I'm occasionally impressed and sometimes inspired by unique product or business ideas I run across in the course of my personal and professional ramblings.  When I encounter one that's particularly compelling to me, I'm all about sharing the excitement with others who might be interested. 

Here's an example:

"Eleven Forty Co. cuff links are individually modeled on photographs of a child, a loved one, a pet or a famous role model. They're available in a range of precious metals. When they're not gracing a shirt cuff, the two halves cleverly snap together to create a miniature bust."

CAN I GET A SET? No, make that TWO!  Pair 1: Stout, Planet Earth's most gorgeous Miniature Pinscher.  Pair 2:  Jake, the world's sweetest Jack Russell Terrier.  Kristopher could wear one of each when he's traversing the globe, promoting the most tasty of all spirits.  The rest of the time they could grace some random surface at home.  Wait...would that be considered clutter?  Nah.  This is too cool.  It's the Transformer of accessories!

But I digress.  When one of these über cool concepts is really, really good, after mentally sending a congratulatory bouquet to the genius behind it all, I gnash my teeth.  Why didn't I think of that?  On supremely rare occasions, I actually have had a similar idea.  Then I stomp around like Rumpelstiltskin.  Oh, it's a sight to see.  The difference is that these other folks have decided to bite the figurative bullet and JUST DO IT.   

There are people in a number of third world countries that have also decided to JUST DO IT, in particularly tough circumstances.  I read about Kiva.org in "Giving", a book by Bill Clinton.  Anything that encourages people to occasionally think about something bigger than themselves is awesome in my eyes, and this book provides plenty of choices to think about.  

Kiva's mission is to "connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty."  Hmm.  That could probably use a little marketing magic, but the idea of helping people empower themselves forever was compelling enough for me.  I invested a little money in four micro-businesses in developing countries.  If I'm not going to change the world by inventing the next iPod, I can at least help transform someone's life, right?  Below are two people whose businesses I helped make a reality:


Adidogomé, Togo

Ms. Abavi Coco Bohm was born in 1978 in Lomé. She sells shoes at the large market in Lomé. In 2007, a loan from WAGES allowed her to start selling handbags as well. She realized she was selling more handbags than shoes, and decided to expand. This loan she is requesting will allow her to purchase 60 handbags, expanding her business and potential.








Are you kidding?  I LOVE shoes and bags!  I'm in.  And just look at her skin!  My investment was so incredibly small...I'd spend more at a concert, but it helped her make a dream a reality.



Bela-Vista, Maputo, Mozambique

Erasto is 47 years old, married and the father of 4 children ranging 1-13 years old. In addition, he also supports two stepsons who live with him. Erasto studied until 4th grade when he lost his parents. He went on to serve his obligatory military service and now works for the Mozambican railway company. In his spare time, he works at the  family’s “machamba,” a small agricultural field. Erasto’s wife works at the machamba, and she gets between half to one ton of corn every 4 months which helps to increase the household income. Erasto decided to start raising cattle to increase the family livelihood. With a loan of $600 and his savings, he will buy two cows.



Yeah, I invested in a couple of cows in Mozambique.  Nothing to me, a whole lot to him.

When they've repaid their loans I can get the money back - or re-invest it in some other aspiring entrepreneur's business.  In the meantime I enjoy a tax deduction, regular updates on what my investment is accomplishing, and the satisfying glow of helping someone transform their life.  That, Internet, helps me sleep a little more at night than I normally do.  These entrepreneurs are kicking my butt, and they're doing it from thatched huts in third world countries.  How's that for inspiration?