What is Operation Choke Point? By Chris Dixon

What is Operation Choke Point?

By Chris Dixon

What happens when you elect a power hungry gun hating super far left president?    You get to see what executive power looks like when the president does not believe the constitution pertains to him.    Our 2^nd Amendment rights are under attack and our fearless leader has decided to attack us from the back door.

I must give Obama some credit as I do believe he realizes he cannot take on gun control head-on.    He has been rather effective in hurting our industry by making it super hard to sell firearms and ammunition.   For the last several years we have seen companies like McMillan Rifle and Stock company and several others get dropped by banks that managed their banking and credit card processing because they sold firearms.    The firearms industry is one the US’s most grassroots styles of companies.    Obama is trying to destroy the industry which will in turn help further his agenda to get firearms out of the hands of the American citizens.

So what is “Operation Choke Point”?   Our president by executive order created the “President’s Financial Fraud Task Force” in 2009.     This task force working with the DOJ, FDIC, and CFPB and working outside of congressional approvals decided to go after targets marked by our administration.    They emphasized they were aiming at Payday loans, high risk companies, and others they deemed illegal.   Their targets includes the following…

 Highlighted you will see Ammunition Sales and Firearms sales.     These highly regulated legal businesses are lumped with Pornography, Racist Materials, Escort Services, Ponzi Schemes and the other listed styles of companies and activities.    This sheet is from a report dated 09/17/2013 and is for bank examiner education in a presentation given by the FFIEC.

This story is covered in greater detail on BREITBART NEWS and AMERICAN THINKER this information is all quite compelling and very disconcerting.   

There is good news as some of the business owners that have been dropped by the banks are actually fighting back.   One such business owner is Kelly McMillan that had Bank of American drop his company back in 2012.  This made national news and was just the first of many that we have read about over the last few years.    Kelly decided to take action and he created a new company called McMillan Merchant Solutions that launched in July of 2013.    MMS is unique even among the firearms friendly merchant service companies as it is the only one created by the firearms industry to serve the firearms industry.   Kelly has also made a commitment to donate a portion of everything his company makes to support foundations that are pro-2^nd Amendment.   It might be worth for time to check them out.   Here is a 12:25 minute Interview with Kelly McMillan talking specifically about Operation Choke Point.

If you are doing business with Bank of America, BankUnited, BitPay, PayPal/Square, Intuit,Authorize.net, GE Capital, and countless others then you are helping support companies that are working against the firearms industry.    If the 2^nd Amendment is important to you then work with companies that are Pro-2^nd Amendment.

Share this article with everyone you know in the firearms industry!

To view the original post or leave comments go to http://concealncarry.net/blog/what-is-operation-choke-point-by-chris-dixon.html

"One FREE Tip" by Chris Dixon

"One FREE Tip"

by Chris Dixon

I want to give you ONE TIP that can help draw FREE attention to you and your business....Quick Answer BLOGGING. Now I must be honest that just because you write a blog it does not mean you will suddenly get mega traffic to your site or have customers rushing to get your products but it is the first step. Next you need someone that has some experience getting the word out for you. I want you to do a simple task for me.....open a new tab and go to google to do a search.... enter this is your search.... "Why Bother?" by Lynn Sherwood. 

You will get a bunch of links to places where you can access this blog. I do want to take a second to compliment Lynn Sherwood as she wrote a great article from her heart and it resonated with both ladies and men. Check out the secret that helped here get more recognition. She had someone helping her get the article noticed on several gun forums and other sites. In this case the other person was me, but it could have easily been anyone else helping spread the word around.

Here is the core truth.....people that just post their own info will have a limited audience because they are in a social box that is hard to break out of. This is why networking is super important and you need to find ways to cross market your product and ideas. Be open to doing something for FREE to help someone as it my just pay you read money later. People are more open to help those that helped them first.

Final step... Today find 2 articles you really like and agree with and share them every place you can think (ie. facebook, linked-in, pinterest, forums, etc)

I truly believe good deeds come full circle.

Have a Blessed Day!

Chris Dixon

Link to Article.. http://concealncarry.net/blog/one-free-tip-by-chris-dixon.html

WHY BOTHER? By Lynn Sherwood

WHY BOTHER?

By Lynn Sherwood

Pondering whether to even brush my hair or just scrunch the wet mop out of site atop my head, don dirty yoga pants and flip flops or sturdy shoes and a sassy blouse, and whether the two extra minutes to swipe my lashes with mascara would be a good use of my time before my solo road trip last week, I thought “Why Bother?”

Women in bulky 90’s sweat-suits walk through airports across the country daily, go to the grocery store hiding their face and pray no one they know will see them, and do everything they can to look distracted when passing someone they know if they are not feeling ‘all they can be’ for a variety of reasons.  This approach works well for a lot of women.  I can DO this!  I’m going to get in the car and just not care what any stranger will think!!!

…And then I promptly brushed my hair and draped it gently over my shoulders, donned fitted professional clothing and sturdy shoes, and brushed my blond lashes with mascara for a trip during which (maybe!) 100 people in gas stations (whom I would never see again) would see me in the next two states…

Over my years, I’ve watched sweatpants stride through airports and flip flops glide through fast food chains in gas stations on road trips.  Yes, I’ll bet the folks wearing them might even be more comfortable squeezing into the little areas airlines call ‘seats’ and when they kick off the flops to let their toesies dangle out the window in the breeze along  the 101.  But I don’t SEE many of these people ~ I couldn’t tell you the color of the lady’s eyes or hair who passed me in the airport, if she wore a smile or had any identifyingly extraordinary or welcoming feature.  She swam past me in her oversized frumpy box store hoody as she texted her sister, not making eye contact or walking confidently as she sulked by hundreds of other people trying not to be noticed.  She succeeded – with me, at least;  I didn’t really see her.  She didn’t engage me to be her advocate.  As her chosen approach to face the world, I hope it worked for her.  And I hope that a bad guy did not interpret what I perceived as a lack of confidence and pre-occupation as ‘victim material’.

In pondering why I again took the time and energy to ‘gear up’ this week for my road trip, I realized that I tend to steer to the opposite end as I travel ~ and with purposeful intent.  Tennies, pumps or boots that I can run away in ~ functional in addition to being cute.  Clothing I look great in ~ so that I feel great in it, too!  My hair styled and eyes made up so no embarrassment about my excuse for appearance would lead me to not make eye contact with every single person I can connect with.  This is important, deep-seated work for me!  As I leave the cozy confines of my small home-town grocery store, in which on any given visit I’ll see and hug 22 old friends, I have to be more aware of my surroundings as I travel  and how I am perceived within them.  I WILL look you in the eyes as I assess my surroundings ~ you will KNOW I’ve got eyes on you, that I am confident and am nobody’s victim.  I WILL attract the attention of 49 ‘good guys and gals’ to help should a situation occur with one potential bad guy.

I realized that I WANT every single person in a given place to notice me ~ for protection’s sake!

If everyone in the gas station takes notice of this confident woman, the bad guy with mal-intent will be less likely to scope me out as a victim, in part also because everybody in there will have seen me.   I want these people to remember my smile, my confidence, my attitude.  Is attractive clothing and make-up the only way to do garner this attention?  Of course not!  In fact, it’s the tiniest, itty-bittiest percentage of WHY you will notice me.  (Remember this line if you start judging me as a stuck-up, vain witch with too much time on her hands while judging others. J )  In reviewing what others do for themselves, I’ve realized this is simply the final touch to my personal confidence-boosting routine.

Entering the gas station, you won’t know that I’ve spent hours practicing my four-point draw stroke last week, that I’m versed in situational awareness and that I’m a CrossFit maniac.  You won’t know that I’ve already prepared a path in my mind visualizing escaping a bad situation and engaging others if necessary to help stop a threat.  You won’t know that my will to live to hug my husband one more time and to be part of my grand-babies’ lives is as strong as it is.  You won’t know that I’m a strong businesswoman with critical thinking skills and outside-the-box creative ability that you might only dream about. You won’t know that I’m packing a gun, or three…

But as a bad guy, you WILL know that I am not going to be your submissive target.  You WILL see that 49 good guys and gals took note of me and might just get actively engaged to stop your bad ass if you try something stupid.  As a good guy or gal, you WILL know that ‘There’s something about that girl’ and might just be more interested in making sure I return from my bathroom venture down that long corridor to the rear of the station.  Will I actively engage the good guys/gals and prepare for the threat of the bad guy?  ABSOLUTELY and without apology.  And I’ve got your back, too!

WHY BOTHER?  In analyzing myself and why I ‘geared up’ before my road trip, I realized that adding the final small but tangible touches to my external presentation to the world as I travel, steering eyes toward me from the good guys rather than flying under the radar to only be ‘seen’ as a potential target by the bad guy, is just a part of my icing to my internal, confidently prepared self.

What’s YOUR modus operandi?  How do YOU present yourself to the world ~ and why?  Does it vary by circumstance, place and situation?  What final touches do YOU make and for what reasons??  Have you thought through how good guys and bad guys SEE you in various lights – and why?  Have you visualized your walk in this world, and your path out if you do find yourself in a sticky situation?

WHY BOTHER?!?  Why bother doing everything, EVERY THING within your power so you can remain in power??

Because we’re worth it.  

Lynn Sherwood is the founder of High Caliber Women.  She spends her time teaching women, men and youth to shoot defensively and for fun and enjoys working out in the wee hours of the morning to the grueling demands of her coaches.  She ‘walks the walk’ of a comprehensive approach to life and self defense with a mind-body-attitude connection.  Lynn is an NRA certified instructor for Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun and Refuse to be a Victim, and she co-owns and manages Jackson Hole Shooting Experience as a lead pistol, shotgun and archery instructor in this premier Luxury Entertainment Shooting Experience phenomenon.  She lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with her husband Shepard Humphries and her puppy Remington. Visit us at HIGH CALIBER WOMEN

Link to Article.. http://concealncarry.net/blog/why-bother-by-lynn-sherwood.html

“Ladies & Firearms” by Chris Dixon

“Ladies & Firearms”

by Chris Dixon

Most story’s we hear today talk about men and their guns.   I'm going to let you in on a secret, there are a huge number of ladies that like firearms as well.   I was at the Shot Show a few weeks back and the firearms industry has definitely started offering products that the ladies will love.    You can find pink pistols and rifles of every make, model, and size.   The firearms industry is drawing in a huge number of lady self-purchasers who enjoy shooting guns as much as the men do.    Interestingly, many of these ladies might surprise you with their experience and skill levels.  Did I forget to mention that many of these women are attractive as well!

I would like to bring to your attention Jacqueline (Jackie) Carrizosa. 

Jackie is a military veteran, model, fitness trainer, personal firearms trainer and is the founder and instructor at Firearms for Life, LLC.   She was recruited by director Peter Berg to personally train Rihanna in the movie Battleship.   I enjoyed the movie Battleship and as you might know Rihanna had a strong supporting role on that show.    Rihanna was playing a movie character that closely resembled the real life role of Jackie as a naval gunners-mate.  You can get more information on this story at “I taught Rihanna how to shoot” on MailOnline.   You can also connect with her on Linked-In at Jacqueline Carrizosa.

There are also 2 ladies that I would like to mention that compete in shooting sports and are world class champions.   Randi Rogers and Julie Golob are both professional shooters and national champions.  

Randi Rogers	Julie Golob

Take a minute to review all of the accomplishments they have achieved so far.  Here is a link to their BIO page.   You would think with their involvement in shooting sports life would be too busy to do anything else.   That is not the case with Randi and Julie as they also have a podcast called “Gun Girl Radio”.   Their show has been live for an entire year and Jan 2014 marked their 35^th show.    Be sure to check out their show.  You will be glad you did!

I wanted to share these stories of outstanding ladies in our industry.    The firearms industry is not just a bunch of grey haired older men…although that does actually describe me.     We are a huge group of men and women from all races and ages that enjoy exercising our 2^ndAmendment rights.  

To read more articles check out our BLOG page.   We also offer a large collection of Podcastersand Industry News on the Conceal & Carry Network.

Have a Blessed Day!

Chris Dixon                                                                                                                   Owner, Conceal & Carry Network

Link to Article... http://concealncarry.net/blog/ladies-and-firearms-by-chris-d-dixon.html

“How is your business perceived based on your website?” by Chris Dixon

"How is your business perceived based on your website?”

by Chris Dixon

It is said that we have just seconds to make a first impression.    They teach this for the interview process so that you can land a job.   This is also one of the first things you are taught in sales as you will live or die based on the first few seconds you spend with a new customer or client.  

So what happens when someone visits your website for the first time?   Does it look professional?  Does it make them want to spend some time there looking around?   Most importantly is it helping you close sales or is it making the process harder?

Over the last year I have visited over 2000 websites related to the firearms industry.   There are those of us that are hungry for new or innovative ideas.   If you had stumbled onto one of these ideas you might find yourself searching all over to refine your thoughts or to see if there was anyone else out there using your idea.    This was where I found myself last year when I had the idea for the Conceal & Carry Network.     This is also why I hired professionals to build my site versus doing it myself.

Stay with me for a minute as this article is not a slam against the do-it-yourself web designers.   We are discussing first impressions and how you can add more sales and profits to your company.   Not everyone has the money to build powerful websites especially when the firearms industry is mostly a collection of hardworking small business owners.   It can cost you $10k-$20k to build a powerful website with massive search engine capability and social media share-ability designed into it.   Trust me, this part I know from firsthand experience.   You also have to look at effectiveness and ROI (Return-On-Investment).    This is why many firearms industry business owners build their own websites and then hope that just because they have a website people will come and buy products from them.   Don’t we all wish it was that easy?

There are approximately 60,000 FFL Dealers in the US and the major companies like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Cabela’s, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro Shops, and Academy Sports and Outdoor all have impressive and very expensive websites.   It is difficult for a small company to compete…or is it?

What if you could tap into the strength of a professional website that was there to help you advertise your business?   What if the cost was negligible?   What if you could harness the strength of social media to get the word out about your business?   What if you had a way to direct happy clients to give you reviews that were visible to new prospects?    The Conceal & Carry Network www.concealncarry.net was designed and built to answer those questions and much more.

We charge $100 a year for our best business listing which is a Platinum level listing.    These listings while affordable are the most innovative way to attract new clients to your company.     What else can you do for less than 28 cents a day that can help your business as much?    The concept is simple…. the Conceal and Carry Network is an information hub that is continually collecting new and interesting news, articles, blogs, videos, and much more to keep visitors coming back.   Our platinum level business listing are the visible to all visitors that come to our site.   The secret to effective advertising is to spend your time marketing where your potential customers visit.    Example#1, Example#2, Example#3

We also offer a service to build a custom product or service page which we also charge $100 a year to build and post.   Example #1, Example#2

If you are an FFL Dealer we have several manufacturers that offer their wholesale products directly to you.    We have just launched a new section called Gun Dealer Offers which are wholesale products you should consider selling to increase your incremental sales volume and profits.

I hope you have found this article useful as we are here to help you get more professional exposure for your business and ultimately make you more money.   We have a saying here….”Join the Conceal & Carry Network where our goal is the success of your business!”   CLICK HERE to join us today.

If you have any question… email me at chrisdxn@concealncarry.net

Have a Blessed Day!

Chris Dixon

Link to Article... http://concealncarry.net/blog/how-is-your-business-perceived-based-on-your-website-by-chris-dixon.html

Dan Meadows interviews Chris Dixon on Shooting Channel - 10212013 - Dan Interviews Chris Dixon - Tindeck MP3 Download

Dan Meadows interviews Chris Dixon on Shooting Channel - 10212013 - Dan Interviews Chris Dixon - Tindeck MP3 Download

"I'm a RICH MAN but I'm not Wealthy" 

by Leon Measures

I am not a rich man in terms of money and possessions. I am extremely wealthy in things money can't buy. While working with kids, more than half a century, I have been 'paid' many times over.

This morning I remembered Kevin and know I will have a good day. This story has to be long, in order for you (hopefully) to enjoy it with me.

 Several years ago, a lady named Sharon Pagel called to ask if we would be interested in doing our shooting show, in Denver. She went on to say she was blind and put on an exhibition with bow and arrow. Sharon said she was practicing to go to Kodiak Alaska to kill a big bear with her bow. I said, 'Lady, I've not met you but I can tell from here, you are certifiably insane”! Her husband stands behind her and touches her, 'left', 'right', 'up', 'down', and 'shoot'. We got a Christmas card with a picture of her sitting on a big bear, holding her bow. For you Trapshooters, at last report she was up to 17X25 and can't tell daylight from dark.
Several years later, Texas Parks and Wildlife asked us to help with a POINT (Paraplegics On Independent Nature Trails) gathering at Caddo Lake. The gathering was held at “Crips Camp”. He is in a wheelchair. Frillie, my wife and constant companion, wasn't able to join me. I set up the shooting gallery under a big tree, with BB guns and targets.

A gentleman came to ask, “Do you think you could help Kevin shoot”? I asked if Kevin wanted to shoot and got a resounding, “Oh, yes”! The man explained, “Kevin has been blind since birth”. I immediately thought of Sharon, and said, “No problem! Bring him on, we have a special gun for a special kid”! Kevin was almost as big as I am, he shuffled his feet, with his head bowed. I sat him down at a table and let him feel of the BB gun, while I described its various parts. By this time a crowd had gathered to watch a kid who couldn't see, shoot. I put a pair of safety glasses on Kevin and he chuckled. I told him we couldn't afford the appearance of being unsafe. I demonstrated how he should mount the gun, got his cheek on the stock, and said to the onlookers, “Watch this. This gun has radar”. I reached around Kevin, held the gun barrel (which pointed the gun) and whispered to him, “ Kevin, when I poke you on the shoulder like this, you pull the trigger”. He did and the crowd cheered. Kevin may have shot twenty times. His dad took his target and laid it on the table for Kevin to feel. Kevin laughed out loud, and the crowd cheered. Kevin left with his head held high and a spring in his steps.

Later that day, Kevin's dad told me, “That was one of the few times in Kevin's life he has had something to laugh about”. Anybody want to trade that for money?

Stay with me now. It gets better.

The next year, Frillie went with me to Caddo Lake. I had told her she had to meet Kevin. The first question I asked was, “Where's Kevin”? A man answered, “Kevin won't be here this time”. I expected to hear about some sort of tragedy. The man explained, “Kevin is on a mountain climbing trip”! If that wasn't enough, the next year the gathering was held at Lake Dallas. “ Kevin won't be here this year, he's off on a deer hunt”!

A couple of months later, Steve Hall (now Executive Director of International Hunter Education Assn.) called. He said he had an interesting story. A wealthy rancher invites certain physically handicapped kids to cull his deer herd. A guide takes a kid and tells which deer to shoot. Steve said, “ I drew Kevin”! The rancher told Steve, if Kevin gets a shot at the biggest deer on the place, let him shoot it. A serious trophy buck was standing on Kevin's side of a road ,watching three does across the road. Steve turned the truck so Kevin would have a clear shot. Kevin said, “ Mr. Hall when you think the gun is right, poke me on the shoulder and I will shoot”. Steve said he was looking along the top of a scope. When he thought the gun was right, he poked Kevin and the buck fell!

Steve asked Kevin, “How did you learn to do that”? Kevin said, “Mr. Measures taught me how”!

Life's best rewards are not defined by Dollar Signs. They are defined by how you have enrichened someone elses life by your actions.

'Nuf said?

Leon Measures

If you want to read other articles by Leon Measure visit his blog post "Shoot where you look" or his website Shootwhereyoulook.com