Velocity —A Business Novel

Velocity by Dee Jacob, Susan Bergland, and Jeff Cox I cannot wait to get my hands on this book. Mostly for the content. But also because I know each of the authors. My respect for the dynamic duo from AGI (Avraham Y. Goldratt Institute) knows no bounds. First, like many, I read The Goal by Eli Goldratt and Jeff Cox. In preparation for writing my own book, I (again like many) reached out to Cox. Who basically replied, "I am writing my own books now and no longer do that sort of collaboration." To which I must admit, made me sad... then mad. He totally missed the message of the book that made him famous. His first, best destiny is that of co-laborer. Ed McMahon made a fortune playing second banana... but I digress. When I attended AGI in 1998 for Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM), I met Dee Jacob. One of those people that has a talent and is not afraid to exploit it! Then, in 2001 I met Susan Bergland at an APICS event in San Antonio, TX when I published the premier issue of TOCreview magazine. Another Constraints Management force that deserves a lot of credit for advancing the art. Again, I look forward to reading this book. The premise is perfect. In fact, it was a pleasant surprise to see AGI endorse this combination of Constraints Management, Lean and Six Sigma. That would never have happened under Eli Goldratt's watch at the Institute. If you don't own this yet, order it today. Semper Fi Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

748: Indian Chief Dark Horse

2009 Indian Chief Dark Horse presented by Indian Motorcycle of Pittsburgh "Are you open today?" Sure enough, the closest Indian Motorcycle dealership was open the day after Christmas. About two hours away from my old stomping grounds in Ohio. So we drove over. At 34 degrees, we took the car. The sun was actually out in force for like the fourth day this month. After years of speculation, I actually did not think the investors would pull it off. The relaunch (once again!) of the brand. But I witnessed about twenty brand new Indian bikes on the dealership floor. Mostly 2009, but a few of the 2010 models had started to arrive. The crew at the dealership were most helpful and obviously passionate about the brand. On January 9th, they will celebrate their first full year of operations with a big Open House. One of the brave soul's test riding a Chief remarked he was pleasantly surprised. A number of magazine articles claim there is a lot of vibration from the 105ci motor. The rider said, "Some vibration? Sure. But nothing more than a traditional VTwin engine would produce." So much for the printed word The only model that really caught my eye was the Dark Horse. The one on the showroom floor also happened to be lowered, and so it felt very inviting. And the flat paint treatment worked really well. They do expect to reintroduce the Scout model later in the 2010 production year. The 2003 Scout was basically an American custom Pro-street with an S&S Engine. Rumor has it the new Scout will feature a decidedly more Indian powerplant. Bottom line: If you have a lot of money to throw at a new motorcycle (50% more than a similar Harley), then check out the Indian brand. You might be surprised. Unlike "the other guys", Indian knows less is more. I heard they only produced about 450 bikes for 2009. Law of supply and demand. Less bikes should equate to better margins and also better resale if the bikes prove mechanically sound. And from the fit and finish I experienced today, I would expect the bike to hold up well. Semper Fi Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Going Rogue by Sarah Palin

Going Rogue An American Life by Sarah Palin If you want to hear the other side of all those stories about this America Dreamer, read her book. If you want to protect your opinions of who she is, then skip it. A little over a year after Palin was pulled into the national limelight, she clears the air about all those "stupid" things that happened along the way to giving McCain his only real chance at becoming President. Too bad people are an organization's "greatest assets" —it also means that people can cause your biggest setbacks. McCain's "people" (and therefore McCain himself) did Palin a great disservice by not letting Sarah "be Sarah" —the person that drew national attention in the first place. The true maverick on the ticket. He could not have won without Palin. No one short of the Late Ronald Reagan could have given John his "dream shot." Other than Palin, that is. They could have won. -ski

Introducing RhinoGATOR Job Board

Nine months of labor Delivers RhinoGATOR™ It starts out innocently enough, like any other idea that might just someday change the world. Or at least America. That "what if" thought that one awakens with, not really sure if the premise was a dream or a nightmare. The unofficial pre-launch occurred last Thursday with little fanfare. Those familiar with software development know that if it took nine months to launch (what some call the first 90% of any great project), the remaining 10% will take another nine months! Only time will tell. Check it out. Let me know what you think. RhinoGATOR™ was conceived and built for one purpose: To put America back to work! Designed and built 100% in the United States of America. By Americans. For All Americans. RhinoGATOR™ —Best Job Aggregator on Planet Earth™ Semper Fi Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Number 746: Smart friends

The Power to Get In by Michael A. Boylan On January 1, 2008 Dr Lisa Lang bought me a present. This book. I have skimmed it over during the last two years, but did not need the message. Until today. I have repeatedly had smart friends recommend books to me. A few actually bought them for me. Books that changed my life. And yes, occasionally books that did not seem relevant (at least at the time). I knew this was a great book. But "getting in" the right doors was not problem. It was not the weakest link in my system. Until today. Do you know anyone looking for a job? Me too. But are they really looking for work, or are they just kidding themselves? You know the type. We have all been that type! We sit at the computer, searching for jobs, and sending off Résumés somehow convincing ourselves we are honestly searching for a new career. How bogus First, let me say that I am talking to myself. You simply have the privilege of listening in to my conversation (with myself). I will "flat out" guarantee you that no one needs this message today, more than yours truly. Honest. Given this new economy of zero job growth (why do you think it was called Porkulus? But I digress...), the rules have changed. What worked in the past, worked just fine. Until today. The rules have changed If you are not getting in front of the right people with your message, then Boylan's book may hold the answer. I am a huge fan of frameworks designed to produce results. Like H. William Dettmer's Constraints Management Model (CMM) which takes Eli Goldratt's Theory of Constraints (TOC) and turbocharges the implementation phase with the late Colonel John Boyd's OODA Loop (actually, more of a process than a loop). But I digress... Deming said it best, "Success is 94% the result of the system." Not enough results? Change systems! Right after you buy and consume my book (and buy an extra copy to give away to a friend in need), pick up The Power to Get In by Michael A. Boylan. Especially, if your job search is not going well. Semper Fi Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.RhinoGATOR.com P.S. Speaking of job searches, do check out my new tool for solving one of America's employment challenges, finding enough suitable job openings: RhinoGATOR™ Best Job Aggregator on Planet Earth™ (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Can you miss a car?

Merkur XR4TI "XRAT" It has been over seven years since this baby burned to the ground on US-250... and the Nationwide agent said, "No, you are not covered." Need I mention that I no longer use Nationwide? This was my second XR4Ti. The first was black. I am still looking for photos of it. This was a stick and the extra horsepower was simply amazing as the turbo revved past 3000rpm. Too bad the electronics in the dash were so sensitive to the cold. But otherwise, this was almost the perfect rear wheel drive sports car. Jackie Stewart even said so! It handled like you cannot imagine. Rumor has it that I got each and every MPH from those "H" rated Yokohama's... Until the Audi Quattros came on the scene. But I digress... Who knew that I have Bob Lutz to thank for some of the most fun I ever had behind the wheel of a car. -ski

744: Advertising with Tokens

Nonno's Tailors & The Tux Shop In 1979 I opened my second location. The Tux Shop expanded from the Mall to a downtown location, and added the services of my partner to provide tailoring and custom made men's suits. One of the advertising tools employed was the use of the token. Anyone catch the huge mistake I made when I ordered the custom imprint? Yep. Should have dropped the phone number and went with something along the lines, "Limit one per transaction." Of course there were only one or two that insisted on using all tokens to pay for a Tux rental... so maybe it was not that big of deal after all. Live and learn My good friend Luke Short recently launched his Saloon Token web site, and that caused me to seek out an old token from back in the day. As I mentioned in Purple Curve Effect, I learned a lot about business the hard way. Spent a lot of my own money experimenting... but I digress. As King Solomon said, "There is nothing new under the Sun." I am working on a new project and the token might just be appropriate. Semper Fi Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

742: If you are all alone, it ain't dancing

Look at the image... What does it say to you? There are few things that I love more than business. Who was it that said that the "business" of America is business? That is a great line. It speaks to the point Here is what I see when I study the chart above: The business started out "taking on water" so to speak. So the owner jumps in and props it up. Great. Or, perhaps it is a startup and the owner starts to get some traction, so things get headed in the right direction. But if you have been shaving for any number of years, you know "stuff happens" whether you plan for it... or not. So you search the world over and find a mentor to help. Not only to bail water, but to offer insight that you could not gain without hundreds of hours of personal efforts. Hours you just don't have. Not and advance your business. What world changing adventure have you started? Need any help? No, not in the form of an employee or a manager or even a service provider. Yes, those are all important. But without inspiration from a distance, you might not ever make it through the challenges. Look around your community. The economy has never been better for the entrepreneur that knows who her Jeromes are, and how her good or service solves real (and significant) challenges for each and every Jerome on her list. I know. I hear you. You are saying, "Sure SKI, you tell a great story. But give me an example. Real life, down home on the farm, proof that you can help me." Great idea But first, let me set the stage. I trust you recall that King Solomon said, "Iron sharpens iron." One of my heroes and a mentor, comes to me one overcast day, and states that he is at the end of his rope. Not a great position of strength from which to launch that dream where you get to change the world. Or is it? It is not where you are today that determines your location tomorrow, it is the size of the dream within. But I digress. So there is my hero saying, "life is tough" and admitting that he is stuck. Not just in the mud, but stuck so deep that "in the natural" ruminations of man, there is no escape. So my hero says to me, "I believe you have my answer." This happened over twenty years ago and yet I remember it like it was yesterday. Well, long story, short: I did have his answer. What challenges are you facing? Need a little help? Start by downloading my "stock" response in the form of my one page explanation of my mentorship program, and then give me a call. As I mentioned, it ain't called dancing if you are alone. Semper Fi Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

#741 Doing your best is not the answer

I love the new Star Trek movie Like most Trekkies, I was concerned about a movie going back into the history of Star Trek and Captain James T. Kirk. The possible ways to ruin the experience must have been endless. However, J.J. Abrams pulled off a masterpiece, and I would hope relaunched the cash cow. Doctor McCoy was most impressive. They did an excellent job of bringing his home-spun "down on the farm" approach that made his character memorable to life, on this latest big screen edition. In the classic, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, McCoy delivers a line that I oft repeat (mostly to myself) when confronted by actions of others that simply are so stupid, they make me want to cry.

"My God man! Drilling holes in his head is not the answer." —Dr. McCoy

Suggesting that you are "doing your best" is likewise just as stupid. However, it is even more insane to tell others to "just do your best." Producing results when facing challenges is the true test of leadership. Anything less, dare I say it, "Is not doing your best" ... Semper Fi Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

#740 Prove it: Chinese Fortune Cookie Management

You are capable, competent, creative, careful. Prove it.☺ Colour me amazed when I read this fortune the other day. It really hit me right between the eyes. Why? The better question might be why did someone create this exact expression? Especially for a something as light-hearted. This crazy fortune reminded me of that great Jessica Tandy line in the movie Nobody's Fool where she asks Paul Newman if he is not disappointed that he has not accomplished more with his God given talent? Paul first responds, "No!" But then he mutters to himself, "Maybe." That was me as I sat there in the mall food court. My mind raced to the economy and the simple fact that it has never been easier to prove one's ability. And yet, it has never been more difficult. Another one of those dichotomies my dad loved. Do you have any idea of the talent that is presently sitting the game out in the penalty box called "unemployment"? No, really. Stop and think about it for two minutes. Two whole minutes. Of course my mind then jumped to the lack of common sense in the world today. But I digress... Instead of surfing the net in search of the latest "juicy detail" of the Tiger and his golf club toting wife saga, use the "force" for good. Find someone (or something) to partner with (in the casual sense of the word, not a legal partnership) and "prove" your talents. If to no one else but yourself. I love that quote:

"The only person I have to impress, is me. —Reggie Jackson

I can assure you that when your head hits the pillow after a long day of soul-searching and applying the Golden Rule (and some common sense), peace comes fast. Sweet dreams.

Semper Fi Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

739: It was about time!

Is Disqus up to the challenge?

I have tried enabling comments on this blog several times over the last four years. There have always been spammers willing to ruin the experience for everyone.

Perhaps Disqus will manage that issue

I have been using it to comment on other blogs, and decided to give it another college try. So, if you are legitimately looking to comment on my posts, you now have the chance. However, it will only take a few bozos to have the tool removed.

Anyone care to share their experiences with allowing comments on their blog?

Semper Fi Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Let us Give Thanks

Thanksgiving Day 2009 Every year, there is more to be thankful for, but even more things that I wish would have turned out differently. Wishing rarely makes anything so. Now faith, that is another subject. Thank God. I have faith that every cloud has a silver lining.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. —Philippians 4:8

Enjoy the day, but then lets get back to work. America needs us. More than ever. Until we put this country back together, giving proper place (respect and diligence) to our Christian heritage, we cannot be effective over seas. In other words, it is time to put our own house in order. Semper Fi Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

737: Vantage points come and they go

Dream Building NASA Style Today (Sunday) is a great day for dream building and I have mentioned that fact on several (if not many!) occasions. In fact, the local Cadillac dealership has a new Red 2010 CTS on the lot today. Even more interesting, the Sunday newspaper has an advertisement for leasing the CTS for just $399/mo for 48 months. But I digress... Consider the importance of one's vantage point. In the photo above, how long did it take you to notice that it is planet Earth rising over the moonscape? For most of us, at least fully a second, maybe two. Why? Great question! It is outside our experiences. Only 12 men have been afforded the opportunity to see an Earth rise from our Moon. So, you, like me, need to "think outside the box" so to speak to appreciate this vantage point. Note too that those men only ever had the privilege once. A few more were promised the chance, but "stuff happens." Which of your dreams are going to come true? First and foremost, most likely only the ones that you plan for, scheme for, loose sleep for... and even then, it might not happen. Another 12 visited the Moon but never landed. And that ain't all bad! What is your dream? Can you see the world around us from that vantage point (of having achieved the goal)? If not, you probably won't even break Earth's orbit. Me? I have no plans to leave the good olde US of A... but there are a lot places I have yet to visit right here in my own country. However, a HondaJet might come in handy... Semper Fi Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI P.S. Need help dreaming larger dreams? Maybe I can help. www.xr.com/mentor (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

736: Decade of the Steve

CEO of the Decade: Steve Jobs I consider Jobs a mentor, but from a distance. There are a rare few that seem to always know what is cool, and what would make something even cooler still. Day in and day out, year after year. Almost singlehandedly (with a huge supporting cast; how is that for a dichotomy?) Jobs saved the music industry. Not to mention Pixar and of course, Apple. The iPhone has captured market share just as he expected, when the critics all thought he was overreacting. Who could have predicted the success of the iPod? Steve. I must have three of four other "covers" around the office with his face plastered boldly from top to bottom and side to side. My favorite is still NeXTworld. You might know the NeXTstep operating system by its current name: Mac OS X. Congrats Steve. Again. Semper Fi Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI P.S. Need a mentor (but Steve's schedule is a little too full)? Maybe I can help. www.xr.com/mentor (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

735: LinkedIn goes all Twitter

Just one more reason to love Twitter and LinkedIn Although I am in the top 2% of all folks on twitter, I have yet to break that magic 2,000 followers. Of course, I have yet to break the 500+ ceiling on LinkedIn. Not to worry... If you are like me, you hate having an out of date "status" message on LI. Your worries are over. LI has added support for twitter. Not only that, but it adds value! Simply include the hashtag #in in your tweet, and if you have added your primary twitter account to your LI profile, presto chango, your LI connections see a new status message. Thanks. It is appreciated. Semper Fi Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI/ P.S. Oh yea, me on LinkedIn. (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

734: Perfect Veteran's Day Gift

My wife always wonders... This year: Give the gift of Boyd This is the perfect Veteran's Day gift. For that hard to shop for guy or gal that still remembers fondly "pick up" at boot camp when they met their new best friends: Their Drill Instructors. Okay, it was the worse day of my life. But it was a pivotal event that shaped my abilities more than any other single day in my life. Three months later, I was sad to be leaving Marine Corps Recruit Depot Sand Diego. Yea, a "Hollywood" Marine... but I digress. Check out the podcast: Business RadioX, Atlanta Semper Fi Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI/ (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Sneek peek at the Sales Funnel for TSP

"It's not to scale" —Doc Brown I love the first and third installments of Back to the Future starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. It is tough to beat a visual model (to scale or not) for making one's point. From my White Paper on TSP (Throughput Sales Process), allow me to share a draft of the Sales Funnel. With my explanation of the steps and players for application in a high tech environment. Yes, it is simplistic. But as we say, "It ain't easy to implement".

We talk in terms of the leads (every business in a target segment); suspects (only those businesses willing to give us permission to share an overview of our offerings); prospects (businesses who "raise their hands" and ask for more details); and customers (businesses {or Jeromes, as Geoffrey Moore might say} that pay us for our goods and services)...

So, if you look at the diagram and remark to yourself, "clueless", then so be it. However, if you come back to it tomorrow and say, "Hey, this guy might have something", then great. Drop me a note and suggest we talk about applying TSP to jumpstart your Throughput. Get the SKI team working on your behalf. Today. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI/ P.S. In case you are wondering, this model scales like you cannot imagine! (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

732: Prime the Pump

prime the pump:

"to do something in order to make something succeed" —the free dictionary

This concept is at least as old as America. Probably much older. I recall as a kid (not yet a teenager), having to prime the old fashion water pump at the "Lower 40" as my granddad called his get-away along the Tuscarawas River. There was a little bucket of water next to the pump, and to get fresh water, you had to pour a little bit of water from the bucket into the top of the old fashion pump as shown above. It would cause a seal to form that allowed as you pumped the handle, the pump to extract water from the well below. Much like seed corn to a farmer, if you had no "prime water" you were out of business. Without a little water left over from the last time the water was flowing freely from the pump, you could not prime the pump next time. Without seed corn, there can be no harvest. Kind of like tithing... but I digress. This principal can be very important for your business. It is better known as bootstrapping. Take a small project for a very aggressive price that requires what you already have on hand, in order to generate some much needed cashflow. Use that small cashflow to bid on larger and larger projects. Build an empire and retire to Florida. Or not My post yesterday (Always be closing) struck a chord with a few folks. Great. Now what?

1. Determine the Weakest Link
2. Craft a simple yet Dynamic Strategy
3. Execute with Precision & Passion

Recall that the CEO and Founder of most any small business is always too busy. There will always be more fires than buckets with which to fight them! Just as you hand off many accounting tasks to trusted advisers, it is important to find qualified help for some of the other business functions. Ring me up and lets talk. I am fairly well connected to key players that know that which I do not. Of course after 20+ years working with hundreds of entrepreneurs, I know a couple of things in my own right. Again, I am as close as your phone. Or fax. Or email. Twitter. Skype. Maybe even Carrier Pigeon (for you Ghost Dog fans out there!). It costs nothing but a few minutes to see if I can help. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI/ P.S. Ghost Dog is a crazy yet entertaining film. Note however: "Rated R for strong violence and language." It is not for everyone. (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

So, you think you can Market?

Really, do you know how to market this book? Want a challenge along the lines of the reality TV show The Apprentice? Of course without the $250K annual salary. Great, here is your chance. I will select one Marketing student as the Intern Maximus for the Awaken Your Genius Christmas 2009 promotion. As you can imagine, the deck is stacked against you:

1. There is no budget
2. Stop: re-read item one
3. Ricardo Andorinho is a first-time author
4. Throughput Press only has two other published titles
5. Did I mention there is no budget?

The good news? Not much: How about a buck for each book sold? Also, first option on marketing the next book. Up to the challenge? Want to know (for sure) if you are as good as you think you are? Or even just half as good! Send me an email (for all the details): ski Guess what? The promotion should have already started! So, although you have both hands tied behind your back, and one foot in a bucket of quick-dry cement... it could be worse. It could already be November! Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI/ P.S. Due to the time constraints, this challenge only offered to US citizens operating in the 48 continental States. Again, email me for details. Include your phone number and best time to contact you. (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Advance Review: Awaken Your Genius

Thank you Ricardo Andorinho We had coffee this morning, but Ricardo probably won't remember. He was in Portugal; me? I was in the USA. So, how did the coffee thing happen? Like most mornings, I took a book with me on my coffee run. Today, it was hot off the press: Awaken Your Genius, by Ricardo Andorinho. Expected release date: November 30, 2009. Just in time for Christmas gift giving. In fact, the web site will be up in the next few days to accept advance orders. So, how did I get my hands on a copy? It is called an "Advance Review Copy" —it's where the publisher prints an early version of the book to elicit brief reviews that can be used to promote the book upon release. As the publisher, I made sure that I received the second copy of the book as it came off the press. Ricardo, the first. I gotta tell you, it is better than I remember! Ricardo poured his soul into the pages that make up this book. But don't take my word for it, consider this early review:

"This is not your grandfather's Business Leadership Guide! Ricardo challenged my thinking; even caused me to wonder if I should give even more thought to some of the decisions that cross my desk on a daily basis." —Robert S. Wood, Proprietor, www.OldWestAntiques.biz

Need to take your life to the next level? Drop me a line and request the link to the advance order desk. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI/ P.S. Seriously Ricardo, thanks for allowing me to help give birth to your first book. It is an honor. Plus, a special shout out to Sara Williams for her keen sense of editing. I ask that she use a light touch, to insure the book retained just a hint of the broken English that makes my conversations with Ricardo so enjoyable. Mission accomplished. (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

728: Think on these things

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. —Philippians 4:8

Few things excite me more about life than spending time at the Ocean. The peace. The gentle roar of the waves. Providing the perfect environment for me to think. Perhaps, to "think different". What are you good at? The Purple Curve Effect is about that "one thing" as Curly Joe would say. Focus. But how are you going to focus without time to think? Need help? Drop me a line. Or give me a call. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI/ (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman

I thought Foreman would beat Ali Back in the day, Foreman was destroying his opponents with little regard for their ability. Smokin' Joe Frazier could take a punch. Ali hammered on Joe to no avail. Foreman knocked Frazier down six times in the first two rounds!

Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier! —Howard Cosell

So what? After Ali beat Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle" in 1974, I thought that was the end for Foreman. Next thing I know, we are grilling chicken on a Foreman Grill! I have only begun the book, but have followed Foreman's career since his first TV pitches for a certain muffler shop. No, not that one; the other one. {grin} The reason I bought the book last night, was not the $22.95 price tag. It was more than I wanted to spend at the moment. Besides, I have a bunch of other books that are in the que ahead of this one. Why then? Nelsonfree What is exactly is Nelsonfree? When you buy the book, you get the eVersion AND the audio versions free! As in three books for the price of one. Now, they have my attention, and soon, they had my money. Me? I have all three copies now. The audio version fits nicely on my iPod touch along with some episodes from his reality TV show.

If you want to be successful, you must think in terms of potential. —George Foreman

Allow me to encourage you to purchase the book. It is yet another great value from one of my mentors. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI/ (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

#726 MB Common Market

What a great place Here is the flickr slide show Yes, we helped get the local economy moving and left some money behind. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI/ P.S. Be sure to watch the slide show long enough to see the A-10 Warthog! (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Saltwater or not

Saltwater? Anyone check to see? One of the great things about Hilton Head Island, especially from the town staff, is the approach. The attention to detail. The "touch of class" that gets injected into just about everything they do for the residents and guests. Like this fountain to the entrance of Coligny Beach just off the Coligny Circle. FYI: That would be on the south end of the Island. Need refreshed? Just need to get away to clear your head for that next big project? As I like to say, "Hilton Head Island is a great place to vacation. It is a better place to live." And even better for that "day trip" just to recharge your batteries. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI/ (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

What do you see

Welcome guest blogger, Kevin Kuhl, an experienced Operations leader with years of management experience. What do you see? What do you need to live the life style that would make you happy? Would it be more money? History is full of people who have had all the money they could ever need and yet they died alone or unfulfilled. Howard Hughes, one of the richest men in the world, lived the life of a hermit and died a recluse. No, having more money is not the answer. Is it more time? Ask the almost 10% of the American’s laid off right now to see if having time off is the right answer to their lifestyle. Is it time and money? Ask the rich and famous if they are truly happy. The answers may surprise you. The correct answer to the first question is … a dream You need a dream big enough to overcome your objections to doing what you need to achieve it. You need a dream that comes with a plan to obtain it. Regardless of where you are now the blueprint has been drawn to take you to living the lifestyle that you dream of. In a book by Timothy Ferriss, The 4-Hour Workweek, the author shows readers how to improve on the size of their dreams by following the new DEAL (Definition, Elimination, Automation, and Liberation) of the “New Rich”. In his book, Ferriss takes you through the steps of defining a dream, eliminating your objections that hold you back and then takes you step by step on how to set up your business to give you the time to realize your dreams through cost cutting and savings that will allow you to enjoy mini retirements now instead of after 40+ years of work. The tribe of Israel was about to enter into the Promised Land. They sent spies to scout out the people living in their land before they entered in. When they returned, only two understood the benefits of living there. The others, only the objections. The people looked like giants The walls are too thick. We cannot win. So they spent the rest of their lives living in the desert. They spent the next 40 years working through their objections. So I ask you again, what do you see? Send your spies into the land that you would like to enter. See how they live. See what they have, and ask yourself if you are willing to step into that lifestyle. What are your objections? What is your dream? Is your dream bigger than the roadblock that faces you? What do you see? Kevin Kuhl ---- Kuhl's LinkedIN Profile (c)2009, Kevin Kuhl. Permission to publish granted.

The Youth of Today. I Sleep Better.

Let's call him Frederick Running somewhat late (as opposed to fashionably late) for JumpStart Inc's Annual Meeting in Akron, Ohio this past Friday, rather than put my ear to the wet pavement, I actually asked for directions. Honest. The first passerby was a professionally dressed, arms full and with an umbrella collapsed, yet at the ready, young man. We were on the ground floor of a parking garage near the former Quaker Oats Mill and visibility to the outside surroundings were limited at best. I ask for directions to the John Knight Center. He looked around, trying to gain a sense of direction. Frederick actually said, "Give me a minute to get my bearings." Fine. Well, it would have been, if I were not somewhat on the impatient side. I hate to be late. Even when I am not speaking (and I wasn't). So with a nod and extended hand, he pointed out a break in the parking structure towards the general direction of what he explained was Mill Avenue. I was in motion as he completed his thought and I thanked him as I ran out in search of the event. As I made my way around the blocked sidewalk of a construction project, the light sprinkle gave me pause. Should I return for my umbrella? If you know me, you know that I pressed on. I had to cross the street to get out of the street and avoid becoming road kill at the hands of a very passionate taxi driver. Up the street, then back across the street to make my way towards the Center. Go back for the umbrella? No way! So I am half-running in my black dress shoes that I only wear twice a year. Yes, I have owned them for five or six, maybe even seven years, but they really are not broken in, at least not enough to mask the pain they were causing my ankles. But I digress... So, half way up the block, I take cover under a roof to gather my thoughts. Determine whether I really need to be at this event. Curse Ohio's idea of Fall weather. Reflect on the cup of coffee that I did not stop and purchase because I was running late. When I hear a voice shouting out towards me from back at the street that I had to cross twice. It is Frederick. Umbrella still collapsed. What gives? Only two ways to find out, and my ESP is not what I had hoped it would be. Must be the lack of that cup of coffee. He explains that he gave me the wrong directions. Honest. In a light rain, this young man tracked me down to correct his error. Even better? It was my error. I rushed him to respond, and really did not give him even 10 seconds to get his bearings before I rushed off. How rude of me. And now, Frederick was still willing to walk (and perhaps run a little) over a block to catch me to set me straight. I sleep better knowing that "youth" is not completely wasted on the young.

An Open Letter to Frederick: If there is ever anything that you need. Anything. Ever. Please let me know and allow me the chance to help. Honest. Do I have an excess of resources to spare? No. But if one can put a thousand to flight, and two can put ten thousand to flight, then you can count on me to join you in your efforts for "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Why? Because unlike "those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat", you put yourself out there for me. It was not the convenient thing to do. A simple happenstance connected us for mere seconds. Me? I assume there must be a reason. Maybe you need to hear my "Left Turn" Analogy. Remind me to share it with you. I obviously needed reminding; I took a left out of the garage. Take comfort in the fact that you have made a positive change in one man's life. Mine! Honest. Your simple act of taking on the mantle of responsibility for another is to be commended. And have a great life.

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI/ (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

722: SKI on Marketing Episode Three

Latest Episode on Podcaster News Marketing a la Jerome In Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore, we learn about defining Jerome, or more accurately, multiple Jeromes to define our intended audience. Just as you cannot hit a goal for which you do not aim, you can't sell to someone you cannot identify as a buyer. The old, "find a need and fill it." Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI/ (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.