"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."
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
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!!!!
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!!!!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
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."
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."
Monday, February 20, 2012
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 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.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
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!"
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!"
Monday, February 13, 2012
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).
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).
Friday, February 10, 2012
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?"
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?"
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
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."
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."
Sunday, February 5, 2012
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!"
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!"
Saturday, February 4, 2012
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."
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."
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
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 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."
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