As you read this issue, think about these insightful words from Robert Middleton:

I'm gonna stop learning ABOUT things and start learning how to DO things. And then do 'em!

It's one of the more delightful bonuses of the entrepreneurial life that we not only can earn money as we travel, we also can be far more selective about our travels than those worn out corporate types whom we see dragging themselves through airports.

Creative thinking can give your travel dreams a big boost, of course.So can giving up the thought that you must always pay in order to go places. An entrepreneurial position is more about being paid to see the world.

It's equally important that the work you are being paid to do is richly satisfying in and of itself. Too many people have put up with toxic jobs for the occasional travel benefits. If working for the airlines or joining the military is your grandest dream, by all means go for it. If not, you're making a bad trade.

Whether you're doing research for a book you intend to write or buying jewelry to sell on eBay, your travels will take on a grander dimension if they're an intrinsic part of a bigger goal. Here are some other tips for getting your travel bug fed:

* Build confidence at home. You could plop down in Venezuela and offer your services as a Web designer for companies wanting an English Web site. It makes more sense to figure out your marketing strategy and delivery system before you go by actually starting such a business in your own backyard. While you may find unexpected opportunities in a distant place, at least part of your plan should include operating from your experience and confidence.

* Become really good at what you do.Your mastery will be as good as a passport for opening new vistas. If you are a freelance anything (well, almost anything) adding a portable profit center to your enterprises should be fairly easy. Your clients don't all have to live in close proximity so why not find some in an exotic locale? If you do, don't be surprised if the fact that you've come from afar adds to your mystique and leads to even more clients.

* Develop your ability to spot opportunity. You don't have to act on every great idea you get, but you do have to open your mind to the fact that opportunities are everywhere. Challenge yourself to find problems that need solving or needs that are unmet. If you are constantly on the alert, you will find opportunities that cry out for your attention. Get in the habit of thinking up ways you could take advantage of neglected ideas.

Once you begin to see for yourself how many possibilities exist, you will know beyond all doubt that you can find moneymaking opportunities no matter where you are. If you're willing to do the work to profit from them, you're on your way to becoming an intrepid traveler with a well-fed (and grateful) travel bug.

* A lovely intro by Steve Strauss, online columnist for USA Today and author of The Small Business Bible

* A new chapter called, "What Are the Odds in Times Like These?"

* Updates and new examples in every chapter

After August 25, you can find it at your favorite bookseller. You can pre-order it online now. And if you'd like an autographed copy, you can click on the link below. If you order it from me before October 1, shipping is free.

Making a Living Without a Job

"Have you started writing yet?" I asked.

"It's in my head," he said sheepishly.

"Peter," I pointed out lovingly, "you can't sell a book that's in your head."

I'm happy to report that there are now three books in my library with Peter's name on the cover. I also know that there are thousands of books, millions of creations and countless terrific business ideas that are still walking around in someone's head.

That's precisely why I created Follow Through Camp. If you've got one of those poor, neglected ideas hanging around and you're ready to bring it to life, join Alice Barry and me, along with other joyfully jobless folks, at Follow Through Camp. Not only will the distraction--free environment give your imagination room to play. You'll leave with clarity, confidence and a commitment--and some practical tools--for making your idea a reality.

This isn't a Fix All Your Problems event. It's two days of hands-on, roll up your sleeves, let's figure this out together. It's immersion in creative thinking, problem-solving and idea-generating. It's more about your ideas and less about our agenda. Quite simply, Follow Through Camp is a highly interactive, small group event that can save you months of trial and error. If that wasn't enough, Minnesota is lovely in September.

Enroll before August 15 and take advantage of the Early Bird pricing. (Enroll even earlier if you want to be sure of getting a spot. We're filling up fast.)

Follow Through Camp

And if you want to follow me, I'm known on Twitter as @joblessmuse.

Barbara