The “16 Rules For Success” In Business (And In Life!)

Recently, GoDaddy.com founder Bob Parsons sold his company for $2 billion. How did he get to be a billionaire?

GoDaddy.com founder Bob Parsons knows best

Check out Parson’s 16 Rules For Success:

1. Get and stay out of your comfort zone

2. Never give up

3. When you’re ready to quit, you’re closer than you think

4. With regard to whatever worries you, not only accept the worst thing that could happen, but make it a point to quantify what the worst thing could be

5. Focus on what you want to have happen

6. Take things a day at a time

7. Always be moving forward

8. Be quick to decide

9. Measure everything of significance

10. Anything that is not managed will deteriorate

11. Pay attention to your competitors, but pay more attention to what you’re doing

12. Never let anybody push you around

13. Never expect life to be fair

14. Solve your own problems

15. Don’t take yourself too seriously

16. There’s always a reason to smile

Whether or not we envision a life of champagne wishes and caviar dreams, this is great advice for business and for living life.

Go out there an CRUSH IT!

- -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -

What Science Knows and What Business Does

How to Use a Mismatch in Motivational Theory to Your Advantage

Let me give you a scenario. Imagine you have two groups of people working on a challenging task. You tell Group A that if they are the first to finish the task, they receive $25. You don’t tell anything to Group B. Who do you think will finish the task first?

If you said Group A, you are DEAD WRONG!

You’re probably thinking, “What? How is that possible? Giving someone a monetary incentive will surely increase their productivity.”

Businesses have used that kind of logic for centuries. Reward people with money and they will work harder, faster, and stronger. Science, however, knows better.

Watch this video to learn more about this dangerous discrepancy:

The surprising science of motivation suggests the complete opposite of what businesses do to motivate their employees. Monetary incentives only work when the task is clear-cut with an obvious solution. However, for complex tasks such as the classic “candle problem,” this strategy is a bust. More workers are doing more creative, conceptual, right-brain tasks. Solutions to these tasks are not clear.

Thus, the classic reward and punishment approach may cost you time AND money. In the 21st century, it simply does not work.

Where to Go From Here:

What we need to focus on is intrinsic motivation--motivation from within. This can be broken down into 3 main components:

1. Autonomy
2. Mastery
3. Purpose

These 3 components should be the building blocks of your business.

Autonomy is especially important because it allows people to pursue their creative thoughts and turn them into action. Google’s “20 Percent” philosophy is a great example. Google employees are required to spend 20% of their time developing new ideas. 50% of all new Google products are the product of 20 Percent time.

So, instead of using the old “reward and punishment” philosophy to spur motivation, look at the facts. Entice your employees with intrinsic motivation. Give them autonomy, increase their desire to master whatever they do, and reinforce their sense of purpose in their tasks.

- -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- -

Frozen Healthy Foods Have Arrived at Last

HUMAN’s “Arctic HUMAN” Machine Delivers Healthy, Frozen Foods Fast

When you think of frozen foods from a vending machine, what products normally come to mind? You would probably guess ice cream--ice cream sandwiches, drumsticks, ice cream cookies, etc. Just one serving of one of these frozen treats may contain up to 430 calories and 19 grams of fat!

If that fact doesn’t make you shiver, I don’t know what will. But have no fear, HUMAN’s “Arctic HUMAN” machine is here!

Here are some features:

• Frozen Healthy Meals: Want a healthy frozen food meal but didn’t have time to buy any at the store? The “Arctic HUMAN” vends a wide variety of tasty and nutritious full frozen meals (in multiple shapes and sizes). This machine has you covered!

• The Fort Knox of Vending: “Ruggedized” design that is built to withstand the elements. Rain or shine, sleet or snow. We’re right up there with the US Post Office.

• Advanced Insulation: Keeps your products cold while reducing energy consumption, which is good for you and the environment!

• Vend-Sensor Technology: Strategically-placed infrared sensors virtually eliminate misvends.

• Self-Diagnosing System: Clears vending errors automatically. A smart machine with some heart-smart products.

• Increased Versatility: Uses conveyor belt dispensing technology, not Coils, which greatly increases versatility and capacity.

• Cash/Coin Validator: Can be upgraded to any form of cashless payment (Credit/Debit).

- -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- -

Peter Drucker, one of the greatest business consultants to ever live, said that the only two things in business that create profits are marketing and innovation.  Thus, it’s no surprise that innovation is a major profit center, essential to any successful business, especially if you want to be the best in your industry. Innovate your industry and the rest will follow.

That being said, here are the 6 Sources of Innovative Ideas and how HUMAN Healthy Vending has capitalized on them in our healthy vending business

1. New Knowledge

Some of the most successful innovations are the products of “new knowledge.” Like the old adage says, knowledge is power. Take the computer for example. New knowledge in the fields of binary mathematics, computer programming, symbolic logic, etc., resulted in the creation of the computer. By using new knowledge and implementing it in your product, you can radically change your industry and even dominate it.

How we’ve done it: Here at HUMAN, we took new knowledge of technology and the future of vending and developed the first-ever healthy vending program in the US. Our machines come equipped with LCD screens that display nutritional information and advertisements, remote monitoring capabilities, LED lighting, and conveyor belts in place of coils. We capitalized on new knowledge of the obesity epidemic and the healthy food boom by stocking our machines with 100% healthy options.

2. Customers

What better way to innovate than by tapping the ideas of customers? After all, these are the people that are going to be buying your product or service. They are often the best source of information on the weaknesses of current products and can also identify unsolved problems with the product. By finding out what they actually fear and desire--instead of acting on what you think they fear or desire--will amount to huge gains.

How we’ve done it: For years, the vending industry was stagnant. Customers were forced to sacrifice healthy eating for convenience, and we recognized that something was wrong with that. We created a product where people were able to go to their gym, health club, office breakroom, etc. and have easy access to their favorite healthy foods.

3. Lead Users

Lead users are companies or noncompanies, customers or noncustomers--whose needs are far beyond those offered in current market trends. They innovate or invent because no one else will do it for them. Their needs motivate them to create solutions far before manufacturers think of them. Thus, lead users are powerful sources of innovation.

How we’ve done it: As the founders of HUMAN, we are lead users. We knew we wanted convenient access to healthy options, but there weren’t any. We took our needs to the next level and created the solution ourselves.

4. Emphatic Design

One of the major problems innovators face is that customers cannot always articulate their future needs. This is due to the fact that customers only explain their needs in terms of current products or services. They do not know the technological possibilities available.  Emphatic design is an idea-generating technique whereby customers are observed using existing products in their environments.

It’s basically anthropology for business purposes.

How we’ve done it: The idea of creating a healthy vending machine actually came to me as I observed a woman at the gym. She got off the treadmill, walked over to the vending machine, purchased a 20 oz. Coke, and got right back on the treadmill. It didn’t make sense. Here was someone who cared about her health by being at the gym, but chose the nearest drink option which completely defeated the purpose of a gym in the first place.

5. Invention Factories and Skunkworks

Most big companies have an R&D unit. This could cost upwards of thousands of dollars. R&D programs are a proven way to develop new innovations, but they aren’t the only way. Some companies bring in talented people with different backgrounds and experiences to solve a particular problem. Some use skunkworks, which are focused project teams that don’t interfere with the rest of the organization.

How we’ve done it: Our team is a mastermind. Each of us has different knowledge and experiences. When you have numerous capable brainpower working together for a common goal, the results are multiplied and innovation is born.

6. The Open Market of Ideas

Open market innovation involves the importing and exporting of ideas. It’s basically collaboration with outside sectors or corporations that help spur innovation. A lot of companies hire consultants who are experts in certain areas. No one person (or company) knows everything, so having a pair of fresh eyes to look at your business will prove useful.

How we’ve done it: We know we aren’t a one-man team, so that’s why we’ve partnered with numerous organizations and programs to stay true to our mission and keep up with the times. We have an endless fountain of information and ideas that help us innovate and grow.

Best in health,

Sean & Andy

Founders, HUMAN Healthy Vending

- -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -

Obesity in America: Fast Food & Fat Profits that Come with a Price

Check out this video on the obesity epidemic in America. You’ll be surprised at how fast food has changed the U.S. for the worst.

The video explains some interesting facts you can’t afford not to know.

- -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -

Why Social Entrepreneurship Means More than Just a Bottom Line

“Social entrepreneurs identify resources where people only see problems. They view the villagers as the solution, not the passive beneficiary. They begin with the assumption of competence and unleash resources in the communities they’re serving.”

- David Bornstein, author of How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas

In this week’s Crush It Report, we are going to discuss a HOT new topic on the entrepreneurship front: social entrepreneurship. You may or may not have heard of this, but the idea is pretty straightforward: social problems can be tackled in similar ways to business problems.

Social Entrepreneurs Have a Greater Purpose than Profits

Whether it be working to resolve an environmental issue or social injustice, social entrepreneurs apply business solutions to social problems. The up-and-coming entrepreneurs of today are much more socially aware than their predecessors. Social entrepreneurship used to be an oxy-moron.

Now it’s anything but that.

Even business schools are starting to offer programs in social entrepreneurship. Hult Business School in London is one of the first, with many other schools across the world planning to follow their lead. Their goal is to appeal to students’ conscience, not wallets.

In an age of ever-increasing corporate social responsibility and   proactive environmental actions, knowledge of social enterprise just may be the new path to success.

Our vending business is a prime example of a social enterprise. Of course, you need to make money. But once that’s under control, you can work towards your bigger mission. Ours is about  fighting obesity by increasing access to healthy foods, drinks, and education. Like we always say, we are a health and nutrition company with a vending problem.

The bottom line: If you see a problem, find the resources to solve it. It’s simply business with a social mission.

Best in Health,

Sean & Andy

Founders, HUMAN Healthy Vending

- -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- -

Childhood Obesity: America’s Got a BIG Problem

Check out this creative video on the childhood obesity epidemic:

You’ll learn some startling facts about childhood obesity, including…

1. 1/3 of children in America are either overweight or obese

2.  19.6% of kids ages 6 to 11 are unhealthy (compared to 6.5% in 1980)

3.  Obesity in children can lead to diabetes, stroke, cancer, and more

You definitely need to watch this.

- -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- -

Recognized for Success

Co-Founder Andy Mackensen Featured in Stanford Business Magazine

Co-Founder Andy Mackensen with a HUMAN Machine

This week, Andy Mackensen, co-founder of HUMAN Healthy Vending and Stanford ’06 alum, appeared in the Stanford Business Magazine Spring 2011 issue.

Andy was recognized for his unique and innovative take on the vending industry. HUMAN machines are 30-50% more energy efficient than older models, not to mention stocked with healthy food and drink options.

His experience in the hot food vending industry lead him to found HUMAN with Sean Kelly. They capitalized on technological innovation and their passion for health.

Congrats, Andy!

- -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- -

In this week’s Crush It Report, we will explore a question asked by people for centuries, possibly since the beginning of time: How do great entrepreneurs think?

We hear a ton about what the most successful entrepreneurs do, but before the doing comes the thinking. Although research on entrepreneurship is still fairly recent, there are a lot of people trying to figure out “What is entrepreneurship?”

What Defines an Entrepreneur?

Are there certain entrepreneurial “qualities” that set an entrepreneur apart from the rest? Is it based on luck? Knowing when to act on an opportunity? Taking a risk?

The answer is, no one really knows. Studies have been done coming to one conclusion, and other studies counter them and come to another conclusion. However, a recent study published in Inc. Magazine garners some groundbreaking insights into the thought processes of some of the most successful entrepreneurs. How did the researcher, Saras Sarasvathy, do this? She actually listened in on entrepreneurs as they talked through a hypothetical business scenario presented to them.

Master Entrepreneurs

She found that “master entrepreneurs rely on [...] effectual reasoning. Brilliant improvisers, the entrepreneurs don’t start out with concrete goals. Instead, they constantly assess how to use their personal strengths and whatever resources they have at hand to develop goals on the fly, while creatively reacting to contingencies.”

It’s all about making something out of nothing.

When you think about it, it makes sense. Having TOO many resources actually confines you. It sets you in a one-track mind. But when you have limited resources, you are forced to rely on personal strengths and past experiences to reach your goals. That is where creativity reigns supreme.

The lesson? You don’t necessarily have to go into a business venture with concrete goals. Rely on what you do best, and don’t hesitate to hone your creativity. Go out there and CRUSH IT!

————————————————————————————————————————————————--

Start-Up Secrets: Tips from America’s Coolest Young Entrepeneurs

Inc. Magazine gathered the Top 15 tips some of the brightest, most successful young entrepreneurs have discovered from their experiences.

The Best Way to Learn is from Others

Top 15 Tips to Success

1. Stick with it

2. Simplify your mission

3. Ditch your safety net

4. Exceed expectations

5. Do MORE with LESS

6. Don’t go it alone

7. Be nimble

8. Have a plan for actually making money

9. Do your homework

10. Be prepared

11. Stay genuine

12. Don’t manage angry

13. Don’t be afraid

14. You can’t mask mediocrity

15. Do what you LOVE

This rings true for our healthy vending business. We love what we do, and that’s why we are committed to making healthy snacks and drinks more available to everyone. As our motto states, Passion + Purpose + Philanthropy = Success. By having a passion for healthy living, a purpose of making healthy options accessible, and a philanthropic mission to donate 10% of our proceeds to campaigns that help eradicate diabetes and obesity, we truly do what we love and love what we do.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

How to Read Food Labels: The Difference Between “Healthy” Foods and Health Foods

Check out this interesting clip on how to determine the ACTUAL nutrition facts on food labels.

The traditional best practices for vending machine owner/operators are one-dimensional:

1) Place your machine in the highest traffic location you could find

2) Stock it only when absolutely critical (i.e. when everything is almost sold-out)

3) Use the same product mix for the next decade

This is a result of perspective. If you look at a vending machine and see only a machine then you’re not thinking outside of the box.

However, if you look at your vending machine and see a launch pad for an evolving and optimized product mix, then suddenly it becomes so much more than a machine.  Instead of a vending machine you now see an Automated Healthy Snack Store.

What is the best way to turn this new perspective on your vending machine into tangible results (i.e. more CASH?):

#1: Change Up The Items In Your Machines

This isn’t an earth-shattering revelation.  We’re sure you already know this.  But, how often do you do it? Do you track the sales of each product-type?  Even if you have tested and worked to arrive at the product mix you have now, it’s a good idea to continue to feature new healthy snacks and drinks. Variety is the spice of life!

#2: Do A Give-Away Promotion

i) Place a bright-colored sticker on the back of one of your products.

ii) Affix a flyer to the front of your machine that makes it loud and clear that if a sticker of that color is found on the back of a product, then “You Are A Winner! Go To The Front Desk To Collect Your Prize!”.

iii) Make sure the front desk has an enticing prize waiting for your customer.  Recommendations: Gift-cards, H.U.M.A.N.  Clothing, Cash, or anything else you can think of that has value!

iv) Promote your Give Away via word-of-mouth.  Chat up your regulars and they’ll spread the word for you!

If communicated well, the cost of the prize will be DWARFED by your increase in profits.

#3: Automate Your Customer Feedback

You are a marketer of healthy snacks and drinks. What is the most valuable information you need to know? The wants and needs of your customers, of course.  While taking time to talk with your customers and hold sampling events to get their feedback is very effective, you can also save time by placing  a comment box on your machine via double-sided tape or Velcro strips with a small sign that reads “Healthy Snack Request”.  Be sure to include small slips of paper and a pencil/pen.

There are many other ways to increase your profits. Take a step back and evaluate your business on a regular basis.  Think outside of the box and don’t lose sight of the most important thing: providing a high-level of service to your customers!

Best In Health,

Sean & Andy

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————--

Automated Marketing

While you’re in the mindset of thinking about marketing your own healthy vending business, this article from MathMarketing.com is a great commentary on automated marketing.  Take the manual labor out of scaling your business by creating automated systems wherever possible.  This can be done without sacrificing high quality customer service.

http://www.mathmarketing.com/blog/marketing-plan-to-help-you-grow-quickly-and-efficiently

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Speaking of perspective, Sebastian Thrun, a Professor of Computer Sciences at Stanford, has taken a radical perspective about changing something we all do quite often…

Nothing is more important than doing what you believe is right.

Why did you get up at the crack of dawn to go to work today?  If you have children, it is probably because you believe you have a responsibility to provide for them.  When you get home from a long day of work and feel like you have completed your duty, it feels good because you believe in the work you did.

Everyone in this world believes in something, and our life choices are just a reflection of those beliefs.

Passion makes all the difference!

The worst thing you can do is fight against what you believe in. It takes a toll on you, both mentally and physically, as you are always dealing with inner conflict. Anyone who has spent a prolonged amount of time doing something they didn’t believe in (I know I have), can tell you how difficult it is. Unless you feel good about what you are doing, you shouldn’t be doing it.

I heard this quote earlier this week and I have not been able to get it out of my head.

“There is a direct relationship between how many people you help outside your sphere, and how impressive the people inside your sphere think you are.”

Does that make sense?  Let me elaborate.

The more people that you help in this world, the more the people that you actually care about (your inside circle) will respect you and look up to you.  Think about the people that you look up to, or the people you think are just plain awesome.

What is their mission? I would bet each of those people is doing what they believe in and in their own way helping many people outside of their sphere.

Whether it is a CEO who creates jobs for others, or a volunteer who is providing access to clean water for those in desperate need, they both are helping others outside of their immediate sphere and that is admirable.

Vending is a $40 billion PER YEAR industry!

There is huge opportunity out there for any person or company that provides consumers with exactly what they want.  Right now, what consumers want is convenient access to delicious, nutritious snacks, and if you provide them for them, you will be successful.

In the 21st century business model, you can make money AND feel good about it.  Look around at some of the top businesses and business ideas in the last 10 years, they all have some purpose and most importantly they improve the lives of their customers and those around them.

Look at Apple, they decided they wanted everyone to be able to have access to 1,000 songs in their pocket, so they created the first iPod.  Apple has been wildly successful, and their fans outnumber their critics by 1000%.

Those who create are rewarded

The race is on for the first car company who can create an affordable, fully electric, emission free vehicle.  Companies like Ford and Toyota are investing billions of dollars to create this vehicle.

Why?  It is not just because it will help prevent global warming, it’s because they know there will be a HUGE PAYOUT for anyone who can perfect this.

Money follows all good ideas, and every idea that improves peoples lives is a good idea. We believe 100% in our mission of providing convenient access to healthy snacks and beverages, and we know that as long as we continue to partner with quality, like-minded individuals like yourselves, we will succeed in doing our part in halting the obesity and diabetes epidemic.  We will also revamp the struggling vending machine business.

If you’re reading this Crush It Report, it’s because you are a progressive thinker, a philanthropist, and you have a knack for finding elite business opportunities.  For those of you we have already partnered with, we commend you, and for those of you we have yet to meet, we look forward to changing the world with you.  Come crush it with us!!!

Best in health,

Sean & Andy

Founders, H.U.M.A.N. Healthy Vending

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Increase Your Productivity By 400% in One Simple Step

Last week we talked about making sure when you set your schedule for the day, to set both the start time and the end time of your tasks and appointments.  That is the first step towards increasing your productivity.

The second step is to make sure that you work exclusively on your SINGLE assigned task during its scheduled time, and to protect that time by not letting any other task or distraction break your focus.  Research shows it takes an average of 10 to 25 minutes to get back on track after you lose focus on a task.  That means if you bounce around from task to task, you can spend an entire day working and get nothing done but still feel exhausted.

Work Hard and Stay Focused!

Imagine that!  If you schedule yourself an hour to sort out your business finances, but get caught up on a 15-minute personal phone call 10 minutes after you start working, you can quickly throw away 40 minutes of your assigned hour.

Instead of picking up the phone, just let it ring and work twice as hard to finish your task so that you can fully focus on returning the call.  Instead of taking 40 minutes out of your productive day, you will be able to take zero time out of your productive day and have an even more fulfilling conversation because you won’t be thinking about all the work you are avoiding.

Think about this, how many times has someone ABSOLUTELY needed to talk to you RIGHT NOW, but didn’t leave a message or call back?  If someone really needs to get on touch with you, they will:

1.      Leave a message

2.      Call back multiple times

3.      Call someone closest to you to see if they can get in touch with you through them

By screening your calls while you are being productive, you will remain on task and actually have more time for calls after you are done.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Are Energy Drinks Killing Our Kids?

Now I am not going to deride the benefits of caffeine and energy drinks, because as an avid coffee and tea drinker I would be a hypocrite, but I will say that there is a time and a place for these products…and for young people, especially at schools, it is neither the time, nor the place!

Marketing to Kids? Not Cool

Did you know that 30% to 50% of young adults and adolescents consume energy drinks?  In 2007, there were 5,448 US caffeine overdoses, 46% of those overdoses occurred in children under the age of 19.  Serious adverse effects have been reported due to consumption of these drinks, especially in children, adolescents and young adults with preexisting conditions.

The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics published a study about the health effects of energy drinks on children, adolescents, and young adults.  The results were not encouraging.

Do you think large vending companies think about this when they place energy drinks in schools?  No way.

If you want to drink energy drinks as an adult that is your choice, and the benefits of caffeine can’t be ignored, but just make sure you do your research.  Many of the energy drinks sold today are packed full of ingredients whose effects on the human body are not fully known.  It is better to stick to organic teas and coffees, as well as 100% natural and organic drinks like Guru.  Your body will thank you!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why Gratitude is the Healthiest of all Human Emotions

This video is a fantastic case study in perspective.  Everyone is guilty of negative thinking sometimes, it is important to take a step back and think about the big picture.  No matter how bad you are feeling, there is always a bright side and it is important to reinforce those feelings.  Zig Ziglar hits the nail right on the head with this short video.



-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

True that cartoon man. True that.

What Does It Mean to “Crush It”?

At HUMAN “crushing it” begins with our vision of a better, healthier world.

“Crushing it” is about mastering, or working towards mastering, every area of your life that’s important to you.  Creating optimal health & happiness, excelling as a socially-responsible entrepreneur, making sure you’re having a whole lot of fun, being a great friend & family member, and a whole lot more.

This was defined in our first Crush It Report and it has not changed now in our 16th edition.

Let's Move

Honoring Those Who Crush It

Every once in a while we need to take time to honor those who are using their influence to help create health & happiness for others and are “crushing it” in the truest sense of the expression.

Yesterday was the 1^st anniversary of the launch of Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Campaign.  Even with the current political polarization in our country, it is very difficult to argue with the premise of her movement.  Yesterday Obama gave this speech in regards to the goal of her Campaign.

“One year later, Let’s Move! is far more than just a campaign.  It is so much more than just a slogan.  It’s a nationwide movement to give our kids everything they need – all the energy, strength and opportunities they need to fulfill every last bit of their potential and achieve every last one of their dreams.” -- Michelle Obama, February 9th 2011.

Increasing exercise in schools is crucial

More and More People Have Joined to Support

Every day, more and more businesses, schools, community leaders, and  sports leagues are joining the first lady in her attempt to change they way we think about the health and well-being of our children.   We have begun to see a fundamental shift in the way we eat and live in every level of society.  From large corporations, to small community organizations, everyone is making a push to increase health and wellness across the country.  This is what it is all about and we could not be happier.

Some of the accomplishments from the first year of the Let’s Move Campaign include:

• The passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, a revolutionary piece of legislature that mandates schools provide healthier options for students and requires that school vending machines must adhere to the same standard of nutrition that school lunches follow.
• The campaign has pledged to help double the number of schools that meet the HealthierUS School Challenge.

• Nearly 500 American communities have joined the Let’s Move Cities and Towns movement to encourage action by mayors and elected officials to adopt a long-term, sustainable and holistic approach to fighting childhood obesity.
• The Fruit and Vegetable Alliance, the Food, Family and Farming Foundation and the United Fresh Produce Association have partnered and committed to put 6,000 salad bars in schools across the country over the next three years, making fresh vegetables a more accessible choice for children.

Michelle Obama is crushing it, and we are proud to be partners with the Let’s Move Campaign in the fight against childhood obesity.

You can take action against obesity today by joining the HUMAN team.   Start providing convenient access to healthy snacks and beverages to those who need it most as a socially-responsible entrepreneur.  We can’t do it alone!

Best in health,

Sean & Andy

Founders, HUMAN Healthy Vending

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let’s Move Campaign Speech

Here is the full speech Michelle Obama gave yesterday at the anniversary celebration.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Change The Way You Schedule Your Day

Control your schedule, don't let it control you.

Do you feel like you always run out of time during the day to accomplish what you need to get done?   Instead of just scheduling the start time of your appointments and tasks for a day, make sure you schedule the end time as well.  Without an end in sight, tasks and meetings will drag on and vacuum away your day.

This is called scripting your day, and top-achievers in every industry make sure to use this technique to eliminate wasted time and in different tasks.  It is a really easy transition to make, it pays off instantly, and it can be implemented today.

Tonight:

Before you go to bed make sure to create your script for the next day. Build your calendar out and create end times for all your activities and meetings for the following day.

Tomorrow:

This is where a mindset change must take place.  Every meeting you have tomorrow, make sure to state up front your time constraint.  It may feel awkward at first, but as you become more comfortable with the idea it will be easier to speak up and state your time limitations.  Something simple like, “I am so excited to meet with you and I would like to dive right in to the matter at hand because, unfortunately, I have another meeting in a half an hour. Let’s get started.” is not disrespectful and allows both parties to get to business.

Give it a try for the rest of the week and you will be blown away by the results.

Whole Grain INVASION

HUMAN CEO Sean Kelly Crushing it at the Whole Grains Council

This week HUMAN had the pleasure of being a benefactor sponsor and keynote speaker at the Whole Grains Council Conference in Portland, OR.  HUMAN is the only vending sponsor ever to be invited and it’s a testament to our commitment to health that we were honored as an industry pioneer, and pace setter.  The big wigs of whole grain were all in attendance, including General Mills, Quaker, and Kelloggs. It was an exciting weekend for nutrition and we were fortunate enough to give a presentation on the importance of ultra-convenient access to whole grains.  Many doors were opened by attending this conference, and we hope to join them again next year.

Check out my presentation “The Whole Grain Invasion” below!

Best in health,

Sean & Andy

Whole Grains Council: Ultra-Convenient Nutrition With Healthy Vending Machines

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Health: The Only Recession Proof Business

I am terrible at house hunting (really bad). I do not crush it at all.

If only house searching were this easy...(one size fits all)

The last couple of weeks I have been searching for a new place to live in Los Angeles.  I’m looking for a four-bedroom house or apartment for a couple of friends and I to live comfortably and pay a reasonable rent.

When you work 11 hours a day training an army of healthy vending entrepreneurs and experts, you don’t have much time to take a look at houses.  Fortunately, I have some great friends to help me out.

I bet you’re thinking, “Wait…why is he telling us about his house search?”

Let me explain.

Housing Developments

In the past 2 months I have visited around 20 houses in neighborhoods all over Los Angeles (you would think that after 20 houses I would find one, right…), but I haven’t found a house that fits my criteria.  Why?  Because I am picky.

I want a house that is within walking distance to a gym and a market with organic foods and produce.  My health is a big priority for me, and I am willing to pay a premium for a location like this.

Unfortunately for me, it turns out that EVERYONE else is willing to pay a premium for this as well! Expensive houses with these features are being rented out within days of being listed. Competition is extremely fierce and routinely we’ve been told that an offer has already been placed on a house we only found earlier in the day.

This house search has continued to reinforce what I have known for a long time, there are not enough businesses providing convenient access to healthy options.

The REAL Problem With The Economy

Why are there not enough quality grocery stores providing real, nutritious foods?  Because they are expensive and poor neighborhoods are not willing to pay for them.  But guess what, wealthy people are willing to pay for them.

There's one in every city...or three.

In one of the richest parts of Los Angeles, one house we saw had not 1, not 2, but THREE Whole Foods within walking distance.  And guess what, they were packed.  Yes, packed. Even with prices at least 30% higher than discount markets.  Carts were full and wallets were even fuller.

Aren’t we supposed to be in a recession? If you watch the news, you are led to believe that the America we used to know is through, and while there is no denying that many people are struggling in this economy, not everyone is.

Many people are moving forward, working hard, and spending their money on themselves, their family and their health.  Anyone who has been following the stock market over the last 2 years knows money lost in the crash has come back (think about it, was it ever really gone?), and for those people smart enough to realize there was an opportunity to invest their money 2 years ago when others were running scared, they have a lot more money than before.

This is the point I am trying to make. There are lots of people out there with money and they are spending it on whatever they want.  This presents a HUGE opportunity.

You may be thinking to yourself, “I have never seen a healthy vending machine, how do I know people will want to buy from one?”

Let’s break it down.

Opportunity Knocks

Problem: You start a fresh healthy vending machine business and some people don’t buy your products right away

Healthy Vending is the way of the future!

because they don’t know what they are or how they taste.

Opportunity: It is way bigger than the problem! If you follow history, one thing you will always see is that the rich are the early adopters.  They have the newest technology, set the trends, and ultimately make policy decisions.  Right now the entire country is making a push for health, and the First Lady is leading the charge with the Let’s Move Campaign. Junk food vending machines are going to be banned and schools across the country are all looking for healthy vending options.   There is a reason why every school in the country is filled with vending machines: because they are very profitable.

There will always be people with money, and they will always spend it on what they think is valuable.

Think about it, what is more valuable to a caring parent than the health and well-being of their child?

So don’t waste any more time, start your business and get out there before your neighbor beats you to it.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Disco” Healthy Vending Machine

As the world’s most innovative vending company, we are always working on projects and inventions to make sure we maintain our edge.  Check this out, if this doesn’t draw attention to your machine, I don’t know what will.

How to Jump Onto a Speeding Train (Hint: You Gotta’ Be Quick)

Ok, so you could be like THIS guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph0toX54qlE

But I don’t recommend it. Not only is he wearing attire completely ill-suited for his objective, but he’s also risking life and limb for next to no reward. That’s not really “Crushing It” if you ask me.

Instead, I suggest a much safer and surer approach.

First, it begins with mentality. You have to be prepared to leap when the time is right! You have to recognize an opportunity and ACT as quickly as possible. This is one of the few traits that ALL successful people have in common. They don’t sit around looking for excuses why NOT to do something. Rather, they obtain the MINIMUM amount of information they need to make a decision, and then they make it. This ability to act is what separates successful train jumpers AND entrepreneurs from those who miss the train completely.

Second, you CANNOT think the train is longer than it is. BIG mistake. So many people see a great train to jump on but think it’s 100 cars long when really it’s only 50. They misjudge the window of opportunity, and thus, when they jump, they fall flat on their face. Ouch.

Last of all, you gotta’ catch the train before it’s moving too fast. You don’t want to jump on when it’s moving too slow, because you won’t get anywhere. But you also don’t want to jump on when it’s moving too fast, because by that time there may be too many people who’ve already boarded the train, and you could be too late. Your spot could be gone.

Speed of Implementation

Timing is everything...

All three of these things relate to Speed of Implementation. You either have it or you don’t. If you want to be successful, I suggest you find a way to get it, and FAST.

While this all applies to actual train-jumping, for those of us who do not have “007″ after our name, I’m also speaking about the quickly moving train that is HUMAN Healthy Vending. We’re moving fast these days, and it’s exciting for everyone involved! Before long we’ll be across the entire country -- it’s in our vision and we can see it coming to fruition not too far down the road. We’ll soon be fighting obesity and malnutrition across the entire land…and beyond.

Where is HUMAN launching over the next couple of months? Here are some places to name a few:

• Asheville, NC
• Austin, TX
• Birmingham, AL
• Chicago, IL
• Cleveland, OH
• Madison, WI
• Oklahoma City, OK
• Tulsa, OK

And many more! What an exciting time it is to be HUMAN. I get the shivers just thinking about it.

Are you interested in joining the HUMAN Family? Are you ready to fight obesity head-on and dive-in to a recession-proof, booming opportunity that capitalizes on the trend of health & nutrition? And most importantly, would you like to have some fun? Then you might be ready to become HUMAN! Contact us today to catch this speeding train before it’s too late…don’t pass up on these fresh healthy vending opportunities…territories are being opened left and right, so act while your territory is still available. BE THE TRAIN JUMPER YOU’VE ALWAYS DREAMED YOU COULD BE

Best in health (and perfect timing),

Sean & Andy

Founders HUMAN Healthy Vending

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From Supersize to Slenderize: 3 Reasons Health Will Thrive In 2011

Biggest Loser

If you turn on the TV these days you will quickly realize how obsessed Americans are with food. Chopped, Iron Chef, Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, Anthony Bourdain’s: No Reservations, Bizarre Foods.

Every one of those hit shows is thriving based on a television model that glorifies the process of food creation. Not just any food, real food made with quality ingredients.

And the other hit shows?

The Biggest Loser, I Used to Be Fat, Heavy.  Each of these shows reveals extreme examples of health neglect.  Why are these shows popular?  For one, they offer an action packed, goal oriented, 30 minutes to an hour of programming based upon a comeback story and if there is one thing American’s love, it is a comeback story.  Equally as important as the story, is that each of these shows is extremely relevant.

Everyone can relate to the temptations of overeating and the draw of junk food in modern society.  Everywhere we go we are bombarded with prepackaged, processed foods filled with questionable ingredients.

Even McDonalds is jumping on board.

The 90’s and early 2000’s were times of gluttony.  Portions were growing larger, “supersizing” was mainstream, and Americans were comfortable with fat.  2011 is the start of a new decade of health, and the signs are all around us.

The First Lady has launched the Let’s Move campaign in an effort to end childhood obesity in a generation, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, San Francisco has banned toys in happy meals to prevent children from eating junk, and organic food sales have grown from $1 billion in 1990 to $24.8 billion in 2009.

Why is this change happening?

1. Innovation

Nowadays you don’t have to search far and wide to find fully prepared, healthy meals and snacks that TASTE good. In the past, the main problem with eating on the go was that nothing healthy could be packaged and preserved for convenient consumption.  Fast forward to 2011, we have products like LARA Bars that taste fantastic (try the Coconut Cream bar if you are not convinced), have a competitive shelf life, and are 100% raw foods.  These foods have taken years to develop, but we are finally at a level where healthy, tasty snacks are a refreshing reality. 

Not only are our snacks more advanced, we also have high-tech vending machines that can dispense virtually any product for convenient access.  In the past, coil vending machines could only dispense products that could sustain a drop from high distances

How much real food can you drop from 5 feet and expect it not to have negative consequences? Bananas? Yogurts? Tea in glass bottles? I don’t think so.

2. Americans Crave Education

American’s have finally learned the consequences of a poor diet.  For those of you who have seen Super Size Me, you are familiar with the detrimental effects of eating a consistent junk food diet.  Our bodies have not evolved fast enough to digest high levels of processed foods, and the consequences of over consumption are grossly apparent.

We love to study.

The 4-Hour Body is the number one best selling book on the New York Times advice list.  This is a diet and fitness book whose main selling point is that you can have a healthy and fit body with only 4 hours of work per week.

Why is this the number one selling book?  American’s are obsessed with becoming fit and healthy with MINIMAL effort.

This book retails for $27 dollars, and millions of people are gladly paying it to learn what foods to eat and how to exercise to become healthy.  They are thirsty for education, and anyone who can provide them with the products they need to become fit and healthy, with minimum effort, is tapped in to a market poised for unlimited growth.

3. Being Fat Is Dangerous and Expensive

“Every month hundreds of otherwise excellent candidates for military service are turned away by recruiters because of weight problems. Since 1995, the proportion of recruits who failed their physical exams because they were overweight has risen by nearly 70 percent. We need to reverse this trend, and an excellent place to start is by improving the quality of food served in our schools.”

General John M. Shalikashvili, US Army (Ret.) Former Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

This quote is from a recent Military Report on National Obesity.  The sad reality is that many American’s are literally too fat to fight.

“For office workers in civilian life, having a colleague who is overweight may raise the cost of their health care but is not likely to threaten their safety. But for military personnel the physical abilities of their colleagues can be the difference between life and death.”

Our military is worried they will not be able to go in to combat safely due to overwhelming obesity, and American’s civilians are being bankrupted by health care costs.  A 2008 study concluded that the cost of treating obesity related ailments hovers around $147 billion dollars a year.

Think about what could be done with $147 billion dollars!  We complain about the budget deficit and excess spending, and at the same time we are literally eating ourselves bankrupt!

These studies have been wake up calls for Americans, and across the country there is a sense of impending change.  There is high interest in becoming healthy, and corporate America is dumping money in the health sector expecting to reap large rewards.

Expect Americans to continue to choose health in the year 2011, and forget about a return to our gluttonous ways of the 90s and early 2000s, we are wiser now, better prepared,  and we literally cannot afford it!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And This Is Only The Line For the Restrooms

So, you’re a rookie vending operator with machines that have just been installed or you are seriously considering starting a vending machine business. This comprehensive guide will give you a great process to maximize the value of your vending machine locations. Before reviewing strategies to generate higher profit, it is important to keep in mind all of the related costs, some of which you might not be aware of, that pertain to running a vending machine business.

In the world of vending machines, the most important factor in operating high-profit machines and having a successful business is location. The second and third: location and location. Obviously, the more foot-traffic by your machine, the more vends your machine will have. A good goal is to have your machine in a location where 250 people will walk by each day, but a minimum of 150 people is almost necessary.

The proximity of other food and drink options to your machine should also be considered, as the more limited the nearby options are, the better your machine will fare. In addition, you need to know the demographics of your location and determine what products would best serve those people. Placing a baby food vending machine in a bar probably wouldn’t be the best idea, whereas placing a healthy vending machine in a gym or a school would most likely yield high profits.

Other popular locations include offices, hospitals, large apartment complexes, laundromats and malls. Again, any place that sees a lot of foot-traffic is probably a wise location for a vending machine.

However, just because you have purchased your machine(s) and found a great location doesn’t mean your work is done, at least not if you want to have a successful operation. There are several things you can do to optimize your business.

Create Buzz

In the week leading up to the launch of your first vending machine, you need to generate as much hype and chatter about your business as possible. Use email or another method to notify all employees, members, etc. at the location of the pending arrival of your machine and let them know about sampling events you plan to hold.

Determine the best contacts at the location to help spread the word, for example the HR department at an office, the manager of an apartment complex or the principal and newspaper team at a school. Aim to have at least 80 percent of your locations’ patrons aware of the upcoming arrival of your machine.

Educate Customers and Encourage Trial

Now that your machine is in place and fully stocked, you are ready to go. During the first week, focus on informing the clients at your location of the benefits of your vending machine. Create or obtain from the company with which you are doing business posters and/or tent cards that promote the products in your machine.

Take advantage of this start-up time by getting the products in the hands of potential clients by assembling a sampling event at your location (or at each location if you have numerous machines set up). Do your homework and determine the high foot-traffic time periods and schedule the event then.

In addition, after restocking your machine, observe patrons using the machine, talk to them, build rapport, get feedback on what they like and don’t like about your machine and the products your machine offers. Try to learn the names of five “regulars” at your location.

Set up a comment box  near the machine for those who may not want to give you feedback in person, or for the patrons you miss while you’re visiting your machine. Encourage customers to suggest products they would like to see in the machine.

Finally, at the end of the first full week of sales, create a report that shows you which products are the top sellers and which don’t sell much. Attempt to determine why certain products are moving while others are not.

Get Feedback and Optimize Product Mix

Yes, People Read Them

In the second and third weeks of your venture, continue to educate members, endorse your machine and the healthy products it vends, and convince people to try your products by providing them with samples.

Look at the previous week’s top seller analysis and consider switching out inactive products. But first, sample a product before removing it from your machine and try changing product locations within the machine and/or adjusting prices.

At week’s end, as in the first week, calculate the

top selling and worst selling products and again try to figure out why the results are that way. Spend time at your machine and watch the customers, chat with them and encourage them to tell you what they would like to see in the machine. Really take advantage of these early weeks to determine the best location-appropriate products.

Launch a New Promotion to Increase Sales

The weeks are rolling and you are most likely starting to feel more comfortable with how the vending machine business works as a whole and with how your machine specifically is operating. By the end of week four, you should have had two product samplings per machine, taken note of members’ requests and made the appropriate adjustments. Hopefully by now your machines are running at the optimal product mix.

If you feel confident that this is the case, initiate a new promotion to boost sales. Be sure to give notice of this to location patrons by placing flyers on or around your machine, at the front desk at the office, in the apartment complex lounge, etc.

One such promotion is the “Secret Sticker Giveaway”. For this event, place stickers with numbers only you know on the back of specific products in your machine. When someone vends that item and sees the sticker, they receive a secret prize such as vending tokens, a free training session at a gym, etc.; the choice is up to you. Keep track of the sticker numbers and record the winners associated with each number.

At the end of the fifth week, you should be able to whip up that sales report in no time, making sure to analyze sales, see what’s working and what isn’t and to change accordingly. Aim to conclude if the promotional event increased sales or the number of vends and consider doing it again in the future if so. Finally, if sales are increasing, try to verify if you are getting more buyers or just more purchases from the same number of buyers.

Host a Final Sampling and Get Creative

Vending Should Be A Celebration!

In the sixth week of your new business, schedule one last sampling event. Post the updated posters around the machines, highlighting the new products in your machine. At this point, it would be great if at least 50 percent of your “regulars” can point you out as the operator of their new favorite vending machine. Give vending tokens to patrons if they provide you with their suggestions for new products for your machine.

Incorporate a new marketing strategy based on all the results you’ve had and what you’ve learned about which products work and which don’t up until now. One idea is the “Trash for Cash” raffle. Have a representative of your location place a clean trash can in a visible area. Patrons mark their names on trash from your products (such as wrappers and bottle caps) and toss the trash into the bins. You then draw a piece of trash from the bin and the “owner” of that trash gets a prize of your discretion.

The Big Review

After eight weeks of having your vending business up and running, you should have enough information from your weekly reports and enough knowledge to know what is working and what isn’t. Obviously, do more of the former and less of the latter.

Determine if your product mix is as optimal as possible and look again at who is purchasing your products and if these customers feel integrated into the process. Does the number of your average daily vends compare to your original goals and expectations? If so, great! If not, look back through your reports and try to figure out why your business is not achieving its potential.

Again, if you have a select number of patrons buying a lot of products, think of ways to reach those who pass by but never vend. If you have many customers but they purchase only one product a week, try to encourage increased purchases.

So remember, if you want to start a successful and profitable vending machine business, first find a great location. Then do your homework, figure out what products your customers want and provide incentives for them to try using your machine!