Lessons Learned in Commission Sales!

The local markets in Lexington, Ohio are no longer carrying my book. Sales through Wayne’s Country Market dissipated to the point of not justifying shelf space. 

The other shop basically ripped me off by losing  a portion of my sales money or failed to charge correctly on a half a dozen books. This was really disappointing since 10% of the sales were to be donated to the Lexington, Ohio High School Music Boosters and a relative of the store formerly served with the Music Boosters.

Previously in 2011, I was shorted on sales for the book perhaps due to the store offering another book being sold for $17.00 at the store. I had provided the store with flyers and posters and a plastic display case for the book; the owner claimed the staff must have charged incorrectly for the book. I reasoned it was no big deal. I would just absorb the small loss.

When I dropped by the store (this Spring) to view how the sales were going;  I still had two or three books out of a dozen left on display. The envelope of my earnings was missing of prior books sold. The owner didn’t offer to compensate anything for my loss. I was upset and surprised at the total lack of accountability from him. He blamed his clerks for not separating my money from the customers overall sales. The loss- $100.00.

I purposely walked out of the store, knowing a couple copies were still on display.

So earlier this week, I stopped by to see if the handling of the sales had improved. The owner looked down under the counter and said the last book was their forever, finally sold and he didn’t have any money from the sale. No apology- Nothing!

I walked out of the store disgusted.

It’s a shame this establishment given their history and connection to the community in Lexington, Ohio couldn’t have been accountable. I personally don’t recommend shopping at this establishment because they failed to honor a simple verbal agreement regarding commission sales.

The Good News!

I will compensate the 10% fund out of my own pocket for the lost or stolen money from those sales. In hindsight, I should have monitored sales closer early on, but given the reputation and connection to the boosters program I really didn’t expect this outcome or their inability to correct the problem.

Brent Stephenson of Wayne’s Country Market did a terrific job of selling my book, positioning my book within the store for optimal sales and keeping excellent track of sales by issuing a check for every dozen books sold. Given the volume of business Wayne's Country Market provides, Brent and the owners are outstanding people to work with! I highly recommend shopping at their market.

Meanwhile, I am offering a 25% Christmas Special Discount on:

 The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School Band of Gold.

Between now and December 25^th-
 
Send a check or money order for $24.00 (includes shipping) to:

Paradiddle Publishing

PO Box 984

Mansfield, Ohio 44903

This book is the perfect gift for the ex-Band of Gold member or simply anyone who wants to be inspired by motivation, perseverance, innovation, goals and success. Most importantly, it’s about the impact- one person can make in other’s lives.  

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Book Review: The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau

“The average life represents a life of sleepwalking.”

-         Taken from: The Art of Non-Conformity



Photo:aonc.com.

I recently had the good fortune to read The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau. Although the book was originally released in 2010, it’s a dramatic eye-opener towards the way we view life, work and live. The Art of Non-Conformity is easily one of my favorite reads this year. This is a book that will challenge you to literally think “outside the box”  and lead a remarkable life!

Chris Guillebeau's purpose of writing this masterpiece was to transform your thinking in terms of life and work. His minimalistic lifestyle, thoughts and ideas left me wanting to learn more. Chris rocks the boat in so many philosophies- whether through helping others, having a free spirit, becoming an entrepreneur, travelling the world or leaving a legacy; The Art of Non-Conformity is a book you must read.

Discussions include:

-         Money and “stuff” can’t buy happiness.

-         Little risk, offers little reward.

-         Settling for what’s good enough, represents mediocrity.

-         Find ways to successfully live your dream.

-         To always look for someone’s agenda and motivation.

-         Question authority.

-         Living simple.

Adam Baker and his family are mentioned in a side story within the book. Adam recently produced the film: I’m Fine, Thanks! Chris Guillebeau makes a cameo appearance in the film documentary and I can’t help but think this book inspired the film.

You may recall in an earlier blog, Adam and his family sold all their “stuff” to move overseas and live their dream life. Mr. Baker started his own web business Man vs. Debt and has inspired others to live their dream.

The Art of Non-Conformity is divided into three parts:

1.     Remarkable Life- challenging authority and creating a path.

2.     Reclaiming Work- discusses how we think and where we spend our productive hours.

3.     Power of Convergence- furthering details of life, travel and work.

Photo:aonc.com

Chris discusses his journey from quitting a dead-end job at Federal Express at the age of 19, selling his “stuff” on eBay, becoming an entrepreneur(selling coffee online), moving overseas working as a volunteer with non-profit organizations and his dream to visit every country in the world.

 Chris has succeeded in visiting (as of September, 2012) 188 of 193 countries. Quite a remarkable feat considering he is also an author, speaker, blogger, and travel hacking expert. How he finds the time to do all he does is amazing. Sleepwalking through life isn’t part of his equation.

 The Art of Non-Conformity is a breakthrough of revolutionary ideas to live a life of freedom for anyone tired of the same job, rat race or mediocrity. It’s a wakeup call for those waiting to seek permission to be or do what you’ve always wanted! The Art of Non-Conformity not only explains why you must take control of your opportunities; it gives you permission to act.  

In our post-industrial era it is imperative to realize “the old mindset” isn’t going to allow us to live our dreams. The Art of Non-Conformity allows us the choice between dreaming and succeeding. The book supplies the mental tools to reach new horizons and Chris Guillebeau gives us the courage to do something meaningful that matters!

Thank you- Chris Guillebeau for this gift of art! 

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Goal or Project- What are you planning?

Goals Anyone?

It’s time to begin thinking about goals for next year. Before long the New Year will be upon us, so it might be a beneficial period for thought. You may want to review this year’s goals as well and see if those goals are becoming a reality. It’s a great time to cultivate our thoughts of future endeavors.  

One Day at A Time

There are some of us who find it better to take things one day at a time. It helps to keep us grounded in who we are and what we do. The less we forecast the better off our mind’s function. Obsessing over a grandiose idea is a recipe for failure. I like to keep things simple. Life can be challenging enough without our help.

Project Time

Some people wrap themselves so strongly into goals it prevents them from seeing what’s in front of their face. That’s why I prefer to create a project, instead of numerous goals. It’s nice to have flexibility and not set deadlines. The freedom to create and the necessary time to finish the project is paramount to success!

Degree of Success

There is a greater feeling of success at performing one significant goal, instead of being mediocre with succeeding in a group of goals. Making a direct impact is a sure-fire way to make a difference. A series of small goals can be great for positive reinforcement, however; isn't any large goal in reality consumated by a series of small steps anyway? The risk is larger, but the reward is greater!

I never have particularly cared to be locked into someone else’s goals, because goals should be personal. When you are working towards someone else’s goal it’s just that- someone else’s! The procedure becomes a game or exercise, hardly worthwhile.

 A tribe of people interconnected for the same reason can create a common goal if the motivation is shared throughout the tribe. Being stuck in an organization doesn’t carry the same degree of thought, excitement or cause.

So pick a goal, tribe or project.

Whatever- you choose.

Just make it noble, realistic and genuine.

Follow through with the intent.

At the end of the day- it’s all that matters!

What goals or projects are you planning?

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Replacing Stress with Success!

Your business and life aren’t as sophisticated as you believe.

The inability in keeping situations simple stops you from succeeding.

Keep it brief, short and concise!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

What Really Matters?

Stuff that Doesn’t Matter

·        Last week’s football game.

·        Last week’s weather forecast.

·        Last week’s news.

·        Last week’s favorite television show.

Something that Does Matter

·        Why you finish.

·        What you read.

·        How you treat others.

·        Who you are.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Wall of Fear!

One of the problems in business is the lack of support from management. Management should be a buffer between the frontline of the business to provide support for the employees with the customers. Also, management should be the support of the backline between upper management and employees.

 Too often in today’s business world a breakdown or total collapse occurs in one or both areas. High stress related careers become unmanageable when there is a lack of support. Quality suffers and morale plummets in situations where the buffering isn’t an ongoing activity.

The worst cases are when middle management appears to run by a dictatorship from the top down. The middle manager just passes the “push of persuasion” down to their employees. Wouldn’t a direct email do the same amount of collateral damage?

The sound of the crack of the whip would be the only thing missing.

Whenever middle management is run by fear the responses are the same. Leading by fear is a terrible motivator. The truth is the middle managers are probably more fearful than the employees. When managers become more concerned with “possibly looking bad”, rest assured you won’t find any support.



Photo used courtesy of: Daniel Antald.

Insecurity is fear and fear is when the lizard brain and survival instincts take over. At this point, nothing else matters. Providing a buffer-forget it. Truth, integrity, and common sense left the station a long time ago.

Actually, I am not sure why an organization needs many levels and sub-levels of management to operate in this outdated 1950’s style of the atrocity of class warfare. It seems to me if they can’t actually provide support or help, one gatekeeper could easily cover a good size herd. You shouldn’t need a small army to convince the sheep to be scared, be very scared.

Obviously, this type of situation is an unhealthy work environment. The bigger question is why would anyone want to work for an organization that fails to respect their employees or values their effort? Does the negative treatment make you believe there is no better job out there? Aren’t you worthy or have the years created self-doubt in your own abilities? Have you sold out your value and ethics for a paycheck?



Photo used courtesy of: Krossbow.

I think we all deserve better. I believe we could succeed in a work environment that operates on trust, integrity and support. I believe we could be happy, enjoy our jobs and work together for a common goal if an organization eliminates the use of fear in the workplace.



Excitement would fill the air and innovation could overtake an organization to levels of success never before thought possible. Imagine seeing smiling faces, motivated to a call of action. Instead of employees regressing on a daily basis, what if their disappointment only occurred when the implementation of a new process failed to reach the desired results?

Everybody united in a common quest for excellence.

But to do that, we must tear down- The Wall of Fear!

Are you with me?

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3^rd party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Who Builds The Road to Success?

"You can have everything you want in life, if you will just help enough other people get what they want"- Zig Ziglar 

I've noticed in discussions concerning being successful, one of the obstacles often shared is the attempt to diminish the desire of someone from becoming successful.

It’s a roadblock between taking the leap and doing what you did yesterday. The belief in your desire is an advantage towards climbing the steps to success.

Yet, we let one opinion or more dissuade us and prevent us from becoming what we were meant to be. We have given others the power to approve our present and future. Why?

Whatever happened to “the little engine that could?”

Why don’t friends and family  share our enthusiasms, dreams and ideas? 

10 Reasons- Why others don’t support our ideas:  

1.     Fear

2.     Lack of Interest (their lack of interest)

3.     Risk

4.     Change

5.     Envy

6.     Competition

7.     Jealousy

8.     Growth

9.     Financial Gain (for them or us)

10. Lack of Knowledge (their lack of knowledge)

```

Whose Got Your Back?

All ten reasons are beneficial to our growth as a person. The educational and personal experience substantially offset the risks of most ideas. Even failing helps us to grow and improve ourselves.

Risk has always offered a larger reward. Doing something scarce drastically increases income. Competition pushes us to excel and succeed. It separates us from the pack and quantifies goals.

Fear keeps us from moving forward and people know how vulnerable we are to fear. Does the fear represent someone being worried about our relationship changing? Who owns the fear- you or them?

Some folks just don’t want someone to accomplish something they can't. Perhaps the people you are seeking approval from believe they are higher up the social ladder. If you often seek their advice, this could be the case.

People like the comfort of feeling they are in control. The truth is- only if we choose to relinquish our control. Giving someone else the power to alter or decide our finances, life or career is unwise.

Do we value an opinion because it is in our best interests or theirs? Is our decision based on their income or wealth? Do they share any common knowledge or perhaps the topic isn't interesting to them?

It’s nice to have peers, family or others onboard; unfortunately don’t be surprised if there is a lack support or if the first problem you encounter-the negativity jolts like a sonic boom from those closest to you.

No Permission Required

While I was writing my first book I kept it low-key until I was nearly done. I didn’t want opinions or distractions. I found support from people within the industry to be the most positive influence. This gave me the opportunity to develop friendships with people I barely knew and in some cases were total strangers.

Being able to standout and be a lynchpin requires effort, passion and perseverance. The journey begins within you.

"You don't have to be great to start, but you do you have to start to be great"- Zig Ziglar

 I hope you reach a decision on your own dreams, desires and destiny. Take charge of your own life. You’ve waited too long for permission. It’s not necessary. Not anymore.

Grant yourself the power and start today!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3<sup>rd</sup> party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Does it Matter?

So many days, I have questioned if I am making a difference. Is staying awake half the night seeking clarity, thought, and silence to produce art worth it? Is the money spent on books and searching information to improve viewership worth it?

Does it matter?

Photo used courtesy of: Leeks.

The lack of comments within my blogs, often make me wonder.

Today was an unusual day. I was made aware of my responsibilities towards my readers and friends. Tonight, I realized the impact on people’s lives I made through my experiences of creating a friendship with one of my former band mates and one of my blog readers.

We often don’t get the opportunity or time for people to understand our nature, personality or core values. Sadly, most people are so busy in their daily lives; we all become lost in the noise and shuffle. Daily schedules, families, chores, and work permits us little time for ourselves or to reflect on the most important things in our lives.

I can’t tell you how good it feels to receive positive feedback from people. To know people understand where your heart is and respect you is something I cherish.
 
I couldn’t be happier knowing that despite the fact I am writing late into the night for two years; I am making a difference in some people’s lives and all those little victories eventually leads to a larger scale of followers, known as a tribe.
 
People are reading my blogs. I am slowly growing my business. I’d much rather build slow. Slow I can handle. When we rush- we tend to look for results quickly. When the desired results aren’t fulfilled, we become discouraged or quit. For me, it’s more like crash and burn.
 
But today was different.

It was my wake-up call to responsibility, an opportunity to feel I am a part of something special, that I started, and someone cares.

It was my time to reflect on something meaningful- that does matter!
 

I want to thank both individuals for inspiring me.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3<sup>rd</sup> party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Added Value = Passion and Wisdom

I could tell you that my Rust Belt Chronicles Blog was written to give you added value. You’ve all have heard and read that cliché. It’s a power phrase tossed throughout discussions, meetings, websites, blogs and promotional events. It’s been misused often and sadly where is the value?

When used in terms of making money it is a metaphor, referring to “icing on the cake. “ It may be added value to the business but in this twist of terminology it’s really not adding value to the customer. Somehow, many have taken a term of relevance and replaced it with a sad interpretation of greed, while offering only mediocrity.

I want to build the Rust Belt Chronicles Blog into something more meaningful. The thoughts and purpose of this blog is to express my concern, offer hope and change lives. By challenging the status quo and creating a movement to make a difference in how we are treated in our work environment and how we think is part of my reason for being here.

Too often, we have been brainwashed into negative thinking, self-doubt and fear by those who were suppose to lead us. Corporations, businesses and management forgot we (the employees) are their customers too, not merely slaves for wages.

The Rust Belt Chronicles Blog is also for those who are jobless, laid-off, in-debt, confused about their future or where to look for help. It really doesn’t matter where you live- We all live in Detroit. The industrial age is ending and the good paying factory jobs of longevity are a thing of the past.

Some of you were older workers let go, pushed to the curb and are having a tough time finding a new career. I am here for you. Another entire segment of the population doesn’t know where their skills fit in this new revolution called work.

I want you to have more than a job. I want to help you reach your goals by inspiring and motivating you to become what you’ve always wanted to be. I want to help you discover and build your passion. If I only help a few people every blog I write is worth it. If hundreds of people are inspired, I am truly blessed.

Photo used courtesy of: ana_ng.

Call me a modern day Roy Rogers- where (hopefully) the good guys win. Call me Robin Hood or the guy that fixed Humpty Dumpty.

Just know I care and want to make a difference!

Wisdom Meets Passion

Author and America’s finest life coach Dan Miller and his son, Jarad Angaza have co-written a new book to be released August 28<sup>th</sup> entitled- Wisdom Meets Passion: When Generations Collide and Collaborate. You can be a part of some special bonus gifts by purchasing the book. Read about it here.

Dan Miller is the best-selling author of No More Dreaded Monday’s and 48 Days to the Work You Love. Dan Miller also has two websites with loads of community assistance, classes and podcasts at 48days.com and 48days.net.  Jarad Angaza is the president and co-founder of KEZA, an ethical fashion label in East Africa.

Dan and Jared have discovered their passions and lead fulfilled lives.

You can too! 

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3<sup>rd</sup> party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.