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Showing posts from May, 2025

The Driving Force of "Why"

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  Imagine Sarah, who started a small bakery business. Her "why" isn't just about selling delicious pastries; it stems from cherished childhood memories of baking with her grandmother and the joy of bringing people together through food. This deep-seated passion infuses every aspect of her business. Imagine Marcus, who launched a sustainable clothing brand. His "why" isn't simply selling eco-friendly fashion; it emerged from witnessing textile waste pollution in his hometown river as a teenager. This profound concern for environmental protection influences every decision—from material sourcing to packaging design—making his business a vehicle for the change he wants to see. Consider Elena, who created an educational technology platform. Her "why" isn't just developing innovative learning tools; it's rooted in her experience as a struggling student with dyslexia who flourished when a teacher introduced alternative learning methods. This pers...

Small Business Secret #1

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  I titled this small business secret number one because no matter if it’s a one-man eBay business or a much larger brick and mortar business, written goals are a must have. Sure, goals may change over time, and they should, but in the beginning, it is an absolute must. It’s your roadmap to take you where you want to be.  In my old age I don’t write things down as consistently today as I did in the past, but I remain a firm believer that putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard is a critical step in turning thoughts into reality. There’s something almost magical about the act of writing that clarifies intentions, solidifies commitment, and sets the wheels of progress in motion. Over the years, this practice has helped me organize my thoughts, stay accountable, and achieve goals that once seemed impossible. A long time ago, I came across a powerful idea that left a lasting impression: ‘it’s impossible to write down a goal you can’t achieve.’ I can’t recall the exact source...

The Two-Dollar Bill: America's Forgotten Currency

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  Have you ever received a two-dollar bill in change and wondered if it was real? Or maybe you've stashed one away, thinking it might be worth something someday. You're not alone! The two-dollar bill is perhaps the most misunderstood piece of American currency, often treated more like a collector's item than actual money. Let's dive into the fascinating world of this uncommon bill and separate fact from fiction. The Surprising Truth About Two-Dollar Bills Contrary to popular belief, the two-dollar bill isn't rare—it's just rarely circulated. The U.S. Treasury continues to print them, with the most recent design update happening in 2013. With approximately 1.2 billion $2 bills in circulation, they make up less than 0.001% of all U.S. currency. That's not because they're valuable collectors' items (most are worth exactly $2), but simply because people tend to hold onto them rather than spend them. A Brief History of the Deuce The $2 bill has been ...