by Kirby Hasseman
As 2018 comes to an end, it’s an interesting time to be introspective about goals…and content. Though I am extremely pleased with the response to this daily blog, I am looking into 2019 with the idea that I might look at doing more and more video blogs…or vlogs. I have done this in the past, and response has been really good. So I am planning to up my game on the vlog in 2019. One way I am going to do this is with some new camera equipment. I talk about that in today’s vlog. You can watch that here. In addition, I want to increase my number of subscribers on Youtube. If you are interested in helping me, you can subscribe here. Oh…the other place I often put the “Day in the Life” videos are on my Facebook page. You can follow that here. So whether you like videos, podcasts, blogs or pictures…content is here to stay. My goal in 2019 is to continue to up my game…and the game of Hasseman Marketing. What is your content goal? Make sure you never miss an update. Sign up for our VIP newsletter here.
by Kirby Hasseman
I believe we are living in a “Give First Economy.” What I mean by this (and I talk about it more here) is that the best and most successful brands, salespeople, entrepreneurs, etc. provide value up front. They “give” before they go for the sale. This is great for people who want to “do business right,” because they are poised to do this anyway. They want to help. But there is one mistake that I see people make all of the time around this “give first” economy. They want to say “thank you,” but they mix it up.
Let me explain. I got a box in the mail the other day from one of our suppliers. They are a great company, and we do a decent amount of business with them. The box said it had a gift inside, so I was excited to break it open. Let’s face it, it’s always nice to get a “thank you gift.” However, when I opened the package, there was a sales flyer and samples. Don’t get me wrong. They were nice samples. They even had good information on the sales flyer. It was a quality sales piece…and it got me to open the box.
But it was NOT a thank you gift. It was a sales pitch.
I immediately felt duped. I was a disappointed. I went from being excited to being (mildly) annoyed.
It was not the most egregious mistake in the world. It’s not like I won’t forgive them. But I guarantee you it was not what they wanted me to feel (at least I hope not).
So just a quick word of advice for Succeeding in the Give First Economy; don’t mix up appreciation and sales. If you want to say “thank you,” then just do that. Show the appreciation. Be sincere. Give first. Don’t work in a sales pitch. You are smart enough to see through that…and so are your customers and prospects. It takes away from the original intent. It also decreases the likelihood that I open the next package.
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by Kirby Hasseman
For me, Christmas day is a day of thankfulness. Not only am I thankful for the time with family, but I am also thankful for you. Those of you that take the time to read this (occasionally or regularly), I really do appreciate it. It’s a noisy world out there today. So if any of my content breaks through and provides you value…that brings me a great amount of joy. So Happy Holidays. Merry Christmas. And thank you. Make sure you never miss an update. You can ensure you get each update by signing up to be a part of the VIP list here.
by Kirby Hasseman
Today is Christmas Eve. So many people are busy with last minute plans, heading to parties, going to church, making food, and running to the store to buy that one last minute gift. It’s a busy day. But remember this. Today is a great day. Today is a great day to Be Kind. Today is a great day start something new. Today is a great day to Spread Joy. Today is a great day to make someone smile. Today is a great day to give generously. Today is a great day to give a hug. Today is a great day to be better than you have been. Remember, the best day to plant an Apple Tree is 40 years ago. The next best day is today. Today is a great day. Make it so. Thanks for reading and engaging. If you want to make sure you never miss an update, sign up for the VIP list here.
by Kirby Hasseman
No matter who you are. No matter what your idea is. It doesn’t matter how nice you are (I mean it helps, but it won’t stop it). When you are working to create something new, or push the boundaries of anything, there will be haters. This can be an extremely difficult concept to get when you are a people pleaser. It’s taken me a long time to understand (I talk about that here, when I came to the conclusion that I am NOT for everybody). And here’s the thing, even though I understand it, I still struggle with it in reality. When I am passionate about an idea or a concept, I want everyone else to be as well. But not everyone will be. I was reminded of this concept when I saw this video today from Casey Niestat. Casey got an invite to the Boring Tunnel. What is that? It’s a tunnel that the Boring Company, owned by Elon Musk, created. During his trip, Casey overheard grumblings that this “is just a big hole,” or “Musk didn’t invent the tunnel.” Okay. So if the guy that created the Electric car (that most of us want) and who has launched rockets into space can’t escape the haters…how can we? The short answers is…we can’t. If you are pushing the boundaries (on anything) there will always be haters. Oh, and here’s another cool thing. According to another hero of mine, Seth Godin, that might be a good thing. Once, when I asked him about how he deals with haters he told me, “If the haters have not shown up, you are not pushing hard enough.” Love that. So if you are: starting a business, creating content, writing a book, creating art, starting to meditate, reading books, working out, starting a new career, or creating anything new in your life, there will be haters. While you probably won’t like it, consider it a signal you are on the right track. Keep pushing. Make sure you never miss an update. Sign up for the VIP list here.
