Timothy Ferris, author of THE 4 HOUR WORK WEEK, giving a presentation in Paris. Sooo much of this video is WAY over my head... I'll have to watch it 2 more time... make that 5.

Post thoughts to comments.

Just a heads up... this clip is 20 minutes long and WORTH IT.

Have you ever seen this picture? Take a look and tell me what you see FIRST.



Ok. What was it? If you saw a young woman or an old lady isn't as important as that you saw something differently (possibly) than someone else. This simply illustrates what you see depends on your perspective. Here's some of the psychology behind what you saw.

Why is this photo test important? Because where some people in this current economic climate see the old lady (problems and tough times) and some see the young lady (solutions and opportunity). Your perspective affects what you see and IS your reality. Personally, I love times like this because it separates the men from the boys.

Post thoughts to comments.

Here are some pictures from the NEW space for CrossFit Chicago. Rudy - you've come a LONG way!!

Not sure what a lemming is just check the link.

Why should you care? Because if you're doing something everyone else is doing you're bound to their fate.

I say this because currently I see a lot of trends of people reducing prices, going for the lowest common denominator and basically selling themselves short. And to that I say... great. Because if all business are going to do a price war (which, BTW, leaves a lot of businesses dead - google it) that leaves room at the other end of the spectrum for something really valuable and high priced. It's a natural void that is created. Smart businessmen will seize this opportunity and make a hugely successful business. However if you want to charge $1000 for coaching, or 5x greater than the average in your industry you better bring 10x more value.

What are some programs you could create?

Post to comments.

Haven't had a Seth video in a while. Enjoy.

If you lived a mere 150 - 200 years ago, and you had to hunt for your own meal... would you starve? Or would do what you had to each day to feed yourself and your family?

I heard Coach Glassman say something several years ago and it has stuck with me ever sense. I'm sure you diehard Crossfiters could find it somewhere online. I'll paraphrase, it goes something like this... Train your client spectacularly each day so as to earn their business the next. Regardless of your business model, contracts, pay-as-you-go, punchcard, that mentality needs to apply in your class approach. I say need and I believe that is an accurate word. It is a need. It's a vital ingredient in your approach to your business and your clients.

How do you insure you can put food on your table each day?

Post thoughts to comments:

Enjoy this clip on what you could do to separate yourself from others:

There is an old question: How do you eat an elephant? Answer: One bite at a time.

Success is just like that. Success is being just a little better each day. Success is like your Zone diet. Your muscle up. Your handstand hold.

If you want to court failure, try to re-imagine EVERYTHING all at once.

If you've recently taken stock in your business (which I suggest at least 2-3 times per year) and find you have a lot of areas needing work dedicate no less than 30 days to improve a given area. Look for a change over a year period. Your business will not look a lot different in a day or week but it will in a year.

Here is a list of things you could get just a little better at tomorrow:
Listen to your clients - REALLY listen
Show up 5 minutes earlier for class - cause I know most if not all barely get there on time
Look for the good - coaching isn't always pointing out the flaws
Saying "thank you"
Understanding the movements by watching at least one video on CrossFit.com

Got something to add?

Post your thoughts to comments:

Enjoy this video of Gary Vaynerchuk of Wine Library TV.

Often, in the seminars we lead, Andy and I discuss one of the "secrets" of our system is building a team. The biggest challenge, we've found, is having the leadership abilities to really lead people. If you've done work on yourself (coaching, communication, athletically) and still finding it difficult to grow your business... look at what kind of leadership skills you have. Part of that is the ability to connect with and "read" people correctly.

The following video discusses your "Emotional I.Q.". Similar to intellectual I.Q. it deal with how well you connect with other people.

So, are you working on leading your staff?

Post thoughts to comments.

This is a gem of a show on ABC on Friday nights... yeah, the show time sucks so no one will be watching I think so you should TIVO it. Listen, it's worth your time to understand these business concepts of marketability, negotiations and the value of an idea. Looks like Youtube has a bunch of episodes so you cold really see how the "sharks" operate.

Enjoy.

Post thoughts to comments.

There is some big news coming up regarding the BIZ. In the meantime, enjoy this video from one of our seminars.

BTW - are you going to the CrossFit Affiliate Gathering in Miami? We are.

Post thoughts to comments.

Creating the Experience from CrossFit LA - The BIZ on Vimeo.

Because you say it is, that's why... because there is only NOW and there is no other year to make your dreams come true... because haven't you waited long enough to get out of 2nd gear... because you choose it to be the year and that's all that matters and no one, no matter how close or respected or their expert opinion if contrary to yours, will get in your way. And this is because you...

go the extra distance

write that thank you note

show up early for class

listen more intently

dig a little deeper

hand out one more business card

have more fun

look for the things your clients do right

enroll more people for your team

dream a little bit bigger

know your numbers

watch one coaching video every day before leaving your house

walk the talk and talk plenty

dial in your Zone

smile with your clients more

make your weaknesses your strengths

believe in yourself

give tough love when it's necessary and give love every other time

Because this is who you are. You are the man and you know it.

So tell me, why is this the year for you?

Enjoy this clip:

I'm proud to announce the first annual award recognizing the best run Crossfit school. That award is based on outstanding coaching, great programming, professional location, passionate & professional coaching staff, and business effectiveness. In addition, this years specific winner has also brought a level of innovation that hasn't been seen outside of CrossFit LA yet. There is no surprise that they have been growing at their rate with their client performance being as outstanding as well... they love what they do and it shows.

The winner:

CrossFit Scottsdale run by Luke & Najla Kayyem and Tiffany Divelbiss

Congrats!!

Here is a video from one of their PR days:

A book that I suggest reading is HOW THE MIGHTY FALL by Jim Collins which is a follow up to his book GOOD TO GREAT. As usual this book is a great read. What I got most out of it is that if business has gone wrongs, sideways or just "off" it's not over... you could still salvage your dream.

Below is a video overview of Jim on the Charlie Rose show.

Post thoughts to comments:

Thanks Seth Godin for this entry.


How to lose an argument online

- Have an argument. Once you start an argument, not a discussion, you've already lost. Think about it: have you ever changed your mind because someone online started yelling at you? They might get you to shut up, but it's unlikely they've actually changed your opinion.

- Forget the pitfalls of Godwin's law. Any time you mention Hitler or even Communist China or Bill O'Reilly, you've lost.

- Use faulty analogies. If someone is trying to make a point about, say, health care, try to make an analogy to something conceptually unrelated, like the space shuttle program, and you've lost.

- Question motives. The best way to get someone annoyed and then have them ignore you is to bypass any thoughtful discussion of facts and instead question what's in it for the person on the other end.

- Make assumptions about their motivations and lose their respect.

- Act anonymously. What are the chances that heckled comments from the bleachers will have an impact?

- Threaten to take action in another venue. Insist that this will come back to haunt the other person. Guarantee you will spread the word or stop purchasing.

- Bring up the slippery slope. Actually, the slope isn't that slippery. People don't end up marrying dogs, becoming cannibals or harvesting organs because of changes in organization, technology or law.

- Go to the edges. This is a variant of the slippery slope, in which you bring up extremes at either end of whatever spectrum is being discussed.

So, what works?

Earn a reputation. Have a conversation. Ask questions. Describe possible outcomes of a point of view. Make connections. Give the other person the benefit of the doubt. Align objectives then describe a better outcome. Show up. Smile.

Thoughts?

At CrossFit LA we strive to make each person's visit different than any other place that they have been or will go to. And we do this from the first moment we answer the phone or when someone finds our website. If you have been to our seminar, or are planning on going, we cover this extensively on how you can do it as well. How does your box stand out in a crowd of fitness choices? If I called your box, would it sound like any other place if I replaced the word Crossfit with the word Golds? Is everyone's first experience with your box memorable even if they DIDN'T join?


Post thoughts to comments:

This video is from our seminar. I'm sorry it's so long but it's full of valuable information and I did not want to "dumb it down" for time's sake.

What's the Difference? from CrossFit LA - The BIZ on Vimeo.

Great speech on branding, passion and people...

And I appreciate his ability to tell people to "get out" if they don't love what they do... because the customers deserve better.

Thoughts? Post to comments.

How did you choose your business model? Does it support your desire to be a business owner by duplicating your skills? Or do you find yourself hating going to the gym because the reward is to small?

When Andy and I teach at our seminar we cover the way that supports your need to be financially stable while delivering a great product to your clients. AND this model also supports your staff's desire to have a real future as a professional on par with other doctors, lawyers and other respected people.

Post how you chose your business model to comments:

Business Models (2 min. version) from CrossFit LA - The BIZ on Vimeo.

To sign up for the next BIZ: Raise your Game seminar in LA click here now.

Don't believe me... let's see what Coach Glassman has to say about it. The following excerpt is taken from the CrossFit.com Affiliate blog Oct. 13th. 2009


"Imagine you're a new affiliate: How do you figure out your prices?

Imagine you're an established affiliate: How do you know when it's time to raise prices?"

Posted by Lisbeth at October 13, 2009 12:05 AM



"This is an important conversation. Your personality and confidence will play a strong role in a) what you will charge, b) what you'll feel like asking, and c) whether you'll get it or not.

I always made sure that I was charging considerably more than the average training rate and made sure that the margins by which my training was better than average were even greater. To wit, when the average trainer was making $40/session, Lauren and I were charging $75/session, but we figured that was a bargain because our training was three times more effective and fun. I also never raised the rate on a client, ever, but extracted ever increasing amounts from newcomers. My clients locked into a rate for a lifetime. Early adoption/support had it's rewards. I generally kept my rates about 50% above the regional mode (by dead-reckoning).

In the traditional non-CF gym model the memberships of the super committed are in effect subsidized by the large number of gym members who do not go to the gym but continue to pay. That's not our business model. You want to look not at what gym membership at Gold's, Balley's, or Spectrum costs but the average take per client of their trainers. On the basis of that comparison our average CF affiliate monthly fee of $150 is a steal, and those are the clients you want - people who want to be trained.

I'd rather be the most expensive CF trainer in a demographic region than the least expensive - by far. The guy undercharging the market is making a statement about his worth that I'd never make.

These are my opinions."

Comment #11 - Posted by: Coach at October 13, 2009 4:26 PM

Post thoughts to comments:

Here's a Video for more on the topic.

A Recipe for Riches
by Duncan Greenberg
Friday, October 9, 2009
provided by

Want to become a tech titan or hedge fund tycoon? Up your chances by dropping out of college or going to Harvard and working at Goldman Sachs.

Are billionaires born or made? What are the common attributes among the uber-wealthy? Are there any true secrets of the self-made?

More from Forbes.com:

• In Depth: A Recipe for Riches

• The Complete Ranking of the 400 Richest Americans 2009

• Fun Billionaire Statistics
We get these questions a lot, and decided it was time to go beyond the broad answers of smarts, ambition and luck by sorting through our database of wealthy individuals in search of bona fide trends. We analyzed everything from entrepreneurs' parents' professions to where they went to school, their track records in the early stages of their careers and other experiences that may have set them on the path to extreme wealth.

Our admittedly unscientific study of the self-made members of the Forbes 400 yielded some interesting results.

First, a significant percentage of them had parents with a high aptitude for math. The ability to crunch numbers is crucial to becoming a billionaire, and mathematical prowess is hereditary. Some of the most common professions among the parents of Forbes 400 members (for whom we could find the information) were engineer, accountant and small-business owner.

More from Yahoo! Finance:

• How Self-Made Titans Launched Their Empires

• Unusual Products That Made Millions

• 10 Part-Time Businesses and What You'll Earn
Visit the Career & Work Center
Consistent with the rest of the population, more American billionaires and near-billionaires were born in the fall than in any other season. However, relatively few of them were born in December, historically the month with the eighth-highest birth rate.

Of the 274 self-made tycoons on the Forbes 400, 14% either never started or never completed college. The number of precocious college dropouts is highest among those who forged careers as technology entrepreneurs: Bill Gates of Microsoft (MSFT), Steve Jobs of Apple (AAPL), Michael Dell of Dell (DELL), Larry Ellison of Oracle (ORCL) and Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook.

Forbes 400 members who derive their fortunes from finance make up one of the most highly educated sub-groups: half of them have graduate degrees. Roughly 70% of those with M.B.A.s obtained their master's degrees from one of three Ivy League schools: Harvard, Columbia or the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business.

Goldman Sachs (GS) has attracted a large share of hungry minds that went on to garner 10-figure fortunes. At least 11 current and recent billionaire financiers worked at Goldman or one of it subsidiaries early in their careers, including Edward Lampert, David Tepper, Daniel Och and Leon Cooperman.

Several Forbes 400 members suffered bitter professional setbacks early in their careers that heightened their fear of failure. Pharmaceutical tycoon R.J. Kirk's first venture was a flop--an experience he regrets but appreciates. "Failure early on is a necessary condition for success, though not a sufficient one," he told Forbes in 2007.

According to a statement read by Phil Falcone during a congressional hearing in November 2008, his botched buyout of a company in Newark, N.J., in the early 1990s taught him "several valuable lessons that have had a profound impact upon my success as a hedge fund manager."

Several current and former billionaires rounded out their Yale careers as members of Skull and Bones, the secret society portrayed with enigmatic relish by Hollywood in movies like The Skulls and W. Among those who were inducted: investor Edward Lampert, Blackstone co-founder Stephen Schwarzman, and FedEx (FDX) founder Frederick Smith.


Parents Had Math-Related Careers

The ability to crunch numbers is typically a key to becoming a billionaire. Often, mathematical prowess is hereditary. Some of the most common professions among the parents of American billionaires for whom we could find that information were engineer, accountant and small-business owner.



September Birthdays

Of the 380 self-made American tycoons who have appeared on the Forbes list of the World's Billionaires in the past three years, 42 were born in September--more than in any other month.



Tech Titans Who Dropped Out of College

Forget everything your guidance counselor told you: You don't have to go to college to be successful. Close to 15% of the self-made American moguls on the Forbes 400 never finished college. Many of the list's drop-outs made their fortunes in tech, including Bill Gates (Microsoft), Steve Jobs (Apple), Michael Dell (Dell), Larry Ellison (Oracle) and Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook).




Skull and Bones

Several current and former billionaires rounded out their Yale careers as members of Skull and Bones, the secret society portrayed with enigmatic relish by Hollywood in movies like The Skulls and W. Among those who were inducted: investor Edward Lampert, Blackstone co-founder Stephen Schwarzman and FedEx founder Frederick Smith.




Goldman Sachs

A stint at investment bank Goldman Sachs is a prime credential for achieving greatness on Wall Street. Of the 61 tycoons on our list who derive their fortunes from finance, at least six cut their teeth in Goldman's investment banking, trading, or asset management divisions. The company's crown jewel: its "risk arbitrage" unit, which launched the careers of billionaires Edward Lampert and Daniel Och, as well as former billionaires Tom Steyer and Richard Perry.



See the full list of A Recipe for Riches

Copyrighted, Forbes.com. All rights reserved.


Enjoy this video from Steve Jobs speech at Stanford (sorry, it's long).

Do you have limiting beliefs? Where did you get them from? I had a lot of people tell me when I first opened my first martial arts school all the many reason why it WOULD NOT work. Down economy, I had no experience running a business, limited funds, no back up plan, my age. Sound like you? I hope it does. I could have chosen to believe those limiting beliefs others were projecting onto me but I didn't. Now, I'll be very blunt, it was freaking hard to ignore people who were close to me. No just ignore their ideas but physically ignore them. I could go weeks or maybe even months without talking to my family. At times I caught hell for it. But I had a vision that no one seemed to grasp as well as I did.

Here's a link to a great book by Hugh Macleod called IGNORE EVERYBODY

It mainly deal with creativity but what could be more creative than opening a business that has to inspire people to challenge themselves?

Post a limiting belief others are trying to foist upon you to comments:

Enjoy this video on a little know limiting marathon fact.

... and we're back! Sorry for the delay in posting. A BIZ seminar in Toronto (that was really great) and then being sick for a week put me out of commission.

So how do you use your affiliate site? Do you see yourself as part of the revolution of new media? Well... maybe you are and don't know it. How many of you have your site's blog post synched into your Face Book page for automatic updates? how many use twitter to reach out to your clients and friends?

Post to comments the many ways you are able to get your message out using new technology.

The following video from a T.E.D. conference talks about this and more. It;'s long but worth it.

Are you a talented coach/business man or a hard working one? Read this post and decide for yourself then post to comments.... WARNING: it's a long post and full of great ideas.


Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. ~ Calvin Coolidge


*(this section was found at this site)


Talent or Hard Work?

Many high-performing executives will tell you they don’t rely on their innate talents as much as their hard-earned skills.

CEOs like A.G. Lafley of P&G and GE’s Jeffery Immelt have said that being forced to manage through crises early in their careers enhanced their abilities in ways that were critical to becoming CEOs.

Certain practices can make our experiences especially productive:

· Coaching helps.
· Receiving feedback allows us to fine-tune our skills.
· Working in a safe learning environment is essential.

Workplaces encourage practice and development, and mistakes should be viewed as learning opportunities. You also need to clearly define and develop a plan for achieving the abilities you wish to hone, including a measurable time frame.

10,000 Hours or 10 Years

Malcolm Gladwell makes the case for 10,000 hours of practice to attain expertise in his book Outliers (Little, Brown & Co., 2008). Almost all child prodigies in music, sports, chess and the arts seem to put in 10,000 hours before they attain expertise and produce significant results.

Malcolm Gladwell: Outliers: The Story of Success


The Cambridge Handbook of Expertise and Expert Performance, edited by Anders Ericsson, Charness and Feltovich, et al, compiles scientific studies to prove the point in a wide variety of fields. The trait we commonly call talent is highly overrated. Expert performers "whether in memory or surgery, ballet or computer programming" are nearly always made, not born.

Many of us have already put in more than a decade of doing what we do. The question is whether we’re practicing the right things, in the right way.

Deliberate Practice

Anders Ericsson and his scientific colleagues emphasize the importance of deliberate practice, characterized by several elements:

· It is an activity designed specifically to improve performance, often with the help of a teacher, coach or expert.
· It can be repeated frequently.
· Feedback on results is continuously available.
· It’s highly demanding mentally.
· It isn’t much fun and entails hard work.

If you think you’ve outgrown the need for a teacher or coach, it’s time to challenge this assumption. Without a clear, unbiased view of your performance, you cannot choose the best practice activities.

Hire a coach who can properly stretch you beyond your current abilities and help you move out of your comfort zones. Otherwise, human nature dictates that you’re likely to spend your time practicing what you already know how to do.

According to Noel Tichy, PhD, a professor of organizational behavior and human resources management at the University of Michigan School of Business, our progress depends on leaving our comfort zone to enter the learning zone, where skills and abilities are just out of reach.