Peter Wink hanging with Mr. Fire himself...Dr. Joe Vitale!

Hi Everyone,

I've been incredibly busy lately, working, writing books, hitting the firing range, developing an armwrestling promotion, and hanging out with some tremendous people.

Over the past week, I've had the pleasure of hanging out with two of the most incredible people. Dr. Joe Vitale, a good friend, and the world's best-selling business/spiritual author --- and his lovely companion, whom I just met, video guru Nerissa "The Video Queen" Oden.



Joe "Mr. Fire" Vitale happened to be in town recording a new program for the legendary Nightingale-Conant Corporation. The program is going to be incredible and I wish I could talk more about it. Let's just say, if you loved "The Secret," you'll go absolutely crazy over this new program. For now, check out his best-selling book called "The Attractor Factor."

Me, Joe, Stephanie, and Nerissa discussed marketing, movies, self-help, spirituality, and a host of other topics. Nerissa even taped two straight hours of me and Joe discussing marketing strategies and life in general. Some of this footage is deep! Some of the footage will be available either at Peterwink.com and/or MrFire.com. And let me tell you - nobody knows video like Nerissa Oden. She's a genious having worked on a plethora of Hollywood's biggest movies including Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls. The four of us also took the time to have some awesome dinners and shop on the magnificent mile! It doesnt get much better than that!

If you have any interest in self-help, marketing, video, or spirituality, I urge you to visit their websites listed above! They are great people - or as I like to put it - "the real deal."

Other highlights of this magical week included seeing a Steve Vai concert with my great friend - e-commerce guru, Claudio Boyks. Having dinner with two of the classiest people I know - Barton Blankenburg and his killer gal Susan! Having the pleasure of firing with my wife and the Midwest's number one firearms trainer Gerald Kau. And I cannot forget having a "Joe Vitale" author dinner the other night with Gary Chappell, CEO/President of Nightingale-Conant, as well as Vic Conant, Chairman of Nightingale-Conant - both old friends!

I've barely slept, exercised six times, and worked my tail off. Tonight - I will rest. In fact, I'm going to relax now and go through a stack of magazines piled up next to me. With 15 subscriptions, it's hard to keep up!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...To get a copy of my bestselling book "Negotiate Your Way to Riches" - please click here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

All writings here are copyrighted by Peter Wink and Peterwink.com. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

You can't sell what you have not bought!

Hi Everyone,

I was reading a terrific passage in Dan Kennedy's new book "No B.S. Business Success."



According to Dan, you cannot expect to craft an excellent sales pitch unless you can enthusiastically answer the following three questions...
1. If you were the customer, would buying from you be the clear, inarguably best choice?
2. Why should I do business with you instead of any of your competitors? In fact, why should I do business with you vs. any and every other option available to me (unique selling proposition)?
3. Is your product or service a lot better than anything else out there? How?

Most salespeople cannot intelligently answer these questions.

If you cannot answer these questions, you're probably not completely sold on the superiority of what you're selling, and if you're not sold, you can't sell.

Make sense?

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...To get a copy of my bestselling book "Negotiate Your Way to Riches" - please click here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

All writings here are copyrighted by Peter Wink and Peterwink.com. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

Killer fashion tips for men!

Hi Everyone,

If you know me - you know I'm into men's fashion. After all, I realize that the fashions I wear communicate a lot about me.

Here are some dos and donts from my experience...
- Jeans...NAH!
- Suits look better than sport coats!
- Carry little in your pockets!
- Furs...NAH!
- Cowboy hats and large belt buckles are not in vogue anywhere but in Texas!
- Smoking a cigarette or cigar in this day and age, ruins your image!
- Crocodile and snakeskin is best left to rock stars!
- Silver, chrome, and stainless steel watchbands go with everything!
- Facial hair...NAH!
- T-shirts with cute/sexual sayings...give me a break!
- Clean fingernails great...manicures w/polish a little too feminine!
- Gym fashions are wasteful!
- Mint mouthwash...YES!
- Bike tights...BIG NAH!
- Suits and gym shoes do not look good unless your under 11!
- Suspenders are for overweight people only!
- Patterned shirts and ties don't go together!
- Wear excellent shoes!
- Casual Fridays are embarassing!

More to come!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...To get a copy of my bestselling book "Negotiate Your Way to Riches" - please click here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

All writings here are copyrighted by Peter Wink and Peterwink.com. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

Are you the real problem?

Hi Everyone,

I was re-reading an interesting book called "365 Ways to Become a Millionaire" by Brian Koslow.

In this gem is one of my favorite passages on relationships...

"One way to really know if you are excellent is to look around you and see if all your close relationships are excellent. The one person all of these relationships have in common is you."

Think about it! If you cannot get along with people, maybe it's you that has the issue. Now that you know, do something about it.

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...To get a copy of my bestselling book "Negotiate Your Way to Riches" - please click here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

All writings here are copyrighted by Peter Wink and Peterwink.com. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

The "Dog" will teach you how to change your life!

Hi Everyone,

If you want to read a book that sure to inspire you to go for your goals, no matter where you are in your life...then get a copy of "You Can Run, But You Can't Hide" by Duane "Dog" Chapman.



"Dog" was a badly abused kid, thief, gang member, murderer, and turned out to be a major philanthropist and international celebrity.

No need for hokey, pray-to-the-heavens, new age books - read "You Can Run, But You Can't Hide" and find out how anyone, including you, can make major life change!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

All writings here are copyrighted by Peter Wink and Peterwink.com. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

Mommy finally reveals her secrets to becoming a "millionaire!"

Hi Everyone,

If you ever had an idea for a product and wondered how to take it to market using a step-by-step process...read "Mommy Millionaire" by Kim Lavine.



This book is well-written and is among the BEST business books I've ever read. Kim has to be one of the most pragmatic, down-to-earth businesspeople I've ever read about. She beat incredible odds to become a millionaire in a few short years.

Unlike the typical vague, theoretically-driven, business books you find - Kim talks about the ups, downs, and everything in between. If you have an idea for a product, use Kim's book "Mommy Millionaire" as your how-to guide!

You can get it here.

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

All writings here are copyrighted by Peter Wink and Peterwink.com. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

What's Peter reading now?

Hi Everyone,

It's time for my quarterly "what's Peter reading" e-mail.

I'm currently reading...
- Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Jackie Kallen
- Sport Marketing by Bernard Mullin
- The Public Image of Henry Ford by David Lewis
- The Most Evil Secret Societies in History by Shelley Klein
- Hypnotic Writing by Joe Vitale
- Selling the Dream by Guy Kawasaki

As I get ready for my next venture...the information in these books is proving priceless.

If you're thinking of starting a new business, you need to check out a great website I just came across here.

Enjoy!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

All writings here are copyrighted by Peter Wink and Peterwink.com. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

11 reasons people fear speaking to large groups!

Hi Everyone,

Before, I go too far, realize that you are a successful public speaker. Let's make a quick distiction. We are all public speakers. We all speak outside our homes in mixed company. So yes, you are a public speaker and probably do not fear it much now, do you?

So, what you may fear, like many others, is speaking in front of large groups about a specific topic. Personally, I really enjoy speaking to large groups. Maybe it's ego, vanity, or just knowing that I have the attention of so many people for a short time. Ok, it's probably ego.

At the same time, I always speak on topics near and dear to me and understand them backward and forward.

So it always puzzles me why so many people are afraid to get up and speak in front of others.

I recently came across 11 common causes of public speaking stress - and they seem dead on from what people are always telling me...
- They believe public speaking is simply inherently stressful. (It's actually quite relaxing, even fun, when you get the hang of it.)
- Worried they need to be brilliant or perfect to succeed. (I haven't met anyone I would ever deem brilliant and certainly not perfect!)
- Trying to impart too much information or cover too many points in a short presentation. (Presentations should only cover a few points at the most, or you lose people.)
- They may have the wrong purpose in mind. (You always need to be clear about what you're speaking about and what you plan to get out of it.)
- They try to please everyone. (This will never happen. Just make sure you're audience even wants to here what you have to say or you may as well go home.)
- Some try to emulate other speakers rather than simply being themselves. (Being unique is a key to individual speaking success.)
- Some believe they are failing to be personally revealing and humble. (A few personal stories is good if it supports your topic. This adds more credibility to what your speaking about.)
- Many people are fearful of potential negative outcomes. (Most people will not give you enough attention for anything bad to happen. It's important to know your audience's hot buttons/issues and work with them. Remember, "This too shall come to pass.")
- Some try to control the behavior of their audience. (Some audiences will be better than others. At the end of the day you cannot control anything in this world!)
- Some spend too much time overpreparing instead of developing confidence and trust in their natural ability to influence. (If you know what you're talking about, this should not be an issue!)
- A lot of people think the audience will be overly critical of their performance. (Believe me, most people won't notice your minor slip ups and of those who do...few will care. We're all human right?)

Good points huh? Did you notice most are fear-based? Never let fear cloud a performance. Have fun and practice. And most of all...know your topic and know your audience! In time, you will come to love speaking in front of large groups!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

All writings here are copyrighted by Peter Wink and Peterwink.com. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

Patton's one minute message on eliminating fear!

Hi Everyone,

As you may already know, I'm a student of one of the greatest leaders ever to grace our planet...General George S. Patton!



I was reading a passage from one of his speeches that was so profound, I had to share it with you. It's called...Do Not Take Counsel of Your Fears!

He said...

"Although this may seem like a repeat of the "do not fear failure" maxim, it's vastly different in meaning and context. What this means is not to let your fears dictate your actions. If you fear that something might happen and you react to that fear and plan according to it, you are letting the fear control your actions and write your orders. At that point, you are no longer in control. Fear has taken control, and will make you do many stupid, irresponsible, and foolish things. If, however, you don't take counsel of your fears, you can make your own plans according to your own goals and objectives. Don't let yourself be fooled into fighting against fear instead of fighting against the enemy."

Need me or George say more?

For more of George S. Patton's one minute messages, you can purchase "Patton's One Minute Messages" here.

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

How to spot a liar a mile away!

Hi Everyone,

Yes, I Peter Wink, am probably as cynical as anyone gracing this wonderful planet Earth! And yes, I'm darn proud of it! It serves me well!

I believe little of what I hear from people as most people tend to exaggerate, get their information from unreliable sources, misinterpret what they've been told, OUTRIGHT LIE, say things to satisfy their own agenda, lie for others, or have limited to zero knowledge to speak on a certain subject. Not to mention, most of the time, you'll find what people "say" and "do" are so contradictory, it's laughable! And you can take that to the bank!

So why the blog today? Good question!

I came across a great article that discusses how to spot liars. You can read it here! Check it out!



For even more on this topic, pick up my book, Negotiate Your Way to Riches here!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

The world's best sales letters now online!

Hi Everyone,

If you want to learn the keys to successful direct marketing - you need to learn from the best...the late Gary Halbert!



Gary, who was a dear old friend, unfortunately died in his sleep last Easter Sunday - luckily, he left a multitude of his most famous sales letters here. Check them out!

To Gary...RIP!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

Napoleon Hill's "Laws of Success" now online!

Hi Everyone,

I you want to learn a time-tested proven formula for success - that's been stolen and re-packaged by 99.9% of self-help authors - access Napoleon Hill's 16 Laws of Success by clicking here.

This was the basis for the best-selling book "Think and Grow Rich."



What's best --- THE LAWS OF SUCCESS ARE FREE!

Gotta run!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

Have you graduated from TRUMP 101?

Hi Everyone,

I was just re-reading a really good book called...Trump 101. The latest book by the Donald.

If you do not have it...GET IT! This one is must reading for anyone in business or thinking of starting one.

Here is a great passage (edited for space) from this gem...

Think Trump Scale: Bigger is Better

Thinking small when you could think big limits you in all aspects of your life. People are capable of great things, but not if they don't envision themselves achieving greatness. Start with your own mindset.

Think about the goals you want and the steps you need to achieve them:
- Do you have big or small plans?
- What is limiting or holding you back?
- How can you expand your vision for the future?

You can develop an expansive mindset that lets you paint in bigger, bolder, more colorful strokes.


Here's how...
Before you start any venture, while it's still in the idea stage, imagine ways to increase its size, scale or scope. Don't worry about being realistic or practical.

Explore whether any of your ideas, or parts of them, could be achieved. Identify the hurdles that could stand in your way.

Examine how to overcome those obstacles and the costs it would take.

If the timing for your expanded vision isn't right, the cost is too steep or other challenges are just too great, consider implementing parts of your ideas that you can achieve now. File the rest away because things always change, and what can't be done today could be a piece of cake tomorrow.

More sage advice awaits you in Trump 101.

Buy it here.

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

Be yourself!

Hi Everyone,

As most of you know, I'm a die-hard reader of marketing and leadership books. In fact, other than family, my closest friends, and my fitness routine...marketing and leadership are my ONLY two passions.

So...when I come across something poignant, effective, and intelligent, that deals with leadership...I'm bursting at the seams to pass it on. And that's what I'm going to do. OK...let's cut through the bull and get to the good stuff!

I was re-reading a great book recently called "The Tao of Leadership" by John Heider which you can buy here.



In this awesome collection of sage writings, there is a little passage called "Being Oneself."

And it goes like this...

"The wise leader does not make a show of holiness or pass out grades for good performance. That would create a climate of success and failure. Competition and jealousy follow.

Emphasizing material success is the same: those who have a lot become greedy, and those who have little become thieves.

When you reinforce appearances, people scramble to please.

The wise leader pays respectful attention to all behavior. Thus the group becomes open to more and more possibilities of behavior. People learn a great deal when they are open to everything and not just figuring out what pleases the teacher.

The leader shows that style is no substitute for substance, that knowing certain facts is not more powerful than simple wisdom, that creating an impression is not more potent than acting from one's center.

The students learn that effective action arises out of silence and a clear sense of being. In this they find a source of peace. They discover that the person who is down-to-earth can do what needs doing more effectively than the person who is merely busy."

You know those words are so powerful, it's scary.

Be careful who you follow in life. Most people unfortunately, are just out to satisfy their own weak agendas and could give two bits about you. That's a fact Jack! And always remember to watch what people do and believe little of what they say.

Try this...write down the next 10 things people tell you they are going to do. Give it a little time and then see what the results are. I'll guarantee that you'll be shocked at just how little is achieved.

And remember, most so-called Managers do NOT have a clue about what it really takes to lead people. Most are hand-picked empty suits (and dresses) with nothing more to show for themselves than a worthless college degree, poor family life, a bathroom cabinet full of today's most vogue pills, questionable political skills and a propensity to kiss the rear-end of someone they really loath. Gee...can I follow them?

Bottom line...to be a real leader, you must first be able to really lead yourself!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

They really don't have a clue!

Hi Everyone,

How many times have you asked someone a question and received some convoluted, non-sensical, off-the-subject answer? Did you ever ask someone a question and get Lincoln's Gettysburg Address for an answer? Or just had someone answer your question with another question? Whatever happened to answering a "yes/no" question with a "yes" or "no" answer? I'm going out on a limb here, and based on my own direct experience --- I'm guessing this happens to you often. You may not even be realizing it!



I did an experiment recently on some unaware business colleagues, family members, and friends. The result --- 2 out of 10 questions posed to them were either directly answered or answered with any sort of confidence. Yikes!

Some red flags answers included:
"I've heard...."
"They say..."
"I think..."

Or the famous..."I would..."

The challenge for me was that most of these questions were simple "no" or "yes" answers.

What am I ultimately saying here? Be careful who you take advice from. We've all heard the famous phrase about "the blind leading the blind!"

By analyzing these people over time, they all shared the same characteristics:
- Low self-confidence
- Wanted to appear smarter than they were on the subjects broached
- Felt the need to say something
- Did not want to feel stupid
- Actually believed what they said was helpful
- Were afraid of making mistakes
- Terrible, slow, decision makers (By the way...if your slow to make decisions...chances are you're not qualified to make it in the first place. Get a clue! If you can't tell, this is a huge pet peeve for me.)

Asking for advice is a true buying experience - even though money may not be what is being exchanged. Your trading your time and vulnerabilty for solid advice that you may base part of your future against.

I'll leave you with one of my favorite pessimistic/realistic phrases --- "BUYER BEWARE!"

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

Now this is funny!

Hi Everyone,

A great friend sent this image to me today and I could not stop laughing.



And then it hit me like a ton of bricks...

The statement is more than profound - it's 100% true! Get moving with your life, take some risks and get the heck out of our comfort zone. As my good friend Joe "Mr.Fire" Vitale always says...DARE SOMETHING WORTHY!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

Choice...it's yours!

Hi Everyone,

I was recently reading a phenomenal book called "The Best of Success" by Wynn Davis.



I've owned this book of success quotes for over 17 years and grab it off the shelf every couple months.

Today...I came to a passage called "Choice."

It said, "Your greatest power is the power to choose. You can decide where you are, what you do and what you think. No one can take the power to choose away from you. It's yours alone. You can do what you want to do. You can be who you want to be."

A famous business philosopher name Bob Proctor once told me that if people realized that they could change anything at a moment's notice, there lives would feel so much more fulfilled.

I want to leave you with a quote from the late insurance magnate, billionaire, W. Clement Stone. Stone said, "You can always do what you want to do. This is true with every act. You may say that you had to do something or that you were forced to, but actually whatever you do, you do by choice. Only you have the power to choose for yourself."

What are you choosing to do with your life and career? Think about it.

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

Tips on Tipping!

Hi Everyone,

I'm not a big fan of going with the flow or listening to what other people tell me are the "norms" in life. In fact...I HATE norms.

The one thing I do agree with is providing a good tip to someone for a job well done. Unfortunately, a bunch of cheapskate, low-life employers refuse to pay their employees livable wages, so they expect the public to pick up the slack by paying tips.

Here are my personal recommendations for tipping...
- Porters/Bellhops: $1.00 per bag
- Car/Limo Drivers: 10%. If they give you a guided tour...now they've added value...so go 20%.
- Shuttle Bus Drivers: $2.00 per person.
- Maids: $2.00 per night.
- Conceirge: $5.00-$10.00 per favor.
- Room Service: 15% (and it's usually already in the bill!)
- Waitors/Waitresses: 10-15% depending on level of service. Bad attitude...ZERO!
- Maitre d: $5.00-$10.00 for a great table.
- Coat Attendant: $1.00 per coat.
- Valet: $2.00 per vehicle.
- Restroom Attendant: $1.00 flat.
- Doorman: $1.00 for cabs and $1.00 per bag.
- Wine Steward: 10% of the wine bill.
- Tour Guides: $5.00 per person.
- Coffeehouse Attendant: $1.00 per order.
- Hair Stylist: 10-15% of total bill.
- Beautician: 10-15% of total bill.
- Massage Therapist: 10% of the cost of the service.

And remember...a tip is not a given. If you get bad service, do not give any tip. Some people are rude, obnoxious, and have an entitlement attitude. Do not give in to them!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

Good bye Kurt!

Hi Everyone,

The few free thinkers left in the the world lost a dear friend today...Kurt Vonnegut. All I can say is that I was speechless after hearing the news.



Kurt Vonnegut, whose dark, satirical vision in works including "Slaughterhouse-Five" and "Cat's Cradle" was shaped by the horrors he witnessed during World War II, has died at age 84.

Vonnegut died on Wednesday after suffering brain injuries following a fall weeks ago, said Donald Farber, Vonnegut's friend, lawyer, agent and manager.

Vonnegut wrote plays, essays and short fiction, but his 14 novels were classics of the American counterculture, resonating with the U.S. antiwar sentiment during the Vietnam War era.

The author's Web site, updated after his death, displayed a simple black-and-white image of a bird cage -- a symbolic element in his writing -- empty with an open door. "Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. 1922-2007," the page read.

"He was a beautiful man," Farber said. "I never hung up the phone without having laughed, he always left me laughing, no matter what the circumstances of the world."

"I last spoke to him the day he fell," Farber said. "He was in good spirits. Every time he spoke with me no matter what the circumstances in the world, he had a funny angle on it even if it wasn't a funny thing."

Despite battles with severe depression, Vonnegut was known for his witticisms.

"I've had a hell of a good time," Vonnegut once wrote. "I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different."

Irwyn Applebaum, president of the Bantam Dell publishing division of Random House, said, "By all counts he was one of the great writers of the 20th Century and continued to be one of the great writers in the 21st Century."

Bantam Dell publishes some of the author's seminal works, including "Breakfast of Champions," "Slaughterhouse-Five" and "Cat's Cradle," which made him a literary idol in the 1960s and 1970s, especially to students.

A defining event in Vonnegut's life was the firebombing of Dresden, Germany by Allied Forces in 1945, which he witnessed as a young prisoner of war. The bombing killed tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians.

Dresden was the basis for "Slaughterhouse-Five," published in 1969 against the backdrop of war in Vietnam, racial unrest and cultural and social upheaval.

"There is nothing intelligent to say about a massacre," Vonnegut wrote.

Vonnegut became a cult hero when the novel reached No. 1 on bestseller lists and even more popular among many young Americans when some schools and libraries banned the book for its sexual content, rough language and depictions of violence.

The novel featured a signature Vonnegut phrase, "so it goes," which became a catch phrase for Vietnam war opponents.

After the book was published, Vonnegut went into severe depression and vowed never to write another novel. In 1984, he tried to take his life with sleeping pills and alcohol. His mother had herself committed suicide.

Vonnegut mixed fiction and autobiography in his work, which also blended elements of science fiction and touched on authoritarianism and the dehumanization of man by technology.

Fans said he invented a new literary type but some critics accused him of recycling themes and characters.

"Cat's Cradle" was published in 1963 and initially sold only about 500 copies but it remains widely read today in high school English classes.

Vonnegut's last book, published in 2005, was a collection of biographical essays, "A Man Without a Country."

A fourth-generation German-American who was born in Indianapolis, Vonnegut is survived by his second wife photographer Jill Krementz, their daughter and his six other children. Two of his children are published authors.

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...For more information on Kurt Vonnegut and all his accomplishments...click here!

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

Great success video!

Hi Everyone,

I recently found this video of Paul Heyman, Chairman & CEO, Extreme Championship Wrestling.

It talks about the relationship between success and failure. The video is only :50 seconds - yet life-changing.

Check it out here.

Gotta run!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

It's my blog and I'll say what I want!

Hi Everyone,

Every week I get various comments from people about something I wrote in my blog or posted on someone elses.

Most comments are great, some are good, some are questionable, while others are pretty vulgar. By the way...vulgar can be "so hot." Oops...sorry for the Paris Hilton momentary lapse of reason.

Overall...I think ALL comments are terrific because if people are talking about you-somewhere in life you're making an impact or creating some sort of difference of opinion. Just my sort of thing! I love creating chaos, synergy, debate, and difference of opinion. That creates thought kiddies! After all...if the world was just like me...life could get pretty dull! Or would it?

PLEASE NOTE...I will say whatever I want, to whoever I want, whenever I want...with no regrets. I hide from nobody! If I have something to say - it gets said. I fear nobody or their cowardly, anonymous opinions. I welcome them! Just do me a favor and make a point and be able to defend it!

With that in mind...feel free to leave a comment about me, my blog, my books, or anything else. Also...free to also visit me on mySpace or on PeterWink.com.

Ok...now that I've shocked you with a double blog today, I'm going to shoot my newest video blog.

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

Attention to those up-and-coming backstabees!

Hi Everyone,

Ok...I LOVE the book..."What Would Machiavelli Do? - The Ends Justify The Meanness" by the great Stanley Bing!



This is MUST READING for anyone in the ruthless world of corporate backstabbing. Which by the way ... if you have a job ... definitely includes you. And if you think your job or company is an exception ... you need this book more than most!

OK pundits...

Here is one of the gems in this little goldmine of wisdom...

He Would Feast On Other People's Discord

How do you get people to do what you want? More importantly, how do you force people who work for you to be loyal to you, only to you, and not develop some sniveling affection for one another that transcends their fealty to you, their God?

You set them at one another. And watch them rip out one another's throats in an effort to please you better.

They call it "creative tension," which is as good a name as any for making normally productive people turn into vicious, snarling engines.

Try these five things to help them get on each other's nerves:
- Invite select associates to some meetings, while excluding others. Do not be consistent. Create a continuous sense of uncertainty in people around you about whether they are in or out.
- Assign the same task to different people without telling them you have done so. Let them find it out for themselves.
- Talk about others to their peers. Sometimes you can compliment them, sometimes you can bitch about them. Create the feeling in all people that you're willing to talk about them behind their backs, and pretty candidly, too.
- Be very clear in discussions that someone else's priority has effectively killed those of their peers. "I would have the time/money/interest in that, Fred, but Betty's project got in first/looks better/is more interesting."
- Praise people publically in a way that shames others. "If all of you had Bob's moxie/brians/contacts, we'd be doing better," you might say. Direct praise that does not involve the degradation of others is virtually worthless.

What you want is an atmosphere of high-energy, cutthroat rivalry among those who surround you. This focuses all activity in the neighborhood on your approval. All action, no matter how smart or lucrative, is valued only if it meets with your strong approval and places the actor one notch up on his associates.

Machiavelli may have said this years ago. And it's as true as ever. People do this and much worse things everyday at the office. The worst part is that you may not even see it. Get a step up in the workplace and buy this little gem.

You can get it here.

Ok...on to filming my next videoblog!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

Why you should write your obituary...WHILE YOU'RE ALIVE!

Hi Everyone,

If you're in a rut and having trouble discovering what you want to do with your life, consider writing your own obituary.

Is it morbid? Maybe! But who cares...sometimes in life you have get out of your comfort zone and get creative to make things happen.

Here's how it works.

Ask yourself the question..."HOW DO I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED?"

This will force you to look at your life from a big picture perspective. Then take the accomplishments you listed and make them your goals.

Here's my latest example...

PETER RONALD WINK (XX), an accomplished promoter, passed away unexpectedly on XXX, in Los Angeles, CA. He was born on July 30, 1966 in Chicago, IL to Ronald and Stephanie Wink. Peter was a devoted, loyal and loving husband, son, uncle, and friend. He has been active in the American Marketing Association, Illinois ArmWrestling Federation, and served several homeowner's associations. Peter was also a philanthopist who donated to children's fitness charities and opened his own library dedicated to self-help. Peter was also a recording artist, talk show host, author, public speaker, fitness enthusiast, and a top sports marketer. He loved loud music, drumming, singing, the outdoors, bike riding, fast cars, pro wrestling, ultimate fighting, Tae Kwon Do, and helping others. Peter lived life each day and fully appreciated everything around him. He was always an optimist with an off-beat sense of humor who chose his friends wisely. Peter was deeply loved and will be missed by his family, friends and all whose lives he touched. He is survived by his loving wife Stephanie. Friends and family in Chicago are encouraged to celebrate his passing as just another chapter in the Peter Wink journey. There will be no service, funeral, or any of that kind of trash. Just remember him, look up, and give him a "Wink."

This is how I want to be remembered as of today. As you can see...some of these things I've accomplished and some have yet to be realized. You have to start somewhere!

So get writing!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

What's Peter reading now?

Hi Everyone,

There seems to be an issue with pictures disappearing from my blog. I'm working with "Blogger" to resolve it. Hopefully this will be fixed soon. Anyway...let's cut to the chase.



Here's what I'm reading now...
"I Don't Mean To Be Rude, But..." by Simon Cowell.
"Sports, Inc" by Phil Schaaf
"Blogging for Dummies" by Brad Hill
"Wrestling's One-Ring Circus" by Scott Keith
"Become Who You Were Born to Be" by Brian Souza
"Win The Crowd" by Steve Cohen
"Designing Disney" by John Hench
"Great Formula" by Mark Joyner
"P.T. Barnum Presents Jenny Lind" by Ware & Locard
"How To Be Like Walt" by Pat Williams
"Ringmaster" by Jerry Springer
"Rolling Stones: Life On The Road" by Penguin Studios
"Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman
"What Would Machiavelli Do?" by Stanley Bing
"Titan" by Ron Chernow

I'm also just wrapping up the finishing touches on my latest business venture and it's bigger than anything I've ever done before. Bigger than anything I've thought of doing before. P.T. Barnum would be proud! It combines all my marketing and promotion skills allowing me to do something exciting. For the first time ever...doing something I truly LOVE and not something boring and mundane!

Stay tuned friends it's going to get exciting around here!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

Have you heard of RE? Check this out!

Hi Everyone,

I've come across an awesome mental technique created by e-commerce legend Jeff Bezos, Chairman, Amazon.com.



The technique is called "Regret Minimization."

"Regret Minimization" is a technique that Jeff used to convince himself to quit a high-paying job for a Fortune 500 company to start Amazon.com.

Here's how it works...
"You project yourself at age 80 looking back on your life. And you ask yourself..."do I regret not trying XXXX?" If the answer is "yes" - give the new idea a try. If not, pass it up. Pretty simple. No need for high paid shrinks - Freudian studies - fraudulent psychics - or advice from someone who never tried anything themselves.

Jeff felt that anyone with half-a-brain could work a job for a Fortune 500 anytime they wanted. And it takes a person with guts to step out on their own and pursue their dream.

I totally agree. I've worked with some of the biggest boneheads who had high paying jobs. It takes real cohonas to stand out and do something out of the ordinary! 9 out of 10 people will never do anything except collect a paycheck and bitch about it.

By the way...if you are interested in hearing more about the Jeff Bezos interview I'm refering to, click here and buy "Playboy Interviews: Movers and Shakers."

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

Do this and enjoy life!

Hi Everyone,

I just came across a passage written by the late author Napoleon Hill (author of the bestseller "Think and Grow Rich").













The passage is called "Definiteness Of Purpose." You can read it by clicking here.

This is the single-most problematic issue for people trying to get to the next level in their personal/professional lives. Once this is determined...half the work is already done.

Check it out now!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

Gotta love someone with chutzpah!

Hi Everyone!

The other day I was walking through Barnes and Noble looking for a copy of Mac Addict magazine and for some strange reason I was guided to the "Business Profiles" section. (Understand...I do purchase books in this section damn near weekly - I just had no plans on doing it the other day.)

As if I had radar...I singled out a book that may as well have jumped off the shelf and hit me in the head as soon as I walked up. It was called "The Playboy Interviews: Movers and Shakers."

I swear to God (or whatever higher power bestows it's wisdom upon me) that as soon as I opened the book, I immediately was directed to a passage that was very inspirational to me - considering the point I'm at in my career.

The passage (an answer to a question) was from an interview that Playboy did with someone who is not only one of the greatest marketing minds around...he's also one tough SOB! That man is the Chairman & CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Vincent Kennedy McMahon.













Here's the passage...

"I grew up in a very volatile environment. My view was that if I took a beating and lived, I won! I still have that view. It gives me a tremendous advantage, because I'm not afraid of failure. Don't get me wrong - I hate failing. But I'm not afraid to take chances and fall on my ass, because if I live through it I'll be better off, and I'll win."

As soon as I read this I made up my mind to move forward on a monumental decision. Great timing indeed. It just goes to show that when the student is ready and open, the teacher will appear.

I also found this book to be jammed with great business and personal information about other movers/shakers like Donald Trump, Larry Ellison, Hugh Hefner, Calvin Klein, Bill Gates, Ted Turner and many more!

To get your copy of "The Playboy Interviews: Movers and Shakers" - click here.

Alright my friends...I gotta run!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

PPS...Watch for the gym pictures! You'll see first-hand what it would be like to work out with me at 5am. My intensity and drive will hopefully inspire you!

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

You may know the "Donald" - but do you know the "Don?"

Hi Everyone,

As part of my own EXTREME home-office makeover, I've been decorating my walls with framed pictures of some of my favorite marketers, corporate raiders, Presidents, and other people who motivate me to "keep on keeping on!"

These people constantly stare at me while I'm working and remind me to go for more in my business and personal lives. After all, there's nothing more pathetic than complacency.

Anyway...one who stands out in the crowd is the great Don King! Love him or hate him...he's one of the most famous...no I take that back...he's the most successful, famous sports promoter in history.














Don King had one heck of a life...lived in poverty, ran numbers for strong-armed bookies, did time for murder, and still in his "40s" - started what was to become the most impactful sports marketing organization in the history of boxing...Don King Productions!

To read more about this marketing legend...click here!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

PPS...Watch for the gym pictures! You'll see first-hand what it would be like to work out with me at 5am. My intensity and drive will hopefully inspire you!

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

Why you need to think like a reporter!

Hi Everyone,

How do you think things through? Do you have a system that logically takes you from A-Z?

If not...I may have a solution.

I've been reading a great book called "The Trump Way to the Top" which features business lessons taught by Donald Trump's favorite business leaders.



















One of my favorite passages was written by the great Christie Hefner, Chairman and CEO of Playboy Enterprises, Inc.


















Here's Christie's sage advice on thinking...

"I do believe that among the most important advice I ever received was the need to think like a good journalist. In other words, before you take a position or make a decision, gather information and different perspectives. Don't be afraid to ask questions or say you don't know. Run meetings in a way in which you ask each person to offer their point of view. Try to get everybody to think about and articulate the advantages and disadvantages of a course of action. I find that doing things that way has greatly improved the quality of my decision making."

Great advice from a great leader of a great enterprise!

To get the book...click here!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

PPS...Watch for the gym pictures! You'll see first-hand what it would be like to work out with me at 5am. My intensity and drive will hopefully inspire you!

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

Just say it for God's sake!

Hi Everyone,






















As a communications guru...people always tell me their woes about their ability to communicate with their bosses, co-workers, family, friends...and just about every other class of being in existence.

It's usually the same story...I just don't know how to say it. Blah! Urgh! Ugggg! Geez...what other expletives can I think of.

Ok...

When you have something to say, here's what you do...
- Make sure you know exactly what you want to get across!
- Don't worry about waiting until the perfect time - there is none!
- Just say it without sugar-coating it or beating around the bush! (Can you say wimpy salesman?)

Ok...I said what I have to say and I suggest you do the same.

Today's lesson --- Stop beating around the bush and "Just Say It!"

I'm outta here!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and its available here.

PPS...Watch for the gym pictures! You'll see first-hand what it would be like to work out with me at 5am. My intensity and drive will hopefully inspire you!

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

What's Peter Wink reading? Live on video!

Hi Everyone,

The moment has arrived and I'm officially opening the video blog. You can see it by clicking here.

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...My first video blog talks about what I'm reading now. Stay tuned as there's much more to come.

PPS...Watch for the gym pictures! You'll see first-hand what it would be like to work out with me at 5am. My intensity and drive will hopefully inspire you!

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

The Winks in Washington, D.C.!

Hi Everyone,

Check out some of the pictures from me and Steph's recent trip to Washington D.C. by clicking here!

Me hanging out at Illinois Representative Melissa Bean's office before our personal tour of the U.S. Capital!

Many more photos to come!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and I'll be posting it on this same blog next week. I'm having a challenge getting the video to play perfectly. Oh well...I love learning new technology and the challenge it always entails. Stay tuned! I can assure you it will be worth the wait!

PPS...Watch for the gym pictures! You'll see first-hand what it would be like to work out with me at 5am. My intensity and drive will hopefully inspire you!

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

How to really make a decision!

Hi Everyone,













It's been said over and over again that life truly belongs to those who make decisions and stick to them. Decisions give our life meaning and purpose while providing us the ardent mindset that will drive us to accomplish great things - big and small!

The decision to start a business, reach out to a family member, buy a new car, be a better friend, make more money, get a new job, write a book...or anything else will improve our lives because we'll be living it with no excuses!

When we put off decisions waiting for the perfect time that never comes...we live in a whirling cesspool of guilt, depair, and diminishing self confidence. And we're only fooling ourselves...the world stares your results in the face.

Indecision leads to horrific thought patterns like...
- "I just know there are great things for me on the horizon." (Nothing great will happen to you on the sidelines. Stop deluding yourself!)
- "If I only did..." (So why didn't you try it? Get off your rear like everyone else!)
- "I thought of that idea years ago and should have pursued it" (Well you didn't - it's your own fault and nobody cares. NEXT!)
- "Oh...I could've done that" (Then why didn't you? The world is full of educated critics who do nothing but delude themselves into thinking they're smarter than they are.)
- "That'll never work" (Thanks for expounding your wisdom my lord - or should we say "all-knowing!")

Yuck!

If you study great business leaders and thinkers, they all made clear decisions, good and bad, and stuck with them until they suceeded or tried another approach. (Ah...another decision!)

Through all these stories are just a few steps toward decision making greatness...
1. Obtain key information and all facts involved.
2. Create a list of potential decisions and the consequences of each.
3. Make sure the decision is consistent with what you want to do and not the lure of something/someone external. In other words...be interested yourself!
4. Share your decision with those who need to know and implement it right away. And don't look back!
5. Refine the decision as you learn more about what you're doing! Life is not perfect!

For God's sake...just get off your butt, take some chances, and get started! There is no perfect time. All you have is this moment as you could drop dead any minute! Call it morbid...call it what you want...I really don't care!

In the words of NIKE..."Just Do It!"

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com/

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and I'll be posting it on this same blog next week. I'm having a challenge getting the video to play perfectly. Oh well...I love learning new technology and the challenge it always entails. Stay tuned! I can assure you it will be worth the wait!

PPS...Watch for the gym pictures! You'll see first-hand what it would be like to work out with me at 5am. My intensity and drive will hopefully inspire you!

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

P.T. Barnum's secrets to becoming a miilionaire revealed!

Hi Everyone,

I want to be the first to expose you to P.T. Barnum's money-making secrets!












You may not know it...but P.T. Barnum was not only the greatest showman/promoter who ever lived...he was also one of America's first millionaires.

In fact, he was so rich and powerful...kings, queens, and presidents were among his closest friends! And this was back in the 1800s! Even modern day people like Donald Trump, Vince McMahon, Ted Turner, and Richard Branson consistently compare themselves to this master showman!

He discusses his rules to becoming rich and powerful in a famous speech called "The Art of Money Getting" located here!

Barnum cited the following rules as what transformed him from rags to riches...

Don't mistake your vocation!

Select the right location!

Avoid debt!

Persevere!

Whatever you do - do it with all your might!

Depend upon your own personal exertions!

Use the best tools!

Don't get above your business!

Learn something useful!

Let's hope predominate - but be not too visionary!

Don't scatter your powers!

Be systematic!

Read the newspapers!

Beware of outside operations!

Don't indorse without security!

Advertise your business!

Be polite and kind to your customers!

Be charitable!

Don't blab!

Preserve your integrity!

To read each passage...just click on the rule!

I hope you enjoy this famous speech and take it to heart!

If you want to read a great book about P.T. Barnum and his business tactics...get "P.T. Barnum" by Philip B. Kunhardt Jr. It's my personal favorite. To buy it...click here!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and I'll be posting it on this same blog next week. I'm having a challenge getting the video to play perfectly. Oh well...I love learning new technology and the challenge it always entails. Stay tuned! I can assure you it will be worth the wait!

PPS...Watch for the gym pictures! You'll see first-hand what it would be like to work out with me at 5am. My intensity and drive will hopefully inspire you!

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

Are you truly networking or wasting your time socializing?

Hi Everyone,

The purpose of today's blog is to discuss how to REALLY network - not socialize!!!!!

Let's think about the word "networking." Its touted everywhere (usually by a bunch of nobody's who love to SOCIALIZE afterhours more than spend quality time with their families).

Network! Network! Network! Blah, blah, blah, blah blah!

While there are some ways to truly network for results...99% of company-sponsored or outside networking events are a total waste of your time! They're useless social events. Now socializing has a place and time...but NEVER confuse it with networking for results!

The average person, whom from now on we'll refer to as our "pathetic little friend" gets invited to a networking event they usually do not want to attend by their company or through some well-phrased advertisement. (And of course...these events are always held on YOUR time. I guess the company doesn't think they're so valuable...now do they?)

Here's what usually happens....

Our pathetic little friend drags his sorry-looking, oversized rear end to a networking event he does not want to go to - afterhours (of course) on his free time. Runs into the same people he can't stand at work or just saw a week ago - and with "obligatory conviction" shakes hands with them like they've just returned from years of war. From there...he has to put on a B.S. smile and discuss a bunch of crap which neither him, nor his fellow pathetic friend could care less about. Ah...the fun part now. This same pathetic soul, looking to break up the monotony, runs up to a worthless buffet (oh...but its FREE right?...WRONG DUMMY!) and grabs a plate of crappy, cheap, unhealthy food, and a much-needed cocktail (oh yes...the coppers sitting in the parking lot across the street love your event - and will probably be the only ones to profit). At this point, our pathetic friend fills up on junk...and from here walks around the room a few hundred times and then finally tires out and finds a dark corner to sit in, where he proceeds to keep peeking at his watch, emphatically praying to the high heavens that by some miracle of God, minutes will be converted to seconds, and he can get his sorry rear-end out the door as soon as possible, without being noticed. Gee...there's a night well-spent!

Now let's say it together with emphasis..."LOSER!!!"














(How would you like to event this stupid-looking event?)

Sound familiar? Been there, done it my friend. I don't do it anymore...time is ticking in life!

Now...it's about results!

There is a HUGE difference between "networking" and "socializing" events! So listen up.

Here are some tips for effective networking for real "networkers" with a purpose and propensity to be their own person and NOT waste valuable time flattering a corporate suit...

- Show up at events you're TRULY interested in attending!

- If you feel tired and your mind is telling you to stay home...follow your gut!

- Don't let your company talk you into attending an event on your time - which you are NOT
getting paid for! If they know you do not want to attend and are still forcing you...get a clue...it's about them being able to force you - not because they care about you!

- If you truly do not want to attend...make up an excuse to miss the event! There are plenty of
good ones! I can give you hundreds!

- If you do want to go...have a definite purpose in mind!

- Don't waste time in idle chatter with co-workers about the same trash you talk about all
day! That is not networking...that's socializing! BIG difference!

- Make sure someone is at this event your truly want to meet!

- Prioritize meeting this person and getting on with your business!

- Stay as long as you want to stay! Take the words "regret" and "obligation" out of your vocabulary! They're worthless!

- Make sure you follow up with whoever you came to meet and take action after the event!

- Eat little and drink NO alcohol! Drinking at company or other networking events leads to
trouble!

All right...I'm sick of this jaded, boring subject already. Bottom line...know what you have to do...meet those who can help you...and get on with business and life.

Which is what I'm going to do right now!!!!!

Until next time...
Peter
http://www.peterwink.com

PS...I've already taped my first video blog and I'll be posting it on this same blog next week. I'm having a challenge getting the video to play perfectly. Oh well...I love learning new technology and the challenge it always entails. Stay tuned! I can assure you it will be worth the wait!

PPS...Watch for the gym pictures! You'll see first-hand what it would be like to work out with me at 5am. My intensity and drive will hopefully inspire you!

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!

Hi Everyone,

I've been reading a terrific book about a truly great leader...called "Lincoln on Leadership." It's a must-buy if you have any ambitions to be the best communicator you can be!

This book has great advice on leading through difficult times. And who had a more difficult period in history to deal with than old "Honest Abe." In fact, Abraham Lincoln was considered by many pundits and historians, to be one of the greatest American communicators.

Here's one of my favorite passages called "Influence People Through Conversation and Storytelling."

He breaks it down to 8 simple rules...
1. When you meet with an individual, try not to part with any unpleasant impression on either side.

2. Speak in simple and familiar strains with people, without any pretension of superiority. Leave people with a feeling they've known you all their lives.

3. Don't forget that humor is a major component of your ability to persuade people.

4. A good laugh is good for both the mental and physical digestion.

5. Remember that people are more easily influenced through the medium of a broad and humorous illustration than in any other way.

6. You will often avoid a long and useless discussion by others or a laborious explanation on your own part by a short story that illustrates your point of view.

7. The sharpness of a refusal or the edge of a rebuke may be blunted by an appropriate story, so as to save wounded feelings and yet serve the purpose.

8. Loyalty is more often won through private conversation than in any other way.

And these are just a few tidbits you'll find. There are hundreds more!

To get a copy of this book (and I really suggest you do)...please click here!

Until next time...
Peter

http://www.peterwink.com

PS...Check out my new online Peterwink.com store by clicking here.

PPS...My new video blog will open next month! Stay tuned! I can assure you it will be worth the wait! Check it out by clicking here!

PPPS...Watch for the gym pictures! You'll see first-hand what it would be like to work out with me at 5am. My intensity and drive will hopefully inspire you!

If you like the free articles on this blog or find them helpful, let Peter know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. Just click here!