A Successful Business Strategy?

As I awoke yesterday, a new business strategy raced through my mind. Should I consider going live with the new Rust Belt Chronicles site instead of waiting to add all the bells and whistles? As an entrepreneur, what’s a better successful business strategy? Will going "live" hurt the establishment of our small business?

Is fear holding me back? We are entering a competitive field. Are businesses, readers and subscribers willing to hang with us until we become a full service venture?

After going online a reader complimented me on our new website and asked if I had considered going “live” and working the details out as I go. Thank you, Stephen!

Perhaps, Stephen and I share telepathic thoughts?

We’ve decided to venture forward and launch sooner than later.

We believe it will work for the following reasons:

• It’s never going to be “perfect”, if that's the goal the launch could take months.

• We miss coverage of current stories and the opportunity to market ourselves to our audience by delaying.

• By waiting, we forego awareness to possible advertisers.

• It’s better to show our commitment towards what we intend to publish.

Will some people take one look at our coverage and never return? Sure. Those folks will always be floating through life. Naysayers are a dime a dozen and experts at everything (in their own mind).

There will undoubtedly be those who disagree with our views, stories and objectivity. Like Rick Nelson said: “You can’t please everyone” and we don’t intend too. We will ask tough questions that need to be asked. We will uncover concerns and bring darkness into light.

At the same time, we will offer articles of individuals who inspire with hope, success and motivation. News shouldn’t be always about gloom and doom. We will cover the best examples of people and businesses making a difference in today’s world. I think that is enough to keep a few people busy on a regular basis.

Specific categories may have little or no coverage until we can develop additional writers for assistance. No pain, no gain.

When is The Rust Belt Chronicles going live?

The Rust Belt Chronicles will begin coverage as soon as our legal paperwork is resolved. This could be a week or two. Articles are already being written and as soon as we get the legal go-ahead the debut will fly!

I am looking forward to this new journey and the opportunity to do something meaningful that matters!

Stay tuned and tell a friend about our exciting online newspaper.

Until We Meet Again,

                                                             Jim Carver

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Being an Entrepreneur is a Blast!

It’s been a week since my last update, so I wanted to stay in touch with my readers. Building a small business and being an entrepreneur is invigorating. If you've ever considered building your own business start today!

Here is the update:

Construction is going well on the new Rust Belt Chronicles website. I’ve been working on building the website daily and it usually doesn’t end until 5:00 a.m. I’m working the bugs and troubleshooting all the issues on my own; which is a great way to understand the pitfalls and how technology functions between applications. The experience is invaluable!

When will we Launch?

I am hoping to launch the new website by mid-month, although it could get pushed back until May. Sometimes a day or two becomes immersed in sorting technical issues out. I don’t have the time to seek advice on the problems and there are no manuals to resort too, so I never know how much time it will take to resolve a problem. Life doesn’t always go as planned.

Opportunity

Had I not been laid-off it would have taken many months to build this small business. Who knows, I might have become a frustrated entrepreneur and thrown in the towel? Now, I have no choice but to succeed!

I became very excited to learn my wife is going to be assisting me in running the business. I offered her the title of Vice-President, but she wouldn’t go for that; since it reminded her of the people at the hospital prior to being laid-off. It feels great to have some help with daily operations and not attempting to do it all myself!

Help Wanted  

The Rust Belt Chronicles is looking for passionate writers for weekly articles (blogs) covering Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Cavaliers, health, religion, politics; plus local and regional news. If you would like to become involved please send me an email to:lexbandofgold@gmail.com. We are tossing some ideas around in lieu of pay, since we are starting out with little overhead.

Agenda Cleared

I decided not to write for the other organization at the present time. It’s taking all my time to work on The Rust Belt Chronicles. Tons of decisions on various segments of the business need worked on as well.

The Best Time of My Life

Starting your own business is a blast, despite all the moments of frustration. I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. To realize, you’ve managed to build a business is a confidence booster. It’s something many people talk about, but few act upon.

Please join us in our new adventure. We wish to create something everyone can enjoy. An online journal that’s different, daring and bold. Together, we will strive for truth, honesty and something meaningful that matters!  

 Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Rust Belt Chronicles is Expanding!

 

The Rust Belt Chronicles is going to expand. I haven’t decided the number of days I will publish or if it will be a weekly journal; but I want to open The Rust Belt Chronicles as a free news source that asks the tough questions and does something meaningful at the same time.
 

We won’t be controlled by outside advertisement or political party pressure. We will charge for advertisement space, but the general premise is to start small and build. Stay tuned.
 

My blog will move to a new home and may be featured (along with other blogs) in the new Rust Belt Chronicles online paper or another separate site.

Have I confused you yet?
 

So, I am hoping to make a dent in the universe between these 2 business adventures. My third venture will not be announced until we have a prepared launch date.
 

I look forward to these changes and hope you join me on one or all of my new journeys!
 

Thank you and God Bless!

 Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Don't Let this Be You!

Dan Miller must have read my mind. What perfect timing to read his blog.

As some of you know, I was recently laid-off by the organization I gave nearly 32 years of my life too. I am 56 years-old and between my age, health and spending years in a job that wasn’t advancing my skills towards modern techniques with asset management and purchasing, I basically became a master of nothing.

Rule #1

Never stay in a position that prevents you from growing or expanding your skills.

So as I awoke today, I began thinking about how or what I am actually going to do next. I love blogging, but; it doesn’t pay the bills. A lifetime of accumulating debt isn’t helping matters.

Rule #2

Avoid using credit cards at all costs.

So realistically, where does this leave me? I don’t see myself making the money I made prior to being laid-off. I certainly couldn’t work two jobs that require much physical exertion to make ends meet.

Rule #3

Think outside the box.

I have no desire to go back to cubicle nation, college or stand in-line with everyone else. Been there, done that.

No, it’s time to make a ruckus. Start my own business and see what happens. It’s time to make mistakes, learn and be creative. Some ideas may work, some won’t.

Rule #4

Do something!

When we get hit with a dramatic circumstance we either find a way around the obstacle or let it keep us paralyzed. Creating limitations for ourselves keeps us from moving forward. We become our own worst enemy and ensure our reliance on someone else’s decisions. That’s not the best place to be.

We have been conditioned to seek permission whether it’s through being hired by someone else or dependent on the government.

Rule #5

Don’t let this be you.

So today, I decided to take a new direction and forge my own path, that doesn’t rely on a boss, system or a CEO. The journey begins with me.

I will unveil one of my new businesses soon. In the meantime, I have a lot of work to do. I want to thank Dan Miller for his timely post.

My blog is moving to a new self-hosted site soon and I am looking forward to doing something meaningful that matters!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

10 Reasons Why I Hired Myself

·        I make the rules and break the rules.

·        I get the credit and if it doesn’t work- I still learn.

·        I work my own hours, day or night.

·        I don’t work for a middle-man or the status quo.

·        I connect with people, not work with sheep.

·        I have no use for a gatekeeper, slave driver or corporate greed.

·        I work on my own terms, nothing else matters.

·        I dislike meetings, chants and posturing.

·        I have the freedom to do what I want to do.

·        I want to make a difference and do something meaningful.

 

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

 

The Difference Makers!



Photo courtesy of: Silicone Prairie News.

 

Several days ago, I wrote a blog about the apparent political choices inducing a negative outcome between government, employers and employees. The day after the election some companies began to introduce massive layoffs and/ or the reduction of full-time jobs with benefits. I failed to cover some obvious positive possibilities during that blog due to time constraints. So let’s talk about the upside to another seemingly down-economy.

The best time to start your own business is now

The corporate uncertainty has created a seam within industries. Some corporations cease performing specific functions for consumers due to overall costs. Perhaps you know of a simple way to streamline one of those lost services and can start your own business by offering a solution without the overhead or added cost. The idea doesn’t have to be original, it just needs to provide income and grow.

Hours cut, remember that business idea you had? 

You have the window of opportunity to attempt to make it happen. Use your free time creatively and work up a business plan to start your own business. Keep it simple and effective. Focus on specific ways to bring your product or services to market, and then do the additional research as required.

Some other tips:

·        Seek advice from those with a positive knowledge of experience. Don’t waste your time or energy discussing your plan with people who failed, family members who don’t understand or friends who don’t really care. This is the recipe for failure! While they may have good intentions this will produce nothing worth the time or effort.

·        Seek out those in online forums or send emails direct to someone who has professionally succeeded. You’d be surprised how many people will respond with helpful information. Virtually every function necessary to run a business is freely available through the Internet. Study the choices- some are free; others are costly.  

·        Attend business seminars or ask questions of others in small business or local entrepreneurs. Again, helpful advice is at your fingertips. It’s not like you’re asking for secret ingredients!

·        Some small businesses or agencies provide locations (space) to run your operation. Perhaps you need a kitchen setup or a small room for machinery. Spaces can be leased and sometimes grants are available to fund those startups. If not, maybe lease a small building and start your own business leasing space.

I was discovered many choices and sources available when I decided to author and self-publish my book. I studied options and researched the choices extensively to find a suitable situation.

One of the simple pleasures in life is building something and doing the work required to allow the process to mature. Becoming an entrepreneur or starting a small business isn’t something you do from beginning to end in one afternoon. But, it doesn’t require a degree or years of work either to start.

The quality of the people you seek information from and your own passion are the difference makers.

While being laid-off or having your hours reduced can be psychologically or cash crippling, it gives us that one opportunity we’ve possibly never had- to live our dream and do something meaningful!

When the economy is suffering for some, new roads become available.

Don’t allow a scheme to pigeon-hole you into sleep, depression or suicide.

Find your passion or dream, start living and feeling alive.

That’s all we really need! 

I’d love to hear your comments, views or ideas. Feel free to contact me with your questions!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Turning a Blog into a Brand!



Photo courtesy of: Search Engine People Blog.

Attempting to blog daily can be a tough assignment. Building an audience isn’t something that happens overnight or in a few months. Consistency and good content is the key to developing followers. Anything beyond those qualities is truly a blessing!

We often find ourselves so busy attempting to write the “next” blog we often forget to put the effort into following others, commenting on their blogs or just asking a few questions. Forgetting those people who are on the same journey as us is a mistake. Taking the proper time to put forth the effort increases our network, friends and influences.

I find it tough to take the time and provide the moral support to others. It’s far easier for me to write a blog or come up with something new rather than comment. It bugs me, not having the time I need to give back to others. Particularly, since I joined Bloggers.com it has become impossible to follow everyone.

So I’ve created a plan.

·        Those who comment on my musings, get top priority. Whatever those loyal folks do, I will do my best to follow and return the praise.

·        I will slowly read, pick and choose other bloggers with similar interests within the blogging communities I post and comment on their writings.

·        Lastly, I will prioritize the blogsters of bloggers.com and follow the same method as above.

·        Those who return the interests will be on my “A” list, the others will simply be replaced by new people.

·        Those who stick are my tribe members and most cherished friends!  

I hate rules- but to you, me and the rest of my schedule it’s only fair. To not set your own ground rules would mean everyone gets lost in the “social media” arena and we accomplish little.

Between my job, moonlighting as a blogger, assisting in daily chores and following my emails, social media sites and the two or three hours of sleep during the weeknights; I am pretty much maxed out.

My lack of sleep has taken a toll after a couple of years of the crazy schedule.

I soon need to find the time write an eBook and a regular book. I must also consider the direction of my blog as a business. One of the things I’ve found out by blogging is it’s so easy to keep focusing on writing a blog, while forgetting the other aspects of becoming a ”brand.”

Having a clearer direction of sail is paramount to turning an adventure into a successful business strategy.

I want to thank those who follow my blog and comment. I sincerely appreciate your interest.

 My hope is these thoughts have given you some ideas about your own blogging adventures or perhaps shared some parallel ideas towards your own start-up or entrepreneurship!

A journey can lead a thousand different directions, but a clear path and roadmap always helps!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

A September to Remember

September is nearly over. We had initially planned to attend a conference or workshop during September.  Our plans backfired due to some unexpected bills and extending my vacation days over Labor Day Weekend to clean-up the house.

Although we missed both of this year’s events, we are already looking forward to next year!

I recently read successful people attend workshops and conferences in order to mix ideas, communicate, meet new people with similar goals and become recharged about your passion in life.

Here in the rust belt, we could use a little motivation to fire-up our passion.

Coaching with Excellence

My original plan was to attend Dan Miller’s Coaching with Excellence workshop in Franklin, Tennessee. Dan Miller is the best-selling author of No More Dreaded Monday’s and 48 Days to the Work You Love. Dan Miller recently released a new book co-written with his son, Jarad Angaza entitled- Wisdom Meets Passion: When Generations Collide and Collaborate (read the book review here). Dan Miller also has two websites with loads of community assistance, classes and podcasts at 48days.com and 48days.net.   

From the reviews of the three-day event we missed an excellent opportunity to learn about our abilities and choices in the coaching field. The event was full of insightful knowledge and it was an opportunity to meet new friends with the same interests. Did I forget to mention the food is excellent?

Quitter Conference

Jon Acuff’s Quitter Conference was held late last week in Brentwood, Tennessee. Jon is a successful speaker, blogger and author.  Jon is the author of Quitter: Closing the Gap Between Your Day Job and Dream Job. Jon is a team member of the Dave Ramsey staff.

The event was sold out and it would have been a great time listening to Jon and his guest speakers. Many of those attendance have authored books, established their work in the coaching field and technology. The opportunity to meet and speak with many of those faces I’ve seen or heard online or read their books and material would have been inspirational as well!

Wrecked

Writer Jeff Goins, author of Wrecked was a featured speaker at the Quitter Conference and subsequently was able to interview Jon Acuff.

This is one of the reasons building a network of people is so important. Opportunities grow from the circle of friends established. One of the neat things- is it happens when you least expect it!

Speaking of Least Expecting

I signed up for Twitter the other day. One of the people I am following is author Chris Guillebeau of The Art of Non-Conformity and “The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future.” Surprisingly, Chris is following me on Twitter. Twitter is a pretty neat application. I don’t know how people find the time for all this activity. I’ve discussed Chris previously in my work.

Chris just returned from visiting his 188^th country- Seychelles. He only has 5 countries left to complete his goal of visiting all 193 countries in the world. What an amazing life having the freedom as an entrepreneur on your own terms.

 

 

Seasons Change

Soon the leaves will be changing colors and it will be a nice time to take a short drive to Amish country. It’s always a laid back trip to observe the goods, lifestyle and entrepreneurship of the Amish community.

Did I forget to mention the food is excellent?

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Alternative to Being Average



Photo used courtesy of: cliff1066â„¢)

The end of the Industrial age has already brought many changes in the way we do business. The problem is most employers and employees haven’t grasped the change in direction.

Many companies are still run as if they are factories and many employees are being treated the same as if they are factory workers. Worse yet, many of the employees have preconceived notions so ingrained into their brain; they don’t know the rules have changed.

The Race to the Bottom

From the first day of school; compliance, fitting in, and being average were drilled into our heads. Everyone used a #2 pencil; sat in a straight row, bells rang to signify the beginning or end of class, and we raised our hand to ask or answer a question. Formulated measures were used to teach compliance to the masses.

In order to produce more factories and sell more products we were taught that purchasing items would buy happiness. Mass television, radio marketing, and peer pressure were some of the ways used to get us to buy into the idea. Corporations became extremely wealthy. Unions prospered and employees earned a comfortable living style. Everyone was happy, waiting for the gold watch and retirement pension.

Then the unthinkable happened. Someone decided they could manufacture stuff cheaper. Factories moved overseas, many closed or were bought out and relocated. It was always about manufacturing something cheaper and faster. It always will be. That is what produced the Industrial age and it is the reason we can’t compete now. It’s a race to the bottom.

End of the Industrial Era

So here we are. The Industrial age has run its course. Suddenly fitting in, being compliant, and following the manual created an entire group of average people that can be replaced at a moment’s notice, with more average employees. No job security. This is the same type of employee sought after for a fast food business job. Where’s the progression?

The Alternatives

1. Be creative, innovative, and unique.
2. Stand out and make yourself a valuable asset to your organization.
3. Stop trying to fit in, stop being average, and unleash the chains.
4. If the business you work for doesn’t allow you to make a difference, change jobs (Chances are the organization will go the way of the factories anyway.)
5. Start your own business, do something you’ve always dreamed of, become that someone you always wanted to be.
6. Be a leader, not a follower!

Take charge of your life today and do something meaningful that matters.

Your future is only as secure as you choose to make it!

 

Until We Meet Again,

 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”

Something Meaningful that Matters!

 

www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3^rd party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.