So.. lately my wife and I are spending 90% of our grocery budget at a Trader Joe's which is about 10 mile away (and the other 10% at a Kroger a few blocks away).   We absolutely love TJs (for reasons I will elaborate on further) and we have spread the word about this "chain" to many ATLiens.  We actually found out about the store through word of mouth years ago when visiting LA (thanks, Julie). 

I wouldn't be surprised if 90% of you reading this already know about the chain (for those that don't - www.traderjoes.com ), but what strikes me as interesting is that the reasons I love this store so much are the same reasons why I love the online music site www.Reverbnation.com (RN).

In fact, its the same reasons why any business creates word of mouth "Regeneration", as marketing guru Mark Joyner at Simpleology.com (another favorite site of mine) explains.  So, what are the reasons?

There are four listed below that I share examples of where applicable:

1. Product Excellence - incredible products stimulate "spontaneous praise"
Examples:
- TJs offers excellent fresh Mediterranean food, Indian food, organics and other great private label products that we can't get elsewhere.  
- RN offers excellent web applications for music artists, labels, managers and fans that you can't find elsewhere (and for FREE)!

2. Customer Service Excellence - great customer service creates "tremendous affinity" that people talk about
- TJs  is an amazing store where the staff will walk you to each item you are unable to find as if they were your personal shopper and often comp items for you for all sorts of reasons!  Our daughter loves to go with us to find the hidden puppy in the store that lets her get a treat out the treat basket!

- I've dealt with RN 's staff regarding a wide range of concerns, and they have been exceptionally professional and effecient!  Not to mention, they are often surveying to see what is needed to improve and constantly innovating around the feedback and their own amazing ideas!

3. Over-Delivery - promise something and give that plus more free and that "is sure to get people talking"
- As I mentioned already, both TJs and RN are throwing in new FREE things that make your experience with them all the more exceptional!

4. Buzzworthiness - "Remember the 'Where's the Beef?' Wendy's campaign?"  I can still remember talking about that great commercial.
- The whole experience with both of these companies is buzzworthy, even if their only advertising is word-of-mouth.

5. Incentive Programs -  giving customers incentives for spreading the word
- RN has a great system where they split 50% of their advertising with the artists based on traffic each artists generates.  Now that is what I call a partnership with real incentive for artists!
- I'm not aware of a direct incentive from TJs to spread the word, but the intrinsic value in sharing a good thing is incentive enough for many.

So the question for artists and anyone else in any type of business is how to apply these same 5 techniques to your product (or service)!  If you can answer that, you'll no doubt have blogs written about you!

---
I leave you with a bit of marketing humor regarding moving the FREE line & "creating" incentive:

"At my lemonade stand I used to give the first glass away free and charge five dollars for the second glass. The refill contained the antidote." - Emo Phillips

"When you are clear, what you want will show up in your life, and only to the extent you are clear!" - Janet Attwood (Author of The Passion Test)

Back from Guantanomo Bay, Cuba where we (State of Man) performed two concerts for the troops stationed there.  The trip was simply amazing, but I'll save all of that for another blog b/c...

Today is the dating anniversary for my wife and I, and in honor of that fact, I think I'll make the subtitle of this entry "Love on the Dance Floor."

See, on this day five years ago, Kathy and I danced together for the first time, which immediately triggered indescribable chemistry that neither of us had experienced before.  It sounds like something out of a romance novel, but we seriously danced together in suspended animation until the DJ stopped and the venue closed for the night.  We later discovered that in that moment, both of our "internal guidance systems" were sounding the alarm, which caught us both by suprise.  We each left confused as to what had just happened and fortunately, it became clearer and clerer each day thereafter.

You see, we'd each been through previous relationships that taught us much of what we prefered and we had both written down what we truly wanted in a relationship prior to this encounter.  In fact, just days before, I'd become so frustrated with dating that wrote down everything I could think of that was most important to me out of a relationship.  I focused on the most meaningful qualities I prefered based on all my experiences (it is interesting to note now that the list did not even contain my previous main preferences).  After that list was complete, I lamented that even though it may be a pipe dream, I truly wished it could hapen the way I'd believed as a kid - a single moment where bells and whistles rang signaling a profound, romanctic connection.

I wrote all of this down on 7-09-03 and three days later, it actually came to pass.  In that moment, my soul recognized what my mind did not - love on the dance floor.

Something equally interesting to note is that around eleven or twelve years ago, I had a dream that I saw my soulmate.  When I woke up, I knew that I had actually seen the woman I would marry but I couldn't remember what she looked like.  The dream was so real that I wrote the following lyrics about it (now in the song "Spoken" from the State of Man/JaD album Lose your Mind) :

"Woke up late one night from a deap sleep
I finally saw the girl, the girl of my dreams
I've heard stories of the same thing
but I never thought it would happen to me

See, I consider myself a pretty rational guy
but this girl..  she seems to stay on my mind
I find myself looking for her everywhere I go
I'm going to find her one day, one day I know

See its the kind of thing that a man
would be afraid to admit he believes in
But, if I swallow my pride
deep down inside
Oh I'm really hoping that she's out there
somewhere, waiting for me
Oh and when I find her
You know how sweet that's gonna be

When she speaks to me

I pray that I  find he some day

I guess its kind of funny
You know I can't remember her face
But when I see her I know it will all come back to me
it won't be the way that she looks, no, no
It won't be her personality
It won't be the words that she says
Becuase her soul will speak to me

When she speask to me

See its the kind of thing that a man
would be afraid to admit he believes in
But, if I swallow my pride
deep down inside
Oh I'm really hoping that she's out there
somewhere, waiting for me

Out there
Out there, somewhere"

I'm grateful I got clear as to what was most important and now, the searching and waiting is over. 

You can apply the same principle to whatever you want out of life - Once you get clear on what really matters to you and on what your heart truly desires, it shows up!

You know how you find a book on life or perspective that truly FEELS SO GOOD to read that it makes you tingle all over with excitement?  That generally happens when the content resonates with who you are and its a great experience to have.

My wife and I are currently reading an excellent new book  called Relax into Wealth that has this very effect on me.  The book is exceptionally well written and offers practical advice and didactic stories that may inspire you as much as they inspire me.

Here is an excerpt about opportunity that reminds you of an important lesson:


The author, Alan Cohen, goes on to explain that "No person, event, or experience is one thing only.  Every situtaion is a blank slate upon which we project our beliefs, which create our entire life."  How true!

In times where we find ourselves in situations that we feel frustration, failure, or resistance, if we use those feelings as warning signals to reset our perspective and to look for hidden value that the universe is offering, it will appear!

As one great teacher was reported to have said,  "Seek and ye shall find!"

Another great Article from Early To Rise, and this time, from one of my favorite authors, Alexander Green, whom I've posted many articles from.  This article appears courtesy of Early To Rise, the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com:

"He who cannot give anything away cannot feel anything either."

- Friedrich Nietzsche

The Science of Giving

By Alexander Green

A few months ago, I received a phone call from George Rupp.

Rupp is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Founded by Albert Einstein, the IRC serves refugees and communities victimized by oppression or violent conflict. When thousands run from natural disasters, war, or repression, the IRC is there, providing food and water, shelter, healthcare, and education.

Every Thanksgiving for the past few years, I've been sending Oxford Club members a letter reminding them how incredibly rich our lives are and asking them to remember the IRC, the world's recognized leader in humanitarian emergencies.

I had never heard of George Rupp, however, until I got that phone call. "I'm just calling to let you know how much you've inspired us - our whole organization - with your letter," he said.

Embarrassed, I mumbled something in response.

"We're planning to read it to Tom Brokaw and the other directors at the annual board meeting Wednesday. We'd also like to turn it into a national fundraising letter. Would that be all right with you?"

All right? I felt like I'd just been injected with 100 mL of pure dopamine. I love the IRC. I love sharing its mission.

By the time I got off the phone, my wife said I was acting so goofy I might as well take the rest of the day off. When I walked outside, the sky was bluer, the neighbor's dog was friendlier, and the birds, I was sure, were singing in counterpoint. It was a weird feeling, really, and it left me scratching my head.

But now I'm beginning to understand it. New scientific studies show that we're actually hardwired to feel good - and live longer - by helping others.

Dr. Stephen Post, a professor of bioethics at Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine, says, "The remarkably good news is that, over the past ten years, we have about five hundred serious scientific studies that demonstrate the power of [generosity] to enhance health."

You've always known that giving is its own reward. Now science has discovered a slew of side benefits as well.

Here are just a few key findings:

• Those who start giving in high school usually experience better physical and mental health over the next 50 years.

• Giving reduces mortality later in life too. People who volunteer for two or more organizations have a 44 percent lower likelihood of dying - and that's after sifting out other significant factors like age, gender, marital status, frequency of exercise, smoking habits, etc.

• Giving generates a sense of inner freedom, serenity, and peace that affects the quality of life.

• Giving reduces adolescent depression and suicide risk.

• Giving helps us forgive ourselves, promoting a sense of well-being and greater self-esteem.

• Giving reduces negative emotions, like spite, rage, and envy, that contribute to stress-induced psychological and physical ailments.

• And Columbia University psychologist Eva Midlarksy has found that through giving we gain a greater sense of meaning in our lives, cope better with our own stress by shifting our focus to others, feel more socially connected, enjoy a greater sense of competence and effectiveness, and are more likely to live an active lifestyle.

Not bad. And there are many ways to give. Money, of course, is how most organizations get things done. But there are effective ways to donate your time, as well:

Volunteer. According to Doug Oman of the University of California at Berkeley, "Volunteering is associated with substantial reductions in mortality."

Create a Network of Giving. Find others who are isolated or ignored and invite them to join you. Studies show that all of you are likely to benefit.

Become a Mentor. Nothing is more beneficial to the young than connecting with a caring adult who inspires them.

Pass the Torch. As an older adult, you have accumulated a lifetime of wisdom and experience. Recognize your own value - and share it with others.

Biologist David Sloan Wilson says, "We have said since millennia - in fact, this has been a fundamental tenet of religion - that if you do good things, it will reflect back to you, not immediately, not every time, but in general. This is a deeply entrenched notion."

And now science is confirming it.

Giving is a simple act. Yet studies show that generous behavior may do more to protect and extend your health than vitamin supplements, green tea, fish oil, or an aspirin a day.

Each of us is flawed in a hundred ways. But giving redeems us. It ennobles us. It helps us create a better version of ourselves.

In his book Why Good Things Happen to Good People Dr. Post writes, "You wish to be happy? Loved? Safe? Secure? You want to turn to others in tough times and count on them? You want the warmth of true connection? You'd like to walk into the world each day knowing that this is a place of benevolence and hope? Then I have one answer: Give. Give daily, in small ways, and you will be happier. Give and you will be healthier. Give and you will even live longer."

[Ed. Note: Happiness is well within your reach. Learn how you can make your life richer - in both senses of the word - right here.

And be sure to join Alexander Green, Chairman of Investment U and Investment Director of The Oxford Club, as he tackles some of life's more difficult challenges in his free, twice-weekly e-letter Spiritual Wealth. Sign up here.]

My friends, this is THE REAL DEAL!  If you want to learn how to tap into the Songwriting Genius within yourself, GET YOUR COPY OF THIS BOOK HERE!  I got this book early this year and it has truly revolutionized my ability to write music and lyrics!  Thanks to the Author, I am now able to offer the book to you!

That's the short of it! 

Now, here is the longer version of why I got the book below.  Really, all you need to do is answer the question of whether you have a desire to become a songwriting genius or not.  If yes, then GET YOUR COPY OF THIS BOOK HERE!

THE FULL DETAILS
As an independent artist that reached the top10 on the Billboard Single Sales Chart, some in the dustry would say I've seen some success in songwriting.  I am proud of the music I've been able to write with State of Man and I have been blessed with lyrics I feel really help people - (jude for yourself at www.reverbnation.com/stateofman).  Though a few songs have come to me in a single sitting, most of the lyrics and music I've written have been an extreme labor of love - until now!

I began telling myself last year that "I am a musical genius" as an affirmation in hopes of becoming one, so you can imagine my reaction when I saw the title of a book called "The Songwriting Genius within You!"  It turned out to be one of the best resources I've found for improving my songwriting!

WHY I GOT THE BOOK
About a week before I got my hands on this amazing book, I actually posted an anonymous ad on craigslist to find like-minded writers who might be able to help me use meditation to make the songwriting process easier.  I got one reply, but not what I was looking for, so I decided to figure out how to do this on my own.

I've used brain wave producing CDs like Holosync for learning and meditation, but have never had success using the tools to write music, and since up until now I hadn't enjoyed the lyric writing process, I put it off for a good while.  In fact, my first songwriting session for 2008 was a 3 hour marathon of banging around on my guitar and banging my brain against a "brick wall."  I literally came up with one line of lyrics - so as you can imagine, I knew there had to be a better way.

A week later, I saw an ad  for this book and I couldn't help but stop what I was doing and check it out.  It honestly seemed too good to be true and once I got a hold of the book and read the first couple of pages, I knew this was exactly what I'd been looking for.  All the questions I've asked, all the things I've heard about great writers but didn't understand (like how Michael Jackson "hears" the music in his head completely before he records it) or know how to do were all right there with techniques teaching me how to develop the same incredible skills.

What drove it all home was the first exercise I tried (from the newsletter).  I got more done in 20 minutes using the technique I'd learned than I did in the previous 3 hour session one week earlier.

Tthe depth of NEW information and applications in this book is truly astounding... that is to say - atstounding IF, like me, you want to become a songwriting genius.  This is truly the type of information you expect a songwriting master to share with his inner circle of sworn disciples and thanks to the Author, I get to share it with you!  Enjoy!

GET YOUR COPY OF THIS BOOK HERE!

An excerpt from this blog entry also appears on the Official State of Man Blog

T, JB, Adam Bush, Xandy Smith, JS, C Love
Originally uploaded by stateofmanband - john stringer

A friend, a father, a son, an incredibly talented video producer and an all around force of nature, Adam Bush was the video producer for "Swallow Your Fears," and through the filming of the project, State of Man and I got a chance to work with him.  Thanfully, we were also welcomed into his friendship.

Both Xandy Smith (director for "Swallow Your Fears") and Kathy Stringer (my wife) wrote words that I'd like to share below - words about ADAM and words about his work with State of Man:

Xandy's Goodbey:

2. Kathy's "Tribute in a Song" email:

"(Written on May 2, 2008) 

  On my birthday today, I reflect on how blessed I am to have such a wonderful, giving and talented husband.  I am always amazed at his ability to be such a caring husband and touch my heart in so many ways but sometimes I am even more amazed at how much his music is able to touch other people and truly help and inspire them.

     Yesterday we attended the funeral of our friend Adam Bush. He died after a long and passionate battle with Leukemia. John was asked to sing at the funeral and was so touched he truly could not finish the conversation because of the emotions he was feeling. He reflected on his relationship with Adam as a friend, video producer and truly a teacher of life lessons.  Adam produced John's band State of Man's first video over a year ago and he really put his heart in the body of work that represents the song "Swallow Your Fears". Of course we had no idea at the time how much Adam would end up embodying the meaning of "Swallow Your Fears".

 

Before the funeral began and as the band was setting up to play, I caught myself getting a little concerned as to how a rock band performing at funeral was going to be received. Of course there was weeping and silent prayer and I just was not sure it was the time or place for their song but I remembered that everything happens as it should and I knew that it would all work out.

 

As the band played "Swallow Your Fears" and John's inspirational words soared through the chapel, I realized how much this song truly reflected who Adam was and still is in our hearts. As the song says, "swallow your fears, swallow the things that hold you back, that hold you back from living life", is exactly what Adam did. As we got to know him over the last 2 years we really had no idea how sick he was because he lived his life to the fullest and did not let his disease hold him back. After the funeral the band was so grateful that many people at the funeral shared with them how that song truly captured Adam's spirit and they sincerely thanked them for the part they played in celebrating Adam's life.

 

The band and I consider the video Adam produced a part of Adam's legacy. Not only did he produce it but he lived it. We know from feedback from friends and fans that this song has helped many in crises feel better and stronger and become more willing to swallow their fears and live life with passion and strength.

 

If you have not heard the song (or even if you have) or seen the video please take a moment to click on the link below and listen to the song's message and see the work of our good friend Adam. If you think this song could help someone through a tough time, please forward it to them with our best!!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io0ar7HA1BM

 or

www.reverbnation.com/stateofman

(hit video icon next to Swallow Your Fears)

 

 

Dedicated to Adam Bush
Swallow Your Fears (lyrics)

Say what you want to say
but you know there is something in the way
there's something in the way
Don't act like nothings wrong
when your past seems to haunt you every day
and you know you're so afraid to love

Swallow Your Fears
swallow the things that hold you back
that hold you back from living life
Swallow Your Fears
swallow the things that hold you back
that hold you back from living life

There's nothing you can do
to erase the wounds that only time can heal
(that only time can heal)
but all you've got to lose
is the time it takes to know how you feal
when you know you're so afraid to love

Swallow Your Fears
swallow the things that hold you back
that hold you back from living life
Swallow Your Fears
swallow the things that hold you back
that hold you back from living life

I know sometimes its hard
we all feel heartache
but if you learn to trust again
you can be from from fear
you don't have to be alone
you can find what you want
if you wash away the pain
and learn to trust again

Say what you want to say
but you know there is something in the way
always something in the way


Swallow Your Fears
swallow the things that hold you back
that hold you back from living life
Swallow Your Fears
swallow the things that hold you back
that hold you back from living life

I know sometimes its hard
we all feel heartache
but if you learn to trust again
you can be from from fear
you don't have to be alone
you can find what you want
if you wash away the pain
and learn to trust again

Swallow your fears
Swallow the things that hold you back
that hold you back from living life

Much Love

Kathy Stringer"