Sustainable Life Retreats

Green Business Gorilla Marketing register online
Income and employment are essential no matter where you live.
This becomes an even greater challenge when living independently or in a rural setting. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to start your own small business. Marketing your business by developing expertise in modern communications technologies gives you the power to achieve success and a sustainable life. In this weekend workshop retreat we'll cover these topics:
Identify Business Types, especially those with low start-up costs and that are suitable for the independent, rural lifestyle. Marketing Strategies: Reaching Local and National Clients and Customers Web and Print: Mastering the Basic Concepts of Layout and Design The Power of Internet Video, Web 2.0 and Social Networking Sales and Fundraising Campaigns, Learn These Skillsets:
Build a Basic Web Site from Start to Finish Start Your Blog How to set up Shopping Carts, PayPal, Credit Card Processing Become a Better Photographer Master the Basics of Video Production How to Crank Out Brochures, Newsletters, Direct Mail, E-Blasts, Posters

The Sustainable Life Retreats have been designed to give you an opportunity to recharge your energy and establish a path to greater health and happiness. Based on The Farm Community in Tennessee, you are surrounded by nature and the energy that comes from the power of a shared vision, a unique environment for change and growth. Each retreat focuses on a different aspect of the Sustainable Life. Choose the one that will help you take a positive step and further your life goals. Most of all, it is about taking the time to enjoy life! Now it's up to you. Register today!
2010 Calendar
August 4-8 or 6-8 (weekend only), 2010: Family Retreat Swimming, hiking, kid activities, workshops and GREAT FOOD! Fun for the entire family. Includes Camp sites. Click here for a list of accommodations
March 28-30 and April 25-27 Farm Experience Weekend The best overview of the sustainable life, providing the inspiration you need to fulfill your life goals and live your dreams.
Camp sites include water, shower and bathroom facilities. Click here for a list of accommodations Essay: True Sustainability	Meet Your host: Douglas Stevenson
NEW: My Green Home Photo Gallery

I have always worked for myself. I have never had a "real" job.

My grandfather and my father and mother all owned and operated small businesses. I grew up knowing I could do this. During the early 70'swhen I was in my 20's, I worked as a sub-contractor doing maintenance in large office buildings and then as a researcher for a newspaper chain. My work supported our commune of 15-30 people.

Next I worked at a Skyrocket Electronics, a Farm owned business during the CB Radio craze.

After returning from Guatemala in 1980, at the age of 28 I started a business installing satellite and video distribution systems that went on to employ about 20 people.

By the end of the decade I had established a second steady income as a writer for several magazines. I had a computer before I had an indoor toilet.

Cover story about a tower Installation
I did for NORTEL

Sprint Video Distribution System Installation

My company handled large contracts, such state-wide video communications networks for Bell South in Tennessee and Sprint in Florida.

The 90's saw the start of the internet revolution and the explosion of personal computers.

At the same time, my satellite company had morphed into video production. We did short documentaries, training and marketing, commercials, even a few weddings.

I developed skills in desktop publishing and became a professional photographer.

Then I learned to apply these skills to benefit nonprofit organizations in the fulfillment of my ideals.

Today Village Media is where ever my business partner and I want it to be. We have a studio here on The Farm, but our work can be done from virtually anywhere, thanks to laptops, portable hard dives and the internet. We have the freedom to work where we want, when we want and as much or as little as we want.

We can never be fired. We never have to ask for a day off.
It is a good life.

Over the years I have also watched and studied what types of businesses work for other members of The Farm and in other intentional communities and rural homesteaders seeking a sustainable life. I offer this workshop as a way to share what I've learned and to help you get started in the skills you will need to be successful both today and in the years ahead.

Contact me to let me know your current knowledge and skill level so we can design elements of this course specifically for you.

Douglas