Mr. Desperate and Capable

[Matthew.Graybeal]

To Whom It May Concern,

If I wanted to get in contact with Tim Ferris about helping starting up a company based upon sound research, and a my Iron-will to see it done right, how would I get in contact with him? Does he entertain investment opportunities?

I have been inspired by his book, and website. His methods and drive are compatible with mine.

The hardest part about this economy, is it's shift in what it's perception of value in it's workforce is. I have an entrepeneurial spirit, but I'm pessismistic about 9-5 work, where value is placed in abject servitude to make others wealthy, on the backs of the desperate.

I despise not being able to have the great ideas I've come up with, come to fruition. Traditional pay-for education is such a farce, beyond High School education. Everything that ever meant something to me, I have mastered without College. It seems the measure of man is pre-judged on his ability to work his ass off for the all-mighty dollar. How can I show mastery, if the requirments are money spent on education, and a "solid" job history.

9-5 is so unchallenging that it's luster wears out, and is replaced by the need for comfort, security, and the willingness to "settle".

While I am capable of pulling 20 hour days, and dropped 50 pounds in the process of running into a walled fortress of selective-opportunity givers, I am disastisifed. The system is broken, it does not lend itself to any sort of good faith.

My personal finances are a mess, and I accept that. I will call it out on myself. Then again, I have failed because I tried to think like the masses, and took comfort in the things that mediocraty provides.

I've got nothing to show financially for my struggles to make sense of it all. I despise bowing down, just because I am desperate to live tomorrow.

Please forward this to Tim

I'm a 30 year old have not, that should be a have. I am capable of doing so much good for others and myself, but there is "jack" out there for doorways into success if you are even "too flat broke" to pay for a bus to get to a job.

I deserve a chance. No avenues present a streamlined fast-track way out of poverty, from the ground up.

My Sincere Thanks,

-Matthew B. Graybeal

[Matthew.Graybeal]

I have posted the last message in attempt to draw needed investors. What I have done so far, so that we may eliminate the cute and trite answers to my difficulties.

Applied to 65% of food service jobs within 1 miles walking distance. The only ones hiring in a college town. Established an account on e-lance only to find paypal will not validate my social security number.

I will walk to the reamaining food service 35% within the next 24 hours.

I wrote ymii/get friday, offering my services as a reseller, only for them to have gone quiet on me after I mentioned I needed to secure start-up funding to market for them.

Found any job I qualified for, or didn't within a tri-city area in craigslist.

Applied for them, and have had a range of answers such as "come see us in a month" to you are overqualified, and we won't hire you even at less pay because you will leave us eventually due to what your job history says.

I don't have a digital camera for photos to sell free stuff on craiglist. I own my clothes and a suitcase, so I have nothing to sell.

I don't have the money to "bus it" to jobs that are willing to take me on. I don't even have the money to buy groceries. I have too much pride in my appearance to look desperate enough to beg on the street for money. That look would take a swan dive into a garbage can. I would do it, but there is more desperate looking competition, with starving children. Who is going to win that one?

There is no place to give blood for money.

I cannot bus it to my local job bank, 3 miles away so I could potentially walk.

Which I will do, and apply on the way to other jobs.

I have been offering my time to write for a politcal campaign, but I shouldn't even do that because there is no money it in at this time. If there was I would.

If there is anyone who has angel investor capital, and a willingness to work with me. This is my tentative business outline which is focused on the community. It is a sample of what I have already submitted to another potential investor.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I wanted to sum up my business ideas for you, Even on a Sunday ;)

My new place of residence has been upgraded to Lowell MA. It was founded on Masonic Principles which I admire greatly, and seek to Emulate.

The Official City Motto is "Art is The Handmaid of Human Good"

I have been a supporter of the arts, and a performing arts entertainer since 9 and I am now going on 31.

This is a historical Mill City of the 1800's and in fact the history here is absoluetly amazing as you can imagine.

Within The last Month, The City received fresh redevelopment captial promissed in the sum of hundreds of million dollars to Master Develop a new extension of historical downtown.

http://www.lowellsun.com//ci_8769825?IADID=Search-www.lowellsun.com-www.lowellsun.com

I at heart am a community partner. I have aspirations and plans to revitalize a city block, by building a series of business that could better serve an-underserved market. My first plan is to open a Tattoo and Body Modification Shop, Body Art is underrepresented in Lowell, which has a 2003 census population of about 104,000 and only 1 tattoo parlor within the entire city. The Demand for Body art is a near recession proof investment in my opinion, as it is one of Man's earliest _expressions of ritual totemification, iconization.

www.myspace.com/lowell_ink



With Demand for Tattoos Driving Customers over the boarder into New Hampshire, to The Locally Famous "Tattoo Fever" They have been overwhelmed, and are in serious need of competition.

http://www.tattoofever.com/index1.html

Lowell MA has 2 colleges, The University of Massachusetts Lowell, and Middlesex Community College.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Massachusetts_Lowell

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middlesex_Community_College_%28Massachusetts%29

Many Service Businesses situated strategically close to Either Campuses have historically thrived.

I hope to Add an Organic/Natural Foodstore, a Rock and Roll Bar/Nightclub Venue, and possibly a retail clothing or music outlet as well.

I have been placing my contact information in Strategic Places. This is in hopes to gain the awareness of Community Leaders, as it will be advantageous to receive full blessings to work within the policies in place.

I have no previous verifiable business-owner experience, however I have worked in the business world long enough to know I am more capable than the general public expects. Combine That with a belief in Myself and God/Buddha (SGI) it has gotten me into exactly where I need to be, at exactly the right time, to capitalize on my ambitions to help my fellow man.

I have the boot camp and thank you greatly for sending it to me. The Principles of it are exactly how I feel Quality, Passion, Respect, Service, of Godly Humility, Humanitarian

My new and semi-permanent Contact info:

Matthew B. Graybeal

16 Gershom Avenue, Lowell MA 01854

978-455-6774

[AntonTheKhan]

You are just pathetic. This board is getting really weird.


I have posted the last message in attempt to draw needed investors. What I have done so far, so that we may eliminate the cute and trite answers to my difficulties.

Applied to 65% of food service jobs within 1 miles walking distance. The only ones hiring in a college town. Established an account on e-lance only to find paypal will not validate my social security number.

I will walk to the reamaining food service 35% within the next 24 hours.

I wrote ymii/get friday, offering my services as a reseller, only for them to have gone quiet on me after I mentioned I needed to secure start-up funding to market for them.

Found any job I qualified for, or didn't within a tri-city area in craigslist.

Applied for them, and have had a range of answers such as "come see us in a month" to you are overqualified, and we won't hire you even at less pay because you will leave us eventually due to what your job history says.

I don't have a digital camera for photos to sell free stuff on craiglist. I own my clothes and a suitcase, so I have nothing to sell.

I don't have the money to "bus it" to jobs that are willing to take me on. I don't even have the money to buy groceries. I have too much pride in my appearance to look desperate enough to beg on the street for money. That look would take a swan dive into a garbage can. I would do it, but there is more desperate looking competition, with starving children. Who is going to win that one?

There is no place to give blood for money.

I cannot bus it to my local job bank, 3 miles away so I could potentially walk.

Which I will do, and apply on the way to other jobs.

I have been offering my time to write for a politcal campaign, but I shouldn't even do that because there is no money it in at this time. If there was I would.

If there is anyone who has angel investor capital, and a willingness to work with me. This is my tentative business outline which is focused on the community. It is a sample of what I have already submitted to another potential investor.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I wanted to sum up my business ideas for you, Even on a Sunday ;)

My new place of residence has been upgraded to Lowell MA. It was founded on Masonic Principles which I admire greatly, and seek to Emulate.

The Official City Motto is "Art is The Handmaid of Human Good"

I have been a supporter of the arts, and a performing arts entertainer since 9 and I am now going on 31.

This is a historical Mill City of the 1800's and in fact the history here is absoluetly amazing as you can imagine.

Within The last Month, The City received fresh redevelopment captial promissed in the sum of hundreds of million dollars to Master Develop a new extension of historical downtown.

http://www.lowellsun.com//ci_8769825?IADID=Search-www.lowellsun.com-www.lowellsun.com

I at heart am a community partner. I have aspirations and plans to revitalize a city block, by building a series of business that could better serve an-underserved market. My first plan is to open a Tattoo and Body Modification Shop, Body Art is underrepresented in Lowell, which has a 2003 census population of about 104,000 and only 1 tattoo parlor within the entire city. The Demand for Body art is a near recession proof investment in my opinion, as it is one of Man's earliest _expressions of ritual totemification, iconization.

www.myspace.com/lowell_ink



With Demand for Tattoos Driving Customers over the boarder into New Hampshire, to The Locally Famous "Tattoo Fever" They have been overwhelmed, and are in serious need of competition.

http://www.tattoofever.com/index1.html

Lowell MA has 2 colleges, The University of Massachusetts Lowell, and Middlesex Community College.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Massachusetts_Lowell

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middlesex_Community_College_%28Massachusetts%29

Many Service Businesses situated strategically close to Either Campuses have historically thrived.

I hope to Add an Organic/Natural Foodstore, a Rock and Roll Bar/Nightclub Venue, and possibly a retail clothing or music outlet as well.

I have been placing my contact information in Strategic Places. This is in hopes to gain the awareness of Community Leaders, as it will be advantageous to receive full blessings to work within the policies in place.

I have no previous verifiable business-owner experience, however I have worked in the business world long enough to know I am more capable than the general public expects. Combine That with a belief in Myself and God/Buddha (SGI) it has gotten me into exactly where I need to be, at exactly the right time, to capitalize on my ambitions to help my fellow man.

I have the boot camp and thank you greatly for sending it to me. The Principles of it are exactly how I feel Quality, Passion, Respect, Service, of Godly Humility, Humanitarian

My new and semi-permanent Contact info:

Matthew B. Graybeal

16 Gershom Avenue, Lowell MA 01854

978-455-6774

[nghs22]

Dude, I imagine that it took a long time to write all of that and that you are totally sincere about all of your...well...rambling. Here's the long story short:

1. No one is going to lend you money. You admitted your personal finances are in a mess. What makes an investor think that your business finances will be any different? In addition, you said you had no prior business experience. Hello? Hello?

2. A tattoo parlor (as a recession proof investment)? Retail clothing or music store? Where is your research to back up why you think these things will succeed. Plus, in those businesses, you will definitely be working waaayyyyy longer than a 9-5.

3. While the 9-5 may suck, if you are broke, can't afford the bus, and don't even have money to buy groceries then get a job somewhere. You need to worry about getting into a 9-5, not getting out of one. There is a place that will hire you. It won't be what you want, but you will still be alive.

4. While I hate to be so forward in my opinion of your post, I think it is important for someone to tell you the honest truth. No one is going to baby you and say, "Here's is $200,000 to start a tattoo parlor. Pay me back when you can."

Here is an idea that actually could work for you. You mentioned you were an performing arts person. Why not sell paintings, or teach kids to dance, or play guitar or something?

I could go on for days about you post, but that's just my 2 cents....

[padma]

I've been where you are and I can tell you that getting help from someone will not help you in the long run learn how to climb out of ruts like this. Although I could've taken crappy jobs to pull myself out...I ended up joining the Army and thankfully have changed my lot dramatically. Not that I am advocating joining the military...but you must make a change of some sort. You cannot blame people for your situation, you have to take ownership of it and take a leap of faith. It seems you have motivation and intelligence, you just need to get a better place to work from.

[Matthew.Graybeal]

I've been where you are and I can tell you that getting help from someone will not help you in the long run learn how to climb out of ruts like this. Although I could've taken crappy jobs to pull myself out...I ended up joining the Army and thankfully have changed my lot dramatically. Not that I am advocating joining the military...but you must make a change of some sort. You cannot blame people for your situation, you have to take ownership of it and take a leap of faith. It seems you have motivation and intelligence, you just need to get a better place to work from.

I thank you Padma for your positive feedback.

My attention to detail is why I hoped writing a long post would be of benefit here. In opening a business, a business plan is is followed up, by market research, or vice versa.

I'm glad that the army was able to afford you such great opportunity for advancement, sincerely.

You are correct about rut situations, I was attempting to give a detailed explanation of my circumstances. I do take responsibility, I did get myself in a rut. I just guess sympathy is hard to get on a very successful website.

It seems the responses have been mixed. I think the idea about offereing lessons is excellent, I had never looked at it that way, I will go about getting that started.

My Thanks,

-Matthew B. Graybeal

[Matthew.Graybeal]

Dude, I imagine that it took a long time to write all of that and that you are totally sincere about all of your...well...rambling. Here's the long story short:

1. No one is going to lend you money. You admitted your personal finances are in a mess. What makes an investor think that your business finances will be any different? In addition, you said you had no prior business experience. Hello? Hello?

2. A tattoo parlor (as a recession proof investment)? Retail clothing or music store? Where is your research to back up why you think these things will succeed. Plus, in those businesses, you will definitely be working waaayyyyy longer than a 9-5.

3. While the 9-5 may suck, if you are broke, can't afford the bus, and don't even have money to buy groceries then get a job somewhere. You need to worry about getting into a 9-5, not getting out of one. There is a place that will hire you. It won't be what you want, but you will still be alive.

4. While I hate to be so forward in my opinion of your post, I think it is important for someone to tell you the honest truth. No one is going to baby you and say, "Here's is $200,000 to start a tattoo parlor. Pay me back when you can."

Here is an idea that actually could work for you. You mentioned you were an performing arts person. Why not sell paintings, or teach kids to dance, or play guitar or something?

I could go on for days about you post, but that's just my 2 cents....


You have valuable and straightforward things to say, which I acknowledge.

On the matter of the 200,000. In business that is either a little or a lot of money. Investors have money, but need people with vision, research, and a structure of ROI or return on investment.

Speaking from a theoretical point of view, as a potential business owner, here are some things that I have taken the time in months to research before posting here.

Can a company get by on sustainable income or debt, what kind of life will it have before a profit is turned? Should I ask for a start-up loan from which to purchase only company assets like equipment, or should I invest in an entire building, remodel it, then invest into the necessary assets with the equity?

Is an LLC or LLC Partnership more valuable, or an S corp. Which Alternative does one turn to? Is a 5 year window before I turn a profit good, or bad.

-Matthew

[badhank]

pass





(this text used to fulfill the 10 character post limit, please ignore)

[Matthew.Graybeal]

pass





(this text used to fulfill the 10 character post limit, please ignore)

That Doesn't leave me with much there Mr. "Badhank." Care to elaborate?

I ask if you could contribute content to help solve the problem, not shoot-off a one-liner.

I Wish I could sit up on high like you, and do that to other business hopefulls, because it makes me look cool.

Then again maybe you are in the lap of luxury allready.

Either of which doesn't even merit a response, to my attempts at a request for guidance on these matters.

Thanks hank, I might just make it with your advice!

[kamakiri]

First off don't have a crapola attitude. Broke losers in their 30s are a dime a dozen. You bring nothing to the table man.


Do you really think that a pathetic plea for funding would get you anywhere?

At a minimum you would need:

Business plan
Market research
Goals
Ability
Drive


Not pithy replies to people who know more than you.

[Marcie]

"Feel free to be critical, but be civilized and suggest alternatives if you disagree with someone.

Be cool, be nice, and play hard!

Pura vida,

Tim"

[Matthew.Graybeal]

Thanks Kami,

Please have a wonderful day, despite what your opinion of me is.

I wish you great successes, in your endeavors.

At least you put some effort into that.

I have those requirements, I just don't post them here, as that would be giving away my business model past the initial research phase.

-Matthew

[nghs22]

haha. That's good stuff kamakiri. I agree.


Anyways dude....

You will most likely need a partner or something to get ANY kind of funding. I foresee you lack of a respectable credit score a major problem. Any funding you do get would carry such a high interest rate you would be sunk from the beginning. Go find someone with good credit and business experience and try to offer whatever you can so that he will partner with you. Easier said than done mate. Try doing something you know. I am assuming you have no core competencies as the owner of a tattoo parlor or restaurant or whatever. So don't do that b/c you will fail!! Do performance art stuff. Start small in your spare time and then grow from there. I bet alot of parents would send there kids to dance lessons or whatever you know in the arts side of things. Good Luck mate.

Start small and learn.

In today's world, be what it may, a college degree carries weight. Not as much as it used to, but weight none the less. For me, I had to get not only an accounting degree, but also an MBA and a CPA in order to be competitive in this "flat world." So you are at a disadvantage right there, but you can still do something. Post ads on craigslist. Do a free dance show on the street or something. Sing. Play guitar. Hell I don't know what you are good at, but i can GUARANTEE it isn't running a brick and mortar business.


First off don't have a crapola attitude. Broke losers in their 30s are a dime a dozen. You bring nothing to the table man.


Do you really think that a pathetic plea for funding would get you anywhere?

At a minimum you would need:

Business plan
Market research
Goals
Ability
Drive


Not pithy replies to people who know more than you.

[EditorDude]

Doesn't seem to be any potential investors here Matt lol.

[Matthew.Graybeal]

"Feel free to be critical, but be civilized and suggest alternatives if you disagree with someone.

Be cool, be nice, and play hard!

Pura vida,

Tim"

Thank You to The Above Super-Mod,

It is refeshing, sincerely.

In retrospect, I may have put in too much negativity into my initial appeal for Angel capital. When little in the way of solutions have presented themselves for the past 5-6 months it is hard to keep up spirits, in the face of adversity.

I am greatful, to see a good quote from our Guru.

Pura vida, I like that.

-Matthew

[EditorDude]

Perhaps you need to concentrate on partnering up with entrepreneurs within your immediate community for this sort of biz.

[Matthew.Graybeal]

Doesn't seem to be any potential investors here Matt lol.

Indeed, but nonetheless giving up admits defeat. I'm also patient, and I came into this expecting what I'm getting, both good and bad.

[Matthew.Graybeal]

Perhaps you need to concentrate on partnering up with entrepreneurs within your immediate community for this sort of biz.

I just relocated, and gained access to internet resources within the last 9 days.

I've been using them to locate 9-5 work, which I'm still doing on top of approaching more and more investors daily in my local community.

This is a good start you have suggested, and I agree.

Thank you for your feedback, it has been constructive. :)

-Matthew

[Matthew.Graybeal]

haha. That's good stuff kamakiri. I agree.


Anyways dude....

You will most likely need a partner or something to get ANY kind of funding. I foresee you lack of a respectable credit score a major problem. Any funding you do get would carry such a high interest rate you would be sunk from the beginning. Go find someone with good credit and business experience and try to offer whatever you can so that he will partner with you. Easier said than done mate. Try doing something you know. I am assuming you have no core competencies as the owner of a tattoo parlor or restaurant or whatever. So don't do that b/c you will fail!! Do performance art stuff. Start small in your spare time and then grow from there. I bet alot of parents would send there kids to dance lessons or whatever you know in the arts side of things. Good Luck mate.

Start small and learn.

In today's world, be what it may, a college degree carries weight. Not as much as it used to, but weight none the less. For me, I had to get not only an accounting degree, but also an MBA and a CPA in order to be competitive in this "flat world." So you are at a disadvantage right there, but you can still do something. Post ads on craigslist. Do a free dance show on the street or something. Sing. Play guitar. Hell I don't know what you are good at, but i can GUARANTEE it isn't running a brick and mortar business.

You assume much, but your suggestions are appreciated. I respect how hard you must have worked to achieve those degrees.

As noted in a previous response, The craigslist ad for offering Entertainment training is something I plan to do, now that the idea has been brought to my attention. Sometimes I guess I took it for granted, and didn't look at as marketable in unto itself.

I have considered my college options as well, and it is still a route I have kept my options open to. I am in current and/or recent dialogue with 3 colleges. It may turn out to be, a decent mid-term solution.

My Thanks,

-Matthew

[lolpie]

"The only thing wrong with being broke and stayin broke is makin excuses about it like there ain't no hope" - Chamillionaire :D

But seriously, if you don't have job exp. and are looking for a job in your industry, you should just walk into the local fastfood place and ask if they're hiring. If there's a Fedex or UPS near you, also try looking on their website, they are ALWAYS hiring! Once you have startup capital look into starting a muse...

Also in the 4HWW, there was a link to an online business that connects people looking to start a business with investors...try looking into that.

[Matthew.Graybeal]

To The College Educated CPA,

Yes the credit issue has been difficult. It didn't seem to matter much when it wasn't the key to my survival.

You assume much about my ability to run a business, but your suggestions are appreciated. I respect how hard you must have worked to achieve those degrees.

Why didn't you get your EIN/Tax Id, save up and buy a shelf corporation, with established business credit lines?

if nothing more than the good Dunn&Bradstreet reference which could come with that, one way or another.

If I had a clean slate to start from here's what I would do After getting my shelf corp.

I would Develop a business model in an underserved market, apply for an expansion loan, invest in a HUD approved property where you could get up to 30% of the equity at closing. Old mill buildings make great living and office space, plus the write-offs are excellent.

I would do an Eco-and energy friendly remodel with additonal grant/loan funding from a government program, somewhere in the $10,000 $80,000's or more. This Depending upon how many times I could dip into local grant and loan sources both public and private commercial captial, to complete the same task.

Also grant amounts would have to mesh with your estimated value of the property, dependent upon the zoning of the property and depreciation in value since it's last owner.

I would hire construction contracters who I know personally, and would get the job done inexpensively, and have them paid on some sort of net terms, which would fall on or after the date of my ECO-Energy loan approval.

I hear they have generous tax-credits that Eco-friendly government. But that HUD Idea "sort of works" if you want to take advantage of living above where you work, in a loft above your workplace situation. Or you could just find some bank properties, I'm not picky.

The upto 30% equity is key. You could then reinvest to lease or buy equipment, and other business related needs both tangiable and nontagiable and supply your future workforce with pay.

All that While setting yourself up an Expense account to remaining lifestyle-sustainable.

My next move would have been; hire business staff, tax strategy or administrative/payroll support consultants, whose jobs you understand enough to outsource their services on a freelance or contract basis, to support any shortcomings the staff or business owner have.

Developing this, you focus on marketing initiatives to gain valuable life-long customers whom will bring you a constant and steady growth profit, from being a walking advertisment (in Tattoos). You must deliver excellent, modestly priced service, in order to acheive those results.

If you don't have to show a profit for 5 years that will give you breathing room if you have an LLC. The hard part is finding someone with the want to go into business with a newbie.

When your business is up and running on its own without you, you concentrate on the core aspects of the business that keeps you motivated. I Like big-picture thinking, mainly community redevelopment.

Likely I would have made certain, to keep my equity not entirely spent just in case I need it to be an investment into my next venture. I think I would open another LLC from my parent corp and re-use my business credit D&B references. But hey I don't know yet.


As noted in a previous response, The craigslist ad for offering Entertainment training is something I plan to do, now that the idea has been brought to my attention. Sometimes I guess I took it for granted, and didn't look at as marketable in unto itself.

I have considered my college options as well, and it is still a route I have kept my options open to. I am in current and/or recent dialogue with 3 colleges. It may turn out to be, a decent mid-term solution.

My Thanks,

-Matthew

[FHouston]

Matthew,

Let me encourage you to keep on digging. Research, dig, learn, study, ask questions (maybe somewhere other than here, obviously:rolleyes: ), learn from others, and take a step out in faith and get something going. Don't put much stock in the negativity and condescending attitude of others. I would suggest finding whatever kind of work for the time being....then use spare time to seek out others who have successfully achieved their own levels of success whether it's having a great job, owning a business, or even someone who has discovered their own muse and has it up and running. Just ask questions, talk, learn, ask them about how they did it, what mistakes they made, and for suggestions that you can apply.

Most of all, believe that you can do it; believe that you can overcome the hurdles in your path; expect that someday you will achieve your goals and move forward. Start small, prove to yourself and others (potential investors?) that you can manage small, then strive for a little bit more, and so on. Don't get to discouraged by the negativity with all the "yeah buts" and "what ifs" out there; screw it. Consider the variables, start small, and build. You can do this; believe that you can.

[Matthew.Graybeal]

Matthew,

Let me encourage you to keep on digging. Research, dig, learn, study, ask questions (maybe somewhere other than here, obviously:rolleyes: ), learn from others, and take a step out in faith and get something going. Don't put much stock in the negativity and condescending attitude of others. I would suggest finding whatever kind of work for the time being....then use spare time to seek out others who have successfully achieved their own levels of success whether it's having a great job, owning a business, or even someone who has discovered their own muse and has it up and running. Just ask questions, talk, learn, ask them about how they did it, what mistakes they made, and for suggestions that you can apply.

Most of all, believe that you can do it; believe that you can overcome the hurdles in your path; expect that someday you will achieve your goals and move forward. Start small, prove to yourself and others (potential investors?) that you can manage small, then strive for a little bit more, and so on. Don't get to discouraged by the negativity with all the "yeah buts" and "what ifs" out there; screw it. Consider the variables, start small, and build. You can do this; believe that you can.

There is some "Wisdom of Tim" in There. That was very encouraging. :D

I find life and business, more and more, is like a game of chess.

You can master a strategy, before ever playing the game. Its when you step into the game, that the other players will not exactly get where you are coming from. They have not been there with you as you took the time to learn your subject matter.

You can do everything right, and still not win the battle. It's the war you realize, is what must be won.

Pura Vida,

-Matthew

[badhank]

That Doesn't leave me with much there Mr. "Badhank." Care to elaborate?

I ask if you could contribute content to help solve the problem, not shoot-off a one-liner.

I Wish I could sit up on high like you, and do that to other business hopefulls, because it makes me look cool.

Then again maybe you are in the lap of luxury allready.

Either of which doesn't even merit a response, to my attempts at a request for guidance on these matters.

Thanks hank, I might just make it with your advice!
Damn i wish i got here earlier as theres a lot i wanted to nit-pick about your initial 2 posts, this thread exploded and we seemed to have moved on, lets leave it at that.
Anyways, i have read some1 here say this before (dont wanna steal credit) and you may want to think a little about it: You dont open a pizza place in a city with only 1 pizza place, the ppl dont eat pizza there, you open a pizza place in a city with 10 pizza joints, the ppl know to eat it already.
Remember tattoos are not for everyone, you should base your moves off numbers, not a gut feeling that more ppl would get them if there were more shops available.
That aside, good luck getting ur shit together and good luck with the sour 'tude you got

[Matthew.Graybeal]

Damn i wish i got here earlier as theres a lot i wanted to nit-pick about your initial 2 posts, this thread exploded and we seemed to have moved on, lets leave it at that.
Anyways, i have read some1 here say this before (dont wanna steal credit) and you may want to think a little about it: You dont open a pizza place in a city with only 1 pizza place, the ppl dont eat pizza there, you open a pizza place in a city with 10 pizza joints, the ppl know to eat it already.
Remember tattoos are not for everyone, you should base your moves off numbers, not a gut feeling that more ppl would get them if there were more shops available.
That aside, good luck getting ur shit together and good luck with the sour 'tude you got

It's cool Hank, honestly I'm sure it wasn't personal. In a non-stress time, I'm usally more capable to handle my own dejection, lol.

[Matthew.Graybeal]

The wishes of luck were well received, and so wasn't the constructive advice. Things have taken a nice new step. I have landed a pizza job Thanks to Hank ;)

I walked in today, and i start in 30 mins.

-Matthew

[webgal]

You've met the warm and fuzzy badhank as well as Anton and you're still here. Consider yourself officially hazed. <grin> Those two actually do make constructive contributions most of the time. Looks like their purpose of jump starting your attitude in a different direction might have worked.

[badhank]

I dont know how i caught such flack, or how what i said can be twisted as hazing...
I read a post that i disagreed with almost all the main points of the author. This post was a pitch for investment. As a courtesy to the poster i frankly and politely stated my disinterest, feedback comes in many forms. Actually i'm shocked and a little hurt by the reaction.

[padma]

Are you trying to gain sympathy Hank? ;)

[Sven]

Congrats on landing the job Mathew!

Investors just want two things:

Get a descent return on their investment.
Enjoy making it.

If you want to apeal to an investor, do NOT write about yourself, only about the plan. If you can not get the plans basics to fit on to one sheet of paper, it is not clear enough.

[AntonTheKhan]

Congrats on landing the job Mathew!

Investors just want two things:

Get a descent return on their investment.
Enjoy making it.

If you want to apeal to an investor, do NOT write about yourself, only about the plan. If you can not get the plans basics to fit on to one sheet of paper, it is not clear enough.

I think by now it is clear to us that Mathew has issues that go beyond the scope of this board. He might need to see a therapist, or find a financial advisor. Getting a job wouldn't hurt, either, good that at least there he is on the right path.

[Matthew.Graybeal]

I think by now it is clear to us that Mathew has issues that go beyond the scope of this board. He might need to see a therapist, or find a financial advisor. Getting a job wouldn't hurt, either, good that at least there he is on the right path.

Thank you for the back handed compliment Anton :rolleyes:

But, Anyways. Let's just call this even because I don't care enough to exert the energy of confronting, what I think are YOUR core issues. Judgementalism.

Namaste, My web board peer, and remember pura vida.

-Matthew

[Matthew.Graybeal]

You've met the warm and fuzzy badhank as well as Anton and you're still here. Consider yourself officially hazed. <grin> Those two actually do make constructive contributions most of the time. Looks like their purpose of jump starting your attitude in a different direction might have worked.


Thanks Webgal :)

[Matthew.Graybeal]

Congrats on landing the job Mathew!

Investors just want two things:

Get a descent return on their investment.
Enjoy making it.

If you want to apeal to an investor, do NOT write about yourself, only about the plan. If you can not get the plans basics to fit on to one sheet of paper, it is not clear enough.

Good Advice Sven

[badhank]

Are you trying to gain sympathy Hank? ;)
Well, u know, no1 has even acknowledged that i was wronged, whatever, thats cool tho no brig.

Matt, you got -a- job now, good for you, not time to celebrate and go drink it all away (or put it in your nose or arm as the case may be), its time to get another job, part-time. Yes you will have to work yourself like a dog at least for a few months if not a year or more to get your shit back in order. I dont know the extent of destruction your life has right now, but u didnt paint a sunny picture.
One of the things i disagreed with you about was the importance of schooling. If nothing else, higher schooling shows that a person can survive and thrive in a structured system. I think you lack this, and you need to take some time to learn it. The consequences of not having this awareness of structure are evident of your 20's.
In a year or so you will be able to open your own pizza place, base ur business of the current one, remove what you felt held the business back and use all the good. Make good contacts with your dough and cheese suppliers etc. This can free your debt and fund your other dreams.

[badhank]

If you want to apeal to an investor, do NOT write about yourself, only about the plan. If you can not get the plans basics to fit on to one sheet of paper, it is not clear enough.

Oh so very important. They will not ask about your personal life too much, so only show them that you are a normal person. If you say shit like "we'll i've destroyed 2 business in my past, but i feel lucky this time! p.s. my chick left me and i got no where to sleep, got and extra couch?" you are not gonna come across as the person they want to deal with. Best advice is to say very little about yourself, and only talk about the business plan. The guy that doesnt talk too much looks both confident and wise.

[webgal]

Gosh badhank, I thought my post about hazing was close to all-out gushing.

I think it's important to remember to laugh more and get offended less.

[badhank]

yea i was kidding, my skin is rhino thick

[Matthew.Graybeal]

Well, u know, no1 has even acknowledged that i was wronged, whatever, thats cool tho no brig.

Matt, you got -a- job now, good for you, not time to celebrate and go drink it all away (or put it in your nose or arm as the case may be), its time to get another job, part-time. Yes you will have to work yourself like a dog at least for a few months if not a year or more to get your shit back in order. I dont know the extent of destruction your life has right now, but u didnt paint a sunny picture.
One of the things i disagreed with you about was the importance of schooling. If nothing else, higher schooling shows that a person can survive and thrive in a structured system. I think you lack this, and you need to take some time to learn it. The consequences of not having this awareness of structure are evident of your 20's.
In a year or so you will be able to open your own pizza place, base ur business of the current one, remove what you felt held the business back and use all the good. Make good contacts with your dough and cheese suppliers etc. This can free your debt and fund your other dreams.

Good advice.

I know I didn't paint a sunny picture. I make out my personal failings way worse than they actually are. I accutely vivisect the small things, because of my need for personal perfection after failing as a husband. Good Step Daddy, good friend to my ex-wife, bad partner for her, is what it came down to.

I used to sit around and not be pro-active about my own goals, because it was necessary for the children. Also just as important, was the fact that I became so used to it, I had no idea how to change the pro-activity in a healthy way.

So I became a bear, and up-ended my existance, only to fall rock hard out of stubbornness. In my opinion, it was the best thing for me to learn the hard way.

I like Tough Love, it gets through way better than comfortable life lessons.

I'm already on top of the Part time stuff as well. I've got personal Care Assistant work set-up, for someone who truly needs it.

If you feel offended by me, I am man enough to apologize.

This board has been a medium for me, to define my personal successes. I don't acknowledge myself well, because I feel guilty for ruining a good thing.

When I have I have felt jaded for the effort and results not being equal, writing it has been therapeutic. Tony Robbins told me once, "Live with passion."

Pura Vida,

-Matthew

[Sven]

Most writers say "if I had had more time, I would have written less." You write a lot. Take more time, you'll learn a lot!

Don't feel guilty about mistakes. Learn from them and move on.

Good luck, my attention ends here.
Sven

[EditorDude]

Well adding to the above, from a Business Start-Up course I did a while ago, I was told that actually business investors look to invest in the people with the ideas - not just the idea. So you have to work on building up faith in the investor(s) to put in you that you are capable of fulfilling the proposal you present to them. That is why it is good to identify all your weaknesses in a proposal - and come up with a strategy to tackle each one - if you lack experience in one area, it can be handled by teaming up with a partner with some relevant experience - thus it strengthens the proposal and so on. So you also have to identify your own role that you will be playing, not only during developing the business - but also when it will be up and running. You can, therefore, expect that a time will come when they will definitely want to know about you - and you have to prepare for it.

[webgal]

yea i was kidding, my skin is rhino thick

Actually that comment about getting offended less wasn't pointed at you although it looks like it when I re-read it. (I am tired today from wading through taxes earlier in the week.)

It was actually a general comment. The gushing part was meant for you badhank.

Good advice Sven.

[TimW]

OK...so I read this whole thread, and I am still at a loss as to what you are asking, Matthew.

At first, it was for investors. But it appeared that you had none of the business plan, no business-operations experience of aptitude, and an opinion that a tattoo business is recession proof because, well, you think so.

Then you tell us that you do, in fact, have a business plan, research, etc., and aren't really looking for investors.

So...what is it you're asking?

[jawohl]

Good advice.

I know I didn't paint a sunny picture. I make out my personal failings way worse than they actually are. I accutely vivisect the small things, because of my need for personal perfection after failing as a husband. Good Step Daddy, good friend to my ex-wife, bad partner for her, is what it came down to.

I used to sit around and not be pro-active about my own goals, because it was necessary for the children. Also just as important, was the fact that I became so used to it, I had no idea how to change the pro-activity in a healthy way.

So I became a bear, and up-ended my existance, only to fall rock hard out of stubbornness. In my opinion, it was the best thing for me to learn the hard way.

I like Tough Love, it gets through way better than comfortable life lessons.

I'm already on top of the Part time stuff as well. I've got personal Care Assistant work set-up, for someone who truly needs it.

If you feel offended by me, I am man enough to apologize.

This board has been a medium for me, to define my personal successes. I don't acknowledge myself well, because I feel guilty for ruining a good thing.

When I have I have felt jaded for the effort and results not being equal, writing it has been therapeutic. Tony Robbins told me once, "Live with passion."

Pura Vida,

-Matthew

Matthew-- I have read all of your posts and have not laughed so hard in weeks. You either:

1. Have very challenged English

2. Are playing everyone on this board for fools.

Either way, your comic timing is brilliant.

[Essence]

Hi,

I'm a broke 30-year-old loser, too. Just getting that out of the way. Now let me tell you what I'm doing about it. First, I'm getting a job. Yeah, a 40-hour-workweek job. If you haven't noticed, Timothy Ferriss is a Princeton grad who made $48k/year *before* he got inspired to do his thing. He's a damn sight smarter and more qualified than you or I will ever be, Matthew. Get that very clear in your head right now.

Now, while I've been unemployed for the past few months, in addition to spending lots of time playing Final Fantasy Tactics on my PS1 because I'm too poor to afford a new system, I've been applying for 3-10 jobs every day, mostly trying to get into a state government position. I'm in a state capitol, so I've got an advantage there.

But also, in every spare hour that I can convince my wife to give me, I've been perusing www.sba.gov, and reading about the realities of small-business ownership. I'll tell you, Matthew, my credit sucks worse than yours. I guarantee it. I couldn't get a loan if my entire family co-signed on it. I have no idea how I would ever get a small business off the ground. But that's not the point.

The point is: I'm learning. Even the Princeton-educated Mr. Ferriss had to put in 14-hour days before he could DEAL with life on his terms. Someone as ordinary as you or me, we have to get educated -- not college educated (though I have a B.A. in Communications, not that it's ever done me a lick of good), but familiar with business so that its concepts and vocabulary are natural to us. THEN we have to get on top of our financial situations enough that we can hope for a loan or an angel investor or something to help us get started DEALing ourselves.

Fortunately, it's not as hopeless as it sounds. "On top" of our finances doesn't mean "debts paid off" -- it means "actively paying on all debts". Work like a wage slave for a year, and PAY ON EVERYTHING. It sounds like a long time, but if you've actually written out your dreamlines and you have a crystal-clear vision of what you're working for, the time will fly.

I'm waiting for the time to come when someone will lend me the $68k that I've calculated that I'll need to start up and run for 6 months. My muse? Exactly what Mr. Ferriss suggests -- I'm a good writer, and I have a few areas of expertise. Nutrition, game theory, philosophy. I'm going to follow the steps carefully, test several e-books to see which gets the best theoretical RoI, and I'm going to publish like mad, outsource the website, the advertising, the customer service, and my personal life, and sit back by the time my first child turns 5 to write about the things I know and love while I bring my wife and kid with me from Zwevzele, Belgium to Shimokita, Japan.

There are a few things you have to have in order to DEAL. Chief among them is a dream that burns in your chest hot enough that it will inspire you to overcome tasks like "doing things you're not comfortable with" and "doing things you don't really want to" in order to achieve the final, not-too-distant goal of control over the W's in your life.

I have a suggestion for you: volunteer. I've signed up to do volunteer work at my local library in the hopes of learning the system so that I can eventually get a job there. I've also called Habitat for Humanity and learned that, once I have a stable job, I can volunteer for them and put my "sweat-equity" into a cheap house. By working for no pay now, you can leverage youself into a job for pay shortly; by working on a bunch of other people's houses, you can acquire a reasonably-priced house of your own. Then, with equity building in your name and a year of wage-slaving going toward paying your debts and bringing your horrible credit under control, minting a muse becomes less of a pipe dream and more of an achievable goal.

But you won't get there by hoping to get the attention of a magical guru in the sky and begging for a piece of holy wisdom that will solve your problems. You'll get there by proving that you're dedicated, smart, and motivated enough to get there. Nothing less will do.

[nghs22]

That was a refreshing post mate....thanks for that. matthew...take note

[lolpie]

Yes, Final Fantasy Tactics is a great game

[DrifterInc]

$68k... $68k... thats no muse, thats more then it took a friend of mine to build the manufacturing area for www.suicidedoors.com and he employs more then 10 people full time... you need to cut back on the need for cash, pick something cheap to start and get out there...

The fact that tim is smarter is only because he spent less time playin FF on PS1. and spent the that time learning something useful... like a language, or becoming a world class salsa dancer (Tim contact me, this is a great DVD project we can do). your in the box... the cash box... come on out and make money instead of spending it...

[Essence]

Well, to be very honest, the $68k is a number that I arrived at by following the formulas given on www.sba.com; which includes the operating costs for 6 months of running a business plus the startup costs. The number includes all of the insurance, lisencing, salaries for three people, etc.

Realistically, given the 4HWW setup, I'd really only need about 7k, and that's assuming 8 batches of product testing at $500/batch until I hit upon a truly viable market. :)

[worldlover]

i am ashamed to have the same interests in common with you.. the way you put the main question at hard down is shamfull. you call yourselves world travelers, eurtrapereurs, or vagabonds but yet you hassel those who have the same dream !!! shame on you!! we are all in to this life to have fun and enjoy what we have in happiness. i find it hard to believe you have acheived any of this without realizing the values presented in the buddist vue (not to say that that you have to follow buddism, neither do i). although the budust way of the tao understands that we all come form differant places and problems and we can all acheive the same happiness. with that in mind whay the hell would you spend the time to put someone else down for exploring there dream, you shoud know better. obviously you have not truly been dirt down. hope you can all understand what i am trying to say and continue to enjoy your life as is or as what could be.


Enjoy life,,

[nghs22]

First - Learn to spell or atleast use the spell checker

Second - People here offer advice based on their experiences and specific knowledge. If constructive criticism is "putting people down," than I would encourage everyone here to beat me to a pulp, if it meant that I would have a greater chance at success.

The world isn't all happiness, having fun, and telling people everything is ok when it isn't. Is there happiness, absolutely. Is there fun, certainly. But how can anyone have happiness and fun if they have made terrible decisions based on irresponsibly "exploring their dream?" Matt wants to open a pizza shop. Great. But his credit and life are a mess. Someone needs to tell him that and you reprimanding people on this board for doing just that is bloody stupid.

Sorry if I am coming off as a "jerk", but I can respond to that by the following quote:

"The reason a jerk should be a prized commodity is the same reason he is perceived as a jerk: He doesn't waste your time with meaningless pleasantries, he doesn't mince words, he doesn't make promises he has no intention of
keeping just because it's what you want to hear. He will bluntly tell you that whatever you're talking about is a load of lunchmeat, assuming you're big enough to handle the brutal truth. That's a compliment. Maybe not a nice one, but a compliment just the same. We could use a few more jerks in this country."