Now, here's a cool idea! Ways to Meet Needs in Your Community

If you're looking for work or considering what's next in your career, it can be depressing looking online at what's available, especially if the job doesn't really interest or inspire you.

So, take some time to consider what's needed in your community.  What problems need to be solved? How could you use your gifts and skills to make a difference?

For example, here's a guy who came up with the idea of a tool share program that's starting in Boulder. Read his story in the Daily Camera newspaper.

A few weeks ago I was part of a panel with Ryan Ferrero, who was disillusioned by the auto industry he grew up in. Yet, he found a niche based on what's missing and created Green Garage. Ryan said their business model is based on education, so consumers can make personal choices based on values, cost, etc. Also, their goal is to help a lot of people a little, rather than relying on unnecessary sales. (e.g. Oil change guidelines of every 3 months or 3,000 miles is based on marketing, not science!) Elephant Journal did an article and review on Green Garage here.

While we're on the subject of cars, here's someone who started a "do it yourself" auto garage for people who like working on cars but don't have the space or tools at home. http://www.doityourselfgarage.net/

What I notice about these ideas is that they're empowering people to help themselves, instead of outsourcing everything to specialists. They also help people save money, develop skills, and build community. Now, that's a cool idea!

If you see other cool ideas, please comment or email me. Do you have a cool idea? Where can your gifts and talents meet the needs of your community? Need help? Contact me & let's find your niche for satisfying, sustainable, work.