When we returned from our sabbatical back in August, I new I would be really busy for the foreseeable future with various projects. Things are full speed ahead for me, and I’ve already accomplished some of the things that were on my list including writing the first eBook in a series.
I’d like to tell you a little about a few of the other projects I’ve been working on that I’m getting close to releasing to the wild.
Lately I’ve noticed quite a disconnect in the goals people have for themselves and the plans they have for achieving those goals. Having goals is an important step towards living intentionally, but it’s only one step. There are many other things you’ll need to do to achieve those goals.
Today I just have a quick question for you. I tend to write a lot about earning a living online here at Free Pursuits because that’s where I personally work. However, I know that some of you reading this also have lifestyle design plans that involve an “offline” job like teaching, guiding tours, etc.
I would really appreciate if you let me know your plans in the comments. Just a quick answer of online or offline with some brief details would be great. If you’re already earning a living in a way that will or does support your ideal lifestyle, you can comment about what that currently is.
Market research is important in building a business. Before you jump in and start creating a product or service, it’s good to understand what potential customers needs are. A startup business is an inherently risky undertaking, but by using market research effectively, you can remove some of that risk.
What is market research exactly? Market research is about discovering what people want, need, or believe. The term “market” can be somewhat misleading. It’s probably better to think about it as “customer” research. You essentially want to collect information about what potential customers want, need or desire, and then aggregate that information into an overall “market.”
A lot of would-be entrepreneurs think they don’t need market research. These people feel like they’re naturally “in tune” with the market. They think they have a good “gut feel” for what people need or desire. It’s kind of like programmers who write software without a functional spec. This is a simple mistake that leads to the untimely demise of many small businesses.
Good Sunday afternoon everyone. I spent the day checking out the fantastic art at the Headlands Center for the Arts fall open house (I especially liked work by Zbigniew Rogalski and Robin Johnston). The center is located in the beautiful Marin Headlands national recreation area, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco.
The Headlands themselves cover thousands of acres that contain hiking trails, beaches, a lighthouse and amazing vistas. Artist studios occupied by some of the Bay Area’s great emerging artists are spread throughout several old military buildings. If you’re into contemporary art, nature or gorgeous scenery, the Marin Headlands are a must see on your next trip to the Bay Area.
