How to realize ones muse?

[Christoffer]

Hi!

I have been spending the last days trying hard to think of a suitable muse, probably to hard, but I find it hard to relax when I don't have any ideas of what the heck I should (or want to) do. I have listed my interests and skills, but I don't find anything unusual about them. The only thing I can think of that I'm somewhat qualified for is an online "Taekwon-Do encyklopedia" listing theory, patterns and training advice. But I believe my first degree black belt simply isn't high enough to get credibility out there. And if I were the one reading what I could write I would want to know who's behind the text. I wouldn't find someone with my "written experience" (stats) trustworthy of that type of material. I don't find any cash flow in the idea either.

I'm locked and I need some advice, or stories about how you knew your muse was right and how you came up with it. I guess it helps if I put down my skills and interests as well (some might have read them my other thread).

Interests: Taekwon-Do (and traditional martial arts in general), skiing/snowboarding, movies, health, nutrition, excersising/stretching

Skills: Martial arts, web development, programming, tech/computers, pedagogy

Experiences: Motocross driver between ages 7-16, owner of one small small company which I want to change niche in (currently web development), basic accounting (boring), business economic theory at university level (currently one year)

I guess I have skills and experiences I don't even think of, how do I reach them? Do you have any advice for me on how to pick a niche?

I thought that maybe I could create my own brand of Taekwon-Do clothing, it should be cheaper with out sourcing, but I reckon the designing and manufacturing is quite expensive.

Thank you for your time.

[badhank]

you have 2x mentioned something that caught my eye, "excersising/stretching" more the stretching part. Usually you dont see too much about stretching other than in crusty old books stressing the importance. Maybe you can look into the benefits for it and start to think about putting together something about that?

[Christoffer]

you have 2x mentioned something that caught my eye, "excersising/stretching" more the stretching part. Usually you dont see too much about stretching other than in crusty old books stressing the importance. Maybe you can look into the benefits for it and start to think about putting together something about that?

I guess I could, but I believe there are great sources for it already. Perhaps they are hard to find?

[badhank]

no idea, but i know that there are benefits and if some1 put some %'s to it like "muscles heal / grow at 5% greater rate etc etc etc, marketed to the right ppl u can get some bites

[jonparker83]

Yeah i totally agree... if you get some numbers in there, then people will definitely be more interested

I can't remember where i saw it but there has definitely been university-based research showing positive benefits in sprint times for people who have used PNF stretching compared to those who haven't

I think this could be an interesting product for amateur or social athletes as well as the pros

Cheers

Jon

[padma]

Honestly, my muses come like love...when I am not looking.

In my opinion, they are out there everywhere, you just have to make sure you are looking. Once you start tuning in you'll see them everywhere.

[webgal]

Honestly, my muses come like love...when I am not looking.


I love the way you put this. You read my mind. This is how it happens. Just take some time. It will come.

[Marcie]

Agreed! Which also goes along with the mindset of "cutting out the clutter" in order to focus on what is truly important (tasks, what you do when you wake up in the morning, how you tie your shoes, whatever.)

And forgive my cheesiness, but this quote from Yoda came to mind:

"... for my ally is the Force. And a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. It's energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we...not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you. Here, between you...me...the tree...the rock...everywhere! Yes, even between this land and that ship!"

:D

[Christoffer]

Hi again!

Sorry for not thanking you earlier for your help... Thank you! :)

I have been giving the idea of a stretching ebook a lot of thought. I certainly have the knowledge to make something out of this. Add an outsource researcher and it's game. But I believe there are some problems as to my "credibility".

Even though I probably have read and know more than 95% of athletes, the fact is still:
- I'm young (20 years old)
- I study and work with economics
- I haven't been a Taekwon-Do teacher for so many years that it gives me credibility in the flexibility department.

So, how can I earn credibility enough to actually sell my product? Is it necessary or can I work around it and earn credibility from later acknowledgements from my customers?

Thank you in advance!

[badhank]

Add an outsource researcher and it's game.

...Expect less than desirable results the first few times, you need to b so specific with ppl that you may as well have done the research yourself... (my bitter experience with 3 separate $2-$3/hr indian freelancers)



I believe there are some problems as to my "credibility"
either read the "becoming an expert" or "expert builder" part, whatever its called in the book, OR, take yourself out of the equation, and use #'s are your proof, make sure to cite the correct resources.

[EditorDude]

I have a similar question as Chris - I posted it in another thread, got no response - so I hope no one minds me posting it here again:

"Going slightly OT, this is about another marketing issue. Suppose, for example, you have written an ebook about writing a novel. However, you have only written short stories of which perhaps only one has been published in a local publication. From a marketing point of view, for this sort of product, I assume people will want to know if you yourself have written a novel - it's not the same as marketing a speed reading course, such as Tim's PX Method, where only a company or product name is given, they want your name.

So, given this, should one market this product as:

1) an ebook about writing fiction in general (making adjustments to the said ebook) whilst offering website content about writing short stories (as this is what you have already accomplished) and have the option of buying this ebook
or

2) set up a blog, get some appropriate content on website and again have an option to sell ebook - in this way they become familiar with you
or

3) could a company or product name, such as Tim's PX Method, only be given with testimonials to sell this ebook - that is no information about the author and it's accomplishments will be given.

So what I am asking is which of these is the appropriate path to follow? Or if there is another marketing solution - please do share. Thank you."

I really would appreciate feedback on this as it would save me wasting time on pursuing a futile marketing plan.

[webgal]

I think no one answered is because we didn't know. My feeling is #2. That way you get a feel for the market first. lulu.com might be a good resource.