The last post for my blog about 7-11..

"I swear Boy Blunder, you are the biggest moron that I have ever known! How come you have so much trouble holding on to a job? You got fired again?" I had just broken the news to my cousin Sally in Kansas. Unfortunately, I'm now unemployed. It was my fault..I was reckless..And for that, I sincerely apologize. I know that they don't think to much of me right now, and I hope one day I can change their minds. When I first came back to 7-11, my soul purpose was to figure out a way to make a job like that different..Stretch the job as far as I could, so to speak. The people who own 7-11, they didn't really care about any of my ideas..But they never got in the way of them either..Anyways, I want to take this opportunity to thank my former bosses and co-worker's..It was a pleasure and I bare no hard feelings at all. My mother told me this a long time ago, it was after I got fired at another job:) "Jesus son! When are you going to stop acting like the village idiot? Do you know how embarrassing it is to have to tell people that you are my offspring?"

I chatted with a very intelligent Kansas guy today. He lives in Las Vegas, I'd been trying to meet up with him for quite some time..When I first started doing my research on him? I was astonished, at how accomplished he is..His specialty is hyper-local journalism. This gentlemen is the best in the business when it comes to hyper-local. Why is that so important to me? The last few years have been a time of change for me. Had to! I've been analyzing, pursuing, whatever you want to call it? Collective buying power..By now, most people are familiar with sites like Groupon and LivingSocial..Anyways, the process generated 2.5 billion in revenue for year 2011. Future revenue projections? By year 2015 analysts are predicting 8-10 billion! I'm 100% convinced that hyper-local is the future of CBP.

I was walking down Grand Canyon, on my way to INN-N-OUT for a Double-Double, when my phone rang. I looked at my caller ID, and when I saw it was him? I just about jumped out of my shoes. Anyways, we've gotten to know each other a little..I answer the phone, we exchange pleasantries, and then he tells me to give him my pitch. So I told him this.."The future of collective buying power is hyper-local. Here is what I'm envisioning. Put a site up, and then recruit a number of Guerrilla marketer's to help promote the site. But instead, of concentrating on a wide area. We narrow it down to a very defined area (hyper local). Picture this as a starting point. Start at Durango and Russell. Take Russell up to Hualipi. Take Hualipi all the way down to Charleston. Take Charleston all the way back to Durango..Durango back to Russell. This would be a nice little slice of SW Las Vegas. I don't know how many businesses are in this area? Most likely thousands. The area I'm pointing out is well populated, and it's a great part of town. Finding businesses for a service like this is easy..It just takes persistence. I've got tons of that! The trick is building an organic data base. If the right team is put together? Who knows how many you could get? I like the sounds of that. I can tell you one thing, this is my calling and I'll go to hell and back to try an make it work!" I had to let him know I mean business. Anyways, I asked him what he thought.."Hello are you their?" As usual the karma kings were looking the other way with me. My phone died during my spill:( so I have no idea how much he heard.

I like to think to myself a lot! After my phone died? I started thinking to myself..AGAIN.."A lot of people think you are a blithering idiot. The problem being? Most people don't understand what I'm talking about..Well, this guy? He knows exactly what I'm talking about, plus a 100x more. If some how I could get some direction from him. Who knows what would happen?"

One last thing, this is my last post for this blog..I promise everyone who is enjoying this blog. I'll be back soon with something 10x better..My blogging days are just getting started! Thanks..Rob Astle

The Mark Wahlberg fan club at 7-11..Part 5

I talked with my cousin Sally in Kansas today. Last time I chatted with her? Her mood was not very pleasant:( Anyways, I had something important to discuss with her. "I'm sorry for calling you a loser the other day. You know I didn't mean it. I was just pissed off about the game. Even though my Hawks came up a little short, I'm still super proud. I was just sniffing another national title. Oh well, I'm OK now..What's up?" I could tell right away that Cousin Sally was in a good mood:) Besides, I had to tell her something important. "Cousin Sally. I need to ask you something, not about business..I think I'm falling in love? Do you ever have those feelings anymore?" Cousin Sally has kicked a thousand guys to the curb, she's a real heart-breaker, but if anyone would know the answer to my question? It would be her, I thought cousin Sally was going to be nice to me today? I thought wrong.."Boy Blunder, if you've found a candidate for the third great one, just be sure to tell her what kind of fucking idiot you are." Oh well, she's my cousin Sally, and I love her.

Women and weather..Weather and women..I don't care how you say it. By now? Everyone should know what my two favorite things in Las Vegas are..The weather part is easy (78 & sunny)..The women part? Seriously, I'm running out of adjectives to describe them..In a few of my earlier posts, I mention how a regular at 7-11 is a big fan of Mark Wahlberg..Anyways, she brought her Mark Wahlberg loving self back into 7-11, and we resumed the conversation about our favorite thespian. "Do you think Mark Wahlberg will ever win an Oscar?" I've asked myself that question on a number of occasions, and to hear it come out of the mouth of a girl who looks like a Victoria Secrets' model? Well, it was like a dream come true. Besides, this is where my extensive knowledge about trivial shit, really comes into play.

"You better bet your blue boot's! Mark it down! No doubt about it! Mark Wahlberg will win an Oscar! It may not be for best actor..Maybe director? Supporting actor? Producer? Who knows for sure? It's going to happen! If I was an odds maker in Vegas? I would lay even money that he wins an Oscar in the next two years." When I saw this girl for the first time, and she told me that Mark Wahlberg was her favorite actor? Lets put it this way! That moment will be ingrained in my memory forever. Now, I've asked this girl out a number of times and each time she has said NO:( I still think their is a vibe between the two us, so I asked again.."What do ya say? Let's rent a few of his movies and make a date out of it? Come on..It will be fun." Well, to my chagrin:( My suggestion was rebuffed.."Mr. Blogger, how many times do I have to tell you no. Your just not my type, but I do like hearing your opinion about our favorite actor..Can I have my change now?"

After she left? I started thinking to myself..AGAIN.."This girl is everything you could ever want in a women! She's beautiful, charming, and to top it all off! Mark Wahlberg is her favorite actor. Maybe she could be a candidate for the third great one? The problem being? She ain't to interested in being a candidate for the third great one."

The spandex queen of 7-11..

Today I talked with my cousin Sally in Kansas again. I made the mistake of calling her when the University of Kansas was playing in the championship game. I knew better, and I wanted to apologize.."Cousin Sally I'm sorry for calling you at such an inconvenient time. For a minute or so I thought KU might be able to pull it off..Second place isn't that bad." I thought? Maybe? She would have calmed down a little from the last time I chatted with her. As usual, I was wrong.."Boy Blunder, first of all you should have known better. Don't bother me when I'm watching my Hawks! Boy Blunder, don't ever say second place isn't that bad. That's what losers like you think!" Sally was a very competitive person when she was young. Straight A's, prom queen, star athlete..All the things you would expect out of a solid mid west girl..Nowadays? All she wants to do is sit on the side line and criticize. Oh well, she's my cousin Sally, and I love her..

I was standing behind the counter waiting on customers, when I saw my friend Natalie come into the store. What's the best way to describe Natalie? It's like this. She was a very attractive women the first time I met her, now that she lost her baby fat? GULP..She makes her way through the line, we exchange pleasantries, and then I tell her this.."Looks like your getting ready to head for the gym?" She was wearing a spandex outfit that uhhh..uhhh..Well, let's put it like this..The outfit was very complimentary of her figure. Anyways, she looks at me, smiles, and says. "Headed to the gym for my yoga class, after that I'm going to sit in the steam room for a while, sweat off some of the alcohol that I drank this weekend."

After Natalie leaves..The next guy in line, I had never seen him before, tells me this.."Whew..Goodness, man, that was one of the best looking women that I have ever seen." What makes his statement funny but true? I hear those exact same words about 5x a day from a variety of male customers..After this guy left, I started thinking to myself..AGAIN.."It's amazing how well a lot of these Vegas/California girls keep themselves in shape. To say a lot of these women are well kept? That's an understatement!"

The karma queen of 7-11

I was talking with my cousin Sally today in Kansas. As usual, she was in a bad mood. Well, throw in the fact that her beloved Kansas Jayhawks lost in the title game, and her mood was twice as nasty..Anyways, she told me this.."You know that I don't like to be bothered while I'm watching my Hawks." Cousin Sally is an alumnus of the University of Kansas. She bleeds Crimson and Blue. "But still you call me when they are playing. I swear Boy Blunder, if I could reach through a telephone and choke some one. I would do it to you!" Back when I lived in Kansas? Cousin Sally and I used to go to a lot of KU games..Well, that was a long time ago, and the truth be told? I don't give a shit about any basketball game..Not Sally! When it comes to Kansas basketball? She puts the atical in fanatical.

In a previous post, I mention my friend Lacy..aka..The Royal Flush Queen..She hadn't been around 7-11 in a little while, but today? Well, she decided to bring her Royal Flush karma back into 7-11. Lacy is a little different from a lot of the beauties who come into my 7-11. I hate saying karma, because people tend to over use that word nowadays..I've racked my brain for a better word..Their ain't one..This girl has the absolute best karma I've ever experienced, and every time she comes into 7-11? She proves it:)

She makes her way through the line, we exchange pleasantries, and I told her this.."Where have you been? Know one has hit a Royal Flush since the last time you were in here." A lot of people think I'm being overly superstitious about her..I'm not..I've received a number of nice tips because of her karma, and it's not just me, a number of regular player's feel the same..Anyways, she looks at me with her luscious blue eyes, smiles, and says. "Working, going to school. All the same stuff." I've thought about asking her out on a few occasions, but then I thought again. I'm 98.5% sure what the answer will be. Besides, I don't want to mess up the karma she leaves behind for me.

After she left, I noticed that all of the machines were empty..I immediately told a couple of my friends who had just walked in to put a few dollars in one of the machines. Well, they did, and about half an hour after she left? You got it! Royal Flush. After that happened, I started thinking to myself AGAIN.."This girl would make an ideal candidate for the third great one. She's definitely not selfish. She shares her karma with me every time she comes into the store. I wonder if she's a Mark Wahlberg fan?"

The Whitey Bulger of 7-11..

I was talking with my cousin Sally in Kansas today, and she told me this.."Remember? When we were young, cruising the back roads of Kansas..Not a care in the world..I miss those days, and I can tell that you miss those days as well." Every once in a while cousin Sally will show her soft side..Before I go much farther, I need to clarify a few things about cousin Sally. First of all, she's not really my cousin, not blood anyways..Second, she's a girl from my home town in Kansas..The best way to describe cousin Sally? "Back in the day? She would have given any one of these girls in Las Vegas a run for their money. She was Playboy material..Now, she never bothered paying that much attention to me..We were always friends..Sally was way out of my league..I harp on Vegas girls all the time, but if their was ever a Las Vegas girl in Kansas, it would be cousin Sally..Back in the day, anyways."

What's the best way to describe 7-11? To me? Diversity is the word that comes to my mind..Throw in the fact that Las Vegas is a diverse town..Well, you catch my drift..Anyways, a regular at 7-11 is my friend Mickey. This is one interesting character, he was born and bred in South Boston, a Southie is how he describes himself. He moved to Las Vegas years ago, and was a professional bartender for many years. He's sinced retired, and nowadays? He spends most of his days gambling or thinking about gambling. The thing I like about Mickey the most? From the sounds of it, he's lived one helluva life.

"Uncle Whitey!" Every time I see Mickey come into 7-11, that's my standard greeting for him. Mickey grew up in South Boston during the Whitey Bulger era (For those of you not familiar with Whitey Bulger? Watch The Departed, the character Jack Nicholson portrays, is based on Whitey Bulger)..Well, whenever he comes in, we spend a few minutes chatting about politics, women, whatever the topic of the day is? Today? We spent a little time talking about our home town. I told him this about mine.."Small town Kansas, good place to raise a family, conservative, all the things you would expect in Kansas? My home town has. Tell me more about Whitey Bulger." His home town is a lot more interesting than mine, and like most everyone else in America. I love hearing stories about the mob. He then told me this:

"My grandmother, god bless her soul, babysitted Whitey Bulger and his brothers when they were youngsters. Even back then, they were a rambunctious group is what she told me. She lived in the same house in South Boston for 57 years. As she got older, Whitey and his crew would always check in on her. Let's put it this way. If anyone in South Boston back then, gave my grandparents any grief..They would have to deal with Uncle Whitey..No doubt he's a criminal, but during his time in South Boston, he took good care of my grandparents. No matter what the media or movies say, South Boston was a great place to live, as long as Uncle Whitey wasn't mad at you."

After Mickey leaves, I start thinking to myself AGAIN.."7-11 sure is an interesting and diverse place. If you want to be a writer/blogger? You had better have something interesting to share with your readers. No problem with that at 7-11."

The Olivia Newton-John of 7-11..

One of my favorite movie's of all-time? Grease..John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, the soundtrack, Grease Lightning..When I was a teen my first car was nicknamed...Grease Lightning:) Anyways, their is a girl who comes into 7-11 that is a dead ringer for Olivia Newton-John, and to top it all off, her name is Sandra..Oh, one more thing, she's originally from Austria. I know Olivia Newton-John is from Australia, not Austria. But to me? It's all the same. I've gotten to know her a little, so the other day when she came through the store? I had to let her know for the 20th time, that she was a dead-ringer for Olivia Newton-John. Well, she makes her way through the line, we exchange pleasantries, and I tell her this:

"You know, I watched Grease again, for the 100th time, did I ever tell you that you could have been a stunt double for Olivia Newton John?" I've hit on this girl about a 100x, and been rebuffed every single one. It's my persistence that keeps me going. So, I figured it was worth another shot. Again, you never know if you don't ask...Even Multiple times.."You know what? One of these days we should rent Grease, and a couple other Travolta/Newton-John movies, make a marathon out of it. What do ya say?" After I made the suggestion? Let's put it this way..I was about 98.5% sure that she was going to say no, but theirs always that 1.5%..Anyways, she looks at me and says:

"Every time I come in here, you tell me that I look like Olivia Newton-John..Thank-you, the comparison is very flattering..And your so persistent. How many times have I told you no? And you still keep asking." For a minute, I was starting to believe that I had worn her down. Maybe she would finally agree to go out with me? To my chagrin:( she added this to her conversation.."I'm busy, really busy. Your a very handsome and polite man, but your not the one for me..Can I have my change now?"

After she left, I started thinking about something a friend of mine in Vegas told me. "Dude you've got to get a fucking grip on how things work in this town. Your wanting a 10 girlfriend:), without a fucking dime to your name. You need to go back to the farm! Jethro.."

The Dr. Phil of 7-11..Part 4

"The great thing about 7-11? You see it all..From the bum on the street, to the hottest girl in town. At one time or another? They all come into 7-11.."

-Robert Joseph Astle


"Now, you write this really nice post about Las Vegas, and you mention how one of your friends at 7-11 is interested in your idea about Guerrilla Marketing. The problem with you? You miss the simple things. You don't spell Meghan with an h, the correct spelling of her first name is Megan (Cousin Sally was referring to the fact I misspelled Megan Fox name in a previous post) Spell check! You know I've been thinking more and more about your new nickname..Boy Wonder..I've decided to change it..The Boy part still fits..From now on I'm going to call you Boy Blunder..Yeah Boy fucking Blunder.. That's you!" Some times I wonder why I bother with cousin Sally? Nowadays? She never has anything nice to say about me. My biggest problem? I still  think of Sally as that girl I knew when I was young. The one who could kick any ass. The reality? Cousin Sally has gone soft on me..Oh well, she's my cousin Sally, and I love her.

READING POINT: The state of Nevada is working on legislation that will legalize online gaming, for the state (state by state issue)..I'm not to much into politics, but the words I'm hearing? Legalize and Tax! I know a lot of people who read this blog could care less about this..And that's fine..On the other hand, I don't want people telling me down the road.."Why didn't you tell me so.." My best guesstimate on when this happens? After the elections.. Let me put it this way.."It's not a matter of if online gaming will be legalized in this country..It's a matter of when!"

I was talking with my friend at 7-11 the other day, he asked me this.."When you live in Kansas, doe's everything end at midnight. I heard you can't even buy alcohol in a lot of places in Kansas." Now my friend is a youngin'. He's stereotyped a lot of people from the mid west. I had to let him know that things weren't that bad in Kansas..So I told him this.."You've been watching to much Wizard of Oz. I'm going to give you a subtle difference between the two. When I visited Kansas a while back? I went into a 7-11 after midnight and tried to buy some beer. The clerk told me that he couldn't sell it to me, and that I would have to come back at noon..Kansas has a state law prohibiting the sell of alcohol in convenience stores from 12AM-12PM..Now, Las Vegas on the other hand..No such law exists..You can buy alcohol and gamble 24/7..Doe's that kind of give you an idea of how the two differ?" My friend looks at me and says.."So what do people in Kansas do for fun? It sounds like the sidewalks roll up at midnight." I thought for a few moments before I answered him.."Well, that's easy! They come to Las Vegas."

The Megan Fox of 7-11..Part 2

"How come you always tell me about all these beautiful women in Las Vegas, and you can never get one to go out with you? And don't tell me it's because your busted..A lot of guys I know are busted and they can still get a date." My cousin Sally isn't quite catching my drift, most of the women in Vegas are very lovely..Way out of a 7-11 guys league..For some reason or another, she can't seem to understand the quality I'm talking about. So I told her this.."Now cousin Sally, it ain't like I'm down on the farm, trying to talk one of those country girls into a good time. It don't play like that out here. Money talks, bullshit walks." I've told cousin Sally this same thing on a number of occasions, but some how it won't get through her head. Her version? I'm a male chauvinist for insinuating that all women care about is money...

In recent posts, I told everyone about my friend Roxy..Foxy Roxy..Roxy epitomizes a Las Vegas, rock-n-roll, Vince Neil loving, bad girl..This girl is bad news, and that's why I like her so much:) Anyways, she makes her way through the line, we exchange pleasantries, and she tells me this.."The answer is still no." She thought that I was going to ask her out. The truth, I've given up on Roxy, not really my type, but damn is she fine to look at..Anyways, I told her this.."Don't flatter yourself to much, I wasn't going to ask you out again..I can take a hint, but I do have to ask you something?" She looks at me with a Daisy Duke smile and says.."Mr. Blogger I like you, but I'm busy..Make it quick!" So I told her this:

"I can see you, and a number of your friends, forming an effective Guerrilla Marketing team. You've definitely got the attitude and confidence for it." Getting a girl like Roxy to pay attention to you is hard. Girls like her are used to running over guys like me, but I had to get a point across. Some how? So I added this to the conversation. "Think about this for a second, I told you about the Groupon, and the hyper local approach! Why not try an round up a bunch of people..And go Guerrilla on the area, just think of the data base that could be created, with a little effort..I know some one like you could kill this process." I didn't want to ramble on to much. I think people are understanding what I'm talking about? Anyways, she looks at me intently and says.."I know that you think I'm some Bimbo, but I've been reading your blog..I understand what your talking about! But the one thing your not picking up on? This is Las Vegas..No Money? No Honey:(..Now I don't know how they do it on the farm? But that's how it works out here!"

After she left, I started thinking to myself..AGAIN.."One of these days, I'm going to meet the one guy whose seeing things like me. If he's paying attention? He should know what I'm talking about."

The Mark Wahlberg fan club at 7-11..Part 4

My cousin Sally in Kansas recently told me this. "Your like a cross between the village idiot and the bum on the street, you have both of those characteristics mastered. I know that I told you when we were young, that you may hit someday? I gotta be honest with you. I wish I would have never said that to you. You should have just got a job shoveling shit back in Kansas, but since it's to late for that now. Stick with it, Maybe? One of these days the right guy will pay attention. I don't thinks so, but do what makes ya happy." Cousin Sally can be a hard pill to swallow, but every now and than she shows her soft side. "Oh one last thing before I let you go, I've got a new nickname for you..Boy Wonder..Yeah, Boy fucking Wonder. That's you." Sally began laughing hysterically over the phone, so I told her this.."A comedian is never supposed to laugh at his own jokes." Her reply? "OK..Mr. Comedian..Remember? I've seen you on stage..I don't need any advice from you, not about comedy anyways." A long time ago I wanted to be a stand-up comedian, never got very far with it. Why? Basically, no talent. After Sally hung up? I started thinking about her new nickname for me..Boy Wonder..Oh well, she's my cousin Sally, and I love her..

My favorite Mark Wahlberg fan came into the store today..Oh Lord..Well, anyways she makes her way through the line, we exchange pleasantries and she than tells me this. "Did you know Mark Wahlberg was going to join his brother Donnie in New Kids On The Block, but he ended up passing so he could form the Funky Bunch." When she told me that, I knew that she had been doing her homework. I would guess this girl was in kindergarten when New Kids On The Block was big. Of course I knew that, but I had to play dumb on this. After all, this girl looks like a fricking Victoria Secrets' model. So I told her this. "Oh come on..Your making that up. You can't even name one song New Kids on The Block sings." She than looks at me like she is sort of angry and sort of happy and says. "I thought you were Mark Wahlbergs #1 fan, everyone knows he almost became a NKOTB. I read it in his biography. DuHHH." After she was done talking I just smiled and said.."I didn't have a clue:) I tell you what, why don't we meet for a drink and discuss our favorite thespians work?" I'd already hit on her once and she said no, but I'm persistent, and again you never know if you don't ask..Even multiple times..Anyways, she looks at me and says:

"How old are you?" I told her 41. She then asked me how old I thought she was. I guess the only word I can use to describe her, since I'm old, is younger. How much younger? "I would guess..uhh..uhh your a nice young lady..uhh..uhh..I'm going to say 28." She was a lot younger than 28, but I was kind of wishing she was that.."I'm 22 years old, your cute and everything, and I like my guys a little older, but come on! Your almost as old as my dad..But if you'd like, I can introduce you to my mother. She's single." A simple no would have sufficed, but then again? I like the blatant honesty a lot of theses Vegas/California girls possess.

When she first told me that Mark Wahlberg was her favorite actor? My immediate thoughts were that she could be a candidate for the third great one..Don't look like it's gonna happen..Well, after she leaves, I start thinking to myself AGAIN..."It's a good thing persistence is your best attribute, don't sweat the small stuff..One of these days your going to meet that third great one..Maybe?"

The best looking tattoo a 7-11 guy has ever seen.

I chatted with my cousin Sally today. I told her that I was thinking about getting a tattoo. Neither one of us have tats, so I wanted to hear her thoughts on the subject. I asked her this. "Cousin Sally, you know that I love you. I need your opinion on something. I told you a lot of people who come into my 7-11 have tats, I've been thinking about getting one. What do you think of that?" Their was a brief moment of silence and then she answered. "You want to know what would be a good tattoo for you? I'll tell you. Why don't you get 'village idiot' stamped across your forehead. Yeah that would be a good tat for you. Then when you go places in Vegas, everyone will know who you are." My cousin Sally is quite the comedian. I know that she didn't really mean that. At least I think she didn't mean it?

The best looking tattoo I've seen in Vegas? Well, that's an easy one, it belongs to one of the best looking women in Vegas. In an earlier post, I told everyone about my friend Alexis. She has a tattoo of a rising sun on the top of her back. Every one knows the 7-11 slogan..Oh Thank Heaven for 7-11..Whenever I see a girl like Alexis walk through the door? That slogan go's through my head every time! As luck would have it, Alexis decided to bring her sultry self into 7-11. This girl..WHEW..Blond hair, blue eyes, toned, tanned..The list go's on. I've gotten to know her a little, so I figured what the hell, maybe she wants to get a drink some time. You never know if you don't ask.

She makes her way through the line, we exchange pleasantries, and I ask her this. "How are things going at your job?" She says fine. I then ask her. "One of these days, the two of us should grab a drink. Maybe go out?" A girl like Alexis is way out of 7-11 guys league, but again, you don't know for sure if you don't ask. She looks at me and says. "Your cute and everything, but I'm going to pass. I'm just to busy." I than said this. "So does that mean when your not busy, we can grab a drink?" She looks at me with her beautiful blue eyes, smiles, and says. "I'm always going to be to busy."

I'm going to close this post with something my friend told me a long time ago. "Whenever your looking for a new girlfriend, the law of averages comes into play. Most of the girls I ask out? They tell me to take a walk, but sooner or later one will say yes."

The Dr. Phil of 7-11..Part 3

A reader of the blog, asked me this today at 7-11? "I'm following a long with you a little on the Collective Buying Power process, I'm convinced that's a humongous market, with a ton of stuff up for grabs. Most people should understand that. What you need to do? Get people interested in an organic growth strategy. Most people have no idea what your talking about when you say organic growth." After my friend left, I started thinking to myself..AGAIN.."I can sniff this process taking off, or maybe that's just me?"

I made a very conscious decision when I left Texas and came back to Las Vegas. I told myself this. "I'm going to live or die with what this town provides me. No matter what. Las Vegas is my home." If your going to thrive in an environment like Vegas, you better have a plan. Organic Growth is that plan. OG always starts from within, once you've convinced yourself? It's simple, convince other people that your idea would be beneficial for them. If it was only that simple?

Las Vegas is a town that is changing, everyone knows that! The prevailing attitude in Las Vegas? Out with the old, in with the new. Maybe I should say it like this? "Change is the one constant in life, it can be good or bad. It depends how you choose to handle it. Some people can benefit from change. Most of your successful entrepreneurs and innovators started street level. The one thing they were looking for in the very beginning? Organic growth." I'm sorry, I got on my soapbox again. My cousin Sally puts it like this.."Give it Up! Know one cares about your stupid organic growth strategies. Stick with the stories, get in front of a mirror, and practice your stand-up! You got a lot better chance being a comedian than an entrepreneur!" Oh well, she's my cousin Sally, and I love her.

I'm going to close this post with a brief excerpt of a conversation I had with one of my regulars at 7-11..He's a big fan of the blog.."Is your ex-wife really planning on coming out here and helping you get this thing going?" I answered yes. His reply? "Man that must be one helluva of an ex-wife."

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The Mark Wahlberg fan club at 7-11..Part 3..

"If your going to work at 7-11? You might as well have some fun?"

Robert Joseph Astle


My cousin Sally in Kansas told me this. "Why in the world do you work at 7-11? I just think you should be doing something else. Come On! How long are you going to keep things going before you move on? You told me yourself, you can't get anyone to help you with these lame ideas. I'm going to tell you AGAIN..Know one cares about your ideas! I say this with a lot of love in my heart. Give Up!" My cousin Sally and I have a love/hate relationship, so I've learned to take her advice/abuse with a grain of salt. I answered her like this. "Cousin Sally, you know that I love you? I'm going to give you some advice for a change. If you were thinking like me? You should think about how to apply some of my ideas in your area. Remember, hyper local is the phrase of the day. I have to go." Every time I talk with Sally, I try to give her a positive to counteract all the negatives she throws at me. Oh Well, she's my cousin Sally, and I love her.

Today at 7-11 was throwback day. That basically means? Wear something retro. What better shirt to wear than my Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch tour shirt. (I'm not sure what year it was, early 90's. I saw them play at Kemper Arena in Kansas City).. In essence, I was hoping my favorite Mark Wahlberg fan at 7-11 would come in, and be impressed by my sense of nostalgia. As luck would have it, she did. She makes her way through the line, we exchange pleasantries, and I tell her this. "Check out this shirt from back in the day. It's my vintage Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch World tour shirt!" She gives me a very puzzling look and says. "You still have a shirt from a concert 20 years ago, and to top it all off, your still wearing it. I was like, 4 years old, maybe? When you bought that shirt. You need to get a life, and throw that t-shirt away." I thought that she might be impressed by my sense of fashion? Turns out? I ended up creeping her out. You know what the problem with a lot of women nowadays is? No sense of history.

I'm going to end this post with something my 98 year old grandmother told me recently. "I hope that one of these days, you can turn whatever it is your trying to do, into a real job."

The Meghan Fox of 7-11

My cousin Sally from Kansas is a wonderful girl, most of the time. Their are certain times when the two of us don't see things the same. Nevertheless, we always find a way to settle our differences and continue our relationship. We both agree! Were stuck with each other. I was talking to her the other day, and she told me this. "The stories are good, I live in Kansas, my life is fairly boring compared to what you blog about. You have to accept this as a fact! Know one cares about any of your business ideas. Not going to happen!" Now, this is the part of Sally I don't like..I told her this. "If you look at some of the concepts I've been talking and blogging about? You should have some sort of idea! The revenue projections for a number of these concepts, in the next few years? Billions!" I than told her I had to go. When I hung the phone up? I started thinking to myself..AGAIN.."I've been chatting with her for over 2 years about some of my ideas, and the only feedback I get from her? Give up! Or, she might tell me I misspelled a word in the blog." Oh well, she's my cousin Sally, and I love her.

The best Christmas present EVER, was the title of my very first blog post. In that post, I told everyone about my friend Roxy..Foxy Roxy..Well, I hadn't seen her in quite some time, and I was beginning to wonder if she had run off on me? Well, the other day she came into 7-11 and we got to play 'catch up'. She makes her way through the line, and the very first thing I notice? Her belly-button was pierced, with a diamond stud in it. Roxy has one of the best looking belly-buttons I have ever seen. Her and I have a brief history, and I hadn't seen her in a little while, so I decided to ask her if she wanted to get a drink again. In one of my earlier posts. I mention how I like the blatant honesty a lot of these Vegas/California girls possess. Well, she tells me this.."Now listen up, so I don't have to repeat myself. Their isn't going to be a second time with us. Get that through your head. Just think of me as your Christmas present that you've already used."

One thing I've learned in all my years? How to take a hint. I'm into Roxy, the problem being? And I run into this problem with a lot of the girls who come into my 7-11. They ain't into me:( After Roxy left. I started thinking to myself..AGAIN.."Don't sweat the rejection. One of these days? Your going to find that third great one. And all of your misfortunes will be forgotten."

The Dr. Phil of 7-11..Part 2

"My mother used to tell me when I was young. "Boy, money don't solve all of your problems, but it will take care of about 98.5 percent of them."

Robert Joseph Astle

About 4 months ago, I returned to Las Vegas (I was in Texas working on a website for six months). The truth of the matter? I was a fish out of water in Texas, but it needed to happen. You know how people say? "You need to leave the environment to really get an idea of how things work. Be the guy on the outside looking in." Turns out, I don't know jack squat about South Texas. On the other hand, I can tell you a ton about SW Las Vegas.

How many people are familiar with the Collective Buying Power process? Sites like Groupon and LivingSocial are the best examples. The CBP process works like this- A service or product is discounted in return for a certain amount of guaranteed purchasers'. The benefit for the consumer is simple-they save money..The business benefits as well. Increased traffic, no up-front marketing costs, buyer retention..etc..etc..Well, the process has been super successful the past few years. (2011 revenue 2.5 billion--2015 revenue projection 8-10 billion). Remember, I've been studying and trying to implement this process for a few years, without much success. I could blame money as my main obstacle, but that's not really it. The truth of the matter? I've been thinking about where things are going to much, and not enough about how to get there. I'm going to change that!

The most valuable thing about 7-11 and other places like it? People. Organic Growth strategies are all the rage nowadays. If your going to have a successful OG strategy, you had better be able to get through to enough people. Basically, your trying to get an idea to resonate throughout a defined target market-but you need people- That's what 7-11 provides! People..

In earlier posts, I mentioned how a regular at 7-11 reminds me of Wonder Women..A today's version of Wonder Women..Well, she came back into the store again. I figured 'what the hell.' She was giving me a good vibe, and you never know unless you ask, so I decided to ask her if she wanted to get a drink some time. She looks at me, smiles, and says.."Honey, not in this lifetime." After she left, I started thinking to myself..AGAIN.."You sure strike out a lot, but don't let it deter you. Reggie Jackson struck out a lot, and he's in the Hall of Fame."

The Mark Wahlberg fan club at 7-11..Part 2

"The vibration good like sunkist, make me wanna know who done this."
Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch-Good Vibrations..

My cousin Sally told me that she didn't want me quoting myself anymore. I usually start every post of mine with my own quote. Well, today I decided to take her advice and go with someone elses'. Who better than Mark Wahlberg in his Funky Bunch days?

In an earlier post I talk about my favorite Mark Wahlberg fan at 7-11. I hadn't seen her in a while. Well, today she decided to bring her Mark Wahlberg loving self into 7-11, and we resumed our previous discussion about his career. She makes her way through the line, we exchange pleasantries, and she tells me this. "After we talked last time, I watched Boogie Night's and The Basketball Diaries for the first time. Those were great movies." When she first told me Mark Wahlberg was her favorite actor? I immediately thought she could be a candidate for the third great one, the fact she looks like a Victoria Secrets' model helps as well. Anyways, I had to throw in another tidbit about our favorite actor. So I told her this"

"You know how Mark Wahlberg got his big break?" She shakes her head no. "Boogie Night's was the film that got him started. Leonardo DiCaprio was originally slated to play Dirk Diggler, but he ended up passing so he could take the role in Titanic. He recommended Mark Wahlberg to the director, and the rest is history." She looks at me and says "You sure know a lot about Mark Wahlberg." My sister says that I have a man crush on him. Anyways, I told her this. "One of these days you and I are going to rent a bunch of his movies, and make a marathon out of it." She looks at me smiles and says "I don't think so:)"

One last thing before I end this post. The last few years, I've been pursuing a number of Organic business ideas. I'll be the first to admit, luck has not been on my side. The one trait I do possess? Persistence.

The Wonder Women of 7-11..Part 2

"You always hear people say-if your going to start a new idea, get rid of the naysayers'. The  problem being? Naysayers' can be hard people to get rid of."

Robert Joseph Astle

My cousin Sally does not like this quote..one iota. The other day she told me this about the quote. "Know one wants to hear your Joel Osteen impression. Stick with your goofy ass stories. That's what people are liking..Come on. You've been chasing this Groupon idea, or whatever the hell it is for a few years. Why don't you give up..Already!" I answered her statement like this. "My mother used to tell me that persistence was my best attribute. The numbers for Collective Buying Power and other new marketing strategies are astronomical, the barriers to entry for these processes? Minimal. One of these days the right group of people in Las Vegas are going to realize that..And? You better watch out. I'll talk to you later." When I hung the phone up, I was angry. At times, cousin Sally can be very negative. Her version is that I'm narcissistic and don't like to be told anything negative about myself. Oh well, life go's on.

In an earlier post, I mentioned how a regular at 7-11 reminds me of  'Wonder Women'...A today's version of Wonder Women...Well, she came back into the store, and I got to take another really good look at her..WHEW..She makes her way through the line, and I wanted to ask her if she had read the blog? Well, the line was long, so I didn't have time. We exchange pleasantries, and as she is leaving? I catch a whiff of her perfume. I don't know what kind of perfume it was? I do know one thing is for sure, the smell was spellbinding.

The next person in line after 'Wonder Women? My friend Steve. He told me this. "Man alive, you weren't kidding about the beautiful women that come into this place (He's a big fan of the blog). That lady was gorgeous. I wish I had your job!" I laughed, smiled, and said. "Their are a number of women who come into my 7-11 that could stop a clock. That girl is one of them! And no you can't have my job, not now anyways. I enjoy it to much."

I'm going to end this post with something Steve Wynn said. "Being born an American is like having a winning lottery ticket compared to the rest of the world." Some people don't hold that belief true. I can guarantee you one thing..I do!!!!

The Larry Bird of 7-11..

"Audacity is the key ingredient in entrepreneurship. Getting past any of your prior restraints is what being audacious is all about. A budding entrepreneur? They think about where things are going, not where they are at now."  Robert Joseph Astle

I talked with my biggest fan/critic, cousin Sally. She told me this. "I wish you would stop quoting yourself. It makes you look arrogant." I love my cousin Sally more than anything. Sally isn't really my cousin, not blood. She's a girl from my hometown, we've been friends for 30 some years. She told me something a long time ago, that I hope one day will come true. "Robbie, your going to make something out of yourself, something big! Just don't forget about your cousin Sally when you hit." She's the only person who has ever said anything like that about me. I hope she is right.

One of my favorite regulars at 7-11 is a guy named Javier. You know how I tell everyone about how diverse the clientele at 7-11 is? Bum on the street to the hottest girl in town. Well, Javier is the 'bum on the street' of that equation. It's not funny, but it kind of is. He's got to be the best panhandler I've ever seen. He makes his way through the line, and I ask him what the word on the street is. He looks at me with his tired eyes, grubby beard, and says. "The word is Larry Bird. Bird is the word." I found his answer peculiar. Larry Bird has been a role model of mine for decades, the last person I would ever think would know who Larry Bird is? Javier. So I asked him? "You know who Larry Bird is?" I'm not sure Javier has all his screws tightened, so I had to make sure he wasn't just mumbling. He answered me like this:

"What do you mean? Do I know who Larry Bird is? What do you think I'm stupid?" He then lifted up his sweatshirt to reveal a vintage Bird jersey that he was wearing. I could tell I struck a nerve with him when he added this. "I'm from Boston. I grew up loving the Celtics. Larry Bird is my favorite player of all-time. My dad told me this when I was young about 'Larry Legend'. Son if you can end up like #33 you will be alright. He epitomizes what it takes to be successful." I agreed with Javier 100%. After he leaves, I start thinking to myself- "Back when I was a kid in Kansas? My buddies and I would always use the 'Bird is the word' tag line. To hear it come out of Javier's mouth? Well, it brought back some fun memories."

The Dr. Phil of 7-11

My last name is Astle. "Just think Castle and drop the C off." Is how I recommend people remembering it. Their is an interesting story behind the origin of my last name. When I was a young lad growing up in Kansas, my Great Uncle Buck told me this. "In the old country (England) our last name is Castle, but when your great, great, great grandfather came to the country (1850's California gold rush) his fellow workers did not like the name. They told him the name reminded them of English nobility. Well, since most of his colleagues were Irish. He thought it would be a good idea to change it. Hence the C was dropped and the Astle name was born."

The other day I chatted with an old friend of mine from Kansas. We hadn't talked in years, and it was good to hear his voice. Turns out, he is a big fan of the blog. What's the best way to describe him? I say big and philosophical. The reason I say big? He stands 6'9 inches and weighs 300+, throw in the fact that he was a Division 1 offensive lineman. Well you catch my drift. The other word I would use to describe him? Philosophical. Back when I lived in Kansas, the two of us used to have long discussions about things. Politics, sports, business..etc..etc. A long time ago he told me this "A guy like you ain't gonna hit a lick in Kansas (lick is Kansas slang for fortune). You need an atmosphere that is more suited for your skills." You know how Shaq always gives himself nicknames? Like the 'The Big Diesel' or 'The Big Aristotle'..Well, I've got a new nickname for my friend..The Big Dr. Phil..

My favorite watering hole in Las Vegas? The Lodge (Fort Apache & Russell). The Lodge has all of the things a single, heterosexual guy in Las Vegas could ask for...Great food..Cold beer..Big screen televisions..Attractive wait staff..The cherry on top of the Sundae? I live within a five minute walk of the place, so if I get drunk? Stumble home. The last few weeks, i've been considering approaching them about starting a  blog about the place. I'm a big believer in Organic Growth. I see a ton of potential for it at this place. The one thing I would need more than anything for something like this to work? Cooperation.

The Matt Damon of 7-11

One of the great things about 7-11? All the twenty-somethings that come through. I had a twenty-something friend ask me how old I was? I told him this? "If you can guess how old I am, within 5 years, I'll buy you a six-pack." He looks me up and down, and then says 31. I looked at him, smiled and said.."Nope, maybe next time." The truth of the matter, I'm 41 years old, but I don't feel like it. I believe Vegas is a modern day fountain of youth..For some people, Anyways."  Robert Joseph Astle

I told my cousin Sally that I would try to stop quoting myself, but not til I can find someone who says it better than me, or at least I think can say it better than me.

One of the first regulars I met, when I started at 7-11, my friend Sean. I'm not quite sure exactly what his story is- Good genetics? Hard work? Luck?  One thing is for fricking certain. He could win a Matt Damon look-a-like contest. The two of us have been friends for a little while. Occasionally, we toss a few beers back, and try to figure out ideas that might stick. I hadn't seen him in a little while, but today he came into 7-11, and we got to play a little 'catch-up'.

What's the best way to describe Sean? Maybe I should say it like this? A modern day 'mans man'. He's a UFC trained fighter, professional poker player, charisma overload, smoking hot wife..All the attributes to be successful in Las Vegas? He possesses. He makes his way through the line, and I ask him "Today must be your day off? How's your job going?" He looks at me smiles and says. "That job ain't going no more. If I'm going to put in 60 hours a week, I need to see a little better game plan, than what they were offering. I know their are plenty of opportunities in Las Vegas, if I play my cards right?"

We exchange pleasantries, he leaves, and then I start thinking to myself. AGAIN. What would a solid Gorilla marketing team look like? Who would be good at it?  Things like that. My friend Sean? I don't how to really say it, so I'll say it like this. "If I could draw a picture of what a  Gorilla marketer should look like, act like, and just plain out resemble. It would be him!"

I'm going to close this post with something my father told me after the last game of my sophomore football season. That team finished 0-9.."Son, the reason your team didn't win a game all season is simple. The whole team sucks! It doesn't matter if your in business, coaching, whatever. The first thing you need to do, if your going to be a leader? Find and help develop good players!"

The Wonder Women of 7-11

"The word paradise and Las Vegas go hand and hand. You always hear people say  Vegas is a this paradise or a that paradise. To me? Las Vegas is an entrepreneurs paradise."      Robert Joseph Astle

I chatted with my cousin Sally back in Kansas today. She told me this about the blog.."You gotta stop quoting yourself. It makes you look narcissistic, everything else in the blog is good. If your going to start your posts with a quote, make it some one elses' like Lincoln or Kennedy, you know somebody who is important. Don't take that the wrong way, your important to me, but i'm about the only one your important too." One of the best things about my cousin is her candor.

The women in Las Vegas never cease to amaze me. The other day I saw a lady that reminds me of 'Wonder Women'..A today's version of Wonder Women..I think the first time I saw her, I used my standard line at 7-11:) "Honey your to young to buy alcohol. Come back when you turn 21." This was the first time she had come into 7-11 when I wasn't busy, so I got to take a real good look at her..GULP..On a scale of 1-10. No question about it..10! Now, Las Vegas has more than its fair share of beautiful and charming women..Turns out, this girl is right at the top of the list.

She brings her stuff up to the counter to check-out, and I asked her how she is doing. She says fine. I then ask her if she ever reads blogs, her response was some times. I then told her about my blog and what it was about. She then looks at me with these beautiful brown eyes, smiles, and says.."I bet you see it all hear. I'm definetly going to check this out." I than told her this. "If your going to work at 7-11 you might as well have some fun." Her response to my statement? "Right on:)"

You know how I say beautiful women bring good luck. About an hour after she left, I heard my two favorite words at 7-11..'Royal Flush'..A gamer had hit, and that means I get tipped:) One last thing, my schedule has changed (W-F 2-10P, Sat-Sun 10P-6A).

The village idiot of 7-11

"711 don't pay much. With that said. Know one says you can't have a million dollars worth of fun."    Robert Joseph Astle

I'm starting to get the hang of quoting myself. I know it's not real cool, but I figure? It's the easiest way to get the message across? Today was an interesting day at 7-11. You had all the usual stuff (Slurpee's, cigarettes, beer, hot dogs, women everywhere). You know what made today at 7-11 a little different from the rest? I got some feedback on my blog from a few of the regulars.

One of the regulars at 7-11 is my friend Barry. Now Barry is an old-time Vegas guy, 'been around since the Strip was a dirt road' is how he describes himself. He's been reading my blog and today he told me "I like the fact that you and your ex get along. That's not always the case. My ex and I get along great as well." He then asked me how I would monetize some of the ideas I've been blogging about. I told him this:

"It starts with a few people. The first thing I would do is have a decent website put up. The site would be designed to support the Collective Buying Power process. Putting a site up would be the easy part. The make it or break it for CBP is organic growth and data base. I've got a solution for that as well. There are numerous amounts of people looking for something better in Las Vegas (Career wise) Anyways, I would approach a number of them about forming a Gorilla Marketing Team. Instead of trying to cover a bunch of territory (Las Vegas is a big town)..Our efforts would be focused on a certain slice, hyperlocal."

He looks at me and says. "It sounds like you've been thinking about this for quite some time (2 years, 5 months..But then again, whose counting:) I want to know more soon. Right now I want to go drink my New Castle." Maybe I'm reading into things a little more than I should? I just keep thinking about what my mother told me a long time ago. "Boy you ain't the brightest bulb, but at least your persistent. Who knows? Maybe one of these days, being the village idiot will pay off for you?"

The best ex wife that any 711 guy could ask for.

"Call me sentimental? Call me superstitious? Call me whatever? Beautiful women bring good luck."  Robert Joseph Astle

I hope know one thinks I'm getting cocky, you know, since I started the post with my own quote. I guess it's not cool to quote yourself, but I do it anyways:) I got on my soapbox a little early today, what the hell, at least it's my soapbox.

My ex and I split a few years ago, nothing bad, we just drifted apart. She moved back to Kansas about a year and a half ago. This may sound strange to a lot of people, but my ex wife is slowly becoming one of my best friends. The last few months, her and I have been in constant contact with each other. Were not thinking about getting back together as a couple, nowadays, it would be more of a business relationship. The thing I like about her most nowadays? She's figured out how to play the game.

Today we had a nice long chat about a few things. She's planning on moving back to Las Vegas, once she finds a job (she previously worked in medical sales). I told her this. "I'm so happy that someone is actually going to listen and cooperate with me. I don't even know how to explain it!' I've been pushing a number of ideas (Gorilla marketing, Collective Buying Power, Hyperlocal) just to name a few. Well anyways, I heard a long silence on the other end of the phone, and then she told me this. "You and I were great together, as long as we stayed friends. Getting married wasn't our thing..I miss you, but I miss Vegas more than anything. Once I find a job, I'm going to come out there and help you."

My ex has been a class act from the get go. No hard feelings whatsoever on both of our parts. After we were done talking, I started thinking to myself..AGAIN..What's the phrase? Not sure if this is correct? But I think it go's something like this. "If you love something? Let it go. If it loves you? It will come back."

The Tony Hsieh of 7-11

How many of you are familiar with Zappo's? If you live in Las Vegas, you should have a real good idea what Zappo's means to Las Vegas. The CEO/Founder of Zappo's is a gentlemen named Tony Hsieh. What's the best way to describe him? Visionary, entrepreneur, philanthropist, these are a few of the words that come to mind. He believes in Las Vegas! The really great thing about Mr. Hsieh? "Know one has ever accused him of being a poser." Basically, he's not afraid to 'put his money where his mouth is.'

A regular at 7-11 is a guy named Quan. What do I notice most about Quan? In my opinion, Quan could win a Tony Hsieh look-a-like contest. I kid you not, he looks exactly like Tony Hsieh. The other day Quan came into 7-11 during my shift. He makes his way through the line, we exchange pleasantries, and as he is getting ready to leave. I tell him this. "Man, you are a dead ringer for Tony Hsieh." He looks at me with a puzzled look on his face and says "Who?" "Tony Hsieh" I replied. "Who is that?" Quan replied.

I found it very puzzling that he didn't know who I was talking about. My reply "You know Tony Hsieh, the CEO of Zappo's! The new Mr. Las Vegas. Our future mayor!" Quan looked at me and said. "Never heard of him, but if you say I could win his look-a-like contest. It tells me one thing about him. He must be one handsome guy." "I never really thought of it that way." was my reply. After Quan leaves 7-11, I start thinking to myself.."It isn't enough that Tony Hsieh is rich, smart, influential..Now I have to think of him as good looking..Man, some guys catch all the breaks!"

The tattoo critic of 7-11

I'm not a tattoo guy. Never had one. I don't really know why? Probably being my Kansas roots. I hate to use an already over used cliche, but "We ain't in Kansas anymore." A lot of the regulars at 7-11 are 'tatted up'.. A regular was showing me his new tat the other day, he had his daughters name and picture tatted on his bicep. It was beautiful, as he was leaving. I told him how cool I thought his new tat was. He looked at me and said. "Thanks man, I love my daughter more than anything. You know what is really great about it? She is now with me where ever I go. If I'm having a bad day, I can look down at my tattoo of her and be instantly happy. She's with me all the time now."

I saw another great tat today, and it was on one helluva good looking women. One of the regulars at 7-11 is a raven named Alexis. I like Alexis a lot! What's the best way to describe her? Sultry? The truth is I don't know how to describe her, but whatever it is? I like it. Back to the story..She makes her way through the line, and we exchange pleasantries. I gotta admit one thing. Watching her leave 7-11 is one of my favorite things to do. Why?

She always wears a tank-top..GULP..She's tan, tone, fit..That much is a given..It's the tattoo of a 'Rising Sun' on the top of her back that REALLY makes my head turn. The customer after Alexis was my friend Jeff. Jeff looked at me and said. "Did you see that girl. Wow!" I had to answer his question with a bit of sarcasm. "Yeah I saw her. I ain't blind..And yeah, Wow is the best word you can use to describe her."

A reality show about 7-11

Being a 7-11 cashier is not as bad as it sounds, not to me anyways. My boss told me when I first got hired. "This job is what you make of it." She was absolutely right. My attitude about this job is "Your not going to make very much money being a cashier at 7-11, on the other hand, nothing says you can't have a million dollars worth of fun."

The last few years have been very interesting for me. I've gone broke, been divorced, basically anything that could go wrong financially and career wise? Has. The truth of the matter? I don't sweat it one iota. I look at it this way. "God decided to hit the reset button on my life. He created this path for me to follow, and you know what? I'm going to pursue it til the end."

I've been throwing around a number of ideas the last few years. Collective Buying Power, Gorilla Marketing, Hyperlocal, Organic Growth..By now, I hope that people have sort of idea about what I'm talking about..Throw this into the mix. Reality television, reality in general, has become huge in today's market place. Television ratings for successful reality shows? Humongous. Las Vegas is a town that is 'ripe for the pickin's' when it comes to reality productions. Currently, their are a number of reality based productions, either running or in development, throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Think about this as a possible concept for a reality television program.

A hayseed from Kansas, who is down on his luck, gets a job at a 7-11 in Las Vegas. It doesn't sound very interesting at first glance. Go deeper! Think about all the stuff I blog about! Maybe it's better to say it this way. "What makes reality so interesting? The only answer I can come up with is PEOPLE." On any given shift (morning/swing) it's not uncommon to have 300-400 different people come through the store. 7-11 is a 'people factory'. What I would do? Pick out the most unique, attractive, funny..or whatever people want to see, and turn the spotlight on them."

I asked myself a few questions before I decided to add this post to my blog. What do people find attractive about reality? Answer: Other people.

Would you have enough diversity to spotlight. Basically, are their enough interesting individuals or stories to make an idea like this doable? The answer is a resounding yes! Demographics and target market will be explained upon request.

I was chatting with my friend in Kansas the other day about this idea. He asked me to sum up what I was visioning in a sentence or two. I told him this.."Think of it this way. Myself and a few others would be in charge of choosing character's to highlight. 7-11 would be the one thing that I would have in common with most of them. After that, we would start putting the spotlight on them. Telling their story. The great thing about 7-11? You see it all, from the hottest girl in town to the bum on the street. The show would tap into that diversity. Is that something a guy from Kansas would watch?" A moment or two passed before my friend answered. He then asked me this "You said their would be lots of beautiful women profiled?" I answered "absolutely." My friend then answered me this way. "Beautiful women, diversity, reality, that all seems so crazy. I can promise you one thing. I'd watch it. If for anything? Just to see what a Kansas point of view looks like in Las Vegas."

The Tom Cruise of 7-11

Everyone knows how I like to go on and on about all the beautiful women in Las Vegas. What else is a single, heterosexual, male supposed to think about:? The other day I was chatting with my cousin back in Kansas City. She told me this: "Heah, I get it. Keep this in mind! I'm a single, heterosexual, female. I want to hear about some of your guy friends. I bet there are plenty of good looking men in Las Vegas, tell me about one of them!" I love my cousin Sally, so I decided to honor her request.

One of the regulars at 7-11 is my friend Tony. Tony works for a fancy Strip restaurant, mid-twenties, handsome, polite..Very nice young man. He came into 7-11 the other day, and I told him this. "I bet your one helluva waiter! When I was in Texas, I tried my hand at waiting, and got fired in less than a week. Tell me this, is waiting a temporary gig until something else comes along for you?" He told me this: "The money is pretty good (one of the top restaurants on the strip), but I have some other ideas that I want to pursue." I then asked him "What kind of ideas?" He told me.."I've always wanted to open up my own business. A bar or a restaurant, something a long those lines. I'm just waiting for the economy to turn around."

One of my favorite parts of seeing Tony is watching him leave. I better explain this statement a little better:) I'm not sure what kind of motorcycle he has? I do know one thing: It's fast. After he puts all of his safety gear on, he zooms out of the parking lot and before you can blink he's gone. Call me sentimental? Watching him leave, reminds me of one of my favorite movies 'Top Gun'. For those of you who haven't seen the movie, watch it and you will catch my drift. Whenever I watch Tony leave? I always tell myself the same thing: "There go's the Tom Cruise of 7-11."

The Royal Flush Queen of 7-11...

In a few of my earlier posts, I  mention the fact that convenience stores in Las Vegas are permitted to have a certain number of gaming machines in them. This makes my job as a 7-11 cashier a lot more interesting..Why? When a player 'hits' on a machine? They tip..That's always a good scenario for me..By far and away the most generous tips I receive? When a player hits a 'Royal Flush!

One of the regulars at 7-11 is my friend Lacy. I've gotten to know her a little, she always comes in for her coffee:) Oh lord have mercy! She has too be, one of the finest looking women I have ever seen..A fricking Venus..The outside is perfecto. I could go on and on about her beauty, but that's not it. It's her karma or aura? Not sure which word is best to describe it, that really sets her apart. I have a nickname for her 'The Royal Flush Queen! The name fits her well:)

"Royal Flush..Yes!" A gamer had hit! I was standing behind the counter at 7-11 waiting on customers. When I heard those two words I love so much? I immediately told myself that Lacy must be near. Guess who the next person to walk into 7-11 was? You got it, Lacy:) This is no bull! Every time, I've been at work and a gamer hit a RF? Lacy was a minute or two away from arriving or leaving the store. She walks in and I tell her this.."Guess what? You brought it with you again." She looks at me, smiles, and says:"Shut Up! Your kidding me." I had a couple of the gamers verify it. She then proceeds to get her coffee, as she's leaving, she tells me this. "It's going to be a good night for you." Well Lady Luck is never wrong, another player hit a Royal Flush about an hour later.

I was talking with my buddy in Kansas today, and he asked me this. "I know you see a ton of beautiful women at 7-11. Are any of them starting to stick out from the pack?" After a brief moment of thought, I answered his question like this. "My friend Lacy has a number of features that I find attractive. The beauty is unquestionable, it's not really that. Maybe this is the best way to describe her? She has a bombshell exterior-with an interior to match..Very beautiful girl, any way you look at it."

Organic Growth strategy..711 style:)

I've been chasing this crazy business idea for 2 years now, and my research is telling me this: ORGANIC GROWTH is the best way to start any business venture in SW Las Vegas! What exactly is Organic Growth? How would you start the process in your current setting?

Before I answer the questions above? I need to throw in a READING POINT: My research tells me? The Collective Buying Power process is starting to turn more inward..HYPERLOCAL is the technical term for what i'm seeing..The revenue projections for CBP are astonishing..(2.5bn 2011==8-10bn 2015)..Think about the numbers I just quoted? That's a 4-5 times increase in revenue over the next three years.. Lots up for grabs! The problem being? How do you grab it? Sorry I got on my soapbox again:) Let me answer the question for you

What exactly is Organic Growth? The answer is simple for me, it comes from (within)..When a person believes he has an idea that is beneficial? The first person they must convince are themselves, once that happens? They must be able to demonstrate why the idea would be beneficial to others..I could go on and on about what exactly Organic Growth is..Maybe it sounds better this way? Entreprenuership is what made America great. The country was bulit on people who created things, any budding entreprenuer nowadays? Think organically!!

How would I start an organic growth process in my current setting? !People!---I make no secret about all the beautiful people who come into my 7-11, given the proper resources? I'm confident that I would be able to hire a number of them as 'Gorilla Marketers'..(2) A web presence would then be created..(3) Organic/Gorilla team would be properly educated on what myself and a few others view as the next generation of the CBP process..HYPERLOCAL...

I'm going to close this post with something my mother told me a long time ago.."Son if your going to have one thing in life, make sure it's your happiness!" I agree with momma 100%..The thought of an effective organic growth strategy makes me very happy:)

Going Gorilla at 711

I don't know how new this term is? I'm starting to hear it a little more and more each day..'Going Gorillas'...People have different takes on just exactly what 'going gorilla' really means. I'm going to take a stab at what I think it means and why it will be important in the future of sales and marketing.

Anyone reading this blog knows exactly what my favorite thing in Las Vegas is! Vegas has a high concentration of beautiful women. Now imagine this..If some how a 'gorilla team' of these lovely women were assembled? Now your talking about a solid business strategy! Why? Call me an idiot, call me a chauvinist, at this point I could care less..I believe one thing in life is a certainty..Beautiful women bring good luck! I've believed this my whole life..

Sorry I got on my soapbox again, but I tell you! Being a single heterosexual male in Las Vegas is not an easy job. No matter what anyone believes:)

Think about this? A team is assembled, they would be dispatched to a number of different businesses in specific areas of Las Vegas. Collective Buying Power, plus a number of other marketing strategies would be offered.

 EX: A current industry report, stated that Collective Buying Power accounted for 2.5 billion in revenue for year 2011..The same report also stated that future revenue projections for the CBP process would push 8-10 billion by 2015..Think about the projections for a moment ( 2.5bn 2011--8-10bn 2015)..That's 4-5 times revenue expansion in 3 years!

I will be the first to admit it, the web is flooded with a number of sites promoting the CBP process..The truth of the matter! Most of them will not make it! Because? Lack of an effective organic growth strategy. Creating an effective data base is the key for any businesses arrival! The 'gorilla team' I'm suggesting will be efficient in a number of organic growth strategies.

When I first started this blog? The goal was to share some of my life with everyone..A friend of mine from Kansas told me the other day.."I love reading your blog..I love hearing about all the beautiful women you see at 7-11! The question I really want you to answer? How do you make money at this thing?" I answered him simple and straight from the heart.."My mother always told me if your going to read anything, read the writing on the wall and try an interpret it the best you can. The writing on the wall is telling me this: Las Vegas + Hyperlocal + Collective Buying Power + Gorilla Marketing? Might be the formula for tremendous organic growth? If some how a person can spur some organic growth nowadays? Who knows what could happen?"

The Mark Wahlberg fan club at 7-11..

One of my favorite movies of all-time? 'Boogie Nights'..It was a young Mark Wahlberg at his best. Nowadays, he's a big time movie star, so he gets all the big budget stuff. Back then? He was a hungry bastard trying to shake his 'Marky Mark' image.

You know how much I enjoy being around all the twenty-somethings that come into 7-11? Well this nice young lady came into 7-11 and bought a bunch of candy. She makes her way through the line, and as I'm ringing up her purchase I asked her "It looks like your getting ready to go watch a movie?' ..She then smiles at me and says "I'm getting ready to watch my favorite actor, Mark Wahlberg, in his new movie..Do you like Mark Wahlberg?"

Right then and their:) I thought to myself.."This could be a candidate for the third great one? Not only does this girl look like a Victoria Secrets' model, Mark Wahlberg is her favorite actor." So I told her this.."Mark Wahlberg is my favorite actor as well. What's your favorite movie of his?" She then rattled off all of his recent stuff, and then asked me the same question..My reply "You gotta go old school..Boogie Nights..The Basketball Diaries..back in the day, before he was a big movie star!" then I added this "I was a fan of his when he was in 'The Funky Bunch!" She had no idea about what I was talking about, so I gave her a brief rundown on his rap career. She then told me "I'm going to Google that, I think your kidding me about his rap career."

After she left, I started thinking about what the ideal women should resemble, for me. 1. They gotta like football..2. They have too be a Mark Wahlberg fan..3. Nice and charming..If some how I could find a women like that? I would be perfectly happy in a relationship. The problem being? 7-11 might literally have 100 women who fit the criteria:) Did I mention I love my job?

The best job I've ever had is working at 7-11..

In the end, the one thing I like most about 7-11? It makes me feel a lot younger than I really am:) I guess its because of the clientele? My 7-11 draws a ton of twenty-somethings of both genders..For the most part, all of them are very courteous, respectful, and just down-right nice...I like their positive outlook on things:) Because? It's rubbing off on me..And I needed it!!

I had lunch today with a good friend of mine. We like to meet up at the Subway for lunch (Trop & Durango) and swap ideas. This guy is one sharp cookie! Like most everyone else in Las Vegas? He's up for an idea..We started talking in detail what it would take to create a hyperlocal collective buying power website. He gave me his background and it was impressive..Masters in MIS, 20+ years of experience, he kinda reminds me of me:)

We both like this idea a lot..He asked me this question? "When you say hyperlocal, what do you really mean..How hyper is local?" I told him this "By now everyone should have some idea about Collective Buying Power (Groupon, LivingSocial)..I believe the process is starting to turn more inwards..Block by block..That too me is the best way I can describe hyperlocal and the future of collective buying power..Does that answer your question?" My friend looked at me and said "I know exactly what your saying, count me in!" Were having lunch again at our favorite Subway tomorrow (Trop & Durango) at 1 o'clock. Anyone reading this blog is invited to join us.

Do you think it's weird? A guy hangs out at his work on his day off? I like to do that, and a lot of people think it's strange..I was at 7-11 for an hour and a half today, just BSing with people, and one of the regulars asked me this. "Don't you got a better place to hang-out on your day off than 7-11?" I had to think about that for a second, and then my answer was simple.."Nope."...Did I mention I love my job?

The Jesse James of 7-11

I didn't get too watch any football today, but when you love your job as much as I love mine? Your better off working. One of the regulars at 711 is named Johnny. Johnny is originally from LA, he has lived in Vegas the last 8 years..Really cool guy..The thing that I like most about my 7-11 buddy Johnny? He reminds me of Jesse James. He's got that Vegas/SoCal swagger that I see in a lot of the regulars at 7-11.

Johnny and I like too toss ideas back and forth..We've been doing it for quite a while.  I'm starting too think. Maybe? One of these days? an idea is going too stick. He was the guy who got me started on this blog..He was starting to lose a little faith in me when he told me--"I need to see some action, I've been listening too you run your mouth for long enough..Lets see some action!" When he left? I thought too myself.."This guy is right! Las Vegas is an entrepreneurial dreamland and some how you've got too communicate your message to others."

The feedback for the blog has been fantastic..By far and away, the thing I enjoy most about my blog? Face 2 face feedback from the customers at 7-11! In my opinion, that's how things improve..Feedback...Johnny told me this the other day--"Man, if your going too work at 7-11, you might as well have some fun." I agree 100%....

A typical Wednesday at 7-11

7-11 is a great place! When I first started at 7-11? I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. I even left 7-11 for 6 months, in the end? I guess 7-11 is where I belong? My buddy Steve (He's a regular).. says it like this.."If all I get to do, all day long, is stare at beautiful women and enjoy awesome weather..I would love my job too!"

One of the regulars comes into 7-11 today, he's a big fan of the blog. We start talking about where the best looking women in the world live. He's from LA and used to play in a band. I know Los Angeles a little, but I'm more of a mid west guy in Las Vegas. I tell him this "This 7-11 is like working at a 7-11 in Santa Monica or Venice Beach. That's how beautiful the women are!" It was sort of funny:)  He looked at me for a second and said.."That's a bold statement." I told him? "I wouldn't say it, if I didn't mean it!"

I wrote an earlier post about my favorite Charger fan. Well, she came back in too 7-11..WHEW..Every time I see her, my eye:s pop out of my head:) This girl is absolutely stunning, but that's not what I like most about her-- She knows her football:) She makes her way through the line and I ask her what she thinks about Tebow and the Bronco's? She smiles at me and says "I'm rooting for the Bronco's I only hate two teams..The Raider's and the Patriot's." I then asked her what she thought about the Chief's? She told me this "The Chief's are my second favorite team..Beside's the Raiders, I'm a big AFC West fan."

After she leaves? I tell myself the same thing I've said every time I see her--"This girl has got to be sent down from heaven above? Not only does she look like a goddess! She knows her football!" Next time I see her, I'm going to tell her this..Maybe she will feel sorry for me? "All I really want to see before I die? Chief's Win Super Bowl!"

My Monday at 7-11

Today was the start of my work week..Believe it or not, I'm one of those guys who enjoys going to work:) My favorite job of all-time? When I was a kid, my dad owned a couple banks in Kansas, and in the summer? He gave me a job as a teller. It was a blast! I worked about 3 hours a day, then it was straight for the arcade or pool. My current job at 7-11 reminds me of those days.

It never stops with the women in Vegas..WHEW..This one girl has started showing her pretty her little face around 7-11 more and more. I had too use my standard line on her:) "Honey this is a fake ID. Come back when you turn 21." She looks up at me with these pretty blue eyes, smiles:) and says.."Your so sweet:" I thought I was going too faint. This girl has the best body I've ever seen! That's a bold statement! Being that I live in Vegas and see so fricking many of them. After she leaves, I take a few moments too gather myself, and then, before I can even fully recover from the last one, another beauty walks in:)

This girl..GULP...I've got a nickname for her..The Royal Flush Queen..She's an absolute 10..It's her karma that really sets her apart..Whenever she walks into 7-11? I get this feeling something good is going too happen. READ BLOG POST LADY LUCK..She makes her way through the line, and I always ask her "Where's your drink card?" (If you buy four coffees or fountain drinks, the fifth one is free). She never has her card, but I always seem to find a spare one lying around. As she's leaving, she looks at me and says.."Your so sweet:)"

After she leaves, I thought too myself.."You just had two girls, whom both resemble Playboy Bunnies, call you sweet within a five minute stretch of each other." Did I mention I love my job?

The San Diego Charger fan

The last two years, I've been chasing an idea that I believe could benefit me and a number of other people tremendously!! People acting Collectively!! I've been up and down, it cost me a marriage..Yada..Yada..Yada..But do you ever hear me complaining? No! My beliefs tell me, I'm lying a foundation for something else down the road. Sheldon Adelson (He owns a number of gaming establishments, both domestically and abroad) puts it like this: "An entrepreneur just does!" Las Vegas is an entrepreneurial dream land.

I'm slowly becoming a San Diego Charger fan. That's hard for a life-long Chief fan too admit. It isn't because I like the style of football they play, the sole reason? They've got the hottest fans in the NFL:)

This gal walks into 711, I hadn't seen her in a little while. WHEW....She is an absolute 10. Most women this hot will not pay attention too me, but I found an in with her. She is a big Charger fan, and I always try an strike-up a little conversation about football. She tells me what is wrong with the Chargers', and I tell her what is wrong with the Chiefs'..EVERY TIME..After she leaves? I tell myself this. "Man, that is the perfect women, not only does she look like Bo Derek, she knows her football." Did I mention I love my job?

My best friend? Lady Luck..

I've been telling anyone who will listen about my blog at 7-11, and I believe it's starting too stick;) It's like this, I've finally found the thing that I enjoy most, and i'm good at it..WRITING. My friend asked me the other day ""Who taught you how to write?" I had to think about that for a second, and then I remembered something my father told me a long time ago.."Son, it's very important that you learn to be legible in your writing." My father was an old banker in Kansas. In his spare time? He was an avid writer.

I got my first complaint about the blog today..It really wasn't a complaint..This lady friend of mine comes in and tells me she read it. I asked her what she thought, and she told me this. "It's all about women and luck. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy it, but maybe you could write about other stuff. I'm sure you see it all at 7-11." My reply? "It's hard for a single heterosexual guy not to think about women in Las Vegas. Cut me a little slack.."

After she left, I started thinking about what she said. Maybe I have been focussed a little too much on the women factor in Las Vegas? I'm thinking that the blog should be more about the 'people factory' aspect of 7-11. If any of my readers in Las Vegas have an idea about a blog post that they want too share with me. Let's have lunch! Until that happens, i'm going to stick with the women.

I've seen this girl a number of times, and she always gets the same thing. Bottled water, apples, yogurt. This fine specimen is one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen! I always try to act cool, when I wait on her. Believe me! My heart was about to beat out of my chest..She makes her way through the line, and I ask her how her day was. She smiles and tells me "Fine." I told myself what the hell? and then I ask her what her name is? She just smiled and said "Lilly." The only thing I could think of saying was:) "Lilly, what a nice name." Right after she walks out the door, I hear my favorite words at 7-11.."Royal Flush." One of the regulars at the machine had hit again. Man, I think good luck is contageous with these girls in Las Vegas..This was the third time in two weeks that a player hit a Royal Flush, right after an amazingly beautiful women walked out the door. Did I mention I love my job?

Lady Luck strikes Again..

The women in Las Vegas are starting to take a toll on me, in a super positive way. It's like i'm falling in love 50 times a day. It's not just their beauty, it's the aura they possess that really sets them apart. I'm not a gambler, but I do have my superstitions:) And one of them is? Beautiful women bring good luck.

I'm working my shift and I notice this goddess walk in the door. She's dressed to the hilt: At the same time, the players were getting killed on the machines.. When she came through the line. I got a really good look at her. She had mocha skin and green eyes. I would almost guess she was Brazilian. She looked like a Victoria Secret model. My heart was beating so fast I couldn't hardly concentrate. I just wanted to get through the transaction without looking like a fool. After she left, I let out a deep breath..And then all of a sudden, I hear my two favorite words at 7-11..

"Royal Flush!" One of the regulars had just hit a Royal Flush, and he was about to get paid. That means tip for me. This was the second time in two weeks that a player hit a Royal Flush: after an amazingly beautiful women walked out the door. The women in Las Vegas where a lot of different labels..Not to me..Only one word comes to mind when I think about a 'Vegas' girl: MYSTIFYING...

My day off from 7-11

How many people have seen the movie 'A Bronx Tale?' It's one of my favorites..My favorite scene in that movie is when Sonny tells G "Your only going to meet three great women in your life." I agree 100%. As of today, I have met two of them. I had the pleasure of spending some time with the second one. My ex-wife was in town visiting friends for the Holidays, so I invited her too lunch. I gotta tell you, she looked awfully good, and she is still as sweet as can be. We split-up a couple of years ago, very amicable. It was the easiest divorce anyone could have. I took my dog and she took hers:)

Moving on, I ended up reading my blog posts to her, and she was very complimentary of them. That meant a lot to me. We then started talking about Las Vegas and where things might be headed for this town in the future. A lot of people think that you can't be friendly with your ex. I guess I don't get that. Honestly, she went from being my ex-wife to one of my best friends.

Right before she left, I asked her if she remembered how we met? (I used to sell Real Estate in Kansas. I was her Realtor, before I became her husband) I then asked her what made her decide to be my wife. She told me this "Back when we first met, you were so driven and charming. You lost those characteristics when the recession hit, but now you remind of the old Rob. The one I used to love. Whomever the 3rd great women in your life is? (She watched the movie a bunch with me) is going to be one lucky lady."

One last thing, if you come into 7-11 during my shift (2-10 W-S) mention the bloggers special, and I will give you a discount on the purchase of two Hagen Daas pint sized ice creams. Have A Nice Day..