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Cool Business Ideas, Money Making
Opportunities, and Ideas for Multiple Income Streams
Are You Settling for a Paycheck
When What You Really Want Is a Life? Imagine
instead getting paid to shop, working with animals, writing about
NASCAR, working for yourself, touring the country in an RV or living on
a boat, designing costumes, working at the Grand Canyon or for the Peace
Corps, working from home, starting your own non-profit, living overseas,
or living rent free as a professional caretaker. People do it every
day... and so can you.
Some of the cool business ideas, money making opportunities, and ideas
for multiple income streams here were selected because they were
endorsed by respectable business magazines like Entrepreneur or the
former Home Office Computing. Many have undergone extensive personal
evaluations by me including product reviews and interviewing the
resource developers. Any resource that I have not personally used or
reviewed have been determined to come from reputable sources.
Disclosure:
For 15 years I have kept the Changing Course Newsletter ad-free. Some of
pre-screened books, products, services, or classes I endorse may result in
my receiving a referral fee. To learn more about what it takes to receive
the Changing Course Seal of Approval click here read my article,
"Transparency in Your Business: Legal or Otherwise"
click here
Click on any section to begin... 
Featured Resource of the Week
Get Paid to Surf the Web
 Whether
you’re just looking for some extra spare-time cash, or a whole new
career, if you love to surf the web you may be interested in becoming an
Internet Research Specialist. This is an emerging freelance business
opportunity where you get paid to surf the Web for writers and editors
who need help finding more information on their subject matter in order
establish proof and credibility. Since most writers would rather focus
on their writing they’re often happy to pay a trained professional $50
or more an hour to do the necessary research for them.
To learn more about training to become a paid Internet Research
Specialist, click here
Great Ways to Make a Living Without a
Job Here are some resources that I
have personally reviewed. Along with each description is a link to read
my complete review of the product or service described. These
first resources all come from the American Writers and Artists
Institute.
Earn a Great Living as a Freelance Copywriter
Simply put, a copywriter is someone who uses words to sell products,
services, or causes. One huge perk of being a freelance
copywriter is the flexible lifestyle. You can earn your living from
anywhere in the world – on the road in your RV, a London flat, an
island, or your own home. The self-paced course is outstanding and
includes individual feedback from an AWAI instructor. Plus they show you
everything you need to know to start getting paid assignments. Top
copywriters earn mega-six figure incomes. Most people average more in
the $40,000 – $80,000 range. I've personally met dozens of people who've
been able to quit their job in as little as a year and are now working
as freelance copywriters.
Become a Paid Travel Writer The American
Writers & Artists Ultimate Travel Writer's Program is a 269 page
course that teaches you everything you need to know to launch your
career as a paid travel writer. Topics include insider's secrets to
successful interviews, how to make editors happy and eager to work with
you, and where to find freelance assignments. As a freelance writer,
you'll enjoy earning extra money doing what you love (traveling!),
you'll get legitimate and often substantial tax write offs for travel,
entertainment, books, computers, and more. Plus, you'll have the freedom
to work from anywhere in the world, at your own pace, as your own boss.
I have personally reviewed the self-study version of this course as well
as attended the live workshop and can tell you without reservation that
both are outstanding.
Earn Cash Surfing the Web From Home
An internet researcher specializes in surfing the Web
for writers and editors who desperately need help finding more information
on their subject matter. And you can easily earn $50 per hour and more to
surf the Web from the comfort of your home.
The
American Writers & Artists Secrets of Becoming an Internet Research
Specialist: How to Surf the Web for Freedom and Profit Program
explains step-by-step exactly how to do it. You’ll find out what projects
look like, what you get from a client, what you’re expected to deliver, how
you actually do the research, and some fun little tips that are going to
make your life much easier.
Whether you choose to work full-time or part-time, you’ll have complete
control over your own schedule, the flexibility to live and work where you
want and earn as much or as little as you want.
Turn Your Pictures Into Cash
What if you could earn $300, $800, or even $8,000 from a single
photograph? If you think it's impossible to make $8,000 from a single
photo it's because you haven't met digital photographer Rich Wagner. But
I have.  Rich
was a speaker at one of my workshops. He's made over $8,000 selling
framed copies of a single picture he snapped of a hilltop tower near his
home in Connecticut. He's also one of the developers of this exciting
course. In addition to meeting Rich, I've personally reviewed the course
and they are right when they say that it teaches anyone, even the casual
vacation photographer, the secrets, tips,
techniques, and strategies you need to take profitable photographs and
have fun – including where to find paying clients.
Make Money As a Graphic Designer At Home
Okay, here's my challenge... In the space of a paragraph, how do
I clearly explain this much in-demand career, outline the eight reasons
I really like this self-paced course, tell you how you can make a very
good income working from home, and have your business up and running in
as little as six weeks? Two words... I don't. But, if you have 60
seconds you can
Start Your Own Resume Writing Business in Less Than a Week
There aren't a lot of businesses you can start for $99. The Pro Resume
Writing Program gives you everything you need to set up and run your own
successful at-home business as a professional resume writer. In addition
to learning how to quickly and easily create resumes for a wide range of
professions, you'll find a heavy emphasis on teaching you how to market
and grow your business. In the program description they talk about the
potential to earn six figures. If you take advantage of the various
add-on services you'll learn about and focus on a high-end market
(people who make six figures expect to pay top dollar for a resume) then
I'm sure some people can make that much. But even if you generated more
like $25,000 to $50,000, it's a pretty low risk way to launch a business
on the side until you can quit your day job or to just earn extra
income.
Make Money Writing Children's Books 
If have a passion for young people, and would love to make money writing
for children or teenagers, read on. For over 34 years, the Institute for
Children's Literature has been helping aspiring writers like you become
published – and paid – writers. The course materials are outstanding
plus, you'll be matched with a published author who'll review each
assignment and help propel you to success. The course is affordable, you
can take it at your own pace, and many students sell articles before
even finishing the course!
Break into Print as a Freelance Author or Writer Do you love
to write but have never really honed your craft? Do you want to enjoy
the freedom and flexibility of a freelance author or writer? Do you find
it hard to discipline yourself to complete one of the many articles or
books you have floating around in your head? What if there was a writing
program that has such a track record of success that it actually
promises graduates they will complete at least two manuscripts suitable
for submission to an editor by the time they finish the program? A
program that not only taught you technique and matched you with a
writing tutor who gave you line-by-line feedback of your writing but
also handed you the tools and the know-how you need to break into print.
Interested? I was. The Long Ridge Writer's Group has been helping people
with a passion for writing to break into print for over 30 years.
Work From Home By Running Your Own Home Repair
Referral Network There are over 200 Homeowner Referral
Networks (HRN) operating in the U.S., Canada, and abroad. HRN was rated
the #1 Business Opportunity for 1999 by Small Business Opportunities
Magazine and founder Debra Cohen has received tons of national media
coverage. Basically, the business involves matching homeowners with
reputable independent home repair contractors who in turn pay you a
percentage of their fee. A range of business start-up kits are available
all of which include The Complete Guide to Owning and Operating a
Successful Homeowner Referral Network and unlimited leads from the HRN
website.
Making Money as an Artist: How to Sell the Reproduction Rights to Your
Artwork for Profit  Who
says you can't make money from your art? You don't have to be a "fine
artist" to have your images appear on greeting cards, prints and
posters, calendars, on collector plates, in books, animation, for record
companies, on coffee mugs, coasters, clothing and fabric, gift bags,
fabric, shower curtains – virtually any surface that has a design. This
comprehensive course by art licensing guru Michael Woodward spells out
step how to get paid for your artwork. He ought to know. Over the past
30 years he's licensed over $600 million in retail goods. Given that the
artist earns a percentage of these sales, suffice it to say, Michael is
not your stereotypical "starving artist." By combining his personal
"tricks of the trade" with a storehouse of information on the art
licensing world, he's compiled the most comprehensive course available
today to guide artists and photographers through the licensing maze so
they can start earning money from their art and beautifying the world in
the process.
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Other Work From Home & Freelance
Resources
Start Your Own In-Home Pre-School I learned about Joy Anderson
as I was studying
Russell Brunson's Micro-Continuity program. Joy started her own
in-home pre-school as a way to remain a stay-at-home Mom and make money
at the same time. Today she earns in 5 hours what a typical day-care
provider makes in 8 hours, and with no poopy diapers! If you love kids
and want to learn more about how you can earn part-time or full-time
income from your own pre-school, you'll want to check out this site.
The Telework Job Seekers Handbook
Legitimate work at home jobs do exist! The key, says Phil Montero, AKA
the "Mobile Man" is knowing
where to find them and how to weed out scams. Phil's eBook contains 275
pages including over 1000 links and resources. If you want a more
flexible work schedule while still having the benefit of a regular
weekly paycheck, would like to work for a company that understands the
value of work/life balance and understands that there is more to life
than just work, or would you like to eliminate your daily commute and
instead spend more time with family and friends – this site is for you.
Finding Freelance Assignments ELance
is a freelance job finding service where you can market your services
and bid on a wide range of freelance assignments. The service is
especially useful for those seeking to start or build a home-based
business in the areas of: Web design & development, software &
technology, graphic design, business strategy (marketing, business
plans, PR, etc.), writing & translation, personal assistants, legal
(research, patents, etc.), accounting & finance or a whole host of other
areas to fit your skills and interests.
Train Women To Do Their Own Home Repair This woman-owned
business seeks to educate women to become confident, competent
homeowners by offering workshops and a range of lighter-weight tools
designed to fit a woman's grip. They're actively seeking entrepreneurial
women to learn how to become trainers and earn money on the sale of the
tools. Think of it as being an Avon rep but with tools. The Problem: A
friend tried it and discovered that it's not easy finding other women
who have the time to host an in-home party. My Work-Around Idea: Hold
your workshop at a local tile, furniture, window treatment, or other
store where home-owners shop. The store
gets the traffic and you get free advertising and meeting space. If you
like this idea, look into combining it with
running your own Home Referral
Network.
So You Wanna...
You could spend hours on this site. Not totally work related but the
ones that are offer great information in categories like so you
wanna be a sitcom writer, comic book artist, pitch a TV show,
publish your poetry, write a business plan, and lots more.
Offer Your Own Teleclass If
you enjoy teaching – and have something to share with others – you can
lead Teleclasses or Teleseminars.
Conducting a Teleclass can be fun,
personally rewarding, and extremely profitable! You pick the topic –
anything from managing teenagers to marketing to meditation – and
students pay to attend!
Train to be a Personal Coach The coaching business is
booming as more and more people hire personal, business, and executive
coaches to help them achieve their goals. Because most coaching is done
over the phone, coaches can work from anywhere. You'll also find
hundreds of forms (checklists, guides, assessments, etc.) for all types
of coaching with all types of clients.
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Make Money Online
Maverick Business Insider Founded by famous entrepreneur,
speaker, author and educator, Yanik Silver, the "Maverick Business
Insider" company and monthly newsletter is the first of its kind to
focus on a *balanced* business life. Instead of just how to make more
money, a "Maverick" entrepreneur becomes a master in 3 key areas: Make
More Money, Have More Fun and Give More Back!
Help People With The Knowledge Already In Your Head!
Stephen made a full-time living on the Internet part-time while
attending seminary. He and his wife Kerry have created a short video
series that will show you how you can create and develop products with
the information in your head that will pay you over and over again.
Create an Online Membership Community If you love the idea of
creating a recurring income stream, this might be a perfect opportunity
for you. Continuity programs revolve around the delivery of some kind
information, instruction, or even entertainment on a regular basis to
their members. Tim Kerber and Ryan Lee have created this site dedicated
to Membership Site Owners and it's filled with all the tools and
information you'll need to create your own membership program. And, when
you're ready to look at membership software programs, here are a couple
to check out:
aMember and
Membergate.
How to Launch Your Product Online Jeff Walker is famous in the
online world for pulling in tens of millions of dollars in sales in a
matter of days. He's also the guy I credit with showing me how regular
people in all kinds of small niche businesses can generate four, five,
and even six-figure sales in a week. No matter what market your product
is in or how large your list is, Product Launch Formula can help you
generate income higher than you ever would have dreamed.
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Become a "Green" Entrepreneur With
an increased focus on creating an eco-friendly planet, there is a surge
of resources for people interested in creating an income and
fulfilling their desire to help create a green planet.
Values Added This inspiring article from Entrepreneur magazine
addresses the issue of growing a socially responsible company while
staying true to your values.
Start Your Own Green Consultant Business in 4 Days There a
number of green training programs out there. So I did a bit of research
and if you are serious about making a career change in this direction,
the Green Business League offers a very comprehensive four-day live
training. I spent some time on the phone with Michael
Richmond who runs the course and was really impressed with what he had
to say. The course itself covers a wide range of topics from the role of
a Green Consultant™, to carbon emission and carbon credits, EPA and
environmentally-preferred purchasing, green ethics, the paperless
office, water management, green pest control, alternative energy
considerations, how to start your business, easy ways to market,
deciding on what services you want to offer, setting your fees... and a
whole lot more. One
really big benefit is that once you satisfy all of the requirements of
the training you earn the designation of Green Consultant™–
a term this company very wisely trademarked. So if you want to call
yourself a Green Consultant™, you need to get certified with these guys
to get your designation.
Starting Up Green provides green entrepreneurs with opportunities,
strategies, and resources they need to build a successful business and
build a better world.
Jump on the Green Entrepreneurial Wagon If you are as
passionate about the environment as I am, and want to learn more
about what creative entrepreneurs are doing to address global
warning and other threats, check out Brian Dumaine's book
The Plot to Save the Planet: How Visionary Entrepreneurs And
Corporate Titans Are Creating Real Solutions To Global Warming
by Brian Dumaine addresses what creative entrepreneurs are doing to
address global warning and other threats.
75 Green Businesses You Can Start to Make Money and Make a
Difference is a book written by Glenn Croston, Ph.D. This book
describes green business opportunities for people from almost any
background to join the booming green economy. For the many
entrepreneurs eager to join the green business revolution but
uncertain how, 75 Green Businesses shows the way.
You can also visit the
75 Green Businesses Blog
Make Money Growing Small Plants - Even if You Have a Small Yard  That's
what Mike McGroarty does. And he's made thousands of extra dollars
doing it. But if you... or someone you know... love the idea of
turning that green thumb into the kind of green you can take to the
bank, then Mike is your guy. After years of running a thriving
home-based plant business, he finally arranged his entire system
into an easy step-by-step format that shows you everything you need
to make extra money growing plants from your home.
Once you
enter Mike's site you'll see a link that says "Make Money at Home
Growing Small Landscape Plants on 1/20 Acre or Less." That's where
you want to go!
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More Cool Jobs
 How
to Really Make it in Voice-Overs!
With such notable talent as James Earl Jones, Linda Hunt, and Donald
Sutherland lending their voices to commercials, films, and videos,
you might think that it is impossible to break into this field. Not
so! SuchAVoice.com offers a FREE
1/2 hr video all about the industry. During the video, Tony Award
Nominated Composer and Commercial Producer Dan Levine will discuss
the voice-over business as a whole, the numerous opportunities, the
incredible income potential, and the all important "demo" and how to
have it produced. You'll also have the opportunity to utilize their
toll free voice evaluation line to have your voice evaluated for
your potential by one of Such A Voice's producers. And, if you
decide to work with Such a Voice to launch your career, mention
Changing Course to receive a $100 discount on the Voice-Over
Training and Demo Production package of your choice.
Learn more about exciting, new ways to get around the competition
and actually turn voice-overs into a thriving full or part-time
business!
Get Paid to Shop Yes, you can really get paid to shop!
Mystery shopping is easy and fun, and it is a great way to make
extra money in your spare time. Mystery shoppers get paid for
providing valuable customer service feedback by visiting stores,
restaurants, banks, salons, movie theaters, hotels and other
businesses as "undercover customers." Cathy
Stucker (aka The Idea Lady)
offers a list of FAQ about Mystery Shopping, a free Mystery Shopping
101 guide, and the only Mystery Shopper's Manual endorsed by the
Mystery Shopping Providers Association.
Back Door Jobs Are you
ready to explore the many doors of opportunity that short-term jobs
have to offer? Or maybe you're interested in finding your place in
the world? This site features lots of life-expanding opportunities
under categories like adventure, nature lover jobs, heart work, and
opportunities abroad.
Circus of the Kids This fascinating company which
teaches kids how to do circus acts are often seeking staff on a
contract basis for school gigs and summer camps.
FabJob This site
features "how to: guides to starting a wide range of livelihoods
like catering, acting, floral design, screen writer, personal
fitness trainer, wedding planner, yoga teacher, etiquette
consultant, art curator, stand up comic, and butler... just to name
a few.
Love History and Writing?
Did you know you can actually get paid for writing personal
biographies for people? According to the Association of Personal
Historians, personal historians come from a variety of backgrounds
and orientations. They also earn a living doing some other cool
things in such areas as genealogy, storytelling, gerontology,
counseling, and video documentary. This association offers
conferences, workshops, and a place to connect with others who share
your passion for history and for making a living at it.
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Turn Your Values Into Your Vocation
Just because you can't save the world doesn't mean you can't make a
difference. Click here to learn about how you can: -
Start your own non-profit organization
Starting a non-profit doesn't happen overnight. On the other
hand, it's not nearly as hard as you might think! -
Write a grant
The Foundation Center offers free workshops on grant writing and
a monthly subscription service listing grants available to
artists, researchers. -
Start a for-profit business
or an online business
Once you've decided on a group or cause you want to in some way
support think about what gifts you'd like to use in the service
of your values. For example, you might start your own consulting
or speaking business, write a book, or offer some kind of
product or service.
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Make a Living by Making a Difference
Join the Peace Corp It's not for
everyone but the friends I know who have done it have been changed
forever.
Global Volunteers organizes one-to
three-week volunteer opportunities in 19 countries on six
continents. You get to immerse yourself in another country while
helping with a local project like teaching English in Vietnam or
joining the local people's effort to expand the acreage of the
Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica. They
also offer volunteer vacations in the U.S. At the
Blackfeet Nation in Montana, you can put your skills to use
in counseling, healthcare, marketing, Internet design or research.
Specific requests include lifeguard and/or swimming instructor, a
grant writer, and writers to interview elders, and help design and
write a book on Blackfeet history
and culture. You can spend another vacation in a
tourist trap or you can sign up to make a real difference in
someone's life... yours. All fees, including airfare, are tax
deductible for U.S. citizens.
Making a Living By Making A Difference This site helps
you turn your values into your vocation. It has a searchable
database of nearly 37,000 non-profits in 165 countries where you'll
find job postings, volunteer opportunities, events, etc. Plus
there's a place to promote your products or consulting services to
non-profits, a library of inspiring articles, and lots more. Site
can be accessed in Spanish, French, and Russian.
Habitat for Humanity This organization uses local volunteers
to build houses for people who could otherwise never afford to own
their own home. They've got some unique programs like Women Build
and Care-a-Vanners in which RV owners volunteer for various projects
around the country.
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Cool Jobs for Animal Lovers
The Humane Society University site has lots
of great information for people who are or Dog
Trainers Network or the National Association of Professional Pet
Sitters.
Pet Sitters International Information for people who
want to start a pet sitting business including getting insurance.
Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) has
established a series of standards for professional
competence in pet dog training by certifying dog
training professionals. Exams are held in 15 states and
candidates who pass the exam will earn the title Certified Pet Dog
Trainer and may use the designation, "CPDT," after their names.
The APDT also sponsors an annual educational conference and trade
show.
In Europe: The Animal Consultants and Trainers
Association. For my European friends... according to the
site, ACTA members have experience in the field of
media use of animals in stills, stage, advertising, television and
film.
Six Careers for Pet Lovers Article features these
and many more great ideas for animal lovers.
Train to become a Certified Canine Aquatic Therapist La Paw
Spa, founded by Cindy Horsfall in 1996, offers aquatic physical
therapy and massage therapy for dogs with injuries, or ongoing
medical conditions such as arthritis. If you love the idea of
starting your own canine spa, Cindy has developed a three-part
training program. You'll be introduced to the world of aquatic
therapy, discover techniques to assist in animal recovery, and delve
into the mental and physical benefits of aquatic therapy for
canines. This unique business would be a perfect fit for anyone
interested in assisting the healing process for injured dogs. For
more information, visit the La Paw Spa at
LaPawSpa.com. Return
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Cool Jobs & Resources for People Who
Love To Travel
Become a Paid Travel Writer
The American Writers & Artists
Ultimate Travel Writer's Program is a 269 page course that
teaches you everything you need to know to launch your career as a
paid travel writer. Topics include insider's secrets to successful
interviews, how to make editors happy and eager to work with you,
and where to find freelance assignments. As a freelance writer,
you'll enjoy earning extra money doing what you love (traveling!),
you'll get legitimate and often substantial tax write offs for
travel, entertainment, books, computers, and more. Plus, you'll have
the freedom to work from anywhere in the world, at your own pace, as
your own boss. I have personally reviewed the self-study version of
this course as well as attended the live workshop and can tell you
without reservation that both are outstanding.
Turn Your Pictures Into Cash
What if you could
earn $300, $800, or even $8,000 from a single photograph? If you
think it's impossible to make $8,000 from a single photo it's
because you haven't met digital photographer Rich Wagner. But I
have. Rich
was a speaker at one of my workshops. He's made over $8,000 selling
framed copies of a single picture he snapped of a hilltop tower near
his home in Connecticut. He's also one of the developers of this
exciting course. In addition to meeting Rich, I've personally
reviewed the course and they are right when they say that it teaches
anyone, even the casual vacation photographer, the
secrets, tips, techniques, and strategies you need to take
profitable photographs and have fun – including where to find paying
clients.
Lead Your Own Tours for Fun and Profit Have you ever
taken a trip and had friends and family clamor for advice on how to
go to that place, too? Or maybe you sat in a piazza in Rome and
thought, "I could lead other people here." Perhaps you have a
passion – wine tasting – and you'd like to share it with others.
Then why not turn your travel savvy into money in the bank by
designing and leading travel tours? In her new 90-page e-Guide,
Go For It! Leading Tours for Fun and Profit, Cynthia Morris
walks you through all the steps necessary to design, market, and
lead tours either in your neck of the woods or abroad. Cynthia has
been leading successful tours to France for years. After receiving a
review copy of this comprehensive how-to guide, I can tell you with
confidence that Cynthia's first-hand experience combined with a ton
of research is guaranteed to save you tons of time and money. (Oh
and if Cynthia's name sounds familiar she's one of the guest
speakers on the
Making Dreams Happen audio program with Barbara Sher, Barbara
Winter, and me).
Escape to Paradise Would you like to
escape to a country and restart your life? Maybe
Costa Rica? Or sailing on a barge through France? If you dream of
living or working in another country this helpful site offers tons
of great articles, information on overseas jobs, country profiles,
international real estate listings, a free e-magazine, and a whole
lot more.
Transitions Abroad
This is a great magazine for anyone who
dreams of living or working overseas. Features articles and
resources on how to start a business in another country, finding
paid work, volunteering abroad, and lots more.
Workers on Wheels Newsletter
Imagine hitting the open road? Want to learn how you can join the
growing ranks of people enjoying the enterprising and economical
lifestyle of full-time RVing while still earning a living?
Fortunately, in addition to signing up for their free on-line
e-newsletter, you can still purchase back issues of the original
Workers on Wheels newsletter as well.
Imagine Living on the Water Living Aboard magazine is
dedicated to people who dream of the life and live the dream of
living aboard watercraft. Written by fellow "liveaboards," it offers
tips on how to live comfortably on your boat, advice on choosing the
perfect liveaboard boat (houseboat, sailboat, motorboat, etc.),
real-life cruising adventures, how-to information on maintenance and
repairs, and lots of personal stories from people living their
dreams on the water.
Ready to Make Your Dreams Happen?
Click here to learn how.
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live life on
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