Our eyes are an amazing part of how we are created. Just think what they allow us to enjoy everyday – the smile of a child, a beautiful sunset, or a natural waterfall. Yet it seems that we miss a lot of what we are capable of “seeing.” Often it appears our ability to see is limited by what we already believe is possible.
Sometimes new opportunities are right in front of us. Check out the first article here and let me know your story of “seeing” opportunity. And then read the quotations at the bottom to stretch your vision.
************************** The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers. -- M. Scott Peck
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You’ve seen them on every corner – the sign spinners that seem to combine dance, rap, skateboarding and surfing. And yes they do get your attention. Max Durovic and Michael Kenny, now 25 and 26-year-olds, devised stunts with signs simply to stave off boredom in their simple sign-holding jobs.
We tend to think that any great idea needs to be complicated, using sophisticated technology, and requiring venture capital or at least a big bank loan. Max and Michael now train others in the moves that are leading their company (Aarow Advertising) to a projected $5 million income this year. Their 500 spinning employees earn at least $25 an hour, but a real virtuoso will command $70. Justin Brown, Aarow’s director of training, says, “Sign spinning is a lot like ballroom dancing, except your partner has no life of its own. Giving the sign its life and personality is a spinner’s true task.”
Now think about the subtle difference between poverty and prosperity. I’ve seen guys all over town here in Franklin, TN – guys with not much going on who are paid $7 an hour to stand on a corner with a sign. Often you see them with the sign propped up while they listen to their iPod or read a book. The thinking is likely – Hey I’m not paid much, I’ll just take it easy. How much difference is there in education, age, work history or intelligence between a $7 an hour worker and a $70 an hour one? That’s right – none of those things makes any difference. But somewhere someone with a $7 an hour job saw an opportunity to be different – to stand out from the crowd. And to potentially earn 10 times what they had been making.
How many people now mowing yards, flipping hamburgers, filing papers, cashiering at Mapco, cleaning hotel rooms, changing oil, dispensing movie tickets, sweeping up popcorn, washing windows, directing construction traffic, or driving a mail route are one idea away from a big opportunity? Where the chance to do it differently would give them 10 times their current income?
And now the last question: Are you sitting on top of your opportunity?
For many years I have encouraged people to either find, or create, meaningful and profitable work. Now with the continued losses of traditional jobs, creative job seekers are finding, or creating, resources to help themselves and others. Whether you just lost a $10/hr job or a $400K annual paycheck, there are others just like you who are searching for their next assignment.
And yes, we are hearing from lots of you with success stories. Here are just two from this week:
Hey Dan, Love your newsletter. Yes, I changed jobs. Make $3.40 an hour more than last job, and wasn't hard to get the job either. Filled out the app. and was hired within a week. Very satisfied and looking forward to the future. Janice
Dan, I recently quit the job I hated going to everyday. Started applying to new positions and found my dream sales job. I love the company I'm working for now! I've been here 3 months and things couldn't be going better. The best part is that it's a sales job in which I have a great opportunity to make BIG money. My goal is to make $200,000 next year and I think I can do it. Matt
And here are some of the many free services you can tap into:
LaidOffCamps are ad-hoc gatherings of unemployed and nontraditionally employed people (including freelancers, entrepreneurs and startups) who want to share ideas and learn from each other. The success stories are pouring in from attendees. You can also get information about starting a group in your area.
PinkSlipParty.com is dedicated to helping displaced professionals find, and secure the job of their dreams. Featuring expert advice for job-seekers, profiling productive networking opportunities, and showcasing job openings in communities across the United States, PinkSlipParty.com is poised to become one of the web’s most useful career resources.
Every city has new resources appearing. Here in the Nashville, TN area we have a multitude of ready help and assistance. You can check out your city for the same kind of resources:
The Nashville Career Advancement Center works with individuals to explore career options, decide on a direction, target a career or industry, then strategize and market oneself for the job search.
Workforce Essentials offers job placement assistance and educational/vocational training programs to people looking for work. Career counselors, personally assigned to each individual, assist with short and long term career goal setting and develop customized training programs. These services provide our customers with real skills that will make their long-term employment goals a reality.
A ministry in its 20th year, Brentwood United Methodist Church – Career Transition Support Group's objective is to help people who are in-between jobs or looking for a career change. They offer a different presentation every week focused on the latest job search techniques. Their presenters are highly experienced human resources professionals and recruiters, with many nationally known experts in the area of job seeking. Topics include resume writing, interviewing skills, networking, setting goals, creating a target list of potential employers and negotiation and much more.
If you’re over 50 check out the AARP’s Real Relief resources. You’ll find helpful links for applying for federal jobs and special benefits for mature workers.
Welcome to 48 Days radio where each week I look through the submitted questions and then blast through as many as possible right here to give you the unique tools for your own success.
I am 51 years old. Have raised my two children as a single parent. For the first time, I have asked myself, who is "Susan". I don't know. I have a few college credits, but I don't know what my purpose is. At this time in my life, I don't want to do the wrong thing. What advice could you give me?
I love to share my faith with others and I seem to have many natural talents, skills and abilities suited for a minister. Many people have even suggested I enter the Ministry. However, I believe that no matter how suited someone may be for ministry they must be called of God in order to be a Minister. Talent is nothing to God. He rather wants a fully surrendered and obedient individual. I suppose my question is how do I know whether I'm called to be a minister or just an entrepreneur with an idea I'm passionate about?
My pursuit of solo-preneurship has left a gaping hole in my relationship with my husband. He has become very resentful of the time I spend trying to get my business off the ground. Between working part-time, taking care of our children, taking care of the household and working on my business there are barely enough hours in the day for me to eat, exercise and sleep. Is there any way that I can keep a finger in the pot just to continue with my passion even in the smallest way?
I would like to start a Quickbooks Accounting and tax business. I am taking both QuickBooks and Tax classes right now. I am also pursing the CPA license. I am married with 4 children, 6 and under. I have a full time job, and church responsibilities. What should be my expectations for having other commitments and starting a small business?
I discovered a gold mine, a lump of coal that I feel can be a diamond. I have dabbled in all sort of ventures but never conquered a public domain eBook. My question is this, I just don't want to sell the book, I want to utilize its content to continue to make residual income. I am just struggling on how to make and market this Material. It is an old book that talks about how to increase your wealth using certain life principles.
I am a long time Pastor and the tough economy has had a big effect on our church...pay cuts, lost jobs, and fear of the future have caused offerings to drop 20%. As a result, our staff took a 10 % pay cut in April and 50% in September. But the cool thing was that it also gave me time to find some meaningful part time gigs that are making up the difference. Your podcast and book (No More Mondays) were a big part of the process. So now I have two part time gigs that I’m very good at, pay me way more on an hourly basis then I have ever made in my life, and are FUN! I have made up the pay cut and, believe it or not, if it meant stopping these part time gigs, I don’t think I would take my full salary back if they offered it to me.
************************** 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.
Coaching with Dan
Many of you ask if I still coach people individually. Yes, I do. Feel like you've taken too much time to get to the success you want? Is fear holding you back? These are common issues with the hundreds of people that contact us each month looking for a new start. Give us some brief information and I'll recommend one of my coaching packages or recommend one of the other coaches in our 48 Days network to launch you into the next successful season of your life: Coaching with Dan
************************** Need a car repair?
I’ve been playing with this site for a couple of months now – and find it to be amazingly accurate. It gives a very reasonable estimate for any car repair – so a person could know in advance that $800 for new brakes is probably unreasonable. Then it also gives the names of repair shops in your zip code – and I’ve found the same places I use here in Franklin, TN. RepairPal.com
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Great Boss Award
In the fall of 2000 Josh James realized he did not have enough cash to pay his employees. Two weeks before Christmas he gathered 82 of them together and told them they were laid off and would receive no severance. Five years later in 2005 his company hit paydirt leading to an eventual sale for $1.8 billion. Josh looked up all 82 of those previous employees and issued them checks for two week’s pay. Nice going!
************************** Student Loan Debt
I keep hearing from people who are working at $30,000/yr jobs who have $98,000 in student loan debt. This weekend I heard Clark Howard blasting the idea of racking up student loans. Clark gave a rule of thumb I thought was reasonable – and he too thinks they should be avoided altogether. But he said never, never borrow more then you would expect to make in your first year after graduating. So if you are likely to get a job with the government you probably should not borrow more than $30,000 in student loans. If you justified $98,000 partying for an education, you’d better have an MD after your name.
************************** Google Hiring to work from home?
There is a popular scam going around again where you receive information on working from home for Google. All you need to do is pay $2.00 for the information kit and then start making easy money. Unfortunately, Google is not connected with this at all and the fine print reveals that you will be charged about $80 a month for ongoing support. Stay clear of this Work from home scam.
************************** 48Days.net
At 48Days.net you’ll see over 4200 other excited people who have ideas – and plans to make 2010 their best year ever. If you want your life to be different in 2010, get involved with people who are on the same path. There is no cost – just lots of people who are committed to helping each other succeed.
************************** What makes you unique?
Don't put your time in an area that doesn't even "fit" you.
The most popular resource we have continues to be the 48 Days Career Profile. With your unique strengths, what kind of work should you be doing?" You can find out here.
Don't put your time in an area that doesn't even "fit" you.
