My Perfect Economy

Hope For the Best, Plan for the Worst - Are You Always Prepared?

2009-08-17T10:25:00.001-07:00

When trying to build a personal perfect economy, planning and setting goals is the key. It is statistically proven that when one plans and sets goals, the chance of success is greatly increased. Even more interesting is other various studies have shown that simply focusing on a certain activity or area in our lives immediately increases its results by 10%.

Do expressions like "Fortune favors the prepared mind," and, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail," sound familiar and important to you? If they aren't, we strongly suggest making them regular mantras in your life right now.

But what about those situations or circumstances that we don't expect? Often we make the mistake of simply focusing on all the positive results that we forget to make contingency plans for the unexpected. This can be a fatal mistake in any personal or business venture.

Recently, some family members of the My Perfect Economy team were involved in a very unfortunate vehicular accident. Thankfully there was quick planning and we were prepared to respond properly, work with insurance and understand the process after everyone was cleared medically to go home. Thankfully things are turning out OK.

On the other hand, we were informed of another friend who had his truck stolen. The truck was used in the robbery of three pharmacies, stripped down and then left in a used car lot. This individual was not covered by insurance and has now suffered a huge blow to his business and wallet.

What about you? if you were suddenly injured or accidental circumstances occured, would your life and responsibilities be protected? Everybody loves to consider the best-case scenarios but what about the worst ones?

When it comes to accidents or unfortunate events, we like to hope for the best and plan for the worst.

Insurance is one of those areas that is all about hoping for the best and planning for the worst. It's something we don't like to think about, but the alternative is a real tragedy that causes a chain reaction that continues to have a negative effect.

Whether it be car, life, medical or other financial insurance, we hope that you are always prepared. And this doesn't just apply to accidents either. We can be prepared in our business plans, career paths, family health and even social lives.

Life is full of unfortunate and unexpected twists and turns. Part of building a personal perfect economy is making sure that they don't force you to twist and turn too far away from your success. Hoping for the best and planning for the worst provides that security and comfort to withstand any challenges that might come your way.

Indefinite Exposure Opportunity for Your Business: Does your company's products or services relate to this article or any other content on My Perfect Economy? Become a sponsor and not only take advantage of an integrated online campaign, but change the world at the same time through our Creative Capital and Social Enterprise marketing program. Learn more about advertising with us here>
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MYPE Parent Company KCM Holdings Corp. (OTC:KCMH) CEO Donald Klein Interviewed on Investment Nation

2009-08-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

KCM Holdings Corp. (OTC:KCMH) is the publicly traded parent company for My Perfect Economy. KCMH is a business development, incubation and holdings company. This week, KCMH CEO Donald Klein was interviewed by Investment Nation about the state of the company and what our shareholders should know. You can listen to the interview here:

http://investmentnation.acrobat.com/one/

About Donald Klein:

Mr. Klein brings a reputable and experienced background of entrepreneurial success to the Company and is responsible for its private equity and publicly traded investment businesses. He is Chairman of the board of directors and founder of KCM Holdings Corp.Mr. Klein's diverse investment and management acumen lends itself to the credibility and strength of the KCM Holdings Corporation business strategy. His experience ranges from building multi million-dollar producing insurance agencies where he also held positions as managing partner and director of Insurance Services at Southwest Texas Capital, to trading for hedge funds and proprietary capital for a number of Wall Street Firms. Mr. Klein understands the necessity of building management teams for successful exponential growth and financial returns. Mr. Klein received his M.B.A. from Southern California University for Professional Studies. Learn more about KCMH at http://www.thekcmgroup.com/.

About Investment Nation

Investment Nation was built to provide a forum for new and experienced investors to gather and share market information in a clean and professional environment. The site is designed to be user friendly and simple, allowing investors to get the market information they need quickly and easily. Everything about the site was put together based on investors needs. Investment Nation limits the stock pumping and bashing found on other investment forums along with cracking down on the abilities of paid bashers and stock promoters from a negative standpoint by going directly to the source through CEO Interviews. You can visit Investment Nation at http://www.investmentnation.com/.

For other MYPE posts on KCMH, please click here >

Are You Facing The Truth?

2009-08-15T09:22:00.001-07:00

Most truths are so naked that people feel sorry for them

and cover them up, at least a little bit.

Edward R Murrow.

There is an ancient Roman fable that Truth and Falsehood went for a swim. When emerging out of the water, Falsehood had taken and dressed itself in Truth's clothes. Truth refused to wear Falsehood's clothes and instead preferred to go naked. Truth would rather be naked than be a dressed up as a lie.

In today's economy, are we facing the truth or the reality of our conditions? Or are we simply dressing up lies to look like truth? Maybe we are too busy feeling so sorry about the naked truth we are covering it up?

At My Perfect Economy we want to help individuals and companies achieve success through the concept of creative capital. But before this can happen, one must be willing to accept the naked truth of where we are all at.

Unfortunately there are still people who are trying to avoid the truth, or cover it up and pretend there is nothing wrong. Last week we heard stories of people going deeper into credit debt to try and maintain their lifestyles. Others continue to crash because they are afraid to ask for help. In some cases, we have observed individuals turn down stable jobs opting for unemployment because they felt it was out of their training or comfort zone. Other truths we have to face is that there is still great injustice in the world and a great many people are suffering more than we could imagine.

Another real important truth we to accept is that there are no silver bullets to fix our problems or instant microwave solutions to success. Our CEO here is constantly reminding us to be slow and steady and that we are still here. Despite how bad things may seem, if you are still here, slow and steady will ultimately prevail.

Big ideas in today's economy first require a healthy dose of reality. This doesn't mean we abandon hope or optimism. It just means we have to get comfortable with the naked truth and stop feeling sorry for ourselves. It is then our big ideas can change our lives and the world.
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Small Business Marketing: Can You Write Web Copy? If Not, You Should...

2009-08-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

There is a new critical skill that has emerged with all the Internet innovations and tools now available to small business. From Facebook groups, Twitter pages, free classified sites and blogs, anybody can now go online and create a marketing presence for very little money. This is the good news.

The bad news is the Internet is getting more crowded by the minute as a new generation of entrepreneurs go virtual. This means if you own a small business, you have to get smarter about standing out and getting noticed.

The ability to write web copy is now the new competitive advantage. Let's examine why.

Every website that offers free or low cost marketing solutions typically have very little flexibility in terms of layout and design. Usually you are able to pick from a few templates and upload some pictures. Most of the time, everything else is text based. This means there is nothing else that differentiates you from competitors except the words you choose to include in the copy.

We at My Perfect Economy experimented with the social meeting organization site Meetup.com, and online classified site Kijiji.com on behalf of our clients. We took advantage of some free trials and created two different campaigns. The first was written using basic copy. Nothing fancy there. The second campaign, we implemented copy writing techniques that are standard to the direct marketing and advertising industry.

We pulled a pretty good response on our first Meetup.com campaign, but we found we were bombarded with questions and the actual turnout was OK at best. Our second campaign actually pulled less response, but the turnout conversion was of much higher quality. We asked each attendee why they chose to come to our Meetup versus other ones and each clearly articulated that our group descriptions stood out. Some even remarked that many other Meetup organizers seem to update their pages using SMS or mobile email devices which results in no formatting and spelling mistakes. The fact our copy was professional and enticing created more legitimacy for our group because with so many choices, one can never really tell what is professional or not.

Our Kijiji experiment was much more glaring in the results discrepancies. The primary difference between the two campaigns was in the headline of each listing. When comparing the first and second campaigns, the second campaign with a direct response headline pulled 300% more views. In fact, the Kijiji ads pulled more response and views than some of the paid listings on other websites.

What makes the difference? Here are a few tips when writing marketing copy for the web.

ATTENTION: Your page headers, titles or headlines should hit emotional hot buttons. This requires an understanding of the demographic on the media or website you are working with.

INTEREST: Making bold promises or statements is interesting. Internet users have shorter attention spans than preschoolers on caffeine. So just come out and make an impression. This can be done with guarantees or with information that might not be common knowledge. Be different here.

DESIRE: Don't tell people what they need, speak to what they want. You create desire by sharing benefits not features. Don't share what your company or product does, share how it will change their lives.

CONVICTION: This is just like a court case. To get a conviction you need evidence people can believe. Simply stating you are the best doesn't cut it. You need compelling evidence like stats, testimonials and educational information.

COMMITMENT: Clearly define what the next steps of action are. Create urgency. Let them know if there is a limited time or quantity. Tell them what to say if they call or what link to click on the website. Again, be clear and spell it out. The advantage of defining an action for commitment is you can actually track where you are driving results.

It doesn't take much to recognize good web copy from copy that just blends in with the rest of the noise. Spend time noticing the difference and train yourself to emulate the key traits that lead to success.

Yes, a lot of web marketing opportunities may be low cost to free, but that doesn't mean they will generate any more results for you. At least you don't have to pay for mistakes but remember; word on the Internet travels fast so your window to make the right impression is a lot smaller than you might think.

Indefinite Exposure Opportunity for Your Business: Does your company's products or services relate to this article or any other content on My Perfect Economy? Become a sponsor and not only take advantage of an integrated online campaign, but change the world at the same time through our Creative Capital and Social Enterprise marketing program. Learn more about advertising with us here>
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Entrepreneur or Self-Employed? There is a Big Difference

2009-08-12T21:18:00.000-07:00

Many people dream of starting and operating their own business. We at My Perfect Economy agree that the freedom and thrill of being a business owner is something everybody should experience at least once in their lives.

When it comes to building the financial capital potential in our persona economies, there is no greater potential and leverage to attain a lifestyle of freedom on multiple levels than being an entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur everybody has an equal opportunity to achieve ultimate success or not. Either way, an entrepreneur is completely accountable to him or herself alone which is where the thrill comes in. The adventure of being "self-made" can be both exhilarating and scary at the same time.

The unfortunate truth however is that with the pursuit of the entrepreneurial dream comes a great possibility of failure. Statistics say that up to 4 out of 5 small businesses fail within the first two years. But to us, failure is not that big of a deal. Other studies have shown that millionaires have failed an average of 7 businesses before hitting the first home run. We can attest to this from personal experience. Here at My Perfect Economy we are surrounded by "serial entrepreneurs," with some in their double digits for business ventures. The fact is, failure, if examined in the proper context is a good thing. Failure is actually a critical part of success and anybody serious about being an entrepreneur should not be afraid to fail.

Aside from failure, there is something that can crush the entrepreneurial spirit before one even has a chance to see the dawn of success;

The mindset of being self-employed.

There is a huge difference between being an entrepreneur and self-employed.

People who are self-employed work for their business. Whereas the business should really be working for the true entrepreneur. When you work for your business, everything rests on you. Entrepreneurs understand how to get others working for them by providing employment and learn how to create systems of profitability.

For those who are self-employed, the business stops when they don't show up. But for the true entrepreneur, the business keeps making money whether they are present or not. This is why the greatest entrepreneurs are more interested in residual streams of cash flow versus just building a big company steeped with pressure and responsibilities.

Those who are self-employed work in their business. True entrepreneurs work on their business. Self-employed are reactionary and basically exist daily to simply keep the business alive. Entrepreneurs are proactive and strategic. They have the ability to step back and ask some tough questions and make the even tougher decisions.

So if you are considering the life of an entrepreneur, really ask yourself on whether you are just settling for being self-employed. There is a big difference. We suggest you examine real entrepreneurs and how they are different from the rest.

Good luck in building your perfect economy!

Indefinite Exposure Opportunity for Your Business: Does your company's products or services relate to this article or any other content on My Perfect Economy? Become a sponsor and not only take advantage of an integrated online campaign, but change the world at the same time through our Creative Capital and Social Enterprise marketing program. Learn more about advertising with us here>
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Do People Around You Get Along? How to Build Relationships for Personal & Business Growth

2009-08-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

There is tremendous power in relational networks. As the old saying goes, "It's not what you know but who you know," is very true and successful people know how to implement this concept for personal and business gain.

But it is one thing to have a big rolodex of people and understand how to get those people working together to accomplish more as a whole than as individuals. At MyPerfectEconomy.com we encounter and consult on many situations where groups of people from all different backgrounds attempt to come together to accomplish a common task or vision. Sometimes groups click and amazing things happen. While other times there are breakdowns and all that potential is lost.

Part of building human capital for business or personal growth requires the ability to understand, manage and often lead groups of relationships at one time. This is a substantially different skillset than just individual one-to-one relationships. But the person who can effectively leverage people and get them to work together, truly harnesses a form of capital that can be greater than what money can buy.

Here are a few pointers:

Empathy is the Foundation of Human Capital

Some say the shortest distance between two people is communication. This is true but communication has the power to both create and destroy relationships. Without empathy, the ability to understand and validate how the other person feels, communication can be more harmful then good. In the book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, habit #5 is, "Seek first to understand, then be understood." This is a great habit for working with the potential of human capital.

People Need to Weigh-in Before they Buy-in

All people make decisions differently and we need to respect this. Sometimes we can be frustrated when people don't seem to come around and jump on board with a group or task-at-hand. Everybody needs to see different types of evidence before making a decision. Some simply need a gut instinct where others need every detail. Some don't mind taking leaps of faith out of trust, where others are much more cautious and need every possibility explored. The fact is you cannot expect someone to buy into something until they are personally satisfied in their own decision making process. The more you respect this in others, the more trust they will have and the easier it will be to work together.

Identity = Security

Have you ever worked with really insecure people? They are the kind that seem to take things personally or always have to draw attention to themselves to the detriment of the team. Insecure people will kill any group or network of relationships. The key to dealing with insecurity is instilling a strong sense of identity. And often, identity needs to be clearly defined for people, which includes roles, expectations and rewards. This is where sometimes titles can make a big difference. Titles clearly define roles and positioning which provides security. Just be careful as the wrong title can also be very harmful to any relational dynamic.

Vision is the Glue that Holds People Together

There is biblical quote that says something to the effect of, "Without vision, people perish and cast off restraint." Whether you have spiritual beliefs or not, the principle behind this is true for everybody. People need to see and be constantly reminded of the big picture. Vision needs to be communicated and refreshed when needed. A group of people with a common vision is a very powerful force. The extreme examples of this are radical groups such as terrorist organizations. Imagine if that same commitment to vision was to be applied to social issues and humanitarian injustice. So if you want to be great at harnessing the power of human capital, find a vision and be effective at communicating it.

In any economy, the one who can be creative at utilizing human capital (the people we know), and get relationships working together effectively, will ultimately see long-term success in any personal or business venture. In other words if you are good at getting people to get along, then getting what you want or need becomes that much easier.

Indefinite Exposure Opportunity for Your Business: Does your company's products or services relate to this article or any other content on My Perfect Economy? Become a sponsor and not only take advantage of an integrated online campaign, but change the world at the same time through our Creative Capital and Social Enterprise marketing program. Learn more about advertising with us here>

Small Business Marketing: Crossing the "Google Gap"

2009-08-11T08:57:00.001-07:00

Online marketing such as Search Engine Optimization and Social Media have come a long way since the days of the first tech boom. In the beginning, "Web 1.0" business models were all about driving traffic. "Eyeballs" were coveted and created outlandish evaluations for companies that did not make money. That bubble burst rather quickly.

Then Web 2.0 was born and companies like Youtube, Facebook and Google made their marks. It was now about users creating their own content and networks to create demographic hubs that advertisers wanted to reach. Probably the greatest advance in this area was the ability to target desired users using cost-per-click and a bidding system that no longer rewarded companies with the biggest budgets. Even the smallest player with the right strategic ad could compete in cyberspace.

Yet still, for various reasons, the entire economy is struggling.

The industry as a whole is evolving again. Online media companies are searching for new business models where both consumers and advertisers provide revenue sources in innovative ways. Google is the most dominant player, yet many complain the search engine giant has gotten so big that smaller companies are being lost in the shuffle. Yet one cannot deny that if Google and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) are not a part of an overall strategy for any business, then failure is not just inevitable, but imminent.

So what does a small business need to do to cross the "Google Gap?"

Well first, all small business and entrepreneurs must understand their options.

There are two types of search engine marketing. The kind you pay for and the "organic" kind that is free. In paid search engine advertising, you set the terms. You determine how much to pay for each click and where and how many times you want your ad to show up. Of course all Pay-Per-Click ads are recognized as such and some online users simply filter and ignore them.

Organic search is free but much harder to master. Search engine "spiders" crawl the internet reading each page using a specific algorithm to determine search engine ranking. An important fact here is you cannot trick the spiders. Google changes their algorithm every few weeks to make search engine rankings as fair as possible.

There is a lot of information out there on effective paid and organic search engine marketing. The problem is everybody has access to it, and in cyberspace, the number of your competition makes a quantum global leap.

But there are ways for small business and entrepreneurs to win the battle.

The trick to crossing the Google Gap is not just to use Google.

Google has made it so easy to set up campaigns and walk away that many make the mistake of overlooking other methods. This is a critical error. This is the equivalent of only advertising in the phone book clumped in with all your competitors who have similar ads.

Marketing on the internet today is all about setting up small streams of traffic to flow and combine for one source of revenue for you. To do this, companies must now use all types of media to generate traffic such as: Youtube, Facebook, Blogs, Twitter and Classified Ad websites like Kijiji. The best part is all these companies for the most part are free. The only cost to you is some mental energy and commitment of time.

Marketing companies that promise clients that they can generate mountains of traffic just using search engine optimization are to be questioned. You should always ask specifically what kind of traffic they are talking about because anybody today can generate millions of impressions and visitors. The real question should be: is it qualified traffic and will it lead to business? There is a difference.

If you run a small business or are an entrepreneur, consider an integrated media strategy that takes into account every point of contact with your prospect audience. This includes your business process itself. Ask yourself:

- Can you put up a video on Youtube and link it to your website?

- Can you create a Facebook page and invite people you know to support your business?

- Will your current consumers subscribe to new from your company through Twitter?

- Can you publish a helpful blog or articles on other websites with links to you?

These are just some questions you should be asking. But most importantly, take a look at what other companies are doing successfully. You will see that it isn't just about their own websites anymore. That is not enough. The smartest companies are using every piece of media to their advantage.

So how much should you be paying for Google ads? The simple answer is, whatever your budget calls for because you only pay when people click. Just make sure your website is ready to convert those clicks into actual revenue. It makes no sense to drive the traffic to an empty lot and strand them there with nowhere else to go.

If you are interested in finding out more about specifically how My Perfect Economy integrates Search Engines and Social Media to grow its clients, please click here >

Calgary Motorsports Company Making Scooters Safe, Fun & Socially Responsible

2009-08-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

All Season Motorsports in Calgary Alberta has teamed up with Ed Kang, creator of My Perfect Economy to launch a unique program that combines the scooter community as a social enterprise to support humanitarian projects around the world.

THE MISSION: Build a socially responsible community of new and experienced scooter riders across Canada to spread our passion for riding and change the world at the same time!

This site was started by Ed Kang after being recently introduced to the joy of scooter riding for the first time. It was so much fun, he decided to combine his new found passion with his other passions for social responsibility and humanitarian projects around the world. Ed convinced some businesses and industry sponsors to participate in demonstrating how scooters can rescue lives.

THE CHALLENGE: Sponsors have agreed to provide discounts on scooters and gear and for every sale, a portion of proceeds will go towards providing scooters and bikes to humanitarian aid teams in developing countries.

In developing countries like India, Nicaragua and other regions of Africa, there are no nicely paved roads like we have here. Reaching villages and poverty areas like garbage dumps is very difficult with four wheeled vehicles. Plus gas and cost of maintenance becomes a factor.

One scooter, moped, dirt bike or even bicycle allows a trained individual to reach and serve to the needs of people and effectively reach substantially more communities than by foot. For example, a nurse can respond to up to five times more medical cases in a day which means less people have to be sick and perish because of lack of infrastructure.

The site is designed to keep track of progress and open up discussion for the scooter community. Ed Kang and others will be blogging about their experience and All Season Motorsports will also be sending scooter riders to the countries they are trying to help.

You can learn more about the Scooter Challenge by visiting: http://scooterchallenge.wordpress.com.

Foundations of Small Business Marketing Part 2

2009-07-24T12:22:00.000-07:00

We are continuing our series "Tough Economics - Back to Basics with a Twist." In Foundations of Small Business Marketing Part 1 (read it here) we discussed the importance of not making marketing about you. In part 2, let's examine how to make it about the customer while still maintaining value and pricing integrity.

FOUNDATION TWO: VALUE YOURSELF

Now all this talk about marketing not being about you does not give anybody a license to make you or your business a doormat. There is such a thing as a backwards humility where entrepreneurs don’t respect themselves enough and limit their potential. There is no other place where this is more evident than pricing.

In this market the temptation is to begin competing on price instead of value. This is a mistake because it leads to your business becoming a commodity.

What does a “Commoditized Market” mean? This is when nobody can compete on anything except price. This is ultimately a losing proposition for EVERYBODY.

Anybody with experience can tell you that lowest price does not necessarily mean the best deal.

Here’s what happens when you lower your price. Since the majority of clients are wired to seek the best value, and price is the only determining factor they see, they immediately will flock towards your company. And if new clients are purchasing from you, they aren’t purchasing from your competitor which starts a chain reaction.

Your competitors then lower THEIR prices which temporarily rectifies the problem. If they matched your discount, you are back at square one. So what can you do except lower your price again? This goes back and forth until your market has gotten so used to paying lower prices NOBODY wins. By that time your margins are so low, there is no way you have any room to create more value for anybody, even yourself.

What if your clients were willing to pay double for your products or services? How would you use that extra margin to create even greater value and bring more benefits to your clients? How much more relaxed and fun would your day be instead of grumbling under your breath all the time because you feel under-appreciated and resentful? (We’ve all done this at one point or another.)

We’ve all heard the phrase “The customer is always right.” This is both good and bad. Good in the sense it really established a high level of customer service but at the same time bad because it has been so often abused and taken out of context. The fact is the customer is NOT always right, but we believe they should feel loved and respected no matter what.

When you respect your business, and love your clients, they will respect you in return. In fact they’ll be HAPPY to pay full price for anything you offer. You will attract clients who resonate with your values. Later in this series we will demonstrate on how this can be done in any economy.

Are you valuing yourself and your business?
Does your pricing structure or offer reflect this?
What can you do to demonstrate more value instead of competing on price?

KCM Holdings Corp. (OTC:KCMH) My Perfect Economy's Publicly Traded Parent Company Releases Financials

2009-07-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

KCM Holdings Corp. (Stock Ticker OTC:KCMH), My Perfect Economy's parent company just released its most current financial information for 2009. This financial information can be downloaded at: http://www.thekcmgroup.com/investors.html

KCM Holdings is a strategic business development and holdings company that specializes in incubating ventures such as My Perfect Economy. Learn more about KCM Holdings Corp. at www.theKCMgroup.com.
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CT Dental Group Joins My Perfect Economy

2009-07-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

My Perfect Economy is very excited to welcome CT Dental Group as a new social enterprise partner. Both MYPE and representatives of CT Dental are feeling very good about the much anticipated launch which features CT Dental Group’s exclusive Members-Only Dental Club concept.

“This concept is the evolution of the dental industry.” states Chad Lefevre, spokesperson for CT Dental, “featuring a dentist-member community with unprecedented access to premium wholesale dental products and prosthesis guaranteed to improve profit margins. The Global Dental Club also provides a suite of market-by-market dental business concierge services including preferential pricing on legal, accounting and implant specialist services; global e-learning and training workshops, cutting-edge e-publishing technology, best practice networking opportunities not to mention its mind-body-soul lifestyle services and amenities which the club delivers through a centralized, state-of-the-art, hospitality network for members only.”

CT Dental and My Perfect Economy will also collaborate on the "CT Cares" initiative which will see humanitarian medical and dental projects made possible by CT Dental's succeess and its membership of dentists.

CT Dental will Beta Launch in September 2009 in North America with a Global launch set for January, 2010. A preview can be found at www.ctdentalgroup.com.

New Profile: Kim Mark of World Financial Group Calgary

2009-07-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

Kim Mark of World Financial Group Calgary has just been profiled on My Perfect Economy. You can visit Kim Mark's profile and see his SEQ (Social Enterprise Quotient) Rating at http://www.myperfecteconomy.com/kimmark/ .
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Financial Health Check: Is Debt Becoming a Problem?

2009-07-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

Have you become used to living in debt? Can't see a way out? Not sure if you even have a problem with debt in the first place? Debt has become a major issue in today's trying economic times.

How do you know if debt is a problem? Here are some simple questions to ask to reveal whether or not debt will become a major factor in hurting your financial health.

Do you know how much debt are you in right now? If don't really know or are scared to look then this is a good place to start.

Do you know how much interest, fees and charges you pay to maintain this debt? What you pay here is the equivalent of throwing your money in the garbage. This is how credit card companies, lending institutions and banks make their money. Imagine if you took these interest fees and charges and actually put it into a savings account. How much would you be ahead?

Are you caught in an endless cycle of finance and refinance? Going into more debt to finance current debt or make more purchases, although it may provide temporary relief and even smaller payments, is not a solution. If you find yourself in this cycle, you have an issue.

Are you taking more and more money from your equity? These days it is very popular to take out equity of a home to service debt or make other purchases. Equity is hard to build but very easy to spend and the banks know it. If you are going to use your equity, you need to use it wisely in a manner that provides a greater return then the cost of the equity in the first place. Equity should be a tool, not an escape hatch.

Are you building assets or liabilities? If you don't understand the difference, we highly recommend you read Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. Assets create value for your personal wealth, where liabilities require you to keep working to maintain. If something happened to your earning potential, assets don't change, but liabilities will crush you. The secret is understanding what is an asset and what is a liability.

It's never too late to make a plan to get out of debt. With the right financial advice, discipline and strategic approach, debt doesn't have to own you. There is also healthy debt and bad debt. Great financial health depends on t he ability to manage both. If debt has become a problem, a great financial educator can help you today.

About: This article was made possible in support of social enterprise by Kim Mark, financial educator for World Financial Group.

Job Tips: How to Go that Extra Mile to Win That Interview & Get Hired!

2009-07-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

In our last article about finding employment in a tough economy (read it here) we discussed tips for the job interview. Today, we'll provide a few other tips about how to win that interview in the first place.

The first thing to accept is that when in a down market, there is much more competition for every worthy employment opening. This means that although you might have been one of a dozen or so candidates, it is not uncommon to be caight in triple the number of applications today. You have a much greater chance of having your application lost in a pile than ever before.

You need all the help you can get to get noticed and that means using a few marketing tactics to get your résumé or application to stand apart. The best way to do this is take advantage of the cover letter. Think of your cover letter as a 30 second commercial for your application. How good or bad it is will determine how the rest of your résumé is received and considered.

Cover Letter Tip 1: Do Your Research & Customize

Again, remember that the manager or recruiter is reading hundreds of pages of documents that all look the same. This gets even worse is you are applying online because all applications are submitted in the same digital format. 99% of the time, applicants type the same "objective" of 'blah blah blah" that is the same as everyone else. It does not hurt to do some research of the potential employer by going to their website. Try and repeat some facts or statements to demonstrate that you are willing to go that extra mile to get a shot at impressing them further.

Cover Letter Tip 2: Say Something that Grabs Attention

We've seen résumés that start with compelling quotes and even questions. It's not typical but just like the headline of a good newspaper story, it works. State something bold and authentic but avoid controversy or shock value - unless the position requires shock and awe.

Cover Letter Tip 3: Be Brief and Amazing

Trust us when we tell you that managers and recruiters are speed readers with short memories. It's not that they are trying to be negligent or give less attention than every applicant deserves, but scanning is a necessity. So too much information will ultimately work against you. We like to use a woman's skirt as a rule of thumb. Make your cover letter long enough to cover the important parts, but short enough to be interesting and not mistaken for grandmother's dress.

Cover Letter Tip 4: Use Design Formatting When You Can

Nothing burns the eyes and hurts the brain like a single wall a text on a page. Every word processor program has basic formatting functions like bold, italics and size of font. Use them properly but don't overdo it. And avoid cheesy formatting like using Comic Sans and cute colors. This isn't a scrap booking contest. It is a professional application for employment.

There's a lot of advice out there on how to write a cover letter. And it is important to follow the basic rules and meet standard expectations. But the problem is everybody else out there is making the same cookie-cutter cover letters and you risk getting lost in the pile.

Just like most companies depend on effective marketing, so does your résumé when applying for employment in a sea of competition. The cover letter is an effective way to do this. Go that extra mile and you've just set yourself apart and grabbed an edge in your quest to win that interview.

Indefinite Exposure Opportunity for Your Business: Does your company's products or services relate to this article or any other content on My Perfect Economy? Become a sponsor and not only take advantage of an integrated online campaign, but change the world at the same time through our Creative Capital and Social Enterprise marketing program. Learn more about advertising with us here>
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How is the Health of Your Human Capital?

2009-07-22T23:37:00.000-07:00

Do you know how to leverage your Human Capital?

Human Capital comes down to the total direct and intangible value of all your relationships and the ability to build on them. It is a form of Creative Capital that the most successful people understand.

Human Capital proves that it's not what you know, but who you know. Or an even better way to measure one's ability to leverage human capital is how a person treats others.

Have you ever met a salesperson who treats you like just another warm body representing a potential sale? How successful can they really be? Compare this to a salesperson who treats every prospect like a VIP whether the interaction ends in a transaction or not. This is the type of person that understands the value of investing into Human Capital.

Human Capital, if invested into properly, maintains its value in any economy. In fact, during a down economy, we tend to want to do business with people we know and trust. This is is why currently, the bigger your network, the more value you can fall back on when other forms of Creative Capital, such as Financial Capital, become scarce.

Building Human Capital comes down to your ability to invest into healthy relationships. The more relationally healthy you are, the more Human Capital is available to you for eventual financial gain.

But as important as being relationally healthy is, it is just as important to be physically healthy. It is a fact that our natural instinct is to judge people by their physical appearance. Physical appearance is an indicator of personal health, which leads us to believe that person represents value (this is the reason why properly dressing for success is critical). We are naturally attracted to physically fit people. This may seem shallow and superficial, but it is the truth. Physically healthy people, especially with matching healthy personalities, just seem to have more influence and ability to build relationships that yield results.

We are not saying that everyone needs to look like Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie to be able to take advantage of Human Capital. What we are saying is that you don't want your health, or lack of health, to hurt you by causing others to judge you in a negative light. So maintaining your health is important. Not to mention that many meaningful business transactions are made in an athletic environment like the golf course, and not just the board room.

So do a Human Capital check. How is your ability to build healthy relationships and maintain a standard of physical health? If you take care of these areas, your Human Capital will expand and can be used to generate other forms of Creative Capital like finances.

Learn more about Creative Capital here.

Foundations of Small Business Marketing Part 1

2009-07-22T23:25:00.000-07:00

We are continuing our series "Tough Economics - Back to Basics with a Twist." In this tough economy, all small businesses that want to grow and stay resilient have to get back to fundamentals but also apply them with current digital media and trends in mind. We're going to be looking at 10 foundations of small business marketing.

In his book Rich Dad Poor Dad, author Robert T. Kiyosaki writes:

“If you are going to build the Empire State Building, the first thing you need to do is dig a deep hole and pour in a strong foundation. If you are going to build a home in the suburbs, all you need to do is pour a 6-inch slab of concrete. Most people, in their drive to get rich are trying to build an Empire State Building on a 6-inch slab.”

The Bible echoes this thought on foundations. It says that you can build your house on sand or on stone and goes on to say that WHEN the storms come the house built on sand will crumble but the one built on rock will stand.

Good foundations ensure that WHEN you hit some challenges, such as the current economic downturn, everything won’t come crashing down on you. Think of these next 10 strategic principles as the key foundational layers that we’ll be building your business on. The deeper your foundations go, the higher your potential rises and the more effective your strategies will be.

FOUNDATION ONE: IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU

Most marketing and advertising you see today is completely self-serving. It screams “Hey! You should buy our product because we’re great.” So many companies figure out what THEY like and proceed to waste thousands of dollars trying to convince the market to feel the same way. The fact is NOBODY cares what YOU like or how great YOUR company is. They want to know what’s in it for THEM.

Furthermore, your consumers don’t buy PRODUCTS. They don’t buy SERVICES. They buy the END RESULTS of those products or services. They DESIRE the BENEFITS.

In the book Who Am I?: The 16 Basic Desires That Motivate Our Behavior and Define Our Personality, author Dr. Reiss surveyed more than 6,000 people using sophisticated computer models. Reiss arrived at the conclusion that sixteen basic desires constitute our personalities and habits. He concluded that the importance we place on each desire is what makes us individuals.

THE 16 BASIC DESIRES:

Independence
Acceptance
Order
Savings
Family
Eating
Tranquility
Power
Curiosity
Honor
Idealism
Social Contact
Status
Vengeance
Romance
Physical Activity

The best marketing focuses on how the product or service improves the life of the consumer by addressing one or all of the above desires. (We personally would exclude vengeance however it has been used in marketing before).

When it comes to small business marketing, My Perfect Economy is always about asking the question, “How can I fulfill the desires of my consumers?” Creating greater benefits to meet these desires is how you create increased VALUE for your marketplace. Although many believe that innovation is all about technology, REAL innovation actually begins and ends by understanding that it’s not about you.

What recent marketing activities have you performed or participated in where it was all about you and not your consumer? Be honest.
Which of the sixteen basic desires does your product or service meet?
How should this principle immediately change the way you communicate in your media and marketing?

Small Business Marketing: The Bright Side of a Tough Economy & What Entrepreneurs Should Be Learning

2009-07-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

Is there a bright side to this economy when it comes to growing a small business? Many would say there really isn't any good that can be found in these tough economic times. And while it is certainly difficult to see the bright side admist a recession, there are some really good lessons every small business and entrepreneur should be learning when it comes to marketing.

We're putting this under the My Perfect Economy series called:
"Tough Economics - Back to Basics with a Twist." All great entrepreneurs understand that solid principles and fundamentals are the secret to success in any business conditions. Here are three lessons that we should be learning that should be seen as the bright side of tough times.

Lesson 1: It's Proven that Marketing Does Not Have to Cost Millions (or any money at all really)

It was only a few short months back that the media and marketing industries were questioning the usefulness of Twitter. It was also a few short years back that the same critics had similar questions of social networking sites like Facebook. And it just so happens that today, Twitter and Facebook are revolutionizing the world of marketing. And what may seem crazier than everything is that using both Twitter and Facebook are absolutely free. It just does not make sense anymore for example to spend thousands on creating an online TV station on the company website when a free upload to YouTube taps into millions of users and traffic. When combined with traditional print and media, which now can also be bought at massive bargains, these free tools create a healthy digital footprint and competitive edge.

If your company has not yet integrated free online tools like social networking, classifieds or blogs, then you have answered the question why many companies are shutting down their marketing programs when they don't have to.

Lesson 2: Marketing & Advertising is No Longer Just Another Expense

It is now time for financially responsible spending and commitment to ROI on every marketing and advertising dollar. Can anybody afford to see marketing and advertising as just another expense anymore? There is now more scrutiny than ever on the effectiveness of media and marketing vehicles. And this is a good thing because it now creates an accountability structure for all involved parties. Advertising media outlets are working harder now to provide more value and keep clients loyal. You as the small business entrepreneur get the benefit because when the big corporations slash their advertising budgets completely, your phone should start ringing with some very motivated reps on the other end.

This is also the time for innovation to explode. New forms of media and marketing that are accessible even for the smallest budgets are appearing every month. Start exploring. And trust us when we say that everything is negotiable.

Lesson 3: Change or Die - No More Middle Ground in Service or Integrity

When times are good people or companies don't have to change. So they can fall into bad habits at the expense of the consumer or client. Companies could put out false claims and provide terrible service and not feel a dent if they lost some business. No more! It's a buyer's market now and the consumers are making the rules. That's right, the little guys are winning!
If in this market you haven't really taken a good hard look at your customer service or how the market perceives the integrity of your company, than start now. It still may be outside of your budget to spend on marketing to attract new clients, but it takes a fraction of that to retain your current ones. People today are looking for solid companies that actually deliver a positive experience and great value despite our collective economic woes.

Look for more installments of our "Tough Economics - Back to Basics with a Twist" series for small business and entrepreneurs.

Indefinite Exposure Opportunity for Your Business: Does your company's products or services relate to this article or any other content on My Perfect Economy? Become a sponsor and not only take advantage of an integrated online campaign, but change the world at the same time through our Creative Capital and Social Enterprise marketing program. Learn more about advertising with us here>

What is My Perfect Economy?

2009-07-17T08:59:00.000-07:00

Are you worried about how the economy is affecting you? Money is not the only form of capital you have to achieve success in any economic climate. Our mission is to provide helpful information about how to use Creative Capital to build wealth and success with purpose. My Perfect Economy is your resource portal constantly being updated with articles on big ideas, great people, smart money and the pursuit of purpose and passion.

As we help others achieve success through Creative Capital, proceeds from sponsors and advertising go towards social enterprise and humanitarian projects. We ask you please to bookmark our articles and share My Perfect Economy with all you know to make a greater impact in the world. Thanks for joining us!

Job Tips: How to Have a Successful Interview in a Tough Economy

2009-07-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

There is lots of information out there with tips on how to get that job you want and have a successful interview. From etiquette to questions, it's no secret that the interview is critical and how you are able to establish relational connections, quickly determines whether you will be shortly employed, or back to the classifieds the next day.

But times are different now. With the unemployment rate reaching new highs, it's no longer an employee market. The employer now has all the power and choice and they are recognizing it. Many companies are clearing out their staff of high salaries and unwanted positions to ensure economic stability in these tough times. Often, these people cuts are blamed on budget cuts which is most often true, but we also know there are companies that are firing and hiring just because they can and are drooling about the fact the competition just let go some key staff.

So here at My Perfect Economy we have tapped the experience of some of our partner companies who are proactively interviewing for new positions daily. Take heed to this advice because it may mean all the difference!

Let's start off by saying never use the word "job" to begin with. This is especially true if you are interviewing for a corporate position in an established company. The word job has a certain sting to it and has cheapened the market. Employers are looking for professionals who use the words, "employment," "position," and "opportunity." This may seem insignificant but trust us, it does have an effect and some HR managers and recruiters just can't stand the word. So try to avoid it.

Do not tell your interviewer that you have applied for the position because there is nothing else available. Everybody already knows there are less jobs than ever before. Sounding desperate will not help you. It will actually create doubt because an employer does not want to feel like you are going to jump ship as soon as someone offers you a better deal. Yes, the reality is you may still be constantly applying to other companies, but that doesn't mean you have to let it hurt your current means of income.

Do share the fact that you recognize that it's a tough employment market right now. Also articulate that you are willing to be flexible with your compensation and appreciate the opportunity to work your way through the organization. This is the professional way of saying, "I know you can't pay me what I really want (or am used to) now, but I am willing to work hard to get there." The fact is if you were paid $25 an hour at your previous corporation that laid off the entire department, there is no way you will be making anything close now. Applicants often take for granted that employers fully understand the current going compensation rates for positions they are trying to fill. If you demand higher then that going rate, you are considered unrealistic and that will hurt you.

Remember you have competition, and in tough times with hundreds of qualified applicants scrapping their way to the same position, the winner is often the lowest bidder. Which brings us to the last and probably most important point.

How much you can or cannot get paid in a tough economy is completely your responsibility. When the economy was cresting and peaking, let's get real, our standards of living saw the benefit. People bought bigger homes and felt they could afford nicer things and took on greater expenses.

Going to a potential employer saying that you cannot work for anything less than your previous standard of living costs will put you in a bad spot quickly. The one who understands how this all works and last month moved back into their parent's basement or sold their home to cut down on a mortgage payment, will win. If you are willing to take responsibility and make it as easy as possible to employ you when it comes to expected compensation, then a company will always be willing to take a chance. And if they are smart and you prove to be a competent employee, will most likely be more than happy to increase your wages later.

Making yourself employable by cutting your personal expenses and wage requirements is a great place to start when looking for work. We know it's tough and there are many who are having their ideals and dreams of finding that perfect job shattered. But think of it this way; those who are able to prove they have what it takes to navigate the lows, will be truly valued and rewarded during the highs.

One thing is for certain, a bad market has an interesting way of revealing our character and personal resilience through challenging times. And funny enough, these are the exact same qualities that employers are really looking for.
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How to Fight Traffic & Speeding Tickets to Reduce Fines & Insurance

2009-07-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest escalating costs is driving insurance. Especially if you have a spotty record. And in these economic times, do we really need to be paying more than necessary to drive on the road?

Traffic and speeding tickets are the biggest culprits to increased insurance premiums. But doesn't it seem like there are days where speed and radar traps are everywhere? Some claim that giving out traffic and speeding tickets are just a way to generate revenue for law enforcement. While we are not going to argue this, we do want to point out the fact that the cost of paying one ticket is far less than the possible increase in your insurance.

Here is how to fight traffic and speeding tickets to avoid massive hikes in your insurance.
What most do not understand is that when you receive a traffic or speeding ticket, you are innocent until proven guilty. This means by voluntarily paying your ticket you are admitting guilt and no longer have any options. So do not just pay your tickets until you know what can or cannot be done.

Most do not understand that any traffic or speeding ticket can be fought. The quickest win-win solution many do not know is in most cases, the courts will bargain with you and eliminate or reduce driving record demerits if you just pay the fine. Just by doing this, you avoid your insurance premiums from escalating up to 400%!

When you receive your ticket, relax and be courteous to the servant of the law. We realize that the officer may seem to be the enemy but it won't help to argue. Nor should you however admit guild. Just don't aggravate the officer or make outlandish excuses. Simply cooperate and be polite. You don't want to be so memorable that should your ticket require a court date the officer shows up with a chip on his shoulder.

Immediately after the ticket has been issues check the fact on the ticket and then begin writing down your side of the story while it is fresh. The more facts you have, the better chance of a proper defense or bargain.

Then within the next day or so, contract a traffic ticket agency that will help you fight your tickets. All good agencies should provide you with a free consultation and information on the options and costs. They will ask you important questions such as the condition of your driving record and insurance premiums. Good agencies understand the ins-and-outs of the insurance game and can save you the most bang for your buck.

Our last piece of advice is do not try to fight the ticket on your own. We can tell you from conversations with law enforcement officers and traffic court agents that the entire legal system groans when someone tries to defend themselves. Traffic court is really about a negotiation for the quickest resolution between two disagreeing parties. A traffic court agent understands this and is actually welcomed by the court because of their efficiency and professionalism. Only a small percentage of self-defendants actually attain a better result than hiring a professional. And besides, who has the time or energy to do it on your own?

Part of building your perfect economy is understanding where your resources are best put to use. Don't waste it on traffic court or paying high insurance premiums!

About: This article was made possible in support of social enterprise by Web Traffic Law.
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Local Traffic Court Agent Helps Fight Tickets & Works to Save Lives

2009-07-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

“What if we trained our new drivers the way we train fighter pilots? How many young lives could we save?”

As a police officer, Randy Hicks, president and CEO of online traffic and speeding ticket agency, faced the nightmarish duty several times of informing parents their child had been killed. He is adamant his businesses will spearhead an unstoppable demand for this high tech training by ensuring it is truly affordable and accessible to everyone.

"Think of it this way: if that training elevates the skills of astronauts, fighter pilots, airline pilots, big rig drivers and police officers to expert proficiency, why wouldn’t we want our most precious cargo to get the same training?"

Randy has since dedicated his life, through ventures like Web Traffic Law that fights traffic and speeding tickets in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, New York, Houston and other major cities in North America. WTL is unique in that it has a "you save or we pay" money back guarantee and gives back through its iRANT for Kids program.

Randy Hicks, finished his hockey career and joined the Metropolitan Toronto Police Force in 1972. Among his many eclectic skills acquired from a 16 year police career was an expertise in motor vehicle collision reconstruction and advanced pursuit driving proficiency. The latter ultimately spawned his passion for driver simulator training for the pre-driver segment of our communities (14-16 year old teenagers).

In 1986 a near fatal, career ending neck injury on the job changed his life forever. Following a year of recovery Randy fulfilled a long held dream to enter the private sector as an entrepreneur by leaving public service to open the first non-lawyer traffic law practice in western Canada. He specialized in charges arising from high profile accidents, including many arising from fatal accidents, attracting wide spread media attention.

In 1990, his ground-breaking, precedent setting defeat of the Multanova Photo Radar and its technical reliability remains, as far as we know, the world’s only successful mechanical defence to this technology. The media exposure from this renowned trial led to the evolution of his North America-wide company that now includes over 800 traffic court agents and law offices throughout Canada and the United States.

Randy’s reputation as a highly principled businessman with an unshakeable commitment to ethical business practices has embedded him as a national watchdog for police enforcement mandates across Canada. As a result, the media routinely seek him out for comment on a wide variety of police enforcement initiatives. He has amassed a wealth of media contacts over his 21 year career in this industry and has also cultivated relationships with the heads of several significant insurance companies and other large corporations.

He maintains an excellent rapport with members of many provincial and municipal governments throughout Canada and the United States and is, on occasion, an outspoken proponent of more meaningful traffic enforcement with a reduced ‘cash cow’ mentality.

Randy is an ardent supporter of traffic enforcement because it is intended to make our roads safer. With the annual totals of traffic tickets issued setting records each successive year this decade, court dockets are stressed beyond capacity. Randy sees this exponential growth of enforcement as a call for an internet-wide launch of his virtual traffic services company. Web Traffic Law is his answer to the community’s desperate need for help.

Learn more about Web Traffic Law and how it can help you fight your traffic and speeding tickets at http://www.webtrafficlaw.com.
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MYPE Welcomes Web Traffic Law - Fighting Your Traffic & Speeding Tickets Guaranteed!

2009-07-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

My Perfect Economy would like to welcome Web Traffic Law. Showing us how to fight our traffic and speeding tickets online to save money and build our perfect economies.

Web Traffic Law is the webs only discount traffic-related legal solutions provider spanning the continent. A first of its kind North America wide service with strong hubs in Calgary, Edmonton, New York and Houston. WTL is built by ex-coppers, traffic lawyers and expert agents working together to bring freedom and peace of mind to our customers through the power of the Internet. WTL's clients don't stand in line for hours to fight their traffic tickets, lose time at work or with family waiting in court, and they don't pay traffic violation fines that skyrocket their insurance premiums and break the bank for years to come.

Web Traffic Law was founded and is managed by Randall Hicks. Backed by his 21 years experience in the traffic court idustry, Randy is an ardent supporter of traffic enforcement because it is intended to make our roads safer. With the annual totals of traffic tickets issued setting records each successive year this decade, court dockets are stressed beyond capacity. Randy sees this exponential growth of enforcement as a call for an internet-wide launch of his virtual traffic services company. Web Traffic Law is his answer to the community’s desperate need for help.

What makes Web Traffic Law unique? Two things:

First is WTL guarantees you will save on at least your insurance premimums, reduced fine or reduced demerits or you will get your money back. In other words if they can't help you save, they work for FREE. We think a business making that kind of guarantee really believes in its service and has the track record to prove it.

Second is WTL gives back. WTL works with radio stations to identify a WTL supported “brain rehabilitation” related charity or something similar in the station’s local market. WTL donates 10% of all regular traffic citation revenue and up to 50% of all photo radar/red light camera citation revenue (if applicable within the jurisdiction) generated within each specific jurisdiction in which the station broadcasts to the selected beneficiary of the program.

My Perfect Economy is excited to see how Randy and Web Traffic Law can provide us the expertise and advice to help save us money and build our perfect economies! To learn more about Randy and Web Traffic Law, please visit http://www.webtrafficlaw.com.

Taking Charge of Your Financial Future - Become Your Own Financial Advice

2009-07-16T08:23:00.001-07:00

Do you need to take charge of your financial future? What is your situation right now? Here are some insightful and revealing questions that you can ask yourself. Don't be afraid to be honest.

Do you have problems paying your bills?
Are you concerned about your job? Your career?
Do you feel you are paid what you are worth?
Are your family needs growing faster than you can provide for them?
Do you have regrets that life is passing you by?
Are you hoping for a brighter day?

If you answered yes to at least 2 or more of the above questions, it might be a good time to take a hard look at how much you know, or don't know, about your financial life strategy. They say that knowledge is power, and when it comes to the financial industry, the power of knowledge creates financial security.

When it comes to a financial life strategy, the secret is to build right. And to do that, you need all the right plans, tools and expertise.

Imagine building a house without a blueprint. In addition, the mason, carpenter, plumber, and electrician working on the house do not communicate with one another. If this was how your financial life strategy was built, how long do you think it would last?

Unfortunately, many people simply build their financial life strategies in isolated silos that do not work together. And by the way, a savings account and a few retirement funds does not qualify as an actual strategy. There are far too many financial tools and opportunities out there not to take advantage of. When looking at your financial life strategy there are four main areas you should focus on:

Your retirement plan.
Your children's education plans (even before you have children!).
Reducing your liabilities.
Preparing for an emergency, loss of job or disaster.

Think of these areas like the 4 legs on a table. They support each other and provide the ability to uphold weight and pressure. A table with less than 4 legs is just not reliable.

It is understandable that in today's economically confusing times, it's hard to know who you can trust when trying to build your perfect economy. That's why we recommend becoming your own financial professional. This doesn't mean quit your job, it does mean getting educated enough to make some sound professional choices. There is a lot of good and bad information out there. The key is to start with the basics and begin adding your own preferences after you have all the facts.

There are many books and courses out there that offer the straight goods on the financial services industry. There are organizations that provide the tools and even the ability to attain licensing on a part time basis. This may be the ideal track if you are more comfortable with becoming your own financial advice instead of completely trusting a financial professional. And remember, a good financial services professional should always be willing to educate you about your choices. If they won't, then we highly recommend looking elsewhere.

About: This article was made possible in support of social enterprise by Kim Mark, financial educator for World Financial Group.
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Calgary Photographer Combines Global Humanitarian Projects and Business

2009-07-14T10:15:00.001-07:00

On March 25, 2009, when Melissa Casey, Calgary freelance photographer and entrepreneur, got on a plane for her first humanitarian aid project in Nicaragua, she never really imagined how much her life would drastically change.

Working with her business mentors, she was challenged to capture images of "Social Injustice & Compassion" while participating in feeding centres and medical clinics. It was amidst the poverty that she found her passion to combine her trade as a photographer and a greater cause. Since Nicaragua, Melissa has already been to the Philippines and plans many more trips.

Mirrored Image is the corporate identity and photography studio of Melissa Casey. Mirrored Image seeks to “Reflect the world through a fresh photographic lens of purpose and passion.” Melissa has dedicated her company as a social enterprise that fully adopts the My Perfect Economy philosophy of business.

Mirrored Image provides commercial and portrait photography to clients between Melissa’s humanitarian work around the world where she captures images that reflect our collective desire to make a difference. Melissa then uses the sales of her photographs and services to raise funds and awareness for sustainability projects locally and worldwide.

Melissa and Mirrored Image embodies the concept of Creative Capital, using Social Capital as a means to drive business and find fulfillment in her purpose and passion.

Where will Melissa be next? Look for Mirrored Image’s next exhibition and collection!

To learn more about Mirrored Image Photography and contact Melissa Casey in Calgary, please visit http://www.mirroredimage.ca/.
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Is it Time for a Financial Change?

2009-07-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that we are in a very tumultuous time when it comes to the world economy. And things seem to get more confusing by the minute with all the information out there from various sources with a great variety of opinions.

At best these are uncertain times. While some have a positive outlook on the future, others are gripped by fear and lack of financial security. We have gone from years of prosperity and economic growth, to millions losing their jobs and entire industries being crippled under the strain.

How about you? Are you worried about your future?

There are two main types of reactions people have when in the face of financial worry and uncertainty. Statistics have shown, on one hand, that the sales of luxury goods momentarily increases. Psychologists believe this is because people like to have sense of control and buying expensive things helps calm their fears. The darker side of this is many begin to live on credit and assume bad debt to maintain their false sense of security.

On the other hand, those that can't afford luxury items to begin with tend to freeze in their tracks. With harsh realities such as high debt, bankruptcy, poor savings, career instability and decimated investment portfolios setting in, many of us find ourselves in extremely stressful situations. This can be terribly detrimental to our health and family relationships.

So where are the answers?

Some believe the financial industry cannot be trusted after recent scandals and economic aid initiatives. Others believe the financial industry and big corporations are the ones to blame. And many just don't know where to turn or what to do.

These are all signs that it is time for a financial change.

How?

There is a common factor that separates those that survive economic downturns and those that get crushed or barely make it. The difference between longterm success and constant instability is the proper financial foundation.

The wealthiest individuals who just seem to be able to roll with the economic punches have sought the necessary information and advice to fortify their financial foundations. Much like the actual foundation of an office building, the true wealthy understand principles and make their first decisions on the ability to withstand any financial forces. Once that foundation has been fortified, they have a solid base from which to take diversified risks based upon their investment preferences and risk tolerance.

The strongest financial foundation starts with an understanding of how money actually works. Most people know how to work for their money and pay the mortgage, however they don't know how to get money working for them. The wealthy understand that it's not just how much money you have, but how smart your money is and how much it works for you.

How is your financial foundation?

Is it time to make the necessary financial change to ensure your economic foundation does not crumble in these troubled times? We encourage you to do so.

About: This article was made possible in support of social enterprise by Kim Mark, financial educator for World Financial Group.
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How to Build a Professional Network - Why Some Are Better Than Others

2009-07-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

Networking is still a fantastic tried and true method to advance any business or personal career. Yet there are more and more individuals and businesses that are abandoning this effective form of building valuable sources of referrals and contacts.

There are a few reasons for the increase in difficulty of networking and the decline of popularity, especially in larger and more condensed pools of people.

First is technology has created a vast variety of digital forms of networking that can distract us from the true essence of networking.

At anytime one can head to the internet and join Social Networking sites like Facebook and Linkedin and seemingly get connected to hundreds, even thousands, of potential contacts. But does this really create any value? Not really. There is no better place to get lost in a digital ocean of competition than online. The internet should be no more than a tool to facilitate what real networking is all about.

Second is many are tired of attending an event only to be mobbed by an entire group that is just in it for them. You can only handle being pitched so many times before you realize that doing the same is only causing more problems instead of opportunities to grow anybody's business. The "Me Me Me" attitude in networking is not what it should be about.

The real essence of networking is about relationally building authentic advocacy.

What does this mean? Let's break it down.

First, networking is relational. That's right, it's about building actual relationships people want to be a part of. Not relationships where they feel used. How many times has someone approached you and the first thing out of their mouth is something they want? Do you build relationships with annoying salesmen or telemarketers?

Second, networking takes time to build. It is a process. Rome wasn't built overnight and nor is a small business or career. Building relationships takes several points of contact in different forms. You have to take the time not just to send an email, but a pick up the phone, have coffee and actually provide some value in that person's life.

If done properly, those you network with will become authentic advocates. This means that they actually care about you as a person and will go a little out of their way to see you successful. They will advocate for you as part of their daily routine. They may even become your raving fans if you have treated them like human beings with the same hopes, fears and dreams as you.

The secret to networking, and why some are better at it than others, can be found in the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Try investing into your network first and then be patient with the returns. The best networkers are always giving referrals before they get. Giving is the new getting when it comes to building a business or career.

The last piece of advice is be interesting. Nobody likes to network with boring people. This is why you should actually have an interesting life outside of work that people will remember you by. If you can become the most interesting person in the room that everybody talks about at the water cooler the next day, you have just made a quantum leap past the competition. So pick up a hobby, do some volunteer work or learn something of benefit to others outside of your profession.

Good luck!
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Contact My Perfect Economy

2009-07-12T21:21:00.000-07:00

If you do not have the direct contact information for a My Perfect Economy representative, we can be reached by email at:

info @myperfecteconomy.com

Or toll free c/o The KCM Group at:

1-888-897-5274 (Press Extension 2)

Follow us on Twitter! Subscribe at: www.Twitter.com/mypedotcom

Corporate Offices:

Canada

315 Hawkstone Manor NW
Calgary, AB T3G 3X2

USA

7011 Ash Street
Frisco Texas, 75034

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Kim Mark of World Financial Group, Joins My Perfect Economy

2009-07-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

My Perfect Economy would like to welcome Kim Mark, entrepreneur and financial educator for World Financial Group Canada.

Kim Mark graduated from university with a Bachelor of Commerce in finance and completed his Canadian securities certification shortly after.

Kim has worked several years in the banking industry and has also served as a financial administrator for Canadian charitable organizations with worldwide projects.

Real estate and financial education are two of Kim's biggest passions. As a financial educator for World Financial Group for the past two years, Kim utilizes his past experience, licenses for mutual funds and life insurance and a support team of dedicated staff to serve professionals and families in reaching their financial goals and gaining peace-of-mind in terms of financial security.

Kim and his wife Katharyn live in Calgary Canada with their two children Mateo and Amadeus. The Mark family believes in giving back by hosting international students in their home and teaching them to experience Canadian culture and multicultural family values. They have provided a loving home for over 30 internationals over the past several years.

Stay posted for more updates of how Kim Mark is using Creative Capital to build his perfect economy and make a greater impact with the international community.

Kim Mark is open to sitting for coffee and helping anybody understand their "why" when it comes to financial planning and education. He can be reached by phone: 403.891.8460 or email: krmark @gmail.com. Learn more about World Financial Group Canada at www.wfg-online.ca.
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Marketing Your Small Business for Low Budget Through Your "DNA"

2009-07-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

There are vast choices out there for a small business when it comes to marketing. Now a small business can get relatively a lot of advertising for low budgets. From Google CPC (Cost-Per-Click) to email lists and other forms of electronic distribution; the Internet has both evened out the playing field for small business advertising and in other ways, made it extremely difficult and competitive.

How will you know if a certain small business advertising tactics and programs will work for you?

The answer is simple.

Make money WITHOUT using advertising FIRST.

Many small business owners and entrepreneurs make the mistake of spending valuable financial resources without first taking inventory and understanding the opportunities that are built into every company. These can be typically exploited without spending money up front.

Here is a simple three step process to examine your business and see if there is anything you could be doing now, BEFORE spending money on costly advertising. Once you have leveraged you internal assets and generated some revenue, then you can begin to safely explore advertising options.

We all this process "DNA" because every small business has a unique DNA. And much like the human body it determines potential and opportunities. It is also important to understand your DNA because just as an ER doctor would never use blood on a patient the body would reject, the same goes for your business. Understanding your DNA will help you make the right choices when it comes to small business marketing - especially on a low budget!

This process requires your involvement and you will eventually need a pen and sheet of paper. The three step process is:

DISCOVERY: Challenge & Opportunity

Spend time brainstorming all your challenges and opportunities.

By challenges, we mean what is standing in the way of you achieving success? This is important to understand so that you can get an honest look of what issues you will be facing and if there are any you need to solve before you take the next step.

Now write down your opportunities. This may seem pretty obvious but it's not that easy to see when you up close and personal working in your business. When we think opportunities, we might think certain projects, relationships or even business offers that might be sitting under your nose. If you see any opportunities that will not be hindered by your challenges, go no further and start on it right away - take action!

NETWORK: Strategic & Social Assets

Everybody has a network of assets. Strategic assets are WHAT you know and are good at. Social assets are WHO you know that could help you with your business. It's time to lay this out in front of you for some decision making.

Write down all your strategic assets. In other words write down everything you know that is of valuable or everything you know you are really good at. For example, let's say you have a certain expertise in an area of your field. Then you may want to consider promoting that as a niche of your business. Or another example may be you are an excellent writer. Then writing and publishing articles or blogs may be the next step. Whatever your strategic assets are, you must ask yourself how you can harness the value in them to help your business.

Next write down your social assets. This should be everyone you know who is either a raving fan of your business or someone who could connect you with potential clients. We call these people "advocates." One of the best marketing tactics that costs little to no budget is making strategic alliances. You could easily create a referral source that you only pay when you generate revenue in commissions. Or you may even be able to barter and save money. There are as many possibilities as there are people you know.

ACCELERATION: Action & Accountability

This is the toughest part of the DNA process. As we have mentioned, sometimes it is very difficult to work ON your business, when you are working IN it every day. That's why we always advise small business owners to join a professional group or develop an advisory board or something comparable to assist with action plans, goal setting and accountability. How you set this is up is completely up to you and the nature of your business. But it has been proven time and time again that the most successful businesses and entrepreneurs have all used support, mentoring and coaching groups at some point.

One last note. The DNA process is ONGOING. Just as we are constantly evolving as people, so will your business. Try the DNA process at least once every couple months.

Good luck and have fun building your perfect economy!
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What is Creative Capital?

2009-07-03T16:37:00.000-07:00

In his keynote speech at the 2008 World Economic Forum, Bill Gates introduced the concept of “Creative Capitalism.”

According to Gates, Creative Capitalism is “an approach where governments, businesses and nonprofits work together to stretch the reach of market forces so that more people can make a profit, or gain recognition, doing work that eases the world’s inequities.”

This speech served as a catalyst that has since resulted in widespread interest and intense analysis amongst the top financial, cultural and community leaders throughout the world. Like many others, Gate’s idea of Creative Capitalism challenged our company. Based on this concept, we have created a revolutionary strategic "philanthro-capitalist" information portal called "My Perfect Economy" (MYPE). MYPE is a systematic methodology to connect what we call "Creative Capital". Let us explain.

Creative Capital is the resources available to each and every one of us as we strive daily to provide for our families, build our legacy and enjoy our lives. If the current economic meltdown is teaching us anything, it’s that cash money is not the only type of useful capital available to us in our quest to reach our maximum potential, while also making a positive impact in the world.

Most people are having to get pretty creative in these tough economic times – and as they say, necessity is the mother of all invention. What many are realizing is that there are other forms of capital available to be leveraged to achieve their goals, while also making a substantive difference in bettering the world.

Besides money, we have identified 4 types of Creative Capital. They are:

Financial Capital (smart money)
Intellectual Capital (big ideas)
Human Capital (great people)
Social Capital (purpose & passion)

So we asked the question: Why has our culture only leveraged one quarter of the Creative Capital available to each and every one of us? The truth is, each form of capital can be invested in, leveraged, and commoditized to make a real difference in our lives and the lives of others.

This is what My Perfect Economy is all about.

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What Kind of Social Enterprise Projects is MYPE Involved In?

2009-07-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

A percentage of all My Perfect Economy revenue goes to social organizations with projects around the world. A portion also goes to individuals who assist with "micro-transformational" community projects. Will you join the revolution?

My Perfect Economy provides an opportunity to get intimately involved with social projects and enterprise both globally and in your own backyard.. The difference is in relationships - we don't just give hand-outs, we give hand-ups upfront and personal.

Clean Water

Did you know that 6000 children will die today because they did not have access to clean water? Through our partnership with Impact Nations, Millennial Millionaires are taking an inexpensive and effective solution into villages in the developing world. We are training the locals to build household water filters.

$40 will provide a water filter for a family.

Medical

MYPE creates funding for volunteers to provide front line medical care through mobile medical clinics in remote villages and urban slums- where even the simplest treatments are not available. As well, we send emergency medical relief to local health care professionals.

$50 will provide just under $500 worth of medicine and medical care.

Micro-Enterprise

Through the partnership with Impact Nations , together we work with the poor, helping them to identify opportunities and develop small businesses that break the cycle of poverty for individuals, their families, and communities. Currently, we have a sewing micro-enterprise project in India, where widows who would ot

herwise have no way to support themselves receive training and their own sewing machine so that they can start a small business in their village.

$50/month for one year will provide a woman at risk with a sewing machine and all the supplies that she will need for her training.

Feeding & Farming

MYPE supports local organization El Shaddai which is currently operating seven feeding centers providing 2 - 3 nutritional hot meals to approximately 2,000 children on a weekly basis. Donations of $3,000.00 allowed the purchase of seeds and lease six acres of land as well as hire an agronomist to oversee this project. By planting a combination of cash crops and high protein soy the goal is to partially cover the cost of feeding the children. Upon completion of the agriculture pilot project, the plan is to expand to about 10 hectares (25 acres) providing much needed employment for locals, and enough food to provide 5,000 meals a week to poor children.

Currently, $0.25 equals one meal for a child in poverty through a feeding program.

Empowering Social Entrepreneurship

The MYPE business development team and licensed coaches are working with local entrepreneurs to launch and advance businesses that provide both a viable income but a sustainable funding source for humanitarian initiatives. Each social entrepreneur is mentored and provided access to marketing and financial vehicles to ensure their success. MYPE then extends this training to other entrepreneurs in developing economies.

Personal Development & Financial Education

MYPE supports local organizations that offer free personal development and financial education opportunities for those who require assistance and have a vision to make a greater impact than their own needs. These come in the forms of financial planning services, personal mentoring and coaching, volunteer work, corporate chaplaincy and more.

How Can I Promote My Business Using MYPE?

2009-07-03T14:42:00.002-07:00

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IS YOUR COMPANY TOP 5 ON GOOGLE?
Do you want it to be?

IS YOUR WEBSITE DRIVING ENOUGH TRAFFIC?
Just having a website isn’t enough anymore!

ARE YOU USING SOCIAL MEDIA & RESPONSIBILITY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE?
Don’t ignore this new trend...

IT ALL COSTS LESS THAN YOU MIGHT THINK!

My Perfect Economy offers a powerful tool for small business marketing and development designed to leverage all forms of Creative Capital for the benefit of both business and social causes. For businesses and entrepreneurs, we offer the Creative Capital Marketing Program which utilizes a proprietary Intellectual Property Strategy we call the "DNA-MATRIX".

This is a graphical overview of our business development strategy for our corporate sponsors and members. (Click to enlarge)

When a corporate client sponsors My Perfect Economy, their advertising budget is allocated as follows:

10% is immediately used for local social "Impact Projects" that are, if possible, related to the client's business. For example:

Paying off fines for at-risk single mothers
Meals for transitional housing communities
Phone cards for immigrant workers

10% is allocated to the KCM Venture Philanthropy Group for investment into social enterprise. (Visit http://www.thekcmgroup.com/ to learn more about KCM VPG.)

80% is allocated for the client campaign which is used to create:

A helpful "How-To" Advertorial about the client's business. For example:

"How To Get Out of Financial Debt Using Home Equity"
"How to Fight Traffic Tickets Without Going to Court"

A profile article about the Client. For example:

"Local Investment Advisor Has a Vision to Give Back in a Unique Way"
"Calgary Traffic Ticket Agent Fights Fire with Fire for Cancer"

A personal MYPE profile featuring an SEQ Rating (Social Enterprise Quotient) and Twitter page with continual "Tweet" updates.
A Twitter and blog release to the growing My Perfect Economy Network.

Cost of a single campaign: $200

All sponsor content will be featured on MYPE indefinitely. So for $200 your campaign will exist as long as you are in business.

Membership and Multiple Campaign Benefits

There are several benefits for conducting a minimum of 1 campaign per month to qualify for our Sponsorship Member status. The first is that the more content you have on the internet, the more you will be found when searched. The second is continual updates keeps your activities fresh and current letting prospects know you are still in business.

For our Members that conduct a minimum one campaign per month we offer the following additional services:

Training material on how to best leverage Creative Capital with other current marketing
Continual Twitter Tweets linking social enterprise developments to your business
Local networking events and training where available
SEQ (Social Enterprise Quotient) updates to show improving social responsibility ratings
Online campaigns submitted to Google and other major search engines
Cross-linking and tagging for additional traffic optimization
Access to preferred media and provider networks for branding integration

Examples of other campaigns:

An example of a fully integrated campaign starting with a My Perfect Economy profile page can be seen by clicking here >

How to Get Started: FREE "GOOGLE GAP" Consultation

Please send an email to: info @ myperfecteconomy.com to begin the process.

Or toll free c/o The KCM Group at:

1-888-897-5274 (Press Extension 2)

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Who is the Team Behind MYPE?

2009-07-03T14:42:00.001-07:00

My Perfect Economy is a trademark and collaboration of of KCM Strategic Media Group and KCM Venture Philanthropy Group. Both companies, as indicated by their names, are part of a conglomerate of companies called The KCM Group. The KCM Group is anchored by the publicly-traded company KCM Holdings Corporation (Stock Ticker OTC:KCMH). MYPE has offices in Calgary Alberta Canada and Dallas Texas.

For more information about KCM, please visit: www.theKCMgroup.com

Ed Kang (edkang99) is the creator and founder of My Perfect Economy.

The inspiration for MYPE came to Ed Kang through a series of events and personal reflection that culminated while on a humanitarian "Journey of Compassion" in the region of Chinandega of the country Nicaragua. It was there that Ed Kang came face-to-face with the true poverty and injustice of humanity in third world countries. While participating in medical clinics and feeding centers with the humanitarian organization Impact Nations, he realized that something had to be done.

Through research and invaluable input of his professional and personal mentors, Ed Kang would make a major transition into the world of "Philanthro-Capitalism" to combine intellectual properties, business resources and a new heart of compassion to create a financial and socially responsible vehicle called My Perfect Economy.

There are several other executive members and partners that make MYPE possible. Look for their profiles and articles about how they are making a finanical and social difference.

Where Did the Idea for MYPE Come From?

2009-07-03T14:38:00.000-07:00

A Letter from the Creator of My Perfect Economy

Dear Friend,

In March 2009, I had a profound experience that changed my life. I was invited by a business associate, friend and mentor to go on a trip to Nicaragua with the social organization Impact Nations to volunteer in some humanitarian aid and economic sustainability projects. What happened during my two week “Journey of Compassion” would challenge me in ways I never imagined and provide the inspirational spark to create My Perfect Economy. The bad news was I could no longer be ignorant of the poverty and injustice I encountered on my journey. The good news was I knew I could do something about it.

Several weeks prior to leaving for Nicaragua, I had an insight while contemplating what I really wanted in my personal and professional life. I began reflecting upon certain people who I considered both successful and happy. I realized that these individuals I looked up to seemed to constantly seek a balance in their lives in four equal areas: Ideas, People, Money and their Purpose and Passion in life.

It was while I was in Nicaragua, lying in my bed exhausted from a week of medical clinics and feeding centers that everything came together. I had an amazing revelation of how in order to be successful we needed to connect something called “Creative Capital”.

I realized that the healthiest, balanced and successful people in the world are entrepreneurs of Creative Capital in four distinct expressions: Intellectual Capital (Big Ideas), Human Capital (Great People), Financial Capital (Smart Money) and Social Capital (Purpose & Passion).

I also realized that one did not need to be rich and start with just Financial Capital – that all you really needed was a big idea and be passionate enough to invest it into others.

My big idea starts with the vision to create what I call “Millennial Millionaires.” Millennial Millionaires are the next generation of entrepreneurs who understand what it means to be, “blessed to be a blessing.” And I am not just referring to financial giving. We have so much else to give and get to have fun giving it!

I have had the privilege of investing this big idea into a number of people who have made their commitments and contributions. We have attracted top partners from multiple industries including some of the smartest business minds I am thankful to call friends and family.

More and more people have stepped up to the challenge and are going on their own Journeys of Compassion to other areas of the world like India, Africa, Philippines and back to Nicaragua. They have all come back completely transformed. And not only are international projects on the go, but local initiatives to make an impact in our own backyards are popping up every day!

This validates my belief that the more people and businesses we help build their perfect economies, the more passion and resources we release into the world.

I really believe that together we can become Millennial Millionaires and find success and change the world at the same time. I want to personally invite you to the adventure!

Ed Kang