We interviewed Rocky Reichman, founder of LiteraryMagic.com, on our Blog Talk Radio show, on January 6, 2010.  He’s a brilliant young man, Renegade CEO (thanks to Shonika Proctor)  who’s received many accolades in the literary community, including from William Safire!

His interview follows below:

SO: What’s Your Definition of “Passion”?

Passion is something that’s more than just an interest. It’s something that fuels you and makes you willing to dedicate hours of effort, a day or even your entire life to.

SO: What Passions Are You Expressing?

My biggest passion is writing.  I first started to express that by writing novels. When I was 12, I wrote my first novel, when I read the Magician’s Apprentice.  That took about three years.  …My second book took three days.  One January vacation, for Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday, I sat down from 8am to 11 at night and just wrote, wrote, and wrote, and got that book out.  I decided to publish my own online literary magazine, Literary Magic.  I also got into etymology, which is the study of the roots and history of words. 

SO: So Has This Been in Your Heart and Your Skill Set?

Through Literary Magic, I’ve really come into contact with amazing people.  Writers and editors around the world.  I’ve not only learned about these people, but also how to interact:  customer service, marketing.   I’ve written some short stories, some columns on literary sites.  Once I discovered Twitter and everything, I met Shonika Prcotr, who has been very helpful to me.  William Safire contacted me, and he called me a “word maven”.  A few months after that, McCraw Hill contacted me for an internship.  That gave me even more opportunities to learn about entrepreneurship and the world of business.

SO: What Are the Challenges that You Have Face and How Have You Move Through Them?

With Literary Magic, it’s been the business model, and building readership.  As a writer, writers love their works, and put all of this effort into their creation.  So if an editor wants to make a change, sometimes that writer is not always open to that change.  So definitely phrasing, giving, learning to give criticism in as positive a manner as possible, that’s always been a challenge.  In my personal life, when I had some family losses, that was definitely a challenge; however they’ve led me to build up resilence and create new projects from that.  When my father passed…he used to tell us these stories.   …So one day we decided to type them up, and we now have it in the published version.

SO: What Else Would You Say to Somebody Who Is Making the Leap?

No matter what, you have to get it out.  Don’t let anyone tell you that what you have to say isn’t worth anything.  It’s always worth anything.  First of all, to you it’s worth something.  And also to your friends and family.  And likely the information or advice or even just the message that you have to share can radiate and help people anywhere.

SO: What Would You Say to Someone Who Doesn’t Know What Their Passion Is?

I think you have to try different thing out.  Read a lot of fiction, even if you don’t want to be a writer, because fiction isn’t just entertaining.  It teaches us about life.  A lot of people think “I’m a non-fiction person, I only read to get information.”  Fiction can open us up to different worlds and possibilities.  Another idea is to go to a college website and look at all of the different subjects, and you really get a feel for what you can do.  Whether it’s writing or biology or if you want to be a doctor or a scientist or law enforcement.  There are so many possibilities.  I was lucky enough to once I read that book Magician’s Apprentice, I knew I wanted to write and kept doing it.  Never wall yourself in.  Of course you want to focus, but never say “I have my passion, and this is all I want to do.”  Always be open to new experiences.  Try something that you normally wouldn’t be exposed to. And then see what happens.

SO: How Have You Stayed Focused?

I like to write a lot of stuff down, write plans, and goals.  I always make sure that on one day, if there’s only time to do one thing, then I get that thing done.  And then I have a task list…if I end up having surplus space then I can do this or that, but I always have one thing that I know must get done that day.   Another thing, which isn’t totally going off focus, but if something comes in, like a quick email…something under 4 minutes, I will try to do it right then.  Otherwise those things just pile up.  Then it can ruin your schedule later in the week. 

I didn’t read Getting Things Done, but I did read an article by the same article that shared the same topic.  I learned a lot about productivity and time management from there.

SO:   When I Say “Do What You Love and the Rest Follows,” Would You Agree?

For everyone I have interviewed, this has been one of the underlying tips that they have all advised:  “That you have to find a way to do what you love and get paid for it.”  If you first don’t succeed, you can always try again.  You can even have a job and make sure that you do your passion on the side.  Like if you’re a lawyer or doctor, then you still have time to write novels on the side.  I know some people at McGraw Hill that works crazy hours and are writing fantasy novels on the side.

SO:  What About Prosperity, the Money Aspect of Doing What You Love?

I think doing what you love, you don’t need to make money at it.  You’re doing it because you like it.  You’re not doing it because you want to make money.  Of course, one of your end goals might be to make money from it.  If you can, then that will ultimately give you more time to focus on your passion, and not to worry about other ways to make money or retirement or college savings. 

Don’t think that in order to be an author to have a chance you have to quit your job and dedicate your entire to writing.  Even if you do get your work published, there are lots of writers out there.  For all the ones that are best-sellers that can take off the day, there are many more writers that have to have other jobs, who might not want to sit writing all day.  You can get a job, pay the bills and work on the side. Plan it out.  Write an hour a day.  Write five pages a day.  If you do the calculations, it won’t take too long to get your book out, maybe a few months.

Write or brainstorm some of it now.  Right after this interview ends.  If you want to write a book and haven’t had the time to do it.  Stop what you’re doing and take five minutes to brainstorm what it is. Maybe even write a sample paragraph or a log line – a line about what your book will cover. Just jump right into it.

Thanks Rocky and Happy Passioneering!

Last week, we spotlighted 16 tips from our Passioneer(tm) interviews about how to leap fully into what you love, as you serve others in the world.  This week, we’re continuing to share tips from our bold, talented interviewees, with the intention to inspire others who may be scared or discouraged about their own leap. 

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway. 

• Nearly all of our Passioneers cited courage as a critical element for leaping fully into what they love.  For them, courage is NOT the absence of fear, but rather the moving forward REGARDLESS of fear.  What a huge difference!  A great book on this topic by Susan Jeffers, Ph.D.
• Passioneers have a relationship with their challenges of “Bring it on!”   They welcome challenges as opportunities to deflate their egos, toughen their skin, AND open their hearts.  Rather than avoid challenges, Passioneers embrace them fully.
• Making the courageous leap into your passions requires a strong faith – knowing that you are supported by a giving, abundant Universe.  Remember that the Universe (or whatever you call your higher power) IS on your side, even when it doesn’t seem like it.
• The Passioneers who we interviewed are bulldogs when it comes to perseverence:  they do not give up and are fiercely tenacious in moving forward regardless of their circumstances.  Vince Lombardi said, “Winners never quit, and quitters never win!” (Other Lombardi quotes)
• Successes are always right around the corner, even if you cannot see or believe them yet.   

It Takes a Village to Raise a Passioneer.

• The concept of rugged individualism is dead when it comes to unleashing your passions.   If you think that you have to go it alone, think again.  Passioneer Vitamin C = Collaboration, connection, cooperation, and community. Your booster shot for thriving!
• The most successful Passioneers create powerful support networks that call them into greatness, challenge their comfort zones, and believe in them through thick and thin.  So, go build an “A Team” of cheerleaders who believe in you 200%, when no one else will.  The first step to building your team is to ASK.  The second step?  Be ready to RECEIVE!
• Passioneers also proactively build a “B” team of cheerleaders who they actively recruit to their A team.  They have a positive state of mind to attract and grow strong supporters.
• Build upon your strengths, rather than struggle to strengthen your weaknesses.  Delegate to experts in areas which are not your strengths or your passions.
• Stop renting out mental real estate to naysayers.  The more that you resist the “dream dashers,” the more that they will persist.  What you resist persists.  A great video on this topic.

Do What You Love, Not Just What You’re Good At.

• How do you know if you are following your true passions?  When in doubt, ask yourself, could I do and be this for the rest of my life..and not get paid?  If your answer is  unequivocally “yes,” then you are on the right track.  Or try the Passion Test.  Marsha Sinetar’s book, Do What You Love; the Money Will Follow, is excellent.
• Your passions point to your purpose – that is, why you’re on the planet at this time.  Pay attention to them and give them space in your life.
• Passion = contagion.   When you are on fire about something in your life, you are contagious and unstoppable. 
• Some Passioneers unleash one passion, solely and fully, during their life, while others are “serial Passioneers,” who pursue many different ones.  There is no right or wrong path to pursue your passion. 

Happy Passioneering!

Morgan loves spending time with young people. He is currently laughing, playing, reading books, and enjoying every day while raising his two young children. For 12 years prior to spending time with his own kids, he learned with teenagers about communication and increasing self-esteem. He spent time as a high school teacher, an adventure trip leader, a personal growth program facilitator, a mentor, an interim Dean of Students, an advisor, and a friend. These experiences, a Master’s degree from Northwestern University, and a trip around the world on a ship, helped him understand that at the heart of our success as people is confidence in our selves and support and love from other people. He calls these things “Know Yourself” and “Trust Yourself.” It is with the passion to make a difference in people’s lives that he coaches his clients to sustainable and long-term success. He authored the book Launch Your Life: 5 Secrets to Knowing What You Want in Your Teens, College Years, and Early Career. Reach him at www.playhuge.com.

Below is our recent radio interview with him, September 23, 2009:

Jasmine Graham is the Founder and President of Pace For Success Inc. She is a certified coach with the Road runners Club of America and an American Council of Exercise certified Fitness instructor. Pace For Success creates F.I.N.E. HUMAN BEINGS through Fitness, Involvement, Nutrition & Empowerment. Jasmine is currently running a very successful Health and wellness company. She offers Bootcamp Fitness sessions, Running programs and Nutrition programs. Her scope of service is not just limited to fitness and nutrition. Her newest endeavor is her talk show FINE WOMEN that will cover issues related to Fitness, Involvement , Nutrition and Empowerment in every show. She also wants to showcase ordinary people doing extraordinary things in every episode. She decided to create this show because she wanted to empower and effect people in a positive way on a larger scale. The pilot is completed and will be shopped to various networks. She has also been interviewed on various cable programs where she discussed how she changed careers and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Her life’s passion is to help people be the best that they can be and she is accomplishing that. She can be reached at www.pace4success.com.

Below is her interview with us on Blog Talk Radio, October 2, 2009:

Eileen Dey, M.A. and Reiki master is the director/founder of the only state licensed Eileen is also a counselor and provides on-going “anti-career” support to adults in career transition. Reach her at www.reikitrainingprogram.com.

We interviewed her earlier this year on Blog Talk Radio (Passions and Possibilities Show):

As I’ve been interviewing nearly 100 passionate entrepreneurs (aka “passioneers”) over the past two months, I’ve heard many great ideas and suggestions for dream leaping. So I invite anyone who is feeling scared or discouraged about their own leap to consider the ten tips below from these passioneers, so you can move forward. If you have your own ideas or suggestions, please send them our way.

Tips for Leaping into Your Passions Fully

1. Don’t leave your day job, and have at least one year’s savings before you make the leap into your passions!
2. Take baby steps. A strong recommendation to make the leap by taking many little steps.
3. Face the fear…and do it anyway.  Every one of our guests has felt some fears around making their leap.  Their suggestion?  Don’t succumb and keep moving.
4. Surround yourself with positive people.  Ditch those who aren’t supportive or negative.  Fill your life with folks who respect and honor your path.
5. Vision your future.  Get very clear on what you want in your life and take the focus off of what you don’t want.
6. Prosperity is much more than material wealth.  It means friends, health, free time, and being your own boss!
7. Persevere regardless.  The road will get rocky, so when it does, take a deep breath and put one foot in front of the other.
8. Get used to the mystery.  You aren’t going to always know where you’re headed.  So best to release control and enjoy the ride!
9. Don’t go it alone.  Real success is achieved through other people, so learn to build community around you.
10. Go with the flow.  Following your passions can be tough, AND if you keep hitting a wall, perhaps it’s time to take another route. 

You can also reach us by contacting our website:  www.lifesparks-coaching.com or our radio show at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities.  Thanks so much!!

Shonika Proctor is the founder of Teen Entrepreneur Blog, Renegade CEOs, and a teen CEO coach.  She recently shared her Passioneering story with us, and can be reached at www.teenentrepreneurblog.com.   Her radio interview with us can be heard in archive at Blog Talk Radio:

Shonika, What Is Your Definition of Passion?

Something that is good for you. That fulfills you fascinates you and intrigues you.

The reason why I feel this way is that, growing up, many of the people in my family and my personal and professional network told me to do what you love and the money will follow.

I worked in the wireless industry for 15 years and I was very good at it. I was searching for my passion by trying different thing within wireless.  Then one day, through volunteering I realized that passion is something that is good for you.  You may not necessarily know how to do that particular thing, but because of your curiosity about it, you seek to figure out how to do it, through your internal compass.

Us:  What Are Your Passions, and How Are You Expressing Them?

My passion is healing people.  Healing means, in my world, basically pursuing your uninhibited growth.  Healing is not fixing, but empowering people. I believe that people don’t want to be helped, they want to be empowered. They want people to provide information and access to opportunities and things that will nurture and feed their curious spirit.

Some people think that giving up power makes you powerless, as opposed to (thinking that) giving up power empowers others.  Empowering others feeds their curiosity, fascination, and passion for the things that they enjoy doing. That’s essentially how I heal people, because then they don’t have to settle for what they don’t want to be doing. They feel encouraged to go after whatever their dream is.

What’s the Difference Between Helping Someone and Empowering Them?

The best example is with my teens. Helping a teen would be ‘Watch me do it first, and then you do it.’  Empowering a teen is ‘Why don’t you go try it now and then tell me how you feel afterwards? …If there’s something missing, what can I do to provide that little bridge for you.’

I call it ‘pivoting the teen access,’ how to find balance in your life in their (the teen’s) world.  The first thing is that you move the barrier that exists naturally between all of us.  And that invisible barrier is like ‘I don’t want to say this thing because I don’t want to offend this person.’  But it’s the truth, and it’s not necessarily criticizing them, but it’s information so they can improve.  In ‘helping them,’ you kinda of mouse around things so you try and do stuff and hope that they will mirror you.  In empowering them, you are creating the opportunity for them because you ‘I see you there already.  Let me see you there now!’

You tell them that you see them there, and then they say to you ‘I see myself there, actually,’ and then they ask ‘How can I get myself there?’  Then you brainstorm together.

When they realize their potential, they see that they can fulfill it through a network of people who are supportive of them.  Now, that’s a different role.  When people are empowering you and not helping….(they become) a tool and not an obstacle.

What Have Been Your Biggest Challenges?

The greatest challenge is when you do have a vision and you are ready to pursue it and those closest to you don’t buy into it.  That’s difficult because, for whatever reason – they see you in your current position or if they don’t feel you have the skills or financial resources – then they want to say “that’s a  ridiculous idea.”  I have the support of spouse and family, but sometimes they say to me “Shonika you are out there.”  Even they are questioning whatever I’m doing.  So the best thing that you can do is just do it.  Once you start doing it, people will see..

When I started my teen entrepreneur business, people said ‘that’s ridiculous. You’re working with  people under eighteen, you’re doing good for the world, but how are you going to make money?  They’re under eighteen, they can’t enter into a financial contract, and how do you know they’re going to be loyal to you.

It took more than six-eight months for buy-in from my own personal network.  So I didn’t share my dream with them per se, I just built a new network of people who supported me, called Chicks That Click – people who are in a similar situation all different businesses.  We talk every week and have accountability for each other.

What Was Your Passion Journey?

I worked in the wireless industry for 15 years. I was volunteering with youth for several years, and never saw myself working with teens.  I was just volunteering with the group, and it ended up that I was spending more time volunteering than I was at work.  I was very scared to make it into a business, not that I didn’t think I would make money, but I didn’t have any experience working with teens beyond volunteering a few hours a month.

I said to my teens: ‘Can I basically stretch myself?  I have to choose.  And this is the deal. I can stay in my company and get paid the big bucks and work it out later.’  One of my teens said ‘If you want to know the answer to your question, ask yourself, can you go on without the cellular and wireless industry, and can it go on without you?  And ask yourself, can you go on without your teens, and can they go on without you?’ …He said “ask them.”  And then I asked them… and that’s how I chose.

I chose to do it cold turkey.  In two weeks, like no more wireless.  I thought, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to get paid next month.’  …I was thinking about how I could survive in the next few months. All of my energy was focused there.

I just started looking up organizations in my city, Washington D.C.  that work with entrepreneurs – small business development center, SCORE, the economic empowerment office, and I asked them to align me with other people related to youth.  I looked not just for entrepreneurs, I wanted strategic partnerships.  In D.C.  we have a lot of headquarters for a lot of trade associations.  I got statistics and contacts from my trade association, for free.  The association of meeting planners, and they can begin to make the contacts for you if you tell them what you’re trying to accomplish. Just find one person to align with, and next thing there’s four people…  I put up a blog, and didn’t know technical mumbo jumbo.  I didn’t know how people were going to find me, optimization stuff.  And the next thing you know, I had a list of 20 kids, then 64 kids.  Eight months later, Next thing you know, my blog is apparently top 800,000 and four figure worth of kids.

My business now is crazy. One year in existence, I published a book, I have a home study course, people are inviting me to speak at different places, all run by an internal compass, no business plan. I just go off the ideas of my teens.

Sounds Like a Big Leap of Faith, and Letting Go of the ‘How’?

When you decide to 100% commit and not say ‘I’ll kind of do this thing until this thing blows up,’ you cut the ties and the answers come before the questions.  …The ideas will pop into your head and the resources will just be there.  The people who want to support you, the money to do whatever.

What would you say to someone If you follow your bliss, the money follows…it’s not happening

Then you’re trying to do what you’re good and not what’s good for you.  Living your dream is about moving in sync with your own reality.  The reason why things aren’t happening for you is because you aren’t doing the things that really fulfill you. You’re trying to make it work in your head.  That’s what I did with wireless.  I was a good salesperson and trying to make all kinds of things work.  But that was not what was good for me.

I never saw myself working with teens, but my history dictates that I work with youth. From 12 I was volunteering with young people.  Why I never make a connection in my head that I should pursue that path?  – I don’t want to be a teacher.  Well I don’t have to be a teacher.  I didn’t realize it.  It’s no surprise that I’m here. More than ½ my life I have been volunteering with young people   You have to forgive yourself whatever issues or stresses you had with your family….you have to free yourself.

That’s what it is.  If it’s not working. It’s because you’re doing the wrong thing for you.  Your today’s will be better than your yesterdays because you’ll be driven by trying to do that thing.

Is There Anything Else You Want Folks to Know about Your Story?

The only thing, in reflection, I would encourage them to write, in a journal.  It doesn’t have to be an elaborate thought, could be a word, a sentence, a doodle, a picture. If you just summarize your day and you see it over a time period. That is what forces you to change.

If you had to summarize your day in one word and you write a date on it.  Life is too short to wait or to long to settle.  Or what was the most memorable thing on your day. You look for the pattern of connecting thoughts. That’s how you identify your passions.  You can see that you have a lot of unrelated talents.  For example: ‘I can sew, I can play the guitar, I can cook’ – they all have to do with your hands. Most likely, whatever you’ll be doing with be with your hands.  So you can looking for specific things that you like to do with your hands. Then you can narrow down topics.

Thanks for your fabulous story Shonika!

On May 22nd, 2009, we interviewed Donna Hill about her Passioneer’s journey, and also featured her as a guest on our blog talk radio show, Passions and Possiblities on June 19th.   She is an author, singer/songwriter, recording artist, speaker and avid knitter in rural Pennsylvania. Donna started her music career as a street performer in Philadelphia, where she sang for thirteen years. Hear her music at: http://cdbaby.com/cd/donnahill.  Born blind, Donna works to foster understanding of and improve opportunities for blind Americans, as a volunteer publicist for the nonprofit Performing Arts Division of the National Federation of the Blind: http://www.padnfb.org.

She is courageous, talented, creative, and extremely passions about the rights of blind Americans.  Learn more about her story below.

What’s Your Definition of Passion, Donna?

Something that you feel so deeply that you are compelled to act on it.

What Are Your Passions, and How Are You Expressing Them?

I have a passion for nature and am expressing that by living in the country on 17 ½ acres with a pond.  I’m just in love with frogs, which I never thought that I would be…We took a leap by moving out here.  As a blind person, it was a leap. I’d always wanted to live in the country. Many blind people live in the city because of the transportation and other services.

I played piano and guitar when I was supporting myself as a musician.  I’m doing the piano more nowadays.  My hands do numb up.  I had a long run in Philadelphia with music, and had three guide dogs during that time that all developed their own fan clubs.  It was wonderful!  That was my initial passion in terms of my music. I’m a songwriter, but I don’t support myself that way anymore.  I’m a semi-retired folk singer.  Writing music is definitely a passion of mine. I don’t “try” to write a song; very rarely do I try. Most of the time, it’s an inspiration, it’s what I feel so deeply that I can’t put it aside.  The song is within me and it needs to come out.  So I write and record it, and there it is.  It’s something that I do, it’s part of me.

Where I spend most of my time now is working for the rights of blind people in America -  to bring attention to the dire situation that most blind people are in. That’s the driving passion at this part of my life.  After I had cancer (diagnosed twice), I put a stop to my regular music career.   …At a certain point, you have to persevere.  What do you do if you don’t go forward in some way?

How Did You Come to Express Your Passion in this Way?

It was partially about trying to come to terms with what had happened in my own life with blindness issues.  A few years ago, I was speaking and singing at a Lion’s club convention; singing and talking to them about blindness to try to express in music about having goals and reaching your dreams.  I met this young lady who was also blind, just out of high school, who had gotten herself a job as a receptionist in the town where she lived. I found out that she was learning Braille through a correspondence  course.  “They didn’t teach me it at school,”  she said.  I thought things had changed…I felt so overwhelmed and thought ”this didn’t go away.”  When I was a kid, 50% of folks were taught Braille.  Most blind people don’t work, and those who do are Braille readers.  Yet people are turning their backs on this.

This is a civil justice movement:  I really think that the core is that people don’t really understand blindness; they’re afraid of it, they may have seen or heard something (about it) and they think that everyone’s like that.  They extrapolate. We really do have to change people’s minds.  It’s really a civil rights issue.  Americans view people with disabilities as fundamentally different from themselves, feeling fear and pity most often.

Most blind people, over 80%, grew up sighted and grew up with the general society’s image of blindness…Most of them believe that their life is over…that they no longer will be productive or happy…They have a deep core belief.  Getting beyond that deep core belief takes a lot.

There are blind people living productive lives, but we are in the shadows.  The media rarely present the issues.  The reason that it’s news?  It counters the belief that it’s possible.

We are an invisible, but growing minority.  One that includes people who have no incidence (of blindness) in their family.  We aren’t a separate group. We are part of the normal culture. But part of the normal culture that has been hereto for ignored.  It’s changing, but it’s not changing in a huge way.

If you look for prominent blind individuals who are on the national stage, politics, entertainment, there’s David Patterson of NY and Stevie Wonder, but I would ask you, where are the blind women?   We have a lot of young blind women who are entertainers in a lot of field; and they are still unknown and aren’t household words.  Young blind people need role models as they grow up.  The boys have some, but the girls don’t.

What’s Next for You Donna?

I’m doing a series of articles for the American Chronicle (http://www.americanchronicle.com/authors/view/3885)

Thanks Donna

What is your definition of prosperity? Is it based upon the size of your paycheck, your bank account, or your house? I have interviewed nearly 100 bold talented individuals who made the big leap successfully into their dreams (aka Passioneers (sm)) and have investigated their views on prosperity. Our Passioneers included entrepreneurs, artists, performers, writers, and athletes. Bottom line? Regardless of their prior jobs, incomes, or social status, these Passioneers unanimously indicated that their prosperity is much greater now than before their leap. Most importantly, their definition of prosperity expanded beyond materiality to encompass the five quality of life factors shown below.

1) “Prosperity = Having More Time for Me.” All of the interviewed Passioneers stated that they now have more time for themselves and others after making their leap. While some old-school entrepreneurs still believe in the myth of struggle, strife, and 70-hour work weeks, true Passioneers know that balance is critical, so they tend to be healthier and happier than their workaholic counterparts. Why? Because they spend more time in play, relaxation, working out, and self-care.

2) “Prosperity = More Time for Family and Friends.” In addition to making time for themselves, Passioneers make more time for their families, friends, and social activities. The most important reason for doing so is to “feel connected.” As one man put it, “That’s why we’re here.”

3) “Prosperity = Being My Own Boss.” Passioneers love being their own boss, which is a big impetus for many of them to leave their regular day jobs. Studies have shown that who you report to is one of the major factors in job satisfaction. Passioneers also recognize that there’s no such thing as a secure job anymore, regardless of how big your company is. Having been laid off twice from Corporate America, I can personally attest to the lack of job security, and the joy of being my own boss.

4) “Prosperity = Creating My Own Work Environment.” Passioneers adore being able to create their own work environments, wherever that may be. Passioneer Ken shares how much he loves hearing his 3-year old son wake up in the morning and the pitter-patter of his slippers as he wanders into this father’s office to kiss him good morning. Ken left a successful graphic arts career with a leading firm to become a solopreneur, and hasn’t looked back since.

5) “Prosperity = Making a Difference in the World MY WAY.” The real reason behind our Passioneers’ increased feeling of prosperity is their opportunity to express their passions in the world on their own terms. “A Passion is doing what you love every day,” said one Passioneer, adding, “It’s following your purpose and serving in your own unique way”. Another Passioneer, Shonika Proctor (http://www.teenentrepreneurblog.com/) describes a passion as being “what is good for you…it fulfills you, fascinates you, and intrigues you.”

So even if you end up making less income as you make the leap into your passions, the benefits are huge from doing what you love, having more time for yourself and others, and creating the work environment of your dreams. What are you waiting for?

At the age of 7 years, Brooke Ellison was paralyzed from the neck after being hit by a car on a New York road.  Her story is about tremendous courage, but it’s even more about her commitment to contributing to others through her work in stem cell research.   After her accident, Brooke focused on education rather than feeling sorry for herself, and became the first quadriplegic to graduate from Harvard.  Her story inspired Christopher Reeves to direct a movie about her life, The Brooke Ellison Story.  Our phone interview took place on May 26th , and you can also hear her 7/1/09 radio interview on Blog Talk Radio:

(Our questions are in bold, and Brooke’s answers follow them).   Brooke can be reached at www.brookeellison.com).

What Have Been Your Biggest Challenges, and How Have You Overcome Them?

Brooke:  “Had it not been for this situation I would never been able to do half of the things that I’ve done in my life…to touch the people I’ve been able to touch.  Those are the kinds of things that I focus on.  It’s about a mindset.  There are people who live in much more tragic situations than I am and who are living wonderful lives.

I have had the fortune and misfortune to see the difficult side of life.  My parents were told that I wasn’t going to live.  And if I did, my life would be dictated by loss and sadness.   I’ve overcome that.  I have seen the power of hope and of setting goals for myself.   I see opportunity where it seems to have been lost, and could never have done it alone.  As long as you have someone by your side for support, you can end up doing pretty remarkable things.

We need to have a sense of responsibility to use whatever we’ve learned, our challenges, etc. to help others get through times that are difficult.”
What’s Your Guidance for Someone Who Is Scared about Leaping into Their Passions?

Brooke:  “Get creative with it.  You don’t have to live life by other people’s notions about what’s normal…it’s a balance of having goals and being happy with what is.  In every obstacle there’s always an opportunity.  Often it doesn’t present itself right away.  You get a sense of purpose out of what seems difficult.  Very rarely does that work get done by someone who’s had it easy or thought within the box.  Creative, groundbreaking things rarely come out of the day-to-day.  Nobody should be afraid to take the leap or do something that they feel called to do.  Change doesn’t ever create itself.
We all can do it.  I have a great amount of faith in each other.  That’s where I have faith.  Had it not been for the influence of others in my life, I would not be where I am.  I would never have gotten to where I am if not for the role of my family in my life.  It’s very reciprocal.  We have a responsibility to give it back.”

What Have You Had to Release?

Brooke:  “In the face of any kind of situation no matter how difficult, there’s always meaning that can be found in it.  People really need to believe that.  It can be frustrating that things are set for you, but there’s also a great sense of power and liberation.  I have a certain level of control over being as positive as I can.  It takes a lot of belief in myself.”

What Is Your Next Milestone?

Brooke:  “To get my PhD in sociology, medicine and society, in a couple of years.  To teach a course in stem cell research and to have founded a nonprofit for this research. Science, legislation, societal ethics, advocacy, and economics, all couched in one area. ”

What’s Drawn You to Stem Cell Research in Particular?

Brooke:  “I’ve heard so many people’s stories facing the most dire of situations.  How people have suffered terribly.  At the same time, so much hope is in this issue.  I really believe firmly that it can alter the course of medicine as we know it, completely. Whether or not it will affect my life is up for question, but it may help millions of others.  I’m not a legislator or scientist, but if I can contribute to alleviate suffering, I would feel that I’ve done something.”

Thank you Brooke for being so generous with your time today.

Even during a recession, there are many opportunities to take your new ideas to market quickly and profitably.  Most entrepreneurs are overflowing with great ideas for new products and services.  So how do you screen these ideas so that they generate big profits in a relatively short time?  …Get started by answering these 5 questions.

1)  Who are my target customers, and what are their biggest needs? 

As you consider your new offering, do a brain dump on your target market, including demographics (e.g., age, income) and psychographics (e.g., attitudes, behaviors). Also consider the size of your target market, its growth rate, and current trends.  Fill in any big holes by conducting research online (e.g., FactFinder) at your local library’s business center, or by surveying current and potential customers.  You can deliver a short, user-friendly survey in person, by phone, or by using an online survey tool such as Survey Monkey.

2)  What benefits does my offering provide that meets these needs? 

There’s a big difference between “features” and “benefits”. A benefit is what your customers value about your offering and how it meets their needs.  In contrast, a feature is a fact-based aspect of your offering or what it does.  For example, you might provide the feature of 24/7 technical support for your new product.  However, the real benefit or WIIFM (What’s in it for me?) to your customers is comfort and convenience.  Make a list of your offering’s possible benefits and get feedback on it from a formal or informal group of customers. (See Entrepreneur.com’s distinction between features and benefits:  http://tinyurl.com/6k5w22 .)

3)  Who are my competitors and how do their offerings compare?

Take the time to assess your key competitors and any viable substitutes/alternatives to your offering.  Study their strengths, weaknesses, and how they meet the needs of your target market.  Try mystery shopping at your competitors’ websites, stores, phone lines, and by purchasing some of their offerings.  Obtaining customer feedback on your competition, via surveys or user groups, is essential.  Check out Wikipedia’s simple, powerful competitor framework. 

4)  What are my initial and ongoing costs?

Take into account what your new offering will cost from development through launch (i.e., your start-up costs), including research, development, testing, supplies, marketing & advertising, inventory, office/warehouse space, and training. Then consider your annual costs for ongoing sales and servicing.  Write these costs down, and discuss them with your business advisors, area experts, or colleagues to better understand your investment. 

5)  What are my expected annual sales? 

Write down your estimated annual sales from your new offering, including best, worst, and most-likely scenarios.  For example, if your estimated Year 1 sales are $25,000, you might add 50% for a best case scenario and subtract 50% for a worst case scenario.  Then, for a rough break-even analysis, calculate the number of product units or service hours to cover your start-up costs. You can also calculate the annual sales required to cover ongoing distribution, marketing, servicing and other costs.

A few tips:
*  Answering these questions may seem daunting, yet if you carve out focused time, you could do it in 1-2 weeks.  You’ll avoid costly mistakes and greatly increase your chances of a successful, profitable launch.

*  Write down the questions, answers, and your assumptions, as you work through them.  Documentation makes them more tangible and holds you accountable for follow-through.

* Create a dialogue with others about these questions.  Invite input and different perspectives, because the more open are your eyes, the less likely that you’ll be blindsided.

* Be trusting and smart with your new ideas. Carefully select with whom you’ll share them.  When in doubt, use confidentiality agreements.  Better safe than sorry!

* Try a mastermind group or other forum where you can share your new ideas and receive support, and accountability.  Look for our monthly Putting Passions into Action groups in Seattle (second Mondays of the month).

Happy Passioneering!

So what’s the perfect timing to leap fully into your passions? After interviewing nearly 100 bold, talented individuals who made the leap (aka “Passioneers”), I have the definitive answer: “It all depends”. Some Passioneers transformed their passion into a full-time venture over several years, while others make the leap in one fell swoop (e.g., after being laid off of their full-time job). Still other Passioneers have so many passions that they don’t want to fully commit to only one!

Below are 5 tips for timing your leap, based upon 5 months of research and 25 years of common sense:

1. There’s NEVER a Perfect Time, So Just Do It! If you’re waiting for the moons to align and the prosperity gods to agree, then you may as well turn in your Passioneers climbing harness and go home right now. THERE IS NO PERFECT TIME, and once you finally get that, you’ll get over yourself and move forward. So, whatever your passion, simply take ONE step forward NOW! Yes, right now.  Even if you commit to spending one-hour a week exploring your passions, that’s an awesome start! Baby steps, one at a time. Examples? Research what you love on the internet for an hour. Conduct an info interview with an expert who’s doing what you love. Or write down the benefits of unleashing your passions.
2. Eliminate “Either/Or” Thinking. Many individuals believe that they have to wait until they can spend 60+ hours a week expressing their passions before they should make the leap. That they must sacrifice everything else to pursue their passions. NOT SO! For some ridiculous reason, an entrepreneurial myth of rugged individualism and self-sacrifice has perpetuated over the years. It’s time to STOP the insanity now.  What if…you could continue to earn a living in your current dead-end job AND move close to your dream life each week? What if being a successful entrepreneur requires LESS than 40 hours a week (witness the Ferris’ book, The 4-Hour Work Week.) Even one hour a week being and doing what you love moves you closer to your dream (via baby steps). Through many baby steps, you can make HUGE progress without even realizing it. What does this require? Patience and persistence.  Neither was Rome built in one day, nor was a car eaten by Dick Miller in one sitting.  Ask me about this later. 
3. Don’t Leave Your Day Job (at least not right away). Transitioning into your passions full-time, OVER time, is a great idea. Many Passioneers gather the skills and experience they need to make the leap, while being employed in a full-time job that’s not really their passion. Well guess what? Whatever full-time job you’ve had so far is providing you with the PERFECT skills and experience for what’s next.  Every Passioneer I’ve interviewed confessed that they couldn’t have created their dream profession without having had their prior jobs, which brought them just the right insights, skills and experience.  Don’t believe me? Call me in 5 years and we’ll compare notes.  The next time you want to complain about your current job, think again!
4. Feel the Fear and Keep Moving Anway. It’s inevitable. There will be days and even weeks, when your knees are shaking and you have no idea why you decided to pursue your passions. Maybe you have a fear of failure, a fear of success, or even a fear of not deserving to shine in your passions. Who cares? The definition of courage? To feel the fear and do it anyway. Get moving!
5. Learn to Live Within a Budget AND Prosper. Most Passioneers I’ve interviewed have noted that their prosperity quotient (PQ) rose significantly after making the leap into their passions. A PQ considers much more than your annual net income, including your happiness, health, and overall satisifaction: Being your own boss, making your own schedule, spending more time with family and friends, etc., etc. Without exception, Passioneers who made the leap from high-paying jobs indicated that they now have a higher PQ then before they made the leap…and absolutely NO regrets in making the leap.

So, in one sentence: Just DO it now, even if it’s slowly by taking baby steps, by being smart, courageous, and by having a clear idea of prosperity. Good luck and happy Passioneering!