January 27, 2011
Barbara Winter's Joyfully Jobless News
Greetings!

If money is your only hope for independence,
you will never have it. The only real security in
this world is a reserve of
knowledge, experience and ability.
~ Henry Ford

In This Issue
On Being an Informed Source
Play It Again, Sam
On a Personal Note
Barbara Online
Buon Viaggio Blog
 
The theme this month is
Review and Rewind.
ON BEING AN INFORMED SOURCE

Barbara in front of Royal AlbertWhen we think about repositories of information, most of us would list libraries, the Internet and encyclopedias as accessible sources. I'd add my sister Margaret to the list. Many a problem has been quickly resolved by giving her a call. She just knows stuff and if she doesn't know something, her personal library may hold the answer.  I remember talking to her one day while I was puttering around the kitchen and in the midst of the conversation I cut myself on a piece of metal.

           

"Do you have any Krazy Glue?" she asked. When I said I did, but wondered what that had to do with my bleeding finger, she advised me to glue the wound.

           

Margaret's not the only information junkie in our family. We all inherited a healthy curiosity from our father who loved odd bits of information.

 

Knowing that information exists that can answer almost any question is an enormous confidence builder - but that fact is frequently overlooked. While the helpless loser goes around whining, "But I don't know how to do that," the successful among us are busy seeking information that will show them how.  Then they get busy putting what they've uncovered to work for them.

           

This fascination with information is also necessary for entrepreneurial success. "In times of change," wrote Eric Hoffer, "learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists."

           

Whatever your business is about, one of the best ways to ensure success is to make a commitment to becoming an Informed Source. Here are some ways to do just that.

           

  • Make learning a priority and schedule time for it.  While running a business can be a profound learning experience, we need other points of view, other bits of information in order to grow to our fullest potential. Make time for acquiring that knowledge by regular reading, attending seminars, and meeting with other self-bossers who are farther down the road.

           

  • Learn from the best.  Jim Rohn was vocal in urging his audiences to seek learning from the best sources they can find. He said, "There are three ways one can go about learning from others: 1. Through published literature such as books and audio or video tapes. 2. By listening to the wisdom and folly of others. 3. Through observations of winners and losers. So become a good observer."

    The barriers that keep many people from learning from the best sources is that they either can't discern good from not so good or they start comparing themselves to those who are more accomplished and miss the lessons they could learn. It's far more effective to decide to find the best teachers you can and devour their experiences.

           

  • Learn to edit.  Editing is the process of sifting through large amounts of material and taking out the bad, the so-so, the mediocre, the unimportant, and leaving in the best.  Learning to edit is also learning to discriminate, to prioritize, to evaluate. As an Informed Source, your audience depends on you to deliver only that information which is pertinent.

    Incidentally, being a good editor doesn't just apply to information: it's also a necessary skill for living your best life.

 

  • Gather your own research team. Think Twitter is a waste of time? If so, you're missing a huge opportunity to follow informed sources who pass along tips and resources you'd never track down on your own.

           

  • Be generous in sharing. Robert Allen earned his first fortune investing in real estate. He built a second empire sharing his successful system through seminars and books. Even if you have no interest in packaging information yourself, there are many ways to share what you know.

    For instance, one of the most popular guests on Minnesota Public Radio was Geek Squad founder Robert Stephens who frequently shared information on getting the most from your computer. That visibility (plus some fabulously creative marketing) has made him stand out from the crowd.

           

  • Put it to work.  "Knowledge is power is only half a truth," said Andrew Carnegie, "for knowledge is only potential power. It may become a power only when it is organized and expressed in terms of definite action."  Yes, it's fun to know things just for the sake of knowing them, but the truly brilliant users of information are always looking for ways to adapt what they've learned to their own situations. Doing your homework gives you confidence, but only if you use what you've learned.

PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM
 


One of the things I've missed the most in the upheaval of the past few months has been connecting via teleclasses. Since the January theme for my Buon Viaggio blog is Review and Rewind, I decided to start 2011 with three of my most popular classes.

 

Join me on Wednesday evenings beginning February 9. (You'll find long descriptions at Joyfully Jobless)
 

Here's what's coming: 
 

Goalsetting 101

Teleclasses

 

While every goalsetting process begins with "write down your goals," this teleclass will show you what to do after you've got them on paper. When you put the ideas from Goalsetting 101 to work for you, expect to see yourself accomplishing more in less time. More time, more fun, more money starts here.

 

Wednesday, February 9
8:30-10 PM EST, 5:30-7 PM PST

Price: $34 (includes audio download)

 

How to Be a Thrifty Entrepreneur

Without Being a Cheapskate

 

Warren Buffet isn't just super-rich; he's also super-thrifty. He's not alone. For years, Macy's slogan was "It's smart to be thrifty." How can you be smart, thrifty and creative in building your business without be cheap and stodgy?

 

It starts with understanding that thrift isn't stingy or, even frugal.

 

In Peace and Plenty, Sarah Ban Breathnach describes thrift as bountiful, generous, abundant, growing, healthful, vigorous, thriving.

 

That's precisely what we'll explore in this teleclass. In other words, how to be smart in growing a business that makes you proud.

 

Wednesday, February 16
8:30-10 PM EST, 5:30-7 PM PDT

Price: $34 (includes audio download)
 

I Hate Marketing!

 

Very few people start a business because they love marketing. And yet, without marketing it's unlikely that a business will succeed. Whether you're a webmaster or window washer, an artist or an accountant, you know that success is dependent upon securing business and that attracting and retaining clients and customers is fundamental to your future.

 

Whether you own a business that's ready for a makeover or you have just printed your first business cards, this teleclass will offer dozens of ideas that will help your business stand out amidst the competition. Even if your marketing budget is small (or nonexistent) you'll come away with tried and tested practical ideas that will transform your approach to marketing and boost your confidence.

 

This teleclass might even help you learn to love marketing!

 

Wednesday, February 23
8:30-10 PM EST, 5:30-7 PM PST

Price: $35

 

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Special Offer for Thrifty Entrepreneurs


Save 25% on enrollment when you sign up for 2 or more teleclasses at the same time. Pay just $25/teleclass.

 

Wednesdays don't work for you? You can still enroll and receive the audio download for each teleclass.


ON A PERSONAL NOTE

Barbara's New View
Barbara's New View

Besides wishing you a belated Happy New Year, I want to thank everyone who sent support and encouragement during these often chaotic months. I am thrilled to report that I am happily settled in my new World Headquarters and getting back to running my business.

 

If you're a subscriber to Winning Ways newsletter (and why wouldn't you be?), I want you to know that the next issue is currently at the printer and will be heading your way soon. It's also going to be the 25th anniversary of that publication this year and I'm planning to celebrate that milestone enthusiastically. Stay tuned.

 


Buona fortuna,
 
Barbara Winter

Barbara Winter

P.S. On occasion, I may receive a commission or compensation when you participate or purchase a product or service I recommend. That being said, I strive to always offer useful content and resources in each issue of Joyfully Jobless News.