First here's the 'Business' side:

• High-level networking and deal making. You'll have a deep level of connection here due to the unique, shared experience with like-minded people. You never know who will come out and you can be sure it won't just be 'anyone' because of the qualification process. Only successful entrepreneurs with the right attitude are invited on the trip. Just imagine what meeting just one right person would mean to your business or life. Finally, you've got a success support group of people you can turn to who really understand you, can share your victories and help you overcome obstacles. Truly friends for life.
  
  Each member brings with them a new prospective, model or frame of reference to an issue or idea. It's exactly these kind of fresh insights that lead to big breakthroughs instead of looking at a situation through the same filter.
• Informal (but powerful) business building sessions each day. Participants will confidentially and informally share "what’s working" in their business, brainstorm new ideas & swap resources. (Members will adhere to a confidentiality agreement.) Any member not contributing will be "dis-invited" because the entire group benefits from the sharing. Frankly, that's how the biggest breakthroughs occur is by taking one success concept from a separate industry or business and applying it to yours. Imagine the speed that comes from taping into the collective braintrust of experience and results here.

• Bonus session with a Unique Thinker, High-Profile Business Expert or Iconoclast coming on the trip... This person could be a:
  • NY-Times best-selling author
  • World-famous expert
  • Celebrity
  • Adventurer
  • Industry Titan
  • Professional Athlete
  • Could even be a billionaire (seriously)

Last year we had Jesse James, the TV phenomenon who now brings in more than $200 million a year between his West Coast Choppers, a growing apparel line and TV shows. To give you a glimpse at the caliber of attendees, Jesse gave everyone his own personal email, and here's what he had to say:

"I was pretty surprised when I came down... I showed up to help them but they're actually helping me. Successful people surround themselves with successful people and people who want them to succeed. And I think, there's no ego's here. All these guys are happy to give up information and help each other out. I think it's a good environment to be in."

Update: Jesse James is coming to Baja Again!

Behind his bad boy image and tattoos -- Jesse James is one sharp business Maverick.

Jesse's humble beginnings start with West Coast Choppers in 1992 out of a corner of a friend's garage. He started with no loan and no partners, and built it from the ground up, in the painstaking way Jesse builds his bikes. Now he has over 50 employees, an 18,000-square-foot facility in Long Beach, CA and sells his bikes for $60,000 to $150,000 each to a clientele that includes celebrities such as Shaquille O'Neal, Keanu Reeves, Kid Rock and model Tyson Beckford.

We are planning on having Jesse on the Ultimate Baja Experience riding with us (he's done the Baja 1000 several times) and just hanging out. �You'll be able to ask questions, learn from him or just chill out with him since he'll be with us at least one solid day.

Now here’s the 'FUN' side:

• 3 days of wild off-road adventure driving starting outside Ensenada, Mexico and ending in San Felipe with highly seasoned Baja off road driving experts, Wide Open Baja. We'll follow part of the famous Baja 1000 off-road race course along mountain roads, majestic ocean-view vistas and untamed trails not accessible to most others.
  
  Your specially equipped and purpose-built Baja racer has been designed to tackle the desert landscape. Rocks, bumps, holes, boulders and nearly anything else in your path is no match for your car’s 20" of travel. (This is like walking over a pebble in your sneakers.) Your car devours the road with a 4-speed manual transmission, Porsche-powered engine, incredible suspension and 20" wheels. You'll experience a mix of pure adrenaline, exploration and incredible adventure.
  
  
  
• San Felipe - we'll spend a day in the sun & playing on the Sea of Cortez. San Felipe is located in a unique ecosystem, where the desert meets the sea, and temperatures average a nearly perfect 72 degrees year-round.
  
  
  
  
  
  You'll be able to take part in activities on and around the beach or just relax on with a cerveza in hand. Plus, this will be the site of our celebrity business session.
• VIP Super Bowl party on "Super Sunday" February 2, 2009. After the racing adventure the fun doesn't have to end. You're invited to an exclusive VIP Super Bowl viewing party. Not only will you watch the game in style but we will bring in a former NFL great to give you true insider’s view as you watch the big game together. There’s a ton of surprises in store at this event and I promise it’ll blow away any mere Super Bowl party you’ve ever been to before.
  
  
  
  
  
  Last year we had Darren Woodson, 3-time Super Bowl champion from the Dallas Cowboys with us on hand to dissect and talk the huge upset the Giants pulled off over the Patriots. Plus, he was there just hanging out with everyone.

Celebrity Update: Super Bowl MVP and Heisman Trophy Winner, Desmond Howard.

This year we are bringing in Desmond Howard to give you a true insider's view as you watch the big game together.

Howard is only the second player ever to win the Heisman Trophy (for best college football player) and also the Super Bowl MVP. Howard's most notable performance came for the Green Bay Packers in their Super Bowl XXXI victory in which he had a record 99-yard kickoff return for a Packers touchdown.

Howard now works for ESPN as a commentator so you'll get some real in-the-trenches insights from this super star.

Maverick Business Adventures® Caters to Each Detail

We only work with the premier outfitter for each trip based on their experience, commitment to excellence and most importantly, safety.

Our Baja adventure will definitely set the bar for what you can expect. Wide Open Baja has been the top Baja outfitter since 1996 with thousands of happy clients. This is my 3rd trip with them and I keep coming back because out of all my adventures this is one of my favorite trips. There’s a reason why Wide Open Baja is a favorite for racing celebrities like Paul Newman, Jesse James, Sandra Bullock and Patrick Dempsey to top CEOs and executives.

Each part of your trip is designed to make this an exceptional experience for you. From the superb qualifications of your guides (each one has won the prestigious Baja 1000) to the performance of the cars allowing you to push the envelope of performance driving but still provide all the safety of a modern desert racer to enjoying the best accommodations and authentic Baja cuisine.

In fact, our machines are a long way from clunky dune buggies. You’ve got nearly two feet of wheel travel and the latest in suspension to soar across the Baja desert. (Click here to find out more about these remarkable cars)

Your fee is just $12,995 per person which includes Round-trip Helicopter flight from San Diego, CA, all accommodations (double occupancy), meals, off-road race vehicle, professional guide, chase support crew, fuel, safety equipment, driver’s orientation and spare parts. (That price is for 2 per car - if you prefer your own car please add $3000)

Plus, your trip fee includes the Super Bowl party, celebrity icon and of course a new exciting way to network, share ideas, make deals happen and have WAY more fun!

Just one good idea, one new resource or one powerful connection would pay for the trip 100x over! And since the trip is legitimately a tax deduction (ask your accountant) your cost is significantly less in REAL dollars.

This experience is truly the ultimate in high-speed thrills, insider experiences & increased profits - but I have to warn you to get in…

Maverick Business Adventures® Membership Is Intentionally NOT Open To Everyone...

Each one-of-a-kind trip is exclusive by invitation-only based on an application process or by-referral only from other members. You cannot just send in a check. For this kind of experience and for each member to get maximum benefit you will need to meet these 3 important initial qualifications:

Qualification #1

You must be a successful business owner, entrepreneur or high-achiever. This membership is strictly for top-gun entrepreneurs only. Applicants must have a minimum gross revenue of $1M in their business. On average members are involved in businesses ranging from $1M to $30M+ business.

Qualification #2

You are willing to share your business successes openly and candidly with other members. (Each member will sign a confidentiality agreement so you do not need to worry about competitors.) Qualified member will also be selected for what they 'bring to the table' and it's important that you're willing to share your unique skills, resources and knowledge.

Qualification #3

You cannot be a jerk with a huge ego! This is a pretty simple qualification and you know if this is you. We don't accept just anyone who can stroke a check. If your head is the size of the Good Year Blimp and you can't get it through the door or you want everyone to kowtow to you -- this is definitely not the place for you.

Basically the people I want on these trips are cool, down-to-earth people who are thankful for their success, positive and fun!

Those are the preliminary filters and if this sounds like you so far -- I invite you to apply for membership and reserve your spot for this trip.

How Does Maverick Business Adventures Membership Work?

Imagine joining an exclusive club, but instead of having access to golf or tennis - your membership gave you exceptional business connections combined with true, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The initiation fee is $10,000 with annual renewals at half that rate.

But CHARTER FOUNDERS are eligible for a discount. Here's the breakdown:

Through #75: Charter Pioneers - $7,500 initiation with a $3750 renewal for each year following.

Number 76+ will be the full fee of $10,000. (Which will most likely increase in the upcoming year.)

Charter Members Guidelines

In exchange for the significantly reduced fee, charter members will be asked to provide feedback, comments, ideas and advice - acting like an internal advisory board.

Note: You can apply for a Charter Membership even if you cannot make this upcoming trip to lock-in the charter rate and trip credit.

Maverick Business Adventures® Membership Benefits Include:

1. Private access to the Maverick Business Adventures membership area. This is being built right now but once it's ready you'll get a total networking tool online. Each member will create a profile based on their unique skills and what they offer -- this database will be searchable and accessible ONLY to fellow members. For example, if you need help with a business finance issues -- it takes 2 clicks and you find the right member who can help! But that's not all, there will be private discussions, joint venture connections and more. Plus, as membership grows this resource only gets stronger.
2. You and a guest can attend the annual Maverick Adventures Lifestyle Summit! This first benefit will make your initiation fee more than pay for itself. This closed door event, held in an luxury location, will bring in some of the biggest real-world entrepreneurial Mavericks to share their stories. Plus, it'll be a time for all members to come together for a bigger networking and deal-making event. ($5,000.00 value)
3. One ticket to either the Gazelles "Growth" Summit or Gazelles Sales & Marketing Summit (Next date: April 22-23, 2008). Gazelles is the premier executive education and coaching program for leaders of mid-size firms with 30 to 2000 employees. Each Summit regulars brings in the top business leaders, thought leaders and experts to help you grow your business. ($1695.00 value)
4. Recordings of the "What's Working" Session and High-Profile Expert. Even if you can't make a trip that doesn't mean you miss out on the incredible ideas, strategies, techniques, insights and resources shared. You'll get the recordings so you can listen to these audios anywhere you are. Whether driving in the car, working out at the gym or just lounging around the house. You'll want to listen to these powerful audios over and over again to fully 'imprint' everything presented. (These are not for sale so I cannot put a value on it!)
5. Special bonus package of Maverick Entrepreneur interviews with your welcome package. You'll get to hear success and business insights from business icon Sir Richard Branson to NY-Times Best-selling authors like Tim Ferriss (4 Hour Work Week) and Frank McKinney (Make It BIG!:49 Secrets for Building a Life of Extreme Success). You'll also hear from serial entrepreneur Cameron Johnson, who started his first business at 9 years old or Eben Pagan, who runs a $20,000,000 publishing empire completely virtually. Plus many more! ($500.00 value)
6. Access to all the Maverick Business Adventures® trips for as long as you remain a member in good standing. You can go on as many trips as you like. (We're planning at least 4 trips in year one.)

Future adventures will be voted on by the members but the next scheduled ones are

• "Ultimate Maverick Viking Expedition" - Iceland, August 5 - August 9, 2009
• "Maverick Great Whites & Wine Experience" - Northern California, October 22 - October 25, 2009

We’re also looking into other unique experiences from African Safaris to the World Cup for 2010!

You get priority access for future trips based on your membership number. (For example if you are charter member #17 -- you'll be given priority over #76. This is one more reason to apply immediately.)



And we'll continue to keep this same kind of small, intimate group. But the rub is - this also raises a problem because of the limited space...

Additional Q & A

Q. Can I bring an associate or partner from my business?

A. Yes you can. We have a special corporate plan. Please contact our office for details.

Q. I’d like to join with a friend who is also a successful entrepreneur?

A. As long as both of you qualify and join at the same time we’ll deduct $500 from your initiation fee for each you if you join at the same time. (Otherwise, if you refer a friend of associate later on there is another referral program for members.)

Q. Can a spouse or companion come?

A. Absolutely – but only if they are part of the adventure they will need to pay the same price for the trip but they will not need to pay for the membership initiation. We cannot accommodate spouses or companions for the social functions for Baja because we are moving from location to location each day in the off-road racers.

Q. What kind of shape do I need to be in to participate?

A. As long as you are in moderate shape this adventure should not be a problem. As with any activity -- it's a good idea to check in with your physician.

Q. How do I hold my spot?

A. You will need to apply for membership and provide full payment details. Only fully completed applications will be logged in for their time/date stamp.

Q. Why is there a membership fee to go on a trip? Is it even worth it if I can only make 1 or 2 trips a year?

A. The simple answer is you get what you pay for. In order to attract successful members, invite the high-profile icons plus lots of extras this is a premium, invitation-only club. Even attending one trip -- it would be easy to see a significant return on investment from just one new idea or one contact. We are adding quick 2-day breakaway adventure experiences so you’ll have no excuses for joining us multiple times.

Q. Can I just book direct with your featured outfitters?

A. Frankly, you can contact each one yourself if you wanted to individually book and we do not hide who our suppliers are because we only work with the absolute most experienced, top-notch and safety conscious vendors. However, we've created a customized and unique itinerary of experiences that their participants never see. Plus, it will not include the business building sessions, high-profile guest experts or your fellow like-minded entrepreneurs.

Q. Do I need to know how to drive stick?

A. Yep. We had several members learn on last year's trip but it would be good to at least get a little time working a manual transmission before your adventure.

Q. Can I bring my laptop, cell phone, Iphone, blackberry, etc to stay in touch with the office?

A. You can if you like, however we cannot guarantee coverage when you’re the middle of the Baja. In fact, this is the perfect time to truly disconnect and re-energize yourself when you come back to the office.

Q. Who else will be going on this trip? What happens if it's a competitor or someone I don't like?

A. Because of the screening process we weed out negative people as much as possible. Plus, each person is a successful entrepreneur which means you'll have plenty in common. And if you are worried about a competitor remember each member is required to sign a confidentially pledge. Maverick members are recognized as the top of their respective professions ranging from online pioneers, INC 500 companies, multi-national manufacturers, heads of financial institutions, renowned experts to International real estate developers and restaurateurs. This kind of diversity leads to new ways of looking at your business and breakthroughs and don’t normally occur.

Q. Is this really tax deductible?

A. One of the main purposes of each trip is to dramatically grow your bottom line so it should be tax deductible. Of course, you should check with your Accountant or tax professional for their final say.