The book has quickly risen into the top 1200 list on Amazon with very little marketing….or should I say traditional marketing. The beauty of a book written about internet marketing is that it will likely be marketed well by those who wrote it. In fact, the Gang of 88, as the contributing writers are called, are all marketing the book in their own way in blogs, on Facebook, on Twitter, etc. Shawn and Missy also gave an incentive by giving all people who wrote a review online a silver pass to their next Affiliate Summit in New York in August.
The book is a quick read and for those of us in the business many of the “3 minute anecdotes” might seem trivial but for someone just entering the game and wanting some quick reference points will find this book to be a good useful starting point. While I found myself shaking my head at some passages I also found myself nodding my head at others. There are probably sections I might never read, but that is why the book was written this way.
The book is written so that you can skip around and find the parts relevant to you. Want thoughts on Twitter and Social Media? There is a chapter. Want to know about SEO and SEM? Video? There are sections dedicated to those topics as well. The articles are based upon the writings from the first 7 issues of the of their magazine Feed Front. Some might look at the title and say, “experts”? Well maybe the writers aren’t experts, but they are real people in the industry who do the dayd to day work. Thay aren’t professors or pontificators, but really the people on the affiliate line on a daily basis.
I could go on and on, but I don’t want to reveal too much about the book because I think those interested should purchase the book themselves. Still not sure if this book is for you and perhaps would like a reason to purchase a marketing book? At $14.93 on Amazon the book is a bargain, but not just for the knowledge gained, but because all proceeds from the sale of the book go to benefit and help the Fight Against Breast Cancer, a cause near and dear to the hearts of the authors and those in the industry.
What Should I write?
While at the Summit I kiddingly asked Shawn to sign the copy included in my bag. He laughed and I told him I wasn’t kidding. Admittedly he was more distracted by the football game on the screen in front of him as his beloved Jets were playing in the playoffs.
I didn’t read what he wrote until returned home. Hmmmmm, looks like I might have to write something for Feed Front to be included in the next edition. Perhaps the ongoing struggle of running affiliate programs within larger corporations.
The Carneros Inn resort, a Plumpjack resort, is actually a small village of 80+ cottages built into miniature neighborhoods. The resort owners advertise the design as “California Farm”. To my wife and I it felt more like a Restoration Hardware catalog. If you like that look, you will love this resort much like we did. The basic garden “cottages” are small pre-fabricated 420 square foot suites that have a front porch and 420 Sq. feet of living space as well as a spacious bathroom with heated floors. In addition to the room is approximately another 420 sq. ft. outdoor living area you can walk out onto via your french doors. or through your outdoor shower. Yes, your outdoor shower. Our room came equipped with a king size bed, fireplace (with duraflame log), flatscreen TV, DVD player, soaking tub, a deck with chaise lounges, heating lamp and the aforementioned and signature indoor/outdoor shower. Some of these outdoor showers have a cutout so you can overlook the vineyards as you lather up.
All together the “farm” feel seemed like a luxurious alternative to our city digs just 35 minutes south of us. A great way to just get away mid-week to celebrate our anniversary, the Carneros Inn took us far away from our normal every day life even if it was just for 24 hours. We couldn’t have been further from home while still have the modern and local luxuries that we enjoy every day.
Indoor/Outdoor Shower
Although they know that you will most likely leave the premises, the Carneros Inn gave us plenty of reasons to never leave. The spa is a great retreat for locals and we found many women there for a “spa day”. There are 3 restaurants. The Boon Fly Cafe for a casual meal (hamburgers, donuts, etc.), the Farm, a high end restaurant featuring locally grown organic and sustainablly raised dishes, with homemade breads, pastries and Artesian charcuteries, and the Hilltop restaurant located near the adult pool. There is also a small grocery where you can pick up deli items for a picnic. Additional amenities include free bicycles which allow you bike the back roads to the local wineries where you can do some wine tasting, a large workout and fitness center, and two pool areas. One pool area has a baby wading pool complete with baby Adirondack chairs. The Hilltop infinite pool is for adults (over 14 only) and also includes an outdoor hot tub. There is a great pool staff waiting to help you with your umbrella, towel and drink orders. The resort has complimentary wi-fi as well as a complimentary stocked mini-bar.
The Hilltop Reception Area
Situated off of highway 121 between the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, you are are conveniently situated for winetasting in either direction. You are only a 5 minute drive to the Napa Outlets and downtown Napa. You are here for the aura of Northern California. Surrounded my vineyards, the only sounds you will hear at night are barking dogsfrom the local kennel, and the occasional scnet of cows and horses. The resort is literally walled off from the highway so it is easy to miss, but if you are looking for the sheet metal walls, you can’t miss it.
The Boon Fly Cafe
The closest Sonoma/Napa resort to San Francisco, the resort makes the perfect little getaway if you want to pamper yourself and get a little quiet and relaxation.
One of the great advantages of living in the San Francisco Bay Area is that we are so close to some of the most naturally beautiful places in the world. Just 45 minutes north of San Francisco is the Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine country. While there aren’t many discounts with this resort we took advantage of a mid week one night stay without an early checkout. The Carneros Inn is a sister company to the Plumpjack Resort located in Lake Tahoe and and is related to the Plumjack Winery as well as the now defunct Jack Falstaff eatery formerly located in San Francisco’s SOMA area.
King Cottage
All around the grounds are small apple trees with real apples. Do not pick them. Apples are placed in your room daily. The Bath products are made by Red Flower of New York. Amazingly for the price of the room, they do want to charge you $30 if you take the bath products home. A little cheap in my opinion given that the mini-bar and the wi-fi are complementary.
Outdoor Shower
The resort itself while located on a highway is walled off from the traffic. Many might look at the resort like a compound or a commune sequestered from its surrounding neighbors by 30 foot high walls, electronic gates and acres of vineyards. In fact I thought to myself this place was laid out like the most beautiful summer concentration camp you’d ever seen. When you check in, you have to go to the front gate, give them your name and then drive to the far back corner of the resort where you will find the Hilltop registration.
Private Deck and Yard
Registration was relaxed with bottled water being offered and then once given our card keys, we followed our bell hop in his golf cart down to our little parking area. Each cottage is grouped into groups of 6 to 8 cottage areas each forming their own mini-neighborhood. While there, only two other cottages were occupied in our neighborhood.
The resort also has larger homes that are available for time share purchases. This group of homes is called “The Orchard” While similar in style, these homes are more sturdily built than the cottages and are gorgeous. Be sure to visit one of the Open Home models when walking the grounds.
Farm Indoor Dining
What separates this resort from other Napa resorts is the peacefulness. We did leave the resort for dinner (Farm restaurant was closed the night we stayed at the resort) only for dinner at Tra Vigne, the restuarant made famous by Chef Michael Chiarello of Napa Style. Other than that, we got everything we wanted. Peaveful night walks and even sitting alone in the hot tub overlooking the vineyards and staing at the stars for several hours. It was so beautiful we didn’t spend much time enjoying our beautiful room.
Dual Sink Bathroom
The outdoor waterfall shower was relaxing and very unique if you’ve never had an outdoor shower. I admit to using it after swimming and again late at night. Showering under a full moon was truly unique experience although I probably let in a few moths into our bathroom when I did that.
It isn’t often that you not focus your thoughts on the bedroom, but the Carneros Inn cottages have you focused so much on the bathroom. When the bell boy showed us to our room, most of the description time he spent with us was on the functionality of the shower which had 4 different sprays, the inverted shower door which takes you outside to the waterfall shower and then locks into place to separate you from your outdoor patio. The bathroom include a separate water closet as well as a soaking tub next to a picture window.
Farm Restaurant Outdoor Lounge
One night was definitely not enough time at the resort. We didn’t have enough time to enjoy all the wonderful secluded offerings such as the complimentary Bianchi bikes, the yoga studio and spa, the Hilltop dining area, or the market and Town hall areas where you can enjoy a friendly game of Bocce ball on their outdoor courts. The resort also offers in-room dining on your outdoor patio which we were planning on trying out . Yes, no reservations necessary.
Bianchi Complimentary bikes
This resort is definitely for those looking for some seclusion and quiet. Sightings of movie stars and other celebrities (San Francisco Mayor, Gavin Newsom, is the Founding partner and his sister , Hilary, is the acting President.
There are no tennis courts or golf courses associated with the property but the resort will make arrangements for those guest looking to play on any of the local course such as Silverado, Chardonnay or the Vintners Club.
Everybody wants to go to Heaven, but nobody wants to go now!” – Kenny Chesney
This Time's A Charm by Donald Wilhelm
Well I have the honor of being the last stop on Donald Wilhelm’s “This Time’s A Charm” blog book tour. Before getting into my interview with Donald below, I have to say that I wasn’t sure about reading another cancer book even if he had survived Hodgkins Lymphoma 4 times. Having lost a college roommate to cancer, watching my mom, cousins, aunts and most recently my own wife deal with breast cancer, another book on cancer just didn’t really appeal to me. I’d done a lot of research on my wife’s behalf to help her through her battle against breast cancer this past year and we are just beginning to get our post-cancer lives back. But such as life we find inspiration in all kinds of places from all kinds of people and all kinds of actions.www.thistimesacharm.com or click here to go directly to the Amazon.com purchase page. I have personally purchased an additional copy for a friend and fellow parent who is similarly diagnosed to Donald. If you haven’t read the previous blog tour entries, follow this schedule:
I found Donald’s book to be inspiring, insightful, honest, and just relevant to what I needed. In life I always look for inspiration to help myself and others, and for my mother and wife when they battled breast cancer I always pointed to Lance Armstrong and his mental toughness. There are other celebrity examples out there like Christina Applegate, Sheryl Crow and Patrick Swayze, but Donald’s story hit me not only as a good story about cancer, but a story about life. You see, although it helps, I don’t think you need to be someone touched by cancer to get something out of Donald’s book. Donald’s story doesn’t glamorize anything about his battle and survival which makes it more real and something that anyone touched by cancer or going through troubled times can relate to. Donald takes us through the cold reality of each one of his treatments and surgeries and provides a non-clinical view of what the patient goes through emotionally and physically. Better yet, what Donald does is=2 0typical of his personality. He doesn’t question things without giving his own opinion or answer. He always has his own solution for coping with what a cancer patient will go through.
If you are a Carpe Diem person, someone who believes in the power of positive thinking, or just finds inspiration in real life stories that give you that extra push to remind you about how much you need to respect life and all that surrounds you, then this book is one that I recommend.
I happened to finish this book as I took my wife for a Valentine’s Day in Las Vegas to see Elton John. For me this was my way of saying to my wife that we should get moving with life and start trying to put cancer behind us. It was my wife’s first trip, time away from our kids and time to think of her own pleasure and happiness. As I hit the end of the book and took in it’s messages as our plane descended into Vegas, I found myself nudging my wife and having her read passage after passage. I saw her smiling, nodding and crying as she read each page. She got it. It was time to start living her life
I’m not going to give away the key messages of the book because everyone will take something different from it, but I have some questions for Donald in an interview that will hopefully give you some insight to parts of the book that I really related to the most (especially as a caregiver).
Route53: Donald, let me just s ay that your story is inspiring on some many levels. Even without the message of surviving cancer 4 times I would have found your book inspiring. As a caregiver my first thought was to read who you dedicated the book to: Your wife Amy, friends, family and doctor. As I hit the end of the first page I had to recheck my facts. It talks about your wife Sara (not Amy). It always saddens me to read about a spouse who leave s their loved one at a time of need (What the heck happedned to “in sickness and in health”?). As I read about your separation and other parts of your life I seemed to notice you let people leave your life fairly easily. Is this just the way you wrote the book to not dwell on those matters? Were you not wanting to drag loved ones into your cancer world?
DW: Well, I spent a lot of time while I was isolated with the disease and really took the time to evaluate some of my “friendships” at the time. There’s nothing like a life-threatening disease to help you quickly sift through true friends from the others. What I found was that most of the people I had been spending time with seem to be “takers” and I was always the one that had to be “giving.” I came to realize how draining that had been on me and I knew it couldn’t not continue, nor should it. Life is short. I now choose to spend my time with positive-natured people who only add to my life and don’t detract
from it.
Route53: Although you have fought a strong battle on your own, for me there are three major people who were the core of your battle. In your book, you touch on surrounding yourself with the right people so I would like to focus on these caregivers. Let’s first talk about your choice of Dr. Jeff. In the book you talk about how you chose him. What further insight can you tell us about Dr. Jeff that you found was fitting for you, not just as a doctor, but as a person. Tell us about your relationship with Dr. Jeff today.
DW: Dr. Jeff is simply awesome. He’s very down-to-Earth, yet he is an excellent doctor who’s always up on the latest studies and research. I frankly have no idea how he has enough time in any given day to do what he does. Today, our relationship is as strong as possible. He respects me as a patient who runs his own healthcare team and I respect him as
the quarterback, counting on him to think out-of-the-box at times and run an audible if necessary.
Route53: My favorite person in your book is your cousin Dave, a totally selfless person (although I laughed at the halfway house he created for people and pets). Give Dave a big high five for me. He did more for you than most spouses do for their own loved ones who are suffering from cancer. He just seems to be a guy who puts everyone before himself. Tell us about Dave and the relationship you have with him. What makes him special in your mind that allows him to just give all he has to anyone. Were you two very close before the cancer arrived?
DW: Dave and I were close before my diagnosis. I always said we were part cousins, part brothers and part best friends. I can’t tell you what makes him tick, because honestly, most of the time I’m left scratching my head trying to figure him out. But the one steadfast quality he has, that everyone knows about, is that if you’re in need you can and should count on him.
Route53: Your second wife Amy is obviously a special person to you and helped you with much of the shaping of your life as it is today. My college roommate got married to his highschool sweetheart while he was suffering from cancer as well. If I could have changed one thing about your book, it is that you would have found Amy 5 years earlier. You talk about how Amy didn’t flinch when you told her about your cancer. Tell us what it is about her that is different from your first wife and your other relationship that you had during your battle with cancer. Perhaps Amy knew what she was signing up for in a relationship with you? Is it that she has dealt with cancer before? At the same time, what made you ready to let someone new close into your life at that point in time?
DW: Amy really is an incredible person. She has a heart of gold and simply loves to help other people. But the reason that she was able to stand by me, no matter what, is that she truly understands that none of us are guaranteed any amount of time in this life. Most people say things like, “well, you never know when you’re number will be up.” But I find that when push comes to shove, these same folks panic and cower in fear of death. Amy understands death and isn’t overly afraid of it. That being said, she maintains a healthy zest for life and we live each day to the fullest. Like Kenny Chesney said, “Everybody wants to go to Heaven, but nobody wants to go now!” 😉
Route53: We had the same issue as you with the psychiatrist. When my own wife chose to see a psychiatrist before her bilateral mastectomy, I asked if that doctor had gone through cancer and she hadn’t. At that time I told my wife I didn’t think she needed this woman’s advice. It was the first appointment I didn’t go to with my wife and she became so anxious after her visit that she had to start taking Ativan again. I just want you to know that you would make the perfect psychiatrist for cancer patients. Have you realized that you have become the answer for what you yourself needed? I noticed on another blog that you are continuing to help with Dr. Jeff’s patients.
DW: Actually, that’s a great way to put that. I do, now, know that the answers I need were inside of me all the time. I have simply learn to ask different questions of myself, thereby making the game of life a bit easier to win. And why wouldn’t we do it that way?
As for me becoming a therapist, I kinda already view myself as such, but in a very informal manner. I’m trained by life, and my advice is simple and hard hitting. In fact, this is the reason that I wrote my book. So that whomever needed or wanted to fully understand my story, could just pick up a copy and read it at their own pace. I’ve found most people have been reading it multiple times and gaining more perspectives from it each time.
Route53: Chapter 11 and the catchy title you give it was that rough point in your battle. In a way I looked at it as an almost necessary evil. My feeling is that everyone hits that point in their recovery. Maybe not as reckless as you became, but I’m sure there are people who can relate to that chapter in some small way. Like you I believe in experiential learning. I’m sure you got something positive out of that time of your life. Can you share with us what experiences or learnings you got out of that time of your life helped shape your philosphy today?
DW: I think the most important lessons I learned from that period of my life was to watch your emotions and actively managed them. It’s hard for me to really remember that time of my life and what I must have been feeling inside. I must have been very lonely. Fortunately now, I know that I’ll never end up in the place again.
Route53: You ask your readers to read Dr. Phil’s “Self Matters” and Rhonda Walker’s, “The Secret”. Do you have any other good inspirational books or articles that we should read? Have you be en inspired in your battle? If so, who has been your inspiration?
DW: I’d definitely recommend Anthony Robbins’ “Now Awaken the Giant Within.”
Route53: What have you personally gained from writing this book that you didn’t expect or maybe were not quite expecting?
DW: Great question Erik. Well I’d say the biggest surprise is my readers’ responses to it. I was hopeful that everyone would like the book, but the depth of the feedback I get is overwhelming at times. My book seems to touch people in a way that really makes a positive and LASTING impact on their lives. That’s an incredible feeling for me!
SUMMARY: If you want to purchase This Time’s A Charm, please go to: www.thistimesacharm.com I have personally purchased an additional copy for a friend and fellow parent who is similarly diagnosed to Donald. If you haven’t read the previous blog tour entries, follow this schedule:
“This Time’s a Charm” Cancer Blog Book Tour Schedule
Hotel Decor: 95 (warm and sleek contemporary design with silver finishings)
Hotel Amenities: 85 (Work out and business center as well as gourmet restaurant located on 5th Floor. Don’t miss Happy Hour)
Neighborhood Scene: 90 (Urban touristy. Not relaxed or perfectly safe at night)
Miscellaneous: 95 (Take a cab or park down the street in the 4th and Mission Garage. It’s cheaper)
Overall Wow Factor: 87 (You can’t get this quality for this price. Join the Kimpton newsletter to hear about their specials)
Much like the Hotel on Rivington, the style of this San Francisco luxury hotel is modern but not too over the top. The Palomar has picked up an animal (Leopard and Zebra) print theme that has expanded its brand to other Palomar locations in the US. Unlike the hotel on Rivington, the Palomar successfully hides itself in this nieghborhood and whisks you off the hustle and bustle of downtown San Francisco. Located five stories up (located above the 4 story Old Navy flagship store) the décor invites closer inspection such as the nude drawings outside the 5th Floor restaurant by Sayles. The lobby is located on the ground floor and is very similar in simplicity and style to the boutique hotels found in Paris.
The Hotel Palomar is centrally located near the SOMA district with easy access to great restaurants, the Moscone Convention Center, the Sony Metron, the MOMA, the Jewish Contemporary Museum and at least half a dozen other museums. It is also three blocks away from famed Union Square, but just across the street you will find Barney’s, the Apple Store and the Virgin store. Around the corner you will find the San Francisco Center (formerly Emporium) which houses a gorumet food court, hundreds of high end shops and a cinema multiplex. The location makes this hotel appealing to those suburbanites looking to get into the city for some action or conventioners looking for an alternative to the Marriott (Jukebox) across the street, the loud and trendy W or the new Intercontinental blue eyesore.
5th Floor Hallway at Hotel Palomar
Our King size room was quiet despite the traffic down below on Market Street and overlooked the Virgin store and Apple store. The room offers Leopard and Zebra print robes and the generously sized bathroom offered a jacuzzi soaking tub which is very relaxing after all the walking you will do in San Francisco. Definitely use it as the shower was lacking in size tucked into the corner when there was lots of room.
What do we reommend for food. If on a budget, try Coriander (Thai food) in the San Francisco Centre food court. Two items (Cripy Basil Chicken and Spicy Catfish over rice for just $8 is good for a conventioneer’s budget and don’t miss the Beard Papa Cream puffs ($2) also located in the food court. If the hotel’s 5th Floor restaurant won’t do, other great restaurants within walking distance include Two (Hawthorne Lane off of Howard between 2nd and 3rd), Roy’s (Mission and 2nd), Lulu’s (4th and Folsom) and XYZ (located in the W on 3rd and Howard) offer great alternatives. Also try the Samovar Tea House located in the Yerba Buena Gardens where you can sit down with a beautiful view of the area while going through all of your purchases.
If you joing the Kimpton’s newsletter you will see lots of special offers that will save you money so you can go on those shopping sprees. Our King Size room only cost $159/nt on a holiday weekend making this hotel an easy urban getaway spot.
King Bed-Palomar
While I am a local San Franciscan, I do have to add that the Cable Car line on Powell St. is just a block away. You can catch the cable car all the way to Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square from there.
Hotel Decor: 95 (some aging, but overall THOR is stunning if you like boutique urban design)
Hotel Amenities: 90 (Don’t miss the summer roof deck parties. Ask and research with the staff)
Neighborhood Scene: 90 (Cool chic. Relaxed. Not something for everyone)
Miscellaneous: 98 (So unique in nature you won’t stay in another hotel like it in the US)
Overall Wow Factor: 90 (some aging of the hotel and service)
The Hotel on Rivington (www.hotelonrivington.com) lived up to all the hype for me. Located on the Lower East Side, it is a great escape away from all the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan. The often unexplored LES offers a vibrant nightlife with clubs, restaurants and some unique shopping. The hotel is a sleek contrast to the rest of the neighborhood and really does stick out like a sore thumb.
Despite all my usual research I was not quite ready for the entrance to the hotel with it’s white modern sculpture entrance which felt like entering the Matterhorn at Disneyland. Secondly, I wasn’t ready to find that the reception desk was on the 2nd floor. I was so eager to see my room ( a corner with a glass shower) that I didn’t even bother to check out the lobby until I checked out. When you get to your floor, the halls are black with no windows and you just follow the glow of the red light to your room.The lack of lighting adds to the shock factor when you enter your room with floor to ceiling windows that offers sweeping views of the LES bridges, with Delancey St. below and Wall Street in the distance. The room fit the images of the photos on the website except my bathroom was black tiled compared to the yellow one I saw on the site. For all you exhibitionists out there, it should be noted that the glass shower uses frosted glass so there is really no chance of being seen from the street below.The muted cauliflower blue and brown colors fit well with the design of the room complete with automatic sliding curtains, free wi-fi, balcony and flatscreen TV. This is definitely a rock and rollers hotel. For those who like celebrity watching (raising my hand) we spotted Sarah Michelle-Gellar here as she was having a “wrap Party” for her new movie.The Hotel on Rivington towers over the LES. Once we dropped our items in the closet we explored the great stores for boutique clothing, found a restaurant for the evening (Tre) and scoped out restaurant row (Clinton St.). Although the hotel has its own restaurant, Thor, we wanted to escape from the touristy feel and have a nice casual dinner in the neighborhood. Tre is located just around the corner, one block north of the hotel and offers a quiet scene in a shotgun style restaurant with lots of good people watching as well as a great place to eaves-drop on the interesting lives of the people who live in this eclectic neighborhood. We had the prix fixe meal which was a little salty but that wasn’t why we went there. The interesting site was the tall British gal in her white hostess dress.
The low profile bed
At one point this striking gal snapped on some rubber gloves, threw a large piece of prosciutto on the table and sliced it right there fresh for the patrons. It was a scene that you’d have to have seen just to visualize the oddity. Afterwards, we bar hopped, checked out the “Livingroom” , a small live music joint and then back to Thor for a drink.
Looking toward the Battery
We left our shades open and got up early the next morning for breakfast at the Clinton St. Bakery. I’ll discuss that at another time, but located three blocks from the hotel on Clinton and Houston, you will find the best blueberry pancakes (okay Martha Stewart discovered them first) that are just one more reason to stay down in the LES.
I highly recommend the Hotel on Rivington. We didn’t get to truly experience the hotel, but the small taste that we got was enough to get us to come back to the hotel and its great neighborhood. The furniture , the interior design and the ambiance were spot on.
places in the world. Just 45 minutes north of San Francisco is the Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine country. While there aren’t many discounts with this resort we took advantage of a mid week one night stay without an early checkout. The Carneros Inn is a sister company to the Plumpjack Resort located in Lake Tahoe and and is related to the Plumjack Winery as well as the now defunct Jack Falstaff eatery formerly located in San Francisco’s SOMA area.
