The DiLauro Dossiers

I feel very strongly about this.
So strongly that, as you’ll soon see, I dream about it.
I raised it in my last post and, because of that dream I guess, I feel compelled to raise it again. So, here goes…

My appeal
People—please—in this fresh beginning to this brand-new year—please—do not take on more consumer debt. In these fragile economic times, debt truly is a modern-day black plague—a force that will sink too many of us.
If you’d like proof, and if numbers are your thing, this website provides a comprehensive (and sobering) look at US government debt levels ($126 thousand per taxpayer, by the way). And this website does the same thing for Canada (where I live).

My dream
I dreamt this and wrote it down, verbatim, when I awoke…

The ads scream, “Today only! 50% Off!”
“Save! Save! Save!” announce the signs in the shop windows.
And my pulse quickens, so eager am I to comply to their command.
But I do comply, so ready am I to add to my collection of collections, to my trappings, my trinkets—my bagatelle.
Yet, my back strains, my spine bends from the weight of my possessions, from my unthinking adherence to mindless consumerism.
But, “Save! Save! Save!” demand the signs in the shop windows.
And, once again, I comply,
While my boot-tops—alligator skin! 50% off!—disappear into the vicelike quicksand of my insurmountable debt.

What about you? How do you view debt? Is it something that concerns you? Please let me know by leaving a comment.

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New Year’s resolutions.
They’re typically about health, wealth and commitment (to environment, ourselves and to others). Resolutions, too, are often about independence (I will start my own business) and freedom (I will become financially free). And, resolutions are, often, ambitious in style and wide-ranging in scope.

Though admirable the above may be, to my mind (and with one eye firmly on the current climate) there is something to be said for a toned-down, more moderate approach. An approach that, while not mightily glamorous, still manages to address those weighty issues of independence, meaningfulness and freedom.

Important note: If resolutions aren’t your thing (and for most of us—long term—they’re not) then please consider the following a recommendation, or maybe, even, a mantra. One that goes like this…

“I resolve to not get
Any deeper into debt.”

As far as resolutions go, the above, at first glance, may strike you as neither compelling nor romantic. But in my line of work (where I deal, every day, with dollars and cents, debits and credits, assets and liabilities), such an unprovocative promise is as sensible and attainable as they come.

“I resolve to not get
Any deeper into debt.”

In other words, what the above suggests is… Don’t try for the home run. Don’t try for a commitment that—while shimmery with promise on January 1st when the clock strikes midnight—begins to lose its sheen mere days into the new year.

All I’m saying, I suppose is, put away the credit card, turn away from the Do Not Pay for 365 Days extravaganzas, and above all steer away from alluring promises about fast bucks with little effort.

“I resolve to not get any deeper into debt” may sound like a small step—one unworthy of attention—but it is, nonetheless, an important first step. A step that, perhaps due to its simplicity, focuses the mind, jump-starts the progression toward freedom and independence, and brings about bigger accomplishments and more solid gains. For next New Year’s Eve.

Happy New Year everyone!

What about you? What are you hoping to achieve in 2011? Please let me know by leaving a comment.

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What does it mean, to Make the Leap?
For many people, it means continuing in their chosen profession or trade, with the exception that they’re doing it for themselves, rather than for a boss or employer.
If that definition describes you, it’s important to remember this;
You’re worth at least twice what you’re currently earning.
Whether you earn $10 an hour, $20 an hour, or more.
You’re easily worth twice that.

Think about it.
If you’re an employee, whatever it is you do,
Whether it’s programming things, administering things, building things or fixing things,
Your employer is selling your productivity to someone else.
And, when your employer sells your productivity to someone else, he or she makes a profit off the amount you’re getting paid.
In other words, there’s a customer in that equation who’s paying your employer a whole bunch more than the amount you’re getting.

And that’s why you’re worth twice what you’re earning.
It’s because there’s an intermediary between you and the customer.
Your employer is the  intermediary who brokers your talent, who finds the customers, and who then profits from the arrangement.
All you need to do, then, is cut out the intermediary, find your own customers and keep the extra amount for yourself.

So, why would a customer pay you double what your employer pays you?

1. Because a customer’s already paying someone else more or less the same amount already
2. Because when a customer hires you, it’s for a specific job or contract. In such a situation there’s often no ongoing commitment, and customers are willing to pay more for that flexibility (even though, if you provide good work, they’ll end up being a long-term customer).

What are the advantages of working for customers? Here are just a few examples:

1. You can choose to work the same amount of hours and double your income.
2. You can choose to work half as much and still earn the same income.
3. You can choose who you’ll work for, and when you’ll work for them.
4. You can choose to add services, discontinue services, or make no changes at all.
5. You can choose to have as many customers as you want. Did you know there’s less of a risk to your your income if you work for five or ten customers (rather than just one employer)? If your employer lays you off, you lose 100% of your income. If one customer lets you go, you might lose only 10% of your income.
6. You can choose to hire someone else and you, yourself, become the intermediary.

Whatever you choose to do, just remember, if you do make the leap, it’s you times two

Ideas? Suggestions? Questions? Please leave a comment.

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