The Bridge to Becoming an Artist!

 

12 Steps to the Bridge:

 

·        You get a great idea and go to work late because formulating and documenting your idea is more important than a job.

·        The goals you follow aren’t someone else’s.

·        Your family, friends, and co-workers think you’re crazy by doing something radically different.

·        Criticism doesn’t slow you down.

·        You quit attending cubicle nation and forge your own path.

·        The only formal meeting you attend is with your tax accountant.

·        Success or failure is just a speed-bump in the journey.

·        Fear no longer prevents you from doing something meaningful that matters.

·        Decisions you make are no longer based on selfish motives.  

·        You no longer go to battle because you are told too; you do so because you must.

·        You realize you’re an Artist with the ability to change the world.

·        You no longer have a job; you have a Dream to Live.

Once you cross that bridge there's no turning back. You've turned pro and have the duty, responsibility and freedom to do something remarkable. Create your Art and make a difference with the people YOU touch!

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.

Does your Idea Mesh?

 

How many times have you had one of those: “wish I would’ve thought about that idea" moments? Or the times you’ve thought about a new idea, never acted upon it, only to discover later someone else initiated the same thought and became highly successful. The failure to act, take a risk or perhaps our financial capital limits our capabilities to mesh with society.

I first heard of Zipcar in Lisa Gansky’s book entitled- The Mesh: Why the Future of Business is Sharing.

A  membership to Zipcar costs $25.00 for an application fee and $50.00 a year per membership. The car sharing service entitles members to rates of $7.50 per hour and includes gas, insurance and up to 180 miles per day. The idea of mesh connects people with ease of services and is popular among young adults.

The idea of using a car for a one-time chore, short trip or a month by using the Internet was a great idea for people who normally don’t own or need a vehicle on a regular basis. Why pay for an entire day of car rental? Why waste your time riding a cab or bus to stand in line at a car rental agency? The car is made available near your hotel or apartment.

  Image used courtesy of: Sharon Hahn Darlin

 

For those requiring transportation in large cities, Zipcar was an easily accessible, economical and efficient use of time and finances. It eliminates the financial burden of a lifetime of leasing, purchasing, insurance payments and repairs of vehicles. It’s a similar process as bicycle renting from a centralized location in many European countries. Two men from Boston started Zipcar and using GPS devices to gather data from the customers led to more offerings for their clientele and enhanced marketability.

Last week Zipcar was purchased by Avis for $491.2 million.

Image used courtesy of: poptech.

The idea of Zipcar is now being marketed by other car rental companies as well. Avis wanted to be competitive and jumped on the trend. I can’t help but think those two fellows from Boston probably had a ton of naysayers when they thought of the idea.

 It’s easy to assume an entire industry has already cornered the market or the idea would’ve already been implemented. The opportunity catered to a segment of the customer base being ignored by the corporate giants. Zipcar was the foresight of filling a need and by connecting with people; the idea spread and created a trend.

Traditional formats of existing business are undergoing change. Will you see the next trend by offering something simple, innovative and different or just wait for someone else to do it?

Opportunity to mesh with ideas is all around us-

if we choose to accept our destiny.

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.

Writer's Block- How to Breakthrough the Obstacles

The last couple of evenings, I’ve had a bit of writer's block. The inspiration to introduce an idea, story or adventure wasn’t within my mind. Lately, I’ve not been over-flowing with multiple thoughts and have been pulling recent blogs out of the thin air. But for two days my mind produced nothing. Frustration at its finest moment!

Why Me?

Perhaps it’s exhaustion from several years of burning the candle at both ends. Maybe I haven’t read enough motivating books recently. I certainly haven’t been able to surround myself with people who inspire success or think between the lines in the rust belt. Whatever the reason(s) it is a common occurrence among writers.

Last night, I decided to take the time and make the situation a positive experience.

How I Beat the Block

I took advantage of the situation by catching up on my responses to people who commented on my blogs, researched the subject of writer's block, stumbled across some thought provoking ideas and realized I have a great success story to share, right under my nose.

When a writer begins to suffer from writer’s block, the mindset slowly shifts from focusing on others to focusing on self. The soul searching experience locks you in a series of self-centered thoughts or emotions. My former tendencies often help provide insight for the psychological condition at hand. Recognizing the problem is the first step in changing the outcome.

So instead of having another unproductive frustrating evening, I broke through the chains to unleash new ideas and possibilities.

What I Discovered

Photo courtesy of: Sami Stoner.

 

The most meaningful take-away was to realize- I have the opportunity and duty to unveil the sweetest success story to ever grace our area. The young courageous lady I hope to interview is currently undergoing a tough schedule between school events and a television taping with ESPN. I hope to bring you her amazing story soon, as her time permits.

Sami Stoner and her guide dog, Chloe's latest inspiring story will be featured on ESPN on Tuesday, October 16th at 7 pm. (Eastern Standard Time). Please don't miss this incredible story of success!

Tips for Writer's Block

The next time you suffer from writer's block:

·        Use the time constructively.

·        Forget about your frustration.

·        View the time as a period of tying up loose-ends.

·        Immerse yourself in focusing on others.

I promise you, the little treasures you will encounter will not only bust through writer's block, you’ll be back at warp speed writing about something meaningful that matters!

I’d love to see your input and comments on this story.

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.

Will the Circle be Unbroken?

I was born and raised in the Rust Belt. My parents instilled the notion of working hard and being honest and polite. As I began working, those principles seemed to be the best way to stay out of trouble and keep a job.

I spent years believing those basic principles would somehow lead me to a deserving future. My reasoning was people would recognize those strengths and somehow my efforts would be justly honored.

Photo used courtesy of: Tony Fischer Photography.

It certainly wasn’t the case once I was hired in a factory. Employees were just a cog in the wheel, nothing more. The expectations were to produce as much as you and a machine could yield. Anything less in production was grounds for a tongue lashing from the boss and if production didn’t improve you would be fired. If you met or exceeded expectations- the only guarantee was more of the same and a paycheck.

Most of the people I worked with drank alcohol to escape from reality. I was no exception. It was far easier for people to drown their misery, dreams and future with alcohol or drugs. Many of my co-workers lived in poverty, didn’t have a GED, or any hope for a better future. Most of those workers lived on the poor side of town.

They had resigned themselves to a dead-end job and a lifestyle of disease and early death- all for a lowly paycheck! Their kids would become part of the vicious cycle; often dropping out of high school in order to receive a weekly paycheck at the same factory Dad worked; purchase a souped-up car with big tires and soon marry their pregnant girlfriend.

Will the Circle be Unbroken?

Eventually, I landed a non-factory job and received a promotion to become part of management. I thought my hard work had finally paid-off. I was excited to implement my ideas and improve the functionality within the area of my responsibility and possibly further improve employee relations.

My excitement slowly turned to dust when I approached my boss with ideas and he just looked at me and changed the topic entirely. After attempting to get his approval several more times, I learned to do whatever I could change on my own to improve processes.

The realization that I was just a cog in the wheel and nothing more led me to believe it was his style of management. Do what you are asked and you will be rewarded with a paycheck and benefits. If you attempt to innovate, stand-out or create change, you become a problem.

Sadly, it has taken me years to understand the true nature of this concept. I was naive and wanted to believe I could make a difference. I spent years wondering why any business would operate in this fashion with so much at stake. Why wouldn’t you want to be all you could be?

What I learned is the same concept that infiltrated the manufacturing industry was no different in the non-industrial workplace. The exchange of a paycheck for hours of conforming was all that is required. Nothing less, nor anything greater is appreciated. Mediocrity- at it's finest!

I believe we can do better. We must do better or our businesses will suffer the same fate of the dying “industrial age.” An outdated business model that served to pigeon-holed employees to be a “cog in the wheel” and nothing more- ensures our failure to innovate and implement change within existing businesses. It negates our ability to create a new working business model that rewards effectiveness and linchpin behavior. 

If you are just working for a paycheck, you’re really not living.

Trading time for pay- solely to exist- isn’t our future!

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
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com

Who says- Rust Never Sleeps?

It was very encouraging to read Sunday’s articles appearing in the Mansfield News Journal concerning the entrepreneurs and the fact that North Central State College is offering certification classes for anyone interested.

Equally important is the role Braintree (based in Mansfield, Ohio) has taken by offering workspace, loans and business ideas to those starting a small business.

We are very fortunate in the Rust Belt of Ohio to have two possible sources for those considering launching their own startup business. I plan on seeking more information from both institutions and witnessing the excitement.

Mik Ballard and Carol Davis are living their dream producing “Mixblues Sauces.” A recipe and a kitchen was enough to make their idea become reality. The tasty sauces Mik and Carol create are stocked at local grocery stores and have customers overseas. Summer is a great time to try their sauces on the grill!

Former GM employee- Belinda Morgan has a unique startup idea entitled “Dreams” by offering custom built woodwork and allowing the customer to pick the type of wood and choose their own design. This is the type of business that can’t be performed overseas in mass manufacturing.  This could be a very lucrative business!

Ricardo Upchurch is already a startup entrepreneur with his own business- “Sweet Treats Down Memory Lane” located on West Fourth Street in downtown Mansfield, Ohio.  I need to visit his shop soon (don’t tell my dentist), my sweet tooth is calling!

Some of the entrepreneurs attending NCSC or Braintree will need loans or cash to start their businesses, others will require little financially. With the internet and the opportunity to network throughout different communities and cultures, 7-days a week, 24-hours a day, some will be amazed at the possibilities of earning a nice income.

As society moves to a post-industrial era, I believe the future lies with entrepreneurs and small businesses. Wal-Mart Stores Incorporated is now the largest employer in the USA. What a difference from 1972, when General Motors was the largest employer in the USA.

Today the world is different. The days of obtaining a high-paying manufacturing job is no longer part of the equation. The core of our future prosperity lies within those who dare to start something unique, original or different from the status quo.

Understanding the advantage in offering real life skills and useful resources in entrepreneurship is a huge step at North Central State College and Braintree in Mansfield, Ohio.

The opportunity for future entrepreneurs and small start-up businesses to absorb information, share ideas and prosper is our future.

My hat’s off to all of the entrepreneurs, the business startups, NCSC and Braintree.

 I wish you nothing but success in all of your future endeavors!

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
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com