Tag: Movies

The hit AMC television show, Mad Men, has been riveting and repulsing me since I first started watching it years ago. You’d think I’d turn it off. But there are moments in the show when brilliance comes through and I sit in awe. Then again, there are way too many moments where I’m just disgusted.

In case you didn’t know, Mad Men is a soap opera-ish adult drama about an up-start advertising agency in New York City in the 1960s. The characters are alive and easy to love or hate; the sets are so real it feels like you time traveled right to the sixties; the conflicts, personal and public, are engaging; the dialogue is human, real, and sometimes profound. All in all, it’s no wonder the show is a hit. It’s prime time drama with unique elements. And it’s won 15 Golden Globe awards and 4 Emmys — so far.

So why does it repulse me?

Virtually everyone on Mad Men has at least one psychological problem. The leader of the pack is of course Don Draper, brilliantly played by actor Jon Hamm. Draper has so many demons inside his skull, he’s a walking version of an internal hell. He’s self-destructive with women and booze, but he’s also often a genius at ad campaigns. He’s got so many secrets he might as well call himself Freud’s best candidate for therapy. In fact, he’s not even Don Draper. That’s the identity the character stole long before he became an ad man. Ah, the twists into mental hell.

Of course, I didn’t like it at all when Lane Pryce, a charming character in the show (played by Jared Harris), embezzled money from the company, was caught by Don Draper, and committed suicide. That episode is still stuck in my craw. I wasn’t even going to write a blog post about the show until after that unforgettably sad airing. I liked Lane. But he, too, was deeply flawed. More than that, people unconsciously model what they see. Seeing a strong character choose suicide is not showing wisdom. Again, we unconsciously attract what we believe and expect.

But the psychological issues don’t bother me so much as the business practices the agency demonstrates.

Lying, betrayal, manipulation, head games — it’s the way of life on the TV show. The series reveals the struggling agency is a prostitute that will sell anything for money. Their chief secretary, Joan Holloway (played by Christina Hendricks), even sells her body for a one night (actually, it was a one evening) stand to get a partnership in the agency and sway a voting client to give the agency a new account. And the agency itself takes on a car company they openly believe manufactures unreliable cars. Anything for a buck.

I know something about ad agencies. I’ve studied and written about some of the real life “Mad Men” in history. Most of the names are legends in the business (and sometimes dropped on the TV show for authenticity), but many you may never have heard of unless you go Google them: John Caples, Bruce Barton, David Ogilvy, Helen Woodward, Claude Hopkins, Rosser Reeves, and more.

These people were geniuses at writing copy and creating ads that pulled in sales. Some, like Maxwell Sackheim, created ads that were so powerful in making sales, they ran unchanged for forty years.

What I admire about the real Mad Men (and Mad Women) I studied were their creativity and sincerity. Bruce Barton, the cofounder of BBDO, and the subject of my book, The Seven Lost Secrets of Success, believed sincerity was the key to success. He turned down clients he didn’t believe in, walking away from thousands to millions of dollars.

John Caples, one of the most famous copywriters in history (he wrote the legendary 1926 ad, “They Laughed When I Sat Down At The Piano, But When I Started to Play…!”), said Barton’s secret was one word: sincerity.

I don’t see that secret practiced in the TV show.

Obviously, there is much truth to the stories and characters in the AMC series. You can read plenty of books about that era and discover many businesses practiced that sort of insincere, manipulative advertising, marketing, and selling. Some still do today. I’m not overlooking that reality. I’ve seen it first hand.

Decades ago in Houston I was in the offices of a corporation, there to write a sales letter for the company, when the president took a call and started yelling, “If you want a $#!&**!!! war, then you got it!” He then slammed down the phone. He turned to me, smiled, and continued our conversation as if nothing had happened. It was unnerving. I was seeing “Mad Men” the TV show in action.

I didn’t like it.

That’s the dark side of business; the side that repulses me.

But there’s also the bright side.

What I am pointing out is the fact that many people and businesses practice compassionate capitalism. They practice sincerity. They did then. They do now. They work hard to offer a product or service they believe in, and they market it in ethical ways. I think they should get equal time on the air.

The Internet helped me discover a more loving way of doing business decades ago. That’s when people who should be competitors of mine became affiliates, coauthors, and supporters of mine. It was refreshing to see online businesses openly share in the income, openly share credit, and openly work on deals together. I saw love in online marketing. I practice it, and teach it. I’ve written about it, too, numerous times, and in numerous books. This love based approach to business is alive and well. Not just online, of course, but everywhere — if you look.

But I rarely see that portrayed in the Mad Men series. Sometimes Don Draper will do a noble thing. Often he exhibits genius in creating or analyzing ads and concepts. Sometimes a young executive will reveal strong ethics (usually the character named Ken Cosgrove, played by Aaron Staton) in the show.

Unfortunately, more often than not, the show reveals the shadow side of business and life. If you don’t educate and enlighten yourself, the negative elements broadcast in the show may distort your view of reality; you’ll see the negative even in the positive.

That’s where I want to see a remedy.

Here’s what I suggest:

Quit watching the show. Yea, I know, I’m not going to stop either. Not with one episode left in the current season. So at least give your brain some balance and read some of the more loving business books and read about the more wholesome business characters.

Here are a few suggestions (in no particular order):

Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie

The Man Who Sold America: The Amazing (but True!) Story of Albert D. Lasker and the Creation of the Advertising Century by Jeffrey L. Cruikshank and Arthur W. Schultz

The Seven Lost Secrets of Success by Joe Vitale

The King of Madison Avenue: David Ogilvy and the Making of Modern Advertising by Kenneth Roman

My Life in Advertising and Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins

Faith and Fortune: How Compassionate Capitalism Is Transforming American Business by Marc Gunther

Philanthrocapitalism: How Giving Can Save the World by M. Bishop

Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think by Peter Diamandis

Screw Business As Usual by Richard Branson

Anything You Want by Derek Sivers

The Real Mad Men: The Renegades of Madison Avenue and the Golden Age of Advertising by Andrew Cracknell

Mad Women: The Other Side of Life on Madison Avenue in the 60’s and Beyond by Jane Maas

And remember: You can be the positive example you long to see.

You may not see it on Mad Men, but you can live it.

Rather than look for inspiration, be the inspiration.

Be the hero.

Sincerely.

Ao Akua,

Joe

PS – What books have you read showing a more positive side of doing business? I’d love to know and I’m sure others would, too. Please post a comment and tell us. Thank you.

Member BBB 2003 - 2012

I have a very important question for you…

Back in 1959, when I was five years old, my father took me on my first job. It was my introduction to being a laborer on the railroad.  It taught me a lot about hard work, but little about following my life calling.

Going to my first job, age 5, 1959

But there were signs early on that my life would have something to do with books. Still a child, there’s at least one photo of me holding a book. (Probably a volume in a set of encyclopedias.)

Foreshadowing my future as an author

Decades later, around 1979, I held my first seminar. It was about improvisation and spirituality.  Apparently I had an inclination that there was an undercurrent of wisdom to life, and if you trusted it, it would lead you to the fulfillment of your dreams.

Reveals more about life

I was also fascinated with the 1979 book, Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre, by Keith Johnstone. It was more about living than acting. I’ve never forgotten some of the author’s insights into human behavior, and of course his wisdom about improvisation. I still love his book.

Recently I picked up the book, Improv Wisdom by Patricia Ryan Madson. It’s a fast but deep read about not so much preparing for life as it is about showing up for life. When you trust life, life has a tendency to support you.

This philosophy has trust at the core of it. You have faith that you will be able to handle whatever life tosses at you. As long as you are present to the moment, you can trust your body-mind system to respond to what’s before you.

As Madson writes, “Some guiding force underlies each moment.”

All of this is leading up to my question for you.

One of the questions in Madson’s book really made me stop and reflect.

Great book on "showing up"

The question is —

“What would not get done if you were not here?”

In 1959, I went to work on the railroad because my father drove me to the job. I’m pretty sure the work would have gotten done without me. Being a trackman on the railroad was not my life calling.

Same with me in 1979, when I taught that improv and spirituality seminar. I doubt that event was a game changer for me, or a clue to my life direction, though I’m glad I did it for the experience. I did it because I was interested in the subject.

Today, with all the books I’ve written, and with two new books coming out later this year and next, I’m not sure being an author would be the answer to the question, “What would not get done without me?”

Not today, anyway. I’ve already completed that calling. I’ve already written the books.

I’ll tell you how I would answer the question in a minute.

But what about you?

Look at this question head on: How would you answer it?

Here it is again:

“What would not get done if you were not here?”

You aren’t allowed to cop out and say, “I’m not needed.” That’s self-deception. You are needed. Even if you want to sit and argue about it, pretend you’re needed. If you did, what would you feel essential for you to get done, as without you, it may not?

While you’re thinking about your answer, let me share my own answer with you.

As I mentioned, I have two new books coming out. I also have a new music album being recorded in two weeks. I’m starting a national media campaign in June. I’m in another movie being released this year. Of course, I also have new audios being created, an advanced wealth trigger training in the works, new e-books, my Miracles Coaching program to run, and much more.

As usual, I’m busy with projects. But I don’t know if they would not get done without me. In other words, I think others might finish my work (or their version of it) if I didn’t. I don’t know that more books or albums or movies or travel answers the question, “What would not get done without me?”

So what is the answer?

I reflected on this question on recent flights to see my family. Nothing like being confined to an airplane to force me to meditate. Nothing like seeing your aging parents to make you decide what’s important in your limited life span.

My father and me

The clear answer for me is this: I need to complete my movement to end homeslessness and stop foreclosures.

Called Operation YES, I’ve been spending time, energy and money (tens of thousands of dollars) on making it a reality for several years now. As some of the people helping me have mentioned, we’ve never worked so hard for so little in return.

Still, this is important. While there are groups and individuals doing much to help the homeless and those struggling, I don’t see anyone doing what I feel is necessary: reveal a 3-step way to stop foreclosures — and do it in one day.

With that in mind, I have committed my resources to make this happen. As it stands, we will do the event in Austin, Texas next April.  I wanted to do it sooner, but with the presidential election diverting attention this year, I’ve been advised against it.

Again, all of this is what I would do. I’m just sharing it to stir up your mind. What matters is you, not me.

You don’t need to transform society (unless that’s calling you), but you do have something to do here. You have work to do.

“Your work is to discover your work and then, with all your heart, to give yourself to it.” – Buddha

How would you respond to —

“What would not get done if you were not here?”

Whatever your answer, go do it.

Ao Akua,

joe

PS — If you are struggling with finances and wish Operation YES could help you today, remember that there are numerous resources to help you right now. Begin with reading my book, Attract Money Now, still free online. Just click on this box below —

Member BBB 2003 - 2012

Years ago I asked Rhonda Byrne — the woman behind the Law of Attraction hit movie The Secret — an important question.

We were having dinner in Maui when I asked, “How did you come up with the idea for the movie?”

She thought for a long time before answering, “I called it forth.”

“I called it forth” could mean a lot of things. But the other day I came across a quote from film maker David Lynch that made it all come together:

“Ideas are floating like fish. Desire for an idea is like a bait on a hook.”

It made sense to me because this is how I’m creating music. Songs are floating around in the ethereal world. My desire for a song attracts one to me. The more precise I am in my request for a particular kind of song, the more accurate the match will be.

Rhonda Byrne of "The Secret"

This doesn’t mean I’m in charge of the songs. I’m a receiver for them. Music is still the boss. Songs are still in charge. I get to tinker with the idea after it arrives, but the idea itself comes by grace.

But I attract it by desiring it.

For example, one year or so ago, when I had my training wheels on as a songwriter and was experimenting with writing songs for the first time, I remember thinking, “I want to write a song about being kind to others.”

That might sound simplistic to you. But even way back in the mid 1990s, in my first book on Internet marketing, called CyberWriting, I suggested we learn to write in kindness as a way to keep peace online. This “kindness theme” has been with me for decades, as a kind of prime directive in my life and work, so it shouldn’t surprise you that I wanted to express it in a song.

But how?

I remember sitting on my deck outside my office, looking at the trees, and desiring a song about this message. As I meditated, one started to come to me. I jotted down what I was receiving. I played with it. I picked up a guitar and added some chords to it. The end result is the powerful stand-out song called “Everybody’s Goin’ Thru Somethin'” on my first singer-songwriter album, Strut!

In short, I attracted the song by my desire for the song.

I do the same thing for this blog. I often have no idea at all what to write about, but my desire for a fresh blog post “calls forth” the idea I need.

News Flash: Strut! is now available for you to order. You can hear excerpts from my healing music albums at  Strut! and Blue Healer.

For example, I didn’t know I was going to write this very post on how to attract great ideas. All I had was a desire for a post, which is what started the process to “call forth” an idea.

I then stumbled across the David Lynch quote while reading a magazine. Once I saw it, something clicked in me. I then recalled my dinner with Rhonda, and the post began to come together. I then sat down and wrote this for you.

But it all began with my desire for an idea.

Rhonda called forth her idea for a film about the Law of Attraction. She had a desire to share her insight, and that desire “called forth” a means. The result was a movie of historic importance.

Street sign "Calling forth" music

You can do this, too.

What do you want to create?

A movie? A song? A business? A solution?

It doesn’t matter.

The first step is to declare your intention. Complete the sentence, “I intend to….” with whatever it is you want to attract.

“I intend to…create a website that brings in more sales.”

“I intend to…write a song about the theme of divine love.”

“I intend to…attract unexpected income by Friday.”

“I intend to…attract a loving person to date.”

My suggestions are loose as I’m making them up, but yours can be specific.

After that, allow ideas to come to you. Make space for them. Go for a walk. Relax in the hot tub. Sit in quiet meditation. Read a novel. Have a cup of tea.

Declaring your intention is the request that “calls forth” an idea to fulfill it. Making time to receive ideas is how you open yourself to hear the answer to your intention. Of course, after that, you need to take action on the idea to bring it into reality.

This process works for me.

It clearly works for Rhonda Byrne.

It will work for you, as well.

You just have to do it.

What would you like to “call forth” next?

Ao Akua,

joe

PS — Strut! is now available for you to order. You can hear excerpts from my healing music albums at  Strut! and Blue Healer. The direct links are:  http://www.HealingMojoMusic.com and http://www.GetUpandStrut.com

Ever since the movie The Secret came out a few years ago, many other people are creating their own films, all with inspiring messages. A new one called “Openings” looks unique. Here’s the trailer for it: (Yes, I’m in it, but don’t let that stop you from watching.) 🙂

Member BBB 2003 - 2011

I just completed reading the 1976 autobiography of Desi Arnaz, the late Cuban-born musician who married Lucille Ball and together created the legendary TV show, I Love You.

I love simple titles. His book is called A Book. It’s a joy to read. Desi was a riveting storyteller. He was smart, talented, persistent, creative, charming, and driven. He and Lucy became the most beloved television couple in history, as well as one of the wealthiest.

But he also went through hell before he ever arrived at success. As with most “overnight” successes, his career took decades to develop into something worth writing about.

What stood out for me in A Book is a lesson Desi learned from his father in Cuba. His father was mayor of Santiago. He was popular and successful. He owned land, businesses, and resort property. His father taught, “There is always a way.”

No matter what the challenge, problem, or circumstance, “There is always a way” to resolve it.

"There is always a way."

Desi saw this belief in action as a child. When the revolutionaries entered Cuba in the early 1930s, they burned down his family home, destroyed his crops, killed his animals, ran off his mother and family, and put his father in jail.

They went from a life of luxury to being homeless and penniless. They later escaped that country, went to Miami, and started a new life — with nothing at all.

But the belief, “There is always a way” kept them going.

Desi struggled, but kept working; kept taking action.

When opportunities came his way, he took them, even when he didn’t have the skills or experience on hand to pull off the opportunity. He knew he could attract or develop the skills as they were needed.

When asked if he could act, when he had never acted at all, he said, “All my life!” He then learned acting, appearing in several movies and of course later on television.

“There is always a way.”

When he and Lucy found themselves with the opportunity to be involved in a new TV show, they needed to find actors, raise funds, develop new camera methods, use a live audience, build a set, and much more — all firsts at the time with no paths to show what to do, and all with little or no money to make anything happen, and all under a time crunch that would make most people faint — they knew “There is always a way.”

Desi Arnaz autograph in my copy of "A Book"

When Lucy was accused of being a communist in the 1950s, Desi put on his fighting gloves and destroyed the rumor. Front-page headlines vindicated the redhead. Desi said the only thing red about Lucy was her hair, and even that was false.

Desi knew, “There is always a way.”

Reading Desi’s book was a real treat. Not only because I always loved him as Ricky Ricardo on I Love Lucy, but also because “There is always a way” is one of my beliefs, too. It’s in my book The Attractor Factor. It’s one of the prime directives in my operating belief system.

You may not know how to do something, but by taking action and moving forward you can find it, create it or invent it.

“There is always a way.”

I recently tweeted a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. that recaps this lesson from A Book:

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

You don’t need to have all the answers to begin working toward making your dreams come true.

You don’t need to have all the money to begin working toward making your dreams come true.

You don’t need to have all the experience or education or much of anything else to begin working toward making your dreams come true.

You just need to take action right now — while believing, as Desi proved — “There is always a way.”

Ao Akua,

Joe

PS – Right after reading Desi’s book, I read Lucille Ball’s autobiography, published after her death, titled Love, Lucy. Her early life was no party. She, too, struggled. But her persistence, talent, and hard work ultimately paid off. You can learn more principles of attracting what you want through my Miracles Coaching program. Meanwhile, enjoy Desi Arnaz in his prime and try not to smile in this early video of him that breathes the fire of life:

Member BBB 2003 - 2011