Announcing The 2,000 Percent Solution Workbook

Good morning, Live Better than a Billionaire-a-Holics!

Are you feeling motivated this morning? I certainly hope so. I know that I am!

In 1998, Carol Coles and I joined with Robert Metz, former Marketplace columnist at The New York Times to author The 2,000 Percent Solution. That book went on to become an Amazon.com best seller, was selected by the Chinese government as one of the ten best management books of the 20th century, and has been the basis of major improvements in companies, governments and non-profit organizations around the world.

I have been teaching courses based on that book since 1999 and began experimenting in 2003 with ways to help students learn and accomplish more. From those experiments, a companion workbook emerged that students have hailed as essential to their experiences.

Today, that workbook becomes available for the first time to the general public.

The 2,000 Percent Solution Workbook is an essential resource for anyone who wants to accomplish more with fewer resources.

You can buy copies in hardcover, soft cover or for digital download on www.iuniverse.com today (see http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/book_detail.asp?isbn=0-595-81881-1 for the digital download).

Amazon.com has listed the soft cover and hardcover versions, but is not yet accepting orders. Presumably, they will begin taking orders within a few days. To find the soft cover version, go to http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0595374883/104-5889592-2919129?v=glance&n=283155&s=books&v=glance

The workbook takes you through the key ideas in The 2,000 Percent Solution and one concept from The Irresistible Growth Enterprise. You also receive a list of questions designed to help you create your own 2,000 percent solution. In addition, you will learn how to help others create their own 2,000 percent solutions. If you head an organization, you can use this resource to reach world-class performance standards within two years by being your own consultant.

If you would like to take an on-line course with me based on the book and the workbook, please contact me at ultimatecompetitiveadvantage@yahoo.com

Can a billionaire do any better? I doubt it.

A billionaire can hire the world's finest consultants, the greatest experts and armies of people to implement the results. But the humble contributions of those who use The 2,000 Percent Solution and The 2,000 Percent Solution Workbook will soar past billionaires by combining great knowledge about their situation with insights into the greatest accomplishments of all time.

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N.B. As you can tell, I'm experimenting with color. Let me know what you like and what I should change about my use of color. Many thanks to Linda Grace for her suggestions which I am following!

Please let me know what else you would like to learn, and I'll do my best to help in future blog entries.

Here are some upcoming subjects:

Tomorrow, let's look at a public high school that's better in many ways than the world's most elite academies where billionaires send their offspring. You'll be thankful that such a wonderful approach is available to our young people.

Friday, I'll write about how to do your Christmas shopping as inexpensively and luxuriously as possible.

On Saturday, let's explore a beautiful living check list that will put you ahead of any billionaire you can think of . . . and make you the envy of your family and friends . . . as you enjoy delight after delight.

Sunday, we'll describe how to fill your day with spiritual delights!

On Monday, let's look at how you can have a billionaire mind. Be sure to read this post!

If you are new to this blog, be sure to check out the updated table of contents entry that I posted on November 23. The table of contents will help you find earlier entries that may be of interest. I'll update this table of contents every week or so for your convenience.

August 31 was the most frequently read blog entry to date. Be sure to check it out!

Thanks so much for your support of this blog. I'm delighted that so many tens of thousands of people have made this blog part of their regular reading habit!

If you like this blog, please let others know who might also enjoy it. E-mailing your favorite post to them is a great idea.

Check out the latest index at http://livebetterthanabillionaireon5dollars.blogspot.com/2005/11/latest-table-of-contents-to-this-blogs_23.html to pick out your choice.

Thank you to my many friends, students, clients and blog readers who are spreading the good word about this blog.

If you are visiting today because someone invited you, I'm delighted to meet you! Let's stay in touch.

Remember to also visit

Live Spiritually Better than a Billionaire at http://livespirituallybetterthanabillionaire.blogspot.com/,

Be More Successful than a Billionaire at http://bemoresuccessfulthanabillionaire.blogspot.com/,

Create Your Own 2,000 Percent Solutions at
http://2000percentsolutions.blogspot.com/,

Enjoy Mansions Better than a Billionaire at http://enjoymansionsbetterthanabillionaire.blogspot.com/,

Enjoy Football Better than a Billionaire at http://enjoyfootballbetterthanabillionaire.blogspot.com/ and

Be a World Hero Better than a Billionaire at http://beaworldherobetterthanabillionaire.blogspot.com/.

I offer individual on-line tutorials and in-person seminars on living better than a billionaire on five dollars extra a day, creating 2,000 percent solutions (20 times the results with the same effort), developing more profitable business models and designing strategies that work regardless of the business environment. For information, contact me at ultimatecompetitiveadvantage@yahoo.com.

I am available to you as a speaker on these subjects. You can find my background at http://livebetterthanabillionaireon5dollars.blogspot.com/2005_08_30_livebetterthanabillionaireon5dollars_archive.html/.

May God bless you.

Donald W. Mitchell, Your Dream Concierge

Copyright 2005 Donald W. Mitchell

A High School Education that Emphasizes Success

Good morning, Live Better than a Billionaire-a-Holics!

Are you feeling motivated this morning? I certainly hope so. I know that I am!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Imagine a billionaire is trying to select a high school for her or his youngster. By donating a building or two, admission should be no problem. But what can the billionaire expect the youngster will gain from the experience?

The billionaire isn't worried about the youngster getting into college. Another building or two can take care of that issue.

Chances are the billionaire is hoping for some reading, writing and math improvements . . . and a protected environment from the publicity that often surrounds the families of the rich and famous.

Now, imagine that you are a ghetto family that's just hanging on. You also want those same improvements for your youngster, the chance for a better life following the education and freedom from gangs.

You normally wouldn't think that a billionaire and such a ghetto family could team up . . . but that's just what's happening now across America on this Thanksgiving day. For this, I am very grateful.

I began to learn about this unique partnership when I attended a summit meeting on innovation last month in Providence, Rhode Island. During the summit, I heard from and spoke with Dennis 'Doc' Littky who is the director of The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center in south Providence (The Met). He brought along more than 30 of his high school students, and I was wowed by them! While still in high school, these energetic talented youngsters are focused on internships that help them determine and develop their career interests while building their skills within the context of those internships. One student is studying to be a homicide detective so she can help stop crime in her neighborhood. Another wants to establish a national chain of beauty salons. I think of this process as moving the student ahead into the adult world with an incentive to pursue their dreams. I wanted to become a high school student again!

Dennis invited a few of us to join him for half a day last week at the school. I was even more impressed. A hundred youngsters in grades 9-12 are in each school, and there are four on the campus and two other schools located elsewhere in Providence. Students spend two days a week off campus working on their projects and three days back on campus preparing to go back to work. They have advisors, great facilities and wonderful resources. The school's support structure and facilities are superior to what my younger daughter enjoyed at our state's most elite public high school and my younger son enjoyed at our state's most elite private high school. They would have learned more at The Met!

Where do these students come from? They are randomly selected by a drawing from among those who would like to attend. Most are poor and live in Providence. More than 80 percent qualify for Federal meal funds.

How do they do? In 2004, 94 percent graduated from high school compared to an average of 57 percent for all Providence public schools. Most impressively, every graduate was accepted into college. Think of that!

Educators from all around the world come to visit The Met. It's sparking a revolution in teaching and learning. You can read more about the organization at www.metcenter.org/.

Having heard about The Met's innovative and successful approach, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation provided $5 million in seed money to establish 35 pilot high schools like these in the most depressed urban environments around the U.S. Most of those schools are now open and the rest will be soon. That's a remarkable accomplishment because the funding was a lot less than what was actually needed. Dennis and his team made it work anyway. Kudos to the Gates and to The Met!

Now, if that isn't something to be thankful for on Thanksgiving, I don't know what is.

I wanted to share this story with you because it exemplifies my philosophy that it doesn't take money to live better than a billionaire and to be a world hero or heroine. . . it just takes good thinking and commitment. Hail to Dennis Littky and his co-founder Elliot Washor for their fine work!

How could a billionaire do better?

I see one opportunity. A billionaire could encourage parallel innovations. For instance, grants could be offered to create the pre-school, elementary and middle school versions of The Met. In addition, a college version could be established.

Donald Trump, are you reading?

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N.B. As you can tell, I'm experimenting with color. Let me know what you like and what I should change about my use of color. Many thanks to Linda Grace for her suggestions which I am following!

Please let me know what else you would like to learn, and I'll do my best to help in future blog entries.

Here are some upcoming subjects:

Tomorrow, I'll write about how to do your Christmas shopping as inexpensively and luxuriously as possible.

On Saturday, let's explore a beautiful living check list that will put you ahead of any billionaire you can think of . . . and make you the envy of your family and friends . . . as you enjoy delight after delight.

Sunday, we'll describe how to fill your day with spiritual delights!

On Monday, let's look at how you can have a billionaire mind. Be sure to read this post!

Tuesday, we'll look at the time wasters that are costing you a billionaire's lifestyle.

On Wednesday, the post will look at bad advice that you are receiving from billionaires that you should ignore or forget.

If you are new to this blog, be sure to check out the updated table of contents entry that I posted on November 16. The table of contents will help you find earlier entries that may be of interest. I'll update this table of contents every week or so for your convenience.

August 31 was the most frequently read blog entry to date. Be sure to check it out!

Thanks so much for your support of this blog. I'm delighted that so many tens of thousands of people have made this blog part of their regular reading habit!

If you like this blog, please let others know who might also enjoy it. E-mailing your favorite post to them is a great idea.

Check out the latest index at http://livebetterthanabillionaireon5dollars.blogspot.com/2005/11/latest-table-of-contents-to-this-blogs_16.html to pick out your choice.

Thank you to my many friends, students, clients and blog readers who are spreading the good word about this blog.

If you are visiting today because someone invited you, I'm delighted to meet you! Let's stay in touch.

Remember to also visit

Live Spiritually Better than a Billionaire at http://livespirituallybetterthanabillionaire.blogspot.com/,

Be More Successful than a Billionaire at http://bemoresuccessfulthanabillionaire.blogspot.com/,

Create Your Own 2,000 Percent Solutions at
http://2000percentsolutions.blogspot.com/,

Enjoy Mansions Better than a Billionaire at http://enjoymansionsbetterthanabillionaire.blogspot.com/,

Enjoy Football Better than a Billionaire at http://enjoyfootballbetterthanabillionaire.blogspot.com/ and

Be a World Hero Better than a Billionaire at http://beaworldherobetterthanabillionaire.blogspot.com/.

I offer individual on-line tutorials and in-person seminars on living better than a billionaire on five dollars extra a day, creating 2,000 percent solutions (20 times the results with the same effort), developing more profitable business models and designing strategies that work regardless of the business environment. For information, contact me at ultimatecompetitiveadvantage@yahoo.com.

I am available to you as a speaker on these subjects. You can find my background at http://livebetterthanabillionaireon5dollars.blogspot.com/2005_08_30_livebetterthanabillionaireon5dollars_archive.html/.

May God bless you.

Donald W. Mitchell, Your Dream Concierge

Copyright 2005 Donald W. Mitchell

Solve Some of the World's Most Difficult Porblems

Good morning, Live Better than a Billionaire-a-Holics!

Are you feeling motivated this morning? I certainly hope so. I know that I am!

Imagine a billionaire trying to solve a world problem, and the image you will probably see is of a prominent person meeting around a table in a conference room with advisors. Or you may see a public presentation where an oversized check with lots of zeros on it is being handed to the head of a charity.

What do most billionaires know about solving world problems? In many cases, very little.

It's not surprising. Consider Donald Trump. He lives in Trump Tower. He may see some homeless people occasionally from a limousine, but he's not likely to understand about the AIDS crisis in Africa, the many people who suffer from malaria in Asia or the destruction of the rain forests around the equator. He's obviously a smart guy and could learn about these things, but he doesn't live anywhere near the problems. They aren't likely to grab his attention.

Consider instead Bill Gates. He and his wife, Melinda, have created a large foundation to improve conditions for everyone around the world. One of the major initiatives is to provide vaccinations for children who wouldn't otherwise receive any. With this investment into health, millions will live better and happier lives. It's a wonderful thing to do, and I honor the Gates' for their wisdom and generosity.

But even if all the billionaires gave all their wealth away, the bulk of the world's problems would remain.

Why? Money goes just so far in solving problems.

In fact, most problems don't require any more money at all to solve.

Two things are missing: An understanding of what better alternatives are and a process for creating the necessary changes.

Let's consider the first point. Experts in developed countries always seem to have lots of better alternatives. But few of those alternatives have been used in lesser developed countries or by poor people.

From this experience, it becomes clear that the solutions developed by those who live in the situation and who are most affected by it are usually the most effective.

Change processes are another problem area. Big picture experts often want to do big projects involving billions and assume that the benefits will find their way back to everyone. In many environments, that's a bad assumption. Most of the money will be drained off by corruption and bad practices before it's turned into anything useful, and many of the projects won't have much impact on the bulk of the people. If you don't have electricity, a new dam that lowers the cost of electricity has very little impact on you.

Change occurs best when those who need the change welcome and nurture it.

For example, if you put in a well somewhere for a village, everyone will love having the water. But if the well relies of keeping the pump going, that well won't be working as soon as the first pump wears out. But if the villagers decide they want a well, they will either dig one that doesn't require a pump . . . or will be sure that several people in the village learn how to repair pumps.

From working with people around the world to solve pressing social problems, I am constantly struck that there seem to be no problems that cannot be greatly alleviated with relatively few financial resources.

But you do need a magic combination: Knowledge of local conditions, practices and beliefs . . . and an understanding of how to technically change the underlying circumstance. Anyone who lives in a community has the former. Those who know engineering and management typically have the latter.

Since there are few billionaires who have this combination, they usually cannot be on the front lines of the rewarding activity of making large, fundamental improvements.

Are you interested in being such a person? Good for you!

I recommend that you visit my blogs Be a World Hero Better than a Billionaire at http://beaworldherobetterthanabillionaire.blogspot.com/ and
Create Your Own 2,000 Percent Solutions at
http://2000percentsolutions.blogspot.com/ for more information.

How could a billionaire do better?

I see one opportunity. A billionaire could encourage the spread of such problem solving skills among those have the technical knowledge to make improvements and live in communities that are strongly affected by the problems. A recent example of how the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation is making a difference will be explored in tomorrow's blog post.

************************************

N.B. As you can tell, I'm experimenting with color. Let me know what you like and what I should change about my use of color. Many thanks to Linda Grace for her suggestions which I am following!

Please let me know what else you would like to learn, and I'll do my best to help in future blog entries.

Here are some upcoming subjects:

Tomorrow, let's look at a public high school that's better in many ways than the world's most elite academies where billionaires send their offspring. You'll be thankful that such a wonderful approach is available to our young people.

Friday, I'll write about how to do your Christmas shopping as inexpensively and luxuriously as possible.

On Saturday, let's explore a beautiful living check list that will put you ahead of any billionaire you can think of . . . and make you the envy of your family and friends . . . as you enjoy delight after delight.

Sunday, we'll describe how to fill your day with spiritual delights!

On Monday, let's look at how you can have a billionaire mind. Be sure to read this post!

Tuesday, we'll look at the time wasters that are costing you a billionaire's lifestyle.

If you are new to this blog, be sure to check out the updated table of contents entry that I posted on November 16. The table of contents will help you find earlier entries that may be of interest. I'll update this table of contents every week or so for your convenience.

August 31 was the most frequently read blog entry to date. Be sure to check it out!

Thanks so much for your support of this blog. I'm delighted that so many tens of thousands of people have made this blog part of their regular reading habit!

If you like this blog, please let others know who might also enjoy it. E-mailing your favorite post to them is a great idea.

Check out the latest index at http://livebetterthanabillionaireon5dollars.blogspot.com/2005/11/latest-table-of-contents-to-this-blogs_16.html to pick out your choice.

Thank you to my many friends, students, clients and blog readers who are spreading the good word about this blog.

If you are visiting today because someone invited you, I'm delighted to meet you! Let's stay in touch.

Remember to also visit

Live Spiritually Better than a Billionaire at http://livespirituallybetterthanabillionaire.blogspot.com/,

Be More Successful than a Billionaire at http://bemoresuccessfulthanabillionaire.blogspot.com/,

Create Your Own 2,000 Percent Solutions at
http://2000percentsolutions.blogspot.com/,

Enjoy Mansions Better than a Billionaire at http://enjoymansionsbetterthanabillionaire.blogspot.com/,

Enjoy Football Better than a Billionaire at http://enjoyfootballbetterthanabillionaire.blogspot.com/ and

Be a World Hero Better than a Billionaire at http://beaworldherobetterthanabillionaire.blogspot.com/.

I offer individual on-line tutorials and in-person seminars on living better than a billionaire on five dollars extra a day, creating 2,000 percent solutions (20 times the results with the same effort), developing more profitable business models and designing strategies that work regardless of the business environment. For information, contact me at ultimatecompetitiveadvantage@yahoo.com.

I am available to you as a speaker on these subjects. You can find my background at http://livebetterthanabillionaireon5dollars.blogspot.com/2005_08_30_livebetterthanabillionaireon5dollars_archive.html/.

May God bless you.

Donald W. Mitchell, Your Dream Concierge

Copyright 2005 Donald W. Mitchell

Latest Table of Contents to This Blog's Entries by Date

Good morning, Live Better than a Billionaire-a-Holics!

Are you feeling motivated this morning? I certainly hope so. I know that I am!

INTRODUCTION

A number of my blog fans have written to encourage me to put together a list of some of the best of the earlier blog entries . . . to make it easier for those who have special interests to find useful information. This is the latest update.

Please let me know how I can improve the results for you! I have listed subjects by date. You can click on the dates in the right hand side of the current blog entries to find the earlier material that interests you.

INDEX

Introduction to the Blog and Book I am Writing Based on the Blog: May 21, May 14-15

American Authoress Homes: August 19

Announcing Be a World Hero Better than a Billionaire: September 3

Announcing Create Your Own 2,000 Percent Solutions: November 14

Announcing Enjoy Football Better than a Billionaire: September 1

Announcing Enjoy Mansions Better than a Billionaire: August 31

Announcing Live Better Spiritually than a Billionaire: August 31

Announcing The 2,000 Percent Solution Workbook: November 23

Ansel Adams Show: September 29

Appreciation: September 16

Astronomy Star Parties: September 27

Audience Building: October 17

Aunts and Uncles: November 15

Autumn Outdoor Living: September 30

Baseball Playoff Watching: September 20

Beautiful Living: November 10

Beautiful Thoughts with Dr. Mararu Emoto: October 13

Be Understood and Appreciated: October 20

Become More Beloved: October 19

Bible Reading: October 2

Bible Study: November 13

Birthdays (Planning Your Own): November 11

Blog Writing: October 31

Book Reviewing Ethics: August 16

Book Selection and Reading Suggestions: November 21

Breakfast: November 16

Business Opportunities: July 27, July 22, July 19, July 5

Carefree Living and Learning: August 5

Celebrity Memorabilia: July 30, July 29, June 10-11

Celebrity Parties: October 5

Cheap Wining and Dining: June 30, May 27

Child Care: August 25

Chill Out on Busy Days: September 5

Collecting: October 10, October 1

College (Return to): November 12

College Football Fan Advice: November 4, October 14, August 31

Communications: August 3, July 10, July 9, July 7, June 21

Concierge's Advice: June 15-16

Cousins: November 14

Cruises: November 1, October 3

Day-Off Leisure Time Advice: September 4

Deep Throat: June 4

Donald Trump: September 10, July 12, July 3, June 2

Engage the Whole World to Help You: October 26

European Historic Hotels: October 6

Exercise: August 27

Expertise Opens Doors: May 29

Experts Answer Your Questions for Free: October 4

Fame: July 26, July 22, May 25

Father's Day: May 15-16

Football South Floriday Style: November 19

Football Season Tips: November 9, September 8, August 20

Foreign Travel: August 24

Freedom: August 6

Fun with Friends: October 22

Gasoline (Prospering Despite High Prices for): September 19

Gift Giving: June 14

Gratitude: October 23

Great Baseball Seats: July 21

Hado Water to Improve Health and Quality of Life: October 29

Heating Cost Savings: August 30

Help Your Children Behave: October 24

Help Your Children Go from Bored to Excited: October 25

Hire Your Dream Concierge as a Speaker: August 30

Historic Buildings: November 8, October 11, September 28

Holidays and Celebrations: October 21, June 8, May 30-31, May 28, May 15-16

Homage to a Great Man: November 18

Indoor Gardening: September 3

Inspiring Others: June 27, June 23

Jack Canfield Seminar Series on The Success Principles: August 8-15

Joy in Serving Others: August 21

Learn a Foreign Language in 100 Days: September 9

Learn by Teaching: August 29

Learning from Celebrities: June 23, June 22

Leaving a Legacy: June 5

Library Riches: August 26

Listening: September 16

Living the Spiritual Life in Las Vegas: August 6

Loving: September 18

Malls: November 17

Mansions and Celebrity Homes: November 8, November 2, October 18, September 26, September 14, September 13, September 6, August 22, August 1, July 28, July 25, July 20, July 11, June 13, May 18, May 17

Meeting Celebrities: October 10, September 12, July 30, July 29, July 11, June 26-27, June 17- 23, June 6, June 3, May 22

Meeting Management: November 22

Music: November 6, November 5

New England Patriots: September 8, August 5, July 30

Nutrition: August 18

On-line Church Services: September 25

Outdoor Experiences: June 30

Party Planning: October 15

Peabody Essex Museum: October 11

Perpetual Spring: June 9

Peter Drucker (Homage to): November 18

Philanthropy: July 1, June 26

Pictures Can Be Worth Thousands of Words: October 27

Prayer: October 30, September 11

Promote Your Ideas: September 21, September 1

Public Speaking: August 13

Publicity on Radio and Television: September 21

Publish Your Book: October 7

Read Better: September 2

Real Estate Purchases: September 24

Roller Coasters: October 12

Second Dates: October 28

Siblings: November 7

Simplicity: June 1

Solving World Problems: November 23

Spiritual Living: November 20, November 13, November 6, October 30, October 23, October 16, October 9, October 2, September 25, September 18, September 11, August 28, August 21, August 14, August 7, July 31, July 24, July 17, July 10, July 3, June 24, June 19, June 12

Success: September 15, August 8-15, August 2, July 23, July 4, June 1

Success Principles: August 8-15

Super Bowls: July 13-18

Teaching: Augut 8, July 27

Television Appearances: May 25

Thanksgiving: November 3

Vision of the Blog: July 6, July 4

Visit Relatives: September 23

Waterfront Experiences: July 2

Wealth Expansion: September 22

Wedding Anniversary: October 21

Weight Control: September 7, August 28, August 17

Western United States Trip: August 23

Whale and Dolphin Viewing around the World: August 4

Word Selection: September 15

Work Enjoyment: September 17

Write an Amazon.com Best Seller and Make $20,000 in a Day: July 22

Most Popular Blog Entry to Date: August 31

Please feel free to let me know what else you would like to learn, and I'll do my best to help in future blog entries.

Thanks so much for your support of this blog. I'm delighted that so many thousands of people have made this blog part of their regular reading habit!

If you like this blog, please let others know who might also enjoy it.

I also offer individual on-line tutorials and in-person seminars on living better than a billionaire on five dollars extra a day, creating 2,000 percent solutions (20 times the results with the same effort), developing more profitable business models and designing strategies that work regardless of the business environment. For information, contact me at ultimatecompetitiveadvantage@yahoo.com.

May God bless you.

Donald W. Mitchell, Your Dream Concierge

Copyright 2005 Donald W. Mitchell