The cover of Fortune's July 2005 issue said it all: "Retire RICH, Take Control of Your Future".

And the entire magazine brainstormed about the different ways that people can ensure a wealthy retirement. But one article in particular challenged the traditional view of retirement, and stated that it simply doesn't exist anymore.

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Before I go on, I just want to remind you of the opening of Digital Business Books (DigBizBooks.com) on Monday, and invite you to join us. There will be bonuses galore with any purchase from the site, as our affiliates and authors are offering great freebies to everyone who takes part in the Grand Opening.

Of course, these bonuses are on top of the everyday bonuses that each author offers with every business publication! So if you would like an opportunity to add your bonus to the list and take part in the email blast to thousands of small businesses, let me know. You can become an affiliate by signing up at the Affiliate link at Encouraging Audiobooks. Now, on to the brainstorm!

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With the advent of the Baby Boomers moving into retirement age as of January 1, this segment of the population will tip the scales economically and socially.

People are living longer, making money for longer periods of time, and continuing to work (mostly part time) beyond their normal retirement age - and not necessarily for money.

Some senior citizens are starting over - going back to school, trying new careers - simply because they can.

Unlike in the 1800s when living to 65 was almost unheard of, and there was therefore no reason to consider retirement planning. Today's 50+ group has every reason to make sure their twilight years are enjoyable.

So brain storm along with us today as we review how our entire society may be transformed with the largest wave of retirement age people ever.

And learn about the opportunities for you to provide valuable products and services to cater to this market segment, that actually holds three quarters of all of the wealth of the country!

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Today Digital Business Book's Brain Storm! will use Cirque Du Soleil as our brainstorming example.

In the July 2005 issue of Fast Company, there is a feature on the very unique Cirque Du Soleil, combined with a brief introduction to a book that explains the "Blue Ocean Strategy" for business, and avoiding the competition altogether.

This circus/theatrical production is a smoothly running money-producer.

Their procedures for hiring and training is very well thought out, and their focus on innovation rather than competition makes a powerful point. Replacing injured or retiring performers is easy, as they have recruits waiting in the wings all over the world.

They focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity by utilizing their corp of multi-nationals

This keeps them ahead of their competition (which up until now has not even existed). This is a part of the idea of Blue Ocean Strategy - focusing on being the first to create and produce new products and services. Innovation and re-inventing the company and the products is the key.

I know of an entrepreneur who is CONSTANTLY re-inventing her products and services,

focusing solely on what her clients (and potential clients) might want. Dee Kreidel, of Legacy Journals, explains the personalization emphasis of her business: [Read More!]

Meet a comic book author and artist who lost the use of his arms and hands!

Jaime Buckley is an unusual hero in his own right - at least that's what I think. But I'll let you decide for yourself. After a car accident (and many, MANY more physical setbacks, including the LOSS OF THE USE OF HIS ARMS AND HANDS!), the story of what he's been through and how he's been guided and provided for step by step is nothing less than miraculous.

Download the first issue of Wanted: Hero for free here!

You can also view the fantastic video commercial. The best part is that you can get subsequent digital download issues for only $1 each!!!!!.

So please spread the word about Wanted: Hero - a great source of clean comedy!

And for more clean comedy, help yourself to it at Encouraging Audiobooks.

If you are an entrepreneur or small business person...

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Today we unveil the 2 simultaneous Brain Storm! / Digital Business Books competitions!

But first, today's topic...the cover of the July 2005 issue of Fast Company was fantastic - I feel like they've been following me around and documenting the psychopathic people and situations in my life!

Learn the 8 traits of psychopaths, how to deal with them, and why they are actually corporate superstars. Why does today's economy promote such deeply disturbed people? And do you have such people on your team??? But on to the competitions!

The Most Psychopathic Boss Contest

You must change the names to protect the psychopathic, and even change the company, but we want to hear your psychopathic boss stories! Winner receives $25 via paypal after everyone votes for the biggest psycho!

The Best Boss Contest

There are still some fantastic bosses out there, and I've been blessed to know several of them - people who care for their employees, their department, their clients, and are just really decent people of integrity. Winner of this one receives not only the $25 via paypal, but ALSO a 60 second professionally produced commercial from a professional voice talent and narrator, worth $450!!!!! I won it in a drawing, and since that's what I do for a living, thought it would be better put to use for one of my podcast listeners. So let us know why your boss (present or past) should be the Best Boss.

QMTP me, leave a comment below, or call in your responses (phone number is at the top of the Brainstorm-Podcast.com site).

And remember that we're still ramping up for DigBizBooks.com's opening, and looking for entrepreneurs who want to sell their knowledge and publications to other entrepreneurs. We've got the tools and the market - we just need you and your expertise! :) [Read More!]