"I need a master's" is still the most common excuse I hear.

I respond by asking what a master's degree is?

Most people don't know. A master's degree is a credential. The next question I ask to the rare few who answer correctly is, "what is a credential?"

At this point, most people get it.

Most people think that bloggers make money with ads or by selling things. This is why the average IQ is 100

A credential is a document that lends you credibility. But it's really only a loan. Think about it. I've personally won client accounts after several Harvard MBA boys were declined. Their Harvard MBA lent them the credibility to get an interview. But upon a personal interview, it became clear that they didn't have the expertise to back up that loan -- just like the American Dollar doesn't have any gold in the Reserve to back it up.

So, instead of getting credibility loan, why not get the real thing? Why not just get credibility? How?

To build credibility, you must demonstrate expertise directly to your client or employer. A degree tells me that your school said you can do the job. You still have to prove to me that you can do the job. You do that by doing it.

So, instead of getting credibility loan, why not get the real thing? Why not just get credibility? How?

If you are a business consultant, consult. If you are a trainer, train. If you are a designer, design. But make sure you do it visibly. Otherwise, how else are you going to demonstrate expertise or build credibility?

And by far the simplest way to do both is to blog. Most people think that bloggers make money with ads or by selling things. This is why the average IQ is 100. When a guy like Jeff Pulver or Seth Godin blogs, CEOs all over the world read their stuff. They call Jeff or Seth's agents, bid for their time, get turned down, bid higher, and get to meet Jeff or Seth at Jeff or Seth's convenience.

One technical tip, make sure your blog post has an executive summary. I've read many excellent blogs with no clear summary. Most execs will only commit to reading your work if you clearly present the import to them in two or three sentances. Also, notice that I break up every three paragraphs and make colored headers act as my exec summary.

One technical tip, make sure your blog post has an executive summary

Not one CEO will ask Jeff of Seth for a resume. Not one CEO will ask Jeff or Seth about their college degree. Not one CEO will ask Jeff or Seth for a reference. Jeff and Seth will provide references. But not one CEO will call to do any due dilligence.

Why would any CEO have to ask anyone else how effective Jeff or Seth are when they've seen it for themselves? Truely successful people don't take others' word for it. They observe, make up their minds, and just push.

If you want help getting clients or getting a job. Let me know. I'll see what I can do. Twitter me @journik

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"I need a masters!" is the most common excuse I hear.

I have a friend of mine in the movie business. He says, "I need funding." It's the same difference. Until you realize you already have everything you need to do what you want, you'll never live the dream.

A mentor once told my "film-maker" friend that if he wants to make movies, he should just keep making movies. He stopped filming shortly after school -- about ten years ago. He's been looking for funding ever since. So I guess he's not a film maker any more. He's a fundraiser now.

What I'm telling you is that if you want to do something, do it.

If you want to be a supply chain logistics consultant, consult! If you want to be an international fashionista, fashionistaize! If you want the world's biggest event catering chain, chain it up!

And yes. It IS as easy as I make it sound. There's no room for, "I need clients." There's no space for, "I need buyers." "There's no time for, "I need investors."

And yes. It IS as easy as I make it sound. There's no room for, "I need clients." There's no space for, "I need buyers." "There's no time for, "I need investors."

Keep on doing what you do best to the point of loosing inches on your belt and hours on your sleep. If nobody pays you to consult, consult for free (what do you think I'm doing?). If nobody buys your clothes, dress them for free (What do you think Channel did?). If nobody funds your company, get two jobs (I bet you didn't realize Twitter's been around for over six years being told it'll never work).

If you keep on keeping on, eventually, some who is willing to pay for your genius will pay you. If you keep on keeping on, someone who is willing to pay more will pay you more.

Just make sure your public facing work keeps improving. You guage this by how many people pay attention. If the number doesn't grow, your work is not improving.

RT @AwesomeMoi: @journik The clients you refuse to take on is just as important as the clients you do.

Even if you do absolutely no marketing or networking, if you create a body of work, the body takes on it's own life. People will mysteriously find it. If you know how to market yourself. It'll happen even faster.

NEXT: How to blog for clients

Tell me what you are trying to build. I'll tell you what you SHOULD do to succeed - @journik

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