Are you on Twitter yet? If not get on it now and promote yourself! Have fun, interact and market yourself. I found an interesting video that will help you get your new identity activated and begin to tweet! Follow me @jrridinger

Global advertisers like Anheuser-Busch, Coke, Nike, and Visa are making a play for their share of the hundreds of millions of consumers who watch the World Cup. In 2010 CBS reported its ad revenue for the Super Bowl was around $170 million dollars. Comparatively, the advertising spend for the World Cup, among US advertisers not including official product sponsorships or network broadcasting rights fees, is  at $243 million dollars.

Unlike four years ago during the 2006 World Cup, this year the action isn’t centered around television. Rather, advertisers are looking to the Internet and social media in p articular to make their mark during the tournament.

The brands that have enjoyed the most success using social media to drive consumers toward purchases follow one of two paths: Either they offer coupons or discounts, or they position themselves in front of consumers during sales or other special events, according to eMarketer.One-quarter of respondents to a survey conducted by Chadwick Martin Bailey said that coupons and discounts were the primary reason they became fans of a brand on Facebook.An additional 21 percent said it was because they were already customers. Another survey, by Morpace, found that 37 percent of Facebook users joined fan pages because they wanted to get coupons and discounts.

Last week, I talked about five essential tools for entrepreneurs when recruiting or prospecting. It was tremendous reading through all of the responses and emails that I received. I want to thank everyone for entering. So which tools that I listed were your favorites and did you agree with the tools I suggested? It is ok to disagree.

Without further adieu, the lucky winners of an ma Giftcard are....

• Sandra Middell
• Andrew Enright

Again, I want to personally congratulate both Sandra and Andrew, along with everyone that entered. Sandra and Andrew, please email me, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you weren't selected as the winner of this week's giveaway on BeingJRRidinger.com, feel free to enter my latest giveaway.

~Keep Growing

JR

Last week, I talked about the importance of being prepared when it comes time for prospecting and recruiting. I listed out five (5) essential tools that I considered important, but conveniently left off one that those that know me might be surprised I had failed to mention.  That item is an mp3 file. For those that aren’t techie, an mp3 is basically an audio file which you can play on your mp3 player (commonly referred to as an mp3 player, an iPod, Zune, iPad, iPhone, etc…).

While there are a number of different tools that can help us once we get that initial appointment booked, I consider the audio file an important tool for getting us to that point.  We can’t run before we learn to walk, can we? The same process hold’s true when prospecting and recruiting. We can’t prospect if we aren’t programmed for success, can we?

As an entrepreneur, I use my mp3 player a lot during the day. The more you train yourself and listen over and over to the content that you’re wanting to learn, eventually – it will stick. Think about your favorite song you’ve heard on the radio. Somehow you know the lyrics, but never looked them up. That is because your brain is being programmed each time you hear that song to the point that you can recite it verbatim (and the song may not even be playing).

Sure, many of you will say “I don’t have time to listen to an audio file.” You listen to the radio or your favorite song, right?  The good thing about mp3’s is that they are portable. It is also important to remember that you are programming yourself for success, so it may mean getting out of your routine that you’re stuck in so that you can propel yourself even further.  One other great thing is that with an mp3 player, you can essentially put a lot of your favorite tracks onto your device and take it with you...anywhere. So instead of listening to your favorite song over and over, switch it up with an audio file.

Here are a few places that came to mind as I was putting this together.

• Plug it into your usb equipped vehicle and listen to it on your commute.
• Listen while you’re on the subway
• Listen to your mp3 player while you’re at the gym or out for a run
• Before you go to sleep
• When you’re on a plane
• While you’re cooking
• Etc…

Obviously, the possibilities are endless – all you need is an mp3 player, your favorite audio files and a pair of headphones. Nothing more!

To help you get started programming yourself for success; I’m running a giveaway and want to know the following:

Tell me:

1. How listening to audios on your favorite MP3 player – like the Market America MP3 player has impacted your quality of life and your business.
2. Tell me your favorite audio tracks that you listen to and why they are your favorite.
3. Also tell me an example of how you used an audio to educate or enlighten someone about a business idea. If you are a Market America UnFranchise® owner, how did an audio file help you prospect and recruit someone?
4. Tweet or update your status on Facebook to say “As an #entrepreneur, learn how to grow your business with the #mp3 from @jrridinger http://bit.ly/mp3_giveaway“
5. Send me an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and include “mp3 Giveaway” in the subject line along with your name.

In exchange for your answers, I will be giving away five (5) Market America mp3 players to five (5) individuals who give the best answers.

Keep growing and good luck!

JR

This is very exciting!  I love to see two very successful entrepreneurs and marketing geniuses work their magic not to mention they are both very talented. Recently our girl Kim Kardashian and my wife Loren Ridinger partnered to launch the uber glamour exclusive "Kim Kollection" line by Loren Jewels. This is what I call trouble! The dynamic beauties designed and selected from the best for you. Can't wait to see more.

Being an entrepreneur requires a lot of hard work.  While others are out enjoying vacations and spending their free-time doing other activities, let’s face it, we’re working. Of course, what they don’t know is that while they’re out spending their money, you’re building a path towards your financial freedom (along with a back-up plan).  Granted, there are a number of trade-offs when we make the decision to become an entrepreneur and to work for ourselves (but we wouldn’t have it any other way, would we?).

As entrepreneurs, it is all about taking risks, being unconventional, and doing our own thing. With this in mind, I wanted to take a minute to share with you some of my favorite (and essential tools) for those that have made the choice to become an entrepreneur.  While we can rely on our own wisdom, there are some essential tools that every business owner needs to have in their arsenal if they are to succeed at prospecting others.

Five business tools every entrepreneur needs to be successful:

A computer:We live in a digital age, where pen and paper just won’t entirely cut it. We’re on the go so much that we need a way to take our office with us.  Not only is a computer helpful for showing presentations, videos or taking notes, with an Internet connection, it becomes a line of communication, as we can email others, give a website demonstration, check our calendars, book appointments, even introduce ourselves on a social network – all before we’ve left our meeting.

Portfolio folder, notepad and writing utensils:The second item I feel is essential for any entrepreneur is a portfolio folder, notepad and writing utensils.  I threw the pen and paper in there just in case our laptop, iPad or smartphone wouldn’t power.  These tools are essential for when we’re meeting with someone and we want to give them a quick overview about what it is that we do.  I also carry a portfolio folder with me so that I can review and make notes on important projects or so that I can jot down ideas for when I am going over a presentation or preparing for a speech. Another thing that the portfolio folder helps with is if you have handouts (which you should). This way you’re prepared with a digital PDF file (which you can send them on your computer) or a physical handout for your prospect.

Business cards:The third item on my list is a no-brainer. Not having business cards means you’re definitely not prepared.  Sure, we can write down our phone number, but it looks a whole lot more professional when we are meeting with a prospect to be able to hand them a polished card, that is legible and conveys that we mean business!

Be sure you include the following information on your business cards so that people know how they can reach you.

• Name
• Website
• Email address
• Phone number
• Social media contact information

A smartphone:The fourth item is essential for a number of reasons. Not only do most smartphones include maps (so you don’t get lost on your way to your appointment), but you can also send text messages, stay on-top of emails with customers and prospects, check the Internet, even take pictures, record videos and the obvious…make phone calls. Consider this your lifeline when you’re in a pinch. There are a number of phones on the market; the Apple iPhone, Rim Blackberry, Motorola Droid to name a few that can help you get the job done. Consider it a convergence device – your office in your pocket.

Incentives:The last item that I wanted to mention is the use of incentives. I’m not saying go out and purchase large quantities; rather, use them when you’re really close with a prospect and need that extra push.  This could be as simple as rearranging your schedule to fit with their’s, a free product, or even a gift card so that they can experience your website firsthand.  In doing so, you’ll ultimately build a bond with your new prospect, which can help seal the deal.

While these are the tools that I recommend having on-hand, I’m sure there are others that you may find helpful.  Remember, when prospecting or recruiting, it is important to be prepared at all times and to make your potential client feels as comfortable as possible.  By being prepared, it helps to convey the sense that you are very credible and can be the difference that helps them make the right decision.

To help you with your own personal incentive program, I would like to offer two (2) people the opportunity to win an ma® Giftcard with a giveaway!

To enter my giveaway for a chance to win an ma Giftcard, simply follow these rules:

1. Like the JR Ridinger page on Facebook.
2. Post the following status update on Facebook or Twitter: Follow @jrridinger for great tips for #entrepreneurs in growing their #business http://bit.ly/magiftcard_giveaway_jr.
3. Leave a comment on this post, telling me one additional item you would add to my existing list.
4. Send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and include your name/username and email address.

Keep growing and good luck!

JR

It was great reading through everyone's stories about their father/father-figure. We received an overwhelming number of responses and I want to thank you all for entering.

I hope that everyone can appreciate the importance of having someone in their life to help guide them. It truly is phenomenal to see how guidance can be between family members, close friends, even in business. With the help of others, you can reach new heights.

And the lucky winner is .... Tammy Sin

Again, I want to personally congratulate Tammy, along with everyone that entered. If you weren't selected as the winner of this week's giveaway on BeingJRRidinger.com, I will be running a new giveaway starting Monday.

Be sure to check out the rest of the Loren Jewels line and to view the press that this amazing line has received in just a short time.

~Keep Growing

JR

Lady Gaga just released her new "Alejandro" music video, not only were fans and media eagerly awaiting it's debut, but already in less than one day the video has received over 3.5 million views on youtube. Lady G has the most viewed video on youtube with "Bad Romance" exceeding over 223 million views worldwide. Her new video Alejandro is receiving tons of controversy from the press, but than again any press is good press? What do you think of this controversy? Is the “Alejandro” mini-movie really any more insulting than, say, your average Madonna video from the ’80s? Watch it again after the jump to refresh your memory and/or be offended all over again... Or is this merely a tactical publicity stunt from Gaga's team? Controversy or not her new hyped video "Alejandro" is sure to create buzz on any social network!  Let me know your thoughts I'm still analyzing mine.

~Keep Growing JR

For those of you who are iPhone fanatics like myself should be very much aware that Steve Jobs just released the new iPhone 4 during the WWDC conference this week. I was very eager to understand the difference between the iPhone 3G and the iPhonem 4 well here it is and I wanted to share it with you guys. Watch this video and enjoy it! This video will explain to you all of the features the new iPhone 4 has to offer. Enjoy!