Introducing MarkAnthonyMcCray.com! (Finally!)

You all have been GREAT over the years! You've not only followed my blog and commented passionately, but you've helped me grow as a blogger, teacher and man.  THANK YOU!

Without too much buildup I want to invite you to join me on my new and (being) improved platform at MarkAnthonyMcCray.com!

In all candor, it's a work in progress, but an important work for me.  I wanted to be more intentional about developing myself as a brand.  I'd been reluctant for years and intentionally had kept my own name off of things I did.  Crazy.  I know.

In any regard, I will be building everything over there going forward, so join me.  Some cool stuff is coming around the bend!  Kind of random, but if you want to know some not quite professional tidbits about me, here are a few.  Maybe we've got more common ground than you think?

God bless!





Mark Anthony McCray helps people live on PURPOSE, achieve higher PERFORMANCE and experience true PROSPERITY. Forward this to a friend if you found it helpful. All material © Copyright, Mark Anthony McCray unless otherwise noted!

He can be reached in the following ways:
mark@markanthonymccray.com
Twitter: @LiveBIGDieEmpty
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/markanthonymccray/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103149858138414160703/posts
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/markanthonymccray

For more information on Mark as a speaker or presenter check out http://www.gigsalad.com/mark_anthony_mccray_houston

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Is Being Single Making You Poor?

Right now in America:

59% of Asian men are married.
54% of White men are married.
45% of Hispanic men are married.
36% of Black men are married.

These statistics are hot off the presses and from the wonderful researchers at Freakonomics.  Let's now place them next to another report I first wrote about in my blog "6 Ways to Make Sure You NEVER Get Rich."  This table refers to something called the Racial Wealth Gap using data from the U.S. Census Bureau:

CNN.com says that Black Americans are - on average - twenty-times poorer than White Americans according to the last Census. As I read the article, my mind starting racing. I knew things were bad, but this bad? How could this be? Why could this be? What can be done about it? This was crazy. The median white family has twenty times the net worth of the median black family. I'm being repetitive, but let that sink in for a second.

Hispanics in America are richer than blacks, too, though not quite by a factor of twenty-three. Hispanics are about twice as well off. Asians are between whites and Hispanics.

Something is clearly amiss.

When talking about wealth and income disparity, the less endowed often fall back on complaining - and complaining isn't a plan. Also, you'll notice it's only poor people who talk about income. Rich people talk about worth. So, here's where we are. If you are not where you want to be financially, it is time to do something differently and do it now.

Maybe the thing that is most amiss is that too many Black Americans are single?  Recall what I wrote before in 6 Ways to Make Sure You NEVER Get Rich:

You will (most likely) never get rich if you stay single. It is better to get married and stay married. Remaining single well into adulthood and divorce both destroy wealth, income, savings and stability. Not only will you destroy what you have worked for if you divorce, but you make it harder to come back up. Too many separate accounts, too much money going to employ child support office workers, two electric bills, too many people renting and not able to afford to own homes. In addition, it's been proven on top of proven that marriage accelerates wealth. Whoever thinks it's smarter to be single, has been duped for the most part.

Could it be that marrying (and presumably staying married) is the one big missing key in closing the wealth gap?  I think so.  I came across some interesting thoughts on the Freakonomics of Marriage the other day.  I read a lot.  I listen to a lot of podcasts.  Some beg to be shared and this is one.  The authors of Freakonomics produce a radio program on which they discuss elements of their writing and research. I pulled the above statistics from a broadcast called "Why Marry?"

Here is "Why Marry?" Part One

Here is "Why Marry?" Part Two

First, if you aren't familiar with Freakonomics, it is a quite interesting exploration of the economic side of EVERYTHING... in this case, marriage. In fact, their discussion of the above stats are a part of their attempts to make possible ties to poverty and prosperity. Here's a link to check out the book: LINK-TASTIC!  So you know, these are academics with somewhat of a bias FOR marriage but a bias against what their Guest calls "Biblical" marriage. Therefore, you might listen aware of that and just digest the statistics. Still, an interesting discussion.  Married people, in fact, have higher incomes.

It is entirely possible that people are poorer because they’re not marrying. It's also possible that they don’t marry because they’re poor. I won't retype their entire broadcast.  Listen for yourself.  As you do, ask yourself these questions: How costly is being single?  Are we passing the penalties of our singleness on to our children?  How can we reverse these trends?

I think a closer examination of marriage will reveal that there are many benefits beyond the obvious.  I think we may owe it to society to get married.  What do you think?  

While we're at it, want another interesting topic to explore?  Leaving behind the talk about marriage... is it possible that people aren't even having sex anymore?  That seems to be the trend.




Mark Anthony McCray helps people live on PURPOSE, achieve higher PERFORMANCE and experience true PROSPERITY. Forward this to a friend if you found it helpful. All material © Copyright, Mark Anthony McCray unless otherwise noted!

He can be reached in the following ways:
Mark@LiveBIGDieEmpty.com
Twitter: @LiveBIGDieEmpty
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/markanthonymccray/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/markanthonymccray

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You don't know Barry Katz yet... but you should!

"Become undeniable and you will not be denied!" @BarryKatz on #Persistence #Business & #Success in #Life
— Mark Anthony McCray (@LiveBIGDieEmpty) August 11, 2014

We've all experienced the feeling of coming back from vacation and having so much to say that you're both excited and 100% sure you'll forget something. Well, I have a few things I feel like you need to let into your consciousness today. You'll be better for it. That much I know.

I feel blessed to have come across (via Jay Mohr) this interesting guy named Barry Katz.  I like listening to Mohr's takes on sports and from time-to-time there'd be a guy in his studio who seemed familiar and friendly with Jay but never frivolous.  He always had something pithy to say and was transparent as hell - which always appeals to me.  Even more important he seemed to be speaking directly to me and saying some things I sorely needed to hear about persistence, making an impact, going for my dreams.  I needed his mix of encouragement, butt-kicking and entertaining stories.  The timing was perfect in my life.

In searching to learn more about him, it turns out he does a nice little podcast.  As always, if it's made an impact on me, I like to share it.  There are a few interviews in particular that you might want to listen to. I like to try and have something going as I work or drive around during the day. It could work for you, too.  Here are a couple that bubbled to the surface.

Reginald Hudlin, former chief executive of BET, writer, director and producer sat down with Barry to discuss his background, his impressive career beginning with the movie "House Party" all the way to his recent work as Producer on "Django Unchained" and ends this wonderful interview with his best advice for how you can get to the next level in whatever you've chosen for your profession.

Dr. Phil is someone I can admit to being very guilty of underestimating.  I'll also admit that I've still never seen his show.  Yet, even without my viewership Dr. Phil McGraw is perhaps the most well-known mental health professional in the world along with being the leading daytime talk show HOST in the country.  As it turns out, he's quite a character, very funny and has a lot of wisdom to share.  Who knew?!

What I like about Barry is he does a good job of getting accomplished people to share life lessons and business lessons that go beyond whatever their jobs have been in the entertainment field.  So, while it's interesting to hear Hudlin talk about getting his first big break and making House Party (Who doesn't remember doing the Kid-n-Play with their own friends?!), listening to his background and escaping East St. Louis probably means more to where you are in life.

With Dr. Phil, I'm ashamed to say I never have know much about him.  I think you'll enjoy his stories, too, because he's crazy funny and (as you might imagine) direct - in some ways he's even more direct in this mostly uncensored setting.  That's good for you as a listener!

As a little bonus for my entrepreneur friends, David Salzman is another interview you need to check out here:


Check out my Twitter for more notes and wisdom from Barry.  You'll thank me!



Mark Anthony McCray helps people live on PURPOSE, achieve higher PERFORMANCE and experience true PROSPERITY. Forward this to a friend if you found it helpful. All material © Copyright, Mark Anthony McCray unless otherwise noted!

He can be reached in the following ways:
Mark@LiveBIGDieEmpty.com
Twitter: @LiveBIGDieEmpty
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/markanthonymccray/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103149858138414160703/posts
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/markanthonymccray

For more information on Mark as a speaker or presenter check out http://www.gigsalad.com/mark_anthony_mccray_houston

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How May I Ignore You Today?

This has to be every influencer's fear. You talk but nobody's listening. You've got wisdom to share but nobody cares.  You KNOW you've got the goods but can't even seem to give them away!!

The question for some of you is how do you break through this barrier in a way that makes a difference and DOESN'T make you feel like you're pouting, stomping around or crying out for attention?  It's very simple really: transparency.

(Maybe I should have added a drum roll for more dramatic impact?)

If you can inject more transparency into what you do and say, you will find people flocking to hear more from you.  They won't be able to stop themselves because people (all of us) are hungry for something real these days.  People are tired of the fluffy, superman-like stories from those who act like they came out of the womb running.  Enough!

Be real with people.  Then be raw.  Then get naked.  The more you uncover the more people will be attracted to your message.  A bunch of leaders who are courageous enough to be 100% authentic can truly change the world!

In the spirit of this post, I will admit that I am working on this in myself.  If this message resonates with you, you aren't alone.  Let's do this thing together! For starters, maybe join me on Instagram?  It's pretty unfiltered.  And welcome!

A couple more notes... are you looking for more guidance on building and expanding your business?  Get your copy of "From Idea to Ignition: How to Get Your Business off the Ground" today and also check out "The Sales Monster - 10 Ultimate No B.S. #MonsterTips to Help You Sell More and Earn More Money NOW!"  Both are packed full of information and insights you can take to the bank!  Available for download right to your Inbox after purchase with tons of bonus material!

Mark Anthony McCray helps people live on PURPOSE, achieve higher PERFORMANCE and experience true PROSPERITY.  Be sure to subscribe to this blog so you don't miss a thing and forward this to a friend if you found it helpful. All material © Copyright, Mark Anthony McCray unless otherwise noted!

He can be reached in the following ways:

Phone: 281-846-5720

Twitter: @LiveBIGDieEmpty

Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarkanthonymccray

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/markanthonymccray/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103149858138414160703/posts

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/markanthonymccray

Also, for more information on Mark as a speaker or presenter check out http://livebigdieempty.blogspot.com/p/about-mark_29.html

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What Starts with YOU Changes the World.

I have to admit to being both motivated by and proud of this speech from Naval Admiral William H. McRaven, ninth commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, at the University-wide Commencement at The University of Texas at Austin on May 17, 2014.  It is a great reminder that what starts with YOU changes the world.  (Like the University of Texas motto.)  

Admiral McRaven is a Texas Ex, by the way.  I am also proud to call myself a Longhorn and appreciated this small reminder of what that means.  Here is one of the best commencement speeches you will ever here in its entirety...



Click this link for the full transcript courtesy of the University of Texas at Austin. I want you to listen to this, but here are some notes to help these lessons sink in:
#1 - If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.  Part of the idea here is to build towards large victories by creating smaller ones along the way.  
#2 - If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle.  The Lone Ranger is a myth.  Heck.  Even he had Tonto.  
#3 - If you want to change the world, measure a person by the size of their heart, not the size of their flippers.  How much fight do you have in you? That's what really matters instead of your "measurables" as they call it.  Your "disadvantages" may, in fact, by your greatest advantages.
#4 - If you want to change the world get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward. Crap happens to all of us.  Rain falls on the just and unjust.  You have to keep going no matter what.
#5 - If you want to change the world, don’t be afraid of the circuses. Yes. Sometimes you ARE under attack and it's not just your imagination.  Keep going.  No matter what.
#6 - If you want to change the world sometimes you have to slide down the obstacle head first. Take a chance. Be bold and watch what great things happen.  "Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid." — Johann Goethe
#7 - If you want to change the world, don’t back down from the sharks.  A lot of times people run when nobody is chasing.  This is not the boldness the Lord wants from His people.
#8 - If you want to change the world, you must be your very best in the darkest moment.  You can't quit.  You just can't.  We need you at your best when times are their worst.
#9 - If you want to change the world, start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud.  Raising my hand to testify on this one.  I've had to learn this.  I don't want to say "the hard way" but I've most definitely had to start teaching myself how to praise in the storm.  It can be tough, but it's necessary.  Truthfully, until you learn to do this, you may never come out.  
#10 - If you want to change the world don’t ever, ever ring the bell.  And again I say, do not quit.  Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence (Calvin Coolidge).  You can't defeat a man who won't quit fighting.  Strive to make this a permanent part of your character.
Mostly I want you to be encouraged and I want you to be reminded that you do make a difference.  You are needed.  You are loved.  You are respected.  I can't wait to see what more you have to show the world!


Mark Anthony McCray helps people live on PURPOSE, achieve higher PERFORMANCE and experience true PROSPERITY.  Be sure to subscribe to this blog so you don't miss a thing and forward this to a friend if you found it helpful. All material © Copyright, Mark Anthony McCray unless otherwise noted!

He can be reached in the following ways:
Mark@LiveBIGDieEmpty.com
Twitter: @LiveBIGDieEmpty
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/markanthonymccray/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103149858138414160703/posts
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/markanthonymccray

For more information on Mark as a speaker or presenter check out http://www.gigsalad.com/mark_anthony_mccray_houston

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4 Reasons You Should Be Sick of Relationship Gurus

I'm about finished with relationship advice. I'm done reading it.  I'm (almost) done giving it.  (Also, I am cranky today, so this will read like it.  Maybe I'll come back and edit one day soon?  Maybe not.)  If you can point me towards someone who is actually helping the cause towards people finding and maintain healthy and whole relationships, I will kindly change my tune.  However, most of what I see breaks down into two categories: "Single Folks Gonna Single" and "Wait. You're Married But Don't Want Me To Be?"

Group One consists primarily of single men and women who constantly commiserate (that means the gripe to one another) and share tips that will - inevitably - keep them all single and in the same situation.  Group Two consists of the married "guru" who doesn't seem to have anything to say that can help other people down that path.  They post from their blogs with their pics of their lovely spouse and children but communicate that it probably isn't possible for you to have that life yourself.  Hmmmm...

Anyway... I'm about sick of all of them.  I'm about sick of myself on this topic, too, which is why I rarely talk on it anymore even though I'm asked to interview about once a week.  Instead of my continuing to rant, let me share the main reasons I think you (as a person hopeful of having a happy and healthy relationship with a special person one day) should start tuning EVERYBODY out...

1. The Prevalence of the "Real Men/Women" Tagline.  Anything that uses "real men" and "real women" a lot is a turn-off to me already. It is judgmental.  People are not monolithic automatons behaving all in the same fashion.  There are few things that describe a "real" man or "real" woman in any tangible way beyond their genitals.  We are all always (hopefully) maturing and are somewhere along the road called sanctification.  As best I can tell, the only thing common to real men is not caring a whole lot about what others think a "real man" ought to be doing.

2. Most advice is dripping with low-expectations.  Most of what is out there would more encourage me to walk away from dealing with women (or men if I was a woman) altogether.  Nearly everything people do is viewed with skepticism.  My Lord! Is there anything good to say about people?  Is there anything but criticism and complaining?  I believe there are a lot of good, hard-working, courageous and well-intentioned men out there along with some charming, kind, gracious and spiritual women.  I must be the only one who thinks so.

Enjoy this blog? Consider supporting our work or partnering with us here. We're helping people live BIGGER lives. You can help.

3. They only know one line.  I am tired of reading material that has its primary advice "Run!" when dealing with something you don't like. Even more so when they can't (or barely) tell anybody what to seek. It's just run from this... run from that... run, run, ruunnnnnn! etc.  I promise you.  This is firmly lodged in the "Single Folks Gonna Single" mentality.  So many darn red flags.  No green lights?  At all?  I believe we'd be much better off learning to focus on the good qualities of people.

4. It is self-centered and prideful. How about this? How can YOU see through some surface things and help that person mature? Maybe you can and should have some grace towards them?  Most advice continues the presumption that "your" guy or gal must come as a prepared, finished product or they are worthless to you. It ignores the reader's own shortcomings - which are many... being that the reader is a human, too.

5. Bonus.  Instead of wondering whether that person of interest is ready for YOU how about investigating whether you are ready for them?  Ask yourself these non-self-centered (gasp!) questions...

• Am I ready to place their needs above my own?
• Do I make them a better person?
• Am I willing to support their vision for their life?
• Do I have a vision for my own life?
• Do I add value to their life?

If you can say "Yes!" to these questions then maybe, maybe you're truly ready for a relationship.  Otherwise the other person may not be getting that great of a deal themselves.  Think about it.  At the end of the day, it is about sacrificing yourself for that other person's better good. If you can't (or won't) do that, you should be letting them go.  God loves them, too, right?

Either way, it seems to me that the best thing to do is to open your Bible to The Proverbs and start to study.  Also, find a few wise counselors with whom you can talk regularly in real life who have lives you want to emulate and disconnect from almost everything else... even me if you need to.  I won't be upset.  I'll celebrate when I see you out with that special person!



Mark Anthony McCray helps people live on PURPOSE, achieve higher PERFORMANCE and experience true PROSPERITY.  Be sure to subscribe to this blog so you don't miss a thing and forward this to a friend if you found it helpful. All material © Copyright, Mark Anthony McCray unless otherwise noted!

He can be reached in the following ways:
Mark@LiveBIGDieEmpty.com
Phone: 281-846-5720
Twitter: @LiveBIGDieEmpty
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LiveBIGDieEmpty
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/markanthonymccray/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103149858138414160703/posts
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/markanthonymccray

For more information on Mark as a speaker or presenter check out http://www.gigsalad.com/mark_anthony_mccray_houston

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8 Ways to Profit from #LinkedIn - the Forgotten(?) Social Network

I can't let this chance to invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn pass.  Can I?  LinkedIn boasts that it is the World's Largest Professional Network and... I can already tell some of you are yawning even as I imagine you reading this.  Alright.  I'll try to make it snappy, give you some good content and be about my business.

I know for a fact that a lot of you aren't even sure you've got a LinkedIn account up and running and half of you are neglecting yours.  Let's fix that.  I believe you are missing out on some huge opportunities to expand your business and career and here's how you can fix it.  Do these eight things today.

1.  Update your profile.  This should be your top priority. As your online resume, you want to include relevant information and your past experience that will help you stand out above your competitors. Include details that will make a prospective client want to work with you. Include a professional headshot and your current contact information. Grab your names.  If you haven’t already done this, get on LinkedIn and grab your name and your company name (they are more selective with these) and edit the URL on your profile so it reads with your actual name. If you leave what LinkedIn automatically does for you there will be lots of extra numbers and characters which confuse people.

2.  Always include a headshot.  This may appear to be obvious, but you often see pages without a picture. Unlike your Facebook page, this picture should be a little more “professional.” Obviously professional is defined differently based on you and your company, but use good judgment. Creativity can work, but can also backfire.  Generally, LinkedIn is NOT the place to express your creativity.  Use Twitter for that.  Or, even better, Facebook.

3.  Connect to all of your current contacts.  Build your own LinkedIn community by connecting with anyone and everyone you know. Use your Outlook or Gmail database to help. The more connections you have, the more secondary connections you will have, which will allow you to view more profiles, and expand your personal and corporate network.  This is a "dig your well before you're thirsty" kind of thing.  The time to network is before you need to network.  You never know who you'll meet online or whom you'll need to call on one day.

4.  Join groups.  Join groups that are applicable to your business and the connections you are trying to establish. Joining groups allows you to stay on top of market trends and important information within your field.  This is the best way to get your name out there in your field.  And don't just join.  Participate.  Talk.  Give feedback in discussions.  Post your blog articles.  Just don't spam.  Spamming will get your posts blocked or get you kicked out of groups.  You don't want that.  Trust me.

5.) Use LinkedIn as a prospecting tool.  Use LinkedIn as a “search engine.” Search for companies you are interested in, and then find out who the key personnel are. Once you find the right person, send them an email via LinkedIn. Often a message via LinkedIn comes off as warmer than a regular email. Additionally, your message won’t get mixed in with the 300 other emails that person receives daily.

6.) Get recommended by your customers.  A recommendation on LinkedIn is very powerful, and a great addition to your profile. It demonstrates to prospective clients that you are an expert in your field. Even a short paragraph of 100 words can have a powerful impact on your reputation. Encourage clients to recommend you; keeping in mind that a great way to get someone to recommend you, is to recommend them first. The positive energy they get from you may lead to them writing an even better recommendation for you.

7.) Expand your LinkedIn reach with Twitter.  There is a little checkbox at the bottom of your “Share an update” box that copies everything you share with your Connections to all of your Twitter followers.  Use it. Perhaps you've been wondering what else you can tweet about anyway.  Well, here you go!

8. Supercharge your Job Search.  Here's a bonus. If you're looking to use LinkedIn to improve your job search, check out these additional notes specific to helping boost your job search:

Here's a final encouragement for you if you're an online marketer.  I've always experienced better feedback (i.e., sales) from my LinkedIn community more so than from my Twitter or Google+ and, for some things, it's even better than Facebook.  My experience is that people come to LinkedIn expecting to do business as opposed to expecting to exchange recipes and cute videos of cats.  That's a powerful thing that you can put to use with just a little effort.

Good luck!




Mark Anthony McCray helps people live on PURPOSE, achieve higher PERFORMANCE and experience true PROSPERITY.  Be sure to subscribe to this blog so you don't miss a thing and forward this to a friend if you found it helpful. All material © Copyright, Mark Anthony McCray unless otherwise noted!

He can be reached in the following ways:
Mark@LiveBIGDieEmpty.com
Phone: 281-846-5720
Twitter: @LiveBIGDieEmpty
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LiveBIGDieEmpty
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/markanthonymccray/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103149858138414160703/posts
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/markanthonymccray

For more information on Mark as a speaker or presenter check out http://www.gigsalad.com/mark_anthony_mccray_houston

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6 Things to Do When You're Scared to Death

Have you every felt terrified about your life, your job, your future?  Come on.  Be honest.  I have.  I'll be honest.  I feel like I've had a long relationship with fear and worry.  I know what terror feels like.  It's a step beyond anxiety and two steps beyond just worrying.  Terror freezes you in your tracks.

The good news is I have finally divorced terror.  Of course, it keeps trying to come around, but we're not in a relationship anymore.  Fear doesn't live with me any longer.  Terror is a horrible thing and, as an entrepreneur/ministry worker/father/single parent you are going to deal with it from time to time until you learn how to press through it.  Here are some ways that I've learned how to keep going.

1.  Remember that YOU are a lion.  You have been given the gift to be bold as a lion.  The Word of God reminds Believers that your standing in God gives you permission to stand and not retreat.  What enemy should make you turn back? Nothing! Timidity is not your birthright so don't claim it.

2.  Change the story you tell yourself.  Pick a power statement that you can rehearse to yourself again and again.  You have got to stop reading the bad news to yourself about yourself.  You are NOT helping anything.  You're only dragging yourself down further.  Remind yourself  "I can do this."  "I can make it through this."  "This is not the final page in my story."  "I will win in the end."

3.  Do not allow yourself to be broken.  The Bible tells you over and over not to be dismayed.  To be dismayed means to be cast down, broken or shattered.  Discouragement happens.  That is a natural part of life.  Don't let your troubles break you.  Your enemy wants you broken.  Your enemy wants you to stay down.  He knows you'll win in the end if only you don't quit.

4.  Command yourself to be grateful and not worry.  Literally sit down and count your blessings.  Make a list.  Are you listening to me?  I'm saying actually take out a sheet of paper and remind yourself of all the great things in your life that you know you didn't and don't deserve.  If you are honest, you will admit there are many of them.  Being grateful is a great way to rid yourself of worries.

5.  Brainstorm solutions.  I learned this from Brian Tracy.  Sit down and think of twenty actions you can take right now to change your situation.  The first five will be easy.  The second five might take you a minute.  Then the work really begins.  Press through until you have at least twenty options in front of you on a sheet of paper.

6.  Take an action.  If you're really going to be bold, take several.  Go through the list you just made and find something you can do right now.  It doesn't matter if it's large or small.  What truly matters is that you make a decision and act on it.  Your intention is to start a virtuous cycle.

I hope you can use one or two of these to help you in your walk.  Stop allowing fear to paralyze and depress you.  You will find out (as I did) that every worry is valuable energy wasted.  I want to see you grab hold of God's best for your life.  I'm in the battle with you.  Let's win this thing!

Are you looking for more guidance on building and expanding your business or just getting some clarity in your life to improve your personal productivity?  Do you want to join a like-mined group of professionals where you can learn to press through your goals together?  Check out my Peak Performance Group Coaching.  It could be the place for you to start making real progress towards your most important goals.

Now, tell me something... how have YOU learned to press through fear?

Mark Anthony McCray helps people live on PURPOSE, achieve higher PERFORMANCE and experience true PROSPERITY.  Be sure to subscribe to this blog so you don't miss a thing and forward this to a friend if you found it helpful. All material © Copyright, Mark Anthony McCray unless otherwise noted!



He can be reached in the following ways:
Mark@LiveBIGDieEmpty.com
Phone: 281-846-5720
Twitter: @LiveBIGDieEmpty
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LiveBIGDieEmpty
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/markanthonymccray/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103149858138414160703/posts
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/markanthonymccray

For more information on Mark as a speaker or presenter check out http://www.gigsalad.com/mark_anthony_mccray_houston

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There's a lot entrepreneurs can learn from @RealJayAbraham

... at the very least he's a genius.
If you feel like you need some breakthrough insights for your business, I urge you to listen to Anthony Robbins interview Jay Abraham here and here for Part One and Part Two.  It's something special.  By the end, you'll be looking for Parts Three, Four, Five and more!

A lot stands out and I won't try to re-preach Jay's sermon, but here is something that stands out from his hour plus on "How to Exponentially Increase Your Business."  For starters, if someone asked you "How many ways are there to increase your business?" you might list a dozen approaches.  In reality, there are only three ways to increase the revenue side of your business - any business:

1. Increase your number of clients and/or prospects.  (duuuuhhhh) To do this you must employ more than one way of bringing in clients, e.g., sales teams, outbound sales, inbound sales, direct mail, etc.  Most companies only acquire clients through one avenue but looking at other companies (even in other industries)  can show you some ways to raise the number of prospects.  Risk-reversal is the secret.  You've got to lower the customer's risk of doing business with you.
2. Increase your unit of sale.  This can be done by increasing your prices, pressing more add-ons and up sells or increasing the size of your product bundle so people pay more and also get more value.  While you're working to increase your customer base, also work to increase how much each customer spends with you. 
3. Increase the residual value of each client and/or their frequency of purchase.  More referrals.  More back-end sales.  Sales of warranties.  This can be done by reducing attrition, too, by the way.  The idea here is to deepen the relationship with your customers and involve them in capturing more business for you.

Do any one of the three and you will grow your business geometrically - imagine being just 10% more effective in each area.  If you can do all three of these at the same time even a little bit and your business grows exponentially (10% + 10% + 10% is typically more than a 30% revenue increase) and keeps growing!  And that's your goal!

Go back and listen to Jay's insights.  I guarantee you'll get something you can put to work for you.

Are you looking for more guidance on building and expanding your business?  Get your copy of "From Idea to Ignition: How to Get Your Business off the Ground" today and also check out "The Sales Monster - 10 Ultimate No B.S. #MonsterTips to Help You Sell More and Earn More Money NOW!"  Both are packed full of information and insights you can take to the bank!  Available for download right to your Inbox after purchase with tons of bonus material!

Mark Anthony McCray helps people live on PURPOSE, achieve higher PERFORMANCE and experience true PROSPERITY.  Be sure to subscribe to this blog so you don't miss a thing and forward this to a friend if you found it helpful. All material © Copyright, Mark Anthony McCray unless otherwise noted!



He can be reached in the following ways:
Mark@LiveBIGDieEmpty.com
Phone: 281-846-5720
Twitter: @LiveBIGDieEmpty
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LiveBIGDieEmpty
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/markanthonymccray/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103149858138414160703/posts
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/markanthonymccray

For more information on Mark as a speaker or presenter check out http://www.gigsalad.com/mark_anthony_mccray_houston

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Feel+Felt+Found (How to Get People to Hear What You're Saying)

Do you feel like you struggle to be heard when you most need to be?  Here's a simple way to offer advice that people NEED and have them actually LISTEN to you. You've heard it said that people don't care what you know until they know that you care. That's true! Now, here's the way to show them that you care quickly and in in a few short statements:

FEEL - "I understand what you're feeling." - Use this statement (or one like it) to make it clear that you are listening and relating to what is on their heart and mind.  This is to people that you aren't being condescending.

FELT - "I have felt the same way." - Show them that you've been there before...either in the same situation or in a similar one.  Now they feel like you can relate to them.  Don't lie.  Just be transparent and authentic.

FOUND - "Here's what I've found..." - Detail what you learned and how you rose out of that place in life. These become the action items you want them to take.

Don't quote these directly! That said, if you use this pattern, people will receive what they need to hear from you much better. They will feel that you care...and then care about what you know!  Once you're done sharing, honor their ability to process your words and leave them alone.  Watch if Feel + Felt + Found doesn't make you a better communicator!

Please leave me your comments so I know how to serve you better!! If this was helpful, forward it to a friend. If you like it and want more, check out The Expert Excellence Webinar (c) - Position Yourself, Promote and Profit as an Expert!   YOU NEED this training.  Your career needs it!  Get it today.  Remember, you're going to have to learn something different to get something different.

To your success!

Mark Anthony McCray helps people live on PURPOSE, achieve higher PERFORMANCE and experience true PROSPERITY.  Be sure to subscribe to this blog so you don't miss a thing and forward this to a friend if you found it helpful. All material © Copyright, Mark Anthony McCray unless otherwise noted!



He can be reached in the following ways:

Mark@LiveBIGDieEmpty.com
Phone: 281-846-5720
Twitter: @LiveBIGDieEmpty
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LiveBIGDieEmpty
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/markanthonymccray/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103149858138414160703/posts
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/markanthonymccray
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/markmccray/

For more information on Mark as a speaker or presenter check out http://livebigdieempty.blogspot.com/p/about-mark_29.html

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You're talking already. Why not get paid?

You promised me you wouldn't enter 2014 with your business and career on autopilot, remember?  It's time to do something you've never done to get to some places you've never been.

I got over 50 speaking professionals to give me their BEST SECRETS for getting paid speaking engagements and I'm going to give some of them to you for in this exciting and informative coaching call.

Do you want to become a paid speaker and teach lessons from the things you've learned throughout your life? Of course you do! Speaking gives you the opportunity to help and at the same time, earn yourself additional income and, believe it or not, people will pay you to teach them the life lessons you've learned.

Public speaking is a business and it can become a BIG business for you.  Unfortunately, unless someone shares some guidance with you, you will basically need to start from scratch. Nobody knows who you are or what you can do. It can be very demoralizing not knowing what steps to take or how to get engagements.  You can get there, but it will cost you a lot of hard work, mistakes and money.  What I've done is put together information that would take you months (or years) to learn on your own.

Some of what I covered in this training call...

* The very first thing every successful speaker must do...

* How to get paid while you learn the speaking business (this is the best on-the-job-training you'll ever hear about).

* Where you can find the opportunities that NOBODY else knows about.

* More, more and more...

Purchase your download of this broadcast for just $7 HERE!

If you like it and want more, check out The Expert Excellence Webinar (c) - Position Yourself, Promote and Profit as an Expert!   YOU NEED this training.  Your career needs it!  Get it today.  Remember, you're going to have to learn something different to get something different.

To your success!

Mark Anthony McCray helps people live on PURPOSE, achieve higher PERFORMANCE and experience true PROSPERITY.  Be sure to subscribe to this blog so you don't miss a thing and forward this to a friend if you found it helpful. All material © Copyright, Mark Anthony McCray unless otherwise noted!



He can be reached in the following ways:

Mark@LiveBIGDieEmpty.com
Phone: 281-846-5720
Twitter: @LiveBIGDieEmpty
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LiveBIGDieEmpty
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/markanthonymccray/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103149858138414160703/posts
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/markanthonymccray
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/markmccray/

For more information on Mark as a speaker or presenter check out http://livebigdieempty.blogspot.com/p/about-mark_29.html

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How to Turbocharge Your New Year's Resolution!

Here is a simple way to cut YEARS off of your trial-and-error process in any area and increase your success rate:  GET ADVICE!  There is safety in a multitude of counselors.  Sounds basic yet how many of you have scribbled yourself a little reminder to go get counsel?  Probably not many.

As we enter a new year, many people set resolutions, goals (or just make wishes if you're uncomfortable with that language).  In doing so, they often make a few basic mistakes:

#1 They fail to write down their objectives.  

#2 They don't take advantage of the power of accountability by sharing their hopes with others.

#3 They try to go it alone and do not incorporate wisdom from those who have attempted to make the same changes in their lives.

Need an easy way to accomplish the third one?  Call up someone in your city who's reached a level of success that you haven't and invite them to lunch! YOU PAY! For the price of a decent meal, you can cut years off of your process, save yourself tens of thousands of dollars, ulcers and headaches and more!  Not bad for such a small investment, huh?  An even more cost-effective way to accomplish the same thing is to take them to breakfast. It's hard to break the bank over pancakes and coffee!

You'll be surprised at how many very successful people will gladly give you a few minutes of their time. It's often small to them, but (trust me on this) can be HUGE to you!

So there you have it.  Be intentional about listening to what other people have to say this year.  Seek out people who know more than you do.  There is an old quote that says a smart man learns from his mistakes, while a wise man learns from the mistakes of others.  Obviously a fool doesn't learn at all.  You want to be wise.  Be wise.

If you're a member of my coaching group, check my latest post for two additional helpful tips! If you aren't, CLICK HERE for more information and join today! We will help you get your goals up!

To your success!

Mark Anthony McCray helps people live on PURPOSE, achieve higher PERFORMANCE and experience true PROSPERITY. Be sure to subscribe to this blog so you don't miss a thing and forward this to a friend if you found it helpful. All material © Copyright, Mark Anthony McCray unless otherwise noted!

He can be reached in the following ways:

Mark@LiveBIGDieEmpty.com
Phone: 281-846-5720
Twitter: @LiveBIGDieEmpty
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LiveBIGDieEmpty
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/markanthonymccray/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103149858138414160703/posts
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/markanthonymccray
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/markmccray/

Click HERE for information on Mark as a speaker or presenter and HERE to learn about coaching programs to help you realize your potential and live more prosperously!

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