Let's Talk About ~Real Deals~

First, let's talk about the word “real”. To some this may sound trite - A Real Deal… maybe it sounds phony. But, that’s the last thing I want. No, when I say real, I mean just that. Not phony, not pretentious, not gimmicky, not a game, and certainly not unreal. Real means lots of things, but let’s take a look at what I want it to express for this blog. Okay?

Real means “true”, such as – what’s the real reason? Or it can mean actual, such as, ‘not merely so, but, an actual victory at a ball game.’ A real victory. Or how about this, real can mean – being an actual thing- not imaginary, not made up, not a falsehood, but on the contrary ~Real~. If you look up the word you will discover real means, not counterfeit, not an imitation; it means an authentic thing, such as ‘A real antique worth thousands of dollars, which isn’t found in a flea market’.

A ~Deal~ can be described as- to take action with respect to a person or thing, such as in law, to “deal” with lawbreakers. Or a deal is to conduct something fairly, such as ‘He deals fairly with his children.’ It can also be, to bring someone into an offering, apportion, like – ‘deal me in’. Or, in a traditional sense, a deal is simply a bargain that causes joy in the life of one who finds it – such as ‘I got 45% off my kids clothes while shopping for back to school. Now that’s a deal!’.

A deal is anything that is meaningful to the seeker of a service or a product. We are alive and we need “things”. Why not get “things” at a bargain price, or in a serendipitous fashion, by being given a chance for something that will make a life better. That’s what I mean by ~deal~.

The reason I am writing about "Real" and "Deal" is that I want readers to understand the title here and that it means what it says. I am a real live person, who has feelings, dreams, aspirations, and who hurts when I stump my toe, just like you do. And, I am not interested in giving you something that is a gimmick, or a trick with the purpose of having you purchase a product. No, I want to provide authentic resources that will help you become better in your business. Part of what makes me tick is giving, and I want to give as I learn, then tell you, hoping you will use these to bring positive change in your life.

If you don’t know this by reading the blog and what I post, then I'm not doing a very good job at explaining. I will strive to do better. But, bottom line, in this day when the economy is plummeting it would seem that a genuine caring person, such as myself, would want to be taken at face value, or in this case, at blog value. I want to give you real deals that will change your life. I am seeking these for myself, so I can make a difference in the lives of my family, the community and others who I find who may need a helping hand. That’s what I do. And that’s why this blog is called Real Deals to Change Lives. I hope so much that my humanity comes through somehow and reaches readers.

As far as introducing ideas to others through a blog? I think it is a wonderful way to do it. Why? Because you are in the privacy of your own space, investigating a business and learning about something that can really change your life. I'll continue to post free or nearly free things as I find them, that are real deals to may make your life easier, as well as change it for the better. Blessings and thanks for reading my blog!

~marlene

Innovation - What is is?

Recently Charlie Rose had the guest, A. G. Lafley, CEO of Procter & Gamble (P&G). Following the show were several posts which called into question the lack of bio-degradable products, tax incentive for locating their new plant in Utah, and Mr. Rose dropping the ball by allowing these points to slide. While these are valid topics for discussion, the objective of the interview revolved around “marketing” and how “innovation” is used by P&G successfully. Charlie Rose clarified the purpose quickly with ‘So it is primarily about innovation’ and asked “What is Innovation?” If we can think along this premise as we watch, we may hear more about marketing innovation and gain valuable insight.

According to Wikipedia: “Innovation is typically understood as the successful introduction of something new and useful, for example introducing new methods, techniques, or practices or new or altered products and services.” Webster dictionary calls innovation “a new idea, method, or device.” A synonym may be novelty. Today the actual word ‘innovation’ is used to sell expensive cars, market high speed Internet, prompt consumers to use gadgets that are tricky to install, and so on. It signifies current development, but never goes out of style. P&G regards innovation as something else.

As business owners seeking deserved attention from would be buyers, we must find innovative ways to rise above the rest. To loosely quote Mr. Lafley, ‘Like it or not, this world is a smaller, flatter place, is less predictable, with bigger changes. Innovation has to play a role. We must become more agile, flexible, and more educated.’ Furthermore he adds, ‘In the end - you don’t have an innovation until she {or he} is willing to part with her {or his} hard earned cash for that new product or service.’ Please listen with the purpose of clarifying innovation for yourself, and how it fits into marketing your own business.

~Marlene

*** Click the Title Link of this Post to watch the video ***

Quote:
"I believe that there is a place in the spectrum of television for really good conversation, if it is informed, spirited, and soulful."
~ Charlie Rose

Just Imagine!

You're Not Going to Believe This!

I removed this video from my blogspot recently because the HTML in the video was messing with my visibility settings. I find this (video) to be a most profound expression of human creativity. For this reason, I want others to experience what I find so intriguing. I've provided a link at the bottom for you to click to go directly to the video. Also, the clickable title of this post will take you to the Artists Website for you to watch as she creates other works.

I love this expression of art in action so much I've posted it on my Aidpage Blog. I just want to inspire everyone with this piece! Everyday I look for something to give away that will encourage, inspire, motivate, or otherwise stimulate to a higher place of thought. Everything doesn't always have to be about business, work, tools, lessons learned, or assistance.

Sometimes we must stop to smell the roses! Please pause to enjoy this spellbinding performance after you turn up your sound... We've found a new artist to cherish!

Click this link --> Just Imagine!

I Wanna Give You Things to Use

Okay, I'm a new blogger, and share as I learn. The risk here is appearing dumb in a more and more informed world. But, because of my position on the principle Pay it Forward, I've decided to stay as transparent as possible.

In my opinion, there's too may people trying to be mentors (who actually think they are). Then there are those who are too embarrassed to admit they don't know something, and are afraid of people thinking they are stupid if they ask questions. And, no one wants others to think of them as stupid, including me. So, let's just say we are learning together. Okay?

Sometimes while pondering what to share I wonder if it's news, discoveries, recommendations, or just meaningful stuff I find interesting. Like this fun tidbit. Do you want to know what was happening on the day you were born? Get your very on Daily Times Newspaper written on your birthday! http://www.mydailytimes.com

And finally...

As you see, I've signed up for Googads on my blog. I like the way it makes my blog appear, and Google will pay me for using ads. As I learn, I give to you, remember? Ready to add these to your site? Just go to Google, create an adsense account and get to cracking. You may notice I don't have RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds here. Well little by little... Besides learning how to do these things, they take time to implement. I'll get around to RSS feeds soon. Now, you may be wondering exactly how to add RSS feeds? So, FYI, I've posted an instructional video to explain all about it.

As you see, I'm an unashamed novice. I like to write and give, so blogging is great for me. This is a real deal that's changing my life, and I'm learning everyday. What I'm hoping for though is to tap into online newbie readers that will benefit by something shared here.

If you're a big time blogger you probably won't want to read much of this (I don't blame you :). If you do however, I wouldn't mind suggestions, head's up, resources to give to others, or a comment or two. And who knows? Even old dogs may learn new tricks. You think?
m_99

Robotic Marketing & 'The Greening of America'

As anyone who reads this blog knows, it’s about helping others. Whatever I find that’s beneficial, I post. I’ve removed some things because technology has moved past these tools, or they turned out to be something I found useless. And I’m ever looking for solutions that are not on the beaten path necessarily. I don’t have to tell you about Internet phones, or automated email. You can simply find those kinds of things anywhere online. No, I’m after something else. Perhaps you could say I’m after the personal touch. The hope that what I share makes a difference. And today I want to vent some frustration. By doing this, perhaps you will understand how strongly I feel about helping people change their lives.

The Internet is synonymous with cutting edge technology, and that's how the big corporations are approaching the traffic led to their sites. And, encouraging every marketer on the planet to do the same. Whether with Adwords, SEO's, automated email, instant communication tools (I suppose so you can hurry up and answer a question, get a sign up, and move on to the next customer), or whatever form of reaching the most people the fastest, in the furtherest reaches of the universe. Yep, the big companies are all for the newest ways to make a buck, faster and faster. It feels like we're running in place in front of our computers. I envision the gofers with lasers on their rollers blades now days. And the clamor for attention is rising to a dull din.

Who are these “big” companies spurning on this faster and faster, better and better ways and means to generate a buck? They’re the same ones that thirty years ago were the young lions of their day… the revolutionary, the visionary, the flower power people who didn’t dig the commercialization or The Greening of America**. The same who have forged ahead and changed with the seasons, because after all, the times they are a changing… Indeed. Changing for what? Into what? Pretty soon we will have robots doing all our business for us. I suppose that will mean we can move even faster into other forms of generating leads.

Then there’s the Mentor movement happening out there again. They have The Best Arrangement. The Best Business. The Most to offer… so you too can become an instant millionaire (while making them instant billionaires, I suspect). Assistance is wonderful. But these mentors so called are alleging that they and they alone have the answers. If you do exactly what they say and how they say it you too will be successful like them. It looks like good old fashioned brain washing to me. And this kind of thinking goes to the philosophy that people are stupid. I myself think people are smart. And they are darn well smart enough to think for themselves.

I can’t help being cynical. I think how far and how fast we have moved, and how truly disconnected we have become. Disconnected should be the mantra today. Not make the customer happy. Not work hard to earn your cash. Not give back to help the greater good of our society. No, it’s moving faster – that disconnected mantra of get more, get it faster, and get by whatever means you can get it. It’s: Hurry~! Hurry~! Hurry~! And if you can, do it through your voice mail, fax, Skype conversation, automated conference (pre-recorded) the better, or whatever technological miracle machine you can use to get the business.

And, these things are great to use. They’re fun and interesting. And demonstrate the times in which we live. That’s good, really. But, what about making a friend or two? How about a trusted partner? Are there really organizations out there that want to help marketing business professionals succeed while using the personal touch? Do we have any patience anymore? Can we see something through to the end and be happy we worked hard and long on a project, without having to get instant gratification and move on even quicker to the next buyer of whatever we are selling? Doesn’t there need to be some kind of balance between technology and the human touch? I think so.

I love my computer too. But have found few people interested in stopping and talking to me on a one on one basis. And forget it if you have questions. The attitude is that there’s plenty out there to use to get answers on your own. Why bother with those who are not ‘with it’ enough to ‘keep up’. (‘However, for a cost of approximately $300.00 a month, we will be glad to let you in on our trade secrets and marketing strategies’).

The Old Fashioned Notions?

• Be Available – I actually talk to people on the Phone!
• Have Patience - Take time to Help People
• Listen and be Willing to Learn- For goodness sake, you are not the guru of the universe Enough with the mentorship already
• Respect Others - Realize everyone has something to contribute
• Treat People Kindly - Allow people to express their emotions!

When I am frustrated, I cry! Or, when I am happy, I cry! – Its called being ‘Human’...Get Over it! The reason for writing this is because of actual experiences I have had in the last six or so months. I’ve spent hours listening to conference calls, talked to marketing professionals new and old, and have received numerous offers from automated email telling me I must do this or do that. I wonder sometimes, when is this trend going to end? I suppose that as a society we have forgotten that technology is a tool. It is Not The One controlling the show. We are human beings and need to remember that the people seeking to improve their lives, (you know- the one you blew off because they were too green, or too slow or too stupid – you know- the one you hung up on, or lied to about having a meeting to go to – that same one) are human beings too. Don’t we have any respect for that anymore?

**click the title for an excerpt from The Greening of America, Charles Reich, 1970