New adventures

Over the past 8 months my life has changed significantly. From quitting my job and (quite literally) running away to Miami for a week to clear my head and give myself a chance to breathe, to scrounging for money, and getting the chance to explore BC with friends after countless summers of not being able to due to intense hockey training. All I can really say is "what a ride".

Over this time I was fortunate enough to keep my head above water with the opportunity to coach, teach, and mentor young goaltenders. It's amazing what you actually learn from doing the opposite of learning, teaching. I found that especially when working with kids, the indirect, yet very strong messages and life lessons they expel upon us are truly life changing. Without getting in to too much detail, they allowed me to venture outside daily, regular perception of the world.

Constant personal growth is a must. If we remain stagnant and do not grow, we are in fact shrinking. To grow and understand areas that we can improve within ourselves, we in turn create an environment to help our peers, friends, family, coworkers, etc. do better themselves and thus improving the World.

Now it's time for me to start a new adventure on the road of life with a new, emerging company in the Payment Processing Industry - Kubera.

I'm excited for what lies ahead gaining knowledge of the industry and helping companies find solutions for their Credit and Debit Card processing needs.

I hope you have kept well during my apparent Social Media hiatus and feel sorry for not continuing some of the fantastic previous relationships that had been developed over the course of the prior year. Many of you do not even realize what a help and inspiration you have been. You know who you are.

In a Perfect World

Happy Friday!

I hope you all are looking forward to the long weekend. I sure am... Camping with friends and enjoying the beautiful scenery of British Columbia, what could be better? This may be part of a "Perfect World"

My post today is all about what your ideal situation would look like. So many things in life and business remain the same because "that's the way we do it". Take a moment to think outside of the box and think of a business process that has been standardized across your company. Is there a better way of doing it? If so, why not change?

I believe people are inherently lazy or reluctant to change because they are comfortable with the way things have been done. Sometimes you gotta Raise a Little Hell and switch it up. Think of the ideal way to do something and then work backwards on how to achieve it. If you think the other way around of what is attainable now with the tools and current processes you have, the results will remain the same.

This can also be applied to operational efficiency and is likely the most directly influenced subject of what can be changed.

Marketing Automation can be as simple orcomplex as you like. With tools such as Marketo one can create incredibly detailed campaigns that are combined with scoring rules, tracking, alerts, messages etc etc. Time and time again I am finding that marketers are overwhelmed with the capabilities of such systems and don't know where to start. My advice would be to create an ideal situation and take baby steps to achieve the end result. With something like Marketing Automation, it can not be done overnight particularly when content is lacking.

Do not be happy with the status quo. One must always look at ways to improve. Constant growth and an open mind willing to learn at all times will lead to continued success.

That's it, that's all. Have a great weekend.

Outside Sources, The Mental Game

For Days Like Today

This post is both one about hockey, life, and how outside sources that we can not control can sometimes wreak havoc on our mental state. Pictured right are my beloved Canucks and head coach Alain Vigneault hanging their heads after last nights dismal performance in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals. They look exactly how I feel this morning. I have to say it was tough to get out bed this morning. I am stuck here thinking of the reasons why I let a sports franchise affect not only me, but the entire city so greatly? I often wonder what the production rate (in terms of business completed) is when there is a game that day, after a win, after a loss. Do things such as major sports events, recently here in Vancouver, the Olympics, or any other thing of that nature really affect how we are at work, at home, and at play. I'm going to key on work but it's all part of a bigger picture.

As you may have noticed, I seem to draw on my experiences from the hockey world extremely often. Up until one year ago, this was really the only world I knew. When I was a goaltender trying to make it where these guys are today my biggest obstacle was the mental game. I knew I had the skill, talent, work ethic and all the other intangibles to get it done. I did everything in my power to make it. It didn't work out. This was for a number of reasons and I could write a book about it (and, that is not out of the question... I've definitely thought about it). BUT, the key to playing well and performing well in life is what channel you decide to tune your brains TV set to. Bear with me a moment and think openly about your emotions and feelings. I was involved with a sports psychologist by the name of Saul Miller who introduced the concept to me of our minds working like a TV set where we can control what channel we're on. Think about that... We have the power so say "No, that's not me... Who I am is...". That statement alone was one of the most powerful things anyone has ever taught. For that statement to work, one must have a clear definition of who they are and exactly what they want to be. It's fantastic for curing and learning from mistakes.

I am one who believes mistakes are a blessing. Another one of the phrases I learned from Saul is "Either you use it, or it uses you". Again, I ask you to really think about the roots behind that and the meaning behind it. My main objective was to succeed in sport but my father, David Rebak attended some of the sessions I had with Saul and after each session he concluded that almost everything Saul has said is applicable to life. He was absolutely correct.

It's no surprise to me that so many ex-elite athletes are in sales. Think of all the skills that cross both lifestyles. I constantly amaze my self at all that I can apply from hockey to work life and vice versa.

What I am really getting at after all this rambling is the power of our minds and how outside sources (such as my favourite team, the Canucks) can affect our mood and therefore affect our performance. In most cases, such as a favourite team losing, they are in no way, shape, or form related to the other arenas in your life. In fact, I might dare to say that the Canucks losing is an erroneous fact. We must not allow ourselves to be influenced by things we can not control. All that we can control is our actions.

The next time you are by the water and you see a duck with a pearl of water slipping of its back remember it. Think of the pearl of water as an irritant in your daily life and the duck being you. You want to flick the water away. You don't want to get wet. But, if you let it bead off you, it's gone almost instantaneously and you are not bothered or affected by it. Stay calm, cool, and collected. Always keep your head level and avoid what I like to call the emotional roller-coaster of highs and lows.

I fell victim to letting things get to me and to be honest, it really affected my work life. Recently I went through some challenges and for a while, it definitely used me. I am now at the point where I have used it as a learning experience and have grown hugely from it. Again, I view mistakes and challenges as a blessing and an opportunity to learn and grow. If you have come across a challenge recently, please, embrace it. Slow down, take a birds eye look at the issue at hand, and find a way to use it; otherwise, it will inevitably use you.

Go kick ass - Seriously... and have fun doing it.

Marketing in the New Millenium

**News Flash**

We've come a long way since the days of the paper boy on the side of the road screaming "Extra, Extra... Read all about it". This then begs the question "Where is marketing today and how do I do it right?". If I or anyone could answer that with a simple a,b,c 1,2,3 solution they would be a bigillionaire.

Let's dive right in to e-mail marketing....

Some, actually, many people view email as SPAM or a shady way to communicate with people for the purposes of marketing and/or selling. Sure there are a ton of illegitimate characters out there who do email the wrong way. I could give examples how poorly they do it and how many CAN-SPAM laws they break in the process but listing the "What not to do's" isn't going to get anyone anywhere. 

How do we combat the anti emailers....

First and foremost be CAN-SPAM compliant. Have fun enjoying the hefty fines if you are not. One must also seek the double opt-in. This is key to ensuring your audience wants to receive the information being sent to them and assist in ensuring you do not get blacklisted. If you get yourself blacklisted, there's something wrong. If too many people click the spam button or report it as spam, the ISP and/or ESP will block you out completely. So, if you're selling sporting goods and you target little old ladies in a senior's centre, you have better luck cheering for the Maple Leafs. (Yes, any opportunity to beak the Maple Laughs must be used).

What's my ROI?....

I would then ask you what your objectives are. Generally people say they want to generate revenue. After-all, if your brand awareness is off the charts yet you can't sell anything or generate revenue, you're likely going to be out of a job and a victim of CNN's favourite word, the economy. So where is the ROI... Compared to most traditional ways of advertising such as TV, Radio, Newspaper, the conversion rate and ROI of email is fantastic. Does anyone remember how much a TV spot during the Superbowl was? Try singing to the tune of $2.6M for a 30second spot. Yes, this is the extreme case. My point is that when you look at the cost of email compared to the cost of traditional it is just common sense to do email campaigns. How can you possibly target properly in traditional media sources? You can't. 

I'm not saying to call up the local TV station or stop the presses immediately but it's time for all the old fuddy duddy's that think they know how marketing works to give their heads a shake. Talk to your audience, connect with them. How does somebody who is 60 years old know what goes on in high schools and what is considered to be "pop culture"? If you were to pay some kids or even 20 year olds $100 each for a few hours of their time to find out how they interact with media and what influences their buying decisions, would that not be a good use of cashola? I'd say so.

Email and (coming on strong) SMS are quickly becoming the go-to method for reaching people; certainly the younger audience. I'm a young buck and the majority of people within my circle have smart phones or are constantly on the computer checking out the latest wall post or status update. Emails and texts are going to phones and people are on the go all the time. This is how people want to be contacted now. Contact them in the method they want. Sounds pretty simple doesn't it. But, people still love their TV. For big B2C brands, it can still be very effective.

As you can tell, I'm a fan of email and SMS. I think they give you the most bang for your buck but you have to figure out what is right for you and your firm. All I ask is that you take a look around and reconsider where your marketing budget is going. It's no surprise that companies constantly increasing the amount/percentage they are spending on digital. 

Thanks for tuning in.

Must Read for ANY Sales Professional - High School Book Report

Good day to you, and thank you once again for stopping by.

Today I feel like I have gone back to high school. Never, in my wildest of dreams did I think I would write another book review let alone want to write it; Yet here I sit on this delightful Friday morning inspired by one of Canada's... scratch that, North America's top Sales trainers. The gentleman's name is Kelley Robertson. Kelley and I were were introduced through another sales guru, Paul Castain. To be honest, I was a little put off by Kelley to begin with. This was mostly due to the fact he lives in Toronto and supports the Maple Laughs. Yes, The Maple Laughs. I could go on about that awful team but I digress.

Kelley was kind enough to help a young sales jedi out and sent a copy of his book "The Secrets of Power Selling". Within this book of goodies are 101 tips to help improve your sales results. I would recommend a few but all 101 tips are great. No, I'm not just kissing the ass of someone I look up to. These tips are great especially for someone like me who who lacks in experience but is keen to learn and start dominating the world of sales. Oh wait, I already dominate ; )

The tips themselves are generally short and to the point. It then goes on in more detail of why they are important and will have a practical application of the tip. This is not the style of book that needs to read from front to back. You can literally pick it up, read a tip or two, put it to use, and go back the next day for more. This is essentially what I did for the past 50 days and I have the numbers to prove it works. Don't believe me, call my boss. Actually, call me; that way I can both brag about Kelley, his book, my numbers, and attempt to sell something to you. Wait, why attempt? In the wise words of Yoda, "There is no try, there is to do and not do." I'm no Star Wars geek so I may have paraphrased slightly.

I'm not going to give away my "Top 5 tips" or mention a ton because in all reality, you need to get this book for yourself a copy of it. Please do yourself a favour, click here to get a copy.

As mentioned in the paragraph(s) above, all the tips are great for all levels of people in sales from young to old, experienced vets to newbs. I will mention my number one tip and is "The Power of Persistence". It is pretty self explanatory but sometimes we all need a kick in the pants to keep going and "try, try, try again". I have learned this lesson over, and over, time and time again. As usual, I find myself pulling life lessons from my hockey days. I had countless numbers of doors (literally) slammed in my face. Nine teams in two years, thousands upon thousands of miles flown, driven, and bussed across the continent all to end up realizing my dream of playing in the NHL and hoisting a Stanley Cup will not be coming true.

A 12 year old me still very distinctly remembers a goalie coach of mine, Pasco Valana (pictured left) saying "We may not all get the chance to hoist the Stanley Cup, but we can all win the Stanley Cup of Life". Persistence, hard work, and determination, along with the will to break down barriers and plow through walls but in front of me provided me with the opportunity to grow hugely as a person. It was persistence that allowed me to do that.

Life is a journey and the destination is never as sweet if we can not enjoy the route that gets us there. (paraphrased quote from one of my trainers, Nathan Davis).

With that, I remind you to kick ass every day. Kick as at work, at home, and at play. Kick ass in every one of lifes arenas and you will indeed find yourself hoisting the Stanley Cup of life, the ultimate prize.

Thank you to all those that have helped me thus far; you know who you are. I'm not going to write an Oscars speech.