Monster Noodle

Americans have spent the past two and a half decades on the biggest shopping spree in world history. Ranging from new houses, to new cars and everything in between, Americans now have undisputed claim on the title of the most prolific shoppers in the world. Unfortunately, as with any shopping spree, there comes a time to pay the bills. Yes, it’s true that what goes up must come down.

For several weeks now one of the most popular debates has been about the definition of a recession and if we are currently in one. The question is irrelevant. What matters is that we as Americans realize that we have some self destructive practices and that we take this time as an opportunity to fix them.

Here are a few random thoughts from the soap box that may identify some of our pitfalls and how to avoid them in the future.

Anything that does not provide value will not survive.

From the tech boom and bust in the late 90’s to the housing crunch that we’re in now, things that live on self generated hype don’t last. It’s a simple equation, if supply exceeds demand watch out. Continue reading »

written by Lochshen \\ tags: blog, political commentary, rant

In www-land there are new sites popping up every day that promise to be the next big thing. Most of these sites struggle for a few months or even a few years and then realize that it’s often more difficult to do big things than a slick site design and a shaky business model. Other sites seem to hit the exact place at the precise time and make millions, literally overnight. Then there are those that you’re not quite sure about. In comes Fusu.com.

If you haven’t heard anything about it, you’re not alone. The site and it’s concept are new and have not had enough time to generate much in the way of buzz. Beginning it’s history only a few short months ago, Fusu’s concept is simple, find people who own potentially big domain names then issue stock for the sale of the domain. The domain owner raises initial capital from the issue of the stock while the investor reaps the benefits of lower cost fractional ownership. The big question is if Fusu can draw enough attention and produce enough results to continue to mature it’s business.

It is a very interesting concept but is it the next big thing? Who knows. Crazier things in recent years have made billions. One thing is however certain, Fusu will need a lot of buzz and even more luck to reach the critical mass that will be necessary to get this concept off the ground. Take a few minutes to head over and judge for yourself.

Until next time, happy blogging.

Megadisclaimer: Take nothing at face value. Everything on this blog is for entertainment purposes. It won’t change the world, or even your opinion in most cases. If you believe everything that you read stop reading now!

written by Lochshen \\ tags: blog, buzz, Investing, new, squatting

There have been many articles written that express the wisdom of leaving your job for the greener pastures of self employment. This is not one of them. The point of this article is not to convince you to leave your job but to encourage you to find ways to become more economically independent. It’s what made America great and continues to be our best defense against a weakening economy . If you’re like most Americans, you have been taught that a stable job is the path to success in life. Here are a few points to consider if you have taken this point of view:

1. A single source of income is dangerous. If you feel that a job gives you security, think again.  A job provides a way to make money today. Having the ability to create value gives you security. If you have a talent or skill that is valuable to others, market it. Set up systems to utilize it. Above all, don’t limit it. Relying on your job as the sole source of your security is like jumping out of an airplane with a single parachute, why would you do it?
2. Skills diminish with age. Sorry to let you in on this but the shine wears off as time wears on (in the immortal words of Lemmy). What is incredibly easy for you at 20 may not be quite as easy at 40. As your wages increase and your ability to adapt decreases, the risk that you take by having a single source of income becomes even greater. To combat this, get paid to learn. Don’t focus all of your energy on skills that are only useful in one environment. While you are working at your job, look for opportunities to learn skills that have more universal value. Once you have these skills, market them. Take on side projects that can setup your network of contancts on the outside of your company. It may not be lucrative at first but building these bridges will pay dividends in the long run.  
3. It is easier than ever to be independent. For the first time in history we live in a truly global economy. The odds of being able to find someone that wants what you can provide is at an all time high. Take the time to ask yourself what you can do that is valuable to others. A good place to start is what you’re already doing in your job. Does it make sense to put all of your value to work for only one client?
4. Your income potential is limited with a single job. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “I know a lot of people that are doing fairly well with their job”. This may be true. It is quite possible to make a good income from a job but consider this. Can you choose how much you make? If you’re in sales, maybe but for most of the rest of us, there is a ceiling. The only way to break through that ceiling from within the system is to move up or to change jobs. Although, moving up is a good way to work within the system to achieve higher returns, expect to match those earnings with many more hours worked. A better way is to find methods to sell the output of your value many times instead of just selling your time once. After all, time is the one thing that you can never get back.
5. No one takes care of you better than you. Many people make the mistake of limiting their potential out of a sense of loyalty to a company. Although loyalty is one of the most noble traits that any individual can possess, loyalty should be given to people not companies. Companies are in business to make money. The decisions of a company are based on profit and loss not on emotional responses like loyalty. If it is profitable to install a machine that will take your place, it will happen. A few people from your office will be sad to see you pack up your things and go but the company as a whole will chug right along without you. You, on the other hand, have a vested interest in making sure that decisions benefit you. Never sacrifice your own well being to the interests of a company. If the two are in conflict, there ultimately will be a winner and a loser. If you’re willing to be the loser, you will be.

The “bottom line” is this. It’s not a bad thing to have a job. It can be a great way to learn skills, get paid, and create relationships. However, a job should never provide your sole source of stability. Through a little hard work and foresight you can provide value to more people than you realize and in the process feel more independent and secure about your future.

Until next time, happy blogging.

Megadisclaimer: Take nothing at face value. Everything on this blog is for entertainment purposes. It won’t change the world, or even your opinion in most cases. If you believe everything that you read stop reading now! 

written by Lochshen \\ tags: blog, education, finance, Independance, self-help