Please, let me explain... I promise there's a great marketing lesson in here somewhere... ;-)

Throughout my life, I've been called "weird" on more than several occasions! At first, I thought something was wrong with me. I soon began to notice that I was "different" from others in many ways.

And, being a kid in grade school, you can imagine how "horrible" that feels... to not "fit in" when everyone else around you is trying their hardest to fit in or be part of a "click" - any click.

Fortunately for me, I soon realized that being different or "weird" wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Because I stood out! While others were trying their best to get noticed and be popular, I was usually sticking out like a sore thumb without any effort at all!

Did this draw some negative "experiences" into my life? Sure. I got my share of bullies and name-calling. But it also exposed me to some very positive experiences!

Weird simply means: strange, extraordinary, odd, fantastic. And, I got to choose what that word meant to "me." Because we always have a choice. To me, being different or "weird" was a gift! It meant that I was unique !

I also soon realized one of the most important lessons of my life...

To be successful, you have to be different!

To be successful, you have to be a little weird! You have to do things differently.

As I've mentioned in past, over 95% of population are not financially independent, they're not successful (depending on whatever their definition of success is.) And, it's no surprise that "less than 5%" of individuals who are wealthy and successful do things rather differently.

This is not a coincidence! I am successful because I'm a little weird. It's that weirdness or "uniqueness" that helps me be successful at what I do.

And I believe that you are a little weird too.

You know, when you get involved in business and marketing, you start to see and meet many like-minded people. Sometimes, it seems like everyone around you is a marketer or entrepreneur.

Since 21st century statistics have shown a small increase only. In 1964, U.S. Dept. of Education reported that only 37% of U.S. population took an assertive role in their learning. The latest report, 2002, only shows a 3% increase.

Why is this information important for selling learning opportunities? These statistical reports show exactly what language to use to get their attention and what it takes for them to open their wallets.

Phrases, words, ideas, and thoughts, if conveyed appropriately to group of choice can make difference between survival and thriving.

1. The highest, 40%, choose to learn to become a more-informed person and like having knowledge in their tool bag.

Language that grabs learners attention and persuades them to buy is: opportunity, advantage, timeless, chance, essential, treasure, priceless, rare, gateway, treasurer, growth, and wisdom.

Phases included: A unique opportunity; Be prepared; Free opportunity (actually any phrase with opportunity included); If you pass this up you'll be passé.

2. Adults who are preparing themselves for a career transition – new job or new occupation follow close behind first group. And in a few of results, this group jumps to top and other takes second place. Yet, always very close to each other. In USDOE reports they were 1% behind and in NCES, 2% ahead.

Words that attract and persuade this group include: winning, motivate, clear-headed, clear-sighted, excellence, gets you noticed, perceptive, potential, sharp, jump obstacles, performs effectively, goals, standards, staying on track, excels, leader, leadership roles, takes initiative.

3. The next group of learners expands their training just what pertains to their current job run slightly below top two, approximately 32-34%. A high majority, yet not all, will only attend if employer compensates for their attendance. This is a tough group to sell too. It usually isn't until they lose their job and begin seeing what their laissez faire approach is now costing them.

Attractive language to this group is: winning attitude, envy, self-confidence, team work, wants, desires, quiet confidence, risk, self-discipline. Other words and phrases include finding a better paying job.

4. Fourth group percentage drops to low 20s. They attend learning-type seminars, workshops, and other events for sheer joy of it. It doesn't matter if it’s on window washing or dog bathing.