PLC

Lessons Learned at Priceless Legacy

2010-01-27T17:05:00.001-06:00

Observations about the concept of life story preservation and PLC execution to date:

1. Everyone loves the idea – that does not mean they intend to act
2. The mission is good and needs to be done
3. People don’t typically search for this product – it needs to be suggested
4. Customers need assistance in the buying process
a. Encouragement for doing (not a vanity, it will “work” etc.)
b. That the price is valid (not too high or too low)
5. People are happy when they take the time to preserve their legacies
a. Those who act (the subjects)
b. Those who receive (benefit)
6. People need help getting started. .. and to finish
a. Remind them that it is important
b. There is no way to fail (except to not start)
c. No right or wrong only incomplete
7. Operations must be simplified constantly – resist the customers’ pressures to over customize

Challenges

1. People only fully recognize the need when it is too late (when death or dementia has taken the subject).
2. People cannot assess the economic value of the product because they have no reference points
3. Mass customization is a challenge because some customers think they have special circumstances. – (but also a big justification for the need).
4. Hassle factor, especially with photos, is high.
5. Lack of social consequence for non-action.
6. People tend to obsess with documenting “down” the family tree (their children and grandchildren) – but defer action “up” the family tree (their parents and grandparents)

Bright spots / advantages

1. Societal interest is still high. Demographics are favorable.
2. Digital image capture has revolutionized and democratized the memory preservation business. Now that we can capture and save all these billions of images, who will capture the stories that go with them?
3. As mass media fragments into smaller and smaller niches, is not the family the ultimate micro-niche?
4. Customer Satisfaction is extremely high for those who complete their projects.

Company Specific Lessons Learned

1. We are competing against “non-consumption” (doing nothing) and inertia not high priced personal historians ($5-10K) as we originally thought.
2. Urgency (even with dying subjects) is difficult to convey
3. Mortality is the “elephant in the room” that no one wants to face. This undermines taking action. “If I finish my book, I will die” on some subconscious level.
4. People are habituated to procrastination. “Those photos have been in the box for 60 years for a reason – why should I act now?”
5. We need LCs who sell and not people who can execute
6. Better to centralize operations (interviewing, photo organizing) to ensure quality and consistency.
7. Even after buying, customers will procrastinate making progress. It is therefore important to collect money early and not rely on customer completion.
8. Family incomes must exceed $100K to justify purchase. A professional education level also correlated with the drive to action.
9. Invisible psychological motivations drive behavior (e.g. sibling rivalry, desire for parental approval etc.)
10. Static web presence alone is not enough to drive sales activity.

Priceless Legacy to "Hibernate"

2010-01-27T17:02:00.001-06:00

This is the communication that I never hoped nor planned to write. After a year of planning and another year and a half of execution, I have decided to shut down (or hibernate) Priceless Legacy. In simplest terms I have simply failed to create a replicable, scalable and effective process for selling our Life Story products. We figured out a lot of the operations side of the puzzle but without an effective sales “machine” the business does not work.

To the extent possible, we will manage the wind-down in a professional and honest way so that none of the people who believed in us will be harmed or left with a sour taste.

From the start, our vision was to build a company dedicated to helping people preserve their life stories and lessons for the benefit of current and future generations. Our plan was to build an organic direct selling organization (like a Tupperware or Mary Kay) of part-time Legacy Consultants who would evangelize and spread the word regarding the importance of life story preservation and the PLC solution. Virtually everyone I encountered in the planning, launch and execution phases underscored the intrinsic value in the product and concept. Indeed, we joked internally that those who did not endorse the idea clearly “lacked a soul.”

We knew the economy was tough (“worst in 75 years . . .”) but I was confident that the inherent “pricelessness” of the product was so attractive as to compel some level of market support. Initially, our beta test Legacy Consultants had good luck in selling the basic Life Story package for $899 – an unprofitable price that we adopted to get orders in the door so we could develop processes. By month five, we were ahead of plan in both LC recruiting and Life Story sales. Then our growth stalled. We sought advice in better recruiting, engagement and retention, but were unable develop a consistent volume of sales from our LCs. Most LCs would talk to a few friends and then give up forever. There were notable exceptions, but an “interested core” of four or five could not “move the needle” and second level recruiting never took hold meaningfully.

All the while, I personally continued to sell Life Stories on a consistent and almost effortless manner. This caused us to question whether perhaps the issue was just getting in front of more people with a professionally crafted sales message. That insight led to the infomercial direct marketing strategy which was, quite explicitly, a “bet the company play.”

The infomercial we tested in October was a critical success and presented the company well. Unfortunately a $14,000 media investment yielded 253 phone calls and only one sale. I listened to every single call and learned that price was indeed an issue and that these regular American households could not afford four payments of $379.

Ancestry.com was watching the commercial (and had been aware of our efforts due to outreach on my part). We crafted a web affiliate test with them that has been running since December 4. We have had about 800 visitors to our site since that time. Surprisingly, not one single sale has resulted. During most of that time, the price point presented was $299 for our new Personal Biography concept (“Life Story Lite”) which is designed to be more affordable.

Finally, in a fourth iteration of a strategy to sell this product during December and early January, I tried to line up one or more retail partners. Through discussions with a number of retailers, I learned that people like the concept but generally think the price point too high for their base (even at $299)

Some investors have generously offered additional capital to continue to execute our plans. I cannot, in good faith, accept such investment when I no longer believe in the viability of our offering. In short, I had thought sales would be comparatively easy and operations the real challenge. In fact, we figured out the operations but never did develop a replicable marketing process.

As such, I am taking steps to put the company into hibernation.

Thank you again for your support of this company and timeless and important mission. Not all good ideas are good businesses and this is a lesson I have taken to heart. Someday someone will figure this market out. It is simply too important a cause to lie dormant forever. Perhaps Disney was wrong, dreams don’t always come true; but they are still worth chasing.

Typical Testimonial Letter

2010-01-12T15:18:00.001-06:00

Typical Testimonial Letter:

Since we received the beautifully bound, high quality book of our life story, "Still Smiling Through The Years", that you so skillfully edited and published, we haven't been able to put it down. Each time we read through it, it amazes us that the warmth and our true life-purposes were skillfully brought out during the editing and layout process. The captions and
summaries were artfully displayed.

We were delighted that even though some of our pictures were 3rd and 4th
generation photos, the scanner produced them even clearer than the
originals. The dust cover was also beautifully done, a fourth generation
photo.

Our family considers this, our life story, one of our most treasured
possessions. In case of a fire...it will be the one thing we grab to save
for the next generations...it's priceless!

We can't thank you enough for your professional help and encouragement
through this very worthwhile project.

Ancestry.com Marketing Relationship Announced

2009-12-02T10:37:00.003-06:00

Beginning on December 3, Priceless Legacy will be one of six service/product offerings on Ancestry.com's Expert Connect page. We will offer Personal History products including the $299 Personal Biography alongside of the Deluxe Life Story Package of $1199.

We are excited to work with the premier provider of genealogical data and services in the world.

Holiday Poem from Iraq

2009-11-30T14:47:00.002-06:00

As a former Marine, I receive a lot of patriotic emails. This one seemed especially poignant for the season we've entered. It also captures an essence of family legacy and tradition that is so central to the work we do at Priceless Legacy.

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear..
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas my 'Gram will always remember."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.."
" So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq

Old Testament Wisdom on Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T20:30:00.001-06:00

And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Malachi 4:6 (the last line of the Old Testament)

HealthyLife Radio Interview

2009-11-19T10:48:00.001-06:00

Please listen to my radio interview with Dr. Ed Poole of HealthyLife.net Radio.

New Product: The Personal Biography for $299

2009-11-18T09:05:00.002-06:00

We have a new product called the Personal Biography. Retailing for only $299, it is a truly affordable personal history product that even your most stubborn clients can afford.

It takes a one hour phone interview (using a standard questionnaire) and up to 15 photographs and turns it into a simple but elegantly beautiful 8" x 8" hardcover book.

All production and interviewing is done from the central Priceless Legacy office. Client/subjects may review and revise their draft once. Layout choices are left to the company and the designs are much simplified.

This product answers the hole in our lineup for those who want a high quality, yet simple and affordable alternative to what we now call the Deluxe Life Story package.

Extra copies will cost $59.

Take the Priceless Legacy Customer Survey

2009-11-13T14:23:00.002-06:00

Please take the new Priceless Legacy Customer Survey. Takes less than 5 minutes.

Thanks!

Happy Birthday Marines

2009-11-10T10:40:00.005-06:00

Happy Birthday Marines!

When it comes to organizations that appreciate heritage and the infinite collective value of individual life story narratives, it is hard to beat the US Marine Corps. I am proud to have served and on this 234th anniversary of the Marine Corps founding, I salute all who have, will or are serving our nation.

The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!

Eleanor Roosevelt, 1945

Pioneer on Aging Studies has died

2009-11-09T10:12:00.002-06:00

As director of the Center on Aging, Health and Humanities at George Washington University, Dr. Gene Cohen wrote about that "'summing up' phase of life that he said emerges most often from our late sixties into our eighties or beyond. In this phase, says Cohen, people are reexamining and assessing their lives, looking back not only at what happened but at what they learned from it. As 'keepers-of-the-culture, people who reach this phase begin to share their lessons and fortunes through autobiography and personal story telling, philanthropy, community activism, volunteerism and other forms of giving back.' They are also often motivated to develop creative new strategies for dealing with 'unresolved conflicts and unfinished business.'
...

"Although some aspects of brain function decline with age, writes Cohen, the 'older brain is more resilient, adaptable, and capable than we thought.'
When we’re young, for example, we tend to favor one side of the brain over the other. In the second half of life we tend to integrate the hemispheres, essentially 'moving to all-wheel drive.' Autobiography, because it engages both sides of the brain, is like 'chocolate for the brain,' says Cohen.
Moreover, as we age, we have a stronger impulse to tell our life story. We may not tell that story any better than a younger person would, but we are more motivated to do so—not only because storytelling and reminiscence are part of the natural work of elders, but also because they 'become appealing ways of giving back—sharing what we have learned.' "

That's from McNees, The Beneficial Effects of Life Story and Legacy Activities (published in The Journal of Geriatric Care Management)

You can read Cohen's book,* **The Mature Mind: The Positive Power of the Aging Brain. *Also available, free, online: Cohen, Gene D. “Ongoing Psychological Growth with Aging: Autobiography and The Summing Up Phase.” *International Reminiscence and Life Review Conference 2007: Selected Conference Papers and
Proceedings* (November 15-16, 2007, San Francisco, CA), pp* 33-39*.
Available free online at

How to Retain Clients Who Can't Afford You

2009-11-04T10:53:00.002-06:00

Dan Curtis is a very thoughtful personal historian who works in British Columbia. His blog is a great source of insights into the personal historian profession. Today's blog entry is about Retaining Clients Who Can't Afford You. I recommend the read.

Infomercial Results

2009-10-28T10:15:00.003-05:00

Our infomercial data is finally in house. Although we got a lot of responses (calls and website visits), we found that the quality of leads was not what we expected. We are following up with telephone calls to those who requested more information and that conversion rate will dictate our future direction.

For the second test, we may use DJ endorsed radio spots in a local test.

Stayed tuned. It is all very interesting.

New Infomercial Media Schedule

2009-10-14T21:47:00.001-05:00

New Infomercial Schedule (a few times have changed):

All times are Central

Inspirational Cable National 10/15 Thur 1230 AM
KNOE CBS Monroe, LA 10/15 Thur 1:00 AM
WBFS My Miami 10/15 Thur 6:00 AM
NNOE CW Monroe, LA 10/15 Thur 12:00 PM
Ion Cable Cable National 10/15 Thur 12:00 PM
WPXP Ion West Palm Beach 10/15 Thur 12:00 PM
KNOE CBS Monroe, LA 10/16 Fri 1:30 AM
KAQY CW Monroe, LA 10/16 Fri 1230 AM
CMT Cable National 10/16 Fri 0430 AM
KFWD Ind Dallas 10/16 Fri 6:00 AM
TV Guide Cable National 10/17 Sat 1:30 AM
Travel Cable National 10/17 Sat 2:30 AM
Gospel Cable National 10/17 Sat 5:30 AM
KTPX Ion Tulsa 10/17 Sat 8:30 AM
KOPX Ion Oklahoma City 10/17 Sat 10:30 AM
KNOE CBS Monroe, LA 10/17 Sat 1030 PM
KAQY ABC Monroe, LA 10/17 Sat 1030 PM
NNOE CW Monroe, LA 10/17 Sat 2:30 PM
KETK NBC Tyler 10/17 Sat 12:00 PM
WCSC CBS Charleston 10/18 Sun 6:00 AM
KATV ABC Little Rock 10/18 Sun 12:30 PM
WFPX Ion Raleigh 10/18 Sun 1:00 PM
WWSB ABC Tampa 10/18 Sun 3:00 PM
KNWS Ind Houston 10/18 Sun 11:00 PM
Bravo Cable National 10/19 Mon 4:00 AM

Infomercial Preview and Schedule.

2009-10-09T09:18:00.003-05:00

Advance look at our full 28.5 minute infomercial: Online Version.

Here is the schedule (all times are Central) - set your Tivo or watch live

Station Affiliate Market Date Day Central Time
Ion Cable Cable National 10/14 Wed 10:00 AM
Inspirational Cable National 10/15 Thur 1230 AM
CMT Cable National 10/15 Thur 0430 AM
WBFS My Miami 10/15 Thur 6:00 AM
WPXP Ion West Palm Beach 10/15 Thur 12:00 PM
TV Guide Cable National 10/16 Fri 1:30 AM
Travel Cable National 10/16 Fri 2:30 AM
Biography Cable National 10/16 Fri 6:00 AM
KFWD Ind Dallas 10/16 Fri 6:00 AM
Gospel Cable National 10/17 Sat 5:30 AM
KTPX Ion Tulsa 10/17 Sat 8:30 AM
KOPX Ion Oklahoma City 10/17 Sat 10:30 AM
ABC Family Cable National 10/18 Sun 1:30 AM
WCSC CBS Charleston 10/18 Sun 6:00 AM
KATV ABC Little Rock 10/18 Sun 12:30 PM
KETK NBC Tyler 10/18 Sun 1:00 PM
WFPX Ion Raleigh 10/18 Sun 1:00 PM
WWSB ABC Tampa 10/18 Sun 3:00 PM
KNWS Ind Houston 10/18 Sun 11:00 PM

Five Reasons to Hire a Personal Historian

2009-10-07T14:15:00.001-05:00

Good article on five reasons to hire a personal historian on Dan Curtis' always interesting and informative blog.

Priceless Legacy First Anniversary

2009-10-06T17:27:00.003-05:00

The Priceless Legacy Company team celebrated its first anniversary as a company. Launched at the economy was falling apart in October, 2008, the company has made great progress in realizing the vision that every person's life story can and should be preserved.

With a national cable television infomercial being tested October 14-18, the company is about to enter a new phase of growth and positive evolution.

Featured in the photograph are Angie Berg and Andrew Tolentino in front and (L-R) Omar Mediano, Mary Kerr, Peter Gudmundsson and Bruce Cramer.

Honor and Remember

2009-10-06T10:31:00.002-05:00

Because of prior service as a US Marine officer, veterans and their causes have always held a special place in my heart. A new organization called Honor and Remember has emerged with the mission of recognizing those who have given their lives for our country.

The non-profit is trying to establish a special flag as the universal symbol for those who have served and sacrificed. Please check the site and, if it moves you, donate as you are able. There is also an electronic petition that could use your attention.

As we say at Priceless Legacy: Honor Now. Remember Forever.

Falling Photos Video

2009-10-05T08:39:00.003-05:00

Another animation from the coming Priceless Legacy Infomercial.

We are just 10 days away from launch!

Almost there: Call to Action Video

2009-09-29T11:38:00.002-05:00

This is the "soft offer" version of our infomercial "Call to Action" in rough form. We will now add graphics, 800 numbers and do some more editing . . .

Call To Action Soundtrack

2009-09-24T08:16:00.003-05:00

This is one of the three minute "call to action" spots that will run on our infomercial in a few weeks. It may change a bit and the images I have added (Life Story covers) are just for this posting. The actual infomercial will feature very different images.

I hope you enjoy!

The Imperfect is Perfect

2009-09-23T08:37:00.002-05:00

A very moving video that captures in three minutes the sentiment behind the need for life story capture is available here. It is by the Malaysian director Yasmin Ahmad and was commissioned by the the Singaporean government.

About.com

2009-09-14T16:14:00.002-05:00

Priceless Legacy enjoyed a nice mention in a column on Memoirs and Family History at About.com.

Website Introduction

2009-09-14T09:25:00.001-05:00

This is a raw clip from the video we will use at www.pricelesslegacy.com to introduce people to the site. It features our spokeswoman, Taylor Ray, who is the star of our forthcoming infomercial for TV.

Why I Love Sales People

2009-09-10T14:05:00.004-05:00

My friend Mark Lange had a great piece in yesterday's Christian Science Monitor.

Mark writes that, especially in tough economic times, we all owe a debt of thanks to sales people who keep our economy humming. He is so very right (as usual).

Many of our Legacy Consultants fear being "salesy" above all concerns. Yet it is sales activity that makes both our company and our economy rock.

I join Mark is saluting sales people everywhere . . . especially our Legacy Consultants who make a difference.

Welcome to Priceless Legacy Video

2009-09-10T08:50:00.003-05:00

We will send this video to clients and subjects who order Life Stories from Priceless Legacy. This version is a raw advance copy. We'll add graphics and do a bit more editing before it goes out.

Your Priceless Legacy Book Published

2009-09-09T04:58:00.003-05:00

We have published a small paperback book called "Your Priceless Legacy: A Story That Must be Told." You may order it from us by email for $10 plus $5 shipping.

It is a why, what and how book that explains the need for life story preservation, how to get started and the method we use at PLC.

Please check out the online copy.

Even Personal Historians Have Trouble Recording Their Stories

2009-09-08T13:35:00.004-05:00

One of the founders of the Association of Personal Historians passed away this weekend. I did not know Bob Joyce but he was by all descriptions a lovely man who was dedicated to the importance of life story preservation.

I found it very ironic, however, that the following paragraph was included in the notice sent to APH members: (Text bolding added by me).

(His daughter) is asking members who knew Bob to send stories for a book she is producing. "We did not have enough time to get much of [his life] story from him," she writes. "I would greatly appreciate email, cards, or letters with snippets of his life from you. I have started this project as The Life and Times of Your Local Irishman... Please include details of the times, the surroundings, others involved - paint me a picture, so to speak. The book shall be his eulogy."

Isn't that typical of so many professions? Even those of us who know first hand the importance of life story preservation can wait until it is too late.

How to Write a Eulogy

2009-09-04T09:31:00.005-05:00

I came across this "How to Write a Eulogy" piece today. It reminded me how much our Life Story process can support and comfort those who do experience the death of a loved one. When the family is privileged to have a written Life Story completed on a loved one there is a comforting sense that preparations for the funeral and life afterwards are likely to be far more manageable. Dr. Temes has a lot of wisdom here. It is a book worth reading.

How to Write a Eulogy
By Roberta Temes Ph.D.,
Author of Solace: Finding Your Way Through Grief and Learning to Live Again
Are you preparing a eulogy? Here's some help:
It is an honor to commemorate the life of a person who has recently died.
The eulogy serves many purposes for those in the audience:
• It fulfills the human need for ceremony to mark an occasion; the death should not go unrecognized.
• It comforts the listeners to have their feelings put into words.
• It comforts the listeners to know that the deceased was understood.
• It provides a cathartic opportunity for the listeners; they can weep with no censure.
• It is a way to immortalize the deceased; your words will live on.
• It is an opportunity to educate listeners about some personal traits of the deceased.
• It is an opportunity to bring some respectful levity to a sad event.
To get ready to write the eulogy think about the deceased and jot down about ten words that come to mind. The words can be positive or negative, silly or serious. Then think about some experiences you had with the deceased and write them down. You can write just a few words to represent each experience or incident that you recall -- no need to have a full sentence. These jottings are random thoughts and ideas.
Keeping the page you have just written in front of you, begin to follow the directions below. Use the words and phrases on your page to help follow these instructions. After it is all written find ways to include any unused items on your original sheet of paper.
• The first word you say should be the name of the deceased.
This is not about you. Do not begin by saying, I loved my brother. Instead say, Larry was my older brother.
• The next sentence or two should explain and then describe your relationship.
Larry teased me every day of my childhood and inspired me everyday of my adulthood.
• Summarize in one or two sentences the essence of Larry's life.
Larry was a good husband and father and a devoted employee of the publishing company where he worked as a production manager for 24 years.
• Now tell the audience something they don't know about the deceased. Reveal some accomplishments.
You may not have known that Larry was on his college fencing team and that he won several national competitions. Also, Larry was voted employee of the year by his fellow-workers just a couple of years ago.
• Reveal some character traits, humor encouraged.
You always saw Larry looking neat and clean. I am here to tell you that this man took two showers every day and often changed his shirt during the day. Some might think that he was obsessive; he thought he was setting a good example for those around him. In our family we called him Mr. Clean.
• Create a scene that will permit audience members to visualize the deceased.
You know if Larry were sitting there with you now he'd have his hand under his chin, as usual, and he'd have his serious face on. He'd be studying everyone who was speaking. Probably he'd be wearing his blue tie that he saved for funerals and weddings. As soon as the service is over Larry would rip off the tie -- he never was comfortable in ties -- and rush home for his sneakers so he could go for a run, or maybe a jog. Oh, and if you saw him in his house you know where he'd be sitting -- on that great big recliner, with two pillows propped under his head and he would be reading USA Today and the TV would be on but he'd have no idea what program he was watching.
• Describe an incident that will enlighten the audience.
Last month Larry and I went to a train auction. Not toy trains. Real railroad cars. Larry had no intention of buying them but he enjoyed hanging out with guys who did really buy trains. He wanted me to come along with him to share the excitement. I actually was bored but it was clear that my brother was in all his glory inspecting the trains beforehand, chatting up the engineers who were there, and then watching the bidding.
• If you are religious this is the place to make a religious statement.
Larry is in a good place now. I know he's with our mom and dad and I know he'll be watching over all of us.
• Say what you will most miss about the person.
I'm going to miss Larry's Sunday morning phone calls -- we spoke to each other every Sunday morning for as long as I can remember.
• Gently and humorously say what you won't miss.
Now that he's gone, I hope I don't start feeling a need to go to railroad car auctions.
• Put your feelings into one or two sentences.
I feel so lost and so bereaved right now. I can't imagine going about my daily life without my big brother.
• Say how his life has touched and influenced you.
Because of Larry I feel guilty if I don't take a shower every day, I feel guilty if I drive in to the city and don't take a railroad train in, and I learned how to be a good husband and a playful dad by watching him.
• Mention what you have learned from the person, what he has taught you by example.
In addition to extreme cleanliness Larry taught me to be a stand-up guy and take responsibility for whatever needed to be done. By observing his life I learned how to be a decent family man and a hard working employee. Thank you, Larry.
• Death tends to get us to think about life. We think about what is really important and what we most value. Talk about the values of the deceased.
As you know, Larry really valued hard work. He cared about trying hard and he put all his energy into everything he did, whether it was raking the leaves, going to a meeting for work, or preparing a sandwich.
• Say how his death has touched and influenced you.
Larry went through a couple of months of serious illness and he never once complained. Instead, he cheered up everyone who came to visit. He told us not to feel sorry for him. He wanted us to tell him jokes. I now have a huge repertoire of knock-knock jokes.
• Mention any family members or close friends who deserve recognition.
My nephews, Howard and Gary, and of course my sister-in-law, Linda, are amazing people and deserve so much recognition for all they did during these past months. I know you join me in wishing Linda, Howard, and Gary an easy road through bereavement and a life filled with good memories.
• Again, mention how you feel -- sad? Lost? Relieved? Empty? Exhausted?
This has all happened so quickly it's hard to believe that at Thanksgiving dinner none of us thought about Larry's death or illness. I think I am still stunned.
• This is the place for a particular quotation or bible passage or brief poem. The reading you select should:
Describe how you are feeling, or
Describe how the deceased led his life, or
Offer courage and inspiration to the listeners.
You have my permission to quote from Solace: Finding Your Way Through Grief and Learning to Live Again. Here are some sample quotes you may wish to use. I've slightly modified and changed some words -- feel free to do the same -- to better suit your circumstance.
Think about making the world a better place because of one or two little things you might do in Larry's memory. Acts of kindness go a long way.
Larry would wish your days to be filled with kindness and goodness and your nights to be filled with secure sleep and sweet peace.
When you finish writing the eulogy, practice saying it aloud. Read it several times. Insert a new sentence or two and eliminate any sentences that don't seem right. Time the eulogy with your watch while reading it aloud. If there are several speakers at the service your eulogy should not be more than 3 minutes. If you are the only speaker you may go on longer, but not long enough to bore people.
It is a good idea to use a recording device. Then you will have a permanent record of all eulogies at the funeral. You can make copies to distribute to friends and family. Throughout the mourning process listening to the eulogies will provide comfort. Later generations will regard the eulogies as important family/genealogic history.
©2009 Roberta Temes Ph.D., author of Solace: Finding Your Way Through Grief and Learning to Live Again

Author Bio
Roberta Temes, Ph.D., author of Solace: Finding Your Way Through Grief and Learning to Live Again, is a noted psychotherapist who has taught classes in death, dying, and bereavement at schools such as Downstate Medical School and CUNY. She is the author of several books, including the award-winning Living with an Empty Chair: A Guide Through Grief and The Tapping Cure. She lives in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
For more information please visit www.DrRoberta.com and www.SolaceAfteraDeath.com.

PLC Nominated for Shine-A-Light Small Business Competition

2009-09-02T13:27:00.001-05:00

If you believe in what we are doing at Priceless Legacy, please let the world know by voting in the American Express / NBC Universal Shine-A-Light small business competition. We are proud to be nominated as an inspiring small business and we hope to spread the word about what we are doing to preserve life legacies with a little help from our friends.

It only takes a few moments to register and “endorse” us, so please click here to do your part in Life Story Preservation

Infomercial Studio Shoot

2009-08-31T11:16:00.011-05:00

We shot the studio portion of the forthcoming infomercial on August 27 and 28. It was a wonderful experience and have high expectations for how this commercial will come together. Special thanks to the talented people at Splash Media in Addison, Texas who worked with our producer Peter Vogt, his team and our team.

Design Can Transform

2009-08-25T09:39:00.003-05:00

A very interesting perspective from a Polish designer who has had great success with Eastern European newspaper design. I suspect his success may be due to factors beyond just design but it is interested and thought provoking. See it at TED.

FundraisingINFO.com

2009-08-21T10:47:00.002-05:00

FundraisingINFO.com is a well respected consultant and publisher of best practices in the world of fundraising. Yesterday they sent this to their client base:

FundraisingINFO.com is excited to share with our friends and clients an innovative major gift stewardship product from Priceless Legacy Company. Read below to find out more!

Major gifts drive the success of any fundraising campaign and these donors are invaluable to your organization. And, while all organizations cherish these donors and thank them for their contributions, how can you bolster your level of gratitude? If you have patrons that consistently commit to your cause, shouldn't they be more than just names on a wall?

The Life Story Package from the Priceless Legacy Company is the newest offering in major gift stewardship. Whether you are completing a campaign, marketing a planned giving program, recognizing sustained annual giving, or merely looking to honor an esteemed contributor, Priceless Legacy's Life Story is for you.

The Life Story is a custom-written biography of the donor's life presented as a high quality, full color book with accompanying audio-visual elements. The product offers an affordable, unique, and high impactful way to define and capture the life story of the donor in the context of the organization's own mission and narrative.
By leveraging Priceless Legacy's proprietary process and talented team of graphic artists, the company weaves the logos, colors, and images of your honoree and organization into a handsome Life Story coffee table book. The package also includes a DVD photo slideshow and an audio CD of the actual interview. Donors will be continuously reminded of the organization they love as this gift is treasured and passed on for generations!

The Life Story process allows your organization to benefit from the creative experience, as well. A member of your staff (or a Priceless Legacy Consultant) conducts a biographical interview and organizes the honoree's photos-quality time with a donor that every development officer would cherish. You work closely with Priceless Legacy experts to develop a comprehensive interview guide, complete with the questions you wish to ask.

Through the Life Story process, you learn about all aspects of the honoree's life, including competing philanthropic priorities and why your organization means so much to them-and they will love you for asking! By taking your rewards to the next level, you get to know your donors and they gain an undeniable sense of your appreciation. They become more than just names on a wall.

Call 1-877-637-5889 to learn more about how Priceless Legacy can take your major gift stewardship to the next level! The Life Story Package strengthens the bond between donor and organization in a way no other product can.

Honor Now. Remember Forever.

Death Panels and Health Care "Reform"

2009-08-20T15:46:00.005-05:00

Regardless of your political opinion on the various ideas for health care reform being passed around Washington and Congressional Town Halls these days, the idea of government "Death Panels" has a lot of people, especially the elderly, scared.

Personally, I think opponents of Obama-care have jumped on this issue because it is much easier to articulate than many of the intricate issues at play. But it does strike a note of concern among many across the political spectrum.

The notion of a government panel passing judgement on who lives and who dies (via regulating access to health care) scares most people to the death they seek to delay. It somehow deprives us of dignity to be thus reduced to a helpless speck of human flotsam adrift in a vast uncaring bureaucratic ocean.

Interestingly, at the core of our humanity is uniqueness. Even identical twins are unique people because their life experiences are divergent. Through the preservation of life stories we can ensure than we are forever remembered of the specialness and dignity of each human life. No government can deny us of that. . . what the heck, we might even find "stimulus" money to pay for it!

Alzheimer's Disease and Life Story books.

2009-08-17T16:08:00.004-05:00

The Mayo Clinic understands the therapeutic benefits of life story preservation for victims of Alzheimer's Disease.

As neuropsychologist Dr. Glenn Smith wrote:

"Caregivers become the memory for their loved one with Alzheimer's disease. By gathering memories, you can bring important events and experiences from your loved one's past into the present. You're the link to his or her life history."

This is why families who are faced with the onset of dementia in a client need act quickly to preserve memories of the patient before memory loss or death make it impossible.

I know this from personal experience since my father suffered from the disease. It was hard on the family, especially for my mother who bore the weight of care. A completed Life Story would have eased my father's anxiety and served as a source of comfort for us all.

Ten Reasons Why We Buy

2009-08-15T12:41:00.001-05:00

Our staff production artist at Priceless Legacy, Angie Berg, sent this email to her detachment of Legacy Consultants that she coaches. I thought everyone might benefit from reading it.

Hello hard working Legacy Consultants,

As it is my job to motivate you (and myself), I found a great article and pasted the relevant information in this email to give you inspiration and make it a little easier to motivate your prospective Clients and Subjects.

________________________________________

To Turn More Prospects Into Paying Clients, You Must Motivate Them!
By Fabienne Fredrickson - Platinum Quality Author

There's a saying that goes "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." And until you can tell someone what's in it for THEM to work with you, they won't pay attention to you or what you're saying.

Let's look at exactly what your ideal prospects are motivated by: The Motivators. Below is a list of the top 10 reasons, results or benefits that make people buy, according to Jim Edwards and David Garfinkel in the ebook entitled "Ebook Secrets Exposed" www.EbookSecretsExposed.com:

Here, according to them, are the most powerful motivators:

1. Make mo-ney

2. Save mo-ney

3. Save time

4. Avoid effort

5. Get more comfort

6. Achieve greater cleanliness

7. Attain fuller health

8. Escape physical pain

9. Gain praise

10.Be popular

They'll want more. You'll PULL them in. They'll call YOU, as opposed to you chasing THEM. It's such a beautiful thing to watch when that begins happening in your business.

If you want to read the entire article, click on the link below:
http://ezinearticles.com/?To-Turn-More-Prospects-Into-Paying-Clients,-You-Must-Motivate-Them!&id=1253259
________________________________________
What did you think?

I highlighted the motivators that are relative to Priceless Legacy’s products that can be used as motivators for your clients to buy. Below are reasons why these motivators relate to Priceless Legacy.

Save money – The important thing is that it gets done. We encourage people to do this themselves if they have the time (see save time), but if they were to hire a personal historian, the cost would be 3 or 4 times the cost that Priceless Legacy is able to offer due to our streamlined system.

Save time - We take a 2 hour conversation and up to 100 photographs and make a beautiful high quality book that tells your life stories (feelings and facts).

Avoid effort - Talk to us, send in some photographs and we’ll take care of the rest.

Get more comfort - Feels good to be connected – gives a sense of belonging. (Don’t delay and then wait too long)

Achieve greater cleanliness - Finally put all the important photos and stories of your life in one organized place.

Escape physical pain - You will feel regret and unworthiness if you don’t do it. You will also feel a peace of mind when a loved one is no longer with us.

Gain praise - Proud, connected, responsible, generous, smart and forward-thinking. This product makes all of our subjects feel special.

Be popular - Ultimate gift for the subject (and the family and community).

These are the things, statistically, that people want to feel when they purchase something. For one product to cover 8 out of 10 of the top motivators to make people buy makes it easy to sell as long as you know what it is that they want. Hopefully this is a bit of a twist on the messages that you have already been putting out there.

Also, hopefully my little notes from time to time motivate you! Good Luck!

As always, if you need anything, please don’t hesitate. I am here for you.

Sincerely,
Angie Berg

Priceless Legacy = Hickey Freeman

2009-08-14T05:32:00.001-05:00

Since I first conceived of the idea for the Priceless Legacy Company, I searched for analogies to describe the concept. Early on I settled on the example of the custom tailoring industry spawning high quality company brands like Hickey Freeman.

In reading the company history on their website, I was struck by the degree to which their vision that "Somewhere between inexpensive off-the-rack garments and high-priced hand-tailoring existed an opportunity for a new enterprise" jives with Priceless Legacy. We too believe that people want quality service and merchandise but at a price that is a fraction of the individual craftsman approach of most personal historians.

Infomercial Images

2009-08-13T10:04:00.004-05:00

A few random images from the infomercial testimonials that we recently shot. We have a lot of very happy customers!

Last English WW I Veteran Dies

2009-08-06T16:45:00.003-05:00

Harry Patch, the last British veteran of WW I has died. His funeral can be seen here.

The passing of this 111 year old "Tommy" is a reminder that history lives among us in living people. Understanding is there for us too, if we only take the time to seek it. Most of us are not given as much time on earth as Mr. Patch, so how many stories of WW II, Korea, Vietnam and the home front will be lost between the time I write this and the time you read it? A tragedy that much be addressed by us all.

Infomercial Testimonials Shoot

2009-08-03T11:34:00.003-05:00

We spent two twelve-hour days on Friday and Saturday shooting testimonials with Priceless Legacy Clients and Subjects at the beautiful Crescent Court Hotel in Dallas.

What a triumph of emotion and positive feedback! Even I forget just how huge an impact our Life Stories have on people and families. It was exhausting but deeply rewarding and affirming.

Our commercial is going be a very productive and effective tool to get the word out.

Thanks to producer Peter Vogt and his team at Planned Reaction.

Taking Legacy Planning to the Next Stage

2009-07-29T11:11:00.006-05:00

I came across a four year old but timeless article in Third Age by Jill Fallon called "Taking Legacy Planning to the Next Stage." My favorite quotation from the article was Ellen Goodman, who wrote:

“This packrat has learned that what the next generation will value most is not what we owned, but the evidence of who we were and the tales of how we loved. In the end, it's the family stories that are worth the storage.”

I don't often seek wisdom from Ellen Goodman, but she "nailed it" here.

The Authentic Me

2009-07-28T17:17:00.001-05:00

Nice mention in Andrew Thorn's The Authentic Me Blog.

The Comfort of Knowing

2009-07-26T18:55:00.003-05:00

I have spent a lot of time over the last few days at the hospital. My health is good, but my mother, having just turned 85 had a bit of a scare the involved a five day stay.

I have spent a lot of bedside hours with her and you know what was one of the primary topics of conversation? Her PLC book! I continue to amaze myself just how impactful the Life Story experience can be . . and often in unforeseen ways.

Not only did I have the peace of mind of knowing that we were prepared had this been the "big one," it also gave my mother a sense of "bring it on" confidence that I found very inspiring.

We spent a lot of time talking about her life and times. The scariness of the episode was much reduced by the knowledge that we had finished that Life Story a year ago.

If God wills it, she and I will keep talking about it for year to come.

100 Simple Things to Teach Grandkids

2009-07-22T13:46:00.000-05:00

Gransparents.com has a fun and interesting list of 100 Simple Things You Can Teach Grandkids. Curiously "Your Life Story" is not #1. It should be.

Artist Outing at Priceless Legacy

2009-07-22T09:08:00.005-05:00

If I do say so, we are a talented bunch at Priceless Legacy.

Yesterday, during lunch, the whole staff visited the Magnolia Theater Gallery at Uptown Dallas's West Village to view the art display of our very own operations specialist, Andrew Tolentino.

A mixed media presentation, the show included pieces made from discarded wood products, paint and other materials. To me, the art powerfully evoked the emotional impact of post-apocalyptic angst and yet did so in a playful manner that did not take itself too very seriously.

We expect great things from Andrew, both at PLC and as an artist in his own right.

Obama's Family History

2009-07-20T13:41:00.004-05:00

An interesting focus on family history (from a genealogy perspective) as the Mormon (LDS) church presents President Obama with a bound genealogical record of his family.

See Politico for more information.

Remember, we don't have to be President of the United States to have a history worthy of preservation. You and your family history matter just as much if not more.

Nantucket Thoughts

2009-07-14T13:36:00.003-05:00

I am taking my first vacation since starting the Priceless Legacy Company.

My family and I are in Nantucket, Massachusetts. It is a place most noted for two characteristics, both of which are also fundamental to Priceless Legacy. One is history and the other is family. Nantucket is old . . . not geologically but culturally. The Puritans and Quakers settled here not long after Plymouth and Boston and the reach of the islands whalers in the Eighteen and Nineteenth Centuries is legendary. Historical preservation is mania and woe be it to anyone who challenges that ethic.

It is also a place where families gather. Many generations of grandparents, adult children who are parents themselves and little ones walk the picturesque cobblestone streets. I can't help but wonder about all the great memories they create and celebrate here . . . but how quick they will fade if they do not take decisive action to save them. I want to grab anyone over sixty and shout "don't you know this won't last forever!"

But that would not be very "Preppy" or appropriate. Clearly, though, we need to keep sounding the alarm.

Priceless Legacy Printing Process

2009-07-12T13:33:00.000-05:00

For those curious about how a Priceless Legacy Life Story book is printed, you may watch this short video from our printing partner.

Caring.com blog mention

2009-07-08T09:32:00.003-05:00

We've been mentioned in Paul Spencer's Caring.com blog regarding our Five Lessons from Seniors .. .

Strategic Relationship with Philanthropy World

2009-07-07T11:07:00.003-05:00

The Priceless Legacy Company announced today that it has established a special strategic collaboration with Philanthropy World, publisher of Philanthropy World Magazine, one of the nation’s premier information sources for giving, volunteering and foundation activity. The two companies will cooperate with marketing and branding efforts to educate communities on the importance of life story preservation and how it pertains to best practices in foundation and nonprofit management.

At a time when most nonprofit organizations are eager for new ideas to deepen their fundraising relationships and further their missions, there is growing awareness of the importance of tending to these organizations’ “narrative endowments.” All organizations are acutely aware of their financial and physical endowments, but it is the sum total of their stories and human impacts that are the critical elements of their true value to their communities and nation. By sponsoring Life Story programs for leaders in their support communities, savvy development personnel are establishing a deeper level of connection and intimacy with their donors while documenting the connection of those donor’s life narratives with their cause or mission.

“Since 1996, Philanthropy World has been a leader in spotlighting best practices in the nonprofit community, and celebrating the positive impact that donors are having with so many worthy causes” said Peter Gudmundsson, CEO and Founder of Priceless Legacy. “Philanthropy World’s credibility, reach and thought-leadership will help us promote the importance of life story preservation and its effective use in supporting nonprofit advancement activities.

“Philanthropy World is excited about its new relationship with Priceless Legacy.” said Chuck May, Chairman/CEO of Philanthropy World, “Our mission is ‘to celebrate and spotlight the good works of individuals and organizations, so that others will emulate that behavior’, and the offerings of Priceless Legacy are perfectly aligned with that mission”.

Priceless Legacy’s first print advertisement will appear in the August issue of Philanthropy World.

About Philanthropy World Magazine (www.philanthropyworld.com):

Based in Dallas, Texas, and founded in 1996, Philanthropy World is a privately-held multi-media company committed to “telling the stories” that inspire greater and more effective philanthropy throughout the world.

Malcolm Gladwell reviews Free by Chris Anderson: newyorker.com

2009-07-01T16:16:00.002-05:00

A really interesting look at the new book by Chris Anderson (Of Long Tail fame) is in Malcolm Gladwell's New Yorker article.

How to Conduct a Great Interview

2009-07-01T05:42:00.000-05:00

A Canadian personal historian named Dan Curtis has an excellent blog full of great tips and tricks related to the field. Check it out at: http://dancurtis.ca/2008/07/12/57/

Priceless Legacy to Produce and Air an Infomerical

2009-06-29T10:07:00.002-05:00

Priceless Legacy Chooses Planned Reaction to Create Infomercial

The Priceless Legacy Company Chooses Planned Reaction, Inc. to Produce a Television Infomercial

Dallas, Texas –June 29, 2009. The Priceless Legacy Company announced that after a thorough search, it had chosen Planned Reaction, Inc. of Sugar Land, Texas to produce its new television infomercial.

The Priceless Legacy Company is in the business of turning “regular people” into published and polished biography authors. The company does this by working a Life Story creation process that turns a two hour interview and up to one hundred photographs into a beautiful hard-bound biography package.

Planned Reaction is one of the nation’s premier creators of direct-response commercials and infomercials.

“Every minute, five Americans die” said Peter A. Gudmundsson, CEO and Founder of Priceless Legacy. “Most do nothing to preserve their personal histories and that is an omission we are driven to address. By partnering with Planned Reaction, we will be able to create an entertaining and effective piece of television programming to remind people about the importance of life story preservation. Peter Vogt and his team have a vast track record of creative and business success in this realm. We have high expectations for the project. ”

“This is a wonderful product; a new way to capture and pass on personal memories that would otherwise fade away and be lost forever,” said Peter Vogt, Planned Reaction President. “We are extremely proud to have been chosen to tell the Priceless Legacy story. We think this infomercial will have a lot of people reaching for their handkerchiefs – and their phones.”

The production will air nationally during late September, 2009.

About Planned Reaction, inc. (www.plannedreaction.com ):

Planned Reaction, Inc. is an award-winning, but more importantly, results delivering Direct Response advertising agency. Operating for the last sixteen years in Sugar Land, Texas, and prior to that in New York City, the company counts many well-known Fortune 500 names among its client roster, and is responsible for some of the highest performing television spots and infomercials ever created.

Michael Jackson & Farrah Fawcett teach us

2009-06-26T13:21:00.001-05:00

We should use the deaths of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett to serve as reminders for the importance of approaching life story preservation with a sense of urgency. In the midst of superstar mortality, Baby Boomers are discovering that they and their parents will not live forever.

The deaths so close together of such popular generational icons should serve as a ‘wake-up call’ reminder. We cannot delay taking steps to preserve our heritage and legacy without risking the severe disappointment of our loved ones who will survive us.

Fawcett and Jackson represent to two primary kinds of death experiences not just of celebrities but of regular people too. Fawcett’s was a long expected death as a result of terminal illness. Jackson’s was unexpected and shocking. Both losses are comparable tragedies, but it is sobering to consider how many regular people and families, faced with the same expectations, fail to act in preparation for either scenario.

Our parents and grandparents are the real celebrities of our lives. High profile entertainers like Fawcett and Jackson have been well documented. But what will our grandchildren know of our parents and grandparents if we do not act today?

FamilyNet Mornings Show

2009-06-23T17:13:00.002-05:00

I was pleased to be featured on the Mornings Show at FamilyNet TV (and Sirius Radio 161) on June 18. The twelve minute segment can be viewed on our homepage.

Old Couples Bickering but in love

2009-06-21T09:17:00.001-05:00

An old couple lovingly bickering is one of life's great joys. Check this NPR post for a wonderful example.

Top Five Lessons from Seniors

2009-06-18T05:19:00.000-05:00

The Priceless Legacy Company released today the results of its research study into the Top Five Life Lessons of Seniors.

The Priceless Legacy Company is in the business of turning “regular people” into published authors. The company does this by working a Life Story creation process that turns a two hour interview and up to one hundred photographs into a beautiful hard-bound biography.

Each quarter, the company publishes the results of an anecdotal review of many of its published stories. These “life lessons” are drawn from specific Life Stories but enjoy universal applicability.

This list includes the following five observations from Life Story writers from age 65 to 104.

1. The simple things matter most.
2. Humor and time cure most pains
3. There is more satisfaction in giving than getting. Service to others is the most satisfying activity.
4. Choose your spouse carefully. It will be your most important decision.
5. Work hard and in a field or role that you enjoy.

“Of course, there are other themes too” said Peter A. Gudmundsson, CEO and Founder of Priceless Legacy. “But these are the topics that emerge time and time again.”

The company will continue to mine this rich vein of narrative stories for similar nuggets of wisdom.

Happy Icelandic Independence Day

2009-06-17T13:20:00.002-05:00

Taking Chance

2009-06-14T14:43:00.003-05:00

Last night I watched a movie that will stay with me for a long time.

Kevin Bacon starred as a Marine Lieutenant Colonel who is escorting a fallen Marine from Dover, Delaware to the young man's final resting place in Colorado. The film is a brilliant achievement of humility, understatement and simplicity. As a former Marine officer myself, I identified with the sense of duty and emotional conflict of the Bacon character.

The film reminded me of the importance of life story capture and celebration, even among the young.

Wisdom from George Patton's Family

2009-06-12T14:54:00.003-05:00

One of our Legacy Consultants, Nancy Gale, sent us a great article from the June issue of Smithsonian Magazine by Benjamin Patton (General George Patton's grandson) contains this gem. The whole article is worth reading.

Every family has a story, and every member's story is worth preserving—certainly for the living family, but even more so for future generations. Experiencing history through the lens of another person's life can offer unexpected insight into your own. It gets you to think: What sort of mark will I make? How will I be remembered?

The key is to start now, whether with a tape recorder or video camera. In her wonderful book The Writing Life, Annie Dillard tells of a note found in Michelangelo's studio after he died. I have a copy pinned up in my office. Scribbled by the elderly artist to an apprentice, it reads: "Draw, Antonio, draw, Antonio, draw and do not waste time."

Stories from Iowa

2009-06-06T18:31:00.000-05:00

Some very poignant video histories on Media Storm called Stories from Iowa. I particularly liked Harry and Helen.

Holy Scrap Batman!

2009-06-05T09:45:00.006-05:00

Some images from the Great American Scrapbook Show in Arlington, Texas. A lot of interest in Life Stories!

Our own Mary Kerr closes on yet another client!

Great American Scrapbook Show

2009-06-03T05:55:00.000-05:00

The Priceless Legacy Company will be exhibiting at the Great American Scrapbook Convention in Arlington, Texas from June 4 to 6, 2009

Dallas, Texas – June 2, 2009 - The Priceless Legacy Company will be exhibiting at the Great American Scrapbook Convention at the Arlington Convention Center, Texas from June 4 to 6. Hours and details are available at the show website: www.greatamericanscrapbook.com. The company will occupy booth 204.

Priceless Legacy is dedicated to helping older people preserve their life stories for the benefit of this and future generations. The company publishes beautiful Life Story packages that include hardcover color books and audio/visual DVDs. The company is deploying work-from-home part-time Legacy Consultants who sell the engagements, interview the subjects, organize their photos and manage the draft review process. Priceless Legacy has devised a custom publishing system that creates a one-of-a-kind personal biography that is not dependent on the writing skill of the subject.

Almost everyone has had the experience of either regret at not having taken the steps to preserve a life story or the strong sense that it should be done and they don’t know how to get started and finished. Using our process, our Legacy Consultants can help anyone preserve the life stories of their loved ones while there is still time to do it.

“Scrapbookers intuitively understand the mission of Priceless Legacy” said PLC CEO Peter A. Gudmundsson. People who understand the importance of preserving, honoring and celebrating the past have a natural affinity for our offering both through service as Legacy Consultants and as clients for our Life Stories.”

The company is offering a “Show Special” as $25 off a Legacy Consultant Starter Kit and $25 off a Life Story package.

“Scrapbooking is a large and vibrant hobby and industry” continued Gudmundsson. Many recognize that the next evolution is professionally published Life Story books that preserve actual stories and facts in addition to images.

About The Priceless Legacy Company (www.pricelesslegacy.com)

Based in Dallas, Texas, The Priceless Legacy Company is a privately held custom book publishing company dedicated to helping people preserve their life legacies for the benefit of future generations. The company serves people through its fast expanding network of Legacy Consultants. Currently active in twenty-one states, PLC’s Legacy Consultants help people record their life stories and personal history. Services include interviewing, photo organizing and scanning and the production of beautiful heirloom quality Life Story books.

Contact: Peter A. Gudmundsson, CEO& Founder
214.272.2363 (work)
pgud@pricelesslegacy.com

Nine Questions for Dad

2009-06-01T05:03:00.001-05:00

Father's Day and the anniversary of my father's death have me thinking about some questions that everyone should ask their father (if they still have that luxury).

Nine Questions for Dad

1. What did you enjoy most about being a Dad? Least?
2. Are there things you wish you had done differently as a father?
3. In what ways are we alike and in what ways are we different?
4. Why did you marry my mother?
5. Is there anything you every wanted to tell us (me) but have not?
6. What is the secret to raising good kids?
7. Is there anything you regret not having asked your parents?
8. Do you think today’s fathers have it harder, easier or just different?
9. What do you want to make sure that my children and grandchildren will remember about you?

Ivar Gudmundsson (January 19, 1912- to June 2, 1996)

Legacy Consultant Game

2009-05-27T14:40:00.002-05:00

We have added a game to the Priceless Legacy website that highlights the advantages of becoming a Legacy Consultant. Please play it here.

Grandparent Legacy Project

2009-05-22T08:56:00.004-05:00

I recently learned of a very exciting and important initiative called the Grandparent Legacy Project. A joint effort of the Association of Small Foundations and the 21/64 initiative, the GLP is dedicated to helping small family foundations (which represent about half of the nation's vast philanthropic effort) pass not just money, but values, lessons and stories to the coming generations.

While their focus is apparently on the wealthier segment of society, the message of legacy transference is very similar to Priceless Legacy's. I have reached out to the leadership of the GLP. There are bound to be useful ways that we can work together for our common aim.

The GLP has books and other resources available at their website.

Priceless Legacy Promotional Video

2009-05-19T17:31:00.004-05:00

This is a new promotional video for Priceless Legacy. It provides a broad overview of our mission with a leaning towards LC recruiting.

Nine Questions Everyone Should Ask a Veteran on Memorial Day

2009-05-19T11:14:00.003-05:00

The Priceless Legacy Company released its list of Nine Questions Everyone Should Ask a Veteran on Memorial Day

Too many people procrastinate asking a veteran they know some simple questions. They do so at their peril. So this Memorial Day, ask a veteran these simple questions and record the answers if you can.

1. When, where and how did you serve?
2. Why did you serve?
3. Can you recall any special stories from that time?
4. Who do you think about on Memorial Day?
5. Tell me about some of your friendships from that time.
6. Do you think young people today have the same commitment to service as your generation? Why or why not?
7. How do you feel each year at Memorial Day?
8. How did you feel when you came home from your period of service?
9. What lessons did you learn through your service?

As a former peace-time U.S. Marine officer, I have an acute awareness of the importance and meaning of Memorial Day. We owe the men and women a debt of gratitude for their service, dedication and sacrifice. One of the best ways we can show our support is to have the courtesy and curiosity to listen to their accounts and preserve them for the future.

National Genealogical Society Conference

2009-05-17T08:32:00.003-05:00

Mary Kerr and I just returned from the National Genealogical Society's annual conference in Raleigh, North Carolina.

We exhibited for about three and half days which was, to be frank, too long. The conference could have been accomplished in a day or so. That said, we met some interesting folks and had some very interesting conversations with four of our Legacy Consultants who came by to help us man the booth.

A special thanks to Sara S (Charlotte), C. Larsen (Pinehurst, NC), Dan S. and Jodi M. (Richmond) for stopping by. We enjoyed our time together and learned a lot.

One funny comment heard by an amateur genealogist at our booth after she heard about our offering: "Oh, you deal with the living!" We do indeed.

It struck me how much easier the genealogy industry would have it if people in earlier generations had had the benefit of Priceless Legacy.

Mark Twain on Procrastination

2009-05-10T08:49:00.000-05:00

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks and then starting on the first one.”

- Mark Twain

From a PLC Transcriptionist Editor

2009-05-09T06:26:00.001-05:00

A Priceless Legacy Transcriptionist Editor wrote this when she submitted her latest Life Story work:

As always, it's wonderful just hearing about the history and the different lives people chose to live. I have to say I have made some different choices recently because of the stories I've heard. There's so much wisdom to be given by someone who has lived and experienced life. Who knew that I'd be learning so much from a part time job?!

I could not have said it better myself!

Genealogists and Story Tellers

2009-05-07T09:11:00.006-05:00

I read a very interesting post on Dick Eastman's Online Genealogy site.

It is a short article by Annie's Ghosts author Steve Luxenberg who explores his foray into the world of genealogy from the perspective of a writer. I particularly like his description of genealogists and story tellers as being like distant cousins who look alike but have differences.

Genealogy for the Rest of Us
A Writer's Guide to Diving into Family History
By Steve Luxenberg,
Author of Annie's Ghosts: A Journey Into a Family Secret

I am not a genealogist. I am a storyteller.

The difference? Well, I’ll tell you a story.

In the spring of 2006, I was racing against a loudly-ticking generational clock, trying to find as many living relatives as I possibly could before their advancing age caught up with them. I was hoping that they could shed light on a long-ago family secret, one that my mother had created in the early 1940s and kept throughout her life. She had hidden the existence of a disabled sister who had been institutionalized for 30 years. Mom had died in 1999, her secret more or less intact. I was researching a book on her motivations for keeping the secret, and the consequences to her and those around her.

My working hypothesis: I had relatives I had never met, and I wondered whether their descendants might have some knowledge of my unknown secret aunt. Perhaps a bit of family folklore had traveled down their branch that had never made it down mine.
I had the beginnings of a family tree on my dad's side, courtesy of a cousin who had emailed me a version, but none on my mom's side. So I started to construct one, but got no farther than I had in junior high school, when an enterprising teacher had assigned us to create family trees for a class project. When I had asked Mom back then for the names of my grandmother's parents and siblings, she had just shrugged. That was the old country, she told me, as if that explained everything instead of nothing. Mom, born in the United States, professed no knowledge of my grandparents' early life in Russia or Ukraine or Poland (it was a mystery to me then), or whatever part of Eastern Europe we once called home.

According to a medical record that I had obtained, my grandmother was one of 10 children. I knew none of them. I knew none of their descendants. I just needed one name, and then I could pursue the genealogical trail, perhaps to someone alive, but if not, perhaps to a document, or a photo or some other clue that might lead me deeper into the story of Mom's secret.

Through painstaking work with passenger manifests, I had managed to learn the likely spellings of my grandparents' last names when they left Russia before the first world war. They were born in a small town near the old Austro-Hungarian border, a town that had changed hands several times in the course of the 20th century. Did the town's birth and marriage records still exist? If they did, would they yield the information I needed to trace the living descendants of my grandmother's nine brothers and sisters?

I consulted a genealogist with experience in obtaining records from the archives of Eastern European countries. He gave me a crash course in what I needed to do. The more he explained, the more daunting it sounded -- and the more expensive. He suggested that I purchase every record with any connection to the family names I already knew.

Worried that I would be overwhelmed with information, I asked whether it would be better to start with the smattering of the records that seemed most relevant. "I'm not a genealogist," I told him. "I'm not trying to build a family tree. I'm writing a book, and I'm trying to find out the things that will help me tell the story."
His genealogical ears couldn't believe what I had just said. "How could you not want to know it all?" he said, his voice reflecting his amazement. "How could you pass up the opportunity?"

I felt sheepish. "I'm interested, of course," I finally said. "But right now, the story is what I'm after."

Genealogists and writers are like distant cousins: They resemble each other, but it's easy to tell them apart. I'm in awe of the discipline that genealogists bring to their craft. I admire their dedication to a well-understood (if unwritten) set of rules for pursuing, finding, sifting, confirming and verifying information, before they connect the dotted lines between a ggf (great-grandfather, in genealogist parlance) and a second cousin once removed. As a writer, however, I'm wary of becoming a member of their club.

No need to be daunted, however. Genealogists are a welcoming bunch. They not only love company, they invite anyone to join their growing numbers, and millions have taken trips down the genealogical trail. The sudden accessibility of information online, such as census and immigration records, has made it possible for anyone to make a stab at researching their family origins, often without leaving the comfort of their living room. Amateurs like me vastly outnumber the professionals. Ancestry.com, which calls itself "the No. 1 source for online family history information," claims nearly 1 million paying subscribers and says that online visitors have created more than six million family trees since that feature was introduced three years ago.
You won't find mine there. My tree, with more broken branches than sturdy ones, exists only on paper, two pages taped together to accommodate the bits and pieces I had collected. I constructed it as an aid for interviewing a long-lost cousin, and then kept it on my desk as I wrote my book.

It was a huge help, a reference that I used so often that it became a bit tattered. Some day, I'll go back to it. I'll try to flesh out a few of the bare branches. I might even take a risk, and order some of those records from Eastern Europe. I'm curious, after all.

But not just yet. I have to finish this new story I'm working on.
©2009 Steve Luxenberg, author of Annie's Ghosts: A Journey Into a Family Secret

Author Bio
Steve Luxenberg has been a senior editor with the Washington Post for twenty-two years, overseeing reporting that has won numerous awards, including two Pulitzer Prizes for explanatory journalism. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

For more information please visit www.steveluxenberg.com

The Life Story as a Decluttering Tool

2009-05-02T17:09:00.004-05:00

Priceless Legacy exhibited for two days in Orlando at the National Association of Professional Organizers' annual conference.

This group of mostly women was a serious bunch of professionals. Although most seemed to suppress the urge to tidy up our booth or lecture us on time management, I was very impressed by the professional caliber of these people. Each PO practices a wide range of specific disciplines from residential (closet, kitchen, attic and garage) to commercial (office, warehouse, business process consulting). Most are very tactile and physical but some where more intangible in their orientation (time management and efficiency).

Of the hundreds that stopped by our booth, all were impressed by the quality of our life story packages. Some signed up as LCs on the spot and about 60 others indicated a strong interest in joining our cause.

The "buzz" of the show was the growing market for senior services. Senior move management in particular was of great interest to the attendees. Many see the Priceless Legacy Life Story as the perfect "decluttering" tool to organize the many photos and documents that are often carelessly stored at a senior house. By combining the best of these items in the context of a life story narrative, the senior, and his or her family, are able to enjoy their reminiscence without moving boxes, unpacking albums and accumulating "stuff." Of course, these ladies are also daughters themselves and many expressed the usual regret over not having made a Life Story or expectation over their need to do so.

We really do learn something new every day!

Timing IS Everything

2009-04-29T05:24:00.000-05:00

A Dallas based Legacy Consultant working on the Life Story of a grand mother completed the interview and photo logging only last week. Last night, although not previously ill, the lady passed away. We are still in the draft review process, but think how closely we cut it? Had the family delayed even ten days more, we would not have completed the life story of this lovely lady.

Although it is sad that she did not live to see the final Life Story, it is a great comfort to the family that she will live on forever now.

The lesson is: Do not procrastinate!

But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.
Matthew 24:43

Boomers Spending Even in Bad Economy

2009-04-28T07:05:00.003-05:00

An interesting article in the New York Times details how the Boomer generation is spending disproportionately in this otherwise week economy.

Too often we psych-out ourselves when it comes to price points and assume what we really don't know.

In Color Video

2009-04-24T05:49:00.000-05:00

I have posted this before, but I heard this song the other day it it reminded me how perfectly it captures the spirit of our mission at Priceless Legacy

Mark Twain on Procrastination

2009-04-23T05:24:00.000-05:00

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks and then starting on the first one.” - Mark Twain

A Sobering Thought of our Temporality

2009-04-19T17:26:00.000-05:00

In all likelihood, your children's grandchildren will not know your name if you do not take steps to preserve your memories and lessons.

I'm Still Me

2009-04-19T10:45:00.003-05:00

A nice song from a country artists Williams Riley. The song is called "I'm Still Me" and it depicts an older man reflecting back on his life. The smile on his face is the same look we get from our subjects when then receive read their Priceless Legacy Life Stories.

Sharing Works

2009-04-18T16:30:00.000-05:00

When you come across an interesting family photo, what do you do with it?

Try sending it (and a few others) to every family member you have an address for . . .and add a small note that requests that they do the same. That way, your collection grows and you spread load the risk of loss to fire or flood since the family photo collection is located in multiple places.

Marketing Wisdom from "Restored Stories" in Oregon

2009-04-16T05:36:00.000-05:00

Brina Bolanz, an experienced personal historian in the Portland Oregon area posted a comment to the ListServ of the Association of Personal Historians that I thought was as clear and simple a description of the action steps for a marketing plan for a PH or and LC as I have seen in a while. This is what I refer to as telling your story and exhibiting your passion. Thanks to Brina for letting me print it here.

Heather wrote: "I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share how they went about starting up their 'personal history' business (specifically those who write personal histories)."

I got my first tiny client by handing out my card at a garage sale.
Seriously. I got my first big one because an old jr. high school classmate found me on Facebook, and a few months later his dad wanted someone who could help him with his book, and he thought of me.

As for finding clients, I'd say mine those "friends and family" first off.
They'll be kind and you'll get great samples of your work.

I haven't been in business long, but in my opinion it is so much about word of mouth & trust. Ads don't work.

Hand out your card freely, talk about what you do to everyone you meet/know.
Find out if there are senior-oriented business networking groups in your town - if you meet others who work with your potential clients, you can let other people's marketing work for you, too. Make sure they know who you are so if their clients ask about such services, they know who to call. Do your best to refer people to them, and make sure they tell 'em who sent 'em.

Offer to give talks on preserving story at places that have your target market (i.e. older adults who can afford it, in general).

Offer to write articles for small local papers, or group newsletters, etc.

If the price is okay, have a booth at smaller conventions or conferences, if the market is right (someone was asking about that earlier). I target genealogists, heritage preservation groups, and retirement facilities right now. I'm having a table this weekend a genealogists' conference. It's $50, but it's right here in Portland -- I'll see if it pays off. In any case, I get to sit in on the conference, which is about tracing German relatives (my dad's side is German), so I'll learn something from my money anyway!

Go to other larger events/exhibitions as an attendee, and walk around with your bag of samples and biz cards and introduce yourself to everyone -- much cheaper than a $300 booth. :)

Great stuff, Brina. Thanks.

Eat That Frog: Strop Procrastinating

2009-04-15T09:08:00.005-05:00

I just read an interesting abstract of a book by Brian Tracy named Eat That Frog. The following is from a GetAbstract:

If you want to gain control of your life, change the way you work.
• Action is the key to accomplishment.
• People who do better do things differently. They do the right things right.
• Eating the frog means identifying your most important task and tackling it with
single-minded focus until it is completed.
• Launch directly into your most important tasks.
• Your ability to focus on your most important task will determine your success.
• People fail because they aren’t absolutely clear about their goals.
• The best rule for success is to think on paper. Write down your goals.
• Every night, make a list of what you want to accomplish the next day. Have a
master list, a monthly list, a weekly list and a daily list.
• Identify the one skill that, if you developed it, would have the biggest impact on your career.

Good advice for Legacy Consultants or any people who want to get things done and make a difference.

Roots Television - Really!

2009-04-13T21:47:00.002-05:00

Our video is finally up on Roots Television. Check it out!

Priceless Legacy Research

2009-04-11T07:09:00.002-05:00

About a month ago, the company conducted an online survey. This is what we discovered:

65% of people surveyed have taken no steps to preserve the life stories of their key loved-ones (parents, grandparents).
The number one activity to preserve the past is digitizing photographs (26% have done this). Only 2% have written a book.

This is especially interesting when one considers that 79% feel a sense of regret over the failure to capture the stories of one or more loved ones. Likewise, 71% of those who have lost one parent to death, regret not having done more to preserve those precious life stories.

Numbers don't lie . . .this is indeed serious business. It seems that, for most, regret is inevitable if people do not take basic steps to preserve memories. As we say, Life Story preservation has always been important. Now it is easy and affordable.

Life Story Preservation is Serious Business :)

2009-04-10T08:29:00.002-05:00

Life Story preservation is serious business at Priceless Legacy. . . .but it is also a lot of fun. COO, Bruce Cramer, is trying some new hair looks. Let us know whether you think this is a positive change or if he should go back to his previous image.

Why the Long Faces in Old Photos?

2009-04-09T13:34:00.003-05:00

An interesting article appeared in Maureen Taylor's Photo Detective blog today. She attributes the fact that so many of our ancestors look unhappy or angry in old photographs partly to the devices that were used to help people hold poses through the long exposures required by Nineteenth Century cameras. As Maureen writes:

Look closely at your early photographs and see if you can spot a posing device such as a wooden stand behind the subjects' feet. This device sometimes extended as far up as the head and had clamps around a person's waist or head to keep him still for the long exposure time. Would you feel like smiling?

There is no shortage of really interesting people who cover this field.

Success is Dependent on Your Willingness

2009-04-08T09:01:00.002-05:00

I thought this an insightful mention on my daily "Success Factory" newsletter.

Success is not dependent on your ability to do this business well, but your willingness to do it regularly.

Remember the first time you gave a newborn baby a bath? You were probably VERY nervous and very scared. But each time you did it, you got better at it, didn’t you? Well, the more you do your business, the better you’ll get at it and the more success you will experience!

As the father of four, this analogy certainly resonates with me.

Just in Time Training

2009-04-06T20:38:00.006-05:00

One of the challenges of executing the Priceless Legacy vision is the determination of the correct level of training for our Legacy Consultants. On one level, what we do is rather straightforward, we interview subjects, help organize their photos and then manage the draft approval process of the Life Story. Easy, right?

Well, yes, actually!

The entire premise of Priceless Legacy is that we can train regular people (whose hearts are in the right place, so to speak) to administer the steps necessary to complete a Life Story of high quality. The process we follow guides the Legacy Consultant through each step with specific directions when needed. I use the phrase Just In Time Training.

I fear sometimes that in our desire to be thorough we over complicate the our description of the process. Of course any method of mass customization manages some complexity, but we have to have the confidence that if we follow the steps, the results are always extraordinary.

Sorting Not Selling

2009-04-03T08:23:00.003-05:00

"Selling" is still the "S - Word" for too many Legacy Consultants. Images of used car salesmen and "pushy" network marketers help us define who we do not want to be.

I suggest that if the word "Selling" has too much baggage for you, it is time to consider the word "sorting" instead. Think about it. You already know and believe that life story preservation is important and vital for families, individuals and communities. You would not be a Legacy Consultant otherwise.

So if you value our message (that life story preservation is important and urgent) and our product (the Life Story package that makes life story preservation easy and affordable), it stands to reason that others will too. After all, you are not the only person to love and respect your parents or grandparents.

Your task therefore is to "sort through" people to find those for whom our message and product resonate and make sense. You can not "cram" this idea down an unwilling throat. So don't waste your time psyching yourself out that you will somehow unethically "fool" or "push" someone into buying a Life Story Package. It has not yet been done. Besides, there are far too many strong prospects out there to worry about those for whom this is not a fit.

By displaying your passion for the mission and product, you will attract those who want to learn more. You will be solving problems and giving a gift. Is this selling? Well, I don't really care what you call it. It is "sorting" for sure. A lot of people NEED Priceless Legacy and the message of life story and lesson preservation. You are in a position to sort through the hundreds and thousands of people in your circles to find those you can help. Don't let an obsession over terminology stand in your way.

Alzheimer's Disease and the Need for Life Story Preservation

2009-04-01T05:38:00.000-05:00

Jody Murphy, one of our Legacy Consultants in Central Virginia sent me this article from the Boomer Project's eZine called Jumpin' Jack Flash. I have no comment on the intellectual property rights to that name lest I hear from attorneys for Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, but I did think the article below was very interesting.

Since my father died from complications from Alzheimer's Disease in 1996, I have first hand sensitivity to the issue. I know how dementia can rob a person of the narrative of their life. Curiously, they also often gain snippets of memory that would have seemed lost. That said, we must remember that it is not only death that reminds us of the necessity of life story capture.

This week USA TODAY reported on the "Upward Trajectory of Alzheimer's" and the 2009 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures statistics that indicates an estimated 5.1 million Americans over 65 now have Alzheimer's. The article went on to say:

The report indicates that about 2.7 million people over age 85 have the disease, but by the time the first wave of Baby Boomers reaches 85 in 2031, an estimated 3.5 million people that age and up will have Alzheimer's.

It is now the sixth leading cause of death for people in the USA, surpassing diabetes. In people over age 65, it is the fifth leading cause of death.

And while deaths from heart disease, stroke and breast and prostate cancers dropped from 2000 to 2006, deaths from Alzheimer's disease increased by 47.1%.

We know dealing with Alzheimer's is already a part of life for millions of Boomers who are caregivers. The upward trajectory is not surprising, though. A quick search of news stories in which the word "Alzheimer's" appears have skyrocketed over the last 20 years:

1988: 1,990 stories
1998: 12,200
2008: 34,300

While Alzheimer's is part of life today, the real question, we think, is whether or not Alzheimer's is ultimately going to be a part of the Boomer future. The sheer numbers of Boomers means we're facing a rapid increase in incidences of Alzheimer's.

If you're really worried, apparently you can have a DNA test to see what your odds are for getting the disease. Tonight ABC Nightline's Terry Moran plans to reveal his test results.

But optimistic Boomers also believe Alzheimer's will be solved by the time the bulk of them reach very old age. From the USA TODAY story:

"I'm an optimist," says William Klein, professor of neurobiology and physiology at Northwestern University's Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center in Chicago. "Though the projections are dire for Baby Boomers, I think there's going to be a handle on it, and we will develop therapies that didn't exist."

Given that Professor Klein is considerably better informed on this than we are, we'll embrace his optimism. The "dire predictions" could also create opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs who are trying to solve Alzheimer's one way or another. Boomers will enthusiastically support any initiative with that goal -- economically, politically, socially and emotionally.

Boomer Line: You won't lose if Alzheimer's is part of your business strategy.

Mutual of Omaha video

2009-03-31T08:21:00.000-05:00

Mutual of Omaha is running a series of video shorts on its website and on television.

There is an especially poignant one where an older man named "Bob" tells of his "Aha moment" writing his memoirs. It is worth a quick watch. I'd love to capture that man's Life Story.

Drawing Out Wisdom From Parents

2009-03-29T10:42:00.003-05:00

A very wise and insightful piece as in the New York Times a few days ago. Thanks to Legacy Consultant Jody Murphy for bringing it to my attention. Writer Anne Roark describes the major insights from Henry Alford's new book How to Live: A Search for Wisdom From Old People.

The article articulates the satisfactions that accrue to all who undertake the preservation of life stories and lessons. It even has some handy "how to advice" on managing interviews.

A final word if you’re still reluctant to start the interviewing. Mr. Alford says that people are “repositories of knowledge” and the elderly “the keepers of wisdom,” and he cites an old African saying: “The death of an old person is like the burning of a library.” Many people have complicated relationships with parents, but all of us love libraries.

Roots Television

2009-03-26T11:38:00.003-05:00

Roots Television is an interesting channel to check out. I posted this simple video yesterday. I'll add some more Legacy Consultant seeking material next week.

Association Partnership Program

2009-03-26T10:12:00.002-05:00

Priceless Legacy is piloting a new initiative called the Association Partnership Program ("APP"). Many associations, organizations and groups, share Priceless Legacy's commitment to the importance of life story preservation. These groups include churches, temples, affinity and community organizations, schools, and non-profits. Some seek content for social programs and others strive to offer value for their membership. Most also seek innovative programs and means for assisting fundraising efforts, especially in these trying economic times.

These associations understand that the preservation of life stories is a service to the subjects themselves, their families, and their communities.

The Priceless Legacy Company is pleased to offer the APP to help groups reach these objectives through support of our company's mission to preserve life stories and lessons.

The Association Partnership Program offers groups:

Revenue (donation) sources
Discounts for membership
Intellectual content for programs
An innovative recognition program for members and donors.

When an association or group accepts the Priceless Legacy APP, it will be eligible for a 10% royalty on sales of Life Story packages payable at the completion of each story process. (Half of this comes out of the LC's compensation and the other half from the company). In addition, the company will honor a $50 discount for all members of the group.

In return, the company requires good faith access to the membership of the group. This may include but is not limited to non-cost access to print and email newsletters and magazines, live educational events ("Legacy Workshops") and other marketing mentions as appropriate and available.

The reason that the LC must "chip" in to fund half of the royalty is to make sure that it makes good business sense to strike the deal with the association. Many times, you will get access to these organizations with out having to "strike a deal." So don't lead with the idea, just hold it in reserve (and get authorization from the company first).

In order to qualify for the APP, the Association or Group must complete the APP Qualification Form and submit it to the Legacy Consultant or directly to the company. It will be in the Resource Center online by Friday.

Give us feedback as we test this exciting concept.

Getting excited, staying motivated and making money

2009-03-25T08:27:00.000-05:00

An insightful piece from the Success Factory. I assume it was written by Theresa Garrison.

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with a lady who was a relatively new party plan consultant. I listened as she spoke flatly and unenthusiastically about her new business venture that was not going as well as expected. Her initial efforts to book parties seemed fruitless. Add to that the initial out-of-pocket expenses required for purchasing her kit and a few business supplies and her initial excitement at the prospect of being her own boss was quickly waning. Frankly, she really sounded as though she was ready to throw in the towel… already.

In the past several decades, we have morphed into a society that expects instant gratification. By just the push of a button we have the ability to instantly communicate with family and friends via our PC’s and cell phones, we can have a ready-to-eat delicious meal in just seconds with the help of our microwave. We can shop online and put together a great outfit or order that book we just heard about on Oprah this morning and it will be on our doorstep tomorrow.

So, it is no wonder that to some, cash outflow plus hard work with no immediate return equals drudgery and frustration.

Do you have what it takes to be a smart business person – one who can manage her finances in a way that makes you truly profitable? Are you a natural born leader, someone with vision who can see past the challenges in order to achieve their goal?

Did you know that only 3% of people write down their goals? Interestingly enough, 3% of the population are millionaires. Hmmm, do you see the correlation?

I think that it is safe to say that there are some people who are natural born leaders and naturally good at the details of finances and managing their business in a cost effective way. This is how God wired them from the time they were first created. For the majority of us, however, this is learned behavior

Family Service Starter Kit Package

2009-03-24T05:51:00.000-05:00

Another opportunity for a new Legacy Consultant who is sure that their first Life Story is to be about their own loved one is the Family Service Starter Kit Package. It allows the new LC to purchase their Start Kit and first book at the same time.

A new Legacy Consultant may choose to purchase a non‐commission paying Life Story
Package and a Starter Kit at the same time for a discount. This special Family Service Starter Kit Package is $949. It is perfect for the new Legacy Consultant who knows that they want to do their first package for their own family or a friend.

a. Payments will be three of $316.33 at order, text production, and final delivery.
b. The FSSKP does not pay commission or any compensation to the primary LC (who is
purchasing) to include the Founder’s Quick Start Program.
c. Shipping and tax are additional.

Family Service Incentive Program

2009-03-23T05:47:00.000-05:00

Priceless Legacy encourages LCs to purchase Life Stories for the enjoyment of their own families or close friends. It is assumed and intended, but not required, that the incentive Life Story Package be used for family purposes. Therefore the company offers two special incentives:

Choice I

If an LC sells one Life Story (“A”) within 30 days of enrollment at full price, he or she may purchase a second Life Story package (“B”) for $499.

Choice II

If an LC sells two Life Stories (“A1” and “A2”) within 60 days of enrollment at full normal price, he or she may purchase a third Life Story package (“B”) for $299.
a. No commission or compensation is paid to the LC for the “incentive” or “B” Life Story
b. The “incentive” Life Story (“B”) pays commission to team on a face value basis (that is a percentage per the comp plan of the actual cost of that Life Story (e.g. $499 or $299).
c. The “incentive” Life Story must be completed within 120 days of enrollment.

We fight complexity but some times we need to get a bit creative. If an LCs desire to obtain a Life Story for a loved one drives them to do one or two other Life Stories, then all the better!

FamilyHistoryQuickStart.com

2009-03-22T21:21:00.002-05:00

Lots of good "do it yourself" tools and content at this site:

Family History Quick Start Guides

Technorati

2009-03-22T20:58:00.002-05:00

Aging in America Conference Video

2009-03-22T15:06:00.002-05:00

I shot some simple video at the Aging in America Conference in Las Vegas last week.

I had trouble loading it up to this blog but it is at Facebook and Youtube. Please check it out at either place.