Emerson on your Compensation from the Universe

6am on the nuts
June 26, 2019 AD
Saint Paul, Minn

I just received my copy of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Essays.

"Compensation" and other Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Compensation” and other Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Photo copyright ⓒ 2019 Jeffrey G Thomas 

This collection of Emerson’s writings includes the famous Compensation, which discusses how people who give tend to do better than those who take:

“He is great who confers the most benefits. He is base —and that is Continue reading “Emerson on your Compensation from the Universe”

How I failed in 2018 — and what I learned about Drop Shipping

11:31pm Wednesday

Saint Paul, MN

 

Hey, so earlier tonight I sent an email that said I had closed my Shopify store.

Here’s the quick story and what’s next. Continue reading “How I failed in 2018 — and what I learned about Drop Shipping”

Advice from a World-Renowned Copywriter (Robert Collier Letter Book, Part 1)

I’m sitting at the dining room table, hand writing some of the sales letters from the Robert Collier Letter Book while my licorice tea cools off.

Robert Collier Letter Book, 6th Edition, with the library punch card
Robert Collier Letter Book, 6th Edition, with the library punch card

Collier was a direct mail writer, successfully selling all kinds of products during his career, including jewelry, tires, books, and clothing.

Hand writing successful sales letters like these helps to slow down and focus your brain, while Continue reading “Advice from a World-Renowned Copywriter (Robert Collier Letter Book, Part 1)”

10 Things I Learned from “The Obstacle is the Way” by Ryan Holiday

Much of what we think of as “persuasion” is really “motivation.”

The secret to “motivating people” is to find what already motivates them, and to tap into that. Because you’re not likely to change someone’s mind, and…

people aren’t going to work against their own happiness.

"The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday
“The Obstacle is the Way” by Ryan Holiday

A great way to tap into existing motivations is to frame your argument in a way that encompasses the interests of each group. Continue reading “10 Things I Learned from “The Obstacle is the Way” by Ryan Holiday”

Behaviors drive Attitudes

It’s been said that a Weatherman is the only job where you can often be wrong and still keep your job. How often is your local forecast far from what transpires? (or perspires)

"Out of the mist" by Jeremy Segrott, Flickr, CC-By-2.0
“Out of the mist” by Jeremy Segrott, Flickr, CC-By-2.0

Two people meet in the road.

“What a beautiful day!” exclaims the first, looking up.

“Oh, but I think it might rain,” laments the second, looking down at his phone.

And they go on their ways.

This short exchange highlights two vastly different mindsets of the characters. Continue reading “Behaviors drive Attitudes”

“Drive” — 10 Things I learned from Daniel Pink

A few jobs ago in a different company, I split my time between IT Support and IT Sales. It was my first job in IT. I felt lucky to be there.

Drive by Daniel Pink
Drive by Daniel Pink

In the Sales role, my sales manager was constantly looking over my shoulder.

I would compose an email to a client and he would revise it.

I would write up a specific piece of hardware and he would suggest something different.

Continue reading ““Drive” — 10 Things I learned from Daniel Pink”