Tell Gary your ideas on what he should talk about here.

So here is my advice for a topic that I would love to hear Gary address.

No Time to Bail Out

I’ve heard some of Gary’s videos and comments on this down economy and how there are many opportunities for people who are not afraid to take some risks.

My take on it is this:

1. The cost to develop a web site, blog or web application is less than it ever has been.
2. The social media scene is about to explode once Twitter, FriendFeed and other tools hit the mainstream.
3. Most of the competition is scared to make a move, especially big companies.
4. This “down economy” presents the opportunity of a lifetime for entrepreneurs with an excellent niche idea that are able to move quickly.

Can’t wait to hear you speak Gary.  See you in Miami.

A True Freelancer’s Vacation

As a solo entrepreneur I am blessed to be able to set my own schedule and take time off whenever I want. My family and I try to take trips throughout the year at times when others might not be vacationing. It also helps that we homeschool our kids so we can take educational field trips as part of our vacations.

My problem as a solo web developer with no employees is that the web is always on and my customers don’t stop working when I am off. That means that I am permanently tethered to my PowerBook wherever I go and always aware of the closest wifi hotspot.

I have learned to manage my projects to allow me some down time throughout the year and usually succeed in protecting my “sacred” family time on the weekends. But there are always one or two projects that are “hot” during my time off and I end up getting pulled away to deal with issues.

The Stress of What Might Happen

What I have come to realize during these two quiet weeks of the year is that my stress level is considerably lower. There is no stress of “what might happen” or “be prepared just in case something goes wrong”. Proof?  I went to the doctor yesterday and my blood pressure was normal for the first time in a long time. The difference, even though I am still working, is that I know that most of my customers are taking time off and that I can work on what I want to work on.

So, to all of my lovely Papasoft customers.  Thank you for your business in 2008.  And thanks for taking time off during these most wonderful two weeks of the year!

Here’s to a productive and profitable 2009!

rt

Profile: Rick Tuttle of Papasoft at Startup Nation.

You may have different mentors for different areas of your life. You may look to your parents or a relative as an example of how to live. A teacher or a supervisor may become a mentor. One thing is necessary in a mentor: good character. You want someone who will give you an honest assessment and help to teach you right from wrong.

The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. They have made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from his path.
- Psalm 37:30-31 (NLT)

You won’t (or shouldn’t) just walk up and ask somebody to be your mentor. The right person will simply become a mentor to you as you build a relationship by asking questions and getting to know that person and their life. Watch how that person lives and interacts with others.

Are you a follower of Jesus? If you are, then the right mentor for you is someone who is following Jesus and has followed him for some time.

We use the word “mentor” because Mentor was an advisor of Telemachus in Homer’s Odyssey. However, the perfect example of one we should follow is Jesus the Messiah. Your mentor should be able to say, “Follow me as I follow Jesus.”

Maybe we should change the name. You need a “little Jesus”, not a “mentor”.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.
- Proverbs 12:15 (TLB)

:p

And now with one whole year of experience I am happy to announce Solo Startup – Resources for Starting a Business as a Solo Entrepreneur. I want Solo Startup to be a launch pad for resources and information about starting a business with an emphasis on solo entrepreneurs. It will hopefully be as much of a benefit for me as it will be for the rest of you soloists.