Monday, 10:05 AM
Dear Friend,
I was reading Terry Dean’s excellent newsletter a few weeks ago and got a great idea for increasing traffic to my blog.
Did you know that YouTube searches now account for 25% of all Google searches?
If I did my math right, that means there are over 22 million searches a DAY on YouTube!
And YouTube says there are a BILLION videos viewed every single day on their site.
Those are some BIG numbers!
If I get just a tiny percentage of the traffic flowing through YouTube it could result in thousands of new DD subscribers.
And the best part is, I could get those subscribers for FREE!
So here’s my plan inspired by Terry Dean’s newsletter:
I’m calling it…
The YouTube 30-Day Challenge
Here’s how it will work…
Every day for 30 days, I’ll post a new Doberman Dan video on YouTube. I’ll also embed the YouTube link in a blog post on this site.
The purpose is to see how much traffic and how many new subscribers I can generate in 30 days from this plan.
I’m also curious to see how this affects my rankings in Google.
Sounds easy enough, right?
The only challenge may be coming up with something interesting and relevant to say every day. I’m hoping the 20+ years of entrepreneurial and direct response lessons stored in my gray matter will flow out easily.
I planned on starting this as soon as I finished my Kitchen Table Business coaching group in April… but plans change sometimes, don’t they?
Turns out, I need to start it ASAP… unless I want to mime my way through the videos.
See, I’ve been traveling all over the place the past couple weeks seeing different specialists trying to find an answer I liked. Unfortunately, they all seem to agree on the answer I DON’T like.
Here’s the Reader’s Digest version:
The experts and all their fancy machines say there is this thing growing pretty rapidly in my neck that’s not supposed to be there. And the damn thing is causing some issues with my airway.
Now apparently a blocked airway can have some side effects… one being…
An almost immediate death!
Having seen a few people “choked out” in my day, I can attest to the fact that the effects of a blocked airway are pretty immediate and dramatic.
So old Doc Sawbones and crew want to hack open my neck and start pulling stuff outta there.
It would be great if they could just pull the bad stuff out… but it’s all mixed up with some good stuff… VITAL stuff that needs to come out, too.
One of those “vital” things… or at least I consider it to be vital… is my vocal nerve. That’s the nerve that allows you to speak.
Now some people will be happy to hear this… (now that I think of it, maybe a LOT of people)… but Doc Sawbones says it’s possible my vocal nerve is going to get beat up really bad or possibly severed.
That means the ability to sing and shout are gone forever… as is my ability to speak normally.
He started going off about more surgery that could be done to move one of my vocal cords over so I could at least have a breathy Clint Eastwood kind of voice, yadda yadda, yadda… but my eyes just glazed over at that point and I got lost in my own thoughts.
I was never a great lead singer…. but I did really well on harmony parts and background vocals, if I do say so myself. It got me a lot of good gigs. A guitarist who can sing is more sought after than just a guitarist.
And most importantly, I LOVE to sing.
I think I was more upset about possibly losing the ability to sing than I was about losing the ability to speak.
One of my best friends was told he has stage 4 cancer and 5 months to live… five years ago. So I know doctors aren’t always right. But I also believe in being prepared for the worst.
If you prepare for the worst and it doesn’t happen, you’re really not out anything. But…
If you DON’T prepare for the worst and it DOES happen…
you’re probably screwed.
(HUGE life and business lesson there you should probably heed.)
So I’m going forward with my YouTube 30-day challenge ASAP.
I’m also using and enjoying my voice as much as I can right now.
Stuff I’d normally handle by e-mail, I’m doing it over the phone.
Yesterday, instead of doing copy critiques for my proteges via e-mail, I recorded them on MP3s and e-mailed them the recording.
I’ve been working on a CD of original music and had planned on doing a couple vocal tunes on it. I’m going to try to belt those out soon.
I’m expecting the best… but planning for the worst.
Life can really throw some curve balls, huh?
There is only one correct response…
Dust yourself off, step back up to the plate… and…
Keep Swinging!
I’m amazed at the petty stupid little stuff some people allow themselves to be defeated by.
Look, whatever problem or challenge you’re using as an excuse to give up and quit… there is always somebody with a challenge 1,000 times worse using it as a reason to keep fighting.
I may sound like a broken record but that’s because a LOT of people need to hear it:
As long as there’s breath in your lungs…
the game ain’t over.
Quit making excuses and get back up to the plate to take another swing.
Simple philosophy, I know… but it has served me EXTREMELY well.
And it will serve you very well, too.
I guarantee it.
All the best,
{ 5 trackbacks }
{ 57 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey, Dan. Thanks for everything you do, man. Here's to you and your singing voice! May you never lose it! Maybe Sawbones will finish and you'll end up sounding like Sinatra. Ever thought of that?
Bless ya,
Justin
Thanks, Justin.
I hadn't thought about that. I'm going to ask if he can do the Sinatra procedure while he's in there!
Wow Dan, you're an inspiration to me!
Karen
Thanks, Karen. I'm nobody special… I just keep swinging my bat, that's all.
DD
And what's wrong with Clint Eastwood's voice?
I bet nobody would mess with you.
“You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya punk?”
Man, they probably don't mess with you anyway. I wouldn't with a name like
"Doberman Dan". Scary stuff.
But seriously Dan. I'm rooting for you. I had some pretty nasty weeks in hospitals before and half the time "doctors" don't seem to know what they're doing.
On a lighter note:
I'm all for your Youtube strategy too.
That's all I have on my blog right now because I spend my days writing.
At night, I usually want to chill and videos let me do that.
Another benefit is that you can do 5-8 short videos in an hour. Whereas I can only
write 1-3 miniature articles in that time.
Can't wait to see some official Doberman Dan videos.
Funny stuff! I guess that voice worked out OK for Clint.
I'm looking forward to seeing the videos, too. I have no idea what I'm going to talk about!
Great wisdom in your comments. Looking forward to the YouTubes.
Thanks, Mark. My goal is to not be boring.
You have the right attitude,Dan.Like Coach Valvano said:"Don't ever give up"!Peace,bro…
Thanks, Bryan.
Damn Dan, it takes courage to live like that.
So glad I've got you as a friend and confidant
Best,
Caleb
That makes two of us.
It has been so cool to watch you progress from a total rookie with lots of potential just a few years ago, to one of the most in-demand young freelance copywriters today.
I can't take any credit for that… but it makes me proud.
DD
Hey Dan,
About the videos, you don't have to just talk shop, you know. After all, what's a blog, really? It's you talking to your readers. About "stuff".
Now, about the throat thing. Recently I was in my chiropractor's waiting room watching a video about people defeating cancer by eating an all-vegetable-based diet. What was really interesting is that they've known for almost 100 years that cancer is more prevalent in cultures that are more carnivorous but no one has told us that. It turns out there's an enzyme we use in large amounts to digest meat that could also be put to use fighting cancer cells. It can digest that thick, juicy steak or do battle with cancer. Not both. I wish I knew the title of the video so I could pass it on to you.
Funny what you say about a guitarist who sings being more valuable. In my day I was a singer who also played a little guitar, and could handle lots of percussion as well. Versatility pays!
Back when my mom first discovered she had cancer I started researching the Gerson clinic. They have an amazingly high cure rate with just about any cancer except brain cancer.
Even though Dr. Gerson testified in front of Congress about the success of his therapy (90% cure rate) back in the 40's, this info has been suppressed here in the US. Traditional treatments like chemo and radiation are just too profitable, even though they have less than a 1% cure rate.
I'm trying to arrange my life to get down to the Gerson clinic for a couple months. I would highly recommend anybody with the "C" word check it out.
I'm sorry to hear of your health problem and wish you the best. Have you been following Roger Ebert's story? He lost his voice, his ability to eat and drink and is disfigured as well. His story in this recent Esquire piece is inspiring: http://www.esquire.com/features/roger-ebert-0310
Thanks for that, Anita. I hadn't been following it.
He's a perfect example of someone who never let his challenge stop him from getting back up to bat. Inspiring stuff!
Dan, Funny how things that "aren't supposed to be there" have a way of leading us to things that ought to be! We're all looking forward to your dulcet, post-op tones.
Blessings, Jeff.
Thanks, Jeff.
What an elegant and encouraging post. You're quite a wordsmith, my friend!
DD
Reading this blog post was like an emotional roller-coaster. First, anticipation for your YouTube videos… then shock at learning about your condition and prognosis… then inspiration from how you're taking it all in stride.
There are lots of things in life beyond our control – it's heartening to see how you're making the best out of the hand you've been dealt.
My healing thoughts are with you.
Jerry
P.S. I'm no doctor, nor do I know much about your condition, so I don't know if the following video is relevant to you. I thought I'd post the link, just in case it is. (It's about an Italian oncologist who discovered a simple, safe and effective method for curing cancer, and successfully cured many of his patients with it.)
The video is at http://bit.ly/IbXEI
Thanks, Jerry. I'm checking out the video right now.
Dan,
I am not happy to hear you might possibly lose your voice. Your instrument is a beacon of inspiration in a sea of garbage and misinformation.
The Gerson Method is definitely suppressed in this country for the reasons you listed above. It amazes me how many people are diagnosed with cancer in, say January and are dead by March, when they've probably been walking around with the cancer for months or years. I wish you a safe and effective trip down to Mexico. I will also send up some prayers up for you.
Your Youtube strategy sounds fantastic. I, for one, always click through to the site of someone who takes time to create an informative video. Since your content tends to be very strong, I feel you will see a nice uptick in your numbers.
Wishing you well, always, oh canine one.;-)
Thanks, Anthony. I appreciate the prayers.
I'm looking forward to this YouTube test. It should be fun.
Hang in there, lots of people are sending good thoughts your way and looking forward to however you share your knowledge in the future as you have so generously done in the past.
Thanks Jurgen. I appreciate your kind words, thoughts and prayers.
Dan,
I am not a doctor. I know nothing about what is wrong with you, but I do know one thing:
A good friend of mine had pancreatic cancer. He drank sutherlandia for 3 weeks and the doctor chased him out of his office for wasting his time when he went in to schedule surgery and chemo therapy.
He was cured. In South Africa it is known as "kankerbossie" (cancer bush). It is a very old natural remedy that originally comes from the bushmen.
As I have read turmeric is also a very old cure for cancer. Its healing power is apparently multiplied 1000x by the addition of black pepper.
Google them both and I am sure you will be surprised.
Wishing you all the best
Hi Thomas,
I'm am googling these right now and printing it out. It will be my evening reading. I had not heard about sutherlandia. Thanks a lot for the info.
The thing I like about most alternative therapies is that, unlike most drugs, there are no bad side effects.
Hi Dan
My pleasure. Food grade H2O2 ( hydrogen peroxide) is apparently quite an effective remedy.
Google it and read this as well:
http://www.cancertutor.com/Cancer/HydrogenPeroxid...
Quite eye opening and effective from personal experience.
Hey Dan
Looking forward to the videos and hope you get like a bazillion new subscribers. (More people need to hear what you gotta say man!)
Take care of yourself mate.
Cheers
Kyle
Thanks, mate. You're a good bastard.
Before anybody has a cow and gets all offended, saying someone is a "good bastard" is a compliment in Australia. Right, Kyle?
DD
Keep fighting, Dan. You're a warrior and you'll get through this too. We're all rooting for you.
I appreciate it, Brandon.
I started practicing my Clint Eastwood squint today, in case I wind up with his voice.
Hi Dan,
As you know, I moved to Colombia for my health, 5 years ago.
All the doctors I went to in the US wanted to operate. (I wonder why?)
I have regained my health. I couldn't walk 1 block 5 years ago and now walk as much as 6 miles on some Sundays.
I was taking 11 different meds and now I am down to 3. And I have kids 15 years older than you.
I owe it to a natrual diet, no processed foods, and positive thinking.
You can do the same thing. Start studing raw diet and positive thinking.
And all of Dan's friends, send positive energy to Dan.
All the best!
M E
Thanks! I'll take all the positive energy I can get right now!
Your courage in such a situation helps put many of my pity things in perspective.
Your an inspiration Dan and I sincerely wish you and your wife overcome this and come out of it stronger than ever.
Good luck!
P.S I don’t know if this could help but I would feel stupid if I didnt mention it.
Have you heard of Weston A Price?
He was a dentist in the 20′s who studied why all native tribes still in their primitive states, ahd no cancer or little signs of disease.
He found that all of them had 5-15 times higher levels of Vitamin A & D, because they ate alot of seafood, butter, milk, meat, organ meat, coconut milk etc.
http://www.westonaprice.org/
Cod liver is perfect.
Also a mate of mine just recently overcame cancer and here is some info I found for him.
Here is a massive report showing you 11 ways to naturally kill cancer.
http://cancer-prevention.net/
This is a great article where a doctor had severe pancreatic cancer and was told he only had 4-8 weeks to live. His mum came around, took him home, through out all his food and put him on a strict raw vegetarian diet.
This worked, and he dedicated to helping others. He lived for years but then eventually had problems again, and found a raw meat diet was most effective.
This goes back to why I included a link about the Western A Price foundation and how the primitive tribes ate heaps of raw organ meat.
http://educate-yourself.org/cancer/gonzalexlectureondrkelly1990.shtml
And finally here is an article showing how people with high levels of vitamin B17 dont get cancer.
http://www.laetrile.com.au/copy.asp?sect=q2&page=people
Sorry Dan!
There is alot of stuff here but like I said, I couldn’t live with myself if something here could actually help you and I was too lazy too share it.
All the best mate.
Dan,
I'm so, so sorry to hear this. I love singing too and I can't imagine what it was like to be in your doctor's office that day. Praying for the best.
Colin
I appreciate your prayers, Colin.
Praying for you, Dan
- John
I appreciate those prayers, John.
Uncle DD,
Please, do NOT allow to be cut. Absolutely no need.
You need to get to Dr. Jonathan Wright MD, of Tahoma Clinic, pronto.
And if he is busy, then get to Dr. Al Sears MD, in Florida.
Wellness Research and Consulting Inc.
11903 Southern Blvd., Ste. 208
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
866-792-1035
Why those two? Because they do not dance around with symptoms, like
most MDs do, and do not advocate "cutting", and for that they are much
disliked by the "powers that be" that control medicine.
Instead, those two very prominent doctors, go to the cause behind the cause, and
do so naturally, NO cutting.
Uncle DD, yes, you can keep your voice AND recover.
May God, the Creator, bless.
And please, keep us abreast of your progress.
I appreciate the info, Marina. I'll definitely look into it. I'm exploring all options right now.
Dan, stunned to hear about your health emergency, and rooting for you at the cellular level! Do research your survival odds with and without surgery. Cancer treatment is much more dangerous than cancer. Above all, keep on with your life, your family, your goals, your joys. Live large, full out! Your friends and fans are rooting for you. Consciously absorb all that good will .. your health treasury is a wellspring of laughter and joy. It's crazy liberating to beat the odds, go for broke, get clear about what you want to achieve and who matters in your life. "Happiness is living in the espresso lane." love xoxo j
If anybody would know about beating the odds, it's you, Julie. Thanks for the encouragement.
It's true that cancer treatment is worse than the disease. I saw my Mom suffer some atrocities from the treatment… and in the end, it was the treatment that killer her, not the cancer.
Thanks for the referral, Marina. I will certainly look into that. I'm exploring all options right now.
Actually, I used to subscribe to both these doctor's newsletters a few years ago. I was trying to get freelance copywriting gigs with them so I subscribed. Fascinating stuff.
Your courage in such a situation helps put many of my pity things in perspective.
Your an inspiration Dan and I sincerely wish you and your wife overcome this and come out of it stronger than ever.
Good luck!
P.S I don’t know if this could help but I would feel stupid if I didnt mention it.
Have you heard of Weston A Price?
He was a dentist in the 20’s who studied why all native tribes still in their primitive states, ahd no cancer or little signs of disease.
He found that all of them had 5-15 times higher levels of Vitamin A & D, because they ate alot of seafood, butter, milk, meat, organ meat, coconut milk etc.
http://www.westonaprice.org/
Cod liver is perfect.
Also a mate of mine just recently overcame cancer and here is some info I found for him.
Here is a massive report showing you 11 ways to naturally kill cancer.
http://cancer-prevention.net/
This is a great article where a doctor had severe pancreatic cancer and was told he only had 4-8 weeks to live. His mum came around, took him home, through out all his food and put him on a strict raw vegetarian diet.
This worked, and he dedicated to helping others. He lived for years but then eventually had problems again, and found a raw meat diet was most effective.
This goes back to why I included a link about the Western A Price foundation and how the primitive tribes ate heaps of raw organ meat.
http://educate-yourself.org/cancer/gonzalexlectur...
And finally here is an article showing how people with high levels of vitamin B17 dont get cancer.
http://www.laetrile.com.au/copy.asp?sect=q2&p...
Sorry Dan!
There is alot of stuff here but like I said, I couldn’t live with myself if something here could actually help you and I was too lazy too share it.
All the best mate.
Thanks for your encouragement, Luke.
This info is great. I'm checking it all out today, exploring all options.
I'm a little familiar with the work of Dr. Price. I looked into it years ago for his nutrition info. There would probably be no overweight people here in the US if they followed his nutrition advice. And THAT is why his stuff has been suppressed. It is incredibly profitable to have half of the population obese and sick and eating tons of processed food.
Hey Dan- We've never met, but I been following your stuff for quite awhile and feel like I really know ya…(maybe its just a testimate to your great rapport building skills in your copy
) anyhoo, I will be praying for ya and wish the very best in your operation thingie-hope they only pull the bad stuff out!
I appreciate the prayers, Bart.
I kinda feel like I know you, too… from your comments on the blog and your photo that used to appear before I started using this IntenseDebate plug-in doohickey for my blog comments. You seem like a fun guy to hang out with.
God Bless you- Thanks for sharing your courage and inspirational attitude. Life teaches us new lessons always, sometimes by our choice, sometimes not. Trust your gut, find a Dr. you trust, and take good care of yourself. I hope you are better soon! Keep us posted on both your health and the results of your You Tube video campaign.
I appreciate the encouragement, Ann.
I'll be glad to share the results from the YouTube 30-day challenge. It should be fun.
Dan,
Sorry to hear about your voice problems… and looking forward to seeing your videos. We spoke over the weekend and you're such a nice guy.. a real gentleman… and a very clever marketer. Looking forward to hearing good things about you.
Thanks, Mel. It was good talking with you, too. You've got a lot of direct response experience I'd like to hear more about.
Dan, I applaud your attitude, courage, and sound thinking! Looking forward to your 30-Day You Tube challenge. Hoping the very best with ol' Doc Sawbones.
Hey . . . never forget . . . you're a direct reponse copywriter who can solve marketing problems with the stroke of a pen, boost results in a single bound, and turn poor advertising into power house cash machines.
We got your back dude!
I value and appreciate your support, Emette.
"… solve marketing problems with the stroke of a pen, boost results in a single bound, and turn poor advertising into power house cash machines."
lol
That's great! I should swipe this and use it as the tagline on my blog!
Thanks . . . and swipe away my friend . . . it'd be an honor for you to use it any where you can!
Dan, I applaud your attitude, courage, and sound thinking! Looking forward to your 30-Day You Tube challenge. Hoping the very best with ol' Doc Sawbones.
Hey . . . never forget . . . you're a direct reponse copywriter who can solve marketing problems with the stroke of a pen, boost results in a single bound, and turn poor advertising into power house cash machines.
We got your back dude!
Apparently cancer didn't take notice of all the other sorry sons of bitches who've tried to make trouble in your life. You'll whoop cancer's ass the same way you seem to dispatch every other obstacle you've faced in your life.
I haven't even met you and I know that's true. Be sure to celebrate your victory by hitting up a karaoke bar.
Thanks, Dan. I like your idea of hitting the karaoke bar!