Back when I moved to the coast, I got this cool wall plaque:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Oh how I love this plaque!<\/p>\n 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 —<\/p>\n Booyah!<\/p>\n Anyway, why am I telling you this?<\/p>\n Because lately I’ve been thinking a lot about pirates<\/em>.<\/p>\n Specifically, the ONLINE pirates (what I call “keyboard pirates”<\/em>).<\/p>\n Like, for example, these hidden continuity hustlers. Or the scum bags who steal peoples’ identities. Or the sociopaths<\/em> (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.<\/p>\n Anyway, these jerks are working overtime nowadays.<\/p>\n Especially with this tanking economy.<\/p>\n And you know what?<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Why do I say this?<\/p>\n 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<\/em> money, time and even peace of mind.<\/p>\n Like, for example, the last time I bought a car.<\/p>\n Or when dealing with ice-cold, “unrelenting” bureaucrats. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Anyway, here’s the point:<\/p>\n If you have something to steal, the pirates WILL find you.<\/strong><\/p>\n It’s just a matter of time, mi amigo.<\/p>\n Only question is, will you be ready to take ’em on?<\/p>\n Or will you walk the plank<\/em>? <\/p>\n Ben Settle<\/p>\n P.S.<\/strong> For 101 ways to sell easily, ethically and without acting like a scum-sucking pirate, check out my upcoming Crackerjack Selling CD Club:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nBut A HELL Ship For The Crew”<\/div>\n