Last week I had a great opportunity to hop on a cruise a spend a few days in the Bahamas with my family and with some internet marketing experts. Below is a picture of me (second from the left) with Chris Wise, Joel Bauer, Tom Ham, and Brad Fallon. So, if you’re not familiar with these people, Chris Wise, is an expert at helping small businesses get lines of credit to fund their businesses – even in today’s economy. Joel Bauer is a world-renowned entertainer and speaker as well as a speaker trainer. Tom Ham is the Chief Marketing Officer for Stompernet…

Almost two weeks ago, I posted a poll on Twitter asking photographers if their photography business was their sole source of income. Not surprisingly, many said no (the details are below). On the same day, Jack Hollingsworth, posted a similar poll and asked photographers how much their photography business grossed last year. Similar results (see his poll below as well).

Some call me crazy. Others just think I’m weird. But, yesterday’s Fix Your Follow-Up Fiesta was act of pure compassion.

You see, over the years I’ve learned that one of the reasons small business don’t thrive is because they don’t follow up well with prospects and customers. Think about it, you spend a ton of time, money, or effort just trying to get more leads. When those leads do come in, you spend your time wisely by focusing your efforts on those that are hot and ready right now. But, the others get left by the wayside…..

Recently I’ve been studying people who have achieved great things – mainly mountain climbers, explorers, sailors, those types. Last week, while in Maui on vacation, I read Edmund Hillary’s book High Adventure. Edmund Hillary was the first man to successfully climb Mount Everest and High Adventure is his account of that ascent and all that led up to it.

Back in November, my family and I moved into a beautiful new home in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Chandler Arizona.  We absolutely love our new home.  But there’s one small problem.  The backyard is enormous!  It’s a third of an acre of pure dirt.  Soon it will be a haven for our kids, complete with a pool & slide, a basketball cour…