Corn is out in this field, and the ditches were mowed yesterday.

Storm rolling in, early morning.  It rained around noon.

]]> http://needalittleadvice.com/2010/09/03/state-of-the-country/feed/ 0 http://needalittleadvice.com/2010/08/29/default-mindset/ http://needalittleadvice.com/2010/08/29/default-mindset/#comments Sun, 29 Aug 2010 13:09:28 +0000 deb http://needalittleadvice.com/?p=743 I’m the daughter of a school teacher.  For 18 years growing up I thought September was really the beginning of the year.  And it was in our house.  That’s when we went back to school.

I’ve been thinking ……….

what if I went back to my default and considered September the beginning of the year?

I think I’ll give it a try.  There’s lots in store for September – stay tuned.

([photo from WPA 1940 found at wikipedia under September)

The 1:1 initiative is a successful 1 to 1 learning program (that) matches how our 21st century students interact and learn. The world is becoming a more diverse, dynamic place with technology blurring the borders and bringing it closer than ever before. The new skill set includes collaborative and creative skills that are unique to this generation, we need to prepare them. .. Trent Grundmeyer, 2009 High School Principal

1:1 Goals are:
1.  Increase engagement in the classroom as routinely measured by the Instructional Practices Inventory.
2.  Foster 21st Century Skills in our students.
3.  Give all students access to a rich technological environment.
4.  Promote college and career readiness.

Laptops, when used correctly can stimulate a different type of learning.  No more would we be sitting in class with paper and an overhead.  Paper notebooks will be old school and online and internal collaboration between students and teachers will be at an all time high. ..Tyler S. Miller

Todd Lettow, Hampton Dumont Superintendent said “These computers level the playing field.  No longer is the expense of a laptop a problem for students.  Everyone deserves the best education we can give them.”

Steve Madson, Hampton Dumont Principal, invited local businesses who offer computer related products and services to set up in the Commons.   One of the sessions was devoted to visiting the businesses present and receiving information and education.  Too often small town businesses are neglected for the big box stores.  Dollars are spent outside of the county and the downward spiral begins.  We extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Madson for remembering we all live here and need to support each other.

Apple says “Students become pilots of their learning, not just passengers along for the ride.“

You’ve talked to your friends and family.  They support you – some of them.  Some you’ll drip on and keep sending them information.

Who have you NOT called?

That’s your chicken list.

Your old boss, your pastor, that crotchety neighbor, fellow business owners in town, the banker.  Those are just a few of mine.

Here’s what I know.  If you are afraid to call people, then there’s a problem.

Maybe the products aren’t all the great.

So why are you representing them at all?  You’ll never have ‘luck’ with bad products.  You’ll create a bad name for yourself with products that don’t work.  Re-evaluate the company you’ve partnered with.  Are you in it to help people or to just make money?  Because just making money is not a good enough reason.

Maybe you’re scared of what they’ll say.

The worse they can say is “No”.  And don’t take that personally.  It just means no, right now.  Ask them if you can follow up with them in a couple of months.  Maybe they need to see how your business is growing before they decide.  Perhaps they are having a bad day – and you are the one they take it out on!  Maybe they need more information.  Always follow up with an email or a note thanking them for their time and give them a little info.

Maybe you think you’re not good enough to have this conversation.

That simply means you may need to do a little more work.  Get involved with Personal Development on some level.  Participate in the trainings your company offers.  Set a date for yourself when you will call your chicken list.  Don’t say “when I’m better at this”.  Because you’ll always be learning and growing.

Pick up the phone.  Call one person on your chicken list.

Let me know how that goes!

(image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/wwworks/2606203797/  thanks!)

Women’s World says “use 12 point Verdana as your font.  A Microsoft engineer designed Verdana to be easy on the eyes for computer screens!”

www.ecofreek.com type in what you want and the site looks at over 45 different websites – Craigslist, Facebook, Freecyle are just a few – you take it from there!

The power of Facebook:  http://justinrlevy.com/2010/08/22/help-bring-noor-ramsay-home/

You can’t improve what you don’t measure  http://www.littlethingsmatter.com/blog/2010/08/23/You-Cant-Improve-What-you-Dont-Measure/

Got a local business?  Want to open one?  http://www.the350project.net/resources.html

Your vote is needed.  http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/ideas/view/6030

25 Social Media Free Classes  http://kommein.com/25-free-online-social-media-classes/

Cartoon was also found randomly at http://loldebian.wordpress.com/

It is said, and has been proven true, success leaves clues.

As you decide to join a work from home company, take some time to look for the success clues.  Talk to some of their business builders.

Here’s some success factors:

1. Company Track Record – how long have then been in business?  What are their sales stats? How are they viewed in the industry?
2. Financially Sound — are they in debt?  Who do they owe money too?  Do they pay their reps?  Are checks every late?
3. Strong Management — who’s running the show?  Are they college educated?  Are they experienced in the business world?  Is their first priority you?
4. Unique Consumable Products by All – are they selling $36 bottles of juice?  Are their products that are unique – yet consumed by all?  Things like laundry soap, vitamins, cosmetics — unique to the company, yet something you already consume.
5. Competitively Priced- Are they super expensive?  Or affordable?
6. High Reorder Rate – why would you represent a company that doesn’t have a high reorder rate?  It’s easier to have repeat customers than to try to find new customers over and over and over.
7. Low Entry Fee and Low Production Requirement – If the charges are exorbitant (over $100) the company is making money off of you, and not their products.  You should not be required to purchase more than what you need.  Period.
8. Low Attrition — Are representatives jumping ship like rats on a burning boat?
9. Timing – What are their goals?  Where do they plan to be in 10, 20 even 50 years time?  Where are they now?
10. No Breakaways – you develop a business builder and next thing you know, the company has taken them away from you.  You no longer earn income from that builder.  That’s a breakaway.  There is no good outcome from breakways.
11. No Risk — It ought to be money back guarantee and no one gets hurt.  If you invest your money, is it refundable?  If not – think again.

Take a good look at this list.  Is there any one item on this list you can take away from it and still feel comfortable doing business?

The picture is Eddie Bestoso and me.  Eddie is corporate director in my company and taught this seminar at our most recent convention – and he’s left lots of clues! (yes, I know it’s a cardboard cutout)

We were raising money to renovate and repair our local Band Shell.  I asked that you give a $1 via a PayPal link and mention my company Debworks in the comments.  It made it much easier to track and the organizers knew to forward that information to me.

It was a tiny experiment to see if social media can make a difference.  I tweeted it several times over 5 days.  It was retweeted 24 times.  8 people used Debworks in the comments and gave – raising over $200.   There were several more names the organizers did not recognize (not past students, community members or friends) that gave as well.

Just two of the comments we received were:

Thanks for sharing your need, DEBWORKS, I am from Hutchinson, KS and Cody Heitschmidt (CodyKS) shared your story on FB & Twitter. I am happy to help out! HOORAY for music and for saving an awesome place to play it! … Shellie Couch

Debworks…I am a pianist…played flute in the band in high school many years ago. May the music soar to the heavens for many years to come!… Patrice Egging: Music and Ministry 

I also posted the link on facebook and too many members of our community to count shared the story.

Success leaves a trail.  The breadcrumbs lead to the final result.  As of 5:20 p.m. Monday August 16th, we raised a total of $94,006. I’m counting this social media experiment a success.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

At least not people I don’t know.

Today I’m asking you to give a dollar. That’s it, just one dollar.  Less than a cup of coffee.

Hampton Iowa has this Band Shell.  It’s falling apart.  They were going to tear it down.  RDG Planners and Architects came in, pro bono, and said we could save it.  It would cost $90,000.  We’ve already raised $72,000.  In about a month (yup, you read that right).

Monday August 16th there will be a Play-A-Thon between Leon and Brian.  Both of these guys are retired band directors and have challenged their students to give.  They will match them.

Of course I’m enthralled with the history of the Band Shell.  Certainly I see the importance of providing a place for outdoor events to happen, involve students in continuous creation of music in our county.  I get how important this structure is to our story.

But really – I’ve been told social media doesn’t make a difference.  That people outside of Franklin County don’t care what we are doing.  Why would they give?

I beg to differ.  I believe you guys do care.  I believe we’ve built relationships with total strangers and we know the importance of social media.  I think asking you for just one dollar (and of course more if you feel so moved) is something you can do.

So do this:

Visit http://bandshell.hamptoniowa.org Click on the Donate button.  Donate whatever amount you want.  Put “Debworks” in the memo section.  Share this blog post with your friends.

You can also mail a check or your dollar (although I don’t officially recommend mailing actual cash) to Band Shell Renovation Fund, 5 1st St NW, Hampton Iowa 50441.

Your giving will be announced at the Play-A-Thon (which will be live online at the same site as above).  You’ll be making a difference.  I’ll be forever grateful.

Thank you.  YOU ROCK!

Don’t assume because people subscribe to your blog they are going to read every post.  A few will.  Most won’t.

If you blog like I do — all over the place and directed at a lot of people — the importance of your title can’t be stressed enough.

If you’ve gotten smarter — and I’m working on it — you’ll blog about a specific topic, be more of a niche blogger.  Then your reading audience will be more specific and probably smaller, but they will be more likely to read your blog posts.

Still, look for the naked men at noon in your title.

picture is from Samurai Dave.   I read his post because I liked the title

The Band Shell is being restored at a cost of $90,000.  As of Friday the 6^th, $75,000 has been raised.  Brian Stevens and Leon Kuehner will be the main players in the Play-A-Thon for the Band Shell.  Brian led the Hampton Municipal Band for over 30 years.  Leon has taught music at Hampton-Dumont Community Schools for about the same length of time.  Leon said “Students, remember all those lessons that involved us saying Practice! Practice! Practice?  Now is your turn to get us back.  You donate, we play.”

Pat Palmer, The Computer Guy will be using his video equipment, two laptops, a microphone and wireless router to capture the day for posterity.  You’ll be able to watch the Play-A-Thon online at www.hamptoniowa.org    

Anyone can make a donation.  $30 gets you a minute of time.  Previous student’s donations will be matched, up to $5000. Be sure to put in the memo field your year and instrument.  Leon and Brian will play, and play, and play.

How to donate:  Stop in at Center 1 and write a check, use your credit card or give cash.  Go to www.hamptoniowa.org and use the link to pay via PayPal.  Mail your check to Band Shell Renovation Fund, 5 1^st St SW, Hampton Iowa 50441.  Come out to Band Shell Park on Monday August 16^th and give.  

Sixty years worth of musical instrument playing students equates to a lot of students spread out over the United States and beyond.  This is a big deal.  But then, that’s how we do things in Franklin County.