ASPIRE Magazine
Circa 2013 Content



Content is from the ASPIRE Magazine's 2013 archived pages providing a small example of what this site offered its readership. Additional  content has been added from other outside sources.

 

From Sneaky Sound System Saxofonist, To Australia’s Number One Real Estate Agent, Then Meditation Master, Meet Nick Broadhurst

by Yaro Starak

I was recently interviewed by Nick Broadhurst for his ASPIRE magazine. After the interview I asked Nick about his background…and things got interesting.

Nick Broadhurst

He explained he was a founding member of Sneaky Sound System, a dance act that is pretty huge in Australia and around the world. I’m a fan, so that immediately grabbed my attention.

Nick told me how after leaving Sneaky Sound System, he got into real estate and eventually became the number one rated agent in Australia, focusing on high-end property in Sydney. After real estate, he next ventured into meditation, which changed his life.

Along with a business partner, Nick has an information product in the meditation niche, runs retreats in Bali and is working on a documentary, which is poised to follow in the footsteps of indie hits like The Secret and What The Bleep Do We Know.

Given the massive difference between mainstream music act, real estate agent and meditation practicer and teacher, I had to invite Nick on to do this interview with me.

What I find particularly compelling about Nick’s story is that he has excelled in three very different areas. He’s clearly a high-achiever, but to do it in such different worlds is unique.

As you will hear in the interview, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. It’s clear, as many people discover, Nick had some life balance issues and other significant changes to make along the road, many of which meditation helped surface.

The Techniques Of An Over Achiever
There’s a point in this interview where I asked Nick how he was able to so quickly enter a completely new industry, real estate, and target the most lucrative market and reach the top in just a few years.
He explained some of the habits he adopted from a personal standpoint, and talked about how he had to become super-positive so everyone liked him. It was a really interesting answer, not just from the practical standpoint of changing how you live your life from a day to day basis, but how important it was to focus everything around one key emotion.
You can listen to his answer about one third through the interview.
What I Asked

  • How did Sneaky Sound System develop and what was Nick’s role
  • What was life like in such a popular music group as they became more famous
  • Why did he leave Sneaky?
  • Real Estate is so different to music, why did he decide to move into that industry next
  • How was Nick able to become the number one rated real estate agent in the country, focusing on the most expensive properties in Sydney, at such a young age
  • Despite earning high six-figures as an agent, why did Nick once again quit to move on to something completely different
  • How did Nick enter the world of meditation and why did he decide to start focusing on spreading the word about it for his business too
  • How Nick currently makes his living
  • Nick also explains how exciting his new documentary project is, including support from some pretty big names

 

Letter To The Editor, from Edwin Kloss: There is a brilliant person who works on our website that I believe is worthy of an interview in The Aspire. Her name is Judica Persi. She was living on the street 5 years ago having been evicted with her mother from her family home after her father died. She worked for a year at the Mystic Book Shop before taking over as a managing partner. She taught herself to code in her spare time on the store's computer and created a side business creating websites, which is how I learned about her skills. She launched an internet marketing agency and worked with multiple clients - including the now famous MoonAtMidnight.com Batman t shirt store, where she expanded the offerings to include Batman hoodies, and sweatshirts. She researched and wrote the often referenced post on Batman v Superman. The success of the Batman line brought her many other clients, but from that point on people started referring to her as a female Batman (not Batgirl). She is self taught in design and created the incredible displays for all the Batman t shirts and other apparel in this amazing store, which created a huge demand for her services. A major success came when she parlayed the Batman t shirt success into a self taught search engine optimization expert where she helped clients rank high for searches for their products and services. She now is the owner/investor in a multitude of enterprises all of which are extremely profitable. Her career is an inspiration to all who think that success comes only to those who already are advantaged. The Aspire readership would truly welcome her story.

 

SME Media re-launches Aspire magazine

JUSTIN GREY 12 December 2014

SME Media, Publisher of My Business magazine, has relaunched Aspire, a digital magazine that aims to inspire aspiring young start-ups and entrepreneurs, with the first issue published by SME Media now available in iTunes.

SME Media, Publisher of My Business magazine, has relaunched Aspire, a digital magazine that aims to inspire aspiring young start-ups and entrepreneurs, with the first issue published by SME Media now available in iTunes.

Originally launched in July 2012 by Sydney-based Nick Broadhurst, Aspire is a monthly, digital-only magazine that has gained a passionate following in a few short years. Having acquired Aspire from Broadhurst earlier this year, SME Media has published its first issue of Aspire, the December 2014 issue, which is available now for download in iTunes.

Individual issues of Aspire can be purchased (current issue for $6.49, back issues for $4.99), or a 12-month subscription can be purchased for $24.99. Also, a free seven-day trial of Aspire is also available in iTunes. Moving forward, Aspire will also be made available on Android platforms via Google Play.

SME Media has appointed Sydney-based Monica Kade as Editor of Aspire. To give My Business readers a taste of what Aspire covers, here is just some of the content you’ll find in the December 2014 issue, which features Lisa Messsenger, from The Collective, on the cover. Download your free trial of Aspire here. Or visit www.theaspiremag.com for more information.

Game Changer: A conversation with Amir Zoghi on life, love and game changing. 
Share: Four Types of Social Media Personalities. 
Cover Story: The Rise of The Collective & Livingon Purpose with Lisa Messenger.  
Share: The Legal Implications For Emerging Business Models. 
Spotlight: Persistence of the Publicist From Radio DJ to PR Expert. 
Trailblazer: Coffee Cup Conservationist. 
Travel: Chasing the Whale Song. 
Do It Yourself: 10 Steps For DIY PR.  
Innovate: Mentorship Sparks A Tech Start-up That Empowers Women. 
Don’t Go to A Chinese Restaurant for Nachos: And other quick fixes for an expectation hangover.

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Nick Broadhurst

ISSUES

 

AUGUST 2013

July 2013

Nick Broadhurst—  August 29, 2013

In the August issue of ASPIRE Magazine we talk with some of the worlds bravest entrepreneurs, including Danielle LaPorte, Bridget Hilton, David Laity and Gary Ng.

Also in this issue…

  • The Strategy of Desire: Danielle LaPorte
  • Gary Ng’s Road to Happiness, Success and Fun
  • Nurturing the Entrepreneurial Spirit: Sarah Green of empact
  • Giving Back. Amplified: Bridget Hilton of LSTN Headphones
  • Thankyou Water: Think BIG, make a difference
  • Ask the A Team: Are business plans a waste of your time?
  • 3 Ways to Improve Your Startup Pitch Deck

 

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JULY 2013

July 2013

Nick Broadhurst —  July 30, 2013 —

Time to hone in on a rare entrepreneur. Brian Johnson’s story is one that will inspire all our readers to tap into what it is that they truly want to do. How did Johnson go from a successful Silicon Valley start up to building a thriving business all based on Philosophy and improving the lives of his customers? Find out in this months issue!

Plus…

  • Feel The Love: Mastin Kipp of TheDailyLove.com
  • The Authenticity Code: The key to creating meaning and happiness in your life
  • The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur: Mike Michalowicz
  • Challenging perceptions through ‘reflective’ fashion: Andrew Lorimer-Derham
  • Ask the A Team: What are the 3 top qualities to look for when making a new hire?
  • GameChangers Spotlight: Pachamama Alliance and lululemon

 

…and much more.

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JUNE 2013 (Happy Birthday!)

July 2013

Nick Broadhurst —  June 27, 2013 —

Happy Birthday ASPIRE!

In this 12th issue we take a look at the digital revolution that was the original inspiration for the birth of ASPIRE. pe into the world of ASPIRE Founder and Editor Nick Broadhurst to discover some of his trade secrets for starting lean profitable companies, staying productive and managing multiple companies.

Also in this issue…

  • Is Your Business in the Zone? Meditation takes businesses (and lives) to the next level
  • Queen of Reinvention: Jacqueline Gold talks confidence, courage and building an empire
  • Life of a Social Entrepreneur: John Ward on living life with a mission
  • Ask the A-Team: 11 ways to find the best talent when expanding your company
  • The Power of Knowing WHY: WHY we are getting crystal clear on our mission
  • The Game Changers: GOOD and TOMS Shoes
  • Consider Coding: Speaking the Right (Programming) Language
  • The Essentials: 5 podcasts for every entrepreneur

…and much more!

 

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Archives For NEWS

 

Entrepreneurs urged to join the Aussie delegation to the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance Summit

July 2013

Nick Broadhurst — August 23, 2013 —

Name: Michael Hsu
How can ASPIRE readers connect with you? DeepSky.com
Company: DeepSky.co

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you are working on right now? 

I am the founder and CEO of DeepSky, and we’re working on closing the gap between entrepreneurs and accountants. DeepSky is turning what is seen as traditional accounting or necessary evils of data, numbers, and something that is big and scary to entrepreneurs into meaningful metrics, knowledge, and information to help entrepreneurs build better businesses. Our goal is to turn big financial reports and dashboarding into really simple, salient points that business leaders, managers, and others can really understand and relate to, and then take action steps to better build their businesses.

How did you come up with the idea for your product or business? 

If I want to be a good entrepreneur, I better know my numbers, financials, and money, so instead of looking around as a consultant and helping companies fix what’s broken, I wanted to build something based on my vision: if I have a clean slate and can build an accounting department that can add value to data and turn numbers to insight, what would it look like? That’s how DeepSky evolved. Today, I work with entrepreneurs around the world, helping them leverage our team, systems, and processes to deliver on their vision.

One of my inspirations was the work of Ti Bin, who was one of the innovators who helped make the 510 cartridge battery a household word. He worked on the technology aspect - creating a power supply basically, but one that's small and long lasting was the key. Portable vape devices draw a lot of juice in order to heat the cartridge element hot enough, fast enough to be useful. This was a major feat and the guy never got any credit - didn't even care about it, or the money! He's my hero for that last part.

What does a normal day look like for you? 

Nothing resembles a “normal day.” However, I’ve established a list of habits that I try to practice on a day-to-day basis to help move my company forward. These involve reviewing my own set of input and output metrics, checking in with my team, and ensuring my customers are happy and getting the value of our service. To improve professionally, I talk with other entrepreneurs to figure out what is and isn’t working, and how I can use that knowledge to improve their work. I read a ton of blogs and tweets and try to reciprocate with social media.

If you had to start from scratch, how would you create fast BUZZ and spread the word about your product or service? 

I would still be doing what I’m doing today, but I’d do it earlier in my life. This includes writing, speaking, and producing videos. I would create some type of video campaign that would hit every single entrepreneur, asking the five questions about accounting or finances that concern or benefit them the most. Featuring a short, 60-90 second film on my website, I would quickly create a database that focuses less about accounting and more on an entrepreneur’s views of data, metrics, numbers, financials, and how to run their business based on these, turning this information into meaningful content.

Why does the world need your product or business? 

Most entrepreneurs are good at creating something but don’t understand their numbers. They exert effort but fail because the basic financial fails. I’m concerned many CPAs and accountants aren’t taking the time to help business owners understand this basic concept. Instead, accountants are more caught up in paperwork and finances and less focused on the business impact and operational meaning behind the numbers.

I believe the original idea behind “accounting” was to turn the data into sensible, smarter decisions for the business. DeepSky helps entrepreneurs and business owners have the insight and knowledge they need to realize their goals.

What emerging trend do you think has the greatest potential to reshape the way we do business in the next 1 – 2 years? 

It’s all about connectivity and worldwide collaboration to create accelerated learning. I remember the story of a kid in the Bronx breakdancing on the street corner, and one of his buddies videotapes him and puts it on YouTube. Within 24 hours, that video has circled the globe several times. Kids in Japan and Europe saw it and uploaded their own version. Three days later, the original move took on 5-7 different iterations. Had this been in the several decades ago, only a handful of people would have seen it; however, in today’s connected world, millions can view it.

What are your ‘must have’ apps and favourite online tools/resources? 

Google Apps really ties everything together for me, both personally and business wise. It’s got e-mail, notes, and everything else you need in one place. Chat clients such as iMessage and are also great ways for me to communicate with my family, team, and friends. A year ago, I bought my parents an iPad and it has changed our relationship because of how easy it is for me to Facetime them, even though they are halfway around the world.

What book(s) would you recommend for ASPIRE readers and why?

I would recommend Buyology. At the end of the day, the first thing entrepreneurs worry about in building a business is providing something people will buy. I used to think I was rational and had a thousand different reasons behind buying something, but Buyology conducted and broke down multiple scientific studies that provided strong evidence of human’s irrational behaviors. This book was a fun read and completely defunct my entire thinking about how we buy and sell.

What’s the best advice you have ever been given? 

Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.

What do you ASPIRE to in business and in life?  

I want to do the impossible, and then give others the opportunity and knowledge to do the same.

In business, DeepSky aspires to educate, teach, and provide insight to entrepreneurs so they can build successful businesses. On the other hand, my big, personal goal is to build a school for people who don’t like school. I never enjoyed the traditional sense of school, so this would be for those who have given up on society or been lost in the system. If I can help develop what they’re passionate through real world learning and experiences, I’d be stoked.

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Entrepreneurs urged to join the Aussie delegation to the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance Summit

July 2013

Nick Broadhurst — February 15, 2013 —

News from one of our important partners...

Young entrepreneurial business owners are being urged to apply to be part of the Australian delegation attending the 2013 G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance (YEA) Summit in Moscow in June.

The Enterprise Network for Young Australians (ENYA) plans to send 20 young entrepreneurs to the meeting in Russia that will develop a policy document for the G20 Leaders Summit executive, comprising recommendations to enable young entrepreneurs to better contribute to economic growth, job creation, innovation and social change.

Young Australian entrepreneurs can apply at www.enya.org.au/win to be part of the Australian delegation and be in the running for a $5,000 business grant awarded by the ENYA expert panel.

One of the 20 will receive free return flights to Moscow and will be chosen via an online poll on the ENYA website from 19 – 28 February. The other 19 participants will be chosen by public vote and a panel of Australian business leaders including Dr Tom McKaskill & Kerry Chikarovski.

The call for nominations comes as ENYA starts planning for the 2014 G20 YEA Summit which is expected to attract 500 of the world’s leading young entrepreneurs to Australia in the middle of next year. ENYA is in talks with state and territory governments to determine the host city.

Chief Entrepreneur Officer at ENYA, Jeremy Liddle, said that the rewards from being part of the G20 YEA summits were invaluable for young business entrepreneurs.

“By completing the online application form, young Australians get the chance of a lifetime not only to shape world leaders’ ideas on entrepreneurship but also to network with leading entrepreneurs from across the world and contribute to global innovation” Mr Liddle said.

“Having lead the Australian delegation to the 2012 summit in Mexico, I know what a truly life changing experience this is and strongly encourage every entrepreneur to jump at the opportunity to participate.”

Renata Cooper, founder of ethical and social investment partner company Forming Circles (www.formingcircles.com.au), which is offering the return flight and the business grant, said she was committed to providing opportunities to enterprising business owners to help them turn their ideas into reality.

“We admire young people with innovative ideas and passion, and it’s important to continue to provide financial support and incentives to business owners who wouldn’t otherwise get this opportunity to take part in such an inspiring and important event,” Mrs Cooper said.

Australian entrepreneurs aged 40 and under that own a business, or social enterprise, are encouraged to apply for a place on the Australian delegation by completing the online application form detailing their achievements as an entrepreneur, and information about their company by 18 February.

About ENYA: The Enterprise Network for Young Australians is a not for profit organisation run by young people for young people to support and promote the participation of youth in enterprise. ENYA supports young entrepreneurs through advice lines, financial support through partner organisations and advocating on behalf of young entrepreneurs to government and education institutions.

About G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance (YEA): Now in its fourth year, the G20 YEA will bring together entrepreneurs from the G20 nations to champion the importance of young entrepreneurs and examine the issues impeding them, from 15 – 17 June. Discussion points from the G20YEA Summit will be presented to world leaders during the G20 Leaders Summit. In 2014, the G20 YEA and G20 Leaders Summits will be held in Australia.

For more information, please contact: Jeremy Liddle | Chief Entrepreneur Officer at ENYA | ph: 0406 660 626

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DO YOU WANT TO BE FEATURED IN ASPIRE?

July 2013

Nick Broadhurst — August 4, 2012 —

Let us know about:

  • a product you loved
  • an article that really got you ticking
  • suggest someone to be featured in our next issue
  • ideas to make ASPIRE even better

 

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Archives For STARTUPS

 

HOW TO ESTABLISH PRICING FOR A PRODUCT

July 2013

Nick Broadhurst — March 4, 2013 —

Your small business is your product. While you may well have invested time in sorting out the brand name, developing the website and even sourcing the premises, there’s going to come a point where you’re going to have to decide how much you charge for what it is you do. Many business owners and entrepreneurs fall into the trap of seeing pricing their product or service as a simple decision based on sales tactics and nothing more. However, this approach fails to take in a number of factors that could have a significant impact on your business as a whole.

The Price is Right?

Pricing is more than just deciding how much you want to make out of something – it’s also a crucial part of your marketing strategy. The right service or product at the right price will communicate your pride in what you have to offer. Price it too low and consumers will see it as not worth having. Price it too high and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a client.

However, get the price right and your customers will do your advertising for you. Nothing beats word of mouth. In addition, the correct pricing communicates your own confidence in your product. If it’s too low, then potential clients will be trying to ascertain what’s wrong with it; if it’s too high, then you will be seen as overconfident and trying to sell the ‘Emperor’s new clothes’. What might appear to be a simple price-tag actually says more than just how much your product or service costs. So, how do you make sure the price is right?

The Bottom Line

The first thing is to ensure that, even in the worst-case scenario, you break even. If it’s a new product then you’ll need to know how much research and development has cost you, how much the manufacture charges per unit, shipping costs and whatever you’ve ploughed into advertising.

Because there will be other variables it’s often a good idea to buy cloud accounting software, which will keep an eye on just how much you’ve spent, versus your projected pricing. When it comes to pricing a product or service, the devil’s in the details and you don’t want to overlook a thing. Once you’ve inputted all the data, you’ll come up with a bottom-line figure, on which you can build.

Ask the Customer

The next thing you need to do is apportion a value to what you have to offer. The best way to do this is to check out the competition and other products that could be considered similar to yours. Weigh up jut how your product performs against those of your competitors and trawl the consumer review forums to see just where its strengths and weaknesses lie. On top of that, see what your competitors charge. Again, you can use cloud accounting software to help you come up with what should be a mean price-tag for what you have to offer.

Finally, using the data you’ve researched, determine what is the lowest and the highest price you can possibly charge. The consumer forums will have given you a good idea as to which price-range is the most attractive, and ultimately you want your product to be priced within that band.

Carlo Pandian is a freelance writer and blogs about finance, marketing and technology. He also writes manuals and how to guides on Intuit business software, and loves participating at start-up meet ups and social media conferences.

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YEC AND CITI TO MENTOR THE NATION’S ASPIRING BUSINESS OWNERS

July 2013

Nick Broadhurst —  September 23, 2012 —

The Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) is taking another important step toward alleviating youth joblessness and underemployment by launching #StartupLab, a free virtual mentorship program presented by Citi that will deploy America’s top young startup founders to retool the current workforce into a more entrepreneurial one. Aspiring entrepreneurs and young people will have unprecedented, direct access to mentorship (both virtual and in-person) through interactive live video chats, how-to content and weekly email lessons.

The YEC, an invite-only nonprofit organization, was founded by Scott Gerber in November 2010 to spur more entrepreneurship among Millennials; in less than two years, it has become the most elite membership organization of its kind, with 500-plus successful young entrepreneurs who have collectively generated tens of thousands of jobs and over 1 billion dollars in revenue. Through #StartupLab, young founders, high school and college students and even current business owners are able to access those minds directly. Featured mentors in 2012 include Catherine Cook of MeetMe, Jennifer Fleiss of Rent the Runway, Slava Rubin of Indiegogo, Jason Nazar of DocStoc, Ryan Allis of iContact, Matt Mickiewicz of 99Designs and Rahim Fazal of Involver, to name just a few (see the full roster of upcoming mentorship events here). 

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HOW TO CONQUER 3 OF YOUR MOST LIMITING CAREER FEARS

YEC —  September 22, 2012 —

Whether you’re looking to start your own business, are a recent college grad looking to embark on a more traditional career path, or are un(der)-employed and looking for a fresh start, we all face the same obstacles. Three of them, in fact — and they hold us back from finding the job of our dreams, embarking on the career that will finally fulfill us or working towards creating the startup we’ve always wished for.

Whether you’re looking to start your own business, are a recent college grad looking to embark on a more traditional career path, or are un(der)-employed and looking for a fresh start, we all face the same obstacles. Three of them, in fact — and they hold us back from finding the job of our dreams, embarking on the career that will finally fulfill us or working towards creating the startup we’ve always wished for.

Obstacle #1: Fear of Failure

The vast majority of us (especially women) consistently and unequivocally grew up trying not to fail. In class, on the field and in relationships, we heard one message loud and clear: failure is bad. You avoided an F on an exam like it was the black plague, only tried out for the sports teams you thought you had a relatively good chance of making, and have likely – at one point or another – compromised yourself in the context of a relationship just to avoid failure.

However, failure is a necessary step on the path to success. It allows you to push past your comfort zone and find the true limits of your success without regard to what you think those limits may be. As Michael Jordan once said, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

In careers, our fear of failure is present when we don’t apply for a job because we’re not sure we’re qualified (that’s why there are applications, you’re not supposed to know) or when we put our brilliant startup idea on the back burner because it may not work out (most don’t, that’s part of the process).

To get over this fear, ask yourself one thing: “What’s the worst that can happen?” Moreover, you need to write down all of the ways you could possibly fail and what exactly that would look like. Every. Single. One. You may think that writing it all down and thinking it all through is a defeatist way of embarking on a career, but it’s quite the opposite. In addressing all of your fears, you will realize that even if every single one of them comes true, it wouldn’t be that bad. The fear of failing will not only become more manageable, but also likely become less palpable than your fear of regret. From here, you’ll be well on your way to the job of your dreams.

Obstacle #2: Pursuit of Perfection

In working so diligently not to fail, many of us have become obsessed with perfection. When I was first launching TheBeautyBean.com, I was intent on it being perfect. I remember meeting Lewis Howes at a sports networking event prior to launch and he said something like, “What are you waiting for? Done is better than good.” I resisted, sure that I knew best and that perfect was precisely what I was going to launch with.

Three years later I can say two things: first, Lewis was completely right (sorry about that!) and second, nothing is ever perfect. When we let go of the idea of perfection and embrace the mantra, “progress, not perfection,” we are able to take chances, knowing that a step forward is better than waiting around.

Perfect doesn’t exist. It never will. And while you’re sitting around waiting for it, someone else is making progress. Don’t worry too much about figuring out exactly what you want to do with your life right now. It will change. Often! Instead, take a step in the right direction.

Obstacle #3: Fear of Quitting

“No one likes a quitter” — or so they say. Well, they are wrong. Quitting is actually great, if you do it correctly. As Seth Godin has said, “You should quit if the project you’re working on has a Dip that isn’t worth the reward at the end.” If that’s the case, it’s to your best advantage to quit often and quit fast.

One of the most limiting lessons that many of us have internalized is this idea that once we’ve already put a lot of work into something, we should see it through to the end. However, if you know something is going to fail (which isn’t a bad thing) or if you just aren’t enjoying it anymore, then the work you’ve already put in is a sunk cost. It’s done; it’s time you’re never getting back. Accept this and move on, because the more time you continue to put in to pursuing something that won’t come to fruition – either due to your lack of passion or possibility – the more time you’re wasting.

Remember: failure is essential, perfection is overrated, quitting is smart.

Alexis Wolfer is working to empower women and promote confidence through beauty as the founder and editor-in-chief of TheBeautyBean.com, a television host/on-air expert, and a Real Beauty activist.

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12 INNOVATIVE WAYS TO LEARN MORE (NO COLLEGE REQUIRED)

YEC —  September 21, 2012 —

As the Web rapidly transforms the way we consume knowledge, here’s a quick look at some of the innovative tools, programs, and startups that are rapidly changing how we learn.

Code The Next Facebook

“Many public-school children seem to know only two dates — 1492 and 4th of July; and as a rule they don’t know what happened on either occasion.”  — Mark Twain

Startup technologists are the new rock stars to be emulated, which means learning how to write code is finding its way into the changing educational ecosystem more and more.

  • The Academy of Software Engineering: NYC’s newest move to become a stronghold of young technical talent is slated to deliver cutting edge curriculum for students focusing on software engineering, design, and technology.
  • Code Now: This program is quickly gaining traction as it aims to develop the next generation of disruptive technologists, focusing on foundational computer science skills for underrepresented high school students.
  • Codecademy: Learn to write code online and at your own pace, through a series of interactive tutorials and lessons.
  • Hungry Academy: In a recruiting masterstroke, Living Social will take you from “0” to “10101…” during a rigorous five-month program (upon signing a commitment to work for — and get paid by — Living Social, that is).

Build A Company

“I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” — Mark Twain

Upon graduating high school, my parents presented me with an option:  either go to college, or use the money they had saved up to do something else (start a business, travel the world, learn to fly helicopters, etc).  I went to college. You don’t have to.*

  • E[nstitute]: This 2-year apprenticeship program is set out to provide a legitimate alternative for traditional higher education by turning startups and small businesses across New York City into classrooms.
  • Thiel Fellowship: Two years + $100,000 + mentorship and connections with some of the heaviest hitters in Silicon Valley = a high probability of success.
  • EverFi: This startup focuses on delivering the critical life skill of financial literacy through a series of interactive courses and games… and it’s 100% free for K-12 schools.

Become a Modern-Day Know-It-All and Handyman

“It is noble to teach oneself, but still nobler to teach others — and less trouble.”  – Mark Twain

Finally, the tools for servicing the largest market segment yet: the rest of us, who just want to stay sharp or learn something new, no matter what age.

  • Skillshare: The ultimate peer-to-peer experiential learning platform. Learn (and teach!) how to do everything from writing code to hanging a shelf properly in your house.
  • Udemy: “The Academy of You.” Quite simply, this platform allows you to take and build online courses on just about anything.
  • Khan Academy: The groundbreaking platform for alternative online learning. With a vast aray of bite-sized YouTube videos, Khan boils down everything from art history to the Paulson Bailout.
  • Udacity: After his CS221 class went viral, Google Fellow Sebastian Thrun of Stanford launched a platform that combines the direct instruction of Khan Academy with the interactivity of Codecademy.
  • MITx: In the Fall of 2012 MIT will offer a variety of its courses for free online. Sound like MIT OpenCourseWare? It’s not. It features interactive instruction, online labs, and individualized assessment, giving anyone the ability to earn certificates from MITx.

*Note: I had an awesome time in college.

DJ Saul is the founder of Colonial Entrepreneurs, a network of young entrepreneurs focused on web technology. DJ now heads up the Sandbox Network in DC, in addition to his duties as the CMO at iStrategyLabs, where he lead the creation of their first product, Grandstand and works on Social Machines, hacking physical objects with social data.

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FROM TO SIDE JOB TO IWEARYOURSHIRT.COM: A STARTUP STORY

Taking a paycheck from a 9-to-5 is easy — you show up, you do your work, you get paid. Running your own business? That’s a different story — you show up, you do your work, but if nobody buys into your idea, you don’t get paid, and you risk the possibility that your entire livelihood could come tumbling down around you.

But thinking back to where I was five years ago, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

In 2006, I was about two years into my job as a graphic designer for the ATP World Tour (men’s professional tennis). Like most entrepreneurs, I felt completely unmotivated to work for someone else. My biggest fear was becoming a complacent corporate drone, so to challenge myself, I started helping a college buddy get Web design work on the side. What began as sending off a few emails to my contacts turned into hours of work each night, with no promise of any additional income. Still, I found myself excited to check the emails for my gig — constantly thinking about all the great opportunities waiting for me when I got home from my “real” job.

Once I got a taste of the passion and motivation that came with working for myself, I didn’t want to let it go, and began realistically considering leaving my job. I was nervous to leave the security of the corporate world, but didn’t care for the thought of climbing the corporate ladder. The promise of a new job title and a slight bump in salary wasn’t the least bit exciting to me. I started to wake up each morning with dread for the work day ahead.

I distinctly remember having the conversation with my future business partner over dinner. We talked about the six-month salary reserve I had if I decided to leave my 9-to-5 job. We talked about all the “what ifs.” What if we didn’t get any clients? What if we couldn’t pay our salaries? What if? What if? And then I realized that I was “what if-ing” myself out of a great opportunity that had arrived at the perfect time in my life. The next day, I walked into my boss’s office and gave him my two weeks’ notice.

Fast forward a year and a half, and I was the happy co-owner of a successful web design company. We were making money. I wasn’t stuck in a corporate office anymore. I had exactly what I wanted.

But then something happened: a new idea popped into my head. An idea that eventually would consume my thoughts day in and day out. An idea that was all I wanted to talk about and all I wanted to focus my energy on. I wanted to get paid to wear T-shirts. I had tasted the creative freedom of working for myself, but this was an idea that was mine alone. So I began realistically considering pursuing it.

I knew in my gut that there was a huge opportunity to promote businesses using social media, but convincing someone that I could do it with T-shirts was a challenge, to say the least. In those beginning days and months, I took to my contact list and emailed every single person I knew. I didn’t ask them to buy anything or write any press. All I asked was for them to listen to my idea and pass it on if they thought it was worth sharing. It’s amazing what word-of-mouth can do when you come to people humbly and honestly. Soon, the word began to spread and sponsors were pouring in.

But there was another problem. When I started IWearYourShirt.com, I knew I couldn’t just abandon my business partner (or my income) without any certainty that my business would catch on. I tried juggling my side business and helping to run the Web design business, and after a year of wearing both hats, it became apparent that it was time to make another life-changing career career decision. The situation was all too familiar — I wondered, do I stick to working on both ventures, where neither of them get 100 percent of my effort, or do I focus on what I’m passionate about and what I can pursue wholeheartedly?

With a little guidance from family and friends, the decision this time around was much easier. It was time to take that final leap of faith and focus every ounce of my time and energy on bringing my vision to life.

It’s been over three years since I started IWearYourShirt.com, and I’ve doubled in company growth and tripled in revenue each year. I think back to my days at the ATP, and while I gained some valuable experience, I don’t have a single regret about leaving the corporate world to do my own thing.

Is it hard, knowing that your success or failure rests entirely in your hands? Yes. But there is no greater satisfaction than going to sleep at night, knowing that I work for myself and waking up every morning to continue to bring to life an idea that few people thought would succeed. And that feeling is far more valuable than any paycheck.

 

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Nick Broadhurst

 

TheAspireMag.com