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Nov
24

Quintessentially Canadian

By | Entrepreneurial Spirits

2 Comments

…Dingo-ball Ice Crystals Hanging from my Toque

If that means something to you, sorry.

You obviously live, or have lived somewhere like me where it gets cold… real cold.

Yesterday, Calgary hit -30C, which felt like -41C with the windchill.

We were officially labelled one of the coldest places on earth, “Alberta was colder than the North Pole,” said Dave Phillips with Environment Canada on Tuesday. “We’re not seeing those temperatures in Russia, in Siberia. “Alberta is definitely one of the coldest places on Earth today.”

…Not exactly something to be proud of.

But the dog still needed a walk. He is part Husky – and LOVES snow and cold weather. I caught him a couple times whimpering about cold paws though – so even Husky’s find this stuff ridiculous!

So you do what you have to do, you bundle up with 14 layers of clothing, toques (a warm hat, for you non-Canadians), a scarf, good gloves, good boots., etc.

The whole process preparation nearly takes longer than the 30 minute dog walk.

Stepping through snow drifts in front of peoples’ homes that were too lazy to shovel it off.

Cars stranded by the side of the road… frozen to the core and refusing to run.

…The select few I see out walking are at a brisk pace and getting to their destination as quickly as possible.

By the time I am done walking the dog, my legs are numb from the cold (must. get. new. long underwear.)

By the looks of my left cheek, I got frostbite (again) right under my eye.

I can barely see through the gap between my toque and the scarf wrapping my face.

Ice crystals hand from my toque and dangle in front of my eye balls. The crystals remind me of the dingo balls I had hanging in my 1974 Dodge Dart when I was 16 (too many Cheech and Chong movies influenced me back then). Troy White

The point of all this?

Be THANKFUL you don’t have this weather!

Kidding aside…

…this week, our friends in the US are enjoying Thanksgiving… but ALL of us should be thankful for what we have.

Be grateful for the people in your life.

Be grateful for the quality of life you live.

Be grateful that you have the tools and technologies that allow you to read this article.

Be grateful.

I am.

Especially grateful to have a nice toasty place to live and work in.

Many don’t.

So just say a few extra thanks this week for everything that you do have.

Rather than the things you don’t.

One other thing I am extremely thankful for?

The fact the weather is supposed to turn and a Chinook is on it’s way today.

What’s a Chinook? It’s one of the things I LOVE about Calgary – a BREAK from the weather!

From Wikipedia:

A strong Chinook can make snow one foot deep almost vanish in one day. The snow partly melts and partly evaporates in the dry wind. Chinook winds have been observed to raise winter temperature, often from below −20°C (−4°F) to as high as 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) for a few hours or days, then temperatures plummet to their base levels. The greatest recorded temperature change in 24 hours was caused by Chinook winds on January 15, 1972, in Loma, Montana; the temperature rose from -48°C (-56°F) to 9°C (49°F).

How do you spell relief?

C-H-I-N-O-O-K

And we get one – yay!

Have a grateful week and a great Thanksgiving if you are in the US.

Troy

PS: I announced the other day my offer for you to be a co-author with me in the upcoming Entrepreneurial Spirits book. Half the spots are now taken – but you can still get in. Have a look at how you can be an author in a printed book early in 2011.

Feb
04

Me…an Oscar Winner?

By | advertising, Entrepreneur, Leads Generation, Main Content, Marketing on the web, Neighborhood Marketing, Real Estate Marketing, Social Networking, Success, Time management and productivity, Wacky marketing ideas

1 Comment

Me… an Oscar winner?  That kinda has a nice ring to it!

The call came in 3 weeks ago and I have been getting quite excited over what is about to happen.

I was nominated in 2009, and again this year, for a Calgary Business Oscar, and I quickly realized what a brilliant idea this was.

A friend and former client of mine both started the Oscars and came up with a winning idea that every single one of us should be using.

(Note: she was asked to change the name this year but the lessons are still as powerful..  The video shows you how to vote at http://www.TroysOscar.com)

Think about what she has done with this simple idea:

* Generates Massive Media Attention.  The media is hungry for creative ideas in the local community… especially ones that are so easy to understood and showcase in their show or media.  It makes for great local content, and an idea like this one brings together 100+ local businesses they can also talk about.  A solid contact with the media can generate you a solid years worth of media mentions.

* Help for her Non-profit.  The person behind all this runs a private school for grade 1 through grade 9 (Green Learning Academy).  It is a non-profit school and they are always looking for innovative ways to raise more funds so they can expand and keep up to date with their computers and text books.  They are selling tickets to the event for $150 each, and I see a full house well in order.

* Business attention.  With over 100 businesses having been nominated for multiple different areas… the buzz is all over town.  The businesses are spreading the word to their employees and their friends, family and customers.  Each one single entry into the Oscars will bring back thousands and thousands of site visitors.

* Potential client attention. Everyone loves an out-of-the-box idea! And people take note on who came up with the idea.  My guess is that many of the business owners and their employees are paying very close attention to what Green Learning Academy is going here… and are noting what a great school they must be running here.  I would estimate that Green Learning will see a substantial boost in attendance over the next 12 months.

* Existing client and partner attention. This was a complete surprise to me (she put it together all on her own)… and I was very happy to hear about what she was doing, and, of course, about my nomination.

* Fun!  Who doesn’t love a fun party?  They are doing the Red Carpet. Celebrity look-a-likes.  Mock up Oscars all the nominees can have their picture taken with. Paparazzi. Media everywhere. Black and white formal attire.  I CAN’T WAIT!  It sounds like a complete blast and I am very excited about the whole night… if I win my category…even better!

* Marketing memorabilia for years to come.  Think about all the different ways she can tie in the photos, the videos, the endorsements and testimonials.  This is what serious marketing is all about.  Imagine the fun the kids will have looking at all the photos of celebrities at the party (kids don’t care they aren’t the real
ones)

* Annual event now set in stone.  She owns the domain, the idea, and will make this Calgary’s biggest business bash of the year.  And there is no reason to think she can’t do this every year from here on in.

So my question to you is…

Why don’t you have an Oscar ceremony?

Why don’t I?

Anyone can do it… with some planning and hard work.  And the potential rewards look to be substantial.

>>> How am I capitalizing on this?  <<<

Well, that is a lesson in itself here.  I have put together the following page http://www.TroysOscar.com which will be promoted to everyone in my database, everyone I am connected to through my social network, everyone in my address book… you name it… I will be sending them to that page.

It helps them understand what is going on, how to vote for me, and (most importantly) what is in it for them.

I would really appreciate your support!

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Can you take 2 minutes and go vote for me?

…Pleeeeease?

http://www.TroysOscar.com
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Can’t wait to share the story and photos with you… hopefully I will bring home the Oscar and will share with you my plans for the Oscar in the coming year.

The serious question here for you to consider is… how can YOU do this right away?  What event could you put together that involves your clients, your prospects, your suppliers?  What could you do that is unique, that is tied into major events, and that could bring you massive amounts of media attention?

>>> Some of the monthly events coming up you can easily tie into:

FEBRUARY MONTHLY EVENTS:
________________________________________
International Boost Self Esteem Month
International Friendship Month
International Expect Success Month
National Weddings Month
National Time Management Month
National Snack Food Month
National Parent Leadership Month
National Wild Bird Feeding Month
National Cherry Month
American Heart Month
American History Month
Black History Month
Children’s Dental Health Month
Responsible Pet Owners Month
Bake for Family Fun Month
Candy Month
Creative Romance Month
Library Lovers Month
Bird Feeding Month

MARCH MONTHLY EVENTS:
________________________________________
International Idea’s Month
National Social Worker’s Month
National Craft Month
National Frozen Food Month
National Caffeine Awareness Month
National Noodle Month
National Nutritional Month
American Red Cross Month
Music in our Schools Month
Woman’s History Month
Youth Art Month
Optimism Month
Spiritual Awareness Month
Irish-American Month
Youth Science Month
Humorists Are Artists Month
Peanut Month
National Bed Month

I have hundreds of these kind of ideas and templates in my 2010 Cash Flow Calendars program (if you haven’t at least looked at how you can get 10 X your investment back in 30 days, you had better read this now http://www.cashflowcalendars.com/cashflow.html .

It really doesn’t have to be that difficult… we just make it so.

>>> What BIG event is coming up that you can tie into?

> The Oscars?  (why can’t you pull something together in time?)
Easter?
> Valentines Day?
> Saint Patrick’s Day?
> Spring?
> School’s Out?
> Summer Time?
> Camping Season?
> Baseball Season?

I am encouraging you to look at all angles of your business to find story angles you can use.

This is the prime opportunity to create some buzz around your business and your event… while leveraging those people closest to you in the event.

* The start of your own business – the trials and tribulations you went through.

* The growth of your business – what your customers said and did to help your company grow so fast.

* The story of your employees. Make them the celebrities and share their personal stories. They will love it!

* The story of your suppliers. Similar to employees, they are worthy of a great write-up that others can enjoy.

* The history of your industry, the long-past celebrities many may have forgotten.

* Stories of what keeps you going and motivated.

* Your personal stories – where you came from, growing up, your successes, your failures, your dreams and aspirations, and sharing some intimate details of what makes you … you.

Some important things to keep in mind while you plan your party:

* Invite all your existing clients (no matter how long it has been since they’ve heard from you).

* Ask and encourage them to bring their friends and business associates.

* Create a list of media, potential jv partners and associates you would like to attend.

* Invite your suppliers as well (the people you pay money to – the ones that should be throwing you a party! – chances are good they will talk you up big time to other potential customers in the upcoming weeks and months.

* Make them RSVP (and charge them a fee in most cases) to get a ticket – no ticket – no entrance (this is your way to get the mailing addresses of those you have never met before). You can be lenient at the door, as long as you get the contact information for those who show up unannounced.

* No sales pitches or talks allowed – this is not a reason for a pitch-fest (doing so would cause you much more harm than good).

* Send thank you cards to everyone who attends – include a business card only.

* Work on getting some sponsors to put together door prizes and a take-home package (samples of products could be included).

* Find something (or someone) you can make a big announcement around (charity donations, personal announcements, celebrity in attendance, etc) – this can create a highly memorable part of the evening that others will talk about for a long time [Note: at my Wild West Wealth Summit, I gave 10% of ticket proceeds to Ronald McDonald House. I brought my wife and kids up on stage to present the check to the Director of the Charity. The tears in the eyes of those in attendance was reward enough for what we did.]

* You would be wise to bring on an event planner for a larger party – it can be very time consuming and easy to forget small but noticeable details.

* You could also consider posting an advertisement in the appropriate trade magazines or newspapers that your ideal clients would be reading.

* Prepare or post an agenda. People like to know what to expect in the event. You can also mail this out with their invite.

* If you are a low energy type of person, bring along some high energy staff or family members to energize the group.

If you don’t want to throw a large party – or are just looking for ideas for smaller group appreciation events, how about some of these ideas:

* Host a scuba diving event where you meet with clients and family members at a local dive shop/pool – book off the entire pool – and have an “under the sea” party where they get to try scuba diving for the first time in a supervised safe environment (even the

die-hard

divers would love to come to this!).

* Host a wilderness hike. Hire a tour guide or experienced outdoors hiker to show you the surroundings, point out the areas of interest.

* Have a lunch delivered and catered on the top of the mountain.  Provide everyone with maps and transportation.

* Extreme sports can always be fun (but you may limit who attends). This could include 4by4ing, zip lining, mountain climbing, race car driving, sky diving, ATV driving, bob-sledding, etc.

* Go boating (and invite me when you do!). Not everyone is a boat freak like I am, but people love to be pampered. Rent a nice boat and have a drive, and serving staff in place – treat them like royalty and show them the open water.

* Host a murder mystery night. Hire a company that does this for a living – you can even go to your local acting and drama schools.

Everyone loves a good show and you can combine the show with a party and a great meal.

Think this through… there are ample opportunities there for you.  You just have to start doing it … now… not later.

I will keep you up to date with my run for the Oscar… thanks for your support. http://www.TroysOscar.com

To your success,

Troy White
http://www.TroysOscar.com

“Now is the time to fix the next 10 years” — Jim Rohn

PS: If you haven’t signed up yet, why not?

By now you could have had 2 promotions out the door, and made thousands of dollars in  additional profits.
All with simple copy and paste tools.

See for yourself…
http://www.cashflowcalendars.com

.


May
15

Here’s why I canceled the Wild West Wealth Summit

By | Entrepreneur, Success, Time management and productivity

In 2007 I launched the first ever Wild West Wealth Summit, with over 125 people attending.  For three and a half days, those in attendance immersed themselves in the mindset of successful marketers.

People raved.
They wrote me cards.
Emails.
Artwork.

They wanted more.

In June of 2008, I gave them more.  Videos. Letters. Books and emails continued to come in.

They still wanted more.

But this year, I have decided NOT to host Wild West.

There may be something in 2010, but for ’09 I am 100% behind helping my friend Greg Habstritt.

I went to University with Greg (we were both in business and in the Association of Collegiate Entrepreneurs Club), and have watched and admired his exceptional success for years now.

He is also the reason I am canceling Wild West for 2009… I decided to help promote his Simple Wealth Summit instead.

Why?

His speakers are exceptional… and his formula for success and wealth creation is one I want to share with everyone I know.

Here’s what I’m going to do. Take a serious look at this event… it is a big part of why I made the final decision to cancel Wild West for 2009.

I believe in this event that much.

Greg Habstritt, the highly successful entrepreneur, investor, and multi-millionaire host of this Summit is a person I want you to meet.

A millionaire before 30, Greg now enjoys an 8 figure networth and $100 million dollars in assets managed by his companies. He has started, built and ran 4 different multi-million dollar businesses.

The Simple Wealth Summit is designed to change the way you think about life.

About business.

And about your future.

http://www.TheWealthSummit.com

Greg has put together an all star team of dream speakers to share with you his Simple Wealth formula.

From everything I know about Greg, and from what I know about the speakers, this will be a major hit.  I also know for a FACT that Greg will over deliver on his promises.

The speaker lineup:

Gary W. Goldstein ~ Billion Dollar Movie Producer of “Pretty Woman” and “Under Siege”

Dr. Robert Cialdini ~ New York Times Best Selling Author of “YES!” and “Influence, The Science of Persuasion”

Peter Schiff ~ New York Times Best Selling Author, “Crashproof” and “Little Book of Bull Moves”

James Arthur Ray ~ New York Times Best Selling Author, “Harmonic Wealth”

Debra Poneman ~ Best Selling Author, Speaker and Mentor To Many of Today’s Biggest Transformational  Experts

Janet Attwood ~ New York Times Best Selling Author, “The Passion Test”

And  Les Hewitt ~ New York Times Best Selling Author, “The Power Of Focus”

I do hope you check this out… the guarantee says it all… and it is going to be an exceptional event…

http://www.TheWealthSummit.com

Over 300 people are already registered, but there are seats still available.

Have a look at the details here…

And I hope this gives you an edge for making 2009 your best year yet!

Money really likes speed… act now.

Join the 300 other eager professionals who are already signed up.  One of the fastest ways you can grow your business is with a highly focused networking opportunity like this.

Create joint ventures.
Find investors.
Find partners and strategic players.
And learn how to use The Simple Wealth Formula in YOUR life…

http://www.TheWealthSummit.com

{NOTE: If you decide to attend (which I highly recommend), I want to offer you a couple bonuses.  First, entry into my Sales Letter Success Webinar series.  Second, audios of BOTH 2007 and 2008 Wild West Wealth Summits (delivered digitally) – sold for $1695 alone to attend live.  I will be at the event as well and would love to chat, network and lunch with you as well.  I am very serious about Greg’s Simple Wealth Formula… and I hope you see that here.)

Have a great weekend and make sure you check out what Greg is offering.

Troy