So you're not different (story #1)

I was in the market for a Macbook Pro and because I know that Apple has a very tight rein on the prices for their products the decision as to who I was going to buy the computer from was going to come down to something other than price.  I looked on-line and knew I could get one through Apple.com but I would rather spend my money locally, even if it was going to be a chain store.  So I went to Best Buy to see their fancy display of all things Apple.  A very helpful guy came out and showed me how the Magic Mouse works since I asked about it.  But then came trouble.

Q. "I can buy this computer at a lot of places.  Why should I buy it here?" 
A. "We have an amazing Geek Squad warranty program.  If it breaks we'll fix or replace it.  If you drop it in a lake or bring the computer in with a shovel that's not covered,  but usually we'll cover most issues."  That Geek Squad insurance is supposed to replace the Apple Care program.  Problem is, the Geek Squad insurance is $399.99.  Apple Care is $249.  Here's an example of why the Geek Squad insurance stinks - Geek Squad insurance FAIL .  The issue wasn't the cost of the policy as much as it was that this guy's answer as to why I should buy it there was "in case it breaks, we'll fix it.  Unless you drop it in a lake or carry it into the store with a shovel."

Andy's sarcastic brain: So what if I drop it in a pond?  How much water can I dip my computer in?  And about the shovel...if I bring it in a wheel barrow will I get coverage?

Lessons to apply to your business:
1. If you have a warranty make it clear so you or your staff can explain it well to the customer.
2. If you have a warranty then cover what people buy from you.  Angry people talk more than happy people.
3. If you can't communicate why I should buy something from you then I'm not likely to buy from you...ever.
4. It's not always about price and when you know it's not about price (Best Buy, Apple.com and my local Apple store = same price) then you should have something that separates you from the competition. 

So I bought the computer at my local Apple licensed store and I'm glad I did.  Those guys love Apple and if I need help I can go to them anytime I need to.  I think they're working on a t-shirt or Apple jacket for me too.  Yeah, I'm a total fanboy.

The big question: So what makes YOUR business different, better, unique, appealing...you get the idea. Got an answer? Care to share it?

Posted via email from Thoughts that matter...

Divorce, home schooling and blog posts

There are a million reasons that you could succeed if you wanted to.  But there are probably more reasons why you likely won't succeed. 

Question: Do you expect success?

Today I was confronted with the knowledge of a dear friend who filed for divorce because their spouse declared that they had a mistress (and no remorse).  This friend is trying to succeed.  They're trying to be a great parent, to raise a wonderful child so they could become a wonderful adult.  They're trying to run a business because they believe in their product and are good at what they do.  Still, the reasons for failure come knocking.  There are a mission reasons you could succeed but will you?

Question: Are you looking at reasons for failure right now or reasons for success?

Today I was confronted with a friend who is taking on the awesome responsibility of home schooling their child.  Their child is rebelling against it because well, it's a child.  I don't care if it's Harvard or your kitchen table, some kids just don't like school.  My friend is fighting the battle to do what they're called to do and do it with excellence and they're running into resistance doing it.  There are a mission reasons you could succeed but will you?

Question: If you're being challenged in an area right now is that a good thing?

Today I was confronted with the fact that I have not been communicating consistently via my different communication channels I have set up (Facebook, Twitter, several blogs, an eNewsletter etc.).  I have failed to be what I tell others to be...consistent.  I am going to find success and so will my friends who are enduring their rocky journeys right now.  They know that there are more reasons for them to fail then succeed in their relationships but they aren't the type of people that focus on the reasons why people don't succeed.  They focus on reasons FOR success and emulate them.

Question: What do you need to admit that you've been failing in?  Mine is communication.

I've been making a lot of changes in my business structure recently and I'm very excited about them.  I'm ignoring the reasons that failure may come.  I'm choosing success.  Did you know you could choose?

Question: What's it gonna be? Choose.

Posted via email from Thoughts that matter...

Now taking requests for tutorials

Everyone seems to want to have things "perfect" before they let people sit down at their dinner table, ride in their car or visit their web page.  Well, I'm different.  I'm in the process of building a new site called www.TraubTutorials.com.  If you go there now you'll notice it's pretty bland...like it's not finished.  Because it's not.

Instead of waiting for perfect I'm going to tell you go there now and request a tutorial by hitting the BIG RED BUTTON on the side bar.  You can request any sort of tutorial you want and chances are I can make it for you...for free.  How will you make money doing things for free Andy?  Well, I've got that figured out in my head and on paper so for now just ask me for free help and I'll give it to you. 

No one who is alive is perfect so I'm not afraid to show you what it looks like to build a page.  It'll be sweet when I'm done but now it looks pretty naked.  I'm not afraid to show you that so welcome to the real web, where things take time to grow, develop, become effective, become profitable and get noticed.  All great things take time so thanks for taking the time to visit the site (www.TraubTutorials.com) and letting me know what I can help you with. 

Posted via email from Thoughts that matter...

Tungle Rocks Reason #8 - Tungle Keeps Track

Posted via web from Thoughts that matter...

Tungle Rocks Reason #7 - Tungle Keeps it Short

Posted via web from Thoughts that matter...

All of Seth Godin's ebooks in one place

This guy put a lot of work into compiling this information.  You should probably read 90% of these books if you are in marketing, own a business, want to understand human nature, work in ministry, want to lead people...or you use oxygen on a regular basis. 

Here's the page - All Seth Godin's ebooks (they're all free)

Credit: Shuaism.com

Happy reading....

- Andy

Posted via email from Thoughts that matter...

Netflix didn't see this coming...and it's too late for Blockbuster (sorry)

The future of movie rentals is Redbox for SEVERAL reasons.
(Netflix won't die, but only b/c streaming video into our living room will become their main distribution channel)

1. Fees – No late fees, just easy to understand charges per day.
2. Internet based system – you can reserve your movie b4 you pick it up by going to the on-line store and you’re GUARANTEED to have your move waiting for you.
3. Payment process – they already have your payment info so it very quick and easy to pay for your purchases
4. Location(S) – I put a big S because there are 6 Redboxes in my not very big community. The fact that they all talk to each other makes me very happy. People hate that stores don’t let you return movies to other locations.
5. Convenience – 24 hours a day, usually very close to a parking spot – That’s huge!
6. Selection – They have great movies
7. Web site – their web site is easy to navigate and they add value when you visit by giving good reviews from honest reviewers instead of just trying to sell me a movie.
8. Smart – they send me txt msgs and emails to remind me of new releases and give me free movie coupons. The first night is free of course…I fall for it all the time.
9. Red – Firetrucks anyone? They stand out b/c of their color
10. Function – They actually work – the layout/ interface of the machine is VERY simple and easy to use.
11. Advertising – I’ve never seen an ad for Redbox – they put their machines in the right locations (sounds like real estate 101 to me) and that is their advertising.
12. Packaging – Their system for packaging the movies is slick. They cut past the advertising and give me a package that works (and if I lose the packaging then I can buy a new one for $1 AT the machine so I can stillr return my movie.
13. Waiting – I don’t wait for movies I want. I don’t have to pay $9 a month to get them mailed to me and wait 2 days, I can get on-line and pick it up at locations I’m going to be at anyway! I reserve all my movies ahead of time on-line so I ofter cut the line after telling everyone “I reserved mine on-line so it’ll take me 30 seconds for my movie to pop out, can I cut?” And they’re so grateful that I told them that you can reserve movies on-line that I don’t have to wait in line 99% of the time. Lastly, they do get movies fairly quickly so you don’t have to wait that long to get the new releases.

And that’s why the future of DVD rental is Redbox – Sorry stores…stop paying rent and trying to sell candy and buy a RedBox…

Posted via email from Thoughts that matter...