I just found this book that I thought was really interesting.  It’s called ‘Predictably Irrational’ by Dan Ariely.  He’s a pretty interesting guy.  He is the James B. Duke Professor of Behavioral Economics at Duke University and a founding member of the Center for Advanced Hindsight.  He did an experiment with giving away free items that marketers should read about.

Here’s a brief summary of one of his chapters:

The Free Trade Experiment

One of the chapters in Ariely’s book discusses the amazing power of giving away things for free. We all know that getting something for free makes people feel good. But Ariely takes it a step further and explains how attached people get to their zero-cost item, and psychologically, zero is very special.

Ariely wanted to find a way to explore his theory, so on Halloween, the author conducted an interesting experiment on trick-or-treaters.  After all – kids get zero cost (free) items every Halloween.  So he started out with a giving out three Hershey’s Kisses when the children first started to come to his door. But then he offered to make a deal.

He gave them a choice.  Each child could trade one Kiss for a mini Snickers bar or two Kisses for a full  sized chocolate bar. The result: after seeing the size difference in the chocolate, almost all of them traded the two Kisses for a full-sized bar.

As this is an experiment, Ariely changed the terms of the deal halfway through the night.

This time, the kids could now trade one (instead of two) of their three Kisses for the larger bar, OR get a mini-Snickers without having to give up anything in return. In terms of sheer volume of chocolate, the trade for the larger bar was still by far the better deal.

Here’s what’s interesting; when faced with this choice, most of them refused the trade, even though it cost them overall. Ariely later performed this experiment on his MIT students, and the majority there as well made the same mistake.

So what happened?

Ariely speculates that the underlying reason for the chocolate miscalculation was anxiety. He believes that people are naturally risk averse. He says, “there’s no visible possibility of loss when we choose something for free.” Therefore, most people are drawn to it.

I found this interesting because I know through consulting that when you give too much away free, you can ‘train’ people not to buy from you. In essence, they come to EXPECT all your products and services and help for free.  They might even get upset if you suggest a price to them.  Accordingly, when I consult, I walk the line with clients of suggesting what times we give for free, and what we just charge a small fee for and then strategically decide when we should begin to introduce the paid for items.

Having said that, I typically will include a free item to give people an incentive to buy.  Perhaps we can take this experiment to heart and offer our FREE items in a way where people can trade up for other items.  Like – download these 2 e-books and get this one for free.  OR sign up on this form to get a free item a month sent to you.  OR trade that for X.  It would be interesting to see what people choose.

OR even do something like what places like GROUPON does, where they offer deals, but only if the majority of people want it.  So everyone saves, but if only a few people want the 50% off then it doesn’t go on sale.  This company basically has the consumer emailing out to other consumers asking others if they want it in order for everyone to get the 50% off.  I might try this by asking my list which product or program item do THEY want a SALE on – the majority vote wins!  Great way to have people get involved and interacting.

Please let me know what your own FREE item experiences are.

All the best,
Stefanie

Article Written by Stefanie Hartman www.stefaniehartman.com
Article source: http://danariely.com/

2012 © Stefanie Hartman Enterprises Inc. You may republish this article, if you keep the article intact as is and credit the authors name and website: “Stefanie Hartman” and website: www.stefaniehartman.com. Thank you.

Popularity: 13% [?]

What an incredible event we just had in Vancouver!  Wow.

This event was held for my PRIVATE Mastermind Group – This year’s “Business Olympians”.  We took 16 members out of 40 applications. There is ONLY one Private Mastermind offered each year.

We get together regularly on the phone, and in person twice a year.  Every single live event is so different from the previous one.  I learn to accept the unexpected.  The one thing that ALWAYS happens is pure Magic.

The Spring Event which was held in a 22,000 sq foot mansion, rented out just for our private group, equipped with warm waterslides, luxury rooms, fully catered, and the theme of a Pirates mansion.  This place was extraordinary.  It is the private home of a very wealthy entrepreneur, the owner of NuSkin.  The public had not been allowed there before.

Having a private wonderland, and being able to connect with the group over meals, during the sessions and over drinks in the evening or perhaps a water volleyball game – was magic.  That was the event for PURE creativity and million dollar money making ideas and complete business turn around happened at that event.

Seeing the breakthroughs was like watching a movie.

Last week we held the Fall Event in Vancouver, Canada, after all this year’s theme was Business Olympians.  So everyone brought their free Olympic gear and arrived at the home of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

This time it was held in a hotel overlooking the mountains and the Pacific Ocean.  However, to be different, I flew in special teachers who gave a hands-on workshop and EACH person walked away with keyword research information – which will bring in cash flow and eyeballs to your sites, 20 written podcasts, understanding which personal values run their business, what is behind their REAL goals, and the know-how to create promotional videos in 10 minutes flat, and how to edit them, and everything you need to make it darn easy that a 6 year old could follow.

What was so special was the full attention and feedback from the entire group that EACH member is deservedly receives.  The electricity in the room was stunning as every Olympian Member found solutions, marketing plans and strategies that was exactly what they were searching for.  See, that this happens always amazes me.

I am not talking about 1 or 2 great ideas – I’m saying completed solutions and game plans.

But the other magic that happened was seeing grown adults jump for joy, and go crazy with excitement and RELIEF when they realized they could EASILY do what we were taking them threw STEP by STEP.  And each got a chance to do the work there at the event. The laughter and RELIEF of this being off their mind, off their worries, was so dramatic.

Looking around the room I realized that information can be overwhelming at times.  And sometimes you can’t take anymore.

That’s WHY I created this group.

This is the place to get a board of directors on YOUR business – to focus on YOU and HELP you immediately.

This is the place to GET IT DONE – and better than that – get REAL help from the pros.  I mean the pros helping you write, script, film, and edit right there with you, typing, filming for you.

The last piece of magic was seeing how bonded you guys get.  Dinners stretch out, lifetime friendships are formed.

It’s unexplainable.  This magic.

I know only a few people can experience this every year.  But I beg of you, if you want this experience PLEASE apply.  It’s hard some days being a lone entrepreneur, and I don’t know who you are unless you step up and let me know.  To thrive you need to be around people with strong minds, great souls and knowledge of what you are doing.  I speak from experience.  And I keep the price super low.  In fact some people are even doing work for me to pay it off.

I know it’s harder to get in every year because of so many grads re-attending and they always get first available positions.

Applications will begin in December.  But if you would like to request FIRST notice, at least 24 hours to download the application BEFORE it goes to my 100,000 people list, then please post below and let us know which email you’d like us to send it to you and mark your calendars For December 01.

Whenever I am in a room with you all, and so much magic happens to so many GOOD people, my heart soars, and I feel so blessed.  In fact I am sad when everyone goes home.  It’s like missing my dearest closet friends.  I can’t explain it any better than that.

Going through a year of being there through everyone’s ups and doubts, and seeing them blossom into such confidant successful entrepreneurs (far from where many started) to the point of such intimacy that I get teased non-stop at these events by the members – like I said a BIG Happy Family – well in the end, I just feel honored to be part of it.

It makes me PROUD to be an Entrepreneur and be one of YOU.

Thanks guys!  Keep your light shining out there in the world.

Great things are coming your way.

Stefanie

Popularity: 4% [?]

Why to Stretch Yourself…

I just returned from speaking at Nick Nanton’s VIP (and Private) mastermind event in New York City.  I LOVE LOVE, (did I mention) LOVE NYC!

That was a cool experience as I was speaking to mainly Dan Kennedy’s graduates.  Nick hand selected my training piece and I spoke on the $500,000 webinar formula.  I trained, it wasn’t a pitch fest (and I loved that).  It was fun and everyone was taking notes like mad.  In fact Nick asked me to distribute the PDF’s to make it easier for his group.  That’s always my secret goal with speaking – deliver content so they are writing it down.  I am so mean – Ha Ha.

I was reminded of a GREAT SPEAKER LESSON: Train people, just give great content – and then those interested will ask to become your clients because you gave them real help – not a sales pitch.   I just want you to know that I practice what I preach and not only is it less stressful for you as a speaker, and way more fun, but when you are relaxed and just train, you and your material shines though.

So I had one day to work and 1 day to play and I wandered the streets of New York.  What a beautiful city.  There was an open market that extended all the way to Central Park.  It was too much fun; I really enjoy outdoor markets when I travel.  Of course as I came with only carry-on so I could not buy all I wanted.  Which perhaps was for the best.

The best part of that trip was getting to know Nick and his partner Jack as well as their family.  What a dynamo team they have with Lindsey, Jack & Nick.  If you haven’t checked out what they are doing go and see: http://www.nicknanton.com/

Few Days Later…

A few days and 3 planes later I was off to Ocean City Maryland to speak at the Entrepreneur Success Summit.  That was a longer event (3 full days), and didn’t exactly turn out as I thought it would.  870 people were expected and less than ¼ showed up.  I remember walking in on the first day and my stomach just dropped.  I felt a little ill not only for me and the other speakers but for the organizer.  I felt bad for us all.

This was a massive 3-day event with the biggest names in the industry.  And some of them pulled out of speaking due to the lack of attendees.  There was talk of cancelling the event outright.  I can understand that for sure, but I was determined to stay and see it through for those who DID show up plus those who were planning on watching on You Tube and Facebook – live.

What made it tougher was you could feel deflated energy in the room.  Like it was hush-hush, quiet.

SPEAKER LESSON: Raise your energy and BE THERE – fully present no matter if there are 25 people or 2000 people.  Everyone deserves your best.

So I got on stage, even asked everyone to rise and shake out that deflated energy that I was determined to change.  It worked and I had fun training on stage.  People shifted because I shifted.  That’s important for you guys to know – every phone call you take, every interaction, people reflect your energy – so give them your best.

I admit, I worked hard, and because there is less in the room, less energy is reflected back to you so I did feel drained, not only from that but from the back stage drama. I thought I was done, that I could enjoy the next few days, but then I was asked to put together a presentation on the fly for the next day in place of one of the speakers that did cancel.

At first, I was tempted to decline.  I was tired and the easiest thing to do was nothing.  I had fulfilled my obligation.  The easiest thing to do was to go out that night for dinner, and out on the town with people who invited me.  After all, I hadn’t even seen the city.

But I decide to stretch myself and see what happened.  So I was up past midnight, but got it together and you know what – people loved it.  In fact they came up saying they had goose-bumps and chills and walked away with valuable usable tips right away for their business.

Here’s what I PERSONALLY LEARNED from these 2 events:  Stretch yourself.  Going to NY was last minute and very inconvenient for me.  I had family staying at my house for only 3 days, and had to give up 2 days with them to prepare for the trip.  I was also speaking to a sophisticated group and had no idea how my material would land with them.

But in New York I was not only rewarded with new clients, but I felt PRIDE that I did it.  I showed up and pushed myself.

In Ocean City I was rewarded by actually getting some big clients and also some JV’s, but again felt PRIDE that I pushed myself and my second talk (on the fly) turned out great.

Here’s the deal, I hope I don’t sound too preachy here, but the “safe” thing to do is NOT to push yourself.  It’s not to expose yourself.  I could have turned down NY, AND the second talk.  Heck I could have walked away from the whole event – but it is not in my make-up to do that. I need to do what feels right.

Hey, I speak to experts like you all the time, who are gung-ho in the beginning yet when they start to get a little success, sometimes they draw inward or backwards.  They fear what others will think of them, even what the other experts in their industry will say about them.  And essentially what is really happening is YOU are getting bigger.  Your reach is expanding.

Certainly some people (competition) who fear you may talk.  But so what?  Ok, I know it still sucks.  And it does upset me when rumors fly – in fact there was one about me and someone who is just a friend of mine at this last event.  But that will pass, and it’s all Bull**** anyways.  Don’t let it block you (am I going to really care about that rumor in 10 years?? NO!).

The important thing is that the world is waiting for YOU to STEP UP.  When you do step up, guess what – the world comes forward and meets you where you are.  So whenever you get that “unsafe” feeling – most likely you are GROWING – that’s all.  Recognize that and go for it.

My philosophy is that you can’t plan for many of the big things that will happen to you in life – fame, kids, marriage, you can’t plan for all the details and challenges each will bring.  But you can decide to STEP UP and GROW.  To expand yourself – believe me the personal satisfaction and private PRIDE you will feel for just going for it outweighs everything else.

The opposite typically leads to frustration and even depression.

We are always meant to do and learn new things grow & expand ourselves.  Isn’t that what we did as kids – it doesn’t stop just because you reach x age.

If nothing else – you will walk away a richer, deeper person with each step, each time you stretch yourself.  And by doing so, you gain more confidence so that the fear really dissipates.

Isn’t that what life is about in the end anyways?  Isn’t that what leadership is about?

As an entrepreneur – you ARE a leader.

This weekend – why not do something different and out of the norm for you – go do something adventurous and slightly scary, out of your comfort zone, even take a friend, do it together or better yet do it by yourself.

Some suggestions:
Learn to rock climb, ice-skate or ski, go to the track and take a stunt driving lesson. Bake a complicated cake for a party, enroll in a running group or bootcamp.  Do something that you used to do when you were a kid and forgot how to do OR something you have always wanted to do.  Or for work – call a BIG client, or that JV partner you’ve been dreaming of – do something BIG, something outrageous to get their attention.  Take the risk.  Take the step.

Please report back to me – tell us when YOU expanded yourself and how you felt when you did.

I would REALLY be interested in hearing about it.

Thanks!
Stefanie

Popularity: 11% [?]

Very soon, I will be speaking at the crème de la crème of events, as one of the handpicked Successful, Elite Entrepreneurs Tactics team and I would like to see you there, meet you face to face if I haven’t done so before plus have the chance to sit down and talk with you face to face.

Without any hype or B.S. this truly could be the best event I speak at all year after seeing the star studded line up of the other speakers . . . such as;

Mark Joyner
Joel Comm
Marshall Sylver
Matt Furey
Simon Leung
Mr. ‘Z’.
. . . and myself, plus many more.

At many seminars and events, there is a mystery speaker, usually referred to as Mr. ‘X’.

Due to who this mystery speaker is and the fact the promoter has managed to drag him away from his secret hideaway and come out of ‘speaking retirement’ for a one off speaking engagement . . . he is clearly not any old ‘Mr X’ . . . he’s so rare, he deserves to be called ‘Mr. Z’!

What I can reveal to you about Mr. ‘Z’ is this; When he speaks, you can hear a pin drop in the room because everyone hangs on every single word, not wanting to miss even the smallest nugget of pure gold which flows effortlessly from his lips.

He’s like the pied piper of entrepreneurs and someone you don’t want to be kicking yourself for the rest of your life because you passed on the rare chance to see him live.

I know I will be taking notes like crazy.

http://www.stefaniehartman.com/recommendation/bigevent

After looking at the website for the event and knowing what each and every other speaker will be talking on . . . you would be wise to investigate for yourself so that you can make an informed decision.

I can reveal to you, some of the Team of speakers do private consulting . . . and, on average, it costs $5,000 to $10,000 an hour to buy their time and advice, and you would probably have to get in a very long line and wait forever.

In reality, YOU would have more chance of going to the moon. Others NEVER reveal their strategies and business secrets, for any price . . . to anyone. Some teach other subjects, however they have kept their best kept success secrets locked away in ‘Fort Knox’ . . . until now.

If this interests you even slightly, I urge you head on over and get the full story at:
http://www.stefaniehartman.com/recommendation/bigevent

All the best
Stefanie

PS. I am very selective as to which events I will put my name to because it’s my reputation on the line. When I was invited to speak at this event, my decision was a no-brainer. Head on and see why.
http://www.stefaniehartman.com/recommendation/bigevent

Popularity: unranked [?]

I have some gift vouchers for something amazing!

Maybe it’d be right for you…

Several months back, I flew to New York and volunteered my time to be part of a small business expert community which truly serves small business owners and entrepreneurs whether starting out or already up and running.

There are literally hours and hours of candid, real world video advice from experts in every area.

Visit: www.homebusinessbrains.com/stefaniehartman to see just who I’m talking about. It’s not public yet, but for contributing, I can get you to-the-front-of-the-line today BEFORE it officially launches and you get a deal on a LIFETIME access.  You can see some sneak peeks with over 100 videos of small business experts…including me….to see at what’s it all about.

You can check-out my videos at this first of its kind Multi-Media Educational Hub for Small Business Entrepreneurs where you’ll find never before seen videos of go-to experts, such as Michael Gerber, Declan Dunn, Jen Groover and on and on and on…

What’s even nicer of them, they offered me gift vouchers to give away. I sincerely recommend you take full advantage of this – we’re talking a year of access.

GIFT VOUCHERS: I have 5 gift vouchers to give away to some lucky people, who will receive access to the Brainstorm Level of Home Business Brains for a whole year at NO CHARGE!

TO WIN A VOUCHER Submit a comment and tell me what’s your biggest business challenge, what you’d love to learn from me in the future or what I can give you more of and submit your name. We put all names in a hat and will randomly select 5 winners next week.  Value $147.

== > And the first person to post automatically gets one! Cause you’re cool!

Secondly: How would you like to experience a 10-day Business Makeover by 24 First-class Experts and Luminaries… and Expect a Revenue Take-off in Your Business Within 90 Days of Implementing Their Personal Development and Business Growth Advice, Tips, Insights, Tactics and Strategies.

This is a new twist on a great concept,  The line up and topics are stellar and this is the time to get unstuck and pointed in the right direction… with confidence, precision, and finally some peace of mind – Ask the experts your questions personally.

I highly recommend this for you, for your business and for those dependent on you, I hope you’ll act on this transformational opportunity…

Click the link below to get the full details and register:
www.stefaniehartman.com/recommendation/gasppo

And Third: Meet in Vegas this Halloween! One of my favorite people on the planet – Rick Frishman is gearing up for the Author 101 Event in Las Vegas.

This is the biggest Author 101 that I have seen- they are expecting 450 people – so register as its CHEAP, and network your butt off.  Remember I’ll introduce you around as I will be there speaking at the event.

Are you curious about what publishers like Harper Collins, Morgan James, Adams Media, Wiley, Random House, and Simon & Schuster are looking for? What is the best way to get your manuscript read when you’re an unpublished author? Want to know the biggest mistakes to avoid when writing book proposals? You’ll be engaged as these top pros share their expertise, reveal the inner workings of the publishing industry, and discuss various approaches to common marketing and publishing challenges.

Join me in Vegas I’ll see you there:
www.stefaniehartman.com/recommendation/author101

Good Luck

Stefanie

Popularity: 4% [?]

I can hardly believe it’s FINALLY here! I have been sitting on this thing for WAY too long – and the time has come for me to share it with you! (And as a member of my online community, you’re getting exclusive access 10 days BEFORE everyone else does!)

Let me tell you – if you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner, these are the words you’ve been WAITING to hear (I know because this whole thing was created out of my own longing as an entrepreneur to just get some of the help I needed!)

I am so excited to finally be able to tell you about a new service that is going to let you check off everything on your list for your business – and check it off fast (and cheaply too!).

Now, you know me – I love marketing strategy and techniques and teaching my students the behind-the-scenes secrets of how the super successful become well-known, generate massive leads, and well…make a ton of money doing it.

And of course I put many of these techniques into practice in my own business – but even I can never seem to do ALL the ones I want to in a year – I just don’t have the time or the energy. And it’s not always easy to find the right kind of help – even if you can afford to hire out!

The real truth is (and trust me, most marketers won’t tell you this) – you’ll probably never have all ofthe hours and dollars that you’ll need to learn and implement all the top marketing strategies for your business – it’s just too much!

And when you’re continually balancing your business needs, wearing many hats, and trying to enjoy a life at the same time, you’ve gotta ask yourself…

WHO CAN REALLY…IN REALITY…STUDY FOR 10 – 12 HOURS EVERY SINGLE DAY TO JUST KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST TRAFFIC & LIST BUILDING STRATEGIES!

And really…wait for it…here’s the kicker…

WHY THE HECK SHOULD YOU HAVE TOO??????? Continue Reading

Popularity: 2% [?]