Entrepreneurial Advice from the Front Lines!

Here are some of the great tips shared by my friends last week!  I posted this graphic (I'm so sophisticated that I wrote these on a whiteboard!) and asked my Facebook friends for feedback.  Here's what they had to say:

"Listen to your gut. Listen to people who are successful at what they do and what you do. Don't give people more credit then what they are really worth. Listen, listen, listen...evaluate. Follow your gut."  ~LaShonda Anderson

"To much to share here. Short version:

1. Know your purpose. Know what drives you, fuels you. Unless you do that FIRST and then connect that to why you want to be in business, you will never have the energy and passion you need to build a world class business. 
2. Become a student of business. Study successful business models. Study BUSINESS. There's an 80% failure rate in the first 5 years of business and of the 20% that survive, 80% fail in the next 5. That's 96% over 10 years. Know WHY they fail. 
3. Learn how to build a system that produces consistent results. Learn how to replicate it (make it teachable to others) so that you can create a business rather than an over glorified job. I could go on and on. :-)" ~Joe Orsak

"Be BOLD." ~Doc Compton

"Network network network. And don't be afraid of telling people what you do. Remember. Timid salesman have skinny kids, and we're all salesman.  Oh...... We're all a tad crazy too." ~Coy Christoffel

"My advice is this, focus on what you want to do. I wanted to start a business writing resumes so I did. I wanted a website and focused on learning how to build one. While it was important information, it didn't benefit me, it fustrated me. For the time and effort I should have just hired someone to do it for me. I lost the focus of what I was trying to do while saving a few dollars. Keep your sight on your vision and pay someone to help with the rest." ~Jessica Anderson

1. GO FLAT OUT. Do whatever it takes to achieve your goal and bring your dream to life.
2. SUPPORT YOUR IDEA. Invest your time, money, thought, and energy into it. If you don't, don't expect anyone else to.
3. KNOW WHAT YOU DO BEST. And do the HELL out of it!
4. GO FOR BROKE. Put your ass on the line. If you truly believe in your idea, it's worth risking everything you currently have.
5. SETBACKS ARE INEVITABLE. Don't let them get you down. Find things to keep yourself inspired. Remember, every failed attempt is another step forward.
6. LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE. Look down the road, not just to next payday, or even next year. A wise, wealthy man once said, "I refuse to buy a Cadillac until I can write a check for it. If I have to wait a little while, that's okay; they'll still be making them then." That Escalade can wait. If you "make it" before you've made it, you'll end up a frustrated failure.
7. ELIMINATE DEBT, SAVE, & INVEST. You can not build wealth and pay on debts at the same time. It is mathmatically impossible. Create a tactical plan to eliminate all debt, including the house. The word "Mortgage" means "death grip." Don't save for EMERGENCIES, save for OPPORTUNITIES. Invest prudently in financial vehicles that will cause your money to replicate itself in your sleep. And remember, if it's on your ASS, it's not as ASSET.
8. MAKE YOUR OWN LUCK. Don't wait on handouts or "Right place, right time" thinking. Get out there and make it happen. Take it by force.
9. BE IN LOVE WITH YOUR IDEA. You'll be spending a lot of time with it, make sure you love what you're doing. Just making money gets boring after a while; do what your LOVE, and money will chase you down and tackle you to the ground every chance it gets. ~Michael Neal

"Surrounding yourself with like minded people is key, and I think may be the most important thing. While growing up I never thought about being a entrepreneur, but when I graduated from college I began to meet entrpreneurs every where I went just in my daily activities. After getting to know some of them, my mindset began to change and I began to develop a entreprenerial mind and spirit. And basically the rest is history. So it all started with spending time with other enterpreneurs.

I also think READING is a important part of being a entrepreneur as well. Read books about your industry and also books by other successful entrepreneurs because even though they may be in a different industry, you can apply some of the same principles to whatever your industry may be." ~Roscoe Douglas II 

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's Your Follow Up?

Are you aware of these Follow Up Statistics?

McGraw Hill did a study and found those businesses that boosted their marketing and advertising during a recession grew 275% over the 5 years proceeding. However, those businesses that cut back, if they were still in business, only grew 19%.

48% of sales people never follow up with a prospect

25% of sales people make a second contact and stop

12% of sales people only make three contacts and stop

10% of sales people make more than three contacts

Here's how that behavior affects your sales performance...

2% of Sales are made on the second contact

5% of sales are made on the third contact

10% of sales are made on the fourth contact

80% of sales are made on the fifth to twelfth contact

Are you committing any of these follow up statistics crimes? If you are, I would recommend automating your follow up by creating a system. If you aren't going to employ a system, then you've got to put more work into it. Either way, if you aren't contacting people again and again and again, you're costing yourself good business. The reality is very few people purchase on first hearing of you.

If you buy into the above stats, 80% of your revenue comes after the fifth contact. It looks like only 3% of sales require only one contact. Ahhhh.... so that's where your money is!!  Need more tips for increasing your sales performance?  Check out 10 Ultimate No B.S. #MonsterTips to Help You Sell More and Earn More Money NOW!


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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50 First Dates

I'll admit it.  I'm a sucker for this movie.  No question it gets to me every time. In it, Adam Sandler's character, Henry Roth, is a man afraid of commitment up until he meets the beautiful, forgetful Lucy (Drew Barrymore). They hit it off and Henry think he's finally found the girl of his dreams, until he discovers she has short-term memory loss and forgets him the very next day. It turns out, she forgets him everyday.

Think about how great it would be if our real lives could work more like this? Every day isn't a great day. Some are great. Some are horrible. But every morning she has no recollection of his sins, errors and omissions. Every morning he must work to win her affections. (The hidden message is interesting... the movie probably wouldn't work as well with the roles reversed.)

Many talk about relationship skills. I still say the #1 skill we all need is to learn how to forgive quickly, completely and often. It's the only thing we're all going to have to do every single day if we hope to have a happy and healthy relationship (and life).

That's the beautiful message of 50 First Dates. The best relationships carry very little of yesterday into today.

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Dealing with Temptation

Q: Dear Mark, I am finding the temptation to have an affair overwhelming. My husband had one years ago that destroyed me and I'm still trying to recover from that. Plus, to be honest, there's the attraction. He takes my breath away. What is your perspective? I'm just trying to understand what's going on. I need to hear from a man.
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A: Thank you for writing Be Worth Finding! Here are a few things for you to think about...

1. I can understand the longing for passion and excitement and need to feel loved. I can. However, I don't see the cost as being worth it to you. Whether it's fair or right or not, once discovered, the chances of your husband accepting it are slim. Divorce is very likely. Violence is possible. Depression is probable and it could take you years to pull your life back to just an even level emotionally. Studies show it takes women 3-4 years to recover. Men, too. For you, consider at this point that you've been married more than half your life. I think it could be devastating and much more than you think.

The financial costs are tremendous, as well. I just wouldn't advise it. There are tons of articles on it. I won't retread that topic. Just know that you will probably have about half of the resources available to you that you think you'll have...and you'll be raising your children essentially alone.

2. You have unmet needs. NEEDS. Not wants. I've blogged on the topic of His Needs/Her Needs before.

If there is any possible way, please sit down with your husband and talk about NEEDS. You need affection, communication, etc. Let him know that. Bring that book maybe. Also examine honestly whether you're meeting his needs. Remember... they are needs and they are legitimate. If you're looking around, that normally means they aren't being met. He probably had some that went unmet, too.

Here's a couple of tips from the trenches... (A) ask him for a time to talk. Literally set an appointment if you must. That way he won't feel backed into a corner. Honor it. Defer your thoughts until the time. It should only be a day or two. (B) Sit down to talk. Touch each other. Hold hands or something. This makes it easier for both to listen and lessens the likelihood of tensions escalating. Hopefully this can start some dialogue that is sorely missing.

3. Your recollection concerning my other post is right. I have little respect for men who choose to go this route of pursuing married women. I have contempt for them. He's done this before. He obviously senses your desire and wants to take advantage of it. What's worse is he's hindering the happiness you could be experiencing right now! He can't give you anything but a few (dangerous) moments or he'd at least leave his wife and make an attempt at being a steady presence in your life.

Similarly on your end. If you're going to leave, most states can finalize a divorce in 60 days or so. You can wait that long. I hope. But I really hope you and your husband make one more attempt. If you need to have a counselor present, it would help a lot, I'm sure.

What do you think? If any of this sounds insensitive, I don't mean to be that way at all. I just have seen too many lives get worse instead of better as a result of affairs. I would not want you to worsen your situation or happiness.

"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." ~James 4:7

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If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

What were you doing at 4AM this morning? One of my new clients was working out before getting to the office by 6AM.

As I sat with him today, he organized a few of his bills... dropping a $24.95/month service because it was "too much" compared to a similar $15.95 service. Cancelled a $12.99/month service because it was redundant. Made a note to himself to check again after six months to make sure he was getting what he's paying for.

Another small matter came up. He picked up the phone and dealt with it. No post-it notes. No reminders. Problem in. Problem addressed.

As I sat there during our meeting watching him handle a few other matters, I'm humbled. His lunch is brought in. Coke Zero. A single veggie wrap with some fresh tomatoes on the side.

Another meeting was kicking off as I left. I walked in just as he was wrapping up another. He'll be at work until probably 8PM. Regular day. One of his kids and grandchildren stopped by the office to say hello. They were waiting for his next meeting to wrap up before spending a little time with grandpa before he gets back to work. Still a lot of sunlight left in the day.

I left his office needing a little bit of paperwork from him. It was all in my inbox before I got out of traffic.

I swear there is not a single lazy, procrastinating bone in this man's body! I stand amazed and inspired to be more focused and professional in my own right... While many others will spend several hours a day complaining about him... Maybe in the afternoon. 4AM is too early to get up! He's in the 1%. Surely he hasn't earned any of his money or status?

My only point is this.  I'm not deifying anyone.  I admire people who make the most of their opportunities for sure.  However, most people have a lot of work, diligence and vision left to manifest in their own lives before they have room to complain about the successes of other people.  If you think about this for your own life, you know it's true.

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"Diary of a Cheating Woman"

Watching "Diary of a Cheating Woman", a so-called documentary about the rise of women committing adultery. I have not been so embarrassed for us in a long time.  Kind of sad really.  I guess the premise is to laugh and joke about how it's okay to cheat if the guy isn't a good enough man for you - whether he was unfaithful or not.  Set aside the fact that paying back evil for evil is against everything the Word of God stands for.  Celebrating those who sin is the worst kind of sin.  I am forever ashamed for every person involved in this project.

"Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it." ~1 Peter 3:9

"Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable." ~Romans 12:17

"See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people." ~1 Thessalonians 5:15

To be fair, it wasn't only about the women.  There were a number of men interviewed who said they were prompted to commit adultery because of their own trust issues and/or because they learned their wives or girlfriends were already cheating.

Why am I writing about this?  Research.  These kinds of things help me understand where people are and how they think.  Also, I know for a fact that a number of my readers are dealing with these kinds of issues daily and haven't understood what the Bible has to say about these matters of the heart.  If you are okay with any of this, you need to check your heart and repent.  You are broken.

I need to wash my eyes out now.  Or maybe my ears.

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Walking the Line.

I finally watched "Walk the Line" (the Johnny Cash story) a couple of weeks ago and it's been in my mind heavily since.  I know for a fact a couple of my friends are probably tired of hearing me talk about it!  Sorry, folks.  Just from an acting point of view, Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon owned it.  They completely owned those roles... learning how to play the instruments, singing their own songs to the point of mirroring The Man in Black and his wife nearly perfectly!  Wow!

Still... that's not what has stuck with me for two weeks.

Single people always talk about wanting to have that man or woman who has it all together.  All the time.  Yet, in real life, there seems to be an element of "rescuing" that happens with most couples that really make it. Cash was at his lowest point when June Carter finally agreed to marry him.  She'd already failed in two previous marriages and had children from both of them.  He had been successful, but was broke, drug-addicted and teetering on the edge of being forgotten.  She had grown up in a prominent family within country music but was now the outcast... the "whore" who couldn't make it work with good men.

They were both damaged goods in the eyes of many.  Maybe even in their own eyes?  But a funny thing happens when two people can both graduate to the point of realizing they need each other.  True partnership.  Thirty-five years marriage.  Old hurts forgotten.  Legacies forged.  It's a beautiful thing.

Also consider this...and I'll talk about it more another day... it's the original voices that we remember.  Unique voices are heard.  Copies are largely ignored.  Johnny Cash was an original.

The moral of the story today: don't be so afraid to need people.

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"No more buried talents."

You ever get your hands on an article that really makes you think differently?  I ran across this one talking about how every company needs a mantra.  It hit home with me in a strange way.  Meaning I actually thought about it for two or three days before I came up with mine.  Very different from the all-too-common "I already know that" response I cop when I pick up stuff like this.

But I'd been thinking anyway...  back when I was reading Inc., Fast Company and Success more often I seemed to remember doing a little better in business.  Hmmm....

Anyway...

I've found mine.  "No more buried talents." in case you've not put it together yet.  That captures my heart, my spirit and my mission for me and (most importantly) for you!  It motivates me.  It charges me.  It helps people connect to what I'm about quickly. with Live BIG! Die Empty and this "Experts' Edition" too.  Do you have one?  Maybe you should think about this a little bit?  I hope you will!

No more buried talents!  Let's do this!  Do what?  You already know!  Digging them up and putting them to work is the key to your true prosperity and I want you to have everything that's due you!

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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The Lolo Lesson and the Teachings of Tebow

Lolo Jones has haters now.  Some of her teammates.  Some of the media.  Random people.  Maybe even you?  Her teammates in particular are upset that she gets television interviews, endorsement deals probably in the millions and the love and adoration of fans worldwide... and doesn't have the gold to show for it.  In fact, in the London 2012 100M hurdles - the event for which she is "famous" she didn't even medal.  She came in fourth place.

Somebody called her "the Anna Kournikova of track" - no wins, just hype.  Or the Tim Tebow of track... no accomplishments, just her virginity.

But one thing you'll notice is that nobody knows her critics by name.  I could look them up, but I won't.  Who cares?  Even in victory on the track, they are losing in public relations and at the bank.  Lolo has left them all in the dust and I LOVE HER FOR IT!  Because, at the end of the day, that's the Lolo Lesson for you and your business.  No matter what you do, don't be so freaking boring!  Have a story and share it!  Be more transparent, more authentically YOU and more people will be attracted to you.


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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Too Many Buried Talents?

One of my favorite passages of all time is the Parable of the Talents. Period. Point blank. It's incomparable in my mind because it contains so much wisdom to help us live our lives on purpose, with passion, productively and profitably! No doubt. I love it!

(Horrible image above, huh?  That guy even looks lazy!)

We were studying it in Bible Study last night and a few things jumped in my spirit that I wanted to share today. I'd blogged on this before, too, in a post called "Do You Even Matter?" but faith comes by hearing... not by once having heard!

As we were talking about it, I began to realize that I'd slipped into a pattern of burying my talents.  Check out Matthew 25:14-30 and let it speak to you.  I know for a fact that I'm the guy with five talents.  Forgive me if you perceive that as arrogance.  To me, it's truth.  I am not taking pride in that statement, however, because it's just as true that I've been too often acting like the steward with one talent.

No more.  Today is a new day!

How much talent do you have buried in the ground?  Time to dig them up and put them to work!  Are you hesitating because you don't think you have anything to work with?  False!  Everyone got something - even you.  Chances are you have more going for you than you realize.  Take an assessment today.  Look at what you have instead of focusing on what you lack and get to work!  Your true prosperity comes after giving the Master a return on the investment He's made into you!

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