Sep. 8, 2006 - Raising Entrepreneurs…Reaching the DIFFICULT Child!

Have you seen Mom's new interview? I just tuned into her interview and thought that it would be perfect for those of you who check out my blog regularly. Here is what she says about it:

Rhea is one of my friends who simply captivates me with her wisdom, enthusiasm about life, and her practical (very nonsense) approach to life, business, and education. When I am in her presence, I am always inspired to trust God with the details of my life, keep walking confidently on the path that God has placed me on, and I always walk away full to overflowing.

Wish you had a friend like that? Want to meet my friend, Rhea? You will come away with a NEW friend….and you are guaranteed to be filled up and pumped up for your calling as a godly woman, wife, and mother!

Wondering what we are going to talk about? Well, Rhea has agreed to share with us her story about raising entrepreneurs. It is going to inspire you! For those of you who just want to make all of the pieces fit together into your homeschool plan, this is the perfect time to join us! Also, for those of you who are wanting to help that child of yours who doesn’t “fit” into your homeschool plans–EVER!–regardless of what you do, you will definitely want to slot us into your Friday afternoon! And…for those of you who are a bit frightened by the high school years and after high school years, you will find this interview to be one that will be pivotal in your homeschool journey!

Yep! I think EVERYONE will want to join in on this interview. Rhea has homeschooled for EONS (that DOES NOT make her old or anything! hehe!). Being the mother of a houseful of very different children with a vast difference in interests, she can really offer up encouragement and great ideas for reaching the most reluctant, burnt-out child and helping them find their OWN path in this big world of homeschooling. You will come away from this interview with a passion for homeschooling… a deeper understanding of your “thinkers” and “different” children….a deep sense of relief…and a new friend!

Meet My Friend Rhea Perry!
Raising Entrepreneurs…Reaching the Difficult Child!
Download by Mp3

Show Notes…

Chat Transcripts
(We interviewed in our Talk-a-Latte Chat Conference Room-- http://www.Talk-a-Latte.com)
http://www.cindysdesktop.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/RheaPerryTranscripts.rtf

Rhea’s Website…
See articles, find links to all of Rhea’s websites, and MORE!
http://www.educatingforsuccess.com/

Rhea’s Entrepreneur Days!
Sign up this week for the next session–NEXT WEEK!
Your life will never be the same again!
Click Here! http://www.entrepreneurdays.com/cmd.php?af=279897

Have questions for Rhea???
You can ask her after our workshop:
http://www.askrhea.com/

Entrepreneurs at Home…
Rhea has a Yahoo Group for learning about how to educate
children with an entrepreneurial education:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/entrepreneursathome/

Mom-to-Mom Radio Show
Homepage: http://www.MomtoMomRadioShow.com
Archives: http://www.MomtoMomRadioShow.com/blog

Jun. 24, 2005 - Writing IS a Business! Make It Great! by Matthew and Cindy Rushton

Writing IS a Business! Make It Great!

By Matthew and Cindy Rushton

Ready to write? Want to write professionally? Writing is a BUSINESS! If you really want to write and be successful, there are a few tips that will make a world of difference. Try these tips. You are sure to make your writing business great!

So, ready? Use these ideas and you are sure to make your writing business great!

Jun. 24, 2005 - Tips from Great Men and Women in Business by Matthew Rushton

Ever wondered how the great business men and women—like Sam Walton, Mary Kay, S. Truett Cathy—became so successful? Did you know that there are some common denominators, characteristics, that all of them have in common? Let me share with you some of those common denominators. You may just be the very next Sam Walton, Mary Kay, or S. Truett Cathy!

Today is the perfect day for YOU to begin your own business. Looking at the lives of all of the most successful men and women in business, they all had one thing in common—they were all kids in business!

S. Truett Cathy, owner of Chick-Fil-A, entered into the business world at 8-years-old. His first business venture was to sell ice-cold Coca-Colas door-to-door during the summer. He was so hooked that later in the winter, he diversified his business venture to sell everyone’s favorite magazines and newspapers door-to-door. He has been in business every since that young age of 8.

Bill Rancic, chosen as The Apprentice by Donald Trump in Season 1, got his first taste of business as a little boy making “tips” for cooking and serving pancakes to his grandmother’s friends.

Sam Walton, world famous entrepreneur and founder of Walmart, joined the leagues of kids in business. He worked his way through college managing multiple paper routes, hiring little boys on bicycles to deliver the papers.

There are many other examples. Every one of the most successful business men and women began young in business and worked until they died! Begin now! You just might be the very next history-maker!

What do S. Truett Cathy, Mary Kay, Sam Walton, Dave Thomas, and Colonel Sanders, all have in common?

• All came from The Great Depression!
• All were tried by fire (and tough times!)!

Don’t let tough times get you down or discourage you. Tough times are pivotal to great success!

Again, most of the most successful men and women in business began working as kids. Almost all began (and never stopped!) having businesses at only the age of 8. No video games for these young entrepreneurs. No TV—or at the most it was minimal in their lives. Work was their play—and STILL IS!

One interesting common thread among the greatest entrepreneurs is their daily schedule. Almost all of the top men and women in business get up at 5 AM every morning. One interesting person was Mary Kay. Mary Kay began getting up at 5 AM every morning after realizing that she was not having enough time in her day. She began thinking that if she would just get up 3 hours earlier for 3 times a week, she would have a whole extra 9-hour workday each week. Then, she realized that if she would get up 3 hours earlier 6 times a week, she gained two full 9-hour workdays every single week. She always got up at 5 AM from then on. Mary Kay was not the only great businessperson to rise early. Also included in the 5 AM bunch are: Donald Trump, S. Truett Cathy, and Sam Walton.

Plus! Another common denominator! They don’t waste even one minute of their day! Mary Kay contributed her success to her “$35,000 list.” Before bed every night, she would write a list of “to-do’s” to accomplish the next day. Donald Trump does not “waste time” on long lunches—when he does have lunch, he has a “working lunch” over business.

Want to join the greatest men and women in business history? Make the most of every single minute. Don’t waste even one minute!

Want to be the best you can be? Learn for your entire life. Learn in all areas of your life. This will give you a common characteristic with those who have made history in the business world.

We are not specifically talking about school—college. Rather, we are talking about learning for life! If there was some area that they wanted to learn about, they dug in and learned it. Each and every one that I have studied read extensively. All endeavored to read for 2 hours a day! Each of them constantly learned from people. They surrounded themselves with great people. They sought out people who were the best in a specific area and learned from them. They kept (keep) learning their entire lives. No mistakes wiped them out—they learned from every mistake. If something intrigued them, they researched it until they were the best in that area too! They never stopped learning. It was a life pursuit! To become great, we should follow their example.

Looking at the great businessmen and women, each one had a highly competitive spirit. They not only competed within their industry, but ruled their industry—many even after their death! Look at Walmart. Look at Mary Kay. Their competition was not really other businesses. Their real competition that drove them was against themselves. They were such high achievers that they set a goal and not only topped that goal, but tripled it many times! They were THE BEST!

Learn to compete against yourself. Set your own goals. Set them high! Then, top those goals! You will only be as great as you really want to be.

Looking at the background of the greatest men and women in business, each came from very humble roots. Wealth was never the goal. It was just a by-product of their hard work, diligence, and commitment. Even once wealthy, they were very simple people, living very simple lives. Sam Walton, as a multi-billionaire, drove the same pick-up truck that he had drove for years. He lived in the same house. He did not spend his money frivolously.

Does Donald Trump seem extravagant to you? When he goes out to eat, he doesn’t spend HIS MONEY on food. His meals are all either “on the house” or paid for by someone else. He is a walking advertisement for anyone who wants to give him products or services. But, his money only makes him money!

Be simple. Do not drain more than you achieve. Don’t waste your money on frivolous things. Be wise with all that you have.

Looking over the lives of the men and women that I have studied over the years, one interesting factor that has led to their greatness rings out true of every single one of them. They all operate their businesses as a Family Business.

S. Truett Cathy started his business with his brother. To this day, his whole family is involved. His wife speaks at Chick-Fil-A Grand Opening Events. His sons, daughter, and grandchildren all participate in the business.

Mary Kay began her business with her husband, who died unexpectantly just weeks before her grand opening. One of her sons stepped up in his place to help her manage the business. Her whole family worked together through the years up until her death. Today, they continue that legacy.

Chuck Buck, owner of Buck Knives, picked up the family business from his father who had continued his father’s business of knife making. To this day, Chuck Buck and his son continue that legacy.

Donald Trump really got started working for his father. His job was to help with collections for the family business. This spawned his calling for the higher-end properties, where people had millions of dollars to spend. Now, he still works with his family—his brother and his sons.

Sam Walton began his business, Walmart, as a family enterprise. To this day, even after his death, Walmart remains a family owned and operated company.

Want to be great? Find a way to work your business into a family business. Something that you can share with your existing family and generations to come.

Every single person that we have studied through the years has another common denominator—they were living their lives with purpose. They wanted to achieve much. They set high goals with a higher purpose and reached them! In turn, they changed the culture around them and became history makers. They left an ongoing legacy.

• Mary Kay changed women in business forever. She developed a system of business that gave a picture of God’s design in business.
• S. Truett Cathy has faithfully served God before his customers for decades. Following God has set him apart as a business leader and brought immeasurable blessings as a result. Through looking at his life story, we see how God prospers a faithful business owner.
• Chuck Buck has remained a Christian witness in the knife industry. He followed God each step of the way to business success. Now, he exhorts others to do the very same thing.

They made history. So, what about YOU? Ready to be a history maker? Want your own business? Hum….you might just be the very next successful business story!

Jun. 24, 2005 - Quick Tips on How To Begin Your Own Business (And...Call It School!)

Want your own business? Got an idea that you are dying to try? Have no idea what to do, just want money of your own? Here are some ideas on how to get started with your own business. Let’s take it step-by-step...

• Brainstorm. What are your interests? Who are you? What do you know? What do you love and enjoy? What can you do that others need? Do you constantly see a need in an area? Bobcat? Help others homeschool? Knives that are good quality and great prices? Brainstorm. Make a list. What are you seeing?

   

• Brainstorm again! How can you turn your interests into a fun business? There are three types of businesses—sales, service, and information. Are there supplies that you can sell to help others with your interest? Is there a service that you see needs to be available to others like you? Is there a need for information on the topic that you love—workshops, books, classes, tutorials? Go back over your list and brainstorm some business ideas to go along with your interests.

   

• Find existing examples/mentors. What is already out there? What gaps are being left? Is there a need that you can fill? This should begin to show you a specific niche that you could fill. What would your niche be? Is there a need for a business in that area?

   

• Is there a need for what YOU do? Is there a way you can network (work with others) to fill a need in the area of your interest? My dad has a construction business. He is very gifted at building anything. He found a neat niche for himself after meeting a man who was a salesperson for a playground company. The salesman does not install the playgrounds himself. Dad does not sell the playgrounds. Each fills a niche and has his own company. Both work great together networking with their own specific abilities.

   

• Read and research. Get to know about other businesses and their success stories. Read books and magazines. Look for great biographies of men and women in business. Watch videos, documentaries, biographies and TV interviews. You will learn secrets of great people without having to live out the tough lessons of life that they have experienced.

   

• Make a plan. Got an idea? How do you take an idea and make it into a business? Here are the quick steps…

   

  • Decide on your business. What will you do for your business? What will you offer?
  • What will you name your business? Will you name it a “sell-able” name that you could sell to someone later if you want to move on—Dependable Construction? Will you name it something that you want to keep—Matthew’s Cutting Edge
  • Who will your customer be? How do you plan to reach them? Will you go to them? Will you find customers in the classified ads? Will you stay in contact with a newsletter? Will you offer your products through a catalog? Will you set up a display at a flea market, trade show, expo, or a store? Will you spread the word using business cards?
  • How will you meet their needs? Will you travel to them? Will you set up a retail store? Will you offer your product by mail order? Will you have an internet store? Think of what works for you and your life. Think of how your customers will best respond.
  • How much time will it take? How can you add this business to your day?
  • How much will it cost? How do you get started? Do you have savings? Do you have materials or equipment that you can use? Do you need to work for someone to earn money for your initial start-up?

• Get it all together! Get everything organized. Set up your work area. Your office. Your warehouse. Your supplies. Set up any systems of managing your work. Set up a schedule for your time. Get ready to give it a try!

• Dig in! Go for it! Have fun! You might just be the very next S. Truett Cathy…Mary Kay…or Donald Trump!

   

   

Jun. 24, 2005 - The Story Behind Matthew's Cutting Edge by Matthew Rushton

Matthew’s Cutting Edge
by Matthew Rushton

Hi, my name is Matthew Rushton. I am the owner of Matthew’s Cutting Edge, we offer the sharpest knives at the best prices around.

Matthew’s Cutting Edge began when I was three, at which time my grandfather gave me my very first pocket knife. I cherished it. I carried that old knife absolutely everywhere showing everyone I saw. I was so proud of that knife and the trust that I received with it. I am glad that my dad and mom trusted me at such a young age. They taught me that yes, the knife can hurt you, but if you take care of it by oiling it or sharpening it or not throwing it around, that same knife can take care of you by doing what you want for it to do.

The addiction (hobby is what some call it) had started to grow with my second knife, and third, and fourth, and fifth. It was every time I saw my grandfather or every time I had a birthday until this hobby grew to be inseparable with me and I had thirty or more knives. I cherished all of them for their own purpose, carrying half of them with me every day!

One day, I was out with my family visiting all of our favorite hideaways. The natural place to end up was at my favorite knife shop. The owner had become accustomed to my frequent stops and haggling for a good price on new treasures. This particular day, we were talking about knives when he encouraged me to start my own business. He said that as much as I loved pocket knives and studying all about them, I should just go into business and sell them myself rather than selling them for others to make the profit. He recommended that I begin a business selling what I loved the most. I had never thought about doing anything like that, but I knew instantly he was a God-send. We look back and see that only God could have orchestrated something like this business—we were not looking for a business for a twelve-year-old knife addict.

My friend was an incredible help. He shared his insight from experience and practical help that set my business on the right track. My business was years ahead of others in the market from the very beginning. Even now, I have an edge on my competition that enables me to operate with minimal competition. His only requirement for mentoring me was that I never set up my business in direct competition to him—could you imagine operating a business in competition against a knife-addicted child (some have experienced that nightmare—tough business)? To this day, we network together and never compete for our market directly against one another. This relationship set a great foundation for my business.

Years have come and gone. The experiences have astounded me. You can’t learn these things in any classroom or textbook. I have learned so much. One experience that stands out over the years as probably the most influential was my interaction with Mr. Chuck Buck, the owner of Buck Knives (still one of my favorite companies to work with).

I purchased a Buck Lighting HTA II knife. This was one just for ME. I was immediately impressed with its quality and workmanship. When I received it there was a note in it from Mr. Chuck Buck, the owner of Buck Knives, with his mailing address in it. I then, mailed him a letter telling him how happy I was with his product. I never expected anything from it. I just wanted to let them know how much I enjoyed their brand new product and that I would be endorsing and selling them wholeheartedly.

Imagine my surprise when I received a personal letter back from Mr. Chuck Buck—himself. The letter said that he was glad that I had enjoyed his product and furthermore that he noticed that I was a Christian from the way that I had signed my letter “In Christ Jesus our Lord.” He said that God was the only thing that kept him going through the thick and thin. This really impressed me and challenged me as a Christian. Needless to say, this also made me an even more loyal Buck customer!

As my business has continued to grow, I have learned lessons that will help me in the future. I have learned business basics such as how to take inventory, add up money, budget for more inventory, figure taxes, and to pay for every expense in CASH at the time of purchase. Most importantly, I have learned how to treat my customers firsthand through experience. I have always endeavored to treat my customers the way I wish to be treated. I have always wanted the best products at the best price with the best service. This is my personal goal with Matthew’s Cutting Edge. Through it all, just the same as Mr. Chuck Buck, I have learned that God will take you through every mountain and valley of life (and business) and He will direct your path through it all. God has been faithful to teach me lessons that I could never have learned anywhere else.

To think, it all began with my dad and mom giving me that bit of trust with that small knife. Just imagine…that spark of an interest led me to the place I am at today, running a very enjoyable business and doing what I really love the most—buying and selling the sharpest knives around!

Thank you our loyal customer for you undying support for all we do. We are glad to have you and hope you find all your needs met here at Matthew’s Cutting Edge.

Enjoy and God bless.

Matthew E. Rushton,

the owner of Matthew’s Cutting Edge

Jun. 24, 2005 - Welcome to My Blog!

Welcome to my blog!

Mom has "encouraged" me to begin a blog. Something about if I don't blog, I don't eat!

Truly, I am excited to begin a blog of my own! I hope to use my blog to share about things we have going on...share pictures from our family...share articles and links...and, best of all, chat with all of you! Sooo, how about I get busy posting some of that.

Stay a while! And, mark me as YOUR FRIEND!

Matthew Rushton

http://www.MatthewsCuttingEdge.com