Back when I moved to the coast, I got this cool wall plaque:
But A HELL Ship For The Crew”
Oh how I love this plaque!
Eventually, I MIGHT even have it engraved on a piece of drift wood, tied by rope to a ship’s steering wheel held in the bony fingers of a full sized skeleton wearing a pirate eye patch and hat —
Booyah!
Anyway, why am I telling you this?
Because lately I’ve been thinking a lot about pirates.
Specifically, the ONLINE pirates (what I call “keyboard pirates”).
Like, for example, these hidden continuity hustlers. Or the scum bags who steal peoples’ identities. Or the sociopaths (according to Ken McCarthy, who researches these things, sociopaths ABOUND online) who’ll steal your life savings as easily and “routinely” as if they were ordering a burger at McDonalds.
Anyway, these jerks are working overtime nowadays.
Especially with this tanking economy.
And you know what?
One of the best ways to prevent yourself from being scammed by these criminals is to “arm” yourself with the basics of sales and marketing.
Why do I say this?
Because I can’t tell you how many times in just the past 7 years knowing the simple art (and science) of selling has saved me beaucoup money, time and even peace of mind.
Like, for example, the last time I bought a car.
Or when dealing with ice-cold, “unrelenting” bureaucrats.
Or last year when some cult-like group tried to “work” me into their fold using all the typical (lame) persuasion tricks I saw coming a mile away.
Anyway, here’s the point:
If you have something to steal, the pirates WILL find you.
It’s just a matter of time, mi amigo.
Only question is, will you be ready to take ’em on?
Or will you walk the plank?
Ben Settle
P.S. For 101 ways to sell easily, ethically and without acting like a scum-sucking pirate, check out my upcoming Crackerjack Selling CD Club:
