Opp. #5 - Visit Japan

This opportunity goes a bit hand-in-hand with Opp. #4 and even a little bit with #3.  It definitely affects some later opportunities that I'll be sharing.  As I've mentioned in Opp. #4, I fell in love with the Japanese culture and history years ago.  This goes far beyond watching Samurai flicks and anime.  Japan tends to get a stigma attached to it by Americans.  Some find their culture strange.  But for every "strange" facet you may find, there is also another that's quite familiar to our own culture. 

My wife Sarah, and I have a plan.  Our son is 2 years old and we'd like to visit Japan when he's 5.  That gives us plenty of time to not only save up for a nice excursion, but also to research where we'd like to go.  Also, we think our son would appreciate it a bit more!

My to-do list:

1) Start a "trip fund".
2) Determine places we'd like to visit.

Opp. #4 - Learn Japanese (Spoken and Written)

When I was in High School we only had a choice of Spanish and French.  Now, while I enjoyed learning French...it didn't interest me as much as the prospect of learning Japanese.  I've always loved the history and the culture of Japan and find the language fascinating.  Some consider Japanese to be extremely difficult to learn (particularly written)...but I like a challenge.

My to-do list:

1) Look into learning software (Rosetta stone perhaps?).
2) Look into classes.

Opp. #3 - Start Business (Convention Tables)

Now, this one I've tested the water with previously.  I had a business license in Anchorage, AK and ran a vendor table at a local anime convention.  I specifically carried items that none of the other vendors had and specialized in animation production cels.  Within the first three hours of the doors opening I had already recovered the cost of the table, materials, and product.  Now I hope to duplicate that success here in the Seattle area.  Ultimately, I'd like to attend at least 3 conventions in 2012 as a vendor (including a return to Anchorage) and possibly offer a selection of items online.

My to-do list:

1) Get business license for my area.
2) Determine which conventions to attend.
3) Get business cards printed.
4) Find suppliers.
   - I have one wholesaler whom I deal with in Los Angeles.  Great place, unique items, but can only go in person.
5) Look into a store website.

Opp. #2 - Do a Podcast and/or YouTube Series

It seems like everyone and their mother is doing a podcast or putting themselves up on YouTube.  I never thought about it until a friend and I were talking one day and we had an idea.  Unfortunately, I'm going to be a little vague on this as far as subject matter is concerned but I will update as I acquire materials needed (see below) and are prepared for our first broadcast.  We hope to have fun with this and, hopefully, others will have fun as well.

My to-do list:

1) Video Recorder/Camcorder.
2) Audio and Video editing software (think making music videos).
3) Various props for "sets" (decorations, large foamboard, etc...).
4) YouTube Channel.
5) Email for project.
6) Set-up loose script or bullet points for what we want to discuss.

Opp. #1 - The 100 Opportunities Blog

Now this might seem like cheating, but it's been a goal of mine to start this blog.  This will be the most updated of the posts as every time I put in a new opportunity post...I'll be updating here.  :)

Opp. #1 - The 100 Opportunities Blog
   - Last Updated: Nov. 24, 2011
Opp. #2 - Do a Podcast and/or YouTube Series
   - Last Updated: Nov. 24, 2011
Opp. #3 - Start Business (Convention Tables)
   - Last Updated: Nov. 24, 2011
Opp. #4 - Learn Japanese (Spoken and Written)
   - Last Updated: Nov. 24, 2011
Opp. #5 - Visit Japan
   - Last Updated: Nov. 24, 2011

Introduction

They say America is the land of opportunities yet most people don't take advantage of that.  Why not?  Going off of my own experiences, I've allowed way too many factors to affect me.  I've had mishaps, problems, set-backs, laziness, and the worst of all:  excuses.

That brings me to this blog.  No more excuses.  I plan on taking 100 opportunities out of that unlimited potential and write about them here.  Some will be small and seemingly insignificant and others may be huge pipe dreams but I'll be sharing them here as I start them and will update with progress and results no matter how big or small, happy or disappointing. 

My ultimate goal is two-fold by blogging about these opportunities:

1) To stop making excuses and start doing things I've always wanted to do, and
2) To possibly help someone out there to do the same.

I'm realistic about this.  Many things will require money to do and those may have to wait longer as funds become available.  I have a family and bills so they come first.  In "lean" times, I can work on the many other opportunities that require only my time and attention. 

I've been called a "Jack-of-all-trades" in the past and I've worked a lot of different types of jobs and my skill set is pretty wide (read: weird or eclectic) so hopefully these experiences will help me on my journey.  I also have tons of interests so many of the things I list may not have a common thread.  Many of these thing may not be of interest to some people...but hey, they're my interests.  I will, however, try to put a bit of background about why I'm attempting each opportunity.

I welcome feedback!  You don't have to agree with me in order for me to consider your feedback but I'm not going to tolerate "trolls" or anyone that just wants to chime in with such gems as "That's stupid", etc...  I don't expect to succeed in every opportunity, so nay-sayers need not apply.  I'm going to give them all a shot, and that's the whole point...to try each opportunity.

So, for those of you that might want to come along on this journey:  Welcome!