Merry Christmas!
In the email I sent out to Eric’s Tips subscribers last week, I had promised to give the results of our little fundraiser, so I’ll do that now…
In case you missed it, here’s a recap…
I was on my way to get my oil changed, when I heard a commercial on the radio for Cure International. So I decided: instead of watching TV in the lobby during my OIL CHANGE, maybe I could spend that time to help create REAL CHANGE in a child’s life.
So I sent out a quick email with my idea. I said I would donate 100% of my next commission payment that I received for a particular giveaway that I was promoting.
I never mentioned it in the email, but my goal was to raise at least $250, which would be enough to provide treatment for a child with a clubbed foot.
At first I was a little disappointed because it did not appear that we would meet my goal. But for some reason, the commissions were not paid out that day… it came the next day and was a payment for 3 days worth of commissions.
And when I logged into my Paypal account I was excited to see that the payment I received was EXACTLY $250. Isn’t it cool when stuff works out like that? So I went over to Cure International’s website and made the $250 donation for a clubfoot treatment.
Now, at this point you might be wondering… WHY am I so excited about a mere $250, when in fact Eric’s Tips subscribers have helped me raise tens of thousands of dollars for other good causes?
Here’s why…
That’s one child’s life that will be changed that might otherwise not have been. One child who will now be able to walk normally.
You’ve probably heard the modern “parable of the starfish”, which is adapted from a book by Loren Eiseley…
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.
One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.
He came closer still and called out “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”
The young man paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”
“I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”
Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”
At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, “It made a difference for that one.”
The moral of the story is…
Never underestimate the impact you can make when you do something to help someone else, no matter how small.
I’d like to finish this Christmas update with two videos…
The first video is from Cure International. As you see the children, be encouraged that we are helping a child like them, and be inspired to give more if you are able.
The final video is an introduction to a “movement” called Advent Conspiracy. It expresses much of what I’m feeling about this holiday season.
WARNING: This video contains Christian themes, just to let you know…
It’s pretty mind-blowing to think that we could SOLVE the problem of clean water and other plights around the world in one season. All we would have to do is spend a little less on presents and give a little more to those who need it most.
My younger brothers took the Advent Conspiracy to heart this year, and for my gift they donated flocks of geese, ducks, and chickens which will provide both food and livelihood to families in a third world country.
There’s nothing wrong with giving gifts (I’m still gonna give stuff), but let’s start to think about what we could do if we broke the societal mold and turned Christmas into something that truly changed the world.
I don’t mean to preach. This is still a marketing blog. But it’s something to think about.
Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Merry Christmas!
It’s always a pleasure to receive your newsletter!
– Angela
Good to know a marketeer with a heart, God bless you for your love of the poor and needy
Sven
Wishing you the best. If each person helped another we would all succeed and be OK.
Liz
Hey Eric.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. I wish you the very best in 2010.
As for the Last video, I could not agree more. When you think of the marketing campaigns for Christmas gifts on TV, and how early they start, not to mention the Christmas Stores that spring up from August onward.
If we could think globally rather than locally (as in family and friends only) then imagine what could be accomplished.
Perhaps an Internet Marketing event in 2010 that gives 100% profits to causes like this?
Have a great time all who read your blog, keep up the great content too 🙂
Martin Salter and Family
Hi Eric,
It’s great that you were able to make a difference in that kid’s life. Back in September, in one of your fundraisers, I purchased a few wordpress files to help raise funds for the Belize Orphange Water Project and I hope it made a difference. Honestly, I haven’t done a thing with the purchase or even read any of the books yet but I contributed for the cause. So, it’s great that I could help out whenever I can too.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Milton
http://illuminations.gogvo.com
I don’t know if you are real or just a computer. However, whatever you say in the newsletter makes quite bit of sense. I just started an artwork distributing business. How do I get to the people I want to sell. I know i have a great product, I just don’t know how to sell them. Can you help me on that?
Merry Christmas Eric 🙂
I liked the starfish story and that it’s obvious people should always try make a difference, even if it’s helping just one person (or starfish 🙂 )
You’re doing good and I wish you the best for 2010 and with your blog and marketing and with your kind efforts at trying to make a difference in the lives of others.
Dear Eric,
THAT WATER VIDEO IS AMAZING and it is DISGUSTING that for the sake of $10bn this problem has not already been erradicated. This is ridiculous.
I love your “WARNING: Christian themes” LOL.
Thank you for your Christmas and new year wishes.
Can you believe that I am having I.M. marleting emails today from some people ???
May God bless you and your family with a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2010 and beyond.
Robert Wilkinson
Hi Eric.
My 80 yr. old friend and evangelist/healer died this year. He told me this story. Led to pray by phone, a retarded 24 yr old ward of the state, who was epileptic, had NO bladder, so dribbled all day long and smelled, had poor eyesight, had a pronounced limp due to one leg shorter and a leg turned sideways and a club foot! He asked if she knew Jesus. She replied No, does he live in my street? He said, He lives in my heart and he loves you and he wants to heal you. She heard more, and decided that Yes she wanted Jesus to save and heal her. He prayed. She received Jesus, then screamed, I can see over to the hills! He prayed again and she felt a warmth in her tummy, – she got a bladder! He prayed again and the leg lenthened and straightened and the clubfoot uncurled! she screamed and dropped the phone and ran outside to tell her neighbours. They asked who did it. She replied Jesus. They sent her back to the phone, now totally healed and restored.
Praise the Name of Jesus who said “By His stripes you were healed.” and we are healed because it was made available 2,000 years ago at the whipping post. You Kow, for the bladder problem, he used an ingenious question to bring her faith up. He said, Rats have got bladders. Dogs and cats have got bladders, everyones got a bladder. Don’t you think your’re better than a rat? She did, so he said “then you have it.” Don’t we have to be wise. Have a blessed 2010 Eric, and thank you for being so nice. Pixie
Hi Eric,THANKS FOR THE VIDEOS,I AM new to internet marketing one of the things that drive me on are the possibilitys the internet open up to help others,yes we can do it offline but the internet reaches out to many.I am building a marketing blog at the moment and will find a way to give from it.MAYBE WE SHOULD BUILD A BLOG JUST FOR GIVING.Happy new year Denis.
Great job, Eric! You are nice person
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
IN REGARDS TO YOUR “DONATION” -WHAT A WONDERFUL
GESTURE AND YES YOU HAVE MADE SOMEONE’S LIFE ALOT BETTER. WELL MY USUAL DONATION AT HOLIDAY TIME – A FRIEND OF MIND AND I AND A FEW OTHERS DO WHAT IS CALLED A “PACK-OUT” BEEN DOING IT FOR 4 YRS NOW WHAT IT IS IS COLLECTING ENOUGH DONATIONS (AND OURS) AND WE SEND PACKAGES TO OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN IN IRAQ AND AFGANISTAN – WE ALSO VISIT VA HOSPITAL HERE ON LONG ISLAND — BELIEVE ME WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED YOU HAVE ALOT OF “HAPPPY TEARS” (SOME ARE SAD FOR THOSE WOUNDED OR GONE) BUT SOMEHOW WE MADE THEIR DAY AND THEY KNOW SOMEONE BACK HOME REALLY CARES (OTHER THAN THEIR FAMILIES). I THINK PEOPLE HAVE FORGOTTEN WHAT THEY ARE DOING FOR US – I CAN SIT HERE AT THIS LATE HOUR AND BE ABLE TO SAY WHAT I WANT AND CAN GO OUT AND KNOW (EXCEPT FOR DRUNK DRIVERS) WE WILL ARRIVE HOME SAFELY AND NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ANOTHER *-911. I’M A LITTLE SAD THAT I COULD NOT DO AS MUCH AS USUAL DUE TO ALL MY SURGERIES THE PAST ALMOST 2 YRS. BUT I MANAGED AND WE ALREADY HAVE A FEW LETTERS TELLING US HOW MUCH THEY FEEL. SO YOUR DONATION IS NOW MAKING SOMEONE WALK WITHOUT TRAUMA AND I KNOW THEY ARE THANKING YOU AND ALL FOR HELPING MAKE IS LIFE SO MUCH BETTER. SO TO YOU I SAY “WELL DONE”!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BRIGHT WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!!!!
Hi Eric,
Merry Christmas, I pray the peace, love and joy of this Holy season will be your’s today, and each day, throughout the year.
Thank you for the video. It is amazing what the power of one can do when focused correctly.
Merry Christmas Eric,
Wonderful blog. I think your “Advent Conspiracy” movement is an awesome and I would be delighted in joining in any way I can. Let’s talk sometime!
Anyway my friend I pray that you and your family will have an AWESOME Christmas and may God continue to bless you exceedingly in 2010!
Your student and friend,
Dwain Carbon
While I love to shop myself, it does feel good to give. Every Sunday, for the past 8-10 years, I pick up the bread from our grocery store & donate it to my old church whose mission is to help the less fortunate.
Heck, we created our blog, which is dedicated to honor the men & women or our Armed Forces, as a way to give back.
Only… we took it a step further. We have a Shop page on it (a virtual mini-mall). When you buy through it, I as an affiliate, donate a percentage of my after-tax commissions to military-based charities.
Have a great Christmas!
-Kevin
I quite agree. My wife received FOUR pairs of slippers for Christmas. She has only two feet!!
Happy Holidays….
May 2010 bring you all
Happiness, Health & Prosperity
In whichever order you choose…
Cheers,
Merry Christmas from my family to yours, Eric.
You’re right in thinking that a little bit of giving can make a big difference in profound ways. It doesn’t need to be in a big public way. Just do something. The gift to the receiver can be lifechanging or soul felt. There is always something that you can do.
I want to thank you for all that you and your family have done for others. It sets a good example that we can all live by and strive for. It’s easy to do.
Merry Christmas and heart felt blessings to everyone.
Paul
Hi Eric
I want to wish yourself and your family a very special Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. I totally agree with your message, it illustrates the true meaning of giving presents. It know it mainly applies to Christmas. but it also applies the whole year through, and even when you are totally broke you still have something very precious to give, and that is your time.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Stu
Eric,
Thanks for the reminder that should not forget about giving, to those less fortunate that ourselves, at this time of the year. I Would also like to thank you for the example you set for us as a leader in this industry.
In my business endeavor, I am learning that it’s the little things that I do repetitiously that add up to help me make my goal. I use to want to focus only on the big hits and ignore the small success, until I finally got it, thanks to my wife, that the small stuff does matter.
Often I think that my giving a couple dollars, to a worthy cause, won’t make a difference. I remember your email stating that sending anything that one could send would help. To my shame, I thought at the time, that sending one dollar would not make a difference and then moved on. I now see, once again, that I was wrong. So, I guess that I still have not learned the lesson that a little is a lot, especially when God is in it. When I think about what we could accomplish together if each of us who subscribe to your news letter sent what ever we could, the difference it could make when added together.
It’s been a tough year for many, especially those who are out of work or those who are new to the internet and have not started to see the money rolling in. I’m in that group. If I was a gambling man, I would bet that the vast majority could give something to help.
Thanks for the lesson Eric, I hope I never forget that giving a little is better than not giving anything for a worthy cause like this.
The Lazy Jamaican
Merry Christmas Eric,
Wishing you and yours the very best this holiday season.
Thank you for the quality and insights you have provided.
Please continue to provide such great value! It is cherished!
Sincerely,
Rick
Hi! Eric,
I saw your video “Advent Conspiracy”. I liked the theme and the video presentation.
I want to create videos with similar animation effect. How do I create such videos? Which software you have used to create such effects and music? I already have Camptasia with me. Please help me to purchase the video software that you used to create this type of video.
Hi Eric and a Merry Xmas likewise. Idea, see what u think. I’m a pro jazz player (piano,trumpet, leader). I don’t know about the US but demand is down to zilch UK so I need to diversify and lately stumbled upon NW marketing. Done the seminars, have all the info and stacks of cast iron guaranteed offers. The latest trend is the oven ready promotion – just pay a huge amount of money up front and start living. So, why don’t I go for it? Caveat emptor, that’s why. From my point of view it should be possible (a) to devise a less ambitious set-up at a less mind boggling price to start with, then follow up with the biggy or (b) devise a method of payment by increments tied to results. I don’t mind at all paying good money for a good deal but, reading all the long winded sales letters promising the earth, I end up unconvinced…. thanx in advance for your advice. KP.
Dear Eric
The same to you and your family with the richest blessing of our Lord.
Have a nice day.
Kanhai
Hi Eric,
You have done a perfect jobs & this could be a sharing of your true heart to us. It isn’t the money that concerning us of how much you could give, but the reality is the person that is you, who have the heart to others. Even a cent of your giving is much more respected than this Universe. May ALLAH(GOD) created many of you in this World.
May you like to watch this video, CHRISTMAS SANTA CLAUS VS ISLAM,http://www.TheDeenShow.com
Thanks for Christmas message and Merry Christmas to you and yours. I appreciate what you are doing and I am giving half of my 2010 income to needy children here in the USA.
Ray
Merry Crimble Eric. Thanks for all the help and advice. You;ve made the difference.
Have a great New Year
Garrick
Merry Christmas, bro! 🙂
Eric
Great and Timely Post. And it hits home to me (and hopefully others). I plan to share the Advent Conspiracy with everyone in 2010 so that the message gets spread and hopefully heard and acted upon.
As in marketing, nothing happens until you ACT
Eric,
Thanks for these two videos – they reminded me of the true reason for Christmas! Indeed what a great feeling it is to be free.. free to love, give, share, laugh, worship and live!
May God bless you and your family with His love, peace and joy throughout this holiday season and the New Year!
Merry Christmas Eric!
I 100% agree with the Advent Conspiracy and done so, for the past 45 years (I just turned 60yrs) but I had to educate my near and dear for a long time.
Thank You for sharing the true Spirit of Christmas.
Blessing to You and Your Family!
Helen in Sweden
“Merry Christmas Everyone” at Erics Tips! Hope you and your families have a blessed day!…and thanks Eric for all these wonderful lessons…they have been a great gift!
Gary
😉
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Hey Eric,
Thanks for the reminder. We sponsor a child in Haiti through a ministry called Starfish Ministries. They got their name fron that story. Yhet provide helo for orphans, school for kids and have recently undertaken drilling wells for clean water.
Have a merry Christmas
Gene
Eric, please be careful with that Christian message.;>)
Otherwise we may believe that the Triune God came to the craddle enroute to the Cross – for our benefit. From that we may realize how we are called to live in gratitude for Him.
Thank you for your example.
Dear Eric,
Merry Christmas from Nigeria!
Always a pleasure to read from you, and thanks for having a heart!
Ginger
I am thru the internet mentoring a 22 year old mildly autistic boy in colorada. And a friend in Serbia who just went blind and is a photographer told me my words and support have lead him to find ways to still do his passion of photography and rebuild his new path in life. He is 30. Befor that he spent 3 years in a wheel chair. we email and i evaluate and describe his pictures to him. i’m a photographer to. I have never met these to guys but i have influenced them with hope and caring and friendship…its been two years now.there are lots of star fishes to throw back in the ocean. And i have gotten so much from knowing theses to guys. I’m a Lesbian but they don’t care in a way I’m part of their lifeline. Eric…one foot at a time! Bless you for describing so well what it is all about. Another marketer sent me a merry xmas and then said she’d have product after the holidays. she needs to read your holiday wishes!!!!!
God bless you and people like you who are working to put love and giving back into Christmas. Have a great one and a healthy, happy and prosperous new year – in that order. Grandma Margaret.
Eric,
As always you continue to amaze.
NOW THAT’S WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT !!
The saddest part of the 450 Billion figure is that it’s spent on XMAS gifts; if more would take a stand and return the Christ to Christmas, perhaps so many would not have to worry about clean water and adequate sanitary conditions.
Keep up the good work and God Bless
Rich
feliz navidad y ano nuevo eric…
saludos montreal quebec, canada……………………………
I would leave the religion aside of that because it can be quite negative sometimes and one can be from other types of religions or none at all and still want to help out without being associated with catholism or christianism.
I’m happy that child could be helped and I surely would want to help more!
On your video regarding spending less for material things, I first agreed with you but then I thought that what you do to help people making more money is surely better than telling them to spend less. Meaning: if one is more able to make more money, it does not matter to spend more for material things since then one is also more able to help more for social causes.
By the way, Merry Christmas 2009!!! and Happy New Year 2010!
You are definitely very impressive in your strength of action and I’m wishing you and your team to achieve all your goals and more!
With love,
Helene
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
GREAT JOB Eric…….
Eric,
What a message.I am 46 and all my life I have felt that way.If as christans we would somehow do what we can to help thoese in need of so much more than we can possible relize.
Just think how it would be to wake up and go to bed at night not knowing if or when we would eat a meal or have a clean drink of water.Not to metion the medical care that may be need.
You are TRUELY a GOOD GUY to think of others not only at Christmas but all year long.
To me this is the true meaning of Christmas,the giving to others in need.
Bless You And Your Family Eric.
Thanks Eric, that you still have time to think on some important issues of life. That for me is vision, beyond making money and having a great life. If this is your driving force , then you are on the right track (I am not trying to judge you on this matter or use it as a canon of who you are or should be).Merry Christmas from Stoke On Trent (UK).
Hi Eric,
I am so pleased you have embraced the Living Water and Advent Conspiracy project. At our church, one of our active and dedicated young women brought this to our attention in October so classes have been studying the AC and Living Water. The members have taken to the project and so far, in our small church, the members & friends have given over $1500 to Living Water. I have also been pleased to see different folks in the IM community that have become aware of this and are mentioning it in their emails and blogs. My niece is a Methodist Agricultural Missionary in Cambodia and writes that the “lack of clean, pure water is the biggest cause of preventable illness and death in the world today.”
Thank you for bringing attention to the AC and Living Water.
Merry Christmas!
Christmas is a wonderful time of year. God the Father gave the most wonderful gift of all, his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. If we focus on the wonderful gift of Salvation the LORD has given us; giving to others is the natural expression of that love. The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love. (John 3:16)
Hello eric.great job.thanks for the mail.went missing for a year due to health but fine. Merry christmas to u and your family.
Hi Eric. How heart warming it is to read an internet marketer of note like your self stand up and put Christ back into Christmas with the concept of giving. Good for you and keep it up and be blessed as you bless and help others less fortunate than yourself with your fund raising.
At the end of the day we only have each other. All ‘things’ will pass away, love survives. Thank you Eric for your continually uplifting presence — for all you give to us, and for all you inspire us to give to others. The gift is always in the giving. You are truly a channel of the Christed Light of the Holy Spirit.
Merry Christmas Eric to you and your family and friends. I think what you are doing is a great idea. I will jump on board when I can with your cause. A New Year will be here soon and things can always change for the better.
Thank you for your help. Bev.