What’s in Your Saddleback Leather Bag?

Just breaking in my new Saddleback Leather briefcase and thought I’d brag about it a bit. Hope you enjoy!

 

Saddleback Leather’s Amazon Store.

I Want the Best Employees and I Don’t Want to Pay Them

Do you have a business or interest where everybody expects you to do the job for free? I don’t just mean friends and family, I mean everybody. If you do, let me know what your particular field is. I’m curious if it runs across the board or just in specific jobs. I think I work in several areas where it is expected that you do your job for free as opposed to ever asking for money. Public speaking, counseling, and freelance writing are where a lot of my income comes from.

Here’s an e-mail I just rec’d from a newspaper editor…

 

David,

Sorry for the late response. Things have been kind of crazy here. I’ll be blunt: I like your idea, but I can’t pay you anything. My boss recently cut my budget for columns and freelance work and I’ve had to let some folks go. That being said, if you’d like to write a column without compensation, we’d be glad to run it and I suspect the Chronicle would too (However, I’d need to get the OK from the editor of that paper). It’s your choice. I don’t like asking people to work for free — this isn’t a charity — but if you’d like to write a column as a community service, we’d publish it. Let me know what you’d like to do. Hope your family is doing well and take care.

Charles

 

Bear in mind that the e-mail came from a guy who actually writes for a living, but since he works for a newspaper in the 21st century, I suspect more of his job time is spent soliciting free writers and advertisers than anything.

I kindly let him know that I don’t work for free anymore and that my kids wouldn’t like me if I couldn’t buy groceries.

Top 3 Life Changing Scrubs Episodes

My wife and I just finished watching a marathon multi-week session of all the Scrubs episodes on Netflix instant play. I always loved the show and it was really cool to watch them in order. It’s crazy how so much of the show reflects things in my own life. Because of this, I compiled my top 3 life-changing episodes for you…

1. My Musical (season 6, episode 6). I hate musical episodes on tv shows. They all seem to want to do it and it’s so completely idiotic it makes me want to strangle the writers. This one though had some really cool songs. I never thought I would enjoy a song called “Guy Love”, but I did. I recently found a friend in Ryan McRae that made me feel like I finally had a dude relationship like Turk and JD, a real bromance. (I think I’m the Turk and he’s JD). There’s also a really cool song called “Everything Comes Down to Poo” that is quite informative.

2. My Coffee (season 6, episode 3). It’s a coffee-centric episode. How could I not love it?

3. My Perspective (episode 9, season 6). This one forever changed how I complete my bathroom stops. It’s true that humans are the only animals that stay dressed for two-zies. I just don’t pass out like JD does.

As you can see, season 6 rocked! My only sadness about the series as a whole was the mysterious last season at the med school. It sucked. They ended the regular show in such an awesome way, it was a travesty to continue it in such a sad, sad way.

For more Scrubs…

Scrubs: The Complete Collection.

Scrubs.

Addicted to Multi-Level Marketing

I opened up a dialogue the other day on my Facebook page that received a big number of responses, so I thought I’d translate it over here to the blog so that a wider audience could weigh in.

This came about because someone I know hit me with a multi-level marketing ambush. I won’t tell you who this is, as he will probably read the post and might be offended. Or maybe I should tell you so he doesn’t ambush me again. You see, this person has twice ambushed me with an unsolicited MLM sales pitch. He’s sneaky, but aren’t they all? I am a believer in self-employment, self-determination, and damn-the-man kind of thinking in regard to employment. I also believe that MLM businesses are a great way for many people to achieve financial independance. But let me emphasize that MLM businesses don’t give anyone an excuse to bypass the niceties of etiquette  and the core respect that you should have for friends, family, and even strangers.

So let me step off my soapbox and let the crowd speak. The following are some of the responses I received in my post about people being addicted to MLM…

Jason said…yes…there should be a support group for this

Rhonda said…What do you mean by addicted? I am not sure how you get addicted to joining MLM’s…explain please! do you mean hopping from one to another?

Susan said…Those people that invite you to 9 parties a month for different stuff they’re selling??? I know a few of those. They quickly end up with their messages in my “spam” folder!

Peggy said…ok for the “other side” … I recently joined another MLM because I like the product (DO NOT want to create a business) but I save ALOT by being a distributor … so it was worth it to “join.” just sayin’ …

Rhonda said…Its that way for a lot of people Peggy…it is usually the way to get the best price.

Peggy said…yep … and so for as long I use the product for me it’s worth it. I was very very very clear with the upline that I would NOT attend meetings, recruit, etc. anyway — it can get kinda crazy

I said…I’ll admit that I’ve been involved in 4. I know some people though, that are involved in a new one a month, and it seems like an addiction, especially when they only communicate with you to offer you the next big thing.

Peggy said…I would agree with you there Dr.Dave! I am currently involved in 2 — Send Out Cards and Boresha. And I have “customers” in both … and I USE both products all the time … so whether they ever make a “profit” they are worthwhile to me. And yes, I thot long and hard before joining either because of having joined some others that bombed on me … Xango, Shaklee, need I go on?!?!

I said…The MLM biz’s that I like best are the ones that don’t seem like it when they’re trying to pitch something to me.

I said…So, full disclosure now that Peggy’s out there, what groups have y’all been involved in?

Jason…I use PrePaid Legal and heavily researched selling it but decided not too – I like the idea of MLMs and have researched several but I have never found one I was seriously interested in doing.

Rhonda said…Currently Diamond Coach for Beachbody and LOVE it! (P90X, Insanity, Shakeology, etc…)Years ago I had been involved with a couple others and did not like it at all… there are definitely keys to being involved and one is patience. You d…on’t get rich over night…and the other for me is having amazing products that I believe in. I don’t focus on the selling aspect, I focus on relationship building with people. If I can help you, great, if not maybe I make a new friend or two!!

I said…I started with Quorum in high school. My wife was Mary Kay. Right now I use PrePaid Legal & Advocare. Jason and I have a common friend in PPL. I didn’t know Beachbody had a MLM. Right now I use mine for personal benefit like Peggy & don’t sell it unless people ask.

Rhonda said…We use PPL but I didn’t know it was an MLM either.

Peggy said…both of the ones I am in started with using and loving the product. As I told friends about them, and they expressed interest I figured why not “join” and get benefits BUT I refuse to “sell” so that people want to cross the street, change their name and hide their face when they see me coming!! I still have problems with a Shakelee “friend.”

Rhonda said…Yea Peggy…I started by using Shakeology and had no intention of working the business, I just wanted the best price possible. I started working the business at the end of January and I really love it. You cant use the “sell” approach…its tacky and can create major issues with people.

Rhonda said…Good question Dr David!!!!! Lots-O-Response.

Jason said…Ive worked at several offices were was that serial MLM’er that every time they walked through the door there was a new product/program. I didn’t want to be like them, thats what has kept me away from most programs. Plus there was only so many of the orange Vemma energy drinks I could drink in a day.

Rhonda said…If you think about it though…most every business is a “pyramid”. There are bad ones out there, of course…but any business is designed like a pyramid.

Peter said…Just started with Visalus. Love the product – company looks good too.

Stephanie said…started with Zija and it’s my first MLM. I love the product whether I build or not, but have made money so far. As long as I can pay for my nutrition, weight loss, detox, and skin care i’m good. I wouldn’t take on another MLM though. Don’t see how people can do so many, but that’s b/c I have 3 little ones at home.

Rad said…David I have something that I would like to share with you. All you need is your spare time and the desire to give your family the financial security you’ve always wanted……….;)

Lois said…I started on V3, a weight management product for myself, people ask me what I’m doing and have been selling it, (not working at it) and making around 2,500 to 3,000 a month. Now, thats a fun kind of bonus!!!

 

I had fun with this one. Hope you enjoy it too. What’s your take on MLM’s?

My Awkward Coffee Creamer Commercial

Here’s a short vidblog about a new International Delight coffee creamer and their super cool marketing effort. Hope you enjoy! I also mention home-made peanut butter, my sexy wife, my 1 month old son’s rock climbing adventure, coupons, and coffee. Courtesy of Dr. David Powers at www.drdavidpowers.com.

 

Welcome to Hippietown Portland Oregon

I spent most of the day yesterday walking around downtown Portland OR, mostly in the brewery and Pearl districts. With all my travels, especially when I’m speaking at conferences, I hit a lot of downtown areas, and I have to say that thus far Portland is my favorite downtown area so far with Washington DC coming in at second.

What I’ve seen thus far…

There are parks everywhere, some of them plain old green space and others are spectacular fountain areas for the kids (and adults like me) to play in.

Bike paths number almost the same as car lanes. The city is structured in a way that bikes and walkers have way more right of way than cars. It’s really nice, cuts down on traffic, and makes exploring the city in a bipedal or two-wheeled manner that much more enjoyable. In Myrtle Beach SC where I live, it’s dangerous to ride a bike or walk. Not the smartest way for a city to grow and ease traffic, but it is reflective of Myrtle Beach’s mindset.

Coffee shops…they’re everywhere!

The city is so fit. There’s a wide variety of age and ethnic groups in town but overall they’re way more fit than other cities I’ve been in. Now I know there are fat people in Portland. According to demographics anywhere there have to be. I guess they’re at home watching the TV instead of out walking around town.

The mass transit system here is great and easy to use. It was super-cheap at $2.35 for me to catch a ride on the light rail from the airport to my hotel. Aside from the rail, there are also buses running everywhere.

The city is bursting with creativity, and it’s visible everywhere from the way people dress to the number of art and fashion centers located downtown. In many towns you have to look hard for any decent amount of creativity or support for the arts. Here, there’s so much of it that it’s visible everywhere.

The city is pretty clean too. For a big city, it’s pretty remarkable. In comparison, Washington DC was really, really nasty with trash everywhere you look. On some of the late nights I’ve been walking back to the hotel I’ve seen the city guys washing the sidewalks.

Overall, I would characterize Portland as a well-meshed dystopian utopia. There’s a lot of counterculture activity and lifestyle here, but it all seems to work well with the government and needed activities and functions from ‘the man’.

Recommended reading…

Portland City Walks: Twenty Explorations In and Around Town.

Secret Portland, Oregon 2010: The Unique Guidebook to Portland’s Hidden Sites, Sounds, & Tastes (Secret Guide series).

Frommer’s Portable Portland.

I’ll Kick You Out of Church If I Have To

I attend an awesome church at Wellspring Church in Myrtle Beach SC. One of the great things about my church is that they’re completely on top of using multimedia and modern technology to reach people. Last Sunday they showed a “Welcome to my church” video that featured one of our members. It was really good and ,of course, the actress, a Ms Heather Ann is very pretty and professional. She an anchor at a local TV station after all.

The only downside of the video is that it needs a different perspective, so I thought I’d film my own. I serve as an Usher at my church, or as I like to think of it, The Church Bouncer.

This is a  ”Welcome to my church” video from the Usher-Bouncer’s point of view. I hope you enjoy it.

Making Roots with Caitlin Beidler in Haiti

Some of my longtime readers of the blog or my magazine column might remember a young lady I’ve mentioned quite a few times in the past. Caitlin Beidler is an impressive artist and temporal philanthropist (I’ll  explain later) that I’ve gotten to know very well over the years. I’d like to say that I hang out with her a lot, but the girl is out of the country so much it’s hard to catch up with her. I’m guessing here, but I’d say she’s in Haiti at least 3-4 times a year.

I’m writing about her again because I just received a support letter from her ministry Making Roots yesterday. I thought I’d bring her up again in the hopes that some of you might like to help support her work. I’ve helped her in the past by buying artwork, helping with funds for trips, and writing about her as often as I can. I can guarantee from experience that it’s a worthy endeavor. One of the coolest things about supporting her are the little tiny art and letters that she sends out. It’s like a Christmas present every time I see a lumpy envelope from her in the mail.

For a number of years Caitlin worked on her own, enlisting support and help as she could but funding most of her mission work through her own art sales at Redemption Art. She does amazing canvas-type work but her most spectacular works are murals and live painting. I’ve seen her paint masterpieces in front of crowds at huge events and she doesn’t appear the least bit nervous. She even paints wedding portaits during the actual ceremonies. Recently she and her sister started a formal ministry, which is where Making Roots comes in. The ministry runs through her home place of worship, 180 Degrees Church. This means that any donations you send her are now tax deductible. I think it’s awesome that her church supports her efforts. I’ve attended and come across a lot of churches that absolutely will not support their members in ways like this. Many of them practice closed-loop leadership and don’t seem very concerned or helpful when God moves in their lives. It’s sad but true. I commend her church for this.

Caitlin is getting ready for another year at Camp Hope, a project she works on every year. This is why she could use the support right now. I urge you to help out. Even if you don’t neccesarily want to give outright to the ministry, at least check out her art. Buy a few pieces and you’ll still be supporting the effort. I have at least half a dozen pieces spread out around my house with two large paintings in my living room. I also commissioned a piece for my parents as a gift one year. You can see plenty of her works and find the ministry website at the links spread throughout the blog. If you’d like to know more, contact her. Better yet, show up at one of her mural projects and she’ll let you help paint. She’s also very active on Facebook with pics of her projects in Haiti and Africa. 

Now as to the Temporal Philanthropist title…ask me later and I’ll explain further.

Gov. Nikki Haley Names Non-Mother of the Year

Please don’t get me wrong. I like Nikki Haley as my new Governor here in the Palmetto State of SC. Overall, I would personally give her about an 85% approval rating. She’s cutting money and trimming departments so far just like she promised. As long as she can keep her clothes on, unlike our former cross-continental traipsing Gov. Sanford, she should do all right.

The thing I’m wondering about today is an article in this monring’s Sun News titled “Haley Names Mother of Year.” I read the article with interest. After all, I have a mom and my wife is one as well. I was curious about what makes a statewide mom of the year. Here’s a link to the article if you’d like to read it too- Article. This lady seemed to have a pretty good list of accomplishments, although I’ve seen better. The only thing missing from her bio is this…CHILDREN. There is absolutely no mention whatsoever that she is actually a mom, which leads me to wonder, is she even a mother?

I did a little more checking online and found out that Ms Black is indeed a mother. Maybe next time the Gov. and the media should play that part up a little more.

Do you ever do this in your business? Do you play up everything except the one essential fact that the customer really needs? It’s the kind of thing that you need to be sure to catch.

Full Disclosure

In the interests of appeasing the FTC I always like to reprint my disclosure statement once a year. Here she goes…

I just yanked this from Tim Ferriss’ latest blog posting of The Random Show. Thought it looked very applicable, and Tim gave permission to replicate it.

Thanks Tim!

The FTC requires all bloggers to attribute when we receive things and then blog about them. Now, first off, I’d like to say, “Screw the FTC.” But I can’t do that. If I refuse to play by the rules I’ll get fined. It’s much easier to say “Screw the government” when I’m at home not paying fines than it is to do while paying the fines.

So, here’s my disclosures. Much of this is copied word for word from Tim Ferriss…

This blog is not primarily financially driven. I put it up a few years back to build a community and reach coffee-centric folks like you. 

That said, beginning December 1, 2009, the FTC requires bloggers to provide disclosures whenever there could be hidden interests or unspoken biases related to recommendations.

I am a businessman on my way to becoming the first Emperor of the United States. I invest and consult in various interests that may be mentioned on this blog.

If I interview someone and they grab the bill for lunch, I would need to specify this, as I would if I use an Amazon link that gets me 8 cents instead of an Amazon link that gets me 0 cents. If someone gives me a comfy t-shirt with a logo and I wear it in a photo, ditto. Disclaimers all over.

This would be tedious for me and a continual eyesore for readers. But rules is rules.

To cover my booty and preserve your reading experience, please assume that, for every recommendation, link, and product I use, the following all hold true:

Please feel free to use the text and images on this page with proper attribution. There is no reason why each blogger should have to reinvent the wheel.