Ben Settle

Howdy ho, neighbor…

So I’m recording the 3rd episode of my new Antipreneur online radio show Monday. The 2nd show will probably be ready for your listening displeasure tomorrow. (It’s even MORE obnoxious, controversial and full of TMI stories than the first one…)

We’ll be doing live shows soon.

That way, I can talk to live, “wriggling” listeners.

But, until then, I’m doing Q&A’s.

If you have a question you want me to answer in the 3rd show Producer Jonathan (PD?) and I are recording Monday send ‘er on over to:

www.BenSettle.com/contact

I can’t promise to get to ALL questions.

But, I’ll grab a handful and give ’em what for.

Over and out…

Ben Settle

A reader comments on an email from a couple weeks ago about coldly and ruthlessly cutting people out of your life who complicate it:

She says:

“I see your point and you are right but sometimes people are worth giving a second chance. just sayin’! ps love your emails!” – Tammi

All right.

Lemme put it this way:

I don’t know if newer Mac computers do this (never tried on my Mac), but there was a time when, if your Mac was acting up, you did what’s called “zap the p-ram.” You would hold some buttons down while you restarted the computer and it would clear out the logic board (something like that) of corrupted info, and make your computer work great again.

And it did work.

I rarely ever had problems with mine.

But, when I did, I zapped the p-ram and all was good.

When I talk about cutting out toxic people from your life who try to complicate your existence, I’m talking about figuratively zapping their p-ram. That’s what cutting them out and treating them like they don’t even exist (in my mind, they don’t) means.

And guess what?

When you cut people out they sometimes come back.

Apologize for their idiotic behavior.

And, change their wicked ways.

In that case, yes, bring ’em back if you want and if zapping their p-ram works.

But, let’s face it:

Some computers have bigger problems.

Some will work right after you zap that p-ram, but because there is a virus or some other unfixable problem (or if it’s damaged beyond repair) that can’t be fixed by zapping the p-ram, the problem never goes away.

Never gets better.

And, in fact, gets worse.

Until, eventually, you toss it and get a new one.

That is when you cut people out for good — if they are damaged, or if they don’t repent and change and stop making your life complicated you gotta give ’em da boot. Kick ’em to the curb just like you would a damaged computer.

This goes for people you date.

Or friendships.

Or business partnerships, customers, clients, etc.

It’s ALL the same.

Cut out complicated people.

Do it yesterday.

Only then peace of mind will you have.

Next “Email Players” issue goes to print in a couple days.

Go here to nab it:

www.EmailPlayers.com

Ben Settle

Yet another chick has left me.

And, she did it with nothing but an email.

(Note even a phone call…? Really?)

Want to see the “break up” (i.e. unsubscribe-from-my-list) email?

OK, a website reader/subscriber says when unsubscribing:

“For quite a while now you’ve been sending out emails about how whiney, stupid and irritating some women can be. At first it was funny. But now, several weeks down the line, it’s starting to become offensive. And your new video called “the female rationalisation hamster” is just about the last straw.”

I think I feel a tear coming on.

Oh, wait.

Never mind.

Just a speck of dust…

Amusingly, I got this email while hanging out with a chick that day. Of course, I read this email to her and (of course) we both laughed at it.

Why?

Because, there wasn’t a single fact in it.

I have never said women “can be whiney, stupid, and irritating.” (Even if the writer of the above comment is behaving that way… but what was that about hamsters again…?) Plus, my podcast was not a “video” it was audio.

But hey, ye females worry not!

I don’t judge ALL women based on the chick above.

In fact, another of your people hath “redeemed” you.

Reader Naomi Novella comments:

“Great show! I really like your laid back style. You definitely have great radio presence. It’s refreshing to listen to a conversation while gleaning some biz advice. Looking forward to more shows. P.S. Next time drink the vino Ben and enjoy…salute!”

Word up, Ms. Novella.

I will do just that later today when I record the second episode. Probably while enjoying a glass (or two…) of wine from my favorite winery on the face of the earth:

“Altipiano”

They’re in Escondido, California.

(San Diego area.)

And, I HIGHLY recommend going wine tasting there.

(And buying a case.)

Also, let ’em know Ben Settle sent ya.

I don’t get any kick backs or anything (this isn’t Chicago), but they like to know who’s sending them bid’niz, and I’m an unrepentant Alipiano fanboy.

Okay, that’s all for toda–

Wait… what?

You missed my podcast debut??

Here ’tis:

http://ben-settle-show.s3.amazonaws.com/BSA-1.mp3

Ben Settle

Got the 1st episode of my new online radio gig (the “Ben Settle Antipreneur Show”) up.

I call this 1st one:

“How To Profit From
The Female Rationalization Hamster”

Here’s the link:

http://ben-settle-show.s3.amazonaws.com/BSA-1.mp3

Ben Settle

P.S. We’ve got some “kinks” to work out with my mic quality, etc. But, it’s a work in progress (especially for me…), and it’ll eventually be on iTunes and easier to access, vote on (if’n that’s your bag), etc.

Following is a cautionary tale…

The name has NOT been changed to protect the guilty (in this case, yours truly). And, if you take it to heart, I think you will understand yet another reason why you must email your list daily, keep them constantly engaged and reassure them you care about and are thinking about them.

Anyway, here’s what happened:

Few months ago I started dating a doctor chick.

Very cool girl.

Lots of fun.

And, a blast to hang with.

Then, the holidays hit, we lost touch and, well, these things happen. A few weeks ago we finally reconnect and she says she’s been seeing some dude over the past month because she thought I only liked her as a friend, but could she still hang out with me, etc.

Of course, I told her it’s all good.

Don’t even sweat it.

And, yes, go ye forth and pursue the other guy with my blessings (as readers of the February “Email Players” issue will discover, attracting new women — and customers, if you’re married or a chick — in your life is cake if you use my system to do it, you simply don’t worry about it).

But, it was a great learning lesson.

Not just for dealing with chicks.

(And their strangling need for reassurance and communication…)

But, even more importantly, for bid’niz.

Here’s what I mean:

Most marketers are afraid to mail regularly.

Or, they simply don’t have anything to say.

Or, they don’t think it “works.”

But, I’m here to tell you:

Just like how doctor chick thought I wasn’t that “in” to her (i.e. only liked her as a friend and not romantically due to neglect and lack of communication), your list is thinking you don’t really like them “that” way, either, if you (1) only mail them when you launch new products (2) rarely talk to them or (3) don’t know how to communicate with them in a way where it’s obvious you both like and respect them, and want their business.

That, Romeo, is where “Email Players” can help.

It’s what my system does:

Keeps your list engaged.

Interested.

And, when ready, eager to buy.

(If you have something they want.)

Bottom line:

Show your list some lovin’.

Go here to learn how:

www.EmailPlayers.com

Ben Settle

I’m in the mood for some ego stroking.

You gotta do this once in a while when you’re in direct marketing if you do it right. By “right” I mean you are polarizing, take a stand and, yes, anger certain people who disagree and are maybe a bit mentally off.

So let’s start with this one.

It’s from “Email Players” subscriber Paul Mort:

(A dude who “gets” what it means to be polarizing!)

My man crush on you grows on a daily basis, bruddah.

and my bank account does to, as a result.

Boats and Hoes babycakes!

Mort-dawwwg.

Ahh, yes.

Ain’t nuttin’ like a good ego stroking, is there?

This next one is from my pal, “Email Players” subscriber and one of my business partners Doc Carney (who I had a blast hanging out with last month in Carlsbad, California — along with a couple other bid’niz droogies Michael Senoff and Shane Hunter):

Ben I gotta tell you.

———-
YOUR STUFF WORKS.
———-

I did his email and he got a 36% OPEN RATE.

Big deal right?

Well he only has about 600 people on his list, but 214 people opened it and it made him some major money. (I’d tell you how much but let’s just say he doesn’t want me to mention it was probably over $10,000 from an engine overhaul and swap, a transmission job, and some oil changes.

A lot of work, but well worth it.

I mean how many mechanics have a $10K week?

Not that many.

Not. too. shabby. Doc.

Hey, I kinda like this.

Let’s see if we can’t stroke my ego some more…

ben, you’re an asshole. take me off your list.

– Deb

DOH!

I knew all this ego stroking wouldn’t last forever — just too good to be true. But it’s all good, you gotta look at your hate mail after a good ego stroking if for no other reason to keep yourself grounded, yeah?

Alright enough bean soup for the soul.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Go to this URL

www.EmailPlayers.com

2. Read the letter VERY carefully, and if you think you got the right stuff and if it makes sense (i.e. you have a list, you are teachable, you are not afraid of work, etc) subscribe

3. Implement what you learn

4. Make lots of $$

5. Then send me an ego stroke email

Cool?

Word up.

Ben Settle

Writes Jonathan Rivera:

(Email Players subscriber & producer of my coming online radio show)

Yo B,
Happy New Year dude.

We just picked up 10 new subscribers at $197 / month using some of your email mojo – The email players is worth 10x what you’re charging. Thanks for keeping it affordable.

JR

So simple once you know the secrets.

And, KEEP learning new ones.

(I am constantly learning and doing “field research” with emails to keep light years ahead of my competition — which I share each month in the “Email Players” newsletter.)

BTW…

The online radio show should be up soon.

The first episode was recorded last week, the day after a very unusual date I went on… which showed the TRUE nature of the female “rationalization hamster” — and how to use it to not only be more successful with women (if you’re a single dude) but also with ANY customer or client you want to land.

The geeks are putting it together now.

Be patient.

Be cool.

And, be ready…

In the mean time?

Check out “Email Players”.

No, it’s not “cheap.”

But, as JR says… it’s affordable.

(And, IMH-but biased-O, a no-brainer)

At least, if you implement it.

Go ye here next:

www.EmailPlayers.com

Ben Settle

P.S. Of course, I’ll send a link when the show’s ready.

And, probably in February we’ll start making the show LIVE (and also on iTunes to listen to if you can’t hear it live) — where you can call in if’n that’s what creams your twinkie.

Reader “Lori” writes:

Ben
You seriously major in smart a– but that’s what we love/hate most about you.Your ability to piss off everyone at at some point is what makes you,you.Please continue to ruffle are innermost beast…

Ah yes.

A true “Benverbs 31” kinda chick:

Possessing the “level 12” wisdom to see the value in having the ability to simultaneously make people both want to write me a check and rip my spleen clean out with their bare hands.

But you know what?

I don’t (always) do it on purpose.

It’s a natural consequence of having an opinion.

Voicing it.

(Especially when unpopular).

And, doing it in a way where people both get value and entertainment out of it — which I teach in the “Email Players” newsletter each month and, especially, in “The Email Players Playbook”.

(Included with your “Email Players” subscription).

Speak of the devil…

Next issue goes to print soon.

A few secrets inside include:

• How to use email to attract hot, sexy women into your life (or high class customers, if you’re a chick or married — ANYONE can make lots of sales from the info inside)

• A simple mindset “tweak” that will automatically make people want to do more business with you (even if you’re a brand spanking newbie fresh off the turnip truck)

• How to emotionally connect with readers (the one thing that separates the men from the boys in copywriting, marketing, email, negotiation, selling — and all other forms of persuasion)

• How to build “Oprah” like trust in your prospects so they feel like you’re a friend and not just another salesman trying to “work” them (I learned this trick from reality TV shows — and it works like gangbusters every time, for every market, selling any kind of product)

• The #1 way to get a girl’s attention (works on prospects for your business, too — in fact, according to Gary Halbert this is THE #1 most powerful appeal you can make in advertising)

• A “counterintuitive” way to get someone interested in you (whether romantically or to buy from you — used by a guy who sells $30 million per year worth of wine JUST by email)

• And a ho’ bunch mo’

I don’t know how many will agree…

But, I believe this is one of the BEST issues I’ve written.

We shalt see…

Get your lovin’ here:

www.EmailPlayers.com

Ben Settle

“It was real. Everything he said was real. Whether he was talking about divorces, or drinking or whatever it might be… it really happened to him. And I thought that was really cool.”

– Jay Leno
(Talking about the late Johnny Carson)

So recently a subscriber asked:

why do you keep talking about your personal life and relationshipswith girls so much lately. don’t get me wrong i think it’s rad but i am cuirious. thankyou and have a great day! 🙂
-Carla

Well, that’s a good question.

Two reasons:

1. They all tie into the next “Email Players” issue

I “theme” my emails each month around the coming “Email Players” issue — to build momentum and keep a sense of continuity to my writings.

2. Writing about real stuff is the best way to do emails

In fact, check this out —

Recently I declared on Facebook:

“Everything you need to know about being successful with email marketing is on the Johnny Carson documentary on Netflix…”

And it’s 100% true.

(Hat tip to Doberman Dan for telling me about it.)

In fact, each time I watch it (I’ve seen it a half dozen times), I get some new insight, idea, or thought that makes my emails more persuasive, more fun to write and, yes, my golden pigeon, more profitable to my bottom line.

Take the quote at the top of this email, for example.

(From Jay Leno about the late Johnny Carson.)

It sums up what I strive to do:

Be real.

You may not like everything I say.

You may not believe everything I say.

Hellz… you may not even agree with everything I say (which is okay, it’s not against the law for you to be wrong, so it’s ALL good…)

But one thing you get is:

The real McBen.

And like me, love me or leave me…

What ya read is what ya get.

(And if you like “real” then wait’ll you hear the first episode of my upcoming “Ben Settle Anti-preneur Show” — which should be ready for listening very soon.)

So anyway, watch that documentary.

Take notes.

Then, apply to your emails.

And when you’re ready to take your emails to the next level?

Check out “Email Players”.

Subscription info at:

www.EmailPlayers.com

Ben Settle