WARNING: Yahoo Domain Name PRICE INCREASE

Yahoo sees Dollar Signs.

I know that a lot of you have your own domain names and so when I came across this piece of information I thought it'd be good to inform everyone that:

As of some time in July, Yahoo! has increased their prices on yearly domain renewals. In other words, if you bought your domain in May for around $9, you will now pay about $35 to renew that domain name every year.

Ouch!
[Get the Full Story]

I'm not sure what Yahoo! was thinking, but they're not THAT good. I didn't get an email from them informing me of an increase. It was only because I was recently purchasing a new domain name that I saw on the confirmation page: "You agree to pay $9 now and $35 yearly."

"Actually...you know what? I don't think so."

I called customer service, received incredibly uninformed, rude service and promptly clicked "Cancel Order."

Needless to say I'll be transferring BusinessViking.com to a new company.

Don't get caught blind-sided. Check your domain/hosting packages and be sure to read the fine print. In every post I try NEVER to focus on what I don't want - always frame situations from the perspective of what you DO want.

So in this case, it's not:

"Don't be taken-advantage of."

It's:

"DO find a solid company that offers a good deal."

It's a small tweak, but it's a completely different perspective. And one perspective leads you where you want to go, the other leads you away from it.

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Business Interview: Jinsoo Terry, part 2

Today we're continuing the interview with Jinsoo Terry - The Author, Rapper, Columnist, Motivator, Speaker, and Leader who moved across the globe to an unknown country and quickly became a leader within it. She didn't have excess money. She didn't have connections. She barely spoke the language and her degrees from Korea were virtually useless.

If you want to learn how to move from the bottom to the top - this is someone with first-hand experience.

You might want to pick up her inspirational business book for the full story that depicts every turning point, every shift in her thinking, every 'A-ha!' moment.

Just in case you missed it, here is Part 1 of this 2-part Business Interview series.

Now, let's continue with part 2....
[Continue...]

BusinessViking: You consciously and purposely developed a positive train of thought - partly thanks to daily calls to your mother as you mention in your book - other successful people also talk about the importance of this kind of thinking and still people don't really think their mindset has anything to do with succeeding - any words for those people?

There are three things you can do to enhance your mindset.

1. Laughing a lot. You practice laughing. Force yourself to laugh. Toddlers laugh 400 times a day as they are learning. They are open minded, positive, and laughing. They learn things fast.
Jinsoo's knowledge and advice has glossed the pages of Forbes and Newsweek magazines.
2. Be open minded to new cultures and learning new things. Every day meet one new person. Don’t care about their social status, different culture or age. Get to know them. Ask questions and listen to other points of view. You can always learn from people instead of just books. Experience from meeting people can open your mindset.

3. Be positive. Anything that happens in your life you can find a way to be positive with the situation. If you practice a positive mindset only good things can happen to you and people will call you “a lucky person.”

When did you make the connection between growing as a team with your employees and seeing the company's production grow?

I joined a new company and I started with the mindset thatJinsoo has been invited to and has spoken for some of the most influential businesses in the world including Google, Yahoo, Hyundai, LG, Samsung, and the Red Cross. I’m going to improve the productivity of my company through the workforce rather than through machines or better materials. Using this philosophy, productivity improved within six months.

While you were in your first position of leadership, and you ran into problems with employees - the current boss simply fired you, but TODAY when you see that your own employees are having problems with others, rather than just firing them, you actually help them improve - why? Should other managers and small business owners do the same?

If you want to grow your business and improve productivity, you need to ask your employees for their ideas on how to improve your business. Any employees having problems you need to think about how you can help them? Ask questions and find out what the problem is.Jinsoo is the President and Founder of Advanced Global Connections, LLC. Ask questions and listen and they will become an asset not a liability to the company. Instead of firing me they could have asked questions to find tools to help me.

What advice do you have for small business owners and budding entrepreneurs in this "economic meltdown"?

Give extra service to your loyal customers and companies. Narrow down your niche market identifying the ones that you are doing the best job and market to them. Risky times can be opportunityThe U.S. Department of Commerce honored Jinsoo with the Minority Business Advocate of the Year Award in 2003. for small business owners because they don’t have a lot of employees like a large business. Small businesses can take more risks.

What plans do you have in the next year or next few years? Can you share one of your next big goals and how your attitude about it is at this stage of its development?

We want to be known as the expert on how to do business in Korea and the United States. Our attitude is we are the experts, we are having fun, and we are doing it.

You mention how the simple act of peeling an apple brought you and other coworkers from different cultures closer together - and since growing together actually improves production within the company - how can others bring that closeness to the workplace instead of just going there and doing the minimum for the paycheck?

Everyday my job is to be a cheerleader to my team, recognize their talent and creativity, encourage them to come up with more ideas and solve problems. Ask questions to bring their curiosity and creativity to the meetings. Inspire them to be the best team.

---------- End Interview ----------

I want to say a big 'Thank You' to Jinsoo and I learned a lot from her book and even more from her answers here. I hope you guys liked it. If you want more info about Jinsoo you can also visit her website: http://www.JinsooTerry.com

Again - if you have questions you can email me directly - or if you have comments:

I took off all restraints so anyone can easily click and post comments. Please don't bother with spam - I'll just clean it out anyway.

The next interview will be coming up soon so sign up to get that email when it goes live or you can just bookmark the site and visit religiously!

That's it for today.

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Business Interview: Jinsoo Terry, part 1

This is post number 98 for BusinessViking.com and as we lead into #100 - and the global economy makes its way through this time of lightning-quick change - I thought it would be helpful and fun to bring in a fresh, exciting, creative voice to the table.

She's a business leader, a success motivator, and as she puts it - a superhero creator.

She has spoken across the globe for fortune 500 companies, she's been featured on Television, and honored by the United States Government. She's Jinsoo Terry and she was good enough to answer some poignant questions about her journey to success, and how others can do the same - in fact - that's her motto: "If Jinsoo can do it, you can do it too!"

Enjoy part 1 of this 2-part Interview:
Jinsoo's Book.
[Continue to See Part 1...]

BusinessViking: Hi Jinsoo - In your book, “Succeeding in America, The Jinsoo Way”, you explained that as a girl growing up in Korea, you were expected to become a teacher, the ‘appropriate’ role for a woman, but you wanted more. Do you think that today you are a sort of teacher? How would you describe what you do?


Good question. Yes, today I am a teacher although I didn’t think ofOn July 10^th 2001, the Mayor of San Fransico honored her with an official "Jinsoo Terry Day." it that way. I think of myself as leader and motivator creating superheroes in the world. I love to inspire people and challenge to do something they’ve never done before.


After all your schooling and effort, you finally were in a good job position in Korea, but then:

• You come to the U.S. and struggle with the language and culture,
• You manage to get work on an assembly line,
• You are repeatedly turned down for interviews to move your career forward,
• Then you even get struck by a car -

and somehow you decided THAT was a good time to spend your savings on a vacation. I like that move but I don’t think most people would have done the same. Why did you make that decision?


For years I have been curious about the world. I studied different languages, cultures and religions and wanted to meet the people personally. So this was a good time in between jobs to satisfy my desire to travel. I met a lot of women in different countries some were suffering with AIDS in Africa, in India working women had beautiful clothing but they were fixing the roads in the hot sun, and women in the Middle East kept their tradition but wanted to move forward. In Switzerland I met independent women who wanted to challenge their traditions.Jinsoo's speaking tours have taken her all over the world including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. No matter what country I visited, rich or poor, women wanted change yet still protect their families. I became more open minded and understood more about different cultures because of this experience. That’s why I decided to become a multicultural expert.

You moved up at your assembly line job here in the U.S. and finally you were in a position of leadership over 60 people – but then – you were fired because "people didn't enjoy working with you." Some or most people would get down on themselves but you took it just as 1 more skill that you needed – Where did you learn to think like that? What's the secret?


When I was young my mom always told me, “If you want to catch the tiger go to the cave where the tiger lives.” My mother, an educated music teacher, was my mentor in my early years. I loved learning new things. I enjoyed discovery. My mom’s tiger phrase followed me throughout my life. Going back to the cave is important. It can help you put fire in your belly and take risks in your life.


Joining and then starting the Toastmasters club seemed to be a big turning point for you - what happened mentally or psychologically during those 4 weeks from when you first joined to when you asked about starting your own group - the Red Cross Rhinoceros Toastmasters Business Club or Rhino Club?


I was looking for a group that could help me improve my presentation skills and build my confidence because I had to give a speech to the textile industry. This was the first time I had to give a speech in public. I was scared and thought I could not explain myself very well. When I visited my first Toastmasters Club I was surprised that American people would join a speaking club. I thought they knew everything already about speaking English.Jinsoo is now a member of the National Speakers Association as well as the International Federation for Professional Speakers. While I was practicing my speech I became more confident and realized that I was not only learning how to improve my English I was learning how to present my ideas to the audience. I realized that all business leaders needed these skills, so I decided to start my own club for global business leaders in San Francisco.


In your book, you mention a 4-part formula for success but on that road to success - Where do most people get tripped up and why do you think that is or how can you help them over that hurdle?


Many people have “tunnel vision” and they want to put a bandage on their scar. People need to follow their dreams and keep their eyes on the target. They need determination and a passion for what they want to do. Just keep your eyes on the target and find mentors and friends that will support your dreams. Enjoy your challenge.

---------- Part 2 is NOW AVAILABLE ----------

Take a look at Jinsoo's inspiring book: "Succeeding in America the Jinsoo Way."

And don't forget to come back tomorrow for part 2 where Jinsoo explains:

• 3 Ways to Improve Your Mindset for Better Results
• How Small Business Owners and other Leaders should be acting during this changing economic climate, and
• How You can Improve your company's production output.

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Preparing for Economic Improvement

While the media runs around with their heads lopped off screaming about the coming this or that - I thought of a great redirection for small business owners, entrepreneurs, or any of you managers out there:

GET READY FOR THINGS TO GET BETTER.

I would say most people watch the news and unfortunately buy into the garbage. They're left feeling vulnerable and unsure. As a leader, you can use the fear people might be facing to connect with other owners and companies who share your target market but don't compete with you. Plan an event under the banner of increased strength of numbers and resources.

If you're noticing a change in your numbers - this is for you.
[Story Continues...]

One of the industries that always does well in 'economic downspells' is the Entertainment Industry. Why? Because no matter what is going on in the world - people really just want to feel good.

But don't fret if you're not directly involved in that industry. You can Host or co-host an Event. Wrap the shopping experience in a fun, interesting package and you'll notice the response. People who normally might tense up at the thought of spending money in your store during the day, might come out of their shells during an up-tempo event hosted by your shop and the one around the corner, on the other side of town - or if you're online: IN ANOTHER PART OF THE WORLD.

Use this time wisely.

Plan for an event right now - plan for a few. You'll be tapping into 2 powerful human emotions:

The need to feel good, and
The need to belong.

Be a leader through this time and you'll be able to point back to how you acted when everyone else was losing their grip. It will pay you back right now - and it will continue to pay you back as things INEVITABLY improve.

Get to the Drawing Board.

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2008 Presidential Debate: Communication.

Obama explains troubled Columbian Labor Unions while McCain discreetly masks his incredulity at what is being said.

If you caught the third and final 2008 Presidential Debate between John McCain and Barack Obama, then you noticed a difference between this one and all of the other debates - the high level of energy led by John McCain.

Politics aside - the fact is that John McCain was on the offensive throughout the entire debate. His senses were so 'on' that when the moderator said he was going to change topics to "climate control" - McCain immediately jumped in with: "You mean 'climate CHANGE.'" It was the first and only time (as I recall) any moderator had been corrected.

McCain switched his style of communication and almost everyone agreed that his last debate was his best. 

Communication is King, and in the majority of instances in the business world - communication is more vital than traditional credentials.

• Why aren't you getting hired? 
• Why aren't you making sales? 
• Why does your dog not listen to you? 

It's all communication. 

Staying with the political parallel - did you know that Barack Obama has only been in the senate for 2 years? Do you know how he made a name for himself? He gave a speech - a really....good....speech. Now he's on the cusp of leading one of the most powerful nations on Earth. Communication OFTEN trumps credentials.

It's not a bad thing at all - but it DOES mean that if you want to be a leader in any field - you need to be an effective communicator. 

Benjamin Franklin wrote in his autobiography that he would NEVER begin any sentence of opinion without the phrase: "I believe...", "It's my contention that...", or "As I've come to see it...." He knew that he couldn't afford to offend other people in his business and daily life. He knew the value of communication.

How is YOUR communication? If it needs a little work then watch people who ARE effective communicators and find out what they are doing that you are not. Write it down and most importantly - practice what you learn.

It sounds a bit ridiculous to say 'practice talking' - but this is surgical talking. You want your words to achieve a specific outcome. Practice with everyone you know. This is just an intro - I'll get into greater detail as we go.

By the way - if you think you're a great communicator - and your business is stuck - then you need to look at your DIRECTION. It's likely that you're lost in the field with your razor sharp blades - but you're headed in the wrong direction. Don't get so lost IN your job that you neglect to work ON your job.

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New Business Across the Globe

I'm about to impart some fantastic advice, and if you follow it - you'll know what I mean.

I was going to write about the U.S. economy and talk about things like mortgages and 'financial bailouts' and how people might get through the tough times they may be facing - blah blah blah - a better idea occurred to me.

I once wrote that if you want to get new ideas - and by the way new ideas are what you need when your current ideas are not working - I wrote that if you want new ideas, go to new places. But I realize that's easier said than done - MUCH EASIER said than done.
[Continue Story...]


But a very good second alternative to going somewhere new - is TALKING to someone from somewhere new. Even just someone who isn't in your particular situation. Specifically I'm thinking that if you're in the U.S. and you're inundated with all this economy junk - then it will serve you well to speak with a business person who ISN'T part of the U.S. economy.

You pick up newspapers and across every front page - on every news channel is the same top story - even many blogs have the same type of headlines - Economic Woes. It can wear you down if you aren't paying attention to the fact that you feel a little bit worse each time you read, hear, or see that kind of story. You start to believe it and then you start to live it.

Talking to someone who isn't a part of all that nonsense is a breath of fresh air.

"Oh - I thought EVERYONE was about to be out in the street. Well - that's what it sounds like in all the media outlets."

When you talk to new people who haven't been paying attention to problems you'll jump right back on-track. The ideas will start coming. New strategies. You'll have a completely different energy. You'll be in sync with the people who thrive no matter what the stocks or mortgage companies are doing.

Want to do yourself a huge favor? Turn off mainstream media. TV. Newspapers. Magazines. Radio. Just take a little break to regain your composure and re-energize your mind and body. Get those juices flowing and then dive back in - ready to lead.

Question for you:

How much time are you thinking, writing, talking, and crowing about what you want? And how much time do you spend thinking, worrying, talking, and blabbing about what you don't want? Where does the balance tip? I guarantee the answer matches what you are living.

This was good.

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Promotions, Sales, Tips, or Your Mind.

Getting A'head'

You are where you are right now in terms of money and career (and everything else for that matter) because of only 1 SINGLE reason: YOU.

It's not discrimination. It's not someone holding you down. It's not that your ship has already sailed or that you missed your big opportunity. There's always another boat coming to port. There's always another opportunity around the next corner. But YOU need to be ready for it and being 'ready' starts with taking absolute responsibility for the outcome of your life.

I recently heard a quote:

"You never know what hand life is going to deal to you."

There's a good and bad spin from here. Some people see that and think: "Yep, so I'm just prepared for anything. I'm always ready. I know I can adapt. I know I'll come out on top." That's a mindset to shoot for. But more people - I think - fall into the latter category of spin which goes this way: "Life hands out to you what it will and preparation is virtually useless. I'm at the mercy of people in power. I'm at the mercy of my boss, the government and my country's economic standing. All I can do is all I can do."

That quote hurt just to write and be in that mindset momentarily.

There are a TON of ideas that fill this blog and they are all based on this one premise that you are in control, but you see it really IS useless if you don't believe you're in control and that you determine how your life unfolds.

The cards are already dealt. Look around you: Is a boss keeping you back? Money becoming tight? Ideas drying up? Are you on the brink of something big? THAT is the deal. Now what are you going to do? Will you look at the cards in your hand and complain about them? Feel badly about them? Or have you already begun planning your strategy to win this hand?

Every successful person that I've ever known or known about eventually came around to this way of thinking: "That's it - I'm getting what I want. " or "I have to make this happen." There's a certainty in their head that just doesn't allow for excuses.

If you want to really JUMP-START your movement upward and onward - adopt this mindset as quickly as you can. Look around in all the areas of your life from a new perspective of: "OK, that's the hand that I was dealt - now what can I do about it? How can I make this work for me?" Especially in the areas where you're tempted to blame someone else - that's a red flag - you will most likely repeat that situation over and over until you understand that if you are experiencing it, you have the ability to turn it into what you want.

No amount of business tips, success strategies, or money advice will ever make a difference if your mindset is off track. It's like loading a train up with all the gold in the world and sending it to the wrong destination. Doesn't help you at all.

Before Autumn gets too far underway - before this Holiday Season really gets into gear - take stock of your Mental Inventory. You'll make far more progress with a focused, determined, confident foundation.

Stop now and do it.

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