Would you believe the most common question I get asked is, "Are you real?"

Ahhh, the nerve! I mean, come on. Am I real? AM I REAL? Well, how about if I turn the tables and ask you if YOU are real? Even funny-looking characters with bow ties have feelings, you know.

Okay, here's a different approach... I'm pinching myself right now. "Ooooooouch!" Did you hear that? Sure you did.

Come on folks, get real. Could a simple cartoon drawing actually build a site like this? Chew on that one for awhile.

Have I made a believer out of you?

So, why am I known as Home Based Bill?

It's really quite simple. I just love being home. Everything I do is based around home. I have my own home business, I work from my home office and, of course, my family life is based around home. In fact, even as I write this, I'm at home. I'm just a home kinda guy. You were hoping for a more exciting explanation than that, weren't you?

Alright, alright, I'll give you something a little more juicy.

Ready for this? Are you sitting down?

I'm actually one of three small business Marvels. Individually, we each have our very unique super small business strengths and abilities. Combined, we are powerful. Together, we are the...

Of the three, I am the first Marvel and am called "Home Based Bill." Now, I'm not at liberty to reveal the identity of the other two Marvels. At least not yet. Stick around. Sometime in the future when - and only when - the time is right, I'll be revealing the second character of the "Mastermind Marvels." Sign up to become a member of HomeBasedBill.com (Yes, it's FREE) and receive your "Have You Seen Bill" stickers for a chance to win $100. Members of HomeBasedBill.com will be first to hear breaking news. Also, be sure to watch blog updates on the front page.

How do the "Have You Seen Bill?" stickers fit into all of this?

Let me share a little story with you...

One day, sitting around the kitchen table, we were enjoying some light family discussion. Our children (Billy and Billinda) had one of those tell-us-about-your-past-life-before-you-were-so-old moments. Any of you old geezers between the ages of 30 and 50 know what I'm talking about? Sheesh! Children are not good for your self-esteem.

Anyway, after some time the discussion led to my wife's experiences while living in Argentina and in Bolivia. Hearing some of her experiences would make the hair on the back of you neck stand straight up. The kids couldn't wait to hear more. My wife continued to divulge her fascinating travels to other countries such as Italy and Israel.

It was exciting, enchanting, exhilarating!

But, then...

All eyes turned toward me. "So, Dad, to what exciting parts of the world have you been?"

"Well, I've been to..."

"Ummm, well..."

"Uh..."

"Idaho."

(silence)

"No, really, they have the most amazing potatoes!"

Sigh...

It was a horrifying moment. I felt like a dartboard with all darts waiting to deflate my ego. Ready, aim, fire!

Now, before all you Idahoans start throwing tomatoes, don't get me wrong. Idaho is a great state. But think about it... The only thing Idaho has in common with Italy and Israel is that they all begin with the letter "I."

Here I was a successful small businessman living a life that most would envy. Yet, my children saw me as dull, uninteresting, boring. Now, in my line of work, there are only two kinds of cartoon characters... They are classified as either 1) heroes or 2) dull and stupid.

The thought of being classified as "one of those" latter kinds made my stomach sink. I wanted to be my children's hero. I wanted to see the world - not just a few countries - I wanted to see the whole world. I wanted to see all 50 United States. I wanted to get to know Canada and Latin America. I wanted to visit Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Pacific. Gosh, even the Antartica sounded good to me.

Not only that, but I wanted to make close and personal friendships with people from all over the world.

A Plan Is Born...

So, I came up with a plan. I would invoke the help of thousands of people from all walks of life and from all over the world. If they would take me with them wherever they lived or wherever they travelled, I could visit a large number of interesting places in many countries in a short period of time. And, in the process, I would meet some of the most fascinating people and make some great friends.

In return, I would reward those who were the most creative. Thus, the "Have You Seen Bill?" stickers idea was born.

There you have it. That's my story.

Now, go and signup to become a member. I'll send you your stickers. You place them in some unique places. Take some pictures and upload them in your member control panel.

Then, on this site we'll track all the places that "Bill" has been in the world and let you vote on the most creative entries. You could be our next $100 winner!

And, if you happen to spy a "Bill" sticker along the way during your daily life or throughout your travels, leave your comments and let everyone know where you've seen Bill.

Your New Pal,

Bill