Surround Yourself with Superstars

After recent events, people I have met and spent time with, along with other various factors-I figured out an issue I was having with my blog…

What do I Write?! The challenge itself was not what to write about, but what to pick from the amazing selection of topics that I could cover on here!

So I have taken action and made a choice. A choice that I think you will enjoy too. That choice is to just start writing things as they come to me! I will just write things that are coming up from recent events, the economy, conversations with my friends or mentors, and any other inspirational place.

With that, I will get into a topic that seems to be a recurring theme for myself at the events I attend, and what a few of my mentors have all agreed upon as the most successful choice you can make in your professional and Entrepreneurial life…

That is the choice to Surround Yourself With Superstars!

Eben Pagan told me at Guru Mastermind in LA that the best advice he could give me that would absolutely guaranteed change my life for the positive is to surround yourself with people you respect, connect with and that you can ultimately learn from (aka Superstars)!

It’s similar to the saying “guilty by association”. I always thought of that as a negative term growing up, yet now I have a completely different viewpoint on the saying.

If you only associate with people that push you to progress, support you in that progression, and that hold you accountable for your choices and actions in life-your life will be better than ever before.

I can attest to this notion as I grew up unknowingly surrounding myself with those types of people. I have only recently become aware of the power that this “strategy” has on your life. Hearing it from Eben, hearing it from Joe Polish, hearing it from Bill Philips, and a slew of other amazing people who are truly successful and now serving others to some of the highest degrees finally makes perfect sense to me. I can now take that principle and share it with other people to help change their lives. I recommend you think about it for a little bit, and choose to act immediatley on it.

I’m pretty sure that at some point, you have heard or read that you need to eliminate the “toxic” people from your life to be happier, healthier, and more successful. Well, even if it means family-IT’S TRUE!

I cannot begin to descibe the feeling of freedom and the smile on my face when I moved from a tiny town in Colorado called Pagosa Springs to the amazing area of Pheonix Arizona…It was like an elephant had been lifted off of my chest!

I surgically removed ALL of the toxic friends I had from that town (respectfully of course) and the sad but true fact was that in doing that, meant most of my “friends” from there. I keep in contact with very few people in my hometown due to the fact that they will never choose to be successful. They don’t believe in helping others to a great extent, and frankly all they care about is where the next party is and how else they can drown out the negative emotions flying around that town and drama created in each little “clique”.

Now, that may seem harsh-and it is! I’m not here to sugarcoat things and support people seeing things through rose colored glasses when dealing with me. I’m here to provide value, education, support, honest and congruent behavior, and display integrity of the utmost quality.

I’m here to help you build stronger relationships with your prospects, clients, and in turn family and friends. I’m here to share ideas, notions, and insights that may make you a million dollars or simply put a smile on your face :-)

I will stress the important fact that if you choose to surround yourself with successful, progressive people-your life in turn will succeed and progress even farther!

When I chose to take a risk, and step way out of my comfort zone after I moved to Phoenix by networking and making new friends in an unknown place that I could barely maneuver in a car lol…My life started to rapidly change.

Now, I make sure that I surround myself with people like Joe Polish, Bill Philips, Frank Kern, Mike Koenigs, Frank Sousa, Jonathan Budd, Katie Freiling, Michael Gerber, Barbara Drazga, Wyatt Woodsmall, Mike Dillard, and sooooo many others that are helping so many people transform their lives by teaching methods, concepts, and strategies to become financially free and independent. To be able to live the lives they choose to live. To spend time with their family. To travel the world. To play music. To devote themselves to paying it forward and providing MASSIVE value for others along with education, support, encouragement and inspiration.

One very prominent character trait I have identified amongst the successful people I choose to surround myself with is this: they are ALL value and service oriented beings. Money is simply a transfer of energy. They are focused on truly helping people change their lives for the better. They are so focused on this question-“How can I provide the most valuable information/product/service to help change the world and support the most positive outcome in our reality?”

One thing I speak of a lot is the different perceptions people have on life usually based upon their lifestyle. It is these perceptions that show who someone truly is and what their motives are in life.

The example I like to use for perceptions is Internet Marketers and Tire Kickers…Internet Marketers have what I call a “Value-Based Perception” on life which means that whatever they read, listen to, watch, or participate in is based upon the value at which the activity or service will provide “later in the game” or years down the road that they can imagine or envision.

Tire Kickers have a “Monetary-Based Perception” on life. No offense to these people at all, but they are just worried about the details. They are worried about price, are they getting the best deal, is it cheaper somewhere else etc.?

A perfect example of a situation where this plays out and is very observable are seminars and live events. A person standing in the room being offered the same opportunity as the rest of the attendees sees the opportunity in a very different manner based on their “Perceptual Filter”. If they are Value Based, they see an investment in themselves and in their businesses. They see all the options if they accept the offer, and usually understand that there are so many other possibilities to further their success (or launch it) that will result from their willingness to take action and get to work.

If they are Monetarily-Based, they will ask how much it is, complain about the price, say its too expensive, and say negative things about being “pitched” or that it’s a rip off. I have seen these two reactions at every event I have attended, and expect to see it for a long time to come. Successful people see the value in products, systems, services, relationships, and coaching while unsuccessful people complain.

The scary part is that the successful person goes on to make tons of money, become financially free, and improve their lives as well as other lives, while the people who were offered the SAME thing, rejected it and continue doing what they have always done, getting what they always have gotten…

Same principle applies to money itself. If I gave you $100, you would then have the choice to spend it on what you choose. You could pay a bill, go out to dinner, donate it to charity, or invest it in something. You could also choose to buy drugs or alcohol, or even a gun to shoot someone with.

Money isn’t the issue here, it’s the energy behind the chosen action that guides the money as a catalyst to a desired end result.

Back to my original point-if you surround yourself with positive, successful, and supportive people-that is the life you will in turn manifest. If you choose to surround yourself with negative, violent, needy, and fearful people who have no hope or goals to achieve in life-that is the life you will in turn manifest.

Who in your life is toxic? How do you identify that? Then the tricky part, depending upon who they are once identified, how do you “remove” them from your lives and replace them with people of like mind, similar interest, and a passion for helping others and succeeding in whatever they do?

If they don’t make you smile or laugh, they are toxic. If they are needy or fearful, they are toxic. If they don’t appreciate your successes and share your excitement, they are toxic. If they shoot your ideas down or tell you that your crazy or that you will never achieve something, they are toxic. I could go on and on…

The “surgery” is the easy part (unless it is family). You simply stop spending time with them. You stop talking to them, and you stop interacting with them asap. Then, you identify the people that you look up to or admire and respect, and start placing yourself where they are. You go out of your way to meet them, and you do everything you can to provide them value and support in their lives or business so that you can in turn gain their trust, respect, and friendship.

Please be aware that this is my personal opinion from experience and listening to mentors, as well as heavily observing and conversing about these philosophies with other successful people…My advice other than my personal opinion is to go get some books on the topic that will help you with the above tasks.

Also, I have a product in development that will teach you exactly how to do those things. How to exchange your toxic friends for friends and mentors that will lift you up and blossom with success. People that will brighten up your day, help you through tough times, and hold you accountable when you start getting distracted with irrelevant things. I will be teaching where to go, what to say, and how to really succeed with surrounding yourself with superstars all of the time.

Richard Branson, Joe Polish, Bill Philips, Eben Pagan and so many other “greats” hang out with each other because together, they know they can help each other help themselves as well as countless others. They have conversations together about things most people on the planet overlook. They talk about how they can make someone else’s life better, easier, more fulfilling, or more meaningful. That is truly a success mentality in my opinion.

The other interesting fact is that these people are also some of the wealthiest and most successful people in the world. They all did it by helping others and being in service to each other. By inspiring people to get in shape, get a date, or make a lot of money…

These are the people I choose to have around my on a daily basis in my life…What will you choose?

Implementation in Action!

I honestly admit-I learned a thing or two from Eben Pagan’s Event! The biggest motivator was a reiteration of something we all know, but sometimes don’t fully respect…Implementation is Priority No. 1!

I have developed a simple, short, yet powerful “mantra” I say to myself over and over again every single day…

Knowledge + Application = SUCCESS!

This little saying that I repeat all the time really reminds me of how important Implementation truly is ;-)

In light of applying some of the massively powerful information I learned at this event, would you please take a quick moment to leave a comment on this blog? I will frame it so your answer will be effortless and to the point so you can get along with your day.

I really appreciate your feedback, and with your help I will be able to help you even more! Gotta love Reciprocity :-D

We are talking about follow up here ;-) There…It has been framed!

What Is Your Biggest Challenge Or Frustration When It Comes To Following Up And Keeping In Touch With Prospects And Clients?

Where to begin? So many Great Things to share…

I recently got back from Eben Pagan’s Guru Mastermind Event in LA, which was a mind boggling, life altering experience for me!

I met so many wonderful people, took over 50 pages of quality, applicable notes, and made some close friends which I believe will be friends for a very long long time to come :-)

On top of that, I got over 7hrs of raw video content on the trusty ol’ Flip cam that I am playing with and will be releasing soon.

In the mix of that video content is some “Marketing Debauchery” at its best lol! I have some of the industries top dogs on tape, at the bar, having a grand ol’ time! (That’s the second and last time I’m using “ol’” in this post)

It was an amazing event for myself, as well as a lot of other people who I spoke to out there. I highly recommend you attend that event if at all possible! If you need more details on how to get there or sign up, leave a comment and I will reply back.

Ok, enough of my gratitude for the event…on to the meat ;-)

I’m going to do seperate posts on what I gleaned from the event as there are so many things to elaborate on and share! One thing I love about writing this blog is that I can share my experiences with you, but it also engrains what I learn deeper into my mind and I can then leverage the knowledge and turn it into actionable items to implement right away in my business!

One thing I will elaborate on in this particular post is the importance of telling your story…

I spent a couple hours last night starting at about 1:30am, “telling” my story onto my Flip cam. Now, you might think that is a little strange, but bear with me.

I was flipping through my notes and stopped on the section about telling your story and sharing it to increase rapport, build friendships, and apply it to your marketing to increase conversions. I got INSPIRED!

I grabbed a wooden chair from the kitchen, set it outside by the porch light and started assembling my “Set”. Since it was so late, I didn’t want to disturb my roommates, so I had to set up outside (plus the weather is gorgeous here in AZ).

After running in and out of the house grabbing something different each time to get things “just right”, I ended up sitting on a wooden stool, with a porch light for lighting, at 2am, with a Flip cam on a pile of marketing books to get my head in the video, a glass of water, and a notebook and pen for taking notes on…myself lol.

The reason I did this was to take action on my inspiration, and DO something that started only as a thought. I brought that thought into manifest reality by taking physical action in putting all this together. Now, I didn’t care too much about the lack of professionalism in the video or setting, as I know only one person will end up seeing that video…My copywriter!

I speak pretty fast, and I think even faster, so writing my story was very tough for me. So I decided to put it on tape, and then give it to my compywriter who can then do his magic in transcribing it into words and a true printed story ;-)

It felt great! To be able to “speak” my story as if i were having a conversation with a friend (which it essentially is) felt very freeing and comfortable. Now, my copywriter can do his magic and we can use that in so many useful ways ;-)

My recommendation to you: If you have content that you can speak to a friend or client, but don’t have the time or inclination to write it…Record it on Video (audio works too, but video captures mannerisms and much more emotion), hire a copywriter or even outsource it to someone that can tanscribe and capture your emotion and passion behind what you are sharing. Doing this allows so many other great things to flow out of you! Just by getting some content “out” in a verbal and physical sense, creates more room for creative development on so many more subjects and ideas.

The other great thing about doing this is that once you do a few videos, you will be comfortable enough to start video marketing! Just from shooting a few 2 minute clips of valuable info you think could benefit someone, you can generate massive traffic, build a qualified list, brand yourself online, and leave a legacy for people to come across your work. You can help so many more people than you could on a one-to-one basis.

If you would like to know more about how to do video marketing in an easy, super quick, and effective fashion-without a fancy camera or set-email me at Follow Up Master @ Gmail . com (no spaces) and I would love to help you out ;-)

The effectiveness of video content online these days is scary…but scary good! I’m doing a lot of video myself, and after being immersed in the Internet Marketing world pretty heavily, I am seeing a growing trend, and so many creative ways to improve business just from taking a short clip, or even taking 20 minutes to create a simple slideshow.

That’s all for now! I will be back shortly with another great post elaborating on the GOLDMINE of notes I have from this last event…I look forward to sharing with you :-D

Eben Pagan’s Guru Mastermind and Crazy Happenings…

So, I can only say in this post that Eben is absolutely the man…I mean seriously, this guy has it going on! I am attending his event in LA and learning (and APPLYING) some amazing tactics and strategies that I am already noticing results on.

I have recorded over 5 hours of raw video content in just 2 days on the amazing handy little Flip video cam ;-) I have a lot of great content right now, and I keep adding more as it comes to mind! I have been demonstrating some key points in networking, “hanging” out with Gurus, and how to stand out amongst what I call the “Sea of Need”.

The easiest way to describe the Sea of Need is this: at any event you attend, the majority of people (this is not to be meant in a negative sense, but it is fact) who are attending as well culminate and congregate with the essential “selfish” (not a bad word in this context) needs they would like or feel the need to get from their time here.

When Frank Kern walked into the lobby, I was having a great conversation with a couple I met and I looked over and said “Hey Frank”…Just a hello to a friend, and then the couple I was speaking to instantly spun around frantically to get pictures with him lol.

It was kind of cute to watch, as I have completely been in their position before, if not worse. Especially with the snowboard pros years ago that I grew up idolizing in videos every year ;-)

Then, the Monkey Mind effect came into play…They were taking photos in the middle of the lobby, leading to everyone and there dog that even remotely knew who Frank is (if you don’t you should google him now-absolute genius and a hoot to boot) to come over and proceeded to capture photos as well.

Now, with my experience in networking, meeting and building relationships with gurus and the like, I observed this phenomenon closely. All the while everyone is getting their picture taken with him, they were focused and sucked into the “Awe” effect, and totally disregarded the fact that he had a bunch of stuff in his hands while trying to maneuver with different people to “get the shot”.

I said, “Hey Frank, let me hold your stuff for you” and something interesting happened…He looked at me in a very shocked manner, paused for a minute, then handed over his phone and some books and a notepad while saying “Thanks man!” with a big grin on his face.

Now let me break down this aspect for you here…This was such a subtle and small “event” but it was a powerful one. I wanted to help him out and the others by making it easier to get photos, and I didn’t even realize this until later when I spoke more with Frank.

What happened was that by that simple offer of unconditional help, I had immediately separated myself from every other person swarming around him! With that separation from the crowd, I also gained some more of Franks respect. Now, the other people were excited to have pictures with Frank, and yet I was having a conversation with him after they left, still in a daze of the presence of a Guru ;-)

I’m trying to point out the simple fact that if you truly and unconditionally help people, respect their time and their personal space, that in return grants you equal respect-without want. You didn’t ask for it, you didn’t demand it or expect it, it just simply happened :-D In Networking, especially around gurus, this type of respect goes a long way. This honest respectful behavior has proven numerous times to gain the trust and respect of my peers and people I choose to surround myself with in life)

All in all…Respect wins over the best in life and is in turn generously reciprocated!

Boy do I have some more awesome posts for later after Eben Pagan’s Guru Mastermind……………..Stay Tuned!

One thing 99% of humans thrive for…

If you truly stop and think about it, what is something that almost everyone wants in life? Besides the essentials like air, food, water, and shelter…That one thing is a relationship! Whether it be romantic, friendly, or strictly business-everyone wants some sort of relationship.

Relationships are a key factor for life, and without them what would we be? I won’t even go into a philosophical diatribe on that subject matter, but what I will do is express how grateful I am for relationships and how important they are in life.

I believe that a relationship is at the heart of any interaction between people. Every day, we are interacting with each other: talking, laughing, looking and observing. Constantly thinking about who someone is, how their life is, or any number of a bazillion other thoughts that may cross our neural pathways.

In business, relationships are the key to great, successful, and profitable ventures. With smiles on our faces, we shake another’s hand and open the doorway to a newfound relationship that will (theoretically) be mutually beneficial to both parties.

We delve into the unknown at times just for the sake of a relationship. Just for that “bond” we are yearning for. Have you ever gone into a business deal with someone doubting the outcome a little too much? Did you have some strange feeling in your gut that “something was up”? Pay attention to those feelings, as 9 times out of 10, that feeling will be correct.

The same things applies to romantic relationships, but I’m not speaking about dating advice or marriage here…My specialty is relationships you come across everyday, sometimes unexpectedly! For example, my girlfriend and I were returning a movie to Blockbuster this evening, and on our way there we were behind a motorcycle. I love motorcycles, and I will have one very soon, so of course I’m drooling at how gorgeous the bike is under the moonlight and I actually rolled down the window to hear the engine running lol. Since I love motorcycles, I see them everywhere passing by or parked. This particular evening though, we followed the guy on the bike all the way to the movie store. We pulled up next to him and Sheila went inside to exchange the movie and look at new ones, while I saw an opportunity and jumped at it!

I walked over towards the bike (an ‘06 Jet Black Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10 in Pristine condition with a few mods) and admired it while the owner was putting a movie in the drop box. He came back over and flipped up his visor. “Nice bike man!” I said in true appreciation of his “toy”. That one comment right there sparked a conversation. He shut off his music in his helmet and we proceeded to talk about riding, his bike, the work he has done and wants to do etc. After about 10 minutes, we swapped numbers and agreed to ride together when I get my bike. Through our conversation, I found out that he had no one to ride with, and he lived very close to me.

The reason I just told you that story was to point out the fact that from a little appreciation and taking action in sharing that with him, we became instant friends! He was excited to meet another rider, and by the end was ecstatic that he found someone to ride with! We went from complete strangers to trusting each other to eventually ride at triple digit speeds on the pavement of a racetrack.

This kind of thing happens everyday, and most people don’t notice it. Even if they do, very few take action and initiate a conversation, or give a compliment. Something so simple as “Hi” has the impact to change your life. How many times do you pass an opportunity like that up on a daily basis? Probably more than you realized!

I have had an interesting journey throughout my life, and the one thing that my mother taught me that has most impacted my life has been the importance of relationships and building up the courage and confidence to just say “Hi”. If I could tell you one thing right now that I could absolutely, without a doubt guarantee would change your life for the better, increase your business, get you a date (or married), and make the best friends of your life among so many other things-it would be to simply say “Hi” to more people.

I know, it sounds so simple right? Seriously though, this one tiny action will have some of the most dramatic effects on your life, your mood, and your future as you experience it.

I’m reading a great book right now that illustrates an intriguing factor you have probably heard of before. It’s called the Butterfly Effect. The book I’m reading (Butterfly Marketing by Mike Filsaime Click Here to get it for Free along with some other amazing stuff from him) is a marketing book based on the understanding of the massive impact that such a small event or action has on future probabilities. I won’t explain the definition of the Butterfly Effect here, so if you don’t know what it is I suggest you look it up.

The whole point is, something so simple as saying hello to someone could greatly impact your future. So much so that, if you really think about it, would you want to pass up those opportunities? I certainly don’t, and if you see the pattern here and the importance of what I’m sharing with you, you won’t from now on ;-)

If you have had an experience like this yourself where you saw an opportunity to say hi or start a conversation that turned out to be a great choice you made later on, please tell me about it! Leave a comment on this blog and give me a brief description of what happened and what came of you taking action :-) I love hearing stories like that!

I will elaborate on this subject more in my book coming out soon. I will also be teaching ways to see more of these opportunities every day, how to build the courage and confidence to act on them if you are shy, things to say. I will also teach what to do in order to build lasting and meaningful relationships to make more money, do more business, make more friends, and all around build quality relationships in multiple areas of your life to better your experiences and take advantage (in a respectful way) of what this beautiful life has to offer!

Take some time and think about what you just read, enjoy it and remember it. Let me know how your life changes from doing something so simple as saying “hi” ;-)