About Us

I'm starting a writing/research/PR business. I'm particularly interested in politics and current events. I've been a political activist most of my life so I am fearless in my assertions because I am supremely confident and have done my homework. I also worked for 25 years in Finance for a local municipality so I have some idea how government works/doesn't work. I can be very passionate about my opinions but even then what I say or write is intelligent, well researched and well thought out with a strong splash of wit. I am erudite and well spoken. I have a degree from U of M in English and a Graduate Business Management degree from Walsh College. I also have a passion for writing that started when I published my first article in my church paper at the age of seven. From me you will get a writing/research product that is thoroughly researched, well thought out and well written with keen insights and a sense of humor. I am also an excellent public speaker and writer of haiku. And since I'm retired and more interested in staying busy than getting rich my fees will be very reasonable. I'm doing it for fun more than anything else.

How We Got Started

As I said above I've been writing poetry and op ed pieces since grade school. I recently got married and my wife doesn't like me sitting around and not making money so I decided to try to start a writing/research/PR business. I have 3 kids to support too. I have a good pension and Social Security but xtra $$$ is always appreciated. Gives me something to do too.

Products & Services
I have a degree in English fro U of M and a Masters from Walsh College plus 25 years in Finance so I have the bonafides to do research and communic...
My 'product" is ideas and ways of thinking that lead to plans and plans lead to success. I advise reading two books which are the source of many o...
Need remarks for a public appearance? Get professional speech writing assistance for anything ranging from political speeches to toasts and remarks...
Recommendations Given (6)
"So far prompt response with upbeat message and good cause."
"Haven't worked with JD a whole lot yet but first impression is thoroughly professional,..." Read more "Haven't worked with JD a whole lot yet but first impression is thoroughly professional, knowledgeable and credible. First impressions are important."
Recent Activity

Wiliam from Retired and pursuing a second career as a journalist Answered this on September 06, 2020
I plan on buying gift certificates at local businesses (especially restaurants) as gifts for Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and graduations. Will you join me and start a trend? (more) I plan on buying gift certificates at local businesses (especially restaurants) as gifts for Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and graduations. Will you join me and start a trend?
1 Reply

Wiliam from Retired and pursuing a second career as a journalist Answered this on August 22, 2020
Provide them with an insightful and well written and researched analysis before due date. (more) Provide them with an insightful and well written and researched analysis before due date.

Wiliam from Retired and pursuing a second career as a journalist Answered this on August 22, 2020
Buying gift certificates at local busunesses for future use to help local businesses increase sales and cash flow. (more) Buying gift certificates at local busunesses for future use to help local businesses increase sales and cash flow.
1 Reply

Wiliam from Retired and pursuing a second career as a journalist Answered this on August 10, 2020
Start with the basics. Do some research and draft a very rough budget revenue and expenses.  Also draft a rough business plan that answers the questions What is your product, who will buy it and why they will buy it from you rather than your competitors.  Find a good accountant or bookkeeper who... (more) Start with the basics. Do some research and draft a very rough budget revenue and expenses.  Also draft a rough business plan that answers the questions What is your product, who will buy it and why they will buy it from you rather than your competitors.  Find a good accountant or bookkeeper who you trust and talk to them about a business plan.  Be sure to bring your rough drafts.

Wiliam from Retired and pursuing a second career as a journalist Answered this on July 31, 2020
What their academic background and training is.  What volunteer work they do.  What community organizations they are involved with.  What professional awads they have received. (more) What their academic background and training is.  What volunteer work they do.  What community organizations they are involved with.  What professional awads they have received.
1 Reply

Wiliam from Retired and pursuing a second career as a journalist Answered this on May 22, 2020
Business is still in start up mode but I am retired with a modest yet comfortable pension so while I can always use extra money I write because it keeps me occupied and I love doing it.   They say do what you love and the money will follow.  Here's hoping. My advice?  Don't neglect... (more) Business is still in start up mode but I am retired with a modest yet comfortable pension so while I can always use extra money I write because it keeps me occupied and I love doing it.   They say do what you love and the money will follow.  Here's hoping. My advice?  Don't neglect starting a retirement plan and stick to it.

Wiliam from Retired and pursuing a second career as a journalist Answered this on July 28, 2018
For me it would depend on two factors: 1) Can you really afford it?  Would it be better just to put the money in the bank? 2) What would happen if you faced six months without work?  This goes back to 1).    (more) For me it would depend on two factors: 1) Can you really afford it?  Would it be better just to put the money in the bank? 2) What would happen if you faced six months without work?  This goes back to 1).   

Wiliam from Retired and pursuing a second career as a journalist Answered this on July 21, 2018
Do your homework.  Do your homework.  Do your homework. Make sure your lender has a good history of providing loans.  Try to contact other businesses who have gotten similar loans.  And know and understand the terms of your loan and every single nuance.  Are there accelerator clauses?  What... (more) Do your homework.  Do your homework.  Do your homework. Make sure your lender has a good history of providing loans.  Try to contact other businesses who have gotten similar loans.  And know and understand the terms of your loan and every single nuance.  Are there accelerator clauses?  What happens if you default?  Can the lender sell the loan at any time during the term?  Are there any times the loan is due in full?  Do I need to pledge any collateral?  Can my personal finances be attached?  Can I renegotiate terms if necessary?  You get the idea.  You can't ask all the questions but it is definitely good to have an inquisitive and well informed mind before you make a major financial decision.  Finally how does the loan officer treat you?  Are they really concerned about you or do they just want to make the sale?  Are they pushy or unnecessarily aggressive?  Do they know their product?  Put everything together and once you've done a final "this looks good" assessment double check sign on the dotted line---but not until you've done your homework.
1 Reply

Wiliam from Retired and pursuing a second career as a journalist Answered this on July 17, 2018
A new business coach like me?  Good question Lisa.  Maybe.  I'd have to see some of their product in writing, like the talk and/or on line discussion I had with them and then look for any type of feedback positive or negative.  Then hire them "provisionally" for a set period of time say two... (more) A new business coach like me?  Good question Lisa.  Maybe.  I'd have to see some of their product in writing, like the talk and/or on line discussion I had with them and then look for any type of feedback positive or negative.  Then hire them "provisionally" for a set period of time say two months and a set number of billable hours at a rate you feel comfortable with.  If things work out after the end of the trial period hire them on a more permanent basis.  If you don't like the results simply don't renew the contract.  Make the terms of the contract very specific and make sure your new hire knows the process and understands how they fit in.  I'm trying to set up an initial "get acquainted period" where if possible potential customers take me to a "working lunch" two or three times to get to know me and then make a decision.  I get lunch, they get some advice and get a feel for me and work with me for a few hours to see if they want to hire me.  No pressure from the start and pretty laid back.  That's my style.  You decide if you want to hire me.  I only try to prove that you should by displaying my knowledge and skills.  I think my product is so good it will sell itself.  I hate being pushy and rarely do it.  I make a forceful argument but that is not the same as being pushy.

Wiliam from Retired and pursuing a second career as a journalist Answered this on July 17, 2018
An eye catching and humorous sign that is not in any way offensive.  I've seen churches and restaurants craft witty sayings and post them on a sign.  Gets attention, gets people thinking and gives them a hook to remember you by.  And a conversation starter when you meet with a potential customer. (more) An eye catching and humorous sign that is not in any way offensive.  I've seen churches and restaurants craft witty sayings and post them on a sign.  Gets attention, gets people thinking and gives them a hook to remember you by.  And a conversation starter when you meet with a potential customer.