Spring is in full bloom at this point. Trees that survived the winter have let us know they're back in the game. Even though they looked dead for several months that was not an accurate indication of the life we now see. And so it is with people; if you're going through a dry spot, be gathering all your resources for coming back strong. You'll surprise your neighbors and those former co-workers who thought you'd never survive the unexpected changes.
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Tonight's free 30-minute seminar is titled Are you a messenger of Hope?. My daughter Ashley and I are going to talk about helping other people while you are making money. You don't have to choose one or the other. Just click on the link for the information - then join me tonight, Tuesday, May 19th at 7:00 PM. Are you a messenger of Hope?
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Speaking of spreading hope -- Our next 48 Days Seminar training class is filling up quickly -- 48 Days Seminars. What a great time to be one who brings hope to those who are struggling. See the link below for more information.
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Last week we sent out a single notice about a new package we have called Success that Matters. As part of that release we also said we would draw for two winners from the first 48 purchasers - to win either Friday date night dinner with Joanne and me or a two-hour coaching session. Well, it took about 48 minutes for those eager people to get their name in the hat. Our winners are Brenda Dunagan from Smithville, MO and Paul Rizo from Redondo Beach, CA. That's my granddaughter Clara Isabell in the picture here doing the drawing.
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This week's OuttaWork prize package winner is Tom Staudenheimer from Louisville, KY. You can still get your name in the hat if you're out of work. Just send a quick note to me at outtawork@48Days.com.
********************************* ”If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he had imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” --- Henry David Thoreau 1817
Coker's Tires was a traditional service center in Chattanooga when it was launched back in 1958. But over the years the competition from the big-box retailers eroded their tire sales. In 1974 the owner's son, Corky, took over the small division that produced vintage tires - and added about 5% of the company's revenues. Today that vintage division makes up over 95% of the company's business. Now the world's largest supplier of vintage tires, Coker Tires distributes in 40 countries and has made period tires and wheels for countless movies, including recently The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Here's a business that is growing at over 20% a year while other traditional tire stores are closing for lack of business.
How many examples have you seen where this principle has been played out? If you sell washing machines and WalMart moves in next door, they will put you out of business - or will they? What if you recognized that they sell thousands of washing machines but don't provide any repair service? Could that be a lucrative opportunity?
New housing construction has come to a screeching halt. If you are a home builder, you probably are ready to throw in the towel - or should you? With more people keeping their homes and perhaps traveling less, remodeling and addition work is skyrocketing. Can you realign your business to take advantage of the new trends?
If you have a Chrysler dealership and you lose your franchise are you out of business? Or are you released from being controlled by an inefficient bureaucracy and can now take advantage of the fact that many people are looking for a reliable used car rather than an untested new one off the assembly line. Will your profits disappear or grow in moving from tiny predictable margins on new cars to the open possibilities or carefully selected used cars?
In the old classic book, Think and Grow Rich, author Napoleon Hill stated: "Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed on an equal or greater benefit."
A friend recently asked me how she could find a work opportunity for her family - something where they could maybe travel to a foreign country, be immersed in a new language, but still be paid at least a minimum for their work. She wondered if there were really any possibilities like that. Well, I'm happy to report there are lots of just such opportunities. This is definitely one of those times when you have to think, and look, outside the box.
How would you like to work on a fishing boat in Alaska or on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean? Maybe you'd like to spend this winter at a ski lodge in Switzerland or help rebuild the Appalachian Trail next summer. Or perhaps a physical and spiritual rejuvenation in the Nyingma Work-Study Program in Tibet would be more your style.
These are all real possibilities - you just have to explore a little to find the work that is meaningful to you.
In no particular order and with no particular recommendations, here are some sites to get you started.
And let me know how you intend to expand your thinking, deepen your wisdom, do work that is meaningful, make a living and make a difference! The possibilities are endless.
Thanks so much for the tons of feedback I received regarding the podcast. Here are the clear and overwhelming consensus points:
We'll keep using “Taking Care of Business” as the lead-in music. Many of you said this has become part of my brand and you don't want it to change.
We'll keep the length at 48 minutes. Again, many of you said that's a reasonable length and plays off the brand again. Some asked for longer - no one suggested shorter.
We'll maintain the variety in questions answered. Many of you said that even if a particular question did not relate to you, you enjoyed having the information for family, friends and just informed conversation.
A significant number of you were open to having a theme podcast - not regularly, but periodically. I will do that.
Also, you are open to having an occasional guest. Either a well known businessperson or someone I've worked with who has knocked it out of the park. Again, I will certainly do that.
And here are some of this week's questions:
I am a residential builder/remodeler in Atlanta and have been through the ringer. In 2005 I had my name on several spec homes -- and my wife and I filed a CH13 bankruptcy. I have tried since late 2007 to rebound my life, my business and finances. I haven't lost hope but I just don't know if I should temporarily shelve the business and work for another company or tough this out.
I'm kind of stuck. I just graduated from college with a degree in Psychology. I have no experience in that area and I don't even think I'd like it. I just needed to get out of college. I'm not even sure what I'd enjoy doing for the rest of my life. It's very difficult for me to find my strengths since I haven't seen them used. I would appreciate a little push in the direction of finding my strengths and what I would like to pursue from the beginning point.
Would it be a good idea to hire someone to sell my product? I was considering bringing someone in to work based on commission. If the individual is successful selling, it would appear to me that he would be more valuable to the biz than anything else. Could that person demand more compensation or just leave and become a competitor of mine and do it himself?
I have enjoyed reading books out loud and reciting poems in front of an audience. Now with the availability of podcasting I would love to record my favorite novels and poems and distribute them on the internet. However, I am not sure what the legal implications are regarding copyrights.
I am 31 years old and have been working since I was 15. In that time, I've only held one job for over two years. Now wherever I apply, I'm labeled a "job hopper." Now that I've finally figured out what I want to do career-wise, how do I get over this hurdle?
********************************* If you have a question, just email me at askdan@48Days.com and you can ask about starting your own business, getting a better job, or finding your purpose in life.
And you can click the link below to listen to this week's broadcast immediately - no downloading - no wait.
Lead the 48 Days Seminar
Are you someone who just naturally provides hope and encouragement? Would you like to help more people know the 48 Days principles? My daughter Ashley and I are offering a one-day training program here at the Sanctuary on May 29th to help anyone who wants to be ready to lead this six-week program. We'll provide you with a complete set of leader instructions, DVDs, and the confidence to begin sharing immediately. The one in March filled up very quickly. We'd love to work with you! Certified 48 Days Trainer
********************************* Need Marketing Ideas for your business?
Ten years ago Seth Godin got his publisher to agree that he could give away the first four chapters of his book, Permission Marketing. They agreed because they didn't think it would work to help sales. Millions of people surprised those publishers. And you can still get these four chapters just by going to www.permission.com. His marketing of the book still works and the ideas he shares will still work for your business. I just got it again to review myself.
********************************* ConGRADulations Package
Do you know someone getting ready to graduate from high school or college? Yes, you could get that person a necktie or bottle of cologne - but how about something that can make them stand out in a sea of job candidates. Ashley has put a super GRADuation package together, full of tips and inspiration: ConGRADulations Package
********************************* Coaching with Dan
Many of you ask if I still coach people individually. Yes, I do. Are you feeling stuck? Are you struggling to get interviews or a job offer? Do you have a business idea but are not sure how to move forward? Maybe I can help you see some new ways of moving forward. See the details here: Coaching with Dan
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Charlie Brown Wisdom “Here's something to think about. Life is like a ten-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears that we never use!”
********************************* 48Days.net
By now most of you know about 48Days.net. This is different than 48Days.com. At 48Days.net you'll see lots of other excited people who have ideas - and they're willing to share those with you to help your business grow and profit. If you want your life to be different this year, get involved with people who are on the same path. There is no cost - just lots of helpful people and resources.
********************************* Know how your parts fit together
How do my parts fit together?
The most popular product in the 48 Days arsenal continues to be the 48 Days Career Profile. Before you begin seeking a better job or self-employment, you need to be sure you are pursuing opportunities that match your personality style and will fulfill and reward you for a lifetime!
"There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We just take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn, and they create new and curious combinations. We keep turning, making new patterns, but they are the same old pieces of glass that have been in use throughout all the years." --Mark Twain
"When there are no fish in one spot, cast your net in another." -- Chinese Proverb
"The secret to a rich life is to have more beginnings than endings." -- David Weinbaum
"Lack of opportunity is often nothing more than lack of purpose or direction."
How do my parts fit together?
