Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Election Day Rant
In AZ, the primaries are today. The media is reporting a 25% voter turn-out for the Aug 24 primary. I am saddened and appalled. I mean you can vote by mail if you wish! How convenient is that? The same people who did not vote will be complaining about the choices we have in November. If you were one of the 75%, why the apathy? I believe that our elected officials, as a group, are the most self-serving bunch of hypocrites that I have seen in my lifetime, but our only chance for change is to elect better ones and hold them accountable. If you did not vote, please go to https://recorder.maricopa.gov/ and sign up to receive an early ballot. Then voting will be easy in the future.
Friday, August 20, 2010
www.Fiverr.com - A Very Cool Resource
Recently I co-hosted an information marketing product creation seminar with two sharp marketers, Robert Stanley and Kevin Koop. In Kevin's presentation he recommended www.Fiverr.com as a resource to outsource small projects for $5. Yep, you read it right - 5 dollars!
Since then Fiverr has been recommended in two newsletters I subscribe to. You can get just about anything done. It is a site where people meet to share things they are willing to do for $5.
Examples:
Check it out.
Chuck Trautman
480-773-7490
Since then Fiverr has been recommended in two newsletters I subscribe to. You can get just about anything done. It is a site where people meet to share things they are willing to do for $5.
Examples:
- Power Point Slides - 5 for $5
- Caricatures of you
- Designing CD / DVD Cover
- Convert an Article to Podcast
- Research Vacation Spots
- Design a Postcard
- Or Post What You Want Done for $5
Check it out.
Chuck Trautman
480-773-7490
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Guest TV Appearance on Pat McMahon Show
Hi Folks,
I have been working hard on the Business Builders Boot Camp (http://BizBuildersBootCamp.info)
the last few days.
Wow! Good things are happening! My PR gal, Christine Marek, is doing a great job. She has me booked as a guest on the Pat McMahon show on Monday, August 10. The show runs from 9 AM to 10 AM. I will be interviewed for 8 minutes about the Double Your Business Boot Camp coming up on August 28-29.
If you are in the Phoenix viewing area you can catch it on AZTV 7 (Cable 13). If not I will post the interview here and on http://BizBuildersBootCamp.info .
We are also getting interest for interviews on the Phoenix ABC and NBC affiliates. More details about that, if we get booked.
The other speakers and I are fired up about the boot camp. The opportunity to share what is working in this economy with other business owners is exciting to all of us.
Come join us in Scottsdale!
Until next time,
Chuck Trautman
I have been working hard on the Business Builders Boot Camp (http://BizBuildersBootCamp.info)
the last few days.
Wow! Good things are happening! My PR gal, Christine Marek, is doing a great job. She has me booked as a guest on the Pat McMahon show on Monday, August 10. The show runs from 9 AM to 10 AM. I will be interviewed for 8 minutes about the Double Your Business Boot Camp coming up on August 28-29.
If you are in the Phoenix viewing area you can catch it on AZTV 7 (Cable 13). If not I will post the interview here and on http://BizBuildersBootCamp.info .
We are also getting interest for interviews on the Phoenix ABC and NBC affiliates. More details about that, if we get booked.
The other speakers and I are fired up about the boot camp. The opportunity to share what is working in this economy with other business owners is exciting to all of us.
Come join us in Scottsdale!
Until next time,
Chuck Trautman
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Recession Blues? Fix Your Customer Service
Hi Folks,
My previous post about illegals and our health generated a lot of negative comments. But since they were all "anonymous", I elected not to publish them. My attitude is if you believe it - put your name on it!
Now to the customer service issues. Many companies I consult with seem to have a customer prevention department. It is amazing to me. What happens is that the owners have no idea how their customers and prospects are being treated - in person, on the phone, and on their websites.
My first bit of advice is to shop your own business as if you were a customer. When I had my retail golf stores we employed a mystery shopper service. But you don't have to spend any money.
Ask one of your referral partners to shop your business in exchange for you shopping theirs.
This does not just apply to retail businesses. It applies to every business - retail, repair, private practice, personal services, internet, etc.
Shopping in person
I will address mystery shopping on the phone and internet in a future post.
That's all for today!
Chuck Trautman
My previous post about illegals and our health generated a lot of negative comments. But since they were all "anonymous", I elected not to publish them. My attitude is if you believe it - put your name on it!
Now to the customer service issues. Many companies I consult with seem to have a customer prevention department. It is amazing to me. What happens is that the owners have no idea how their customers and prospects are being treated - in person, on the phone, and on their websites.
My first bit of advice is to shop your own business as if you were a customer. When I had my retail golf stores we employed a mystery shopper service. But you don't have to spend any money.
Ask one of your referral partners to shop your business in exchange for you shopping theirs.
This does not just apply to retail businesses. It applies to every business - retail, repair, private practice, personal services, internet, etc.
Shopping in person
- Observe the parking lot and sales area for cleanliness
- Were you greeted promptly and courteously?
- Ask questions about a product or service
- Is the staff knowledgeable?
- Do they offer up-sells, cross-sells, and other services?
- Do they collect your contact information?
I will address mystery shopping on the phone and internet in a future post.
That's all for today!
Chuck Trautman
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Illegal Aliens - Are They A Health Risk?
Hi Folks,
I am concerned!
Last week the CDC stated that in the worst case scenario the swine flu could cause several HUNDRED thousand deaths and cause over 40% of those employed to miss work over the next 2 years. It is unlikely the outbreak will be this severe but never the less...startling!
In the same paper, the AZ Republic, there was a story that a Sheriff Joe sweep turned up 9 illegals, but the feds made the sheriff release them without deportation because they had "clean" criminal records. In itself that sounds like an oxymoron to me.
The two articles got me to ponder the health side of the "illegal" debate. I have no facts but this is just common sense.
If someone in a foreign country settles here illegally, it stands to reason that they did not receive any of the required immunizations to come to the US.
What diseases common to the US will they catch and spread within our population?
More worrisome to me is what diseases will they bring with them from their country?
Shouldn't our government protect us from the swine flu and other infectious diseases by enforcing our immigration laws?
If any one out there has some facts on disease and the illegal issue, I invite your comments.
Chuck Trautman
I am concerned!
Last week the CDC stated that in the worst case scenario the swine flu could cause several HUNDRED thousand deaths and cause over 40% of those employed to miss work over the next 2 years. It is unlikely the outbreak will be this severe but never the less...startling!
In the same paper, the AZ Republic, there was a story that a Sheriff Joe sweep turned up 9 illegals, but the feds made the sheriff release them without deportation because they had "clean" criminal records. In itself that sounds like an oxymoron to me.
The two articles got me to ponder the health side of the "illegal" debate. I have no facts but this is just common sense.
If someone in a foreign country settles here illegally, it stands to reason that they did not receive any of the required immunizations to come to the US.
What diseases common to the US will they catch and spread within our population?
More worrisome to me is what diseases will they bring with them from their country?
Shouldn't our government protect us from the swine flu and other infectious diseases by enforcing our immigration laws?
If any one out there has some facts on disease and the illegal issue, I invite your comments.
Chuck Trautman
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
It's Official! Taking Over Phoenix West Chapter on 8/1
Hi Folks,
Several months ago I made a deal with Alex Lowy to purchase the Glazer-Kennedy Phoenix West chapter from him. We had the verbal approval from GKIC so we promoted the transfer via email and Alex's newsletter. We even announced a "passing of the torch" luncheon meeting.
It is such a natural for me, since I already have the Phoenix East chapter.
We ended up with the proverbial "egg on our faces" because while our signed paper work was in the mail, GKIC had a problem with a transfer in another part of the country and their lawyers put a hold on all transfers.
Everyone in involved expected the lawyers to work out the details by the end of May. As is often the case when lawyers are involved, this drug on to the middle of July.
Anyway, it is now a done deal! Our first Phoenix West chapter meeting is scheduled for August 19 and you are invited. That's right guests are welcome. What we do at a chapter meeting is have spirited discussions about Dan Kennedy marketing principles. The emphasis is on what is working TODAY.
Where: Ottawa University just north of Dunlop on the east side of I-17
Time: 11 AM to 1:30 PM
Who: Entrepreneurs and Sales Professionals Seeking Better Results
As a grand re-opening special, you are invited as my guest. Lunch is included. Everyone who attends will also receive a complimentary copy of the DVD "The Phenomenon:. How to achieve more in the next 12 months than you have the last 12 years.
Please RSVP so Chef Diane can get the prepare the right number of lunches.
Chuck Trautman
chuck@GoldCrownMarketing.com
480-773-7490
Several months ago I made a deal with Alex Lowy to purchase the Glazer-Kennedy Phoenix West chapter from him. We had the verbal approval from GKIC so we promoted the transfer via email and Alex's newsletter. We even announced a "passing of the torch" luncheon meeting.
It is such a natural for me, since I already have the Phoenix East chapter.
We ended up with the proverbial "egg on our faces" because while our signed paper work was in the mail, GKIC had a problem with a transfer in another part of the country and their lawyers put a hold on all transfers.
Everyone in involved expected the lawyers to work out the details by the end of May. As is often the case when lawyers are involved, this drug on to the middle of July.
Anyway, it is now a done deal! Our first Phoenix West chapter meeting is scheduled for August 19 and you are invited. That's right guests are welcome. What we do at a chapter meeting is have spirited discussions about Dan Kennedy marketing principles. The emphasis is on what is working TODAY.
Where: Ottawa University just north of Dunlop on the east side of I-17
Time: 11 AM to 1:30 PM
Who: Entrepreneurs and Sales Professionals Seeking Better Results
As a grand re-opening special, you are invited as my guest. Lunch is included. Everyone who attends will also receive a complimentary copy of the DVD "The Phenomenon:. How to achieve more in the next 12 months than you have the last 12 years.
Please RSVP so Chef Diane can get the prepare the right number of lunches.
Chuck Trautman
chuck@GoldCrownMarketing.com
480-773-7490
Sunday, July 19, 2009
My First Round of Golf In The UK
Hi Folks,
Watching the British Open this weekend brought many wonderful memories flooding back. You see I have been blessed because I have played golf in England and Scotland on 3 different occasions.
My first trip was a trip with my wife, Carol, and NOT a golf trip. We went on a 17 day junket to celebrate our 30th anniversary and traveled throughout England and Scotland. I guess I was behaving myself because I got the "thumbs up" to rent some clubs and play a round.
I walked on at Blackpool Country Club in Blackpool, England. At the time I was an 11 handicapper. The pro rented me a set of Browning blades, a knock off of a Callaway driver, a fairway wood that was a real wood, and a knockoff of a Ping Anser 2 putter.
Since I had not hit blade style irons in over 20 years, I asked where the driving range was. The pro said, "We don't have a range and your on the tee with those 2 blokes on the tee now". I was nervouse as hell because blades have a small sweet spot and no margin for error.
Those "blokes" were a 10 and an 11 handicapper who wanted some "American cash". We settled on a "5 pound" nassau.
I hit an OK drive with the knockoff driver and had about 180 yards downhill into the wind to the green. I was scared as hell to hit my first approach shot with those blades! I chose a 4 iron and to my amazement, I flushed it! It landed short of the green and rolled up to 15 feet.
My birdie putt went right in the jar and I went on to shoot 77. The Brits mumbled about "another sand bagging Yankee" as they each handed over their 15 pounds.
My only regret? I did not buy the damned Browning blades!
Until next time,
Chuck Trautman
Watching the British Open this weekend brought many wonderful memories flooding back. You see I have been blessed because I have played golf in England and Scotland on 3 different occasions.
My first trip was a trip with my wife, Carol, and NOT a golf trip. We went on a 17 day junket to celebrate our 30th anniversary and traveled throughout England and Scotland. I guess I was behaving myself because I got the "thumbs up" to rent some clubs and play a round.
I walked on at Blackpool Country Club in Blackpool, England. At the time I was an 11 handicapper. The pro rented me a set of Browning blades, a knock off of a Callaway driver, a fairway wood that was a real wood, and a knockoff of a Ping Anser 2 putter.
Since I had not hit blade style irons in over 20 years, I asked where the driving range was. The pro said, "We don't have a range and your on the tee with those 2 blokes on the tee now". I was nervouse as hell because blades have a small sweet spot and no margin for error.
Those "blokes" were a 10 and an 11 handicapper who wanted some "American cash". We settled on a "5 pound" nassau.
I hit an OK drive with the knockoff driver and had about 180 yards downhill into the wind to the green. I was scared as hell to hit my first approach shot with those blades! I chose a 4 iron and to my amazement, I flushed it! It landed short of the green and rolled up to 15 feet.
My birdie putt went right in the jar and I went on to shoot 77. The Brits mumbled about "another sand bagging Yankee" as they each handed over their 15 pounds.
My only regret? I did not buy the damned Browning blades!
Until next time,
Chuck Trautman
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