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.

#721 Positioning for Fun and Profit

New and Improved www.Throughput.us Still tweaking the new look, but just completed the positioning statement. It helped (as Guy Kawasaki said it would!) to have figured out the mantra first: Simply Results.™

For early stage "for profit" companies who are looking for a proven framework to generate profitability and create wealth, SKI offers a proven system for delivering results. Unlike the "Big Four", SKI provides clients with a true one on one relationship dynamically (and uniquely) designed to meet the entrepreneur's vision of success. One breakthrough at a time. Simply Results.™

Now, back to work on refining the definitions of my Jeromes... Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey www.throughput.us/contactSKI/ (c)2009, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.