Kevin Beatty

Inspire to Become

An incredibly inspiring story comes from ultra-marathoner Dean Karnazes during his first 100 mile ultra-marathon.  It was the Western States Ultra-marathon 100 Mile Endurance Run.  He popped out of the trail at about close to mile 99.  He was completely wasted, nothing was left in him.  There standing waiting for him was his lifelong hero, his father.  Dean crumbled in his arms.  "I know I'm so close to the finish but I don't know what to do, there's nothing in me left."  It was then that his father deemed a quote that Dean will never forget. 

Social Media + $60 = Own a football club and choose who plays!!

This post is the 2nd of many to come that feature key elements and talking points found in the book 'Groundswell' by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff.  I was astounded by the incredible material found in this book and thought to write down my thoughts on what I belief are important to know benefits of social marketing utilization. 

In the book, they discuss how the Forrester Research group has seen in numerous cases that the engaging nature of using social marketing sends corporations through a mental shift.  I've seen this first hand with the many clients I've worked with on social marketing consulting. 

Essentially you begin to focus more on your customers needs and wants vs the corporations needs and wants.  This comes as a direct result of becoming engulfed with the groundswell of customer engagement.  What does that mean?  Well, we all know that putting your customer's needs in front of your corporations needs and wants will lead to a more successful company.  You can't create a product or service and then manipulate your customers needs and wants until they line up with your product offering. Social marketing allows companies to tap into areas of the customer consciousness that was never possible in the past or came at a high cost. 

Although the Case Study below is NOT in the book 'Groundswell' I feel it's one of the best examples I've heard of in a while in regards to how social marketing technologies have changed the status quo in life. 

Case Study: Ebbsfleet United Football Club

 They are a football club (soccer for the American's) from England called Ebbsfleet United. 

Groundswell by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff - great social media beginner book

I realize that Social Media needs as much of an introduction as Michael Jordan at an NBA Playoff Game so I'll spair you the Social Media 101 spiel.  Instead of writing a review on the entire book I'm going to post short blog segments on important media trends discussed in this book.  My hopes are that it'll be easier to follow for you the reader, plus I encourage you to begin conversations and social dialogue with your opinions.  If you haven't read this book before, I highly recommend it.  Click here to buy it. 

To start, I like the author's definition of what exactly a groundswell is: A social trend in which people use technologies to get the things they need from each other, rather than from traditional institutions like corporations.  They then go on to discuss how emerging technologies all us the consumers to shop for products, read reviews and research in ways that we never could.  From buying a coffee table on Craigslist to a vintage Rock t-shirt on eBay, we no longer are held to purchasing from major vendors. 

This element of the groundswell alone will single-handedly change the way business is done forever. 

Kevin's Notes - Cliff would be jealous

I don't know about you, but I really enjoy reading good business strategy books, magazines, blogs, reviews - basically anything about trending ways to grow a business.  As I read these books I'm always coming across great material that I can apply to my daily life and business strategy.

A new section of my blog will be book reviews, notes and talking points of those books.  If I'm in the middle of a chapter and I'm blown away by a new marketing strategy or advertising opportunity I hope to blog about it.  If anything this will be a compilation of ideas that I look to implement into my life.  

Feel free to suggest additional books that I should read and review.

The Most Practical Way to Create Harmonic Wealth in Your Life

You may or may not be familiar with James Arthur Ray but in my opinion he's one of the greatest thought and spiritual leaders of our time.  The material James discusses with his audience is somewhat common in the motivational industry, however it's the way he presents it that sets him apart from the masses.  He's incredibly articulate and has a knack for taking complex ideologies and breaking them down to an easily understandable state.   If you haven't read any of his books, seen him at a live event, or watched any of his videos I implore you to do so. 

I first heard of James during the craze a few years ago that was brought on by the hit movie "The Secret."  If you've never seen or heard of this I would highly recommend you borrow, rent, or purchase this within the next week.  To summarize this movie, it introduces to you 'the secret' to leading a successful and healthy/wealthy life.  The secret of course is The Law of Attraction, where what you think about you bring about.  Everyone has experienced this time and time again, mostly subconsciously however.  Your current life situations are a direct reflections of your past thoughts, feelings, and actions. 

This new age thought of The Secret was brought to my attention from a friend of mine who warned me by having an open mind before watching "The Secret."  "Watch it without judgment," she said.  I watched it several times in one week, learning something new each time. I saw James Ray speak on the movie and felt compelled to learn more - so I researched him. 

I was formally introduced to James' teachings by attending a Free Seminar.  It was held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego, CA.  I was stunned by the 2000+ people that had attended this event.  What hooked me was how James discusses his philosophies, however they're backed by scientific proof.  He has traveled the world studying the thoughts, feelings, actions, and habits of those who create complete harmonic wealth.  He also brings a touch of Quantum Physics to the table.  Before the free event I didn't know much about Quantum Physics, nor wanted to learn.  I won't ruin the entire seminar for anyone that hasn't had the chance to watch him but I would strongly encourage you to check it out. 

After this initial seminar I signed up for his weekend seminar called Harmonic Wealth Weekend.  It was an incredible experience, extremely thought provoking, filled with emotional break-throughs and goal setting techniques.  If you EVER get the chance to attend this event, DO IT.  Don't even think twice about it.  You will not be disappointed. 

Still not 100% sold on the idea of a weekend of Rah-Rah motivation (which it really isn't, but I realize the skeptics out there won't believe me) then I would suggest purchasing his book Harmonic Wealth.  The picture below will send you to the check out page to purchase it.  It's a fast read and really walks you through each step we learned at the weekend seminar. 

I can't promote James and his programs, teachings, seminars, conference calls, and spiritual guidance enough.  When would NOW be a good time to start?