The Power of Conversations

Whether it’s at the dentist or at the laundromat, take the time to exchange conversations with those you come in contact with. Connections and human interaction count big.

For example, my dental hygienist, Ala, originally from Russia is a huge Michael Jackson fan just like me. Together, we recounted events of the past 40 years of enjoying his music. In the tradition of Marshall McLuhan’s classic work, The Media is the Message, today’s new world order is a well-connected a global village.

At a recent visit to my neighborhood laundromat, I chatted with neighbors about street scapes and new businesses opening along the Nostrand Avenue corridor.
This as a new friend surveyed a Daily News piece about a man who found $16,500 worth of artwork in the trash.

Always take the time to think and look out of the box. Sometimes there’s a big payday. You creative types understand what I’m talking about. Yesterday, I took a few hours to craft a plan for a new business, including a franchise idea. Then, I took a few extra moments and purchase the domain name.

It only takes a few minutes to get started. We all know that online real estate is the first step towards pay dirt, right? After that, momentum takes over. Even if this idea doesn’t turn out to be a gold mine, I’ve kept my mental juices going and created my own gold rush of imagination and excitement!

What’s your new business idea? Go to GoDaddy.com and start building an enterprise for $10.


Crush It! Why Now is the Time to Cash in on Your Passion
http://www.amazon.com/Gary-Vaynerchuk/e/B001JP7NBE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

According to author Gary Vaynerchuk, a 33-year-old self-trained wine and social media expert, anyone can cash in on their passion. He recently appeared on CNN’s Your Money show, which airs Saturday afternoon.

Gary made a fortune by adding a digital component to his family’s New Jersey wine business. Business exploded and he revolutionized the wine industry in the process. How? By caring deeply about his audience and understanding the lifestyle, likes and dislikes of people who are passionate about wine.

I may check him out during his Oct. 13 book launch at the Borders at 10 Columbus Circle. Of, if we miss that special event, we can always order Crush It! via Amazon.com.


Walter Cronkite—That’s the Way It Is

Alas, another icon has gone to the other realm. Many younger media professionals aren’t familiar with the impact Walter Cronkite had on the media industry.

Catch tonight’s CBS tribute: “That’s the Way it Is: Remembering Walter Cronkite,” commemorating the newsman’s signature nightly sign off; definitely a good lesson in personal branding. Watch the special and develop your own style with sensitivity to fairness, accuracy. Above all, Cronkite was passionate about all that he did.