Update: It's tax day in the states and many Americans are livid. They're wondering where all their tax dollars are going to. No one seems to know for sure.

If you live in California as I do, you've just been slammed with even more tax increases courtesy of our state legislature. Many of whom swore in writing not to raise taxes when they campaigned for office. Is it any wonder why voters get upset with the powers that be?

Which seems to coincide with an incident in December 1773 when the Sons of Liberty held a tea party in Boston Harbor. People were livid back then with higher taxes as they are today. A grass roots movement is brewing with a Tax Day Tea Party scheduled for 2,035 cities. If you're Taxed Enough Already — check them out.

Feature Article: Manifesting Ideas on the Spot

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A Nickel for Your Thoughts...

I just received a fundraising package in the mail from a local chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The envelope has a circular window showing a real nickel inside with "How Can 5¢ Save a Child's Life?" teaser copy on the outside. That's a congruent combination tying the nickel with the question. And if I wanted to get the nickel I'd have to open the envelope.

One of the biggest challenges for direct mail companies is to get people to open their packages. If a package looks like junk mail it usually gets tossed. The secret is to make it NOT look like junk mail.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society gets high marks for getting people to open their envelopes. They didn't use any deceptive techniques: just a plea to your curiosity and self-interest. Because if they don't persuade people to open their mailers, they won't receive the funds that further their cause.

Manifesting Ideas on the Spot

Dear Associate,

"We are a small Toastmasters club located at a church that's running about 5,000 in attendance each weekend," said David, president of his club. "We meet twice a month on Monday evenings. We originally started this group for the benefit of the church members. We're trying to grow, but it hasn't been that easy because of turnover."

I met David at a speech evaluation contest in which he was a contestant. He was seated to my left in the back row. He looked sharp in his blue suit and gave a superb evaluation. He finished as the contest runner-up.

I'm guessing his club is running between 12 to 18 members if even that. I'm sure they want to build their membership and eventually have a stable core group. And with a pool of 5,000 potential candidates they can reach, why haven't they? It was time for me to play Sherlock Holmes:

1) How are you promoting your club?

"We have a slide that tells the viewers what we're all about," David answered. "It's shown at the tail end of all the other announcements viewed on the big screen during the services. The slide contains a little blurb about improving communication skills."

Being at the tail end of a weekly slide show is not the best position. It's not prime real estate. The information given is probably perceived as an afterthought rather than something important. And because it is shown weekly, their slide is what viewers mentally use to segue their minds for the next segment. Something needs to change if they want to inject new life into their club.

2) Isn't communicating important for church members?

"Aren't the members encouraged to share their faith," I inquired. "Isn't the church welcoming new leaders to further their causes, lead ministries and prepare for the missionary field? And isn't effective communications critical to the success of these causes?"

"Yes," he replied.

So why aren't people tripping over each other to experience their club? Are they, as most people are, gripped by fear? Maybe they think joining Toastmasters is beneath them? Or perhaps they don't see the real benefits.

3) Are there any success stories from your club?

"Yes," David responded. "One of the pastors completed his first ten speeches, was pleased with his progress and has become a better communicator. He's credits his success to participating in the club."

"Wonderful," I added. "You now have a witness that's also a church leader. He can be that positive mouthpiece for your club. And if he's popular and well-liked, you should have more guests dropping by on Mondays."

Then I suggested they replace their slide with a video. A short commercial will have a greater impact on the younger generation. This is because the sleuth inside me is aware they have a huge Singles Ministry (in the hundreds).

Imagine how much their club could grow if they targeted their commercial to the singles? Or to business professionals? Or to small group leaders?

David absolutely loved the idea. They already have the capability. Their video has to be on par with the other videos that are shown each week or else it won't fly. They should incorporate music, various camera angles and effects, and professional editing with their message. It has to grab people's attention and get them to take action or else it collects digital dust.

If you're struggling to build a business, a membership, or fill an auditorium: sometimes all you need is one great idea. Become a sleuth by putting on your thinking cap and asking questions. Usually the solutions are right in front of you.

Warm regards,