YOU AIN'T GONNA LEARN WHAT YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW

The Tradeoff of Advanced Technology,

The Tradeoff of Advanced Technology, vs. Content*

I have been a collector of DVD's since they came out.
A very specific kind of DVD, NOT MOVIES -- but,...LIVE concerts DVD's. Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond, Crosby Stills and Nash...to Jimi Hendrix, to 25 other bands--..my weakness is LIVE CONCERT DVD's.

I own literally hundreds of them. I'm a sucker for LIVE music.

When I go to a a record store, I look for rare imports of DVD's. On EBAY, I look for rare concert DVD's.

Something happened this past week, that hit me like a freight train.

I bought the most amazing DVD I have ever purchased. I've bought many lame DVD's, so I was due)

It is called "L.A.Blues", by the Rolling Stones...(I'll provide the link at the end of this post, in case you are interested.)

It's a concert from July 11, 1975 at the LA Forum.

It is a 3 camera production of the GREATEST Rock N' Roll Band, on a GREAT NIGHT, captured on film. It's 26 songs and visuals of simply amazing content. (pro-shot)

Keith, Mick and Charley, in their early 30's....with, Ron Wood, who JUST joined the band, prior to this tour.

The content is THE BEST of all my Stones DVD's I own, including all of their official releases..BY FAR. I can't stop watching it.

So, I'm on the couch, watching it last night, (volume up) and my loving wife says, "This is horrible, the picture quality is horrific, making it unwatchable, and the sound is pathetic, you like this?"

And, it hit me.

She is right, the way it was filmed in 1975 - and the fact that it is a BOOTLEG, has meant that the quality is poor, at best.

But, you know what - it has the GREATEST content I have ever witnessed on a DVD.

Does Technology own the content of the future?

Will future generations ONLY EVER get a chance to see, and witness things recorded in "High Definition" or HD quality - or some other futuristic format?

Will incredible content, NEVER GET SEEN, because it was recorded BEFORE TECHNOLOGY advances?

With IPODS....Home Theaters....and, new gadgets coming out, will anyone want to hear my AUDIENCE COPIES of bootlegs from the Grateful Dead? (Meaning, someone who recorded a DEAD show, with a microphone and was NOT plugged into the soundboard...)
Will, technology render them useless, and nothing more than garbage, to future generations, even though the content is TOPS?

Will old content NEVER GET A CHANCE, to become someone in the future's, favorite musical choice?

Those Grateful Dead Audience tapes that I own, have energy and feeling...that no SoundBoard recording, can ever capture.

This 1975 Rolling Stones DVD, with incredible footage, and mind blowing performances by the members of the Rolling Stones....will NEVER get the respect it deserves, because it is grainy, poor quality -- and a C+ in terms of audio...

But, to me it's priceless. It's worth it's weight in gold.

Here is the AMAZON link for the product, although I just noticed it's not for sale anymore..(read another buyers comments in the comments section of the link.) If you are interested, contact me, either in comments or whatever, and I'll provide the seller's email address) -- here is the AMAZON LINK For The Rolling Stones LA BLUES.

Content is king...no matter the quality....and that's my motto.

I've figured out that technology, with all it's advances, is still SECOND to me. I'll take grainy recordings, poor audio, and old time formats, to stay in my life - to provide a link - to HIGH QUALITY.

But, I'm afraid content may be losing out to technology.

Time for some 8 Track's Cartridges, to make a personal reappearance...

Content #1, Technology #2.

Heroes (Part One) Many of

Heroes (Part One)

Many of us in the past have had "unlikely heroes", in our path through life. Someone, who touched us, provided guidance, became an inspiration, and acted as a role model -- but, most of all did it purely because the person was special, and quite often NEVER EVER KNEW that they were acting as a role model.

This is especially true for young people.

I attended a private school in Princeton NJ, The Hun School of Princeton. A terrific school, both boarding and day students...with a wonderful, outgoing group of teachers, engaged students, and a "close knit" environment, due to the small student body. (I think there were 120 students in my class)

My first year of the school, I was a bit rebellious (and one of the reason's my family sent me, thinking that the public school was not "grasping me", or I was not grasping it?) -- and, I had a VERY UNLIKELY HERO HELP ME.

It started in the 9th grade and continued.

He counseled me, gave advice, sat down with me...talked about family, (my parents were going through a divorce) -- helped me BEYOND WORDS. He would take the time out of his day, to spend TIME with me. He helped me talk about what I was going through. He listened....

We washed his car, between the ending of the school day, and the beginning of football practice...(ahh, how he kept his 10 yr old car shiny, and to this day - he taught me the VALUE, and glean of Armor All)....

He would stand on the hill,(overlooking the fields) and watch our football games, or in the gym watch our basketball games/practice -- and offer his insight, and take on what he saw.

We talked, but he never preached. He listened, and gently prodded me into coming up with my own answers. He frequently would say -- when I would say something off the wall, yell out --

"AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW Andy, Cmon Now....."

He was a bit overweight, for his 5 ft frame, his Red "H" Cap that he wore EVERY SINGLE DAY.

He loved life. He loved his job. And, at nearly 60 years old in 1982, he loved being around kids.

He was the janitor/custodian in our gymnasium. He kept it clean, and he went to work everyday with what I believe 2 missions statements in his mind.

1) Do a great job at keeping our school gymnasium, locker room and areas completely clean.

2) Be a role model for these kids, as a janitor.

"Jake, it worked. You have taught me well, and I've taken your values, teaching, and inspiration, (along with your work ethic to like what I'm doing) to help other's with me through my life."

Jake has been dead for over 10 years. He worked at the school for many decades, and inspired many. But, as a custodian, in a private school - he taught what no curriculum, school, books, or plan, could possibly impart on their students.

"Jake, it stuck with me....and YOU have made me a better person."

25 years later, I think I understand what made him a role model.
Jimmy Buffett' song,

"It's My Job.."

In the middle of late last night I was sittin' on a curb
I didn't know what about, but I was feelin' quite disturbed
A street sweeper came whistlin' by, he was bouncin' every step
It seemed strange how good he felt, so I asked him while he swept

He said, "It's my job to be cleaning up this mess
And that's enough reason to go for me
It's my job to be better than the rest
And that makes a day for me."

I'd like to post a pitcure of Jake, but, I don't have one.

Unlikely Heroes, come in all shapes, sizes and forms...when they cross our path...and often times we don't even know they were our heroes till we can sit back and take inventory of our life.

Thanks Mr. Jake...

Top 50 Internet Advertisers... I

Top 50 Internet Advertisers...

I did a exercise today in front of a group of people...

I tried to explain the "evolution of internet marketing..."

In terms of spending advertising dollars online. We talked about online advertisers, their objectives, and goals, and how they measure success -- as well as the web "channel" as a whole.

What I found by looking at data, based on media dollars spent online, was insightful and compelling.

First off, I want you to imagine that 10 years after the invention of television - (say, 1954) how the "advertising model", was still evolving on a variety of different levels. There was no rate card. There was no set metrics. There was no reach and frequency levels. There was no independent 3rd party to measure brand interaction, for companies like, P&G.

There were MAJOR issues for TV advertisers in 1954. (in terms of committing dollars to this new medium called TV)
Some of these were, but not limited to:

* amount of audience and their composition
* strength of TV signal (no cable)
* Correct Audience?
* Any reliable reporting or success metric?

The Advertiser's tackled the above issues, and challenges by doing---

SPONSORSHIPS.

TV started with advertiser's, SPONSORING content.

We have evolved a great deal from those early days -- but maybe, it's not so different and unique after all.

I looked at a list today. A CLICKZ list from Dec 2005.

It was the TOP 50 interactive ADVERTISERS. Click HERE for the list (Dec 2005)

This list is the companies that spend the most advertising online, by rank, from 1-50 in Dec 2005.....

What amazes me, is how much the names on this list have changed since I got into the Internet Advertising business in 1999. The list is much better in 2005,(than it was in 1999) but we, in the web advertising business, still have a long way to go.

In 1999, the dollar amounts, and the companies advertising online were radically different. There were lots of dot.com companies spending advertising dollars online, back in 1999, and lots of VC backed companies, pouring unrealistic money into online businesses. These dot.com businesses, were looking for something unrealistic in terms of success. The dot.com compnaies, by in large, wanted -- quick recognition, and branding, as well as customers, all within a short period of time.

In 2001 (the bursting the of the dot.com bubble).... the TOP 50 Advertiser list was radically different than it is today.

Once again THE TOP 50 LIST in Dec 2005

How many companies that were on the 2000 or 2001, TOP 50 Internet Advertising list --do you think survived to show up on the TOP 50 list in 2005....?

How many companies in 1954, that were spending Advertising dollars on TV, continued through 1959?

I BET ALL of them.

Can you imagine what this list will be comprised of in 5 or 10 years? What the TOP 50 Internet Advertiser list, will look like, in 2016?

I'm judging the DIFFERENCE in both brand names, and growth in dollars spent, based on the radical change in the list from 2001....

Did TV Advertising change this much in the 5-6 years between 1954 and 1959?

The evolution is in full swing, as more brand advertising, and LESS direct response, starts to find it's way in the Top 50 in the coming years....

Another reason to understand, and process, why the web Advertising Business is here to stay, and will continue to grow at rates that exceed nearly any other business.

Rupert Murdoch I've never been

Rupert Murdoch

I've never been a huge fan of Rupert Murdoch.

But, I'm moving slightly in his direction when I read --

Stories like THIS. Click here

A brief quote from his speech:

"Societies or companies that expect a glorious past to shield them from the forces of change driven by advancing technology will fail and fall," he warned. "That applies as much to my own, the media industry, as to every other business on the planet." Two hundred liverymen and freemen of the trade guild were joined by family and friends who then dined in Stationers' Hall, a Grade 1 listed building near St Paul's Cathedral in London.

He had some words of hope for his industry peers buffeted by declining circulations, free titles and the internet. "I believe traditional newspapers have many years of life but, equally, I think in the future that newsprint and ink will be just one of many channels to our readers," he said, predicting a future in which "media becomes like fast food" with consumers watching news, sport and film clips as they travel, on mobile phones or handheld wireless devices."

Walking Away .... One of

Walking Away ....

One of the most important attributes of leaders that I have witnessed first hand, is the, ability to "walk away...."

I had a boss in the past. He never would let a meeting end.
He would never fire a employee.....

A prospect would literally get up and leave a room, my boss would still be seated and talking - droning on and on about our product. The client was trying to escape. He did not GET IT.

He allowed, below average performance to run unabated, because, he "knew the person a long time..."

He had no clue (on a variety of different levels) - when to WALK AWAY.

The term has many different meanings, but I want to identify a few,(meanings) in the context I'm placing it.

Walking Away:

* identifying talent, and knowing when to let it flee
* identifying talent, and knowing when to cut them loose, in spite of popular feelings (and whether or not they are valued PRODUCERS, but the company would be better served without them)

* leaving a deal, for reasons OTHER than numbers, profit, or personal gain
* making a tough decision that critically impacts the organzation, but knowing it is the best long term decision, for the health of the company

* Letting someone else WIN a battle, but ALWAYS winning the war
* Understanding the "ego" in every person, and letting the bigger EGO have the appearance of always winning
* Knowing that when the "energy level" is low, it's time to move on.

* Being able to end things you know are going nowhere, QUICKLY.

* Ending relationships and deals, THE SAME WAY they were started.

The last point is crucial.

When a agreement ends, (for whatever reason) -- being a strong enough person to honestly give feedback, counsel, and insight, that would potentially help the individual that is being impacted. It is not always well recieved, but, in the very least, making oneself available is the key difference.

The point of this, is knowing when to walk away.

Successful people in business, and in life -- more often than not, make the right decisions - and time them right, in regards to walking away, FROM ANYTHING.

No one is correct all the time.

But, the key elements of the "walking away trait" involve more than skill or luck. They involve a trait no one talks about.

Sales.

People don't want to call it that, but it is.

Why?

Because, a good salesperson understands his audience/prospects/clients and employees BETTER than anyone else. And, based on that - they make good "walking away" decisions more often than others.

It's a SALES trait.

The leaders don't have to be in sales, but they are GREAT salespeople.

The ability to empathize, and understand a situation, personality, or problem -- and putting it in the context of -- "what will the timing of this to do to affect me, if I walk away or not..."

Leaders that have this attribute stand out. They make choices that are right more than 50% of the time.....and, when it comes to walking away, it's the Leaders of a company that really UNDERSTAND and COMPREHEND sales that make the right correct decisions...in regards to walking away.

My point?

It's better to have a leader who respects, understands, and can sell....than one who does not.

Internet Data and Advertising Online...

Internet Data and Advertising Online...

I've been bullish on the concept, created by Seth Goldstein -- called Root.net.

Root's site is HERE.

Well, a writer for the NY Post wrote a piece about them...

I believe this is a HUGE part of the future of Advertising, both online..and whatever the future brings.

Here is the story in the NY POST.

Good quote.." March 10, 2006 -- An Internet start-up is betting that spam-besieged Web surfers would be willing to trade some personal information for e-mail ads they'd actually be interested in.
Start-up firm Root Markets is developing an Internet exchange that would connect consumers and advertisers.

The first step is a new service, called Vaults, that lets users store their own Internet usage and share it with others."

Watch this company, a great concept coupled with a CLEAR MESSAGE - will create tremendous value, for both consumers and advertisers alike...

This is Bravery... Wafa Sultan,

This is Bravery...

Wafa Sultan, (Arab American Woman) goes on the most watched TV network in the world,
Al-Jazeera.

She talks about Muslims, and their interactions with the rest of the world.

Short read, but a MUST.

Click HERE.

Growing up in East Brunswick,

Growing up in East Brunswick, NJ - we were pretty much "wedged" in between New York City, and Philadelphia.

It was nearly equidistant to go to both major cities.

In the 70's, that meant a WIN for a little kid, in terms of Television watching, and programming.

Why?

Because, we got BOTH New York TV stations, as well as Philadelphia.

I got to watch Channel 6 News in Philly, and then - Roger Grimsby on Ch. 7 in NYC.

I also got to watch DOUBLE sports. Phillies, Mets, Flyers, 76'ers, Knicks, and Islanders, Eagles, Giants and Jets...(2 cities sports teams)

How many kids in the country on a daily basis could choose (before satellite TV, remember the was the late 1970's) - - the amount of sports by different teams, on a nightly basis......by sports/by team?

It was surreal.

I knew it was great, when I went to my grandparents house, who lived a few towns away..when I said, "what do you mean I can't watch the Phillies, you don't get WPHL (the Phillies Station) here?"

Prodding and guidance by my Dad, and the fact that the Phillies broadcast into my house on a nightly basis, made me a Philadelphia Phillies fan.

I'm probably the only guy who likes both the Mets and Phillies, as they are in the same division and compete with each other...that's not suppose to occur, a kid liking teams considered, "enemies."

One of the best aspects of having BOTH sports teams (NYC and Philly)-- was that as a avid sports fan, I got to see GREATNESS displayed daily.

Steve Carlton, Mike Schmidt, Larry Bowa, Stevie Henderson, Willie Montanez, Tug McGraw,Ron Reed, Felix Millian, John Milner, Craig Swan...these were my SPORTS HERO's growing up...

2 cities, multiple hero's.

But, to this day one guy stands out.

He was NOT a hero, he was a role player.

A utility infielder.

He came in to pitch run, pitch hit, and play once a week at second base...(giving Dave Cash a rest)...

He was never great, he was average. (in a baseball context)

His name is Terry Harmon.

But, he made a impact on me for a variety of reason.

I always marveled at, "how could a player come to the park everyday KNOWING he was not going to play, but prepare himself as though he was?"

I think about him often, to this day.

The reason I do, (think about him) is because I think of how many "Terry Harmon" type people we see in our business life?

How many people are ROLE PLAYERS, just waiting for their chance, to get off the bench, and prove their worth to their bosses, and their organization?

I've heard recently, "we need to hire good people.."

I do believe you always needs to hire good, solid people to fill jobs...

But, does your company have any Terry Harmon's?

Bet you do.

My point is, look inside...look within, ask people to step up, take more responsibility, be more of a leader -- EXPECT MORE...and you will get more, in every way.

HERE IS TERRY HARMON's LIFETIME STATS. CLICK HERE

To everyone else he was a role player, but 30 years after his retirement, he was a MVP to me.....

Thanks Mr. Harmon wherever you are, for showing me how to stay ready, prepare -- and be a "business role model" 30 years later, in regards to TAKING YOUR ROLE, no matter the size of the job, seriously.

I have no idea what Terry is doing, but I bet you he is successful.

Terry's Stats.

The Power of the Past....

The Power of the Past....

As a young child I liked to write letters to sports hero's and government officials.

Why?

I'm not sure, but from Gerald Ford, to Rod Carew...I was writing short letters to people that made a difference, TO ME.

Rarely did I get a response.

One of my highlights, was a note back from President Carter's Undersecretary of State, Hodding Carter - on his personal stationary, about a issue I was concerned about. I was 12 years old..

Another was from my Senator Bill Bradlee of NJ, handwritten on his letterhead.

These made a difference, and made a huge impression on me.

Never did I think any one of my letter's made an impression on any of the recievors.

In 1976, Jesse Owen's was getting recognition, 40 years AFTER his amazing feat in the 1936 Olympics - in Munich.

Watching Jesse Owens was simply amazing.... the old footage of his victory...a black man, in NAZI Germany.

An African American Athlete goes into Munich 1936 Olympics, Nazi Germany - in front of Hitler, and WINS gold --a sports story of unrivaled accomplishement.

So, in 1977...I wrote him a letter...

I got a call from a "high up Ohio State" educator. They were doing a big expose on one of their most famous graduates, Jesse Owens. Jesse was a real HERO, in every sense of the word. The "Jesse Owens Story" was being shown on campus, his gold medals, his prized possessions...

The Ohio State lady, told me, that one of Jesse Owens most prized possessions was, my note to him in 1977. It's in the case, under glass, next to the medals. THIS.

Click here to READ my note.

Closing The Deal.... I hate

Closing The Deal....

I hate that term.

Someone will say, "close em."
Or, "go in for the close..."

It implies sales people of all stripes, NEED TO CLOSE their prospect.

Wrong.

They need to OPEN their prospect, open them, (the prospect) to move - to WANT TO DO BUSINESS, and are willing to act upon it, and move forward with the arrangement.

I was recently at a sales meeting when someone said... " we need to close them now..."

I shuttered.

The term is universal, and as old as sales...but, it reminds me of a vision of a "old time car salesman.."

It's not the image many of us find appealing.

Don't close, OPEN.

My best relationships (and your's) in life and business, were not started, or formed, around the CLOSING of a deal, but rather, the opening of the relationship/communication/trust.

Think about it.

Our best bonds center around OPENING, not closing.

Change the mindset, and the dynamics change as well.