"In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure. "
About Derrick Shields

This is the official professional Weblog of Derrick Shields. Derrick runs a successful Minneapolis-based search marketing company, Adscape Internet Marketing. Adscape helps organizations of all sizes reach their customers more effectively.

In addition to his background in the Internet, Derrick also is a Financial Planning professional and holds professional designations by the SEC, NASD/FINRA and the MN Dept of Commerce, which allow Derrick the ability to advise clients in financial matters such as investments, insurance and estate planning.

Derrick also is a contributing editor at Seeking Alpha, focusing on Internet Stocks. 

Derrick's professional competencies include:

  • - Search Engine Optimization
  • - Search Engine Marketing
  • - Internet Marketing & Advertising
  • - Internet Stocks: Analysis and Commentary
  • - Content Management Implementation & Consultation
  • - Web Analytics, Tracking and Metrics
  • - Speaking Engagements

Secrets to Success

Derrick strongly believes in the Investor Business Daily's 10 Secrets to Success.

1. How You Think Is Everything. Always be positive. Think success, not failure. Be aware of a negative environment.

2. Decide Upon Your True Dreams and Goals. Write down your specific goals and develop a plan to reach them.

3. Take Action. Goals are Nothing Without Action. Don't be afraid to get started. Just do it.

4. Never Stop Learning. Go back to school or read books. Get training and acquire skills.

5. Be Persistent and Work Hard. Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Never give up.

6. Learn to Analyze Details. Get all the facts, all the input. Learn from your mistakes.

7. Focus Your Time and Money. Don't let other people or things distract you.

8. Don't Be Afraid to Innovate; Be Different. Following the heard is a sure way to mediocrity.

9. Deal and Communicate with People Effectively. No person is an island. Learn to understand and motivate others.

10. Be Honest and Dependable; Take Responsibility. Otherwise, Number 1-9 won't matter.

Personal Life

Derrick currently lives in Minnesota with his Wife and son. In his spare time, Derrick enjoys cooking, working out, and studying/analyzing internet stocks and startups.