The demand for Common Craft’s renowned explanatory videos has grown so high that the company’s husband and wife team, Lee and Sachi LeFever, has decided to start producing custom videos in their famous “Paperworks” style for a limited number of clients once again. To meet the great demand for custom Common Craft videos, Lee and Sachi have partnered with Switch Marketing, an animated video producer that was a founding member of the Common Craft Explainer Network.

The demand for Common Craft’s renowned explanatory videos has grown so high that the company’s husband and wife team, Lee and Sachi LeFever, has decided to start producing custom videos in their famous “Paperworks” style for a limited number of clients once again.

Common Craft’s unique style of short explanatory video is recognized worldwide as they have produced videos for the likes of Google, Ford, Intel and LinkedIn. Perhaps their best known video, ‘Twitter in Plain English’ was featured on Twitter’s homepage and has received more than 11 million views!

To meet the great demand for custom Common Craft videos, Lee and Sachi have partnered with Switch Marketing, an animated video producer that was a founding member of the Common Craft Explainer Network.

All future scripts and storyboards for Common Craft videos will be developed by Lee and Sachi, and Lee will continue to be the voice of each video while Switch Marketing’s creative in-house team will be working on the production and management side of each project. Production spots are currently being booked for August and September and are expected to fill up fast.

Over the last 2 years Common Craft’s focus has been on licensing their own videos. While this will continue to be a focus, working with clients again is an exciting change for the company.

Common Craft was founded in 2003 by Lee and Sachi LeFever in Seattle Washington. They were one of the first to create short web video explanations and their unique “Paperworks” style is recognized worldwide. Their ‘In Plain English’ series, which takes complex subjects and breaks them down into simple, fun and carefully crafted lessons, is what created such buzz around video explanations.

Common Craft’s most recognized video, ‘Twitter in Plain English’ was featured on Twitter’s homepage and since its creation in early 2008, it has gained more than 11 million views. Overall, Common Craft videos have been watched over 25 million times. Their custom video clients include Google, Intel, Ford, Dropbox, LinkedIn and more.

To paraphrase Mark Twain, “Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I’ve done it thousands of times.” Setting a goal, whether it be to lose weight, earn a promotion or spend more time with your family, is easy — it’s carrying through that proves problematic.

And yet, the world’s most successful people are intensely goal-orientated. They know what they want, and they focus on achieving it every day. So what’s the difference between a top executive and everybody else?

“The fact is that successful people fail far more than unsuccessful people,” says Brian Tracy, a top management consultant, in a recent Q&A with SUCCESS Magazine. “Successful people try more things, fall down, pick themselves up and try again — over and over before they finally win.” So how can you learn to quit giving up on your goals?

SUCCESS Magazine offers the following tips for more successful goal-setting:

Write down a list of goals. Cynthia Kersey, author of Unstoppable: 45 Powerful Stories of Perseverance and Triumph from People Just Like You, suggests focusing on how you want to be remembered. “List the qualities, deeds and characteristics for which you would like to be remembered by your friends, spouse, children, co-workers, the community and even the world.”

Set out a plan to accomplish your goals. Tracy suggests listing what little steps will take you to your goal, then organizing them by priority and sequence. Figure out how much time and money you will need to accomplish your goals, and revisit and revise your plan accordingly.

Manage your mindset. Keep your focus by surrounding yourself with people who will help you accomplish your goals. Arrange your workspace and home so you’ll be reminded of your commitments. “When you form the habit of starting your productivity earlier in the day, associating with more positive people, managing the news and information you feed your mind, controlling the language you use — especially the ways in which you describe yourself — you will find it easier to succeed,” says Jim Cathcart, professional speaker and founder of the Cathcart Institute Inc. “Become the person who would achieve your goals and who would deserve them.”

For more information, visit http://www.success.com.

Michael E. Gerber, Founder of E-Myth Worldwide, and Founder and Chairman of Michael E. Gerber Companies, Inc., has dedicated his life to transforming over 70,000 small businesses in over 145 countries.

His books and companies have reached those who are inspired by the possibility of creating world class companies – companies that fulfill that deep abiding vision in each of us to transform our world.

In his latest book, The Most Successful Small Business in The World: The Ten Principles, Michael Gerber teaches his legion of fans how to go beyond the obvious, to challenge the academic, to chase away the conditions which ensnare us, to engage in a conversation they have never had before.

Gerber shares the deep insight from his conversations with hundreds of thousands with people who have launched their businesses in the wrong way. From those conversations he has created the platform he calls The Ten Principles, which serve as the cornerstone and foundation to build a company.

• How to identify a company’s essential “system”—its highly differentiated way of doing business—that will be the cornerstone of its success
• Creating a center of growth and learning for employees that will in turn develop a business beyond any standard that formerly existed
• Instilling a higher purpose that can move a business and its customers to greater levels of fulfillment and growth

Gerber was named “the world’s #1 small business guru,” by Inc. magazine, Gerber has remained one of Business Week’s bestselling authors over the past two decades.

Older workers have a lot to offer the workplace–experience, knowledge, dependability and enthusiasm–and every year, one of these workers is honored for such contributions.

Nominations are now being accepted in the search for America’s Outstanding Oldest Worker. The search is part of a national effort to raise awareness about the contributions older individuals make in today’s workplace and to break down barriers often associated with their employment. It is sponsored by Experience Works, the nation’s largest nonprofit training and employment organization for older workers.

America’s Outstanding Oldest Worker nominees must be 100 years of age or older, currently employed, working at least 20 hours each week for pay and involved in his or her community. The honoree for 2010 will be introduced in May as part of Older Americans Month. Additional information, including the nomination form, is available at http://www.experienceworks.org. The deadline for nominations is March 15, 2010.

“Older workers provide inspiration to people of all ages and serve as role models for those who want to continue to stay active and make valuable contributions to the workplace and to their communities,” said Lita Kleger, vice president of external affairs for Experience Works.

Last year’s honoree was 101-year-old attorney Jack Borden from Weatherford, Texas.

A former FBI agent, Borden is the oldest practicing member of the Texas State Bar Association. He still works 40 hours a week, specializing in real estate and probate law.

Borden also continues to be active in his community. He was elected to public office four times and served as the mayor of Weatherford. He was recognized as the Outstanding Citizen of Weatherford in 2005.

Experience Works, formerly Green Thumb, is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of low-income, older people through employment, community service and training. For more information, visit http://.experienceworks.org.

If “necessity” is the Mother of invention, then “frustration” must be the Father. These are the words of Makeup Effects Artist and Stunt Man Louis Kiss, inventor of the Grab-it Pack®.

Backpacks, fanny packs and the like left Kiss unimpressed. So, he decided to create his own. The result was the Grab-it Pack®. We were contacted by Kiss to give the Grab-it Pack® a test drive, and we readily agreed. ESB’s own President, John Vanover, shares his findings:

At first, I was skeptical when Traci asked me to review the Grab-it Pack®.  I have a couple of nail aprons and small belt pouches, and didn’t see the need for anything else.  I even have a large leather tool belt with a holster for my cordless drill.

To be honest, most of the time I just end up using my pockets. Despite this, I agreed to give it a try. I had a couple of “honey-do” projects on my list for a recent Saturday afternoon, and figured that would be a perfect opportunity to give Grab-it Pack® a try.  The biggest task I had involved working on cable connections in various parts of the attic and basement.

I have to say the Grab-it Pack® exceeded my expectations. I started by loading all of my cable tools and parts in the large pouch.  There was plenty of space for my small flashlight, wire strippers, crimpers and a variety of splices and connectors.  I put a pen in the top zippered pocket just to try it.  Like most of the world, I don’t go anywhere without my cell phone.  I dropped it in the pocket on the front, and I was good to go.

The first trip was to the attic and I immediately saw the advantages of the Grab-it Pack® over my regular nail apron.  I was able to go up the narrow attic stairs with ease.  I was also able to crouch and not have to worry about everything spilling out or screwdrivers stabbing me in the waist.

A trip to the basement and up a ladder yielded similar results. The leg strap really keeps the pack in place going up and down a ladder, a shortfall of a regular tool belt. This pack offers excellent freedom of movement. It was this point that sold me on it above just about everything else.

In the process of all of my splicing, I realized I was a couple of items short of being able to complete the job at hand. This would require a trip to the hardware mega store. It would eventually require two, but I didn’t know that.  The Grab-it Pack® was as comfortable to wear driving as it had been running around the house.  Of course, the unexpected perk was the cell phone pocket on the front. Traci called to ask me pick up lunch while I was out, and I was easily able to access the cell phone pocket and retrieve my phone. Normally, I darn near run off the road trying to get my cell out of my back pocket.

Score another one for the Grab-it Pack®.

Overall, I was highly impressed with the functionality of the Grab-it Pack®. I would imagine any job you need to keep small hand tools at hand would be a perfect fit. Electricians, cable technicians, and general DIY’ers all come to mind as perfect prospects for this item.  I know it would have made my life easier back in college when I was a stock boy.

My mom is an avid crafter, and I think that the Grab-it Pack® would be excellent for her to use at craft shows, or for the occasions when she is teaching a class. The pouches could hold all of the necessities for booth setup, as well as business cards, change, ID, and cell phone. She always hates having to cart her purse around to these shows – and this offers an excellent alternative.

I’m already thinking ahead to summer fishing trips using this pack. I know I’ll be using it for all of my home improvement projects from now on. I’m actually considering getting the left handed version, so I can have double pouches as shown on the website. I would have all of the room of my largest tool belt, and be considerably more comfortable, and have much more freedom of motion.

The Grab-it Pack® retails for $25.00 each. To learn more, or to place an order, visit their website at http://www.grabitpack.com.

Editor’s Note: Originally appeared earlier this year before the new format — we decided to rerun this for the benefit of all of our new readers.

When you have a look at the different ends of the selling-buying process, you find many of your prospective customers don’t like to be sold to, and many marketers like yourself often don’t like to sell.

Yet every business person knows they have to get clients somehow. Information marketing provides an easy way for you to get more clients without those irritating, slick, sales techniques. Often people think it is a matter of gritting their teeth and getting on with the dirty end of the job, when in reality it is a simple matter of giving people what they are looking for via your own information marketing products.

Let me put it this way. How many people do you know who ask a potential mate to marry them, on the first date? Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? So, why would someone buy from you right away without first getting to know, like and trust you? That’s why you want to build a relationship with a potential client over time. I’ve found that information marketing is one of the best and easiest ways to do that.

Information marketing is about giving value to your potential clients first, so they get to know, like and trust you. Information marketing also ensures that your prospect gets something of value without having to undergo a sales spiel. This alone will skyrocket your credibility in their eyes. If you are prepared to “let go” of the traditional approach to sales and marketing, you can simply have an ebook or special report or ecourse do the selling for you. Sell to people by giving them information.

How I Made $9,000 in 5 Minutes Using Information Marketing
A few months ago, I made $9000 in 5 minutes using just a 20-page Special Report. I gave a 5-minute talk at a networking event where I offered my Special Report in exchange for people’s business cards. I ended up with cards from almost all 55 people in the room. After they got the Special Report, I offered a free phone consultation. Seven people took me up on the offer – and the result? Three people hired me.

Think of a Funnel When Setting Up Your Information Marketing System
Information marketing uses a four-stage process to move people from being a prospect, to a lead, to a client, to your champion. Think of the four stages as a funnel. Your goal as a marketer is to move a person down your funnel, because the further someone goes down the funnel the more money you make. You can use information products to move someone through each stage.

Stage 1 – The Prospect
In this phase, the person doesn’t even know you. There’s no relationship at all yet. Your job is somehow to get people to notice you. Some information products you can use in this phase of your information marketing are: ebooks, teleclasses, special reports, white papers, ecourses and articles.

Stage 2 – The Lead
This is the crucial phase I call the “Pivotal Point.” On my website, I use a technique to capture visitors’ names and emails by giving them a special report. Once people opt-in, they become a lead for me. I now have permission to do more information marketing with them.

Stage 3 – The Client
Once someone has given you permission to contact them, your job is then to convert them from a lead to a client. Once they have given you at least one dollar, they are a client. I offer an inexpensive one-on-one, 45-minute consultation with me where we strategize ideas for the client’s business and marketing plans.

Think how you can move people down the marketing funnel. How can you capture leads? What incentive can you then give them to move from one phase to another and become a client?

Stage 4 – The Champion
This is the best part! At this point you’ve given the client such great service and value that they buy from you over and over AND they refer you to others. They become your marketing machine. This is where the lifetime value of a client becomes so profitable.

More Information Marketing Tips to Remember
Okay, now you see the process of “dating” a potential client, here are some more points to remember:

• Always provide great value first. People have to learn to know, like and trust you before they commit with their wallet.

• Moving through the phases of information marketing can happen fast. This doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process. You can move someone from being a prospect to a client in a day or two.

• Always give clear guidance to the potential client on what to do next. Give them directions on how to move from being a prospect to a lead to a client to a cheerleader.

Ask yourself, what information relating to your topic are you asked about the most? Put together a special report that addresses the most common questions and challenges people face. Then find ways to leverage that report to get more leads. Information marketing is the most powerful way of “selling without selling” that I know.

About the Author:
Small business marketing consultant, James Roche, shows you how to attract more clients and make passive revenue with information products. Discover his proven and practical marketing strategies with his free special report, “The Shift: Quit Struggling, Make a Difference and Join the New Rich” http://www.marketingmadeeasyblueprint.com/free.

Success in business and in life requires an open mind. In order to prosper, you have to be willing to learn — and that means becoming a student.

“Formal education will make you a living, self-education will make you a fortune,” says Johnna Parr, author of “When the Dream is Big Enough.”

An entrepreneur who runs a successful network marketing business with her husband, Matt, Parr never thought of herself as a good learner. But when she was trying to start her business, she realized that she needed to absorb lessons from those who were already successful.

“I listened and took in all of the knowledge of the leaders of the business,” says Parr. “I took the notes, reviewed them and implemented what I had learned.”

Today, Parr is more teacher than student — she helps other entrepreneurs realize their ambitions. One of the first things she tells budding entrepreneurs? They have to make themselves teachable.

Parr says that all business people experience different stages of learning:

Stage 1: “I know nothing.” When people begin a new career, they tend to be enthusiastic learners — they listen to educational audios and conference calls, read books and follow formulas set by industry leaders. Their businesses begin to grow. But no one stays in this stage forever.

Stage 2: “I know everything.” Sooner or later, everyone hits this stage — often destroying their business in the process. “Some people mistakenly believe that if they accomplish a goal, or have some success, they no longer have to learn or grow,” says Parr. But this stagnant mindset leads to stagnant business — know-it-alls either fail or stop being know-it-alls.

Stage 3: “I don’t know everything.” Entrepreneurs in this third stage know that they can bring good ideas to the table, but they also realize the importance of others’ contributions. They form creative partnerships and never stop trying to grow and improve as leaders. Because they are good students, they also become good teachers. Their belief in themselves and their goal allows them to agree to disagree on important issues.

Few people naturally possess the skills to succeed in business. Success is a journey that requires teachability and a desire to learn. Without these qualities, realizing the dream may be impossible.

For more information, visit http://www.johnnaparr.com.

- Courtesy NUSA

The Kauffman Foundation is often referred to as one of the largest foundations in the United States—or as the world’s largest foundation devoted to entrepreneurship.

Both are true, thanks to Ewing Kauffman’s generosity and foresight.

In this second student entrepreneur video we’re introduced to Jennifer Woodsmall, another student whose dreams were made real due in part to the Kauffman Foundation. Jennifer’s business, J.L. Lane, offers gorgeous handbags, clothing and accessory items.

There is one special quality that you can develop that will guarantee you greater success, accomplishment and happiness in life.

Of a thousand principles for success developed over the ages, this one quality or practice will do more to assure that you accomplish wonderful things with your life than anything else. This quality is so important that, if you don’t develop it to a high degree, it is impossible for you to ever achieve what you are truly capable of achieving.

The quality that I am talking about is the quality of self-discipline. It is a habit, a practice, a philosophy and a way of living. All successful men and women are highly disciplined in the important work that they do. All unsuccessful men and women are undisciplined and unable to control their behaviors and their appetites. And when you develop the same levels of high, personal discipline possessed by the most successful people in our society, you will very soon begin to achieve the same results that they do.

All great success in life is preceded by long, sustained periods of focused effort on a single goal, the most important goal, with the determination to stay with it until it is complete. Throughout history, we find that every man or woman who achieved anything lasting and worthwhile, had engaged in long, often unappreciated hours, weeks, months and even years of concentrated, disciplined work, in a particular direction.

Fortunately the quality of self-discipline is something that you can learn by continuous practice, over and over, until you master it. Once you have mastered the ability to delay gratification, the ability to discipline yourself to keep your attention focused on the most important task in front of you, there is virtually no goal that you cannot accomplish and no task that you cannot complete.

Successful people engage in activities that are goal-achieving. Unsuccessful people engage in activities that are tension-reliving. Successful people discipline themselves to have dinner before dessert. Unsuccessful people prefer to have dessert most of the time.

Successful people plan their work, and work their plan. They take the time to think through their responsibilities before they begin. They make clear decisions which they then implement immediately. They get a lot more done in a shorter period of time than the average person. And it all has to do with their disciplines.

Perhaps the most important benefit of self-discipline is the personal benefit that you receive. Every act of self-discipline increases your self-esteem. It gives you a feeling of personal power and accomplishment. Each time you discipline yourself to persist in the face of distractions, diversions, and disappointments, you feel better about yourself. As you continue to discipline yourself, you achieve more and more in life. As you achieve more things, you feel more like a winner. Your self-confidence goes up. You feel happier about yourself. You get more done and you have more energy. You earn the respect and esteem of the people around you. You get more rapid promotions and are paid more money. You live in a nicer house, drive a nicer car, and wear nicer clothes. You get a natural high from the thrill of achievement. And the more things that you achieve as the result of employing your personal habits of effectiveness and productivity, the more eager you are to achieve even higher and better tasks. Your life gets onto an upward spiral of success and happiness. You feel great about yourself most of the time.

Every act of self-discipline strengthens every other discipline in your life. Every weakness of self-discipline weakens your other disciplines as well. When you make a habit of disciplining yourself in little things, like flossing your teeth every night, you’ll soon become able to discipline yourself to accomplish even larger things, like working long, long hours to bring a major task to completion.

Your entire life is an on-going battle between the forces of doing what is right and necessary on the one hand and doing what is fun and easy on the other hand. It is a battle between the forces of discipline and the forces of ease or expediency. And when you develop the strength of character that gives you complete self-mastery, self-control and self-discipline, you feel wonderful about yourself. You develop a deep inner sense of strength and confidence. You replace positive thinking with positive knowing. You reach the point inside where you absolutely know that you can do whatever it takes to achieve any goal that you can set for yourself.

Self-discipline is its own reward. Not only does it pay off in terms of greater self-esteem and a more positive mental attitude, but it pays off throughout your life in terms of the goals that you achieve and the success that you attain in everything you do.

Self-discipline is a skill and a habit that can be learned by practice. Every time you practice a little self-discipline, you become stronger and stronger. Bit by bit, you become more capable of even greater disciplines. As you become a totally self-disciplined individual, your entire future opens up in front of you like a broad highway. Everything becomes possible for you and your future becomes unlimited.

Accomplish More in a Month Than Most People Accomplish in a Year. Take complete control of your time and your life. Get more done now.

Author Credit: Brian Tracy

The Norwalk Custom Order Furniture factory in Norwalk, Ohio, is 430,000 square feet, enough to encompass four football fields. On a rainy June afternoon, though, the facility is quiet–except for the sounds of a radio playing 1970s rock classics and the occasional hum of a sewing machine or pop of a staple gun…