The country’s a mess.

We’re potentially in the middle of the most dangerous and devastating financial crisis we’ve ever seen before. Some of the largest and most venerable financial institutions on Wall Street have gone under, and many others have Stage 4 Cancer. Which means, in a case like this, it’s not a question of “if”they’re going to collapse, but “when” they’re going to collapse.

Suddenly CEO’s and other top officials are being questioned and held accountable for not only their decision-making, but the outrageous salaries they continue taking, irrespective of the mess they’ve created. The walls are crumbling all around them, but their cash-flow keeps coming in like a faucet that can’t be stopped.

While you and I sit back and get the screws tightened all around us.

And now the government wants us to bail these pirates out, to the tune of $700 Billion dollars. For most people, myself included, this isn’t even a real number, let alone one I can actually picture in my mind.

On the front page of USA Today this morning, the feds are claiming if we don’t bail these companies out, we’re all in deep shit! Last night, W said, “Our entire economy is in danger! Without immediate action by Congress, America could slip into a financial panic… more banks could fail, including some in your community.”

It used to be cash is king, now even the safety and stability of your money-market funds and checking accounts are coming into question. You scrimp and save year after year, and for what?

Are the days of hyper-inflation far away? Is it only a matter of time until we’re all out on the street, homeless and wandering around, wondering what happened?

It’s VERY scary out there.

Look, this isn’t our parents world we’re living in any more. Over the last few years the prices of darn-near everything are spiraling out of control. Years ago, it wasn’t uncommon to be spending 10 to 15% of what you make, on your mortgage payment — but today that wouldn’t even buy you a shack out underneath the highway!

Most people are spending 40 to 50% of what they’re earning on their mortgage, and some folks in high-cost areas are spending 60 to 70% of their paycheck, or even more… just to make their monthly nut!

The price of cars, entertainment, and gasoline has gotten completely out of hand, and yet… your salary hasn’t gone up nearly as much, has it?

And forget about trying to fly somewhere — who can afford the price of an airline ticket nowadays?

A day doesn’t go buy when you don’t hear something in the news about how some poor bastard died because they couldn’t afford health insurance, and yet… insurance companies are setting record profits, year after year!

Why, I ask you? Why?

It used to be, you’d hear about how elderly people are needing to eat dog food just to survive — now you’re hearing about how entire families are starving.

How long can this go on? How will we survive?

And yet, in spite of this, every day a new application arrives in your mailbox, encouraging you to take out even more credit, feeding the big giant monster even more.

Is anyone listening to this?

Is the end near?

Is it fair to bail out these big companies when hundreds of thousands of hard-working small business-owners are shutting their doors, because of the impact all this is having on them?

Sometimes, financial death is as powerful as physical death, and yet… no one has the cure.

These are scary times, aren’t they?

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What you’ve just witnessed, is an example of how to use fear and paranoia in your sales copy and marketing, to get people to take action.

Had I wrapped up that conversation with a closing presentation that offered you some kind of a magic blanket to put over your head that would make this all go away and allow you to return to happier and more carefree times… all for $197 dollars (or two EZ-pay debits of only $99 each), I’d be a rich man.

It’s not very easy to use paranoia to sell, but if you can use it, it’s VERY effective.

What you want to do is tie it to the deepest fears your prospects are feeling right NOW, and if you can tie it to a bunch of crap the media is talking about all day long (whether it’s true or not), you get the added benefit of having society support your argument, giving you all the social proof you need.

Fear and paranoia are extremely effective selling tools, but they’re also somewhat dangerous. Where does selling start and social responsibility begin?

I’m not smart enough to figure that one out for you. But like Spiderman once said, “With great power comes great responsibility.”

So use it wisely.

Damn, I’m good…

Now go sell something, Craig Garber

P.S. Discover everything you’d ever want to know about how to use fear, paranoia, and 45 other emotional buy-buttons inside the Seductive Selling System. Not only do you get a 180-day guarantee, but if you don’t earn at least an extra $10,000 in the next 12 months from everything in the system, I’ll buy it back from you. Check it out at at http://www.kingofcopy.com/seductive

Check out all the King’s products at http://www.kingofcopy.com/products

Comments? Leave them here on my blog — I want to know what you’re thinking:

First… if you are a mom, I want to wish you a belated Happy Mother’s Day. Being a parent, especially being a mom, is very difficult. You’re usually the one who holds the family together, and that’s not an easy thing to do, especially in today’s day and age. My best and warmest wishes to you.

Now on with today’s thoughts, which may be somewhat controversial:

This is interesting… There’s a bill on the table that’s supposed to, in some way, either eliminate or regulate flavored tobaccos. Things like strawberry and vanilla cigarettes (I didn’t even know these existed), and clove cigarettes. The thought process is, these are the tobaccos that attract lots of young kids, and that if these flavors are regulated or eliminated, less kids will smoke.

I smoked cigarettes when I was a kid. Both my parents smoked like small chimneys ablaze during winter, and so it was pretty common to me.

I first started smoking when I was around 12 or 13, and oddly enough, the first cigs I smoked were, in fact, Jakarta Clove Cigarettes. They tasted sweet, and I didn’t think they were as harmful as conventional tobacco cigarettes, so it was easy to rationalize lighting them up.

And since I grew up in the Bronx, this was pretty much around the same age most of the kids started smoking and drinking and doing things like that. Remember, this was misery city — not much optimism going on there, at least not in my neighborhood and in my household.

Anyway, I can also tell you that if Jakarta or any other “starter” cigarette wasn’t around, I’d have just smoked what was available. So I don’t think this bill is going to do anything other than give the manufacturers of these brands, a hard time, financially and ragulation-wise — which is what it often seems the government is best at doing.

After a few months of this, I then graduated to Marlboro’s, and then later on, to Marlboro Lights. Maybe I was looking to get cancer slower as I got older, who knows? (You couldn’t pay me enough money to smoke even one cigarette today, by the way.)

Now here’s something that’s interesting, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by the politicians. It has to do with black smokers.

When I was 20, just before I graduated college and left home, I worked in my local candy store. Most of the black smokers who came in to buy cigarettes, smoked menthols. So, the younger customers who came in to the store would tell the guys like me behind the counter, “Pack of Newport’s and a bag of Bon-Ton Potato Chips.”

And the older black smokers would buy brands like Newport’s, Kool’s, and Salem. It was kind of funny, in a way. You’d rarely see a black or Spanish person smoking Marlboro’s, and you’d rarely see a white person smoking menthol. In fact, Newport’s and Marlboro’s were sort of racial badges of honor amongst young “tough guy” smokers.

Stupid, right?

Like I said, the government isn’t unaware of this. In fact, the cigarette industry reports that 80% of all black smokers, smoke menthol cigarettes. And overall, black smokers make up 15% of the entire smoking population.

So my question is, why doesn’t this bill include some sort of ban on mentholated cigarettes? After all, it’s also an established fact that mentholated cigarettes are far more addictive and carcinogenic than their non-mentholated counterparts.

I’m not trying to imply the government is on a mission to endorse or assist in the early elimination of the black race — so don’t go thinking “conspiracy theory” here or anything like that. That’s not what this is about.

What I am saying, is that this bill seems to be nothing more than a fake attempt at placating constituents, without really doing anything productive. The politicians behind the bill are also saying they don’t want to “push” too hard by asking for “too much,” or else the bill won’t get through.

You can only assume, that’s because the cigarette industry lobbyists are incredibly influential.

Things like this really make you wonder what’s really going through politicians minds, no?

Who’re really running the country?

Is it us? Politicians? Lobbyists? The media? Paris Hilton?

Gosh, this gives you a headache, doesn’t it?

If you want more information about this topic, go to the New York Times website at http://www.nytimes.com and search for “Cigarette Bill Treats Menthol With Leniency” and you’ll see the article.

Tomorrow we’ll get back on track with some marketing and copywriting stuff that’ll blow your mind. Sometimes though, it’s important to think about other things, too.

Now go sell something, Craig Garber

P.S. Here’s something else that will make you think: It’s why some people become incredibly successful, and why others flounder around for years “thinking” about success but never really doing anything to move forward: http://www.kingofcopy.com/dreamscometrue

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If you enjoyed this, pass it on to a few of your friends and business associates, and if you have any comments about today’s message, it’s important you leave them right here on my blog:

In addition to being one of the costliest and most damaging political falls from grace in the history of New York politics, the news about Elliott Spitzer contains tons of marketing and business lessons as well, so let’s dig in, right now:

One. Spitzer’s entire platform was built on “ethics.” He chased down lots of bad guys, especially some big financial firms most people would have been afraid of challenging. And in reality, he actually did a lot of good work.

In fact, he was hated on Wall Street for this. I read an interview last week and one broker, when he heard the news about Spitzer, said, “Yes, there is a God.”

Most successful people have enemies however, so this isn’t a surprise.

What is a surprise is that Spitzer got caught with his proverbial pants down. Literally.

If your entire persona is built on one thing, and your get caught in the very same cookie jar you’ve been responsible for raiding, there is no other outcome to be expected than failure. The good news is, America is a very forgiving place (think Marv Albert, Michael Milliken) and Spitzer is very likely to be back at some point in time, but perhaps not as a politician.

Lesson: If you’re going to be a staunch defender of anything, the fastest way to get thrown off the top of the mountain is by not drinking your own kool-aid. No one’s bullet-proof. (Remember reverend Jim Baker?)

Two. When confronted with an obstacle, take swift action — this is usually the ONLY way you’ll have some input on the outcome. I believe had Spitzer waited to see what would happen, he would have suffered the same political fate, but there would have been a number of other severe legal misfortunes to reckon with as well. This would have magnified his situation and compromised his family even further.

Lesson: Being decisive (making decisions) and taking fast action have been pillars of success since business was invented. These specific traits were pointed out by Napoleon Hill in “Think And Grow Rich” and they are as true today as they were back then.

Three. Admit your mistakes. I could be wrong, but I don’t think I’ve seen Spitzer take specific ownership of what he’s done. He’s said somewhat evasive things like, “I’ve got to get my personal life in order,” but he hasn’t come out and stated that he’s been sleeping with a variety of hookers for the last 10 years. Of course, this isn’t exactly some humble pie that’s easy to digest, but there again, that’s why he’s in trouble.

The truth is, in any relationship — whether it’s with your spouse, or with your customers — when you’ve done something wrong… the fastest way the other person will get over it is when you take full ownership of what you’ve done.

Lesson: Full disclosure and being completely transparent in your dealings, is the fastest way to build trust. Doesn’t matter if you’re in a new relationship, or if you’ve messed up an existing one. No one’s perfect (Lord knows I’m not.), but that’s not a problem — no one’s looking for you to be perfect. They’re just looking for you to be honest and open. Flaws are not the problem, they are a part of life — pretending you don’t have them is a problem.

Now go sell something, Craig Garber

P.S.: Go here and take this free test-drive, and you will receive more marketing strategies in the next few months, than you’ve received in the last few years: http://www.kingofcopy.com/ssnl
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If you enjoyed this, feel free to pass it on to a few of your friends and business associates, and if you have any comments about today’s message, leave them right here on my blog.

From now on, on Fridays I’m going to try and offer you something that’s going to be more entertaining than anything else. After all, for as long as I can remember, ever since grade school, Friday’s had some kind of excitement and alluring enthusiasm about the upcoming weekend — even if you didn’t have anything particularly exciting planned for the weekend itself.

Today, I want to tell you a story about something that could ONLY happen in New York.

So the New York City Parks Department workers were dredging parts of The Lake in Central Park, and it was reported that they were startled to discover more than 5,000 massive carp “lurking” in the shallows.

No call me stupid, but spare change “lurks” between the cushions of your couch… and peeping Tom’s “lurk” behind buildings down alleyways… and often, online forum members “lurk” on a forum without actually saying something.

But how in the hell can 5,000 fish — BIG fish (some of these Carp they found were 3 feet long, weighing 30 pounds each) — be “lurking” in the shadows. That’s like saying your grand piano is lurking over in the corner of your room, you know what I mean?

Anyway, while these fish were pulled out of the lake (I guess 5,000 Carp is one too many lurkers), the dredging also stirred up several enormous snapping turtles – some as big as 50 pounds – and plenty of freshwater clams.

And you thought all New York City had were pushy people and good pizza…

Have a good weekend.

Now go sell something, Craig Garber

P.S. Get in on my Unheard of FOUR HOUR Free Lead Generation teleseminar! Seats are going fast, so act NOW: http://www.kingofcopy.com/leads

England has been very very good to me.

I have a number of friends and clients there, and of course, my wife is also from England.

But here’s yet another reason why you gotta love the U.K. — the government is so “open-minded.”

For example, in 2004 and 2005, the UK National Health Service paid for elective surgery on 800 women who wanted the size of their labia reduced. They all wanted “designer” you-know-whats, and the government decided to fund the genitoplasty procedure necessary to get it.

The government does this even though the risk from surgery includes loss of sensitivity, and even though benefits are “unclear.” Talk about not meddling with your life — this is excellent.

And people think social medicine doesn’t work.

Clearly, they just aren’t informed.

And… they should really get a better handle on the benefits of this procedure by asking the patients “Why?”

What’s your take on this?

Now go sell something, Craig Garber

P.S. Ever wonder how often you should follow up with your prospects and clients? Check it out for yourself by uncovering… “22 Ways To Completely Eliminate ALL Your Marketing Headaches… Right NOW!” at http://kingofcopy.com/22ways

In 1972, The Temptations released the song “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone.” The song peaked at number 24 on the R & B charts, and was ranked #168 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

I was driving my son to school this morning, and “Papa” came on the airwaves. I remember when the song first came out like it was yesterday. It was played over and over again on the radio stations in New York City. I think this was either just before, or around the same time FM-Radio was just becoming popular. At that time, AM radio was the only thing around.

I’ll get back to this song in just a moment, but I want to talk about something more important, and that is absolute stupidity of the public school system, and it’s stereotypical bureaucratic self-justification for it’s own decisions.

For example, this week, kids are taking the FCAT exams. Basically, the FCAT is a standardized test that is supposed to “improve” student performance. But with the amount of actual preparation that goes into it, that’s like saying running one mile every day for a week will “improve” your performance in next year’s Boston Marathon.

Instead, what the FCAT’s done, is provide a way for shallow parents and academics, to rank themselves and bask in the glory of something that has nothing to do with them.

For instance, as a result of the FCAT, they’ve now assigned each school a ranking, A through D, with the “A” schools being the best.

And parents of students who go to “A” schools get to say “my kids school is an “A” school”, as do their teachers and the principal. But let me ask you this: If your kid is an idiot, what does it matter if they go to an “A” school. And if your kid’s a genius, why should you care anyway?

It’s not like on college or job applications, they ask you “Did you go to an A school in 9th grade?”

For the most part, the school’s grade is going to be reflective of the demographics of its students. If you have a middle or lower-income area, where there’s a large portion of students where English is their second language, then the school’s not likely to be an “A” school, unless one of the administrators has taken it upon themselves (and you definitely DO see this once in a while) to “upgrade” the entire place.

Other than that, all these tests do is stress the kids out. It’s like asking me to climb up the side of the mountain, after 2 rock-climbing lessons, and then telling me how successful I am, and therefore how well I’ll be able to take care of and provide for my family, will be determined by whether I scale that mountain or not.

Now on the other hand, if I’d been practicing climbing with a professional instructor, for 10 to 20 hours a week for 6 months, then I don’t think the demands (or consequences) of the climb would be unfair.

Make sense?

It just pisses me off when unnecessary pressure is placed on kids, without the proper training or preparation.

Now, let’s get back to that song by The Temptations. The reason that song is SOO awesome, isn’t JUST the funky groove of the bass line, laying down a fat beat throughout the entire song. It’s also not the horns in the background, popping the top end. And… it’s not the falsetto lyrics.

The thing that will make “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” last forever, is the story it tells. It’s a story about children being alone and lonely, which is something everyone can either relate to in some way, or have empathy for.

The writer of the song, Norman Whitfield (also originally from New York City), knew that rubbing listener’s emotions would keep him in business. That’s why he’s given credit for being one of the creators of the Motown Sound, AND one of the major instrumental figures in the late-60s psychedelic soul music explosion.

ONE MORE DAY To Get Your Hands On This Issue! The February issue of Seductive Selling is BY FAR, the MOST outrageous issue of ANY marketing newsletter EVER published! Mitch Dominguez, from New York City, said this: “I Am Truly & Utterly Outraged With You!!! Greetings Mr. Garber, Whoops, Greetings Craig, Well you really did it this time. I can’t believe you had the cojones to showcase the XX (left out on purpose) advert. Geeze, I’m a friggin’ New Yorker whose definitely “been there, done that”. Now, I’m not in your Mentor Group. I just “learn to earn” from the SSNL. Hey, I’m a quick study. Thank you again for the past write-up you did on me in your SSNL. I use it when I pitch clients who get the idea of the “Outrageous Offer”. This month’s issue of SSNL is so over the top I am going to GIVE YOU in person when you come to the “Big Crapple” in May, $500.00. You have increased my business and opened up more “sales funnels” than I can accommodate. That ” XX (left out on purpose) ” was just too much. I bow to the MASTER!!!! See you in May and the $500.00 is yours. That’s how good you are. I can’t top that. WHEW! Respectfully, Mitch Dominguez P.S. Hope the subject line of the e-mail was “Seductive” enough. Gotta get folks to open these e-mails, ya know.”

So… if you want a piece of this, and you want to see the now-famous ad everyone’s talking about, get your hands on it NOW, and don’t whine when it’s gone, ‘cause it’s your last chance bubba. And now you can take a test-drive of this KILLER newsletter, for free. Here it is: http://www.kingofcopy.com/ssnl

Now go sell something, Craig Garber

P.S. Check out the recorded past episodes of my radio show, right here: http://www.kingofcopy.com/radio