The Rick Schwartz Domain Name and Traffic Blog RicksBlog.com.........Home of the "Domain King"

Rick's Definition of "Magic" and "Opportunity" and Absolute Proof Behind it

Morning Folks!!

Sometimes people make fun of me when I talk about things like “Window of opportunity” and “Magic”. Let’s face it, most folks don’t believe in this. They are the masses. It is expected. I guess I never expected it out of such a select group that has proven it can think out of the box. But even domainers are divided in much the same way. Only difference is the percentage among domainers is much, much, much higher.  

Many successful domainers were successful before domains. They have done it before. They know the path. They know the signs of success and also the warnings of failure and how to either avoid or abandon or go all in and do it with eyes wide open and deliberate. They know the difference between that and “Hope” without a plan or a policy or even a direction.

When one dream comes true, you tend to pay more attention to other dreams. When you have one success, the bi-product is the confidence you get so you can create more successes.  The “Confidence” is the magic. You can’t see it. But does anyone reading this doubt that happens knowing what you know now? That is the magic defined. Here it is very visible to the naked eye. But there are other magic things that happen that you can’t see, you can’t identify. But it is still there and becomes part of you. That is what I am talking about for all these years but never found the words to illustrate for all to see. At least the successful can see and even the folks waiting for their first success can see the logic.

THAT is the thread that bonds like minded people together. That is the essence and base of everything I do or think or say.  Guess what? That alone pisses a lot of folks off. How unfortunate.

When you make real decisions, tough decisions, good decisions, you will anger some, disappoint some people and hurt some people. I don’t like doing that. But I want to continue to challenge the status quo and keep moving the ball forward for everyone including myself.  If we fail to do that we would have done a great disservice to everyone. You can’t take everyone’s advice or do what everyone wants. It is a delicate balancing act and there will always be one party not as happy as another and many times that frustration or anger or disappointment is taken out on me.  I can’t control that. What I can do is articulate a thought and ask if you fit into that category to be able to look at it thru my eyes.  I don’t like saying no to folks, but sometimes there is just no other choice.

So you can aim for mediocrity and definitely appeal to a wider audience, but there is something special in bringing great minds and hearts together in a calm atmosphere without the noise and weight of mediocrity at every corner. My greatest sin would be to waste one minute of your time. If you have been to a TRAFFIC and got nothing out of it then I apologize but am I the only one responsible? Many others walk away with great things each and every show. Like I have said since 2004, the only thing Howard and I can do is create an atmosphere  with certain elements and chemistry to do great things.  The history of domaining is intertwined with TRAFFIC on so many levels over the years.  Repeatedly I have said YOU are TRAFFIC. I still believe that and maybe after all these years folks start to see the vivid difference in our approach and why. It is never to exclude. But it is time for many to raise their game (Me included) and reject mediocrity. It is not easy to fail in domaining, but many do. Maybe even most nowadays. Does not have to be, but you have chosen your path. If it is working, that is great and continued success. If is isn’t, then turn frustration into action. I have always found it is just as easy to follow and find success once you abandon failure. But you have to be strong enough to release failure so you can get your mind and arm around success. 

Have a GREAT Day!
Rick Schwartz

Rick to have his First Domain Auction? Ladies.org, Brides.net. Men.net.......

Morning Foks!!

Everyone knows I am a dotcom kinda guy. I focus on dot com domains. As I was prospecting and speculating there were a number of domains that were taken in dotcom so I would register a .net or a .org so I would have something that was still of value and was generally one word, sometimes two. But because the dotcom versions were all gone or I already owned it, I would get  the next best thing that was still meaningful and could have an audience. When I did, they were generally pretty damn good.  For years I have debated and argued my feeling about .net and .org. Some agree, many do not. But hey that is why they have many flavors of ice cream. Different toppings on pizza and all the rest.

So later this year I plan to sell or auction off some or all of the following domain names. Most if not all have traffic and revenue. But they are not my focus and it is time to parlay these, so I can reinvest in the domains I need to fill in and strengthen what I have at greatly discounted prices. I already bought more domains this year than the last 2 years combined. I described why in a previous post. Even better values are coming. If you are in a strong cash position, you are set to do very well.

So my business plan will never look like any other domainer. It is unique to me and so is everyone reading this plan as theirs are unique to them.  Some folks have a hard time facing and accepting that. We are dealing in unique assets, and while we have similarities, we also have more unique plans than any other sector. So nobody has to do it my way or your way or their way. We all have the freedom to choose the way we like it and if some don’t like it, I guess they have to say so. I just do the same thing I started doing in 1996. I share my path. What is working for me. What I am finding out. Your path has to be different. Different time, different ages, different goals, different agendas and unique assets. How could they possibly be the same?

So when I go thru my portfolio, these are what I would call my “Orphan domains.”  Does not mean they don’t have great value. Obviously they do as many folks focus on .net or .org these days. But it is not my focus.  I will let the market decide value. Let’s look at it as a car collection. I may focus on Mint condition Corvettes, but along the way I bought some Mustangs and Camaros  and a t-bird without the hardtop. All have great value. But I focus on Corvettes and would rather unlock the value of those other brands so I can add some more vettes. Pretty simple and straight forward. I don’t know what they will go for. The market decides and I have faith that they will sell for enough to cover at least a few other purchases or trade for what will fortify my portfolio while others are fortifying theirs.

I am announcing it now as I expect to gather several end users by the fall. I have a mission. We have a mission. We all talk about end users but we each have a responsibility to reach that end user. For my part, I am going to focus on Ladies.org and Brides.net to find end users. I see this as fertile territory. Many Ladies organizations to target and same with brides and bridal houses. This is the first time I am being proactive with a sale. Until now I don’t usually reach out and try and sell domains, I simply respond to the selected offers and emails I get. But again, it is all in the timing. I could have done this a decade ago and walked away with $500. Like I tell most of the folks that want my 3 digit domains, as soon as the market reaches $50k or more  I will consider selling them. I could have sold them for $500 a decade ago. $5000 3 years ago. $25,000-$50,000 today. So if you want 235.com, no problemo, just come back when the market reaches my number if I don’t adjust higher by then which is somewhat likely.

The following are all the .nets and .orgs I have accumulated along the way and may part with before the end of the year.

Have a GREAT Day!
Rick Schwartz

Men.net
Men.orm
Mens.com
Whore.net
Whores.net
Shit.net
Shit.org
Bitch.org
Ladies.org
Mlm.org
Tits.net
Girls.net
Horny.org
Brides.net
Cock.net
Cock.org
Habits.org
Medicines.org
Seminars.org
Godiva.org
PornStar.org
Cemetary.org
ClassifiedAds.org
EatShit.net

iPhone 4 Arrives at my Door Early.....Yesterday! The Best Ever!

Morning Folks!!

What a pleasant surprise when my newest iPhone arrived a day early. The FedEx guy said his truck was loaded up with them. No surprise here.

In late June of 2007 my life changed. 3 years later my lifestyle has been revolutionized.  June 2007 was the release of the original iPhone. I paid $100 for somebody to stand in line for me that day.  The greatest single device ever IMHO has been at my side ever since. I have gotten each improved release and getting it early was a really nice perk.

The iPhone led me to the store. The store was the most electric place I have ever been to in a mall. It is that way every time I pass and everyone I know says the same thing. That led me to the MacBook Pro which I have nothing bad to say about. Which led me to all the other goodies they make. Of course I can talk about the iPad all day. It will change how we work and play and do things. Yeah I know, you don’t agree. But that is okay, you say the same thing about the iPhone. 50 million units later and with more billions of apps downloaded than McDonalds sells hamburgers.  Plus I am not an anomaly.  So many folks I know have taken the same path and become Apple customers all because of the iPhone.

The point is that a company that was on the canvas is now on top of the world and they did it by being the best in every thing they do. You have to admire, respect and enjoy a company like that and Apple lost many battles, but now it is clear to those that can see that they have the tools and the products to win the war.

So just days after getting my new iPads, I get my new iPhone which is a huge upgrade. HUGE! Another game changer. All others are playing catch up to the last version and then Apple leaps another year or more in front of them. It matters not that 50 other guys will have it someday. It matter that they are ahead in the market. Maybe 50 or 100 million units ahead. It comes with a cost. It hurts Verizon and Sprint and TMobile.  Sure, everyone hates AT&T and they all say they will wait until Verizon has it. Meanwhile you have lost 3, 4 or 5 years of added productivity and something extra that I have no word for but maybe another iPhone user can help put it in words. It is a lifestyle changer. Thanks Apple for being such a great cutting edge company and improving how I live my day to day life!

Have a GREAT Day!
Rick Schwartz

Rick scores a pair of 6 figure sales with Back to Back Domain Deals

Morning Folks!!

Not often you get two separate 6 figure deals at the exact same time.  But on Monday afternoon that was exactly what happened. The first one I can not release the details of as yet only to say it was just under $200k.  The second one was SydneyHotels.com that I hand registered early on for $100 and sold for $100,000. Both deals were clean, hassle free and met my criteria. Both parties found me. It just keeps validating what I have said since the day I got on the net. "Domains will go up faster in value than any other asset in the history of mankind."  Never believed, yet never challenged. Theory turns into fact and it gets validated with nearly every reported domain deal. 

I hope to report on the details in the upcoming weeks and will be releasing some .other news in the coming days.

Have a GREAT Day!
Rick Schwartz

TRAFFIC Announces First of Multiple Keynoters. Simon T. Bailey

Afternoon Folks!!

Are you a Domainer, a businessman, something more? Don’t sell yourself short. You are much more than a domainer. At least you should be. Don’t box yourself in. You are a businessperson. You are an investor. You are a speculator. You are a cutting edge, forward thinking, trailblazer. You are in a sector that has treasure. But if there was a greater treasure, then your “Vehicle" would likely change to whatever that might be that you yourself deem worthy. So we are all much more than domainers.

Much of what I write about is not related to domains. It’s about business, human nature, history, habits, shopping patterns, profiling consumers, shifts in thinking, Predicting human nature before it happens.

No matter who we announce over the years as our speaker it is met with a fair measure of skepticism to put it mildly. Even Steve Forbes! DUH! But each brought something that enriched our lives. In 2008 TRAFFIC had the Orlando show inside Disney World.  Well the level of service of that hotel and those Disney employees exceeded my expectaions by leaps and bounds. We have kidded about the “Pixie Dust” that allowed them to be in such sincerely good moods all the time. Willing and wanting to help all the time. A level of service I have never seen before or after. How could a hotel geared for kids be as good or better than a Ritz Carlton? How was this possible?

So I questioned this over and over for the 2 years that have past. Then we met Simon. Simon is an alumni of Disney who after many years was fired! Fired for thinking outside the box. Ooops. But that is just the beginning of the story, not the end. Howard and I met and spent some time with Simon Bailey last month. He enriched our lives with a few sentences. What is that worth? The secrets locked inside this corporate legend are just that, secrets. Not often do you hear these stories nor the motivations behind them. How can you benefit your business with these secrets? Some so simple you might kick yourself.

Between us girls, having keynoters have never sold us any extra tickets. It was just a way to have some credibility when we had none at all. But it does add a dimension and that is all part of what we do. I know you don’t know Simon and his name means nothing to you. But that does not mean he can’t provide you with valuable information and insight. He knows squat about domain names. But he understands how to think bigger and expand your horizons and allow you to work more effectively with a finer outlook. He’s just a cool guy worth meeting and talking with. He will add dimension to your life whether it be in domains or anything you do from here on out. Folks think I use the word opportunity and priceless way too much. But that is our goal each and every time and we won't lower it now or ever. Lemonade stands or empires? Maybe it is time to think a little bigger?

Have a GREAT Day!
Rick Schwartz

50 Tickets SOLD! Discount Extented Until 5PM TODAY!!

Morning Folks!!  

First, all the first 50 tickets are sold. These folks receive the $100 room credit and a special gift from Rick and Howard valued at $100. Effectively making admission $795. We have decided to extend it until 5PM TODAY! After that, the next 50 will still receive the $100 Hotel Credit. When those tickets are sold, then it just is a flat $995 until July 31. So there are significant reasons to sign up right now without delay. Less than half the cost of what it will be in just 90 days! $1000 less right now than it will be then. Every tick of the clock just costs you more money. Just do it and sign up right now. Your admission is fully refundable up until just 7 days before the show. How do you lose by acting now. This sign up page will be removed at 5PM PDT TODAY and all future signups can be made here and still save $100.  

Below is our schedule. Not only is this schedule subject to change, it will change as we improve the agenda to make sure it is packed with useful things you can employ and use all year long. You will never go hungry as we will have first class foods, drinks and snacks throughout the day. All included with your admission. The way you expect us to do it and just a tad better for good mesaure. 

We are looking for sponsors for pre show events for smaller groups of domainers. Wave running, Exotic Cars, Beach Volleyball, Midnight Night Club Hopper or your special South Beach idea or event.  Contact Howard at howard@neulaw.com for availability and costs.

Later this week or next and before we all get distracted by summer, I will tell you about our Keynote speaker. Somebody I would imagine you never heard of before but what he has to share with you will enrich your life and that of your families. You will work smarter and reap more rewards than you might have otherwise. Simon will dazzle you and you will take away renewed! He won’t sell us any extra tickets, and the critics will be using bull horns but his words will be with you long after the show is over.

Sunday October 17^th

Noon Registration Opens

2PM Early Bird Networking. Make the most of your time and meet folks early

4PM TRAFFIC Orientation. First time to TRAFFIC? We have a special little gathering just for you to begin to meet some new folks and make your days at TRAFFIC as rewarding as possible. We are much more than a tradeshow.

6PM Sunday Night…..Opening cocktail party. The party that launched an industry and opened the doors to many deals and long lasting  friendships. Be the guest of Rick and Howard as once again bring a life changing event to life.

Monday October 18^th

9AM Registration Opens

9AM-10AM Speed Networking TRAFFIC Style. You spoke, we listened. Meet folks early and make the most of TRAFFIC. Prefer to sleep? Come on, only a couple days of work to make a lifetime of difference. Get with the program.

Monday, 10:00 am Brunch. The most lavish feast to celebrate 2 days ahead of hard work and opportunity. (No pigeons allowed)

10:45 Opening Remarks by Rick and Howard. After a year in the background, Rick and Howard take the stage to tell you what they really think and what has happened over the year and what will be happening in the next year or two as they see it.

11:15 Keynote by Simon. When we had the Orlando show at Disney we have been trying to find out where the hell they get the “Pixie Dust”. Well Simon is a Disney Alumni who is going to share that with us. This will be life changing for you. Mark my words. The domain business is not about domains, it is about business. And business is about life.  Listen to what Simon Says! I personally guarantee you will walk away with a treasure that will last a lifetime.

12:15 – 12:30 Break

12:30 Presentation and discussion of an industry in change.  An all out informal and frank discussion of what we have done right, what we have done wrong and where to in the future as folks diversify into other avenues and parts of the Internet. No panel, just an open forum where anything goes. We will review sales for the year and see what trends are developing.

1:45-2:00 Coffee Break

2:00 Seminar. Where the hell are our developing partners? Can you develop a website without developing a business? SEO or Spammers? Can you tell the difference? Relevance, popularity or something else? Who can find, get and keep the real traffic? Graphics, coding. Development of true businesses with a cash register. How other successes will drive our sector. Mini sites or mini goals? We don’t know all the answers, so let’s have at it. A live forum where anything goes.

3:00 Is the Gold Rush beginning or ending? The impact of the new gtld’s, IDN, and will .whatever be meaningful.  When? How big an impact or none at all? Is the second coming of .com hope, hype or the future? How much is result oriented and how much is wishful thinking?

4:00 Greed, Corruption, wrong doing, what companies and organizations have not been good industry stewards? At TRAFFIC we let it all hang out and let the chips fall where they may. A no bars hold discussion on Google, Yahoo, the registrars, PPC companies and all the rest. If the shoe fits…..

5:00 TRAFFIC TEST TRACK

6:30-9:00PM Relax, enjoy the hotel and South Beach. The hotel is smack dab right in the middle of all the action.

9:00 The Famous TRAFFIC Party at one of South Beach’s “Secret Spots” that just happens to be WORLD famous! This IS South Beachat its' best. Sponsored by .CO

 

Tuesday October 19th

10:00 AM Awards Brunch and Elevator Pitches. For the 6^th year in a row TRAFFIC will present the most coveted awards in the Domain Industry in which the best of the best are recognized for their successes and contributions. Your votes have been counted and tabulated and these are your choices.

The awards will follow the 2 minute Elevator pitch. Have a new service or product? It is a long standing tradition at TRAFFIC to help introduce attendees to the newest solutions available. We provide the time and platform because their success is our success collectively.

11:30 Free networking Schmooze with the exhibitors

12:30 Seminar….Anatomy of a Type in. Who is the person typing in your domain and why are they doing it? Are they frustrated with the results being served at threw search engines? Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Our panel will get into the mind of the surfer.

1:30PM Seminar  Prospecting for End Users. Flip or hold? Which is the best strategy? Is there a price point where domainers should no longer be buying unless they have a plan for a business? Is the end user easier to find than you think?

2:30  Meeting of the Chiefs. This event is always interesting. Heads of the industry will discuss where we are and what the next 12 months are likely to look like and why. We will discuss .whatever and the chances any will be more successful than .mobi. PPC, Development, scandals. The most action packed, tell like it is, no holds barred panel in the entire industry.

4:00 Get Ready to Rumble! The famous TRAFFIC AUCTION conducted by Rick Latona Auctions.  Drinks, food, lots of action.

9:00PM Farewell Party at one of the hottest clubs on South Beach

Wednesday October 20th

9AM-10AM Safe travels breakfast. Get a quick but delicious breakfast before you hit the road or start your day. A last chance to say some goodbyes and reflect how great the week was. Another TRAFFIC under the belt. See ya next year!

Announcing T.R.A.F.FI.C. South Beach Early Bird Specials and BONUS!!

Drum Roll Please……Announcing……The most provocative T.R.A.F.F.I.C. Ever!! 

Or 

  

With a year to plan this single event and do it the way Howard and I do things, get ready for some of the hottest topics we have ever discussed, the best venue we have ever had and the timeliest show ever.  Sponsored by Skenzo and add the best food and networking events in the Industry and we have TRAFFIC SOBE 2010!! Usually I do not put the schedule together until just a few weeks out. This year, I already have the topics set and it won’t be for the faint of heart.  Ruffling feathers is our specialty and South Beach will be for the heavyweights, lightweights and middle weights, but won’t be for fly weights. You’ll have fun at T.R.A.F.F.I.C. but come because of the opportunity and the unique way we push the envelope every single time. One year of rest and this will be the one T.R.A.F.F.I.C. that will be as memorable as the opener in Delray in 2004. T.R.A.F.F.I.C. is all grown up and ready to tackle South Beach like only Domainers can. Fast cars, fast women, fast money and all the rest. There is only one South Beach and the money making party starts soon. October 17-20 to be exact.

Because of all the great advice we have gotten from our long time supporters, we are not changing the recipe of T.R.A.F.F.I.C.. We do it FIRST CLASS or we won’t do it at all. The right way or no way.  Rise to the occasion. Raise your game. Don’t be a spectator. Jump in and be a player. Jump in and see why T.R.A.F.F.I.C. has changed so many lives and how it is impossible to talk about the domain industry without mentioning T.R.A.F.F.I.C. over and over and over again.

Act early and save big. Take the first step and we will do the rest. We will put you right in the center of the domain universe. We have some big announcements coming and with each one you will know just how spectacular a show this is going to be. Our Keynote has already been selected and we have surprises and more surprises in store for you. We are working on more things than ever and it is happening all at one time. You will witness a be part of something that few can put into words. 

The history of T.R.A.F.F.I.C. is synonymous with the history of the industry. We met at T.R.A.F.F.I.C., grew our companies and assets at TRAFFIC and together we have harnessed the power of an entire industry at precisely the right time. You can't rewrite history. Many major deals were made and negotiated at T.R.A.F.F.I.C.  Companies were born. Companies have soared. Records have been broken. Records are still held. The most coveted awards in the industry presented in front of your peers that YOU decide. So come and join the fun. We go where no other show dares to go. We have nothing to sell but progress. Progress that YOU make happen. Plus all the dividends that play out well after the show is over.

All prices are guaranteed lowest that will be available. If we have any special along the way, we will DOUBLE your refund on the difference. So with a deal like that, relax, know you are getting the best rate and sign up right now, right here.  T.R.A.F.F.I.C. has had more than 20 shows in 7 countries in just 6 years. Life changing relationships began and have been forged at T.R.A.F.F.I.C.. That’s PRICELESS. Be honest, put a price, a value on the relationships you have made with us over the years and you know that there is no better place on the planet to be than at T.R.A.F.F.I.C. in South Beach with your friends and business associates and fellow domainers. The refueling that you will walk away with, is worth the price of admission.

We are looking for pre-show event sponsors. A great way to get personal for a limited budget. Plus we have deals for exhibiting and sponsoring like never before. We can tailor a sponsorship that meets your budget and gives you bang for the buck.

That’s the spiel folks. With all our energy focused on this show, it will be another landmark in the domain industry and when we walk away on October 20^th……everyone in the industry and beyond will know it. We may be in the “Domain Business” but more importantly, we are in business of succeeding, investing, growing our portfolios networking with like minded folks and 12 other things. We try to give you tools that transcend the industry we all focus on. T.R.A.F.F.I.C. will make us all more productive and better people. Life is short. Make the most of it. 

Lastly, let me address the meals and why they are the backbone of the entire show. When we talk networking there is no greater networking on earth than breaking bread with friend or foe. For thousands of years this has been the accepted practice of peace and progress and understanding. Breaking bread allows folks to dial it back a few notches. It allows them to engage in a different way and manner. Let's be honest. We are an industry of conflicting businesses. An industry of competitiveness by auctions and the like. An industry of "Type A" personalities. However, the one thing that we all have in common is that the vast majority of Domainers are decent people with big hearts who want to do great things for both themselves and their families and then leave something better for society in the process. Basic things that we all have in common that supersedes so many of our obstacles. 

TRAFFIC means business and that means we focus on Eagles and those that want to become eagles. While we are always reaching down to help others up, those that try and drag us down will be met with full resistance. So the choice is yours, raise your game because there is no way we will lower ours. Our formula is tried and We do it First Class and that is not going to change. We force nobody to come. Everyone that comes has some skin in the game and THAT is the spark that ignites deals and opportunities. A formula that nobody has been able to duplicate. 

Our proudest moments at T.R.A.F.F.I.C. have been when a domainer brings family members to the conference; be it their wives, husbands, significant others, kids, parents, friends, uncles etc. That is why we make it so reasonable for them to attend and make it as family friendly as any trade show can be. We lose $$$ when you bring them, but our families decided it was worth it to meet your families.  To have them involved in what you do, why you do it and see how many others do it. Quality folks from all backgrounds, all walks of life, all countries of the world. Working hard every day regardless of how it may look. Investing days and nights making the best for you and them. A keen understanding of what you do because they may someday be responsible for that business.  That is why T.R.A.F.F.I.C. is much more than a show about domains or a show about business. It is a show about life and we will never apologize for the path we have taken and continue on. Come early, spend the weekend with us and add some extra value to this very special show at the Loews in South Beach. BTW....the Loews Hotel is the nicest, newest and most beautiful on the beach. Top drawer, sparkling clean and is the ONLY hotel in South Florida that can not only rival the Diplomat but with the location will become your new favorite. When you leave you will say, "T.R.A.F.F.I.C. Magic is back" Book the room RIGHT NOW as this is the #1 most occupied hotel in Florida. 

So without further delay, here is the price schedule for T.R.A.F.F.I.C. South Beach 2010. We believe that you will believe that you got a bargain when you walk away. We want you to seize opportunity early so we have perks at every level to give you a reason to sign up right now. When you sign up early that allows us to plan more efficiently with less guessing. That results in a better show, better networking, better parties, better seminars, better auctions, better everything. Like they say, "When things get tough, the tough get going." So don't pull back on the throttle now. This is the time to put the pedal to the metal and make events happen as opposed to being a victim of those events. 

T.R.A.F.F.I.C. Early Bird Registration June 17^th through June 30th = $995 depending on availability  (Limited to the first 100 registrations) Plus a SURPRISE Gift from Rick and Howard as a special thanks for always signing up early to come to T.R.A.F.F.I.C. and help plan things. (The first 50 signups get an additional $100 room credit at the hotel)

This page will self destruct and be offline by 5PM tomorrow or before, so don't delay. 

Spouse and family rate just $199 starting June 21

T.R.A.F.F.I.C. Prime Registration Until July 31^{st =}  $1295
Spouse and family rate just $299

T.R.A.F.F.I.C. Pre Registration Until September 30^{th =} $1495 

T..R.A.F.F.I.C. Standard Registration After September 30^th  = $1795

Group Rates  - 5 Ticket Package $4750 Early Bird
Group Rates  - 10 Ticket Package $9250 Early Bird

Group Rates  - 5 Ticket Package $5995 Until July 31
Group Rates - 10 Ticket Package $11,500 Until July 31

Group Rates  - 5 Ticket Package $6495 Until September 30^th
Group Rates  - 10 Ticket Package $12,500 September 30th

Registration Opens Noon Sunday October 17^th

TRAFFIC Vancouver Opens TODAY! South Beach to Announce Keynoter!!!

Morning Folks!!

Vancouver TRAFFIC opens today and it marks our first trip to Canada. In the past year or so TRAFFIC has gone to Australia, Holland, Italy and still have Ireland and Hong Kong before year’s end plus the big bash on South Beach. We know Rick Latona and his team have been working hard to make Vancouver another history making event before heading to Dublin in August.

In a few days I will be sending out the first detailed information about our South Beach show in October. Unlike past years, the schedule is mostly complete. Howard and I have contracted for our guest speaker. Somebody you may never have heard of but will change your life with his words and thoughts. I really mean, change your life. He will reveal secrets that have long been locked deep because who was keeping those secrets. But when you get fired from a company like that, there are tales to tell and laundry to sort out. I have heard some of those tales and they are captivating and will help all of us in our journey.

At TRAFFIC we take great risks to get great results. When we don’t do it right, everyone knows. So we have no choice but to hit perfection each and every time. We have to nail it each and every time.  We have to make it something special each and every time.

So stay tuned for more news as it develops in Vancouver and then spread worldwide in the coming months. TRAFFIC means business and the sprint is on!

Have a GREAT Day!
Rick Schwartz

From Pigeons to the Ostrich. Where is Your Head and Where are We Headed?

Morning Folk!! 

How can folks stay ahead of the game when they deny the reality of the times? I am not sure what drives human nature. I just observe how it manifests. I talked about the recession before there was a recession. It bothered some. I guess for those guys I should just BS them because reality is a bit hard to deal with. They are not pigeons, they are ostriches. The closer reality gets, the more they bury their head in the sand and don’t want to deal with it. Cash reserves begin to get lower and the longer the downturn lasts, the better chance we have of hitting a "Breaking Point." 

So here we are, the summer of 2010. We had that little blip of an increased business cycle. That was just what it was, a blip. We are in some of the most troubled times of most of our lives. I can’t remember when so many things were at the brink. The brink and climax. The brink any way you want to look at it. So many things at the very edge. The world is a tinderbox. This is not going to be a boring summer. This is going to be some very unsettling times.

But that does not mean there is not opportunity. That just means it is time to make hay. Not be an Ostrich. This is the time to take a risk, but you better bet right! This is not a time for big mistakes. It is a time for a big win. But you have to be selective. Be patient. You don’t need 100, you need 1. Just 1 hit during this era.

We are in a hurricane of an economy. In that type storm you can have ferocious winds and torrential rains one minute and then perfectly calm the next. Then ferocious winds and torrential rains. The process repeats itself many times. Until you get that final squall. Hang on, that is always the worst one. The one that does the MOST damage because it hits when everything is weakened. I believe we are going into the economic squall. Folks are weakened and the worst is yet to come.

The things I see I just don’t like. What if I told you that the cost of homes could drop another 15%-50% no matter how good your property or the location? I can draw the picture for you to show you EXACTLY why that is LIKELY to happen. Not everywhere.  But let’s take this scenario from my local area.

You have beach areas and you have inland areas about 30 minutes from the ocean.. Originally because it was much less expensive inland. But in time even the inland was built up.  So what happens when you own a $10 Million house in the inland area and houses on the ocean are selling for $5 Million?? Well, you have a very big problem. First of all you can’t sell that house inland. You can walk away. You may be forced to walk away especially if you owe over $ 5 Million. So then what is the value of that $10M  house?? $3M????? Remember, you can buy that house on the ocean for $5M. The bank is likely to get it back. So timber!!! The most expensive homes in the least desirable areas are about to crumble. That is just a housing example and the reason I use that is because it will paralyze folks for decades. They can’t sell, that means they can’t move. They may not be able to afford it long term, so they just walk away. Collapse. It will be played out in town after town and city after city. I really want to be wrong, but the above case is happening everywhere at every level. Next to domains, nothing I pay attention to more than real estate and the weakness I see and the REASON for that weakness. 

There is an equation here and it is based on time and years and whether you will have the resources and/or income and how long. So if you can wait things out, you can do very well. But the market out there is like quicksand and I don’t think anyone has a handle on how this will all play out. Countries going broke and states are out of cash. Believe it is not happening, fine. Be an Ostrich. But things are unstable at best. They can spiral out of control. Look around,, things are already out of control.

You can and should thrive during these times. But that is only up to one person in the world. As I stated early on in this downturn, you can hit the throttle and go for it, or you can pull back on the throttle and surely get washed away. It is your choice and your choice alone…….Pigeon, Ostrich, or Eagle.

Have a GREAT Day!
Rick Schwartz

Good Decisions are Thought Out. Bad Ones are Rushed! What’s the Hurry?

Morning Folks!!

We all want to try and understand and sell to the end user. There is a reason the end user is hard to make contact with. The reason I have seen played out dozens of times. Instead of thoughtful deliberation, MOST businesses will jump on the first idea. That is as far is it goes. I think that becomes the base problem. So many just pick the first solution, not the best solution. The first name, not the best name. Instead of thinking of 5 or 10 possibilities, then weeding out the weak ones and finally deciding on the best one……this is NOT the road they use. I am amazed by this huge pitfall that so many have and display. The name of your company may be the single most important thing you do next to the model to make a profit.

Oh yeah, model to make a profit. That component is lacking in oh so many projects. It is not that they could not build it to be profitable, but since they are all in a rush, they just never do it. It’s like the conversation to get and find traffic. Their answer is always…”No problem, we got that covered.” But as we all know, most don’t really have that covered and they are stunned when they are hit in the face with the reality of things.

What’s the damn rush?? That’s all I really want to know. When there is no need to be in a hurry to begin with. It’s not a bad thing to find an answer that is not perfect.  It is a bad thing to stop before you find that perfect answer. It is bad because it is lying there. The best answer is always just lying right next to all the others. You just got to dig a little deeper. Look a little wider. Ask some more pointed questions. Do the things that will give you the best and you just may end up with the best. If not, you will still be in the competition by accident. As others stumble with their decisions you just keep gaining on the pack. The longer the race is, the wider your margin of victory. Last time I looked, this is a marathon. The Internet and domain names will be here long after we are all gone. Make the best decisions and the best things will unfold. As the "Great Gratz" used to say......"Never rush when you are in a hurry"

Have a GREAT Day!
Rick Schwartz