The Instant Podcast Has Moved!

It is now located HERE. And it is improved! You can now listen to the answers without pop-ups AND you can subscribe with iTunes! Enjoy!

48 Days Instant Podcast 03/24/10

1. I recently wrote and taught a 10-week Bible study on sexual intimacy. My challenge has been helping church leaders and ministry leaders feel comfortable bringing a speaker in on such a sensitive topic. Are there marketing books/techniques that you would recommend that celebrate creative ways to grow a speaking business?

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2. I’m starting a scholarship coaching business for high school seniors and college students. I’ve been successful in winning over $20k in scholarships and grants. Right now, I work full-time and I’m a part-time grad student. Any advice how to best market this locally and regionally?

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3. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Art Education and Graphic Design- but I can’t find a job in either field. I would like to teach art to the elderly here in Florida at various apartment homes and senior communities– but I’m not sure how to start.

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4. Hubby’s not looking for a job and I’m at my wits end. With the things that have taken place personally and in the business, my confidence is definitely shaken. I desperately need relief, but feel like I’m on my own and I don’t know what to do to get it. Any suggestions?

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5. Other than financial insecurity, why would a wife not show support or even really show that she cares about a husband’s new spiritual calling and mission to try something that has meaning to him and purpose to benefit the creation. I have left a career of 32 years in a new direction.

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6. My 26 yr old son trusts God to provide his money and work. He isn’t paying rent and hasn’t a career goal. How can I graciously affirm his desire to follow God yet show him his prime time in life is being wasted? He has done some remarkable things. But has something to learn in this area.

48 Days Instant Podcast 03/18/10

The economy and my age – liabilities??

1. I recently finished my MBA with a straight-A (4.0) average. I am in my late 40s and want to change careers from primarily administrative assistant experience to either management or training (or both), and coaching sounds like it might fit me also. Any suggestions or advice? Due to the economy and my age, I am concerned this might not be a good time to attempt the change.

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2. What’s your opinion on asking for and paying commission for referrals in consulting? I’m a web developer, and sometimes pass clients on to other consultants, and sometimes I get clients from other consultants. I’m concerned that my clients would think that I’m referring them to the consultant that’s paying me the highest commission instead of providing the best service to them, but is this really a concern? What are your thoughts on this?

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3. Dan, in your experience do companies let people go for having to miss work for an ill child and what do you recommend? This has been a challenge to me personally and professionally. As a single mother, I am the sole breadwinner and caretaker.

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4. I have been offered a new job, allowing me to finally quit my current job. I’m trying to prepare my letter of resignation, but I’m at a loss as to what to say. I’m surrounded by a bunch of very subversive and immature adults. How can I be respectful, yet get my point across that the work environment is toxic and depressing?

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5. There are several areas I am passionate about, but I have the most experience and expertise in volunteer youth ministry. I want to avoid turning ministry into profiteering. How might I make a living helping other volunteers? What are the pros and cons of forming a nonprofit vs. consulting/speaking/writing as a business?

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6. I am a school counselor by profession. Although I like my job, I go through seasons of near-depression because I’m not completely fulfilled. In my church I sing, and write and present all of our holiday programs. I also have great ideas for children’s books, and gospel plays. The problem is motivation. I just can’t seem to finish anything. Is it a matter of personal discipline, do I need a coach or is it just, “Not the right time?’

48 Days Instant Podcast 03/11/10

I need $10,000 a month – quick

1. I enjoy woodworking, but only have enough room for a tiny home shop. I think that a membership based woodworking shop where people pay a monthly fee to have complete access to a huge selection of woodworking machinery and tools could be a big success. What sort of creative ideas do you have to work out the rent of a building?

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2. I really enjoyed listening to “No More Mondays.” Here’s my question: I strongly desire a $10K month income working at home in my own business. Currently, I’m unemployed, facing foreclosure. What immediately action steps do you best advise?

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3. I’m a single 39 years old woman. I have a graduate degree in social work. However, I just looked at my student loan balance and I owe $163,000. I am currently a manager which I make about 49,500.00. Clearly, my salary is just a fraction of what I owe. I am very involved in ministry in my church and I cannot afford to take a regular part-time job with weekly hours but I love photography, particularly wedding photography.

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4. As I consider your questions for finding passions, I have determined that what I am drawn to is stuff of an outdoor/athletic nature, and especially golf. I read everything I can get my hands on, and time flies when I am participating or learning. Two problems: This doesn’t do anything to serve society, and I have no idea how to turn this into a career. Are some passions just destined to be avocations rather than vocations? Is it time for me to grow up and put aside childish things?

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5. I started an HR consulting business almost 2 years ago, and have had minimal success due to my lack of marketing skills. I’m great at HR, but stink at selling. Although I’ve loved the freedom of working for myself and wish I could sell myself better, I think I might be better suited as a “work horse” in the corporate environment. How do I answer the inevitable interview question “Why do you want to quit consulting and work for us?” without presenting myself as a failure?

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6. After reading No More Monday’s, I believe I have a coaching, speaking and consulting business within me. I have being doing several workshops over the last couple of years that help individuals and organizations realize their purpose and develop a written vision plan for their lives or organization. I really, really love doing this. I love to see the excitement on an individual face when I am presenting this information. I have written a couple of presentation workbooks that I use with each workshop. My question is how do I move this into a full time business? I have been getting great feedback from the workshops.

48 Days Instant Podcast 03/04/10

1. I have considered looking for a coach to aid in my vision, mission and goal planning. I feel there is something holding me back mentally and not sure what. The light bulb has not gone off. My wife doesn’t feel we need to spend the money. How do I find a good coach/mentor that will move me forward to where my God chosen path is and unblock whatever it is that is holding me from completing my personal statement that truly defines my purpose in life?

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2. I am starting a tee-shirt design business. I don’t know what my action plan should be. I have very little/ almost no money to get started in this. I have some cool designs that I think people would wear and like.

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3. My dilemma is that I don’t have any creativity or passions that would be strong enough to make me an income, much less a fortune. I am now 31 yrs old and have a BS in Animal Science because I love animals and at one time entertained the idea of becoming a vet. Reality set in, I realized that I like petting them more than stitching them up and we could not afford it and the rest is history.

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4. How pushy is too pushy when it comes to getting a job you really want? I recently applied for a job on the county website that was. My question is, should I call the hiring manager and try to schedule a time to come in and talk with him, knowing that the HR dept told me they would call me? Is this being too pushy or is this what gets you the job? I need your help Dan! Thank you.

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5. Can you tell me how to get a UPC for a book? I see things on the Internet but I don’t know who or what to trust. I have a graphic designer who can create the UPC for the back of the book cover as soon as I own it, but he’s not sure how to get it either.

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6. I am a Doctor of Chiropractic who was in full time private practice for almost 5 years. I loved it. Unfortunately, having had very limited knowledge of running a business and limited capital, the business failed. I still owe $147,000 in student loan debt and do not want to take on anymore debt. I am scared and feel alone in this. I am almost 48 years old and want to start fresh but I know I have got to shake the fear.

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7. Dan, do publishing companies have lists of book titles or content they are looking for qualified people to write?

48 Days Instant Podcast 02/26/10

Trapped with a Useless Degree

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1. I have been working as a Nursing Assistant overnight for over a year which I hate. I am in school majoring in Human Resources. I continue to apply for jobs in administration to only hear I am qualified but wasn’t considered for the position. I have written over 50 poems and love encouraging people. Sometimes I wonder if I should start my own business to earn a living. What advice could you give on this situation?

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2. Hi Dan, I read parts of your book “No more Mondays” and how you took a commissioned sales position to help pay down your debt years ago. I wanted to know some good ideas to find commissioned sales opportunities, especially since I am about $10,000 dollars in the red and my only sales experiences have been in retail and product promotions.

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3. I am 50 years old and drowning in a sea of debt. I got fired in July of 2008 and have not had a full-time job in 19 months. I really cannot see myself working 9-5 somewhere unless it was for a significant salary and benefits. I have 3-4 ideas for things that I could start as ventures, but not seeing a short-term return on the investment of time and energy has me paralyzed with indecision. I am about out of credit and keeping my family afloat is becoming more difficult each day. I’d be grateful for your input.

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4. I am 53 year old with no college degree. I have been working a “very part time” job for almost 2 years. My pay is very little, a little over 8 per hour. The job is a dead end job, pay is horrible. I realize that I am getting older, with no real job skills, other than bottom of the barrel positions. I battle fear; in other words, am I capable of doing anything new. I find that my self confidence is very poor. I suppose I am just wondering, is there any hope for someone like me? Where do I begin, what do I do, where do I turn?

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5. I am 43 years old with an elementary teaching degree. I graduated from a reputable state university in 1997 and worked 3 years as a teaching assistant. I stayed home with my two small children for 7 years. I am now working as a teaching assistant for special ed. and I don’t like it but I feel trapped. I have a degree that is useless but I can’t afford to go to a tech school to learn a new trade. What options do I have? Trapped with a useless degree.

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6. I’ve been living and working in Ecuador part time, trying to do ministry part time, and receiving some support from individuals. But I am frustrated with having to depend on inconsistent support. I am dreaming about finding a way to self sustain myself here. I’m wondering if you have any stories/examples of how your job principles translate internationally and if you have any pointers on what I might need to consider in light of living in a different culture.

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48 Days to the Work You Love
No More Mondays
Dan Miller

48 Days Instant Podcast 02/18/10

Intro

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I’m a 20 year old Graphic Design student from Lansing, MI. I’m currently reading 48 Days and love it! I’m very interested in starting my own business doing graphic design and web design but I’m completely lost! How do I start my business and get the word out?

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I am starting a home business. At what point should I start a business entity?

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I am funny. I was born funny, I love making people laugh. Do you know any way to get paid for selling jokes? Do you have any suggestions on how to harness this talent into a living so I can provide for my family?

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My challenge is coming up with an idea. I think what I need are some methods/exercises to stimulate my creativity. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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What have you done to promote your podcast? I’ve been doing a podcast about 2 years now. It’s about tennis instruction and it has grown but over the last 6 months or so my download numbers have become kinda stagnant.

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Do you still offer “48 Days to Creative Income”?

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I have already started my education as an electrical engineer. My parents see me as one. I feel as if I am living someone else’s dream. That is not my passion. What should I do?

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I am currently working in a job that is providing for my family’s needs but not much else. I am thankful for that but want more – to be passionate about the work I do while earning an income level that allows my wife and me to fulfill our dreams of having a large family through children of our own, adopting, and possibly being foster parents.

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Hi Dan ~ I have always shied from goal setting as, being a Christian, I felt that my life and direction are guided by the Lord. Is it realistic to say in five years, (Lord willing), I will have $100,000 income, be tithing 25%, put 25% in savings….etc. Do you understand what I am saying? I have a hard time saying ‘I WILL DO SUCH AND SUCH’ because I feel God may have a different plan. How do I move past this?

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I work 2 part-time jobs, one with benefits. I received a job offer with higher income than both jobs, but no benefits. What should I do?

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How do I find my passion?

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Should I do affiliate links on my website or take on small quantities of product? I want to sell fly fishing rods and reels.

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Conclusion

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48 Days to the Work You Love
No More Mondays
Dan Miller

48 Days Instant Podcast 02/11/10

Lost Hope – In Myself

Intro

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A call from West Conner about his kind of auditory learning

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I am unemployed. I want to make a business card with a blog address on it. Any suggestions?

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How do I pitch a “guitar program” similar to a band program at local private schools? I know I need to make face-to-face meeting with appropriate school leaders and such but I was wondering if you had any advice on how to make this work and how to make schools interested in my program.

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Thanks from Brad from “Enemy of Debt”

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Can you give me info on that previous question about being an online Virtual Assistant?

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My last job position was eliminated due to economy and budget considerations. I am on 15+ internet web posting sites. I have had my resume professionally redone. I am 58 years old and have had less than six face to face interviews since last job ended.

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I have a question in your story about the 48 days early work of putting the notebook together you said you were able to sell 50K of them. Can you tell me the way you did that? Was it viral internet or what?

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What do you do when you have long aspired to make a living doing something you love, “have so much potential,” but never reach it? When you start to pursue something(s,) but lack the discipline, drive, confidence etc.. to stay with it and master it? What do you do when you want so many things but have lost belief in yourself that you’ll ever really do anything?

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I have been shown a business by God. It’s an online business I feel led to create… that can provide help for a lot of people. However, at age 56, I struggle with how to start a business (I know nothing about running a business)

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Do people sabotage their success?

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We went Rwanda last summer loved the people/country and want to go back for longer term. We’re both engineers (in our late 30’s with 1st baby due in April) with good income, but want to serve in Rwanda for a couple of years…any advice/thoughts for us as we consider this transition from good income to ‘no income’ except what others provide?

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Conclusion

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48 Days to the Work You Love
No More Mondays
Dan Miller

48 Days Instant Podcast 02/04/10

Interview with Dan’s son, Jared Miller

In this week’s podcast I talked with my son Jared, who has been living in Kigali, Rwanda for the last four years. We discussed the changing generational views of:

- Education
- Money
- Business
- Success

This is a discussion. Listen to the whole thing. I’m taking the week off.
- Jodey

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48 Days to the Work You Love
No More Mondays
Dan Miller

48 Days Instant Podcast 01/28/10

Should I learn to love failure?

Links Referenced in this episode:
Hire Me HeadBlade
Radio Publicity

Introduction

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Hate my job with a passion. Hate my boss. Affecting every aspect of my life. Short with wife and kids. Somewhat withdrawn from friends. I’m 39 years old. I just completed a stress test for chest pains (results are fine). I am getting a better understanding of who I am. I just feel like I need an outside perspective from a professional.

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I have a book about 10 mistakes to avoid before buying your next car. How can I increase traffic and sell my books in bulk? How can I market this self published book?

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How should I market my training programs in which I teach leadership skills? I’ve got some very unique games and interaction exercises that would be appropriate for both churches and corporate organizations.

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Can underemployed college graduates recover financially or careerwise?

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How do I differentiate between that which I find fascinating versus what which would be a good career fit? For example…I’m fascinated by how things work but I hate fixing them. Shiny Object Syndrome detracts from my focus and I become my own worst enemy.

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I have only been able to find “temp” jobs since graduation with no real job titles to place on a business card but would like one for networking purposes. One idea I have is to link to a personal blog with basic info/resume. Any thoughts on a title for the card or any other ideas?

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I’m 50 years old. My husband of 30 years just left. We still have kids ages 14, 10, and 9 at home. I’ve always been a stay at home mom working as an artist part time. I don’t even qualify for work at Walmart. What do I do?

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I started a consulting business. It has not worked out as I hoped. Should I go back to work force to gain more credentials and management experience?

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Dan, how do you beat procrastination? I have founded and sold two businesses in the past decade, so it’s not like I’m hopeless. But I want to do something I’m passionate about — I love music and writing, so I thought I’d might try songwriting — but for some reason I just can’t get started or motivate myself to sit down and write something creative, especially when I’m tired at the end of a long day. Any help?

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Is there a way to teach myself to embrace failure? Logically I know that the only way we learn and grow is by stumbling and falling and then learning from that. However, realistically, I don’t like to fail. Can you suggest ways to appreciate rather that hate failing?

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Conclusion