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Secrets to Success
Deborah Cole Micek
and John-Paul Micek
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A hand up is better than a hand out
Microfinancing, like new media, puts power in the hands of the little guy. It is a way for poor people to get access to the same economic power that creates wealth in every capitalist economy in the world.
If you are grateful for what you have and you'd like to discover how you can quickly and painlessly give a poor person a hand-up instead of a hand-out, please read this. With microfinance, you -- yes, you, just one single person -- can make a significant, direct impact on the lives of dozens, and possibly hundreds, of people.
In the world of microfinance, most loans go to women. Industry averages run at 95 percent repayment for loans made to women. The money, when repaid, is recycled and re-loaned to other micro-entrepreneurs. The money supply grows, with interest being added to the repayments.
In India, Vadla Baguma is one small example of the power of microfinance. To date she has repaid all her loans -- about $600. With her most recent loan, Baguma diversified beyond her buffalo-milk business. She purchased a sewing machine and does mending for hire. With this additional income she is able to send her son to school.
In September, my partner, Deborah, and I were speakers at the World Internet Marketing Main Event in San Francisco. At this event, we were part of a special funding drive for Unitus called "Internet Marketers Against Poverty."
Unitus is one of the world's leading microfinance accelerators. It invests in microfinancing organizations in the world's poorest countries. It is decreasing poverty by increasing access to finance.
This venture is so powerful because it's a "hand up" rather than a "hand out."
When the Wright brothers flew their plane for the first time, it stayed in the air for 20 seconds. It covered 120 feet. At the time, we could have said, "So what." But that little flight changed the world. For the first time a human being flew.
Microfinancing is the Wright Bothers plane in the fight against poverty. It is covering those 120 feet in the efforts to help poor people. You can help get it off that ground and help the poor around the world help themselves.
As an independent, gifted business person, you can help an entrepreneur change her family's destiny. Just a small donation can help micro-entrepreneurs fuel their dreams to better the lives of their families. Just go to this link to make a donation directly to Unitus: www.unitus.com/sections/ involved/involved_cu_ online.asp
You'll be rewarded with the knowledge that you are directly affecting hundreds of people in a tangible, lasting way.
John-Paul Micek is the lead business coach at RPM Success Group Inc. Reach him at
JPM@RPMsuccess.com or toll-free at (888) 334-8151.
Deborah Cole Micek, chief executive officer of RPM Success Group, is a business success coach and life strategist. Reach her at
DCM@RPMsuccess.com or toll-free at (888) 334-8151.