To add insult to injury, BP has spent millions of dollars on a marketing campaign to improve their image in the public. These dollars would have been better served in the hands of the people that have been effected by this disaster. The best marketing campaign for the company would have been reacting quickly to the spill, refunding the lost wages of the small business owners that were impacted by the spill and showing a community that they actually care about them. The problem is they only care about the bottom line which according to many estimates looks great for the second quarter regardless of the oil spill.

In their efforts to spin the crisis in pathetic commercials, they have the nerve to act as if even though they destroyed the environment and jobs, they still should receive a pat on the back because they hired the people whose jobs they took to help clean it up! Seriously! This is all a result of poor planning by a global company that had plenty of resources to prevent this disaster in the first place. Hopefully the new CEO will do a better job of planning for future problems that may arise from offshore drilling. After all the people of the gulf coast need and deserve their lives back!

You see, he represents a company called Clear (I am in no way affiliated with Clear, this article represents my opinion).  Clear, as James eloquently explained, provides 4g speed mobile broadband that is affordable and unlimited.  For only $55.00 a month, you can get two wireless broadband modems or a combination of thier products.  There is a catch however, clear is a new company, so it may not be in your city yet.  For more information, visit Clear.com.   I believe this is a product worth looking at if you are looking for an affordable wireless solution as a small business owner.

This made me wonder about other inventions that have become a part of business, popular culture and family entertainment, even though they did not exist in the 90s. Here is a list of innovations we believe have changed the way we interact all created in the first decade of the 21st century.

1. The iPod (launched 2003)
Steve Jobs is a genius…the iPod literally revolutionized the way we listen to music on the go. It became the “walkman” of the 21st century. In an effort to embarrass their competitors even more (such as the Zune for instance), they launched better models along the way with mobile media capabilities. The final morph of the ipod became the ipod touch. A WiFi enabled mp3 player, media player and revolutionary application housing machine. “There’s an app for that” is the new reality. The ipod has over 70% of the market and many companies have made lots of money simply by producing ipod apps. They didn’t stop there….

2. The iPhone (launched 2007)
Steve Jobs really is a genius…No one ever thought that an ipod could actually become a telephone as well. Steve Jobs and Apple did. This phone can do everything. It was such a great idea, as readers you already know about it and you are probably reading this article on one!

3. The Nintendo Wii (launched 2006)
The Playstation was the biggest thing since sliced bread when it came out and then Nintendo, in an effort to be competitive and regain market share, went to the woodshed and came out with the greatest family gaming system ever created. The Wii’s ability to mix virtual reality with reality through interactive gaming is unparalleled. Every family member participates in the Wii experience. Their market share is estimated to be between 40% to 50 % of the market. “Wii would like to play!”

4. Netbooks (launched 2007)
It all started with a valiant effort by an organization called One Laptop per Child to provide technology to developing countries through the use of a small laptop called the XO-1 laptop. They pioneered the idea of affordable small computers in my opinion.

Asus decided to offer an inexpensive small laptop for all consumers and started with the EeePc running the linux operating system. They sold this computer for under $400. It sold so well they added a windows version and then every other computer company jumped into the market. Could this be the first disposable laptop since you can get some now for around $325.00.

5. Skype (launched 2003)
Skype changed the way everyone viewed voice over IP technology. They added a chat function and made it free for everyone to use. The free version of Skype includes free long distance to any computer in the world with Skype, an ability to talk using a webcam on both sides of a call allowing individuals to see who they are talking to, and conferencing with multiple users. Skype also added some paid features that allow for an individual to have a phone number and make and receive calls from their computer. Major mobile phone carriers are offering VOIP services, but Skype’s technology is proprietary and closed source. Their longevity is often questioned.

6. Sirius/XM Satellite Radio (launched 2002)
Cable television has been a coveted luxury for the average consumer for years. People are willing to pay a premium every month for extra channels. Could this translate to radio? It did and it became so big that major car companies started offering it as a luxury option. Why not listen to exactly what you want to listen to all the time?

7. Hulu.com (launched 2007)
Hulu provides legal copies of tv shows and movies online all the time for free! There is a Hulu desktop application that may change the way we watch TV. If you missed your favorite show, you can visit Hulu.com and see an index with several episodes. Hulu is a joint venture between a private equity investment firm, Hulu employees, and several networks including NBC Universal (General Electric), Fox Entertainment Group (NewsCorp) ,and ABC (Walt Disney). Hulu is made in the USA and only offered in the USA currently. This is one of my favorite websites. They also offer classic shows that are no longer on TV in addition to the growing selection of movies.

8. The Redbox DVD vending machine (launched 2004)
You can purchase candy from a vending machine. You can purchase soda from a vending machine. There are vending machines for almost everything you can imagine. Why not offer DVD rentals from one? Redbox DVD rental machines are now everywhere. They are conveniently located in WalMart, at Walgreen’s, McDonalds and other places. How have they begun to trump the competition? It only cost a dollar to rent movies and new releases are added every Tuesday. I haven’t been back to Blockbuster, Hollywood video or used Netflix since I discovered these Redbox rental machines. There are other DVD kiosk renting companies, but Redbox is the leader of the pack. I like the idea that once you rent a movie, you can return it to any Redbox!

Which invention on this list do you think had the most impact in the first decade of the 21st century? Write a comment and let us know…

The Nintendo DS (handheld game system) was very successful, often outselling the Playstation Portable game system, but they were losing in the game console  market.   Nintendo once owned this market until Sony entered the picture.

The team worked hard to create new technology. Nintendo engineered the best interactive game system ever to retaliate.  Enter the brilliantly designed Nintendo Wii.

This console bridged the gap between virtual reality and true reality by providing controllers that actually allowed for the game to be truly interactive.  Anticipation of the Wii was overwhelming.  Nintendo took the holiday season by storm in 2006, selling out in stores across the country. Nintendo was back on top and dominated the market for three years. Even though it was the highest priced console on the market, it sold in staggering numbers.

Now the tide is beginning to turn again for Nintendo.  Their sales numbers are falling dramatically and they are scrambling to find ways to recover.  The third quarter was not good for  them.  The economy seems to have effected the Wii’s sales.  If there is any indication of a dwindling economy, the Nintendo Wii losing sales can serve as a gauge.

They are not expected to lower the price on the console although their competitor Sony has done so.  I believe that Nintendo will still do well this holiday season with the Wii however.  They have many games, such as Wii sports, that are still in high demand.

If you want to have a business, you must first have the commitment to do things the “old fashioned” way. Building a business requires hard work, perseverance, and determination. All of the vision in your business should be guided by you, managed by you and controlled by your laboring for your dream. In those beginning years, if you want something done for your business, you should be on the front lines fighting to make it happen!

My mother raised us with the philosophy, “Don’t expect others to do what you can do for yourself.” Mom’s wisdom holds true with a small business. You need to be your hardest working employee! When you work hard, dreams can become reality and a business can grow from a concept to a viable company.

Your boss sends out an internal office memo at 9am announcing a meeting with all employees in 30 minutes. What could this be about? You walk into the meeting and your boss gets straight to the point…he informs the workforce that 1/3 of them have been laid off immediately and will be escorted out. You are then told that you are included in the list. Where do you go from here?

This scenario has become reality for many of my friends. Laid off without notice!? What do you do? I want to offer some ideas on how to transition from being laid off to hiring yourself. Here are things to consider…

1. Were you given a severance package?

If your company offered you a severance package, you can utilize this income as a starting point to build your business without worrying about income. You need to consider how long the money will last and if it will cover your bills. The proper way to use a severance package to start a business is to ensure that you can start to gain income from your business half way into your severance allowance. If you were not given severance, your first goal is to find a source of income that will cover at a minimum your bills. Can you work at night and prospect during the day? Can you work a couple of days a week and prospect for your business on the other ones? Be creative!

2. Do you have a family to support?

If you are single, you have a lot less to lose by starting over. Basically, you can take more risks. If you have a family to support, it is important to consider their needs before your own. Are you married? Does your spouse work? Can your spouse’s income cover the bills while you are building a business. Is your family supportive? Discuss openly with your family your desire to start a business and what it will require of them. Especially discuss it with your spouse to make sure you are on the same page.

3. What was your specialty at your previous job?

Sometimes the best place to start when considering what product and/or service to sell in a new business is looking at what you did for your previous employer. Look at your skill set and think about ways you can offer that to new clients. You must be realistic when evaluating your skills, because clients can see through incompetence.

4. Did you sign an intellectual property clause?

Many companies, especially technology firms, require employees to sign an intellectual property clause. This clause can be restrictive because it often includes something to the effect of ,”Any ideas you come up with while working for us belong to us” or “you can not work for any of our competitors during the next two years after employment is terminated.”

Some companies will make you sign such a clause to recieve your severance package. You must know your legal restrictions from your previous employer before you venture out to start a business.

5. Are you serious?

Are you serious about starting a business? Have you really considered what challenges it requires? If you are not determined to be successful, you won’t be!

6. Have a plan

Make sure you write down a clear plan considering all of the factors mentioned above. Be specific! Write down when you want to close your first deal, how many customers you would like to have in three months to five years.

If you think about these things, after the initial shock of being laid off, you may be able to hire yourself!

Dr. James Levine, an obesity researcher of the Mayo Clinic believes there is. There has been a lot of buzz about his creation of what he calls the “Treadmill Desk.” Simply put, it is a desk that is taller than normal and instead of sitting down while you work, you stand upright and walk on a treadmill.

Walking at a pace of just 1 mile per hour, it is estimated that a person can burn an extra 100 calories per hour. Offices around the country are adopting this philosophy. Dr. Levine researches the calories people burn during everyday activities. I think he is definitely on to something with this invention. I like the idea of burning calories while getting work done!

The iPhone is more than a telephone and a multi media hand held device, it represents the best in innovation. The iPhone changed the world of mobile phones by combining interactivity and the ability to perform many office functions on the go. One of the best qualities of the iPhone has been the touch screen. This technology has allowed for the iPhone to create an interactive experience for its users. This in itself has been attractive to business owners, including myself. I never had the opportunity to own one however because it is an AT&T wireless exclusive product.

I was jealous, envious, and frustrated that everyone else could experience the latest in technology but I was unable to. These feelings have subsided since my acquisition of the Blackberry Storm. Blackberry telephones have been highly regarded as the business phone for executives and individuals on the go. They were the first devices giving users access to email on the go and they kinda set the standard. Blackberry has lacked the entertainment component of other phones however. iPhone came on the scene and began to gather marketshare because of this. The iPhone became a combination of the blackberry model and the mobile media player (which Apple also revolutionized).

I’ve always owned a smart phone of some sort from windows mobile and palm devices to Blackberrys. The blackberry has been my phone of choice for the past three years because of the ease of use and the way it allowed me to stay connected away from the office. The iPhone almost made me switch platforms. I believe RIM listened to their users and realized they had to make changes to keep customers on their platform.

Enter the Blackberry Storm…How is the Blackberry Storm going to take the marketshare back? The Storm combines the typical business functionality blackberry is known for, but also takes the iPhone model of entertainment and interactivity into account. Seriously, who would have ever imagined a touch screen blackberry! Although there are more developers and applications for the iPhone, the Storm allows for the installation of some of the best applications iPhone has to offer, such as Pandora.

The iPhone still has the upperhand in the area of applications, but I personally believe as an all around business phone, more people are going to consider the Storm, especially dedicated Blackberry users. There is a complaint that the iPhone has WIFI and the Storm doesn’t, but the new model of the Storm will have it included. I have mixed feelings on WIFI on a cell phone, after all it is a mobile phone!

All in all the Storm will become the best competition for the iPhone. Many believe the Palm Pre should be in this argument, but I do not believe it will have the longevity of the iPhone or the Storm because they are built on reliable brands with better innovative ideas. As more applications become compatible with the Storm, many individuals may switch back from iPhones to Blackberry.

The Walt Disney Company is a media powerhouse with many levels. There are Disney products, the Disney resorts and theme parks, the Disney Cruises, the Disney Interactive Media Group, the Disney studios, Disney Radio, ABC (Disney) Network, ESPN (Disney) Network, and now Disney owns Marvel Entertainment.

Disney, unknown to many people, is a company worth billions of dollars. Small businesses and entrepreneurs can learn a lot from their business model! It makes smart business sense to diversify your products and services. The company has also grown by providing a combination of what people want and what people need. Disney represents a great example of cross-market appeal as well. Their services and products attract consumers of all ages and people from all cultures.

Disney is a company to watch and a company to learn from.

When you buy produce from local farmers, it is beneficial to you and the farmers

Texas farmers, and farmers all across the country, have seen tremendous declines in revenue because of the higher costs of distribution. In support of local farmers everywhere and especially in Texas (where Liberate Magazine is located), we are asking everyone of our readers to buy local. Many cities, such as Dallas, have farmer’s markets where you can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables directly from the vendors.

The fresh produce is great and the impact it has on the “”little guy” is even greater. Find out where the local farmers are in your community and purchase from them. Here are some links to farmer’s markets throughout Texas:

Austin Farmer’s Market

Dallas Farmer’s Market

Houston Farmer’s Market at Rice University