Keep the great articles coming!

Steve

Thanks for all the great comments… obviously well worth pursuing more of this angle for future editions.

Good point Clarke… but you have to remember that it is just a figure of speech. “Could care less” is a very common saying, incorrect grammar or not. Many times, writers get caught up in what makes sense (based on what people say and how they talk)… forgetting completely about proper English.

It would be interesting to see what percentage of the population speaks in proper English vs. slang and misunderstood statements like this. That would be a very interesting research statistic!

Anyhow, thanks everyone… here’s to a great year!

Troy

Back from the holidays and catching up on my reading when I came across this great article from you. I used to be a Forest Service Naturalist/Raft Guide/Ski Bum. Then I became one of those stressed, overworked people who was chained to a desk 12-15 hours a day, 6-7 days a week.

After a few years of this, I threw out my back, kept getting sick, and had a very unhappy hubby and friends I hadn’t seen in too long. So I restructured my business following many of the same rules you mention in your martial arts example. It’s been terrific! And the more I focus on creating balance in my life, the more quality work I accomplish, the happier I am, and the faster my business grows. Go figure.

Every small business owner should be following the advice you give in this article!

Here’s to a stellar 2009!
Stacy

Stacy Karacostas
Practical Marketing Expert
http://www.success-stream.com

As always you all our throwing incredible nuggets of knowledge at us.

Not only that to learn from a Master in the Martial Arts arena, some people underestimate these type of business marketing skills and as business owners we to easily also forget that there more strategies and tactics that meets the eye, but we also tend to forget.

Troy, also I have seen a lot of families this pass week become interested in Martial arts as a family, it has become quite interesting and very unique to share a bond as a family learning and practice as a family.

Plus it’s a great exercise for the family as well, rather then watching tv, getting out and becoming active and healthy at the same time is a whole lot of fun.

Keep the nuggets coming Troy we really appreciate them and appreciate the Makepeace Team.

I liked your advice about setting boundaries in one’s business, so that you can have the balance you desire. I liked the stats you shared to make the point concrete, and the analogy of the marketing lessons from Master Yu’s martial arts business. But best of all, I like the way you found to include your family in a wholesome activity they all enjoy, where you also participate. It clarified for me how easy it can be to find the time you don’t think you have to nurture all your relationships. Thanks for sharing your great tips!

Of all people, you! Troy!

“Kids could care less how much you love your business!”

How can top copywriters make that mistake?!

“could care less” means they care. When they don’t care (which I think is what you meant to say, it’s “couldn’t care less” because you can’t care less than zero.

I see it all the time, and it’s one of my big pet peeves.

Other than that, great piece! And lots of good ideas.

I’ll be acting on them. But I’ll pass on the martial arts. … too much for an old guy like me.

Clarke