Do you guys ever think about if there were a way you could make money without a ton of effort; maybe something you could do from home, on your computer?

I believe those things exist. Don’t you? Maybe some sort of software that automatically works out problems for you and gives you some sort of edge. And with that you provide value to someone – or people.

And these people would pay a fee for your services and with that you would make money.

In my consulting, providing value is one of the prime things I tell clients they need to address when engaging in any sort endeavor. People pay for value.

You may say they also pay for entertainment, like artists, actors, singers, etc. But, that, too is value. If you fail to provide value, then people won’t pay for whatever you’re trying to market.

Naturally, if you have an idea of value; one that may make millions, you’re not likely to share it here on my blog. But I certainly believe we – as a group – can come up with something powerful that we can use to stay at home and make money. Don’t you?

First, I believe the Internet is such a great tool for teaching. I certainly spend a great deal of time learning on the Internet.

So what do you think would work? Any ideas?

I’m going to give you time to answer, then in a few days I’ll post a few of my ideas.

What do you think would work as an Internet business?

You know I sometimes laugh when I hear what people give as excuses, especially when Debbie, my big sister who is a missionary on the Amazon River, sends me updates like this. Read along about how her and Les, husband, are fighting a nasty bout of malaria.

Thank you all for praying for us. I wrote our daughters about the visit to the hospital and thought I’d send the description on to you hoping it would give you a better mental picture of medical care in the Amazon. They are pretty efficient for all the cases they have to handle.

I wanted to let you know that we went to town on Monday to do the follow-up appointment at the Tropical Hospital. They run you through the same procedure as the first visit. First you go to the malaria section of the hospital. You take a number from the machine on the wall that dispenses numbers and then wait for your turn. When your number is called they get your name and if it is a follow-up they actually look up your name on the computer and find your file. They then prick your finger and make a blood slide. You then go back and sit down in the waiting room with around 50 other people and wait for your name to be called. That part took about 45 minutes. The room is air-conditioned. That was fine this time but the last time I had chills so bad that my teeth were chattering and my legs were shaking. We tested negative for malaria this time. Once you get your results you have to go to the secretary’s desk at another part of the hospital and give her your results. She types it into the computer and then gives you a card with a number. You go to another waiting room with no AC but much smaller and full of lots of people. We waited there for an hour and a half for our name or number to be called. That was a bit funny as I wondered how we would hear our name with so many people and a small TV set turned up pretty loud. Not to worry! They had a nurse with the voice of a drill sergeant. Once you were called you went in to see a doctor that asked you some general questions about your case and answers any questions you may have. We were told that we need to test negative 3 times before they “release” us from treatment. That will mean another trip next Monday and the following Monday. We trust that the following tests will be negative and that our strength will continue to increase.

Currently we are trying to help plan our grade school Spiritual Emphasis Week. It will be like a short Vacation Bible School for the students. Please pray for wisdom in planning something meaningful and yet within the abilities of our some what tired staff.

Care to comment? That’s wild!

OK, I think David has a very good chance of winning, don’t you? For some reason, we’ve been enchanted by, mesmerized by the marketing, wooed by the production of the last few seasons of Idol – and, OK, I confess – Dancing With the Stars…

And I think it is SO cool how these shows tug at your heart. It’s what makes them popular.

For example, let me tell you one of the most convincing ways to market is to present an unlikely hero. You take someone who by all odds shouldn’t be there.

Like David Archuleta, maybe too young – not mature enough. But when this kid sings, it’s as if he’s been singing for 20 years. And he’s humble, and grateful – both qualities that help endure him to “voters”.

The participants are not doing much more than singing.

And that’s probably the best promotion of all. Think of it. We don’t need to hear them say (talk) anything. We just want them to sing as we instantly become a Randy, Paula, or Simon.

Funny, we’re sometimes SO wrong – well, compared to the “judges”. I thought that was great… And Randy will say – Dawg… listen here… that wasn’t your best song. Just didn’t do it for me, Dawg…

Still, showing what they can do on stage is all they need to “sell” themselves. And that’s where you can shine best, too. No, not by singing – but by just doing what you do without having to explain too much.

The flaw is when you have to become explicit as you try to make a point.

I love the parables in the Bible because Jesus didn’t come out and say – See!! That’s what this does, and that’s what it means!! Can’t you see!!

No, what He did was tell a story and we all got what it meant without Him having to explain.

So I encourage you as you go out today to try to market this way. Tell some stories (true ones!) about what your product or service does for people. Let them ask how.

Just sing your song and if it’s what they want to hear… they’ll vote for you.