I'm not sure if it's too late to enter or not- But here goes!

It's so disappointing to read someone's site promising to help you make money online, when their whole business is selling information on how to make money online. You seem to be helping people create businesses that are in line with what they want to be doing- what they are passionate about. I just watched your interview with Cody McKibben and really liked what I heard. I have a lot of passions in life and think that project mojave could help me develop my passions into my secondary or even primary source of income.

I have been following the ascpects of Project Mojave for a while now.
Here's my answer to the question:

I feel that Project Mojave can help me create a freedom business by offering me support, guidance , and inspiration. I am like alot of other people in the world today; great ideas but no real knowledge of experience in how to make those ideas launch into a real life thriving business.

I am new to the online business deal, and I honestly feel, in this new climate, that I have a better chance of succeeding if I receive help from someone who has already done what I am intending to do.

There's alot of information out there on how to start businesses, but most of that information is created by people who have no real experience actually starting businesses.

For me, I feel that if I could see a business being created step by step in real time, I have a better chance of succeeding. Instead of alot of theories on how to create a freedom business, I will get the opportunity to actually "view" one being creating from launch to its "leaving the nest" phase. While this is going on, I will follow along and build my business as well.

In addition, I feel motivated by the fact that Project Mojave has a time line; having a freedom business in three to four months. Not someday; we start now. How this helps me is that it staves off feelings of confusion, frustration, and thoughts of, "I will never get there." Or, "I will get there someday."

When it comes to support and guidance, sometimes I need a mentor to be there to offer suggestions and help me see detail and considertaions that I may not have thought of due to my beginner's mind.

Furthermore, I am in a unique postion of feeling ready to leave my job, and take control of both my mind and my time. I want to be the captain of my starship; not give that control over to someone else.

Lastly, I will be able to reach out and help others start their own businesses by acting as a role model to what can be achieved with the right guidance and support. Also, I can offer help when I begin coaching others to launch their businesses and embrace and celebrate freedom.

Hi clay,

I just came across this after searching around, and the video with Cody was enough to convince me to join, I'm not sure why, but I'm sure that's a reason why I should be joining. So this is a bit of a last minute entry.

I am in a position where I am making some spare time but have no income after leaving my job. My money is quickly running out, and my ideas to start business/es are just not happening and I need inspiration and guidance to help me get on the path.

I would like to see the preparation, the decision to launch and how to build up interest before that date, and see how the interest continues afterwards.

I think these are linked closely. When does one decide to stop preparing and just go for it? When does the marketing start? I believe hype, interest and attention before a product is released is important to the future success of it, and that is something I just don't know how to achieve.

Hey Clay,

I want my mind blown! It is time. I have the idea to my freedom business, I have the knowledge, I have the tools, still I am only doing recovery at this point of time. Saw you had a free “creating fame” with LR, and I love her work. That with, you Project Mojave, will sure blow my mind so I can start pulling it all together.
Varmly, Gry
Oslo, Norway.

Hi Clay,

So I did leave a post above yesterday, but as I was thinking about Project Mojave early this morning, I was thinking that what you are proposing is really revolutionary. What better place to start this revolution than in the heart of our American Revolution in Concord, MA? This is where the ordinary farmers walked through the fields and woods with their muskets to the North Bridge to fight the British soldiers. This is where the idea was sparked and grew that British tyranny should no longer be tolerated because people wanted freedom! Shouldn't Concord be once again the place where the revolution starts and where ordinary people again rise up to start their freedom business?

I know this post is after your deadline, but I felt compelled to express my thoughts. I realize this is more idealistic than practical, but Project Mojave really is the beginning of a revolution, and like the 1700's, it is being fought by ordiinary people with a dream of freedom. Let Concord once again be that place!

Hi Clay,

Why I would like to win a membership to the Mojave project?
- I'm creating a "freedom business" and learning from others would be great.
- I'm based in Europe, you could develop with me a European network/ version of the Mojave project, maybe more adapted to these area.
- I try to avoid a lot of limitation from co-workers, environment, some additional inspiration/exchanges would be definitely great.

Thanks!
Foulany

Hi Clay!

I emailed you (or well, Tracy) earlier on asking about a way into Project Mojave and I guess this is it! I was away from internet-access for two days so I'm getting this at the very last moment I am noticing. I hope there is still a good chance for me.

Now, why should I get chance at Project Mojave? Well, we could start with the formal reasons, such as the fact that while I'd love to join I simply don't have the money for it with a family to support. I'm out of a job and thus a Freedom Business would be an awesome boon to both me and my 2 children.

However, I think that you should also pick someone with a drive and a vision. I cannot prove my drive in the form of a single comment, I can prove my vision. I've learned a lot about desktop publishing in the past three years and especially with an eye towards the free tools available out there and what you can achieve without spending a penny.

My vision is to start a business that teaches others how to do the same, how to publish a book, how to market it and how to design it. Now, this might seem like a very broad niché -well, I have a specific niché in mind and a market that goes hand in hand with this - roleplaying games (or, people who want to be publishers of a roleplaying game). RPGNow, the biggest PDF/e-book market in roleplaying games, has sold thousands of PDFs (current in 2004) about how to become an RPG publisher, which tells me that there is a solid market for this kind of work out there.

I've got experience in publishing, experience with working with design and a get-things-done attitude. I believe in the human potential and it's power if we only allow ourselves to unleash it. What I lack are the tools of how to share that enthusiasm and build a sustainable business around that - which I think Project Mojave would give me.

Now as a way to "give back" if I am chosen, when my Freedom Business is up and running I will launch a similar competition like this and give away free tutoring and teaching to other people, starting a spreading wave of sharing that also leads to more entrepreneurs being capable of making their own money.

I want to share my dreams with the world, and I think Project Mojave is the way to do it. Thankyou for taking the time to read about my vision and good luck to all of the entries! Let's do this! :D

@Joseph pushed me to here. I was so afraid to tell my story because I didn't want to be a suck. I'm going to tell my story because he made me feel like I'm not the only one lost in all this. I'm not the only one with nothing left but my dream.

I have no idea how to say any of this. I'm still scared, but @Joseph can do it and so can I.

My mother threw me out when I was 15. The things that happened between herself and I had finally forced me to face my world. I was suffocating. I told her I wasn't going to take it anymore, and I was left to fend for myself.

I called my father, and he got me. I spent two years with him. For a long time I was inert, not living at all, focusing on playing it safe. I decided that I wanted to live, because that was what this fight was started for. My father and I fought when I forced him to pay attention to me. He didn't know how to deal with a teenager. He asked me to leave. I was sleeping on couches at 17. My grades went from 80's and 90's to 30's. My teachers asked me if I was eating. I smiled and said everything would be fine.

My friends parents took me in. I stayed there for awhile, and they also asked me to leave. I was homeless again. Once, I asked my father if I could stay there the night. He asked me if I could just stay in a shelter instead. I was homeless for another three weeks.

My boyfriend took me in. I went on welfare and got a government load for school. I started my first year at university and moved in with a friend. Welfare cut me off. I went hungry for a month and found a job. I didn't make enough money.

My friend and I started having fights. He started to change. He told me to get out if I couldn't deal with it. I left. I was homeless for a week.

I moved in with my boyfriend, lost my job, fell into depression. My boyfriend saved me. Now I'm here.

We live together, my boyfriend and I. He takes care of me, but I'm not that person. I can live my life, I hope. I had gotten a new job, but they stopped calling me. I owe money to the gas company. My cell phone went down, they want money too.

I can get a job, if I try hard enough. I'm smart, I'm strong. I don't drink, I don't do any drugs. I can do this.

@Joseph thank you. I've told the people close to me, and I feel like you'll understand. Thank you. You made me feel better. You understand.

I'm sorry for posting twice. But this isn't abstract like my last post is. Project Mojave can help me crate a freedom business because I can do it without it, but it will give me the direction I need to make it happen soon enough that it'll still matter.

That's all. Thank you, whoever reads this. Thank you for seeing what I am right now.

Please don't give this to me because of my story. I just wanted to tell it. If I win, I want it to be because you think I can succeed. Because you believe it has what it takes. If you don't I'll go, and I'll get better, and I'll come back stronger and more than I am now and I will try again.

I'm not even going to proof read this, I'm just going to say thank you. Thank you all so much. Thank you Clay, you inspire me, thank you Johnny B., you are my hero, thank you @Joseph, I hope I can be as strong as you. Thank you all of you. Thank you.

Clay,
I have always believed that Project Mojave would contain the answers I need in order to succeed because you know how to inspire me.
I have always been one to lead the pack, carve my own path and blaze past all those around me, if I'm inspired to.
Most of my inspiration has arisen from the performing arts, where I've spent the past eight years, and which will continue to dominate my life. I have also been drawn to many side projects: writing, music, psychology [Maslow, Dabrowski, Jung, Eysenck, etc.], wood carving, stone/glass engraving, jewelery making, furniture making, history, English studies, Nordic mythology and poetry, etc.
My interests run the whole gamut. However, each of my interests fail to provide consistent, and lucrative, financial support. And most drain the already small numbers on my bank statement.
I always feel downhearted working any form of job. The only job I've truly enjoyed, for the freedom it afforded me, is the one I just started, I am now a Paper Boy. This allows me to work my own hours at my own pace, at home. But even this is only just able to cover rent and electricity, with 20 left over for a monthly food stipend.
I would love to be able to use my inspiration in a powerful way and build a business that I can use to pay the bills, start paying off my college loans and fund my artistic/creative activities, not to mention a business that would never feel like work. That every day leave me feeling empowered and freed from the stress of this world. That same stress that dominates the lives of artists and blocks the creative juices from spilling onto the page/guitar/canvas etc.
If allowed a full membership to Project Mojave, my joy would know no bounds, and the creative inspiration would flow through me as a river down the mountain.
In short, I know I can build a successful, thriving Freedom Business, from which I can have a financial castle to fund my dreams, goals and desires because you have the knowledge required, and the words to inspire me. Your goals, to free us from the shackles of corporations and to provide a sense of power to the masses, mimic mine, a quality I thought I would never find outside my own realm of existence.
My name is Donald. I am a 19 year old performing artist who will graduate from undergraduate school next fall, with plans to finish Graduate school before my 25th birthday. My greatest dream has always been to provide America with spectacular culture. To turn great books, whether written by the greatest African-American author Frank Yerby, or the madman in the white suit Bruce Taylor, into epic films that entertain and enlighten the audience without disgracing the author. There is, and has been, only one deterrent to my success: Greenbacks, frog skins, paper gold.
I implore you, as someone who comes from a family who will be in debt for the next 30 years, and who is already following in their footsteps with college loans: Help me.
I have always wanted to leave a positive mark on the world, I have always dreamed of leaving this Earth a slightly better place from when I took my first breath.
Whoever you choose will be profoundly affected by your wisdom, and they will go unto the world and share their light with those who surround them. I only ask to be one of those who are influenced by your words. Help me escape the Cave.
-Don

I have a history of web development and understand all the technical ins and outs of how to build a "freedom business", though I'm not very practiced in the promotions end because of a simple block. I'm not sure how to pick a niche. I have a wide variety of interests and have followed a number of different techniques to help pick one. Each time I come up with one it seems that the market is already saturated.

Would like to run through a process of picking a niche with others to aid in the brainstorming process. Then work with a group to keep motivated through the initial development and hopefully offer assistance to others that are running into trouble on any of the technical ends.

A month from tomorrow, I'll turn 40. I've spent my adult years trying to please others and helping them achieve their goals. I've been a book editor, launched a national sports magazine, created gardening catalogs, did marketing strategy for an internet startup and business development for LEGO Serious Play. For the last five years, I've served as senior marketing manager for a top 30 business school.

Along the way, I've suffered from nasty stress, anxiety and weekly migraine headaches. I've had bosses from hell, including two that later spent time in prison.

For eight years, I've been questioning how I spend my time. I've searched for answers in Buddhism, meditation, yoga, life coaching, self-assessments, workshops, productivity tools and just about every other kind of self-improvement out there. I've written pages and pages in journals, and I know what my passions and strengths are, and what I'd love to do. I absolutely love healing and helping people feel better about themselves. But as the breadwinner in our family, I can't seem to take the steps to pursue my own goals. I still spend my days in an office, creating email campaigns and brochures, managing projects, knowing there is something else I should be doing where I could really make a difference.

Life changed last April. My wonderful, amazing, miracle Dad died suddenly at the age of 62. He had been suffering for seven years of many stress-related illnesses: high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression and more. But he was still a happy dude who loved his family and tried really hard to get better.

Dad had been working hard his whole life for large automotive supply companies. In April 2007, he was laid off because his company was moving a plant to Mexico. It was the best thing that could have happened to him. He had one glorious year of retirement before he died. I remember an email he wrote me that summer. In the closing, it said, "I LOVE BEING RETIRED!!!!" Tons of exclamation marks.

He died in his sleep of a stroke. We thought his illnesses were under control. It has been the hardest thing I've ever experienced. I miss him every day.

I want to do Project Mojave for myself, and for my Dad. It is my time.

So thanks, Clay, for this opportunity. I discovered you months ago and dug the shit out of how you completely challenged productivity tools and changed the way I thought about my life. I've been reading your stuff ever since, and am really excited about Project Mojave. I'm finally ready to do this--to use my skills and knowledge to help people feel better about themselves. I've got some great ideas and I want to bring them to life.

My reason to enter: Jealousy!

It is not a great reason, and not easy to admit, but I am jealous of others with more knowledge than me. I want to have the edge and the education that others have. I want to know success and feel the power and control others feel. I want to gain control of my future and my path in life.

There, I said it. It is all true. I am jealous of those that are more successful and more educated. I know that I have the capacity to achieve at a much higher level. I also know that I don't have the full range of tools (yet) to teach me all that I need to know. I would never be able to afford each component that you are giving away, but I can definitely afford the time to enter to win. This is an amazing opportunity and will be a huge blessing for the winner. Thanks for the chance to change my future!

Clay and the whole PM Posse helped me build an online business. I started back when I was first unemployed. I worked really hard and Clay was right there for me. I must say Clay’s videos are intense, filled with fabulous material....but the what impacted my ability to build my business were the phone calls Clay made with those in Project Mojave. During my time with PM, I was on nearly ever phone call....asking questions and listening to others and hearing how-to problem solve all aspects of building an online business. Alas, due to economical factors, I had to pull-back from my involvement in PM.

I know I have the drive, the abilities and now, I have more ideas to create another online business. Where I feel Clay [and PM] can help me most is in the research stages of making those initial decisions after the data has been gathered and the statistics formulated and compared. For me, this is the critical time, in deciding whether or not the chosen business is heading in the right direction or if the true north star is elsewhere and decisions need to be re-directed in order to be successful.

I’m hoping to win the opportunity to take my new ideas to the next level.

It's simple - because I finally am ready. I'm ready to face whatever might be difficult as long as I can grow in the process.

I've been struggling to get a business like this going for over a year now - purely on my own. That has been difficult and at this point it would help me so much to have good advice and the support of a community. That's exactly what I feel that I need to grow and to transcend whatever barriers remain.

Also I can't afford to pay for this right now :)

In the past year, I've stepped into a new kind of personal freedom. I moved from Ohio to Colorado. Five months later, I was laid off. I used the free time to take an international backpacking trip through India (April). Since then, I've been thinking of living abroad or making a living traveling abroad. In August, I found a new corporate gig that paid really well and that I enjoy more than not. At the same time, I met and fell in love with an adventurous man.

We're doing a year long backpacking trip around the world, departing in February! The idea is to tap into the collective consciousness of different cultures and find out just what does happiness mean? What does freedom mean? We've been researching how to bring the message to the masses, like blogs, video blogs, podcasts (love The New Man show), ebooks, etc. There is major potential to share this information as Empowerment Modules. People can use the information to step away from their victim mentality and into their own Freedom.

We're both "Executive Hippies" with a tasty cocktail of business experience, transformative free-spirit creativity, and "make it happen" attitude. I had a Mary Kay business at one time, but it just wasn't my niche. I'm currently helping some friends develop a "green" business; I'm frustrated with the lack of action and wallowing in idealistic romance. I've always wanted to have my own business, what you call a Freedom Business," but I talk myself out of every idea, my own Devil's Advocate.

The timing of Project Mojave is perfect for us to get up and running (3 months) and be able to maintain our Freedom Business while on location.

Clay, would you be the Angel's Advocate for our Freedom Business?

Wow.

I've just finished listening to a goodly chunk of the sample content. And I'm getting lightbulbs. Big, bright ones.

Basically, I've just figured out the way to build a freedom business that extends off of my current small-but-promising product-based business. I love designing and making things, so I want to keep doing that, but now I can see a way to extend my income that's less tied to my personal production ability, while benefiting my current business. And it will also give me the opportunity to help more people, sharing those benefits.

Seriously, I am so excited.

Thanks!

Hey Clay,

Great work. I'm excited to roll up my sleeves. Hope I'm not too late to be considered.

I have several ideas for freedom business and have already started some without having any prior knowledge of your work. I'm looking forward to learning.

I have two books I've independently published and decided to sell them directly to consumer rather than go through the retail trade, which is rife with middle men and profit sharing. One book I had to go retail, but the other has won over a dozen industry awards, including "Most Life Changing Book of 2008" and I am challenged selling even one book per quarter. It's just crazy. I'm very challenged with marketing this book, however if I do, I have a very high return on each one.

Other freedom businesses I'd like to create have to do with creating a trans-continental business with Brazil, especially now leading up to the Olympics in 2016.

My work/career have always been aligned to what I believe in most, however, my financial life has always been unpredictable and never adequate to weather the peaks and valleys.

I'm excited and enthusiastic about your program and look forward to beginning.

Thank you.

Clay,

I NEED this. I followed the traditional path to the tee and had a very rude awakening. My college degree only brought me a "job" that despite my endless hours, provided me with enough to pay off the bills and go TGI Friday's every 2 weeks.

I thought I had escaped when I got the opportunity of a lifetime to work with an investment company. Things began to look up financially until I got some very disturbing news. I've realized that my ethical standards will not allow me to work at this company any longer. What do I do now? The best shot I had at corporate success does not align with me as a person. I refuse to believe that a happy, ethical life and a financially successful lifestyle are mutually exclusive. I read your offer within hours of learning this information and making a decision to leave.

Project Mojave is my shot. I am seeking freedom on many different levels. A Freedom Business is my answer. I am not meant to be a shady investment advisor. I am meant to be a writer. I am not a corporate slave. I am an entrepreneur. I have already completed my first book and have developed multiple product offerings. Project Mojave is the missing link I need to make this a reality. Thank you for choosing me for a Project Mojave membership.

I think Project Mojave can help me create a thriving Freedom Business because it will help me, specifically, find niche markets. My previous challenges have been that I didn't know where to start, and I tried to write copy that appealed to everyone, and that just doesn't work. My keywords were too broad to be effective, my products created for no one in particular.

In other words, I have no idea where to even start.

I am very excited about getting some hands on knowledge, and to be a part of such a wildly passionate community.

And Clay, building along side us is HUGE. It's like the leadership philosophy... if your going to ask us to do something (even for our own good), it makes since you would be willing to do it yourself. I love that you're not content with past success.

Can't wait to join!

-Nelson

"Why you think Project Mojave can help you create a successful, thriving Freedom Business?"

I quit my job over a year ago so I could make a difference and 'unplug from the matrix'. And here I am, a year later, essentially a stay-at-home wife who is supported by her husband. I didn't unplug from the matrix, I traded the old one for a new one!

When I was originally contemplating an online business, I signed up for consulting...which didn't go well. (That's putting it mildly.) I also bought StomperNet but was so freaked out over losing my bonuses within the next 30-60 days that I OD'd on bonuses and haven't even touched my StomperNet stuff.

I keep telling myself I'll get around to it but, frankly, every time I look at those DVDs I get totally nauseated.

I probably don't have to tell you that every business decision I've made in the last year has been a disaster. I feel like I've been banging my head against a wall and wading through crap to do it.

And, from what I've seen, most people who "thrive" using the StomperNet tricks or blackhat SEO stuff are people who aren't contributing anything to anyone. They're digitally jacked up middle men who are building a fortune off of being the first result on Google for "Prada purses".

So I keep following all the "internet marketing" people but I don't like any of them or what they do. I don't want to be like those guys! And all the information I've come across talks about how to tweak and maximize a landing page, or tips and tricks that help me obsess over pay-per-click conversion rates. I mean, that stuff is 3-4 steps ahead of me already!

I'm a visual and kinesthetic learner. I need to SEE and DO to really understand. But even more basic, I've been stuck and terrified and afraid to move because I don't really have a clear idea of what I'm supposed to be doing. I'm afraid to make any more mistakes but I know that just sitting here is a huge mistake too!

1. I wasted a lot of money and time because I never understood how online businesses really work and make money. Like Twitter! Twitter seems like a great idea to me except now I've done a little research and I realize that they created something insanely popular without ever considering how to monetize it.

My 'original' business idea was like Twitter and I didn't understand that making something awesome, and hopefully popular, doesn't translate to being a gajillionaire. (Not that it's my goal, but you see what I mean.)

2. I want a BUSINESS not a stupid pass-through money-making scheme. I guess that explains why all those guys are obsessed with SEO. When you're doing something that is 'faceless' and replaceable by the next guy with a tricked out "Prada purse" page, then you HAVE to be #1 on Google.

3. Yes, I think conversion rates and pay-per-click is important...an important tool. I don't think PPC is a business but people treat it that way.

4. I want the whole picture. I feel like I've been seeing pieces of the online business puzzle, but I can't seem to get it all in one coherent picture. Is it because everyone is so protective of their niches? I just don't know but I feel like I'm expected to have this background information that I just don't have.

That's basically it. That's why I'm putting my faith (and time and money) into Project Mojave.

Hey Clay,

I am most passionate about people living a unconventional existence. Personal it has what I have strived for most of my life, At times I have had great success and at other times i have not.

I am a professionally trained coach and have a Master Practitioner in NLP. As you know this means shit if you are not making money and getting to work with people which I am not. I know i am a great coach and I have a TON to offer the world but I have not been able to crack into the "business" culture and find people to work with.

I want to create a business for people who know there is more out there but are unsure of how to grab a hold of it!

I need need need this! I quit my job 4 weeks ago. I worked as a mail man for the past 8 years and it was killing me. I knew I was not meant to be there, it was a "good job" trap and it was killing my spirit! I could no longer stay and play it safe so i decided to quit and leap into my passion. It did not make sense financially but in my heart i knew it was the right decision.

Here is why you picking me is your best choice, no joke.
I have the time. I work form home now and have the time to dedicate to this.
I have the passion. I am married with a 15 month old son and another baby due in April. Not succeeding is not an option. I have no choice but to make this work
I am really good at what i do. I have a ton of training and a shit load of wisdom and knowledge. I can really help people find the passion inspiration and ideas to make there life come alive.
I am a good writter.
I have a dynamic personality. I have taught in classrooms and have been a key from 10 to 5000 people.
I have a large network of people and am naturally charismatic!
The mission in life and the reason I am here is to help people become the best version of themselves.
My business is making $700 a month and is capable of way way more, i just eed some help.
You would not only be helping me but my familly and everyone i coach.
I will promote the shit out of your site and what you do.

I really really need this more than anything.
Thank you for your generous offer.
I really hope to hear form you soon.

Shawn

Hi Clay,

This may be past the deadline, but I am going to post it anyway!

I am preparing to leave my job at the end of the year. From there I will be leaving my "normal" life behind and backpacking through Central and South America for an indefinite period of time. While I am very excited for the travel and seeing new places, it is being able to spend time working on building my brand and business that excites me most.

My biggest issue right now is not having the time to spend on my "freedom business". I plan on utilizing my newfound free time to focus on two key aspects. The first is building my personal brand and blog. The first goal is to write a free manifesto about what has led me to this point in life. From there, reinventing the blog is next to focus on a smaller niche and hopefully building my recognition.

Throughout all of this, I hope to build up my affiliate marketing skills, as well as create two products of my own.

Why do I think Project Mojave is the course for me? Because failure isn't an option. I am leaving in less than three months and I need to make something happen. I believe this is exactly what I have been looking for that will help me get there.

Clay,

My freedom business will be completely aligned with your mission of helping people create freedom businesses. It's not entirely coincidence, since I found your work through a mutual friend, Tripp Lanier. We all three have some important experiences in common around men's work and purpose.

In my own effort to find my path, I've spent time and money on 3 degrees and 3 careers. Now I'm on #4. In hindsight, it's obvious that a person needs both clarity of purpose and a lifestyle that works - both at the same time. That's why I think your notion of separating career from purpose is right on.

I started with a vision to become an astronaut. I got as far as becoming a Navy fighter pilot with two degrees from MIT, with the intention of going to test pilot school next, one of the two typical paths to astronaut. Somewhere along the way, I realized two things: 1) "haze gray and under weigh" is not a lifestyle that works for me; 2) being an astronaut isn't even a lifestyle that would work for me (the actual zooming around in space part is a very small portion of what it means to be in that line of work, similar to being a pilot but more so).

With that, I left the Navy and found myself without purpose. As a result, I ended up casting about a bit - engineering, back to school again for a business degree, a series of start-ups in Colorado, only one of which promises to be a success. I was going for money, since that's how many people measure success...and without clear purpose, I had no way to measure it for myself. Consequently, the lifestyle was good, but around about mid-life, I found myself agonizing for a mission. Much soul searching ensued and continues to this day.

Fast-forward a couple of years to now. I'm clear on purpose, although the specifics are sometimes elusive. My purpose is to help create what I call Food System 3.0. Sustainable, healthy food, good for the environment, good for communities, good for people who eat, good for the animals in the food chain. Lots of people are involved and passionate, so I am one of many.

But since I am completely on-board with the separation of mission and money (allowing for shades of gray), the freedom business I have been working on is nothing to do with food. It will be a site aimed at men in mid-life who have had some success in life but are feeling unsatisfied and a little harried, realizing that time is running out on their chance to actually bring their own personal "nugget of gold" to the world, whatever it happens to be. And, in fact, most people don't really know. This is part of my larger vision to create three $80k jobs for myself. This is one. The other two are falling into place.

One problem for guys who want to just "get on with" the discovery and execution of their purpose in life is that there is a lot of noise out there. I propose to boil it down, rather than add to the clamor. So my product offerings will be 1) online Myers-Briggs testing, specifically reporting career fit; 2) product summaries and reviews, mostly for books which can be ordered through me as an Amazon affiliate; 3) a workbook to take people through the process of Getting Real, Getting Creative, Getting Good, and Getting Big. I am already a Myers-Briggs certified administrator, and have tested versions of the workbook on a few folks. Working on the sales letter now.

That's me, but also me is this...I don't know much more than squat about online info businesses, and the little that gets me past squat is what I learned through Project Mojave so far. I want (need) more. And it seems to me that people who engage in the work I will lead them through could, in many cases, easily roll right into Project Mojave members.

Therefore, Pick Me. QED.

I know, I know: I’m a little late to the party. I only started exploring online entrepreneurship, location independence, and earning for my passion a few months ago. Project Mojave hit my radar a few weeks ago. I found this post/contest a few minutes ago.

I may be late, but I’m thrilled I’m here.

I have tons of ideas, tons of passion, and plenty of commitment. What I don’t have is what Project Mojave offers: the nuts and bolts, practical application, and accountability I need to make this happen.

This is not a case of not being good/talented/bold enough to do this thing. It’s a simple case of missing the “how.”

I’ve done my own research, piecing together information from a number of online sources. I’ve got a vague understanding of how to pull that all together. But why not leverage my time and let Project Mojave do that for me? (And do it right.)

I have a message to share with the world (it’s a good one) but I need help getting in front of people.

I want a Freedom Business because I want my time and energy to be freed up to uplift and support others on their journey to Free.

I can do the work. I just need some support and guidance.

If I don’t win this contest, I will likely shell out money for this program in the future (should it be offered.) This time around, I’m not in the position. Instead, I am 100% committed to eliminating the debt my fiancé and I are carrying. This is a killer piece of living my free life, and I am honoring my commitment to this just as I will honor my commitment to the program.

(I admit, had I not been to late to the party, I could have planned and saved.)

Maybe you can help me out?

Hi Clay,

In 1519 when Cortes landed on the shores of theYucatan in Mexico with the intent of seizing the great treasure there, he ordered his men to "Burn the Ships" they had come in. If we go home, he told his men, we are going home in their (the conquered's) ships. That is the true meaning of commitment!
I have been working in corporate America for many years as we raised our 3 children. They have now (almost anyway) grown and I am ready to grow my freedom business. Now is the time to purse my dreams! I have so many ideas I don't know how to evaluate which ones I should pursue. I am a current member of Project Mojave and your sincerity to help others rings true from your mission statement to the quality of your videos, your access via phone calls and just your raw enthusiasm for what you do!

I am ready to be a model to my children that you don't have to sell your soul to be happy and successful.
I am ready to give back to a society to whom I have not given enough over the years.
I am ready to Burn the Ships.

I would sincerely appreciate doing so with your help in growing a model freedom business.

As a college student, I’m in a safe place following a safe path. I’m making sure I get a college degree so I can graduate and make money. But also, in college, I’m becoming knowledgeable in my field of materials science & engineering.

But I know that I want to create something new and bring something to life. I want to create something that helps other people become more efficient or even just better people. I want to solve problems. I want to reach out and interact with other people. I want to build a website, build a blog, build a Twitter following.

I’ve read books and articles and blogs for as long as I can remember about entrepreneurship, but I don’t know how to make the leap. I don’t know yet how I can create value to others. It seems like I have a lot to learn.

So how do I make that leap? How do I make “someday” into “now”?

To be honest, I’m not sure if I’d be ready to run with the full Project Mohave package. But I am passionate about do something to make an impact. I just don’t know what that something is going to be. If Project Mohave can help me do that and build the idea, then I would be a good Project Mohave candidate.

I just graduated from college three months ago with a degree in Finance, and now I'm ready to strike out on my own rather than go to work for someone else. I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur. Just the other day, I received a "letter to myself" that I had to write in high school that would be sent to me five years later. We had to write about where we saw ourselves in 10 years and we also wrote any messages we wanted to relay to our future selves. The first message I had written was "Please don't get a 9 to 5. PLEASE!" I laughed like hell when I saw that. Some things will never change.

I'm super excited about Project Mojave because for the past year I have been dabbling in online business, but nothing was working. I'd put up a few product tests using the methods outlined in Tim Ferriss' book. None of them hit. I bought a membership to a few "internet business" schools (which will remain anonymous) and tried what they advised. Nope. I was starting to get extremely disenchanted with the shadiness and "get rich quick" feel of the internet business industry. I even felt like my own ethics were starting to change. I had to take a step back and realize why I stayed away from the Finance industry and the corporate world in the first place. I didn't feel like people were providing real value to their customers. They were just looking for the dollar signs. Then I found your stuff and I realized that the internet isn't all smoke and mirrors. I'm excited to learn more about the way you do business, specifically your approaches to value creation and how you manage to thrive in an "industry full of shysters," as you say.

I'm also pretty stoked to learn how you identify your markets' desires. By far my biggest problem is finding out what's going on in the mind of a particular market. There is only so much information that can be gained from keyword tools and whatnot. I want to learn how to interact with the market to find out what I can do for them. I think it's of critical importance in order to make sure you provide them with the most value possible.

Creating a freedom business is my number one priority right now. I want to be able to travel the world, go backpacking when I want, and become a philanthropist. I don't want my creative energy to be stifled by a 9-5. I know I am so much more than that. Unfortunately my savings, which I accumulated for the very purpose of sustaining myself while starting a business post-graduation, are dwindling. I'm running out of time before I need to take the plunge into a real job. I don't want to do that, and I feel pretty confident that Project Mojave will help me postpone the "working world" forever.

That's the long and the short of it. Keep doing what you're doing. I think it's awesome.

Man, gotta keep this short.

I am attracted to the idea of being mentored in the creation of a Freedom Business Clay because you have made two important distinctions for me and it is all about character: What you are getting free from and what you are free to do.

I am ready to be free of Social Security Disability. It doesn't feel like help anymore but limits. When taking such an important step in life I think it is really important to watch someone who has already done it. That is why I am so excited about your idea to build in the trenches, because that is where I am. The view will be better for me.

I love that you have asked yourself about how to move around with integrity in an industry that often has none. I am ready to make a Freedom Business that is a "great find", makes money not by tactics but by opportunities. I think your team are those kind of folks.

It makes me want to throw in with The Mohave Project because of your shared vision that internet marketing doesn't have to be smarmy and what I make I can be so proud of knowing that I didn't trick, swindle or bombard somebody for their money but instead provided something so helpful, good at its source and findable that they want it,...that is all, they want it.

I am applying for your scholarship program because I need to.

Specifically what I like about learning in the trenches is that I think it will take some of the overwhelm out of this subject. I have learned to paint in watercolor in just that way and I see it working out great. I am looking forward to watching and learning how you think at all the crossroads places. More than what I don't know that I would be learning.... there is just something fundamental about how we learn that I think you have hit upon. It could be a real answer to roadblocks for some of us.

Thank you for the contest. Its a good thing.

~Annette

Hi Clay!

I think Project Mojave could change my life - it is one thing to be doing something on your own, and a whole other thing to have a catalyst, and I think what you are doing for people is incredible. From reading about others examples PM is exactly what I want - I have the drive and motivation, but I really need something to help me with the path. I want to be well equipped to change peoples lives and help people in the near future : ) and it wouldn't work with having a full time job!

Over the last few years my life has changed immensely, I moved from the safe haven of home in NY to Sydney, AU on a whim to chase a dream. While I found a really great job it only took me a few months to realise that there had to be more to life, I recently quit and am trying to dip my fingers in to test the waters and find the perfect freedom business.

My family immigrated from Russia with me when I was younger, and I was raised with the belief that it takes years of HARD HARD work to achieve success. I really want to escape this thought process and I think the only way I could do that is to have myself be the example that proves it wrong!

What would I do with success and freedom?

Spread the idea that life is fun and needs to be LIVED!

Scuba dive with Minkie Whales

Create an adventure camp for adults to go away where they could be inspired and 'wake up'

Create a literacy program all over the world, and sponsor kids to receive an education in the States

Sky Dive my way around the world

The bottom line is I know I could be really successful, I have the drive and motivation and the persistence but I really need your helping hand.

Congrats on everything you have done!!
Gina

Hi Clay,

I am hugely inspired by your project. Your mission to help people create Freedom Businesses is awesome and indeed one of the key reasons that I think I could really benefit from being connected with you.

I've worked for myself now for over a decade, so I am already sold on the whole thing of working for yourself and doing your own thing. I'm a coach and up until now have worked with both individuals and organisations that are trying to make some profound change in their lives. Up until now, I've run my business in a fairly traditional kind of way. So although it has been my own company, it is not a freedom business - yet - in the way you describe it. And it has been dependent on corporations to pay my consulting fees.

My growing passion over the last couple of years is to support individuals who are having some kind of struggle with their work. My mission now is to support people to understand that work doesn't need to be the soulless thing that we get programmed to expect, but that it can be soulful, energising and rewarding, and to help them by providing the "how to" practical support that helps them recreate their work experiences. For many that might mean packing it in and creating exactly the kind of Freedom business that you talk of. But for many it's about staying in the corporate world and doing so with a different mindset, owning their own choices and being more powerful about it. The world of work is changing in the midst of all the economic shit that's going on around us, and the opportunity for people to take advantage of that is huge. Maybe employers will cotton on to my thinking once I've baked it fully, but they're not my direct market. Whatever, I want to be a major player in this and I want my game to be 21st Century in the way it's executed.

So, I now am taking this passion and creating my own Freedom Business around it. The challenge I have is that I am brilliant at what I do as a coach, but I know next to nothing about how to develop a business on the internet that makes money. I've been blogging and Twittering since about June of this year. From being a complete baby, I've had my eyes open to the power of the internet, so I have no doubts and in fact a lot of excitement about that. What I lack, and what I could gain from you, is a lot of "how to" on that front.

And I'm SO confident that my ideas, once developed, are going to fly that next week, I'm moving out of London where I've lived for the last 12 years, and going to live in the English countryside to give me the time, space and distance to create my revolutionary new business.

I know that there are some good coaches that already operate in this arena, but few of them are in the UK. Also, as I talk to my coaching peers, most of them think I'm barking to be taking the steps I'm currently taking. For me, that's great, as it means I'm well ahead of the pack and have lots of space. They tell me that my market isn't online. But I don't believe them, and even if it isn't yet, it will be, so now's the time to do the legwork.

Anyway, Clay, whether you choose me to work with directly or not, I'm going to be paying close attention to what you're doing. Because it's not just the future, it's the present. That you are doing it live and not just talking about it is awesome and I salute your courage.

Looking forward to more!

Best wishes

Christine



I want to revolutionise what I do, and central to that is to move what I do to being much more internet based.

Clay,

Two things struck me when I heard the New Man podcast about Project Mojave. The first was that it is run in from the take of being an authentic mentor/guide versus traditional how to or theoretical cookie cutter mode. The second was the talk about starting a business as being a true initiation.

For most of my life I feel like I have been a jack of all trades with not much of a direction. When I look back it all from wanting to start my own game design company after Final Fantasy 3 taught me how to read to taking a 180 to pursue my current dream of becoming an osteopathic physician the things that I have to most success at has been those that I have had the great mentors/guides and put the most consistent effort toward over a period of time.
With this respect I have been fortune to have met so many great mentors in the things I have been interested in:
Martial arts - YC Wong,
Forex Trading - james16
Personal growth - Guy Sengstock and the TCLT program, The authentic man program, this list goes on
and now starting a few weeks ago a Freedom Business with you Clay.

As for why a freedom business is so integral to my life right now
Starting a freedom business is the best way for me to finally support myself through the rest of school and live a good life afterwards, I am currently working towards a Masters of Public Health degree, and seek to pursue Osteopathic Medicine degree hopefully starting next fall.
But even more is the initiation that starting a freedom business brings that almost feels like it fulfills a primal basic need.

So far my experience with Project Mojave has been everything that expected and more. ( I never expected the amount of support that would be available) What is even crazier that the amount of commitment that is being added every week. Looks like one hell of a ride that I signed up for here.


Mickey

I've been empowered by lifestyle design and there's no looking back.
I'm 25, live outside Philly, work full time (for the moment) and have
a girlfriend in law school....I think project mojave might actually work for me because my stage is set to go big...

Current projects going on...
Revamp and launch of my service business "itarsenal.com" with most of the processes HEAVILY
automated or streamlined with a virtual assistant.
Reviewing and laying out the dirt on actually living out lifestyle
design and the resources I've leaned on so far at thelifedesignproject.com
Creating my first information product, a backup guide (because "how do
i backup" is the most common question i get as an IT guy) called
"Backup Informer"

those three things alone can fuel me for life...but i need your road map. more info below.

Future projects...
Rapidly testing and launching information products and services I'm
interested in for profit (muses)
Creating a blog to tackle finding wisdom offering
experience/product information in concise powerful bulletpoint fashion
Learning ins and outs of affiliate marketing, if its worth it, or
viable without years of followers or huge contact lists.
Quitting work and living off profit from the things that interest me.
Working with with Remit or Tim, etc.

Music has saved my life at least four times. It has improved my life countless others. I know from personal experience that music can and has made a huge difference in the way people live, and sometimes it can become the focus of our lives to help everything else make sense.

I am a lucky girl. I know this. What I also know is that there are thousands (yes, THOUSANDS) of children and young adults living in my vicinity who are not as fortunate when it comes to what I have and what I’m capable of doing with it. Nationally, this number is beyond my comprehension. For now…

Clay, I want your help to get people to talk to their kids about music.

I believe if every parent took five minutes every day to discuss a song or an artist, the runoff effect could change the world. My online business will give daily talking points for songs, provide free and fee-based e-books on varying topics (from classical music theory to guitar instruction), offer people a way to connect with others also accepting the challenge and (my favorite part) I want to use a large portion of the profits to fund music programs for at-risk kids.

My vision for this business will save countless parents from the perils of pop, moving beyond Barney into conversations about the Pixies and The Replacements. We can provide a blueprint for kids who aspire to be the next Jay-Z or Erykah Badu. We can give them a new outlet when it’s most important, when they’re most impressionable.

I’ve been working for myself for three years now. We have a web presence, as does everyone I work for, and I have strong experience in both design and copy. That said, no one I work with has any kind of web-generated revenue. I’m lost. (side note: this quandary is how I found and developed a pro-crush on Johnny B. Truant, whose site eventually sent me to you!)

If this business is going to work, it MUST be done online and I’m going to need to rally a lot of people to join in. I’ve toyed with the idea of working out deals for daily or weekly song freebees to keep people coming back, developing monthly playlist contests, and adding daily content with links to my iTunes affiliate account. I feel like I could have a better grasp on how to effectively build a buzz if I had a better handle on how to most appropriately create a website that works for us.

I have the time, the drive and the dream. All I need is some direction and support. Come on… you KNOW it sounds fun…

Project Mojave can change my life.

I'm on a steep learning curve. I recently launched my website and blog at www.shannonlhill.com, which I view as a promotional tool for myself as a writer and speaker.

My day job is teaching high school Spanish. I have stuck with this job for many years now, because I love the kids and I'm very, very good at it. But my longterm plan has always been to establish myself as a fulltime professional writer; over the last few years, I've realized that speaking goes with professional writing.

I sold an article recently, and it was the best feeling in the world to get PAID to write. I want more. I want to be able to generate a six figure income from writing and speaking, so that I have the freedom to arrange my schedule to suit my needs and the funds to be able to live comfortably and care for my animals without worrying about money. This is about choice and personal liberty for me. I recognize that this goal means I have a lot to learn about marketing myself. I've already taught myself how to build a pretty cool website, but I feel like I'm wading ankle deep in a very big ocean.

Specifically, I want the blog to generate money. I also want the website and blog to encourage publishers to give me assignments and to steer potential clients to hire me as a speaker.

Will you help me?

Thank you!

Shannon Hill

I would like to be considered as I am a tech lover who has truly embraced social media and web advancements, but with all my reading, seminar and webinar taking etc. I still do not feel like I have fully grasped how I can take all of these new and emerging concepts and construct a legitamate and profitable business model.

I feel as if my efforts to promote my work online are entirely too scattered. Even when I seek advices from gurus, each has a differing method or technique they swear by. In reality I need something much more tailored that will work for me. The scope of my project is multi-faceted. I also believe that because of the access to technology I don't have to only pursue one thing well.

I am a writer, who covers local events in my town by posting short films and new stories on my site, I also have an online radio broadcast and soon, would like to expand into some original programming with the help of some director buddies.

I am also a soon to be college graduate who refuses to accept I must pipe myself into the corporate world, I know I have great content to create, post and share with the world. I am just overwhelmed by all the vehicles I could potentially use to do it.

Hello again,

Just to add to my previous post, I've also had this nagging feeling that my life could be better... that I could have my cake AND eat it too!

But everyone around me told me, no, this is it. You study, get a good job (good by others standards - namely 'guaranteed' monthly income plus benefits), do what the boss says, don't rock the boat and maybe just maybe you'll get noticed and then move up a notch in your job and life.

Do what you love for a living?

Don't be silly boy... don't be a fool.

Be grateful for what you have, it could have been sooo much worse.

And that is what I did and I became good at it and I moved up a notch and another notch. By everyone's standards, I was living an ok life. But I still wasn't happy, I still felt an intense dissatisfaction that this could not be IT.... there had to be more... there just had to be.

Please let there be more.... please....

Then I started working with youth in our community, and for the last 5 years it has been THE most rewarding experience ever! We laughed together, we played together, we dreamed together, we learnt about life together... with NO desire for remuneration from my side, other than the satisfaction of seeing them grow in to strong young adults!

Now, as they are preparing to begin to make their mark on the world, I want to give them more than I had... the reality that they DO NOT have to settle for the status quo... that they DO NOT have to conform.... that they CAN and MUST follow their hearts... that they owe it to themselves and they owe it to the world to be FULLY ENGAGED and FULLY PRESENT!

And the best way for me to do this, other than telling them, is to SHOW them by my example... to step up and build a freedom business from scratch in front of their very eyes and prove to them once and for all that it CAN be done.

And then to support them to do it for themselves, as well as teach others by our example.

And there is no better way for me to achieve this than through Project Mojave!

Clay, help me to take what you teach and start a social movement... no, a REVOLUTION in my country.

Heaven knows, we NEED it so badly!

I want to be a catalyst for change in my country, as Project Mojave is a catalyst for change in my life!

Hi there Clay,

Motivated by the most awesome despair ever, I want to add more specifics to my application and so I made a small video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU9L_5lxWA4

Thanks so much for your time, passion and generosity!
Catherine

Why you can help me? It's simple actually. In my real life "network" there is nobody remotely interested in the line of thought that PM follows. Setting up a freedom business with a possible goal of becomming a location independent professional.
For the last 6 months now (ever since I started blogging) reaching the location independence has been my ultimate goal. Although I've only been at it for 6 months it certainly is not a passing fancy. The only reason I'm not in PM (or rather, no longer....) is because of the costs associated with it. I'm a university student trying to make ends meet as it is. It was only through the kindness of a friend in the US that I could get into PM in the first place. (Thanks again Carl!) I managed to sample your work and methods and I'm doing the best I can while on the outside to stay on top of this "game". Only recently did I find a rather interesting niche that seems to be a growing interest yet there is so little on the topic online. A very interesting field that I'm trying to get deeper in to but without the guidance of PM it's an uphill battle. Nigh on vertical.... I know it's there, the numbers seem right but I'm stuck trying to get to game over.

Is PM "it" in the field of developing a freedom business. From what I've seen it's the most complete course out there to help people develop this growing trend on the internet. The internet certainly offers a lot of possibilities for business to those who are willing to invest time and money into developing those potentials. As for myself, the time is there, only the finances are stopping me. I'm a fast learning thankfully, so where you can help me is grant me the access to PM and let me develop the niche I've found. Under your guidance I'm sure I can make this into another great success story. I'll be screaming it off every soapbox I can find that you guys here at PM changed my life and I encourage them to let you do the same for them as well.

What would I do with a freedom business?
-Get a plante ticket and passport
-Go over to the US to thank you all personally
-See where the road takes me after that, I've always wanted to ride Pirsig's motorcycle route (Zen and the art of motorcycle mainatance) and of cource, keep a blog on those experiences. Aside from the blogging about it, that route is a childhood dream.


So what's it all about in the end? It's realizing your dreams -how unconventional they might be-. It's taking control of your own life and realizing your full potential. It's the change of a lifetime.

Hi Clay,

The reason I think Project Mojave can really help me build a successful Freedom Business is that I've been following your feeds avidly ever since I began researching my startup strategy, and am committed to continuing with you, knowing Mojave will be showing by example, not just advising by generality.

For me, an isolated independent in a rural area without colleagues to help critique my desires and ideas and vision, I find what you have created with Project Mojave a source for
inspiration,
reality checking,
cost/benefit analysis
market building
tech awareness
editing
expanding
offering
competition savvy
methodology
sanity
humor
critique
motivation
movement forward
goal setting
strategic placement
cooperation
collaboration
invention
horizon broadening in every way.

Plus I love your attitude, your straightforwardness, and the clear vision you present and reinforce.

I could go on. I will go on, with your help. I thank you for what you are doing, and am the first to give you credit for keeping me keeping on when I feel overwhelmed by what I don't know but feel is absolutely essential to answer the challenges this part of 'our' world presents ... and that represents what that world has to offer.

Thanks, Clay. I learn here everyday.

Alice

I believe Project Mojave can help me to create a successful, thriving Freedom Business because all of the faculty are real, personable folks (not the typical IM pyramid schemers) that honestly care about people following their passions and making a living from it. The amount of talent here is amazing!

I signed on as a founding member because of Clay - I was reading Finance Your Freedom, emailed him, and he actually responded to it and answered my questions in a straightforward manner. Since joining, however, I've struggled with finding my niche and my biz model that resonates with my ethics and beliefs.

My dream is to be able to build our homestead into a (mostly) self-sufficient 'Ark' for my family, and to then be able to teach others how to do so. I believe strongly in living sustainably and leaving behind that legacy for my children and grandchildren, and think that everyone deserves a clean, healthy world, especially the next generations. I would love to share that vision with others like me - young families that are struggling financially, and those stuck in dead end, soul-sucking jobs.

I want to change the world by teaching people how to change themselves, to follow their dream, and I want to be able to donate time and money to organizations working on behalf of people in poverty - specifically clean water and sanitation and food. I believe in service to others as a life mission, and know that a better world is possible when we work together.

I made the jump from a full time job to freelance writing this year, but the financial aspect is less than desirable, and I'm always creating content for others, not for myself. And now I work more than full time hours... Somedays I yearn for a steady paycheck, then remember how much I hated working for 'the man'.

Regardless of whether I win or not, kudos to you and your faculty, Clay, for inspiring us and providing the tools to learn how to build a Freedom Business.

Cheers!

I’m not a writer by nature, so I’m just gonna straight shoot this thing and try my best to express myself clearly, from the depths of my man bosom. I also don’t have much time because I have to be at the restaurant soon, for work this afternoon. Such mindless work.

Simply, Project Mojave can help me achieve a successful, thriving Freedom Business because PM inspired and continues to inspire the hell out of me, Clay, and I believe!

When I first stumbled across PM it was days before your second launch, and I was sitting in my apartment high rise in Argentina-I was nearing the end of a six month teaching contract in Buenos Aires and I didn’t have enough money to buy a return flight home. I was poor and depressed, but I was still on the path.

But I’m no stranger to being poor. My mother birthed me when she was 20 years old. My father left when I was born, so it was just me and her. With no college degree and little money, and living in a trailer, she sacrificed her passions in life and worked her ass off to make sure that I was provided for and that I always felt loved. Sure I was hurt that I didn’t have a Dad like all of my other friends. But she stepped in and played both roles. She attended every one of my baseball games and even practices growing up. She is a woman with immense devotion to execute things she sets her mind to achieve. And from her, I am blessed for inheriting this same trait. She was the support system that makes me feel that I can achieve anything. But she still to this day is unhappy because she had sold her life to Big Corporation, for me. So I set out to do some real good in this world, on her behalf, as well as on mine.

Aforementioned path began in college when I turned down a chance to cash in on family connections in the law profession. I didn’t have a passion for law and I most certainly didn’t want to be wasting this precious existence NOT doing something I had a deep passion for. I thought that I would one day find the passion if I aggressively sought out on my own. So since graduating with a business degree in 2005 from a liberal arts school (I didn’t know what career path to choose, so I thought I would have a better chance in the ‘real world’ with this degree-what bologne!-, once I figured out what I was willing to work my ass off for) I have painstakingly saved money tending bar and waiting tables (so mindless) and set out to travel the world and observe different cultures and learn about the human condition. I was going to search my soul along the way and hopefully uncover the deepest purpose(s) of my life. It was my pilgrimage of sorts, to find my personal mission. It was a lot of hard work to save up enough to achieve this. But like I said, If my Mom could get through what she did, then I could do this. It was something that none of my friends were considering. Most of them started careers and ‘real jobs’ right after college.

My journey took me to the majestic landscapes of Inner Earth in New Zealand. I lived alongside people of a small Costa Rican town that though economically poor, were rich in love, family, purpose, and freedom. And ten other countries...

(Now back to Argentina.) In the final weeks of my being there, and realizing that I couldn’t make enough money to keep living abroad, I was terrified. I was going to have to return home to the most conservative city of Columbia, South Carolina. Of course, my parents missed me, so they were thrilled to have me back. Oh, and so my Mom married my step father when I was 12. He’s from Columbia and has lived there his entire life. He’s very set in his ways and sees the world through one lens. Good guy but empty, I feel. They offered to help me financially until I got back on my feet. So after 8 years of independence and soul searching I was contemplating living back at home at 26 and in debt to my parents. What worried me most though was that I still hadn’t found that career that I had been searching for for so long...one that would afford me a balanced life to help others while practicing my passions, and generating enough income to eventually support a family of my own. Fulfill their desires (others in the world). Answer their problems (others in the world). Allow me to make enough to live the freedom I had found in my travels.

(So back in the apartment) But the intense anxiety I had been feeling left me in my apartment that night. Instead, I began to feel a quiet, intense calm. Resolve. My mind was free and open to all possibilities. I was laughing to myself out loud and getting chills because I had found the vessel that would send me into the stratosphere, in terms of being able to live a higher existence-combining my passions and who I am as a person with helping others, for a living, and on MY terms! An entire community of people who think the way I do actually exists! Amazing! The kind of shit that makes you launch out of bed in the morning like being fired from a cannon!

I didn’t have the money to even buy a plane ticket home, and I was now in debt to my parents. But I wanted into PM so badly and did want to miss out on something I believed in so much. So I joined, anyway. I was to return home and work while living at home until I could get my own place and begin navigating the Freedom Business Roadmap.

Writing this today, having been home now for 2 months, I feel the time for me is now. Last night, I had another ridiculous conversation with my parents about how they feel I’m not trying hard enough to find a ‘real job’ and that I’m ungrateful and too selective when it comes to finding a ‘real job’. They want me to spend all of my time applying to IT companies and insurance companies and all the other versions of Big Corporation out there and grow up. They even get angry when they see me on my computer instead of getting out into the ‘real world’ and networking to find a ‘real job’. I’m ready, NOW, to get out of this hell, Clay. I’ve told them about PM but they are not supportive. My Mom believes in my passions but she thinks I’m wrong for not having a career like hers. But she doesn’t quite see that the cubicle is the reason for her unhappiness today. And that kills me. Most of my friends think that I’m crazy, too. But they don’t see the brilliance of your ideas. And their minds aren’t free. My parents don’t appreciate the personal and spiritual gains I’ve made from my travels, either. They see my world experiences as inexperiences in the ‘real world’. Granted, they are very hardworking people that I have a ton of respect and love for, but they are unhappy. For they chose the false recipe for happiness that most, unfortunately, sheepishly follow. I won’t!

I don’t have a concrete business idea because I haven’t chosen my market; Market Samurai hasn’t led me to the right niche. I’m very new to internet marketing so I can’t compare PM to other marketing products. But I believe in Project Mojave and the clarity of the processes and steps that you teach. And the way you think makes so much sense to me. And now with the new version of PM where you work alongside us. Let’s do this!

I now have enough money to get my own place and be a sponge to your knowledge. I have a firm grasp on what I’m willing to work my ass off for-who I am deep down. While I do know that Project Mojave will help me achieve my Freedom Business, regardless, working closely with you on my business idea would be a dream come true. Please consider me as the one you take under your wing.

Matt

I believe Project Mojave can help me create a thriving successful freedom business because I feel, in my heart, the need to share the experiences and knowledge I've gained over the past several years. I don't feel the need to share this information to help me - or even to help my family. No - I recognize the need for this knowledge and experience in my community and in the world - because people are yearning for change in their lives.

This opportunity - to create a thriving online business - is ultimately about GIVING MY GIFTS. It isn't about creating a passive income stream. It isn't about 'manifesting the next big thing' - it is about doing what I was born to do, about being who I was born to be, in the service of my community - because it is what is needed from me.

A lot of times I think that we, as individuals, do what we do because it is what we want out of life. I want to be a Rock Star. I want to be a New Age Guru. I want to be a Famous Chef. The new angle of approach, for me, is that I want to create an online business because it is what the World and my community are asking of me...

I've spent the last several years working, practicing, and learning intensely (alongside my wife) about relationships, community, truth-seeking, and personal development. One of my mentor's said, once you've passed your first one-thousand days of training, you'll be ready to take an even bigger step.

I'm three years in, and the time to step up to the plate is now. I have a baby on the way - my first - a daughter. She needs me to be a good father to her. She needs me to be a good husband to her mother. But most of all, she needs me to be the man I was made to be. This is my gift, and this is my offering - to be that man for my daughter, for my wife and for my community. To offer my wisdom and experience in service, so that others may find more freedom, more love, and more passion in their own lives.

And that's what I like about your approach, Clay. Your business is the business of making others successful. Can you imagine what kind of world we'd live in if everyone's business was the business of lifting everyone else up?

That's why we are here.

I was so excited to enter this contest but after reading these posts; I am truly humbled by the heartfelt musings of the people before me. I have spent a few years meandering in the online marketing business place looking for a solid foundation of skill set, mentoring and camaraderie that only Project Mojave provides and so I can vouch for its effectiveness and I feel that under your passionate leadership it will continue to grow and become even better. So as a member, I already know just how priceless this opportunity is.

That being said, I have been cubicle free for most of my life and have had a successful bricks and mortar business. After surviving an accident and 2 years in and out of hospitals and over 26 surgeries, I am up to the task of building an automated online business. I have the most precious gift- time and energy. So I say to you, Clay, that of all the people who are posting a plea to be personally mentored by you, I am probably the least deserving. But I know how passionate you are about spreading your message of a purpose driven, cubicle free life and I share your values and would like to prove it. My business idea is in the same vein of moving people beyond paycheck dependence to financial independence. With my background, I can take them there but only with your help.

If you choose me to personally mentor to take my online business idea to the next level. I promise to put a mastermind group of 5 people (whom you pick) and personally mentor and share with them the same strategy that you have shared with me –essentially paying it forward. I have the time, energy and chutzpah to commit to this. Choose me and the chain of compassion and freedom business building will truly move forward even beyond Clay Collins.

Being a part of Project Mojave makes me feel like I'm an indie-film producer, director, and student – all at the same time.

Let me explain why.

1. Indie-movie producer

A film producer is a project manager. She has to get a niche/genre movie up on the screens and distributed to theaters on time and on a budget for a chance to turn a profit. A movie producer also deals with putting teams together (lighting, post-production, etc.) on a project basis, juggling priorities, and putting out fires. An indie-film producer has to do all of the above, but faster and cheaper and while learning the ropes at the same time.

A student in Project Mojave is not much different.

During the last few months, I did my market research, produced a "movie" (an eBook which meets a niche need), created a distribution system (an e-commerce website, blog, and opt-in page) all more or less on budget. I found other teammates to help me with specific tasks where I was weak, including graphic design, some content creation and various techy stuff. Also, I had to put out a medium-sized fire when my product creation strategy didn't go according to expectations – and quickly switched to Plan B. Last but not least, I learned to increase my productivity and juggle more balls in the air than in the past.

2. Film screenwriter

A screenwriter is the chief storyteller. Or should I say, chief marketer! Movies have to keep our interest and identification with the protagonist, otherwise we leave in the middle or click on the remote. Even the trailer needs to create a buzz, or we don't even go to the theater in the first place.

As a "screenwriter", I'm responsible for crafting a marketing campaign that tells a story – a story the target audience will identify with, pay attention to, and take action on.

So far, I wrote a sales page that (hopefully) speaks to my target audience. I'm working on an opt-in autoresponder sequence that also drips a story, e-mail by e-mail like a TV mini-series. Finally, my eBook is a story in of itself. It's a non-fiction story that is meant to help my audience solve their specific problem – so at the end of the "movie", they can change their life story.

3. Film student

As a "film student" in Project Mojave, I've learned more about internet marketing from the videos and doing the homework assignments in the last few months than on my own in the last few years.

A typical film student must learn a little bit of everything – from screenwriting to video cameras and editing. I watch the screencast videos to learn the basics of market research, content creation, SEO, online advertising, and more.

A film student must work with other students. I'm working on my "film" and periodically check in on the forums to see how other students are doing on their projects. If I have a question, other students tend to help as much as possible.

Finally, a film student can interact with their teacher. I call in to the mentorship hours when I get stuck on a strategic or tactical issue that I can't figure out on my own.

Getting back to the main question: Why do I think Project Mojave can help me create a successful, thriving freedom business/ take it to the next level?

Answer: I think Project Mojave can help me create a thriving freedom business and take me to the next level because…now I'm ready for Hollywood!

Clay!

It is about time I found something like Project Mojave on the internet. It is so hard to find genuine help online.

I recently graduated a four year university with a bachelors in Business and Entrepreneurship. I have watched all of my graduated friends take what they have been fed and step out into the "real world." I see them or hear from them every so often and the look on their face or sound in their voice says it all -"The real world is an illusion and I feel lost."

This same fear is what drove me to entrepreneurship. The fear of 9-5, monotony and no happiness to show for it. I have had this spirit in me since high school, when I got my first dose of internet entrepreneurship...let's just say I got burned.

Maybe brave, maybe foolish I never-the-less continued to learn about starting my own business. My college began their first entrepreneurship program in my second year and I instantly knew it was for me. I have been writing business plans ever since and my list of ideas would appear to be a compulsive and probably freakish addiction to a "normal" person.

I graduated from college in 2008. I took my courage, minimal experience and tingling nerves into business. In less than 7 months from concept to reality and less than a year out of college I successfully opened an indoor tennis club. That's right a real tennis and fitness club, from scratch.

My friends are jealous, my family is "so proud" and I....well... I'm lost. I mean come on! I started a full size tennis and fitness club from scratch at the age of 24. Seasoned business people in my town are speechless and I even think sometimes jealous of how quickly I put it together....and yet I have never felt so trapped. The entrepreneurial dream I have read about and dreamt of is nothing like I imagined. I worked horribly long days and the mistake of opening a brick and mortar building is that I live my life inside of it. To the outside eye I have created a dream, but I only feel like I have created a prison.

I had not considered going back to the internet as a business opportunity because I had heard all of the horror stories throughout college. However, feeling trapped I was grasping for whatever I could get. Timothy Ferris' book fell into my lap. I read it and soaked it up...I love it!...or did I? Everything seamed too simple. I know now more than ever that it is not work I want to avoid only dispassionate work. I know now more than ever that if something is worth pursuing it will take effort. The 4 Hour Work Week got me thinking, but I needed more.

I just recently ran across 7businessideas. I have been getting you emails for about 2 weeks and watching/following your videos and blogs. At first a little wary, Clay, as you are 1. young and 2. were not wearing a suit and freely using expletives, but then it hit me! I'm young....and I cuss like F*cking sailor! I'm hooked...

Keep your suits, ties and boardroom etiquette. Sign me up for something real. No more illusions, no more work for the sake of work...I have made it my hobby to break boundaries...Not that you need my affirmation, but Project Mojave could be the next game changer in the "entrepreneurial dream" and I want to be a part of it!

Short recap...I started my own brick and mortar business (no small feet and one I am greatly proud of) it has become more of a prison and less of a business. I'm stuck...My girlfriend lives in a different town and I have a better relationship with my customers! That is no life, that is no dream. My "successful" business has successfully become my ball and chain.

I'm ready for that little bird in the Project Mojave logo to come sweep me away!

I'm really excited for anything I can get out of Project Mojave, it's time to change the game!

Thanks!

-Josh

Hi Clay,

it is great material, that you've shared in your blog(s)! I like it very much and I'm quite excited about getting a member of Project Mojave!

At the moment I'm in the stage of having decided that I cannot and will not stand my daytime job for much longer and that a simple job switch won't be enough. I guess I'm infected with the "entrepeneurial virus"... ;-) Since half a year it is clear to me, that I will find and found my "freedom business". Since then I'm thinking about products, markets and people who could help me, including a community of like-minded people for the "emotional support". I have ideas for a few aspects, but not for every, neither is my concept water-tight yet, or the plan ready. Nor is my support team as supportive yet, as I'd wished them. ;-)

Unfortunately - or so I thought up till now - I am based in Germany, but most of the really helpful stuff about founding a business is tailored to the U.S. market. So I've got to adapt it to suit my situation. Having said that, I got quite excited about your answer to Mariano from Brazil. There you said, it is much easier to thrive in a non-U.S.-market, because in the U.S. is the hardest competition. My general impression for the German market supports your statement, that there are not so many competitors. However, the German market is also much smaller than the U.S.! (And, besides: There is nothing(!) comparable to Project Mojave! Maybe you want to expand? ;-) )

So, my expectations to Project Mojave are the following:

How can I quickly generate a valuable product (at the moment I'm thinking about an ebook and a service adressed to engineers in the industry)? I mean, a high-quality product. I do not want to sell some crap and have the feeling of taking advantage of my customers!

How can I test my market? How do I know, if I'm investing my time and my money not haphazardly? (That I don't "throw my money out of the window", as a German saying goes...) Especially as the German market is way smaller than the U.S. market. How do I know, that my product is the right choice? When is my product good enough?

How can I automate my business, to take much less time than my present daytime job? I've got plans and goals for my family and me, and I have the vision of founding an organization for "re-foresting" industrialized and other countries, starting at first with Germany. (In fact, starting with the land, that I'm going to inherit from my father, who was a small farmer.) The reason is quite clear to people with a basic understanding of science: to preserve and regain biodiversity, bind carbon dioxid, improve air and living quality and preserve water ressources. So basic and comparatively cheap protection measures for the environment and the climate and to raise the quality of life of the people. In the long run: world-wide. But to work on this will take time and devotion, and will surely cost and shall not earn money. Hence I need first a mechanism for income generation that would allow me to work on and communicate my vision.

Finally, I expect from Project Mojave to get support from (and give back to) people, who want to live their dream and do something that has a meaning. Those, who want to make the world a better place and a place where freedom is valued!

Hoping for the best, if not winning the contest, than to being one of the 200.

Carry on, Clay! You've already helped me and many other people very much! Thank you!

Martin

I don't believe that you can have a freedom business with the goal of not working. Life requires balance and part of that balance is working. If any one thing in your life takes control and over runs the rest of it is at risk. Tim Ferriss is a good example. By the way he described his life he became qutie a workaholic and hurt himself a lot. His book is the 4 hour work week, but if you read it and see what he is diong he is not working a 4 hour work week. It seems that the he is working towards his own definition of a balanced life and the idea of mini-retirements is definitely an interesting one.

I believe that Project Mojave will help to bring together an understanding on who to build your business and build it around something you love. We are in a unique situation where the Internet can enable average people to build and test their business without having to give up their house, wife, and kids. The fact that you will be building a business at the same time as all of the other participants will give them a chance to see first hand how it happens. It seems that many people are willing to tell you how it is done, but not many people are actually showing you.

The time it takes to build a business is also important. I still get invites where I am told that I will work with them within one week my business will be up and running. You may have my site up and running, but I will not understand the concepts and what I need to do to build and grow that business.

I am looking for Project Mojave to help me develop my freedom business. So that I can work towards a more balanced life style and to share the things I have learned with others so that they can move in the same direction. Everyday I work with individuals and have friends that are trying to find balance that often seems to be just outside their grasp.

This is the reason I want to win a membership. :)

Jeremy

Hi Clay,

I am really interested in Project Mojave because it will show me everything I am missing to make a freedom business so I can do what I love and help people. I with my free time love helping people. I am a Scout leader, I coach youth soccer, I train highschool athletes for performance. I am trying to start a wellness coaching business and need help. With a freedom business I would have the time to work on my wellness coaching with out worrying that I may fail and then put stress on my wife. Having the security to help her achieve her goals and everyone I try to help. I have tried to learn about freedom businesses and how to set them up and no one wants to teach the nity gritty. I am a hands on guy and learn best by seeing it done and then doing it myself. I am a chef by trade and do not make enough money to help the people I want to help and life is about sharing and giving everyone the opportunities to learn and grow.

Thank you for your time

Patrick

Hello Clay,

I've just come across Project Mojave right before the cutoff it seems... I'm from Australia so it's approaching the early hours of the morning so I will attempt to be brief...

I have earlier this year planted the seed & launched stage 1 of my vision, I intuitively have been guided to my life purpose through profoundly challanging experiences in my life. My purpose in life is "to be an inspiring leader who radiates energy, love, joy & wisdom empowering myself & others to live out their true magnificence!"

~energize flow~ classes . workshops. retreats . reiki provide an inspiring & empowering space to rest the busy mind & connect with who you truly are. In a society where people are looking outside themselves for answers & often escaping the magic of life (drugs, drinking, technology) & spending time to connect within (finding distractions) without realising when you are able to connect within with your heart truth & wisdom profound peace & joy expand from within.

~energize flow~ classes integrate breath · meditation · yoga · free movement dance out in nature filling up on our natural healers movement, sunshine & fresh air. Participants are guided on a journey resting the mind, bringing awareness into being fully present in their body & heart & the moment.

My ultimate passion is providing this nurturing experience for young women through schools, guiding them to their heart, building a foundation of self respect, self love & honour enabling them to live out their true magnificience. (My own experiences from growing up feeling very alone, unloved, disconnected & having very little self respect have fueled my passion in this area also working with younger people is more about maintaining their natural state before the judgement & mind develop ~ where as with adults its very much about unlearning layers of conditioning & masks we develop).

Like I said I've just found you're site and have had a quick look around... I'm unclear exactly the 'how' the project can assist in creating greater freedom from within enabling others to live from their heart truth & contribute from this place, but was drawn to enter this.

I know I have some huge contributions to make to humanity in this lifetime and this is very early days... I know intuitively my programs will run through schools, with books, cds etc to follow (just unsure of how to expand in that direction at this time) hopefully your program will provide some clarity & tools to assist me in creating & exposing these visions into reality. I have just been asked this week to run a class for a school group of 16yr old women in an underprivileged community, which creates a buzz in every cell of my body knowing this is so aligned with my purpose to contribute to the evolution of our young people in a increasingly challenging environment.

I trust in the vibe I feel from the little exhibit of your intention & purpose and trust your project, tools & the community you are establishing will create a proactive & purposeful contribution to assist in manifesting my vision for freedom from within for our youth.

Love energy joy & abundance
Fiona




You will learn rituals to integrate into your life to...
* utilise the healing power of breath & movement
* relax the busy mind & enjoy simply being
* open & expand your heart
* soften tension in your body
* allow energy to flow freely through your body
* visualise & expand your intuition
* balance your masculine & feminine dynamics
* learn to go with the natural flow of life
* enjoy the peace & beauty of the present moment
* embrace your natural state of love
* feel a deep sense of gratitude for your life
* and essentially emBODY more of you!

Feel your feet on the earth, breathe deeply, expand your heart, move your spirit & connect with who you truly are!

Project Mojave. The first time I heard these words were from my girlfriend, who has been living with me for about 3 years now. She has had to put up with my dead end jobs for as long as we’ve been together. It’s not that I’m an idiot, or not motivated, it’s just that most jobs eat at my soul, bringing me deeper and deeper into depression. I was moving up in the companies I worked for, becoming a bit more successful, but the higher I got the more trapped I felt.

I needed an out. I needed something that would spark my interest, something that would keep me from going insane, and keep me from ruining my relationship with Megan. I would come home from work, miserable, and all that depression was affecting everything in my life.

When Megan first introduced me to Project Mojave, I was skeptical. I’ve never taken part in anything like this before, and was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to get anything accomplished. We sat down together and watched the first video, and it was an instant eye opener. Everything that Clay was saying struck a chord in me, and I knew that everything was true. It IS possible to start your own business, as long as you know the right steps.

Megan has told me that she’s noticed a great increase in my attitude lately, especially after I’ve spent a morning working on Project Mojave content. I feel supercharged, like I can take on the world. These videos, phone calls and forums are great motivators, and because of them I have felt the energy I need to pull myself away from my crap jobs and start working earnestly on creating a freedom business for myself.

I’ve just recently decided what niche to go into, and it’s all thanks to the steps outlined in Project Mojave. Clay and the rest of the Project Mojave staff have lain out a blueprint that is easy to follow and will help anyone determine what will work and what won’t. No matter what your interests are in, you will be able to find a way to succeed as long as you put in the effort.

I’ve been amazed at just how detailed he gets in Project Mojave. Everything from selecting what interests you and creating your product to building your website and supersizing your business is laid out for you here. I’ve looked at other websites out there that offer similar training, but none compare to what I’ve seen here at Project Mojave. If there’s one program that will help me get away from the dead ends of the average workplace, it’s this one.

I'm working full time in sales and studying part time, and it's killing me. Don't get me wrong, I love my job, my family and my studies, but my wife accuses me (rightly so) of spreading myself thin. I'm a drummer and musician at heart, and my first love is to play and teach drums and percussion. I was self-employed in that capacity for a number of years. The money wasn't fantastic and the work was inconsistent, but I loved it.

The kids were a major factor in my deciding to put that aspect of my life aside for a season and earn a full-time wage. When my daughter came along three years ago, I decided the best thing to do was to shelve the gigs and teaching, and work full time. My main reasoning was that my family depended on me for an income because my wife was no longer working. Now, I earn enough to get us by, but not much more.
We're not poor, but we're not exactly getting ahead, either. I don't hate my job, the company I work for is fantastic, but it's not where I really want to be.

Talking of freedom, I want some! I work retail hours. I work Tuesday to Saturday. I see my kids for an hour or two in the morning and another hour or so at night.

My wife is pregnant with our third child and I wish there was something I could do to be able to help her more. My kids aren't even at school yet, but I want to become more involved in their lives, as they won't be young forever. I would love to be able to work from home so that I can be there to support my wife and love my kids. I would love to be able to take them on a holiday for a week or two every now and then. I want to be able to be there for my family when they need me.

Did I mention study? I'm completing my Masters in Music this year, with a view to commencing my Doctorate in Creative Industries next year. Having the flexibility to go to uni when I need to, rather than just on my one day off (which chews into more family time) is the stuff of dreams right now. I would also love to be able to work in a capacity that would enable me to take on the occasional recording session, or drum tech a festival, or (heaven forbid) small tour if the opportunity arises, or even a few local gigs here and there.

My passion is to play the drums, and to help others get better at playing also. I have already in the last year developed a drum method book, based on the last 15 years of my experience as a drummer and drum teacher. This book is essentially my "ideal" drum method book. It is designed to give a budding drummer the skills and knowledge they need in order to function as a working drummer.
I can see potential for this book to be sold online in modules in PDF and MP3 format. I can also see a number of ways that the product line can be expanded. People who buy into the book could then have member access to a library of videos and other resources to tap into. Each chapter of the book has potential to be expanded into further modules that build on what the student has already learned.
I'm not trying to sap people's money by telling them they can have "instant results" or other crap like that. I've been teaching for too long to know that instant results are non-existent. Playing the drums well requires dedication and commitment. I simply want to help other people achieve to the best of their ability. I want to help average people achieve their dream of being able to play drums in a band.

I also have an idea of building drums from recycled hardwoods, but this is more of a long-term thing.

My weakness is, I have no real idea about how to put all of this together into something that will earn me an income. I play and teach well, but I'm not really business-savvy. I know I don't know everything, and this is one massive hole in my knowledge base. I guess that would be where Project Mojave would come in. Right now I have no money to play with. I'm saving a bit here and a bit there for birthdays and Christmas, but I don't have $10k in the bank to just throw at this thing (or even $1k. Or even $100 right now). It's just me, doing what I can. If I can even generate a small passive income stream to supplement my current income I'll be more than happy. Ecstatic even. Because it's a start, and something I can build on for the future.

I also am worried about my job stability. My income is stable, but not great. I want to know that whatever I do will put food on the table for my family and ultimately bless them. I don't want to let them down. I know Clay talks a lot about this fear, and it does have a hold on me. I'm not sure how to break it's hold, but I know I need to.

Well... that's my ten cent's worth. Reading these stories is pretty inspiring. Thanks for your time.

TIM >O

After spending close to two years with a giant company (Xerox) and getting canned for no reason I decided it was time to move on with my life and start developing a plan. So like a good ex-employees do I tried to start a business that would support me. A year later the business has barely bugged while I am working my full time job.

Every morning I go into work I scream in my own head why are you trading your time for money and to be honest the best job I could get after being laid off was a $13 and I have a degree. Yet still I continue day in and day out working because I can't seem to get my foot into anything real. My business is more of a side job that has yet to offer me any real income past two or three jobs I've taken on.

I have the motivation to do what is necessary. I just don't know how in most cases. I feel like there is something holding me back.

If Project Mojave is real and works I would be able to finally say goodbye to trading time for money and do what I really want to do in life. I am ready to get out.

Well Clay, you’ve asked for specifics and you’re certainly going to get them here! I realize this is a long-ass post but I hope you will read it all because I’ve really tried to really put my heart into it. I think you will see that you have a very VERY excited and DRIVEN soon-to-be project Mojave member here :)

SO, this is I why I am a soon-to-be project Mojave member and this is why I think Project Mojave can help me create a successful, thriving freedom business:

The Time Is Right – And The Time is NOW

Yes I know this subtitle sounds like a sequel to an Eckhart Toll book or something, but for me it’s a pretty accurate description of where I’m at right now. No matter how outstanding or powerful any information being provided is I know that you have to be at a place where you are ready for it and ready to ACT ON IT. I know that only I can take action, follow through and make this happen. NO ONE ELSE can do it for me. The idea of creating a ‘freedom business’ and having the type of lifestyle that would enable is VERY exciting, but I know it's going to take a lot of hard work. I expect to come up against difficult and frustrating obstacles, I expect that I will make mistakes, and I expect that this journey will not be an easy one. But I also know that unless I act NOW and follow through then it’ll never happen. I am ready for the challenge.

I Am Highly Motivated

I am 23 years old, and 10 months ago I graduated from university and got my first full time job – I was employed as an Insurance Broker by the multinational giant that is AON Reed Stenhouse. I lasted 8 months, and resigned from my position on July 15th of this year. In truth I took the job because it was the best I could get at the time and I had rent and bills to pay, but I very quickly found that I couldn’t STAND doing work that I had NO interest in, NO passion, and NO enthusiasm for - and I couldn’t stand doing work that, for me, didn’t have any meaning to it at all. In the end the price I paid in stress, happiness and self esteem became too much for me and I left. I never want to feel like that again.

While I am proud of myself for the decision I made, it’s had some major and pretty painful consequences. I am from England and I had actually moved to Canada to be with my long term and long distance Canadian girlfriend Andrea. After quitting AON I wasn’t able to find any other work, and I’ve had to leave Andrea in Canada and come home to England because I couldn’t afford to stay any more. I have about $1500 CAD total in the bank and I’m now living with my parents. It’s been a very tough bump to take. On top of that, be it economy related or just bad luck, I haven’t been able to find even part time work – so the money that I do have is becoming less and less by the day. Needless to say my I am VERY motivated by my current circumstances and recent experiences not only to make money and create my own freedom but also to do it in a way that is both enjoyable and MEANINGFUL to me.

I Am Motivated Not Just For Myself but for Others As Well

I know that motivation is to a very large extent driven both by the pain you have experienced as well as by what you want to gain, but I also know that a different level of motivation and empowerment comes when you are not just doing something for yourself – you’re doing it for something more than you; a ‘higher meaning’, if you want to call it that. The desire to do ‘meaningful work’ to me means making a difference doing something that you love and are passionate about and that makes a positive difference to others, and this is the type of business that I want to create – and the type of business that Project Mojave is encouraging – so I can really connect deeply with that.

On a less ‘global’ level however I am driven to learn how to create a successful ‘freedom business’ for myself because by doing so I’ll be able to use my own success to help close friends and family that I love and care about to do the same. I’ve seen close friends and family really struggle for money and in work over the past couple years, and it’s been really FRUSTRATING because I’ve wanted to help them but not known how. My Mum and Step Dad are barely scraping by, just about managing to pay the bills month to month – my Mum has actually said to me that all she wants to do is leave the ‘rat race’, but she doesn’t think that there is any way out for her. My Dad was made redundant 13 months ago as a result of economic cut backs and, with a family to feed of his own, hasn’t been able to find work again and his wife has now left him. I also have friends that graduated from university at the same time as me that haven’t found any work at all, despite their degrees. Its hard seeing these things happen, waiting to help but not knowing how to. If I can learn how to create a successful freedom business for myself, then I’ll be able to use my skills to help and inspire my family and friends to do the same and create the quality of life that they truly deserve.

Project Mojave Is the Right Team for Me

They say that 'when the student is ready the teacher will appear'. I’ve outlined how I feel ready, and in Project Mojave I believe that the right teacher(s) have appeared. Here is why I believe this and specifically why I believe that, with Project Mojave, I can be successful in creating a freedom business.

I Feel Like I Can Relate To You All

I see in Clay and the Project Mojave team a group of people that are my kind of age and that share the same viewpoints, passion and values as I do. There is a theme of natural rebelliousness about you all which I can really relate to – I’ve never liked doing what ‘everyone else does’ and I hate the idea of settling for less than I can be, do, have and contribute. I have looked into other internet marketing courses over the past few months but I’m drawn to Project Mojave and I BELIEVE in it, where I held doubt and reservations about other courses, because I feel I can really RELATE to you guys. You are inspiring because you have done what I want to do in creating freedom businesses of your own and doing what you love. Being able to relate to you and knowing that you have got to where I want to be, this gives me the belief that I can do the same. I think that just this sense of self-belief that I take from you guys can alone be a major contributing factor in helping me to create a successful freedom business.

Clay’s Enthusiasm and Excitability

Tell me Clay, I’m curious, just how many Red Bulls do you throw back before shooting your videos? Three....four?? Surely no-one can be THAT enthusiastic and excited naturally?!?! Either way it’s seriously infectious and I love it. I believe being exposed to this kind of excitement and enthusiasm on a daily/weekly basis will raise my own excitement and enthusiasm levels further and motivate and inspire me even more to follow through and take action on what I'm learning.

Clay’s Authenticity

In addition to the excitement, passion and enthusiasm that comes across so strongly in the videos, Clay, I really believe in what you say – I believe that you are genuine and authentic, and that you actually care about what you are doing and about the people that you are going to help. This is very important to me, and obviously this kind of genuine caring will help me build a successful freedom business – I believe that if I need help and support with something, then you will actually be there for me and provide it.

Clay’s Expertise – And the ‘In the Trenches’ Demonstration

What also came across in the ‘Freedom Business Blueprint’ is that you really do know what you are talking about and that you can teach it effectively. If I’m going to be successful in creating a freedom business, I need someone who not only cares about what he does but that is an expert and can COMMUNICATE it effectively. I know I will get this from you not just from what you have already demonstrated in the Blueprint video but also because you are putting your ass on the line and your money where your mouth is by getting ‘in the trenches’ and building a freedom business alongside us. This is a bold and unique move that I don’t think anyone would do that unless they truly knew what they were talking about, so I believe you MUST truly be a genuine expert and not one of those marketing posers who makes money by simply re-hashing other peoples theories without ever having actually put them into practice and creating success themselves. I think that the process of actually seeing you week-by-week build a successful business will enhance my learning immensely because it will be real and live. Because you will be doing it ‘in real life’ I’ll know that what you’re teaching works and that it isn’t hype and make believe. This can only empower me further to take ACTION and create my own freedom business success – because I’ll know and truly believe that if I take the same actions, I’ll get the same results.

The Support of a Balanced and Well Rounded Team

Assuming that the Project Mojave line up is the same as it was in the last launch; I see a well-rounded and well-balanced team behind Clay that can only accelerate my success. What I like most about the line up is the specific expertise that each facilitator brings to the table. Clay seems to have seen that ‘teams can create what one person cannot’ – each facilitator’s expertise seems to contribute to a ‘whole’ that Clay would have struggled to provide alone.

Michael Martine and SEO

The bits and pieces I have learned here and there about SEO baffle me somewhat; it’s hard to grasp what’s actually important and what’s just the newest trendy ‘in thing’ or fancy ‘trick’ that doesn’t actually matter a whole lot. From Michael Martine I expect to receive straight-forward advice that I can trust and believe in. Obviously, his specific help on SEO and the free traffic it will bring me will massively help my ‘freedom business’ profitability and success.

Laura Roeder and Social Media

Social Media baffles me quite a bit too. What exactly is it, where do I get started and what areas should I focus on that would best suit me? Laura Roeder is there to help me specifically address these issues. AND...She’s gorgeous too! :)) Hey - I am a guy and I couldn’t resist ok?! :pp Erm ok getting back ‘back to business’, the benefits of being able to connect more directly and personally with my future clients will definitely be a vital piece of my business success ‘puzzle’.

Dave Navarro and Product Launching + List Building

I know that you’re not going to have much of a business unless you know how to launch it and build a list, and I’m happy to see that Dave Navarro is there for that. To be honest this is the area I know least about. How exactly do you go about launching a product – how go about generating publicity and building up excitement? What type of launches are best for what types of products and why? 'The money is in the list' I hear, but how do you go about building it and once you have it what should you do with it to make money? I look forward to finding out, and I’ve heard lots about Dave and know I can trust his advice and be successful when I put what he will share into practice.

Johnny B Truant - Simplifying Technology, and Green Apple’s

I HATE technical stuff – programming, fiddling with design and the like. It’s a big relief to see someone is there in Johnny B. Truant to specifically help with simplifying technical stuff. Additionally I can get a little too serious for my own good sometimes, and I get a strong impression that Johnny is also going to help lighten things up and provide some good laughs. I look forward to learning how to bite into a green apple like a pro and to officially becoming ‘Richard B. Rich’ :p

Jonathan Mead: Motivation and Productivity

Sharing a passion for Personal Development and being a follower of Illuminated mind, I also look forward to benefiting from Jonathan Mead’s ‘ass kicking’. As I’ve said, I know I need to follow through and take action – it’s great to see Jonathan there to help with this important area. With Jonathan’s help keeping my motivation and productivity high, I believe I will be at my most effective – and successful – in my online business.

The Support of a Passionate and Committed Community

I also look forward to contributing to the community of fellow project Mojave members, and receiving support and inspiration from them. I expect to find a community built on the same values and ambitions as mine. Your peers are a powerful contributing factor to your success, and being surrounded by a community of people with the same goals will help me with not only in gaining inspiration and building knowledge, but possibly even in forming business partnerships. This possibility alone could result in the creation of a successful freedom business.

Clay – AGAIN

I’ve already shared how I think Clay’s enthusiasm and excitability, authenticity, expertise and ‘in the trenches demonstration’ will help me to build a successful online business. I’ve just talked about how I think this well rounded team and supportive community will contribute to my success. These are the problems/issues/questions in particular that I believe I will be able to overcome, with Clays help, that will help me create a successful ‘freedom business’. I look forward to specifically to learning from Clay: how do you go about researching a market – where do you begin? How do you know what markets are profitable and which are not and why? How can I find a market that fits my passion AND is low competition – could they really exist? How exactly can I test a product before creating it? Can I really create a high quality product for low cost – and how exactly can I go about doing it? How much of an expert do I have to be in order to do this – and if I’m not enough of an expert how might I still be able to produce a product fairly quickly that is genuinely valuable? How do I market my business in the most effective way? What specifically makes people buy products? What do I need to do to be as effective as possible in selling my products? Where might I be able to find the ‘white label’ physical products that you mention in the blueprint and, should there be such a demand, how might I go about distributing them en mass? How can I sell in a way that isn’t ‘sleazy’ and that doesn’t distort, mis-represent or ‘over-hype’ my product? Can I REALLY get all the ingredients right and generate the traffic to create a ‘freedom businesses in a relatively short period of time? How can I automate my business – I want to do what I love and make a difference, but I also want to be able to take time out and travel and enjoy myself whenever I want to as well, what do I need to do to be able have both? Having these questions answered by Clay will help me develop a coherent understanding and strategy for online ‘freedom business’ success that I can feel both confident and ‘right’ (in an ethical sense) about. Armed with this knowledge, self confidence and sense of integrity I know nothing will stand in the way of my success!

Clay Will Be Building My Business For Me

Before Finishing I should add that I fully intend to win the upcoming business idea competition and have Clay build my business for me :p. In this case much of what I’ve written above doesn’t actually count does it :p I know project Mojave can help me create a successful freedom business because......I am going to have Clay do it for me – HOW GOOD IS THAT?!?! I can just sit back, relax, and watch a true pro do all the hard work for me :D Ahhhhh, happy days!! :))))

Final Thoughts

Seriously though, I’m really truly am INCREDIBLY excited about the launch of Project Mojave tomorrow and I hope that comes through in this (loooong :) post. If nothing else I’d say that I just have this ‘guy feeling’ that I’m on the verge of something big here. It’s going to be hard work, it’s going to take me out of my comfort zone and force me to grow, it’s going to be a real challenge – and for these reasons I think it’s going to be something truly worthwhile. You can choose to stay where you are and ‘slowly die’, as they say, or you can choose to break away from where you are and from what’s comfortable and to fly. I choose to fly.

I’m ready to work hard and make this happen both for myself, for others and for the friends and family that I care for.

LET’S GO!!! 

- Richard Spackman, signing off.....:ppp

Clay - greetings from New Zealand (small country - bottom of the world, lots of sheep)

I'm kinda conflicted - Why - well because i don't believe that 'nobility' is a luxury - i think that self-sacrifice for the benefit of another is one of the most wonderful things about being human.

So i say pick someone else :-) there are some heart touching, fantastic stories here & personally i'd have a hard time trying to narrow it down to just 2.

So where's the conflict then you ask?
Simple - I really want to be part of Project Mojave but we're broke. So Dad (that's me) needs to face reality & stuff his dreams in a bucket, get his shit together & get out into the zombie-corporate world to house & feed the wife & kids. A responsibility i love, just i'd love to do it through a 'freedom' business.

I've got more ideas than you can shake a stick at - but sadly the truth is for some reason i'm terrible at committing myself to one thing - so i get stuck.

What i see in Project Mojave, is, as one person put it - a path. Brilliant - i can do that.

I need the structure of the process. The permission to crash & burn a few times then get up dust myself off & keep going. It appears to me that Project Mojave will provide excellent guidance through yourself Clay and encouragement & support when the grind gets tough from the other PM'ers.

Clay - its fantastic what you're doing here - long live the revolution!
Rich

Greetings!

I am an emerging performer based in Australia who's also starting a business to provide services to creative productions. Stage management, ticketing, merchandise, admin - whatever you need, I'm your girl. I've hooked people up for photo opportunities, stage managed shows with very little rehearsal time, sold poetry books and burlesque fascinators, lit candles for a performance, popped popcorn - I'm up for anything. Just the past weekend I got roped in to be flogged for a fetish party!!

I love working on and around the stage, and noticed that for smaller scale fringey productions there's usually one person that ends up doing EVERYTHING. And they're usually frazzled and can't really do their best. I'm there to help them, give them an extra hand. The work I've done so far, whether voluntary or paid, has shown that people really appreciate the assistance, no matter how small it is. Just knowing that there's someone there to jump in at anytime it a great relief.

Asides from all that, I also am documenting my work, progress, and inspirations on my Merch Girl blog. Currently I'm known for being very vocal about cultural diversity and racial representation in performance - something of a contentious topic because hardly anyone in my scenes talks about it! But I have connected with many people of culturally diverse backgrounds who thank me for providing a voice for their concerns and thoughts.

I enjoy what I do. It's fun, it's interesting, I get to meet all sorts of people and not get bored.
HOWEVER - it costs money. More money than I have. Seriously, if it wasn't for my boyfriend chipping in I'd be bankrupt by now.

I have been jobhunting ever since earlier this year (I graduated from uni in March) and, aside from casual or very short-term projects, I haven't gotten anywhere. The longest job I've had was for an 8-week contract. I have been applying anywhere and everywhere just to make some money on the side, but no dice. The state I'm in has the worst unemployment in the country, most of my peers are struggling (especially those in the creative industries!), and the comment I get most often is that my skills are great but not specific enough.

There are so many opportunities and resources out there to do what I enjoy and love. But they cost more than I can afford. There are so many productions that need help like mine but can't afford me (and I don't even charge that much; I let them decide based on their budget). I'm waiting on two payments and who knows when they'll show up. There's tons of volunteer work, which I'm doing as much as I can, but at some point I need to eat and pay rent and take my meds - and I can't just mooch off my boyfriend or parents. Financial independence means quite a bit to me, but I'm rather sucking in this area.

I would like to explore Project Mojave to get some avenue of income in. Even a little bit at first will allow me to pay for things like public liability insurance, business registration, training and events, tools for the Merch Girl kit - bits that add up and make a HUGE difference to the type of work and services I can offer people. I could actually hire people to help improve my work - whether it be a copy editor, or web designer, or a film director for a YouTube ad. I wouldn't have to worry about taking up projects from smaller productions because my costs would be covered, and I could also afford to travel interstate (or internationally!) and be more creative that way. Also, I would actually be able to buy my medication (yay depression ;P).

I'm looking into grants, I've researched all sorts of things, and as I said I'm jobhunting like crazy. It's sad how 99% of the resources and help out there cost more than I can afford - yet I need their help so that I *can* afford things like theirs! Any help in this area, just knowing more avenues for income and to be FREE to take on all sorts of creative projects - that would be so helpful.

Thanks so much for the opportunity!

Hi Clay,

Unsure if this what you were after but this may be useful. And hey, this is Project Mojave – if I can't take a leap here and make a mistake or two…

I'm already a member. I've watched the videos – several times. Done some of the exercises. There's some good stuff there. I'm excited by the prospect of having that regular income from my own freedom business and the time to paint without worrying where my income will be coming from (though sometimes I lose sight of that). Loved the roadmap. Really useful. I've got the web and design skills in spades, so no worries there. And it's not that I don't have any emotional intelligence or self awareness. I do. And my life is pretty unconventional already – I'm an artist who does freelance work to pay the rent. A different kind of cubicle perhaps.

And here I am, with a few ideas for a product or two that I haven't really moved any further on from being just ideas and the odd collection of notes. Yup, I could give you plenty of excuses why that is – it doesn't change the fact I haven't moved things forward (yet).

I'd really like my freedom business to be something that I believe in. Why bother otherwise? Really? And yes, I know that it doesn't have to be perfect straight off the bat. Hell, I've done enough jobs that haven't exactly stretched me to pay the rent and continue to paint, so it's not that I can't compromise when I need to. I do need to be interested in this though. Really interested – ok, interested enough to make it work and hang in there to continue to make it work :-)

Looking at my bookshelf and the books filling it… the work I need to be doing involves something around art / business thinking / design / self improvement / zen (along with some travel thrown in).

So what am I saying in all of this…

It's that finding a niche bit that's important. One that works for me. The rest will follow. If the belief is there, then I'll find a way to make the 'everything else' happen. Project Mojave lays all that 'everything else' out with the roadmap and videos. So for me, it's about finding that niche. That's where I need to put the effort in, not be so worried about things being perfect, get on with it, get some support and if I need it, a helpful boot up the arse!!

Cheers,
Gary

Hi person still trying to decide if Project Mojave is right for you (and Hi Clay),

I dread hearing the question, "And what do YOU do?"

um. . . er. . . Well, I could talk about my part time jobs, or the interesting jobs I've had in the past, or my hobbies. I could talk about all the stuff I do to fill up this "just for now" space. I could even gloss over the parts that make me want to pull out my hair and scream at myself, "What are you DOING with your life? Who are you turning yourself into?"

"And what do YOU do?": It's the adult version of the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" It assumes that you've already grown up into that chosen profession, and now you simply "do" that profession, and that profession is your definition.
The honest answer to that question?
I spin my wheels.
I hang out in limbo.

It's kind of boring here in limbo. And a little depressing.

I recoil from the idea of getting a "real job" and laying down the foundation for a successful career. I've always wanted to do too much, wanted to BE too much to think about myself in terms of "my profession." Careers only seem to leave room for a few weekend hobbies. The person that I want to be could never fit into such a restricting definition as [insert career title].

I used to feel guilty about my aversion to careers.
How immature was I? Did I really think I could avoid joining the work force? Did I really think that I was some special creature that didn't have to serve her time as an employee? That, somehow, I would have the extraordinary life I imagined, become the extraordinary person I pictured, do the extraordinary things I dreamed, without having to work a 9-to-5, investing my time and energy into something that makes me think, ". . .meh. . ."?
Did I really think that there was something else out there?

Well . . . yeah. I kinda did.
Sound familiar?

So I put "real life" endeavors on hold. In college, I majored in my passions, I spent a few years traveling, and I had some truly amazing life experiences. I also managed to avoid that societal pressure to grow up, buckle down and get a real job.

I gave myself permission to take some time to figure out which way to go. But I'm still biding my time, and the only direction in life I currently have is still, "No, not THAT kind of life. That's NOT what I want."

And now I'm stuck. Not stuck in debt, not stuck on a corporate ladder, and not stuck in a cubicle. Just stuck in limbo: ready to start making something incredible out of my life, but not knowing how. That sound familiar, too?

So when people ask me the dreaded question, "And what do YOU do?", I try to make the “meh” part of my life sound interesting. When I answer, though, there's always a desperate part of me that wants to add, "But this isn't it! That's not all there is to me. I'm not finished yet. This is just the In-Between spot."

But limbo gets to you after a while.
I started to think, "What if this really IS it? What if I've been wrong all this time, and I'm not meant for extraordinary things? What if I'm not meant to make a difference? What if I'm not going to help other people change their lives? What if I'm all talk, and THIS REALLY IS IT?"

What if this place that I jokingly call "limbo" is actually the rest of my life?

And then I found this thing, this project, this person, that talks about building a freedom business.

I don't want to dread hearing the question, "And what do YOU do?" When someone asks me that question, I want my own jaw to drop. Not because I realize that the sickening answer is, "Nothing worthwhile," but because the answer amazes me. Because what I do and who I AM amazes me.

------------ 
After being a Project Mojave member for the past few months, I can honestly say that it's not just a theory. This is something that Clay knows how to do. He's developed and tweaked the hell out of his process, and he understands the pitfalls and road blocks we face.

Just the other day, Clay gave me an amazing dose of support for my market idea. He helped me out with some of the messy details that made me go, “Ick.” And then he told me, in all earnestness, not to lose my enthusiasm for it. I can’t even describe how much that meant to me.

Project Mojave isn’t just theory, and it isn’t just practical steps: it’s a life-changing endeavor.

They say that Joshua Trees, found in the Mojave Desert, bloom after a period of cold temperatures. Some research suggests that a period of dormancy is essential for the Joshua Tree's growth.

I've been dormant for long enough, and I am ready to grow. Are you?

Hi Clay, it's been a while since we've talked and since I shared my "liberation story" on your old (Finance Your Freedom) site! I love your Project Mojave idea, enjoyed your Freedom Blueprint screencast, and want a shot to winning a membership.

I want to give you an update of what's happened since we chatted, and why I want to work with you side by side via Project Mojave. I've been continuing my "lifestyle design" approach to business, and earlier this year made the decision to raise my child full time, because this is aligned with my personal core values. I then re-engineered my existing businesses such that I would work only during my child's nap-time and once he goes to bed - a big challenge to say the least - not to mention altering my mindset toward "business" and "work". I was able to redistribute my revenue sources in a way that have allowed me to be on track this year to earn a 6 figure income while adhering to my core value of putting my family first.... but I'm also not complacent and know that with the economy, I must continue reinventing and innovating - this is where Project Mojave may come in.

I'm looking for Project Mojave to be part of my success story of "doing well by doing right" - succeeding without sacrificing personal values of putting family first. I'm hoping that this can encourage and inspire others to live by their principles knowing that they can succeed without compromising their convictions.

Over the years I've written quite a few career development and personal development articles, and out of this endeavor (really a labor of love), I began receiving questions from folks who work in a job they enjoy but are beginning to hate going to work everyday because of the toxic work environment, and frankly, toxic coworkers. I want to develop a business with products aimed to help working professionals deal with general office dysfunction and backstabbing coworkers that make going to work everyday a living nightmare. Some of the emails I receive range from disturbing to gut-wrenching - and I want to do something to help these people.

From listening to your Freedom business blueprint, I can already think of various ways that this business venture can get off the ground and thrive... I'd love to have you as a companion on this journey.

Hej Clay,

I am already a paying member of Project Mojave and I’ve seen all the materials available there. They are great and I am sure that anybody following the steps and instructions you and your team give could be successful. I started strongly and enthusiastically and the only reason I am not successful at this yet is my own procrastination and my own lack of focus. I tried to focus on too many things at the same time. I have a 9-5 work I enjoy and I believe is making a difference in the world (I work with domestic violence perpetrators), I also have a personal project of my own which takes a lot of my time (www.metrobloggen.se/2brazil). Last but not least I have my family with whom I also want to spent time. These may sound like excuses but they are just explanations. In my personal project I will soon reach my goal and this year still has 2,5 months left. I want to have something up and running before the end of the year. I think it’s realistic with all the time I already put into this and with all the resources available on Project Mojave.

Now, to the question “why Project Mojave?”. Well… as I see it… because in my opinion is one of the few, if not the only one IM programs that are honest and ethically driven. And this is important as most of us are not into it just for the money…

Sorin

Hi, this is Evan, and I would be very pleased and excited to be coached with Project Mojave.

At a first, cold glance, the thought ran through my mind that this was yet another niche for internet marketing - but I feel that it is one which craves re-definition.

Freedom businesses are blending of mind and heart, of art and science. Heart and passion, in whatever form, is necessary for a business - its just that I think the project will express this in a clear and powerful way. One which creates businesses with credibility, and sustainability.

People want something they believe in, something they would love to do. Yet the only way they can continue believing, is if you can show that this stuff works.

From what i've seen so far, Mojave offers intelligent, yet simple ideas. It offers a simple yet flexible business plan which affects or involves different areas of a participants life. Services are complemented by different types of internet products. None of this is completely original - except that its clarity and simplicity can be universally appreciated.

Rather than quick fixes or fragmented product schemes, it may offer a harmonious integration of different work ideas with people's lives, in practical ways.

So Let Me In Already!

PS: I would be most interested in various marketing aspects; I believe that getting your message across crosses the boundary between incubating ideas, and an actual business.

Hey Clay,

First of all, thanks for this opportunity. I’m fairly new to Project Mojave, but am excited about the quality content I’ve seen up to this point. True story: The day I came across Project Mojave, I was talking to a co-worker about all the saturated, crappy content all over the web, and how awesome it would be to find someone that not just wrote about the theory of how to grow an online business, but actually walked you through it, step by step. That’s when I found Project Mojave. I couldn’t believe what I was reading; that you are actually going to build a freedom business while you teach it. I’m excited about this opportunity and here’s how I think Project Mojave will help me create a thriving freedom business.

First of all I see Project Mojave helping me by simply having an organized set of processes to follow. I’ve had a strong desire to quit my 9 to 5 and create a freedom business like this for over a year. I’ve worked hard on coming up with ideas and content, but as I mentioned above, I keep running into programs that have great marketing to get you in the door and follow it up with hard to follow, unorganized crappy content. Simply put, I’ve been going around in circles, and can’t seem to get anywhere. I’m sick of being stagnant, and am ready start moving forward. I see a HUGE benefit to Project Mojave that you are willing to create a new freedom business and go through the exact process as you teach it. This will be an incredible benefit to me and lay the foundation for the success of my freedom business.

One of the processes that I’ve had trouble with up to this point, that I believe Project Mojave will help me with is; testing a market to see if it’s really a market I should pursue. Within the last few weeks I’ve been getting excited about several ideas, and want to dive in to see if they are worth developing. In the past, I’ve created programs blindly without knowing anything about the market. I definitely don’t want to keep making that mistake.

Another process I see Project Mojave helping me develop is how to market to my target demographic. I am willing to work my tail off to create quality products, but want to ensure that the people that will benefit from my product are finding what I’m putting out there.

Last but not least, I believe Project Mojave will allow me to be successful in creating a freedom business because I will be implementing one of the great lessons of success...Find a mentor, or someone that is already successful doing what you want to do, and learn as much as possible from them. I believe that the model of Project Mojave is set up to allow me to do just that. It’s exactly what my co-worker and I were hoping for. Thanks again for this opportunity.

Hi, Clay!

I'd like to start off with saying I'm not noble enough to say pick someone else. Nobility
is a luxury. :)

I REALLY wanted to get in on the first round of Project Mojave, but as a recently divorced
custodial parent, sometimes money doesn't exist no matter how driven you are, and I ended
up paying rent instead. (Single parents of the newly-divorced flavor often don't have
credit, awkward!) But I don't want to get it because of my socio-economic status- I have
better reasons.

I've been working my ass off since my kids were babies, and I am so tired of giving my
ideas to people only to be laid off when the next round of noobs is brought in at a
reduced rate. It doesn't even matter how many fucking awesome things you pull off
nowadays- when you're young and the axe is out, it's OUT. When I was laid off by a bunch
of crazy Scientologist doctors ten months ago because "marketing is too expensive," I
decided I would never go back to that again. I'm completely committed to never having to
write "based on the works of L.Ron Hubbard" at the bottom of another memo.

I have stuck with my decision so far, and I've been scraping by. I have work I love to
death now- I'd do it for free- but it alone won't pay the bills. And I don't want to give it back for more 12-hour-days in Manhattan where 60% of my check goes to a sitter. A more diverse income stream would help me do that, but I've yet to be in a position where I can get past *just* paying the rent. Usually a week late.

As it stands, I want to be able to spend less hours hustling and a few more being a mom.
I'd like it if my 9-year-old stopped coming up with "business plans" so mommy wouldn't
have to work all the time. I'd like to give you all some of my ideas instead of a corporate marketing department who will make me train a replacement to do my really awesome shit. I'd like to listen to my favorite Jay-Z songs and and be able to relate to the "making it" part and not the "every day I hustle baby," part. I'd like to go to an entire soccer game or girl scout meeting without sneaking off to do some work and hoping my kids don't notice. I'd like to take my mom out for dinner and not the other way around.

But even more than the finally getting out of poverty part, I want to be able to make all
the good things I can do work for me and other people like me, and not for corporate types
with no loyalty and no vision. I know my ideas sell (other people have made a lot of money off them) but I'd like to make me money with them instead. To your question- I'd like to see exactly where along the line that happens. Where fucking awesome idea goes from concept to reality. I know it sounds basic, but I think a lot of us who are used to working for other people don't know the feeling of launch from the pilot's seat- it would just be awesome to see. For yourself or your online friends. I'm only accustomed to seeing awesome ideas be successful and then clocking out, without overtime. :)

Thanks for reading/considering, and have fun with the in-the-trenches project! :)

I'm about to launch a website that is going to help a group of professionals and nonprofessionals take themselves to the next level in helping the environment. I have been working hard the past two months to identify a group of people that are committed to this challenge. They have responded (less than 100 people) to a survey I created telling me how I can best help them. Now, I am trying to deliver. But I could really use your help.

I am an architect, engineer and professor who has been dedicated to sustainability for the past ten years, trying to make an impact in any way I can. In that time, I have been part of a team that has created an award winning graduate curriculum, an online radio show and a private business to help green companies that want to do the right thing. Now, I want to expand our ability to help those professionals (engineers, architects, builders) who want to do more, while also reaching more people in helping them sort through the "greenwashing" that currently is confusing people about what they could do to help improve their own lives.

However, I am not confident about the best way to do this through an online business. In addition, all of my work up until now has not generated revenue that has helped me with my own personal "sustainability" - my own goals for freedom and financial independence. Most of the work thus far has been funded by grants (it, is, afterall academia, even the side business has been through the university, with all potential profit either not part of the grant or taken by the large university overhead). I'm also hoping that additional revenue can be used to take the website to constantly new heights.

Now, I have been trying to figure this out by myself without ever having to market, advertise, or whatever to find work or an audience before. I have no clue what I'm doing in that respect. But I know I can deliver amazing informational products that will make a difference. I'm not even sure if the beginning steps (survey, etc.) that I've taken are effective!

Would you like to be part of helping to make an impact on designers, business owners, parents, couples, singles, urbanites, suburbanites, etc to help them tread more lightly on the earth and even be able to change things around so that they have a positive, regenerative effect on the environment? I could really use your help.

Love what you're doing here, and I really appreciate your energy and your attempt to figure things out (especially the latest personal conflict over how to move Project Mojave forward).

All the best,
Rob

I almost didn't write this comment out of fear of being judged for trying to get sympathy points. But I am writing it now because I really feel like you'll read it, and you'll care, and you'll be every bit as authentic with me as you have been in all of your videos and blog posts up to now.

I'm not going for the sympathy vote here, and I will never make an apology for a life that I didn't choose but had to deal with. This is all a part of the path that has taken me to where I am right now, and I accept it, and I love the opportunities it has ultimately afforded me. I don't feel like dumbing it down, cheapning the story of my life up to now, just to make it warmer, fuzzier, more comfortable, because —

Life is not a comfortable thing.

I'm 23 years old now. Between my first year of high school, and my second year of college, I lost my father, my grandmother and grandfather on my mother's side, and finally, after she worked herself to death alone on my grandfather's estate, my mother too in 2006. In 2007, the Virginia Tech (where I attended school) started in my residence hall on the floor below mine, and two people I knew and loved died.

I continued college, changing my major to studio art to pursue what I loved while I, alone, handled the estate my grandfather and mother left behind. I almost failed out of college, trying to balance those two things at once.

Once my grandfather's house was sold, I invested most of the money, just in time to watch it tank thanks to the economic recession. I'm pretty sure I'm the worst investor ever. I still get furious with myself sometimes. "If I'd just done this differently, things wouldn't be this way."

But these days, most of the time I'm just really thankful for the opportunities it's opened up. It forced me to drop out of college while I figured out what to do to make up for my losses. After a year of struggling to find something I could be truly passionate about, I decided that I wanted to start my own business with the goal of accomplishing something meaningful that will add value to the lives of others.

So here I am now, still nearly penniless, but able to see light at the end of the tunnel. Not trying to get rich quick. Not even trying to get rich. Just trying to make a living, chasing dreams that millions of others won't.

I always said I'd sell everything I own before I would get a real job, and I'm proving that true right now. I've sold most of my "stuff" and I've been reminded of just how much I don't need it or care about it. I'm just barely getting by, but I'm putting everything I have left into building my first business.

If I can't get my hands on Project Mojave, I'll just build my business without it and buy it when I do have the money.

I hope it's as amazing as it looks, and that once I've made money to pay for it, I will want to pay to put it in someone else's hands too, and do my best to help them use it. I have a lot of friends who have been like family to me, who I would love to see succeed in life without being slaves to 9 to 5 cubicle hell.

Thanks for the things you've already taught me, alongside others in the field who also don't come across as sleazy internet car salesmen. You really seem authentic. It's a breath of fresh air for me… I never really wanted to get rich quick anyway.

The one thing that brings us all together (People whose minds are approximately where Clays is at, or want to be), is a refusal to continue 'surviving' until our lives come to an end. What drives us is a burning desire for actual life, and not just survival.

And that's why ideas like Project Mojave are important. It's about emancipating yourself from the survival cycle, and throwing yourself into authentic, actual living free from any boundaries.

Project Mojave can help us indefinitly because they are driven by the same desires as us. All it takes is a small spark of desire for actual life (full of passion and pleasure) instead of simple survival, and within moments you will have a raging firestorm. Fires always destroy. But they also leave something behind. In this case, we are left with nothing but freedom and potential.

Project Mojave has the spark. And that's what it's all about. But they have also taken it further, by actually offering us the information and blueprints that we need. By arming us they are instigating change, and helping others do the same.

In 'The Revolution of Everyday Life', Raoul Vaneigem wrote: "Your fucking around with us? - Not for long!" The same could be said by all of us, right here, right now. The allure of authentic, real life is constantly beat down by everyone who wants us to go to school and get a job and have kids (to continue on surviving). Well we are starting to see what's beyond that. And we want it bad. The point is, we finally are starting to realize what it is we want, and how to get it.

I think I speak for us all when I say, "Bring on Round Two!"

Hi Clay,
I left my job recently just to do something that makes me alive. I was inspired by the quote by Gil Bailie, "Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

Here is more of my sharing how I left my job, http://www.reason4smile.com/2009/08/18/a-new-jo...

I just knew that I love work on helping people to make their life better. I picked up an interesting field that is knowledge management to help people manage their knowledge for a better life. I have recently set up a blog to share my knowledge in the field, which is www.km4life.com.

Knowledge Management is a field that mainly used in large enterprises, but I also believe that individuals can also benefit from them, I am looking forward to become something similar to life coach, only that helping people to overcome information overload, without neglecting their knowledge need for their vision and project..

It's a big dream and I understand that I will have to learn much more from people. Through Project Mojave, I really hope to learn from you and the community inside them. Having left my full time job, I also hope to engage more with project mojave to really learn, apply, and sharing it back on what makes a freedom business successful.

All the best Clay, and cheers!
Robert

Hold Up a Minute!
— you didn't think I was done, did you?

I posted a long entry earlier saying how great I thought your idea was, and how enormous I believe this is going to be, but I neglected to say why I would love to have a chance at one of those two slots you are going to open up to work alongside you the next four months ...

I've already used some of your ideas to ramp up my current online business, and through dint of a lot of work, at 38, I am earning a very nice income while still having enough time to commit to this project in a serious way.

The problem with my existing business is that, while it affords me the ability to live and travel wherever and however much I like, working entirely from laptop and cellphone (with the help of a part-time assistant in Florida), it's still a job in the sense that if I'm not there actually answering the phone and fielding emails and actively closing deals, I'm not earning anything. As far as a job goes, it's great. But it's not what I really want to be doing, it's not where my passion is, and at the end of the day ... I'm still sitting at my computer wrapping up deals. When I would rather be hiking in Colorado.

There is nothing I want more right now than to make a huge success of this and establish a lifestyle of real freedom, where I can simplify my world, work less (but on what really matters to me), and, as it happens, turn more of my time to artistic and literary pursuits.

What do I have going for me? Why am I good choice?

* I am already quite solid on all the fundamental skill sets, tools, and techniques covered in Project Mojave, so you wouldn't have to walk me through a lot of beginner stuff and our projects would feel more like a true collaboration.

* I'm creative, I can write well, and I can crank out a lot of serious work at a stretch. I'm also good on camera and I speak well.

* I have solid experience with Dreamweaver (and also Word Press). Not bad at Photoshop either.

* I can fly up to MN as needed if you want to shoot something live together for Project Mojave (or I can fly you down to Dallas, or I can fly us both to Florida or San Diego if you decide you want to get out of the snow!).

* I already have the tools I'll need to not only get my freedom business up and running but also to help create quality material in compiling this blueprint within a blueprint you've come up with: I have a 17" MacBook Pro (stuffed with everything from Photoshop and Dreamweaver to Audacity and Fission to ScreenFlow to Keynote to Acrobat Pro and Final Cut), not only a Flip camera but also a high-def Canon video camera, not only a Sony point-and-shoot but also a Canon SLR, etc. I also have most of the online tools in place, with accounts set up and a familiarity with how to

* I'm extremely — passionately — excited about getting this entire process mapped out and documented. I think it's going to be like a torch igniting activity and success among all the other members of Project Mojave. And having a solid success in place, with a detailed road map for exactly what was done every step of the way, is going to be monumental. I want to further your vision of encouraging people to live the lives they have dreamed of, true and authentic lives — and of giving them the real means to actually accomplish what they have dreamed, for themselves and their families and everyone they touch. I want to help you create an example of what is possible. And not only to someone who happens to have a MacBook and a cool video camera, but anyone willing to truly commit themselves to follow the plan.

Now ... Where can you help me?

If i have all the tools, and I have this much drive, why should I want to be part of your 4-month project? Because I have too many things vying for my focus and attention, and this will make me 100% locked in, one course, one focus, one destination: a Freedom Business in 3.8 months.

My "job" is one of my own making, and it is easy to slip into just plugging away at that, endlessly. But I know that it's not where my future needs to be. And it's sure as hell not giving me the life I envision for myself.

I threw away too many years of my life. It's time to wake up and claim the life I was meant to be living.

This is the path to that end.

I would be honored and overwhelmed to be chosen to study under you during this project.

~ S. Michael Fisher

PS: Did I mention you could drive my Porsche if you fly down to shoot some videos in Dallas? Ha!

Hello Everyone, nice to be here with you all.

Project Mojave can most definitely help me create a thriving freedom business. Okay, I'm not saying I couldn't do it without you, but I need to bring my A-game to this. I've been stagnating too long - an entire year, in fact - because I'm having such trouble imagining how my passion could possibly translate into a profitable business.

It's not that I think my message has no value, or that it wont resonate with my people. It does, and I believe it will. It's just that selling that message in any form seems a bit contradictory. Let me explain. Briefly.

I've felt for quite some time now that things have gone wrong. That we, as a people, as a society, have lost something important. But it was around this time last year that I identified the root of what I believe to be the problem. And the seed of that thought has grown in me, and I'm more sure now than ever that I've uncovered my purpose. That I've found a message I can embody, and share, in such a way that it fills me up.

We've forgotten how to produce. And as such, we've stopped teaching our kids the same. We live in a society where every imaginable want or need can be satisfied through consumption. We pay someone to wash our car. We pay someone to raise kids. We pay someone to clean our house and mow our lawn and cook our food. And all of this says nothing of the more insidious form of consumption - the time we spend watching television and playing video games and reading the newspaper. Willingly giving our time and attention to (consuming) things others have produced.

Obviously there is a certain level of consumption that is good. That frees us up from certain toil and hardship and otherwise unpleasant things. But it's gone too far. And it's time to turn it back the other way.

We need to encourage our young people to spend less time in front of the television and computer, and more time creating the life they want, nurturing their natural desire to make the most of themselves and, therefore, of life.

We need to teach them that blind consumption kills the human genius, that it stifles our ideas about what is possible from a very young age by brainwashing us to believe that we aren’t good enough with who we are or what we have. Worse still, it creates a habit of not thinking at all.

We need to help them realize that they don’t have to discover secret ferries and goblins, or explore hidden worlds to have an exciting and meaningful life. Real life can give us what we want, but not by sitting idly by on the couch watching TV. Rather, that extraordinary life is attainable by actively and intentionally creating it.

And we need to teach them that nature holds the key to everything, and only by getting out into nature and leaving behind the ‘things’ that surround us at home (toys, video games, TV, etc) can we connect with the part of ourselves that nourishes our souls and feeds our sense of adventure. And only when we stop focusing so much on consumption, and much more on production, on creation, can we find our true selves - the part of us that, in my view, gets so muddled by the institutionalization of our children, as carried out by commercial television, public education and organized religion.

Okay, I better stop there. But do you see my dilemma here Clay? How can I believe all this, how can I shout it from the mountain tops, and then say, "But here, buy this, this is different"?

Clearly, I need your help.

So that's it then. Thanks for the opportunity.

Truly...Jeb

Look at this. Peoples hearts on display. I think I'm gonna cry again :)

Clay,

I've been working on my business for about two years now. Because I started before I had read all the great work from people who have done what I'm trying (but more successfully) I started with a book, then started the blog to support it. Yeah, should have done it the other way around. Live and learn.

Since then, I've gotten what I'd consider a Master's worth of education following all the other people in the information marketing and online training fields. I look at other people's businesses, and I can tell them exactly what they should do next. I've done this for a few people, just as a favor from an interested friend, and it's worked reasonably well for them.

My problem is that I find it easier to see what *other* people should do next, but my own business tends to get stuck on the things that feel good, that I find it easy to do well. What I need is a sounding board, someone that I can talk to who already understands where it is I'm trying to go with the business.

Two examples ...

There have been times my wife has said, "You know, you should really do ..." And I know immediately that she's right, I do it, and it pays off. She throws out a lot of ideas, which is great, but it's not a daily thing that she comes up with something that really strikes a chord with me.

Alternatively, a few weeks ago, I reached out to Johnny B. Truant with an idea for a cross-sell product to go with something he was already doing. He asked a few questions about details, and in thinking about the answers I realized why, though the service would be valuable, the people who need it the most don't *know* they need it. So it's a poor choice for a quick-win or an automated business. *That's* the kind of knowledgeable, immediately-useful feedback I need.

I'm already doing well in a pretty specific self-defined niche, with a *ton* of potential to broaden my scope as I build credibility. I've already done local TV and national radio spots, and I've had some preliminary conversations with people who can get me national TV exposure. I've got my second book about to launch. I've already done a free 10-part (autoresponder based) online course to build a list. I have an invitation to come do an in-person class, which I could record and offer as another product. I've got at least two, possibly three people with national name recognition in my field who have agreed to do interviews with me.

You know ... looking at that last paragraph, I can't help but think, "So what do I need their help for?" Here's what it is: I feel like I've got so many irons in the fire that I don't know what to do first. Anything I do, I feel like I'm ignoring something else that's vital. And I feel like I'm working it as a *job*, not as a *business*.

I need someone with a fresh perspective, who isn't too close to it -- like I am -- to help point to a path and say, "That path will work."

In the interest of full disclosure, I've got a wife and kids and a mortgage to support. I've been doing this all as a side job, while the day job still pays the bills. I am trying to escape the day job, but can't afford to be sans-paycheck until I've got some kind of income. If this means I'm not as committed to the process as you think I need to be for success, or just that I won't be able to do it in the 3.8 months you're shooting for, I can respect that.

On the other hand, if you'd like to be able to prove that you don't have to quit the day job *before* you build your Freedom Business, then I'd be happy to be that case study.

I joined Project Mojave in May of this year and here’s why I think Project Mojave is the real deal:

One of the great benefits of Project Mojave is having a limited membership where we each get a chance to talk to Clay every week instead of getting lost in a group of 2,000+ people (I’ve been there and it’s no fun).

Clay has taught me things that were completely brand new to me, both from a business and from a technical stand point and he continues to do so.

Some of his 20 minute videos, can take hours and days to implement, that’s how much content they pack. Project Mojave provides information that no one else is teaching.

During weekly Mentorship calls Clay will talk to anyone for as long as it’s necessary, even if it takes 45 minutes. In other membership groups you feel like after 5-7 minutes they start rushing you to move to the next caller.

Project Mojave has forced me to think, a skill that unfortunately, many of us have not been taught to do very well. Clay doesn’t mince words. During weekly calls he will ask probing questions to help us get un-stuck and identify the best course of action.

What I’d like to watch in more detail this second time is Testing a Market. I think this is a GREAT idea that will benefit all of us and allow us to focus more on marketing and building traffic.
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But the best benefit you'll get from this class is this: You will change and grow, you really have to in order to walk on this road and once you change, there's no turning back.
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To those of you who join this week: Fasten your seat belts because you’re in for the ride of your lives. Clay is intense and will make you think and feel in ways you’ve never had before.

Liz

This changes everything. Who does this sort of thing?

No one does this.

Clay has hit upon a simple, yet tremendously powerful idea, and not only because two of us will have an opportunity of working side by side with him on launching our freedom businesses, but because of what the results of this exercise will do for the rest of the Project Mojave community.

I'm predicting nothing short of a revolution. (To many of us a revelation, perhaps, but a revolution soon enough. Soon enough.)

Just working with the material Clay has already put together, so many of us could, with some work, have viable online businesses in place — thriving, purpose-driven businesses — in a matter of three to six months ... could, that is, but for the infernal self-doubt, the fear of putting in the effort and not having it work out, the trash we so often carry in our heads making us underperform out of our own lack of belief. Doubt drives out consistent action, leaving one to dabble (at best) when one might otherwise have flown.

That's the problem, and Clay is addressing it head on. For anyone who has entered the internet marketing world over the past year or so, it doesn't take much looking around before you realize you have stirred up a wasp's nest of peddlers and spin-merchants, each one of them with his own long-sales-letter webpage crammed with reasons why you should listen to him and buy into his elixir of the moment, and trust it will transform your fortunes.

But there's the problem: they are all pitching something they are making out to be the internet marketing magic formula for creating wealth and fortune ... yet, for all their testimonials and bullet-points and flashy boxes filled with bonuses, they are still asking you to accept it all on trust. All on trust, and only trust.

And amidst all the overwhelm and noise and hyperbole, along comes Clay Collins and his Project Mojave.

With a different message entirely.

I've been following Clay since the pre-launch of Project Mojave, and I have to say that for perhaps the first time in a a god-awful long time, I am convinced that I've found the real article. Clay means what he says, and he's not here to hype anyone. He sure as hell isn't here to make a buck off of people selling huckster promises. He is here to actually help people DO THIS STUFF, actually CREATE REAL BUSINESSES ONLINE, and by god SUCCEED AT IT. And not just do something-or-other-who-cares-what for a quick buck, but rather do something important, create an online Freedom Business around a real purpose, built upon something that actually MATTERS.

Because it's not just about making money.

It's not.

It's about creating something extraordinary — and through doing so, creating an extraordinary lifestyle at the same time.

But again, he's not here telling us do this, do that, buy my stuff, if it doesn't work sorry 'bout your luck. He is stepping up and is going to show (hell, PROVE) that what he is teaching us WORKS.

And what a fantastic way to roll it out for everyone to see. The odds may be against any particular one of us getting chosen for this "Reality Freedom Business" experiment, but I think it's vital (absolutely crucial) that we all follow along. Every step of the way. Let's pull off a minor miracle here and let's fast-forward to the end of Clay's groundbreaking run with the two participants he chooses, and let's see how many more of us can accomplish the same thing in the same time frame.

Seriously. Just because you're not chosen doesn't mean you have to sit on the sidelines and and eat popcorn while this is all going on.

What I am looking forward to is this: Seeing Clay roll this out and having the word come down through the wires ("This is Radio Mojave Calling! Our PPC Campaigns are Live! We Are Converting Clicks! This is Radio Mojave! We're Live! It's Happening!") and seeing what it does among the rest of us ... see the fires it ignites, see the forums explode with enthusiasm and the roar of lions coming into their own, and see our success stories rolling out over it all like some magnificent avalanche of success stories, without precedent.

I would like to see Clay have to put his entire staff on the task of getting all of our testimonials on the site, written, audio, video, hell — in surround sound Dolby with a laser show and full orchestral accompaniment!

That's how I want to give back. That's how I want us all to show Clay that what he is doing is truly extraordinary. And I know I'm not the only one who, WHEN THIS WORKS (and it's going to work — you do realize that, right? that this is going to actually work?) when this all works, when it all comes to fruition, every one of us who followed along and made it happen from the sidelines needs to get on a plane and fly on up north (where the hell is he, again? up in the arctic circle somewhere, isn't it?) and surprise that amazing sonofabitch with the biggest party he has ever been the center of, and give him a night he will never forget.

Because I don't know about you, but when I get my freedom business launched and running, I'm not just buying him a beer. I'm going to make sure he knows what kind of gift he gave me. It's a gift the size of your ENTIRE LIFE.

So.

Count on a big-ass party.

Somewhere up north.

In about four months ...

Because you can bet your ass I'm going to be there.

~ S. Michael Fisher

Joey Well said man! I love it!

"This is about redefining the way you think about the roll of income in your life and the ways that you can truly (and directly) impact the lives of others.'

Now THAT gets me excited!

Thank you!

I need Project Mojave cause I need a foot in the ass (or 6). I need to motivate, network, surround myself with people who want rise to the top like sweet cream, eat fear like candy, own our time and give back.

Look Clay (and everyone else who will be reading this),

Project Mojave is about way more than building a "freedom business." It's certainly not just about building an online business, or a successful website. This is about redefining the way you think about the roll of income in your life and the ways that you can truly (and directly) impact the lives of others.

I've been hanging out with these crazy Project Mojave people (electronically anyway) for months now and the main thing I've learned has nothing about SEO, adwords, online sales, auto-response sequences, blogging (although I've definitely thrown a bunch of those in my back pocket). The main thing is to realize that I hate working for someone who's working for someone else, who's working for someone else, who happened to found his own successful company. Instead, the path for me and for most people is to create something themselves that directly helps others. Screw bosses and corporate red-tape crap. Screw the corporate ladder. Project Mojave proved to me that I'm in charge of my life, and my future, and my impact on the world.

Fuck yeah. (avert your eyes f-word averse people)

As for me and my results from Project Mojave, I know how to build an online business from market idea to an automatic business. I've gone from literally no internet marketing knowledge to a wide ranging (soon to be) expertise. I'll be launching my first business within the month and I'll be quitting my mind-numbing day job by January.

Winning the lottery isn't the only way to find freedom people!

Seriously, Clay, I really appreciate everything you're doing. You're helping me build my business, freedom, and my brother's nonprofit business.

Everyone else, sign your ass up, you won't look back.

Other Project Mojave members...yo...waddup...y'all are my digital homies.

Clay,
I plan on joining Project Mojave regardless come Tuesday Clay. I'm at a point where I'm drawing the line in the sand and i want to do it with P.M. I love your cut through to the point but compassionate approach.

Project Mojave will support me in creating my freedom business because I'm ready to do it "regardless." Why not do it right with Project Mojave where I am able to cut this LONG curve that I've created for myself with amazing faculty, training and support.

You had me and put the final nail in the coffin when you said you're going to be building one right along side of us. That's putting your money where your mouth is. Not just theory, here's where the line is drawn and how you draw it.

I believe my story is all too common. Spending years online with out really creating a "freedom business." This is not how I want to be remembered.

I've been blogging for nearly 4 or 5 years now and have created what seems like semi success. Really its nothing more than a lot of face time. I've even been featured in Joe Vitale's book Expect Miracles because of my blogging but so what? What is that doing to serve and inspire other people "and" create a freedom business for myself? It's not a win/win situation.

I've been blogging about my passions and expressing myself with my knowledge for a long time now, however I've not done anything to make it a win for myself. (Create cash flow) I've desired to give back to people and I have through my blogging for the past few years but it's time to make it a win/win.

I'm almost there but still too close to the middle. I'm not on the shore but I am in the water and I'm ready to ride the project mojave wave.

I truly feel I'm ready to walk the path and be the student. I desire to inspire others who are "in the middle" like I have been for too long. I'm not embarrassed to say it because I know it's part of my story that will inspire all of those I come in contact with. My desire is to look back on my life and know that I contributed something to improve the quality of peoples lives while making an incredible living.

I'm looking forward to the project regardless of a free membership or not. It just feels right.

I've got the website.
I've got the skills.
I've got the passion.
I need project Mojave to help me put it all together.
At the moment I'm working in a day job that isn't bad, but isn't great. I want to be something more. I know I can do it, I just need some help!
I'm in the quandry where I want to quit my job and work from home (not afraid of hard work) but I feel like I only have about 80% of the knowledge I need to get my "lifestyle design" business going. By that, I mean coming up with a plan and a strategy of how I'm going to make an income and free myself from the rat race. I need to be able to work from home in order for my partner and I to have children, and that's something we *keep* putting off because I'm working a full-time job.
I have most of the puzzle pieces, but there are some gaps and I don't know how to fill them.
I know Project Mojave will help me do this.

Hi Clay,
When I was a child I watched my grandfather run his own business. He morphed it over the years to reflect the market; first as a printing company (pre-1980), then a hardware company focused on printing equipment for computers, and finally a computer software company. Though he passed away in 1997 I still have the bug to be in business for myself. I have struggled to mesh my interests (photography & media) with a business model that works. Recently, I've had an idea of what I could do to build a *business* (rather than just struggle as a self-employed photographer or lighting director or...). I have just begun my work on that. However, where I believe Project Mojave could help me is in confirming market areas my business would thrive in, discover the best ways to market it, and finally succeed at owning the business I've wanted since I watched my grandfather own and run his. I got cut from my job in June. I hate working for other people and I don't know if I can ever work for anyone else again. Which presents a problem because I need an income (before my wife kills me) and we have our first child on the way (in 4.5 months). I need to make this work. And I believe Project Mojave could help me do that.

When I was 8 years old, I had a little business of my own. I was designing a calligraphy magazine for other 8 year olds. Man, did I ever love calligraphy!! For whatever reason, it never made print ;) But something about this really stuck in my mind. I wanted so much to recycle and get my family to recycle. And nothing happened there too. But y'know when there are experiences that haunt you as a kid and you spend the rest of your life trying to "fix them"? Well, having my own business AND making a difference in the world has been one of those things that I have been struggling with so far, and one of the things that is MOST IMPORTANT to me. Kind of like trying to reach the "kick me" sign on your back and not being able to get a hand on it.

So I came across Project Mojave via Tripp Lanier's New Man Podcast. The reason I listened to that show was because I was at a point where I was saying to myself "Dude, you inspect supermarkets and you are the smartest person out there". My heart was ready to explode sometimes when I began seeing HUNDREDS and HUNDREDS of people out there in the British equivalent of "Walmart" (called Sainsbury's) who were so upset and depressed that they had to be in work everyday that resignation, cynicism and extreme fatigue were their "resting states" rather than "joy, ecstasy and passion". It became too much for me, and I quit to begin to make a difference. Two projects later, and I'm starting to "get" that something is in the way...accountability and integrity.

I've been around the "self-development" block more times than Deepak Chopra's used the word "consciousness" in a sentence. And yet, one thing has been missing: MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD. Sure, you may feel better about the little SOB from 8th grade who picked on you, but it's easy to become so self-obsessed with this stuff.

Enter Project Mojave.

It starts with you. Me. Here is a way that you get to push yourself outside of "what you know to be you" to create something for other people...VIA your deepest truth, and make some money. If I think I know something that will make a difference then DAMNIT ... I NEED TO COMMUNICATE TO PEOPLE THIS THING THAT I KNOW!!! They need to hear it. We're all so eager to play it safe, do our personal growth and go home saying we're liberated from our past, but insofar as I can see, this is a way to push your so-called liberation and pass it on.

Human beings are really good at talk. There are things that they want. And when you really get down to it, there are things that they want to really deeply give BACK to the world. I take a stand for people who are in these jobs that don't inspire them. Because as my friend says "It's never a people problem, it's a system problem".

Why do I want to do Project Mojave, Clay? Firstly, let me speak some truth, I'm broke and I can't afford to spend any money just now. Secondly, I KNOW it must be easier than it has been to start a business/project, and I have to liberate myself because I need to give this to other people here in London. I've been following you on twitter and via newsletters etc. And one thing has become clear, it can be done without conning someone/ripping someone off/becoming a heartless "this business is for me and my selfish needs" kinda guy.

I am capable, and so are so many others. Most people don't jump for things because the structure to start a business is often too complex, heartless and overly quantitative (with a twist of overwhelming). We all need to light a fire under our asses at some point in our life. But surely we don't need to sell our souls yet again to an MBA or equivalent just to get to where we want to be. If people ain't making the jump toward liberation out of their heartless supermarket job, then dude...it's a system problem, not a people problem.

Long live the new system for freedom!

Clay,

The Power of Project Mojave is going to come from social proof. All the information that we need to succeed is already available to us. I know you'd be the first to preach this. It's available, if we want it we can get it.

However, there's one thing we can't find on Google very easy. It's someone walking-the-walk. It's someone who has been-there-done-that and has collected the MOST essential information into one easy place. It's someone who is willing to put there money where there mouth is and get in the trenches w/ us.

That's you. That's Project Mojave. That's what gets me excited.

By doing this you eliminate any possible excuse we can have. If we literally see it done before our eyes, we can no longer subscribe to the "well, that works for him, but would never work for me" mentality.

If you see it first hand. If you are given all the resources in one easy to digest form. If others around you are succeeding. Then there is only ONE reason you would fail. Because you don't WANT it, enough.

I for one, want it. I really want it. And that's why I'm looking forward to this launch.

Great stuff, man.

@Ricardo: You wrote a poem?!?! Dude, that's awesome.

@Crystal: You say this: "I have a message that I know can help people improve their lives. I have a burning desire to shift closer to living that purpose, and sharing that light with the world. How could I possibly walk away from an opportunity to quantum leap from my old life to the new one, and not take action?"

. . . that's what Project Mojave is about. Thanks so much for your submission. And for your words.

@Vee: I'm really glad that you understand WHY we've structured things the way we have. And I'm also convinced that "working WITH someone would be just the push, just the impetus [you] would need to really get in gear."

@Aislyn . . . you says "Project Mojave isn’t a class. It’s not a textbook. It isn’t a lecture. Project Mojave is a Path. A direction, a road." I'm going to work really hard to make sure this is true.

Dear Clay,

I thought that only people in bad sitcoms made dramatic life changes in response to turning 30, until I had my 30th birthday this year. Somehow, in between getting a tattoo and a new drum kit and all that deliberately "I'm still rockin" stuff, I did the serious soul-searching thinking about where my life is and where I want it to be. There's a pretty big gap.

When people talk about settling, the tone is always weary and resigned, like a pregnant women sitting down on a beanbag. I haven't been like that. I've been in a state of what I'm going to call "joyous settling": working a pretty-okay job, spending most of my non-work time on DVDs, websites and computer games, and happy 85% of the time. Feeling happy not because I'm accomplishing anything meaningful in my life, but because I'm a naturally joyful person, and receptive to the thousand thousand tiny fantastic happenings each day: the jacaranda blossoms blowing in the wind, the man passing me by with a bird perched in his shirt pocket, the mis-spelled sign.

But happiness is not enough to make up for ten years in which I accomplished almost nothing. I want MEANING as well as joy. I want struggles and scars and difficulty overcome and I want to be able to point back on the next ten years and list all the awesome things I did and all the ways I helped other people.

So I've begun to work on building a freedom business. I bought almost everything Naomi Dunford and Dave Navarro sell and didn't just read it and put it away like I would have done a year ago. I printed out worksheets and completed them and started producing content for a website and they helped a lot. I know one of the ways I want to add more awesomeness to the world and I'm working on it. But I still seem to be missing the steps to make money and quit my job.

I heard about the 30 Day Challenge, and the step-by-step way you're guided through the process of setting up a profitable website so I gave it a try. I got six days in before I choked on the sleaziness and the hard-sell of the recommended tools, but most of all the sad realisation that I'd end up with a profitable website that I cared not a micron about. I didn't want a different type of meaningless employment, I wanted to rock the world!

It feels like fate that this is the time Project Mojave reopens and with a focus on building a meaningful freedom business from the ground up, no spreadsheets or PowerPoint, learning by doing and watching it be done. Yes! That is the help I need to stop talking about this idea and DO IT. I'm psychologically prepared, my family and friends are behind me, I'm not going to settle any longer. Clay, if you help me, I'm going to make the world a more awesome place. I will be happy, and proud, and FREE and I will use all the time I gain from leaving my pretty-okay job to give of myself and pay forward one hundred times the investment you put into me.

And if you don't, I will beg/borrow/steal the money (however much it is) to sign up. I can't afford to wait until the next launch. I've got to be free!

Much love,
Catherine

Hey there, my name is Aislyn.

I'm 18. Life as been tough for me so far. Once, I had a direction. For awhile, I thought I understood how things worked. I was going to go and work for NASA, or be a Doctor. Everything was going to be ok. Things are never really that simple. A wall hit me, and now my precious world view has been shattered. Now I know I was wrong.

Since that happened, my direction has been missing. Nothing makes sense anymore. I found something when I read Naomi's (IttyBiz) "Why We're Broke and How to Fix It", but my follow through is shaky and confused. A business? A business where I can move my own way and help others? It's everything I want and need.

The problem is I don't know how.

Project Mojave isn't a class. It's not a textbook. It isn't a lecture. Project Mojave is a Path. A direction, a road. This path passes through the mountains and the deserts and at the end it leads to your home. With the knowledge and the wisdom here I can turn my confused, ignorant doddle into a run. I can stop hiding from how bad it's gotten since I lost my way and my roof and see it for what it is. Project Mojave will give me the strength I need to start on my way to Freedom. It will help me find my chain and brake it.

I have no money. I haven't got anything at all. With this, I can see past that, and do what needs to be done.

I'm sorry this is so long, but I've been waiting to say this. No one understands, they think it's a scam or something, but I TRUST you. I BELIEVE. You can help me SAVE MYSELF. You can fill this gap in my insides and get me out of here so I can live my life. You can help me skip the suffering of never meeting my potential. You can help me find my role and fill it.

Thank you very much. Just knowing this is out there makes it seem less hopeless. Even if I don't win, I'll figure it out. I'll never stop fighting.

Hi Clay,

The reason I think Project Mojave can really help me build a successful Freedom Business is because you will be showing, not just telling, and, for me, that would make all the difference.

I find myself researching business ideas, buying domain names (I have quite a collection now!) and generally taking an array of initial steps to get going on various projects....then I get stuck. I find myself unsure of what to do next, what's the right step, have I picked the right market, am I doing the right thing...and ultimately, my uncertainty stops me going further, taking those next steps.

Feeling like I'm working WITH someone would be just the push, just the impetus I would need to really get in gear. That support, and the knowledge and guidance that would be shared, would help me bring together my ideas, and research and all those beginnings into something that actually takes shape and finally comes to fruition..a Freedom Business with a high probability of success, set up for success from the outset.

The reason I think Project Mohave can help me create a thriving successful freedom business comes down to one word. Belief.

I know first-hand the power of beliefs. I struggled for years to overcome the victim mentality I grew up with. I was trained to believe I wasn't good enough for anything except abuse, so my life was one long series of abuses. I've clawed my way back and created a good and happy life.

Then I worked on changing what I believed about my value, and seen my income jump to almost, or over, double what it was before. A coincidence? I did it three times. It happened quicker each time I did it.

All my past experiences, though, have been tied to getting paid for my time instead of paid for my value. I'm going through a paradigm shift right now. The people around me are mostly still employees, although I'm reaching out to connect with more 'freedom' people to create that financially independent reality as part of my world. It's all new to me, and I have no idea how long it will take me. However long, I don't intend to stop til I get there.

You, on the other hand, have not only done it, but helped others do it too. For you, it's not belief, it's acknowledged reality. The time-frame to achieving that dream level of independence gets shorter with practise, and if we worked together to create it, I KNOW it would happen in orders of magnitude less time than if I trial and error alone.

I have a message that I know can help people improve their lives. I have a burning desire to shift closer to living that purpose, and sharing that light with the world. How could I possibly walk away from an opportunity to quantum leap from my old life to the new one, and not take action?

@Charlotte, I love the name of your company "inspirIT". That's clever. And I enjoyed reading that "your whole soul, will, and being are invested in this project." That really helps a lot!

--Clay

Since 2004, I have been crawling along, self learning - in a bubble, trying to grow my niche business enough to make a living. It limps, sometimes spurts, and other times it is plain dead in the water, as far as sales go. Just when I feel like I should pass it on to someone else who can really do it justice, because its presence in it's market is too good to just give up on, I came across you. I am interested in your contest offer

Clay,

I sense your authenticity, your passion and your desire to see EVERYONE who joins the program succeed! No more games, no more excuses, this is the real deal.
I’m so excited, I even wrote a poem about my hopes with Project Mojave…

The Mask

Why do I wear this mask all day,
Pretending that all of my life is ok?
Showing the world what they want to see,
Instead of what’s really inside of me…

I can sense in my heart when I take time to listen,
That within me’s a purpose, that completes me as a person.
A purpose so pure, so perfect, so clear,
That the world would lose out if it did not appear.

But society, it seems, had a different agenda,
Rather live for yourself, and choose safety & splendour.
“Come”, said the world, “come quickly and see”,
“Embrace all my pleasures… be all you can be!”

Yet for all comes a day, even with pleasures acquired,
That our spirits feel weak and our souls feel so tired.
I am living my life, I am all I can be,
But do I really own the world… or does it own me?

Could it be, is it true, am I living a lie,
Am I able to fix it, how did it happen and why?
The questions keep coming but its answers I need,

Clay, I will follow, if only you’ll lead.

Project Mojave’s the answer, to the questions in me,
Providing direction, step-by-step till I’m FREE!
Hard work, commitment and always giving my best,
If I can do this, then you’ll teach me the rest!

Yes, then slowly but surely this course will reveal,
What all these years the mask has concealed.
A heart crying FREEDOM, a life lived WITHOUT measure,
Showing all of the world, this too long hidden treasure!

_ _ _

I have never shared my poetry before, so thank you for taking the time to read it. I honestly sense that Project Mojave is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn how to;

• Really do business online, no more gimmicks or smoke & mirrors
• Live authentically & free
• Share my passion with the world
• Associate with and learn from a true success coach who cares more about my
achievement than making money

I have been carrying my dream for along time, it is time to make it a reality….

Ricardo

@Mariano Hello from the United States to Brazil!

Thanks for the submission. What I'm excited about for you is the reality that competition is MUCH LESS outside of the U.S. market. In a lot of cases, doing extremely well in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking markets is much easier. (Everyone in the U.S. competes in the U.S. Market . . . and most people outside the U.S. compete in the U.S. market: so things get much easier when you're competing in Europe, South America, etc.).

Thanks again for the note!

Warm regards from a cold Minnesota,
Clay

Hi Clay!

First of all, thanks for this contest and for your dedication to making Project Mojave what it is. It's extremely exciting to watch.

I started my business, inspirIT, as a way to live my values. I've been working in the technology field for years, but my efforts have always gone to propping up large banks and corporations - entities which are not geared towards providing freedom for anyone.

Two weeks ago, I left my job to begin working full-time on my business. I could have used the money I was making to slowly grow my business in my spare time - but I don't want to grow slowly. I didn't want to keep snatching hours out of my day to grow inspirIT (I was only sleeping 3 hours a night for a while, spending every waking moment doing things like building my site, doing client work, etc). I wanted to openly declare and live my values - freedom for myself and others, the pursuit of art and creativity, and giving freely back to the world.

I've worked with several wonderful clients so far who absolutely rave about the service they've received... but I'm at a bit of a loss right now as to how to find more people to grow this thing.

This is where Project Mojave comes in. I could continue growing inspirIT by trial and error. I WILL continue to do so if I don't get into Project Mojave. But I want to reach more of my Right People sooner. I want to be able to use my knowledge of and love for technology to free brilliant, creative people to do their best work. I want to contribute to the world by helping others contribute to the world. To do that in the best and fastest manner possible, however, I need expert guidance. Guidance in finding my Right People. Guidance in figuring out how to best help them. Guidance in providing the most value to the people I work with.

My whole soul, will, and being are invested in this project. I think my passion for technology and entrepreneurship - and for life in general - could power a city. And I've only found this passion and dedication increasing in the time I've been free from working for others. I'll do absolutely whatever it takes to make this thing a success.

(Also, eventually I'd like to free myself up to do my most creative work - to finally finish a novel I've had in me since I was 12. This is also where I need your help to set up my business model in such a way as to provide maximum freedom for my own creativity as well.)

Thanks so much for this opportunity,
Charlotte

Hi Clay,

I think mojave project mainly addressed the very issue of testing the market, I think this is VERY important, we all have ideas we like, but others may not like them, and we have to test them to be sure they are great ideas. How to find out what consumer wants? I think this is the most important question on a business and I'm sure with the Project Mojave I will find this answer.

So I'm from Brazil, and people here are not used to create prosperous business on the Internet and they do not believe so much in this, then I would like to receive this opportunity to prove to everyone that this is possible.

and congrats Clay, you're doing a great job with this project.

As we speak here in Brazil, a hug and good luck! =)

@Nick, your submission is really inspiring. I really like this:

"I will say that I am stepping out of my “comfort zone” regardless if I am to participate in Project Mojave or not, and I am leaving the shores of “wage slave” comfort, burning my bridges of security and going out to learn in whatever way I can, hard or not. I am leaving my day job, and I am going to learn by trial and error. I know that I will and can succeed with the assistance of those who care and by doing my best to help others succeed once I have attained success."

Anyway, I've got a really good hunch that you're going to make your dream a reality. Especially with your mindset.

--Clay

Why do I think that Project Mojave can help me build a succesful, thriving Freedom Business?

I think that Project Mojave can help me build a succesful, thriving Freedom Business for many reasons. For one thing, this information would be completely new to me, and I know that I would absorb every last bit of information that I could. I am literally in PAIN about how badly I want to succeed, and I know that having an intelligent guide and mentor can definitely improve my knowledge and lessen some of the pain as I attempt to forge my way on the "independent" path of an entrepreneur.

I am at a point in my life where I feel I am undergoing a fundamental shift in the way that I view the possibilitites of making a living, and making a contribution to others. I am an artist by most of the day, and I am inspired daily to devote myself to mastering the Art of many things-sharing something with others that they can treasure being the highest Art. Yet, all I know to do is to gather information, read books, do my best to make connections, and hope that someone will find my contribution worthy.

I am aware that selling and marketing one's ideas is essential to gaining the momentum for feeling that one is making a difference. Many a night I have wondered if all of the inspiration I feel is to be lost to me, my artwork, and an empty room. BUT, I don't and won't give up on my burning desire and I refuse to settle for anything but becoming succesful and giving my gifts. Additonally, I know that the possibilities are greater than I know, and that my skill set can be utilized in many new, creative, and unthought of ways. I feel that Project Mojave could be a great step toward assisting me and inspiring me to even greater achievement once I can see what is possible with right knowledge and right guides.

In closing, I will say that I am stepping out of my "comfort zone" regardless if I am to participate in Project Mojave or not, and I am leaving the shores of "wage slave" comfort, burning my bridges of security and going out to learn in whatever way I can, hard or not. I am leaving my day job, and I am going to learn by trial and error. I know that I will and can succeed with the assistance of those who care and by doing my best to help others succeed once I have attained success. Thanks Clay!

Sincerely,

Nick Navatta

@Jerry, thanks for your amazing submission, and for the generosity of your second comment. :-). I like what you're doing with you business.

PS -
I can afford to pay for Project Mojave, so I'd rather you give the free membership to someone who might really need it - so please don't necessarily consider the above an entry, just me sharing.

Best
Jerry

I want to run a business, and you're plan sounds great!
The ideas I have seen about scaling a business and finding an audience have been fantastic.
I am just starting to set up my photography business.
I really want to watch how you interact with so many people and build up an audience with social media. Watching how you build your success will be an inspiration to me and help me learn how to build my own success.
I think it would be great to win this, but I would also be happy to see someone else win this and build a thriving business. Watching other's revel in success is almost as good as getting it yourself.

Hi Clay,

Here's why I am interested in Project Mojave, adapted from my "about" page.

I'm a successful TV producer in NYC. From the outside, it looks like I "have it all" (whatever "it all" is). I love my job, but it's not satisfying on a deep level. You might say I suffer from being really good at something I love that also pays well, if that makes any sense.

There is a level of "manifestation" that I struggle with. I realized in the last year that if I began to strip away the nonessential and start to spend more life energy on the stuff that matters on a deeper level, that I might really have a story to tell.

My website (and ultimately, my online/offline business) is that story.

JerryKolber.com is about what I've learned on the way to manifesting my true potential, my successes and my struggles. A few times a week, I write about what's going on in my world. Or I'll share a creativity technique, or insight from my meditation practice, or something that's troubling me. Maybe it will resonate with my readers, maybe not.

While I imagine anyone might find what I write useful, it's not a "get up and travel the world" site like Tim Ferris, or Cody McKibben, or any of those awesome inspiring guys in their 20's-ish who don't have quite as much of a web to extricate themselves from. It's for people like me who are in between.

My business is not about telling you how to quit your job, because I'm not quitting mine. But I CAN tell you how I manage to do my work and to find time for projects that matter. I can tell you how I take babysteps towards freedom.

And if I ever do decide to quit my job, be a rockstar travel junkie, and work four hours a week, you'll be the first to know.

And before you say "hey wait a minute Mr. TV Producer" what are you griping about? You look like you've got it all figured out" - here's where I am coming from with my writing, consulting, and coaching. If we accept the level of luxury and comfort that everyone in America (except a tiny percentage) enjoy, without using that as a foundation to manifest what truly matters even beyond perceived success, we've failed.

So in the end, my business is: Lifestyle design for people with lives.

Looking forward to the Project launch.

Jerry