What did you do with your desire to pursue generating your own income, being your own boss or building a business?

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Permalink Reply by Tim Ramsay on February 13, 2009 at 9:47pm

I first heard Dan on the radio about 10 or more years ago and have followed his teachings in a large way for most of that time. I haven’t really found any one thing that I want to do but from time to time, when I make major life decisions, I use what I have heard him say and make those decisions based on his philosophy. I have made some good choices but have still not reached an ultimate goal.

I know what my skills and abilities are. I am in touch with my values and passions and I know what I enjoy but I can’t really seem to put my finger on one single thing that is really important to me. Don’t get me wrong; there are many important things in my life, but as far as a career choice goes, I can’t find any one thing that is very important to accomplish. Maybe I’m just too content.

Recently I edited a video and looking back on that job, I began to see that my “major career choice” could be formulated in much the same way that I arranged the video. I shot a musical performance from about 12 different angles and then went out to the park and shot about a dozen more shots.

In the editing booth I arranged all the clips and then started placing all these clips in to the song where they applied on the time line. There were a lot of clips that would not work anywhere in the video at all, so I totally eliminated them altogether. There were other clips that matched the words to the song perfectly. There were other clips that I wanted to use but had to find a way to make them work and then I just had to fill in the empty spaces with what I had to work with and then just add the right transitions to make them all work together. And of course, everything had to be in perfect timing. I even did one clip in slow motion.

I think I could take that approach to organizing my life and career. I’ve been paralyzed by over analyzing the whole thing. Like artwork, it can take on a shape of it’s own as it is developed and there is no one perfect combination or composition that works. Just using the elements that I have and like and arranging them in an order that I like is enough to create a portrait of what I want my life to be. With this perspective, I can begin to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

That all may seem very simple, but I just needed a way of putting it all in to perspective. That has really been my major obstacle all these years; wondering how all the pieces would fit and how and why I should choose one and not the other. I was trying to figure out how to balance the whole thing before I got started, but now I can see that I should simply just start with what I have and fit the other pieces in as I go.

This is a major breakthrough for me.

By the way, here is a link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKOkNF2cZ8g

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Permalink Reply by David Stevenson on February 13, 2009 at 10:35pm

I've been on the 48days mailing list for a few years, and my passion has always been for music but I was kind of in the "that's too common" stage for a really really long time. About 2 years ago, I met a handful of other guys who share the same vision, and we've been pursuing the career of being a rock band since. Not the extravagant, famous, rich lifestyle - but the provide for our families doing something we love lifestyle.

We're not too far down the road yet - we still don't usually make money at gigs (actually, with travel and meal costs, we generally walk away a little in the hole), but we're motivated, hopeful, and as driven as I think anyone can be.

Manic Bloom is the name of the band, by the way.

I've been working at a job that is completely not suited for me, and I really dislike every moment that I'm there, but instead of looking for another dead end job, I'm putting all of my efforts into what I want to spend the rest of my life doing.

Anytime I get the smallest bit of free time, I'm also working on a new website centered around music (and have been teaching myself PHP, mySQL, XML, etc...). Not the next myspace - an idea that I can't find anyone else doing right now. I'll post it when I have some sort of working model.

I'd much rather be "investing" these years into things that will yield more passion than "spend" them simply paying for things I don't necessarily need. (I've never had debt - I drive a 16 year old Oldsmobile)

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Permalink Reply by Rico De Silva on February 14, 2009 at 12:34am

Kevin,

Thanks for your e-mail. I just joined 48 days. net. I had put my desire to be self-employed on hold for a few months, after I lost my job back in June of '08. Well, I got a "real job," back in August, which I hated it, and now I was let go from it last week. Needless to say, I'm looking for ways to generate some cash flow sooner than later and I'm revisiting being my own boss again, if I can convince my wife to let me do it---she only works part-time and likes the "security" of me working for someone else.

Regards,

Rico De Silva

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Permalink Reply by Jeff on February 14, 2009 at 5:44am

Since joining 48Days.net, I have been joining the groups that seem applicable to me and have been accumulating ideas that will eventually help me start a web-based counseling / teaching service.

I have taught a new church-based financial seminar, and already have plans to do it again in the fall. In March, as part of a fund raiser for a local Christian radio station, our counseling services will be auctioned off. That will give us some great and free promotion.

I have also been asked to participate in financial roundtable discussion on a local radio station.

Right now, I am just going through the doors God is opening.

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Permalink Reply by BurleB on February 14, 2009 at 7:41am

Kevin,
My ideas and desire to have an additional stream of income which later could be developed into a very successful
non brick and mortar business is very much alive. My creative juices are still flowing, my desires are very strong and
my willingness to succeed continues to build. I ran into some major challenges after exiting the land of familiar last August
which unfortunately forced me to go back to familiar. (Read, The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson) As a result,
I have been very busy in the land of familiar and I'm focused on knocking the debt out of my life right now ( I'm a Dave Ramsey fan) My time is limited in terms of developing my ideas to praying, some reading, active thinking, strategizing and speaking, contacting and consoling with those I feel I can trust. I believing for a major Breakthrough and for Divine appointments and Divine opportunities to help me in my quest to success. My ultimate desire is to be in a position to be financially free to operate full time in my God given call and to be able to invest large sums of money into the Gospel, so it can be proclaimed with power around this world.
I believe when we pray for others it causes us to be blessed and receive answers and breakthroughs as well.
(When Job prayed for his friends......some friends he had but he prayed for them any way and received a major breakthrough in his life. (Read the book of Job.)

Would you like to pray for me and my business ideas?
How can I pray for you and your business ideas?
Here's a start: Synergy .....Innovative Products for the Purpose of funding the Gospel.
Synergy Over 40 Reading Aid. ( Who wouldn't like to get rid of those ugly reading glasses?)
Synergy / Healthy on the Go (a healthier, popular sandwich spread) I would like to know
how to approach companies like Braum's with this idea. Whole Foods or
Sprouts may be a good fit too. It would be great to have a well known chef endorse it or for a well known company or brand to get behind it somehow)
In short, I looking for ways to get some traction so I can further develop these ideas.
Thanks for reading,
-Burle

http://www.48days.net/profile/BurleB

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Permalink Reply by Lowell Lane on February 14, 2009 at 9:33am

I have since started a full time job, and started an online ministry and I maintain our 2 websites.

In November 2007 my friend and I started a ministry www.kingdombusinessjournal.com . At the time I had just lost my job and so we were going to try and develop it into my full time job. We had our original vision and then we were pulled into another direction and ended up on a big detour. The good news is that the first year we built a great foundation. Toward the end of 2008 we took a 2 month rest and did nothing but pray and seek God for his direction again. He has blessed us and since the 1st of the year we have had tremendous growth. The really cool part is that God is doing it, we have not tried to make any of it happen, he has done it all. Praise the Lord!

In August 2008 I began working full time with the local publisher of The Shepherds Guide (www.shepherdsguide.com).
It was a divine appointment that I met him through our ministry. I am now starting a new market for him and God has blessed it.

I also am a representative with Saladmaster (www.saladmaster.com) and have been since 1991. I have done this part time and and have not done much for a long time, but God has blessed it also and it is picking up again.

I am now at the point of setting specific goals and priorities in order to be effective and maintain sanity.


God Bless and thanks for you site.

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Permalink Reply by Tom Schindler on February 14, 2009 at 12:37pm

What did I do with my desire to generate my own income?
I still have the desire, but it appears that I need to find out where to acquire the necessary skills, time and money to do a couple things. How to market my idea to coach and train people to plan strategically with the ability to network socially and market myself more effectively. I have lost my momentum and some of my dream at that intersection in the last 90 days.

Tom Schindler

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Permalink Reply by kenknott on February 14, 2009 at 4:26pm

Hi Kevin, this site is great. I've got friends working on the same type - Social Networking stuff - for another organization, but I didn't understand what he was really talking about, until now! Anyway...

I've been a huge DRamsey fan for several years and that's where I found Mr. Dan and 48Days. I WAS working in tech for a large furniture manufacturer and the economy was not looking too spiffy for furniture, so I began planning. Planning to pursue my potential and be prepared - just in case. Well... the In Case arrived and, thanks to 48Days and Dave, I was prepared. I am no longer being "held back" and have spread my wings and I am truly enjoying the view from up here.

I am now the proud owner of a small business. Computer Wizard in Amory, MS. We (I) am a full service computer retail and repair store. Been opened about 3 weeks and the response has been tremendous. I may not get rich (in money) but am absolutely enjoying myslef more than ever before. I was blessed with a little bit of a severence package and some unemployment benefits so I laumched. WOW! What an emotional transformation! I feel better and look forward to going to the office. It is just truly an amazing time in my life.

Married to my wife Amy for 8 years, I figured she would be panicking about money when I got laid off. But she has been so amazing and supportive. I am looking forward to the possibilities as a small business owner ina small town that has been starving for technical support for years. I am IT! Looking forward to more info from 48Days and 212 about how to secure my future and grow my business and serve my customerrs in creative ways that will keep them coming back for more.

A lot of people have said that I am the first computer nerd they have ever met wth a real personality. I have always loved selling and serving pepole and now I control my own destiny. Lots to learn but I am on my way. Thanks 48Days and 212.

See ya again soon.

Ken Knott

the Computer Wizard
208 3rd Ave South
Amory, MS 38821
662-256-7878

www.kenknott.com

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Permalink Reply by Chris Hansen on February 14, 2009 at 7:14pm

Kevin,

Thank you for the follow-up correspondence. I still have a burning desire to start my own business. I was recently laided off from my job. I have worked in the grocery channel for thirty-five years. Unfortunately, this may be a contributing factor to the "tunnel vision" that I am presently experiencing as I try to identify a home based business.

I continue to read and study in an effort to try to identify just the right opportunity. I have also read both of Dan's books. For someone who loves to think outside the box, I have been surprised that I have struggled to identify areas that I can apply my strengths.

Presently, I am focused on the Green Energy sector. I have even bought a domain (DallasGreenEnergy.com). I have always had a passion for a business involving the outdoors! I need to pray more often and consistently for God's direction in this area. I would appreciate your prayers...specifically that my future business would fully utilize the gifts that God has blessed me with.

Chris Hansen

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Permalink Reply by Suzanne Stearman on February 14, 2009 at 7:18pm

My husband has started a photography business. This is his passion. I have started a resume and cover letter writing business. These are our talents and what we excel at with the purpose of helping people. Bill likes to create memories that show emotion. I like helping people obtain better employment. After I meet with someone and change their resume and cover letter, they are happy and have a smile and a glimmer of hope that they can improve their employment status.

Our current obstacle is growing our businesses so they are profitable. We are trying to figure out how to advertise without spending much because we are build our businesses on cash. We are currently watching marketing DVD's (for photography) so I'm sure we'll get that figured out. As for the resume writing, I did an ad in the local newspaper for 1 month in our metro area. The newspaper would not let me put it in the job ad section so I ended up wasting my money. I spent more on the ad than what I generated in sales. That was my biggest idea and can't spend anymore money on marketing. Any ideas for us?

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Permalink Reply by Troy Edens on February 14, 2009 at 10:33pm

I still have a strong desire to generate my own income, but I want it to be something I am truly passionate about. Finding my true passion while maintaining a balanced life has been my biggest hurtle. But, I have a few ideas I am investigating.

The one I am currently pursuing is my interested in helping people before and during disasters. I have some experience from when I worked in facilities that handled hazardous chemical and explosives. I have volunteered to prepare a emergency preparedness plan for my Church and the Elders our currently reviewing my first draft. I am trying to create a format that will allow it to be adapted to other churches or organizations. Once the plan is finalized I want to train a small team of people on the plan and on how to manage people and resources during an emergency.

I have not yet determined if there is a market for this type of service, but I want that to be the next step after completing this first emergency preparedness plan.

How do I use the 48 Days site at this stage ??

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Permalink Reply by Jim Ingham on February 14, 2009 at 11:51pm

Thanks for the email Kevin;
I am about at the same point. Seems most of my time and energy is involved in just making ends meet since being layed off last April. The desire is still there, but progress seems so slow. I have found some part time work that pays the bills, but drains my energy, which at 72 just doesn't go as far as it used to. I am working on some new art designs with my leather, and have some ideas. I need help in marketing and getting my work and ideas out, but I have no funds to do it with. I know there is a way and feel the internet is probably the answer, but am somewhat technically chanllenged in this area.
I appreciate our network here because others share and one realizes that we are not alone. Thanks to all for sharing.
Having said all that, I will not give up--I do not want to work for someone else anymore!
I appreciate prayer help and want to be a part of prayer help for others.I will find a way.
Thanks again for providing a venue for sharing.

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