TheDerekJohnson.com - Latest Comments in Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Jay Hammer — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 16:55:15 -0000

I work in the IT recruiting industry, and having the ability to rapidly disseminate information to a large group of people, not to mention, making sure the message is read, is critical to staying ahead of our competition. Services such as Tatango help with that. We are fortunate though, as we work technology professionals, so gaining adoption is much easier than it would be for say, an average web user. For the majority of users, adoption comes from seeing how it enhances something with which they are already familiar,

You can do so two ways; by broadening your product offering, which can be costly and may or may not gain widespread adoption, or you can look for ways to get Tatango in front of more people through already established sites/services which would benefit from adding Tatango to the mix. Take, for example, online invitation management (I think we're all familiar with the more popular ones out there). The current service offering allows users to receive text reminders of an upcoming event, and notification of a change. The user still has to log into the website in order to review the change or update.

Integration with Tatango would allow the site to:

- Providing more relevant information to the users and do so almost instantaneously
-Provide an additional service to enhance the user experience, helping increase market share

It helps Tatango by:

-Leveraging an already trusted and popular service
-Populated with a user base already, familiar with and open to using web technology
-It shows the end user of a real, practical application of the tool, something above and beyond what other SMS based services out there provide.

The service offering is too new for most users to look at and immediately "get it." Through smart integrations/partnerships, a much broader cross section of users will be able to see the product in action, with hope of utilizing the services as a stand alone tool as well.

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Chris Drake — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 16:20:32 -0000

I'd keep it with you and when you see a child that appears to have the tougher side of life, surprise him right there with it. If that's not your bag -> http://www.wish.org

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Brandon Clarke — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:04:21 -0000

I am VP of an insurance agency - John Bailey Company, co-founder of YPK (Young Professionals of Knoxville), and co-owner of www.knoxify.com. Through all the start-ups, partnerships, relationship building, failures, sucesses, and hard work I have learned one thing and it is the simplest thing of all: Be yourself,.

Put yourself in the shoes of your clients, and make decisions that help you rest easy. Walk through business as you walk through life...be real and genuine. Do GOOD work and the business will come, as you grow so shall your business.

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

mbrevard — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 20:17:45 -0000

I manage a 200 unit apartment community. We were built in the late 80's and have new communities all around us but we have higher rents and occupancy than them. Our method is as old as business itself. Customer service. We go above and beyond. We have a lot of older folks. We take them to the pharmacy, we will move their furniture around after they come home from surgery and set up those "new fangeled tv's and computers". Just today someone was going out of town for the holidays and had scheduled to send their cat the to kennel. Last minute the cat got stitches and the kennel would not take him. So we are checking on him until she gets back. Going above and beyond you can never go wrong.

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Mark Michuda — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:41:07 -0000

Derek,
Hope you are doing well! Here is my biggest advice I will tell anyone at any age.

You are STUPID!, we all are STUPID. We cant even grasp .0000001 % of the information available in the business world. High test scores and Ivy league degrees are meaningless with a prideful attitude. I have seen this countless times..."pride before the fall". Dont ever compare yourself to people you are light years ahead of....compare yourself to the people you want to be like. This will help combat pride from infiltrating the mind like a poisen. Everyone struggles with it. Pride is our worst enemy brother.
-Mark Michuda

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Jared Lyda — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:53:02 -0000

Hey Derek,
I'm impressed with your passion and the organization you've built. The design work on your blog was what drew me in.

Here's my advice: A business CAN only be as good as the relationships it fosters. You must take care of your people inside (employees) and outside (consumers) of your organization. No great business exists on only a great product. A product is worthless without human beings. People are the life blood. If you forget this, they will forget you, and your business will fail. Period.

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Boom Daniel — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:39:05 -0000

Okay Derek, here goes...think like a fighter pilot. Using the OODA Loop for making tactical decisions, actions....operational plans and strategic direction is the way to go to ensure that you:
1) continuously stay on the OFFENSIVE
2) keep your adversary (competitive business or market noise) on the DEFENSIVE
3) build learning and IMPROVEMENT into your culture
and
4) have the coolest internal language/lingo in your workplace.

OODA is an execution philosophy and practice popularized by VietNam era USAF fighter pilot: "40 second" John Boyd [Google him]. It is sometimes called "Boyd's OODA Loop".

It is about making decisions quicker, going through your loop before the other poor dumb bastard can...
O: OBSERVE the situation/your adversary/the landscape/the marketplace/trends
O: ORIENT you craft/situation/company to the changing situation or preferebaly to take advantage of the virgin situation
D: DECIDE on the best COA (course of action) to take IOT take advantage of the situation
A: ACT. Do it, and do it now with relative assertiveness/aggressiveness/violence (pick your poison)

and then get back to OBSERVING how your violent action affected the 'target' so you can ORIENT, DECIDE and ACT again so as to take advantage of the great unwashed.

At this level this is very tactical...think of a boxer, or a wrestler or a basketball player...forcing the opponent to 'play' his game.

At higher levels, operational and strategic, the model is designed to apply to large scale initiatives...one after the other, but with an additional step R: REVIEW. Review is a formal post-mortem (after action or debrief) process to evaluate past execution and learn and improve as a result.

This is how you win in business....now, can I have that OODA Looped NANO?

thanks- 610.704.1232,
Boom Daniel

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

patrickryan — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:49:52 -0000

Starting is EASY, finishing is HARD.

Also, be passionate about your product and your customers will return the favor.

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Chris Drake — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:36:13 -0000

The business tip from me is to GIVE GIVE GIVE. Be yourself and give anything you have to your business "community". Don't be impatient about it.

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Rod B — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 01:50:47 -0000

OK, Derek, I sent you my tips but here is what I sent you for all to see, I hope I win:

CHECK OUT WWW.DANIJOHNSON.COM for many biz tips. She's awesome and has many tips for you.

Check her out.

Rod

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Trout — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:10:50 -0000

First, have a competition offering something of value to a knowledgeable audience that will encourage them to offer up a number of good ideas (old and tested or new and innovative) for free... Oh wait... Well done.
Having superb relationships is really key. Having localized knowledge about where they are- especially with International clients. Gotta build bonds. But that shit and more is up top of this post. But as a person who works in the mobile industry (only slightly comparable to Tatango but this equates)... Right now apps/functions need to stay simple (in terms of usability) if you are trying to hit a big audience... but think about it as setting yourself up for when a more tech savvy generation comes of age. Build the relationships now that can pay off when this economy turns and that generation hits. Many companies are gonna fall or come out very damaged. Self preservation with an eye to tech and design that play down the line. Digital media right now has to be more involved in the cultural conversation of its target audience than ever before. This will help make your clients happy. So some platitudes there... You seem to be doing well enough. Keep her going...

Cheers.

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Bret Lane — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:46:07 -0000

There are many ways to motivate employees, many of which I’m sure you’re using already. When I was a branch operator with Collegeworks Painting, my fellow managers and I used each others success to make ourselves more successful. We were able to do this because the company policy enabled us to become a close team by getting together on a regular basis to do fun activities.

So the business tip is:

Create a close work team be making sure to inject fun into the long work schedule. I often worked 70-hour work weeks and was able to get through it because I had something to look forward to every weekend. Whether it be paintballing, bar-b-q’ing or camping, the weekly activities brought the team together and refreshed us for the next work week.

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Benson — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 23:28:29 -0000

Produce revenue. VC is a great start, but in the end what counts is making a product that people use and in some way pay for. That could be a direct payment, or it could be advertising, but either way, you're good.

But you knew that. :-)

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

College Mogul — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:39:33 -0000

Spend every dollar as if it were your last.

http://www.collegemogul.com

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Kelly Hansen — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:17:58 -0000

Red Bull much? haha

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Katasha Butler — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:13:12 -0000

As an entrepreneur, everything thing you do and everything you say represents your product. BE NICE.

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Joey Zakutney — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:39:13 -0000

Hey Derek,
The piece of advice that has helped me the most, has been to not be afraid of failure. There are going to be plenty of times when things are going to go wrong. The best thing anyone can do in these situations is learn and not be defeated by their failures. One of my favorite quotes is, "Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more successfully." Henry Ford. This is exactly how failure should be perceived in every entrepreneurs mind, because as the statistics read 8 out of 10 start-ups fail. So, the goal is to keep moving through those 8 failures until you get to lucky number 9 or 10. Without a doubt, every person in the world is going to be faced with failure at one point or another in their life. Those individuals who can learn something from their failures will be the ones who eventually find success.

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

patricktomas — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 03:15:00 -0000

Network.

That's the best tip I have and the one thing that everyone I meet tells me about.

When you meet a person, ask for their business card and exchange your own card too. When you get their card, look at it. Read it. Don't just stuff it back in your wallet or where ever you keep your business cards. Then follow up. You take the initiative to get in contact with them through their card. A simple email will do. And keep in contact with them. You never know when that person or someone else they know can help you.

Then if you want to take it a step further, then write and mail them a hand written letter in an envelope. That will impress them and keep you in their mind. As in todays world of email and text messages, a letter does wonders.

So network.

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Mike Hackmer — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:52:30 -0000

The best business tip is to hire well and trust your people to do their jobs. I think if you build a team of smart people, men and women who are good at their jobs and work well together, and possess the right balance of integrity and camaraderie, you will have a loyal workforce that sticks together and works as a team to make your business, their business. I've worked in a number of environments over the years, and the best places and the most successful places are the ones with the right mix of people and personalities. To me - it all comes down to hiring.

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

stevepohlit — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 23:09:45 -0000

In every business 20% of all the things an owner does makes 80% of the difference on revenue and profits. That 20% always includes strengthening the relationships with existing customers and developing new relationship with prospective customers. Spend 80% of your time on that 20%.

Steve Pohlit
The Profit Expert
http://stevepohlit.com

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Luke Irvin — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:57:18 -0000

Something that has always been important to me is one on one interviews or conferences. Get to know each of your employees on an individual basis. Learn about their ideas. This way you can collect everyone's thoughts and see what kind of mind frame everyone is on. This can sometimes help to get everyone on the same page on future plans.

Read and Comment! I am learning about this more and more. Get to know what everyone is talking about. Learn where the eyeballs are going! Comment on what you read and get feed back. Learn what the people like and dislike.

Be on the floor! Get out there and communicate with the people. Talk to them. Get to know your users. Earn their trust and loyalty so that they will stick around, and hopefully bring in new users.

Don't make promises you can't keep. Know what you're passionate about. Crush it, literally. Talk it up, hype it up, but know what you are talking about. Know the facts. Don't lead anyone on.

If you want something, go get it. Don't let anything hold you back. Work hard. Work your face off. Don't ever let anything get in the way of what your goals are.

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Mardee Thompson — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 21:48:09 -0000

Ok, here it is.. the #1 small business resource book. This is a link to the PDF that holds all sorts of business ideas, ways to conduct business more cost effectively, promote your business, etc. It's a great tool. ENJOY!! http://tinyurl.com/6g3flu

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Jay Handler — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 21:18:16 -0000

I'd love to give you 20 ideas, hoping that I might have 20 chances to win, but I think the single best thing we've done at SellPhone Marketing is make it easy for our clients to recommend us. 20% of the people who know you already recommend you. 20% NEVER recommend ANYONE and won't will never give you the names or numbers of people they know. We focus on the 60% that remain.

Before we accept a newly-signed contract, we explain the next steps. We tell our new client what to expect and when to expect it (and we hold true to those dates). During that discussion, we explain that we want to know their thoughts at every step along the way, and that in 90 days when they are not just happy but enthusiastic about the job we're doing for them, we're going to be asking for a letter of recommendation and an introduction to other business owners they know that we may be able to help. It's amazing to me how many people will give you referrals if you ask for them and tell them you expect them. It's mutually agreed upon 90 days prior!

We also send out "Thank You" letters the same day we sign that agreement. Inside that hand-written note is a small card that explains our referral policy. We tell our clients (and prospects...and friends...and strangers!) that we'll buy them and a friend lunch any time they introduce us to someone they know who might be interested in working with us. I currently enjoy "referral lunches" about twice a week. It's pretty cool to sit down at a table with a client and a prospect he's brought along...our closing ration goes WAY up when the referrer is sitting there with us to act as a third-party endorser!

Not only that, but we include our referral offer in our newsletters and just about every communication we send out. It is the cheapest and most effective form of advertising we've ever encountered. Paying for those two lunches usually runs me about $25, and I close 4 out of 5 of those deals over lunch...and probably 9 out of 10 eventually. $25 is a pretty low cost of sale.

If you make asking for referrals a part of your corporate culture, you can't help but be successful. The problem is most people are reluctant to ask for referrals. I'm reluctant NOT to ask!

If anyone would like to talk more about how to institute their own referral program, feel free to contact me. I'm happy to help.

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Leslie Carothers — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 21:06:25 -0000

Hi Derek:

I love your passion for what you're doing.

Here is my best business advice:

1. Listen intensely and stay focused on the other person. Ask intelligent questions that show you're thinking abou them and their needs.

2. Prepare to win...too many people prepare not to lose. This mind set makes all the difference. Ask yourself today: What can I do to prepare to win?"

3. Risk all... put yourself on the edge as this drives innovation and excitement. However, always know what plan B is even if Plan B is living in your car..

4. Establish an informal board of directors of people who are genuinely interested in helping you succeed.

5. Always, always strive to give more than you get and don't be TOO self promotional.

6. Always approach every business negotiation with how much you can do for the other person without giving away your profits. Remember, it does have to be WIN WIN-either short or long term. Don't be taken advantage of because you need short term cash flow.

7. Get expert advice from lawyers, accoutants and business advisers right up front. Put their fees on your CC if you have to, but start out with a firm foundation.

8. Every day, think this: "What are the three actions I can take that will have the most impact on the profitability of my business?" AND "What are the three actions I can take that will have the most profitability on the business of those around me?"

9. Do something nice for someone you don't know and from whom you have nothing to gain and will never see again.

10. Read the WSJ and the NY Times online. Stay informed so you do not become too insulated.

Good luck. And, remember, really...PREPARE TO WIN.

Re: Want An iPod Nano? - thederekjohnson.com

Heather in Beautiful BC — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 20:25:45 -0000

Always keep in mind:

TEAM

'Together Everyone Accomplishes More!'