By Michael Port

The proof is in the pudding. See article from today’s NY Times, “With Kindle, the Best Sellers Don’t Need to Sell” by Motoko Rich. The author begins the article with a riddle: How do you make your book a best seller on the Kindle? Answer: Give copies away. But many of the big publishers still find the strategy untenable because they aren’t changing with the times and adapting to new technology and today’s market.

Why is is that those with the most security (influence, power, money, etc) seem to be the least likely to change with the times? Of course, yes, I know “They’re afraid to risk what they have,” but to me, it seems counter intuitive. Maybe it’s the way I interpret the world but the more security I feel the more risks I’m willing to take and the more adaptive I’m likely to be.

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By Michael Port

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By Michael Port

Parkinson’s Law posits that work will expand so as to fill the time available for its completion. Meaning, the more time you have to get something done, the more time it will take you. It is called Parkinson’s Law because it was first articulated by Cyril Northcote Parkinson in an essay he published in The Economist in 1955. It was later reprinted together with other essays in the book Parkinson’s Law: The Pursuit of Progress (London, John Murray, 1958).

I’ve often heard that time management strategies are supposed to help get the job done and be more productive. But, I think the idea of time management is misleading. I don’t think you can manage time because time is a finite concept. There are only a certain number of minutes in an hour, hours in a day, and days in a week. They do not expand or contract according to our will. Plus, you don’t always know how much time it’s going to take to complete a project or task.

However, we can manage our commitments.

Commitments are manageable because you can prioritize commitments. When you do, you focus on the most important commitments to get the job done and be more productive. It’s really a rather simple concept. Spend your time making and managing your commitments and then go about fulfilling them. Simple as that. If you master the skill of commitment making and fulfilling as your methodology for being more productive, you’ll find you make better commitments. And, you’ll stop over-committing to unattractive or unproductive initiatives. Instead, you’ll be more selective with respect to the commitments you make and cultivate more excitement and passion to fulfill those commitments. Bottom line: you’ll get the job done and be more productive.

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Resource for commitment making and fulfilling: www.cothrive.com (I don’t have any financial connection to company or product but I do use it personally to make and fulfill my commitments. It helps me get the job done and be more productive.)

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By Michael Port

Seth shows us a list of Tim Burton’s unrealized projects as revealed in an exhibit at The Modern Museum of Art. You can see how he has mastered the project.

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By Michael Port

What type of business owner are you? No, not what type of business do you own but what type of business owner are you?

Over the past decade, helping entrepreneurs get booked solid, I’ve found that there are 3 different types of business owners.

1. Opportunity Seekers — People who think affiliate programs, one big joint venture score, or the latest technology is going to make them millions.
2. Dabblers — People who consider themselves in business because they are incorporated. They have an idea of what they want to do and try a little of this and a little of that, but don’t get much done, and certainly don’t get up to big things.
3. Business owners in pursuit of mastery — The very same ones who understand that there are no “3 Easy Steps” to anything that makes your name in the world or puts you at the head of the class. The ones that actually succeed and understand that doing anything real in business takes time, dedication, and a long-term, non-reversible commitment to life-long learning, self-reflection, and the pursuit of mastery.

Without passing judgment… I wonder, in which category of business owner do you fall?

Of, course, no matter what type of business owner you are, an opportunity seeker, dabbler, or a master, you want:

• More Clients.
• Increased revenue and profits.
• The ideal lifestyle of freedom, flexibility and financial security.

But, and I say this with respect, only one kind of business owner gets this—those in pursuit of mastery. The kind of business owner who is working with me in Booked Solid University.

If you are serious about booking yourself solid and you are ready to focus on the most profitable, revenue generating actions needed to expand your business, wealth and productivity, I want you in the University. If you’re an opportunity seeker or dabbler, I respectfully request that you unsubscribe from my newsletter at the bottom of this email.

I only want to serve those in pursuit of mastery. I don’t care how much you’re willing to pay for “3 Easy Steps.” They don’t exist so you can’t have them, and since they don’t exist, I won’t sell them.

If you’re really serious about completely mastering every aspect of entrepreneurship, BSU might be right for you. If you have questions, just call (877-279-5220) or write—any time day or night.

I love you (and not in a weird way) for being the big thinker that you are. Assuming you are. If you’re not, I still love you for being a human being but I can only work with (and help) those in pursuit of mastery. (And, yes, I think everyone can be a big thinker, if they want to be.)

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By Michael Port

Source anonymous.

On my way home one day, I stopped to watch a Little League base ball game that was being played in a park near my home. As I sat down behind the bench on the first-base line, I asked one of  the boys what the score was, “We’re behind 14 to nothing,” he answered, with a  smile.

“Really? I have to say you don’t look very discouraged.”

“Discouraged?” the boy asked with a puzzled look on his face… “Why should we be discouraged? We haven’t even been up to bat yet.”

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By Michael Port

I published my feelings about James Arthur Ray and the tragedy in Sedona.

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By Michael Port

My latest Entrepreneur Magazine article offered as an exclusive on American Express Open Forum. Enjoy. Comment. Tweet  and FB it.

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By Michael Port

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By Michael Port

Prediction

Relevancy will overtake marketing, at least in theory. The reality is advertising dollars are declining. The hit and miss marketing days are over. Creative marketing is already taking hold. Businesses are experimenting with new ways to market and get new clients. But, none of this is going to matter in 2010 if you aren’t relevant. Sales and marketing must be personal and relevant. It’s got to say, “I know something about you and I can help you.” Your marketing has got to give clients something they can relate to immediately. This is absolutely the most effective way to start real, trust building conversations that will eventually lead to solid client relationships and eventual sales. Mark my words, the only great marketing in 2010 will be relevant marketing.

Trend for 2010

If you are in business or sales, you’re going to have to prove you are trustworthy. Sure, that’s always been the case, but 2010 is going to put sales professionals under a microscope. Customers are going to be far more discerning in the trust department. The New York Times called 2009 the “Year of the Bamboozle.” Trust has been compromised by a good portion of the private, public and entertainment sector. So, now it’s even more important to listen first and build trust based on your clients’ needs. When you talk about your products and services, listen for immediate reactions. Do your customers think you can deliver what you say you can? Be acutely aware of how you continually build trust and how you are going to prove you can deliver what you promise.

Resolution

Resolve to make 2010 a year of full self-expression and take a series of actions that will increase your likeability factor. The one-way sales pitch is long gone. Corporate speak will only isolate you. People do business with people they like. And, when people like the source of a message, they tend to trust the message or, at least, try to find a way to believe it. Thus, your likeability and full self-expression has an enormous impact on your bottom line. Strive to be your best, most authentic and likeable self and you will be well on your way to becoming the obvious choice for your potential clients.

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