Have you heard that the Presidential candidates are going to bring change in this election year? It seems they use the word "change" in every other sentence. Change, change, change. I'm actually sick of the word by now, and as I write this we still have five months to go until election day. Yikes!

Now, politicians promise all kinds of things, but I think we all know whoever wins in November isn't really going to change all that much in Washington.

If I were to ask you what you wanted more than anything else in your life, what would be your answer?

Most people automatically say, almost every time I ask the question, "I want a million dollars," or "I want to be rich".

Seldom do I hear people say they want to create a plan of action, set goals, take action, and set the ball in motion to get from dream to reality.

Let me tell you the story of two companies who make very similar products, and sell to the same customer base. Both make excellent products that provide a huge benefit to their customers. One of them is incredibly successful at lead generation, and closing the sale, while the other is sailing without a sail. Which do you think is the more respected leader in their industry?

Both the companies I'm talking about make tool vending machines and inventory management software to drive the machines and keep track of inventory.

The goal of marketing is to create interest and desire in your products or services. You likely have at least one competitor that makes the same product or performs the same service as your company. How do you differentiate yourself from your competition? How do you position yourself as the market leader in your industry?

The best way is to have as many positive articles published about your company, and your products or services.

The best way to boost traffic to your site, even better than pay-per-click, is backlinks. Backlinks are links to your site from other web sites all over the internet.

How do you build thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of backlinks? You do it by writing articles, and distributing them to web sites related to your industry.

Backlinks are the Fuel that Drives Traffic

Backlinks drive traffic to your site in two ways.

The Mining and Aggregate industries face tough challenges every single day. The harsh environments are dirty, dusty, moist, and can be very cold or very hot. Further, the stop and start of much of the heavy machinery causes extreme stress on motors, drives, belts, and bearings. Maintenance is often difficult to manage, and often results in machine downtime.

In America today the average price of gasoline has skyrocketed past $4.00 per gallon with no end in sight. Oil prices have doubled since the end of 2007 with $200 per barrel conceivable within months. Still, no one seems to have a solution. The government is inept, and only seems willing to add to the problem rather than solve it.

If the Congress had any concern for you or me they would lift all Federal gas taxes to help us out.

Technology today makes it possible to easily connect to your work computer from anywhere over the internet. Smart phones make it easy to send and receive email from just about anywhere. And of course, having that cell phone makes it possible to reach, or be reached by, anyone, anytime of day or night.

All this technology should make us more productive, but in many cases it can lead to less productivity.

This article could have been called "Drive Through Fast Food Lane," or "Grab Lunch and Fill 'er Up at the Drive Through." I liked all three. The fact is, there is a huge, as yet untapped resource out there that could drastically reduce emissions, and slash dependence on oil. This fuel source can be found all over the country at McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and many other fast food chains.

Let me preface this article series by saying I am not a dietitian, health care professional, or personal trainer. I am simply a writer and businessman who decided I had to do something about my weight. I was not obese, but certainly was overweight and heading for clogged arteries and probably a heart attack before I hit 50. What follows is what worked for me, and what I honestly believe will work for anyone willing to commit mentally.