Bob Ross, making money and some soul

Hey all,

I just had some random ponderings I thought may help you out.

First on the docket is Bob and money. If you have interest in
making money from local businesses, his '9x12' is a great concept.

Selling ad space on an oversized postcard is not that hard to do...
but you do need to put effort into it, as well as not be limited in
to how you can use this concept.

I recently sold seven 1/4 page spaces on a flyer (one space I used
as the branding for the piece and attention grabber). I sold each spot
@ $150. I designed each ad myself (using Word, nothing fancy).

It cost $254 to have 5000 flyers printed (gotprint.com). $68 for shipping
and I paid $100 to have them distributed. Leaving me $730.

Now, I realize that I create ads for a living so that part will not be that
easy for most of you... but it is NOT that hard either.

Pros:

• Inexpensive (and you get paid FIRST, so no out-of-pocket for you)
• Re-occurring revenue. Most businesses will continue to place the ad
• It's easier to sell anything 'done for you'... more so if it 'makes them money'
• Easy/free prospecting. EVERY business I got I found on craigslist
• Quantifiable: You can have several postcard/flyer campaigns at once

Cons:

• You'll need to create an email to get their interest (without sounding spammy)
• You will need to design the ads (or pay to have them done)
• You have to keep in contact with your clients (to keep them coming back)

I can't get into detail about a lot of what I do because this thread would be as
long as the Lord of the Rings trilogy...

Now we commence into the key fundamental of having any kind of success...

Passion

The more you think about money or your current situation, you tend to lose
site of what you are trying to really do. You my friend can be a powerful
force in our economy.

Not by how much you make, but by helping many others make more. The
more you can help a business grow, the more jobs and commerce is
created. Your ads, mobile sites, SEO or whatever the hell it is you sell
has one singular purpose...

To help another

Nobody is passionate about money as obtaining it has no intrinsic value for
your soul. Yet a musician, artist, dancer, martial artist, teacher or a consultant
allows their passion to flow onto others.

I may seem a little over-sensitive at the moment, and I am. Recently I lost
my mother and it is amazing how certain things gain clarity.

I have a natural raw talent for marketing and advertising, but I always thought
about it from a 'how can I make more money'. Because of recent events I
have soul searched and realized there has to be more to life than chasing
the dollar.

Lately I'm starting to feel an excitement when I'm creating ads or marketing.
I get a chance to help someone achieve something better with every project.

Don't just love what you do. Immerse yourself in the warm glow of how what
you do is bettering someone else.

Not only will you be happier, you'll be better at doing your job.

I wish you success


Paul