Can You Handle the TRUTH???!!!???

The Matrix (1999) Movie - Blue Pill or Red Pill
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

I love that scene from The Matrix! It says about all that needs to be said and when it comes to the rest of my (just beginning) career as a writer and speaker, this will be my motto.

Do you want the truth or not? If you don't, don't come to me! If you want to coast through life asleep, I'M NOT YOUR GUY!

Bengal cat

Description: The Bengal cat is a breed of cats appeared 20 years ago and is the result of high breeding wild Asian leopard cats with a domestic breed. In our country there are recently emerged breeders and kitten prices for this race start at 2000-2500 dollars. The suggestion for business is Bengali cat breeder.

Resources needed: - documentation in terms of raising cats
                                 -acquisition costs for pedigree cats from different families
                                - Expenses concerning space and planning
                                - other expenses (vaccinations, health card, veterinarian, etc.)
Pros: - there are very few breeders, the demand is currently higher than the supply
          - the selling price is high
          - the increase of the business does not require expenses

Cons: - the acquisition of the first pairs can be very expensive (it is necessary to purchase pairs with pedigree)

Conclusion: Such a farm can be a very profitable investment provided one can accumulate the know-how necessary for the growth and reproduction of the breed.

Bulgarian training bag

Description: Also known as "the ultimate training tool", this product is considered a very efficient fitness device setting in motion many muscle groups. The device consists of a bag with handles and filled with sand, and they come in different sizes and weights.

               Here is an example of  how to use such an equipment:

      The business is the import and the marketing of the proposed device.
Resources needed: - documentation regarding the purchase from the cheapest source
                                 - expenses related to product acquisition
                                 - product promotion
Pros: - easy to store, being small
                     - it can be transported easily, allowing training in other places than the gym.
Cons: - if the product is promoted well, this business does not involve disadvantages

Conclusion: Many training methods, the compact form and the easy storage make this product  a business opportunity worth giving a try.

Musical instruments rental

Description: Often you happen to buy a product and after a few weeks you get bored of it. It can also happen that you buy a musical instrument that you want to play, which can be very expensive, and if you decide that it does not fir you in a few weeks, then you are faced with a financial loss.
             The business I suggest here is the rental of musical instruments. This type of activity
can be meant for both beginners and bands in need of an instrument before an event.

Resources needed: -first acquisition-related expenses of musical instruments
                                 -promoting the service through a website and / or posters

                     -solid documentation about the types of musical instruments                             

Pros: - the possibility of obtaining passive income
          - the investment can be done gradually
          - the music industry is a thriving business
Cons: - being a rental business, you need a strategy based on the collateral damage.
Conclusions: Good quality musical instruments have great time endurance and a long life, which makes them a product that can be easily valued in rental business.

Should Prayer be Part of a Business Plan?

I have been asked on occasion, before undertaking a new business initiative, if I have obtained the blessing of a Rabbi.  Here in the secular, material post-modern western world, this is not question to which most people can relate, especially in Manhattan, where voodoo has more credibility than G-d.  This is not a sermon, by the way, just some thoughts about whether or not prayer should be a component of a business plan, along with advertising, marketing, networking, etc.

We are religious in the observance of the secular commandments that are essential to our success in business.  We go to networking events.  We use Facebook and Twitter to help make our websites socially relevant.   I’m 57 years old, and suddenly I find myself “tweeting” to an audience, even writing a blog.  We must pay homage to the secular god of our day and age, Google, in order that we may land on the sacred first page of web searches for our services.  Does it not also make sense to ask the true G-d of the universe to help us comprehend the mystery of Google’s algorithms, and help us achieve our business goals?  It doesn’t if we don’t believe in Him.  It doesn’t if we believe that after creating the world, He deserted his post.  It does, if we believe that He is within each of us, guiding the destiny of the world and of all living things.

In order to seek out the blessing of a Rabbi or spiritual leader of another faith, you have to first believe that obtaining such a blessing would in some way be effectual.  In the Jewish faith, some figures of particularly righteous character are believed to be capable of channeling G-d’s good will upon another.  Years ago, people would stand on line for hours to obtain the blessing of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the famed Lubavitcher Rebbe.  We learn from the Torah that even the blessing of an ordinary man, even a thief and a scoundrel can be beneficial.  

Most people that I know believe in G-d, but their ideas about the subject are very fuzzy.  Since G-d is an abstraction, most people do not relate to Him/Her in a concrete way, except through formal prayer, in synagogue and in church, and other houses of worship.  Most American Jews to not take a proactive role in prayer.  They rely on defense.  They go to synagogue once a year, (if they go at all), on the ominous Day of Atonement, Yom  Kippur, to ask  forgiveness for their transgressions.

The Jewish religion also affords an individual an opportunity to ask for G-d’s blessing, in the form of ritualized prayer, three times a day.  There is an optional prayer that one may insert in each prayer service that relates specifically to livelihood.

I recall a cartoon I once saw in a magazine of a man pleading with G-d to make him a lottery winner.  It showed a large dark cloud in the sky above him.  A zigzag lightning bolt emanated from the cloud along with a booming heavenly response:  “At  least buy a ticket.”

That’s the message of this muse.  If we want G-d to grant us success in business, perhaps we should consider buying the ticket.

Happy holidays to all.

A Simple Exercise Can Make a Big Difference

Here's a short blog today. It comes from a discussion Pastor Eastland was leading in Bible Study last night at HOPE Church - Pearland. It's simple. Here it is:

1. Take out a sheet of paper.
2. Write down what your life looks like six months from now in your mind.
3. Bonus: if you're in a serious relationship or married, share it with your partner. Talk about what you see.

If you're doing this by yourself, it can help lift your focus off of your day-to-day and give you hope...reminding you why you're working. If you're in a relationship, it can be a quick check to make sure you two are still going the same direction. If you're not, why not discuss it?


The picture is my "picture" of my future. I think it's too small for you nosy folks!

Mark Anthony McCray helps people live on PURPOSE, achieve higher PERFORMANCE and experience true PROSPERITY. Be sure to subscribe to this blog so you don't miss a thing and forward this to a friend if you found it helpful. All material © Copyright, Mark Anthony McCray unless otherwise noted!

He can be reached in the following ways:

Mark@LiveBIGDieEmpty.com
Phone: 281-846-5720
Twitter: @LiveBIGDieEmpty
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LiveBIGDieEmpty
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/markanthonymccray/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103149858138414160703/posts
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/markanthonymccray
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/markmccray/

For more information on Mark as a speaker or presenter check out http://livebigdieempty.blogspot.com/p/about-mark_29.html

Confessions of an MLM Virgin

I think I want to do it. I just don't know. I've never done it before so I don't know what I'm missing. It could be the greatest thing ever. Everyone says it is. (Some people are bitter, but I can't base my decisions off of them, can I?)

I mean...I really want to do it, but I want my first time to be special. I want it to mean something because I've been saving myself for the right one. I know I'm special. I know I have a lot to offer the right one and I know I'm attractive. A lot of them want me. I've even met one or two who could be the one...I'm just not sure. I can't allow myself to be treated like trash and thrown away after they get what they want!

I'm human. I'm tempted. I deal with temptation every day. I'm sure I'll do it soon. I just want it to be special.

I've never done any kind of MLM before. I think I'm almost ready.

I'm probably making too much of this.

Mark's Review of an Awesome Book: "A Misrepresentation of Myself" by Mary E. Gilder

"This isn't exactly for boy scouts. I just want you to know ahead of time, okay?"

That's what Mary told me before my book had even arrived in the mail. What a way to preface the book she had just written and wanted me to review. She was right. It wasn't for a boy scout, but it was real. Very real.

Writing a book is very hard work. I should know. Writing a good book? The author should be congratulated. Today, therefore, I'm throwing praises at Mary E. Gilder, my friend and excellent writer. Her novel, A Misrepresentation of Myself, is definitely one you should check out.

In fact, why not support her buy purchasing one now? Here's the link: A Misrepresentation of Myself on Amazon.com

I met MarShana Gilder at the Starbucks I frequented in Pearland. She did two things every time I visited for my cup of liquid energy: made me laugh and told me about how her mom is a great writer. This went on for a while, to my embarrassment, until I finally picked up the phone and spoke to Mary myself. I shouldn't have waited so long to meet such a dynamic, intelligent and vibrant woman. Her energy came through the phone.

I shouldn't have waited so long to read her book either. She asked me to give my thoughts not too long after we met. I had started and stopped and started and stopped. She had written a novel, after all, and how was a novel going to make my life better? Self-centered Mark often puts off things such as "supporting other people" and other such touchy-feelies in life. Nevertheless, I've discovered that not reading the book was my loss, too.

Mary's done an excellent job of crafting a story about people very much like those whom I've passed every day, but have the inner-workings of their minds nor the pains in their hearts. It's hard to review literature without giving too much away. Therefore, I'll just say this: her characters are dealing with real life in real ways. They're probably a lot like you or someone you know. Life is full of pain. If you can find someone with whom to share some of it along with some laughs, hold on.

I liked it. I think you'll like it, too. The people at Redbook like what they've learned of Mary. I was so proud to see her share a part of her own life story in the magazine recently! (I'm just throwing this in because I can!) Mary E. Gilder is representing herself nicely.

The novel can be ordered or purchased from all book stores and if readers desire a signed copy, they can forward a check or money order to: Mary E. Gilder P.O. Box 1555. Newark, Ca 94560.

Antiques dealing

Description: Antiquities are considered to be the best investment, because, unlike other objects, they increase their value over time. A collector would provide extremely large amounts of money on an object, knowing that in a few years, not only will they recover their investment, but will also make a profit. The rural areas abound in such objects waiting to be found and purchased. They can be antique furniture, various household items, books, letters, coins, bills, statuettes, pottery ware, etc.

     The proposed business is the acquisition and direct sale of antiquities. We all know that all over the country you can find bargains, but it takes a trained eye to determine the exact value of the object.

Resources needed: - availability to travel, negotiating techniques
                                 - documentation and knowledge in the field of antiquities
                                 - expenses for travel and purchase
                                 - relations with antique shops and / or collectors
Pros: - depending on your negotiating skills you can stumble upon true bargains
          - any purchased item will pay off in time
          - antiquities gain value over time
Cons: - lack of solid documentation can produce worthless acquisitions
Conclusions: An activity that can bring substantial income in your spare time. This  is always an activity that is worth a shot, although competition is high.

Rent jewelry for special occasions

Description: This activity appears to be increasingly sought, and there are very few companies offering such a service. On short, customers will be brides, women who have a special presentation, people who participate in various social events, celebrities, etc. Prices range from several dozen to several hundred dollars, and the time of rental will be per day or per event.

Although at first glance this seems an expensive activity, we must keep in mind that the investment income is passive and can be done gradually.

Resources needed: - documentation in terms of buying brands
                                 - expenses related to the acquisition of premium jewelry
                                 - expenses related to a product presentation site
                                 - achieving a client portfolio
Pros: - this is a passive activity that brings income
          - the investment may be gradual
          - once you've made ​​some client relationships, you are becoming increasingly more sought
          - quick recovery of the investment
Cons: - being a rental activity, it is important to select a reliable customer base and designing a strategy will not produce large loses.
          - you must buy expensive products to make the customers feel it's worth renting
Conclusion: It starts to become an increasing activity in the field, especially among brides. Such a business is worthwhile, unless you lose customers; otherwise the advantages are on your side.

Lagotto Romagnolo

Description: Perhaps you have heard of truffles, they are those mushrooms that grow on the roots of trees on hill and mountain areas. They are considered delicacies in our country and the sale price is about 250 dollars / pound, but it depends on the kind of truffle. But this work requires very large expenditure, gasoline, time lost in the woods, specially trained dogs, dog food and there are days when you have the chance to find nothing. But all the truffle hunters know

it's the quality that first matters, specially trained dogs in this case for this type of activity being vital.

The business is proposing a mini-loft Lagotto Romagnolo breed dogs. A puppy costs between 600-1200 dollars, and an adult dog specially trained ranges from 3500 to 7000 dollars.
Resources needed: -documentation/experience in breeding dogs
                               - A country house
                               - Money to purchase a puppy (female)
                               - Expenditure on food, vaccines
                               - Mating costs (it is important that the perfect pairing with a male to do with the pedigree of the same breed), the puppies will become a value obtained as parents.
                               - Training
Pros: - initial costs for maintaining a single dog can be easily supported on a minimum wage
          - Expansion is gradual and it reinvests the money obtained
          - there are more people interested in becoming truffle seekers
          - This is a small dog, weighing 20-30 pounds at maturity and has a height of up to 50 inches.
Cons: - Lack of experience in raising dogs can cause problems and unexpected expenses
           - It is necessary to purchase a puppy with pedigree, which can cost up to 1500 dollars
           - Training for this kind of activity can sometimes be costly
Conclusion: the truffle trade is beginning to expand, but it will take a while to reach its full potential. In such a business there are great opportunities, even if you don’t sell the dogs, as specially trained dogs can make money for the owner.

Angora rabbit

Description: This breed of rabbit is recognized by its unusually long hair. In many countries this kind of rabbit is a significant and steady source of income and it is important to notice that, unlike other animals for their fur, rabbits should not be sacrificed, but only trimmed. Every 3 months you can cut the rabbit’s hair and use it in the manufacturing of angora wool. Beds or articles of clothing made out ​​of this material are considered extremely fluffy and extremely
popular. There are several types of Angora rabbits, but the most remarkable is the Satin Angora rabbit, which has a shiny hair and a more intense color.
             The proposed business is farming Angora rabbits for their fur. It can harvest annually up to 2 pounds of hair, which is used for garments mixed with other types of wool. Textile products made ​​from such materials are used for medical purposes in the treatment of rheumatism.
Resources needed: - information on the Angora rabbit rearing
                                 - possession of buildable space to put up a small farm
                                 - money for buying the first family of rabbits, the purchase price, approximately 50 dollars.
                                 - the acquisition or construction of cages
                                 - the purchase of necessary food for rabbits
Pros: - most products are imported
          - the breeding is as productive as that of normal rabbits
Cons: - it requires regular brushing and trimming every 3 months

Conclusion: For those who have the resources needed, it is a business with minimal investment which is definitely worth trying, especially as there is little competition.

Saffron

 Description: It is considered to be the most expensive spice in the world. This is done by cultivating the plant, but what is used as a spice is just their stigmas, which are actually three in number, but only one is precious, the other two are called "feminine" and have no taste or scent. Propagation of such plants is done by bulbs, as these plants don’t produce seeds. The best time to plant this flower is spring, and the suitable soil is clay or silica. To obtain 2 pounds of saffron
you have to gather more than 150,000 flowers, growing on a surface up to 2 square miles. Obvious reasons for this spice to be so expensive, as  the gram of saffron does not sell under 7 dollars.

             The aim of the business is to cultivate these flowers and harvest saffron for marketing.
Resources needed: - rigorous documentation regarding the cultivation and harvesting of saffron
                                - acquisition-related charges for early bulbs, which can be extremely expensive
                                - availability of land or of space for small scale crops in pots
Pros:- small investment

         - the price is high
Cons: - harvesting saffron is a job that requires precision and patience
           - we need many flowers to obtain a considerable harvest of saffron
Conclusion: This sort of spice does not have any other substitute in the kitchen. It is a spice that would be successful, especially in luxury restaurants, recipes, high-end cuisin.

Fruit in a bottle

Description: The season is coming for the right deal. Briefly, it consists of applying small bottles on the fruit as it begins to grow. The final product will have a special effect and will consist of a bottle of alcohol with fruit inside it. The combination of alcohol to be put in those bottles depends on your skill and imagination for a special appearance. These bottles are sold at high prices, depending on the quality of the drink’s age and alcohol used in it. Here is how to realize this product:

Resources needed: - access to fruit trees, you do not need an entire orchard as it takes only several trees on the limbs of which the bottles are bound

                                 - bottles of interesting shapes

                                 - recipes and combinations that you will use

                                 - documentation and authorizing to sell of these products

Pros: - very small investment

          - process is not complex, but you need to have some recipes

Cons: - the study and authorization to manufacture and sell alcoholic beverages

Conclusion: It is a very interesting product which would sell very easily, and not only for tourists.

NYC: What Counts Here is the Not the Color of Your Skin but the Quality of Your Work

I recently made the acquaintance of a tutor, who is a native of Trinidad.  He told me that he had relocated to Atlanta some years ago, but found it hard to make a living there.  “The first thing people would ask me,” he said, “is where do you worship?” The answer to that question often determined whether or not he got the job he was seeking.  After struggling for a few years, he moved back to New York.  “Here people don’t care about the color of your skin, or what religion you practice,” he told me.  “They care about the quality of your work.”

The other day, I sought to help one of the tenants of the Executive Office Center at Fresh Meadows, who is Muslim, with a personal referral.  I am a yarmulke (skull cap) wearing orthodox Jew.  He told me of the work he had done for the late Rabbi Wolf of the Great Neck Synagogue, and of other Jewish organizations that had engaged his services.  He said to me, “It’s too bad that everybody can’t come to New York for a lesson in how to live and work with people of all faiths.” 

Mr. Singh, my telecommunications consultant for over twenty-five years is a Sikh.  He wears a turban.   Since arriving in the United States at the age of 17, he has always lived and worked in New York.  He doesn’t advertise and has never advertised because his reputation precedes him.   He also believes that New York offers a level playing field for all races, creeds and colors. “No one is out of place in New York,” he said.  Then, he added, with a laugh, “except possibly the descendents of the original colonists.”  The only time he ever felt threatened by prejudice was just after 9/11.  “People were scared.  They looked at me, and all they saw was my turban,” he said.  “It didn’t last long,” he added, “and it didn’t cost me any work.  People always judged me on the basis of my ability and expertise.” 

I, too, remember my days as the co-owner of First Choice Real Estate, Inc.  First Choice was a microcosm of the borough of Queens, which, with its population of 2.3 million people is the most culturally diverse county in the Untied States.  The agents included such disparate nationalities as Chinese, Koreans, Russians, Irish, Greeks, Indians, Israelis, and spoke a cumulative total of twenty-one different languages.   There was often bickering among the agents, but it was like the bickering of my children. What I remember most about them was not the differences between them, but the family they constituted.