This is a video with branding expert, Ken Banks. Ken shares some powerful ideas on how travel agents can brand their message more effectively to build business. This is a video which will give you and your people some great ideas on how to brand what you’re doing and how to generate more business.

It is all about Relationship Marketing. This is what you can use to build your business and make it work better than ever. Watch this video with Ken and please leave your comments below so others can benefit as well.

Please leave your comments below:

Terry L. Brock, MBA, CSP, CPAE
www.TerryBrock.com, Terry@TerryBrock.com
To connect with Ken Banks:
www.KenBanks.com, Ken@KenBanks.com

I’m here in Panama and had to share some video of the city and a great principle that was brought home to me again. My friend, Francisco Apolstolo is Presidente of Euro Perfiles here in Panama. He and I had lunch today at a great Italian restaurant, Napolitis (try the chicken lasganga!) and he shareda great idea with me that can apply to you in your sales and marketing. Watch the video and you’ll get it.

Also, catch the end of the video and you’ll see some of the beautiful sky view of Panama City — including Donald Trump’s new building going up here.

Lots of good waiting for you on this 6:46 video. Enjoy and let me and the world know your thoughts in the comments (below). I look forward to hearing from you and yes, I read every entry personally! I look forward to your entry.

So long from Panama!

Terry

Terry L. Brock, MBA, CSP, CPAE

www.TerryBrock.com, Terry@TerryBrock.com

facebook.com/SpeakerTerryBrock

Francisco Apolstolo, Presidente – Euro Perfiles

Social Media is transforming our world.  But how can you best use it for business?  In this audio interview I had the chance to interview Gina Schreck who is an expert on how businesses can leverage social media.  She shares some of her best ways to make a lasting impression with social media and gain maximum business insights.

This interview was done for the National Speakers Association’s audio program called the Voices of Experience.  You get a chance to hear it first on this podcast.  Listen, take some notes and enjoy.  If you’re a professional speaker, a coach, a consultant or provide other services, you can use the information given here.

For more information, you can reach Gina Schreck on Twitter @GinaSchreck or via email – Gina@Synapse3di.com

Enjoy!

Terry

Terry L. Brock, MBA, CSP, CPAE
Certified Speaking Professional
Member – Professional Speakers Hall of Fame
www.TerryBrock.com, Terry@TerryBrock.com
Facebook – www.Facebook.com/SpeakerTerryBrock

Though the wonders of technology today I was able to “be there” in Atlanta, Georgia while I am here in Panama.  We used a Skype connection and Kenny Zail and Mike Stewart helped to make that happen.  Thank you both for your help behind the scenes to make it happen.  For you, dear reader, I encourage you to think of ways you can leverage technology to help others even more.  A tool like Skype can help you “be there” even when you can’t be there physically.

This is a time to renew my commitment to serving others (that would be YOU, dear reader!) and to take my game to the next level.  This award has the following criteria for the recipient:

• Has shown exemplary service to the chapter.
• Stands as a positive role model within the chapter and NSA and has unselfishly spent time helping other speakers grow, whether experienced or inexperienced.
• Has represented NSA Georgia/GSA in a leadership capacity for at least two years in the past.
• Has not been President of NSA Georgia for at least 3 years.
• Selflessly promotes NSA/NSA Georgia and its members.
• Has shown active participation at the national level.
• Uses ethical practices in business.
• Continuously pursues a higher level of professionalism.

You can see why it is such an honor for me to receive this award.

And for those reading this who knew Kay duPont, my dear friend who was President when I joined what was then called Georgia Speakers Association, thank you, Kay!  My dear friend, and mentor to many of us, Kay duPont, left this planet December of 2009 and she is sorely missed.  She was the daughter of Kay Herman and both Kays just might be smiling tonight.  I don’t know.  Just in case they might be there looking out and smiling I want to say “Thank you” to both of them for the deep influence they have had on my life and the positive examples they gave me.

If you don’t know about either of these wonderful ladies who touched so many lives, I encourage you, dear reader to renew your own commitment to serving others and helping them.  It is a wonderful part of our Free Enterprise System that we get what we need by serving others.  I am recommitting to excellence and helping others as a result of getting this award tonight. I encourage you to do the same.  May you achieve the goals you have and may your life be a legacy for greatness to help others as well.

Thank you, NSA-GA for this very high honor.  I am touched very much.  I pledge to take my game to the next level and be worthy of this very high award.

Terry L. Brock, MBA, CSP, CPAE
2010 Recipient of the Kay Herman Legacy Award – National Speakers Association – Georgia Chapter

[Treat yourself to an audio version of this article which Terry did for Winston Marsh's Business Marketing Audio Program. Listen to additional content and enjoy it while moving around with your favorite MP3 audio player.  Go to the bottom of this posting to listen.  Be sure to post your comments on this (below) in the comments section. ]

Concept Of Value – Who Defines Value In The Relationship

Perhaps you’ve head the phrase “I want to pick your brain.” In the real world this usually means someone wants to extract valuable information from you without paying for your time.  You are supposed to give all your information and help them — maybe they’ll buy you a sandwich or a bottle of water — and they give little or nothing in return.

When someone says they want to “pick your brain” it reminds me of a bunch of vultures hanging around to literally pick a brain.  Ugh!

A much better solution is “value for value.”  That means that each party in a transaction contributes value to make both parties better off.  In business this is often done with an exchange of money.  One party contributes a product or service and the other provides an agreed upon amount of money.  However, it doesn’t have to involve money.  In closer relationships often the value is not money.  In fact, money would often be considered crass among those with a closer relationship.

The key is to provide value for what you are offering in business relationships.  Remember that value is not determined by the giver but by the receiver.  The other person needs to perceive what you’re giving as real value.  If they don’t see real value in the interaction, the relationship suffers and could end.

Value Of Systems

Successful people know that success doesn’t come by accident,.  It requires planning and systems.  Those systems help you to achieve the goals you want.

Systems also help you in business to achieve the goals you want.  If you’re in a business where you provide a service some people will use that tacky “pick your brain” approach.  They will say they want to get together for lunch to pick your brain.  At this point, you have a decision to make.  Do you waste several hours of your day talking with someone who probably won’t do much more than waste your time, or do you turn it into an opportunity?

One system I’ve found that helps me is to have a place on your website that provides the opportunity for people to be involved with you in business.  You can direct them to that website and they read about your offer.

The next step is where today’s technology comes into the picture to help you and them.  Create a PayPal button so that people can sign up for an hour or more of your time.  They pay for that and then you schedule a time to go over their situation.  You have now moved from “pick your brain” thinking into Value for Value thinking.  This makes all the difference in the world for entrepreneurs.

I’ve done this on my website and it has helped me and others enormously.  Give people an easy and safe option to get involved with you in a value-for-value relationship.

I recently advised a good friend how to do this.  She knows the book industry very well and has worked in it for many years.  She has generated millions of dollars in sales for others with books.

Recently over dinner she lamented to me that many people just wanted to call and “pick her brain” about how to start with their book, how to connect with publishers and other questions.  It was taking a lot of her time to help people, as she wanted to do.  I suggested a website with the payment option built in so people could decide if they really want to get assistance.

Well, my friend called the other day raving about the success she has experienced with this new approach.  She is able to weed out the “tire kickers” and get in touch with serious people who believe in value for value.  In fact, her clients rave about how they appreciate such an option.  They are able to pay a reasonable fee and get valuable information.  Many of them want to do more business with my friend and she is able to help them after this initial consultation.

How you structure this for your business is up to you.   Find a creative, value for value way to help prospects that doesn’t drain your time and helps them to decide in a monetary way if they really want to proceed.  Eliminate the worthless and time-wasting “pick your brain” lunches that are a zero-sum game.

Value for value is the best way to build quality, lasting relationships.  Try it and enjoy the benefits.  Only the vultures waiting to “pick your brain” will be disappointed.

Copyright (c) 2010, Terry Brock and Achievement Systems, Inc.  Terry Brock is an international marketing coach and professional speaker who helps businesses generate profitable results.  He can be reached by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com.  Join the Twitter adventure with Terry through his Twitter address: TerryBrock.  Join Terry’s Facebook Fan Page at: http://www.facebook.com/SpeakerTerryBrock

Business-Building Ideas from Terry Brock

[Note: This article is tied to the audio at the end of this Blog posting. Be sure to listen to the audio. It is designed for a monthly audio program I'm honored to do with my friend, mate (in the Australian sense of that word!) and buddy, Winston Marsh. You'll enjoy the audio so read the article and listen to the audio (6:17)  as well. I look forward to your comments here on the Blog!--- Terry]

“All I want in life is an unfair advantage” – Michael Aun, CSP, CPAE

Doing business is tough today. Hey, it has been tough since the first bargain shoppers tried to get the best price at the local bazaar from the traveling trader back at the dawn of business history. Getting an advantage is something we all try to do so we can ultimately serve more customers and help them more. Interesting how serving more customers is always the way to generate more funds for yourself, but that is another article!

As I type this I’m visiting my beloved adopted country of Panama here in Central America. The business climate is good and growing. The atmosphere is teeming with potential and I love being part of this. One of the ways you can get an advantage here as well as elsewhere is to embrace the concept of Cloud Computing.

I’ve talked about Cloud Computing in these columns before. Now, I’m using it to get more done, be more productive and serve more customers.

In brief, the concept of cloud computing is such that you have the data and the tools you need based on a server or another computer which you access remotely. The Internet has provided a platform through which you can do this now as never before.

I’m using an online service to keep all my contacts and manage email with those contacts. I get the benefit of having all my important contact information backed up 24/7/365. If my computer or iPad were lost or stolen, that would be bad, but at least I still have access to my all-important contacts.

I’m also using Google Docs for word processing, calendar, translating (important in international work!) and a lot more. This lets me keep important documents (DOC, PDF, JPG and more) online. When I need that important reference or client letter, I can easily access it via Google Docs and have what I need when I need it.

Another really nice benefit of using Cloud Computing is that I can access my data from my main MacBook Pro, my Windows computers (I have 4 of these), my iPad and/or my iPhone. I don’t need to use all of them but it is nice to know I can use whichever tool is more convenient at the time. And yes, in a worst-case scenario, I can access what I need through a local Internet café and/or a friend’s computer.

This is the way you can gain a strong competitive advantage. You will have notes on that important conversation you had with that important prospect. You can reference it through the Cloud and immediately know what has happened through the history of dealing with that prospect. You can also give access to this data to others on your team via a password, and then come up to speed quickly on the communication they have had with that contact.

Another advantage is that you can save money on the hardware and software you purchase. You need a Net-accessible device to use Cloud Computing effectively. Instead of purchasing a large, expensive computer, you can get something much cheaper like a Netbook computer. You can use your Net-accessible smart phone. I find I’m using my iPad more and more.

Cloud Computing, coupled with some strong, versatile Net-accessible devices translates to a decisive competitive advantage for you. Some of these benefits include:

1. Get what you need when you need it online. You can have the references you need about previous contacts with prospects and clients.
2. You can use a variety of hardware and are not subject to total shut-down if your computer is unavailable.
3. You save money (always a good thing!).
4. You don’t worry about viruses and other nastiness hitting your computer as your data is in the clouds and protected by the server.
5. You get to focus more on people. You can focus on establishing, building and maintaining quality, profitable business relationships by using the Cloud.

Here in Panama, I have access to all the vital documents I need. I have the vital tools I need to do business here — or anywhere. That gives me an advantage of being “on the ground” seeing new business opportunities.

If you’re not doing business this way yet, I encourage you to find out about it. If you are using it, find ways to expand what you’re doing. Armed with a device like the iPad and/or a Netbook computer and some key Cloud Computing services, you will have a strong competitive advantage. That will help you build more in your Relationship Marketing. And ultimately, that all flows through to your bottom line.

You’re welcome!

Copyright (c) 2010, Terry Brock and Achievement Systems, Inc. Terry Brock is an international marketing coach and professional speaker who helps businesses generate profitable results. He can be reached by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com. Join the Twitter adventure with Terry through his Twitter address: TerryBrock. Join Terry’s Facebook Fan Page at: http://www.facebook.com/SpeakerTerryBrock

Charles Brock was my father. He was born on 8 August 1928. On 8-8-08 (August 8, 2008) he turned 80. This is interesting as the Chinese consider the number 8 to be lucky, even related to making lots of money. Yet, Charles Brock did not have a life of a lot of money. Oh, he worked very hard. I remember as a child how he would work two jobs. One was in a factory from 11 pm till 7 am, and the other driving a school bus in the morning and the afternoon. He worked hard to earn money and provide a little better living for his wife and his three kids. I was the first-born of those three kids.

Charles Brock was a man who believed in hard work. Whether it was at his two jobs or at household chores, he gave it his all. His enthusiasm and determination to get the job done were his hallmark — and sometimes his downfall — as strengths taken to an extreme can be. When others are offended and hurt because of the “push” to get things done, problems can arise.

Yes, he made mistakes. He was not perfect. Yet, he did many, many good things in his life. I remember when he would take me to an event in Northern Michigan near Kalkaska during the summers. It was a religious gathering for the church we attended many years. The event was called “The Northmen.” It was held out in the middle of nowhere. No electricity was used save for the generator which provided lighting under the big circus tent they rented to house the meetings for the event. Those attending camped out in the wild breathing clean air, cooking meals over campfires and enjoying the smells of makeshift latrines. ☺

For this little boy who was wide-eyed and absorbing new information from any way he could grab it, this was a great experience! I loved hearing the preachers with their “hell fire and damnation” messages. They seemed to know what they were talking about. They commanded the respect of the men (yes, only men) in the audience. And they received numerous, hearty chants of “Amen” from the devoted followers in the audience.

For me, it planted a seed to want to speak to others. I could see myself on a stage speaking and sharing. Yes, that is what I wanted to do when I grew up.

Well, today I’m a full-time professional speaker. I’ve been doing it for almost 30 years now. I have earned the designation of Certified Speaking Professional from the prestigious National Speakers Association. Recently I was given the lifetime achievement award of being inducted into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame by that same organization. I am most honored to be in that group and I have to thank my father for planting the seed long ago.

I mention what has happened in my life with deep gratitude to my father. Without the encouragement and direction from Charles Brock, I would not be where I am today. His devotion to take me to the Northmen year after year helped spark that desire for speaking in me. That inspiration has helped me to speak to audiences around the world today.

Thank you, Dad.

He also got me, as well as my brother and sister, to get involved in a swimming class. He felt this would be something that would be good to know throughout life. And yes, to this day, I’m using those skills of swimming I learned in Clarklake, Michigan to exercise and stay healthy.

Thank you, Dad.

He got us involved in Kodokan Judo. He felt that the skills we would learn from Judo would serve us more than participating in baseball, football or other high school sports. Well, the Judo training helped me to teach others about it and make some extra money to put myself through undergraduate school. It also gave me the discipline to get through many other challenges in life.

Thank you, Dad.

No, Charlie Brock was not perfect. He was a human being who made mistakes. Yet he also did many things that are praise-worthy. I guess we’d have to say that he was a human being —- warts and all.

Today, as I looked at the shell of a man lying in a bed dieing, I was able to tell him once again that I loved him and appreciated all he did to make my life what it is today. Did he hear me? Well, I don’t know. I’ll leave it up to the psychologists, the psychiatrists, the medical professionals and others to decide if he could understand my words to him as he looked at me with his eyes open today. Yes, when I asked, “If you can hear and understand me, Dad, please blink,” I saw him blink. Was i imagining it? Could he somehow, somewhere deep inside that Alzheimer-racked brain understand that his first-born son loved him and appreciated all he had done? Well, I don’t know. The older I get, the more I seem to be saying that phrase — “I don’t know.”

What I do know is that I love this man. I always will. He might not have been perfect but he was my father. He loved me in his own way. He helped me in many ways to become who I am today.

I’ll miss you terribly, Dad. Even as I type this, tears and sobbing are overwhelming me. And in the midst of the tears flowing like they haven’t since I was a small child, I feel forgiving and cleansing coming over my being. Charles Brock, you were my father. You raised me and did what you thought was right. For that, I thank you and I love you.

I will miss you and remember your good all my life. Rest in peace, Dad.

Final Note: Charles Brock passed away Monday, 2 August 2010 at 9:06 am Eastern

Charles Brock, 8 August 1928 – 2 August 2010

[Treat yourself to the enhanced audio version of this article by listening to the podcast below.  You can also hear it on iTunes and delight your ears with the sound of inspiration and education!  Do it now!]

Carter had one style. Reagan had another. I’m not talking about politics here (we’re getting enough of that already in this mid-term election year). I’m talking about their marketing style.

Yes, they both were marketers when they were in the White House as President. Politicians market wholesale (via mass media, large gatherings, etc.) and retail (one-on-one and in small groups). You and I market in a similar fashion to both large and small groups. With the Internet most any small business can deploy video and audio just like TV and radio stations alone did it before.

But how should you come across? Carter purposely wanted to be a “President of the people” and walked from Capital Hill to the White House in his inauguration. He wanted to be “folksy” and approachable. Reagan brought back more of a distinguished competent, yet approachable appearance. Again, this is not about politics but about presentation styles.

Today we see President Barack Obama who made a recent appearance on “The View.” This was a first for a sitting president to appear on a daytime TV talk show. Some say that it was beneath the dignity of the Presidency for a sitting president to appear on daytime television.

I disagree. I think that it is appropriate for a President — particularly today — to be where people gather. I think it is all about how one comes across. Being approachable and easy to understand is paramount for a President. Reagan used his acting skills and came across as “one of us” in his speeches interlaced with humor, stories and more.

You and I have to be able to come across well to implement Relationship Marketing effectively. We have to have both competence (knowing the job, our products, technical details, etc.) and be able to connect with others. It’s about competence and connection. How are you doing on these two vital areas in business?

Think about social media where many people “live” today. It is different from “Blast Marketing” where you send a message to a lot of people using TV, Radio, Newspaper, Email Blasts and more.

Your customers want to do business with someone who is competent and who connects with them. An example of where it doesn’t work is with the recent debacle of British Petroleum (BP). When the chairman comes across saying they want to relate to “the small people” he not only shot himself in the foot, he used an Uzi and did it repeatedly.

You can’t come from a lofty “I will tell you what to think” attitude. This is evident with Obama vs. Biden. Obama generally comes across as approachable while Biden is known for “making gaffes” and appearing aloof from the common man. Without Obama heading the ticket, Biden would never be where he is today.

So which style is best for your business? As with many issues in life, it all depends on what you’re doing. I think the best way is to demonstrate strong competence in your areas of expertise first and foremost. We want pilots who are professional and will literally take care of us and keep us safe. We also want that from medical doctors. Yet, when I was presenting recently for a group of medical care officials they told me that the doctors who have a better “bedside manner” hardly ever get sued for malpractice. Those who are approachable, translate medical-speak into understandable language — and relate to their patients better derive a serious bottom-line benefit.

Think about the style differences between Carter and Reagan. Too much of the “folksy” style can make people scared that you’re not competent. Too much of the “stoic, official style can make you appear unreachable and even in extreme cases arrogant. All leaders have to guard for coming across as too arrogant. Regan seemed to blend the best of both — ultimately earning him the designation of “The Great Communicator.”

My friend and fellow professional speaker, Scott McKain, is a great example of someone who blends both aspects. Scott is very knowledgeable about how companies can connect with their customers. He has written a few books about the subject and really knows the advance-management-level details. Yet, when you see him speak, Scott comes across as that friend you’ve known forever and want to be around. He blends humor, stories and wisdom to tell his message. Ultimately, Scott comes across in a powerfully profound and approachable style that rewards those who experience his presentations.

That is the goal for you and me. Have the presence to be an authority. Know your material by paying your dues to acquire competence through study and yes, hard work. Competence that is worthwhile does not come easily.

Once you have the competence, focus on how to communicate your message in a way that solves problems and gives insight to your “audience.” Your audience might be one person to whom you’re presenting your sales demo today. It might be your co-workers who you need to persuade to your way of doing the project. It might be on the Net in your Facebook postings. Whatever your venue for presenting, you want to be strong both in competence and connection.

The ideal for building strong Relationship Marketing is to have the competence and the connection. Doing that insures good business and a solid, profitable bottom-line.

Copyright (c) 2010, Terry Brock and Achievement Systems, Inc. Terry Brock is an international marketing coach and professional speaker who helps businesses generate profitable results. He can be reached by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com. Join the Twitter adventure with Terry through his Twitter address: TerryBrock. Join Terry’s Facebook Fan Page at: http://www.facebook.com/SpeakerTerryBrock

Enjoy!

Terry

Terry Brock
www.TerryBrock.com

[Note: Be sure to treat yourself to the expanded MP3 audio below.  Hear additional material.  You can listen to it streaming here on the Net or download it as an MP3 file and listen on your favorite media player.]

Many professionals are under tight regulatory restrictions about what they can and can’t do in marketing. For instance, a financial planner cannot use certain language to promote her practice or she’ll run afoul of government overseers (NASDAQ and others). A life insurance agent can’t guarantee a rate of return on investments. Overall most of these regulations seem reasonable and most people would agree at least with the principle of not advocating something that can’t be proven or guaranteed.

But how can a professional market when marketing is considered too pushy, to “in your face” or simply illegal? Well, I’ve got some very good news. Today, not only do you have some new tools that can help but they work more effectively to generate more sales.

Sounds interesting?

Well, you can do it by using a different approach that has worked very well for many professionals selling services for years.

Become A Trusted Adviser

It is not easy, but it is simple. Instead of talking about your products and services and trying to sell them, listen to the other person and earn their trust. Of course, this is no secret but it is something that not enough do in selling.

Recently I had the privilege to speak in Hawaii to a group of top producers for a successful life insurance company. I had the chance to interact with them one-to-one and in small groups asking questions about what they did and how they did it. To a person, every one I spoke with demonstrated professionalism, kindness, courtesy (there’s something rare in our society!) and a genuine interest in me. And no, they weren’t trying to sell me life insurance as they were paying me as the guest speaker!

Yet, as I spoke individually with each of the people I encountered they demonstrated a genuine interest in me, who I was and what was important to me. They listened. They were very helpful. Not one of them even mentioned life insurance for me. Besides, I didn’t live in the same state as most of the people I spoke with so they couldn’t sell their products to me anyway!

However, they had become so comfortable with helping others and asking questions that it came naturally. No wonder that many of these people were multi-millionaires and producing top revenue year after year.

In the area of social networking today, you do best when you become the trusted source that others turn to for help. When you provide value without any sales, you do well. As people get to know you and like you they can develop trust in you and what you say. After you’ve attained the level of 1) Know, 2) Like and 3) Trust then people can 4) Engage on the level of business with you.

Using tools like Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin work best when you are specifically not selling what you do.  Instead, become a friend.  Become that trusted advisor.  Then as people know, like and trust you they will be more inclined to engage with you commercially.  Social media is ideally designed for Relationship Marketing vs. the old pushy method of selling.

So, the good news is that you don’t have to be (and shouldn’t be) pushy. You are much more effective when you sincerely and genuinely help others. Share your message in a soft, informative way. Think of the examples of the wonderful life insurance people I met. If I needed life insurance, you bet I’d want to contact someone from that company in my area to talk about my needs.

There’s an old saying in sales that has been around for a while and is more true today than ever: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” In an age of too much Twitter, Facebook, email, 24 hr. cable, phone call selling and narcissistic people — this is a breath of fresh air.

This is marketing when you’re not allowed to market. It helps people — and helps your bottom line!

Copyright (c) 2010, Terry Brock and Achievement Systems, Inc. Terry Brock is an international marketing coach and professional speaker who helps businesses generate profitable results. He can be reached by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com. Join the Twitter adventure with Terry through his Twitter address: TerryBrock. Join Terry’s Facebook Fan Page at: http://www.facebook.com/SpeakerTerryBrock

We are seeing a quickened pace of doing business today. It is faster and, at times, more complex than ever before. It is easy for small business people like you and me to feel overwhelmed. However, if we focus on key areas that are rock-solid principles we’ll succeed no matter what.

Here are a few key factors which can directly help you in your business. I’d love to hear from you and what you think.

1. Get Help Wherever It Is Located. You can’t do it alone. Find the right talent to help you and be willing to pay for it. I’m not necessarily talking about hiring employees. Too many governments today penalize you for hiring people. In the US they have now passed a socialized medicine bill that we know is going to increase the costs of health care for businesses. Not only are we going to see the inevitable wait lines and rationing, but also the increased costs to businesses will be enormous. So, why hire additional people? In fact, you are better off laying off people you already have. Get the job done virtually wherever possible. When not possible to do it virtually think temporary. Get temporary workers to do a specific task and then disband. However, keep track of who did well at what and they can be temporarily hired for your next project. Think Mr. Phelps and Mission Impossible. Think Navy SEALS and Army Rangers. Think task force. This lightening fast team of experts to get the job done now is a great model of thinking for business.

2. Think Internationally. Just as you look for talent and skills internationally, look for new revenues in the same way. I’m amazed at what can be done with tools like Skype and PayPal to develop business internationally. Your business base can easily expand internationally in almost any business. Of course it works for consultants, speakers, coaches others. But what about someone whose business is more geographically focused like, say a dentist or a chiropractor? Well, it’s time to expand your view of what you offer. Think information. A dentist can provide really good educational material in the form of audio and video that can be sold as a product. Take a unique creative point of view that meets a market need and create downloadable videos, audios and/or articles. Remember Theodore Levitt’s classic work from the 60’s in the Harvard Business Review. The problem with the railroads was that they thought of themselves in the railroad business. Levitt’s very astute point was that they were in the transportation business. Expand your mind’s idea of exactly what business you’re in and think internationally.

3. Being There (In Person) Still Matters — A Lot! In all this talk about international business development, the Internet, Skype and more, we are still in the people business. You hear people talk about this concept of “Internet Marketing.” That would be like talking about “Fax Marketing” in the late 80’s and early 90’s when fax machines were really popular and emerging technology. Come on! It is about people, not technology. That means you connect with people and, yes, even in this age of wonderful instant communication, we want to see people face-to-face, in person whenever possible. We want to shake their hand. We want to share a few pints with our mates. We want to have that great meal where we break bread together. Use the technology but make plans to be at the important conferences, conventions, trade shows and just “I was in the area and wanted to see you” kind of meetings.

4. Learn To Learn Fast Have you noticed that things seem to change faster now then ever before? As new technology emerges in social media, new tools, new Net-accessible devices and more, successful people continually saturate their minds with new ideas. Become an “information vacuum cleaner” as Winston Marsh has taught us. Learn how to read rapidly to assimilate information quickly. Learn how to listen to audio faster. Hang around really smart people that stretch your brain and help it grow. Put yourself in environments where really, really smart people hang out and share ideas. Doing this will help you come up with more ideas that help your customers and ultimately increases your bottom line.

5. Remember Always – You’re In The “Pleasing People” Business, No Matter What Business You’re In Regardless of the business you’re in you get your money from people. You have to develop products and services that people like and which solve particular problems they face. It is easy to lose track of that with an emphasis on the latest shiny new object of technology, the Internet or something else. Yes, embrace technology but remember that you are there to listen to what your customers want and then find creative, fun and mutually beneficial ways to solve their problems.

If you embrace these ideas, you are going to succeed no matter what happens with the business environment. And on top of that — you’ll have a lot more fun in the process!

Copyright (c) 2010, Terry Brock and Achievement Systems, Inc. Terry Brock is an international marketing coach and professional speaker who helps businesses generate profitable results. He can be reached by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com. Join the Twitter adventure with Terry through his Twitter address: TerryBrock. Join Terry’s Facebook Fan Page at: http://www.facebook.com/SpeakerTerryBrock

Business-Building Ideas From Terry L. Brock

“Permanent fortifications are monuments to man’s stupidity.” General George S. Patton,

United States Army

For you, as a mobile professional, salesperson, entrepreneur or over-achiever you have to be able to move quickly toda

y. General Patton would have considered it silly to depend on a big computer fortress for your data. That means having the right kind of technology to support you up and get the job done to serve clients. A big trend now is having your software loaded “in the cloud” vs. on the desktop or even a laptop.

Eric Schmidt, the CEO of Google is credited for coming up with the concept of doing business “in the cloud” a few years ago. It is catching on fast and it means solid business opportunities for you out in the field and in your office.

The Old Way

Way back in the 20th Century (remember that?) you would buy software, load it on your computer, fiddle with it to make it work, protect it from viruses, pay big dollars for the new upgrade and then cry when your hard drive crashed because you lost it all. Raise your hand if you can relate to that.

Yes, I thought there were many of you in that situation.

That was where we lived before and it created an endless stream of aggravation for people just trying to do business.

The Way Today

Today we do it differently. By being “in the cloud” you have the bulk of your contact management, your word processing, your spreadsheets and most anything else you need on a server that is accessed over the Internet. As long as you have access to the Internet, you do business there and get the most updated software on a regular basis. When a new upgrade is released, you don’t have to load it yourself. It is done by the geniuses at the company that provides your service. This is why is it also called “software as a service” or SaaS for short.

Today we access that data through a variety of Net-accessible devices. This could be a SmartPhone, your iPad, your Netbook computer, your laptop or even that desktop back at the office (yes, we can still use those).

I am using several tools now to keep all my contacts on a website, and then use Google Docs for word processing, spreadsheets and a lot more. By keeping the data in the cloud, I know it is constantly backed up. I also know I can access it with a variety of computers, including an Internet café if I’m on the road and can’t use my own computer for whatever reason. This is really nice. I can focus on generating sales and helping clients and let the wonderful IT people take care of the details.

Security & Backup

About this time many start wondering about two important concepts. The first is, “How do we keep our data secure? “ This is quickly followed by “What about Backup?” These are both important.

For security, make sure you have good password protection on your data access. Also make sure you are dealing with a company that has a rock-solid reputation for security. If possible, password-protect the documents that you put online so they have a double protection – one from the document and a second from the site.

And a further protection is to make sure you don’t put any very sensitive documents online where there is little security. For instance, Google docs is good but the security part of ti is very shallow. I’d love to have password protection for individual documents on Google Docs. Don’t put sensitive documents on Google docs. Keep those elsewhere on your computer system or on a specialized website that uses Department of Defense level of security

Regarding backup, yes, you will want to have a copy of your database on your laptop or portable device. I have my main contact management in the cloud and have it regularly send the info to my iPad and my laptop. That way I’m able to access what I need even if I can’t get to the Net. The database in the cloud serves as a regular backup if I have a computer crash or theft.

Bottom Line

The bottom line on this is that cloud computing is changing the way we operate and live. Instead of looking for the next cool software program, look for a good company with rock-solid support, security and service in the cloud.

Somehow I think General George Patton would be smiling as we become more flexible, adaptable and less reliant on the “permanent fortification” of software loaded on our computers.

Copyright (c) 2010, Terry Brock and Achievement Systems, Inc. Terry Brock is an international marketing coach and professional speaker who helps businesses generate profitable results. He can be reached by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com. Join the Twitter adventure with Terry through his Twitter address: TerryBrock. Join Terry’s Facebook Fan Page at: http://www.facebook.com/SpeakerTerryBrock

Ideas from Terry L. Brock

Here are a couple of products I’ve been using for a few weeks now and I wanted to pass this along to you.

If you’ve ever experiencing the strain and discomfort from using a mouse, you know how unnatural it is. Your wrist needs motion naturally. I finally discovered a marvelous little tool that can help you with that and perhaps save you a lot of medical grief and aggravation down the road. It is the new Ergomotion mouse from Smart Fish.

Ergomotion Mouse From Smartfish

I’m no medical expert. However, I know that there are problems of carpel tunnel syndrome (CTS) from using mice on computers. It comes with a pivot base that moves with the natural movements of your hand and wrist. I hear that the static position of the mouse is what can cause strain and irritation. I’ve experienced this myself. They recently gave me this mouse to play with and investigate.  Well, I found that this ergomotion mouse feels more natural with movement. I found it to be comfortable and seemed to help me with some slight pain I had from using other mice. If you’ve encountered the strain and resistence from traditional mice, this is one to check out for yourself. $49.95.
http://smartfishtechnologies.com/products-mouse.php

Both of these products have been helpful to me.

If you use an iPad, or are considering one (great idea!) you want to have something that protects it without causing a lot of hassle in using it.

iSkin Duo – Great Protection For Your iPad

Your iPad needs protection. The iSkin Duo fits snugly on it but is not difficult to put on or take off. It provides great protection for your iPad.

I’ve used this skin for a couple of weeks since they gave it to me and have been very pleased with it. The Duo protects my iPad from damage and also serves as a reasonable stand to prop the iPad up for reading and viewing videos in landscape mode. The iSkin Duo comes in 7 colors so you’re bound to find a color that works for you. A nice feature is that you can still comfortably plug into the iPad accessories like the docking keyboard and plug in earphones (mine worked very well). The iSkin Duo helps to keep your iPad investment safe while retaining functionality. The engineers who created this did a good job of allowing for optimum functionality for the iPad while keeping it attractive and comfortable. It is a good example of function and form aligned together. $49.99, http://smartfishtechnologies.com/products-mouse.php

Enjoy!

Terry

Terry Brock, MBA, CSP, CPAE
www.TerryBrock.com, Terry@TerryBrock.com

Now, you can listen to the entire broadcast here.   You might want to download it and listen on your portable MP3 player or listen to it in double time on your computer (Windows Media Player or Apple’s QuickTime).  Either way, you are gonna’ love this one as Carole and I talk about a variety of topics that can help you in your business.

Let me know what you think by leaving your comments below.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Business-Building Ideas From Terry Brock

[Note: Treat yourself to the (enhanced!) audio version of this message.  Click on the "Play" button, below, make sure your speakers are on and enjoy the sound.  You can also download the audio as an MP3 to listen on your computer or favorite MP3 player.  You're welcome. - Terry]

So, how’s that 2010 thing working out for you now? I love this time of year when we are exactly ½ the way through the year. Conveniently the rebellious signers of the Declaration of Independence in the United States had the good foresight to make July 4th the day for the celebration. It makes for a good time to step back, think and contemplate how things have gone thus far and where we’re going in the half-done year.

I’m a big believer in New Year’s resolutions. This gives us a chance to look back over what has happened and look forward to what the New Year is to bring. That is good for you individually as well as in your business.

Yet, too many people merely make vague, nice-sounding resolutions at the end of a year and don’t check along the way monitoring progress. A Mid-Year Review is an excellent way to pause, reflect on what has happned thus far (good and bad) and to make new resolutions, where appropriate for July –December.

So how is that 2010 thing working out for you? Are you making progress on the goals that are important for you? What has worked well for you thus far? What needs to be improved for the remaining six months?

Wherever you are, I encourage you to take this coming weekend and find some time for quiet reflection and candid review. I know I’m going to do it. Already have done some (end of day, 30 June, regular tradition now). Planning to do more.

In an economy like this one, it is very important to check what really works. Theory is nice but it only matters as it applies to practical, real-world applications. Use this weekend and this time of year to apply the theories you have to some real-world challenges. Then see what stands.

Enjoy the video as I enjoy some time here in Hawaii for a big presentation I’m about to give. I look forward to your comments here on the Blog so you can share with others and let them know what you think.

Aloha and Mahalo from Hawaii!

Terry
www.TerryBrock.com, Terry@TerryBrock.com

Here’s a quick video you’ll enjoy about how you can attract customers. Shot on location in Santa Monica, California, this video will help you discover the keys to acquiring more customers. Hey, these principles work for helping you to attract attention and get favorable attitudes from others.

I look forward to your comments. You can post them below in the Comments section. Thank you for your participation.

We can learn a lot about running our businesses from the dedicated professionals in sports. To find out more about that I interviewed Dan Moriarty, Fox Sports commentator. Dan shared some great principles that you can use and implement in your own business. Listen as he talks about Kobe Bryant and the secret he uses to be the #1 basketball player today.

This is one you’ve got to see — even if you’re not a big sports fan. You are going to enjoy Dan Moriarty and what he has to say.

Here is a video shot on location in Seattle, Washington. I think of great companies in that area and what makes them great. Watch this video and discover some of the characteristics that your company needs to sparkle and excel in this or any environment.

Seattle is a fun, energy-packed city. I always enjoy visiting there and hope you enjoy this short (2;48) video packed with a lot of good ideas you can implement immediately.

Our world is different today. If you’re an entrepreneur and want people to know about you, you’ll have to embrace some transparency. This video will help you think about what is going on and what you should consider. I look forward to your comments since this is such a hot topic. Let the discussion begin!