This past week I had the privlage of attending an entrepreneures meet up at the home of 23 year old multi-millionare Ryan Allis’ home. Ryan Allis is the owner of multiple internet companys. Most well known is icontact.com. There were some great new sites to consider for hot new web 2.0. First off was BookMesh, a site that is in invatation only phase for networking based on books. You like certin books it links you up with other users and has recomendations on books that you like based on other users. The second company which I realy like is ShoeBoxed.com, a very cool service that allows you to enter a shoe boxed email so that you dont have to worry about getting spammed. The shoeboxed account also keeps all your recepts in a well formatted interface so you can look back for historical purposes. I have already registered and look forward to using it for business purposes. Please check these hot new web 2.0 sites and let me know what you think!

As I type this post, I’m on my way back from a “More Heart Than Talent” seminar in Philadelphia, PA. The speakers were Jeff Combs, Susan Sly, and Todd Falcone. The event was focused mainly on network marketing and direct sales, but a lot of the material was good for any entrepreneur.

Here are a few of the gems from the training:

• Your inspiration for building your business has to exceed your desperation. If you are starting your own business because you want to buy a new car, you’re probably going to quit when the going gets tough. You have to find a motivation that’s big enough to keep you going.
• For network marketers: you need to find out what your business builders’ inspiration and motivation is when you sponsor them. This does two things. First, you can avoid wasting your time on people who don’t have a bid enough motivation. Secondly, you can use a person’s inspiration/motivation to help them stay going and stay focused when the going gets tough.
• Selling is all about listening and asking questions. If you want to become a better salesperson, become better at listening and better at asking questions. As the cliché goes, questions are the answers.

To be honest, I didn’t as much from Jeff Combs training as I hoped, mostly I think because my Christian worldview conflicts with some of his life philosophies. Susan Sly had some good stuff…

I really liked Todd Falcone’s stuff, though he only had an hour and did not get into much detail. I think I could have learned a lot from him if he had more time. Not to mention the fact that Todd makes a good stand-up comedian!

What up ePeople? I’m a little late on my thursday post. I apologize for slackin’ on my pimpin’. Anyhow…I want to talk to you about Risking Big. Or rather taking calculated risks. We all take risks every day. For most of us our biggest risk is getting into our car to drive to our destinations. But health risks isn’t what I’m talking about. When were young were more likely to risk more. Thats why our insurance costs more generally. We also as young men and women have a tolerance for more error. What’s the worst that can happen? They give us a bad credit score? Trust me, I have trashed my credit and brought it back relatively quickly to put my self in a position to win. Plus with a good idea and plan people will still back you with the right situation.
Don’t worry about what “they” say. I have been in many closed door meetings with big law firms and banks to discuss ideas that i have and also to brain storm. You will be surprised at the constructive feed back you can get from a large law firm or bank. It’s there job to entertain and consider business opportunities with clients and potential clients on behalf of the firm or banking institution. Plus most of the people you talk to will enjoy hearing and sharing ideas to help you. That is as long as your not in there every week with a new scheme.
There’s a great book called “Believe and Achieve” 17 principles from W. Clement Stone. W. Clement Stone was a “baller” in the insurance Field way back when. One of his main quotes was “do it now” I love that quote! when ever i have an idea or a hesitation about an idea i say to my self “do it now”. I believe Hesitation is one of the biggest idea/dream killers that live. If you have an idea or a dream go after it NOW. Don’t wait. Some things may take time but pursue them now!

I’m going to depart a bit from the normal topic of posts to briefly review a book I read recently. While at first glance this book is not directly related to internet entrepreneurism, I think it is related.

The book I’m referring to is Beyond The Summerland, the first book in the Binding Of The Blade series, by L.B. Graham. The books take place on the continent of Kirthanin, in a parallel universe. Most of the characters are in the book are 18-25 years old, and they are all on a mission, so the characters are easy for us young entrepreneurs to associate with.

I strongly believe that good fantasy stories should be designed to teach lessons about all areas of real life. Beyond The Summerland does exactly that. The characters are very realistic, and the book is packed with tidbits to be learned, on topics like:

• Following your calling
• Using your gifts
• Obeying the rules
• Playing fair
• Courage
• Honesty
• Love / Romance (duh, it’s about a bunch of single young people! )
• Friendship
• Betrayal
• Team building
• Leadership
• etc.

The entire series of books is written from a strongly Christian worldview, but it is written in a parallel universe, so the religion is not actually Christianity.

Beyond The Summerland seems to me to be written to appeal specially to young people, and as such young people especially can learn much from the characters. The characters in the book are vibrant, especially the hero and heroine. As I said on my personal blog, “Joraiem [the hero] I could happily emulate or have as a close friend. Wylla [the heroine] I could happily marry.”

It takes a few chapters to really get into the book,but then it gets rolling and keeps going, right up to the shocking surprise ending.

I borrowed the book from a friend, but you might be able to get the book from your local library. Enjoy your visit to the amazing land of Kirthanin, and we’ll soon be back to the world of internet business!

~Adam

I have been seeing a lot of talk on blogs during this summertime talking about taking a vacation. I personally, speaking as an entrepreneur never take a vacation. If I were to take a “vacation” that would mean to me that I am vacating something. As in my life. And personally I like my life and sure as [explicit deleted] don’t want to leave it, or put it on hold for anything or any one. My business’ and the work I do there are part of my life. I have found that I am happy when I’m productive and productive when I am Happy. So why then, would I not ever want to be productive? So why not just live your life in a different location, rather than vacating it? That is of course unless you really don’t like your life. And if that is the case you need more help than getting away for a few weeks could ever do for you!