led you to exactly where you are now. It is not an accident.
One simple choice can change the course of your life.
You can choose right now to reconnect with your higher purpose. You can take the first step toward an unrealized passion or let go of an unhealthy habit. You can throw your hat in the ring. You can choose a daily, weekly, or monthly commitment. You can choose to do nothing at all. Each choice will have ripples.
"If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice." -Geddy Lee
Don’t worry about making the perfect choice. Perfectionism nourishes procrastination and can keep you stuck. Choose something. Choose simply. Choose powerfully. Choose now.
“Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed.” –Cavett Robert
Honoring your choice will not always be easy. Don’t let your ripple die the death of most New Year’s resolutions. Breakthroughs happen in the daily grind of consistently doing what you said you would do. The road ahead will undoubtedly contain many twists and turns; unexpected pain and exciting breakthroughs; setbacks and victories.
“I took the road less traveled, now I have no idea where in the world I am.” –Anonymous
Become acutely aware of what is showing up in your life. This is source of the power of the ripple effect. Record in your journal:
- What level of integrity did you operate in today?
- What ripples* are surfacing?
- How do you feel?
*Ripples are defined as the breakthroughs, experiences, realizations, people, things, additional commitments, and other results showing up in your life since you made your choice.
Finally, share with others you know what you are doing and your ripples. This is in essence how this book came to be.
What's In Your Library? Jim Rohn
March 10, 2012 by Doug · 2 Comments
What's In Your Library? Jim Rohn
"You must either magnify your skills or modify your goals" -Jim Rohn
For more than 40 years, Jim Rohn honed his craft like a skilled artist-helping people the world over sculpt life strategies that have expanded their imagination of what is possible. Those who had the privilege of hearing him speak can attest to the elegance and common sense of his material. It is no coincidence, then, that he is widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of our time, and thought of by many as a national treasure. Jim authored countless books and audio and video programs, and helped motivate and shape an entire generation of personal-development trainers and hundreds of executives from America's top corporations. -jimrohn.com
"Affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion." -Jim Rohn
Jim spoke twice for High Achievers- once in California and once in Texas. I had the honor of meeting him and learning from him in person.
Jim passed away in December of 2009. His legacy lives on in his writings, his recorded seminars, and the countless lives he touched all over the world. You can listen to Jim's full length High Achievers seminar in week three of your High Achievers intro membership. Membership is just $9.95 a month. Start my membership now.
Join us and embrace a lifestyle of achievement.
What's Your Excuse? Do Something, by Doug Grady
March 8, 2012 by Doug · 4 Comments
What's Your Excuse? Do Something
My left hip has been persistently bothering me off and on since mid 2009. In late 2011 it was officially diagnosed as highly arthritic. According to the doctor's opinion, a hip replacement is inevitable. Not the news I was looking for.
I flashed back in my mind to a couple of years ago when I allowed this same hip to become an excuse for not exercising. It led to five months of a sedentary lifestyle and exacerbated a downward spiral in every area of my life. Since that time I have developed a new belief:
When it comes to exercise and other daily commitments, something is better than nothing.
Right around the time my hip was diagnosed, Scott Rigsby completed his second Ironman in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in 16 hours, 22 minutes. In case you are unfamiliar, an Ironman is a 140.6 mile competition consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles on bike followed by a 26.2 mile run. Only a select few elite athletes qualify each year. Not all finish within the 17 hour cutoff time. Scott has completed two. Impressive, right?
Did I mention Scott is a double amputee?
I met Scott Rigsby a couple of months into a re-commitment to exercise. He was one of those not so subtle reminders I had no excuses. Scott was 18 years old when he lost both his legs from the knee down after a severe accident. He struggled through over a decade of surgeries, prescription drug addiction, and suicidal tendencies. Over 15 years after his accident Scott became the first double-amputee on prosthetics in the world to complete an Ironman distance triathlon.
I decided to call Scott half way through writing this. He was on a break from his busy travel schedule and picked up. We talked for a few minutes and I asked him what the turning point was in his life. He shared with me his mantra:
"Today's unthinkables are tomorrow's realities." -Scott Rigsby
Scott now inspires people all over the world to take on the unthinkable. It starts with doing something.
These are some of the "somethings" I have engaged in over the last 20 months:
- Weekly workouts with transformational trainer, Day Adeogba
- A 14 Day Raw Food Cleanse
- The 21 Day Arden's Garden Cleanse
- Hot Yoga
- Power Yoga
- Water Aerobics
- Stretching
- Muscle Activation Techniques
- Hiking
- Fasting
- One 5k
- Two 10ks
- Three Tough Mudders (the third was eight days after my diagnosis)
I have made adjustments in my exercises, exploring creative ways to stay fit and heal my body. My hip is better than it has been in over six months, and all things considered I am in the best shape of my life. This was unthinkable for me 20 months ago.
I am grateful for Scott Rigsby. I have no excuses. I can always do something.
What's your excuse? Do something. Today's unthinkables are tomorrow's realities.
Join us for Muddervation March 20.
The High Achievers Lifestyle Of Achievement Award
March 3, 2012 by Doug · 2 Comments
The High Achievers Lifestyle of Achievement Award
life·style (noun): A way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person
a·chieve·ment (noun): A thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill
And the award goes to...
The first ever recipient of the High Achievers Lifestyle of Achievement Award will be announced March 21st.
I had been thinking about it for several months. Perhaps watching the Grammy's a couple of weeks ago sparked me to take action. This past Sunday night's Oscars got me even more excited about it. High Achievers is now less than two weeks away from giving out our first ever Lifestyle Of Achievement Award.
There won't be any seat-fillers or celebrities. Although the recipient has been a star in my world and in the lives of many others for quite some time. He has significantly impacted the people around him and our world through his philosophy, his teachings, and his example. He has helped people live extraordinary lives.
If you were giving this award, who would it go to?
Consider for a moment what a lifestyle of achievement means to you. Who in your world most embodies this? Who has had the greatest positive impact on your lifestyle this past year? What is different in your life and in our world because of him or her? I encourage you to give this person a call, send them a note, or shoot them a quick email. Even a text will do. Let them know they are your recipient of the Lifestyle of Achievement Award.
And the nominees are... Is there someone you'd like to nominate for the High Achievers Lifestyle of Achievement Award? Email me at doug@highachievers.com and tell me how your nominee embodies a lifestyle of achievement.
Join us and embrace a lifestyle of achievement.
Fake Profiles: Not An Acceptable Networking Strategy
February 28, 2012 by Doug · 45 Comments
Fake Profiling: Not An Acceptable Networking Strategy, by Doug Grady
I was in a seminar today on networking strategies. It was produced by a very reputable organization. The invited speaker, an author and self-proclaimed expert in the area of networking, was sharing his strategies. He was funny and witty and quick on his feet. He used the word "stalking" as a strategy a few too many times for my comfort zone and proclaimed the value of picking where you go to church specifically to "stalk" your potential clients.
These things didn't really bother me too much and I actually found him entertaining and interesting on some level. And then it happened. He began sharing his strategy of setting up fake profiles on linkedin to connect with the prospects he was "stalking". He went into detail on how he finds out where his target went to school and some of their common interests. If it was a man, he'd create a profile of a woman who was a "6 or 7" in the looks category, and set up her fake profile with the same alma mater and similar interests. If it was a woman he was targeting, the man would be more like a "9". He boasted a 95% success rate when linking up through this fake profile system. Then he could easily get connected with his target through his fabricated connection.
How would you react? Here is your multiple choice test:
a. "Wow, what a great idea, I wish I had thought of that.
b. "This man is genius."
c. "I can't wait to create my first fake profile!"
d. "I've been doing this for years- I should be up there teaching him."
e. "This man is a liar and is teaching other people to lie as a strategy."
If you answered a-d, you might want to consider going back to Sunday School.
I went with "e" and before I knew it found myself calling him out. "You are lying," I said from the back of the room. I was a little heated and I don't remember his exact response but it was something to the effect that his prospect doesn't know that it's a fake profile so it's OK. I said, "Well I know it, you just told me." I turned to the person next to me and quietly said, "I'm not listening to this crap" and walked out.
There is no place for this blatant manipulation and outright deception in business or anywhere else. This man lowered himself to the status of a conman and bragged about it. To make it worse, he was teaching others to do the same under the guise of a "strategy."
A shortcut that compromises your integrity is never one you need to take.
How does this strike you? Please leave a comment- I'd really like to hear from you.
Personal Marketing: Lone Ranger Leave Behinds, by Doug Grady
February 25, 2012 by Doug · 6 Comments
Personal Marketing: Lone Ranger Leave Behinds
Do you remember the Lone Ranger? Everywhere he went he would leave something behind. No, it wasn't Tonto. It was a silver bullet.
He would be riding off into the sunset and invariably someone would ask, "Who was that masked man?" The response always went something like, "I don't know, but he left this silver bullet. He must be a good guy!"
The Lone Ranger was a master marketer. Everywhere he went he had people talking about him in a positive way when he wasn't around. This is one of your objectives in personal marketing.
The "mind of the market." The top companies, entertainers, and entrepreneurs realize they must have a unique and powerful position in the mind of the market. The same goes for you. There must be a sense that nobody else can do exactly what you can do. If you are in sales or business development, consider the possibility that this positioning is accomplished not so much by what you say or do while you are with your prospect; it's how people feel about you when you're not even around.
What's your silver bullet?
So what's your silver bullet? What will you leave behind? Here's where the work comes in. It's not always easy being distinct. (Refer to Personal Marketing: Own The Mountain). For a period of time in my seminars I actually gave out silver bullets (they weren't exactly silver...). I had a personal brochure for awhile. I've given away t-shirts, books and audio programs. I left my banjo at a speaking engagement once, but that was an accident. These days I usually leave my audiences with a song and give away music (you can download several of my songs here through the BandPage app).
Need some stimulation?
Look for examples. You probably know of people in your industry who are known and appreciated for something they leave behind: cookies, gift cards, fruit baskets, or flowers. There are thousands of promotional items you can purchase, from pens to coffee mugs to chocolates to hot sauces. If you can think of it, you can probably find a company to buy it in bulk and put your name and logo on it. Resist the urge to be perfect. I tend to lean toward anything being better than a typical business card. Speaking of business cards, yours might include a link to an online gift of some kind.
Get personal. It is personal marketing we are talking about. A good friend of mine has the habit of taking pictures with his clients and prospects and sending them in a frame. At times you might leave people with a warm hug, a bottle of wine, or a joke of the day. You can give your prospect a referral or an idea to help build their business. Or donate to their favorite charity.
Just like the Lone Ranger riding off into the sunset, people will talk about you when you're not around. Be conscious of your communication. Develop memorable moments. Leave behind something special.
Do you have an effective leave behind you would be willing to tell us about? Leave a comment- we'd really like to hear from you.
Happy trails...