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TODAY’S WISE
WORDS
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Behold the
turtle, he makes progress only when he sticks his neck out. ~ Bruce Levin
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1. Featured
Article
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Living
Large: How Some Enterprising Souls Are Turning a Trend into a Great Business
Idea
By Valerie
Young
You want to
work for yourself but you’re not sure what kind of business to start.
Assuming you’ve already 1) taken stock of the larger question (one that
traditional career counselors rarely ask) which is, “What do you want your
life to look like?” and 2) identified your personal gifts and interests, the
next question of course is how do you put it all together in the form of a
business?
A great
place to look for ideas is trends. In fact it was trend expert Faith
Popcorn’s 1992 book “The Popcorn Report” heralding the coming phenomenon of
people “cashing out” of the corporate world to work at what they want, where
they want, and how they want, that inspired me to launch the original
pre-internet Changing Course Newsletter.
One trend
that’s hard to miss in wealthier countries is obesity. We’re not talking
about a few extra pounds here. According to the
American Obesity
Association, obesity is on the verge of surpassing smoking as the #1
cause of preventable death.
The diet and
weight-loss market has long constituted a multi-billion dollar industry in
the U.S. But in the past few years there’s been a boom in other kinds of
businesses aimed at this ample market. Most of these enterprises are still
in the business of trying to help large people slim down. But a growing
number of businesses seek to serve big people in other ways. Some offer
products and services to help big people feel a greater sense of self-esteem
about being large. Others sell products to make physically robust people’s
everyday lives easier.
In the
“you’re okay just the way you are” category is ChunkeBusiness.com. The
company was launched by long-time friends Peggy, Dianne, and Darliene.
Having been, in their words, big, beautiful women for most of their lives,
the three business partners decided they wanted to find and sell gift items
which portray large men and women having fun and enjoying life. Visitors to
their website can find such products as greeting cards, artwork, and diva
doll magnets and other knick knacks including a line of African-American
Dahlin’ Divas.
Amplestuff.com’s motto is “Make the world fit you.” The company was started
by two people who share a passion for improving the lives and self-esteem of
large people. An engineer by training, Bill Fabrey uses his talents to find
and design products to solve a given problem like ADD. Co-owner Nancy Summer
describes herself as a “supersize woman… who knows firsthand what the needs
are, and which products are best at handling those needs.” Together they
offer their customers products like extra large tape measures, umbrellas,
and fanny packs, to heavy duty foot stools that can hold up to 500 pounds,
seat belt extenders, and reaching tools.
Then there
are the really niche markets like BigCostumes.com which, like the name says,
offers large sized costumes for Halloween or other occasions. Or even big
people as entertainment. Some slick producer decided to combine the trend in
reality TV with the trend toward obesity. Combine these two trends with the
general national obsession with weight loss and you’ve got yourself a hit
show called The Biggest Loser featuring plus-sized men and women competing
to shed mega pounds fast.
Finally in
the “big” business is a company called GreatBigStuff.com which offers
products not necessarily designed for big people but rather big versions of
every day products for everybody. This is where you go, when for example,
you want chess pieces the size of a three year old, a six-foot long wooden
ruler, or a 5-foot long toothbrush. Who buys great big stuff? It could be a
parent or teacher who wants to encourage a child to play chess or study, a
dentist looking for a quirky decoration for their waiting room, or anybody
who appreciates things on a grand scale.
Like a
client of mine I’ll call Pat who had a passion for creating large pieces of
3-dimensional art like a giant piece of fruit or a spoon to be hung by wire
from the ceiling. “I love making the stuff,” she said, “but who would pay me
to do that?” Fortunately trends are on Pat’s side. With the average size of
homes growing in this country (some would say obscenely so as in the term
“starter mansions”) I suggested she launch a company called Big Art. If she
were really clever she could get buzz going by hooking up with a pro basket
ball player who’d be willing feature one of her pieces in their homes.
Most obesity
busting businesses like diet and fitness centers offer few new ideas for the
enterprising entrepreneur. Yet, even here trends signal a potential
opportunity. For example, according to the American Obesity Association
approximately 30 percent of children in the U.S. ages 6 to 19 are overweight
and 15 percent are obese. So it was just a matter of time before someone
figured out that overweight kids could benefit from having a personal
trainer.
A recent
article on this emerging trend posed the same question you might be asking,
namely will parents really plunk down $50 to $70 an hour for a fitness
trainer for their kid? According to Walter Thompson, a kinesiology and
nutrition professor at Georgia State University and an expert on personal
fitness programs, even though a personal trainer can be expensive, “so is
the loss of income and wealth when the child becomes ill with a
lifestyle-related disease like type 2 diabetes, heart disease or cancer.”
The article
raised another valid point. Not all kids enjoy organized sports or are
embarrassed – or even harassed – by fitter kids. Fitness trainers agree that
workouts must be fun for kids and that parents should pick trainers who are
experienced working with children. They also recommend that the trainer be
certified by the National Strength & Conditioning Association or the
American College of Sports Medicine. As of yet, no group certifies in
pediatric training. Hmm, can you say “opportunity?”
If you’re
serious about ditching your “job-job” to join the ranks of the blissfully
self-employed, you’ll want to pay attention to the trends going on all
around you. Find a trend that intrigues you, then look for ways to use your
unique gifts to turn a trend into income!
Off the
beaten path career counselor, Valerie Young, abandoned her corporate cubicle
to become the Dreamer in Residence at
http://www.ChangingCourse.com, offering free resources to help you
discover your life mission and live it. An expert on the Imposter Syndrome,
she’s presented her How to Feel as Bright and Capable as Everyone Seems to
Think You Are program to over 30,000 people. Find more articles written by
Valerie at
http://www.ChangingCourse.com/articles/
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2. Featured
Resource: New Teleclass Examines the
“Imposter
Syndrome”
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Are You An “Impostor”? Take the Quiz
~Do you secretly worry others will find out you’re
not as intelligent and competent as they seem to think you are?
~Do you often dismiss your accomplishments as a
“fluke” or “no big deal?”
~Are you convinced that “responsible people” in
“responsible jobs” are a lot more “adult” than you?
~Do you sometimes shy away from challenges because
of nagging self-doubt?
~Are you crushed by even constructive criticism,
taking it as evidence of your ineptness? Is your definition of competence:
perfection with ease?
~Does the thought of not knowing 150% strike fear
in your heart?
If so, join the club. Over 20,000 people have
attended this enlightening workshop. And now you can too.
You CAN feel like the smart, talented,
self-assured person everyone else seems to think you are. Join expert
Valerie Young to learn why so many intelligent, capable people suffer from
the so-called Impostor Syndrome and what it takes to overcome it!
Join us November 22 from 8:00pm – 9:15pm EST for
this informative Teleclass. Registration is only $29 at
http://www.ChangingCourse.com/courses.htm
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3. 12 GREAT
GIFT GIVING IDEAS
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Avoid the
last minute rush! Help yourself or someone you love “change course” this
holiday season with these great gift ideas… including gifts for under $35!
Gift Idea 1:
SAVE $100… For Only $69 a Month You Can…
Tap Your
Wildest Dreams... Find Your True Calling...And Take
A Giant Step
Toward A Whole New Life
Six months
from now, you could be doing work you really love... and enjoying the
freedom, flexibility, and quality of life you deserve. In the interest of
making that day arrive sooner rather than later… in the spirit of turning a
new leaf in the New Year, we’re offering $100 off our “Making Dreams Happen”
Program when you sign on before December 31. Now even more affordable when
you take advantage of our convenient payment plan.
http://www.ChangingCourse.com/makingdreamshappen.htm
Gift Idea 2:
Earn Six-Figures as a Professional Speaker
Imagine
being in front of hundreds of audience members listening to the important
message you have to share. Not only are you earning tens of thousands of
dollars a month in speaker fees but you also have an excellent platform to
do what the top speakers do… generate six or even seven figures in
additional income from the sale of your CD programs or books, consulting
fees, and other viable profit centers available to every speaker.
http://ChangingCourse.com/recommends/mvhspeaking
Gift Idea 3:
Barbara Sher’s “Dare To Live Your Dream” Audio Program
One listen
to this fool-proof program for turning dreams into reality and you will be
firmly on track to living YOUR dreams! Barbara is a career counselor and
author of such best-sellers as “Wishcraft,” “I Could Do Anything If I Knew
What It Was,” and “It's Only Too Late If You Don't Start Nöw.” You'll get
all the techniques, practical nuts-and-bolts, and step-by-step methods you
need to identify your gifts and use them to turn your dreams in to reality.
Begin to live your dreams today at
http://www.ChangingCourse.com/yourdreams.htm
Gift Idea 4:
Creative Career Consultation
Say goodbye
to that miserable commute... the office politics... that impossible boss.
Why? Because you don't need a job to make a living – really, your options
are endless. Read career consultant and "opportunity analyst" Valerie
Young’s informative article on how tapping the power of multiple streams of
income can set you free. Plus discover how, in just one telephone
appointment, Valerie can help you figure out what kinds of things really
excite you... and then show you how you can earn a living doing the very
things you most love.
http://www.ChangingCourse.com/careeradvice.htm
Gift Idea 5:
How to Write and Sell a Mega-Selling Book
You don't
need to be a genius to make it big. Mark Victor Hansen, who co-wrote the
astoundingly successful Chicken Soup for the Soul series, walks you through
his method, step-by-step. He and a hand-picked panel of highly successful
colleagues will teach you their insider secrets to writing, publishing, and
promoting your own best-seller. Read all about it
http://ChangingCourse.com/recommends/bookuniversity
~~~~~ GREAT
GIFTS FOR UNDER $35 ~~~~~
Gift Idea 6:
Still Don’t Know What You Want To Be When You Grow Up?
Discover the
work you were born to do... learn how to reawaken the "unique genius" within
you... find out how to redesign your life one step at a time... and more.
This lively and accessible handbook provides proven guidance from the
experts plus real-life stories from average folks who are already living
their dreams. Learn all about it at
http://www.ChangingCourse.com/findcalling.htm
Gift Idea 7:
Take Control Of Your Life And Truly Live A Richer, More Balanced Life Doing
Work You Really Love
If you
really want to create a more balanced, rewarding life doing work you truly
love, you'll need to create a mindset that will instantly turn “can’t” into
“can.” There will always be dream dashers. But the world is also full
of people who believe in the power of a dream. There’s just no better way to
adjust your mindset than by “hanging out” with a group of people who know
how to guide you along your path and give you that inspirational jolt you
need to stop wishing and start doing. That’s exactly what you’ll get in Yes
You Can! The Inspirational Kick in the Pants You Need To Take Control Of
Your Life and Go After Your Dreams
http://www.ChangingCourse.com/yesyoucan.htm
Gift Idea 8:
How to Feel As Bright and Capable As Everyone Seems to Think You Are: What
Every Woman (and Man) Needs to Know About Competence, the Impostor Syndrome,
and the Art of Winging (Handbook)
This 120
page handbook by Impostor Syndrome expert Dr. Valerie Young is features 20
exercises to help you understand why so many intelligent, competent women
and men just like you secretly feel that you’ve “fooled” people into
thinking you’re smarter and more competent than you “know” you are. You get
to explore how your own internal "rule book" may be setting you up to fall
short. And, you'll be guided through a step-by-step process designed to give
you additional insight into your own self-limiting philosophies and patterns
so you can create a personalized plan for change.
http://www.ChangingCourse.com/impostor.htm
Gift Idea 9:
How to Feel As Bright and Capable As Everyone Seems to Think You Are: What
Every Woman (and Man) Needs to Know About Competence, the Impostor Syndrome,
and the Art of Winging (CD)
Hear Dr. Valerie Young’s often humorous and always
on target insight into why so many bright, capable women seem to doubt their
competence. Learn what the Impostor Syndrome is – and isn’t. This live
presentation includes strategies to help you to start seeing yourself as the
intelligent and competent person you really are.
Gift Idea
10: The 10 Steps to Escaping the Job World and Creating the Life You Really
Want
What if
living the life you love and doing work you love were just ten steps away?
For the first time ever, off the beaten career path consultant Valerie
Young’s 10 Steps to Escaping the Job World and Creating the Life You Really
Want is available on CD. http://www.changingcourse.com
Gift Idea
11: Winning Ways: How to Profit from Your Passions
Learn how to
turn what you love to do into income with this inspiring and informative
newsletter from the author of “Making a Living Without a Job.”
http://www.ChangingCourse.com/winningways.htm
Gift Idea
12: The Caretaker Gazette: Live Rent Free
Property
caretaking/housesitting openings, advice and information for property
caretakers, house sitters and landowners. You get 700+ property caretaking
opportunities each year, from New Mexico to New Zealand
http://www.ChangingCourse.com/caretaker.htm
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INSPIRATION
TO FOLLOW YOUR BLISS
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I've always
tried to go a step past wherever other people expected me to end up. ~
Beverly Sills
The one
without dreams is the one without wings.
~ Muhammad Ali
I’ve had a
lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened. ~ Mark Twain
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4. VAL’S
PICK OF THE WEEK
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I’ve got
four great Picks for those interested in contests:
1. Toy Contest
Want to channel your passion for science or
engineering and kids into a good cause and perhaps be a part of winning toy
design? Smith College's engineering program, the Sally Ride Science club
(founded by America's first woman astronaut), and toy giant Hasbro have once
again joined forces to create a national toy design competition aimed at
getting more girls engaged in math and science.
Basic requirements are as follows. All teams must:
~ have an adult coach
~ consist of middle schoolers
~ include 50% or more girl members
~ design a toy that is gender-neutral
Submissions will be judged on such criteria as
creativity, feasibility, teamwork, and universal appeal. Winners will enjoy
a week at NASA Space Camp.
What a great way to kindle your own
entrepreneurial fire while helping a group of kids ignite theirs! But hurry
- you must register by December 15th. Winners will be announced at a
national showcase in May. Learn more at
http://www.ToyChallenge.com
2. Song
Writing Contest
Back in
1996, songwriter Alan Roy Scott (Music Bridges ATW) and publisher David
Stark (SongLink International) set out to create a different kind of song
contest. The 1997 Unisong International Song Contest was the first
international song contest created "by songwriters...for songwriters." The
Grand Prize winner that year was one Lindy Robbins (who went on to secure a
publishing deal with PolyGram and has had successes with Faith Hill and Clay
Aiken)
Since those early days, the Unisong team has worked hard to present a
contest that offers true opportunity. Unisong's Grand Prize is consistently
unique among song contests. Past Unisong Grand Prize winners have had the
opportunity to write with the likes of Burt Bacharach, Peter Buck, Jimmy
Buffet, Gary Burr, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Stewart Copeland, Rodney Crowell,
Lamont Dozier, Mick Fleetwood, Peter Frampton, Indigo Girls, Montell Jordan,
Gladys Knight, Lisa Loeb, Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Joan Osborne, Lee Roy
Parnell, Bonnie Raitt, Brenda Russell, Andy Summers, David Was, Don Was, and
many others.
Since going online for the 1997 competition there have been many other
startups who imitated Unisong's innovations to the modern song contest.
Online registration, MP3 entries and audio clips of winning songs were all
online firsts introduced by Unisong.
The deadline
for entries is November 30, 2004. Complete contest information is available
at the Unisong website
http://www.unisong.com
3. Short Story and Poetry Contest
Calling all writers:
the Wisconsin Academy Review
magazine is accepting submissions for its short story and poetry contests
with a deadline of December 6. Winning entries are published in the
Wisconsin Academy Review,
and authors receive cash prizes and the opportunity to read their works at
the Wisconsin Book Festival and other venues. Learn more at
http://www.wisconsinacademy.org/review/contestrules.html
4. Cooking
Contests
If your
passion is in the kitchen, here’s a site full of contests and opportunities
to introduce your recipes to the world. This website is dedicated to
the legions of cooking contest fans across the globe who enjoy participating
in this fun and rewarding hobby. Their goal is to give site visitors
the most complete and up-to-date information about cooking contests on the
web and to provide a place where cooking contest fans can exchange tips,
trade stories and become friends.
http://www.recipecontests.com/ongoing.html
live life on purpose
