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

The Passion Of Sales......I have

The Passion Of Sales......

I have always excelled in sales. Since I was a young kid, and partnered with my childhood friend, Ken Smith to form a residential window cleaning business......sales and marketing are fun and exciting challenges. (Ken has gone on to be a highly motivated and successful entreprenuer, he founded and operated a fly fishing guide service in Aspen Colorado)....

We both knew and understood the importance of our business was our service offering, (cleaning windows) but, we also knew and comprehended that, when a prospect called us and asked us to give them a quote on the windows in their homes, WE RARELY (if ever) lost a job.

The reason for this (not losing a opportunity in its initial stages, quote) was because we had fun, brought good energy, but we also had, "passion for window cleaning."

Sounds crazy?

Have you ever cleaned a storm window, that has not been cleaned in 10 years, on a 105 degree day?

20 windows per house, 2 storms per window, 3 houses per day.

We had fun, we got tons of referrals (because we asked) but looking back on our success and profit, in those summers of our youth - I can attribute our financial gain to one ingredient.

PASSION.

We took our jobs seriously. We took the time to explain our "magic cleaning potion" that rid windows of the weather burns that most glass gets burned with when on the exterior side. (The potion was not magical, it was a high level of ammonia mixed with water)

Our special skweegees.

Our state of the art equipment, (not) but overall none of this sold Ken and I.

It was a combination of HOW we discussed these features and benefits with our prospects....and customers.

WE COMMUNICATED WITH PASSION, and CONVICTION.

Fast forward to now.

2006.

20 years later.

I have used the same positive energy and passion, to build for myself a good life, but the one consistent theme during my post-working, window cleaning life was.........

"I have always brought my sales passion to SOMEONE ELSES company, and not my own business."

Until now.

Passion is a two way street. It can be beneficial, but it can also (and has) proven to be a destructive force in certain situations.

You see, with the passion I've described, I possess a strong EMOTIONAL trait. I sell with emotion.

I have managed people on emotion.

It does not work. Its conterproductive, and works in the short term, but as a business scales, the emotion and passion MUST be replaced with, operational efficiency, and organization.

Early on, I've surrounded myself with skilled operational people. My criteria for hiring my early employees has been to look for skills and personality traits, that I'm lacking in.

I read people well, and I can help communicate effectively. But, make no mistake - a world class company will be built by me on, FAR. MORE than instinct and emotion.

I'm focused on combining my Passion for my new venture, with hiring and empowering people who have skills and tools which I lack.

My passion has made me aware of my shortcomings in regards to business....

I will continue to use positive emotion, and passion to build, recruit, and sell - the company I've created.

Instead of window cleaning, its targeting technology.

I've replaced storm windows with "linux code."

I love it, and I'm PASSIONATE about it.

Andy Sent from my BlackBerry wireless handheld.

Momentum in a Bottle......When starting

Momentum in a Bottle......

When starting a new business, I have found one of the most crucial elements, to early success, is "momentum."

There is no one next to you to push you a bit.

There is no one, as VESTED and enthused as you are in this new idea, that is about to be unleashed on the world.

Only you.

It is lonely.

But the loneliness of one's ideas, is only matched by the same feelings of, DREAMS AND EXPECTATIONS OF SUCCESS.

Success is uniquely defined.

(I plan on sharing what I view as success, as I've personally defined it for myself, in this new business)

But, my point is, without SELF MOMENTUM, very little else can be accomplished.

As an example......

I pitched less than 8 friends on this idea that I have been focused on building. The person that provided me early momentum, (and I can't thank him enough EY) was the first of my angel investors to believe in me, and say.

"You have my commitment to help you fund your first round, because I believe in you."

Or the new hire, who leaves a steady, safe and comfortable job, TO JOIN MY STARTUP....

These things provide me momentum.

They come from, the outside......but I'm adjusting and adapting at turning them into my personal motivation.....or momentum.

The momentum and positive energy of, BELIEF.

Its worth more than any amount of money. Worth more than gold.

Momentum is the key ingredient that helps a new company, and assists a good concept, evolve into a VALUE DRIVEN ORGANIZATON.....

I have many goals, and one is to make sure our work culture is all about, good momentum.

My investors, and my employees are the source of positive energy, which I have defined here as, momentum.

I cannot thank them enough.

Make sure your organization has it. If it does not, help them get it (or recapture it)

If it is a lost cause (regaining momentum) think about your place of work......make it better.

You owe it to your company.

But honestly, you owe it to yourself a lot more.

Momentum in a Bottle.......comes from many places around us all.

Recognize them, and find more people to drive your personal, MOMENTUM.

Andy Sent from my BlackBerry wireless handheld.

The Evolution of this Blog......It's

The Evolution of this Blog......

It's time to review, chart and execute the plan for, "You Aint Gonna Learn What You Don't Wanna Know."

First off, I want to thank those of you who have been reading my opinions, viewing my music.....and checking out the links that I deem important. Thank you as well, for glancing at my photography, as I especially love to post pictures that I find to be appealing.......

But now, I have the urge to chart the course for where I'd like this blog to venture.

It may be a bit different....

It may not be.....

What I do now know, is that I feel as though (right or wrong) I sold myself a bit short, as it relates to this blog that I have built.

I have relied too much on a topic that has fueled anger, and driven too much negative energy......

"The MiddleEast, and Israel's place in a troubled region, side by side with a turbulent religion, bent on world domination, and destruction of those not in compliance with Islamic Law."

The quote above, I view as a "well" to dip into intellectually. The well is deep, complex, and it is NEVER DIFFICULT to pull up a bucket full of thoughts, regarding Islam's conflict with the entire world, or Israel's struggle to live in a rough and tough neighborhood, called the Mid-East.

It is too easy.

I've cheated you.

More importantly, I've really, "sold myself short" when it comes to why I created this blog.

Thus......the EXECUTION of where I want to take, "You Aint Gonna Learn What You Don't Wanna Know."

I have started a internet technology business focused on leveraging relationships inside of, "social networks."

The name of the company is, Lotame.

Our interface is here: www.localtargetmedia.com

The name Lotame is derived from the 1st three letters of the above URL.

I am going through the process of hiring, raising money, and working through legal nuances of funding and structuring a business properly.

It is new, fun, tiring and challenging.

I have no idea if it will be nearly as successful as the previous start-up that I worked at, Advertising.com, but I am going to give it every ounce of energy in my being, to accomplish a primary goal.

"Create value for both clients, and shareholders, and hire the best people who want to work hard, play hard, and have fun."

I want this blog to evolve into my experiences of being a "first time entreprenuer" and anonomous experiences encountered during this process, of building Lotame into a world class technology company.

Emphasis on ANONIMITY. No names will be attached....but I would like a forum to share "non-confidential" interactions.

There is plenty to write about thus far....egos, challenges, relationships, missed expectations, celebration and dissapointment.......

This is part of the course I'd like to chart moving forward.....

You will still see the occasional post on Israel. If Israel is the reason you visit this blog, please shoot me a email. I send out a weekly (sometimes bi-weekly email) with updates, links and stories on Israel that I feel are important.

Israel and her challenges will still be posted on this blog, BUT FAR LESS IN FREQUENCY......

Starting a business, stories I experienced, challenges - wins and losses will be the force of my blog post and "keyboard driven energy", moving forward.

Music, tid-bits, and photos will be on the docket as well.

I appreciate your reading my blog. The traffic here has steadily grown, and I'm beyond thankful.........

"You Aint Gonna Learn What You Don't Want To Know....."

Its true, and right here it is evolving into Stage Two, of blogging evolution.

Stay tuned to new flavors, new ingredients.....pulled up from, MY CREATIVE WELL OF THOUGHTS AND IDEAS.

I owe it to me, and to you.

Did I ever tell you that I miss, Jerry Garcia?

I do.

Thanks, and rock on.

Andy (Posted from a white chair near the beach in Cape Cod, while pondering life and all its crazy twists and turns)

AM

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless handheld.

July 4, 1989 Rich Stadium,

July 4, 1989 Rich Stadium, Buffalo NY

Great Night....Great few weeks in the summer of 89', that included a run of Dead shows across the east coast - and into the Indiana and Wisconsin. It ended with a trip to Alpine Valley, WI. in a VW bus. I attended this run of shows happily with Steve L., and my friend who is getting married ... ZOLE. Many heart congrats to Andy F. for getting hitched.....

Here is the encore from a GREAT NIGHT IN BUFFALO. (click on the arrow to begin...turn it up)

Grateful Dead: Knickerbocker Arena, Albany NY 3/24/90 set 1

Grateful Dead: Knickerbocker Arena, Albany NY 3/24/90 set 1

You can sit back and listen to this great show from 1990 in Albany, NY...(a good run that I attended..)

Turn it up, and leave in the background while on your computer, for some GREAT listening music. (click arrow below and enjoy)...

Grateful Dead: Knickerbocker Arena, Albany NY 3/24/90 set 1

How To Negotiate With Terrorists.....

How To Negotiate With Terrorists.....

Hat Tip: ATLAS

How To Negotiate With Terrorists
This brief blog entry takes you through a series of negotiations over time between peacemakers and terrorists:

A peacemaker walks up to the left side of a line. A terrorist walks up to the right side of the line. The peacemaker introduces himself. The terrorist kills him.

A peacemaker walks up to the left side of the line. A terrorist walks up to the right side of the line. The peacemaker asks, "why did you kill my friend?" The terrorist kills him and rapes his wife.

A peacemaker walks up to the left side of the line. A terrorist walks up to the right side of the line. The peacemaker says, "Stop that!" The terrorist kills him, rapes his daughter and kills his wife.

A peacemaker walks up to the left side of the line. A terrorist walks up to the right side of the line. The peacemaker says, "I'll pay you $1000 if you stop attacking us." The terrorist agrees to the deal, takes the $1000, and kills him.

A peacemaker walks up to the left side of the line. A terrorist walks up to the right side of the line. The peacemaker appeals to the United Nations. The United Nations says the peacemaker is at fault. The terrorist kills him.

A peacemaker walks up to the left side of the line. A terrorist walks up to the right side of the line. The peacemaker now has a gun, and threatens to use it. Other peacemakers start chanting the old 60's whine, "Can't we all just get along?" The peacemaker hesitates. The terrorist kills him.

A peacemaker walks up to the left side of the line. A terrorist walks up to the right side of the line. The peacemaker tries to convince his peacemaker friends that the terrorists aren't going to respond to negotiations, but they insist that if he kills the terrorist it'll just make the other terrorists mad. The peacemaker reluctantly agrees to try negotiating again. The terrorist kills him., his entire family, and his neighbor's family.

A heated debate now ensues between the peacemakers who want to be nice to the terrorists and the peacemakers who believe that there can never be peace until the terrorists are all dead. While they are debating, the terrorists kill 15 more peacemakers.

A peacemaker walks up to the left side of the line. A terrorist walks up to the right side of the line. The peacemaker asks himself, "Which is more important: being liked by everyone, or protecting my family?" The terrorist pulls a knife to kill the peacemaker, but the peacemaker pulls a gun and kills the terrorist first. The United Nations condemns the peacemaker's use of unproportional force. Many of his peacemaker friends turn against him.

A peacemaker walks up to the left side of the line. A terrorist walks up to the right side of the line. The peacemaker apologizes for what his friend did to the other terrorist. The terrorist kills him, his entire family and his neighbors, and threatens to destroy the city as soon as they develop a bigger weapon.

A peacemaker refuses to meet at the line because every time a peacemaker goes to the line the terrorist kills him. A terrorist walks up to the right side of the line and fires rockets into the peacemaker's town. The United Nations condemns the way the peacemaker provoked the terrorist by refusing to come to the line and meet with him.

Generations pass and not much changes until one day when the son of a peacemaker decides that the old strategy simply won't work. He walks up to the left side of the line a little early. As the terrorist approaches the right side of the line the peacemaker shoots him. Another terrorist approaches to replace the first, and the peacemaker shoots him too. This scene plays out several more times. Then a terrorist approaches carrying a white flag, but he also has weapons. The peacemaker shoots him. A terrorist next approaches with a ceasefire resolution from the U.N. The peacemaker shoots him also. A large group of terrorists approach and the peacemaker shoots them all and drops a nuclear bomb on the city they came from. The peacemaker continues killing the terrorists until the terrorists are all dead.

There is finally peace on earth and the United Nations takes the credit.

Jerry Garcia Interview...... Purely Classic.

Jerry Garcia Interview......

Purely Classic.

Click on the arrow, smile, and turn up the volume.

Then...
1-26-93 Ramble On Rose - Oakland, CA.

Friday Pictures..... Last Day of

Friday Pictures..... Last Day of Camp for Camryn and Dylan. August Images....(click to enlarge)

Jerry Garcia's favorite Guitarist....... Steve

Jerry Garcia's favorite Guitarist.......

Steve Kimock.

One of my favorite ALL-Time musicians.

Click on arrow below, turn up the sound -- and listen.
This is from 4-3-99, Great American Music Hall.
The band is KVHW. Enjoy.

Syria is forming it's OWN

Syria is forming it's OWN Terror fighting force... In order to fight Israel, and wage war for the Golan Heights... This can be directly attributed to the failure of PM. Ehud Olmert. He has made the IDF look weak, which they are NOT. But he has brought more war, more deaths, and less safety to the people of Israel and Jews worldwide. This is just the beginning....

Syria to form its own Hizbullah

Baath party official: Lebanon war proves 'resistance' against Israel works
Aaron Klein, WND

On the heels of what it views as a Hizbullah victory against the Jewish state, Syria is forming its own Hizbullah-like guerilla organization to fight Israel in hopes of "liberating" the Golan Heights, an official from Syrian President Bashar Assad's Ba'ath party told WorldNetDaily yesterday.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Syria learned from Hizbullah's military campaign against Israel the past month that "fighting" is more effective than peace negotiations with regard to gaining territory.

He said Syria's new guerilla force would be trained by Hizbullah leaders.

"Syria is very serious about establishing this new guerilla force," the official said.

Hizbullah claims its goal is to liberate the Shebaa Farms, a small, 200-square-kilometer bloc situated between Syria, Lebanon and Israel. The Farms is the last post held by Israel after its withdrawal in 2000 from positions it took along the Lebanese border.

Most western analysts agree Hizbullah uses the pretext of the Shebaa Farms to maintain its weapons to start conflicts with the Jewish state. Hizbullah is sponsored by Syria and Iran.

The ceasefire resolution accepted by Israel earlier this week calls for negotiations leading to Israel's relinquishing of the Shebaa Farms.