Tag Archives: blog

BE ROB DYRDEK

27 Nov

BE ROB DYRDEK

Today I’m going to put aside my normal spiel for a few hours and discuss a pretty cool guy. Rob Dyrdek is a renowned skate boarder and pioneer. He is also one heck of a branding machine and entrepreneur. From an early age he made deals for percentages of the companies who sponsored him as opposed to taking a fee. That’s just a savvy individual. Let’s break down some more Rob.
–Rob Dyrdek Focus.
Rob is a focused individual. From the moment he knew what he wanted, what he loved- he made it happen. He’s been vastly successful I’d argue because he only travels one avenue. He may have shoes, a show, clothing and various other entities that feed his income- but they all revolve around skating. Being focused to this degree gives him a simple route. I’d even argue this level of simplicity boarders on eloquence.
Maybe that’s a stretch. I don’t care. I see it clearly. When you have an almost utterly ruthless pursuit of what you love and couple that with what you want you become a dominant force. There is nothing that is accomplished that focus doesn’t obtain for you. When you study for a test you are focusing. When you commit that same focus to your own business you win.
Indeed you will be successful in anything you focus on so be careful what your focus is on. Many people focus on failure. They focus on what went wrong not where they are going. Focus. Focus. Focus.

–Rob Dyrdek Mindset.
Rob has a mindset that is simply victorious. He makes dreams reality. He doesn’t shift his reality to make a half arsed dream. He makes a decision- finite. From there he publicly makes it know and refuses to fall behind. Ever see Fantasy Factory. He makes public bets that are quite ostentatious.
Why you say? It essentially forces his hand. And the power gained in being the force that motivates and drives you is invaluable. Let your mindset dictate your existence. If you believe you will be victorious so you shall.

–Rob Dyrdek Belief.
Rob believes he can do anything. He has swam with sharks, jumped from planes, flipped cars and built an empire. He even has a slogan: Make Your Own Luck. It’s simple and speaks to his belief system. Rob doesn’t say no, he finds yes’s. This is key. Rob has made his own luck. Literally. What will you make?

–Rob Dyrdek Team.
Rob is also a slick fox in that he surrounds himself with winners. A diverse group of winners at that. The team will make the dream come true in many cases.
Don’t associate with people who don’t believe in you. Don’t work with those don’t or won’t share your vision. Work with those who bring something to the table. Success is that much sweeter when we all contribute.
Rob has family and friends. He also has strangers who have become both. Those who go above and beyond deserve more than respect, more than loyalty. They deserve dividends. And when you look at the net worth of those surrounding Rob- its obvious they are all #winning.

#thriveorsurvive.

“If you have a dream you have to go do it to see if you suck.”
-Rob Dyrdek

Thoughts? Concerns?
Questions? Think I’m wrong?
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Tony@Changeinadvance.com
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4 TIPS FOR GREAT DAILY PRODUCTIVITY

20 Nov

4 TIPS FOR GREAT DAILY PRODUCTIVITY
WORK STINKS. Punch in, drudgery, drudgery, drudgery-punch out. While that might not be your daily grind many people are stuck in this exact rut.
Password Productivity-
Passwords are needed on everything except the kitchen sink. Sadly people will load viruses, steal credit cards and identities or even crash servers for entertainment. So while we could lament the loss of altruistic behavior I instead see a golden opportunity. Why not use your password as a reminder of a goal or objective. Set a deadline, or timeframe. Example: I promised myself 15 grand pure profits by 2015. So why not make the password 15Grand2015. In this fashion your password is continuously bombarding your conscious and subconscious with a goal. You aren’t agonizing over it. You aren’t redirecting or even misdirecting focus

itunes ready and waiting-
itunes is a great tool. It has your music ready, cataloged and grouped per your liking. I don’t know about the rest of you but music is an expansive tool for me. In the office it sets a smooth groove for me to work in akin to a needle running along the old 45 records- Rich quality, continuity, and completion. When I hit the gym, I have a list ready just for it. These are the tracks that get me the most excited. itunes becomes my hype-man. Lil’ trick folks, use that ‘hype’ playlist only when you need to get hyped up. The songs lose some efficacy when you hear them over and over again. Music can elevate or lower moods as well so use it tactfully and you will find you are quicker, and more flexible at all your tasks.

-Variety makes it all better-
Variety my friends is the seasoning of life. It makes it all better. This is why I enjoy multitasking so much. I take variety and busy schedules and turn them on their ear so they work for me. There is nothing greater than enjoying the differences. I won’t belabor this point.
Suffice it to say enjoy all 31 flavors folks.

-Life Goes On All the Day Long-
No matter what happens in life- the clock keeps ticking. To lose time is ridiculous. Forward motivation is your only concern. In my blog as I am building it, I struggle too. I’ve had days where I can’t post or have missed deadlines. And yes I own up to it. It is totally a TONY issue. Now from this point I can sulk and lose time or reflect and move on. I choose to try and reorganize my time, the flow of my day so to say. I make it a habit to have multiple drafts ready and to try to post 12 hours earlier than I am accustomed to. These little steps have increased productivity and expanded my creative cycle.
Do I still make mistakes? Sure.
Do I regret it? Not at all.
My life is multifaceted and as such I refuse to lose time with my family, friends, or even my craft. I love what I do and will continue to chronicle my entrepreneurial adventures and a trick or two I learn along the way.
Carpe Diem it up folks!!!
#thriveorsurvive
Thoughts? Concerns?
Questions? Think I’m wrong?
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Want to learn how to invite?
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Tony@Changeinadvance.com
@changeinadvance
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Politics, Power, and Payroll Online Radio by Politics Power and Payroll | Blog Talk Radio

8 Nov

Politics, Power, and Payroll Online Radio by Politics Power and Payroll | Blog Talk Radio.

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Hurricane Sandy and Your Business

29 Oct

Hurricane Sandy and Your Business.

Here in New York and in a few other states we have had a tremendous issue named Sandy. Fema, National Guard- everyone is on alert. As I type this my lights are flickering repeatedly. However I’m not scared. Nervous, yeah a bit. But I’m ready. I’ve planned and prepared. So before I lose track, or lose electricity I’m going to bang this one out for my devoted readers. Thanks for the feedback and the belief in my body of work.

-Be Prepared.
As soon as I heard we were off from work Monday it hit home. This is real. I filled every plausible receptacle in my home with clean water. Then I text messaged everyone I knew that would be affected by schools closing in our borough. Always look out for others. After that I moved my car to a spot 80 feet from my main point of egress and away from trees simultaneously. This reduced risk and eases escape if necessary. I also bought much more water and food. I had a good stash but wanted extra. I even bought comfort food and M&Ms. Even my cats were prepared. Our Go-bag was packed with everything except paperwork. So we lost points there but were ready to see and fight and escape to high ground as needed. Heck I even cooked a lot of rice- not sure its durable quality, but it made me feel safe.
The lesson here is I made a few mistakes and should have had it all ready before hand. But I made up time in a rush and my family was ready for a few days of struggle. And in your business its the same as in life.
Are you ready? Are you prepared? Are you incorporated to shield yourself from loss?
Do you have business insurance as well?
Have you prepared for tragedy as well as competition? Do you know your odds and your methods to have sustainable income?
Do you have a mentor to walk you through these steps and others? Someone to pat you on your back or kick you in your rump.
Get prepared. If you are. Supplement what you have done.

-Don’t Let Fear Dominate.
People said flooding and waves. Yikes.
They said 200 mph winds and trees through windows. Yikes. And while this may occur for some, we are doing well here. Mayor Bloomberg dropped the ball a few years ago in a major snow storm and this time he took no chances. And while I applaud his efforts- I wasn’t scared either time. I was ready.
People will let fear dominate them. It will consume their minds and hearts. First it will stop them by freezing their actions. And after awhile it becomes a known excuse and a regular one.
Don’t be that guy. Fear is an animal but fear can destroy you or build you up (search my blog for the term Fear). Be strong. Be ready and fear becomes an ally not a demon.

How you prepared for this storm is indicative of how well prepared you are for this business.
So let’s see how I racked up:
I had go-bags but not my paperwork.
I had food and upwards of 6 gallons of water for consumption and cleanliness. I think this was about 2 to 3 days not counting the juices and teas in my home. I had food canned and uncanned and cooked more. I also bought more food to supplement. However I lacked transport quality containers. My plan was based on my car. I did move that though. I had crank flashlights and survival knives and tools. A compass candles galore- the works. But I lacked a secondary power source. Get that folks. We all need a crank or generator.
A huge plus is that I had no fear and had many of these items ready to go weeks before Sandy was a threat.

So you be my judge. But remember that fear will cripple your business. It will cripple your mind and shatter your dreams.
Be prepared, use the fear and you will be invincible.

#thriveorsurvive.

“It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

“Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all is a form of planning.”
― Gloria Steinem

Thoughts? Concerns?
Questions? Think I’m wrong?
Let’s chat.
Need ideas?
Want to learn how to invite?
Let’s chat.
Want a mentor or maybe the guy who will bounce ideas back and forth with you?
Let’s chat-
Tony@Changeinadvance.com
@changeinadvance
http://www.changeinadvance.com
Or simply reply to this article.

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Complacency, Distraction, and other Devils

20 Oct

Complacency, Distraction, and other Devils.

So life is a mess!- for average folks.
No. I’ll rephrase that. People who want average things or put out average effort end up in a mess. I know a few devils that I let hold me back and I’m going to discuss them here so we can all learn together. Complacency, Distraction, and

-Complacency.
Complacency is a robber. It is called a valid contentment by some but I think that’s malarkey. Complacency robbed me a few years ago. You see I got a great job with the city. Benefits galore, great hours, room for advancement, free tuition and good pay.
Pretty cool right? Wrong. I went into that job with dreams of an LLC and making moves. I didn’t follow through though. I got comfortable in my steady check. When I was a freelancer I was looking to make money not take a check. And I had to suffer a major setback to move forward again. Now I’ve kept my job, I won’t lie. I love it. Also I’m no longer complacent. Seeing what awaits me is kindle for my fire. It sets me in motion, gets me amped. I may even retire from my job- but I will have independent wealth regardless. In my last three ventures I’ve made money or value. I learned great skills too but even better- like I said, I made $$$. And I did it for me. By me. My sweat and tears and team building yielded fruit. And guess what, it only happened when I decided making good money wasn’t enough. It happened when I decided that short hours weren’t enough. What’s holding you back?

-Distraction.
When you become distracted from your goals, from your drive for success- you lose. ever watch a batter who is at bat? He has to tune the world out. That pitch comes fast. It comes hard. And he has to get it to achieve. Ted Williams used distractions to increase focus. The press and their irritation’s fed him. He used it. Sadly most people don’t. If your friends want your time, your family wants your time, the xbox, or PS3- RUN! When you aren’t focused on your main goal you won’t make it. Just quit. Everybody has excuses to avoid success don’t be everybody. Be the best. The cream rises to the top. The people want leadership. The losers want distractions. Lead don’t follow. Books not Television.
Get the gist?

-Paperwork.
Please folks- keep your paperwork in order. Being lazy, or messy never ends well for a business owner. Taxes, expenses, lodging- get the software if you have to. LAZY is not cool!

#thriveorsurvive.

“If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary”.
-Jim Rohn

Thoughts? Concerns?
Questions? Think I’m wrong?
Let’s chat.
Need ideas?
Want to learn how to invite?
Let’s chat.
Want a mentor or maybe the guy who will bounce ideas back and forth with you?
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Tony@Changeinadvance.com
@changeinadvance
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Or simply reply to this article.

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Aside

7 Tips to Build THE LinkedIn Super Network

18 Oct

7 Tips to Build THE LinkedIn Super Network

Social networking has increased internet use and become a boon to big and small businesses alike., LinkedIn may just be the most critical as many business owners and decision makers congregate there.  The key to making it work is to not simply connect with your cousins, bros, and frat members, but cultivate, unique and critical relationships with both other business owners and potential clients.

However this Super Network won’t happen in 24 hours.  I’ve got 7 tips to get you the true benefits of a LinkedIn

1. You must Optimize your profile: right out the gate the easiest way to do this is change your profile picture. LinkedIn considers this freshness so to speak and it may help your ranking when others are searching for just what you have or are.

2. Tell people who you are, who you help and how you help them in your headline: If your headline communicates these it will grab a person’s attention. If I don’t read your headline and know exactly what you offer and why I need you and not the next guy in the cue- you’ve already lost me.  Be clear and compelling folks.

3. All current and past work experiences must be filled out: People are always looking for you.  Maybe not you but what you offer and a past acquaintance may be just the thing to swing their vote in your favor. When you list all of your places of employment, including where you went to school, you create a vast net for catching those who are a perfect fit and those who need your resources and skills. Also these connections may be through people you don’t know personally but through other relationships you’ve made.

4. Join targeted groups: This is perhaps the most effective way you will connect with professionals of the same mindset.  These groups are filled with people serious about their LinkedIn network.  These are the folks looking for deeper connections. Participation in these groups fosters a greater exchange of knowledge between you and others.

5. Create a targeted group: Leading a group can give you a certain level of credibility.  It also allows you to connect with serious professionals on your field.

6. Use personal invites: I think these surpass connection requests. This is the first time people hear from you.  So make what they see count.  Be cordial, engaging, and helpful.

7. Endorsements and recommendations go along way: This will enhance your profile.  However done wrong you are self-sabotaging.  Mass/generic e-mail to clients or colleagues asking for written recommendations etc isn’t proper. . 1st, make a list of those who have great stories about you to share.  2nd, contact them personally.  A call is best but a personalized email will do.   Let them know your intentions and discuss how you helped them in the past so they know what story would work best.  Endorsements are the same, and are a simple click of the button too. And don’t forget to let them know you will be endorsing their strong suits, or unique skills as well.

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#Marketing Tip:

16 Oct

#Marketing Tip:
A key part of building your brand is promoting a polished and consistent image. Your image is reflected in everything that represents your business – logo, business card, packaging, tag-line, etc. To make a lasting impression, be sure every aspect of your marketing strategy mirrors that image in design, color and overall appearance.

http://www.memarketgroup.com

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Find Your Rhythm (Find Your Fuels 3rd installment)

15 Oct

Find Your Rhythm.

Life moves fast. And odds are you are wasting a hefty amount of time not by being unproductive but by being off point. Ever notice that when you’re in the groove things work in an almost magical way. Your stars align, the trains on time, and the dry cleaner made your suit ever so crisp.
The secret here isn’t vitamins or magic incantations or mystical blessings.
It’s Finding Your Rhythm.

-Go With Your Gut.
At every turn their are options. You have to focus and learn to know without knowing. And no, I’m not a Jedi. What I am saying is that we all have an intuition. Intuition let’s you see what’s coming albeit not as clear as a picture. Intuition is what I consider to be my guiding light. It will show me many paths and usually in an order that precipitates growth, peace, or success. I’ve had my intuition show me danger and save me from it. Literally. I’ve met people who would bring me harm or rob me of my peace. And intuition has shown me out the gate that these people are poison. And so I avoided them. This is really important folks. Many people will disrupt your rhythm. In fact they may come into your life only to do just that. Many people thrive on bringing failure to others. And knowing to avoid them alone will bring you unparalleled success. This is essential when picking your team folks.
Intuition will help you feel what avenue to travel on the road to success. Ever worked a job you hated? And from the first day it felt wrong? There was a voice inside of you that knew this wasn’t right. At that point you were out of your rhythm. Not every dollar is a good dollar. And most jobs we take can be equated to slavery. Why you ask? Because even though you are paid you are suffering the whole time. Someone else is winning off of your efforts. For me I feel this a lot. I have a great job. Love it. However it isn’t what’s best for me. Rising to the top as an entrepreneur is. How do I know?
The idea brings me peace.
The idea has been there since critical thinking’s inception in my cranium.
And as my intelligence has grown so has my intuition. And both tell me its time to fly solo.

-Dancers.
Lastly have you seen Dancing with the Stars? A lot of these people can’t dance. They have no rhythm. They are out of sync. And it shows. Do you see where you are out of sync? Are you aware you are off rhythm to the Beat of Life? Finding your rhythm will be akin to fresh air. It will be like enlightenment to a Buddhist I hope this last bit of imagery illustrates how important it is to Find Your Rhythm.

#findyourfuel.
#thriveorsurvive.

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” Wayne Dyer

Thoughts? Concerns?
Questions? Think I’m wrong?
Let’s chat.
Need ideas?
Want to learn how to invite?
Let’s chat.
Want a mentor or maybe the guy who will bounce ideas back and forth with you?
Let’s chat-
Tony@Changeinadvance.com
@changeinadvance
http://www.changeinadvance.com
Or simply reply to this article.

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2 Quick Credit Fixes You Probably Haven’t Considered

8 Oct

2 Quick Credit Fixes You Probably Haven’t Considered.

A lot of what I discuss on here is how to build a business or what mindset to have or avoid. Every now and then though its finance time my friends.
Today I’d like to discuss two quick credit fixes for the average joe. Credit can make or make you and literally cost you 100s of 1000s of dollars over the course of a mortgage, car, or student loan.
So let’s save you Money!

-Increasing your existing Credit.
A quick fix that most everyone is going to hate me for suggesting is to INCREASE your credit limits by taking out more lines of credit and more credit cards. Consistent approvals and credit limit increases will increase your credit score and your ratios in a favorable manner. Every time you are denied you lose two points. When Amex gives you a new account with them and a low to high limit though, you win. Even a $300 dollar increase still adds to your available credit. You always want a lot of available credit. Now in this economy people are scared. They are avoiding credit, hoarding cash, and living in fear. Fear doesn’t feed the kids folks. Fear doesn’t have dividends that pay quarterly.
Increase your existing limits. Heck call every six months and ask for a credit increase. Speak cordially and state your case. Your case should be that you miss no payments and are a member in good standing etc. They can only say no right?
If that fails, ask for a reduction in the interest you are paying. Even a quarter percent will add up over time. And again-
They can only say no right?

-Debt to credit ratio.
This ratio should be below 30% percent ideally. If you reduce your spending and or pay down the amount you owe to that level or lower and keep it below said threshold you will win. Having a lot of credit is good. Its actually a high need in your personal life and in your entrepreneurial endeavors.
The more credit you have the better you are to meet fiscal challenges. Not necessarily to save your personal pockets- but in a business you may need it.

And using credit, BUILDS credit! Amazing system huh!
By reducing this ratio you will see great results in your credit report, credit score, and fico score.

-Lastly don’t cut up those cards too quick.
A lot of people think that rather than practicing self control it is easier to cut up the cards and end the access. And that’s fine- if you cut them up ONLY. A lot of people cancel their cards to avoid debt and cash flow slavery. However when you cancel one of your credit cards you shrink your income to debt ratio. Ex: before you had 3 cards with $3000 limits respectively. So you effectively had a $9000 credit limit. Now when you cancel card 1 you are down to $6000 of available credit. And if you use $3000 of said credit you have a 50% ratio-OUCH! Credit companies, banks, etc don’t like that ratio. If you had that third card you would have a 33% ratio- a preferred percent.
So folks. Be grown ups. Don’t use that card. Heck don’t even cut it up. We are grown ups. And we are entrepreneurs.
Self control is the basis to success so practice, practice, practice.

#thriveorsurvive.

“The lack of money is the root of all evil.”
-Mark Twain

Thoughts? Concerns?
Questions? Think I’m wrong?
Let’s chat.
Need ideas?
Want to learn how to invite?
Let’s chat.
Want a mentor or maybe the guy who will bounce ideas back and forth with you?
Let’s chat-
Tony@Changeinadvance.com
@changeinadvance
http://www.changeinadvance.com
Or simply reply to this article.

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Quick Lessons from Conan the Barbarian

7 Oct

Quick Lessons from Conan the Barbarian

So I’m watching Conan the Barbarian and my readers know I’m an Arnold fan. Forget his personal drama but his story of success is mezmorizing and useful as a point of reference.

-Practice.
Conan practiced his arts regularly. Once he became a slave fighter he increased his skill set. He mastered different arts and fighting skills as well as writing, reading, and philosophy. Though only a slave he embraced these lessons to be his best.
Arnold did this to win Mr. Olympia as well. Over, and over again.
Practice makes perfect folks. Always in all ways.

-Steadfast Dedication.
Practice works but you have to commit. Steadfast dedication means you eat sleep and breathe your goals and dreams. There is no life that doesn’t stem from this mindset. Every action you take derives from it. This is the hardest obstacle. Its not making a decision, its sticking to it.

-Exercise Regularly.
Conan worked out. He practiced his grappling, sword fighting, and exercised a whole hell of a lot. So did Arnold. Any good Guru or leader knows what a true entrepreneur knows- exercise will change the paradigm of your life. It helps you grow, keeps you healthy and foments a mind that builds. Your body is a temple and as such requires you put in great effort. Yet the reward is greater. What you get out is what you put in.
As an avid body builder I’ve seen how it helps, I’ve lived it. In fact some of my best writing occurs when I’m in the gym. That’s true inspiration.

-Lead, Don’t Follow.
Conan, like Arnold lead by doing. Following is ok if you are a follower. Yet if you yearn to lead or feel its’ call- then heed it. Some of us are meant to lead. And to not heed the call leads to your failure and others failure as well. Who are we if we are not what our nature calls us to be?
I feel the call to lead. Even when I gain nothing I lead. I’ve always felt the pang of leadership in that I stand up for the weak, I fight for the confused, and now I’m a union rep simply so my co-workers have a voice of reason to reach out to. Be who you are called to be.

-Don’t beg.
In one scene Conan discovers a man chained to the wall. The man asks for food, telling Conan he hasn’t eaten in days. When asked who says he will eat the man replies ‘Give me food for energy so I can die fighting the wolves like a man and not starving like a pauper.’
See the Difference?
In one simple choice of phrasing the man sparked Conan’s interest not his pity or derision. When we approach others we must have the proper context. Begging might gain you a few bucks but sparking their intellect, making them want to join you- therein lies the path to gain and success. Christopher Columbus also knew the art of asking. He didn’t beg. He commanded attention by his audacious requirements and extreme supply list. History tells us the rest.
Never beg for that which they will give or which you deserve.

-Be Good to Friends and the Less Fortunate.
My last point leads to this one. The man who didn’t beg became Conan’s savior. Conan had not only fed this man but freed him and made him an equal. Then when he was crucified this same man freed him. Now we are not prone to being crucified or even living in such dire straights in this modern era.
Yet the lesson is the same.
When we are a good friend and champion of those who are weak and need defending we are always rewarded. Now don’t do it for the reward. Do it because it is right. But in the least, you will see gain when you I’ve morally my friends.

#thriveorsurvive.

A leader leads more by how he lives than by what he says. ~ Dr Tayo Adeyemi

Thoughts? Concerns?
Questions? Think I’m wrong?
Let’s chat.
Need ideas?
Want to learn how to invite?
Let’s chat.
Want a mentor or maybe the guy who will bounce ideas back and forth with you?
Let’s chat-
Tony@Changeinadvance.com
@changeinadvance
http://www.changeinadvance.com
Or simply reply to this article.

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