Take it or leave it!

KRZK 106.3 FM had two events this past week that gave me an idea for this week’s blog. The latest one was our giveaway trip to Vegas. (You can find out more at www.hometowndailynews.com)

During the giveaway, we played “Take it or Leave it.” Contestants had a chance to take the sure prize, which meant they would forfeit on the big prize of going to Vegas for The Academy of Music Awards Show. Most people wanted to stay in for the big prize; we did have two folks that took the sure thing.

Earlier in the week, we had a loyal listener night at The Paul Harris Show. (I should note that this is my perception of The Paul Harris Story and, although I consider Paul a friend, I did not interview him for this entry and he did not pre-approve it)

Paul Harris has been a star in Branson for a number of years. When you mentioned comics, Paul was at the top of the list. When people talked about the shows that Paul was in, the conversation was usually about Paul. Paul played take it or leave it, he left it and he has won big time.

Paul dreamed of having his own show, he got it. However, he knew he wanted more and he was willing to put in the work for it. A few years ago, he moved to Nashville and focused on his skills. He put in the time, he always believed in himself, and he was willing to “feel the fear” and do it anyway.

Recently, Paul was a co-host on the Steve and Janet show. That weekend he opened for Jeff Foxworthy. He was a hit and the producer of the show continued to hold him over asking him for more time. This is a brief look at The Paul Harris story but here is what we can learn from it.

1. You have to decide if you want to keep what you have or go for more. Success in a job or career that is not your dream can hold you back. Paul could have always been a comedian in about any show he wanted but he knew he wanted more.

2. Wanting success and working for success are two different things. You have to be willing to do what you need to do. These are dirty words to some like sacrifice, work, become a student, be willing to fail.

3. You have to believe in yourself. Many people, frankly including me, questioned why Paul would want his own show. When uneducated fools question your goals and aspirations, you have to follow Paul’s example and belief in yourself.

I am proud of Paul and I am proud to call him a friend. I hope that you can learn from his example of hard work, dedication, and follow his example for success. Perhaps you need to play Take it or Leave it.

The next time you need a speaker, make it easy on yourself and call me. I will inspire, motivate, and entertain your group. Check out my speaking demo at www.bransonbusiness.blogspot.com then call (417) 339-6568 for availability. The only way I look good is making you look good for booking me.

Do you have a Simon Cowell?

Okay, I am not a huge TV watcher. In fact, you would be amazed how few channels I get at my house. However, I find American Idol fascinating. Here's why.


1. I admire the contestants, the talented ones, who are willing to put it on the line. If you dream big, you have to be able to risk failing big. I recently saw an interview with Carrie Underwood, she never expected to win Idol, in fact, the plane ride to Hollywood, was her first plane ride. What was her biggest fear, embarrsing herself in front of her family and friends. Is fear holding you back from a dream?


2. Just the overall effect that Idol has had on our society. Remember that the producers and creators of Idol could not get a network to pick the show up. It wasn't until the daughter of a Fox Executive saw Idol overseas, that the show was picked up. Have you given up on a dream because people said no? Maybe you should keep asking.



But here is the focus of this post. Simon Cowell makes the show for me. I like Simon because you either love him or hate him...there is no middle ground. (I have heard that about some people on the radio) Frankly, I love talking to the people who do not like Simon. They talk about how mean he is to the contestants, how uncaring, how cocky, how pretentious.



To me, Paula usually sounds like she has misread the prescription directions, Randy is more interested in his street cred than anything else. But regardless of what you think of him, Simon provides real information and help. When people listen to him, they improve. So do you have a Simon Cowell in your life? We all need one.


It is difficult to always speak the truth. When our sales team "practice pitch" the easy way out is to talk about how good they did. That does not help them. We have to give correct, honest and direct feedback on what they need to do to improve.


Frankly, Branson needs a Simon. Everybody, including me, will discuss in a smaller group some of the difficulties facing Branson. Very few, including me, will voice those concerns in an open group discussion. Tomorrow's Branson needs a Simon today.



What about you and your business? Would it benefit from someone who could tell you how you could improve and not really worry about your feelings? The next time you hear criticism, constructive or not, take a step back and see if they have a point.


Find a Simon -- then act on their suggestions. Who knows, you might be The Next American Idol. Stay Tuned.


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Can we learn from The Biggest Loser?

Okay, I know -- the last thing we need is a blog about a TV show, but be patient. I really don't watch that much TV, but I really enjoy NBC's "The Biggest Loser" program. I find it motivating with quite a lesson. Some thoughts.

1. It amazes me that people, who are extremely obese, are willing to put on a pair of shorts and step on scale and put their weight on display on network TV.

What if you were able to "strip" down your business to it's shorts and truly look at what's wrong? All those blemishes you have been trying to hide would stand out. Chances are your problems can not be blamed on the government, the chamber, the competition, or anything else you might be focusing on. The first step to change is owning the problem.

2. The contestants change everything to improve. They leave their families, friends and home to live at the ranch so they can work out. They change their diet, start working out, and focus 100% of their attention to losing weight.

Is your business stuck in the "we have always done it that way" mentality? The insanity definition comes into play here -- you can't expect different outcomes by doing the same thing.

Maybe it's making personnel changes that you have put off, investing in more training, changing your advertising, or adding product. The "we have always done it that way" will get you "what you have always gotten."

3. Accountability is a huge part of the show -- weekly weigh-ins and people going home. What accountability do you have on you, your staff, your management team? There is an old saying in the sales game, "Your clients get better -- when you get better" That saying will apply to your business as well. The better you serve your customers -- the better 2009 you will enjoy.

Most of us will never be on network TV. However, if you truly have a big goal for your business, I would encourage you to learn from "The Biggest Loser" program.

1. Be willing to truly see your blemishes and admit to what needs to change.
2. Make the changes.
3. Keep track of your progress and stay dedicated to the goal.

Our next blog will focus on what I think was one of Branson's biggest mistakes. Stay Tuned!

Are you prepared for the weather?

Branson, Missouri is bracing itself for this winters (or almost winter) first nasty weather. The groceries store are full of nervous people stocking up for what could be an interesting week.

Are you "stocking-up" for what could be an interesting year in your business. We have talked on this blog how every industry, even the soap operas, are making adjustments for 2009. I want to challenge you to know the weather forecast. Take a step back and put yourself in the shoes of your customers. What can you do to help your customers buy more of your products and services.

2009 might be the year to actually follow through on some of the things that maybe you have thought of doing. Some examples:

1. Create an advisory board. It amazes me how many great business people there are in Branson, Mo. If you had six people that told you all the things that you needed to hear and you followed through on them, what would that mean for your business. Don't pick your friends who are afraid of hurting your feelings -- pick the people who will speak their mind and have the knowledge that you respect and trust.

2. Get to really know your best customers. I am not talking about their kids birthdays, I am talking about why they choose to do business with you.

3. Get to really know your non-customers. If you were to create a prospect list of the top 15 companies not doing business with you and find out why, you could put a plan together to overcome those reasons. I would simply contact the decision maker and tell them what you are doing, ask them to go to lunch and ask the questions you want. Nothing ventured -- nothing gained.

4. Your customers are looking for new prospects too. What about hosting a "mixer" every quarter or so. Again, I would be very open why you are doing this -- keep it small maybe 20 or so people. You could invite a speaker or allow each business to talk about themselves for 3 minutes or so.

Bottom line, the weather forecast has a lot of people talking about and dreading 2009. Let's be prepared and try new things. Stay Tuned.

2009 -- the year of the attitude!

The beginning of a new year is exciting. It is a new start, an opportunity to improve your performance and reach a higher level. Is that your mindset going into 2009? I hope so.

Yes the media is bombarding us with bad news -- but that does not mean your business has to have a bad year. Let's remember that several people became millionaires during the great depression. Are you ready to gain market share?

Now, I am not talking about just visualizing yourself to a better place. (Although I believe in visualization) I am talking about getting back to the basics. Remember when you were excited about your business and you worked on your business and not just in it? Let me suggest taking the following steps:

1. Ask the tough question. Is your business still offering what your customers want? Are you offering products or services that no one cares about having? Regardless of the economy, your business has to keep up with the times.

2. Make the tough decisions. Is your staff making or costing you money. Most people talk about loyal employees, but that does not tell the whole story. I am loyal -- however, if I worked as a mechanic in a garage, I would cost them a lot of money.

Do the math, if you could increase your average ticket by $20.00, what would that add to the bottom line? Is your staff capable? Do they need more training? Do you need new people? There are a lot of good people looking for new opportunities, is it time to give it to them?

3. Is your business making enough sales calls. Yes I am a radio guy -- and I believe radio is a powerful way to advertise your business. (I will take my radio hat off for right now) Are you aggressively advertising your business? The old saying goes...advertising is what you do when you can't go see someone. A lot of your competitors will be cutting their advertising, adding to yours will pay huge dividends.

Here's to the right attitude for 2009. Stay Tuned.

The best way to learn!

Hello! Welcome to my new blog. With all the bad news in our lives, I believe it's time to start focusing on the good news. It's time to realize that we have a number of blessings and opportunities and the people who focus on those blessings and opportunities will be further ahead than those who focus on the bad news. The best way for me to learn is to do. So, I am learning by doing, please be patient.

This blog will be about Branson, Missouri, radio, business, and staying motivated. More later - Stay Tuned.