Free Agent Underground

Why idea is more important than biz strategy

I tend to give more focus to 'idea discovery' than business strategy because I know it to be of far more value. The vast majority of biz success stories you hear about, have at the core...someone who pursued something they really cared about and believed in.

On the other side, we see countless examples of people putting all the latest, greatest biz practices into place for an 'opportunity,' only to fail.

As today's Free Agent Underground Show guest, Karen Martin, testified...she's found what she would do for free. THAT...is the gold. I'll put my money behind that anyday.

Now, can you kill a dream with bad execution? By not putting wise business strategy behind it? Absolutely. You need both. But the roots, the core...is the idea and your belief and passion and fit within it.

Karen's desire is to help mothers stay at home with their children. Something she did NOT do well. Her's is not a story of overcoming, but of regret. She felt the obligation, got the big job, made the big money. Her children are older and out of the house now. She sees what she missed. And she's pained to see so many women following in her footsteps, and wants...better.

Listen to the interview with Karen, joined by our guru of idea, Jonathan Pool. You'll also hear her review two other viable ideas she contemplated, that didn't pass her own 'idea filter' created with Jonathan.

 

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Two Guys With Jobs, Finding Their Ideas

Today we (myself and Jonathan Pool) reviewed Idea course 'Graduation Assignments' from two members, Matt Williams and Brian Yamabe, who recently discovered ideas they want to pursue. Both have jobs, families, and are making it happen. They previously graduated from our Calling and You courses. Now that they have a viable idea that fits their personal 'idea filter', they are in the Brand course putting real legs on the business.

This is the real deal folks. Listen to enough of these and you'll quit thinking that self-employment may not be possible for you.

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P.S. My apologies to everyone who tried to tune into our scheduled live show today. Ustream was down for most of the day. We'll be back on Friday at 11am.

Discussing idea discovery with idea guru Jonathan Pool

Today we had an enlightening show with guest Jonathan Pool on the steps to discovering your idea for self-employment. 

To boil it down, it's a process of knowing yourself and bubbling up to finding an idea that is uniquely from you and fills a need or desire in the marketplace.

The reason 'work' is a necessary evil or down right dirty word in our culture is because

1. Vocational focus is based on security and comfort instead of meaning,
2. We've literally bought into the myth that we are not really SUPPOSED to enjoy our work,
3. Even if we believed in having purpose in our work, we don't know ourselves well enough to know what direction to go.

The few people who do attest to liking their work, often do so as a result of attaching their personal identieis to their positions. Without the money or acclaim, they wouldn't be there.

Truth be told, the vast majority of information out there on self-employment tends to focus on making the most money with the least effort. No different than growing up and seeking out a j-o-b that pays the most, has the best benefits and takes the least personal investment.

Honestly, isn't that the focus? College kids have a goal of finding a 'cushy job.' People brag about big salaries, great benefits, vacation time, company perks...and showcase it by buying lots of stuff to communicate to others their financial affluence. Or by goofing off to showcase their time and financial freedom.

But what does that have to do with PURPOSE?

Name an epic movie that was about padding your comfort, security and social stature. Yet most would have to admit that the story of their life showcases these things as priority.

Of course we have many who are working their fingers to the bone just to survive. They work long hours merely to retain the crappy job they have cause they desparately need the money.

So you want work that has purpose? Work that you WANT to devote yourself to? And as a result of that purpose and devotion, you also create wealth that you can have security in and bless others with?

It won't find you, you'll have to go after it with knowledge and help and commitment. Listen to this interview with Jonathan and you can list out the necessary steps.

NOTE: Jonathan is our lead guide at the March 25-26 'Idea Discovery & Application' Workshop here in Colorado. It's not too late to take a giant step in radically changing your life and achieving free agency. Click the link or email me with questions about attending.

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Three chances for you to discover your best biz idea

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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.

How Anthony found an idea that fit him

In today's show I interview Anthony Plack. An IT consultant who wanted to work at something he really cared about at a core level. So he joined us at Free Agent Academy and starting going through the initial courses. He just graduated from our third course, IDEA. In the show he shares how it went. We were joined by Jonathan Pool, our Professor of IDEA who walked with Anthony to the ultimate discovery.

So no hype or theory, hear how it is happening for one guy and it may help you see how it could possibly happen for you.

 

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'The homeless man with the golden voice' is NOT inspiring!

1-11-10 Update: Here is the show we did to follow up on this blog:

 

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The media is awash with warm and fuzzy stories about the inspiration of "The homeless man with a golden voice."

Folks, it's not inspiring! It's despairing. People report crying when they saw the video. I cry at the Humane Shelter at neglected puppies, but it doesn't inspire me.

Let me explain:
Chances are you saw the video (here it is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6kI_u3ho_c), which is absolutely entertaining. Homeless guy with an unreal radio voice. And now he's gotten a job and it's this Cinderella story. People ran to it because it was interesting, just like the rubber neckers on the interstate with a car wreck.

Now, I will give some credence to the story of grace. A guy who declined with alcohol and drugs, now gets a second chance. That really is good for him, and a neat story of grace.

But what did it leave YOU with? Millions of folks got entertained, but how is it inspiring for your life? The root definition of the word 'inspire' is:
To influence with an idea or purpose

What idea or purpose were you influence with? All we got is that there was some regular guy who went to school to develop his voice, and was good at it. He let drugs and alcohol wreck his life and he's been alone and homeless. For years he was alone and bereft from his family, serving no one.

Now maybe he will, and again…wonderful for him and for those he can now bless with his good fortune.

But you. Chances are if you're reading this, you're not a drug addict or alcoholic. You're paying your bills and hopefully serving humanity in some way. But you probably don't feel you have some amazing talent like this guy.

So where does that leave you? How are you inspired.

You're not.

Let me give it a shot though.

You've GOT to dispel the belief that some people have great talents, and you don't. That does not mean that anyone can train enough to have a great radio voice like Ted the formerly homeless guy. You may not have been created with the vocal chords for that. I wasn't. But you were created with something else. If you can take the leap of faith to believe that, you've just made 80% of the necessary progression. Whatever Ted did not have in self-discipline or personal image value...he at least believed enough in the quality of his voice to write on a scrap of cardboard that his voice was a 'God given talent.' Now that...I like.

Once you can believe that you have some great talent and gift within you...you need to discover what that is. And that's not easy. You probably won't figure it out alone, but will need help. It can be done though. My good friend Jonathan Pool is a master at doing this for people.

Then, you grow that inherent ability. I'm naturally a good athlete. Good coordination, natural muscle development, high pain threshold. I excelled as a pro cyclist because of that. But I probably haven't ridden a bike more than 100 miles total in the past few years. I couldn't keep up with your basic weekend warrior cycling hobbyist today. The great talents on American Idol haven't been dormant, but they've been working their skills for a long time. The show is just giving them a format to showcase what they have discovered and developed within them.

So, we've got to figure out what you have, get you to work refining and growing it to something of true merit, then finding an opportunity will be much easier and sensible than waiting till you're an old man with a cardboard sign on a street corner in Ohio.

Ready to discover and hone the gifting that you have in you (and help you even believe you have anything?)??

Tell you what, let's do a survey. Not some slick little button submission though, tell us and be real…share a bit. Let's see what we've got. Choose one of the five options below and leave a comment. We'll discuss it live on Monday's 'Free Agent Underground Show' at 9:30am MT here on our LIVE page: http://kevinmiller.typepad.com/my_weblog/live.html

1. Honestly, I don't really believe I have some 'great talent' within me (state it, let's talk. It's an honest feeling and you are in good company…it's OK. But let's talk)
2. OK, I can believe that, but I have zero idea what it might be (good, belief is the most important part)
3. I think I may know what mine is, though I've not developed it much (tell us what you think it is)
4. I know my gifting and am actively working to grow it (tell us what it is)
5. I'm living my talent (tell us what it is)

He's selling the idea before the product is even here

I like to tell the stories of folks you'll never hear about, how they are succeeding in free agency. I steer clear of the 'rock star' stories that the media focuses so much on. But…I'm gonna give in today. A great friend of mine, Jon Dale (jondale.com), just launched a business and it's already received rock star status:

 

 

It's similar to Groupon and LivingSocial in providing us with deep discounts on products and services that we use. Jon sent me something from LivingSocial not long ago that gave me $40 credit for only $20 cost at my favorite restaurant. A no brainer. For referring me, Jon got…nothing except my appreciation.

Which is precisely what makes  Moolala different. It gives us something the others don't…credit for who we refer. For people who register under you, and those under them…down to five levels, YOU get credit for all their purchases. It's pretty darn brilliant and a win-win for everyone. Wish I'd thought of this...

What's the key to figuring out your idea?

*Justin Lukasavige and I recorded a podcast just now on this…so you can use the links at the bottom to listen to it, as we went over much more than is here!

In this blog we're going to give you the foundational root of finding a viable idea for you to pursue, examples of some folks going after it and then give an overview of our Aug. 29-31 'Idea' event for those of you who are thinking about it.

Most people sit down to seek an idea for self-employment like they would picking a color of paint for a room in their house they want to redo.

"Hmmm…that looks nice! That one has too much red in it. That would clash with the leather sofa." Etc.

Folks, seeking a viable idea for you to invest the best hours of your day and days of your life into…is as important as seeking a spouse (granted, too many folks pick a spouse like the color of a room too, but that's another blog…). Maybe more actually. As few things will affect your marriage more than the health of your work and finances.

You can't seek a fitting spouse unless you know yourself. Neither will you find a viable idea to pursue and succeed in for free agency. It that's too deep and touch feely for you, then buckle up for more of what you have now.

Chances are 1000 to 1 you don't know yourself well enough. Cause here is the deal, you can't know yourself…by yourself. We aren't equipped to see ourselves fully, just like with a mirror. We can only see from above or behind or below with the help of someone else.

And not just anyone…someone who:

1. Is invested in our lives and progress
2. Can give feedback without a bias or agenda
3. Knows the right questions to ask

So if you have any true desire to be a free agent, to have a very alternative lifestyle with vast freedoms most of society will never taste…go seek out that personal input, feedback and help.

I say this as the chief sinner! A recovering lone wolf. With the scars to prove it...

I realized this, and built a resource in Free Agent Academy, to fill a void. We come together as a community to help each other see the blind spots in ourselves and our businesses. We do it daily online in our private, paid membership community, but we take folks to a quantum leap at our physical events…'Intensives.' In just over 3 weeks we converge here in Woodland Park, CO, up the pass from Colorado Springs, for our second ever 'Idea Discovery Base Camp.'

Complete info page:
- Aug. 29-31 'Idea Discovery Base Camp' in Colorado

A group of key leaders along with an intimate gathering of idea seekers. We go deep, get real, and get rolling.

It's a big step for someone to take. I'm struggling to write something that doesn't sound cliche' here. But sometimes lots of little steps just never get us there. Not when there is a 3-foot vertical wall as the next step. You either take a big step, or you just…stop.

Here is a sampling of folks who have decided to take a big step…and already registered:

John S.

• Hilliard, Ohio
• Married 24 years, Son 18, daughter 20
• Currently working for a large home improvement retailer, pretty much loathes his job
• Wants to work in the remote controlled hobbies industry

Cheryl A.

• Louisville, CO
• Married 3 years, no kids
• Currently helps run her husbands two businesses
• Feels personal coaching may be a good fit, but not sure

Wesley C.

• Jackson, MI
• Married 8 years, son almost 3, son 1
• Wholsesale building products salesperson for a nationwide company. "I travel every day. I am good at what I do though it is high stress, and it is not what I want to do with my life."
• Wants to become successfully self employed within his passions and abilities!

Rob C.

• Strasburg, Ohio
• Married with girl 7 and 3 (and lost a daughter at age 3 to an illness)
• Self employed florist for 8  years, also has a Coupon website, but
• Would love to find the path that he loves as well as nail down his future in something he loves.

Meladie K.

• Staten Island, NY (sings in the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir!)
• Married with two adult children
• Retired military, currently enrolled in an arts appraisal program and pursuing an internship in that field.
• To decide once and for all what is the best path for me to follow business-idea wise and reject the rest

At these events we all stay at the camp so we can talk till late in the night, and hit it early in the morning with no wasted time. We eat together…and this is often where the best value comes…sharing ideas and giving feedback while breaking bread together.

We are inspired by our Rocky Mountain surroundings and natural wood lodging. We present material, give time for you to work through it, then come together for Q&A and feedback.

This is the real deal. No hype. No fluff. A bit of theory, then hands on application.

If you have the slightest thought to contemplate this, instead of letting your mind take over with why you CAN'T come (which your mind will naturally do), get out pen and paper and just play a bit with how you COULD make it happen. Just for fun.

Questions? Just comment below.

- Aug. 29-31 'Idea Discovery Base Camp' in Colorado

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A bad day self-employed…

…is better than a good day as an employee. Haven't you seen the bumper sticker citing "A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work."? That's what made me think of this.

We all laugh at that bumper sticker and think of our favorite activity. I do like fishing. I much more like trail running. But with any fun activity...I just can't relate to that quip. A good day at my work is glorious. It is my service to humanity. It inspires my socks off. It feeds my family very well.

If I'm going to ditch work for something else, it needs to be really worthwhile. And as FAA member Brian Tuten (Adventure On Purpose) says, I'm a 'fun hog.' I'm not a workaholic by any measure. I often ditch work for my family...nothing more worthy.

Quit snickering at snarky bumper stickers and start battling against them.

I've never read snarky comments from folks on their death beds. Only regrets for what they didn't do.

Got an idea you want to pursue? Already self-employed part-time or full-time? Make it as fulfilling, rewarding and joyful as a great day doing an activity you completely love.

In exactly 39 days I'll be hunkering down with 25 folks to jolt their businesses and ideas into the top tier for today's marketplace.

I guarantee the results. Period.

Check it out:

May 21-23, 2010 in Woodland Park, CO (just up the pass from Colorado Springs)
Best Biz (and brand) Practices Camp
*Also 'Coaching for Profit in 2010'

Agent K Miller
About to head out for a trail run…if it's good it will be worth missing work for...

 

Step up and write ONE idea (even a bad one)

*This message is for those NOT yet self-employed

(Photo from Felipe, at Flickr) 

*2-17-10 Update: As of 4:25pm Mountain time, we've had over 60 idea submissions, with 52 happening in the form I provided below. Submit there, or the comments below, or over at Facebook...I'll get with you as soon as I can!

The only reason you are even reading this is because you have thought about being self-employed. The primary reason you haven't taken steps to make it happen is you don't have an idea in front of you that you are confident in.

 From a lifetime of entrepreneurship I know that there is less than a 5% chance you ever will.

Unless you take a definitive step.

And I'm going to tell you one you can do now, in just a few minutes...that costs nothing but a little fear.

Otherwise, you are best off just to make peace with employeedom. That's not a jab at all. I've been saying for a couple years that I want to play guitar. Ultimately I don't know that I'll ever make it a priority. I adore music, but I have so many interests...that lately I've toned down. Hey, my son now plays...that may be good enough for me.

However, not playing guitar doesn't leave me in any pain. If living life in a j-o-b is painful enough, lacking enough and you know there is something better...

Do something for once.

Write down a bad idea. I work with folks everyday to help them find and develop ideas, but I'm liberally borrowing this from Seth Godin's new book Linchpin. That was one strategy he stated that I think is wonderful. Don't get hung up on trying to think up a good idea for self-employment. Relax and just write down some bad ideas.

Some of you can spit out a list of ideas you have. So...go at it. Write down 10...or 100.

Some of you don't have anything that jumps to mind. But I bet you've had one idea on how to improve upon something. Maybe something in your work place. Or you read about someone offering a service that you know you could do well, even though you've discounted yourself doing it.

Write it down.

Just that exercise alone is helpful. It's a trigger that will release some other factions of your psyche and you'll find another idea or relevant thought fall out of your mind and into your conscious later today or tonight, or in the morning.

Now...if you're even moderately serious about doing something regarding self-employment...then a better step is to share the idea or ideas. With whom you might ask? Well, probably not with your spouse or coworkers. Share with someone you trust and respect that isn't intrinsically connected with you. Someone who is successfully self-employed would be best. Note I said...successfully. Someone who is doing it and flourishing.

Or, maybe some good friends.

If you are MORE than moderately serious, then share your idea(s) here. Post them below. If public posting isn't your thing, I posted a quickie Google form at the bottom of this post that will only come to me.  While I don't promise a personal consultation for all submissions, I will reply with a bullet point or two of relevant feedback.

Cause here is the deal: I'm surely not saying that there will be total validity in your idea. Not at all. But I guarantee that there will be a viable ingredient in there. I've never heard an idea yet that didn't have at least a hint of relevance. Put that ingredient in the right hands and they'll pull out another ingredient, then another...until there is a viable recipe.

This morning I sat down to my email to see another registration for our Mar. 12-14 "Idea Discovery Camp" up here in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Tammy from Texas is a full time employee with a utility company who is wide open seeking an idea. She'll be doing the exercise above as prework. Her registration makes her status: 100% serious.

Fight the pull to do...nothing. Think for a minute. Write something down. And if you are serious at all...share it.

Agent K Miller
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