This web site isn't about me and it isn't about you. Imagine...Imagine starting a new business in this out of control "Who else wants a bailout?", "Where did my 401K go?" economy. Qualifying for a business loan is next to impossible. Raising capital is a joke. Everyone says so. I know they do because they’ve all told me that—repeatedly. But I have something no other fledgling business has. In my portfolio is a stack of National Geographic magazines that span 30 years…a gift from my grandmother, "Grammie". She wanted me to have them after she was gone so I could put them to good use. And, Grammie, this is it. |
Imagine Trading Up...I’m willing to trade each of Grandma’s lovingly-collected magazines for something else—so long as each trade takes me closer to my goal of raising the money to launch my business. This could only happen in the age of the internet…and only if generous, just-as-crazy-as-me people jump on board and do some swapping. Are you one of those people? Someone who understands what it’s like to have an idea in your head and a dream in your heart? Someone who crawls out of bed each morning with a desire to see something amazing happen? If that’s you—you’re at the right web site! |
These are just a few of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) I get. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to contact me at |
This Web Site!Hi! I'm Randy! I am your typical middle class single father with 3 kids, 1 dog, and a mortgage, living in Loveland, CO. I work 40 + hours a week at a job that I actually love. I play coed soccer on the weekends, and the rest of my time is spent enjoying time with my family. |
So What Am I Doing?
I’m starting my own “They said it couldn’t be done” story.
For several years now, I’ve had this unrelenting desire to start a business.
It’s not just a whim. I’m talking about a deep-seated “I need to do this or I’ll regret it for the rest of my life” feeling. I don’t want to look back and wonder why I was too scared to take a chance. Or, worse yet, see someone else turn my idea into a successful business.
That’s right: I’ve got an idea. And a plan. I’ve done the homework and trust me—it’s a winner. The only obstacle preventing me from starting the business is lack of money.
Grammie had a big hand in raising me, and here’s a lesson she taught me at every opportunity: If you can’t get through a door, go through a window. If the windows are all locked, mail yourself and get in through the mail slot.
In short: if you want something to happen, get creative and make it happen.
That’s the reason for this web site…and my letting Grammie help me once again through her magazine collection.
I could take out a second mortgage on my house, but in uncertain times, that’s a terrible move. Ditto for cashing in my retirement. I don’t want to put my family at financial risk.
And borrowing from friends? They’re in no better shape than I am when it comes to handing out large sums of money.
And that leaves me…where? How will I do it?How Am I Going to Do It?With a whole lot of help from a whole lot of generous people What I have is a unique inheritance from my Grandmother’s estate that maybe, just maybe, will get this business off the ground… |
When Grammie passed in 1999, I inherited 30+ years of National Geographic magazines. That’s 380 issues, stacked in boxes in my garage.
Ten years after Grammie passed, I still hadn’t figured out what to do with them. I couldn’t throw them out. After all, she specifically saved them for me…she wanted me to benefit from her subscriptions.
But I couldn’t keep them forever, either.
And then it hit me: Grammie has given me the key to raising the money I need to get this business up and rolling. By trading each magazine for something else—something that then is traded again and again—I can raise the money I need.
Several years ago a guy named Kyle MacDonald decided to take the game “Bigger and Better” to a whole new level. He wanted a house but couldn’t afford it. He didn’t have the money.
But he did have a red paperclip.
Through a series of 14 trades he ended up with the house he needed. And if Kyle can get a house with a paperclip, what can be accomplished with 30 years of National Geographics?
So here’s the deal: I’ll trade any issue of my collection for anything that’s bigger and better. That item will then be traded with the same condition. And we’ll keep going until I’ve raised enough capital to start my business.
It's a win-win! Everyone gets what they want!
National Geographic Magazines (1941-1996)
30 + years??? You’ve got to be kidding! Well, I sort of am.
My collection starts with the September 1941 issue, it's missing its cover.
Grammie was good at saving the magazines, but it looks like every once in a while one would go missing. I don’t have complete years until we hit 1965. Go to the "NG Covers" section and you can click on specific years to see which issues I have.
In total, I have 380 issues.
I scanned each issue cover. I didn’t “photoshop” the covers in any way…what you see is what you get.
These magazines aren’t in mint condition. They won’t arrive in collector’s acid-free sleeves. Some have torn or bent pages, some are scratched, and they’ve all been stored in a garage for more than 10 years.
But every one was anxiously received and read by Grammie (and by me, once I got old enough)…and I like to think a little of that love is tucked in each magazine.
So why would you want an old National Geographic magazine? I honestly don't know, but I can think of several reasons you might:
- Maybe you want to complete your own collection.
- Or maybe you want an issue from the birth date of a friend or loved one. They make great gifts when you do that, kind of like little time capsules.
- Or maybe you fell in love with a place profiled in an issue. Or you just happen to like the cover photo.
- Or maybe you just want to help me reach my goal!
Whatever your reason for wanting to trade with me, I respect it. I don't judge. If I did...I’d better start with myself. After all, I'm the one with 30+ years of National Geographic magazines sitting in my garage.
Can you say "Therapist"?
I realize that it’s kind of ironic (or crazy) that I am starting up one venture to try and get another venture up and running, but I am determined to give this a try.
If you have a better idea…I am all ears.
How Can You Help?
I’m looking for an army of wonderful people who understand what it means to have a dream in your heart…who are willing to help me achieve something I know is possible…and who want to see this happen.
I’m inviting you to be a part of my life and make a difference. Browse through the covers and see if anything catches your eye. If so, offer to trade me something that’s bigger and better!
Look around your house or in your garage, and I am betting there are several things you really don't need, but don't know what to do with. Here's your opportunity to do something with them that will make a difference in my life.
And if you don't see a magazine you want, check out the "Current Trades" Section and see if there’s anything you want to trade for there! Who knows what treasures might be hiding there?
And if nothing else, spread the word! Tell your family, friends, and co-workers how I’m trying to raise money to start a business! Send them this link. And remember to check back once in a while and see if there is anything that you might want to trade for.
Follow me on Facebook and Twitter!
When you join my "Swapstartmybiz" Facebook group, not only can you help decide what to trade for, but you also become one of the first to know what I have traded for and you get "first crack" at offering to trade me for it before I list the item on Craigslist.org, Facebook Market Place,
EBay Classifieds, or bouldercountytrader.com.
Additionally, I promise I won't bore you with any mundane details of my life like
where I am at or what I am eating or drinking! I do not want to waste your time!
Follow me on Twitter! Again, strictly business.
Every journey begins with the first step...
this is mine...just past fear and into the unknown!
Let the trading begin!
Disclaimer: Other than owning decades of National Geographic magazines, I am not affiliated or associated with the National Geographic organization in any way, shape, or form. I have not been paid any compensation by the National Geographic organization for my endorsement or this web site. However, in my opinion, National Geographic is an incredible educational organization and they deserve your support. Please visit them at: www.nationalgeographic.com |