The Old Stone House

Have you ever had an idea and then met with friends and started brainstorming that idea?

I did that this month.

The Old Stone House, located 2 miles West of Geneva, was the first stone house built in Franklin County Iowa. Leander Reeve took the train and coach to Dubuque and WALKED the rest of the way to Geneva (except there was no Geneva then). He met his brother there and they started on a grand adventure! Leander's wife would not come to the county unless he built her and the children a proper house. No living in a sod house for her! So Leander built her a stone house. That was in 1854.  

The Old Stone House still stands. It now needs about $75,000 worth of work to keep it standing and safe for visitors. The Historical Society is donating $10,000 in matching funds for a grant. We've applied to the Community Foundation of Franklin County for another $10,000 in grant money. Mr. Pitsor is applying to Center One for funding. The big grant is from the state of Iowa for the REAP grant will be for $50,000. We are working on it.

Now here's the brainstorming part. Once we get the Stone House all repaired and safe, what can we do with it? The obvious will be to conduct tours and tell the story. We can have groups come and use the site. School children can travel and learn about our history. What about having an artist in residence in the summer time? How cool would that be?

What ideas do you have? Let me know!

Be Irrational

Let's talk about irrational customers, or possible irrational customers.

Seth Godin blogs everyday and his blog Tuesday talks about the irrational customer.  Seth prefers that his readers not leave comments, but take his idea and expand it on their own blogs.  

You can have the greatest product in the world.  That product would be perfect for your customer.  Yet, the customer doesn't bite.  You've shown him the facts, statistics, charts and graphs.  And the customer is still irrational.  He doesn't care about your facts.  He only hears blah blah blah blah.  

You are not giving him a story.  You are not making it real enough.  He's thinking about what people will say when he buys from you.  He's thinking about stepping outside of his comfort zone and having change if he buys from you.  He's worried your products won't work for him. 

Your job? Work with the irrational customer.  Stop trying to make him rational.  Go his way.  How do you do that?

I set up green accounts for everyday people like you and me.  It means they shop for products better than what they already use (and spend money on).  Now they will get a better price, have it delivered to their door and order online or over the phone.  All of that makes great sense!  Better, safer products - less expensive than name brand - delivered to your door.  That's rational.  Yet .... customers are leary.  Why?  Let's tear it apart.

Possible Fears: 

1. replace products they already use

2. new green products

3. shop online or over the phone

4. delivered to their door

5. save money 

These fears are known as objections.  When you sit down with a possible customer, it's important to address their objections in your presentation.  These are real fears to them.  The worst thing you can say is "that's not important" - because it is to them.  Here's how I address the above objections.

1. Replace products they already use.  This means replace products their mom used and those products were good enough for their mom so they are good enough for them.   I use the feel, felt, found method here.  I know how you feel.  I felt the same way about that!  I found out that there is formalydehyde in that laundry soap - and I know my mom would not want me to use that product on her grandchildren! 

2. New green products.  No matter how great you know your products are, they don't know that.  I tell stories here.  I talk about how the degreaser removed grease from my husbands work clothes.  I talk about how great my dad feels because he changed his vitamins.  I simply share what is working for my current customers.

3. Shop online or over the phone.  You know this will save them time (and in the long run, money).  You know they can shop in their pajamas at 2 am.  They may have never shopped over the internet - or even over the phone.  Once again, I tell some stories.  I have an 86 year old woman I taught how to shop this way.  It saves her anguish in having to drive into town.  I also explain it's part of my job to help them shop - I'll hold their hand until they are comfortable doing it by themselves.  I have two women I have coffee with every month.  We spend an hour in pleasurable company - and we figure out what they want to shop for.  Not only am I have a great time, I'm providing a service to them - and increasing my bottom line.  Everyone is happy! 

4. Delivered to their door.  You would think this would make people happy.  It's amazing to me the number of people that like to go to town and shop.  I simply explain now they can go to town and just shop for the fun things.  The items they buy every month can just be delivered to their door.  And if they don't like the product, for any reason, it's really easy to get their money back!  I talk about saving gas in these economic times.  I talk about not fighting traffic, weather and crowds.  

5. Save money.  Now I know they will save money.  But they don't know that.  They don't really believe it either.  I give very specific examples here.  Tide costs 32 cents a load, our product costs 16 cents a load.  I explain about how a lot of products in the store have extra ingredients added - like phosphates and fillers and more water.  Our products are concentrated and easy to mix (we believe you know how to add water and that you shouldn't have to pay for water).  

Those are just a few objections I run into every day.  I'm taking Seth's advice - work with the irrational customer, don't try to change them! 

picture provided by hansvandenberg30 at flickr.com

John Meadows, Podcaster

John Meadows is a podcaster from Toronto. I met him through our mutual friend Keith Burtis. He has a live podcast show called On The Log. I had the honor of being interviewed for Episode 51.  You can find John on twitter at @johnmeadows.  

You can also find John this weekend at Podcamp Toronto.  Here's the link. 

Why podcasting? What originally peaked your interest?

I got into podcasting originally as a listener, due to my interest in the Linux operating system; I heard about a podcast called Lugradio (now sadly off the air), listened to it, and got hooked, and as time went on, began to listen to more and more podcasts. It was a whole new world for me, and even though I have worked in IT since 1994, and in Web since 1996, it was an area that I had not explored. I wish I had looked into it earlier!!

In terms of creating podcasts, I am the former webmaster for our church's web site, and I thought that trying a podcast would be interesting, so "Smoky Times" was born in October 2006, and ran for about 18 months. My current podcast, called On The Log, just had its one year anniversary in January.

Who are some of the people you have interviewed?

I've been fortunate to interview a lot of interesting people! I've interviewed the editor of the Oxford Canadian English Dictionary,an urban planner, musicians, artists, etc. But I would say everyone can be an interesting interview!All you need to do is find out what they are passionate about, and let them go! Apart from that, I have learned that even though I am an introvert, I can approach people I don't know, and engage them in conversation.

Where do you see podcasting fitting into social media?

So much of Social media can tend towards the "bite size chunks" of content. I am hoping that podcasting can be where people can go for more in-depth, thoughtful content. As well, podcasting helps us escape "the tyranny of text" and hear the human voice -- the most direct form of communication!

You and I are of a certain age (50-ish). For our brothers and sisters (baby boomers) with a small business who are just getting into social media, where do you recommend they start?

The most important step in Social Media is listening. Read blogs, listen to podcasts, and develop your own sense of what works and what doesn't. If you just jump in blindly and start blaring your message, you risk just being ignored, or depending on what you do, just being labeled a spammer, or similar.

Also, take advantage of podcamps and other Social Media conferences! There is a lot of knowledge out there, and in a sharing-oriented community, you will find many people who are only to happy to share what they have learned. You will also meet a lot of really nice people along the way!

What kind of things can I use podcasting for in my business? I set up memberships for consumers with a green company – and am always looking for serious people who want to earn a great income.

I have to start off this answer by saying what NOT to do. Don't do "infomercials." If you can provide content of value, and podcast "your passion" as my friend Keith Burtis likes to say, you can succeed. Does your product involve a community of users, or a specialized niche? If you can help support this community, it can't help but support your brand, and bring you into closer contact with your customers.

You won't make money from podcasting itself (unless you are one of a very select few), but it can be an integral part of your social media presence.

I can also see a real fit for podcasting inside the enterprise, helping corporate communication come alive, leveraging training sessions etc, especially for companies with a geographically dispersed workforce. handing out iPods may be cheaper than having to pay for multiple training sessions!

What kind of equipment does a podcaster need?And what do you do with that equipment?

You can get started with surprising little: a computer or portable audio recorder to capture audio and software to edit the audio (such as Audacity, which is free). The key thing is to get a decent microphone so that your sound quality is OK; If your show sounds terrible, it doesn't matter how good your content is; you won't keep your listeners. The good news is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a decent sound. There are plenty of acceptable mic's for under $100, or you could get a portable digital recorder such as the Zoom H2 for a couple of hundred dollars.

Tell us a little about yourself please.

I am a resident of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I have a wife who is a professional musician, and two lovely daughters who like music, arts, and computers, as well as reading (and writing!). I have a Bachelors degree in history, but am working as a web/programming geek for a large multinational company. I have a long commute to work on public transit, which means I have plenty of time for listening to podcasts! (And it's much less stressful than driving to work in Toronto!!)

I know you belong in a family of readers. How do you teach your children to keep reading, yet stay a part of the internet world?

I think what was important is what we did to lay the foundation -- reading aloud to our two daughters almost from the day they were borne, and setting the example of reading ourselves. Our daughters would see me and my wife reading constantly, and of course would want to imitate us. As a result, they grew up reading, and while they both love their computers reading is still a fun activity for both of them.

What kind of ideas are you playing with? (Where do you see your podcasting taking you?)

I am trying to work more of my original music into my show, and I am collaborating with a couple of folks helping them create their podcasts. Helping another show get started is a special thrill, and I hope to be able to do more of that as time goes on. Apart from that, I am just trying to stay open to new ideas, and avoid slipping into ruts, which is always a danger.

In these rough economic times, I feel there is a special kind of opportunity for innovation, and I hope podcasting can be part of that innovation!

What will social media look like in one year from now?

Oh boy; trying to predict the future is dangerous! I will say that while technology and jargon may change, the underlying concept of Social Media, namely that actually communicating with people is a Good Thing, will continue to strengthen. Those who approach social media with honesty and transparency will tend to succeed. Those who approach it in a mercenary manner, merely as a channel for old-fashioned advertising will fail.

I do hope that there will be an acceptance of a slower pace of communication, and that the extended conversation will be valued. It is so easy to feel that you are on a treadmill: Answer that tweet now! Live-blog! leave a comment the same day or no one will read it!! These is the downside of Social Media; we are trying (even unconsciously) to keep up with the computers.

Thanks to Chris Brogan and flickr.com for the picture of John! 

Twitter Monday Updates

Twitter is a social media application found at www.twitter.com  Here's a few tips to follow and a brief listing of some things I've learned on one day. 

Twitter Tips:

#followfriday  this is where you recommend people to follow and put #followfriday at the end of the twit -- PLEASE tell us why we should follow those people!

Wrote a new blog post?  What is it about?  Don't just tell me you wrote something.  Tell me why I want to read it.

Talk to people.  Don't blast out your marketing info on every tweet.  People hate that.  Let us get to know you.

Do NOT have a DM sent automatically when someone follows you.  DM is for direct messages you really don't want anyone else but the reader to see.  Not for the "Hi, thanks for following - here's my website" information. 

Remember, a lot of people are reading what you write.  Some might even be future employers.  

What I Learned on Twitter on Sunday

What is really, really good is coarsely cracked pepper (very coarse, like pepper corns wrapped in a towel and bang them with a pan) mixed with honey and poured over Feta cheese. Yummy. Try it.  My friend LynnO suggested this treat.  

Bob Burg has a new book called The Go Giver.  Here are the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success (which are restated at the back of the book):

1) The Law of Value: Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.
2) The Law of Compensation: Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.
3) The Law of Influence: Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people's interests first.
4) The Law of Authenticity: The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.
5) The Law of Receptivity: The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving. 

What the stimulus bill will do for everyday Americans: just click here.

@Debbas is going to interview me!  I will also be interviewing him.  

@justinlevy consented to an interview as well.  He is Partner and General Manager of Caminito Argentinean Steakhouse in Northhampton MA.  

@garyvee is now following me.  He's got the most amazing podcast over at Keynote Kid. 

It's the one in NY Web 2.0 Expo   I watch this several times a week.  Originally found it on twitter - and then saw it again today from following a link sent by @justinlevy

Levar Burton quit smoking.  And he's back on the small screen on Lifetime.  @levarburton

Cloud computing -- interacting directly with the web.  In the future they predict you won't need a hard drive.  You will store all of your information online.  Read more about it here.

Veni, vedi, tweeti.  thanks @dcrblogs! 

photo from Photo Mojo and flickr.com

Ayn Rand for a Sunday

In the name of the best within you, do not sacrifice this world to those who are its worst. 

In the name of the values that keep you alive, do not let your vision of man be distorted by the ugly, the cowardly, the mindless in those who have never achieved his title. 

Do not lose your knowledge that man's proper estate is an upright posture, an intransigent mind and step that travels unlimited roads. 
 
Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all. 

Do not let the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration for the life you deserved, but have never been able to reach. 

Check your road and the nature of your battle. 

The world you desire can be won, it exists, it is real, it is possible, it is yours.  Ayn 

Rand

picture of road by Hamed Saber over at flickr.com