The 'rockefeller / measure / watch' article was good to go.
I've been doing some of these things.
It's great to see you're posting these kinds of blogs.
Helpful shit.
Thanks
I've been doing some of these things.
It's great to see you're posting these kinds of blogs.
Helpful shit.
Thanks
The Secret to John D. Rockefeller's Success? Price Fixing, Intimidation, Extortion, Bribery and Murder
In the fall of 1871, while Mr. Rockefeller and his friends were occupied with all these questions certain Pennsylvania refiners, it is not too certain who, brought to them a remarkable scheme, the gist of which was to bring together secretly a large enough body of refiners and shippers to compel all the railroads handling oil to give to the company formed special rebates on its oil, and drawbacks on that of others. If they could get such rates, it was evident that those outside of their combination could not compete with them long, and that they would become eventually the only refiners. They could then limit their output to actual demand, and so keep up prices. This done, they could easily persuade the railroads to transport no crude for exportation, so that the foreigners would be forced to buy American refined. They believed that the price of oil thus exported could easily be advanced 50 per cent. The control of the refining interests would also enable them to fix their own price on crude. As they would be the only buyers and sellers, the speculative character of the business would be done away with. In short, the scheme they worked out put the entire oil business in their hands. It looked as simple to put into operation as it was dazzling in its results.
In the fall of 1871, while Mr. Rockefeller and his friends were occupied with all these questions certain Pennsylvania refiners, it is not too certain who, brought to them a remarkable scheme, the gist of which was to bring together secretly a large enough body of refiners and shippers to compel all the railroads handling oil to give to the company formed special rebates on its oil, and drawbacks on that of others. If they could get such rates, it was evident that those outside of their combination could not compete with them long, and that they would become eventually the only refiners. They could then limit their output to actual demand, and so keep up prices. This done, they could easily persuade the railroads to transport no crude for exportation, so that the foreigners would be forced to buy American refined. They believed that the price of oil thus exported could easily be advanced 50 per cent. The control of the refining interests would also enable them to fix their own price on crude. As they would be the only buyers and sellers, the speculative character of the business would be done away with. In short, the scheme they worked out put the entire oil business in their hands. It looked as simple to put into operation as it was dazzling in its results.
Hello,
I noticed some of the posts and comments seem to make Rockefeller seem like a respectable man. I suppose if you are purely interested in profits following his step would be the perfect way to go. I could see keeping tabs on your companies daily pulse, but to put Rockefeller in such a good light is slightly worrying. You have to remember Rockefeller ruined many lives unfairly and illegally. That is not a business practice that should be accepted and honored. One could, in essence, trace his business practices to making things in America worse during the depression era (he was already retired mostly by 1895, but many of his practices were continued by other companies). Giving dimes to poor children would be like being a thief and stealing everything in a house, than giving a CD/Mp3 player back. Rockefeller had an evil side, and a good side. Many of his philanthropic things helped on some level, but over, in the scale of things, he was what I personally would consider a cold person, and not someone to hold in high esteem. One could compare him to a thief who stole from many, and realizing what he had done as he neared death, and tried to give it all back, but being too late to save and help many.
-M.H.
I noticed some of the posts and comments seem to make Rockefeller seem like a respectable man. I suppose if you are purely interested in profits following his step would be the perfect way to go. I could see keeping tabs on your companies daily pulse, but to put Rockefeller in such a good light is slightly worrying. You have to remember Rockefeller ruined many lives unfairly and illegally. That is not a business practice that should be accepted and honored. One could, in essence, trace his business practices to making things in America worse during the depression era (he was already retired mostly by 1895, but many of his practices were continued by other companies). Giving dimes to poor children would be like being a thief and stealing everything in a house, than giving a CD/Mp3 player back. Rockefeller had an evil side, and a good side. Many of his philanthropic things helped on some level, but over, in the scale of things, he was what I personally would consider a cold person, and not someone to hold in high esteem. One could compare him to a thief who stole from many, and realizing what he had done as he neared death, and tried to give it all back, but being too late to save and help many.
-M.H.
Dear Mike,
To the contrary Mr. Rockefeller was not an evil man at all. Nothing close to those behind Enron or MCI. In fact, he was generous and kind. He just happened to be an incredibly efficient and ruthless business person. Nothing wrong with that.
Appreciate your post,
Bob
To the contrary Mr. Rockefeller was not an evil man at all. Nothing close to those behind Enron or MCI. In fact, he was generous and kind. He just happened to be an incredibly efficient and ruthless business person. Nothing wrong with that.
Appreciate your post,
Bob
You and Bob Parsons need to read a little history. While I'm not making excuses for major criminals like Ken Lay, Bernie Ebbers and that ilk, among his many crimes Rockefeller hired Pinkertons and other thugs even the Federal and State Governments to murder labor organizers and supporters of minority rights. His most famous slaughter was the Ludlow massacre. He bribed local officials to send the National Guard laced with Pinkertons to open fire on a mining camp full of men, women and children who had the audacity to strike for better wages and working conditions. On my planet, that's evil. I don't know what planet you and Parsons infest.
The acting National Guard troops were ordered to evict the tent cities that sprang up around the mines, even though the camps had been established on private property leased by the union.
Ludlow was the largest of the tent cities, located 18 miles north of Trinidad. On the morning of April 20, the day after Greek Easter celebrated by many Greek immigrants in the Ludlow camp, the troops opened fire with machine guns. They fired across the railroad tracks into the tents. Anyone who moved through the camp was targeted. The miners fired back, and the fighting raged for hours.
In the afternoon, a passing freight train stopped on the tracks, allowing many of the miners and their families to escape to the east to an outcrop of hills called the "Black Hills." Louis Tikas, the camp's main union organizer went to the National Guardsmen to arrange a truce. Lieutenant Linderfelt assaulted him with the butt of his rifle, and the soldiers fired three shots into Tikas's back as he lay on the ground.
As night approached, the militia descended on the tent camp and set fire to it, oblivious to the fact that two women and eleven children had been hiding in the pit beneath one tent and did not escape with the other strikers. When their charred bodies were found the next day, their deaths became a rallying cry for the UMWA, who called the incident the "Ludlow Massacre." In addition to the fire victims, thirteen people were shot dead during that day.
The acting National Guard troops were ordered to evict the tent cities that sprang up around the mines, even though the camps had been established on private property leased by the union.
Ludlow was the largest of the tent cities, located 18 miles north of Trinidad. On the morning of April 20, the day after Greek Easter celebrated by many Greek immigrants in the Ludlow camp, the troops opened fire with machine guns. They fired across the railroad tracks into the tents. Anyone who moved through the camp was targeted. The miners fired back, and the fighting raged for hours.
In the afternoon, a passing freight train stopped on the tracks, allowing many of the miners and their families to escape to the east to an outcrop of hills called the "Black Hills." Louis Tikas, the camp's main union organizer went to the National Guardsmen to arrange a truce. Lieutenant Linderfelt assaulted him with the butt of his rifle, and the soldiers fired three shots into Tikas's back as he lay on the ground.
As night approached, the militia descended on the tent camp and set fire to it, oblivious to the fact that two women and eleven children had been hiding in the pit beneath one tent and did not escape with the other strikers. When their charred bodies were found the next day, their deaths became a rallying cry for the UMWA, who called the incident the "Ludlow Massacre." In addition to the fire victims, thirteen people were shot dead during that day.
Dear Parcelli,
What planet I infest? Why that would be planet Earth. How about you my friend, what nest do you infest?
Regarding the Ludlow Massacre, there's no doubt that it was a dark occurence. But like any event there's many sides to the story. You seem to provide only one drastic side.
Here's a link to a page provided by PBS in their coverage on the Rockefeller's that tells the story from several perspectives and in it Mr. Rockefeller comes across quite differently than you portray:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/rockefellers/sfeature/sf_8. html
I don't know why it is, but there's always the element that insists on associating anyone who is successful with extreme evil. I believe that simply was not the case with John D.
Appreciate your post,
Bob
What planet I infest? Why that would be planet Earth. How about you my friend, what nest do you infest?
Regarding the Ludlow Massacre, there's no doubt that it was a dark occurence. But like any event there's many sides to the story. You seem to provide only one drastic side.
Here's a link to a page provided by PBS in their coverage on the Rockefeller's that tells the story from several perspectives and in it Mr. Rockefeller comes across quite differently than you portray:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/rockefellers/sfeature/sf_8. html
I don't know why it is, but there's always the element that insists on associating anyone who is successful with extreme evil. I believe that simply was not the case with John D.
Appreciate your post,
Bob
Well, Bob. There's nothing overtly dark about my portrayal of Rockefeller, and I'm not surprised to find someone with your background acting as an apologist for the murder of women and children. After Ludlow, Rockefeller's reputation was at such a nadir that he hired the services of Ivy Lee to rehabilitate his public image because as a classic robber baron he engaged in so much nefarious and murderous behavior that not even the general public could tolerate it any longer. Ivy Lee's job was Public Relations, all smoke and mirrors, and uttlery divorced from the truth. Like your blog!
#5.1.1.1.1 Carlo Parcelli on Oct 11 2005, 17:21 Reply
"I'm not surprised to find someone with your background acting as an apologist for the murder of women and children."
Ah, now Parcelli's intentions come clear. Methinks he it trying way too hard to win this arguement.
Ah, now Parcelli's intentions come clear. Methinks he it trying way too hard to win this arguement.
#5.1.1.1.1.1 randoid on Oct 13 2005, 19:11 Reply
Mr. Parsons; thank you for sharing the wisdom of John D. Rockefeller and showing how you've used it successfully. I am launching my broadcast network this Thursday and my wife has been training me on this important aspect.
I hope to do work with you in the future.
Continued success.
I hope to do work with you in the future.
Continued success.
I think it is interesting that simply the name "Rockefeller" brings to mind so many things, everywhere from "good businessman" to "criminal".
While I don't applaud everything that Mr. Rockefeller did, I can respect the fact that he was a good businessperson, and knew how to make his company profitable.
I can sit and say my grandfather was a drunk, because thats the plain hard cold truth. He died much earlier than he should have because of his drinking. He was no angel, by any means. But he provided for his family, and raised my father and my aunt and uncles right, and we have a very strong stable family because of it. So he did something right. I can't take that away from him.
Mr. Rockefeller did something right, just like my grandfather. Not everything, but at least one thing. We can glean good practices and bad practices from ANYONE, including ourselves
Bad guy? Maybe he wasn't a saint. But look how much the country grew from his (and our) mistakes. Just like how I don't drink myself into a coma every night.
Cheers,
~Chandler
While I don't applaud everything that Mr. Rockefeller did, I can respect the fact that he was a good businessperson, and knew how to make his company profitable.
I can sit and say my grandfather was a drunk, because thats the plain hard cold truth. He died much earlier than he should have because of his drinking. He was no angel, by any means. But he provided for his family, and raised my father and my aunt and uncles right, and we have a very strong stable family because of it. So he did something right. I can't take that away from him.
Mr. Rockefeller did something right, just like my grandfather. Not everything, but at least one thing. We can glean good practices and bad practices from ANYONE, including ourselves
Bad guy? Maybe he wasn't a saint. But look how much the country grew from his (and our) mistakes. Just like how I don't drink myself into a coma every night.
Cheers,
~Chandler
Whatever you focus on it will expand! So when I read:
"One thing I learned early in my business career is that anything of significance that is measured and watched, improves. "
I totally agree with Mr. Parsons
"One thing I learned early in my business career is that anything of significance that is measured and watched, improves. "
I totally agree with Mr. Parsons
Bob,
Thanks for taking the time to relate your learning experiences from the life of Rockefellar. I agree — keeping involved in all aspects of business process is important. I especially liked how you apply your daily strategy to personal issues.
A good read!
Glenn Lippman
MORE Advantage
Intellectual Property Management/Licensing
Thanks for taking the time to relate your learning experiences from the life of Rockefellar. I agree — keeping involved in all aspects of business process is important. I especially liked how you apply your daily strategy to personal issues.
A good read!
Glenn Lippman
MORE Advantage
Intellectual Property Management/Licensing
Don't you think that you should at least mention the role that engaging in long term monopolistic practices had in the role of the growth of Standard Oil and Rockefeller's riches?
The only reason that Standard Oil became so rich and powerful was because of deliberate long term violations of the law — because of malicious anti-social criminal activity as standard long term business practices.
Standard Oil was finally broken up by Teddy Roosevelt and the courts because its business practices were so corrupt and illegal that breaking up the company was the only solution left.
Wouldn't it be much more honest to say that if people want to emulate the method Rockefeller used to build up Standard Oil that they must engage in years of highly illegal activities? — You know, like the business practices at Enron, Adelphia, MCI, etc.
The only reason that Standard Oil became so rich and powerful was because of deliberate long term violations of the law — because of malicious anti-social criminal activity as standard long term business practices.
Standard Oil was finally broken up by Teddy Roosevelt and the courts because its business practices were so corrupt and illegal that breaking up the company was the only solution left.
Wouldn't it be much more honest to say that if people want to emulate the method Rockefeller used to build up Standard Oil that they must engage in years of highly illegal activities? — You know, like the business practices at Enron, Adelphia, MCI, etc.
Today it seems that trying to block others from business is more wide spread than ever before. Big box Chains whether Home Improvement, General Merchandise, Fast Food or Oil companies are known to buy or lease up property near or across the street from their current operation to keep the other guy from coming in. Also Going to suppliers and buying up everything within a product group etc.
Nothing has changed that much, lets just hope there will always be a Lowes to compete with HD or a Staples to compete with Office Depot, Target to keep Walmart on its toes. We are down to 2 or 3 players in many retail categories and that is a bit scary! Think about what would happen to prices if the number 2 guy falls!
JBB
Nothing has changed that much, lets just hope there will always be a Lowes to compete with HD or a Staples to compete with Office Depot, Target to keep Walmart on its toes. We are down to 2 or 3 players in many retail categories and that is a bit scary! Think about what would happen to prices if the number 2 guy falls!
JBB
I'm more realistic. I'm thinking what happens when the #2 Guy (business competitor) meets at the restaurant & strikes a deal with the #1 Guy (business competitor) to share their combined Market.
#10.1.1 Elementary Man Woodrow Riley, shaken AND stirred. (http://www.free.seekon.com/NonNuclearFusionEngines/) on Jan 24 2006, 14:24 Reply
Milo,
Clearly he was only focusing on that part of Rockefeller which involved keeping a close tab on real time business information. I think you are missed the whole point entirely. Perhaps if you tune into the radio show you'll hear all the aspects of Rockefeller, as mentioned at the top of the post we are discussing.
Alex
Clearly he was only focusing on that part of Rockefeller which involved keeping a close tab on real time business information. I think you are missed the whole point entirely. Perhaps if you tune into the radio show you'll hear all the aspects of Rockefeller, as mentioned at the top of the post we are discussing.
Alex
Rockefeller was an amazing man who was largely criticized because he was too good. The antitrust laws of the era were founded on an misguided notion (still present today) that big is inherently bad. They also recognized so-called "natural" monopolies and were perfectly fine with them. This contradiction has made antitrust one of the vaguest legal concepts ever to withstand constitutional oversight.
Think about it: "natural" monopolies like the cable company or the post office legally exclude competition. If you were to start a business to deliver a first-class letter, you could find yourself facing criminal charges if you kept doing it in spite of legal threats. Standard Oil, on the other hand, was supremely efficient and excluded competition either by making the pricing structure so prohibitive that it wasn't worth trying to compete or by buying up those competitors who tried anyway.
What is wrong with that? At the time, such conglomeration was unheard of and scandalized the public, which was used to companies that couldn't readily afford to snatch up the competition. (Odd that, given the fact that railroads did this to a large extent but they too were villified.) Today, the sorts of mergers and acquisitions that earned the bust-up of Standard Oil are common.
The major problem with antitrust legislation is that it ends up punishing the most successful companies because they are successful. If Microsoft achieves 95% market share, it does so because it offers up a product that 95% of the market wants and is willing to pay for. It cannot force you to buy its product and it cannot keep you from buying from the competition. The fact that it makes sweet deals with computer manufacturers does not change the fact that it cannot force the manufacturers to agree. They agree because there's a compelling argument to do so: boatloads of money to be made.
As long as market dominance is not achieved through fraud, how can we second-guess the decisions of the the millions of market participants and say that we know better? Wal-Mart is similarly attacked for its success but every dollar in its retail sales revenue was given to it willingly by a shopper.
Think about it: "natural" monopolies like the cable company or the post office legally exclude competition. If you were to start a business to deliver a first-class letter, you could find yourself facing criminal charges if you kept doing it in spite of legal threats. Standard Oil, on the other hand, was supremely efficient and excluded competition either by making the pricing structure so prohibitive that it wasn't worth trying to compete or by buying up those competitors who tried anyway.
What is wrong with that? At the time, such conglomeration was unheard of and scandalized the public, which was used to companies that couldn't readily afford to snatch up the competition. (Odd that, given the fact that railroads did this to a large extent but they too were villified.) Today, the sorts of mergers and acquisitions that earned the bust-up of Standard Oil are common.
The major problem with antitrust legislation is that it ends up punishing the most successful companies because they are successful. If Microsoft achieves 95% market share, it does so because it offers up a product that 95% of the market wants and is willing to pay for. It cannot force you to buy its product and it cannot keep you from buying from the competition. The fact that it makes sweet deals with computer manufacturers does not change the fact that it cannot force the manufacturers to agree. They agree because there's a compelling argument to do so: boatloads of money to be made.
As long as market dominance is not achieved through fraud, how can we second-guess the decisions of the the millions of market participants and say that we know better? Wal-Mart is similarly attacked for its success but every dollar in its retail sales revenue was given to it willingly by a shopper.
Milo, Bob was writing an article, not a book. An article takes a theme and develops it for the benefit of the reader. Anything else - even a mere mention - is rambling.
Dov Gordon
Dov Gordon
Dear Milo,
A few exceptions to your post.
1. I never said that Mr. Rockefeller was an Angel. In many ways he as an extremely efficient, effective and ruthless business man. I find nothing wrong with that.
2. Like others of his time, there's questionable activities in which he engaged, i.e. bribes, etc. His company was the reason that anti-trust laws came into being. I suppose you could argue that he crossed many lines.
3. Contrary to the crooks at Enron, MCI, et al, Mr. Rockefeller actually built a solid, efficient and extremely well funded business. He didn't cheat his investors. In contrast today we have The Rockefeller Foundation. There is no Enron or MCI foundation.
Similar to Gates (who has been in court with Microsoft over the years concerning his business practices), Rockefeller was eventually checked by the government. Be that as it may, there's no denying it, there's a lot we all can learn from both of these guys.
Appreciate your post,
Bob
A few exceptions to your post.
1. I never said that Mr. Rockefeller was an Angel. In many ways he as an extremely efficient, effective and ruthless business man. I find nothing wrong with that.
2. Like others of his time, there's questionable activities in which he engaged, i.e. bribes, etc. His company was the reason that anti-trust laws came into being. I suppose you could argue that he crossed many lines.
3. Contrary to the crooks at Enron, MCI, et al, Mr. Rockefeller actually built a solid, efficient and extremely well funded business. He didn't cheat his investors. In contrast today we have The Rockefeller Foundation. There is no Enron or MCI foundation.
Similar to Gates (who has been in court with Microsoft over the years concerning his business practices), Rockefeller was eventually checked by the government. Be that as it may, there's no denying it, there's a lot we all can learn from both of these guys.
Appreciate your post,
Bob
Dear Mr. Parsons:
Thanks for sharing Mr. Rockfeller's wisdom! Reminds me of the old saying " it's the little foxes that spoil the vine". Paying attention to details will either break or make you. I guess that's where balance comes in, and this skill is a learned process.
If you have time, please tell me from your vantage point, how can someone who has lots of creative business ideas can get their products off the ground without a lot of capital or no capital available, poor personal credit, no assets, and no rich relatives or friends who can front the business venture. Is it possible to do this, and if so do you have any advice you be willing to share?
I would like to know who was the first link in the chain of the Rockfeller's success that started that family out and what was the secret or what did they do in order to create the fortune that this family is known. If you know this information and can share the knowledge, that would instill hope and determination in those who have to start out at the bottom of the ladder.
Thanks for your time and for sharing sound knowledge!
Sincerely,
Caroline Benton
PS: I love your company, I have all three of my domains with Go Daddy. Your company was highly recommended for the security, costs, and integrity....way to go, you and your staff achieved true success as a business...(customer satisfaction on a consistent basis). Nothing like word of mouth to build a good reputation. Just thought you would like to know this from one of your customers. Thanks for being a great company to do business with all the time!
Thanks for sharing Mr. Rockfeller's wisdom! Reminds me of the old saying " it's the little foxes that spoil the vine". Paying attention to details will either break or make you. I guess that's where balance comes in, and this skill is a learned process.
If you have time, please tell me from your vantage point, how can someone who has lots of creative business ideas can get their products off the ground without a lot of capital or no capital available, poor personal credit, no assets, and no rich relatives or friends who can front the business venture. Is it possible to do this, and if so do you have any advice you be willing to share?
I would like to know who was the first link in the chain of the Rockfeller's success that started that family out and what was the secret or what did they do in order to create the fortune that this family is known. If you know this information and can share the knowledge, that would instill hope and determination in those who have to start out at the bottom of the ladder.
Thanks for your time and for sharing sound knowledge!
Sincerely,
Caroline Benton
PS: I love your company, I have all three of my domains with Go Daddy. Your company was highly recommended for the security, costs, and integrity....way to go, you and your staff achieved true success as a business...(customer satisfaction on a consistent basis). Nothing like word of mouth to build a good reputation. Just thought you would like to know this from one of your customers. Thanks for being a great company to do business with all the time!
Bob
I am a loyal reader of your blog. You are making a tremendous contribution to the community of Internet entrepreneurs by providing insights such as these. We are ourselves are in a direct marketing business (High Speed Internet).
My question to you is your measurement system internally developed or did you license reporting software (such as Crystal).
Thanks
Steve
I am a loyal reader of your blog. You are making a tremendous contribution to the community of Internet entrepreneurs by providing insights such as these. We are ourselves are in a direct marketing business (High Speed Internet).
My question to you is your measurement system internally developed or did you license reporting software (such as Crystal).
Thanks
Steve
Bob, I like the new blog layout, with three quibbles: One, I miss your old picture! Two, the constant reloads are really annoying, and they mess up my history. Three, though, is the biggie: You're overriding my browser settings to FORCE underlining on links even though I have it turned off in my browser. There are people who have difficulty reading underlined text on the screen — I'm one of them. I literally can't read the "recent articles" section. No matter how much better you like it with the underlining, please respect our browser settings (and our needs) and let us see it the way we need to in order to be able to read it at all. Text-decoration:underline must die!
— JMM
— JMM
Dear Jean,
I believe we now have those two items you mentioned corrected (reloads and forced underlining). Please let me know if it's not to your satisfaction.
Thanks for the heads up.
Bob
I believe we now have those two items you mentioned corrected (reloads and forced underlining). Please let me know if it's not to your satisfaction.
Thanks for the heads up.
Bob
Dear Jean,
Can't help you with respect to the picture — although your comment gave me a nice smile.
We'll go to work to help out with regard to the underlining and reloading issues. Thanks for taking the time to point this stuff out.
Appreciate your post,
Bob
Can't help you with respect to the picture — although your comment gave me a nice smile.
We'll go to work to help out with regard to the underlining and reloading issues. Thanks for taking the time to point this stuff out.
Appreciate your post,
Bob
hi bob,
i enjoyed the article you wrote, love your company, and have just one peeve that i feel becoming more serious every day. there is a new industry growing on the idea of speculating on domain names. resellers they sometimes call themselves. i wouldn't mind so much if all they were doing was reasonably marking them up, but when they buy hundreds(or thousands) of names in bulk and hold them hostage in hopes that someday some poor sap with a legitimate use for it will be in need of it and they can take him for a few thousand dollars! this sickens me. i don't consider that a legitimate business or something that should be honored or encouraged.
which brings me to the point i'm trying to make. your company in recent months i feel has been courting these individuals with promotions, programs, and special discount pricing. why??? let the scumbags be scumbags, but don't help them!
i enjoyed the article you wrote, love your company, and have just one peeve that i feel becoming more serious every day. there is a new industry growing on the idea of speculating on domain names. resellers they sometimes call themselves. i wouldn't mind so much if all they were doing was reasonably marking them up, but when they buy hundreds(or thousands) of names in bulk and hold them hostage in hopes that someday some poor sap with a legitimate use for it will be in need of it and they can take him for a few thousand dollars! this sickens me. i don't consider that a legitimate business or something that should be honored or encouraged.
which brings me to the point i'm trying to make. your company in recent months i feel has been courting these individuals with promotions, programs, and special discount pricing. why??? let the scumbags be scumbags, but don't help them!
Dear Tom,
I understand your frustrations.
They are not however called resellers. They are more properly referred to as speculators.
Domain speculators have been around as long as the domain name system has been in place. What they do is completely a gamble. Sometimes they win, sometimes they don't. The process is legal, thus we have a product called our "Domain Name After Market" tdnam.com where people can buy/sell domains on the secondary market.
Not all people who use tdnam.com are speculators. In fact, the average domain sells for less than $100. So with the exception of isolated cases it's really not so bad.
Quite often I will want a domain only to find that a speculator owns it, and wind up purchasing it from them. While having to face either purchasing a domain name from a speculator or being forced to choose a less desirable name is frustrating, I don't consider speculators to be scumbags.
Appreciate your post,
Bob
I understand your frustrations.
They are not however called resellers. They are more properly referred to as speculators.
Domain speculators have been around as long as the domain name system has been in place. What they do is completely a gamble. Sometimes they win, sometimes they don't. The process is legal, thus we have a product called our "Domain Name After Market" tdnam.com where people can buy/sell domains on the secondary market.
Not all people who use tdnam.com are speculators. In fact, the average domain sells for less than $100. So with the exception of isolated cases it's really not so bad.
Quite often I will want a domain only to find that a speculator owns it, and wind up purchasing it from them. While having to face either purchasing a domain name from a speculator or being forced to choose a less desirable name is frustrating, I don't consider speculators to be scumbags.
Appreciate your post,
Bob
1. You are absolutely correct in the value of watching the numbers [and the news] on a daily basis. As soon as I realized that one point, my web site moved to the top of the charts.
Now I am changing the entire web design and implementing more seo. I would like to install stat scripts as I go, but am frustrated to no end because:
2. Reliable web stats?
(a) My web host uses an abbreviated version of Urchin. As a not-for-profit moving to a non-profit, I have to watch my pennies and cannot afford the full version. That's one set of results, telling me what happened yesterday.
(b) Needing realtime info, I installed Addfreestats on my root and a few other prime subweb pages. While it does give me vital visitor information I can act on immediately, the stats are not the same as Urchin's.
(c) Ranking.com tells me my ranking is superb with over 10,000 in-links, but they lag by around 3 months as best I can figure.
(d) Alexa gives me a lower ranking, but their list of in-links is far better - qualified links only. This is information I can act on.
My questions are, where can I find reliable [preferably free] web stats, and who provides accurate ranking information?
Thank you for your time,
Annie McGuire
Director
Fraud Aid
Now I am changing the entire web design and implementing more seo. I would like to install stat scripts as I go, but am frustrated to no end because:
2. Reliable web stats?
(a) My web host uses an abbreviated version of Urchin. As a not-for-profit moving to a non-profit, I have to watch my pennies and cannot afford the full version. That's one set of results, telling me what happened yesterday.
(b) Needing realtime info, I installed Addfreestats on my root and a few other prime subweb pages. While it does give me vital visitor information I can act on immediately, the stats are not the same as Urchin's.
(c) Ranking.com tells me my ranking is superb with over 10,000 in-links, but they lag by around 3 months as best I can figure.
(d) Alexa gives me a lower ranking, but their list of in-links is far better - qualified links only. This is information I can act on.
My questions are, where can I find reliable [preferably free] web stats, and who provides accurate ranking information?
Thank you for your time,
Annie McGuire
Director
Fraud Aid
Dear Annie,
Our hosting programs include a free stats program. We also have a more high powered stats program that's available for only $2.99 a month. Most likely our monthly hosting cost will be sufficiently less than what you're paying now that you can have the advanced stats program, and still wind up saving money.
Appreciate your post,
Bob
Our hosting programs include a free stats program. We also have a more high powered stats program that's available for only $2.99 a month. Most likely our monthly hosting cost will be sufficiently less than what you're paying now that you can have the advanced stats program, and still wind up saving money.
Appreciate your post,
Bob
Hello Bob,
Thank you for replying to my post or blog. I'm not quite sure which term I should be using.
I will contact your sales department and start comparing, ask them hard questions. Defining factors will be tech support, real-time stats, ability to add tracking scripts to all pages + new ones automatically from server side, and monthly auto-billing costs. Other features are already listed on your site.
I've been with my host for a little over 6 years and changing is a difficult decision. But, I'm growing at a rather mad pace and my ability to keep my finger on the pulse is vital.
Thank you for this terrific blog. Can't tell you how much I'm enjoying it here.
Annie McGuire
Director
Fraud Aid
Thank you for replying to my post or blog. I'm not quite sure which term I should be using.
I will contact your sales department and start comparing, ask them hard questions. Defining factors will be tech support, real-time stats, ability to add tracking scripts to all pages + new ones automatically from server side, and monthly auto-billing costs. Other features are already listed on your site.
I've been with my host for a little over 6 years and changing is a difficult decision. But, I'm growing at a rather mad pace and my ability to keep my finger on the pulse is vital.
Thank you for this terrific blog. Can't tell you how much I'm enjoying it here.
Annie McGuire
Director
Fraud Aid
Dear Annie,
You'd refer to comments you post here as posts or comments — your choice. The entire environment at bobparsons.com, which embraces my articles and readers posts and my replies would be referred to as a Blog (or Weblog).
So you could properly write "thank you for replying to my post on your blog." I hope this helps.
Appreciate your interest in the blog and the possibility that you might become a customer.
Bob
You'd refer to comments you post here as posts or comments — your choice. The entire environment at bobparsons.com, which embraces my articles and readers posts and my replies would be referred to as a Blog (or Weblog).
So you could properly write "thank you for replying to my post on your blog." I hope this helps.
Appreciate your interest in the blog and the possibility that you might become a customer.
Bob
Mr. Parsons,
Early on in my employment history, I learned that to be successful, you must learn from and do what successful people do. As my satisfaction with employment waned, and my focus on self-employment increased, I continued to hold myself to that mantra.
Now, self-employed at 28 and focused on developing a business system, I continue to read, learn, and practice what successful individuals like yourself have done and are doing to improve the efficiency of their operations.
Mr. Parsons, you are successful and have been more than once. Though on several orders of magnitude less, I am successful with what I do but I find that I am so focused on success that other major aspects of my life (marriage, religion, leisure, etc.) aren't out-of-whack, but they are in need of attention. I recognize this, but I don't wish to lose focus on my success.
How do you ensure that you remain focused on your company's success without losing the balance in other aspects of your life?
Thank you for your insight,
Isaac Grover
Early on in my employment history, I learned that to be successful, you must learn from and do what successful people do. As my satisfaction with employment waned, and my focus on self-employment increased, I continued to hold myself to that mantra.
Now, self-employed at 28 and focused on developing a business system, I continue to read, learn, and practice what successful individuals like yourself have done and are doing to improve the efficiency of their operations.
Mr. Parsons, you are successful and have been more than once. Though on several orders of magnitude less, I am successful with what I do but I find that I am so focused on success that other major aspects of my life (marriage, religion, leisure, etc.) aren't out-of-whack, but they are in need of attention. I recognize this, but I don't wish to lose focus on my success.
How do you ensure that you remain focused on your company's success without losing the balance in other aspects of your life?
Thank you for your insight,
Isaac Grover
Isaac
I have been running my own business for over 20 years. I have kept it small while my kids where growing up. I first was focused on building my business and letting my wife take care of the kids (my early 20’s). Bad idea. After a while I decided that the most important thing was God, Country, Family, and Business. God is my Life/Business partner. My wife is my helpmate, my best friend, and my girl friend, ext. My kids are my buddies/friends. Most of all they understand that I AM THE HEAD OF THE HOUSE and my wife is there to help me make decisions. If she does not like what I am doing she takes it to God in prayer then he tells me. Sounds goofy but this has worked now for 22 years and we still hold hands. As the years went on I noticed that other kids that I grew up with did what their parents did. So I took notice and decided to be a teacher and mentor. I scheduled time with them just like I would a client. The most important thing we do is Every Fri. night at 7:00pm we have family night. No phones, no one over for the night, and no one leave. Pizza and movies or we go to the lake. My wife and I go out for a quick date once a week (about 1 hour away from the kids). Now my kids are in their teens and we have secret hand shakes little ditties/songs about being men. The oldest is telling me things like wow Dad you are right again. Pretty great. Anyway schedule your time; business will come your way. One of my thoughts is if you know God you will prosper. Know God and ignore him and you will live in total disarray and misery while trying to build anything without Him.
Tim Kaelin
I have been running my own business for over 20 years. I have kept it small while my kids where growing up. I first was focused on building my business and letting my wife take care of the kids (my early 20’s). Bad idea. After a while I decided that the most important thing was God, Country, Family, and Business. God is my Life/Business partner. My wife is my helpmate, my best friend, and my girl friend, ext. My kids are my buddies/friends. Most of all they understand that I AM THE HEAD OF THE HOUSE and my wife is there to help me make decisions. If she does not like what I am doing she takes it to God in prayer then he tells me. Sounds goofy but this has worked now for 22 years and we still hold hands. As the years went on I noticed that other kids that I grew up with did what their parents did. So I took notice and decided to be a teacher and mentor. I scheduled time with them just like I would a client. The most important thing we do is Every Fri. night at 7:00pm we have family night. No phones, no one over for the night, and no one leave. Pizza and movies or we go to the lake. My wife and I go out for a quick date once a week (about 1 hour away from the kids). Now my kids are in their teens and we have secret hand shakes little ditties/songs about being men. The oldest is telling me things like wow Dad you are right again. Pretty great. Anyway schedule your time; business will come your way. One of my thoughts is if you know God you will prosper. Know God and ignore him and you will live in total disarray and misery while trying to build anything without Him.
Tim Kaelin
Dear Isaac,
If you discover the answer to your question re: balance between work life and personal life, please let me know.
Appreciate your post,
Bob
If you discover the answer to your question re: balance between work life and personal life, please let me know.
Appreciate your post,
Bob
Great information Bob. Keeping all of your profit/loss information close at hand and easily accessible by all people in your business is a great strategy. Many people (and books) tout this advise, but few companies have the gumption to carry it through.
Great job!
Tyler Eastman
Internet Sales
Autoapproved.com
Great job!
Tyler Eastman
Internet Sales
Autoapproved.com
I often read your blog but never comment. I want to thank you for taking the time to share your insight with us, or me in particular. I attempt to study all the successful people in business. Your comments are candid, not hiding details or exaggerating facts. I find that your blog follows your business philosophy, mostly in simplicity. I find myself thinking everything you touch turns to gold, you worked hard and smart. I'm very determined to start a larger project, any recommendations for how I could go about getting seed money? Once you sold your first company I understand you had to money to start GoDaddy but suppose you had the idea without the funds. Where would you start?
Paul,
Bob's article looks like it hit a cord among the real estate guys. (I assume by your web address, you too are in RE) Drop me an e-mail, I might have some answers to your seed money questions. I have recently, after 3 years of trying, pulled together a multi-million dollar project together. I may be able to help you avoid some of the problems and delays that I went through. I thought my degree in Finance and minor in Real Estate would let me sail through the project........WRONG.......
Best Wishes,
Kit D Carroll
E-Mail: kit@kitcarroll.com
Bob's article looks like it hit a cord among the real estate guys. (I assume by your web address, you too are in RE) Drop me an e-mail, I might have some answers to your seed money questions. I have recently, after 3 years of trying, pulled together a multi-million dollar project together. I may be able to help you avoid some of the problems and delays that I went through. I thought my degree in Finance and minor in Real Estate would let me sail through the project........WRONG.......
Best Wishes,
Kit D Carroll
E-Mail: kit@kitcarroll.com
Dear Paul,
I sure wish everything I touched turned to gold.
Regarding raising seed money, I'm simply the wrong guy to ask. The reason is that I never had a partner in any of my ventures, nor did I ever raise money. So your guess is as good as mine when it comes to raising seed money.
Off the cuff it seems like you would need some sort of proof of concept around your idea/venture — what it is, why it would work, how it would be implemented, fall back plans, etc. And then you'd need to create excitement around it. That would seem to be a good attractor.
Best of luck to you,
Bob
I sure wish everything I touched turned to gold.
Regarding raising seed money, I'm simply the wrong guy to ask. The reason is that I never had a partner in any of my ventures, nor did I ever raise money. So your guess is as good as mine when it comes to raising seed money.
Off the cuff it seems like you would need some sort of proof of concept around your idea/venture — what it is, why it would work, how it would be implemented, fall back plans, etc. And then you'd need to create excitement around it. That would seem to be a good attractor.
Best of luck to you,
Bob
Thanks so much for your experience,Iam new to your site and will not be a stranger being a buisness man myself I realize the importance of documentation (which many do not) that is the downfall of what could be a strong buisness. respectfuly David
Bob,
Thanks so much for the information you provided. I've sent your URL address for the blog to a few other business professionals who will enjoy and benefit from your words.
Having gone through 2 downsizings and worked for a couple of small companies who are now insolvent, I struck out on my own and am working endless hours to put the appropriate business practices, philosophies, and materials in place. (I've certainly seen what not to do and it's great to read and connect with successful professionals who know what to do!)
I'll keep looking for more words of wisdom on your site!
Tanya
Thanks so much for the information you provided. I've sent your URL address for the blog to a few other business professionals who will enjoy and benefit from your words.
Having gone through 2 downsizings and worked for a couple of small companies who are now insolvent, I struck out on my own and am working endless hours to put the appropriate business practices, philosophies, and materials in place. (I've certainly seen what not to do and it's great to read and connect with successful professionals who know what to do!)
I'll keep looking for more words of wisdom on your site!
Tanya
Dear Bob: This is what I learned about JD Rockefeller in high school (back in the Stone Age HA-HA).
1. Rockefeller, in his pursuit to make his American Oil Co. number one, would go into a town and lower his prices to below market value. All the consumers in that town would of course purchase Rockefeller's oil. The other suppliers in town would be forced out of business. After there was no longer any competition, John D would raise his prices sky high. Now oil consumers were forced to pay an unfair price.
2. Rockefeller had special oversize pockets sewn into his pants so he could fill his big pockets with dimes. He was known to give dimes to poor children on the streets. A multimillionaire giving dimes away to kids during the depression -WHAT A GUY-
3. Only 7 people showed up to pay there final respects at JD Rockefeller's funeral.
As a business man Rockefeller was a ten, but as a caring human being JD failed miserably.
1. Rockefeller, in his pursuit to make his American Oil Co. number one, would go into a town and lower his prices to below market value. All the consumers in that town would of course purchase Rockefeller's oil. The other suppliers in town would be forced out of business. After there was no longer any competition, John D would raise his prices sky high. Now oil consumers were forced to pay an unfair price.
2. Rockefeller had special oversize pockets sewn into his pants so he could fill his big pockets with dimes. He was known to give dimes to poor children on the streets. A multimillionaire giving dimes away to kids during the depression -WHAT A GUY-
3. Only 7 people showed up to pay there final respects at JD Rockefeller's funeral.
As a business man Rockefeller was a ten, but as a caring human being JD failed miserably.
Bill,
You don't have to worry about Bob Driving into our Computers and lowering Domain prices...he did that first! GoDaddy will not be able to drive the other guys out of "town" either, cause some of them got BIG POCKETS FULL OF REAL DOLLARS! GoDaddy will have to mind the Store and serve up "Higher Octane and better Oil Changes" if you know what I mean.
Having lots of experience and a powerful and complete advertising won't hurt either, and GoDaddy seems in for the long haul when it comes to marketing itself.
Giving away Dimes is not such a bad idea, giving away anything is not such a bad idea, you think?
You don't have to worry about Bob Driving into our Computers and lowering Domain prices...he did that first! GoDaddy will not be able to drive the other guys out of "town" either, cause some of them got BIG POCKETS FULL OF REAL DOLLARS! GoDaddy will have to mind the Store and serve up "Higher Octane and better Oil Changes" if you know what I mean.
Having lots of experience and a powerful and complete advertising won't hurt either, and GoDaddy seems in for the long haul when it comes to marketing itself.
Giving away Dimes is not such a bad idea, giving away anything is not such a bad idea, you think?
Dear Bill,
You have to remember that back in Rockefeller's time a dime was lot more money than it is today. Keep in mind that many people worked for far less than 10 cents an hour. Equating that today's wages, handing kids 10, 15 or 20 bucks would come across as both generous and eccentric — that's how it came across back in his day.
Appreciate your post,
Bob
You have to remember that back in Rockefeller's time a dime was lot more money than it is today. Keep in mind that many people worked for far less than 10 cents an hour. Equating that today's wages, handing kids 10, 15 or 20 bucks would come across as both generous and eccentric — that's how it came across back in his day.
Appreciate your post,
Bob
Hi, Bob.
I'm new to GoDaddy. Actually, my husband is one of your new customers. We're in the process of starting our own online business. I am really impressed with so many things I've found on your web site, and I haven't seen much of it, yet. Your scope of services and your BBB membership impressed me, but what impressed me most was your blog. I like that you have made yourself readily available and accessible. It seems you have many rare qualities. I look forward to fully exploring your blog and the rest of your web site, and to doing more business with your company.
Sheila
I'm new to GoDaddy. Actually, my husband is one of your new customers. We're in the process of starting our own online business. I am really impressed with so many things I've found on your web site, and I haven't seen much of it, yet. Your scope of services and your BBB membership impressed me, but what impressed me most was your blog. I like that you have made yourself readily available and accessible. It seems you have many rare qualities. I look forward to fully exploring your blog and the rest of your web site, and to doing more business with your company.
Sheila
Hi Bob -
Love your posts dude - you share the type of info that is helpful to many.
But...I'm very disorganized, yet by most measures very successful. Made a lot online, invested it in property, still doing well in both. However, sites are in disrepair and lawns are unmowed and I spend too much time playing online chess. Is there any hope for me?
Joe
Love your posts dude - you share the type of info that is helpful to many.
But...I'm very disorganized, yet by most measures very successful. Made a lot online, invested it in property, still doing well in both. However, sites are in disrepair and lawns are unmowed and I spend too much time playing online chess. Is there any hope for me?
Joe
I've been doing this myself for years as well. I use excel and track all of my earnings for each of my websites and track my expenses across the same row for each day to see my daily profit/loss. Bob is 100% correct in saying that you can track whether an ad campaign is profitable within HOURS of starting it. Don't let a publisher you're advertising with tell you differently (I've had many of them tell me I need to wait a week to see if the campaign is profitable, thats just B.S.).
I have found that daily reporting has really changed my business. About two months ago I made a small page that at least one employee at each location should fill out. The result is sent straight to me, the CEO. I know 20 minutes after closing all the vital data in my company each day. If anyone would like the page here it is http://www.emeraldcomputers.com/tps.html
I give you permission to copy it if you like, just if you do tell me about it so I know I did some good.
The results from this page have been awesome, it has showed me areas that I need to improve, it also has allowed us to lower our inventory levels because now I know what is in stock each day, it also has made special orders faster for our customers.
I give you permission to copy it if you like, just if you do tell me about it so I know I did some good.
The results from this page have been awesome, it has showed me areas that I need to improve, it also has allowed us to lower our inventory levels because now I know what is in stock each day, it also has made special orders faster for our customers.
Bob,
Super article! May I share it with my field reps by putting it on my training site with a link at the top and the bottom that directs them to your blog to read past and future articles?
KB
Super article! May I share it with my field reps by putting it on my training site with a link at the top and the bottom that directs them to your blog to read past and future articles?
KB
Thanks Bob,
I am just starting out in a massage business and this advice came at the most opportune time. It is so simple but yet I can see how GoDaddy.com has just blossomed because of your leadership, and my bottom line has benefitted because you are able to carefully price your items such that we both come out winners when I buy in packages.
I really appreciate you sharing that information and I appreciate many of the follow-up posts.
I am just starting out in a massage business and this advice came at the most opportune time. It is so simple but yet I can see how GoDaddy.com has just blossomed because of your leadership, and my bottom line has benefitted because you are able to carefully price your items such that we both come out winners when I buy in packages.
I really appreciate you sharing that information and I appreciate many of the follow-up posts.
Bob:
Just finishing the E-Myth Revisited, which talks about quantifying your business results, when I checked your blog. Your latest post continues to hammer home what it takes to make a successful business. Your blog was one of the main reasons why I joined GoDaddy to host my website and domain services (I like your outlook and approach to business and success). For those who might wonder, price was the third most-important factor, features and add-ons was second-most important.
Thanks for the inspiration! Please keep writing, I need to hear more about how to make a successful business happen!
Brian
Just finishing the E-Myth Revisited, which talks about quantifying your business results, when I checked your blog. Your latest post continues to hammer home what it takes to make a successful business. Your blog was one of the main reasons why I joined GoDaddy to host my website and domain services (I like your outlook and approach to business and success). For those who might wonder, price was the third most-important factor, features and add-ons was second-most important.
Thanks for the inspiration! Please keep writing, I need to hear more about how to make a successful business happen!
Brian
Hi Bob,
I just wanted you to know that I really love GoDaddy.com.
I have gotten all of my domain names through GoDaddy. Compared to others you have the best price and service available.
Keep up the good work letting us know what real business is about.
Shelby Carr
http://www.theprofitshack.com
http://www.profitablerecipes.co m
I just wanted you to know that I really love GoDaddy.com.
I have gotten all of my domain names through GoDaddy. Compared to others you have the best price and service available.
Keep up the good work letting us know what real business is about.
Shelby Carr
http://www.theprofitshack.com
http://www.profitablerecipes.co m
Bob,
After only recently "retiring" from the wirless phone business for a few years to go back to school, It was nice to hear someone else say that you had to essentially do one thing to be succesfull:
Know your business. Know what its like today, and where it is going tomorrow.
Of all the things I tried to do as a manager, I always made it imperitive that my employees "knew the business" and understood what it meant to the customers they were facing. Being able to turn on a dime and make quick decisions based on relevent information was key for me as well. Kudos for running your business with a well-informed hand instead of a "guess and hope it works" plan. I'm sure it is greatly appreciated at your middle-management level.
Cheers,
~J.Chandler
After only recently "retiring" from the wirless phone business for a few years to go back to school, It was nice to hear someone else say that you had to essentially do one thing to be succesfull:
Know your business. Know what its like today, and where it is going tomorrow.
Of all the things I tried to do as a manager, I always made it imperitive that my employees "knew the business" and understood what it meant to the customers they were facing. Being able to turn on a dime and make quick decisions based on relevent information was key for me as well. Kudos for running your business with a well-informed hand instead of a "guess and hope it works" plan. I'm sure it is greatly appreciated at your middle-management level.
Cheers,
~J.Chandler
Hi Bob,
Do you measure the return on investment for your companies charitable contributions like the 250k you just gave to support the Katrina recovery or do dontations fall into a different category?
Thanks for that contribution by the way. Very generous.
Your Friend,
Bobb
Do you measure the return on investment for your companies charitable contributions like the 250k you just gave to support the Katrina recovery or do dontations fall into a different category?
Thanks for that contribution by the way. Very generous.
Your Friend,
Bobb
I happenned upon your website looking for information regarding a quote from John D. Rockefeller; " The days of combination are here, individualism is gone forever, never to return." After some research I have found that "combination" is when you vertically integrate your business through "deals". In the case of Standard Oil, he pooled a number of business interests together in order to get "rebates" and "drawbacks" from the railroad companies which gave him a cost advantage over his competitors. Today such practices would be illegal.
I think the finest thing we have in this country is a government which can adjust policy to keep competition and innovation going and protect the little guy, while tempering such "interference" with caution so that progress may continue.
I believe John D. Rockefeller thought he was creating order out of Kaos, just like Bill Gates' Windows System has brought order to the computer industry. This is good to a certain extent, but innovation comes when people like yourself take chances and "wildcat". In the efforts of companies to add order we need to allow innovation as well. For example Xerox at PARC developed a windows- mouse based computer, but it was an unshaven kid named Steve Jobs who made it a reality; made it a MAC.
John D. Rockefeller created the modern energy industry. We have done so much with oil in the past 150 years, but it is also why we are in Iraq.
Maybe its time for some more innovation and a little less "order". I see kaos on the horizon in one form or another.
Sincerely,
Mark G.