Cool Business Ideas, Money Making Opportunities, and Ideas for Multiple Income Streams
Are You Settling for a Paycheck When What You Really Want Is a Life?
Imagine instead getting paid to shop, working with animals, writing about NASCAR, working for yourself, touring the country in an RV or living on a boat, designing costumes, working at the Grand Canyon or for the Peace Corps, working from home, starting your own non-profit, living overseas, or living rent free as a professional caretaker. People do it every day... and so can you.
Some of the cool business ideas, money making opportunities, and ideas for multiple income streams here were selected because they were endorsed by respectable business magazines like Entrepreneur or the former Home Office Computing. Many have undergone extensive personal evaluations by me including product reviews and interviewing the resource developers. Any resource that I have not personally used or reviewed have been determined to come from reputable sources.
Click on any section to begin...
Featured Resource of the Week
How to Run Sports Camps
This complete training system will show you step-by-step how to put on and run a profitable sports camp. Combine your love of sports with helping athletes of all ages increase their abilities. They give you the specific details you need to make sure all of your bases are covered, from obtaining a venue to securing staffing and more. An excellent program!
Great Ways to Make a Living Without a Job
Here are some resources that I have personally reviewed. Along with each description is a link to read my complete review of the product or service described.
These first resources all come from the American Writers and Artists Institute.
Earn a Great Living as a Freelance Copywriter
Simply put, a copywriter is someone who uses words to sell products, services, or causes. One huge perk of being a freelance copywriter is the flexible lifestyle. You can earn your living from anywhere in the world – on the road in your RV, a London flat, an island, or your own home. The self-paced course is outstanding and includes individual feedback from an AWAI instructor. Plus they show you everything you need to know to start getting paid assignments. Top copywriters earn mega-six figure incomes. Most people average more in the $40,000 – $80,000 range. I've personally met dozens of people who've been able to quit their job in as little as a year and are now working as freelance copywriters.
Become a Paid Travel Writer
The American Writers & Artists Ultimate Travel Writer's Program is a 269 page course that teaches you everything you need to know to launch your career as a paid travel writer. Topics include insider's secrets to successful interviews, how to make editors happy and eager to work with you, and where to find freelance assignments. As a freelance writer, you'll enjoy earning extra money doing what you love (traveling!), you'll get legitimate and often substantial tax write offs for travel, entertainment, books, computers, and more. Plus, you'll have the freedom to work from anywhere in the world, at your own pace, as your own boss. I have personally reviewed the self-study version of this course as well as attended the live workshop and can tell you without reservation that both are outstanding.
Turn Your Pictures Into Cash
What if you could earn $300, $800, or even $8,000 from a single photograph? If you think it’s impossible to make $8,000 from a single photo it’s because you haven’t met digital photographer Rich Wagner. But I have. 
Rich was a speaker at one of my workshops. He’s made over $8,000 selling framed copies of a single picture he snapped of a hilltop tower near his home in Connecticut. He’s also one of the developers of this exciting course. In addition to meeting Rich, I’ve personally reviewed the course and they are right when they say that it teaches anyone, even the casual vacation photographer, the secrets, tips, techniques, and strategies you need to take profitable photographs and have fun – including where to find paying clients.
Make Money As a Graphic Designer At Home
Okay, here’s my challenge… In the space of a paragraph, how do I clearly explain this much in-demand career, outline the eight reasons I really like this self-paced course, tell you how you can make a very good income working from home, and have your business up and running in as little as six weeks? Two words… I don’t. But, if you have 60 seconds you can
Start Your Own Resume Writing Business in Less Than a Week
There aren’t a lot of businesses you can start for $99. The Pro Resume Writing Program gives you everything you need to set up and run your own successful at-home business as a professional resume writer. In addition to learning how to quickly and easily create resumes for a wide range of professions, you’ll find a heavy emphasis on teaching you how to market and grow your business. In the program description they talk about the potential to earn six figures. If you take advantage of the various add-on services you’ll learn about and focus on a high-end market (people who make six figures expect to pay top dollar for a resume) then I’m sure some people can make that much. But even if you generated more like $25,000 to $50,000, it’s a pretty low risk way to launch a business on the side until you can quit your day job or to just earn extra income.
Make Money Writing Children's Books 
If have a passion for young people, and would love to make money writing for children or teenagers, read on. For over 34 years, the Institute for Children's Literature has been helping aspiring writers like you become published – and paid – writers. The course materials are outstanding plus, you'll be matched with a published author who'll review each assignment and help propel you to success. The course is affordable, you can take it at your own pace, and many students sell articles before even finishing the course!
Break into Print as a Freelance Author or Writer
Do you love to write but have never really honed your craft? Do you want to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a freelance author or writer? Do you find it hard to discipline yourself to complete one of the many articles or books you have floating around in your head? What if there was a writing program that has such a track record of success that it actually promises graduates they will complete at least two manuscripts suitable for submission to an editor by the time they finish the program? A program that not only taught you technique and matched you with a writing tutor who gave you line-by-line feedback of your writing but also handed you the tools and the know-how you need to break into print. Interested? I was. The Long Ridge Writer’s Group has been helping people with a passion for writing to break into print for over 30 years.
Work From Home By Running Your Own Home Repair Referral Network
There are over 200 Homeowner Referral Networks (HRN) operating in the U.S., Canada, and abroad. HRN was rated the #1 Business Opportunity for 1999 by Small Business Opportunities Magazine and founder Debra Cohen has received tons of national media coverage. Basically, the business involves matching homeowners with reputable independent home repair contractors who in turn pay you a
percentage of their fee. A range of business start-up kits are available all of which include The Complete Guide to Owning and Operating a Successful Homeowner Referral Network and unlimited leads from the HRN website.
Making Money as an Artist: How to Sell the Reproduction Rights to Your Artwork for Profit
Who says you can’t make money from your art? You don’t have to be a “fine artist” to have your images appear on greeting cards, prints and posters, calendars, on collector plates, in books, animation, for record companies, on coffee mugs, coasters, clothing and fabric, gift bags, fabric, shower curtains – virtually any surface that has a design. This comprehensive course by art licensing guru Michael Woodward spells out step how to get paid for your artwork. He ought to know. Over the past 30 years he’s licensed over $600 million in retail goods. Given that the artist earns a percentage of these sales, suffice it to say, Michael is not your stereotypical “starving artist.” By combining his personal “tricks of the trade” with a storehouse of information on the art licensing world, he’s compiled the most comprehensive course available today to guide artists and photographers through the licensing maze so they can start earning money from their art and beautifying the world in the process.
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Other Work From Home & Freelance Resources
The Telework Job Seekers Handbook Legitimate work at home jobs do exist! The key, says Phil Montero, AKA the “Mobile Man" is knowing where to find them and how to weed out scams. Phil's eBook contains 275 pages including over 1000 links and resources. If you want a more flexible work schedule while still having the benefit of a regular weekly paycheck, would like to work for a company that understands the value of work/life balance and understands that there is more to life than just work, or would you like to eliminate your daily commute and instead spend more time with family and friends – this site is for you.
Maverick Business Insider Founded by famous entrepreneur, speaker, author and educator, Yanik Silver, the "Maverick Business Insider" company and monthly newsletter is the first of its kind to focus on a *balanced* business life. Instead of just how to make more money, a "Maverick" entrepreneur becomes a master in 3 key areas: Make More Money, Have More Fun and Give More Back!
Finding Freelance Assignments ELance is a freelance job finding service where you can market your services and bid on a wide range of freelance assignments. The service is especially useful for those seeking to start or build a home-based business in the areas of: Web design & development, software & technology, graphic design, business strategy (marketing, business plans, PR, etc.), writing & translation, personal assistants, legal (research, patents, etc.), accounting & finance or a whole host of other areas to fit your skills and interests.
Train Women To Do Their Own Home Repair This woman-owned business seeks to educate women to become confident, competent homeowners by offering workshops and a range of lighter-weight tools designed to fit a woman's grip. They're actively seeking entrepreneurial women to learn how to become trainers and earn money on the sale of the tools. Think of it as being an Avon rep but with tools. The Problem: A friend tried it and discovered that it's not easy finding other women who have the time to host an in-home party. My Work-Around Idea: Hold your workshop at a local tile, furniture, window treatment, or other store where home-owners shop. The store gets the traffic and you get free advertising and meeting space. If you like this idea, look into combining it with running your own Home Referral Network.
So You Wanna... You could spend hours on this site. Not totally work related but the ones that are offer great information in categories like so you wanna be a sitcom writer, comic book artist, pitch a TV show, publish your poetry, write a business plan, and lots more.
Offer Your Own Teleclass If you enjoy teaching – and have something to share with others – you can lead Teleclasses or Teleseminars. Conducting a Teleclass can be fun, personally rewarding, and extremely profitable! You pick the topic – anything from managing teenagers to marketing to meditation – and students pay to attend! Be a Personal Concierge If you’re organized, efficient and love to help others you may want to think about a career as a Personal Concierge. This new breed of personal assistant is designed to support high-level executives, politicians, real estate agents and anyone else who is trying to accomplish a week’s worth of tasks in each 24-hour day. Basic tasks include securing tickets, making travel arraignments, reserving a spot at a client’s favorite restaurant, deliver and pick up packages and dry cleaning, shopping, walking or taking care of pets, senior care, house sitting and many others. What a Personal Concierge does is completely up to them and their clients. One thing is for sure though; they never have a boring day! If this career sounds like something you might love then visit ChangingCourse.com/recommends/triangleconcierge
Creating and Marketing Your Own Software Program is easier than you think. Whether you are a savvy programmer or have never written a line of code, I think you’ll be impressed with this guide. Developed by a former chief technology officer and programming veteran it is a true soup to nuts blueprint. The three things I like about this guide is 1) It tells you how to find great software ideas and then how to make sure your idea is a winner before you begin, 2) You get a blueprint to follow to make sure the finished product is everything you want it to be, and 3) Most importantly, it tells you how to actually market your software so you can start profiting from your idea. I am not a software developer so have not used this product myself. But I did recognize one of the people who wrote a product testimonial (he is not programmer either) and I respect him and his opinion. At under $100 I believe it is worth checking out.
Train to be a Personal Coach The coaching business is booming as more and more people hire personal, business, and executive coaches to help them achieve their goals. Because most coaching is done over the phone, coaches can work from anywhere. You'll also find hundreds of forms (checklists, guides, assessments, etc.) for all types of coaching with all types of clients.
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Become a "Green" Entrepreneur
With an increased focus on creating an eco-friendly planet, there is a surge of resources for people interested in creating an income and fulfilling their desire to help create a green planet.
Values Added This inspiring article from Entrepreneur magazine addresses the issue of growing a socially responsible company while staying true to your values.
Start Your Own Green Consultant Business in 4 Days There a number of green training programs out there. So I did a bit of research and if you are serious about making a career change in this direction, the Green Business League offers a very comprehensive four-day live training. 
I spent some time on the phone with Michael Richmond who runs the course and was really impressed with what he had to say. The course itself covers a wide range of topics from the role of a Green Consultant™, to carbon emission and carbon credits, EPA and environmentally-preferred purchasing, green ethics, the paperless office, water management, green pest control, alternative energy considerations, how to start your business, easy ways to market, deciding on what services you want to offer, setting your fees… and a whole lot more.
One really big benefit is that once you satisfy all of the requirements of the training you earn the designation of Green Consultant™– a term this company very wisely trademarked. So if you want to call yourself a Green Consultant™, you need to get certified with these guys to get your designation.
Starting Up Green provides green entrepreneurs with opportunities, strategies, and resources they need to build a successful business and build a better world.
Jump on the Green Entrepreneurial Wagon If you are as passionate about the environment as I am, and want to learn more about what creative entrepreneurs are doing to address global warning and other threats, check out Brian Dumaine's book The Plot to Save the Planet: How Visionary Entrepreneurs And Corporate Titans Are Creating Real Solutions To Global Warming by Brian Dumaine addresses what creative entrepreneurs are doing to address global warning and other threats.
75 Green Businesses You Can Start to Make Money and Make a Difference is a book written by Glenn Croston, Ph.D. This book describes green business opportunities for people from almost any background to join the booming green economy. For the many entrepreneurs eager to join the green business revolution but uncertain how, 75 Green Businesses shows the way. You can also visit the 75 Green Businesses Blog
Make Money Growing Small Plants - Even if You Have a Small Yard 
That's what Mike McGroarty does. And he's made thousands of extra dollars doing it. But if you… or someone you know… love the idea of turning that green thumb into the kind of green you can take to the bank, then Mike is your guy. After years of running a thriving home-based plant business, he finally arranged his entire system into an easy step-by-step format that shows you everything you need to make extra money growing plants from your home.
Once you enter Mike's site you'll see a link that says “Make Money at Home Growing Small Landscape Plants on 1/20 Acre or Less.” That’s where you want to go!
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More Cool Jobs
How to Really Make it in Voice-Overs! With such notable talent as James Earl Jones, Linda Hunt, and Donald Sutherland lending their voices to commercials, films, and videos, you might think that it is impossible to break into this field. Not so! SuchAVoice.com offers a FREE 1/2 hr video all about the industry. During the video, Tony Award Nominated Composer and Commercial Producer Dan Levine will discuss the voice-over business as a whole, the numerous opportunities, the incredible income potential, and the all important “demo” and how to have it produced. You'll also have the opportunity to utilize their toll free voice evaluation line to have your voice evaluated for your potential by one of Such A Voice's producers. And, if you decide to work with Such a Voice to launch your career, mention Changing Course to receive a $100 discount on the Voice-Over Training and Demo Production package of your choice. Learn more about exciting, new ways to get around the competition and actually turn voice-overs into a thriving full or part-time business! Jobs for Sports Lovers This on-line employment service deals exclusively with sport-related jobs. Subscribers get access to hundreds of job listings in all aspects of sports including marketing, media, sales, health and fitness, facilities, IT, administration and management. Post your resume, learn about internships, and find contact info for major sports franchises. Sample jobs listed on the site include NASCAR reporter, stadium manager, bilingual motor sports marketing manager, and play-by-play hockey announcer for a local radio station. Most require previous experience but others offer a way to get your foot in the door.
How to Run Sports Camps This complete training system will show you step-by-step how to put on and run a profitable sports camp. Combine your love of sports with helping athletes of all ages increase their abilities. They give you the specific details you need to make sure all of your bases are covered, from obtaining a venue to securing staffing and more. An excellent program!
Get Paid to Shop Yes, you can really get paid to shop! Mystery shopping is easy and fun, and it is a great way to make extra money in your spare time. Mystery shoppers get paid for providing valuable customer service feedback by visiting stores, restaurants, banks, salons, movie theaters, hotels and other businesses as “undercover customers.” Cathy Stucker (aka The Idea Lady) offers a list of FAQ about Mystery Shopping, a free Mystery Shopping 101 guide, and the only Mystery Shopper's Manual endorsed by the Mystery Shopping Providers Association.
Dream Jobs to Go If you've ever wondered how you could make a living working as a book reviewer, costume designer, adoption specialist, dog trainer, touring the world in an RV, or in dozens of other interesting lines of work.... find out here.
Back Door Jobs Are you ready to explore the many doors of opportunity that short-term jobs have to offer? Or maybe you're interested in finding your place in the world? This site features lots of life-expanding opportunities under categories like adventure, nature lover jobs, heart work, and opportunities abroad.
Circus of the Kids This fascinating company which teaches kids how to do circus acts are often seeking staff on a contract basis for school gigs and summer camps.
FabJob This site features “how to: guides to starting a wide range of livelihoods like catering, acting, floral design, screen writer, personal fitness trainer, wedding planner, yoga teacher, etiquette consultant, art curator, stand up comic, and butler… just to name a few.
Love History and Writing? Did you know you can actually get paid for writing personal biographies for people? According to the Association of Personal Historians, personal historians come from a variety of backgrounds and orientations. They also earn a living doing some other cool things in such areas as genealogy, storytelling, gerontology, counseling, and video documentary. This association offers conferences, workshops, and a place to connect with others who share your passion for history and for making a living at it.
Free Business Niche Specific Magazines Industry magazines can give you real insight into a specific kind of business or who else is going after your same market (study the ads). They can also be a potential place to advertise your own product or service or better yet get them to write about you. This site offers free initial subscriptions to a wide range of trade magazines such as Period Homes, a quarterly magazine edited for professionals involved with residential renovation and restoration, Hispanic Business for entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals interested in this vast market, Apartment Finance Today which reports on development, financing, sales/acquisitions and asset management of apartment properties, and Specialty Coffee Retailer magazine focusing exclusively on the profitable operation of a coffeehouse, coffee bar, or coffee.
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Turn Your Values Into Your Vocation
Just because you can't save the world doesn't mean you can't make a difference. Click here to learn about how you can:
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Start your own non-profit organization Starting a non-profit doesn't happen overnight. On the other hand, it's not nearly as hard as you might think!
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Write a grant The Foundation Center offers free workshops on grant writing and a monthly subscription service listing grants available to artists, researchers.
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Start a for-profit business or an online business Once you've decided on a group or cause you want to in some way support think about what gifts you'd like to use in the service of your values. For example, you might start your own consulting or speaking business, write a book, or offer some kind of product or service.
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Make a Living by Making a Difference
Join the Peace Corp It’s not for everyone but the friends I know who have done it have been changed forever.
Global Volunteers organizes one-to three-week volunteer opportunities in 19 countries on six continents. You get to immerse yourself in another country while helping with a local project like teaching English in Vietnam or joining the local people's effort to expand the acreage of the
Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica.
They also offer volunteer vacations in the U.S. At the
Blackfeet Nation in Montana, you can put your skills to use in counseling, healthcare, marketing, Internet design or research. Specific requests include lifeguard and/or swimming instructor, a grant writer, and writers to interview elders, and help design and write a book on
Blackfeet history and culture.
You can spend another vacation in a tourist trap or you can sign up to make a real difference in someone's life... yours. All fees, including airfare, are tax deductible for U.S. citizens.
Making a Living By Making A Difference This site helps you turn your values into your vocation. It has a searchable database of nearly 37,000 non-profits in 165 countries where you'll find job postings, volunteer opportunities, events, etc. Plus there's a place to promote your products or consulting services to non-profits, a library of inspiring articles, and lots more. Site can be accessed in Spanish, French, and Russian.
Habitat for Humanity This organization uses local volunteers to build houses for people who could otherwise never afford to own their own home. They've got some unique programs like Women Build and Care-a-Vanners in which RV owners volunteer for various projects around the country.
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Cool Jobs for Animal Lovers
The Humane Society University site has lots of great information for people who are or Dog Trainers Network or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.
Pet Sitters International Information for people who want to start a pet sitting business including getting insurance.
Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) has established a series of standards for professional competence in pet dog training by certifying dog training professionals. Exams are held in 15 states and candidates who pass the exam will earn the title Certified Pet Dog Trainer and may use the designation, “CPDT,” after their names. The APDT also sponsors an annual educational conference and trade show.
In Europe: The Animal Consultants and Trainers Association. For my European friends... according to the site, ACTA members have experience in the field of media use of animals in stills, stage, advertising, television and film.
Six Careers for Pet Lovers Article features these and many more great ideas for animal lovers.
Train to become a Certified Canine Aquatic Therapist La Paw Spa, founded by Cindy Horsfall in 1996, offers aquatic physical therapy and massage therapy for dogs with injuries, or ongoing medical conditions such as arthritis. If you love the idea of starting your own canine spa, Cindy has developed a three-part training program. You'll be introduced to the world of aquatic therapy, discover techniques to assist in animal recovery, and delve into the mental and physical benefits of aquatic therapy for canines. This unique business would be a perfect fit for anyone interested in assisting the healing process for injured dogs. For more information, visit the La Paw Spa at LaPawSpa.com.
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Cool Jobs & Resources for People Who Love To Travel
Become a Paid Travel Writer
The American Writers & Artists Ultimate Travel Writer's Program is a 269 page course that teaches you everything you need to know to launch your career as a paid travel writer. Topics include insider's secrets to successful interviews, how to make editors happy and eager to work with you, and where to find freelance assignments. As a freelance writer, you'll enjoy earning extra money doing what you love (traveling!), you'll get legitimate and often substantial tax write offs for travel, entertainment, books, computers, and more. Plus, you'll have the freedom to work from anywhere in the world, at your own pace, as your own boss. I have personally reviewed the self-study version of this course as well as attended the live workshop and can tell you without reservation that both are outstanding.
Turn Your Pictures Into Cash
What if you could earn $300, $800, or even $8,000 from a single photograph? If you think it’s impossible to make $8,000 from a single photo it’s because you haven’t met digital photographer Rich Wagner. But I have. Rich was a speaker at one of my workshops. He’s made over $8,000 selling framed copies of a single picture he snapped of a hilltop tower near his home in Connecticut. He’s also one of the developers of this exciting course. In addition to meeting Rich, I’ve personally reviewed the course and they are right when they say that it teaches anyone, even the casual vacation photographer, the secrets, tips, techniques, and strategies you need to take profitable photographs and have fun – including where to find paying clients.
Lead Your Own Tours for Fun and Profit Have you ever taken a trip and had friends and family clamor for advice on how to go to that place, too? Or maybe you sat in a piazza in Rome and thought, “I could lead other people here.” Perhaps you have a passion – wine tasting – and you’d like to share it with others. Then why not turn your travel savvy into money in the bank by designing and leading travel tours? In her new 90-page e-Guide, Go For It! Leading Tours for Fun and Profit, Cynthia Morris walks you through all the steps necessary to design, market, and lead tours either in your neck of the woods or abroad. Cynthia has been leading successful tours to France for years. After receiving a review copy of this comprehensive how-to guide, I can tell you with confidence that Cynthia’s first-hand experience combined with a ton of research is guaranteed to save you tons of time and money. (Oh and if Cynthia’s name sounds familiar she’s one of the guest speakers on the Making Dreams Happen audio program with Barbara Sher, Barbara Winter, and me).
Escape to Paradise Would you like to escape to a country and restart your life? Maybe Costa Rica? Or sailing on a barge through France? If you dream of living or working in another country this helpful site offers tons of great articles, information on overseas jobs, country profiles, international real estate listings, a free e-magazine, and a whole lot more.
Transitions Abroad This is a great magazine for anyone who dreams of living or working overseas. Features articles and resources on how to start a business in another country, finding paid work, volunteering abroad, and lots more.
Workers on Wheels Newsletter Imagine hitting the open road? Want to learn how you can join the growing ranks of people enjoying the enterprising and economical lifestyle of full-time RVing while still earning a living? Fortunately, in addition to signing up for their free on-line e-newsletter, you can still purchase back issues of the original Workers on Wheels newsletter as well.
Looking to rent or buy a place in another country? Properazzi touts itself as the world’s largest property website, with over 4 million active listing in more than 55 countries and translated into over a dozen languages. The site was started by James Omdahl who himself, changed course, and is now “commuting” between the US and Spain. If you considering moving to another country and need housing while you’re there checking it out, this site may be a good place to start.
Imagine Living on the Water Living Aboard magazine is dedicated to people who dream of the life and live the dream of living aboard watercraft. Written by fellow “liveaboards,” it offers tips on how to live comfortably on your boat, advice on choosing the perfect liveaboard boat (houseboat, sailboat, motorboat, etc.), real-life cruising adventures, how-to information on maintenance and repairs, and lots of personal stories from people living their dreams on the water.
See the World as an Air Courier. International travel lovers with a valid passport may qualify for incredibly low airfare by being an air courier to exotic locations. This means forgoing some of your own baggage space on a regular commercial flight and carrying cargo instead. Courier flights depart daily from many major US and Canadian cities. The International Association of Air Travel Couriers in Ft. Worth, Texas tracks companies using couriers. If you are reluctant to fly these days, click here to read the exciting story of one woman's courier experience.
Ready to Make Your Dreams Happen? Click here to learn how.
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live life on
purpose
“I didn’t expect to find a ready-made community of kindred
dreamers so excited about changing course that they
reignited my own enthusiasm for change. Thank you!”
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