I hope you enjoyed your Independence Day. Question? Does Mexico have a 4th of July? Certainly, it comes right after the 3rd of July.

Are you the curious type?

Check out my next teleconference on July 11th!


 Road Improvements  

 
“Where Have All The Real Hats Gone?”
By Mark Matteson
 

In 1959 when I was two years old, almost every man wore a dress hat of some sort. Not a baseball cap but a real hat. A hat with a brim. A hat with style. A hat with a feather. A real hat. Then something happened. A Catholic Democrat from Massachusetts with a thick crop of hair got elected by a very thin margin. He NEVER wore a hat. Within a year the hat industry went away. The bottom fell out. It has never fully recovered. (A new conspiracy theory perhaps, hat guys on the grassy knoll?)

I was in Houston speaking to several hundred people that belong to a wonderful association (thanks Nancy!) recently. After my talk I left the hotel to find a Starbucks. What I was really looking for was a hat store; A real hat store. I had a Kangol in mind (think actor Samuel L. Jackson). As I pulled into the parking lot, for my little taste of Seattle, there it was…“The Hat Store”

I walked in and two tall Texans greeted me with a “Howdy.” They were decked out in true Texas Sartorial Splendor: Ten Gallon Hats, Oversized Shiny Belt buckles. This was a classy hat store. As I looked around, my body language gave me away. Not a Kangol in site. “Have you ever been in our store before?” “No,” I replied with a sad look on my face. Noticing my countenance, they said, “Were you looking for something specific?” Looking like Sad Sack I replied, “Actually, I am looking for a Kangol and I don’t think you carry them do you?” Not missing a beat, with a broad Texas grin, they proceeded to give me instructions on how to get to the best store for that product. They were so nice. They had such great attitudes. They really cared.

Feeling like I owed them something for their kindness I said, “You know, I don’t even know what size hat I need?” They proceeded to help me clarify. It turned out I was a 7 & 7/8 (let’s just call it an 8!) They let me try on a few hats to make certain. Then one of them came back with a beautiful hat. “This is probably an exact fit” he put IT on. It was a Borsalino. “It matches your shirt. Now THAT looks nice!” he said with enthusiasm. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. He was right. Styling. “The great thing about this hat is…” and he proceeded to close the sale. He grabbed a 4 x 6 card and proceeded to type on an old IBM Selectric. “The correct spelling of your first and last name?” Without thinking I replied, “M-A-R-K M-A-T-T-E-S-O-N”

Then he told me how this hat has a little cord that you hook to your lapel in case the wind blows your hat off your head. I was hooked (literally). “We always stamp initials on the inside in Gold. Is MM okay?”

“Last question,” he said with that Texas grin, “Will that be check, cash or charge?” Again without hesitation I handed them my credit card. Sales happen when Trust, Relationship, Competence and Timing come together. I never even asked how much!

I have since found my Kangol at a wonderful old hat store on 3rd & Union in Seattle. I am doing my best to undo what Jackie O’s husband did to the hat industry. I am moving on from my baseball hat collection. I recently picked up a nice “Pork Pie” hat, black. People think I am a Jazz Musician. (No that’s my brother).

What are you doing to improve your ability to build Trust, develop Relationships, improve your Competence and understand Timing. Your sales will improve if you do. That’s what JFK would have wanted…

 

 So that's where that came from!

"Long in the tooth" came about because horses teeth will begin to project farther forward as they age. So "long in the tooth" means you're looking older.

 One for the road

This months One for the Road is "Billionaire - Secrets to Success" by Bill Bartmann. "Follow Bill Bartmann's advice and become a success in life, not because he gives you the necessary tools, but because he shows you how to use the ones you already have. First Rate!" - Sam Donaldson, ABC Correspondent.

You'll find it here: click here

 

  Watch "The Road" Buddy!

The Site Map page will help you find resources.

The new goals this year will keep you moving forward.

The Girl Scout Cookie Story asks the right questions.

The laughs are here.

The reading lists are here

The FFFF is here

 

 The Boulevard

PLANNING ON KEEPING YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS? According to Purdue University, and most experts, it’s not only important to have written goals, but you must have a plan to reach your goals.

Goals 2006 is the complete program to help you "create a life on purpose." Will 2006 be just another ho-hum year that started with good intentions? Or will it be YOUR Year! Your year to lose that weight you're tired of carrying...start that business you've been talking about...get out of debt for good. Are you tired of being stuck in the same gear?

Go see why one program graduate, Lucy O. said, "Breaking through, or at least finally recognizing, what my barrier is with writing goals, is a MAJOR accomplishment - one I've been trying to find for over 15 years! And I finally got it - I GOT IT!" Click Here

 The Wire's Conduit

This months Wire tips are some of my favorite web sites:
www.woot.com (Warning - the last person I told about this won't speak to me anymore)
www.planetchristmas.com - I know it's only July but if you have my problem you need all time in the world.
www.makezine.com - My son and I are usually "Making" something new out of something else.

Questions? email Kevin at kevin@mattesonavenue.com Have a web site? Need a web site? Need an update? Need an E-zine? Ask about our package plans. Ask about my fr*ee analysis for your site.

 

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