Randall Blaum's Marketing Blog

You Can See Randall Speak Live from Toronto on the Internet!!!

Hi Marketers,

Do I have Exciting News!

The Raymond Aaron Group will be broadcasting the entire Maximum Mind---Mega Wealth event being held this weekend LIVE on the internet...

As you know I will be speaking at the event along with many other very accomplished speakers and I urge you to tune-in to the webcast if you can't be at the event in person. (It's the next best thing)

Now there is a nominal charge of 9.95 to view the webcast but Raymond tells me this is just to cover off the costs of putting the ENTIRE event up on the web...and when you consider what your getting---three days of solid instruction about creating and developing a mindset that will virtually guarantee your success in whatever it is you send your mind to accomplishing---the decision to tune-in is really a no-brainer...

Get all the details here:

http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=933787

And watch...  The entire event...if you can...  Or check-in from time-to-time throughout the weekend...

I am leaving in a few minutes to fly to Toronto so sign up now and you can see me tomorrow at 10:30am EST.  Get all the details here:  http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=933787

I am yours in success,

Randall

Adrenaline Self-Test for Marketing Moguls

Hi Moguls,

Face it, in today's business environment we are all stressed. Nothing is working the way we really want it to and we're all working harder than ever to make ends meet.

Adrenaline is the drug of choice of a stressed society. Furthermore, most people are connected in some way with a stressed environment, which is why so many of us over-use our adrenaline. Originally, adrenaline was 'developed' to give us a jolt of superhuman energy when faced with a threat. But now, we use adrenaline in order to get an exciting rush or 'high.'  Now I have nothing against adrenaline highs-in fact, they can be quite fun and useful in sports, business, and life.

However, there are both physical and emotional/spiritual costs. Physical in terms of the overuse of the adrenal gland, and the stress that circulating adrenaline puts on the body. Emotional/spiritual in the sense that when we are high; we are not present - that, along with the stress involved in creating situations in which our body is triggered to circulate the adrenaline.

Wondering if you are an adrenaline addict? Your score on the following questionnaire will tell the story. Again, no one is saying that you must stop adrenalizing, but if you recognize the cost and wish to make some changes in your life or way of living, then we suggest you work with a coach who understands the adrenaline process and knows how to help you redesign the areas of your life that trigger your need for the rush.

Self Test Statements - answer "yes" or "no" to the following:
1. I drink coffee or colas or other caffeinated beverages in order to get going or keep going.
2. I eat sugar to calm myself down.
3. I tend to over-promise and then rush to get the project done at the last minute.
4. I arrive at work 'rushed' and already "on".
 5. I feel an inner rush or lack of stillness/peace much of the time, and I can't get rid of it.
 6. I tend to be impatient with the pace or performance of others.
 7. I often drive 10 miles or more over the speed limit or tend to tailgate.
8. I tend to run or arrive late or "just in time." After all, why waste time by being early?
9. It often seems that there is a problem, hassle or difficult situation I'm having to deal with.
10. I don't give myself plenty of time during the day for the things I do know will come up.
11. I love a challenge and pushing through a solution.
12. I get grabbed by surprises or upsetting events and can't calm down for a day or two.
13. I find it boring or difficult to simply hang out with people sometimes. Boring!
14. I am my best when under pressure, especially deadline pressure.
15. Sometimes I wonder if I deliberately set myself up to wait until the last minute.
16. I do not arrive at the airport an hour before my flight.
17. I carry my cell phone, even when I do not really need it.
18. Sometimes I think I unconsciously try to find the hardest way of getting something done.
19. People sometimes complain that I am "not there" with them, even though I am.
20. I tend to be a driven type of person.

Score (Count # of Yes Answers)
15-20 Certified Adrenaline Junkie
11-14 Unhealthy level of adrenaline is probable
6-10 Possible adrenaline problem
0-5 Congratulations! You dot not have an adrenaline problem.

What did you score?  The first time I took this test years ago, I scored... well shall we say... a very high score.  Okay I scored an 18.  Today I score about a 5 or 6 and my life is way happier than it used to be.  My prescription for lowering your need for adrenaline is to do what you love and not do anything else.  Okay, that sound a bit like nirvana-hunting, but listen to me. 

In my experience I have found that anything that takes me off the vector of what I like (and love) to do adds to my stress and when I stay on the course that brings me happiness, I not only feel better, but I am more creative and able to handle the stresses of daily life.

So what did you score?  Send me a note back if this blog was helpful and I'll do a few more like it over the coming weeks.

I am yours in success,
Randall
Proud Soldier's Angel to Jamie

Twitter... Tweets... Terriffic...

Happy Thursday!

If you are interested in selling your products online, getting our of debt, writing a book, becoming famous, or just plain 'ol making some cash, join me on twitter.  The people I am in conversation with are seriously going after new business.  So, you can see what I;m up to on a day-to-day basis, but you can also learn for free how to do and what to do to create new business for yourself.  Go tohttp://twitter.com/RandallBlaum to follow me and get the goods from all the people I work and partner with.

Best-
Randall

You Have the Chance to Tell The Fed What You Want and Get Better Treatement from Your Credit Card Company

DO NOT WAIT.  ACT TODAY. THERE IS ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT TO ACT!!!

I have been bombarded with people, just like you, that complain all the time about how they are abused by the credit card companies.  This is a one-time deal where you can actually have an impact on how you are treated and what you will be charged in the future when it comes to your interest rates on your credit cards.

The Federal Reserve is looking into making your credit card companies more responsible for their actions. This comes in the form of Docket No. R-1314.  If this passes it will create a sweeping change IN YOUR FAVOR.  Please read on...

Docket No. R-1314 is a proposed rule that would:          

1. Prohibit banks from increasing the rate on a pre-existing credit card balance.

2. Give consumers the opportunity to opt out of the payment of overdraft fees.

Do you see why this is so critical to you?  You will save hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars if this passes.  Please act now.  All you have to do it send an email supporting Docket R-1314.  here's the email address:

 regs.comments@FederalReserve.gov                       

 

Reference "Docket No. R-1314” in the subject line and then tell them how pissed off you are at the small print, the way you have been treated, taken advantage of, and how the rules always change in "their" favor.

You can also write to them at this address:

Jennifer J. Johnson
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
20th Street and Constitution Ave NW
Washington DC 20551                       

Reference "Docket No. R-1314" at the top of your letter.  They will only accept input for the next two weeks and so far over 30,000 people have sent support letters.  That is not enough to make the Fed change their rules. They need to know how you are affected by this new rule (it really is good).

If you do not know what to say, here is a template you may follow:

Subject Line:  Regarding Docket No. R-1314

I am writing to support the proposed rules outlined in Docket No. R-1314. Please adopt these rules to reform credit card lending and overdraft services.

As outlined in the proposal, I would like the option to have my debit and credit card purchased denied rather than pay overdraft fees. Please require banks to receive my affirmative consent before enrolling me in an overdraft protection program or extending an overdraft loan to me.

Also, please ban the practice of manipulating the order in which debits are processed. I believe it is unfair to manipulate these debits in order to maximize fees.

Finally, please stop credit card companies from increasing interest rates on existing credit card balances and stop them from applying payments to lower-interest debt first.

Sign your name....

If you want to read Docket R-1314, it is at the end of this blog.  No matter what, take five minutes to help yourself and your children.  Take back the power you were given and take control of your life.  This is the chance you have all been asking for.  Don't lose it.

I am yours in success,
Randall
       

Docket No. R-1314
Meeting at the Federal Reserve Board on May 6, 2008

On May 6, 2008, several credit card industry representatives met with Governor Randall Kroszner and members of the Board’s staff to discuss the Board’s recently proposed rules under the Federal Trade Commission Act (Regulation A A), which address unfair or deceptive acts or practices in connection with credit card accounts.

The meeting was attended by Ken Clayton (American Bankers Association), Nessa Feddis (American Bankers Association), Oliver Ireland (Morrison & Foerster), Andy Navarette (Capital One), Greg Baer (Bank of America), and John Carey (Citibank). Also in attendance were Sandra Braunstein, Director of the Board’s Division of Consumer and Community Affairs, and several members of her staff.
The discussion focused on the Board’s proposal to restrict banks’ ability to increase the interest rate on cardholders’ existing balances. Industry representatives made the following points during the meeting:

• The proposal would prevent card issuers from adjusting the rate on the existing balance to reflect increased risk of consumer default. Because initial underwriting cannot identify the 5% of consumers who will eventually default on their accounts, issuers must continue to reevaluate the risk over time by, for example, looking at credit scores. Increasing the interest rate for these consumers does not lead to higher defaults; instead, some consumers charge less and pay off faster. When the interest rate is increased due to increased risk, additional revenue is earned from the majority who do not default, which is used to offset losses on the smaller number of accounts that go into default and will be charged-off.

• Allowing issuers to increase the rate only on new transactions is not sufficient because the greatest risk is on funds already extended. The proposed exception for accounts that are 30 days delinquent does not offer sufficient flexibility to tailor risk-based pricing to consumer characteristics. The majority of consumers who default are never 30 days late; instead, they make minimum payments for a period of time and then default.

• The proposal would lead issuers to raise rates and reduce available credit for all consumers rather than the small subset who present the greatest risk of default.

• Currently, card issuers can offer consumers the benefit of having a rate that is fixed for a period of time (possibly two or three years) because the issuer knows it has the ability to increase that rate after that period of time to achieve the expected return when there are market changes. The proposal would drive issuers to offer only variable rates, which would deny consumers the security of knowing their rate and payments will not increase for a set period.

• Rather than prohibiting rate increases on existing balances, the final rule should permit such increases if consumers also have the ability to opt-out of the increase by closing the account. If a rate increase accurately reflects the available market rates for that consumer, it is rational for a consumer to accept the increase and not opt-out because, if they close that account, the consumer may not be able to get a lower rate with another card issuer. The proposed rule assumes consumers cannot understand the opt-out, yet the Board’s proposed T I L A rules assume consumers will understand a 45-day notice of a rate increase on future transactions.

• Consumers have alternatives to accepting a rate increase – for example, ceasing to use the card or transferring the balance to another card.

• Card issuers fund their operations with securitizations backed by the credit card accounts. The proposal would affect securities that were issued based on the expectation that rates on existing balances could be increased. The proposal may also reduce investor confidence in future offerings, which will lead to less available credit.

• The proposal would adversely affect issuers’ profits.

• The proposal could create liability under state laws.

Gov. Kroszner requested the industry representatives to provide any data that is available to support the points made during the meeting.

 

I Wanna a New Drug... One That Won't Make Me Sick

Namaste Everyone,

Today is the first day of the new year and I have a lot to be thankful for and yet, I am frustrated.  I am frustrated that as a nation we seem to be giving away our sovereignty.  As a people we seem to be giving away the rights that were granted to us in the constitution.  As individuals, we seem to be giving away responsibility for ourselves.  What all this adds up to, I'm not sure, but it seems as if we are well down the slippery slope to the end of our freedoms and our individuality as we have known them.

SO WHAT IN THE HELL IS GOING ON???
The housing market is in the crapper
Credit card debt is at an all-time, unsustainable high
The banking industry is on the verge of a meltdown
Our government refuses to secure our borders
Big pharma is making more and more drugs and there are less and less cures

And to top it all off, none of our presidential candidates actually has anything of substance to say, so it doesn't look like we are in for anything better than the dung heap we're already in.

That being said, what can anyone do?  Revolt in the streets like in Pakistan or other countries?  Stop paying all taxes to collapse the government? Or just sit back and wait to see what happens?   I'd like to offer another alternative...

Pay Attention!  Each one of us already knows we're in a  bad way right now and anyone who doesn't think so is deluded, insane , or a liar.  This has nothing to do with Global Warming, or about if the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. It only has to do with each one of us as individuals and what we can do.  First off everyone one of us MUST get off our collective asses and actually start doing something.  If you're fat, loose weight.  If you're poor, stop bitching about it and make more money.  If you're sick, find out what other alternatives are out there for  you to use to make yourself healthy.

Face it, it is 100% up to you what you do.  Even if (and I think it's safe to say it is) the whole system is rigged against you, you are still the only person in your own body.  No matter what your situation is you cannot just sit back and wait for someone to help you.  It reminds me of an oft-told story, but it bears repeating here...

There was a great flood and a man was trapped on his roof and the water was getting higher...  A man in a rowboat came by and offered to rescue him.  "God will rescue me," the man on the roof said and the rowboat rowed into the distance.

Then an army Humvee came by and the soldiers asked if they could help the man and again he said, "God will rescue me," and the Humvee went on it way and the water was now almost to the top of the roof.

After that a helicopter came by and the pilot asked he could help the man and again the man said, "God will rescue me," and the helicopter left.  The water then overtook the roof and the man on it and he drowned.

When the  man got to Heaven and met God he asked, "How come you didn't save me?  I believed you would and I counted on you doing it."  God then responded... "I sent you a boat, a Humvee, and a helicopter, what more did you expect me to do?"

The moral is that we all must take responsibility for all of our actions and from those actions we will make our own lives better and in turn will be able to better the lives of the people we love and that surround us. Don't wait for your neighbor, the government, or even God to save you.  It all starts with you and on this first day of 2008, I think it's a good time to start saving ourselves from the path of destruction we are on.

Think of it this way...  We are all teachers.  Teachers to ourselves, our children and spouses, to our neighbors, to our co-workers, and to people we will never meet.  Everything we do teaches those around us what is important to us and what is not.  What we say teaches the people around us what we think and the actions we take teach people around us what we are willing to fight for.  All together our teaching impacts not only the people around us, but all of the people of this country and the world.

We are responsible for teaching everyone all the time.  When we teach the people in charge of the housing and credit card markets that we will not be manipulated anymore, we won't be. 

When we teach the people in charge of the banks and the Federal Reserve (which is NOT part of the US Government, it is a private corporation) that we want control of our own money again, we will have it. 

When we teach our government that we do not want tens-of-millions of illegal aliens clogging our schools, emergency rooms, and freeways, we shall have our way. 

When we teach big pharma that we WANT and demand healthy alternative to drugs and sickness, they will give it to us (most of it already exists) 

And most importantly, when we teach our elected officials that WE are the government and THEY work for us, we shall get our country back and we shall be sovereign once again.

Here's the one question I'd like you to ponder today and add the answer to your New Year's Resolutions:

How are you going to teach those around you this year and make your life better?

I am yours in success and wish you the freedom, the brightness, and the guile to create a magnificent 2008 and beyond for you and your family.

Randall

When the Bridge Breaks, the People will Fall

You may have not heard about the footbridge in Nepal that collapsed a day ago, killing at least 15, with over 200 still missing.  Having been to Nepal this year and crossed over many of the same type of foot bridges it hit very close to home.  Here's why... 

Every time I crossed a bridge in Nepal, and many of them were a lot less sturdy than the one you see here, I took it on faith that it would hold up with me and all the other people on it.  I trusted the people who designed it and I'm sure that's the same faith the people had on the one that collapsed, too.

When I really got thinking about faith and trust I realized that we have to have faith in the systems we use and we have to trust the people in that system, or we would literally be able to do nothing.  We couldn't drive, take the bus, go shopping, and more.  We all assume that car will work, that the bus will arrive on time, and that the store will have what we need when we get there.  But I see a darker side of this issue now and the bridge collapse really brought it home to me. 

The last film I directed, UR Pre-Approved, is about people being in debt and how they can get out.  But more importantly it's about how people get into debt and right now this is of mission critical importance because credit card delinquencies are up 26% this quarter versus last year.  That's a jump to over 17 billion dollars more in debt. And to make matters worse, defaults (people who just don't pay) are up 18%.  Anybody else see the trend here?

Here's the metaphor I see...  We all hop on the credit card bridge and we all trust that the bridge (the system) will keep us safe.  Yet, we have no idea who builds the bridge or what the load capacity really is and they never tell you... Just like the credit card industry never tells you in plain English what to expect from your credit card, your debt, your interest rates and more... So why do we trust and have faith that these debt instruments are good for us?  Why do we believe that we can run our lives on credit?  Why do we think the bridge will never collapse, when surely it must?

In my current film, Back From the Edge, we look into why big pharma is pushing more pills and creating less cures than ever before.  We look at why the US Government is okay with this plan as they do nothing about it and in many cases give big pharma all the breaks and open doors they want.  We take a look at why doctors, most of them anyway, are trained only as specialists and do not receive much, if any, training in "alternative" methods of healing.  We take a look at how people have cured their cancer, healed their bones and created a better life without the use of Westernized medicine.  And these folks aren't crazy or idiots. 

So here's the question...  Why do we have faith that the medical industry is good for us?  How did we live as a race for all of our existence without the tens-of-thousands of drugs?  Why do other people's of the planet have a healthier life than we do, even though they have no access to our technology?  I'm not bashing Western Medicine here and I have been thankful for the emergency room, the doctors and the triage system when I've needed it.  What I'm concerned about it why after the emergency or triage part of the medical issue, do most doctors move you right into a pill-popping regimen instead of a more holistic approach that treats the whole human, not just the symptom.

How many people need to be drugged into oblivion before the cable breaks and the medical bridge falls from under our feet?  How many of us have to die without ever knowing there are alternatives out there?  Why do the people we trust and have faith in ( the doctors ) not receive the training they need to work with our whole person?  And most of all why do we not ask all the questions we can?  Why do we have faith that the credit bridge or the medical bridge will be safe and keep us from harm?

Every system and structure ever created by man has the potential for collapse if it is overtaxed, overburdened, or outright made of poor materials or oversight (like the falling cement panels from the Big Dig in Boston).  How do these things happen?  Corruption... no doubt.  Poor craftsmanship, perhaps.  The people having faith that all the systems they are using will work for them (until they don't)?  You betcha.

If we all just go along and assume that the bridge will never collapse, it will.  The question is, will it be the bridge you are on, or not.  Until Christmas Day we all thought going to the zoo was safe and that we could trust the system.  One person died and two we injured when a Siberian Tiger got out of it's enclosure at the San Fransisco Zoo.  It couldn't happen, and yet it did.

When will the bridge you are on collapse?  Learn to ask more questions.  Not to have 100% faith in a system you do not know or understand and you will be well on your way to securing your own future if and when a bridge does collapse, you'll be better prepared.

For those people on the bridge in Nepal, I pray for you and your families.  For all of you that are reading this, take a moment to reflect on the joy we all have and know that life is truly precious.  Take a moment to honor those people on the bridge, the people from the zoo and the people from the Big Dig that lost their lives.  Each of us crosses a bridge (literal, metaphorical, or mental) every day.  Pray that you ask the right questions before you cross your bridge and that your journey is a safe one.

Namaste-

Randall

If Not Us, Who?

Namaste everyone,

In Nepal when people greet each other they say, "Namaste."  Namaste is a greeting or parting phrase as well as a gesture. It is commonly used by Hindus and Buddhists.

Taken literally, it means "I bow to you". The word is derived from Sanskrit.   When spoken to another person, it is commonly accompanied by a slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest. The gesture can also be performed wordlessly and carry the same meaning.

I begin this entry with the hope that we can all bow to each other, not in subservience, but in greatness.  Each person on the planet brings to all of us their magnificence and their wisdom.  Each one of us is the Universe made manifest.  We are all "star stuff" and share a common energetic bond that ties us together and I think we are the Universe trying to figure itself out and what we do to another, we literally do to ourselves. (Thanks to B5 for the words).

This is not a comment on war, poverty, or love. I am simply stating what I see and in my experience have seen to be true.  The more we give, the more we get.  Now many people seem to think that this something to do with giving time or money and that may be a part of it.  What I'm talking about is giving of yourself.  Giving of your soul. Think of it this way...

Disclaimer:  This is a generalization, but read on for the point:  Women can give birth and thereby create a child that in many ways makes them immortal.  Men cannot do this, so we build buildings to last for all ages, so they, too can be immortal.  Women can also do this, but as far as I know men cannot give bight, yet...

You see, we are all trying to leave part of ourselves behind for others to use and build on and create more magnificence in the years and eons to come.  It's what we do.  It's also what the Universe does in it's way.  How, then, can we discard people like we do and not injure the "whole?"  How can we not share our souls with each other to better humanity?  Why are we afraid to tell people who we are?  And, what can we do about, or do we even care?

For those of you that read this blog to build your business, this is meant for you, too.  Without sharing you get nothing.  Based on what I saw this holiday season we are now more mass-market than ever before.  Department stores are open 24 hours a day leading up to Christmas, sales start before the holiday, not after, and we're all spending like there is no tomorrow.  Guess what, there is and you'll probably be here for it.

A good friend of mine told me that "Givers Get."  He was talking about giving of yourself, not just of cash or comment.  Many people are too afraid to give anything of themselves because....  You know what?  A little while ago I asked the question, "Why are we afraid to tell people who we are?" and I just remembered a book I read in college with the title, "Why am I Afraid to Tell You Who I am." It's a good book by John Powell.  Look it up on Amazon, used copies are about $4.00.  The reason I bring this up is that the book answers the question (which doesn't give the book away) and that answer is:
"Why am I afraid to tell you who I am?...  Because if I tell you and you don't like me, I have nothing left to give."

Powerful stuff.  Let's look at it a bit deeper.  The book, like our lives is all about experiences, the ego, and how we deal with both.  The book was a turning point for me, although it took years for me to connect the dots.  Here's what I've seen in my own life and in the lives of those around me.  We're all liars.  You know it, I know, and we all know it about each other.  No one I have ever met tells the truth 100% of the time.  Maybe we just can't do it.  So now that we all know we're all liars, what do we do about it and how do we make it "work" for us?  And, I don't mean how do we manipulate people.

So here's how we lie everyday to most of the people we meet and interact with:  I think we all put on one of our several faces or facades every time we wake up (we show it to ourselves), every time we walk out the door (what we show the neighbors), when we go to work (honestly, now... are you 100% the same at home as you are in the workplace?), and what we show to our friends and acquaintances. There's more categories, but these are fine for now.

So if we have all these faces, why?  Why what?  Good question...  Why can't we wear just "our face" all the time?  What is it about the world that makes us chameleonic (yes, it's a new word) and forces us to change our face depending on the situation.   Because we have all been brought up to "behave right in public."  Very few of us were brought up to be ourselves and those who were have in my experience had some tough (but rewarding) times growing up.

It took me years to be, "me." Of course I care what people think about me, I want to make money, I want to live a good life and of course I still change faces depending on the situation I'm in.  Bet you didn't expect me to write that, did you?  But (and you knew there had to be one) I am more "me" more of the time every day and I find that people are attracted to me and what I have to offer as a human, not just as a skill set, more and more each day.  In fact I just had a multi-millionaire business partner tell me that he's not quite sure what planet I'm from.  This is good news because it means that I, and my other partners, think so differently, that we bring things to the table that literally did not exist before, and that we are fun to be around.

All I had to do was be me.  Like I said, it took me years to get to "me" and through it all I had massive pain, heartache, and misery.  When I look back on those "untenable" times, I see that there were two things in common.  One I was not giving enough of me and two, I was afraid of telling people who I am.  Not anymore.

Now, I'm strong enough in my own "me-ness" that I really don't worry about others.  If they don't like me, or what I have to say, it's really okay with me as I know that they are on a different path from me and that it's not personal.  They are on their search for peace and abundance, like we all are.  Here's the big question... 

If everyone was on the path to peace and abundance what would the world look like?  Would we have the disaster in Darfur?  Would we be at war for no logical reason (thank you all service men and women who do their jobs and allow me to write this)?  Would we be killing each other over ideas?  I think not.  When we all realize that we are "star stuff" and we are all part of the "One" we will then find the land of peace and abundance for everyone on the planet.

There is enough food...
There is enough fuel...
There is enough compassion...

There is enough for everyone...

Don't be afraid to tell people who you are.  Because if you tell them and they don't like you, it has nothing to do with you, the human.  They are on a path that is different from yours and they are unable to see the magnificence in you.  There is no risk.  You can be you and in fact, you must.

Be well and Namaste,

Randall

What Day is it Anyway?

Friday I was asked what I was doing this weekend and the question stumped me.  I know, it sounds like the easiest question in the world, right? Well, in my world I don't have "weekends."  In fact if the truth be told many times I don't know what day it is and to a great extent, I don't care.  I live my life on my terms, like we all should and if I want my "weekend" to be on Thursday, I make it so.

Most of my business partners, joint venture partners, and associates are on the same type of schedule.  We set our own time.  We work when we need to, or want to (I do my best thinking at 4:00 in the morning) and I like to take naps in the afternoon.  In fact my favorite nap is when I get to the hammock with a tall glass of iced tea and just "gel" with the wind. 

So when I was asked what I was doing this weekend, I rattled off two chock-full days of meetings, plans, and activities, which seemed to take the questioner aback.  You see, they thought I was working all weekend long right before the holidays and they felt bad for me.  They couldn't be farther from the truth.

I chose to live this weekend on my terms and that included some work and meetings.  I just got back from 10 days in Florida and the Caribbean and I have another vacation planned in just a couple of weeks, this time to more snowier regions.  I like the sun and the sea, but I also like the snow, so why not take both if I can get them.

I have nothing against anyone who chooses to work Monday through Friday and then "kicks it" on the weekends.  My life, however, is full-on, 24-7 and I find in my experience that when you play full on as if every moment matters and every day is to be cherished, your life becomes more fulfilling.  Here's an example:  Last night I had a conversation with a business partner at 10:0pm and that got me percolating for about three hours.  Then some I got some sleep and then I got on my way to LA.

This country is undergoing some dramatic changes. More of us are no longer working in "corporate America" and more of us are working for ourselves and for the betterment of others.  Corporate America is in for a big shock soon when they find out that they way they abused and discarded their employees for a few more percentage points in profit will come back to haunt them.  For whom will they get to work in their ivory towers if we're all doing it for ourselves?  Think about it.

When I was doing a presentation last week for a large group I was asked how I transitioned from the corporate world to my "Living my life" world. I love it when I get this question, for almost inevitably part of the reason they person asking the question asks it is because they want out.  They want to do it on their own, but for some reason they have unable to make the leap to freedom.

In some ways I made the leap the hard way.  I jumped off a cliff (the cliff of corporate security) and leapt for freedom.  I almost died on the way down.  Here's the "Cliff's Notes" version...

Several years ago I was called into the president of my company's office by the regional manager.  It was one of those moments when you try to figure out what you've done wrong and nothing comes to mind.  (Okay, I took the three paper clips, but I gave them back.)  Anyway, I digress...  When I got to the president's office and I saw "the magazine" on his desk, I knew what this little session was all about.  You see, I have written articles for major newspapers and magazines for most of my life and many times my title was that of the position I held at any particular company, but many times I wrote the articles as Randall Blaum, President of Marketing Experts International. 

In this particular case, I was Randall from MEI and my boss was pissed. He went on about how while I was working for him I needed to use the title from that company. I told him that I had a life outside of work and... that was the moment time started to slow down.  The next words out of his mouth changed the world for me forever.  He said, "As long as you work for me everything you do belongs to me..."

Have you ever had a perfect moment?  It's one of those moments when time stops, you sort of step outside of your body and you see everything in ultra-slow motion and you know the Universe just blinked and is waiting to see what you do next...  This was one of those moments...

The room got very still.  I could see the dust stranded in mid-air as if searching for a place to land but could find nowhere to perch.  I could see the two other people in the room literally stopped in mid-sentence.  It was very Star Trek like.  I was somehow transported to this alternate universe where I was the only thing moving and thinking.

And in that Universal "blink of an eye" I saw everything. Everything that ever was, ever is, and ever will be.  I was one.  I saw the twoness of me and the Universe and I saw the oneness of everything.  For the first time in my conscious life the entire Universe was waiting for me.

The next words that came out of my mouth were, "Well, I guess I need my final check and I'll go clean my desk out."  And in a blinding instant everything began in real time again and I started my roller coaster ride to freedom.  I had at that moment planted flag in the ground and said, "No one will take advantage of me any more," and "I am in control of what I do, who I am, and what I choose to do."  Then I got into my car and realized I had no job, had no income, and had to get moving pretty quickly to save my ass, my house, and my life.  That's how I left corporate America.

I was fortunate enough to have several mentors and friends help me as I jumped off that cliff, but I hit the wall many times and in a few moments it was very dark, very scary, and overwhelming.  It is in those moments you find out what your true character is and how you really feel about yourself and your life. 

When you make the choice to leave corporate America (and I hope you do) you need to make sure that you have a plan.  You can do it the way I did it, but it was a couple of very tough years.  Now as I look forward to 2008, I have two major motion pictures that will be released, a book that will be released, a national speaking tour, and am working with million and billionaires.  I also get to take naps and not care what day it is...

If you love your job, do it the best you can and be proud of it and your accomplishments.  Never talk down about what you do or who you are. I personally know people who tar roofs for a living that are happier than some of the CEO's I know.   A mentor of mine once taught me about Be, Do, Have and I think I'll wind up on this subject.

Ask yourself these questions:
Are you Being?
Are you Doing?
Are you Having?

In my experience the people who are "Being" are the happiest at what they are "doing" and as a result "have" all they want.  Conversely most of the people I have met that "have" everything never seem to be and do everything they want.

Here's to you Being all that you are and celebrating that fact with abandon.  Have a wonderful holiday and now it's time for my iced tea...  What day is it anyway? 

I am yours in success,
Randall

 

True versus the Truth

Have any of you seen the film, Absence of Malice" with Sally Fields and Paul Newman?  It came out in the early 80's and it's on my recommended list of films to see.  There is one part of the movie that has stuck with me for almost 25 years and it's the part where Sally Field as a top-rated newspaper reporter has become the news and another reporter rolls up to her desk and asks her a question.  Sally gives a blank stare and the other reporter follow up with... "That's accurate, isn't it?" and Sally answers, "yes, it's accurate, it's just not true."

Think about that for a moment.  How can something be accurate without being true?  What is the truth, anyway?  Do we fool ourselves into thinking we are telling the truth and, yet, are not being true to ourselves?  I think so...  Most of the time.  You see what we've all come to know as the truth, has very little to do with what is true in nature and in ourselves.

We think the truth is iPods make a difference.  We think the truth is paying $2000 for Hannah Montana tickets makes sense.  We think the truth is that our food supply and monetary supply is safe.  We think that getting fat and obese is okay.  Any you all know, deep inside where you never let anyone else in, that it's not TRUE.

The world is running on flat-out scared right now.  No one has any idea which seam will give and how the entire garment of our society will simply fall apart.  More people live in gated communities, like that make you safe.  And those same people don't even know who they live next to.  We watch The Housewives of Orange County and we think that's the truth.  It may be, but it's not TRUE.  Many people are hooked on "I Love New York 2,"  or some other trash that teaches our children that it's okay to disrespect others and to always put yourself first in terms of what you want.  Very rarely do you see or hear anything about who we are, who you are, and how you interact with the rest of the world in a way that ,makes a difference.

If you haven't figured it out by now, this is a pretty scathing account of where we are as a society.  Will it change anything, maybe not.  Then why do I write it?  Because I see that we are lying to ourselves.  We are all wrapped up in our new flat screen TV's and games.  We have filled the world with "noisemakers," distractions, and  frivolity to the point that we no longer even think about who we are as individuals and why we are really here.

I'm not going conspiracy theory here, but things are wrong and you know it.  It's like The Matrix.  We're all drinking the wine and eating the steak and yet, we know it's not real, not true.  Like Neo, we know something is wrong.  Some search for the truth.  Many are so plugged into the "matrix" that they don't even know it's all made up and therefore as they say in the movie, "they are our enemies."

It's time for all of us to create for ourselves a way that works by "being" rather than simply "doing."  If you know who are are on the inside and you're okay with that, then you are on the path.  Too many of us (and I from time to time) get caught up in the "doingness" of everyday life and we forget to concentrate on the "beingness" of who we are.

We've gone external and lost track of the internal.  We've abdicated our responsibility for our health, our money, and our lives.  It's always someone else's fault.  We seem to want to be treated like children and be led like sheep to the slaughter.  Why?  What has happened to us in just over 200 years?  What has happened to our Republic?  Why is our money not controlled by Congress, as our founding fathers always intended, but by a few families that hold the purse strings.  Why does the Federal Reserve even exist and how come most of you don't care?  Why have we let so many of our personal freedoms slip away with the "Patriot Act" and other such "public safety" initiatives?

Because we have as a nation allowed it to happen.  We have become so enamored with our new toys, cars, stereos, clothes, computers, etc., that we have forgotten who we are as a people, as individuals and as a nation. Everyone needs to ask more questions and needs to not just accept the party line.  How high does gas have to go before you actually cry for help?  How many hungry people can we feed in this country alone with those $2000 Hannah Montana tickets?  Why, if we are so concerned with national security do our borders leak like sieve?

This is not a rant.  This is one way that I can, hopefully, get people to start talking to other people and start asking questions.  From that beginning, the beginning of true communication, we can reclaim what is ours (ourselves, our passion, our dignity) and cast out the  so-called "truth" and finally get to what is TRUE. 

Here is what is true:  If you never watched TV, you heart would still beat in your chest.  If you stop reading this blog right now and never come back, your lungs will still breath for you.  If you don't buy you kids that $300 paid of sneakers, your blood will still pulse through your body.  That's what's TRUE.  You are alive and now I'm asking you, nicely, to start acting that way.

Make decisions for yourself.  If you go to a doctor as them "why" and "how come" they are doing what they do.  Ask them if there are other options other than taking drug after drug after drug.  Ask your congressmen and senators why they do what they do and be involved.  It is a government "for the people and by the people," right? 

Right now we are at the brink of losing ourselves and our sovereignty.  And here's the funny thing.  The only way to be free, truly free is to actually  be free and all that means.  If you don't understand what I'm saying here, go back and read the original constitution.  It's that important and so are you.

I'm tired...  Tired of people and companies that want to be "right" or be "rich" as opposed to just "being."  You see so many people and companies will do what ever they can to win at all costs, or to get ahead (they win, they win, they win) and it's killing us all.  Not only with our health, but with our spirit and our very freedom.

Do one thing today that breaks your own pattern.  Ask a different question.  Look at the puzzle from a new angle.  Communicate (really talk) to someone.  I think you'll see a difference in your own world and in the world of the people around you.

I am yours in success,
Randall

New UR Pre-Approved Trailer Hits Internet - You Get A Private First Look

Hi everyone!  I have some great news.  Just last night we released the newest trailer for UR Pre-Approved, my last film, and you are some of the first people to not only get a chance to see it, but to have your own copy of it.  Simply use the link below to download your very own copy of the new trailer. 

Feel free to pass the trailer on to all your friends and you can even upload it to any website you think would be a good match.  Warning:  I am only allowed to have 500 people download the trailer before it is launched to the public, so act fast.  Here's the link:

http://download.yousendit.com/EE06B6DB63C33369

The file is 52MB, so it might take a short bit to download.  If you haven't been to the web site take a look at all the experts we have in the film.  The URL is www.urpreapproved.com.

There's another new trailer for my current film, Back from the Edge, which you may see at www.backfromtheedgemovie.com.  Take a look and, again, I think you'll be amazed at what's going on in the country and the world regarding health care, drugs, big pharma, our own government and more.

On the Back from the Edge website you'll also see tons of video and photos from our Mount Everest trip and from the media we received when we got back.

Be well and have a superb rest of the week.

Randall