Update: I'm sure you've enjoyed a wonderful holiday. I met with a philanthropist, got better at baking and a good friend paid a surprise visit. I even caught a Christmas show that moved me to tears... twice.

I haven't made any resolutions but I know I have to drop a few pounds. I do it the old-fashioned way of burning it off. The good news is I'm leaner now than I was this time last year.

Here's a suggestion...

For 2010 let's continue with our disciplines that have made us better, stronger and fitter in all areas of our lives. Let's reduce the habits that can rob us of lasting joy for a single moment of pleasure. And let's start today to create the magic that makes life worth living.

Feature Article: Two Mighty Action Motivators

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A No-brainer...

Your taste buds are demanding something light, silky and sweet. You see a sign that reads, "Forbidden Fruit Smoothies -- So Sinfully Sweet You Can't Put it Down... $7 a glass... Two for $10." Would you buy one glass or opt for two? Most people would opt for two because they'd get more value. It's a no-brainer.

I began making fruit smoothies at home. They're highly addictive. One single serving isn't enough.

The next step is sharing them with others. And then maybe selling them for certain charity events. It's easier to make more sales if you know how to motivate people to take action. Let's explore that in today's feature article.

Two Mighty Action Motivators

Dear Associate,

The economy is in shambles, unemployment is at double digits and the government spends money like a drunken sailor to buy broken businesses. But these shouldn't deter you from building, growing and expanding your enterprise. Because for such a time as this, it's critically important for business owners to get back to the basics of what motivates people to take action.

Whether you operate a global corporation or helping with your kid's lemonade stand, you've got to know how to compel people to stop what they're doing, look at what you have to offer and then take decisive action immediately.

Let's revisit a marketing concept that's probably etched in stone. A principle you've most likely read and reread in various business newsletters. A fundamental you've certainly heard repeated over and over again from countless marketing consultants.

It's the "desire to gain" and the "fear of loss."

Let's look at these closely. Because if you really understand how these work you will know how to motivate prospects, suspects and customers to take action. Get good at this and your business will not be in want, unless you're trying to offload the latest pet rock on unsuspecting consumers.

First of all, you are constantly in want. As a member of the human race it's written in your DNA to always want something. It might be attention, status or something to quench your thirst. The desire to gain is a mighty motivator for every human being.

Recently, while playing in a basketball game, my feet were killing me. My socks lost the bounce and shock absorbency it once had. I couldn't play my best game because of painful feet.

Being a fan of pain avoidance, the answer was new socks. If I wanted to play well, avoid blisters on my toes and regain the respect I had on the court, I had to buy new socks. These were simple, yet mighty motivators for me.

Secondly, I bet you don't like to lose. Not at sports, a heated discussion or fighting for the remote. And more specifically, it's pretty painful to lose something if you had any part in earning it.

I get an e-mail from the San Diego Blood Bank. It announced that the gift points I've accrued had expired, but will be reinstated if I donate blood within the next 30 days.

This was a no-brainer. I wanted my points back. I made an appointment within the week. I was highly motivated not to lose the points I've earned.

Would any of these promo items raise my status in society?

No.

Would coupons for Submarina, Outback or Domino's inspire me to donate blood?

Not even.

Would I ever accrue the 5,000 points necessary to claim the iPod Nano?

Probably not in my lifetime.

So what motivated me to make the appointment?

It was the fear of losing my points. I'd have to start over from scratch. I didn't want to go in reverse. Besides, this was for a cause I believe in. That's why I didn't hesitate to take action.

Everybody wants to gain. Nobody wants to lose. Apply these core concepts in your marketing and you will see your results take off.

Warm regards,