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Changing Course Newsletter: Issue 21

Date: Jun 18, 2001
Subject: Changing Course Newsletter: Issue 21

Changing Course Newsletter
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Issue 21 - June 18, 2001
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Brought to you by Changing Course
http://www.ChangingCourse.com Dedicated to helping you:
~ Live Life on Purpose
~ Work at What You Love
~ Follow Your Own Road


Barbara Sher, author of "I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It
Was," calls Changing Course "wonderful, inspired and informative."


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QUOTE FOR THE DAY
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When you get in a tight place and everything goes against you, till it
seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up
then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.
~ Harriet Beecher Stowe


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FEATURED ARTICLE: Getting An MBA Online
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Linda L. Lewis

Many people reach an age when they think they know it all and stay in
the same rut. But, at age 40, Dennis Williams still has dreams and goals
which allow him to excel. This Native American was working at the
Housing Authority of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation property manager in
Checotah, Oklahoma.

There, he managed a 74-unit apartment complex. Up until then he had
worked a series of odd jobs, but he wanted to go farther in his career.
Dennis decided that in order to climb the employment ladder, he was
going to need to expand his education.

Dennis graduated from Northeastern State University with his Bachelor's
degree in May 1997. The next step was to seek his Master's. He heard
about the University Alliance and Regis University, through the GMAT
testing service. He started attending the Regis Online MBA program
through a scholarship provided through the American Indian Graduate
Center.

The switch from attending classes on campus to attending online was
quite a challenge. He was not completely comfortable or literate with
the computer going in, but he soon learned everything he needed to know.
Dennis also found it enlightening to communicate with the other students
around the United States and the world via email and chat rooms.

"I really feel like I got a more worldly view by earning my MBA online,"
Dennis said. "I worked with classmates in all different fields from all
over the world. I'm not sure I would have gotten that from a land-based
school."

The flexibility of the online MBA program through University Alliance
with asynchronous learning also allowed him to continue to excel at his
full-time job, because he could study and learn at his convenience. "The
main advantage to working online was the ability to find my own time to
read, listen to the lectures (sometimes twice and rewind was nice), and
study on my own schedule. The online coursework introduced me to the
Internet and its endless possibilities."

When asked about how he had set his schedule to succeed, Dennis stated,
"I tried to study a couple of hours each night. I would do research
through the week and complete the assigned case study on the weekend."

He persevered with his studies and completed the 10-course program in
just 18 months without taking a break. He graduated in December 1999.
The Housing Authority of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma
promoted him after graduation to Resident Services Coordinator over 1800
housing (houses and apartment) units. In this position, Dennis was able
to obtain the Authority's first grant of $350,000 through Housing and
Urban Development.

Not letting the dry Oklahoma dust settle under him, he is currently
applying for the Executive Director/Deputy Director position with the
National Association of Indian Housing Council in Washington, DC. Dennis
Williams is another example of how ambition and education, combined with
determination, provide the stepping stones that help anyone change
course and pursue their dreams.


For more information on online programs offered by the University
Alliance call 800-874-7877 or visit their web site at
http://www.universityalliance.com/programs/Programs.html


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LOOKING FOR YOUR 15 MINUTES OF FAME?
The Wall Street Journal Wants to Hear From You!
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I received a call the other day from a story researcher at The Wall
Street Journal. She wanted to know if I'd found the slowing economy to
be having an effect - good or bad - on people's decisions to change
course. In all honesty, I told her, I hadn't seen much evidence of such
a trend.

I haven't seen much, if any, talk about the economy among participants
on the Changing Course Bulletin board. There's been no noticeable
decline in visitors to the Changing Course site. And, I haven't seen any
sudden up-tick in subscribers contacting me to express concern. If these
factors are any indication, the economy doesn't appear to be a big
show-stopper for those determined to go after more meaningful work
lives. To the contrary, some people who feel their jobs are vulnerable
to elimination may be more inclined to want to take control of their own
destinies.

Just because I am not seeing evidence of a connection between a slowing
economy and people deferring their dreams doesn't mean it isn't having
an impact. So,I thought I would go to the source!

If you have an opinion on this subject let your voice be heard! I have
set up a special topic area on the Changing Course Bulletin Board for
anyone who wants to share their experience or insight on how the economy
is - or is not - affecting how you feel, what you think, or what you are
or plan to do to change course.

If you are willing to be interviewed, be sure to register or otherwise
include your e-mail address. (FYI, I don't sell, barter or in any other
way share contact or other information about registered users,
subscribers or customers.)

You can join the discussion at
http//www.ChangingCourse.com/forums.htm


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If You Can Write a Simple Letter, You Can Earn a Great
Living as a Professional Copywriter
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I'm pretty picky about what resources I recommend to my readers. I won't
endorse anything that promises you can "get rich quick" or that
professes to know the "secret" of "fast, easy success." Hey, if you
could really earn $1,000 a week stuffing envelopes at home, the American
workplace would have emptied out long ago.

As much as we may wish for some magic answer, the fact of the matter is
this: Changing course to create the kind of work and life you really
want takes time, effort and commitment. Period.

Naturally then I was somewhat skeptical when the American Writers &
Artists Institute (AWAI) contacted me about their course "Accelerated
Program for Six-Figure Copywriting." Before I recommend anything to my
readers I like to see it for myself. The AWAI was more than happy to
oblige. In a matter of days, I received the entire course - almost 700
pages of material!

Before I launched Changing Course, I worked in marketing. So, I like to
think I know a little about the direct mail and copywriting world. To
say that I was impressed with the course content would be an
understatement. It is highly readable, thorough, and on-target. In
short, these instructors know their stuff!

The corporation I used to work for paid to send me to a 2-day direct
mail course in New York City. The tuition was over $1500 and that didn't
include travel, lodging and food. It was a good course but not everyone
has an employer to foot the bill. So I particularly liked the fact that
the AWAI made their copywriting course affordable to those trying to
change careers on a budget.

I discovered from the course materials that you don't have to be a
professional writer - or a writer at all - to learn how to be a top
notch copywriter. In fact, if you can write a simple letter, you can
learn to be a well-paid copywriter earning your living from anywhere in
the world you choose to be - a log cabin in the mountains, a London
flat, a tropical island or the comfort and convenience of your own home
office.

According to AWAI, top copywriters earn up to $200,000 a year. Of
course, most make considerably less. Still, according to the AWAI it is
not atypical for a good copywriter to earn $60,000-$80,000 a year.

Here is how the course is broken down:

Part I gives you a solid background into what it takes (and doesn't
take) to be a successful copywriter.

Part II and III are your copywriting "primer." This is where you learn
how to get going on your new copywriting career, as well as the
important secrets you need to know before you sit down to write your
first letter.

Part IV is what the course instructors call "The Money Run." Here you
learn everything from A-Z about copywriting. You'll even write your
first direct mail piece letter (with the entire American Writers and
Institute Board by your side to review your work) - which could even
lead to your first paid assignment.

Part V is an in-depth look at the business of copywriting. This is where
you learn to sell yourself to your clients and find out how to get
access to the major players in the direct mail industry.

Part VI is where the masters of copywriting reveal what made them so
successful.

You also get a separate book called Direct Mail Hall of Fame with
samples of the most successful direct mail promotions ever. This is no
flimsy add-on. This book alone is 178 pages long!

There aren't many people out there who can afford to just quit their job
to learn a new skill. That's why I like the practical step-by-step
approach this course takes. Since the course is broken up into 13
installments it can be fit into anyone's schedule. This 10 month course
allows you to learn at your own pace without getting overwhelmed.

Finally, as I said earlier, I especially like that the course doesn't
cost an arm and a leg. Not only is your investment a modest one, but the
option to break the payments up make it even more affordable. The first
installment is $79. After that the course costs only $39 a month. That's
less than a lot of people pay for cable television! And wouldn't it make
a lot more sense to spend time doing something that can free you from
"job jail" than watching other people trying to get rich quick on Who
Wants to be a Millionaire?

Whether you're curious to learn more about launching a career as a
professional copywriter or want to improve your writing skills to
promote your own business, I encourage you to take a few moments to
check out the American Writers & Artists Institute's Accelerated Program
for Six-Figure Copywriting course
athttp://www.thewriterslife.com/changingcourse This resource can also
be found in the Resources for a Change section on the Changing Course
web site.

If after seeing what the Institute has to offer you decide to take the
course, I would love to hear what you think! And if you want to practice
by writing some great copy to help promote Changing Course - I'd love to
see it.



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INSPIRATION TO FOLLOW YOUR BLISS
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Careers, like rockets, don't always take off on schedule. The key is to
keep working the engines.
~ Gary Sinise


I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking
upward.
~ Charlotte Bronte


If you hear a different drummer -- dreamer, take a chance... The road
you choose to travel means the difference in the dance.
~ D. Morgan


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IN THE LIVE YOUR DREAM STORE
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ROAD MAP FOR YOUR DREAMS: Valerie's booklet, 10 Steps to Escaping the
Job World and Creating the Life You Really Want may be just what you
need to put you on the track to a richer more rewarding work/life.
Even if you don't order a darned thing, I invite you to read Step One of
the 10 steps at http//www.ChangingCourse.com/articles/



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VAL'S PICKS AND PONDERINGS
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PART I: This week I have two picks for you.

INSPIRATION: A friend sent me a link to a short presentation called
Interview with God. You don't have to believe in a Higher Power to be
inspired by this soulful combination of awe-inspiring pictures and
deeply wise words. I am told the site may not be up long. Hopefully
anyone who is interested can still get an instant lift at
http://www.reata.org/interview.html


USE YOUR VACATION TO CHANGE COURSE: Some folks out in California asked
me to pass along some information about an event called the First Annual
LifePart2 Festival. I took a look at the conference web site and liked
what I saw. If you can, you might want to consider skipping the beach or
otherwise using your vacation time to recharge your batteries and
prepare for LifePart2!

Here is how the organizers describe the event:

The aging experience enriches your life and strengthens your soul. As
you age, you will assume the role of wisdom keeper, teacher and role
model, constructing a vision of both past and future for your own
generation and for those that follow.

The LifePart2 Festival brings together some of the foremost minds as we
combine inspirational keynote addresses with effective and fun
workshops. Empower yourself to enhance your experience and your outlook
of mid and late life to the maximum while you enjoy a weekend at the
beautiful family-owned Town and Country Resort in San Diego.

Several of the greatest spiritual and personal coaches of our time will
offer keynote presentations and workshops on issues pertinent to those
over 40. Presenters include Marianne Williamson, Deepak Chopra, Ram
Dass, Cheryl Richardson, Jean Houston, David Whyte, Angeles Arrien and
Horace Deets. Topics included in the dialog - life balance, body, soul,
work/money, community, creativity, longevity, relationship, and fun.
Ample free time is set aside to explore in a delightful vacation and
retreat setting the worlds of yoga, tai chi, meditation, tae-bo, and
more. LifePart2 will be held September 13-16

SAVE $100! When I visited the LifePart2 site I saw the deadline for
taking advantage of the early registration price of $395 had expired on
June 15th. So I contacted the organizers and asked if they could extend
this special early registration price for a few days for any of my
subscribers who'd like to attend (the price before July 15th is now
$495, after July 15th it will be $575.) They said 'yes'!

If you'd like to sign up, simply reference me (Valerie Young) or this
newsletter when you enroll and the nice people at LifePart2 will honor
the $395 registration fee and you'll have saved $100! For more
information call 1-877-309-1946 or visit http://www.lifepart2.org


PART 2: A bit of pondering on the importance of listening to your own
heart.

It is so very gratifying to see total strangers reaching out to support
one another's dreams through the Changing Course Bulletin Board. I was
particularly struck with the advice that Sandy offered a fellow
participant who was afraid to go after her dream of becoming a
photographer.

I hope Sandy does not mind me sharing her experience and sage advice
with a larger audience. Here is what she wrote:

"When I was 19 I was working full-time as a legal secretary in
Washington, D.C. The attorney whom I was working for was in his 30's and
said something to me that has stuck ever since. He said, "you know
something Sandy, all my life, all I wanted was to become a bartender,
but my parents would not go for that and made me become an attorney. I
am miserable doing this.

I'll never forget that or him and how sad I felt for him. It was his
body language that I remember too - how he was slumped over behind his
desk, his head drawn down - the sadness and visible pain etched on his
face. Had his parents not stood in his way, he perhaps could have owned
a restaurant with a bar and lived each day fully in a way that spoke to
his spirit. I can only hope that he did one day take the courage, and
leave that law firm."

Now a parent herself, Sandy was determined not to make this same mistake
with her own daughter, now 17. "I always encouraged her to follow your
dreams and the money will follow. I [told her] not to allow her ego to
get in her way. Do not seek a job for the money alone or she will be
miserable, and will waste that money and have health problems and so on.
Whatever it is that makes her feel 'alive' and speaks to her spirit and
soul is what she should pursue."

Maybe you didn't have a parent like Sandy. But as the saying goes, it's
never too late to have a happy childhood. Parents, aspiring bartenders,
locksmiths, gardeners, writers, carpenters, chefs, and other dreamers...
are you listening? Good. Now what's your next action?

As one of my all-time favorite authors Barbara Sher so aptly put it,
"Isolation is the dream killer." To get and give support, brainstorm
ideas, offer or find inspiration get involved at
http//www.ChangingCourse.com/forums.htm



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