Kevin Riley Inc

DAY 1

On Monday morning, we got up early (Well, 8 am is early in our house) and caught the local train up to Osaka Station. There, we had reserved seats on the Kinosaki Express. Ah … just sitting back as the train goes through the mountains, past beautiful farmland, and up to the small hot springs town of Kinosaki.

We arrived at Kinosaki in time for lunch. Then, we checked into our inn and got changed in Yukata (the casual cotton Kimono we wear when going to the baths at a traditional inn), Hanten (the small slip-on coat worn over Yukata when it’s cold out), and Geta (wooden sandals). Time to go on our Sotoyu Meguri (outside bath tour). In Kinosaki, on any given day, six of the seven Onsen (hot springs) are open. When staying at an inn, you then go out to these and go from one to the next. Sane people usually visit 2-3 Onsen, as all that soaking in hot water does turn you quite boneless. We (not being classed with the sane people) challenged ourselves to do all six.

Here we are at the beginning of our Sotoyu Meguri, on one of the many bridges over the small river that runs through the middleof Kinosaki.

We spent the next few hours wandering from one Onsen to the next, fortifying ourselves with snacks along the way. I’m eating grilled Senbei (a rice cracker that in this case is soft, wrapped around a stick, and grilled over coals) and Rieko is getting ready for our second Onsen – Yanagi Yu – which had beautiful beams inside the bathhouse.

After five Onsen, it was time for a refresher with Onsen Tamago (eggs cooked in the Onsen waters). We tied our sack of eggs to the wood framework, and then killed the 10 minutes it takes to get really soft eggs by walking to a nearby temple.

We did it! All six Onsen. Talk about relaxed. It’s like someone took out all your bones and turned you into Jello. We sauntered back to the inn, had a wee rest, and then it was time for the feast. Yes, that’s a pile of crab legs, claws, etc in the wooden tray, and we’ll spend the next two hours cooking them in the Nabe (pot) and eating delicious crab.

Along with the crab feast, there were many little appetizers (Zenzai) and other little delicacies that kept being brought in throughout the feast – Sashimi, roast goose, and …. something interesting? There was a small eggcup-like bowl holding a rather delicious delicacy. And that’s the contest.

WHAT IS IT? Look at the photo below (sorry, that’s as close as I could get on such a small item). If you guess correctly what it is, you will win a very nice prize – one of my top products. But, you have to guess what it is.

DETAILS: Put your guess in comments below and let the games begin.

Winner(s) will get to chose from a list of top products, including Product Creation Lab Workshop, Traffic Generation Lab Workshop, From Hobby To Info Product Empire, and many more.

DAY 2

Time to return to Osaka, but first we had a nice breakfast and one more soak in the inn’s own Onsen. Then, the train back home, where we ate Eki Ben (train station box lunch). Here’s Rieko saying one last good-bye to crab – until next time.

UPDATE: And The Winners Are ….

There were two winners and each chose the Traffic Generation Lab Workshop DVD-ROM as their prize. A copy is shipping to:

Denis Thornton
Lynn Norton

And the answer is: Namako (Sea Cucumber). Although the creature itself looks quite unappetizing, Namako in a vinegary sauce is quite delicious.

Ron Parker, aka The Video Review Guy, just did a review of Twitter Vending Machine. Seems that TVM scored very high marks with him. One of his comments in this video: “A very rare gem in the sea of offers!”

Those are the comments I love to hear, as I strive to make all my products stand out and above the other offers online. Please take 3 minutes to watch Ron’s review – especially, if you’re still not sure about setting up your own Twitter Vending Machine.

If you hurry, and you’re either a Warrior Forum or Product Creation Labs member, you can still get a very special deal on the Twitter Vending Machine & Affiliate Commission Generator package. Click here to get that Warrior Special Offer

After Andrew Fox’s first video came out a few days ago – and I gave Product Creation Labs members a link to it – I received some negative feedback. “What? Another wanker with a Ferrari? Gimme a break!” Yesterday on the weekly Success Mastermind, I had someone ask “What about this Anfrew Fox? Do you think he’s trustworthy?”

First off, although I’ve only talked to Andrew on Skype, some fellow Launch Insiders (whom I trust 100% or I wouldn’t be working with them) know him personally and vouch for him. Also, I’ve now seen video 2. Different kettle of fish. Watch this video now to see why?

Click here to go see Video 2 now

Today is Valentine’s Day and the other day I went shopping for chocolates for Rieko. Actually, in Japan the women buy chocolates for the men, but we decided that by mixing cultures we can buy each other chocolates – and enjoy twice as much. So, I was in the Kintetsu store’s Valentine’s Chocolate Fair.

There were rows and rows of stalls flogging fancy chocolates. But, most were all in the same old rectangular box – nothing exciting. Then, I ran across Tsuki No Katsura’s booth. Here was something different. I knew instantly that Rieko would love these.

What grabbed my attention? Well, before I saw the chocolates I saw the packaging. Look at this. The shape. The red tassel on the black. The simple and clean lines.

What a difference packaging can make. And, it’s not just for chocolates or any other physical product. Packaging can make a big difference in your digital products too. I get all kinds of compliments for my Twitter Vending Machine cover. Why? Because it’s different. It’s innovative. It’s interesting. And, it makes sales.

Yesterday, I sat down and reviewed Ray Johnson’s new program “ClickBank Stealth”. My conclusion? I could have used this when I released my first natural health e-book on ClickBank. Watch the video below, where I reveal my own blunder and why ClickBank Stealth would have been such a great guide for me then. Next, I show you a sneak peek inside, so you can decide for yourself if this is something for you (Make an informed decision).

Click here for a special message and some great gifts

David Perdew invited me to be part of NAMS faculty and teach in Atlanta. Arrived Thursday afternoon, in time for convivial cocktails and then whisked off to a restaurant by the rowdiest women at the event. THe next day, it was time to work – but what a pleasure with such a great crowd. Unfortunately, I never brought my camera out once, so I have to rely on other people’s photos.

Here’s the panel where five of us were interviewwed on social marketing by David, and the whole interview was turned into a product that same day. Left to right, there’s Jeff Herring, Maritza Parra, myself, Willie Crawford, and Joey Smith. The best part of all was that Rafael Sanchez from Venezuela had his first ever sale on the Internet, and he followed it with a ton more – to win the competition for most sales over the weekend. What a great way to get started in IM.

Met so many great people here, I can’t find all their pictures, so I’ll not risk leaving out anybody – by merely sending you to the NAMS Flickr images. Click here to see those.

I must introduce you to Magic Myke. I want to steal him away. What a bright guy this is and a really fun dude to hang out with.

And, here comes trouble. I was led astray numerous times by Lynn Terry’s daughter Annie and the British/Cajun troublemaker Aileen Bennett. Any rumours of me causing trouble are horribly false. I am quiet, innocent, reserved, a little shy

As Twitter become more and more of a viable marketing tool, on top of being a great networking tool, I interviewed Tahir Shah on How To Use Twitter As A Marketing Tool and how to build a following with Twittollower.

For the next 17 minutes, pay close attention and you too could be using Twitter to create great relationships, bring you targeted traffic, and build your customer list. Don’t miss out on one of the easiest (basically on autopilot) ways to generate targeted traffic.

Click here to go to Twittollower now. Don’t miss out!

Every January, we make the annual trek to Ebisu Shrine in nearby Shinimamiya (part of Osaka) to get our new Sasa (bamboo frond) for the year. It’s a symbolic way to kick off the new business year, and this year I’m helping you kick yours off too. All week long, I’ll be sending out surprise e-mails to members of the Product Creation Labs (Click here if you’re still not receiving that newsletter), so keep your eyes open for each mail and see what fantastic deal you can garner.

Here, I’m at the shrine and one of the shrine maidens is attaching a few symbols of prosperity to my Sasa.

Then, we sing “Shoubai hanjou, sasa motte koi” a number of times and I’ll hand this Sasa up in my office until next January.

You may not be able to get Sasa, but you can get some great deals this week (including a fantastic freebie coming up soon). Keep an eye on your inbox!

On December 22, I opened a new Twitter account for Rocket Product Creation. Started at zero followers and today I just bypassed 1600 followers. And, they are are people physically opting to follow me (responsive prospects) and people in my niche (targeted prospects).

Take a look as I quickly walk you through my new Twitter account and then give you a look at the stats at TwitterCounter. Amazing stuff!

Click here to watch the important Twittollower video. WARNING: Watch it all!

List Of Niches Targeted By Twittollower

Comedians, Online Education, Warcraft, Self Improvement & personal development, Health, Internet Marketing, PLR, Natural Health & Organics Cosmetics, Windsurfing, General/Big Lists, Marketing/Publishing, SEO, PPC/Pay Per Click, Web2 & Social Media, PR/Press Releases, Affiliate Marketing, Network Marketing/MLM, Coaching, List Building, Video Marketing, Bloggers, iPhone Apps, Technology & Gadgets, Sports News, Dating, Web Design/Development, Travel, Diet/Weight loss, Exercise/Fitness, DIY/Home Improvement, Trading/Forex, Mortgages, Real Estate, Eco Tourism, Online Surveys, Southern Cooking/cooking, Golfing, Pets & Animal Care, Cats, Dogs, Horse Racing, Sailing, Tennis, Movies & Movie Reviews, Recipes, Cooking, Fishing, Hunting, Cars & Autos, PC Tips, Hypnosis, NLP, Debt, Diabetes, Skin Care, Anti Aging, Arthritis, Skiing, Weddings, Pickup & PUA, Vegetarian, Feng Shui, Home Schooling, Divorce, Quit Smoking, Gardening, Hand Crafts & Crafting, Jewelry, Crochet, Yoga, Low Carb, Acne, Snoring, Poker, Menopause, Mediterranean – travel/food/health, For Sale By Owner FSBO, Wealth Creation/Prosperity, Widgets, Work from/at Home, Photography, Triathlon, Magic Tricks, Domaining (buying and selling domains), Small Business Marketing, Playing/Learn Guitar, Stress Relief, Piano Playing, Transformers & Toys

Now, click here to go and watch the important Twittollower video. Do watch every minute of it. Pay close attention. This is important!

2010 has dawned and I have a feeling it’s going to be a fantastic year, with lots of new opportunities and developments. Here’s wishing all a truly grand year.

Today, we did our Hatsumode (first visit to the shrine) for Oshogatsu (New Year). Usually, we visit Sumiyoshi Taisha, near Tennoji, but this year we took a one-hour train ride to Takarazuka and Sambokojin shrine. From the station, there’s an old street that winds up the hill. Here’s Rieko beside some of the first Yatai (stalls).

At the top of the hill, we stop at the main shrine, toss in a coin, clap our hands, and give a quick New Year prayer.

Then, waft the incense smoke over our heads to make us more intelligent (I’m hoping for even more inspiration this year).

Now, we can dig into the goodies at the Yatai. Takoyaki (octopus balls), Karaage (deep fried chicken), Akashiyaki (more octopus balls, but in a broth), and here Rieko is enjoying Mitarashi Dango (glutinous rice balls in a sweet sauce).

And … here’s something I put together at Animoto. One of the many highlights from 2009 and a wish for your great 2010.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! May your 2010 be fantastic!