Hello - I hope everyone had a great holiday Season wrapping up 2009.
We learned a lot during the last year and have observed many trends and had no choice but to face a variety of realities. A quick update on our founders and what we've been up to.
FOUNDER'S UPDATE
David - (yours truly) - outside of IQ Money Team projects I helped Lawrence and his wife Jeannie launch their new Wellness clinic main sites are: (zeronalaserslim.com & LaserslimNutrion.com), the first one is the main one, the 2nd one I used for marketing testing with twitter. I've been consulting with an international bio-diesel project. I was invited by a long term client of mine to assist in an Internet Marketing company launch as a principle. Part of that is to author some of my materials as well as be part of a core team of professionals that consult with other projects. A marketing project with a NASCAR affiliation surfaced that was very interesting and it looks like it will be launching soon.
Lawrence has been focused on establishing the new clinic. Lawrence and I have a history going back over 25 years. It was like old times only much new and less expensive IT technology this time around. Lawrence retired early about 10 years ago and sold a clinic practice to a growing national outfit that was publicly traded (made millions). Many of you remember it was popular back then to sell your business for "stock" in the new hot growing business. The new company bankrupted itself. I think we all learned a few things about the general stock market over the last 10 years. During the summer Lawrence was not only busy on a new business launch but also had some weddings :)
Peter is doing what he's always done as a professional architect. This year he's going to setup a few websites for his businesses. He is very good at what he does. Peter has come up with some interesting ideas for our Business model for team members. Its the same core context but with a different compensation model option.
ICRE and Commercial Real Estate
Peter and I attended a very personal and private syndication seminar put on by Cherif Medawar in San Juan. Cherif's cell is on my speed dial (laugh). He is a very dynamic, sincere and good man that found a unique niche in San Juan and achieved the American Dream and he gave us a private tour of all of his properties and explained first hand how all the deals came together.
We were stepped through a complete syndication legal and marketing package that Cherif put together and we all had an opportunity to present projects we had put together for syndication. I was a guest to this event and due to time limitations I did not have the opportunity to "pitch" an 10 million dollar project I had identified but I did introduce some of the IQ Money Team concepts which did inspire some inspiration.
There were some good solid quality projects presented - ready to go. Looking back and from observation Cherif was doing what we all were trying to do - find finding for some really good projects. Cherif had a very nice syndication package around Dollar Stores. I thought that was interesting because Lawrence's first deal was an assignment deal of a solid Dollar Store, which had a 14% CCR right out of the blocks. I helped him with the marketing and we discovered two things: #1 - Predatory investors who were just jerks, #2 - Investors afraid of their own shadow (can't really blame them after what has been going on over the last 10 years), but hard #'s and straight facts didn't seem to matter.
Everyone seemed to be looking for $$ for projects. During the last 24 months I saw funding needs for 15 million for the International Biodiesel project go unfunded, its in operation, has a solid market and huge lease contracts (the key to that business), sustainable long term and the profits stunning. The project has navigated "scam after scam" of investors either misrepresenting their capacity, and/or just predatory. Quite stunning actually.
A 1.5 billion dollar sound stage project - tanked because the founder ran into the same issues - lots of elaborate $$ scams, and at one time - had a gf go crazy download his cell phone contacts and then started calling everyone like a crazy person the day before he was to sign paperwork on stage 1 funding with a major financial institution who put the whole project on hold. Oddest thing I ever observed. New consulting rule for aspiring business leaders - no dating or relationships until after funding (laugh).
The NASCAR project is very interesting. It only needed about $300,000 in start up capital and our client had 3 investors lined up. They had a good idea, our team transformed the base idea into an expansive international business beyond just NASCAR. Closest thing to a no-brainer I've seen. When the rubber met the road, folks either didn't have the capacity the claimed (thus wasting everyone's time), or they were trying to be predatory. It was very bizarre to observe.
ICRE announced it was declaring bankruptcy - more of a financial move/re-organization. We discovered that most of the ICRE members - i.e. the ICRE database of members were really a database of deal finders looking for financial investors, all the financial investors seemed to have taken "hits". Add a flavor of the news media talking about the coming Commercial Real Estate "blood bath" and projects with long term lease contracts backed by solid corporate guarantees starting at 10 CAP - with great upside potential - no $$.
We did some market research and in our own Portland Oregon area in a 5 mile radius of downtown Portland over 5,000 people with over $500,000 each all their $$ in bank CD's. I had to scratch my head on that one. I was advertising a guaranteed 10% APR, backed by 1st Position Cashflowing Commercial Real Estate, Plus Benefits unheard of, the principle backed by hard assets, the interest backed by cashflowing lease contracts. Perhaps the safest most reliable approach I have ever seen.
Instead, they put half of their $$ at total risk with the FDIC insurance (almost bankrupted several times over the past few years), and CD interest rates as low as .75% Apr and as high as 1.75%. I'll admit, when I sat there looking at projects we had ready to go in various industries, and our IQ Money Team plan - I was a tad bit frustrated. I turned on the Comedy Channel at one point and heard someone state "You can't fix stupid.".
I came across a website that was very impressive: zeitgeistthemovie.com that identified some core problems of our culture and the history of those issues and its corruption. I was impressed with the Venus Project which backs those award winning documentaries. I've been a blogger on social issues pretty much all of my life (laugh). I have a deep love of business and people backed by a strong sense of "Changing the world" which I still haven't had beaten out of me since I was a young man. (I'm 45 and have been around the block a few times.)
I saw Michael Moore's new film "Capitalism a Love Affair" - many business folks don't like Michael Moore. I personally think his films are quite simple and direct and reveal things we need to look at. The last 6 months I've taken a quiet look around at politics, business, and how our world works and there are a lot of things that need to change.
That change is going to require new vision and new financial leadership. In recognizing this I am taking what I created with the IQ Money Team Business plan and will be working with current business projects to use some of these concepts for corporate asset management strategy for the growing business projects already in play. Its sort of a "next step".
My "no brainer" - "sure thing" was buying WAMU stock and options - the day before it was sold in the middle of the night to Chase by our Federal Government. (Yea, it was a gamble, all those things are gambles - the entire financial markets system is one big casino - laugh) - who knew they could step in and sell a publicly owned & traded company privately - totally by passing all the bankruptcy processes. Really what good is share values and calculations of assets vs liabilities when they can legally seize the assets and sell them in the middle of the night and screw all the actual "owners" of the company (i.e. share holders.) - something never done before - a little obscure law, and just 1 week before major bail out funding for the entire industry? Who could of guessed? Turns out that little "buy out" was 12 months in the planning.
I learned a few things there - I was reminded - there is always risk by things that do not make any sense, and we perhaps have a lot of "lawful" things going on that really aren't ethical and the whole system is "rigged" to a certain extent and your "plans" and projects have to navigate many predators and manipulators as part of the process. Folks don't know who to trust and if it sounds too good to be true - it probably is. Fear seems to rule the day.
I took some time to study the FTC's website and the scams being run on people at all levels of the financial spectrum are stunning. Organized crime has gone high tech and its amazing the fraud and theft going on.
I think I was a bit naive - to think that a solid business plan backed by 1st Position Assets - would launch simply and easily. People were/are selling properties they don't even own by falsifying notarized documents on public record (laugh). I ran into that myself in pre-foreclosures years ago - someone moves into an empty house and then tries to sell it as if they owned it. (No kidding).
Going against my legal counsel telling me "don't guarantee anything" - I was advertising a guaranteed 10% Apr, plus benefits with full disclosure of what backs that guarantee - attorney's live in a world of fear, manipulation and predatory waters. They know the mess their industry has created and nobody wants to fix it.
Shortly after I launched my marketing some folks started publishing "If anyone is guaranteeing you 6% or greater APR - it has to be a scam." - I felt like suing them for slander. 2008-2009 was a very frustrating time for all of us, knowing we had something good, brilliant in fact - but re-educating our audience was not going to happen on our timeline.
Right now my life partner's business (she has a niche product area she's been successful in for years - a ground up business), her product line is being featured in a National Magazine that began being released yesterday. I've been helping her with that. Yes, excess profits will be deployed in Commercial Real Estate.
The IQ Money Team - we are on hold pending growing our own financial resources to invest together personally, less regulations to deal with, less risk, etc. I'm sure once we get going we'll have a lot of folks wanting to "join in" once we've proven ourselves. I think at that point we'll probably just stay and be a tight nit team.
I know I will most likely teach the team model and a sponsor financial teams as a model. There needs to be a new financial leadership to emerge in the world (my opinion), one rooted in the spirit of Free Enterprise that Henry Ford exampled - freedom, liberty, progressive growth and everyone working together. I think he's my business hero. He hired his labor at 2x the prevailing wage and he built community - hospitals, schools, roads and subdivisions - it was rooted in mutual benefit and it made good business sense - today - its all about the least common denominator of cost, and milking anything and everything to make an extra time.
I'm sort of tired of living in a world where the 16 oz box, becomes an 8 oz box, becomes a 6 oz box, then a 5.5 oz box, then a 5.25 oz box, then a 4 oz box, then a 3.75 oz box, all in the same box, and the price stays the same - when the cost of the "box" is more that what is in the box.
Like I didn't notice this, and then have some survey tell me cost of living went up by 5%, when I know for a fact its up over 100% when you look at the milking and bilking going on?
Its not sustainable as an economic system. I think the Zeitgeist folks have nailed it right on. We are all going to be facing a lot of changes - and within those changes will be many opportunities to grow with and into. I am looking forward to myself, my teams and friends to be part of a new emerging leadership. I am a deep advocate of Free Enterprise - what existed before this modern monster we call capitalism - which is not what America was founded in - contrary to popular deception. Our founding fathers got it right - Personal Liberty, Freedom and Pursuet of Happiness.
The problem is - we are suppose to have a "Free Market" and Government is suppose to keep things a level playing field. This means competition with people creating better and better products and services which evolve forward. We haven't had that for decades within existing or established markets. We've had abuse of law, and resources and government to protect existing interests within our boarders and now are facing we are behind the leadership curve across the board in new developments in industry, textiles, and technology. All of what we are experiencing is/was unnecessary. But it is what it is.
Namaste' and Blessings to everyone. Keep in touch, I will drop notes in and if there are any interesting developments I'll post those opportunities here. If you like the IQ Money Team Concepts - let me know - if enough people come together to form a team there is a never ending parade of great opportunities available at any given time.
Independence through Interdependence is a powerful concept. I have identified a major Retirement Flaw most people are facing - it is one of the educational materials I am developing on to sell. Most people, by themselves - based on my observation and what I know is going on and has been going on - its a struggle just to hang on and maintain, and its a crap shoot to grow financially and most of what folks are focusing on are nothing but casino methods of putting their money to work. I enjoy the casino from time to time (laugh), but I am always mindful that the House is always the winner, and the player - well - he's always on a roller coaster.
My plan - create new cashflows and then invest the profits in Commercial Real Estate, and to multiply the power of that - work with friends and team mates I know personally. Grass roots sort of thing.
- David
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Monday, June 29, 2009
A Quick Note
Lawrence's practice has been launched. He is in the middle of helping his son put together wedding plans for next month. To say he's busy is an understatement (laugh).
Peter's had to deal with a plumbing issue the flooded his basement. What a mess. Just life stuff.
I suspect we won't be working too much on CREI stuff until August. As for me, well - I've spent the last month digging deeper into Internet marketing. I have a variety of test projects I want to finish up such as "Exposing the Retirement Flaw". I've reviewed the IQ Money Team plan and every time I go to my bank to make a deposit I have to laugh at the Bank CD rates 1.5% APR, and I know that over 5000 people in my area have over $500,000 each sitting around in bank CD's. It's sad in my view with what I know. But it is what it is.
One of my long term clients contacted me regarding of all things an Internet Marketing Company he is forming with a team of other people. He had already set aside some founders stock for me. I signed some agreements yesterday - it is an ambitious project but the team has an interesting mix of talents and abilities. One of the things I will be bringing to this new business is my concepts for CREI for the purposes of corporate asset management, as well as the tax strategies I have developed and blogged about here and there.
I have to rewrite and finalize some fee, non-disclosure and circumvention agreements. I have a rough draft I put together a few weeks ago it just needs some clean up and I probably should run it by a lawyer or two. I've written so many legal agreements myself over the last 7 years I sort of have a good feel for it. Its not that I miss anything, I tend to go for redundancy. I have my own technique which is to use the legalese, the restate the point in plan language, and then outline the context/ purpose of the point/clause. I don't write legal stuff to argue about later, I write stuff to ensure there is no argument later.
Lawyers don't like me because of that approach to agreements/contracts. Years ago doing pre-foreclosures (before it was popular), I had people trying to sell houses they didn't own, and little old ladies who were losing their home of whom we were trying to help - turn on us and lie about how we "got their signature" on forms and or rushed them into signing things. The problem is I designed a business process that required multi-step process - a strategy session - followed up by a proposal - followed by an acceptance of the proposal - all requiring very complete disclosures from start to finish including notarized signatures on key agreements even though they were not "required."
The little old lady sticks out in my mind. She got a boyfriend who wanted to take over our deal after we had invested about 6 months of paperwork and strategy. She hired an attorney to sue us (me mainly). She lied to her attorney which was interesting, slandered me and my team at the time. It was interesting. I called the attorney and asked what his basis was given the paperwork. Well, his client didn't disclose to him all the paperwork. So I faxed him "all" the paperwork and this nice sweet, little old lady said we forged her signature on the documents!
The problem was - we had her signature notarized, and we didn't force her to sign documents at 8pm on a Wed night in her Church parking lot as she claimed. In fact, the paperwork revealed a three week process - no rush (laugh), but I learned something powerful.
As the attorney mentioned to me "Nobody does contracts like that", I laughed, "no, but I do, and now I am reminded as to why." Lawyers and law firms write contracts that they can argue about later. I'm not into that game. I don't want to argue. I want to be fair and upfront in the beginning so there is no argument later.
It was funny, when Lawrence and I were looking over LOI's used in CREI, including the ones provided by the MyICREI - we couldn't use them because they were just not to our standards. It is a lot of work writing and correcting legal forms. Lawyers have errors and omissions insurance and that is really what you pay for when you use an attorney. That insurance is actually very important in some situations.
My method is to have an attorney review/work with me on a document revision so that I've made sure the document is written to my standards - and redundancy of key points with stated contexts as well as the legalese. They always tell me its "overkill", but in all the years of "overkill" and I haven't dealt with too many "little old predatory ladies" - that overkill basically killed anything to argue about. I haven't dealt with much in terms of legal issues during my life because I've always had this approach and I've seen first hand that people will lie and perjure themselves over little things.
Legal stuff is important when it comes to real estate. Sellers will lie about their financial records, they will "cook the books", they will cover up and lie about pre-existing building issues, etc, etc. Bribes will be given to inspectors, blah, blah, blah. Just another day in the real world we all face.
I know that I come across as an idealist - and I am. An optimist even! But I am very much grounded in reality - part of how I create the world I want to live in is to make sure that when I enter into a contract or do any kind of deal that what is important is protected properly in writing so there is no argument's later.
Anyway - things are looking up. The IQMoneyTeam feels like it is paused pending lots of little life things to sort out by the founders but that is all part of the adventure. I still have not seen any approach to putting money to work that is better than our approach. I keep reworking and refining things, but the essence is the same - simple common sense really that does not seem very common.
Namaste' and Blessings to Everyone. I hope your summer is going well!
- David
Peter's had to deal with a plumbing issue the flooded his basement. What a mess. Just life stuff.
I suspect we won't be working too much on CREI stuff until August. As for me, well - I've spent the last month digging deeper into Internet marketing. I have a variety of test projects I want to finish up such as "Exposing the Retirement Flaw". I've reviewed the IQ Money Team plan and every time I go to my bank to make a deposit I have to laugh at the Bank CD rates 1.5% APR, and I know that over 5000 people in my area have over $500,000 each sitting around in bank CD's. It's sad in my view with what I know. But it is what it is.
One of my long term clients contacted me regarding of all things an Internet Marketing Company he is forming with a team of other people. He had already set aside some founders stock for me. I signed some agreements yesterday - it is an ambitious project but the team has an interesting mix of talents and abilities. One of the things I will be bringing to this new business is my concepts for CREI for the purposes of corporate asset management, as well as the tax strategies I have developed and blogged about here and there.
I have to rewrite and finalize some fee, non-disclosure and circumvention agreements. I have a rough draft I put together a few weeks ago it just needs some clean up and I probably should run it by a lawyer or two. I've written so many legal agreements myself over the last 7 years I sort of have a good feel for it. Its not that I miss anything, I tend to go for redundancy. I have my own technique which is to use the legalese, the restate the point in plan language, and then outline the context/ purpose of the point/clause. I don't write legal stuff to argue about later, I write stuff to ensure there is no argument later.
Lawyers don't like me because of that approach to agreements/contracts. Years ago doing pre-foreclosures (before it was popular), I had people trying to sell houses they didn't own, and little old ladies who were losing their home of whom we were trying to help - turn on us and lie about how we "got their signature" on forms and or rushed them into signing things. The problem is I designed a business process that required multi-step process - a strategy session - followed up by a proposal - followed by an acceptance of the proposal - all requiring very complete disclosures from start to finish including notarized signatures on key agreements even though they were not "required."
The little old lady sticks out in my mind. She got a boyfriend who wanted to take over our deal after we had invested about 6 months of paperwork and strategy. She hired an attorney to sue us (me mainly). She lied to her attorney which was interesting, slandered me and my team at the time. It was interesting. I called the attorney and asked what his basis was given the paperwork. Well, his client didn't disclose to him all the paperwork. So I faxed him "all" the paperwork and this nice sweet, little old lady said we forged her signature on the documents!
The problem was - we had her signature notarized, and we didn't force her to sign documents at 8pm on a Wed night in her Church parking lot as she claimed. In fact, the paperwork revealed a three week process - no rush (laugh), but I learned something powerful.
As the attorney mentioned to me "Nobody does contracts like that", I laughed, "no, but I do, and now I am reminded as to why." Lawyers and law firms write contracts that they can argue about later. I'm not into that game. I don't want to argue. I want to be fair and upfront in the beginning so there is no argument later.
It was funny, when Lawrence and I were looking over LOI's used in CREI, including the ones provided by the MyICREI - we couldn't use them because they were just not to our standards. It is a lot of work writing and correcting legal forms. Lawyers have errors and omissions insurance and that is really what you pay for when you use an attorney. That insurance is actually very important in some situations.
My method is to have an attorney review/work with me on a document revision so that I've made sure the document is written to my standards - and redundancy of key points with stated contexts as well as the legalese. They always tell me its "overkill", but in all the years of "overkill" and I haven't dealt with too many "little old predatory ladies" - that overkill basically killed anything to argue about. I haven't dealt with much in terms of legal issues during my life because I've always had this approach and I've seen first hand that people will lie and perjure themselves over little things.
Legal stuff is important when it comes to real estate. Sellers will lie about their financial records, they will "cook the books", they will cover up and lie about pre-existing building issues, etc, etc. Bribes will be given to inspectors, blah, blah, blah. Just another day in the real world we all face.
I know that I come across as an idealist - and I am. An optimist even! But I am very much grounded in reality - part of how I create the world I want to live in is to make sure that when I enter into a contract or do any kind of deal that what is important is protected properly in writing so there is no argument's later.
Anyway - things are looking up. The IQMoneyTeam feels like it is paused pending lots of little life things to sort out by the founders but that is all part of the adventure. I still have not seen any approach to putting money to work that is better than our approach. I keep reworking and refining things, but the essence is the same - simple common sense really that does not seem very common.
Namaste' and Blessings to Everyone. I hope your summer is going well!
- David
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Making Money Online & General Update
It's been busy!
Peter stopped by yesterday to borrow a garden hose for his Boy Scout troop's service activity cleaning up a historic graveyard not far from my home. I haven't seen him in person for a few weeks. He's been buried in his s-quadrant business work.
Lawrence has been busy with his new practice. I took care of all his IT work and Jeanne and I are helping him with his online marketing.
www.zeronalazerslim.com, www.laserslimnutrition.com I add these sites here so they get some cross linking (laugh). Jeanne and I have been "tests" for their nutritional system and I must say after 1 month - I've lost about 20 lbs and for the first time in my life feel I can actually return to and reach my ideal body weight. Their nutrition package lends itself for an Internet marketing concept.
I am doing some testing with CPA marketing. I found a fun little information product to promote entitled "How to Make $1,000 in 48 Hours" its a free package so getting the info for people is pretty much a no-brainer.
It's pretty kewl. I setup a super simple landing page: www.moneyoda.com, setup my analytics, did my seo/organics and adwards to the targeted countries of the promotion. Yes, I am shamelessly mentioning it hear for the search engines to cross link for ranking purposes.
It is always fun doing marketing tests.
Peter and I had a nice conversation about Syndication and the IQ Money team. We are looking at perhaps doing an actual syndication though our plan/strategy doesn't require it, until people get to know us and understand what we are doing and why it may be best to serve up the opportunity in the framework they can understand. I'm even going to reduce to ROI to 6% so as to not fall into the "scam" category that all the analysts are saying "its a scam if anyone is paying over 6%".
Not true, but I have to remember these are the same analysts that were giving advice over the last 8 years too. (laugh). It all boils down to "trust" and it takes time for that to build. It is going to cost about $50,000 in legal fees to get an formal syndication put together.
We'll see how my Internet marketing tests go. I know some folks that are making some serious 7 figure revenues. We only need to raise 15million dollars to pursue the IQ Business plan properly, for me that is three 5 million dollar financial partners, or six 2.5 million dollar financial partners.
Until then we'll simply work our s-quadrant businesses and look for opportunities with our current resources and build from there. Its all good.
I saw the DVD "Mother Teresa", (netflix), I was impressed, great inspirational true story.
My current Internet Projects are: www.moneyoda.com (laugh), I am almost done with my PowerPoint "Exposing the Retirement Flaw" which I am embedding audio and then will convert to a movie/avi file (www.retirementflaw.com), and I am writing a guide to health and weight loss that I will market under my davidtheguru brand.
I am also going to try my hand at some uTube marketing and some audio and/or video blogs.
Life is good, and all of this is a blessed adventure.
Namaste' and Bright Blessings to Everyone!
- David
Peter stopped by yesterday to borrow a garden hose for his Boy Scout troop's service activity cleaning up a historic graveyard not far from my home. I haven't seen him in person for a few weeks. He's been buried in his s-quadrant business work.
Lawrence has been busy with his new practice. I took care of all his IT work and Jeanne and I are helping him with his online marketing.
www.zeronalazerslim.com, www.laserslimnutrition.com I add these sites here so they get some cross linking (laugh). Jeanne and I have been "tests" for their nutritional system and I must say after 1 month - I've lost about 20 lbs and for the first time in my life feel I can actually return to and reach my ideal body weight. Their nutrition package lends itself for an Internet marketing concept.
I am doing some testing with CPA marketing. I found a fun little information product to promote entitled "How to Make $1,000 in 48 Hours" its a free package so getting the info for people is pretty much a no-brainer.
It's pretty kewl. I setup a super simple landing page: www.moneyoda.com, setup my analytics, did my seo/organics and adwards to the targeted countries of the promotion. Yes, I am shamelessly mentioning it hear for the search engines to cross link for ranking purposes.
It is always fun doing marketing tests.
Peter and I had a nice conversation about Syndication and the IQ Money team. We are looking at perhaps doing an actual syndication though our plan/strategy doesn't require it, until people get to know us and understand what we are doing and why it may be best to serve up the opportunity in the framework they can understand. I'm even going to reduce to ROI to 6% so as to not fall into the "scam" category that all the analysts are saying "its a scam if anyone is paying over 6%".
Not true, but I have to remember these are the same analysts that were giving advice over the last 8 years too. (laugh). It all boils down to "trust" and it takes time for that to build. It is going to cost about $50,000 in legal fees to get an formal syndication put together.
We'll see how my Internet marketing tests go. I know some folks that are making some serious 7 figure revenues. We only need to raise 15million dollars to pursue the IQ Business plan properly, for me that is three 5 million dollar financial partners, or six 2.5 million dollar financial partners.
Until then we'll simply work our s-quadrant businesses and look for opportunities with our current resources and build from there. Its all good.
I saw the DVD "Mother Teresa", (netflix), I was impressed, great inspirational true story.
My current Internet Projects are: www.moneyoda.com (laugh), I am almost done with my PowerPoint "Exposing the Retirement Flaw" which I am embedding audio and then will convert to a movie/avi file (www.retirementflaw.com), and I am writing a guide to health and weight loss that I will market under my davidtheguru brand.
I am also going to try my hand at some uTube marketing and some audio and/or video blogs.
Life is good, and all of this is a blessed adventure.
Namaste' and Bright Blessings to Everyone!
- David
Friday, May 22, 2009
Taxes, Taxes, Retirement Flaws, Opportunity & Trust
Mercury is in Retrogade through the 30th. For those that follow such things it often means a time period of communication issues. I am always intrigued by the beliefs and paths from around the world.
Taxes #1 - there are two remaining tax advantaged ways of reducing taxes. One method can probably reduce taxes by about $20,000/month (at least) and that was a subject of an opportunity I've been e-mail back and forth with Cherif about. It should be interesting to see how that goes. I think I've identified an amazing opportunity to help people legally and legitimately reduce their taxes.
Taxes #2 - I know how any business can create 1.2 million dollars of write offs for every 2.4 million dollars of taxable revenue. Not offshore, its right in the IRS Tax code, it's not a loop hole, its solid and not going anyway anytime soon. No need for all the "offshore" grey area things that the government is going after. The strategy works for those who have $500,000 or more of taxable revenue. They have to be in a business or at least be able to structure what they do as a business, and not be a felon. That is an approximate gross savings of $480,000 per 1.2 million dollars, after costs, fees, setup and management, the net savings is about $400,000 or so. $$ that normally get sucked down the black whole of taxes. I'm charging folks a 3% residual fee on the gross savings for hooking them up with the only law firm in the country that knows how to do these things.
Tax strategy #1 & #2 - are simple, legal and it is interesting how few people know about them. I'm excited to make that information available to my clients. Of course, that $400,000+ savings is money that really should be put to work. I give folks a choice - 3% fee, or work with my team around putting those funds to work in Commercial Real Estate.
Retirement Flaw - and Retirement Failure - I've been working on a Power Point. Earlier this year I did a webinar with Lawrence and between the technical things and distractions and the cost - I realized - there has got to be a better way. There is!
I have been revamping our business plan and documentation. It is amazing how much work that can be to get it done right. The last 2 months I've been helping Lawrence and his wife Jeannie launch their new wellness center. It is Kismet because 24 years ago when we first met was a similar project. That has been wrapping up and I am transitioning back to the Money Team Project.
I created a little 4 slide PowerPoint I called 'Exposing the Retirement Flaw", or "Does your Retirement Plan have a Dirty Little Secret?" - I have evolved that to 13 slides and have been recording audio commentary. It is coming together nicely. As part of the process I discovered that Power Point does not embed audio and/or video, it "references" audio/video external to itself. Not a problem if you are running the presentation on your own system, but a huge issue if you are trying to send a Power Point with audio/video embedded.
I did some research and reviewed a lot of interesting options. I found a great little utility that combines and follows the Power Point Presentation and audio and turns it into a "Movie" clip, i.e. AVI type file. Simple, clean and reasonable cost. Problem solved. This also has the advantage that anyone on any platform can watch the presentation(s) without having to deal with Power Point.
I'm a bit conservative when it comes to spending $$ on stuff. My focus has always been on "value" rather than costs. I don't mind spending $$ on important things, I really am stunned at how much $$ most businesses, especially corporations waste.
I got a report in from AIG (a stock play I made), I'm thinking - why didn't they just e-mail me a PDF file, that report, sent out to all the stock holders must of cost a small future. It was cheap, black and white and I'm like - what a waste, no wonder they keep running into financial issues.
They waste money on things that do not matter. I know there are a bunch of MBA's making decisions there and yet, common sense seems to elude them. With proper use of technology there is no reason why businesses can't have a 1st class transparent and active communications with vendors, customers and investors without all the huge, worthless overhead. I know the printing industry doesn't like that, but geeze folks, "ice box" manufacturers went out of business because of "Refrigerator" technology.
Anyway - I am going to be selling the Retirement Flaw as an information product. I have some 30+ writing projects I have been developing over the last 5 years. This is mainly self help information in three primary areas of life 1) Finances and info to help those managing/facing financial disasters, 2) Personal relationships - specifically helping people develop a better dating/relationship model, 3) Personal Health & Fitness.
I'm 45 years old as of June 14 this year. I was born and raised in the Midwest on meat and potatoes. I love to eat, and a few years ago I was at 260 lbs, on the S.A.D. (standard American Diet), and I started having some health issues. (Not sure if I blogged about that here or not, I have several personal blogs out there, so if I am repeating anything here I apologize). One of the issues I had was High Blood pressure. Long story short, I healed that, and I also dropped my weight (effortlessly) to around 220/230 area where I've been at for the last year.
Thanks to Lawrence and his wife Jeannie I had a comprehensive nutritional blood screening and it turns out I have Type 2 Diabetes. That was a shock of sorts, but not surprising considering what I have learned over the last 4 weeks. It is my intention to heal my body of that. One nice thing about functioning as a team (a life team), that there is an on going give and take with the people you trust and care about in your life.
I took care of Lawrence's technology, he's taking care of my health. As of last week I hit a 20 year low in my weight of 205 lbs and feel great. I still love to eat, and I have simply created entirely new (and delicious) food recipes. I have a lot of self discipline anyway, but when it comes to food - I love to eat. As always, when I want to learn about or change something I have a simple process I follow. I developed this partly as an IT Consultant, and part with some spiritual life/growth changes over the last 7 years.
Brilliant, but simple and common sense.
- Namaste'
- David
p.s. - totally unrelated. I went and saw the new Star Trek (twice), the 2nd time was at our local IMAX theater. It was astounding and amazing. Loved it. I was a fan of the origional show, grew up on it. I was blown away. I think they restarted the franchise with what they did. The attention to detail was amazing.
I noticed that Trek fans, were in tears within the first 5 mintutes and through out the show (odd I know), and those that didn't grow up with it or non-fans, were sitting on the edge of their seat and really enjoyed the show.
There was so many little things for any origional series fan - it was a real tribute and labor of love. They nailed it. I even talked one of my clients into playing hookie with me to go see it last week (laugh).
What I loved about Star Trek - was the energy/foundation of intention - to explore, to inspire and teamwork. Maybe that is why I am so focused on teams vs. the lone ranger context. I've been there too, its just a lonely place to be.
SOME FAMILY UPDATES:
Mathew (age 10), I want to get him enrolled in Karate, I think he'd enjoy it and it would be good for him.
Joshua (age 18), has decided to go to ITT Technical College, he passe their entrance exam, and has everything lined up and begins June 8th! I remember getting enrolled in college was a bit more work/time consuming (laugh). Nice school. I loved their robotics lab. I thought about just going back to school for a few minutes. School is "cool" compared to the boring old IBM 4331 that dealt with. His intention is to focus on LAN/WAN security administration.
Josh is an Eagle Scout, and also earlier this year participated in a Mankind Project New Warrior Adventure weekend, his follow up group/team just did a public service event that Josh inspired them to do.
Kayla (21) is still in the Navy, about 1.5 years to go, stationed in Japan. She's literally seen the world. She was home for a visit last month with her Fiance' (Tony), very proud of her.
Jessica (24) graduated from University of Pheonix earlier this year. She stopped by for a visit last night. I look forward to hiring her one of these days. She's smart, loyal, (ok, and opinionated) but her heart and intention is and has always been in the right place.
Then there is Mia - our Husky/? mix, that we adopted from the Humane Society a couple of years ago. I've nick named her gorgous. On the trail today - everyone -Oh, she's so beautiful?, Oh, she's so pretty. Blah, Blah, Blah. She is a manificant animal, and I think she knows it. Totally spoiled
My pathing partner Jeanne who owns her own online business is busy working on some new product lines and expanding her cashflow. She built her business from the ground up. We are an entraprunrial family. My son Matthew is trying to figure out a business he can do at age 10, since he's not old enough to get a job. He's very ambitious, I think school is slowing him down a bit.
I have lots of Matthew stories. Last winter we were overrun with snow for a couple of weeks. He went out to help the neighbors "dig out", he's 10. He's picked up on dad's lesson around "focus on contribution", he ended up making $$ and friends all over the neighborhood.
Being a Dad is a kewl thing. About 10 years ago I attended a Sterling Institude Men's Weekend and something I got from that was - a parent's responsibility is to prepare kids for life. That was when I think I first began understanding "context" shifts, or management/navigation by context.
I think that is all I have to share for now. I could talk about the Africa Bio-Fuel project, or the abracabusiness.com going to another level with/through a dear friend/client of mine in CA. Peter's been working doing this Architect thing, and spring/summer has finally hit in Oregon and it is so beautiful - it is hard to focus on work (laugh).
Tonight a BBQ & B-Day part at a friends home, and tomorrow a BBQ gathering at another friends home, last night another friend called for help around a mutual friend who was facing some stuff - and so the adventure continues - normal life stuff. I am looking forward to the next steps of the IQ Money Team and getting the financial team together so we can go out and start getting results as a team.
Its a business shift for Peter, Lawrence and I. We each do our own "s-quadrant" thing, and we enjoy and are good at what we do. We just see amazing opportunities all the time and we've fallen in love with Commercial Real Estate and bringing our combined business skills to focus there.
I think we'll probably end up doing a formal syndication because that is what people understand. I was jokingly talking about - only offering folks 6% because that is the fear factor baseline. As I told Lawrence and Peter - do we have to tell them we're going to pay them 10%, because since folks don't believe it, and advisors at all saying anything over 6% is a scam - I don't think anyone would mind if we pay them more than we agree to.
I am planning on updating our website, the documents are pretty much done, but until I have confirmed people that want to be on our Financial team I've notice I am dragging my feet on the final update. I already see several different opportunities that will require me to re-write things anyway (laugh).
Taxes #1 - there are two remaining tax advantaged ways of reducing taxes. One method can probably reduce taxes by about $20,000/month (at least) and that was a subject of an opportunity I've been e-mail back and forth with Cherif about. It should be interesting to see how that goes. I think I've identified an amazing opportunity to help people legally and legitimately reduce their taxes.
Taxes #2 - I know how any business can create 1.2 million dollars of write offs for every 2.4 million dollars of taxable revenue. Not offshore, its right in the IRS Tax code, it's not a loop hole, its solid and not going anyway anytime soon. No need for all the "offshore" grey area things that the government is going after. The strategy works for those who have $500,000 or more of taxable revenue. They have to be in a business or at least be able to structure what they do as a business, and not be a felon. That is an approximate gross savings of $480,000 per 1.2 million dollars, after costs, fees, setup and management, the net savings is about $400,000 or so. $$ that normally get sucked down the black whole of taxes. I'm charging folks a 3% residual fee on the gross savings for hooking them up with the only law firm in the country that knows how to do these things.
Tax strategy #1 & #2 - are simple, legal and it is interesting how few people know about them. I'm excited to make that information available to my clients. Of course, that $400,000+ savings is money that really should be put to work. I give folks a choice - 3% fee, or work with my team around putting those funds to work in Commercial Real Estate.
Retirement Flaw - and Retirement Failure - I've been working on a Power Point. Earlier this year I did a webinar with Lawrence and between the technical things and distractions and the cost - I realized - there has got to be a better way. There is!
I have been revamping our business plan and documentation. It is amazing how much work that can be to get it done right. The last 2 months I've been helping Lawrence and his wife Jeannie launch their new wellness center. It is Kismet because 24 years ago when we first met was a similar project. That has been wrapping up and I am transitioning back to the Money Team Project.
I created a little 4 slide PowerPoint I called 'Exposing the Retirement Flaw", or "Does your Retirement Plan have a Dirty Little Secret?" - I have evolved that to 13 slides and have been recording audio commentary. It is coming together nicely. As part of the process I discovered that Power Point does not embed audio and/or video, it "references" audio/video external to itself. Not a problem if you are running the presentation on your own system, but a huge issue if you are trying to send a Power Point with audio/video embedded.
I did some research and reviewed a lot of interesting options. I found a great little utility that combines and follows the Power Point Presentation and audio and turns it into a "Movie" clip, i.e. AVI type file. Simple, clean and reasonable cost. Problem solved. This also has the advantage that anyone on any platform can watch the presentation(s) without having to deal with Power Point.
I'm a bit conservative when it comes to spending $$ on stuff. My focus has always been on "value" rather than costs. I don't mind spending $$ on important things, I really am stunned at how much $$ most businesses, especially corporations waste.
I got a report in from AIG (a stock play I made), I'm thinking - why didn't they just e-mail me a PDF file, that report, sent out to all the stock holders must of cost a small future. It was cheap, black and white and I'm like - what a waste, no wonder they keep running into financial issues.
They waste money on things that do not matter. I know there are a bunch of MBA's making decisions there and yet, common sense seems to elude them. With proper use of technology there is no reason why businesses can't have a 1st class transparent and active communications with vendors, customers and investors without all the huge, worthless overhead. I know the printing industry doesn't like that, but geeze folks, "ice box" manufacturers went out of business because of "Refrigerator" technology.
Anyway - I am going to be selling the Retirement Flaw as an information product. I have some 30+ writing projects I have been developing over the last 5 years. This is mainly self help information in three primary areas of life 1) Finances and info to help those managing/facing financial disasters, 2) Personal relationships - specifically helping people develop a better dating/relationship model, 3) Personal Health & Fitness.
I'm 45 years old as of June 14 this year. I was born and raised in the Midwest on meat and potatoes. I love to eat, and a few years ago I was at 260 lbs, on the S.A.D. (standard American Diet), and I started having some health issues. (Not sure if I blogged about that here or not, I have several personal blogs out there, so if I am repeating anything here I apologize). One of the issues I had was High Blood pressure. Long story short, I healed that, and I also dropped my weight (effortlessly) to around 220/230 area where I've been at for the last year.
Thanks to Lawrence and his wife Jeannie I had a comprehensive nutritional blood screening and it turns out I have Type 2 Diabetes. That was a shock of sorts, but not surprising considering what I have learned over the last 4 weeks. It is my intention to heal my body of that. One nice thing about functioning as a team (a life team), that there is an on going give and take with the people you trust and care about in your life.
I took care of Lawrence's technology, he's taking care of my health. As of last week I hit a 20 year low in my weight of 205 lbs and feel great. I still love to eat, and I have simply created entirely new (and delicious) food recipes. I have a lot of self discipline anyway, but when it comes to food - I love to eat. As always, when I want to learn about or change something I have a simple process I follow. I developed this partly as an IT Consultant, and part with some spiritual life/growth changes over the last 7 years.
- When facing an "unknown" - good, or bad, I always trust that things are playing out for a higher purpose. I may not understand it, or see it, but I have learned to trust it.
- State my intention/desired outcome, this can show up in may ways, the term most people would recognize is "prayer", and there are many different ways of praying/approaches and they all work regardless of belief path/system. I've learned to have fun in this area of my life.
- Seek out information, resources, knowledge - and there is so much knowledge and information out there it is about what I call "tuning into Spirit" or following what I call my inner "peace" compass. The energy/inspiration leads the way. Opportunities open, or close - (i.e. #1 - trust), which leads me to #4.
- Follow the inspiration/energy and deal with what presents. Things that present (people, places, opportunities) these things I explore through to their logical conclusion, or until something "stops" or comes to an end. I don't mind "pushing" through things, but only if the inspiration is there to do that. (I know, I need to write a book about this stuff, its in the works.)
- Don't be attached to the outcome, people, places, or things - be open to unlimited possibilities, and honor the simple things like - trust, honor, integrity - and the foundation of all of that is "intention." That is what is important to me. Things change, businesses change - and that is the dynamics of life. But what is the intentions behind things that are going on - that is what I look for. Results show up, often in very unexpected and amazing ways. I call it the "wow" factor.
That was more than I was planning on sharing. Spiritual pathing is like that sometimes. You go with the flow. I remember when I first started testing these concepts out - years ago, I had a $100 cash show up, and I really needed it. I was inspired at 1am to drive over to a friends home, put that $100 in an envelop with their name on it and tape it to their door in the middle of the night. I honored the inspiration and my life is a lot like that all the time.
Happiness and living in an state of adventure and possibility is something unique and I believe it is something that can be taught. I know folks at different economic levels and "Happiness" or lack of has nothing to do with financial status. Those with $$ have more options to hide out and mask their pain, fear, and struggle. Those with less $$ live with more quiet desperation and/or volatility. People are people that is what I have learned. I've met a lot of very unhappy people, at all levels and some happy people too - at all levels.
Cherif surprised me when I met him. Brilliant man, great energy and focus, but beyond that - was a man of positive and honorable "intention". I've met wealthy people before, been on the fast track a time or two in my life myself. I am always intrigued by those that are just "jerks", and those that are genuine. Oddly enough, contrary to popular views of the "have nots", most wealthy people are very genuine, caring and giving people.
It has been my observation that the automatic and natural tendency to give more, and be honorable is our core sense of being. When people are struggling, or "have not" in their lives - they tend to be more predatory, often willing to compromise their own values to carve out a bigger piece of pie. It is a catch 22 - our culture promotes the "go - getter" do anything at all costs mentality. But is that the world we want to live in?
I look at things from a point of contribution. Can I make a contribution? Is my contribution recognized and appreciated? I am not referring to personal recognition though that is always nice. My friend that I dropped $100 off did not know where that came from, but they did appreciate the mini-miracle that showed up for them. That is what I am referring to.
This weekend I'm looking at a house for sale just up the street from me, I see several opportunities there. This morning Jeanne, Josh, Mia (our Husky) and I went for a walk to Horsetail Falls - spectacular hike today.
I am very enthusiastic about all the kewl things going on. I am going to start playing with audio and or video blogs as well. Lawrence and others have suggested I need to get my energy and enthusiasm out so people can get to know me better.
Have a great weekend everyone. Know that I and all those people around me are working hard at evolving our already amazing concepts and contexts. I've concluded I want to raise at least $15,000,000 for projects and with our approach to acquisitions that will grow to $100,000,000 of held assets in about 5 years or less. All without putting $$ in anything other than a 1st position.Brilliant, but simple and common sense.
- Namaste'
- David
p.s. - totally unrelated. I went and saw the new Star Trek (twice), the 2nd time was at our local IMAX theater. It was astounding and amazing. Loved it. I was a fan of the origional show, grew up on it. I was blown away. I think they restarted the franchise with what they did. The attention to detail was amazing.
I noticed that Trek fans, were in tears within the first 5 mintutes and through out the show (odd I know), and those that didn't grow up with it or non-fans, were sitting on the edge of their seat and really enjoyed the show.
There was so many little things for any origional series fan - it was a real tribute and labor of love. They nailed it. I even talked one of my clients into playing hookie with me to go see it last week (laugh).
What I loved about Star Trek - was the energy/foundation of intention - to explore, to inspire and teamwork. Maybe that is why I am so focused on teams vs. the lone ranger context. I've been there too, its just a lonely place to be.
SOME FAMILY UPDATES:
Mathew (age 10), I want to get him enrolled in Karate, I think he'd enjoy it and it would be good for him.
Joshua (age 18), has decided to go to ITT Technical College, he passe their entrance exam, and has everything lined up and begins June 8th! I remember getting enrolled in college was a bit more work/time consuming (laugh). Nice school. I loved their robotics lab. I thought about just going back to school for a few minutes. School is "cool" compared to the boring old IBM 4331 that dealt with. His intention is to focus on LAN/WAN security administration.
Josh is an Eagle Scout, and also earlier this year participated in a Mankind Project New Warrior Adventure weekend, his follow up group/team just did a public service event that Josh inspired them to do.
Kayla (21) is still in the Navy, about 1.5 years to go, stationed in Japan. She's literally seen the world. She was home for a visit last month with her Fiance' (Tony), very proud of her.
Jessica (24) graduated from University of Pheonix earlier this year. She stopped by for a visit last night. I look forward to hiring her one of these days. She's smart, loyal, (ok, and opinionated) but her heart and intention is and has always been in the right place.
Then there is Mia - our Husky/? mix, that we adopted from the Humane Society a couple of years ago. I've nick named her gorgous. On the trail today - everyone -Oh, she's so beautiful?, Oh, she's so pretty. Blah, Blah, Blah. She is a manificant animal, and I think she knows it. Totally spoiled
My pathing partner Jeanne who owns her own online business is busy working on some new product lines and expanding her cashflow. She built her business from the ground up. We are an entraprunrial family. My son Matthew is trying to figure out a business he can do at age 10, since he's not old enough to get a job. He's very ambitious, I think school is slowing him down a bit.
I have lots of Matthew stories. Last winter we were overrun with snow for a couple of weeks. He went out to help the neighbors "dig out", he's 10. He's picked up on dad's lesson around "focus on contribution", he ended up making $$ and friends all over the neighborhood.
Being a Dad is a kewl thing. About 10 years ago I attended a Sterling Institude Men's Weekend and something I got from that was - a parent's responsibility is to prepare kids for life. That was when I think I first began understanding "context" shifts, or management/navigation by context.
I think that is all I have to share for now. I could talk about the Africa Bio-Fuel project, or the abracabusiness.com going to another level with/through a dear friend/client of mine in CA. Peter's been working doing this Architect thing, and spring/summer has finally hit in Oregon and it is so beautiful - it is hard to focus on work (laugh).
Tonight a BBQ & B-Day part at a friends home, and tomorrow a BBQ gathering at another friends home, last night another friend called for help around a mutual friend who was facing some stuff - and so the adventure continues - normal life stuff. I am looking forward to the next steps of the IQ Money Team and getting the financial team together so we can go out and start getting results as a team.
Its a business shift for Peter, Lawrence and I. We each do our own "s-quadrant" thing, and we enjoy and are good at what we do. We just see amazing opportunities all the time and we've fallen in love with Commercial Real Estate and bringing our combined business skills to focus there.
I think we'll probably end up doing a formal syndication because that is what people understand. I was jokingly talking about - only offering folks 6% because that is the fear factor baseline. As I told Lawrence and Peter - do we have to tell them we're going to pay them 10%, because since folks don't believe it, and advisors at all saying anything over 6% is a scam - I don't think anyone would mind if we pay them more than we agree to.
I am planning on updating our website, the documents are pretty much done, but until I have confirmed people that want to be on our Financial team I've notice I am dragging my feet on the final update. I already see several different opportunities that will require me to re-write things anyway (laugh).
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Daytime TV - Exposes Scams
Today on "Guiding Light" the youngest Spalding talked about an ponzi investment scheme, another scene was a victim of someone who invested "everything" because he was bored with his 401k that wasn't doing anything year after year.
"It was a friend of friend...it was about pooling money together. The returns they were promising were amazing."
I chuckled - there seems to be two ends of the take advantage spectrum - the "super safe" side which has its own risks, but at the end of the day, nothing happens. Then there is the "super risk" sure fire deals, too good to be true, but sounds really good and the returns are "guaranteed" - and it's either a total scam, or a super high undisclosed risk situation.
I've read news reports of advisers saying "Anything paying over 6% is an absolute scam!"
It's interesting to have created a business process that is not rooted in predatory practices, simple logic and common sense. The baseline #'s I guess are "amazing", and that very fact is a red flag based on mass media reporting.
I and my family have been dealing with head colds over the last few weeks those are all clearing up. It was interesting because we got hit with these head colds around the same time the whole swine flu thing surfaced.
During the last two months I've been helping Lawrence and his wife Jeanne with their new Health Care Practice (I.T. stuff mainly), they are pioneering a new wellness approach which optionally includes a "lipo-laser" which is a fascinating device.
We are on each others "team", he's taking care of me and Jeannie. On the nutrition side of things they got clinical with a full blood analysis nutritional exam and low and behold I had an undiagnosed medical condition hiding in the background, probably been there for years, perhaps decades. Nothing serious and in fact that is all part of their wellness program - to get well.
Anyway, now almost 3 weeks later I've gone from 34% body fat to 26%, and I've lost about 10 lbs of weight and am under 210 lbs. I'm looking and feeling better than I have in years (not that I've ever felt bad) - but I'm amazed at the immediate results.
I'm a high energy and focus person to begin with. I've been changing my health over the last 5 years anyway. What I learned from Lawrence and Jeanne was sort of a missing link of understanding. I'm considering writing a report about what I know. About 4 years ago I was 260 lbs. Not a good place to be.
It is an honor to work with Lawrence and his family. Though that project has nothing to do with Commercial Real Estate we continue to deepen our working relationship and friendship. To me this is critically important in forming a team.
We are having an IQ Meeting tomorrow (Lawrence, Peter and I), right now we have this awesome business plan, team and resources and each of us have our own individual business interests. Lawrence in the Health Care Industry, Peter in the Construction Industry and (your's truly - me) in I.T.
We may have to "conform" and put together a traditional syndication and work our business plan on a smaller scale. I am realizing more and more that whom ever we bring together as financial partners are people we are going to want to know and build relationships with.
I was reminded of that yesterday when a client of mine (who does very well financially), advised me that he couldn't afford my I.T. services (I spent the last 8 months in a dog and pony show trying to help this guy and his business), we finally started making headway over the last 3 months because he authorized getting the work done that needed to be done.
Then he pretended to be surprised by the costs which made no sense to me. He rejected every cost saving proposal over the last 12 months choosing the highest cost path at every turn. It has been an odd journey and experience. I like the guy but he never got or understood the reality of the care that was given to take care of him and his office.
It all boiled down to life outlook and his is and has been hurting his business. No appreciation, no loyalty unless it is at first self serving, and yet, a nice guy. Just very odd. One of his key staff members "went off" on me a few weeks ago when I politely pointed out an about 18" string hanging down her back. Something most people would say "Thank you" for.
My point is - Peter, Lawrence and I enjoy our pathing together and the work we've been doing on our business plan rooted in quite literally "Creating the World we want to live in". We need to expand "our world" with a few key people that understand our mission and vision that have the funds to back a venture rooted in solid strategy and common sense.
Maybe I need to lower our "contract ROI" from 10% to 6% so we are not lumped in with all the scams. I don't think anyone would complain if we paid them an additional 4%, even though we were not financially obligated to do so. I don't think anyone would complain if we set aside a % of limited partner ownership in a trust for which they are beneficiary because that is our plan, and the world we wanted to create.
So, they'll get their 6% by contract backed by commercial real estate, the rest -we'll just work our plan, in our world, our way. Wouldn't that be a hoot.
Last year an attorney looked me in the eye and said "Why would you pay that if you didn't have to?", Lawrence and I smiled and said "Because that is the world we want to live in, that is how we would want to be treated."
Star Trek is theaters now (an absolutely AWESOME show, I finally saw it earlier this week with one of my clients at an IMAX Theater, it was worth the extra cost and seeing it a 2nd time gave me greater appreciation for the film). Anyway I always liked "Scottie", who always under promised and over delivered thus creating the reputation of being a "miracle worker".
Everyone wants a "lotto" level win it seems with their investment dollars. In our plan, the first 5 years is an asset and cash flow building stage which in the traditional business community also creates a "proof of concept", the next step from that asset base is usually forming an IPO to raise hundreds of millions of dollars (or a few billion dollars) to advance the business process/plan to a new level.
I noticed a lot of REIT's have had financial difficulties and I think the reason for that is they often just have to buy up assets, but do not necessarily have a business plan to optimize each asset. They buy based on balance sheets and financial data. That is an accounting function, more than a business or investment.
5 Million, 20 Million, 1oo Million, 500 Million, 1 Billion, it doesn't matter with our dynamic plan because it can be scaled up or down. Bigger is "safer" in my perspective and 10 - 2o million dollars of capital is an ideal amount to have available to move quickly on good deals that are too small for REITs, and too big for most individual investors.
But working and functioning as a team is more than than just ROI, it is having fun, trusting each other, believing in each other and being a person on that team that is dedicated to each other person's happiness, healthy and success in all areas of life.
Our core team has all the talents and resources to be that, and bring that. I think it would be interesting to take a company IPO and experience one of those "Lotto" win business experiences.
Well, that is all for now. Lawrence's office foundation has been put in place (it's a lot of work doing I.T. right, and I've never seen anyone do it right outside of my approach.) I should teach what I know around I.T. and consulting. Maybe I will some day.
Tomorrow (in the morning) I'm going with my son Josh to ITT Tech, he's decided to follow in my footsteps in Technology. He's 18 years old. (He's also a great CREI deal finder!) Everyday is an adventure for me lately. I do enjoy helping others and making contributions.
I even had a new design modification for the "Lipo Laser" technology, in my spare time I'll have to do some research into a few things.
Now that my head cold is subsiding and Lawrence's initial office setup is completed I can get back to work recording audio and video for sharing the IQ concepts with people on the website.
I still haven't seen anything better than our approach. What is amazing to me are the scams and the amount of money people are getting bilked out of and really there isn't and shouldn't be a need to get great returns without scamming anyone.
Maybe the secret to fund raising is only offering 3%, trillions of dollars in banks around that. (laugh). Everything in its proper time - step by step.
Namaste'
- David
"It was a friend of friend...it was about pooling money together. The returns they were promising were amazing."
I chuckled - there seems to be two ends of the take advantage spectrum - the "super safe" side which has its own risks, but at the end of the day, nothing happens. Then there is the "super risk" sure fire deals, too good to be true, but sounds really good and the returns are "guaranteed" - and it's either a total scam, or a super high undisclosed risk situation.
I've read news reports of advisers saying "Anything paying over 6% is an absolute scam!"
It's interesting to have created a business process that is not rooted in predatory practices, simple logic and common sense. The baseline #'s I guess are "amazing", and that very fact is a red flag based on mass media reporting.
I and my family have been dealing with head colds over the last few weeks those are all clearing up. It was interesting because we got hit with these head colds around the same time the whole swine flu thing surfaced.
During the last two months I've been helping Lawrence and his wife Jeanne with their new Health Care Practice (I.T. stuff mainly), they are pioneering a new wellness approach which optionally includes a "lipo-laser" which is a fascinating device.
We are on each others "team", he's taking care of me and Jeannie. On the nutrition side of things they got clinical with a full blood analysis nutritional exam and low and behold I had an undiagnosed medical condition hiding in the background, probably been there for years, perhaps decades. Nothing serious and in fact that is all part of their wellness program - to get well.
Anyway, now almost 3 weeks later I've gone from 34% body fat to 26%, and I've lost about 10 lbs of weight and am under 210 lbs. I'm looking and feeling better than I have in years (not that I've ever felt bad) - but I'm amazed at the immediate results.
I'm a high energy and focus person to begin with. I've been changing my health over the last 5 years anyway. What I learned from Lawrence and Jeanne was sort of a missing link of understanding. I'm considering writing a report about what I know. About 4 years ago I was 260 lbs. Not a good place to be.
It is an honor to work with Lawrence and his family. Though that project has nothing to do with Commercial Real Estate we continue to deepen our working relationship and friendship. To me this is critically important in forming a team.
We are having an IQ Meeting tomorrow (Lawrence, Peter and I), right now we have this awesome business plan, team and resources and each of us have our own individual business interests. Lawrence in the Health Care Industry, Peter in the Construction Industry and (your's truly - me) in I.T.
We may have to "conform" and put together a traditional syndication and work our business plan on a smaller scale. I am realizing more and more that whom ever we bring together as financial partners are people we are going to want to know and build relationships with.
I was reminded of that yesterday when a client of mine (who does very well financially), advised me that he couldn't afford my I.T. services (I spent the last 8 months in a dog and pony show trying to help this guy and his business), we finally started making headway over the last 3 months because he authorized getting the work done that needed to be done.
Then he pretended to be surprised by the costs which made no sense to me. He rejected every cost saving proposal over the last 12 months choosing the highest cost path at every turn. It has been an odd journey and experience. I like the guy but he never got or understood the reality of the care that was given to take care of him and his office.
It all boiled down to life outlook and his is and has been hurting his business. No appreciation, no loyalty unless it is at first self serving, and yet, a nice guy. Just very odd. One of his key staff members "went off" on me a few weeks ago when I politely pointed out an about 18" string hanging down her back. Something most people would say "Thank you" for.
My point is - Peter, Lawrence and I enjoy our pathing together and the work we've been doing on our business plan rooted in quite literally "Creating the World we want to live in". We need to expand "our world" with a few key people that understand our mission and vision that have the funds to back a venture rooted in solid strategy and common sense.
Maybe I need to lower our "contract ROI" from 10% to 6% so we are not lumped in with all the scams. I don't think anyone would complain if we paid them an additional 4%, even though we were not financially obligated to do so. I don't think anyone would complain if we set aside a % of limited partner ownership in a trust for which they are beneficiary because that is our plan, and the world we wanted to create.
So, they'll get their 6% by contract backed by commercial real estate, the rest -we'll just work our plan, in our world, our way. Wouldn't that be a hoot.
Last year an attorney looked me in the eye and said "Why would you pay that if you didn't have to?", Lawrence and I smiled and said "Because that is the world we want to live in, that is how we would want to be treated."
Star Trek is theaters now (an absolutely AWESOME show, I finally saw it earlier this week with one of my clients at an IMAX Theater, it was worth the extra cost and seeing it a 2nd time gave me greater appreciation for the film). Anyway I always liked "Scottie", who always under promised and over delivered thus creating the reputation of being a "miracle worker".
Everyone wants a "lotto" level win it seems with their investment dollars. In our plan, the first 5 years is an asset and cash flow building stage which in the traditional business community also creates a "proof of concept", the next step from that asset base is usually forming an IPO to raise hundreds of millions of dollars (or a few billion dollars) to advance the business process/plan to a new level.
I noticed a lot of REIT's have had financial difficulties and I think the reason for that is they often just have to buy up assets, but do not necessarily have a business plan to optimize each asset. They buy based on balance sheets and financial data. That is an accounting function, more than a business or investment.
5 Million, 20 Million, 1oo Million, 500 Million, 1 Billion, it doesn't matter with our dynamic plan because it can be scaled up or down. Bigger is "safer" in my perspective and 10 - 2o million dollars of capital is an ideal amount to have available to move quickly on good deals that are too small for REITs, and too big for most individual investors.
But working and functioning as a team is more than than just ROI, it is having fun, trusting each other, believing in each other and being a person on that team that is dedicated to each other person's happiness, healthy and success in all areas of life.
Our core team has all the talents and resources to be that, and bring that. I think it would be interesting to take a company IPO and experience one of those "Lotto" win business experiences.
Well, that is all for now. Lawrence's office foundation has been put in place (it's a lot of work doing I.T. right, and I've never seen anyone do it right outside of my approach.) I should teach what I know around I.T. and consulting. Maybe I will some day.
Tomorrow (in the morning) I'm going with my son Josh to ITT Tech, he's decided to follow in my footsteps in Technology. He's 18 years old. (He's also a great CREI deal finder!) Everyday is an adventure for me lately. I do enjoy helping others and making contributions.
I even had a new design modification for the "Lipo Laser" technology, in my spare time I'll have to do some research into a few things.
Now that my head cold is subsiding and Lawrence's initial office setup is completed I can get back to work recording audio and video for sharing the IQ concepts with people on the website.
I still haven't seen anything better than our approach. What is amazing to me are the scams and the amount of money people are getting bilked out of and really there isn't and shouldn't be a need to get great returns without scamming anyone.
Maybe the secret to fund raising is only offering 3%, trillions of dollars in banks around that. (laugh). Everything in its proper time - step by step.
Namaste'
- David
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
"Stunning" Deals Come... and Go
We're letting a deal go in our area. I know Peter is a little disappointed, laugh.
Current CAP is actually 12.03%, PROFORMA CAP is: 13.06, and the CAP less Rite Aid is 9.14%, price tag is 8.9 million. My sense if we could of put an IQ Money Team around this we could of gotten it for 7.9 million. Properties are valued and refinanced in our area at 6 CAP.
We could of acquired, optimized probably in less than 90 days, refinanced and took a nice GOBB of cash out along with returning principle. The GOBB of cash would of been loan proceeds which are not taxable. Usually you have to work at optimizing for the $$'s to work.
I am inspired to make a new spreadsheet because this has surfaced. The IQ Money Team plan does not require "stunning" deals like this in order for it to work and give double digit returns safely.
Everyone could of gotten their principle out probably with a few hundred thousand dollars as an "equity tap" bonus and -- AND - long term equity effects and residual income long term. In this case another equity tap in 5 years, and/or exchange it up from something bigger/better rolling the equity forward.
Today is the last day for us to get an offer in. The downside of a "cash" buyer approach is you have to be able to move fast and stand behind your LOI. I'm not into tying up someones property and then going out to try to "fund" it. I know that is what is taught, but it seems to waste a lot of time for sellers.
It is part of creating the world I want to live in. I also what the IQ Money Team to develop a reputation so that when we make an offer, the seller/brokers know we are serious and can do what we say we intend to do.
I created an LOI system last month for our team. It doesn't make sense for me to tie up earnest money making offers while we are negotiating. When it is clear we have agreement, that is when I'm open to putting $$ up. Most sellers and brokers are wise to the various escape clauses. I have my own techniques for dealing with contracts anyway. Most people don't read them properly any way. At the end of the day, a buyer isn't going to put earnest $$ at risk unless they are ignorant or something. This puts a burden on Sellers to carry properties while Buyers get their funding together.
Working as a team - with a cash buyer status - we can cherry pick the very best deals pretty much on demand. Working as a team gives us a powerful edge.
My Commercial Lending Contact at US Bank sent he a list of tenant and tenant types they the bank view as "High Risk", U.S. Bank you may have noticed is never caught up in scandals and so far has been financially stable compared to other banks. Anyway, I've known him for several years and he always gives me the straight scoop. We now have another level of screening in our optimization process.
What a lot of people do not understand is that most Commercial Properties - the current owners "bail" when they have 5 years or less on their lease contracts.
Why? Because they want to get their principle out and move it somewhere else. This is irrelevant to our dynamic approach.
Example: lets say we bought the Portland, Oregon area deal that surfaced. BAM - we own it, its cash flowing and everyone is making $$, we optimize it and get all the principle out plus a few million extra for everyone leaving 25% equity in the property.
MOST PEOPLE MISS THIS, until I point it out to them.
Where is your principle funds? In the investment or in your bank account?
It's liquid in your bank account. So, lets say that over the next 5 years, the economy tanks further, and this property becomes totally vacant. What is the risk? (nothing)
What happens then? We deed the property back to the bank, and then turn around and buy it from them (CASH) as an REO and re-optimize it. Folks are missing the boat because they do not understand the dynamic vs. static investing. Everyone is afraid to "risk", yet they set themselves up for being in the riskiest positions because they have been taught to think a certain way.
There is so much more we can to as a team that we can do as individuals. If someone out there can back this 8.9 million dollar deal let me know, it is a shame to leave millions of dollars just sitting on a table waiting to be simply picked up.
I told Peter not to send in an LOI because we can't stand behind it with any kind of integrity at this point. All I needed for this was to 5 million IQ Money Team Members to have a 10 million pool available. I'm going to add a "quick turn" page to my analysis spreadsheet.
It is interesting reading all the news about Off Shore tax shelters. I know how to shelter up to 50% of tax liabilities in 1.2 million dollar increments. Folks have to have a $500,000/yr minimum tax liability for our totally blessed by the IRS approach. That is a net approx. $400,000 of tax savings per every 2.4 million dollars of taxable revenue.
Now to re-due our IQ Money Team Website (laugh)
What is interesting to me - is our team I sense is going to do better than the 5 Year averaged 15% Annual ROI projections.
I only need 3 $5,000,000 financial partners to do something amazing for all of us. The fun and profit we could all have together. It is going to be fun.
If you don't have $5,000,000 capacity, that is OK, let me know who you are, what your capacity is and what your objectives are. I personally don't mind working with sophisticated investors, or even unqualified investors because I 'm not selling shares in anything.
What is very clear to me is that if a team than can pull together $15,000,000 of capital quickly and make a killing during the next 5 years with a dynamic vs. static approach.
Namaste'
- David
Current CAP is actually 12.03%, PROFORMA CAP is: 13.06, and the CAP less Rite Aid is 9.14%, price tag is 8.9 million. My sense if we could of put an IQ Money Team around this we could of gotten it for 7.9 million. Properties are valued and refinanced in our area at 6 CAP.
We could of acquired, optimized probably in less than 90 days, refinanced and took a nice GOBB of cash out along with returning principle. The GOBB of cash would of been loan proceeds which are not taxable. Usually you have to work at optimizing for the $$'s to work.
I am inspired to make a new spreadsheet because this has surfaced. The IQ Money Team plan does not require "stunning" deals like this in order for it to work and give double digit returns safely.
Everyone could of gotten their principle out probably with a few hundred thousand dollars as an "equity tap" bonus and -- AND - long term equity effects and residual income long term. In this case another equity tap in 5 years, and/or exchange it up from something bigger/better rolling the equity forward.
Today is the last day for us to get an offer in. The downside of a "cash" buyer approach is you have to be able to move fast and stand behind your LOI. I'm not into tying up someones property and then going out to try to "fund" it. I know that is what is taught, but it seems to waste a lot of time for sellers.
It is part of creating the world I want to live in. I also what the IQ Money Team to develop a reputation so that when we make an offer, the seller/brokers know we are serious and can do what we say we intend to do.
I created an LOI system last month for our team. It doesn't make sense for me to tie up earnest money making offers while we are negotiating. When it is clear we have agreement, that is when I'm open to putting $$ up. Most sellers and brokers are wise to the various escape clauses. I have my own techniques for dealing with contracts anyway. Most people don't read them properly any way. At the end of the day, a buyer isn't going to put earnest $$ at risk unless they are ignorant or something. This puts a burden on Sellers to carry properties while Buyers get their funding together.
Working as a team - with a cash buyer status - we can cherry pick the very best deals pretty much on demand. Working as a team gives us a powerful edge.
My Commercial Lending Contact at US Bank sent he a list of tenant and tenant types they the bank view as "High Risk", U.S. Bank you may have noticed is never caught up in scandals and so far has been financially stable compared to other banks. Anyway, I've known him for several years and he always gives me the straight scoop. We now have another level of screening in our optimization process.
What a lot of people do not understand is that most Commercial Properties - the current owners "bail" when they have 5 years or less on their lease contracts.
Why? Because they want to get their principle out and move it somewhere else. This is irrelevant to our dynamic approach.
Example: lets say we bought the Portland, Oregon area deal that surfaced. BAM - we own it, its cash flowing and everyone is making $$, we optimize it and get all the principle out plus a few million extra for everyone leaving 25% equity in the property.
MOST PEOPLE MISS THIS, until I point it out to them.
Where is your principle funds? In the investment or in your bank account?
It's liquid in your bank account. So, lets say that over the next 5 years, the economy tanks further, and this property becomes totally vacant. What is the risk? (nothing)
What happens then? We deed the property back to the bank, and then turn around and buy it from them (CASH) as an REO and re-optimize it. Folks are missing the boat because they do not understand the dynamic vs. static investing. Everyone is afraid to "risk", yet they set themselves up for being in the riskiest positions because they have been taught to think a certain way.
There is so much more we can to as a team that we can do as individuals. If someone out there can back this 8.9 million dollar deal let me know, it is a shame to leave millions of dollars just sitting on a table waiting to be simply picked up.
I told Peter not to send in an LOI because we can't stand behind it with any kind of integrity at this point. All I needed for this was to 5 million IQ Money Team Members to have a 10 million pool available. I'm going to add a "quick turn" page to my analysis spreadsheet.
It is interesting reading all the news about Off Shore tax shelters. I know how to shelter up to 50% of tax liabilities in 1.2 million dollar increments. Folks have to have a $500,000/yr minimum tax liability for our totally blessed by the IRS approach. That is a net approx. $400,000 of tax savings per every 2.4 million dollars of taxable revenue.
Now to re-due our IQ Money Team Website (laugh)
What is interesting to me - is our team I sense is going to do better than the 5 Year averaged 15% Annual ROI projections.
I only need 3 $5,000,000 financial partners to do something amazing for all of us. The fun and profit we could all have together. It is going to be fun.
If you don't have $5,000,000 capacity, that is OK, let me know who you are, what your capacity is and what your objectives are. I personally don't mind working with sophisticated investors, or even unqualified investors because I 'm not selling shares in anything.
What is very clear to me is that if a team than can pull together $15,000,000 of capital quickly and make a killing during the next 5 years with a dynamic vs. static approach.
Namaste'
- David
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sharing a Miracle - may be of benefit to you
I forgot to mention in my last posting about another client/friend who is basically a Soil Guru. He's involved in a bio-fuels project. They need 15 million dollars to take things to another level. They have dealt with one greedy scam after another for about 4 years. It is stunning.
We had an investment group show up with 50 million dollars. But they were greed based and it made no sense. This is a billion dollar opportunity and it is stunning to me the greed of many who are in a position to not only do well, but make a difference. Instead, they are predatory and I have to acknowledge my friend Jim and their management team for saying "no". Jim knows what is wrong with our food supply and how to fix it. He can go into a 3rd world country literally and team them how to feed themselves sustainably. He's another person that is making a difference in "OUR" community.
MY MIRACLE/SPIRITUALITY
=======================
I've been helping Lawrence open a new clinic. He didn't want to do it, but our IQ Money Team project needed more time to develop and we've been hammering things out. He basically retired about 10 years ago. Moved out in the middle of know where to his dream home (it is beautiful), and as I have discussed experienced that sense of isolation, disconnection from people.
His clinic www.livewllhealthcenter.com, incorporates an over all wellness plan, nutrition, and new technology he has what we are calling a "lipo-laser" it literally helps your body melt fat and eject it without surgery which has proven not only dangerous but doesn't have sustainable results. This is a natural process.
Anyway - we are a "team" outside of IQ Money Team and I am sharing this to help you understand more of what "Team" means to me. There is a lot of IT work when launching any kind of office. I was able to help him launch his office with proper deployment of technology. (Which he needed - laugh).
His wife (Jeannie) is a nutritionist and they sent me and my Jeanne in for some blood tests and we are going through their program (it's been a week now). My Jeanne is experiencing the lipo-lazer.
I had a minor health condition I wasn't aware of show up in the tests. Something that could of become major over time. (Blessing/miracle).
I've changed my diet and during the last 7 days I've lost 7 lbs of fat, and Jeanne's lost 10 lbs. Three years ago I use to way 260 lbs and I knew I was facing some serious health issues if I didn't change some things. I had friends having heart issues and some dying from cancer, all of us in America experience similar. I made some changes and over a couple of years my weight has leveled out in the 215 - 220 area.
I broke through that threshold and am now in the 210 area, with a goal to get down to 180/190 area. I've learned some kewl things about how my body works through Lawrence.
Lawrence and I have been having a great time working on this launch and the women in our lives are involved and we've been getting "tighter" as team professionally and personally.
Peter, Lawrence and I had a debriefing meeting about 10 days ago and I am seeing this core team taking their relationships to another level. A team that knows and trusts each other (and is worthy of that trust) can move fast and we each have a different perspective which really is powerful in eliminating blind spots that each of us have.
How this is spiritual to me, and a miracle - is had I accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish last year - on my time table I would of missed this health issue that was brewing.
Without our health, the rest of life is pretty irrelevant. In the film "The Secret" it talks about the Universe conspiring with us. That is really making a lot of sense.
Peter and I were going to go to the CREI seminar but we just couldn't fit it into our schedules, when we did - there we were in the same room with Lawrence - a man I haven't seen or worked with in over 20 years. I knew I recognized that voice from the back of the room!
Everything is playing out for all of our greatest and highest good. Each of us has a different spiritual/religious view point which I think is kewl because diversity of perspective yet united in core principles is powerful especially in our diverse world filled with diverse opportunities.
Anyway, I'm just acknowledging a series of "coincidences" for all of our benefit and that is quite literally the foundation of the IQ Money Team. There have been and continue to be a sense of providence in what we are doing.
Well, I'm going to go for a walk with my family and enjoy some of this Oregon, Spring time Sunshine. I may even have to look at getting some fishing in this year. It is good to "get out there", and well - I do live in a literal playground of fun and enriching activities.
Step by step, it is all coming together. I am ever learning and being reminded of patience and to trust that everything is playing out as it should.
I have to confess it is frustrating having a deal show up in our back yard like what Peter found and not yet have the team in place to just pull the trigger on it. (laugh), but then again, I think we have until the 5th to put something together. I know the resources are out there, the relationships are not at a functional level yet.
But it will be and if anything this deal surfacing has given me a "heads up" that the future is bigger and brighter for all of us than my baseline conservative business plan.
I was asked last week "David, what would you do with a trillion dollars?", that was new for me. I've done a "Billion" dollars, $15, 000,000 is simple, I sort of live in the $100,000,000 area right now. What I like about our model is it is scalable. I enjoyed the challenge of the thought.
I realized after that meeting that I haven't given up on humanity and my deep desire since being a young man that we can change the world and make it a better place. At almost age 45, I can embrace the usual and customary skepticism, fear, greed as I observe people losing their homes, war, predatory abuses world wide by those in power and control, pandemic concerns, etc., etc.
Yet, I have my youthful optimism tempered by the reason of life experience no longer afraid of anything and seeing miracles everywhere in a sea of a lot of weird and scary stuff! I'm even losing my concern over others stealing my ideas and concepts because at the end of the day, I am part of the magick that makes things work and happen. There is no need for anyone to steal anything in "my world" because our concepts are rooted in prosperity and evolving possibility.
I'm off for my walk/hike :)
I hope whom ever you are, where ever you are - if you are reading this blog that you are inspired and that someday, one - day we can work together to do something great for mutual benefit. I know that a lot of unqualified investors are reading this - our core plan was designed to reach out to the average citizen and the team concept is designed to create a process of evolving prosperity. Drop me a note.
To my emerging Qualified Investor Friends who are also reading this blog, lets keep the lines of communication open. Share with me your ideas, thoughts, dreams and inspirations. What are you investment terms and standards, lets explore how we can work together while we hammer out the larger team vision.
I know for a fact that at least $50,000,000 of resources are reading this blog (laugh), so why are we not buying an amazing deal in Oregon together?
We don't know each other yet. You haven't share your story and fears. Lets dialog in e-mail. If you have things going in in your life outside of $$, I may be able to give you some insights and/or point you in the right direction to real resources. Lawrence & Jeannie are certified life coaches. I've helped many people at many different financial levels look at life differently. I know how to transform one's health (Lawrence and I share notes every week), laugh.
My big thing seems to be problem solving and strategy - business, investing, health, relationships, - name it. In my IT career path - I solve unsolvable and impossible problems all the time (laugh), during the last few years I have realized that my process and way of looking at things goes way beyond IT/Computer/Technology.
Anyway, I am here and available to make contributions to those who are on my/our team. I have great people in my life, great friends and great dreams and the truth is - I don't have to do any of this stuff to be happy and enjoy my life. But I see wonderful things and I just am not the kind of person to just sit around when I clearly have contributions I can make a difference.
Plus it just is a lot of fun. I for example will always do IT work for small businesses. I love that whole "start up" mode where everyone is overworked and underpaid. (laugh), because it's about the mission more than about the money. The money shows up, OK, don't get the wrong idea, I like money and prosperity it all is part of the enjoying life and making contributions. It is a different model.
Folks are stunned when they find out I don't have a collections A/R problem in my business. I use to have one until I changed the context of how I approach business. When I take on a new client for example, it takes them about 6 months to a year to figure out, I really do care about them and that I am for real and what I say isn't just a sales pitch (laugh). I live it. I've saved some businesses and peoples livelihood. It is what it is. Not ego, not about the money, not predatory.
It is a good life and I sleep well at night and feel good, pretty much all the time.
Namaste'
- David
We had an investment group show up with 50 million dollars. But they were greed based and it made no sense. This is a billion dollar opportunity and it is stunning to me the greed of many who are in a position to not only do well, but make a difference. Instead, they are predatory and I have to acknowledge my friend Jim and their management team for saying "no". Jim knows what is wrong with our food supply and how to fix it. He can go into a 3rd world country literally and team them how to feed themselves sustainably. He's another person that is making a difference in "OUR" community.
MY MIRACLE/SPIRITUALITY
=======================
I've been helping Lawrence open a new clinic. He didn't want to do it, but our IQ Money Team project needed more time to develop and we've been hammering things out. He basically retired about 10 years ago. Moved out in the middle of know where to his dream home (it is beautiful), and as I have discussed experienced that sense of isolation, disconnection from people.
His clinic www.livewllhealthcenter.com, incorporates an over all wellness plan, nutrition, and new technology he has what we are calling a "lipo-laser" it literally helps your body melt fat and eject it without surgery which has proven not only dangerous but doesn't have sustainable results. This is a natural process.
Anyway - we are a "team" outside of IQ Money Team and I am sharing this to help you understand more of what "Team" means to me. There is a lot of IT work when launching any kind of office. I was able to help him launch his office with proper deployment of technology. (Which he needed - laugh).
His wife (Jeannie) is a nutritionist and they sent me and my Jeanne in for some blood tests and we are going through their program (it's been a week now). My Jeanne is experiencing the lipo-lazer.
I had a minor health condition I wasn't aware of show up in the tests. Something that could of become major over time. (Blessing/miracle).
I've changed my diet and during the last 7 days I've lost 7 lbs of fat, and Jeanne's lost 10 lbs. Three years ago I use to way 260 lbs and I knew I was facing some serious health issues if I didn't change some things. I had friends having heart issues and some dying from cancer, all of us in America experience similar. I made some changes and over a couple of years my weight has leveled out in the 215 - 220 area.
I broke through that threshold and am now in the 210 area, with a goal to get down to 180/190 area. I've learned some kewl things about how my body works through Lawrence.
Lawrence and I have been having a great time working on this launch and the women in our lives are involved and we've been getting "tighter" as team professionally and personally.
Peter, Lawrence and I had a debriefing meeting about 10 days ago and I am seeing this core team taking their relationships to another level. A team that knows and trusts each other (and is worthy of that trust) can move fast and we each have a different perspective which really is powerful in eliminating blind spots that each of us have.
How this is spiritual to me, and a miracle - is had I accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish last year - on my time table I would of missed this health issue that was brewing.
Without our health, the rest of life is pretty irrelevant. In the film "The Secret" it talks about the Universe conspiring with us. That is really making a lot of sense.
Peter and I were going to go to the CREI seminar but we just couldn't fit it into our schedules, when we did - there we were in the same room with Lawrence - a man I haven't seen or worked with in over 20 years. I knew I recognized that voice from the back of the room!
Everything is playing out for all of our greatest and highest good. Each of us has a different spiritual/religious view point which I think is kewl because diversity of perspective yet united in core principles is powerful especially in our diverse world filled with diverse opportunities.
Anyway, I'm just acknowledging a series of "coincidences" for all of our benefit and that is quite literally the foundation of the IQ Money Team. There have been and continue to be a sense of providence in what we are doing.
Well, I'm going to go for a walk with my family and enjoy some of this Oregon, Spring time Sunshine. I may even have to look at getting some fishing in this year. It is good to "get out there", and well - I do live in a literal playground of fun and enriching activities.
Step by step, it is all coming together. I am ever learning and being reminded of patience and to trust that everything is playing out as it should.
I have to confess it is frustrating having a deal show up in our back yard like what Peter found and not yet have the team in place to just pull the trigger on it. (laugh), but then again, I think we have until the 5th to put something together. I know the resources are out there, the relationships are not at a functional level yet.
But it will be and if anything this deal surfacing has given me a "heads up" that the future is bigger and brighter for all of us than my baseline conservative business plan.
I was asked last week "David, what would you do with a trillion dollars?", that was new for me. I've done a "Billion" dollars, $15, 000,000 is simple, I sort of live in the $100,000,000 area right now. What I like about our model is it is scalable. I enjoyed the challenge of the thought.
I realized after that meeting that I haven't given up on humanity and my deep desire since being a young man that we can change the world and make it a better place. At almost age 45, I can embrace the usual and customary skepticism, fear, greed as I observe people losing their homes, war, predatory abuses world wide by those in power and control, pandemic concerns, etc., etc.
Yet, I have my youthful optimism tempered by the reason of life experience no longer afraid of anything and seeing miracles everywhere in a sea of a lot of weird and scary stuff! I'm even losing my concern over others stealing my ideas and concepts because at the end of the day, I am part of the magick that makes things work and happen. There is no need for anyone to steal anything in "my world" because our concepts are rooted in prosperity and evolving possibility.
I'm off for my walk/hike :)
I hope whom ever you are, where ever you are - if you are reading this blog that you are inspired and that someday, one - day we can work together to do something great for mutual benefit. I know that a lot of unqualified investors are reading this - our core plan was designed to reach out to the average citizen and the team concept is designed to create a process of evolving prosperity. Drop me a note.
To my emerging Qualified Investor Friends who are also reading this blog, lets keep the lines of communication open. Share with me your ideas, thoughts, dreams and inspirations. What are you investment terms and standards, lets explore how we can work together while we hammer out the larger team vision.
I know for a fact that at least $50,000,000 of resources are reading this blog (laugh), so why are we not buying an amazing deal in Oregon together?
We don't know each other yet. You haven't share your story and fears. Lets dialog in e-mail. If you have things going in in your life outside of $$, I may be able to give you some insights and/or point you in the right direction to real resources. Lawrence & Jeannie are certified life coaches. I've helped many people at many different financial levels look at life differently. I know how to transform one's health (Lawrence and I share notes every week), laugh.
My big thing seems to be problem solving and strategy - business, investing, health, relationships, - name it. In my IT career path - I solve unsolvable and impossible problems all the time (laugh), during the last few years I have realized that my process and way of looking at things goes way beyond IT/Computer/Technology.
Anyway, I am here and available to make contributions to those who are on my/our team. I have great people in my life, great friends and great dreams and the truth is - I don't have to do any of this stuff to be happy and enjoy my life. But I see wonderful things and I just am not the kind of person to just sit around when I clearly have contributions I can make a difference.
Plus it just is a lot of fun. I for example will always do IT work for small businesses. I love that whole "start up" mode where everyone is overworked and underpaid. (laugh), because it's about the mission more than about the money. The money shows up, OK, don't get the wrong idea, I like money and prosperity it all is part of the enjoying life and making contributions. It is a different model.
Folks are stunned when they find out I don't have a collections A/R problem in my business. I use to have one until I changed the context of how I approach business. When I take on a new client for example, it takes them about 6 months to a year to figure out, I really do care about them and that I am for real and what I say isn't just a sales pitch (laugh). I live it. I've saved some businesses and peoples livelihood. It is what it is. Not ego, not about the money, not predatory.
It is a good life and I sleep well at night and feel good, pretty much all the time.
Namaste'
- David
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