<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Taigh Smyth &#187; Travel and Work</title>
	<atom:link href="http://taighsmyth.com/category/blog/travel-and-work/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://taighsmyth.com</link>
	<description>Integrated Strategy To Building A Home Business</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 22:41:56 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1</generator>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
			<item>
		<title>Sharing My Biggest FAIL With a Crowd of 100 Brilliant Marketing Minds&#8230;</title>
		<link>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/business-mastermind/</link>
		<comments>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/business-mastermind/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:32:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Taigh</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel and Work]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business mastermind]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[David DeMarco]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://taighsmyth.com/?p=1214</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My trip to Baltimore, How I Failed Big Time, and Formula to live by, and How to Get Personal Coaching...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!-- <img src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/plane-leaving-Baltimore-190x115.png" mce_src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/plane-leaving-Baltimore-190x115.png" /> --></p>
<p><strong>Note**  If you're looking for <a href="http://www.hypertracker.com/go/taighgsmyth/MentoringOfferlink001/" target="_blank">Personal Coaching, Check out This Page Here</a>.  (This page will be taken down either by the end of December, or after the 4 seats are taken...) </strong></p>
<p>So it's been over a year now since I've been back from working on the beaches in Thailand.  Now fast forward to December 2011 - and <strong>I just won a prize for having the Biggest FAILING Experience</strong>, But I'll tell you about that in just a  bit. If you haven't been following along for very long, in 2010 I was able to live a dream and work my business online and travel parts of South East Asia...</p>
<h3>It was an experience of a Lifetime...</h3>
<p>I still keep in close contact with good friends who I met out there, and the memories bring me to my 'Happy Place' as I think about riding my Kawasaki Ninja down the beautiful coast of Phuket, Thailand.  Here, if you haven't already - <a href="http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/6-months-in-thailand/" target="_blank">check out this post</a> on how it was to live, travel and work in Thailand, (I even show you what a delicious $4 meal looks like).</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hypertracker.com/go/taighgsmyth/MentoringOfferlink001/" target="_blank"><img class="size-full wp-image-1223  aligncenter" title="Taigh in Thailand" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/tbike-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p><span id="more-1214"></span>Everything was going great - and one day I had this Epiphany.  It was this grand idea that I would build a social networking site that would help connect people who have similar goals and interests.  It's called, The <a href="http://www.bucketlistnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Bucket List Network</a>.  I made a big mistake and completely focused on this 'Idea' even though I knew it didn't have a solid revenue model in place.</p>
<h3>Why was it a Mistake?</h3>
<p>Well, I basically neglected what was working well in my business. I got caught up in the idea of what it could mean to have a successful social network.  I love the vision, and got emotionally tied to the idea.  And it was a mistake because one thing I found out quickly is that the old saying is true...</p>
<h3>Cash Is King...</h3>
<p>I spent tens of thousands on this network and it seemed to be a bottomless money pit.  Sure, it was fun shooting videos and brainstorming new ideas of how this network was going to help thousands of people live an incredible life... <strong>BUT I learned a valuable formula...</strong></p>
<p>Money Going Out &gt; Money Coming In = Bad thing</p>
<p>It hurt, but I had to come to terms with the fact that I couldn't continue investing time and money into something that didn't pay back right away.  In fact, I recently shared this 'Failure' with a group of 100 smart marketers at a Marketing Seminar in Baltimore this past weekend and<strong> I won a prize for having a big FAIL...</strong> My prize was this book...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hypertracker.com/go/taighgsmyth/MentoringOfferlink001/" target="_blank"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1263 aligncenter" title="fail-book-cover" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/fail-book-cover-300x225.png" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p>So, 2011 was the year to refocus.</p>
<h3>I knew I needed some help, so I went back to the drawing board and got connected with my Mentor Daegan Smith.</h3>
<p>If there's one secret to anything I've done over the years, it's that I've connected myself with people who have been where I want to go.  Sometimes when you're so closely involved in a situation - it's hard to see the way out.  Even though it might seem Blatantly obvious in hind-sight....</p>
<h3>Here's what happened...</h3>
<p>This past few months have been HUGE.  I've built a new network marketing business, and<strong> have attracted literally my IDEAL clients</strong> for my <a href="http://www.integrated-strategy.com/" target="_blank">Marketing Business</a>.</p>
<p>How did this all happen?  <strong>I was faced with a choice that I had a gut feeling I JUST HAD TO make it happen...</strong></p>
<p>I was offered a chance to meet my mentor. I thought, Heck- Why Not?!  So I bought my plane ticket, booked the hotel, and spent the weekend in Baltimore with the brightest minds in the industry.</p>
<p>Here's Daegan and I...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hypertracker.com/go/taighgsmyth/MentoringOfferlink001/" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1231" title="Daegan-Smith-Taigh-Smyth" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Daegan-Smith-Taigh-Smyth-251x300.png" alt="" width="233" height="279" /></a></p>
<p>It was a cool experience to finally hangout with someone I've been following and working online with for close to 5 years.</p>
<p>Also, I got a chance to hangout with Brian Fanale. If you haven't heard of Brian, he's an 8 figure earner and co-founder of MLSP - Talk about a marketing juggernaut.  And it was very cool to hangout with 3 time Emmy winner David DeMarco (on my right), and Affiliate sniper Gary Taylor (in the far left of this picture).  And I also got to meet Expert Marketing Strategist <a href="http://vanessaduplessie.com/" target="_blank">Vanessa Duplessie</a>, The webinar Guru <a href="http://markcall.com/blog/" target="_blank">Mark Call</a>, and The Millionaire Genius '<a href="http://www.millionairegenius.com/" target="_blank">Super Dave</a>'... And many more people as well! (You know who you are <img src='http://taighsmyth.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';-)' class='wp-smiley' />  )  But I want to tell you the story of the guy on the far right of the picture...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hypertracker.com/go/taighgsmyth/MentoringOfferlink001/" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1245" title="taigh-and-marketing-masters" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/taigh-and-marketing-masters-300x219.png" alt="" width="300" height="219" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p>His name is Brian (I don't even know his last name!)  Get this - <strong>here's a guy who will stop at NOTHING</strong>.  Guess how far Brian traveled to be there in Baltimore this past weekend...  <em>He's from South Africa</em>!</p>
<p>Brian, Daegan and I sat down for some drinks on Sunday night.  Brain was sharing his story of how he had to spend a<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> full day</span> in the US embassy in Johannesburg in order to get his VISA to come to this seminar.</p>
<h3>Wow - Now that's Dedication...</h3>
<p>I was totally impressed.  Brain gets the importance of connecting with other leaders.  He spent THOUSANDS just to make it for that 2 day seminar.  I asked him after the seminar, "Was it worth it?"  To which he said, <strong>"Best decision I've ever made!"</strong></p>
<p>There was about 6 of us on Sunday night that stayed up until around 3:00am .. where finally I HAD to call it a night.. I had to get up for 7:00am for my flight!</p>
<p>Room service was 15 mins late with the wake-up call, and I made it JUST on time for the shuttle... (things always seem to work out don't they <img src='http://taighsmyth.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';-)' class='wp-smiley' />  )</p>
<p>And I ended up back in the airport amazed at what incredible people I was introduced during the weekend.</p>
<p>As I walked out to my plane...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hypertracker.com/go/taighgsmyth/MentoringOfferlink001/"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1253 aligncenter" title="plane-leaving-Baltimore" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/plane-leaving-Baltimore-300x225.png" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p>I thought to myself, "How can I help more people experience this?"... make more money online and build their Home Based Business.</p>
<p>And it was right there were I decided I would, for the first time in well over a year, open myself up for Personal 1-on-1 Coaching.</p>
<p>Simply put - If you want to get results in your business there is no better way then to have someone who's been there, take you by the hand, and develop a personalized GAME PLAN for you.  Right NOW, until the end of the month (OR after the first 4 seats are taken), I'm going take you under my wing and work with you to build YOUR business.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.hypertracker.com/go/taighgsmyth/MentoringOfferlink001/">Click Here</a> to check out the details and see if this is <strong>right for you</strong>.</p>
<p>I'm already planning my next trip.  Leave a comment below...  have you been to any events for your company?  Are they worth it?  What other ways have you 'invested' in your business and personal development?</p>
<p>Check out <a href="http://www.hypertracker.com/go/taighgsmyth/MentoringOfferlink001/">this link</a>, make it a Fantastic day and we'll talk very soon!</p>
<p>Cheers,</p>
<p>Taigh</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1267" title="Taigh-standing-500" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Taigh-standing-500-200x300.png" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/business-mastermind/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Journey of a Life Time- 6 Months in Thailand &#8211; Behind The Scenes</title>
		<link>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/6-months-in-thailand/</link>
		<comments>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/6-months-in-thailand/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:30:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Taigh</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel and Work]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://taighsmyth.com/?p=959</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ya my journey was 'good', but here's more behind the scenes]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!-- <img src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/taigh-on-beach-190-115.jpg" mce_src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/taigh-on-beach-190-115.jpg" /> --></p>
<p>A week ago I woke up and wondered, Was that all just a dream?  I had just come home from a 6 months adventure and was plunged back into the reality of 'home'.</p>
<p>I want to take you on a bit of a journey with me, then tell you how it was all possible.</p>
<p>The journey started at the beginning of January where my best friend and I set our sights to Thailand, jumped on a plane, and was on our way.  Security was tighter then I've ever seen it...</p>
<p><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/security.jpg"></a><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/security.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-987" title="security" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/security-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><span id="more-959"></span></p>
<p>But Luck was on our side as the trip started off on a high note getting business class seats for the long 12 hour flight from Chicago to Tokyo.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TandJ-for-blog.jpg"></a><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/flight.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-990" title="flight" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/flight-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Two days into the trip we checked an item off both our 'Bucket Lists' ... learn how to Scuba dive and get certified. So that's what we did. What a great adventure in itself. We got to swim with massive turtles, sharks, and see things that I never knew existed on this planet!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/30009_426227488922_504608922_5424700_2856059_n.jpg"></a><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/scuba.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-991" title="scuba" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/scuba-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Oh, and here's one of me in my favorite scuba diving positions... the Super Man! (if you're a diver... just laugh at me <img src='http://taighsmyth.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_razz.gif' alt=':P' class='wp-smiley' />  )</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/12295_10150181068010646_537680645_12254203_18280_n.jpg"></a><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/12295_10150181068010646_537680645_12254203_18280_n.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-992" title="super man scuba diving" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/12295_10150181068010646_537680645_12254203_18280_n-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">But it's easy to forget<strong> I was there for work</strong>. Really, what I called this was a 'Working Vacation'. I was only suppose to be there for 2 months to test things out and try to see if it was possible to 'work and travel'. Here's some proof...</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Still-2.jpeg"></a><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Still-2.jpeg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" title="working beach side" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Still-2-300x182.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="182" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">You might be wondering how was it possible to work in such a beautiful location ?! Well, the way I saw it is that if I didn't get any work done, I would have to go back and get work done here. SO, I made the decision to get my a$$ on the computer and get productive. (though I have to admit, it was hard some times).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The set up was pretty great. I mostly got work done inside my 1 bedroom apartment (they called it a 'guest house'), in reality- it actually was too hot outside most of the time to do work! This was the backyard for the first 4 months of the trip...</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/backyard.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1004" title="backyard" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/backyard-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Well, the days went by faster then ever before. In between work, the days were filled with trips to the beach, watching people para gliding back and forth the mountain side (not sure if that's what it's called), incredible sunsets, training Mauy Thai, personal training, Thai Lessons, discovering new temples... the works.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/beach.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-982  aligncenter" title="beach" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/beach-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/beach.jpg"></a><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/thai-teacher.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-984" title="thai-teacher" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/thai-teacher-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/beach.jpg"></a><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/thai-teacher.jpg"></a><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/boxing.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-983" title="boxing" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/boxing-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TaighandPeter.jpg"><br />
</a><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TaighandPeter.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-1005" title="TaighandPeter" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TaighandPeter-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/beach.jpg"></a><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/thai-teacher.jpg"></a><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/boxing.jpg"></a><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/gliding.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-981" title="gliding" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/gliding-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/monk.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-980" title="monk" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/monk-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Oh, and I had to get use to the SPICY food, if you look at this picture closely you can see the beads of sweat running down my face! (excuse the Pad Thai on my face..)</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/taighsweat.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1007" title="taighsweat" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/taighsweat-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">My buddy Jay and I then went on a crazy adventure to Laos. There I saw things that I'm pretty sure I'll never see again...I wrote more about it in <a href="http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/adventures-in-laos/" target="_blank">This Post... Click here</a> to check it out.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">As I write this, I'm looking through the pictures  and think to myself, "wow, even this post wont really describe how the trip was" but I think it's the closest I can get.  When people ask, "Oh how was your trip?"  I'm often stumped in a loss of words for how the trip really was. I think, 'Life changing, amazing, completely different worlds...' and then I have to settle for replying, 'Oh, it was good'...</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Good does not even start to explain this kind of adventure. One of the great take-aways from this trip is the truly incredible people I have met along the way. They have given me hope, have inspired me, shown me love, happiness, kindness that I haven't seen in a long time. Here are just a Few of those people...</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/3.jpg"></a><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/34523_465784694691_784314691_6328733_4029484_s.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1009" title="group shot" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/34523_465784694691_784314691_6328733_4029484_s.jpg" alt="" width="130" height="98" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/net.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1021" title="net" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/net-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/6.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1011" title="nick" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/6.jpg" alt="" width="130" height="98" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1012" title="miss tarzan" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/1-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/1.jpg"></a><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1013" title="4" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4.jpg" alt="" width="130" height="91" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/mm.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1014" title="mm" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/mm-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">After a couple months into the trip my best buddy Jay had left to train in Japan. (for those who don't know him, he's a Mixed Martial Artist, he's on course for big time success- his site is: <a href="http://jasonsaggo.com" target="_blank">www.JasonSaggo.com </a>)</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">About 4 months into the trip I had decided that I needed to change things up and move locations.  Why? Well, honestly I was starting to get too distracted living near the training camp. Here's one of my big discoveries about working and traveling...</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Being surrounded my people on Holidays is great, but can also be a huge distraction to getting things done for work. Just a heads up for people thinking about making a trip.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">So I moved to Karon Beach. It was beautiful.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/karon.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1017" title="karon" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/karon-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The beach was 50 meters away, the apartment was double to size and I was more immersed in the Thai culture then ever.  At this point I could speak the language on a basic level which made the experience so much cooler!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">You might be wondering how much it cost to live there... well, I doubled my rent by moving to this great location- so my rent become just under $600 a month. Not bad considering I had my place cleaned everyday!  And food, well you could spend as much as you would back home, but if you were willing to venture off a little you could find great Thai places with great prices and even better food. For example, this meal here...</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/thai-food.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1018" title="thai food" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/thai-food-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Typical Thai meal that I miss so much -<br />
Main dish &amp; soup - 50  Baht,<br />
Delicious mango shake - 50 baht,<br />
Pineapple 10 Baht,<br />
Watermelon  10 bath<br />
=  Total 120 Baht = $4 Canadian  ... Not bad at all!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I also had met a few people along the way who were doing similar things...  Take Matt for example.He has been very successful build traditional businesses and is now working full time online, traveling WITH his wife and 1 year old child. Now that's a dream come true for many of us.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="../wp-content/uploads/2010/07/2.jpg"><img title="Matt Sandra " src="../wp-content/uploads/2010/07/2-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Not many people know this but I also did work for a hotel (at no charge <img src='http://taighsmyth.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />  ... in case the Thai embassy ever reads this <img src='http://taighsmyth.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_razz.gif' alt=':P' class='wp-smiley' /> ) okay, so I 'helped out' with a hotel's marketing which was a very cool experience. I got to see inside the workings of a totally different business model and apply my online marketing strategies... just shows what learning and investing in yourself really can do for you.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">A cool experience. After the first meeting, I was asked for some advice on a promotion they had going. Here was the situation...</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">They had booked a catering company for a big event (I think it was Valentines day)... and they had enough room for lets say 100 people. The issue was, we were 2 days away and there were only 4 seats reserved...  yikes! So I was asked, "How do we get more people to reserve seats!?".  After briefing them on some ideas, the on-duty manager then gathered the staff to implement the ideas right away.  Cool experience, so I even took a picture...</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/advice.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1022" title="advice" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/advice-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I had to come home at some point (to say hi to friends, family, and head to a conference in August) and the day for me to leave started to creep up way too fast.  One of the things I wanted to do was get a proper bike (as my Aussi friends would say) and ride around Phuket. Some how the universe came together and I had a Kawasaki Ninja 2010 650R (for the bike buffs) for the last 10 days...</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/tbike.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1023" title="tbike" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/tbike-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I then it was my turn to say goodbye to Phuket and my great friends there. Even the small merchants and restaurant owners were on the list to say farewell.  That's one of the cool things about Thailand, people are so open and you get to know each other kinda like the, 'good old days' back here at home.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I headed off to Bangkok for a few days...</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/plane.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1025" title="plane to bkk" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/plane-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I met up with a good friend in Bangkok who showed me around. What a great experience traveling around the city and outside to temples with a local... getting to see things that most tourist wouldn't have a chance.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/temple.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1028" title="temple" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/temple-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/boat-lady.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1027" title="boat lady" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/boat-lady-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/boat-lady.jpg"></a><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/grand-palace.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium  wp-image-1026" title="grand palace" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/grand-palace-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Literally I had some of the BEST food I have ever tasted. (If you have a chance to go to Bangkok, go to the restaurant called, The Secret Garden...  and thank me later... <img src='http://taighsmyth.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Thinking about it, I was eating things I would never even try before. And that is really one of the biggest take-aways from this trip...</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I have been exposed to a whole new way of life. It really is possible to live life on our own terms, I mean, WHAT EVER it is that you want out of life- it can be yours.  We have to be open to it though... can't be afraid to take that step into the unknown. Being around people who are <strong>passionate</strong> about what they do, whether that's surfing every day the waves are good, helping people as a nurse, or marketing an online product... it has shown me that life doesn't have to be this monotonous routine of a 9 to 5 grind that so many people find themselves 'trapped' in.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">There's a quite shift happening where being able to work online and travel is now a reality. This is relatively a new shift. Maybe it's for you, maybe not. All I can say is that it's worth a shot if you want it.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Many times I've gotten the question, How did you get into what you do? And what it really came down to was looking at the LIFESTYLE that I wanted to have.  I think we have it <em>backwards</em> when we're trying to decide how we should earn a living.  We're taught to look at the pay of the job, the benefits, the vacation time.... then see if you'll still have time to do the things you love to do.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I would suggest to look at the things you love to do, then find a job (or business) that will fit the LIFESTYLE that goes with it. That's really how this was all possible for me... it's all been by design.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The 'How' I do it is a bit more detailed and you can learn more about that by signing up for my ebook on the side of this page, or getting my Formula Training.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Point is, this adventure has been nothing short of life-changing. Thanks to everyone who I met along the way and I look forward to spending time with you again. I'm excited about my next journey and bringing you along. I've enjoyed putting this post together and re-living this adventure with you!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Looking forward to hearing about your adventures...</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Cheers to living your life!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Taigh</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/taigh-beachside.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1029" title="taigh beachside" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/taigh-beachside-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/6-months-in-thailand/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Exclusive Interview with Matt Gerchow. Full Time Father, Husband and Online Business Owner&#8230; How He Makes It All Happen</title>
		<link>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/full-time-online-business-father/</link>
		<comments>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/full-time-online-business-father/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 08 May 2010 11:03:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Taigh</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel and Work]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://taighsmyth.com/?p=879</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!-- <img src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/matt-taigh-interview-190x115.jpg" mce_src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/matt-taigh-interview-190x115.jpg" /> --><br />
If you have ever wondered if it's really possible to travel AND have a family... this is for you.<br />
<script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[
var playerhost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://taighs-blog-vids.s3.amazonaws.com/ezs3js/secure/" : "http://taighs-blog-vids.s3.amazonaws.com/ezs3js/player/");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + playerhost + "flv/77739A45-A768-3AE9-CAF0A5092AD4C000.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
// ]]&gt;</script></p>
<p>You can see why it's great to surround yourself with people who are like-minded. Matt is a great example of someone who goes out there, and makes it happen! If you have the dream of traveling and building a business as you go... and think you can't do it because you have a family- get connected to people like Matt who are out there making it work.</p>
<p>Find your passion, whether that's real estate, network marketing, or WHAT EVER it might be... and learn new strategies to make that idea come to reality.</p>
<p>Matt and I both had no idea where to start at first, but what we did have in common is that we got serious about what we wanted, and got exposed to the right training to get us there.</p>
<p>Matt, thanks again for being an inspiration to me and so many others. You are truly paving the road for a new type of lifestyle that many will enjoy for years to come.</p>
<p>Explore, train, work and enjoy!</p>
<p>Taigh</p>
<p>PS. If you want to learn how to build a business in the network marketing (home-based business) industry... Here is a formula I put together to help you take the first steps...<br />
<a href="http://integratedmlmstrategy.com/formula.php" target="_blank">http://integratedmlmstrategy.com/formula.php</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/full-time-online-business-father/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Adventures In Laos (With a Hidden Business Insight&#8230;)</title>
		<link>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/adventures-in-laos/</link>
		<comments>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/adventures-in-laos/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:27:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Taigh</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel and Work]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://taighsmyth.com/?p=805</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I'm back from the craziest adventure of my life! And some hidden business insights...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!-- <img src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/taigh-in-river-190x115.jpg" mce_src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/taigh-in-river.jpg" /> --><br />
I'm back from the craziest adventure of my life!</p>
<p>I traveled to Loas (North of Thailand) with my best friend, and honestly I  saw things I've never seen before.</p>
<p>From speed boating down the Mekong river, riding on the back of an elephant, trekking through caves, to exploring unmapped villages in the middle of NO WHERE... I've been truly reminded of how fortunate we are.</p>
<p>
<a href='http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/adventures-in-laos/attachment/photo-5/' title='photo-5'><img width="97" height="130" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/photo-5.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="photo-5" /></a>
<a href='http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/adventures-in-laos/attachment/photo-4/' title='photo-4'><img width="130" height="97" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/photo-4.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="photo-4" /></a>
<a href='http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/adventures-in-laos/attachment/laos-river-shot/' title='laos-river-shot'><img width="130" height="97" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/laos-river-shot.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="laos-river-shot" /></a>
<a href='http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/adventures-in-laos/attachment/taigh-in-river-190x115/' title='taigh-in-river-190x115'><img width="150" height="115" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/taigh-in-river-190x115-150x115.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="taigh-in-river-190x115" /></a>
<a href='http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/adventures-in-laos/attachment/taigh-jay-with-monks/' title='Taigh-Jay-With-Monks'><img width="130" height="86" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Taigh-Jay-With-Monks.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Taigh-Jay-With-Monks" /></a>
<a href='http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/adventures-in-laos/attachment/photo-3/' title='photo-3'><img width="86" height="130" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/photo-3.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="photo-3" /></a>
<a href='http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/adventures-in-laos/attachment/photo/' title='photo'><img width="97" height="130" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/photo.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="photo" /></a>
<a href='http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/adventures-in-laos/attachment/photo-1/' title='photo-1'><img width="130" height="86" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/photo-1.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="photo-1" /></a>
<a href='http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/adventures-in-laos/attachment/photo-2/' title='photo-2'><img width="130" height="86" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/photo-2.jpeg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="photo-2" /></a>
</p>
<p>We stayed at this one guest house with a German lady who has lived there for over 2 years and we had a conversation that reminded me of my business.</p>
<p>We were talking about how there really are two types of travellers.<br />
1) Tourists<br />
2) Travellers</p>
<p>Sounds the same right? But there's a HUGE fundamental difference...<span id="more-805"></span></p>
<p>After boating down the river with the locals, seeing people pan for gold...</p>
<p>After spending 6 hours in the back of a pickup truck with 7 locals, 23 chickens, and 1 turkey...</p>
<p>After spending 2 nights in a town where everyone would STOP and stare to see the Strange lookin' Foreigners..</p>
<p>We had arrived to one of the more 'Popular' destinations - Luang Prabang</p>
<p>There we sat and had a DELICIOUS pizza and was absolutely AMAZED at how advanced this part of the country was.</p>
<p>I mean, there was even a printed receipt for our bill!</p>
<p>At this point we met up with a guy who we met way back at the boarder crossing.</p>
<p>And I asked how his trip has been.</p>
<p>He said, "good, just seen some sites and been to the markets"...   he didn't seem very enthused.</p>
<p>And THAT'S when it dawned on me...</p>
<p>Even though we were in the same country, we had 2 COMPLETELY Different experiences.</p>
<p>I remember sitting in the cafe eating the pizza thinking that I could literally be ANY WHERE in the world right now.<br />
To me, This is NOT Laos.</p>
<p>The real Laos is in the country side, in the small towns where no one knows how to speak our language. Where you're forced out of your comfort zone every single hour.</p>
<p>And then it all made sense to me.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I was traveling as a Traveller, not a Tourist.<br />
<a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/photo-2.jpeg"><img class="size-full wp-image-823 aligncenter" title="photo-2" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/photo-2.jpeg" alt="" width="284" height="186" /></a></p>
<p>Same applies to our businesses.</p>
<p>If you're following what everyone else is telling you to do, your going to miss out on many beautiful experiences.</p>
<p>Who says you can't travel, and build a business?<br />
Who says you can't find success in your T-shirt?</p>
<p>The reason why I'm now able to travel and work as I go is because I decided to take a different path.</p>
<p>The first thing I did was got <strong>serious</strong> about my own training.<br />
Was it an easy thing to do?<br />
Heck No!</p>
<p>Building this kind of home-based business can be as scary as going into a small speed boat in a foreign country with a bunch of locals who are all wearing helmets!  (and when nobody wears helmets driving their motor-bikes... this gets you thinking...!)</p>
<p>The point I want to make is this...</p>
<p><strong>If you want something different, you have to do something different. </strong></p>
<p>Get off the beaten path and learn what it's going to take to build your home-based business using strategies that you're happy with.<br />
I also wanted to report back and say that YES, it is possible to disappear into unmapped territories of this world and still have your business running. Learn the strategies, create the systems, and enjoy your new lifestyle.</p>
<p>That's it for now!</p>
<p>Cheers to designing your own lifestyle,</p>
<p>Taigh</p>
<p><a href="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/taigh-in-river.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-825" title="taigh-in-river" src="http://taighsmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/taigh-in-river.jpg" alt="" width="149" height="111" /></a></p>
<p>PS. This <a href="http://integratedmlmstrategy.com/formula.php" target="_blank">Formula Training</a> is a solid overview of where you need to get started...</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/adventures-in-laos/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>9</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Quick Travel Update &#8211; Let&#8217;s Call It a Mobile Business&#8230;</title>
		<link>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/mobile-business1/</link>
		<comments>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/mobile-business1/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:39:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Taigh</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel and Work]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mobile business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.taighsmyth.com/blog/?p=366</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Building a Mobile business is not a vacation, it's a lifestyle. Follow along to see how you to can build a business that is flexible.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So my travels has landed me in the the heart of Phuket, Thailand. This has been a goal of mine for... a LONG time. And now its a reality...<br />
<!-- <img src="http://taighsmyth.com/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/190x115-Home-POAT-tavel-update.jpg"/> --><br />
<script type="text/javascript">
var playerhost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://www.ezs3.com/secure/" : "http://www.ezs3.com/players/");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + playerhost + "flv/taighsmyth/D9A505F3-9E1B-F061-9910114B0F5DD405.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script><br />
So there you have it. For me, it's not a vacation - its now a lifestyle.</p>
<p>To be honest, it didn't happen over night. But all of the hard work that I've put into a business that offers this lifestyle- it sure is worth it.</p>
<p>Now, what I plan to do is to share with you the '<em>insider secrets</em>' on how to make this happen. From the basics on how to set up your first marketing campaigns online, even to what you should expect when traveling and working the business!</p>
<p>Alright, stay tuned for more Mobile Business building strategies...</p>
<p>To Your Success!<br />
Taigh G. Smyth</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/travel-and-work/mobile-business1/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>What Does Success Mean To YOU? Message From The Top Of a Mountian</title>
		<link>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/in-business-from-home-rants/what-does-business-success-mean/</link>
		<comments>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/in-business-from-home-rants/what-does-business-success-mean/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:46:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Taigh</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[In Business From Home Rants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel and Work]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.taighsmyth.com/blog/?p=349</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Business success can be measured in so many ways. Yet most of us get stuck on the idea that it's simply the numbers.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!-- <img src="http://taighsmyth.com/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Home-POST-blog-snowboarding.jpg"/> --><br />
<script type="text/javascript">var playerhost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://www.ezs3.com/secure/" : "http://www.ezs3.com/players/");
document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + playerhost + "flv/taighsmyth/D9BB3EFA-A344-E474-3148BBB5F14CFE3F.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));
</script></p>
<p>Business success and personal success can be measured in so many ways. We can easily get caught up in making goals focusing on numbers... When that's really NOT what drives us.</p>
<p>So take a moment and figure out what you REALLY want out of building a Home Based Business.</p>
<p>You just got to see what it means for me - Spending time with friends and family, and being able to live a (pretty cool) lifestyle...</p>
<p>So what Does that look like for you?? There's a whole lot of flexibility and opportunity in building a home business, but i want to challenge you to get SPECIFIC on what you want, then get focused, and make it happen.</p>
<p>Alright, that's it for now!</p>
<p>Let's make 2010 the best year EVER!</p>
<p>To The Top,</p>
<p>Taigh Smyth</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taighsmyth.com/blog/in-business-from-home-rants/what-does-business-success-mean/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

