Dream In You and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance sponsored a National Dream Job Contest. Here's how the winners’ dreams were transformed into reality.
Click here for Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazines' coverage of the Dream Job Contest
::: Elizabeth arranges for a consultation with attorney Garrett Sutton :::
A wrap-up of his first conference call with Garrett Sutton includes:
“Garrett discussed ‘broad paralegal services’ vs. ‘litigation support services,’ and thought my direction would be better served in the litigation direction. Litigation offers plenty of work, it can be lucrative, and law firms many times need only ‘1/2 a paralegal’ until a litigation case comes along. He suggested that I join the American Bar Association (ABA)-- yes, I'm now a member! He also wondered whether Minnesota required the owner/operator of a paralegal service to hold a ‘paralegal certificate.’ (Elizabeth also has discussed with me the value of continuing my paralegal training; but, because I'm so close to completing the certificate, and because of the credibility and networking issues, I intend to continue)."
::: Celebrity Mentor Garrett Sutton :::
July was busy for Richard, as he also met in person with Garrett Sutton and his financial mentor, Terry Skalland. Then, a major surprise for everyone:
“The trip resulted in a new direction for me -- real estate. Here are three reasons for my change of direction: 1) a ‘nagging uncertainty’ regarding the entrepreneur concept with its time commitment, employee headaches, ‘endless’ work, etc. (as Tama Kieves would say, my ‘inner voice’ was speaking!) 2) a ‘start-up’ business (and its associated responsibilities) is almost contrary to my current lifestyle and top priority - my family. (In other words, my ‘family time’ seems to mesh better with real estate than with a paralegal business) and, 3) a desire for passive income makes real estate the more logical choice.
“This change in direction came about as I spent time talking and brainstorming with Elizabeth, Michael, and Garrett. The morning discussion with Garrett began on the subject of a paralegal business, but by lunch (or during lunch!) it started to change course. In passing, Garrett referred to an apartment building (or buildings, which he owned in Reno) as ‘his retirement.’ Of course, with my airline pension vanishing, I really liked the idea of retirement being something ‘concrete’ (pardon the pun!). Later, Terry Skalland discussed several financial options or directions that can be applied to any business venture. To make a long story short, I left Sacramento almost relieved that the paralegal business was not to be (and with two books from Garrett on How to Use LLC's & LP's, and another called Exchanging Up).
“In summary, my trip was very worthwhile and enlightening. Thanks to the entire ‘Sacramento Dream Team’ for helping me find something exciting. The paralegal concept was good enough to win a contest, but certainly not my dream. This whole ‘Dream Job Journey’ is an evolving process that is not easy to describe, and there is so much to learn. It's pretty amazing to be going in a direction totally different than my Dream Job Contest Entry.”
“When I first meet Richard, I could tell that he wasn’t truly passionate about starting a paralegal firm. I began to wonder what it was he really wanted do. Fortunally, we helped Richard uncover his true dream.” Elizabeth Kanna
Elizabeth wanted Richard to be very sure. On July 17th he wrote to her:
“You wanted me to ‘sleep’ on this new direction for my business. Before I head off to Japan this morning, I wanted to let you know I'm still excited! A real estate business makes so much more sense for me. The paralegal outsourcing business is a good concept (good enough to win a contest!), but I'm truly pleased the way our meeting with Garrett evolved into something new.
Could you please give me an idea of what to expect next (you mentioned ‘Dolf in Phoenix’)? As you know, I'll get myself to whatever city you line up for me. (My August work schedule has me off from 1-6 and 25-30; and, yes, I know this contest prize must end at some point, but I'm pretty confident you're going to get me headed down the right road first)!”
Up Next:
Celebrity Mentor Tama Kieves!
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