You can watch this in Youtube to get a larger sized version of the video.

Please be gentle with your critiques of my video.  This is the very first video I’ve ever made.  :)

Those of you who REALLY know me, know that I’m not one to “sell” people on my business or my ideas. My intention is to educate or consult. My life has taken me in a direction where the things I’m involved with really sell themselves. Let me give you an example:; Digital Marketing. Seriously, do we as agencies/consultants really have to sell a company on getting involved online? Hell no we don’t! We just have to sell ourselves. We have to sell our capabilities and hope it meshes with their needs. Of course, more goes into it than that but that’s for another discussion. I’ve enjoyed being in a business where the less I SELL, the better I feel about what I’m doing to help others. Seriously!

That’s what leads me to my topic today. MoneyWise! Before any of you start getting some preconceived notions about this being an MLM thing let me stop you right there, it IS an MLM thing. Make no mistake about it. Well at least a piece of it is. But before you leave, think about this, Mary Kay is one of the biggest MLM’s and they are a pretty damn successful company. I know a lot of people that made some serious $$ in Amway’s hay day. I PROMISE you, this is not the typical MLM you’ve probably been pitched to about. Why? Because I’ve been pitched by those same ones and you’ve never heard me say anything until now. That’s because I believe that 99% of all MLM’s are crap because of the NOTHING you really do. You pay huge upfront fees and have to jump through hoops to sell someone something they really don’t need. MoneyWise is NOT that. So stay with me….

If you are like me, your parents weren’t really educated about finances or credit. So how could we expect them to teach us about those things?? Other than my mom saying “you need to save”. Ohh Okay Mom, I’m 18-19 in the Marines with a steady pay check… Yeah Right! :) Seriously though… We all grew up differently and unfortunately for us majority, we’ve had to make touch financial decisions that have ultimately hurt us. Life’s a roller coaster of situations. But now I think we can do something about it. We need to teach our children early on the importance of all things financial. It’s imperative to our society.

That’s what I thought about after I saw a demo of MoneyWise. I was instantly sold and not one person had to SELL me. Why? Because when you see something that makes sense, it just freaking makes sense. As a digital marketer we look at all sorts of tools that do all sorts of things. When I saw this one, I was like YES, YES. Not only will I use it and make myself smarter, I’ll become an affiliate because all I have to do is show this to people and for most it’ll be a no brainer. If for nothing other than to use as a tool with their teenagers. Cost is $29.95 to use the tool. I knew you were waiting for some kind of pricing. That’s why I just threw it in there. To be an affiliate, it’s $75.00 per month. First month is $125 + $75 but that’s just to get your own site set up and get things going. I’m not going to BS you in this post. Just going to state the facts. I suspect I probably lost 30% of readers with the pricing. :) I don’t know why because most MLM’s you spend $500 and way up just to get in. Plus you don’t have to be an affiliate if you don’t want too. Just use the tool and pay for the subscription. The affiliate program isn’t for everyone but it is how we are getting the word out. You won’t see any TV advertising. At least not anytime soon.

Have you ever wanted to know what would happen to your credit score if you signed that Macy’s application with a $2000.00 limit? Have you ever wondered what would happen to your credit score if you declared bankruptcy? Do you have Identity Theft Protection as well as monthly credit monitoring? Have you ever thought about what Quickbooks would look like if you injected it with steroids? :) Just kidding, but you get my point. All the items you see in the graphic to the right are what you get with your subscription to MoneyWise. Currently you can only get Deductor if you are an Affiliate. I think that’s being addressed at this time.

The next few paragraphs of this post will add credibility to why I’m involved with this venture and why I’m sending this out to my entire network.

I was approached by my good friend Don Hill. Don is one of those nice, genuine, likes to help others type of person. Which is why Don has been so successful. Those of you in Texas know Salt Grass Steak House. He’s one of the one’s that helped start that franchise. Don also has an extensive background working in the credit industry. He’s the one that introduced MoneyWise to me and told me I need to sit down with Rodney and talk about it. Don knows I’m a digital marketer and I know how to get the word out. :)

The spokes person for MoneyWise is Rodney Anderson. Again those of you who live in Texas know who Rodney is. If not just click his name and it’ll direct you to his website. I met Rodney though Don and that’s when they introduced me to MoneyWise. All it took was a demo. A simple demo and I knew that not only did I need this, others around me do too. And that’s because a lot of us really want things made simple. Don’t over complicate things for us. We want to get in and understand and not have to take class upon class trying to make quickbooks or another application work the way you need it. If you’re like me you would have been doing this instead of shelling out the thousands of dollars over the past few years on accountant fees.

This is perfect for the small business, at home or not. Plus you can add it to your services offerings. Give yourself multiple things to sell. And again, you don’t have to sell this. Just show it to people.  It’ll sell itself.

If your interest is peaked at all, just send me an email at anthony@anthonyzapata.com and I’ll make sure you get added to the distro list for our next webex demo. They are usually held at Noon central time on Tuesdays, in the evenings on Thursday’s and mid-day Saturdays and last no longer than 45 minutes. If you are in Dallas we have face to face meetings we can arrange. Either way we will accommodate a demo one way or another.

Below is the login information for this Thursday’s webex (August 18th, 2011).

Topic: Prospect Meeting
Date: Every Thursday, to no end date
Time: 8:00 pm, Central Daylight Time (Chicago, GMT-05:00)
Meeting Number: 621 459 785
Meeting Password: 072011
 ——————————————————-
To start the online meeting
——————————————————-
1. Go to https://moneywise.webex.com/moneywise/j.php?ED=176206282&UID=499245762&PW=NMDkyZTBiYTg5&RT=MiM3
2. If you are not logged in, log in to your account.
——————————————————-
Audio conference information
——————————————————-
Call-in toll number (US/Canada): +1-408-600-3600
Access code:621 459 785

Rodney truly believes that this will be taught in our high schools and colleges within the next 5 years. In my opinion, it has to be.

However, if you are Marine, you know exactly what this means.

I thought that since everyones Patriotism is in high gear right now with all that’s happened this week, it might be a good idea to share with you what we learn as Marines.  This is the foundation for how we follow but more importantly how we lead.

Most Marines I know try to live by these traits even after they get out.  It’s a great way to think and to be in your normal everyday lives.

Happy Reading and Semper Fi America!

Marine Corps Leadership Traits
The 14 leadership traits are qualities of thought and action which, if demonstrated in daily activities, help Marines earn the respect, confidence, and loyal cooperation of other Marines. It is extremely important that you understand the meaning of each leadership trait and how to develop it, so you know what goals to set as you work to become a good leader and a good follower.

JUSTICE
Definition: Justice is defined as the practice of being fair and consistent. A just person gives consideration to each side of a situation and bases rewards or punishments on merit.
Suggestions for Improvement: Be honest with yourself about why you make a particular decision. Avoid favoritism. Try to be fair at all times and treat all things and people in an equal manner.

JUDGMENT
Definition: Judgment is your ability to think about things clearly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion so that you can make good decisions.
Suggestions for Improvement: You can improve your judgment if you avoid making rash decisions. Approach problems with a common sense attitude.

DEPENDABILITY
Definition: Dependability means that you can be relied upon to perform your duties properly. It means that you can be trusted to complete a job. It is the willing and voluntary support of the policies and orders of the chain of command. Dependability also means consistently putting forth your best effort in an attempt to achieve the highest standards of performance.
Suggestions for Improvement: You can increase your dependability by forming the habit of being where you’re supposed to be on time, by not making excuses and by carrying out every task to the best of your ability regardless of whether you like it or agree with it.

INITIATIVE
Definition: Initiative is taking action even though you haven’t been given orders. It means meeting new and unexpected situations with prompt action. It includes using resourcefulness to get something done without the normal material or methods being available to you.
Suggestions for Improvement: To improve your initiative, work on staying mentally and physically alert. Be aware of things that need to be done and then to do them without having to be told.

DECISIVENESS
Definition: Decisiveness means that you are able to make good decisions without delay. Get all the facts and weight them against each other. By acting calmly and quickly, you should arrive at a sound decision. You announce your decisions in a clear, firm, professional manner.
Suggestions for Improvement: Practice being positive in your actions instead of acting half-heartedly or changing your mind on an issue.

TACT
Definition: Tact means that you can deal with people in a manner that will maintain good relations and avoid problems. It means that you are polite, calm, and firm.
Suggestions for Improvement: Begin to develop your tact by trying to be courteous and cheerful at all times. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

INTEGRITY
Definition: Integrity means that you are honest and truthful in what you say or do. You put honesty, sense of duty, and sound moral principles above all else.
Suggestions for Improvement: Be absolutely honest and truthful at all times. Stand up for what you believe to be right.

ENTHUSIASM
Definition: Enthusiasm is defined as a sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of your duties. If you are enthusiastic, you are optimistic, cheerful, and willing to accept the challenges.
Suggestions for Improvement: Understanding and belief in your mission will add to your enthusiasm for your job. Try to understand why even uninteresting jobs must be done.

BEARING
Definition: Bearing is the way you conduct and carry yourself. Your manner should reflect alertness, competence, confidence, and control.
Suggestions for Improvement: To develop bearing, you should hold yourself to the highest standards of personal conduct. Never be content with meeting only the minimum requirements.

UNSELFISHNESS
Definition: Unselfishness means that you avoid making yourself comfortable at the expense of others. Be considerate of others. Give credit to those who deserve it.
Suggestions for Improvement: Avoid using your position or rank for personal gain, safety, or pleasure at the expensive of others. Be considerate of others.

COURAGE
Definition: Courage is what allows you to remain calm while recognizing fear. Moral courage means having the inner strength to stand up for what is right and to accept blame when something is your fault. Physical courage means that you can continue to function effectively when there is physical danger present.
Suggestions for Improvement: You can begin to control fear by practicing self-discipline and calmness. If you fear doing certain things required in your daily life, force yourself to do them until you can control your reaction.

KNOWLEDGE
Definition: Knowledge is the understanding of a science or art. Knowledge means that you have acquired information and that you understand people. Your knowledge should be broad, and in addition to knowing your job, you should know your unit’s policies and keep up with current events.
Suggestions for Improvement: Suggestions for Improvement: Increase your knowledge by remaining alert. Listen, observe, and find out about things you don’t understand. Study field manuals and other military literature.

LOYALTY
Definition: Loyalty means that you are devoted to your country, the Corps, and to your seniors, peers, and subordinates. The motto of our Corps is Semper Fidelis!, (Always Faithful). You owe unwavering loyalty up and down the chain of command, to seniors, subordinates, and peers.
Suggestions for Improvement: To improve your loyalty you should show your loyalty by never discussing the problems of the Marine Corps or your unit with outsiders. Never talk about seniors unfavorably in front of your subordinates. Once a decision is made and the order is given to execute it, carry out that order willingly as if it were your own.

ENDURANCE
Definition: Endurance is the mental and physical stamina that is measured by your ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship. For example, enduring pain during a conditioning march in order to improve stamina is crucial in the development of leadership.
Suggestions for Improvement: Develop your endurance by engaging in physical training that will strengthen your body. Finish every task to the best of your ability by forcing yourself to continue when you are physically tired and your mind is sluggish.

Because it is important to always be able to remember the basic leadership traits, the acronym “J.J. DID TIE BUCKLE” is used. Each letter in the acronym corresponds to the first letter of one of the traits. By remembering the acronym, you will be better able to recall the traits.

But, it’s not. :) It’s actually a pretty cool service I found called DooID.  I can’t remember exactly how I stumbled upon this little tool but I thought I would try it out.

“What is DooID?
DooID is your One-Stop Virtual Business Card that links friends, contacts and clients to your networking websites, business info and contact details.”

It’s very easy to use and allows for a bunch of great add ons.  Of course they have their free edition, pro and business editions to choose from.  I’m currently using the pro version.  It’s very inexpensive.

Just click on my signature below and it will take you to my personal page on DooID.  I have my website listed, social accounts, my resume and it also provides a simple contact form.  As an independent consultant I think this tool is freaking awesome.

I think this would be a great tool for everyone but especially someone just starting a business that can’t afford to have a custom website built.  It can consolidate your information into one centralized location until you have the time and money to have a full website built.

With this being the age of digital, it can also alleviate the need to have business cards printed.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Check back next week for my write up regarding SEO and how it should play into SMB’s marketing plans.

I am specifically wishing Good Luck to the following;

1.) Me – I hope I win the $290 million dollar lottery tomorrow.  :)

2.) My Clients & Partners – I hope together we can continue to build on our success from 2010.

3.) Dallas Cowboys – I hope they find the right Coach because all the other pieces are pretty  much in place.

4.) San Antonio Spurs & Dallas Mavs -  They appear to be the best two teams in the NBA right now.  I hope one of them is in the NBA Championship.

5.) Lindsay Lohan – Some people just need all the good luck they can get.  :)

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein

This is why I created this new work out program called the GOYA (Get Off Your Ass) work out.   It’s very simple.  GET OFF YOUR ASS!  :)

Seriously though, we are in a time period where we are being hit from all sides regarding health and staying in shape.  You have P90X, Jillian Michaels has her own programs, Insanity Workout and tons of other programs.  Not to mention a million different eating plans to lose weight or be healthy.

So why do so many people fail these programs?  I’ll tell you, It’s a lack of realistic expectations.  If you were once a couch potato, there is no way you going to do P90X all the way though.  An every day, hardcore workout for 90 days straight.  Yeah Right!    Obviously I’m not speaking about everyone.  There are some people who have the discipline, desire and motivation to do something this extreme.  But a majority of people don’t.  If they did, a majority of our population wouldn’t be over weight.

So how does this GOYA program work?  Well it starts by you getting off your ass.  Set realistic expectations and goals.  If you are just starting out make it a goal to just walk around the block once a week.  THAT’s It!  Don’t overdo things just yet.  Just discipline yourself  to get off your ass and do one thing a week.

Next step, add another day to your weekly ritual.  Then add another and another.  Do something you find fun and entertaining.  Not all of us are like Forrest Gump and wanna just run.  I love sports so I try and play sports as much as I can.  You can even run psychotically crazy like Phoebe does in an episode of Friends.  Whatever it takes!

This brings me to the purpose of this post.  I recently downloaded the Men’s Health workout application on my iPhone.  I have to say, it’s the best $1.99 i’ve spent in a long time.  It has a ton of different exercises and workout programs.  You can log your own reps and progress and what not.  It’s pretty cool.  But I think the coolest thing is just the ideas it gives you for various exercises.  To get all of these programs and exercise ideas you would have to thumb through multiple issues of the Men’s Health magazine.  This gives it to you in one easy to read place.  Far less expensive than a subscription to the magazine.  It’s great for the GOYA workout program because it gives you plenty of ideas for things to do.  You can mix and match exercises and find a routine that best fits you.

No need to spend $75.00 on that gym membership just yet.  No need to spend hundreds of dollars on that personal trainer just yet.  If you are like me, you have some equipment at home.  Even if you don’t, the Men’s Health app has programs with no weights needed.  Once you are disciplined and ready, then go get that gym membership or personal trainer to take you the rest of the way.  Until then, just do something to Get Off Your Ass.

At the end of the day, you need to start simple if you are going to completely change your lifestyle and incorporate working out into your day to day routine.  It’s a lifestyle change and changes like this don’t come easy.  Which is why so many people purchase and fail.

So buy into the GOYA program, it’s free.  Just GET OFF YOUR ASS!  :)

Now… if they only had an app that gave you instant motivation to work out.  That’s what I need. :)

As a consultant its my job to protect my clients from the “bull.”  Or as we know it in Digital Marketing space, “the bullsh*t.”

A day, an hour or even a minute doesn’t go by without someone saying something new about SEO, PPC, Social Media and all the other services that make up Digital Marketing.  Some of it is great information and some of it is “bullsh*t.”

So how are YOU, the Client, expecting to filter through all this crap.  How do you know what’s right and what’s wrong?  That’s my job!  My job is to help you eliminate the crap that means nothing to your individual business.  My job is to also help you weed through the crap that someone is spewing over the phone or in a proposal.  There are a lot of great companies offering great service at a great rate.  Then, there are the companies out there offering crappy service at a crappy rate.  But how do you YOU know who’s crap and who’s not.  It’s hard to know.  Everyone sounds great over the phone, in person or in a proposal.  So what do you do?

The answer is, you either hire a consultant who is as invested in the success of your business as you are.  Or, you spend a lot of time educating yourself about the in’s and out’s of Digital Marketing.  You go through the pains of working with one vendor to the next until you find the one that best fits your business.  Unfortunately success only comes after painful lessons are learned.  My job is to help you limit the amount of pain you have to go through to reach success.

There are many reasons why I feel the Cowboys aren’t achieving up to their talent level at this point. But one reason stands out alone. It’s the lack of a dominant leadership presence.

Let me explain…

Having been around the military most of my life and being in the Marines for 4 years of my life I’ve learned one certain thing, you can’t MAKE someone a leader. Just because someone hold a position of leadership, it doesn’t make them a leader.

The Cowboys are suffering from this exact problem. Just take a look at the past 20 years of Super Bowl Winning Coaches.  Seriously, look at the list.  Look at the names on that list.  I would say with the exception of Barry Switzer, who really just won a Super Bowl with Jimmy Johnson’s team, all of these Super Bowl Winning Coaches have the same thing in common, a dominant leadership presence.  The players followed and won because the coaches led by example.  They were the alpha males in the locker room, not the players.

Let’s face it, would you ever call Mike Tomlin, Mike Shanahan, Bill Belichick, Bill Parcels, Bill Cowher or Jimmy Johnson a Cup Cake?  You’d probably get punched in the face if you did.  However that’s what everyone says about Wade Phillips.

Training camps have been referenced as “Camp Cup Cake” and let’s face it, he kind of looks, walks and talks like a Cup Cake.  He might be one of the best defensive coordinators in the league but as a head coach, it just doesn’t work.  How can it?  Isn’t perception reality?  If you run a Cup Cake training camp, won’t that lead to a Cup Cake team and therefore a Cup Cake season.  Don’t get me wrong, I like Wade.  He seems like a nice guy.  But football isn’t about liking someone.  It’s about winning.

Ask yourself this question, if the fit hit the shan, would you follow Wade Phillips into battle?  Isn’t that what these players are doing each week?  Battling week by week in order to win the war.  How can you follow a Cup Cake into battle?  You can’t.  No matter how much you might like that person, you just can’t.

Now I know what someone people are thinking.  Coaches coach and Players play.  The players are the ones making all the stupid penalty mistakes on the field.  That’s true.  But if you don’t coach the little things, isn’t it the little things that will come up and bite you in the a$$.  Isn’t that why we have a top 10 rated offense and defense but are still sitting at 1-4?  Big plays aren’t the problem, winning is.  Teams win because they know the importance of “the little things”.  Just like in life.

So that brings me to my question, Would you follow a “Cup Cake”?

So please continue to check back as I should have my new site up and running in the next 30 days or so.

“Consultants think of their clients first, Sales People think of themselves first.” – Anthony Zapata