When I was in commercial real estate back in the 90’s, there was a very successful team in one of the biggest cities in the country.

It was headed up by a guy who I heard was a dictator.

It was known for a few things.

#1 was making a lot of money since they did a LOT of real estate transactions

And #2 was how different they worked and what they did differently…

1. Everyone wore white shirts

2. Everyone adhered to a very process driven culture

3. Everyone worked hard and long hours… they always seemed busy

Everytime I think about this team, I think about Gordon Gekko from the famous movie Wall Street…

Gordon Gekko

This team was focused!

Driven!

And very effective!

I remember so clearly someone touring me through the office who said that one of the things they did at the start of every day was check their own fax machines and laser printers for paper and make sure they were topped off.

Every day.

Checking the printers… seriously.

They had a checklist with all sorts of things like that on it.

And, they all looked like a little army of white shirted minions.

The OTHER thing I remember…

Is that everyone else in the office thought they were a bit weird.

And a bit like the military.

But they were also extremely successful because they didn’t care what anyone else thought.

And they were the undisputed champions of the office.

I’ve found this lesson has served me well.

If everyone in your industry is doing something a certain way, then it most certainly is the way to mediocrity.

Want to make an average wage?

They do what the average do!

What to be extraordinarily successful?

Then do what most don’t do.

And do what most won’t do.

For example, there are 78,379 businesses in San Diego county.

That means about 78,000 entrepreneurs.

Take a hard look at your industry.

What is ‘everyone’ doing today?

And then ask yourself…

How can you be different, better, and perhaps controversial in your marketing and your business?

It works.

And it’s always something I think about every time I put on a white shirt 🙂

Yours in Success,

Henry Evans

Timezone Marketing

Author, The Hour A Day Entrepreneur

People often ask me what the best thing is to guarantee business success.

What a trick question!

Because a great product is nice.

Wonderful testimonials are outstanding.

And caring employees are a real asset.

But, when it comes down to it, you really want…

A RABID AUDIENCE FOR YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE.

I played golf with my sister-in-law’s dad this morning.

He’s kind of like my father-in-law, and a really fun guy.

And does he ever love the sport of golf!

He has multiple pairs of golf shoes, multiple clubs, outfits,

special balls, range finders, and all sorts of cool stuff.

So, how easy would it be to sell him MORE golf gear?

A LOT easier than selling something to somebody who

isn’t a rabid golf fan.

Another fun example is a company that I just got involved

in with another great HDE Member, Alan Stewart.

This company is called ZMB Industries.

We manufacture targets for the military, law enforcement,

and the DoD. It’s a great, growing business and has a ton of opportunity.

BUT…

We also sell ZOMBIE targets to a rabid fan based.

And this business has over 20,000 Facebook fans!

The targets are patented and can be shot with real bullets,

airsoft and BB guns. Even sliced up with swords.

(remember, the only good zombie is a dead, beheaded one)

The are really, really fun to shoot and we have rabid fans

literally all around the world.

Give some thought to finding a more RABID fan base for

you and your business – how do you make working with

you more fun… and get your customers engaged?

It can make the ALL of your marketing easier.

Warmest Regards,

Henry Evans

President, Timezone Marketing

Author, “The Hour A Day Entrepreneur”

On our recent trip we stopped at this 1950’s mecca that is STILL operating today.

It’s out in the middle of the California desert off Route 66 and this place has some SERIOUS character.

Here’s the front…

And here is the bar where a bunch of our nation’s finest military men were enjoying lunch.

The personality through the entire place was just amazing.

Warmest Regards,

Henry Evans

President, Timezone Marketing

Author, “The Hour A Day Entrepreneur”

Did a day trip up to Silicon Valley today for a meeting with someone about an exciting new project and charity event that he is doing.

So, so fun to get out of the office!

I didn’t realize how many of the big tech companies are centered up here.

YouTube. Facebook. Yahoo. Intel.

Apple. eBay. And yes even my favorite, Tesla!

OUT OF THIS WORLD

‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ Style

So my oldest daughter’s favorite new movie to watch over and over is ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ with the now-famous Chris Pratt.

He is in the brand-new Jurassic World movie and my daughter tells me he will be the new Indiana Jones as well.

Yes, I guess he’s a pretty good looking guy and my daughter is excited about everything he is involved in.

I think she has now seen the Guardians movie 20 times.

During the introductory scene from that movie, Chris’ character, Starlord, is abducted and taken out into space on an alien ship.

While I certainly hope that doesn’t happen to you there really is nothing better than getting out of your normal environment to stimulate some different thinking.

I can tell you that spending the time on this quick trip up to NoCal has been extremely productive.

Thinking differently.

Being around different people.

Picking up a different vibe.

Give it a try yourself next week…

Even if you have to ‘play hookie’ to get away from the office for a few hours.

An afternoon spent walking, thinking, hanging at the beach or just playing can change your entire business perspective.

One of my favorite places to go, I used to call it my 3rd office, is right here in La Jolla…

We had another great radio show yesterday…

The Business Building Hour with Chris & Henry

We’re interviewing guests who can share how they’ve grown their own businesses, challenges they’ve overcome, and how it can help you in your business.

Special thanks to the amazing guests from our last 2 shows who were all outstanding and shared some amazing entrepreneurial short-cuts and wisdom.

The podcast from the show with Michael Savacool and Andy Cruz on the 23rd is now live…

Henry Evans

Timezone Marketing

Author, The Hour A Day Entrepreneur

Went to a show last night at the San Diego Civic Center.

It was 2 of the pros from Dancing with the Stars on their MOVE LIVE Tour.

Derek Hough and his sister Julianne Hough danced almost non-stop for 2 hours in a singing, light show extravaganza that was a feast for the eyes and ears. We brought our girls, my mother-in-law and brother-in-law as well. It was probably the most entertaining show or concert that I have ever been too! (nice photo bomb from the guy in red there!)

Derek and Julianne dripped in some words of wisdom and encouragement through-out the show and my favorite was…

Motion = Emotion

So if you’re ever feeling down.

Upset.

Or stressed.

Get moving!

Get up out of your chair!

Put on some of your favorite music and start shaking your body to the beat.

It really works!

Yours in Success,

Henry Evans

Timezone Marketing

Author, The Hour A Day Entrepreneur