Write an INQUIRY or PITCH Letter

Hello Fellow Writers!

Below, I have included a quick letter to a magazine publisher friend.

I thought of three ideas (digest sized niche mags) that might help him sell more magazines.

TIP: If you are writing an Inquiry Letter or First Pitch Letter, reveal some personality! And don't be afraid to reveal "the insane idea" as it shows imagination, and publishers appreciate that.

PROFIT: If possible, show the value to the person receiving the letter. In this case, I went ahead and suggested business sectors that could be potential advertisers.
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Hi XXX,

It was great to see you at Piedmont Park on Sunday. Thanks for
everything you are doing behind the scenes for this Community and
others.

Below are the initial ideas I pitched to you for other niche
publications where people would advertise their various businesses in
other communities. I start with my craziest idea first! LOL

LONESOME ROAD: Have you ever stopped-in a truck shop and had a
meal? A real brotherhood of buying power exists there. They share
stories and have friends from all over the USA. I think there needs
to be a monthly "reader" Trucking magazine where guys can share their
positive stories about the Open Road. Advertisers would include Truck
stops, eateries along the routes, motels repair garages and such.

HEALTHNUT: In Atlanta there are so many different "green" places
that specialize in everything from healing tonics to chiropractic
medicine. Acupuncturists, wellness centers, doctors, and healthy
eating establishments would enjoy advertising in this monthly guide to
"...all things healthy in Atlanta and beyond."

CHEF LIFE: Where do the chefs of Atlanta go to eat? This would
be a monthly magazine directed at high end restaurant clientel, with
cheaper advertising than Jezebel and Piedmont Review. Think of the
big ATL restaurant chains for advertising, who also want their Chefs
to be interviewed by the press: Fifth Group, Metrotainment etc.

Good luck on everything this week!

Pals,

Ray
VP/Page

Age of Gall

From Dictionary.com:
Gall (Noun)
1. Impudence, effrontery.
2.Bile, like that of an animal.
3.Something bitter or severe.
4.Rancor, Bitterness of Spirit.

Do you think we live in the Age of Gall?

I have seen some of the craziest stuff this Summer. People who act vindictively without merit or guilt!

What's going on here? Are we witnessing the dissemination of the United States as we know it...inch by inch? The kind, giving feelings seem to have left people...replaced by a cynicism. I am guilty of this at times.

However, this giving away of the Spirit seems to gnaw at me the most. I refuse to be that way. I will not give up, and give away my dreams.

Dreams aren't always clear, either...just like plans.

I have to remind myself: the last 2 years, though hard, have made me prove my survivability and resolve.

I am standing at the Brink of Success, at any time. I just have to keep believing it.

Letter from an Old Friend with an Unemployed Referral

I just received a letter from a friend from waaaaaaaaaaay back.

This lady and I were on the Overnight Shift at CNN, and would process video coming from Asia until wee hours of starlight. We laughed and talked a lot.

I recently asked her if she remembered any of our deep conversations about Life back then.
If the world was going to be destroyed while everyone around us was sleeping, Marcy & I (and Staff) would bare witness.

She inquired for a friend who was looking for work. I wanted to paste it, but this !@#$%^j*ck*ass machine won't allow it.

I told her to share my information.

There is an article about me below:
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Ray Macon, AKA artist Ray deMacon (pronounced: day may go) has been painting a lot. Although he hasn't gotten far away from his scribes.

This time it's spring colors and primary madness for several works entitled Graffiti Summer.

There is a mixture of writing in the paintings; with lonely phrases like "Song:Come Monday" "You're really not a good fake crier," and "I'm sorry but we have decided to pass."

Other than that, the color palette is very bright. One of the newest in the Graffiti Summer Series, the yellow and black acrylic "Gimme 5---NO!...don't touch me" took over 60 hours to produce, yet resembles any teenage notebook.

Beware My Faithful Love is a bigger piece. In it, the artist repeats the phrase and symbols of a formula called Plus Time Taps, which is---in affect---a wishful prayer for life extension. The colors are very Monet in palette.

With his I Was Once A Giant of a Man, deMacon feels the madness of the phrase, which encircles a Ralph Lauren Polo ad (with man and canine lounging) from the late 90s. The artist returns the figure to that of a classical Greek. The dog's tongue a bright red, deMacon says this was done because they were keeping a pug for a friend at the time.

The work can be seen in private at Studio deMacon in Midtown, Atlanta. 404-643-8215

Examiner.com Hello

I'd like to introduce a great resource for you... http://www.examiner.com

On this site you can learn just about everything that a "local" knows about his or her city. There is a list of cities, so if you are going to a new place---consider it a Must Read.

From articles like "Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas for under $20" to "How to add More Fiber to your Diet" each writer gives their best advice, and pulls information from the experts.

I've recently applied to become a columnist for them in their Business Section. Friends, keep pulling for me!

Time for Healing+a Tip

It's hard to keep a strong chin, and good attitude at times.

I am the worst about that. Though I've long ago gotten over cloudy weather.

When I'm upset sometimes I have to go and "re-set". That might mean to take a shower or a 30 minute power nap.

Some things are hard to shake from your mind. I get so upset about work at times, problems arise in the middle of the night. I begin to think about the problem, and suddenly, I've lost my "sleepy feeling".

From our days at the Unity Church I remembered a saying "...get behind me, ___, J.C. rules my Life." You just fill in the blank with whatever was bothering you, and mentally see it going from your inside forehead screen to the back of your head.

Sometimes I have to do this with my business partner, David. I'll say to myself, "...stop thinking about that problem, send it to the back of the line in your head."

It works, try it.

I find that I can rarely understand what people are thinking, but I surely can control my own thoughts, especially the crazier ones! HA

Refuse to Participate in a Recession Part 2: Who Moved My Cheese?

From a speech given 1/6/2009

I'm Ray Macon, and I Refuse to Participate in a Recession!

Those aren't just words falling off my lips that's a sure sign I'm on the Defensive bench against the Incoming Economy.

Over the next several weeks we will be pulling segments from a speech given by Dr. Ivan Misner on May 15, 2008 "Beating the Recession: Thriving in Times of Economic Uncertainty"

Today: Dr. Spencer Johnson's Who Moved My Cheese?

Did anyone read the book Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Johnson? Can I see a show of hands?

Now how many people were required to read it?

I knew we would have one person. Some companies insisted their employees read this short book.

I checked last night and you can get it on Ebay for $1.24 or pay about $14.00 for it brand new.

I won't go into much of the story, but it is about 4 characters who rely on a stash of cheese, 2 mice and 2 small people. Life is Content and Good for the Four friends; but when the cheese is all gone, the two mice move ahead and look for more cheese. The little folks took this news hard, and one wanders ahead to look for more cheese. The other stays behind scratching his head and wondering why things had changed.

You might remember another book by Dr. Spencer Johnson called The One Minute Manager? I was required to read The One Minute Salesman, a close relative.

In 1982 and for years, little tidbits of Dr. Johnson's book was taught all over the Business World. This included Asia.

In the late 90s while Dr. Johnson was going through a divorce and he learned about a scientific theory: In a Maze, a mouse will never return to the same place twice to look for cheese. Johnson wondered how this theory could be applied to Humans VS Change; especially interested on Change Affect VS the business formula.

So he wrote the story Who Moved My Cheese as a parable of how to deal with change.

In the book, one mouse is determined to forge ahead; and in turn, the other follows. Eventually they find more cheese. Should they go back and tell the others? "No. Let them find it themselves." (the world does work this way)

In December of 2007, my business was very slow. I was determined that this last season, 2008, was not going to be slow. I worked harder, I forged ahead with a different attitude.

Are you on the hunt today? It's easy to get complacent---it's easy to complain about our situations. It's harder to look for cheese.

In fact, like today, I got up early and started business early so I could get to the cheese before all the other printers. I'll find cheese. I always do.

Did someone move your cheese? If so---make it part of your everyday language and say to yourself: I Refuse to Participate in a Recession!

Refusing to Participate in a Recession pts 3 & 4

from speech given on 1/13/2009

"How to Motivate Referral Sources"

from speech given 1/20/2009

"Visibility---Your Key to Success"

These will be recorded soon.

Happy 2009 & Thanks

Thanks to everyone who has supported me as I finish my first entire year on concentrated writing.

This year I was able to complete a Blog, Manley with Horns! Networking-the play! and Extravagance-the musical!

I also have completed outlines for The Garden Party and Raise My Town My Love. In the wings I am already working on Sure is Handsome, a thriller.

Thanks to Jennifer and the Atlanta Writers Group, for their encouragement in the Spring of 2008, when I began writing Manley.

Thanks to Judy Bozarth, who encouraged me to "...write about your unique story."

Thanks to Phillip King, who has offered to edit the first book, and shop for potential buyers of Applause for Anger.

Thanks to Kim Davis and Martha Macon, (who are afraid to read my writing at times) for their ardent support.

Thanks to Ron Leathers, who has always supported my creative yearnings.

Refuse to Participate in a Recession Lesson 1: Two "In" Words for You

I'm RM and I Refuse To Participate In A Recession!

That is, the new BNI lesson "Withstanding Economic Difficulty"

There are even buttons with this saying, and when we were going over the materials for this Seminar I suddenly grew very sad. I know you're working professionals and don't have an hour and a half for an extended lesson.

So over the next few weeks I will be going over some of the principles so that when January comes, you can continue with your success.

I want to say that one more time: ...You will continue your success.

I liked the title of the lesson, refusing to participate in a recession. I felt, even at 43 years old, I was familiar with the topic.

I remember in 1975 & 1976, I was 11 years old. I knew something wasn't right.

My parents were P.O.'ed---angry and afraid of the economy, the post Vietnam world was a scary place, and still the Sandinista War droned in the background of TVs. Things seemed hopeless.

"Moneybags, moneybags, you think I'm made of moneybags!" my Mother would say in frustration. That's when I asked the neighbor to let me sweep his basement. Another lady up the street let me cut her grass, then another. I was being industrious.

Soon I wasn't so quick to ask Mom when I needed a loan, I had the money.

My partner and I have thought about this a lot lately, and recently brought a couple more streams of income into our house by way of renters.

Just like many people, those industrious ones, are working right now to prepare. Do you have more than one stream of income? How can you bring another 2-3 streams of income into your home?

Today as you drive home I hope you think of ways you can put your unique spin on this...the first "In"---Industrious!

The second is something exciting to me. I met with a couple clients on Saturday who have come up with a great idea. Well---realistically it wasn't their idea but they are doing it...a 4" x 5" travel guide that can fit in your back pocket. In fact, they are calling it "The Pocket Rocket".

This excites me because I was able to say "...I wish I thought of that". But we have to recognize the Ingenuity around us. And these two men, with their moving forward with a new idea in this time, have used Ingenuity.

I ask that you also become aware that there are some people in this economy who will profit. These are the ones who will show Ingenuity during a time when others are showing despair. What new ideas are just waiting around you today? Recognize Ingenuity.

I'm RM and I Refuse To Participate In a Recession.

Speech I Wrote in 5 Minutes for a Ray Stand-In

"To your advantage---Remember it's a Small World."

Hello, I'm_____________.

Have you ever had an experience like this? You randomly get in the car and go somewhere and when arriving at this place see your next door neighbor?

Or better yet, you check into a hotel next to a person from your same hometown?

Disney had it right to create "It's a Small World". More and more, we are connected as a race. Television is everywhere. Cell phones are the new police officers. People in the city are especially connected because the room to move around is smaller.

How can we use this to our advantage?

You've been a fair business person, and have a great product. But do your neighbors know you?

The creators of BNI knew that it was good to be known. If your name is tossed around by people, that's extra advertising for you, right? And FREE advertising, at that!

What's the harm in saying "hello" to the person in the office across the hall, maybe they don't need your services, but they know people.

Harry Page, CEO for Lincoln Associates for more than 30 years says this "...we don't have competitors, WE ONLY HAVE FRIENDS."

Isn't this a great philosophy? when we look at the world like this, adopting an attitude of "enough business to go around" VS "Fear the competition" it opens our eyes to neighbors.

And neighbors will always point the way to a friend's house.

I'm _____________ and LUCKILY---It's a Small World!

Holiday Sales Promotion

David Page & I have started our Holiday Sale promotion, and this project is keeping us very busy.

We are trying to hand-out 1,000 cards in 30 days, in hopes people will utilize the automated features.

Web Site: Has been improved and deserves a check: http://www.page-enterprises.net/

In the Meantime: Finishing touches on M w/H and the new play I've written called NETWORKING.

Ray Macon
Page Printing
404-643-8215

Great Wacky Photos

I was researching some stuff this weekend and came across a photostream for Photographer Mattijn:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattijn/with/251462807/

All Hallows Eve 2008 TREAT

What are you for Halloween?

Of course our Roommate Tippy-Toed (John---weighs all of 94 pounds and is a Size 0) is playing Tinkerbell.

We are going as Star Trekk guys who have captured TiNKeR-BELL (TNKR-BELL), an alien, and taking her back to the past.

Very funny. We can't even get her outta the bar much less the atmosphere of this planet to the Mother Ship!

Rented the costumes last night in a store filled with adults scrambling for ideas. I also have Spock ears!

We are going to some new swanky restaurant at 9pm.

What are you doing???

For a great new song go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Da3qrozMv4 and hear Marilyn Manson singing This Is Halloween from A Nightmare Before Christmas Re-Release!

National Philanthropy Day

According to Wikipedia: One who practices philanthropy may be called a philanthropist. Although such individuals are often rich, people may perform philanthropic acts without possessing great wealth.
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I gave this speech this morning with the help of my fantastic BNI Group, the Buckhead Business Network International (10/28/2008):

Good Morning, I'm Ray Macon. Today we have no paragraphs of wisdom. Nothing to refer-to, or look-at, or read. We all know this stuff already! The Founder of BNI, Ivan Misner, is probably somewhere giving this same wisdom today, a lesson about the Rubber Chicken Network.

Today is one of those "Nationally Recognized Days" can anyone tell me what its themed? Today is a very big day for a very big industry in the USA. I'll give you a hint: fundraisers will benefit on this day.

Today is National Philanthropy Day. Fundraising is a big business in the United States. These people who spearhead such Non Profits are great salesmen and women and have no problem walking into the biggest skyscraper and asking the Biggest Company "Whose In Charge? We need..."

Today the Atlanta Kiwanis Club is sponsoring the event at the Georgia World Congress Center.
I'm going. I've volunteered. Why? Well, for starters, a group of great people like that, who are always planning events to help other people, need programs. They need posters, sandwich boards, thank-you notes. They need to know a printer who can save them money. More than anything, they need good hearted volunteers.

Ivan Misner, the Founder of BNI, recognized that some of his Inner Circle Friends were involved in some difficult professions---who did he know who could use their services? Referrals were hard to give to some of these friends! So he got out there, to the small clubs, worked with others in charity events, and raised money for causes.

He got invited to speak at a local business club, similar to the Kiwanis. This led to other opportunities. Many of these organizations are looking for speakers to fill their calendars.
Misner seized the opportunity, and so today we are doing an experiment for him.

Each of us are involved in Service Organizations, and I'd like us to list them. These are the Boy Scouts, the Atlanta Fundraising Professionals, what are the others?

(KIM BRINKMAN writes on Dry Erase Board)

Cub Scouts/ Boy & Girl Scouts/

These are great because you're sitting around watching them instruct your kids. You've tied that knot before. I tell you, men & women can get business this way, sharing the burden of boredom. Why not talk business? Ask "...what do you do for a living, Bob?"

Men & Women Against Domestic Violence

Volunteer at a place like this, and you'll make some friends. People are moved to "give up their stories". But when you hear about a person's struggle and really listen---they remember. What a better way to break through the 7 layers of trust, mention your business. These people have a compassion to help others. And they will help you.

Breast Cancer Walk

Last year I staked a place at the middle of the Finish Line on the Susan Komen Foundation 3-Day Walk from Athens to Atlanta. I clapped until my hands hurt. Women would hug me, and kiss me on the cheek. I didn't know who they were, but some of them gave me a set of tears.
By appreciating a struggle we become a part of it.

(BNI Group lists some other non-profits)

So you see, opportunity awaits each of us. I'd like to close today with a story:

Just two weeks ago I volunteered to hand-out water at a race/walk for charity. I worked shoulder-to-shoulder with a man who let me bid on his Organization's printing last season, but he didn't pick me to do his printing.

After our volunteer work was finished, he promised to let me bid again. I think this time I have a better chance.

I'm Ray Macon. Enjoy National Philanthropy Day.

Clearing-up some small details

Today our softball practice was cancelled due to the standing water on the fields. It would have been our first practice; getting ready for the Hurricane Showdown Tournament in Ft. Lauderdale.

Anyway, now I've got plenty of time to go and workout. Also I figured I would use the day to get a bunch of stuff ready for Phillip King, my Editor.

We continue to get interest in the Applause for Anger project. If you know of someone who might be interested, have them email me teamedward@yahoo.com

Welcome Tommy Sweeny, Author of the Jacaranda

The following is an excerpt from Jacaranda, by Tommy Sweeny. I read it years ago and promised to use it in my books if ever I got published.

The story is self-explanatory, two people meeting while one is on vacation.

Jacaranda

To what angel do I yield?

That day I leaned on the trunk of that tree –you were miles away
. . . across that purple city
– I photographed some ants toting the violet blooms down the trunk
to their hiding space
and I wondered what we would have for dinner
later that evening when I returned home
and would surely have to knock, key or not, as the doors and the
keys down in your country are strange.
Do they eat those, I wondered.
Those purple buds –those tokens of the time we shared -- those symbols of your city.
They carried them on their backs like they were going to a feast.

We clung together as in a dream.
We cling together now from separate hemispheres.
Distance is discipline.

To what stern teacher do I aim
my gratitude for this lesson in fortitude?

Nothing is now nor ever has been as sweet
as the misery of continents.

(continued http://www.applauseforanger.blogspot.com/ )

Call for Submissions APPLAUSE for ANGER

We have started a collaborative book project.

If you know of someone who would like to make a short submission, have them email me.

The study is called Applause For Anger, and we are looking for short stories, poetry, and artwork. So far we have some great additions to the project.

The theme is beauty in anger, and the transmission of anger to strength.

raymacon@gmail.com

Ear Candy: "Anti" by John Brown

If you want to hear an underground song that will "...stick with you during these rough times", listen to "ANTI" by our close friend John Brown.

http://www.pappanutt.com/

Educational Moment/ BNI 10/21/2008

This morning I had to give a 3-minute Educational Moment to our Buckhead Business Network.
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Good Morning, I'm Ray Macon.

Today we are taking a short reading from Brian Tracy's book Be a Sales Superstar.

Brian grabs Dale Carnegie's coat tails and advises:

"...practice positive self talk continually. Control your inner dialogue. Talk to yourself the way you want to be rather the the way you are today. For example..."

Now this is going to seem like the corniest stuff you've ever heard at 7:22am!

"...repeat to yourself, I Fell Happy, I Feel Healthy, I Feel Terrific.

Remember 95% of our emotions are determined the way you think to yourself, most of the time. The way you feel determines how you behave.

And how you behave determines how much you sell." (Courtesy Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.)

Now I'm going to try and read your Inner Radios. I cannot. It's impossible to know the way you are thinking. So we cannot Coach Each Other to get better at it.

In fact, today the only scientific method, and is it even scientific(?) to understand your attitude is ask the old cliche' (pointing to glass on table) is this object, Half Full or Half Empty? It's a parable, a theorem for measuring your Outlook on Life.

I mentioned Dale Carnegie has anyone in the room taken a Dale Carnegie Course? In that course they teach you a phrase. Oh my gosh I've been so brain damaged by it, but it does work:
"If I think enthusiastic, I will be enthusiastic."

You're supposed to repeat that all the time before a sales call. Just before getting off the elevator, say it. It puts you in a peppy mood, and people want to buy from people who are peppy about their products.

My mother used to leave Post-It Notes around the house. Especially on the mirrors in the bathroom. I Love Myself. I Am a Good Person. I Deserve the Best.

She didn't need them for herself. See--she had already mastered the art of controlling her inner dialogue. She wanted other people to look at themselves in the mirror and want to say that.

I will close today with this one thought for you in this difficult economy. Maybe that's your one concern, but it's eating you up. You are thinking in your own radio "I'm just hangin' on by a shoestring."

I ask: are you hangin' on by a shoestring or are you A SURVIVOR?

Yes, you've surrounded yourself with success driven people and they--- too--- are Survivors!

I'm Ray Macon. ...and for the Record: I'm a Good Person.

Compliment and Kind Words from new Friend/Writer Elaine Callahan

Ray,

Hey!

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated your education advice this morning at the BNI meeting. Good advice, especially now.

I had read on yourblog your parents were Dale Carnegie instructors, but I wasn't sure if you were just pulling our leg! :)

All the best,

Elaine
Callahan Design