Free Agent Underground

Free Agent Underground Show - "Three chances for you to discover your best biz idea"

3. READ

Most people who truly desire self-employment, at the core, just don't have an idea of what they could offer that might be viable in the marketplace. So the desire just remains a pipe dream with little real hope. This is the case with many of you reading, listening or watching right now.

Even if you had an idea that you think might be legitimate, you discount that you could actually make it succeed. Not you. Somebody else, but not you. You don't have what it takes, or your circumstances are just too prohibitive.

Meanwhile we have people from 20 to 60 years old, men and women, every personality style, tight finances, lots of kids, chronic illnesses...who are doing the work and discovering their ideas. This was posted yesterday on our Facebook fan page:
"I feel like the obscure dream I've had for years is finally taking shape to a point where I'm getting a plan and a chance to really make it happen. I'm not stopping." Scott M. Lives in Ohio, works in human resources, married 16 years, has four kids

Here is a true statement, "If you are capable of losing weight and keeping it off, you are capable of discovering a viable idea that you truly care about and enjoy and that makes money in the marketplace." It's about hard work and commitment and endurance. That's it. It's not magic or brilliance or only for the super outgoing, risk takers. That last bit especially, is such a myth. Lots of people become self-employed, it's just the mouthy ones that you hear from (like your's truly).

There is a science and art to it though. The science is first in knowing yourself. Figuring out what you care about and what you are naturally equipped to do. If you aren't financially minded and can barely add, you shouldn't pursue being a bookkeeper. Then we must understand your personal circumstances and life design needs so we can filter ideas through that. You may be great at public speaking, but if your life is not conducive to traveling, it may not be the best fit.

The art comes through the step by step guidance, where your brain and heart start sparking and the 'golden opportunity' is not taken from a list or given by a coach, but is primarily cultivated from within you. It's a part of the process. That's the inspiration and big "Ah hah!" moment.

Then, back to the science as we research the marketplace and again, your personal giftings and abilities and available opportunities in the marketplace, and we find your core business.

So the point? If you have 'eyes to see and ears to hear,' which you do or you wouldn't be seeing this, then what is between you and self-employment is just…you. You taking the step to believe, commit and get started.

Again, just like weight loss. No matter how you cut it, the only way to do it is to eat less calories and burn more calories. And to keep it off is to alter your eating habits from this day forth. I've been 6' and 160lbs for as long as I can remember due to deciding on a lifestyle diet 18 years ago and sticking with it to this very day.

So...here are three options for you to get started:

#1 Free Agent Academy Membership $125
This is the least investment for sure. You come in at the basic monthly fee and simply go month to month, progressing through our courses at your own pace, attending the live, weekly classes. You do it from the comfort of your home or office, or a coffee shop. It's powerful and has no comparison.

#2 90-Day MFA (Master of Free Agency) $2,200
Here, I personally walk through our program with you, following each course with a personal consultation (nine total). This accellerates your progress, gives you my personal counsel and allows me to help direct your end product.

#3 March 25-27 Idea Discovery & Application Camp $1,250
This is our live event in Woodland Park, CO (just up from Colorado Springs). It's a powerful, intimate event that grants you access to five of our core Professors (including me) and other attendees on the same journey you are. Plus you're in the majestic beauty in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. We're filling up fast, so this option is fairly urgent.

*Ready to take action but just really unsure of what to commit to? Fill out our 40 question application and I'll personally get back with you. Please only do this if you are able and serious about one of the options above.

The 'right time' will not present itself. You must make it happen. When will you decide it's your time?

This is the best I have for you. My devotion is right here, in helping normal folks like you and I, to achive and live abnormal lives of freedom and purpose.

Feb 24, 2011 9:42:14 PM | Free Agent Academy, Idea, Podcast

February 02, 2011

My journey to successful free agency

Today I was interviewed by David Siteman Garland of The Rise To The Top. He went through my personal story to successful free agency, which is basically a great overview of what NOT to do.

On one hand David knew my story would be of interest to his audience. But on the other hand, he knows that many of his viewers need what I offer...Free Agent Academy. So this interview also serves as his personal endorsement. He'll post the video interview at his website on Tuesday, Feb. 8th, I'll notify you.

I strongly encourage you to sign up to receive his new show alerts. He has incredibl insightful interviews with rock star free agents. Also...his new book, "Smarter, Faster, Cheaper" is also a FreeAgent must-read.

Here then is the full interview. I hope some of it hits a nerve for your own pursuit.

Free Agent Underground Show - "My journey to successful free agency"

INFO AND REGISTRATION PAGE - CHECK IT OUT - SEE IF YOU'RE READY

Excerpt ('Description' in iTunes): "Name of this show"

Feb 2, 2011 2:49:50 PM | Free Agent Academy, FreeAgent Spotlight, Podcast

January 15, 2011

You don't want to make the effort to come, but probably should. True?

On Monday we'll be hosting our Show at 9:30am Mountain time to discuss all the replies to my post titled, "What HAS caused you to take action and change and grow." If you haven't yet, I'm asking you to share. It will really help us share the combined truth, I'm as eager to know as you are. Read and comment here "What HAS caused you to take action and change and grow."

But in discussing the subject of 'change' the other day with my two great friends Scott Stearman and Todd Zeller, we admitted that in truth, we (as a people) don't really WANT to change ourselves. We just want a different/better result. If we could get it without personally changing, great! I'd rather my wife just fawned all over me without me making any effort to change my habits of being a donkey towards her. Doesn't work that way. You do reap what you sow for the most part, though thank the Lord for grace.

That's my preface to the following enticement. You don't really want to make the effort to come to this free agent event in 14 days, but you want to be a successful free agent. I guarantee the value you'll get here. You just have to want the benefit enough to say to yourself (and probably your spouse), "Shoot. I really want to stay home and chill, but this is an opportunity that I know will catapult me ahead in really becoming free." That's me at least. I'm usually seeking a reason why NOT to take a big step, like attending a profoundly impacting event. Dumb, but true. I have to really, REALLY feel like I'll be missing out and nearly shooting myself in the foot to let it pass. Almost to the point of feeling guilty for my inaction, procrastination and laziness towards bettering myself. My flesh would rather watch a movie and eat pizza like I want to do EVERY weekend.

In two weeks, I'll be spending 48 hours with a group of people to intimately get to know them, their dreams and business ideas. And give counsel on how to make their efforts pay off, specifically online. We all know that most business transactions are decided upon and acted upon, online. Yet most people seeking to succeed in business, miss the mark. The ultimate point at this event is making sure your idea and business converts to a sale by what you do with your website and online presence.

But even aside from the content of the event, you won't have many opportunities to get so much, for so little relationally. It's not what you know, it's who you know, remember? Lots of truth in that. I don't think you CAN know much, if you don't know the right folks. Wisdom comes from counsel. The event is a decent cost, but aside from a bit of sleeping at the camp, you'll get 48 hours straight in a small group of other aspiring free agents, alongside the following leaders:

Andy Traub bio / personal website
Jimi Gibson bio / personal website
Justin Lukasavige bio / personal website
Chuck Bowen bio / personal website
Me bio / personal website

You can't get a single hour with any one of them for less than $200. With 28 hours of scheduled, interactive time all together, that would equal $28,000. Now true, it's not one-on-one, 100% focused time on you, I won't claim apples to apples. But in reality I think the combined brain trust and other attendees equate to better value than one-on-one. Your true cost for the class time is about $45 per hour.

You come, and we'll all be invested in you and your business…long term. We all specialize, in launching people in successful businesses. Our relationship with you is as much or more value than the event itself. It's events like these that got myself and the guys listed above to become successful free agents, hands down. Our most successful students are those that make the effort to take action and show up.

There it is. Think deeply about it. Any questions you have for more clarity? Email me personally right now.

(click this banner for the event info page)

Jan 15, 2011 1:02:10 PM | Free Agent Academy, Social Media, Web/Tech

December 13, 2010

You better invest now, you better not wait…

…you better plan something now so you escape the things you hate (in 2011)

Read that with the melody of 'Santa Claus is coming to town'

What do you hate? Your job? Lack of time to spend on things that inspire and fulfill you so you are a 'whole' person? Not spending enough time on being a quality spouse or parent? Don't have enough margin in your finances or time to really give to…anyone or anything beyond your immediate needs? Just going through the motions and know you're not creating anything worthy of a legacy? General unrest in your soul?

I have my list too, and it's what motivates me to push through.

It's Christmas time now, full swing. I adore Christmas, I truly do. Some of the most meaningful family and relationship and experiential times of the year.

Yet I find myself trying desperately to prepare now for this next year where I want some new realities in my life. I know that in many ways I won't get a ton of work progress done over the next three weeks surrounding Dec. 25. I'm trying to prepare now, and even plan for small deposits to keep the flame of progress lit. To force me to commit. I have some big visions and expectations for 2011 and I'm pulling long hours to set them in place now.

Hope you are as well. Don't let your quest for 'better' go…don't let the slowing momentum of your personal progress come to a stop. The people you'll bless as a result of your progress need you to stand firm.

Here is an opportunity to commit to progress in your free agent pursuit. Something you can put into place now so that when you wake up Jan. 1 from the stupor of the holiday whirlwind you know that a giant leap of progress in your life is at hand:

This Jan. 28th we'll converge for the first event of the year up here in the mountains, for a first ever event:  Online Foundation & Strategy Workshop

Here is the lead in information on the event page:
Somebody has a need, and they get word that YOU...your product or service, might be what they need. What a tragedy if they visit YourWebsite.com and don't connect with you. They don't subscribe or email or call or click BUY NOW.

The space between what you have that can truly help someone, and them believing it and committing to you (and giving you money!)…is life and death to your business pursuit. This event is about mastering your online presence.

Learn what powerful tools and resources your unique online presence should consist of, and how to implement them so you convert as many prospects as possible into paying customers and raving fans.  We’ll teach you what aspects of the online world fit you and your business, how they work and what it will take to make them work for your personal business.

Check out the full event now: JAN. EVENT PAGE It will not be repeated during the year, so this is your shot. Questions? You can post them here in the comments section or email my assistant directly: email Brenda

Merry Christmas and a more than merely Happy New Year...a New Life Year,
Agent Kevin Miller
My egg nog tonight, I toast to you!

*Pictured at the top, attendees to one of our 2010 events. Folks who put action to their dreams/goals/callings. And who had a blast up here in the mountains.

Dec 13, 2010 3:48:06 PM | Free Agent Academy, Social Media, Web/Tech

November 16, 2010

How Free Agent Academy works

I'm starting off by making a case, but if you really just want some nuts and bolts of how this 'school for self-employment' works, skip down to that heading. You can also scroll to the very bottom to hear the full show we did on this topic.

WHAT
If you are reading this, then you have a desire to be self-employed, or at the least, generate some of your own income (read the last post 'Forget self-employment').

WHY
1) You want more freedom in your life, 2) You want more purpose from your work - to work at something you really care about, and 3) You want all your work to add up to something (an asset) instead of at the end of your days you've just traded your time for a paycheck (listen to the show link at the very bottom for more on 'renting vs owning your work).

WHO…
…are you to think you can be different than the majority who have a traditional j-o-b? We have to admit that most people (even your loved ones) will think you are being 'risky' to pursue free agency. Only until you become successful at it of course, then they'll either brag about you or be jealous. But you have to get to a point of believing you are not only capable of being a free agent, but that it's a necessity for you to be fully whole. If you feel 'called' to 'ministry' most everyone will support you. If you feel called to be married or a parent, it's all good. Even being 'called' to be an artist or athlete gets a good reception. If you know you'll never be very satisfied as an employee, and/or you have a desire to truly create or pursue something that you build, then you've just gotta get comfortable and committed to your pursuit of free agency as a viable calling on you.

HOW
Well, that's the biggie now, isn't it. Type in 'self-employment' or 'entrepreneur' or 'small business' into a search engine and you won't find anything that gives you much peace, comfort or direction. Why? Because the media loves 'big.' The focus of self-employment is on big business and wealth. You'll quickly read about business loans, venture capitalist, angel investors, overhead, payroll and plenty of other focal points that…MISS the point.

It's a HUGE disservice and dramatically misses the truth. The vast majority of full-time, successfully self-employed people have no employees, no offices and...while making far above the national average of annual income, they aren't millionaires sipping umbrella drinks on their yachts.

It would be like typing 'lose weight' into a search engine and all that was showcased were supermodels and pro athletes. That's not even the goal or expectation, you just want to lose weight!

The point is...there aren't great resources for pursuing free agency, which is why most folks end up trying to do it alone, or they latch on to scams or franchises or network marketing companies and all the other misguided attempts to help them achieve what they are ill equipped to pursue.

A REAL SCHOOL FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT
Talking about weight loss, have you noticed that the most successful methods are not just systems, but communities? Weight Watchers, Curves, even the new P90X, they are more like communities and movements than mere manuals. That's important.

Also, they don't just focus on the exercises or eating, they put equal emphasis on motivation and belief and…personal development.

So to realistically guide you from zero to success in the pursuit of self-employment, you must have:

Step by step curriculum to inform you
Community to aid and encourage you
Personal development to empower you

And folks, those above bullet points don't exist in any one cohesive place for pursuing self-employment. Which is why myself and some other key free agent rock stars and advocates have created Free Agent Academy. I never went after this because I thought it was a good business idea. I did it because I fervently believe in the power and necessity of self-employment, and there is a distinct lack of relevant resources to really help people.

WHEN
Well, that's up to you. It's a process that is not quick. Again, just like major weight loss. The sooner you want to realize a different reality for you and your life, THAT should be motivation to start today. Or you can put it off for the holidays, the first of the year, then Spring break, then summer, then vacation, then the start of school and…hey, you'll be right back here next year in the exact place you are now.

So today, what can you really do? If you are ready to commit, truly, you can become a member of Free Agent Academy. Here is what will happen:

JOIN
Go here and join. If you are at the very beginning, you'll come on at Foundation level. It's $95 per month. It needs to be significant. I want you committed to your pursuit. If you just want hype, there are plenty of late night infomercials to entertain and con you.

We do give you a guarantee. Within the first 30 days, if you feel FAA is just not the place for you, let us know and we'll refund your money.

AUDIT
The first thing you'll do is fill out a 41 question new member questionnaire. You can actually see them here so you'll know what you are getting in to. It should motivate you or scare you off. Either is great. Jonathan Pool is our Professor of Idea and he will complete a personal 'Audit' with you to review your information and status and discuss where you are in the process. This allows us to know you and feel confident in serving you.

COMMUNITY
Along with the questionnaire, you'll fill out a personal profile and join our community. You'll have access to all our members, professors and a lot of information and excitement. It's flat out fun and immensely motivating.

COURSES
You'll then start in on our courses and curriculum. You'll begin in the YOU group and the "Discover My Best Focus" course. This will hone in on your key strengths and weaknesses. Upon completion, you'll move on to the IDEA group and the "Find Your Best Fit" course. This will go deep into who you are what what you have to offer and result in your 'Idea Filter,' which is literally the best thing since sliced bread. Those two courses alone will open up a whole new world to you. Next you take your idea and dive into the BRAND group and the "Branding Course." This sets the stage for what your business will look, feel and act like. People DO judge a book by it's cover, and they'll judge your business by your branding and positioning. Next, the ROADMAP group to develop your "Simple Strategic Plan." If you can work it out here on paper, you can work it out in real life.

These four courses don't exist out there. You surely won't find them in an ivy league MBA program, or the latest, greatest internet marketing schpeal. You'll find them here, and it's why we are literally creating successful free agents.

What comes next is diving into Marketing and your Online presence. This is where most of the focus is, and as you can now see, it's puting the cart before the horse in a big way. It's a tree without roots.

Got questions? Let me know. Leave a comment here or email us about joining.

HOLIDAY SPECIAL
January will soon be here and you'll be looking at another year of life as you know it. You'll feel the tug of making resolutions and some little changes. Maybe you'll buy a book and get inspired.

OR...change your course now. Make sure when January 1 hits and when you hear folks talking about their little New Year's resolutions...you are in a different league. Join Free Agent Academy now and guess what, you'll be living a different life when the holidays roll around next year. That's it. That's the special offer. Join now and instead of the holiday's wearing you out and you hitting January feeling stressed to make some resolutions, you can rest in peace that you are already resolved and already a many steps into the process and your free agency!

Free Agent Underground Show

Free Agent Underground Show - How Free Agent Academy Works

Nov 16, 2010 7:25:42 AM | Free Agent Academy, Podcast

October 18, 2010

Psychologically Unemployable - A guest blog by a rock star free agent

People keep telling me I need to be writing more blogs and recording more shows. So...I'm going to. In two weeks we're going to start producing weekly Free Agent Underground shows and pumping out more inspiration and equipping on self-employment...but also more stories of folks who did it.

Today however, I'm bringing you a blog post...not from me, titled Psychologically Unemployable. This comes from Dave Munson, and he wrote it for us. Dave is Presidente of Saddleback Leather Co., and I'm a fan of Daves. Chuck Bowen is business coach to both of us, and says Dave and I have similiar personality styles. We are both pretty creative, but can't organize our way out of a wet paper bag. We both have really hot wives. Dave though, makes briefcases and other bags out of really thick, dead cow skins. I'm a vegetarian. I love him anyway and actually carry my laptop in one of his dead cow skin backpacks. Which makes me the worst of hypocrits. I'm OK with that.

*Pic: Chuck Bowen, yours truly and Dan Miller sporting their Saddleback bags. We'll all be presenting, along with Dave...at our Oct. 29-31 'Expose Yourself' marketing conference in Colorado. You could join us...

Dave is also funnier than I am, but I'd like to think I'm better looking and that evens things out.

Dave went from being a penniless missionary selling puppies for tacos (literally) to owning a very successful business that allows him to buy all the burritos he wants, drive a really cool, old truck, and take 50 day trips to Europe so he can visit exotic beaches with his hot wife, and camp in Africa for a couple weeks helping bless orphaned kids with shoes and water. He inspires people to more...more adventure, more life and more love of the Lord. (Pic: Dave & Suzette Munson overseas somewhere)

Dave and I are both avid fans of self-employment. Actually, it's life or death. We'd rather be self-employed and have our fingernails ripped off daily, than work for someone else and have daily full body massages. Well, at least 6 out of 7 days.

Dave is coming out here to my place in two weeks to share his journey and learnings with a group of aspiring and successful free agents. In preparation with that, he wrote a bit of a rant on why he can't be an employee and why he loves his current boss. I'm very, very grateful to share it with you. Even though I'm a bit envious of how witty his writing is. Be inspired. Be informed. And if you can read it without laughing, Dave will send you a product of your choice.

Click here for Dave's most excellent blog post at the Saddleback Leather Co. website.

And while you're there, buy something. It's a great way to invest in some quality and adventure for your life!

- Psychologically Unemployable by Dave Munson

Oct 18, 2010 11:18:21 AM | Free Agent Academy, Self-Employment

October 14, 2010

Join me for a call tonight on your marketing?

Friend,

If you have an idea you are pursuing (or want to) or you're already doing business, we have a live, 45-minute call tonight at 7pm Central to do three things:

Briefly discuss how marketing today has changed
Uncover the need for your marketing to fit your personality style
Discuss how we are addressing this in our 'Expose Yourself' event at the end of this month

With me live on the call will be Chuck Bowen…biz coach to the stars, Jimi Gibson…branding guru to the stars, and Dave Munson…a free agent star as Presidente'of Saddleback Leather Co.

We'll have a live chat box going where you can ask us questions!

If nothing else, you'll be entertained by our banter. You'll definitely get some insight on marketing in today's world and why cookie cutter approaches don't work…they must be personal. And if you have any thought to attending our event this month (which will also feather Dan Miller of 48Days.com fame...and my father!), this is your chance to understand more and even ask a question if you'd like.

Live call, Oct. 14, 7pm Central
You can attend the call via phone or web, here is the call info page:
- http://attendthisevent.com/?eventid=15485934

Have an inspired day,
Agent K Miller

Oct 14, 2010 11:53:42 AM | Free Agent Academy

September 09, 2010

The top 3 things we learned while 'leading' the Idea Camp

Aug. 29-31 we spent three days at Camp Elim with a group of people desiring to find their Idea for free agency...self-employment.

I put quotes around 'leading' because it's really an errant term. Leading comes off as the ones in the know directing the ones not in the know. And this was not that. Actually, I don't ever do that unless it's helping teach my kid potty training.

No, I think 'guiding' is more correct. Cause a guide may have a bit more understanding...but is still on the journey with everyone else. Learning just as much, and maybe more. Definitely more in my case.

So for my Free Agent Underground Show this week with Justin Lukasavige, we simply shared the top three things that WE learned personally from our time with everyone. To hear it all, listen to the audio. But here are the brief show notes:

Justin:
3. Everyone has unique experiences that shape their lives' living on streets, growing up in affluence, marriage, kids...and it drastically affects what we do later on in our life. Our past has such a big influence.
2. No one cares more about your idea than you do
1. Community is the key to success

Kevin
3. Progress, or achieving success as you choose to define it, is a process. It doesn't come easy or quick and takes time
2. You can't do business development without personal development. Which is why most self-employment or small business or entrepreneurial resources fail people.
1. Less is more - we don't take shots of knowledge and apply them, this is why you can make a lot of money just pumping out info..folks don't change and keep coming back for more. You gotta work through small steps and MASTER them.

You'll really serve yourself well to listen to the 30 minute audio here:

Free Agent Underground Show

Free Agent Underground Show - SHOWNAME

Sep 9, 2010 10:31:42 PM | Free Agent Academy, Podcast

September 07, 2010

Candid experiences of aspiring free agents

Take 10 people of varying ages and backgrounds.

Place them high in the Rockies at the hands of five heretical free agents.

Guide them deep into their own stories to uncover much more than a self-employment 'idea,' but what they are uniquely gifted to pursue.

Throw in early morning hikes and late night bonfires, great coffee and wine...

…and I won't tell you what they experienced…hear for yourself.

This is a completely candid conversation out at the campfire this past weekend during our 'Idea Discovery Base Camp." Justin Lukasavige whipped out his digital recorder and what was meant to be a quick podcast turned into a look into what happens when you enable intimacy between people on the same quest. A quest to work at what they love, own their work and therefore their time…which leads to owning a very alternative lifestyle.

Here is what someone said in response to Justin posting it at his CoachRadio.TV site:

Justin,
I'm listening to the campfire podcast and I'm just so thankful you posted it. I'm almost emotional - no, I'll be honest, I am emotional - listening to this. I've been communicating with you and many of the people who were with you around that fire and it just made it so deeply real. I'm sorry I couldn't be there but listening to that recording just made me realize how important you all are to me. You guys are the real deal and I can't do this alone. I've been alone for too long in life's journey (even though I'm happily married with 2 wonderful kids and a supportive church family) and haven't been able to connect with people on the same journey - the journey of wanting to find their calling and life purpose and meaningful work. It's just very empowering to know I'm connected to like-minded people. It really is community isn't it?
Thank you for posting that - it really touched me.
God Bless!
Michael

If only reality TV were this redeeming and meaningful.

I think you'll be truly surprised by what you hear, and I near guarantee you'll find a chord in you that will be strummed…if not outright broken. This is a drastic detour from anything else you'll find on this planet regarding:

self-employment
small business
entrepreneurship

So if you haven't found what you're searching for in those regards yet…give this a try:

Agent K Miller
"It is on the regular path that the wild beast attacks."
- African proverb sent by FAA member Dr. David Powers, aka "The Coffee Scholar"

Free Agent Underground Show

Free Agent Underground Show - Candid experiences of aspiring free agents