I first met Peppermint Jim back a couple of years ago in person in Michigan.  He’s had an impact in Michigan where he helped to save his family’s heritage mint farm from foreclosure.  He did this through hard work, and with the help of loyal customers.  Jim believes in using organic farming practices that help build up the soil and protect it from poor farming practices that harm the earth with dangerous chemicals and destructive, or careless techniques that don’t look beyond the season’s current harvest.

I have to say that I was impressed with the man’s knowledge not only of those issues; but also, the intensive passion he shares for mint farming and for supporting struggling independent producers who are trying to make a living in a very competitive world.  He’s done this by not compromising his faith or his belief in doing things in such a way as to honor God’s creation.  He does his best to educate others and to provide products that promote health and well-being for the consumer as well as the environment.

In fact, Jim supports Southern Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce and Mrs. Greens World Care to encourage green practices in communities and businesses.  The Tucson Arizona community is familiar with this way of thinking and it is a great place to connect with like- minded people.

In the May edition of Guideposts magazine you will find an article on Peppermint Jim and the story of his legacy from the role that his family’s heritage mint farm played in his professional growth; to the place that he is in now and, the direction that his experiences are leading him to, in the future.  Don’t miss it…get the May 2011 edition of Guidepost’s magazine to learn more about Peppermint Jim and his life partner, wife Lilian and the role that their mint based business will play in the forward thinking communities who are wise to a greener and more sustainable world.

Jim has taken his knowledge, passion and purpose to Arizona and is introducing community members and loyal customers to his new line of products.  His commitment to sustainability is contagious and he educates others to this way of farming.  He is an encouragement to other farmers and independent producers of consumer goods; to do what they know is right and to have an opportunity to provide a living for themselves by bringing products to the marketplace that envelope all that they believe in.

You can see Peppermint Jim’s line of pure mint oils, body care products, farming tools, his handmade candies and goodies as well as his soil rejuvenator which feeds plants from seedling to bloom/harvest.  You can find out more about what’s good for you and your family at Peppermint Jim

Businesses who use video to get more online traffic find it to be an effective tool.  Visually connecting with your market is one of the best ways to catch your customers interest.  In fact, your competitors are probably already using video to their benefit.  Therefore, I am sure that you can see the importance of being able to harness the power of video editing.

In fact, video is used for connecting individuals together for business, family and for entertainment.  So, it is important to know how to, not only capture those moments on video…but, to be able to know how to edit those videos effectively & professionally; and, to preserve them in formats that are useful to the increasingly technological world that we live in.

Understanding how those cameras work and how to render and upload those videos can appear to be overwhelming.  Reading manuals isn’t for everyone…some people learn better from training tutorials and this program called Video Editing Simplified, VES, is done in a wonderful way that breaks down tips, techniques and transitions or special effects into usable videos that actually make it easy to understand.

Each of these 40 training tutorials are from 2 to 14 minutes in length.  They show you what to do with the files and how to edit them to make them interesting and to smoothly showcase your videos in a way that accomplishes your goals whether it be for preserving personal family moments, entertainment, or for business purposes.  Check out the VES program and see if it doesn’t provide you with the information that you need for editing your digital videos; this program can make you look like a technical genius.

Eric Holmlund is the third JV partner who speaks on the third video about his successful expertise on using good quality PLR products and turning them into better products that bring immense value to your customers once they purchase it.  Each one of these marketing experts has a successful track record and extremely loyal customers who know the quality and integrity with which they conduct their own businesses.   Check out the videos here: Real Guys

*Just so you know…these videos are free…but if you should purchase products from the Real Guys in the future I may be compensated for referring you!

Here is a great free video full of free marketing content by a team of marketing specialists that know what they are talking about.  This is your opportunity to learn without having to invest any money or by opting in.  There are three videos on this site…one is on hot niches, today’s video #2 is on Product Creation: Positioning & Marketing.   The third video will be live in a couple of days.  Check it out here:  Real Guys Real Money

This marketing trio, Paul Counts, Jeff Wellman and Eric Holmlund are releasing a product called Real Guys Real Money on Friday, March 25, 2011.  This is your opportunity to get some great information for free from all three marketers who have proven that they know what they are talking about with great launch records.  Get to know them…they always over deliver on content .  All three have excellent reputations regarding their integrity and their ability to teach and inspire.  You couldn’t go wrong if you get on any one of their lists for future trainings regarding internet marketing in the making money online niche.  They aren’t all about hype with no substance…they believe in delivering real content to help real guys (and gals) make real money.

They don’t promise you the moon while serving you a boiled egg.  Many internet marketers are all hypey and sensationalized with their promises of untold riches and unrealistic financial promises.  These three have loyal customers who constantly return to buy their products because of their real value and the way that they conduct business.  They are respected because of their relationships with those that they teach and inspire in their desire to make money on the internet.  They’ve earned the trust of those that they work with because they take their responsibilities seriously.

Oh and if you happen to leave a comment on the video page after having watched the videos…you could be in the running to win a promotion to a list of over 40k + subscribers.  Check it out here:  Real Guys Real Money

Like those friends that you have in your Twitter or Facebook social media streams that post way too much private information online and embarrass you;  Barbie and Ken have created a bit of a public scene.  Ken took out ads on billboards trying to get Barbie back.  After a bit of to and fro online it seems Barbie could not resist the call of the plastic perfect Ken.  Uggg…do we need drama introduced to our children through their playthings?  I mean really, isn’t the real drama enough, in most children’s circle of influence through their parents, schoolmates family lives and relationships in school enough?  Do we really need to buy into some fabricated dysfunctional drama through our children’s dolls?

As much as I grew up with the make believe work of Barbie and all of her professional unrest…truly the woman just couldn’t decide what she wanted to be when she grew up!  She is like 50 right? Now she is reuniting with her main man Ken after a seven year separation where they each went their own ways supposedly?  What has Ken done as a partner in the relationship?  He is not clearly defined.  He does not have a clear role as a male role model.  What does Ken “do” for a living?  What does he have to offer a partner?  What caused him to decide that he and Barbie could resume a healthy romantic relationship after their previous failure?  Were they in counseling together?  Did they seek to work through individual issues before considering trying to rebuild their relationship?

If I am going to buy into the publicity of this reunited relationship of Ken and Barbie and encourage children to get involved…as an adult who wants stability in my children and grandchildren’s lives; I would want to see a healthy relationship develop.  Today’s families have way too much unhealthy emotional drama in their lives.  I think, the publicity on this thing went in the wrong direction.

Then again, some people don’t often demand healthy relationships of the people in their lives either. Some allow dramas to play out on our social media streams without trying to encourage people to clean up their relationships and get real help for their troubles; instead of temporarily patching things up just to keep repeating unhealthy patterns of behavior.

I, for one, won’t be encouraging this public pandering of Barbie and Ken because I don’t happen to see any socially redeeming benefits.  Have we heard about why Barbie and Ken took a vacation from their relationship only to be wooed back into a surface relationship without benefit of working through their issues?  Are they getting help from a qualified counselor to build up their relationship and repair the troubles that broke them up in the first place? No…we only see that they have decided that they miss one another and still are attracted to one another.  Not good enough.

Kids need healthy boundaries and good role models to encourage strong, healthy relationships in their own real life world.  I understand this is about advertising & marketing…but, if they want the public to go with the flow then the powers that be that came up with this Barbie and Ken drama should have followed up with more than…it is Valentine’s day and I want you back because you are hot, and you sweet talked me into it, kind of script.  Don’t we have a right to expect better from Mattel?

What do you think? Does Mattel have a responsibility to promote their products in a healthier way to children?  Baby boomers are loyal…but, most of us have achieved some semblance of maturity in how we conduct ourselves.  Don’t we have a right as consumers, who helped to build their brand, to expect a better standard of respect for our families than just a gimmicky way to promote sales of their iconic dolls to our children and grandchildren?  Let me know what you think of this controversy!

It has become a way of life to do what feels good at the moment and not worry about having a high standard of conduct.  Live and let live…don’t make waves…be politically correct at all times; even at the cost of what you believe to be the appropriate conduct, right?  Wrong…lowering the standards of acceptable behavior can lead to all sorts of personal problems.

You see these things not only in the adult population, but also in small children; they are the next generation in training.  Parents, teachers, clergy, employers, and those in any kind of leadership position will tell you there has been a big change in the conduct of the people of today, as compared to 10-15 years ago.  There’s a noticeable decline in respectful behavior shown towards anyone in authority. A big portion of a teachers day is spent dealing with attitudes and discipline and this affects the quality of our school aged children.  It would be unnecessary if everyone worked together to raise the standards of acceptable behavior and personal conduct.

Many people’s work ethic has gone downhill…there is a sense of entitlement that many people have that excludes them, in their own minds, from having responsibility or expectations put on them.  They appear to think it is easier to just be passive and non-responsive…or fail to perform to their fullest capabilities.  This is really not acceptable if they are to have a fullness in life.  It tends to leave a person dissatisfied about where they are and feeling badly about themselves and others who are in authority over them.  Creating interpersonal problems in the work force and at home should they lose their jobs.

If you as a customer, of a business, feel that you have been treated unfairly…don’t merely tuck your tail and walk out unhappy and allow such treatment.  Stand up for what you believe to be correct.  You don’t have to be rude, violent, or disrespectful…but very simply say what you think is out of line and ask what they can do to correct the situation. Hold someone accountable for their attitude towards others.

You will be surprised at the response.  Some will be shocked that you said anything at all.  Others will be quick to try to make excuses…and try to get you to go away quickly, without trying to correct the situation.  However, if you respectfully try to resolve this problem and get no response…ask to speak to someone with more authority.  Explain that you feel that their standard of conduct was not appropriate.

If you happen to be a business owner…remember to conduct yourself in a way which speaks of your own high standard of behavior.  This is in public and in private.  It is hard to make a living; and people often look for ways to cut corners, eliminating extra financial demands.  Don’t lower your standards in the quality of people who you hire, the products you sell, the way that you go about marketing or advertising them, or even in the place where you conduct your business.  If you raise the standards, your customers will notice.  They will respond in a positive manner; they will come to recognize you as someone over and above the rest.  You will set yourself above the crowd, and raise the bar so that your competitors will respond to that; when they see that your customers are respecting how you conduct yourself and that it translates to better business practices.

Teachers, parents, employers, spiritual leaders, and law enforcement personnel must raise the standard of expected and acceptable behaviors.  Consequences are a big part of this equation.  When someone fails to meet acceptable levels of behavior then there must be consequences either as a natural consequence or as a teaching tool.

Let failure be a learning experience and a natural part of life.  Don’t rush to fix things or make it better and don’t make excuses of why that person isn’t performing up to par.  That is not to say that you can’t have compassion or sympathy and adjust to a situation…but, don’t do it automatically…giving that person an out or a pass.  Use good judgment in how you deal with people.  Not only holding others accountable but being accountable yourself in all areas of your life.

I find it ironic, when you hear someone holding another person or business to a higher standard than that with which they conduct themselves.  How do they justify that?  It is as the old saying goes…we judge others by their behavior; but, we judge ourselves by our intentions.  Meaning that we know what we were thinking when we behaved the way that we did; and, give ourselves permission to lower the bar on our own personal conduct.  That is not fair, nor is it acceptable.  I challenge you to raise the standards … and ask you to challenge others in your life to do the same.  Is it possible to change our culture by doing these things?  How do you envision your circle of influence reacting to this kind of expectation?

Twitter is not a place to be a wallflower.  You have to speak with others, comment on things that they say; break the ice with someone you may not be familiar with.  You are in charge of who you accept into your Twitter stream or conversation by who you follow and who you allow to follow you.  Choose wisely based on what you are trying to accomplish on Twitter.  In other words, choose people to interact with who interest you, don’t offend you and last but not least people who support your personal growth as a person, business owner or in an area of impact that you wish to be a part of.

The most successful people who use Twitter still understand it’s basic component and that is the power of connection whether it be connecting to other Twitter users have a social relationship or to bring people together for a common cause, interest or purpose…Twitter is a boon.  People who are already interested in your “business” aspect are predisposed to interact with you.  If your business is to get a message out on a certain subject…there are people out there who are predisposed to interact with you.  It is the same.   Most importantly Twitter is about relationships.  People who love Twitter get that.  They harness that understanding to meet, greet and connect with like-minded people.

Like any positive and productive and long-standing relationship it needs time, attention and respect.  Twitter not working for you?  Think about how you are using it.  Are you talking at people, or with people?  Are you exchanging thoughts/ideas or interactions that not only benefit you but benefit others in a way that they can appreciate you?

So whatever you are about, wanting to share, hoping to achieve, wishing to impact; let’s remember that you need to be aware of not only “minding your own business” on Twitter; but consider some other issues as well.   Take the time to support, encourage, draw out and interact with those people who you can enjoy some spending time with and be your authentic self; just like in your real, everyday offline life!  Twitter is your social network whether you use it to connect to famous celebrities, find friendship, support social causes, spotlight non-profits, proclaim your faith, or brand your business and gain customers.  Whatever you use Twitter for, just remember that your words have impact as do your connections & relationships; make the best of it.

I blog the same way that I cook.   If I begin my cooking using someone else’s recipe…I can’t help but tweak it a little.  You know, a little of this and a little of that.  Spice it up and toss in a few ingredients that normally, one wouldn’t think would go along with that kind of a dish.  Well, it is going to be absolutely no different here with this blog challenge.  Sorry, Karin…I just never was one to color strictly between the lines.  So, here goes…

I am thinking…I write because it is what I do.  If I were to “talk” the way I blog…my rambling, over the top, shout it out thought process about whatever moves me, on any given day; it would drive everyone out of my life-except the random, unsuspecting person who stumbled along my path that day.  See, if I start on a subject, I have to examine it closely.  If it’s something that I am passionate about it could, and often does, get lengthy; and let’s face it, I am passionate about everything I write…otherwise, why bother?

And as far as 10 reasons why you should read my blog…well, I am just not sure you should.  See, #10. I have things to say and my family gets tired of trying to invent ways to escape the room when I am trying to move them to my point of view-really, you are doing them a service by reading the blog;   #9.  I am TV free and the issues I blog about are often news items that other people get to view nightly on TV and they often accept that subject as fact-on my blog…we discuss what ifs and what you think about that kind of subject;   #8.  I give you an opportunity to express your opinions on things from relationship issues, to health concerns, to spiritual matters, as well as subjects you may have never even considered before;   #7.   I am all about family, friends and heart matters-some people have a hard time with all of that deep thinking on touchy feely matters;  #6.   I have a lot of curiosity about the world and I am not afraid to indulge myself;   #5.   I find that blogging is a way for me to explore my deep need to understand myself and the minds of other people-Just so you know…in real life…people get weirded out when you push them to think deep and “talk” about it; as my profile on Twitter says, I am addicted to interesting people, places, and subjects and I blog about it all;   #4.   I need feedback and blogging is the best place in the world to get it without getting “stuck” in an uncomfortable conversation with someone if they get a little too intense on a subject;   #3.   I am very entertaining most days and even when I get serious about something…I try to be very sensitive to the reader because I never know who will be reading the blog and how it will affect them;   #2.   My blog has been known to create relationships – I found this especially rewarding on subjects such as triple negative cancer patients who were trying to connect with others with information that impacted their lives;   The  #1.   reason you should read my blog is because I think there are too many places in this world that focus on the negative aspects of life and really…life is too short to be focused on negativity…we need to encourage one another and find joy where we can.

As for the twist on the recipe part of the blog…here are a few added ingredients…I was distracted much of this summer from my blogging.   I need to feel moved to write; that is just how I was created.   However, consistency is a main ingredient for any blogging success.  My last post was August 16^th and today is September 7th.   I have needed a shot in the arm to get the creative juices flowing…and since it is the back to school season…immunizations are a big thing right now.  I want to thank Karin for giving me my booster shot.

My twist on this challenge is that I should have turned in a list of 10 reasons why I DIDN’T write more this summer…but really, those reasons would just turn out to be excuses with some mundane explanations thrown in the kitchen soup.  The truth of the matter is… that I was very busy living my life and enjoying it immensely.  I make no apologies for that.  I have gained some wisdom over the years and one of the most important things I have learned is that if you don’t take the time to enjoy life and merely become an observer (which in my mind is what I do on my blog…observe, document, inspect, and regurgitate for the reader) then you find yourself with many regrets at the end of your life.  I want no regrets.  Life is precious…I am greedy…I want to see, do, hear, witness and participate in all that I can, so that I can feel peaceful about how I spend the days of my life.  Thanks for being a part of it all!

      If you are in business to make money by selling products or services online…then this is a tool that may be just what you need to add to your income in 2010.  Expensive written sales copy stopped many a beginner entrenpeneur from getting their products or services out there to the masses as they could ill afford to spend thousands of dollars to pay a copywriter.  Sales videos have quickly replaced the need for pricey sales copy; the impact on internet marketing is amazing. 

         Sales videos let the customers “get to know the salesperson” and make their decision about purchasing the products or services without feeling manipulated by all of the hyped up, over-the-top written sales copy that was the mainstay of marketers in the past.  Customers feel more respected by being spoken to in a real way without all of that manipulation and the sales video results appear to prove that theory of mine.  Since the beginning of time things have been sold and purchased, that is not going to change.  How that process takes place has changed.  I think that the video sales letter improves the relationship between buyers and sellers.

         Keith has been, quietly been behind the scenes, perfecting his techniques and the results are proving that his video skinning formula has really been ramping up the conversion rates.  If you want to know more information so that you too can make more money and get a leg up on your competitors in the affiliate marketing field check out this video: http://bit.ly/7wQP8j Yes, for full disclosure that is an affiliate link!

           Every tweet I read, serves up a slice of who that person is and how they conduct both their business and their personal life…some people believe that those two things don’t necessarily have to align themselves up with one another; I disagree.   There are those, who if you read between the lines ( and some that you can plainly see, without having to look too hard), who will do, say, or act anyway that they want to, without necessarily showing a shred of integrity.  Making money is their business motto…and no amount of prodding will induce them to conduct themselves with sensitivity, with respect or, with an authentic genuine human interaction.  “It’s just business” is their claim to fame; don’t be that person.

        Success is about more than just making money…it is building something in which you can take pride in.  A business that is successful is built upon positive relationships between the business owner, their clients and their associates.  Successful relationships are build on honesty and strength of character of the individuals in the relationships.  Standing behind your business products and services shows your commitment to the customer’s satisfaction.  Let’s do our best to establish solid business practices that are long lasting and when this way of business becomes common…then and only then…let’s declare, “It’s Just Business”.