Success...One Day At A Time

Successful People Are Changing. Are You?

Even though it might not sound like perfect sense at the time...always leave yourself open to changing ANY aspect of your life on the spur of the moment.

I had a reminder of this over the last week, as I came across something online that, within a few months, will have a far-reaching implication of how I run my online business.

It's a business model idea that, if I run with it to its full potential, I will be only working ON my business and not IN it by the end of the year. (Yes...you CAN hold me accountable!).

Yet...last week, I was working towards a different way of approaching a slightly different outcome!

And...this new model combined with a technical aspect of the Internet that I worked out less than three weeks ago means that all of my energies are currently focused on almost entirely opposite things than last month!

So...next time an idea whacks you in the face, think about what you COULD do with it, rather than looking for excuses why you couldn't possibly make it work.

Sure, you certainly won't be right every time...but the law of averages means that you WILL eventually move yourself further forward than you can imagine now.

Recommended Resource

11 simple principles for success, weird name...but the only thing I've recommended in months. Go here and find out for yourself why I like Banabu so much...

Our Wealth Partnership

Over the last few years I have been writing solely on the Internet about how the lessons from my own life could be applied to helping you getting more from your life.

If you have been a subscriber to my ezine for any length of time you will know that I adopt a ‘real-life’, no BS, attitude to leading a happy and successful life.

By ‘real-life’ I mean that my approach is based around my own experiences – which I then translate into meaningful strategies and lessons that YOU can apply to make the most of your own life.

This approach can have its challenges.

Firstly – thanks to the (many different) problems involved in sending and receiving email – it seems that 20%+ of my subscribers hardly ever see what I send them.

Secondly – a fair proportion of the remaining 80% probably have a huge pile of ezines and emails to sort through every week…and don’t often get the chance to sit down for a few minutes and actually READ what I write.

And – that is one huge problem for you. If you don’t read – then I can’t help you.

And…if I can’t help you – then the path to the life of your dreams will certainly be longer and more fragmented.

It’s not your fault…I’m as guilty of this as anyone else. I’m subscribed to ezines that I love – but very rarely read because they happen to be in my inbox at the wrong time – or I get sidetracked with something else, and it gets lost amongst hundreds of other emails.

However…I realized that I read all of the ‘paper and ink’ newsletters that I subscribed to.

And...I've learned recently that, quite often, all it takes is to get someone to USE what they invest in...and the results then begin to take care of themselves.

So...I'm seriously considering a monthly print newsletter - provisionally titled 'Our Wealth Partnership' as its focus will be on getting YOU to open up to the abundance that is undoubtedly out there for you.

It will run 12 to 16 pages or so - as I want to make sure that it gets read in its entirety!

As for pricing...well I'm not sure yet.

Plus...I will also be focusing in on some of the more important books and resources I have read that have had a huge impact on my success.

I can guarantee 100% that "Our Wealth Partnership" will only contain brand-new stuff that I have never published before, and all of the content will be EXCLUSIVE to the newsletter.

So...what do YOU think?

I've got the necessary infrastructure in place to make it happen...but I'm hardly going to create something that you aren't interested in.

Just post a comment below with your views/concerns/ideas about "Our Wealth Partnership"...

Shouldn't You Be Doing Less To Achieve More?

One thing has struck me today as I have been working.

The battle with your inner voice is the KEY to your success.

Without question.

You see, working in my home office, I've found that it is easy to get distracted when I'm trying to focus on something, and even easier to find myself interrupted when I am actually focused on something!

Little one-year-old Skye certainly has a habit of going crazy at the times when I'm really concentrating!

Yet - on the days like today, when I've had a lot of time to myself as Lesley has taken the children out - I've found that I'm not taking advantage of the situation!

You see - I'm not perfect after all!

Of course - I haven't completely wasted the day - I wouldn't allow myself to do that.

But...it has reminded me that I 'function' better at different times of the day than others.

Bet you do, too.

I can do great things at 6 a.m.
Can crank out an excellent article at 2 p.m.
And even focus on a little future project at 7 p.m.

Yet - often in the middle of all that - I check stuff, re-read forums, scan emails, and generally don't get as much work 'done' as perhaps you would expect.

Now...that's not to say that I am not motivated.

Nor...am I particularly 'bothered' about it!

I decided some time ago that beating yourself up for being YOU is a road to nowhere, that's for sure.

The more that you try to do what you THINK you should be doing, the less likely you are going to do the stuff that you NEED to be doing to help you towards your future.

That's why I'm not bothered.

An hour at 6 a.m. is worth two or three hours of mid-afternoon sighs!

(Guess why I have started to get up at that time so that I can ACHIEVE something before everyone else in my house gets up?)

Where success is concerned...it's not all about the firing on all cylinders - working your guts out - just to make as much as you can.

Nope.

For YOU - success should be about being able to lie on your bed at night - and actually KNOW that you have done something that has moved you forward towards your goal.

Will YOU be doing that tonight?

I certainly will.

The Results Of That Mindset 'Woo-Woo' Stuff...

On an internet marketing forum last week...I attempted to explain my 'secret' to my increase in income over the last few months.

This is what I came up with...

*******

Aside from the technical aspects - my income is down to FOUR major things...

1) Applying what I already knew about marketing to other things that are already out there.

2) Applying a couple of snippets from what I learned from an Internet Marketing seminar in Las Vegas in June last year to leverage this knowledge.

3) Leveraging my time by outsourcing programming and other tasks...and by training my wife Lesley to do some of the stuff that I do. Let's say that she's finally paying her way :-)

4) Most important of ALL...understanding that mindset 'woo-woo' stuff is THE most important factor in ANYTHING relating to the above. ANYTHING.

Once I starting GIVING AWAY what I THOUGHT that I needed most - what I thought that I needed most turns up more often than ever before.

Believe me - this works more than all of the technical knowledge in terms of getting you what you want.

How do I know?

Well...let's say that I know of one other person that does EXACTLY what I do. The only difference between us is that I apply #4) consistently and he doesn't.

At the last count - I was doing at least 4x to 6x as well as he was.

*******

Well...what do YOU think?

If you've been reading what I write for any length of time...you'll know that I place some serious importance on THINKING as well as ACTION.

Recently though - I've taken this a little further by constantly focusing on what I was thinking. So...if I catch myself having a negative thought (don't we all?) - then I consciously make myself think instead of a positive thought.

Or - perhaps looking for ANY positive aspect relating to the negative thought I was having.

I can certainly tell you that it does take some effort to do this when you are literally 'wound up'!

But...as with ANY habit...as time goes on - it begins to become 'second nature'...and my positive thoughts begin to consistently appear when in the past then may have been 'so-so' thoughts.

One other 'method' that I have been practicing is to read more 'spiritual' books instead of 'how-to' books.

In other words...in my spare time I fill my mind with ideas about manifestation, abundance, thought-power, connection, quantum physics, life, Universe, and everything!

Sure...the how-to personal development books certainly have their place...but in the place where I personally am going towards - I am more interested in CREATING my results using my mind instead of trying to CORRECT my shortcomings through taking ACTION.

Believe - this fundamental shift in thinking is something that (if you aren't already 'there') will inevitably happen to YOU once you come to your OWN realization that struggling to make things happen can often attract the opposite.

Strange...but nevertheless true.

Of course...I don't for one minute expect you to agree with me. After all - we are all unique in our own way - and my particular 'path' to attracting my desires will not necessarily be the best way for YOU.

But...

Take my word for it...

Within the next five or ten years...there will be a shift from 'hard work' to 'hard thinking' in terms of getting what you want.

I, for one, will certainly be leading the charge to a more relaxed, happy, yet infinitely more abundant life, for both YOU and I, for that you can be certain!

The more I read and listen - the more I see similarities between the different ways of using your mind to get what you really want.

Whether you're religious, an atheist, a career-person, a homemaker, an entrepreuner, or unemployed...you CAN achieve great things with your life.

Once you find the path that 'make sense' to you the most.

And...that's what I'm here to try to help you to do.

It's Not Good Enough To Just Do 'Enough'

It's been a week since I last posted an entry on this blog.

Why?

Well...for a number of very different reasons...

Firstly - in the space of 24 hours it was subjected to almost 2,500 'rogue' comments.

Originally - it took me a few hours to manually delete them all until I found an automated answer that can now take care of a lot of them at the source...plus clear any that get through in minutes.

Shame I didn't realize that there was something out there that did it the first time!

Secondly - I've made a very conscious decision over the last month or so to really focus on making of the most of the content that I have ALREADY created - before I go ahead and create a load more!

At the last count - I have SEVEN personal development related projects that are at various stages of completion (or re-purposing) - so I figured that it was about time that I spent some time consolidating what I've already done.

Plus...a couple of weeks ago I put on my Internet Success Mindset one-day seminar - for which I've had to edit audios, design covers etc for - which always takes longer than usual!

Now...I'm not for a moment complaining. Far from it.

I am just going through one of my almost-six-monthly changes of 'tack' so that I can constantly work on improving what I have to offer YOU...and also to ensure that I personally don't get 'stale' in terms of what I do.

If you get bored waiting for new content - then just use the 'search' facility on this site - and I'm sure that you'll find something to read from the 500+ entries I have posted over the last 18 months.

It's easy for all of us to get a little complacent - and just keep jumping through the same hoops without really pushing ourselves because it's become relatively 'easy'.

If you know me well enough by now...you'll understand why I firmly believe that standing still is really the same as moving backwards!

Not only that - unless you are constantly improving and challenging yourself - then it's easy to just let life slip you by.

Which, for me, means that it's not good enough to just do 'enough'.

Go On...Complain Instead Of Do...

On Sunday...I'm pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

Why?

Well...I'm presenting my one-day "Internet Success Mindset" Seminar.

Which I'm very excited about.

Even though the most I have ever spoken before was for an hour!

On Sunday - I'm doing FIVE!

Why?

Not for the money - that's for sure. I'm just about covering my costs for the room hire and everything else.

I'm doing it because I NEED to...I NEED to because I NEED to keep pushing myself along that little bit further!

As with most things...life always has a little twist in store.

You see - the initial reason why I felt that I should do this was so that I had something to offer at the 'back of the room' at my first U.S. seminar appearance talking about the Internet success mindset.

Except I found out yesterday that it has now been cancelled!

So - now my ONLY reason for pushing my (self-imposed, mind you) limits on Sunday is to force me to accept that I CAN do a one-day seminar if I CHOOSE to.

Yet - I wouldn't probably have got around to it yet if I hadn't needed to have something to sell at that other seminar!

Believe me - if you look at pushing yourself that little bit further when each new opportunity comes along - you'll find that challenges open up for you in ways that you couldn't possibly imagine!

THAT sort of growing experience doesn't come from sitting on your backside watching TV and complaining about how 'lucky' other people are.

I KNOW - I was THERE for almost fifteen years so I understand that feeling.

And NOW - I just wonder why I wasted so much of my life complaining instead of DOING!

What about YOU?

Looking At WHY These Things Happen...

I always look for the hidden meanings when things happen that I don't personally have control over.

Like today.

Someone with a rather disgusting adult site link automatically 'posted' hundreds of comments to this very blog - the content of which was both disgusting...and, in my opinion, pointless.

Is it me - or can you also see what little 'value' this spammer could get by having porn links on a motivational blog?

Especially when I delete them as soon as I am notified of them automatically via email.

Normally - this wouldn't be such a problem - but this person went one step further by automatically changing IP the address of each posting - knowing that I wouldn't be able to block them as I usually do if it is just a person manually spamming (believe it or not - I've already banned over 250 IP addresses over the last six months).

Sad, really.

So...for me...what's the hidden message here?

Well...as I have mentioned in the past - I have been contemplating changing the format of a few things - and how I do them.

Perhaps it's time to not have such an 'open' forum for people to just spam at the expense of me trying to help others.

So...I might password protect this site...or maybe even charge a very small 'membership' fee for access.

After all...that way I will be able to control who visits...and also be in a better position to give my opinion to those people whom truly want to hear and learn from it.

Of course...I haven't fully decided yet - but it has been something that has been on my mind over the last month or two as the blatant spam has continued to increase.

I don't like to get angry at stuff like this happening...as unfortunately - it seems to go 'hand in hand' with being visible online.

So...that's why I just look at WHY.

I firmly believe that there is usually a reason for everything - good and 'bad' - it's just that sometimes it's harder to find the meaning behind something if your emotions are getting in the way!

So...I'm always fighting against human nature to make sure that I see it!

It's Never 'Plain Sailing' - But Does It Make Sense?

Although I have been writing less recently - I haven't entirely been not doing much.

I've spent so much time, energy, and money over the last couple of years on my internet (and marketing) education...that now I have decided that I should actually devote more time to APPLYING this new knowledge instead of purely creating new content (like this).

I can tell you...as someone who has been known to write every single day for months on end - it's not always easy to do.

But...in my business...it's always necessary to make the most of what (and who) you know - in order to leverage your time better.

And...as my time is VERY important to me...I always try, wherever I can, to make the best use of it wherever possible.

Even if that time spent resulted in failure (or as I call it - temporary defeat).

Funnily enough - I have had more than my fair share over the last few months - but I'm very philosophical about the whole thing.

I know that these temporary defeats are just pushing me towards something that DOES complement me 100%...whether I realize it yet or not!

It's only with retrospect that seemingly unconnected events make sense...and I am more than convinced that this year will be one of those that I look back on and see that my 'path' was defined more clearly than in the years before.

Even if it isn't always 'plain sailing'!

Isn't that part of the fun?

The Best And Worst Of Us...

Having just spent a week in Las Vegas...it's nice to be back home.

Not being a gambler...nor a fan of 'shows'...it certainly isn't my ideal destination!

But...there I went to spend four, 14-hour days stuck on a chair learning more about how successful people 'work'.

I also managed a visit to the Strip...as well as finally getting to see the Grand Canyon up close.

And...just as we drifted a mile down the Colorado river... we suddenly saw a red-tailed hawk swoop across the bow of our boat...and fly into his nest on the protected side of the Canyon.

At the same time...it was eerily silent as the two-minute gap between helicopters taking off and landing left us soaking up the atmosphere before the thud-thud-thud of rotor blades sounded in the distance.

Certainly time for reflection...that was for sure.

Las Vegas to me, seems such a 'hollow' place. Walk just yards off of the strip...and you hit areas that you wouldn't find comfortable walking at night.

Being more aware of my feelings compared to my last visit two years ago...I got an overwhelming feeling of almost desperation spread amongst the squealing of people turned up-side down by roller coasters and rides in the 'theme park' hotels.

Why desperation?

Well...the fact that the hotels have become more lavish and and are adding rooms and shops at an alarming rate told me without speaking who the winners were in this gambling 'haven'.

If I sound a little down...I don't mean to be.

It just saddens me to see tens of thousands of people chasing a 'dream' where the odds are ALWAYS in favor of the house.

For me...Vegas is the best and worst of America.

The amazing Sistine Chapel-like ceiling paintings of the entrance to The Venetian is spoiled by the ding-ding of the slot machines.

Of course...I know that one couldn't possibly exist without the other, but to me, anyway, some of the greatest modern-buildings-replicating-historic-buildings are lost behind the sad faces of people piling their money into a computerized money pit.

Of course...the whole place is MEANT to be one huge 'theme park'...but at least at Disney all you lose is what you pay for.

People just chasing more money with the hope of changing their lives is, to me, just completely the wrong way around.

YOU should be changing YOUR life...with the EXPECTATION of EARNING more money.

That's the way it SHOULD be...and IS for those people who, usually because of some misfortune, realize that they may have their life priorities upside-down.

Even one of the speakers said that it's pointless trying to sell a 'dream' - unless you give people a promise of some financial reward as part of the deal.

It's a shame that just plain being HAPPY and having FUN is clouded by the non-stop chasing of something that gets further away the closer you get to it!

That's why I am glad that I live in MY head...and am happy with my 'lot' - whatever financial rewards it may bring.

What's the point of running after something that you may realize that you don't even want as you chase after it.

Too many lives are wasted chasing after someone elses' version of what YOUR dream should be.

Unless you begin with your thoughts...then you're going to be in a race around a running track with no finishing line.

Take stock of what's REALLY important in your life...and then look at what talents you undoubtedly have already in your possession.

THAT'S where YOUR future lies...not in some competition to win some money that you will undoubtedly lose the next time that you play.

Whether you spend it in front of a slot machine, a TV, the Internet, a book...or watching your child's school play... that time, once used, is FOREVER lost to you.

Never to return.

So...invest wisely in what you want from your future.

The true short-cuts to security are not shown in the faces of the smiling people just like you who just won a car on a slot machine.

No.

Long term prosperity is reflected in huge plasma screens that project ads 24 hours a day.

Those owners are the winners...purely because they know that us humans prefer greed to real lifelong change for the better.

Remember...the things that matter most are the things that money CANNOT buy - however much you win or earn.

And...a dollar bill, a pound coin, or a euro doesn't fit the bill.

'One Size Fits All' Doesn't!

I'm off for a week to Las Vegas to attend an Internet marketing seminar.

I expect that I will see some familiar faces there.

Those people are those who are either...

a) There to constantly develop their knowledge and contacts
b) There because they are 'seminar junkies'

Now...I certainly am in the a) camp as I go to these things - but only if I make sure in some way that I get a 'return' on my investment - whether it's from the application of my new knowledge, or from making new contacts.

Unfortunately...I'll also meet again the 'junkies'...who are attending yet another seminar just to say that they've been...but aren't really any further forward than when I first met them over the last couple of years.

These people...although having good intentions...get sucked in by the actual attending part - and forget that, if they've been to more than a couple of seminars - they should actually be making progress.

It seems to me that they'll STILL looking for the 'next big thing' - instead of working out WHAT they REALLY want from attending.

Of course...it's not always easy to quantify a return from going to these things...but being in exactly the same place six months after attending does not signal success to me!

It's the same with whatever you do.

It's pointless reading something (or even watching, for that matter)...unless you literally TRANSLATE it into a way that COULD work for YOU.

Remember...you'll probably fail if you try to 'copy' exactly what the 'gurus' tell you - as YOU are not THEM.

But...in order for you NOT to be a KNOWLEDGE junkie who is just standing still - then you need to understand that you should aim for the nuggets of information that fit YOU like a glove instead of trying to apply everything and fail.

I could tell you EXACTLY what I do and how I do it...yet, unless you apply it in a way that suits YOU...then it almost certainly won't work for you.

We are ALL different...and therefore isn't it any wonder that 'one size fits all' DOESN'T?

Knowing WHY...It's Time To Stop

Today...I am at a crossroads.

I am close to coming to a decision whether I should carry on writing this every day as I do.

The whole purpose of EVERYTHING that you do in life should revolve around what you ENJOY doing.

Sure...I enjoy the creative process of writing something useful every day...but sometimes, as with most things, our desires evolve.

And...for me (as it should be for YOU) - you shouldn't continue doing stuff "Just because..."

Because...that's when life becomes routine and less of a challenge!

To be frank...I'm thinking of doing this perhaps in a different format of some description...though I'm not sure what.

The reason WHY you do things should always be at the forefront of your mind when you begin to question whether you are getting as much enjoyment out of something as you did in the past.

If there is no 'why'...then quite often that's when we lose a purpose for what we do.

For example...I am a creator of content...but I need to express myself in different ways other both me and my 'message' will get stale.

Perhaps doing a fair bit of speaking recently has moved me towards more DIRECT human interaction...especially when using a medium like this blog...it can sometimes be difficult to gauge feedback the way you can in real life.

If YOU feel that you aren't delivering as much as you could...or that you feel that you need a change - think about WHY you need to evolve.

What's changed?

It might not necessarily be a bad thing. I began writing this over 18 months ago...and I've certainly changed as a person since then.

Who knows?

But...life has to be challenging, exciting, and FUN.

And about knowing when to STOP...and look at things from a completely different angle.

You've been warned!

If Only...You CAN Change!

We all change...whether we realize it or not.

I'm not the same person as I was five years ago...and neither, I expect, are you.

Perhaps you may not THINK that you have...but you have.

For a start - you're five years older!

Which means that, if you haven't really progressed much over that time...what's changed is that you have put off doing stuff for longer than you should have.

I know...I was there for years myself.

But...it's NEVER too late to REALLY change - your outlook, your life...your feelings about what is POSSIBLE for you.

But...the longer you put this really important stuff to one side...the harder it will be to break those 'habits of a lifetime' (to-date, of course!).

But...nevertheless you CAN...and you WILL...but only if you begin to take stock of your life...and make the DECISION that you MUST move forward on a personal level EVERY day if possible.

It's only when you begin to effortlessly achieve things that you never would have believed possible (like I have done in the last couple of years)...you'll realize that YOU are your own worst enemy where holding yourself back is concerned.

We only get one shot at this life...isn't it a waste if we spend most of it wishing "If only...."?

Do You BELIEVE That You Are Bigger?

There's something interesting that I've found as I've progressed online...

"The more you achieve - the easier it is to THINK bigger"

And...once you begin to THINK bigger...then your mind automatically begins to focus on what is POSSIBLE as opposed to what you think you might not be able to achieve.

I saw this realization dawn on so many people at my UK Net Seminar over the weekend.

One of them told me that after the first day they went to their room full of FEAR!

"Why?" I had asked

They replied that they had a realization..."This could actually WORK!"

Why did they feel that way?

Well...they saw 'regular' people like me achieving what they didn't really believe was possible...and it made them realize that it WAS possible!

And...automatically...their entire outlook on what they BELIEVED was possible changed.

It was as if 40 people in that room mentally 'stepped up a gear'...determined to really push themselves onto bigger and better things.

Yet...NOTHING had really changed in the 'real' world.

Sure...they had more information (or they were reminded of information that they had previously ignored)...but information is useless on its own.

What had changed was that, in their minds, they had begun to BELIEVE that they were BIGGER than they had previously thought.

And...so are YOU, too!

Doing The 'Same Again' Just Won't Work!

After putting on my first-ever 'proper' 2-day seminar (on Internet Marketing)...I've realized a couple of things.

1) It's not good enough to just 'do enough' - doing your BEST is much more rewarding!

2) I won't be moving forward next time if I don't put a seminar on that is bigger or better in some way.

Do YOU think like that after succeeding at something?

How many people or businesses think that way?

I see so many people just doing enough to get by.

And...I see so many slightly more successful people doing enough to get by...over and over again...without really 'going' anywhere!

I KNOW that if I DON'T push myself to achieve that little bit more (OK - much more than that!) next time...then I wouldn't have really moved forward.

I know that I can put on a great seminar. I know because of the feedback I got over the weekend.

But...from a developmental point of view...it's not good enough just to do the same AGAIN.

Firstly...I'd personally get bored (which I hate), and secondly...what would I have learned?

Sure...there would be different people in the audience...and the 'balance' of the event may be different...but for ME...I won't be developing MYSELF - which is more crucial to me than putting on a seminar that is exactly the same just to try to make some money from it.

What works for ME is challenge and variety...it's the way that I personally GROW.

What works for YOU?

Doing the same thing over and over again "because...." certainly won't!

Go On...Back Yourself Into A Corner!

I've added a new 'skill' over the last couple of weeks.

I now KNOW that I CAN interview people!

I've had to do so six times over the last couple of weeks as I've been interviewing experts for my UK Net Marketing Seminar.

Now...because I know that I can do it because I've done it six times...this now means that I have another 'tool' that I can use in the future.

But...if I'm perfectly honest...I would rather have NOT done the interviews!

But...it was a necessary part of the marketing for the seminar...and SOMEONE had to do it!

In a way...I HAD to 'back myself into a corner' to ENSURE that I actually followed through on a new skill...even though I would be uncomfortable doing it.

Sure...I'm far from the best interviewer in the world...but unless I TRIED - I wouldn't have found out if I was CAPABLE of doing so!

And...I bet that YOU could certainly do a LOT of things if you HAD to!

The trouble is...most of the time, because you don't have to...you just find excuses NOT to something that may be a little uncomfortable.

I certainly wouldn't have been able to achieve a LOT of what I have (along with the self-esteem increase that comes with it) unless I had literally FORCED myself to go that little bit further.

And...if you can find a way to do the same...YOU will, too!

One Last Time For That Persistence To Pay Off

Today I've spent hours trying to get a form on one of my websites work.

I used EXACTLY the same code as I've used on similar ones...yet for some reason, it just didn't work!

So...I tried another piece of code...an hour later - a different error!

It was starting to get a little frustrating!

But...I NEEDED to get this form up...I couldn't let the technology beat me!

So...I tried a different way...using some survey software that I had used (which had worked) a year ago.

Another hour later...this one came up with a completely different error than the other two!

Now...I'm not a programmer - so I was beginning to wonder if I was making life complicated for myself.

So...I went online - and spent ANOTHER hour setting up the form on a third-party website using their free option.

This suited me fine until I realized that, because the version was free...it didn't keep ALL of the information together...it just grouped the results from each part of the form.

It was about this time that Lesley decided to take Katie, and her visiting friend, Lizzie, out to the beach...as I was about to go through the 'head in the hands' stage!

So...what would YOU do?

Well...I know that I must always 'walk my talk'...so off I went searching online again to find yet ANOTHER piece of code...which needed about 30 minutes of manual alteration before I could run and test it.

I can tell you now...when I realized that I would have to put a LOT of effort in without knowing if it COULD work (teach-myself coder that I am)...for a brief second I really wondered if it was worth it!

But...then I caught myself...and, head down, got on with the job!

Guess what...it worked FIRST TIME! (Hooray!)

Hours after I had first started...I had got what I wanted.

But...if I didn't KNOW that the BEST successes usually ride on the back of the point-of-giving-up...I certainly would have!

Life's the same.

If you give up - you will NEVER achieve ANYTHING.

And...most of the time...your successes are just around the corner from the point where you think that you've tried that last time.

Just because something doesn't work...doesn't mean that it will ALWAYS be that way! It's down to YOU to try that ONE last time (again and again) until your PERSISTENCE pays off.

It WILL...just try it and see for yourself!

An Idea Shared Is An Opportunity Leveraged

The more that I FORCE myself to work with other people...the more I have realized that, in the past, I was holding myself back from not doing so.

There have been a couple of occasions over the last 24 hours where I have had something glady 'taken off of my hands' because my partner preferred to do it themelves.

And...it just so happened that these tasks were the ones that I LEAST like doing!

It IS good when these relationships work...although sometimes they do NEED work in order to make sure that you BOTH understand what your roles are.

Like a marriage, I suppose...without the fighting!

I'm much more focused now on actually moving forward WITH others as opposed just on my own.

I'm the sort of person who can easily get bored...so I NEED to have a number of different things 'on the go' at any one time to make sure that I'm always motivated!

It's such a shame that we don't really foster a more sharing (instead of competitive) attitude to what we do.

You may have heard of the saying "A problem shared is a problem halved".

Well...where opportunities are concerned..."An idea shared is an opportunity leveraged"!

How can YOU make the most of YOUR relationships...both personal and professional?

If you look hard enough...you WILL find a way to leverage BOTH of your time and effort.

Isn't Accountability A Wonderful Thing?

I've had the idea (and the means to execute it) for a product/service since October last year...yet I've never quite got around to spending enough time on it in order to 'get it out there'.

The thing is...I KNOW that, if I have an idea...and don't almost IMMEDIATELY run with it...then it will run out of steam...and perhaps never see the light of day.

It's the same with this product...I spent a few months just completely doing NOTHING with it!

It's a joint venture...and, to be honest, neither of us has done much about it really.

Until a couple of weeks ago when we set a deadline for its completion.

Not only that...we decided that we would have WEEKLY 'accountability' calls where each of us would have to report on what we had done in relation to what we agreed on the previous week's call.

Now...I'll tell you now...this process is like PULLING TEETH!

I've put this project on almost indefinite hold for so long that it is SO difficult to get back into it and make sure that I do something EVERY week in order to make it happen.

It is SO difficult...yet, so EMPOWERING.

For example...I know that I have to do something in time for our call tomorrow...yet, if we weren't having that call - I KNOW that I wouldn't do it!

I bet you know what I mean, right!

Good intentions and all that!

But...because I have to EXPLAIN MYSELF to my partner for what I have or haven't done...then guess what I'm going to do first thing tomorrow?

That's right...work on this project...because I want to make sure that I will do what I said I was going to do last week.

I'm the sort of guy who tends to get stuff done often at the last possible moment...but, if it gets done...and that's the way I work...who cares, right?

But...I KNOW that I WILL do whatever I MUST do...because of that damn phone call tomorrow!

I know that I'm not perfect where getting everything done...and sometimes I DO need that little 'kick' myself!

Isn't ACCOUNTABILITY a wonderful thing?

I'm Here. I'm Capable. So Why Not?

I have had work 'coming out of ears' at the moment.

It's amazing what you can accomplish when you REALLY set your mind to it.

I'm juggling three or four completely different disciplines at the moment.

For example...just today I -

- Finished writing a sales letter
- Configured a shopping cart
- Set up a blog for my brother
- Worked out why some HTML wasn't working
- Began writing notes for a teleclass that I am leading this week

Plus...I'm writing this!

Now...I'm not telling you about this to boast...I'm telling you this because, if I wasn't really bothered, I could have got away with not doing any of them.

But...I didn't because I KNOW that, like a muscle in your arm...your mind EXPANDS through resistance!

You wonder why so many people are literally throwing their dreams away because they don't actually do ANYTHING to stretch themselves.

I've heard three different people over the last few days saying that they couldn't do something because they had to 'do something else'.

I've got LOTS of 'something else' to do, too...but that doesn't stop me from throwing down a challenge to myself to REALLY push myself.

It's not about working all hours. It's not about doing stuff that I hate doing.

It's about seeing how far my skills and ingenuity can take me.

And...guess what?

I've realized that the MORE I do...the more I am CAPABLE of doing!

Yep...even YOU could do more (FOCUSED) 'work' towards whatever you choose...as long as you tell yourself that it is a LEARNING experience...WHATEVER happens!

Failure is not a word in my book...there is only temporary defeat.

And...temporary being the way it is...means that, if, for whatever reason, I DON'T achieve as much as I would like in a given day...I know that I CAN tomorrow!

And...so can YOU...but only if you REALLY want to.

What Have YOU Learned In The Last Two Years?

The other day I did a little exercise of taking stock of what I have learned in the two years since I began my online journey.

It amazed me how many brand NEW skills and talents I learned that had absolutely NOTHING to do with my previous 15-year-long career!

Here's a list of what I haven't since March 1st 2002...

- How to code a basic website with HTML
- How to read and 'play around with' basic PERL and CGI scripts
- How to manage my websites at my hosting company
- How to write a salesletter
- How to build my list to 25,000
- How to write articles so that people read them
- How to write and publish a weekly ezine
- How to write and create a online product
- How to write and deliver an online 'program'
- How to create an offline product
- How to get programmers to create a software product for me
- How to sell products online
- How to get other people to sell my products online
- How to sell other peoples' products online as an affiliate
- How to book, write, and lead a teleclass
- How to record a teleclass
- How to convert those recordings into mp3s and streaming real audio files
- How to record CD-quality audio using my PC and a mic.
- How to burn both audio CDs and CD-roms...and how to package them
- How to speak in public about 2 topics - motivation and internet marketing (my first 'gig' was in front of 365 people in San Francisco! - THAT was scary!)
- How to coach one-to-one
- How to network with people at seminars
- How to create and manage a blog
- How to record and deliver online 'videos'
- How to create/deliver/organize/record a REAL seminar

Perhaps I should also add..."be able to write daily"!

Now...that may seem like a LOT of things to pack into just 2 years...but really, they have just literally followed on from one another.

Now...I ask YOU...yes, YOU, sitting there reading THIS!

Are you thinking more about what you THINK you can't do instead of what you COULD do if you took ACTION?

Well?

Not sure?

Take a look at my list. If you'd asked ME two years ago whether I would have done more than 3 or 4 of those things...I wouldn't have believed you!

But...since I took ACTION...I've found it so much EASIER to stretch myself in whatever direction my DESIRES take me.

Sure...I'm not the 'finished article' by ANY stretch of imagination...but I am constantly looking at developing my skills further.

Plus...by 'trying out' many brand new things...don't you think that I now have a MUCH clearer picture of the sort of tasks that DO inspire me?

What about YOU?

What have YOU learned in the last 2 years that has helped YOU get to where you want to go?

A 'Phone-y' Painful Thought

Now...I'll be the first one to admit that I am not a 'phone person'.

Whenever it rings...I always make sure that someone else answers it! (Although, I'm getting better with my office phone...which rings about twice a month!)

So...believe me, having the last two days I have had...is certainly another step forward in my development as a person!

I've spent literally seven hours over two days on the 'phone to people whom I HAD to contact for something I am doing in the UK.

Painful!

Well...not really.

The THOUGHT was painful...but the real world isn't as bad.

Plus...I'm slowly conquering another 'demon' of mine...where I usually email instead of picking up the phone.

Now...because I am PURPOSELY putting myself into a position where I MUST use the phone in order to achieve the results I want...I am once again adding to my list of things that I CAN do. (Instead of won't!)

But...if I didn't HAVE to...then I certainly wouldn't have done.

So...the moral of this story is to engineer your life in such a way where you set targets for yourself...even if you're not sure if you are really going to achieve them.

I firmly believe that I am closer to where I want to be by developing my phone 'capacity' than if I didn't.

And...where success is concerned...that is ALWAYS a good thing!

Going Solo...Or Is It So Low?

It's scary how some even relatively successful people think small.

Sometimes it amazes me how the 'bigger picture' can't be grasped because you may be so focused on YOURSELF that you can't see that you are mentally holding yourself back by thinking that way.

(Now...that was quite a long sentence...so it might be worth re-reading it - it'll be worth it!)

Now...I was guilty of it, too, for a number of years. I was so focused on measuring myself against other people that I literally went out of my way NOT to help them.

It worked the other way, too. They didn't help me, either.

Now...as a 'solo entrepreneur'...I come across so many people who are solely 'out for themseleves' that they can't see that a short-term sharing of an income pie would result in a longer-term benefit.

So...guess which people I am actively looking out for to build relationships with?

The world is a huge, prosperous and abundant place...and there is much MORE than enough to go around than we realize.

It's only when you realize the power of people thinking and working TOGETHER that it all becomes so clear.

It's just a shame that most people don't even give it a second-thought.

Do YOU?

The Universe WILL Take Care Of It!

So many people just don't "get it"!

Every day I receive those dodgy emails...and over the last week or so, I've even started to get some dodgy comments posted on this blog.

Shame that I see every one as soon as it is entered...and delete it immediately.

Now...it's not the fact that it happens that annoys me...it's just a shame that the person (people) who do this sort of thing hasn't got a CLUE about how life works!

Merrily trying to stomp on the ground of other peoples' hard won efforts is hardly going to help them when the Universe is looking at their net 'contribution' to the world.

I am a firm believer that, whatever shape or form you cheat...you get what's coming back to you eventually.

The Universe takes care of the 'good people' eventually...even if it might not always seem like it.

Now...I COULD loas one of those 'good guys'...ok at what's happened to me and curse the Univese'''' for not helping me one bit.

But...when I look at the 'bigger picture'...my experiences - good, bad, and plan horrific have made me into the person who I am today.

Someone who is a MUCH better PERSON because of it all.

Cutting corners or trying to get 'one over' on someone won't help you one single bit.

Even if you may THINK that you have won in the short-term...the 'Universe' has a way of balancing these things out...even if it takes years for it to catch up!

So...be warned!

Memories? They're Important...Not Just For Me

I've just spent the last few days reading and editing the transcripts for my "Kickstart YOUR 2004" Program that I did at the end of January.

Isn't it funny that you don't remember half of what you say?

It got me thinking...

How much more am I missing because I am not noting it down for recall later?

Now...I'm quite good at jotting down ideas...and also at 'fleshing them out'...but it was fascinating to spend a few hours reading something...and struggle to remember actually SAYING it!

I'm not too proud to say that reading the transcripts got ME all fired up again!

So...I'm going to make sure that I capture in some shape or form whatever I may speak about that's important in the future.

I'm not 'big' on voice recorders (although I have one)...but from now on...I am always going to make sure that where my business is concerned...NOTHING is going to slip away!

Who knows...what I say may become valuable in the future (at least to Katie and my grandchildren-to-be !)...so I am going to make sure that I keep as much of my 'stuff' as possible.

So...guess who went and ordered a portable hard drive this afternoon?

Those Who Do, Will

I met some amazing people at the UK Internet marketing seminar.

They were amazing because...

1) They were there.
2) They were open to suggestions by those people who could help them.
3) They were nice 'normal' people who just want to benefit from the Internet...but not at the expense of other people.

The very fact that some of them made a journey of almost 5 hours to get there showed me how 'serious' they were about changing their future.

Are YOU serious?

I mean...REALLY serious?

Are YOU so serious that you would get up at 5a.m. on a Sunday morning...just so you could drive 4 hours to get somewhere?

Now...you may be thinking "What's this got to do with being successful?"

Well...EVERYTHING!

You see...those people that DO will ALWAYS get ahead of those people who can't really be bothered.

It's a FACT...written in stone.

Unless you DO...you won't.

This isn't only true in the practical 'action' sense...it's true where your thinking is concerned.

Unless you THINK positive...then how are you going to BE positive?

So...get started. DO something.

Life will only pay you back when you have put some effort in first.

And...those people at the seminar will prove it!

THAT'S what life and business is ALL about!

Off for another couple of days networking and learning amongst the online world...

Time is very important to me...and I don't like to waste it.

So...whenever I do ANYTHING...I want to make sure that, instead of just getting my 'money's worth'...more importantly...I want to get my 'time's worth'.

Being away from home and study upsets my routine...and my routine (OK...good habits)...are those things that make me who I am.

For example...I know that after only two days away from writing this will mean it will be that much more difficult to pick up again on Monday where I left off.

But...as I will be with 'friends'...both old and new...then this weekend will be an excellent excuse to get to KNOW PEOPLE.

When all is said and done...even though my business is 'virtual'...the people who read it and provide my living are NOT...so it is important to get back to REALITY - just to meet some REAL subscribers 'in the flesh'.

Why?

Well...I LOVE to meet my subscribers in person...because it is an EXCELLENT barometer of whether what I am in real life matches up with what YOU are reading here.

So far...I have been told that, 'warts and all'...I am one and the same person.

And THAT'S important to me...because, if you saw me in the street...I would LOVE for you to greet me as a friend...rather than wanting to cross to the other side!

THAT'S what life and business is ALL about!

Note that I didn't mention money?

So What? Who Cares?

Motivation is a funny thing.

One day you can't find it wherever you look...and an another it keeps you 'burning the midnight oil' far longer than you ever expect.

Usually at some point during my week...I get to the point where I can't be creative anymore - so I just become 'lazy' for a few hours (or even a day).

This week...perhaps because I have...

1) Lots of different things to do.
2) A deadline (of sorts)...because I am at a UK Internet Seminar over the weekend.

I have probably worked more hours than I have done for some time.

So...I appreciate the times when I DON'T do anything...because that then gives me the mental 'break' to have weeks like this one.

You can't live life at breakneck speed all of the time...it defeats the object of appreciating some of the people and things that mean a lot to you.

Sure...you can get immense enjoyment from working for 100 hour weeks consistently...but for me, that doesn't fit in with what I want out of LIFE.

I want to enjoy it...live it...spend time with my family.

And...not just burn myself out so that I can become 'someone'!

Video Killed The Audio Star

Finally...after almost a year of 'playing around'...I have completed my first online 'video'!

The technology has been around for a while...but in terms of functionality has improved considerably in the last few months.

So...I finally sat down and created something in less than 7 minutes (in one take'' - and it shows!).

Not much effort, really...but the results are a phenomenal 'return' for a few minutes work.

It still needs some fine-tuning...both in MY presentation...and the presentation that you see onscreen...but what I have in mind to do with this stuff will be both fun and a challenge!

Plus...I've finally 'nailed' another demon of mine...that I can't produce a video without notes...in a conversational format.

So...here it is...

http://www.oursuccesspartnership.com/video/101.html

I know that it still needs some work...but I'd be interested to know what you think!

Many thanks in advance!

Hocus Focus...Let's Get Excited!

One of the most important things that I have learned over the last couple of years is how important it is to have some focus in your life.

I know what I want from where I am going in my life...so I need to make sure that I focus on which ideas should contribute to me getting there!

As time has gone on...I have evolved a fairly rigid 'selection process' through which I put my ideas through.

But...on the odd occasion...one may slip through that I begin...and gets left behind as I get back to concentrating on the other more 'focused' ideas.

You...see, it got to the point where I was literally sitting at my PC...having so many ideas in various stages of development, that I was literally paralysed because I couldn't choose which ONE to do.

So now I make it a little easier on myself.

Wherever possible I try to only work on one or two different things each day.

That way...I don't get bored at having to do the same thing...and it means that, over time, very few projects get left behind.

Also...by being flexible in this way...it enables me to run with the really BIG ideas that come along once in a while - I just allocate a couple of days to work on them when I'm really EXCITED about them.

Excitement is one of my main motoivators where my work is concerned.

I know now that, the quicker I follow through completely on an idea...the more chance I have of finishing it!

So...that's why I need to make sure that I concentrate my energies on a few FOCUSED projects at a time.

It helps me...but was it useful for YOU?

If It's Open...It's Done!

It's scary...but I've just spent the last 6 hours catching up on my emails from the last 2 weeks!

Where did that time go?

Ever put things off like that...only to have to 'bite the bullet' and spend a huge chunk of time 'catching up'?

I've done it...certainly more than I would like to, that's for sure.

Of course...there is a way around this.

Answer the damn emails as they come in!

So...that's what I am going to do. Just to prove to myself that I can.

Want to join me?

Now...I don't mean that I am going to let email INTERRUPT what I am doing - oh no!

What I mean is that, once I open it...then I'm going to DO SOMETHING with it!

It's a bit like all those personal development books you read. You're too busy thinking about the next one to buy when you finish one...that any good intentions go out of the window.

Follow through is crucial...IMMEDIATE ACTION is even more so!

So...next time you think about putting something off because you can't really be bothered to so it now...remember that, when it comes around to doing it eventually...you sure don't want to have a LOT of stuff to do that you can't really be bothered with at the SAME TIME!

It's my new rule...if it's open...it's DONE!

Help...It's Too Big!

"Think Big"...I'm sure that you've heard that phrase before.

Except...isn't it scary to do so?

I used to get altitude sickness if I saw my bank's CEO walk into the office...but just last Friday...I got drunk with a couple of Internet millionaires.

The only scary thing about that was the massive hangover I had at the seminar the next day (If you've ever drunk Long Island Iced Tea cocktails - you'd understand!).

Yet...I am still little 'ole me with the same physical and mental capabilities that I had before.

But...I've realized that practically ALL of my limits in what I could achieve were self-imposed.

And...even though you may not think so...I bet that your limits are, too.

Just in the last couple of hours...I had proof of how challenging it is to think even BIGGER than the big thinking I've been practicing for some time now.

It's funny...but I bet that you've had the same feelings as me before...

I've been playing around with some new ideas recently...and I just found out that somebody else in a different country...but with a similar model...has done VERY nicely out of it.

In fact..so nicely...that when I worked out the return from his efforts...that's when the "IT'S TOO BIG!" thoughts start to creep in.

Isn't it always so easy to find the things WRONG with something when they look too far 'out there' for you?

But...you know what...THIS time...things are different.

You see...I don't personally agree with the complete philosophy behind this model...a bit too much 'hypey' for me...

But...even if I do things more 'my way'...I have just had proof from a different continent (well - it's two now, actually) that my general concept works.

You'd better 'watch this space' over the next 12 months or so to see how I CAN take on those "that's-TOO-big-type-thoughts"...and PROVE that, if I really want to...I can achieve whatever I want to.

And...you'll be along for the ride!

How The Hell Did Their Views Change Me?

They say that you cannot please all of the people all of the time.

Where my online business is concerned...sonetimes it's a challenge to please SOME of the people SOME of the time!

But...I've learned that some of the negative or downright rude emails that I get say more about the sort of person writing them than they do about me.

It's easy for me to let comments from one or two people 'get to me'...but I've learned to tell myself...

"Who cares?"

I am in the sort of position where I share a LOT about the 'real' me...in terms of my hopes, dreams, challenges, and desires.

So...when I get a bolt from the blue that tells me that I am this-or-that...or that I am trying to rip people off...it can hurt...but ONLY if I choose to let it.

You see...I KNOW that my reality is defined by the quality of my thoughts.

The 'real' world doesn't have to change one little bit...but, if our thoughts make us believe that something has changed...then, all of a sudden, we feel threatened.

When...NOTHING has changed! The ONLY thing that has changed is ONE piece of new information has changed EVERYTHING that went before it!

Scary really, when you think about it!

So...the next time you get a reaction or some feedback from ANYONE...think about what has REALLY changed.

Most of the time...I bet that it is YOUR VIEW that has been changed by THEIR OPINION...so please...just recognize that perhaps NOTHING has really changed in a real sense.

Believe me...I know that it's not always that easy to do...but it is the ONLY way to ensure that you stay on the path that is right for YOU!

So...I'm On A Plane...What Could I Possibly Do?

So...by going to yet another Internet marketing seminar (my fourth in 19 months)...did I get a return on my 18 hours of flying, $1,200+ commitment, and four days away from Katie and Lesley?

What do YOU think?

Despite only having one-and-a-half hours sleep in the last 48 hours...I'm as fired up as I ever have been!

Why?

Well...you will undoubtedly find out over the next few months...that's for sure.

Even without the networking with some great guys (and girls!) that I've met before...and those that I have now met in the 'flesh'...I KNOW that I WILL be getting a return on my investment.

Here's a clue about what happened on the plane on the way out BEFORE the seminar...

Have YOU ever gone through an almost-10-hour flight...and not even open your headset 'package' for the seat-back films...or the radio?

Nor did I have my laptop with me.

So...what COULD I have done that I KNOW will literally revolutionize my business over the next year and beyond.

As I'm jet-lagged...I'll give you a little clue...

My youngest brother, Mark...went to the seminar with me.

So...read again what I DIDN'T do...and tell me what YOU think I DID DO during that flight that has convinced me beyond any reasonable doubt that I WILL double my business within a year...

Have a go...and I'll let you know in a few days' time...

Blimey...Is This A Rant?

Never let it be said that nothing surprises me anymore!

I just received an email from someone saying that I should be doing my "Kickstart YOUR 2004" teleclasses for free because I should want to help people!

The email went on to say that, if I REALLY wanted to help people...I should help them for free.

I wonder whether my free 183-Lesson Ecourse - "To Our Success", or this very weblog (over 400 entries plus) count?

I can't think of many other people who give as much away as I do.

So...why should I charge $67 for Kickstart?

Well...I personally feel that sometimes...you need to make some form of commitment (time, financial, or otherwise) in order to REALLY make the effort to really make changes in your life.

Secondly...I KNOW that what I will be delivering will be worth far more than $67 to anyone who actually USES what they learn.

I also value MY time...and therefore, if I am taking two hours out of my Thursday evening...and two out of my 'family' Saturday afternoon...then I am doing myself (and my family) a disservice if I am not compensated in some way for that.

Plus...I have spent a not-too-insconsiderable amount of time in making sure that I DELIVER more than I promise.

And finally...I KNOW that I WANT to WORK with those sort of people who are willing to INVEST $67 (risk-free, by the way) in trying to sort out their futures.

Sure...YOU may be one of those people who can't afford $67, and that's more than fine, but there are SOME people who EXPECT 'something for nothing'.

And those people, to be honest...usually end up getting 'nothing for nothing' because, as they didn't have to make some form of sacrifice...they don't actually work on getting a PAYBACK on their investment.

Unfortunately...I know that there are probably 97% plus people who read this expect EVERYTHING for free.

I just know that the sort of people who DO finally make inroads towards what they want out of life are prepared to WORK a little at it.

I'm sorry if I have come across as greedy...hopefully you know me well enough to know that I'm certainly the opposite.

In this weblog...I have probably GIVEN you EVERYTHING that I could possibly know over the last 18 months or so...but for some people, a little sacrifice is necessary in order for them to actually put it into ACTION.

And...for a lot of those people...the fact that they need to get a 'return' on their monetary investment is something that finally PUSHES them into ACTION.

Those people are the ones that will benefit from "Kickstart"...not the people who will forever want something for nothing...who usually still end up with nothing.

Isn't That What Life Should Be About?

To be perfectly honest...I don't really care anymore.

Well...I'll be a little more honest...I'm fast learning the importance of not caring!

What do I mean?

I (as I expect you have, too) spent practically all of my adult life trying to 'please' other people...or do things FOR other people.

And...generally forgot about what I wanted in the process!

Exzcept now...I'm changing.

You see...I'm toughening up...especially where my analysis of my 'self' is concerned.

In this day and age of money and making a living...it's so easy to forget that we get the most out of life by rising to the mental, physical, and emotional challenges.

(Well...less of the physical at the moment...but the exercise program is next on the agenda!)

I forgot how much I actually GET from the PROCESS of doing what I do.

Most people are so focused on the RESULT (usually money-related)...that, if it doesn't go their way...they literally 'write-off' that feeling of accomplishment of actually DOING something in the first place!

It's something that I am working on in my life...to detach myself from the outcome of what I do.

Of course...it's not always easy in my sort of business if what you have spent ages creating is a 'failure'...but as far as I am now concerned...I want to focus more on the achievement of DOING instead of worrying about other people 'caring'.

Isn't that what life SHOULD be about?

It's Royalty...But Not As We Know It!

People who know me will tell you how 'lazy' I am!

Well...I'm not exactly lazy...I just like to make sure that I use my time as productively as I can.

That's why I always try to stick to a rule of getting a return on my efforts more than once.

It may be that I get paid twice for the same amount of work...for example by leading a teleclass..and then selling the recording.

But...quite often...I might not even get paid to do something in the first place...like when I have spoken recently or when I am interviewed.

What I do in those cases is make sure that I have a way that I can re-use that content in the future.

So...I might offer a digital recording of an interview as a bonus to a product...or use it as an inducement to sign up for my ezine or ecourse, for example.

So far...I have a digital copy of EVERYTHING that I have ever done...be it ebooks, special reports, ecourses, teleclasses, programs, speeches or interviews.

Every single one will be used in some shape or form in the future.

People laugh at my when I say that I don't want to do 'x'...because I have no way of being able to either save it or re-sell it in the future.

Ultimately...I KNOW that my time is the most important commodity I have...and, if I am able to DUPLICATE my time spent...then I am able to get MORE from the effort I put in.

Which means that, in the end...I won't have to work as MUCH as other 'paid-by-the-hour' or 'paid-only-once' people that I know.

Please bear this in mind if you are looking for different ways to make the best use of your time.

It's not always easy to make it happen...but it is EXACTLY how authors, songwriters, and other royalty-based performers earn their living...often for many years after their initial efforts.

If they can do it...then I'm certainly going to try my best to see that I can, too!

And so should YOU!

Just That Little Extra Effort Can Make A Huge Difference

I missed writing an entry yesterday because I was 'on the road' from 5:30a.m. until 11p.m.

My brother Mark and I had the pleasure of a total of seven hours driving to get to meet some fellow Brit 'net people at the first 'UK Meet' put on by Peter Twist.

As you may know...I try to make it to a few seminars 'across the pond' every year...as I firmly believe that, aside from the speakers...there is SO much value in just 'showing your face'.

There are millions of people woprldwide doing what I'm doing...yet comparatively few in percentage terms actually turn up physically to meet and network with other marketers.

That's one reason why I am off to Orlando next Thursday for another seminar...fly 10 hours Thursday, seminar Friday and Saturday, fly over 9 hours back on Sunday.

It's a 'fun' schedule (like yesterday)...but, I KNOW that, if I want to make the MAXIMUM USE of my time and knowledge running a business online...I NEED to make sure that I KNOW what the 'big guys' and the up-and-comers are doing.

That's why I went to the UK Meet yesterday (apart from doing a 45-minute 'presentation' - which is excellent practice).

I now KNOW in person a few people in the UK that I SHOULD know if I want to make the most of position as a full-time 'Interneter' in the UK.

To be honest...it would have been easier for me not to have to get up at 5.a.m on a Sunday morning despite going to bed at 1a.m.

BUT...

If you want to 'stand out' as somebody who makes the effort...then a sacrifice of a lot of sleep for one night is a small price to pay.

YOU need to regularly look at ways that you can literally PUSH yourself towards where you want to go.

I sacrifice time and money (and no little effort in pushing myself to talk to people) by going to seminars.

What do YOU do to mark yourself out in whatever 'business community' you are in as somebody who is making an extra effort?

Sometimes your efforts may not involve that big of a sacrifice (unlike mine!)...but nevertheless a lot of the time...just doing that little bit extra will get YOU noticed in a BIG way.

It's In The Deadline, Stupid!

I read an ezine from one of the top Internet Marketers today.

He is about to finish the training of his protégés...who paid him $14,497 each for the privilege!

Now...I don't know about you...but that is a fair amount of money!

Do you think that this sort of money commitment would guarantee that you DELIVER?

Apparently not.

You see...a lot of these proteges were constantly struggling to find the time to work on their new ideas.

Life constantly got in the way. (Doesn't it always?)

Well...it turns out that, even though they had spent all of this money...they STILL couldn't bring themselves to REALLY do what needed to be done...despite the best intentions of all concerned.

Until...they were presented with a conrete DEADLINE!

They DELIVERED!

I've written before about my views on how how important accountability is. (See my entry from October 24th 2003 called "I Hold You Accountable To Succeed" )

Now it seems that there is indeed a fundamental BENEFIT to giving people deadlines and holding them accountable!

It certainly works for me...for the participants on my Mentor Program...and for the participants of that Protégé Program.

I can make it work for my 'students' as a 'teacher'...but the next step is how to make it work for YOU in 'real life'.

Any ideas?

Do I Have Time For New Ideas?

It's funny...

Even though I already have loads of ideas either at the 'paper' stage or in development...I STILL can't help myself from having more!

As with everything success-oriented...you constantly attract what you think about.

I'm constantly thinking about new ideas and opportunities...and guess what my subconscious delivers to me?

But, of course...there is always a twist.

I find that I ALWAYS have to sacrifice something else in order to make new things happen.

Today's idea, for example...involve me exchanging a not-that-small amount of money in order to take the first step!

Other ideas involve me having to push myself in a direction that I might not feel comfortable...but is ultimately for my long-term benefit.

And...above all...ALL of these ideas involve a TIME COST - which, to me...is more important than ANYTHING else.

The trouble is that it is SO easy to just accumulate unfinished ideas...that you never end up with anything that actually generates income!

So...despite my eagerness to line up yet another future project...I am going to ask my subsconscious to consider whether the 'idea-of-the-day' today is something that I should commit myself.

And...I'll find out in the morning if it is!

As you may know...I am almost fanatical about NOT overcommitting myself on the time front...so it is very important to me not to just take on whatever comes my way.

After all...I'm here to experience LIFE...not to just sit in front of a computer all day long chasing more digits on my bank account!

And...so should YOU.

I've Failed (And That's What's Good About It)

In my post on October 9th...I told you what I would complete before Christmas...

Guess what?

I failed to release almost any of the 'products' that I said that I would...although I have COMPLETED a few of them.

Why am I not too bothered? Well...let's go through each of the six products that I mentioned...and I'll tell you why at the end...

1) My first hour-long audio CD

Completed...I just need to write the salesletter for it...and decide if I will send it out myself or get somebody else to do it for me. Even the CD cover graphics are done!

2) The home study version of my "Truth About Success" Mentor Program

I have so far sent out 20 to people who were at a conference I spoke at earlier in the year.

Again...the salesletter needs writing...but, again...I am considering outsourcing the production/delivery side...because...well, it's too much hassle and time consuming to do it myself!

Burning 20 lots of 6 cd sets isn't fun...I can tell you!

3) An enhancement to my "Law of Success" package

The enhancement is forming part of my Teleclass Program that I both conceived and released after I wrote this...and we are at Week 6 out of 16.

Once the Program is completed...I will have the enhancement to the main ebook...but will also have a 16 CD Home Study Course of some description.

Not only that...I will have personally summarized in my own words the entire 1,100 plus pages of "The Law of Success"...which is an excellent way of continuing my education.

4) At least one teleclass series

I haven't created a standalone series...but the "Law of Success" Teleclass Program that I mentioned above is, for the most part..exactly that!

5) The audios for my "To Our Success" E-course

I started off quite well with this one...but we moved in the mean time...and my commitment slipped at the expense of other projects.

But...I HAVE recorded the first 91 Lessons (out of 183)...so I'm halfway there!

6) Something exciting that, for the moment anyway, I'm keeping to myself!

That something was a brand new idea at the time...and is still undergoing development.

BUT...come January it will be 'out of the blocks'...and is something that I am both excited about and proud of.

Also...it is a little departure for me is that I am working with someone else in making it happen.

Why? Because I would gladly forgo 50% of any future profit in return for not having to do the stuff I don't want to!

I have already written most of the salesletter for this one...and it is actually online SOMEWHERE if you can find it!

So...six projects...all at various stages of completion.

Would you call that a success or a failure?

Well...put it this way...

If I didn't set myself such 'lofty' targets for what was only an eleven week period out of the year (during which time we moved house)...do you think that I would have achieved much more than I did?

I very much doubt it.

You see...the 'moral' of this story is that YOU need to set yourself some TARGETS...challenging, yet acheivable ones!

Of course...life will probably get in the way...and you might not achieve what you set out to do...but I bet that you would have achieved a LOT more than if you hadn't set ANY targets at all.

So...that's all well and good for ME to say...but what are YOU going to do about it?

YOU Are NOT 'Most' People...

It's that time of the year where everything (apart from Christmas shopping) slows down.

I've received hardly any emails today...it seems that even those underhand people who revel in sending spam are taking some time off!

But...why should I? And...why should YOU?

We're at the beginning of what will be a two-week period this year where inaction and lack of urgency is the norm.

But...why should it be?

Two weeks is almost four percent of the entire year...yet it is so easy not to 'bother' when everyone tells you that nobody else is, either!

Aside from the fact that Katie is around...I'm not treating most of this week (and next) really much different to how I normally would.

I STILL have projects that I want to work on.
I STILL have (a few) emails to answer.
I STILL have books to read and audios to listen to.
I STILL have this to write (with a couple of days off, of course!)

So...just because OTHER people 'stop'...I CAN'T!

Why?

Well...because I can't stop being WHO I am. And...who I am is defined by what I do and how I act.

I am ME...not my job. And...neither are YOU!

Of course you should spend time with your family.
Of course you should have a great couple of days off.
Of course you take it a little easier.

BUT...you should NEVER STOP being YOU.

And...you should certainly never stop IMPROVING on being YOU!

I may sound as if I am telling you to do the opposite to what MOST people do.

I AM.

YOU are NOT 'most' people....successful people NEVER are!

All It Takes Is A Little Imagination

Last night I led a teleclass on the Program that I am running based on Napoleon Hill's "The Law of Success In Sixteen Lessons" ebook.

It was on imagination.

As I've spent a few hours reading, analyzing, and teaching about imagination over the last couple of days...it made me realize how powerful (yet underused) it is!

Too often we get held up by trying to come up with the 'next big thing' when instead a much easier way to success is there all along.

All you need to do is to use your imagination to look and see what works in one 'industry'...and see how you can apply it to another.

Quite often...what may seem ordinary to one section of the community can be quite amazing to another.

There's nothing NEW out there...never forget that.

So...stop making things difficult for yourself...and begin to use your OWN imagination to see how you make something 'old' seem 'new' and exciting.

Look at how the humble cup of coffee made the fortunes of the owners of Starbucks.

All it takes is a little imagination!

Keep Away...Time Thief!

Time thieves.

We all have them.

It could be watching a soap opera for the sake of it. It could be reading a newspaper.

Perhaps even more scarily it has become email...or (even worse) Instant Messaging (IM)!

I've just spent 20 minutes that I would have otherwise spent working IM-ing (is that a word?) backwards and forwards with my brother Mark.

And...I haven't done a THING!

Now I know why I never really got around to doing this IM lark. It eats away at my time!

But...it IS addictive...being able to chat as if they were on the phone.

Except...IF they were on the phone...you KNOW that you weren't working and would make sure that you didn't spend too long, wouldn't you?

So...do you think that I am going to be giving out my IM details.

Nope. Definitely not. Never.

Please don't take it personally - I would LOVE to chat to you...but if I did I know that I wouldn't be able to help myself...and I would NEVER finish a thing!

But...it sure takes a lot of self-control NOT to!

You Can If You Really Think About It

Every day...I try to come up with something useful to say...which is usually based on what has happened to me, or my current thinking.

Could YOU come up with something constructive and positive about what you learn from YOUR day?

Of course...it's not always easy to do...but, get this - it's possible!

This blog is proof that it is.

Now...what I write may not be of a great interest to you...but it sure as hell makes ME focus on what I can learn from what I do every day.

Then...it becomes a challenge to make sure that you 'get it' as well.

Hopefully...for the most part, anyway, I succeed in doing that.

So...what about YOU?

Give me ONE single thing that you have learned from YOUR experiences today...

Go on...you CAN if you REALLY think about it.

I dare you!

I Believe In YOU!

I had a very interesting 'chat' today with a good friend of mine - Andrea Lee.

As I was talking...I realized a very interesting thing.

There I was...chatting away as if I was an expert in what I do...yet, all I am doing is playing to the strengths that I KNEW that I had for many years.

I always knew that I could...

- Work well under pressure
- Pick the important 'bits' out of what I am reading or listening to
- Come up with new ways to solve 'old' problems
- Thrive on challenging myself

ALL of these I used to do when I was working in a bank...without a doubt.

Yet...I ALWAYS thought that I was never quite good enough.

Now...my belief system has changed so much that now...I KNOW that I AM good enough.

And...so are YOU!

(Yes...you ARE!)

It all comes down to whether you BELIEVE in yourself or not.

I believe in YOU...

It's about time that YOU did, too.

What Will YOUR First Decision Be?

Did you know that you don't really have a CLUE about the effect your decisions will have on your life.

Sure...you can try to make the 'best' ones...but isn't EVERY decision that you make the RIGHT one for you at the time?

How can you possibly know what will happen in your future if you choose 'x'...or perhaps what won't if you choose 'y'.

It's so easy to over-analyze your decisions to the point of not actually making many.

Through making considered decisions, you CAN make your path through life a little easier, but in truth, the BEST decisions are the ones which force you into getting out of your comfort zone.

It's essential that YOU put yourself into a position where you MUST make some decisions that could be uncomfortable!

Why?

Well...if you really want to move on from where you currently are, the only way that you can do so is to become MORE of something...

- more knowledgeable
- more self-confident
- more experienced
- more passionate
- more competent

To become ANY of these...you need to make some decisions that will ensure that you GROW.

And...with growth usually comes a little bit of (sometimes painful) effort.

Take me, for example.

I'm forcing myself to do things like teleclasses and public speaking...even though I don't enjoy at all the period building up to them.

But...I KNOW that, once I start them...I'm fine...and I also get a sense of achievement from completing something that pushed me that little bit harder.

I'm just like YOU...I hate that uncomfortable feeling that accompanies stretching yourself.

But I know that, if I want to move upwards from where I currently am...then I MUST do so...otherwise I won't be able to get to where I want to go.

And...it all begins with making a few decisions that commit yourself to things that, although they may feel awkward...help you to grow.

What will YOUR first decision be?

Are You Using It To Waste Your Time?

Are you sitting comfortably?

How long have been idly 'surfing' today?

Five minutes? Half an hour? An hour? More?

Can you put you hand on your heart and say that you have got something of VALUE from that time you have just spent?

Well?

Now...I'll admit that I'm no 'angel' either where surfing is concerned! (But...I have an excuse in that I need to keep up with what's going on in my business! Honest!)

Seriously though...are you just replacing your TV time with surfing time?

Are you kidding yourself that you are doing something more valuable than just watching TV?

Maybe.

The key question here is...

"What concrete, measurable, and usable information have you APPLIED in return for the time you have spent acquiring it?"

The Internet is, and will continue to be, the biggest 'time thief' in the history of the world.

Within a few short years...our 'addiction' to TV will be surpassed by our quest for 'knowledge' on the Internet.

And...like the TV...the vast majority of people who use this medium will get absolutely NO value whatsoever from the time that they have committed to it.

Now's the time to start thinking of your online 'education' as something that you MUST get a return on.

I believe that it was Einstein who said that you could become a world expert at something within three years if you spent an hour every day learning about it.

YOU have the ideal resource available to you to begin this NOW.

What are YOU going to do about starting to USE it properly?

It's Not Who You Are...But How You Are Perceived

It's a strange thing...perception.

In my opinion, most people don't put enough importance on it...whether in business, or at home.

Take an online business, for example.

I can tell immediately whether someone is serious or not by the way their website is designed...or by what domain name they have.

The Internet is a prime example of free getting in the way of what you really want to achieve.

Sure...you CAN get most of the 'tools' that you need to run an online business for free...but at what expense?

- A crappy domain name that bears no resemblance to who or what you are.
- Autoresponder messages which contain an advert that have nothing to do with your business.
- Websites that look like they were designed by my seven-year-old daughter!

Believe me...all of these 'mistakes' are more common than you imagine.

How would you be perceived by someone if you were doing all of these three?

Yet...most people don't even think about perception at all...and then expect prospective customers to cough up hundreds of dollars for a product or coaching.

It's not solely restricted to the online world.

You need to make sure that your entire 'package' is perceived by your prospective customers (partner/lover) in the right way.

So...step back a little and look at yourself from someone else's point of view...

- Do you 'dress' for the part?
- Does your business match up to your advertising?
- Do you honestly stand by everything that you sell, say, and do?
- Do you invest both your time and money in proportion to how 'big' you want to become.

When I started out online some 20 months ago...I purposely invested in the more expensive (but more reliable) tools that were out there.

I paid for my hosting, autoresponders, graphics, and associated web packages.

I also have invested thousands of dollars on buying, reading, and applying knowledge from those people who already are where I want to be.

I hope that, despite me only working from a study in my house...you have the perception of me as someone who is reliable, trustworthy, honest...and above all, business-like.

Can you say that about everything YOU do?

Isn't It Time That YOU Thought About It Too?

Today I spent most of the day assisting as my brother-in-law put up pictures and lights in our new house.

Of course...I'm able to do it myself...but I didn't for two reasons:

1) It would take me forever.
2) Lesley didn't want two or three 'wrong' holes for every one that I got right!

I was more than happy to take a back seat where these things are concerned.

Why?

Well...what's the point in me struggling to do something that I neither have the ability for, or the inclination to do?

It's something that I've been thinking a lot about recently...especially where my 'work' is concerned.

I KNOW that my strengths lie in creating and marketing my knowledge...and not necessarily in the clerical or technical stuff that goes with an online business.

So...as from a couple of weeks time...I will be getting Lesley more involved in my admin stuff...and I will be looking NOT to spend too much time teaching myself any of the more complicated technical stuff.

I've managed to get to grips with enough to get me this far...so I'm sure that I still get by in the future.

And...Lesley is far better at the admin stuff than I am...much more thorough!

It's hard for an-almost-control-freak like me to force myself into a position where I can hand off parts of my 'duties' to other people...but I know that, when I do...both myself and my business will benefit in the long run.

Remember...YOU should ALWAYS look to play to your strengths FIRST instead of trying to overcome your 'weaknesses'.

It's taken me a long time to realize how true that statement really is.

Isn't it time that YOU thought about it, too?

A Master Mind Lifestyle Choice

I've just re-read through the first Lesson of "The Law of Success In Sixteen Lessons" in preparation for tomorrow night's first class of my Teleclass Program of the same name.

I've lost count of how many times I have read "Master Mind"...yet each time I find something new about it...and how I can apply it to my life.

I've been a little slow on the 'uptake' in regards to how powerful it REALLY can be.

So...in an effort to continue to push myself out of my comfort zone...I am literally forcing myself to 'Master Mind' with someone on one of my new projects.

I can tell you...that's a challenge for a control-freak like me!

But...even before launch (watch out early December for it)...I KNOW that 'sharing the load' means more than doubling the results.

So far...it's one of the best decisions I have ever made in regards to my business online.

I tap into the power of someone who is strong in the areas where I am 'weak'.

In the past I would have done it all myself...because I wouldn't have wanted to split the profits...but now I see the bigger LIFESTYLE picture.

Not only that...doing a joint venture like this certainly brings a huge dose of ACCOUNTABILITY with it

And you know how important I think THAT is!

So...could this be the first Master Mind of many? I've got a feeling that it may be.

My Opinion On The Latest 'Next Big Thing' - Mastery TV

I've received many emails over the couple of weeks asking me to join "Mastery TV"...and a few emails asking my opinion about it.

Basically what it contains are digitized videos and audios from some of the 'top' names in personal development that you can watch online in a TV-like format.

And, aside from the usual 'suspects' who promote any of these 'mlm-type' programs...there are one or two people whom I respect involved.

So...on your behalf...I thought that I'd take a closer look.

When you sign up...you are presented with a blurb about how to promote Mastery TV.

And that's when the warning bells started!

Here's an excerpt...

=========================================================

WHY YOU SHOULD PROMOTE MASTERY TV

1. You will help us positively impact 1 billion people in the next 5 years
2. You are part of a team that makes a difference
3. You will be financially rewarded in a big way when we launch
4. You are one of the FIRST to know about this and that gives you a huge advantage

=========================================================

I don't know about you...but doesn't this sound a little 'hypey' to you?

Are the first two points really just disguising what they are REALLY trying to say on points 3) and 4)?

What do YOU think?

Not sure?

Well...perhaps this next part will give you a clue where they are coming from:

=========================================================

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO NEXT

1. Your website is: http://www.masterytv.biz/sofsuccess
2. Promote this site to everyone you know. Let the system do the work.
3. Login to your system (you're in now). Check how many have taken the tour and how many have told others (click "View Your Organization" on the right)
4. Continue to follow-up with people and get them on any conference calls we announce.

During this pre-launch phase, we will not be accepting Affiliate applications, but by taking this tour you have automatically reserved a spot in our database. Everyone who enrolls from your website, will be connected to you.

There is already massive buzz about Mastery Television, but it is still very new. You only get this pre-launch opportunity once. If you get the big players first, you get them forever. Promote your pre-launch website below. Go for it! NO SPAM. (Spammers and their entire organizations will be permanently deleted from the database)

http://www.masterytv.biz/sofsuccess

IMPORTANT : Once we announce the Affiliate program, you will be given just 72 hours to maintain your spot in our compensation plan. Its CRITICAL that the email you gave us is checked on a daily basis. You can change your account information on the right of the screen.

NOTE: Mastery Television strongly supports those who take action and produce results. Just before our official launch, we will be placing all of the company's enrollments under the people who were the most successful during the pre launch. Everyone you enroll will be yours forever. If there was ever a time to go for it, this is the time. This intro period will never happen again. Carpe Diem, Gary !

============================================================

Now...call me a cynic...but haven't they lost the 'personal development' message somewhere along the way...and are just desperate to get YOU to sign up as many people as possible in as short amount of time as possible?

Now...let's be a little realistic here.

There is no reason why you CAN'T make a little money from this 'opportunity'.

But, it always leaves a bad taste in my mouth where they tout the "first mover's advantage".

This is where the 'great' Cash Evolutions, Guerilla Marketing Bombshells, Desktop Money Machines and Free Agent Paths have come unstuck to various degrees over the last couple of years.

Playing on the 'little guy' so that the so-called 'big guys' end up making all of the money at the start...and people like you make very little.

Sure...at least in the case of Mastery TV they actually have a good 'product' behind it.

My only concern is that most people don't use the Internet like a TV...and there are still an awful lot of people out there who are still on dial-up modems that won't be able to use it without a huge cost.

So...for me...the jury is out at the moment in terms of the content. The idea IS great...but I would like to see for myself a little more before I was convinced enough to recommend Mastery TV because of that.

To be honest...it would be easy for me with my list of 25,000 people like you to recommend this...and make some nice money in the process.

But...I'm not convinced that YOU would.

Why?

Here's another clip from the site...

===========================================================

The 'Automated Internet Marketing System' will make running a business on the Internet so simple that virtually anyone can succeed. It contains some never-before-seen tools that will SHOCK and AMAZE you. Details will be released soon.

===========================================================

Now...I run a mile when I see words like "will make running a business on the Internet so simple that virtually anyone can succeed."

I TOTALLY DISAGREE with that statement.

Sure...they will give you a website will bells and whistles that will do a reasonable job of converting prospects to the site.

But my guess is that the site they will give you will focus on the OPPORTUNITY instead of the CONTENT.

Which is where most of the mlm programs go wrong.

As I said before...this DOES have some good content behind it...but where an mlm is concerned...you soon will run out of prospects if you are aiming it solely at a biz opp level.

So...do I recommend that you sign up?

Well...that is of course, entirely up to you.

I have...and that may surprise you. (Well...I HAD to - to find out more about it!)

But...I will be waiting to see what they are offering in terms of content before I decide whether to recommend it or not.

All I can say is...if you are looking for a 'way out' and an 'easy way' to make money online...then steer well clear, at least until the 'dust settles'.

But...if you're interested to see what they are offering, and are willing to take their marketing 'claims' with a pinch of salt...then go and take a look at the video on the site and see what you think.

http://www.masterytv.biz/sofsuccess

Remember...this is only MY opinion...based on what I have seen and experienced online over the last few years.

It MAY work for you...and I sincerely hope that it does.

But PLEASE...base your decision on what you think of the CONTENT instead of how much MONEY you could supposedly earn.

So...what do YOU think?

Ice Hockey And Procrastination

It seems that you can only moving forward to the degree that you are willing to try different things.

I used to TRY...but not really quite get around to doing much.

Now...I TRY...and actually APPLY myself to do whatever I need to do.

What about you?

Today, I've worked on a few different projects...some of which I only though about a couple of days ago!

I've realized that unless I get on and DO...I will never quite get around to HAVING what I really want from my life.

Even now, I struggle sometimes when I know that I am extending myself, or that I am beginning something that I don't know how to finish.

The simple answer to stop me from procrastinating is to just get on and DO it!

It's no good good any more for me to come up with excuses why I CAN'T do something...when I KNOW full well that I CAN do whatever I set myself to do...if I TRY hard enough.

Sure...things might not go quite right all of the time, but as the ice hockey player, Wayne Gretzky said...

"You miss all of the shots you don't take"

Are YOU?

I'm All At Sea...But I Know Their 'Secret'

Who said that the Caribbean Sea wasn't CHOPPY?

After experiencing a couple of 'London weather days' at sea (you know - wind, rain, cold!)...I'm glad to be back home and on dry land!

Except...even though I got off of the ship about 36 hours ago...it wasn't until I walked into my house back in the UK that I felt like my balance had deserted me!

It seems that my inner ears were quite happy when I was sitting at the "News Cafe" on Ocean Drive, or whilst I was counting sleeping ground staff whilst in the airport lounge at Miami for three hours.

They were still OK on the eight hours of the most turbulent flight I have ever had overnight....and on the train/tube/train/car combo on my journey home from the airport.

Yet...as soon as I set foot in my front door...I'm 'all at sea'!

Even as I am writing this...it feels like I'm still sailing towards the Bahamas!

On the seminar/cruise I renewed some old friendships...and made some new ones.

And...it reinforced my belief that the guys (and gals) like Armand Morin, Alex Mandossian, Tony Blake...and the other very successful (and soon to be well-known) entrepreneurs...aren't that much different to you and I.

They're not superhuman. They're not 'lucky'.

They just work at what they love. They ACT on their ideas.

And...they just make sure that there are always some RESULTS from their ACTIONS...whether it seems good or bad.

One day I will speak to these guys in more detail about what MENTALLY makes them succeed.

Sure...some of them have marketing backgrounds. But most of them used to be in jobs that they hated...had debts coming out of their ears...and constantly battled with self-esteem.

It's not about your background. Your race. Your color. How much money you 'start' with.

It's about coming up with ideas that excite you enough to ACT on...and then making sure that you come up with ENOUGH so that, through the laws of probability...you will practically ENSURE your success.

They know it. I've come to realize it over the last couple of years.

And now...YOU know it, too.

So...what are YOU going to do about it?

Come on...stop reading...and start ACTING.

What's the FIRST thing that you are going to ACT upon now that you KNOW how important it is to your success?

The clock is ticking...it's only YOUR time that you are wasting!

All It Takes Is 30 Seconds...

This will be my last post for a few days...as I am off to Miami first thing on Thursday to join the Affiliate Masters Cruise as one of the 'experts'.

So...expect to see my next post on Tuesday 4th November.

It's funny to be classed as an 'expert'!

After all...I am NO different to YOU in any particular respect.

I'm no more clever than you are.
I'm not luckier than you.
I don't have any 'connections'.
I probably weigh more than you!
I don't have any particularly unique talents.

Just a couple of years ago...I would have laughed if you told me that I would be asked to be an expert on an Internet marketing cruise around the Caribbean!

The only real difference that I MIGHT have over you is that I always try to ACT on my ideas and knowledge...whether it feels a little uncomfortabe or not.

YOU can easily 'achieve' what I have.
YOU certainly have enough good ideas.
YOU probably have as much money as I did when I started (i.e. credit card debts!)

So...time is moving on...and you are now about 30 seconds older than when you started to read this.

Don't let that be a wasted 30 seconds.

Do something TODAY...hell - NOW!

Don't WAIT for things to happen to you...MAKE them happen!

I'm nobody particularly special...and neither are you, too. BUT you are YOU...and that is the key to your future success.

You ONLY Really Know Something When You Teach It

Anybody who tells you that they don't get nervous is a liar.

There...I've said it.

Today I officially released my brand new "The Law of Success" 16 week Teleclass Program.

To tell you the truth...I was a little nervous about announcing it.

Not because I don't think that it isn't excellent. (It is excellent)

Not because I don't think that I will be able to 'pull it off' as a success (It will be a HUGE success)

Nope. I was a little nervous because, although I have spent many hours working through 1,150 pages of Napoleon Hill's "Law of Success" ebook in order to construct the Program...all of this was only an idea of mine until YOU saw it!

And, of course...decided whether my idea was good or not!

In the past I would never have been confident enough to be able to turn around and put myself on the line to make my ideas into reality.

Of course...I'm nervous about the Program. Nervous that you will get as much out of it as I think you will...and nervous that I will be able to condense 1,150 pages into 16 hours of teleclasses!

But...

I am not nervous of what I am doing. I KNOW that this Program will have a dramatic effect on those people who participate.

I believe this so strongly that I am happy to offer a 100% money-back guarantee on it.

Plus...I know from experience, that you ONLY really know something when you teach it.

So...I'm looking forward to an amazing learning experience, too!

I Hold You Accountable To Succeed!

On October 6th...I wrote about what I believe the most important thing where success is concerned. You can read about it here (and...I also strongly suggest that you read some of the comments about what other people think it is).

Although I've mentioned it many times in the past...I thought that, this time, I'll come right out and say it...

ACCOUNTABILITY!

Go on - disagree with me if you like!

Why do I believe that accountability is more important than things like belief, attitude, focus, action...and everything else?

Well...you can do each of those things...but unless you have some form of accountability built into what you do...you will eventually 'run out of steam'.

Don't believe me?

Well...I KNOW for a fact that I wouldn't write this every day unless I felt in some way accountable to YOU for doing it.

Want another example?

Take my "Truth About Success" five week Mentor Program that I conducted during the summer...

Each week...the nine students were REQUIRED to spend about two hours a week (and some a lot more) answering the self-analysis questions I set them.

As a little test of my accountability theory...I told them that if they didn't send in their answers by Sunday every week - they would be kicked off of the Program.

Not only that...all nine students had a photo and details up on the Program website - so that everyone would know who they were.

I know for a FACT that these E-class-type Programs are usually excellent gravy-trains for the teachers who offer them. Why?

Well...when I spoke to a well-known Internet Marketing 'guru'...he told me that it was money for literally nothing...as practically NOBODY answered the questions that they were set! That meant that the 'teacher' had very little work to 'mark'!

So...as I wanted MY Program to actually be value for money...I held my students accountable to me and their fellow students for completing the Program.

Guess how many went through the entire Program...and answered over 110 questions about themselves over that period (as well as contributing to five one-hour teleclasses).

Nine...out of nine!

And...EVERY single student has told me since they completed the course that it was the FIRST time that they had EVER done the exercises whether in a book or a class format!

They were ALL committed. They ALL had the motivation to change. They ALL had the right attitudes. They ALL had the belief that they could be a success.

But...in the past...it hadn't made the slightest difference.

And, on the Program it DID. Just because they were accountable.

One final example...

There is a famous coach who offers a Program for those entrepreneurs who earn over $200,000 a year. It costs in the region of $4,000 a year I believe.

It requires them to attend a workshop (amongst other things) every 90 days.

Remember...these people are high-achievers...motivated to succeed.

When the Program started...this coach found that very few people actually turned up...usually have found some work-related excuses not to.

The coach was getting their money...but they weren't getting THEIR value from it!

So...he worked out a way to GUARANTEE that his 'clients' turned up.

He now charges his clients THREE YEARS charges UP FRONT!

Now...every single one of them turns up because as they have REALLY paid for it...they'd better use it!

But...the thing is...they are now getting amazing RESULTS from the Program.

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So...I look at what works for ME...and what works for other people...

Don't you think that, if high-powered entrepreneurs need accountability in some form to succeed...don't you think that YOU and I need it to?

It's A Compromise...But It Needs To Be Done

Whether we like it or not...life is about compromise.

If I was single, then I know that I would work 18-hour-days and all weekend.

But, because I have Lesley and Katie...that's not an option (if I want to keep them, that is)

Today, for example, I am all 'hyped-up' about a new project that I am working on...and would glady work until the small hours on it so that I could get it out today.

But, it's 8pm...and there's a TV programme that Lesley and I usually watch together that's just about to start.

The 'old' me would have carried on working...because I would have been too focused on 'me' instead of looking at the 'bigger picture'.

My new project can be a day or two late...my relationship with my wife won't!

What about you - do you find it difficult to balance the new focused you with a relationship with someone?

It's not always easy to do...especially if they don't 'agree' with the new you!

It's all about balance. Unless you give a little now...then you won't have much leeway when you REALLY need to do something that may be critical.

Also...don't feel bad towards your family...it's not too much to ask to want to spend some time with you, is it?

Just remember those times when you were a lonely teenager - wishing that you had a boyfriend or girlfriend!

Don't take your family and friends for granted. Without them - you will never be able to call yourself a true success in life.

The Time THAT Takes Is Seconds...

Today I had one of those days where I had an amazingly productive morning...and was unable to do practically anything during the afternoon!

But...instead of getting annoyed with myself for not being 'good' in the afternoon...I reminded myself that I had achieved a day's work of creating stuff in the morning.

You see...it wasn't the amount of work that concerns me...it's the quality of it that is the key to my future success.

What about you...do you get hung up over the time you actually spent doing something instead of looking at what you DID achieve?

Unfortunately...we've been conditioned to think that the AMOUNT of what we do is more important than WHAT we actually achieve.

Think about it for a moment.

This morning, for example, I had an idea come to me (funnily enough whilst I was in the bathroom!).

It probably took milliseconds to appear in my mind...but the beauty and the simplicity of it could mean that, if everything went according to plan...the sky could literally be the limit!

Of course...nothing may come of it (but perhaps I KNOW otherwise!)...but how long did it take for that idea to appear? No time at all.

So...don't beat yourself up if you don't always 'act' in the way you think you should be.

The sole common denominator amongst successful people is that they have ideas...and run with them.

And, I'm sure that they'd agree that the hardest part is coming up with them!

And all THAT takes is seconds...

Is That A Red Light? No...It's Definitely Green!

I'll be honest with you...

Today, I set in motion a brand new project.

And...?

Well...you see, the thing is, I haven't got a clue how I am going to do everything to make it happen the way I want it to.

There are technical things I don't know how to do. There are logistical things I'm not quite sure of. There is content that needs to be delivered to deadlines without fail that I'm wondering how I'm going to achieve.

Let me ask you...would you let all this stop YOU?

A year ago...it would have stopped ME!

But, I'm now taking a leaf out of some seriously successful peoples' books.

I KNOW that what I NEED to do isn't IMPOSSIBLE...just 'difficult'!

I KNOW that I don't NEED to know EVERYTHING before I begin a project.

I KNOW that if it doesn't quite work out the way I want it to...it will be a CHALLENGE along the way to make it happen!

Do YOU look at the 'unknowns' in your life as a red light...or do you live your life on 'green'?

I know what I would choose EVERY time...and, it stops life being monotonous and boring, doesn't it?

So...what would YOU choose?

So...What Do YOU Want?

Not for the first time...I want to ask you a serious question!

You see...I have a need for RESULTS!

I've got many things planned for the near future as I mentioned yesterday...but I'm not happy with that.

A huge part of why I do this is the testing my ability to juggle earning a living with helping you as much as possible.

Hopefully...I am succeeding to some degree so far.

But...it's not good ENOUGH!

I don't want to be another of those people that just 'churns out' personal development stuff...I want to make a DIFFERENCE.

You know my story (if you don't...it's here)...and I am living proof that it is possible to make things happen despite NOTHING happening for 15 years!

And...I want to help YOU make a difference to YOUR life!

Now...this isn't some hypey 'sales pitch'...I'm not selling anything.

All I want to know is HOW I can deliver to you what YOU want. I have many ideas flying around in my head...but they're meaningless unless YOU are involved!

So...what's it to be? What can I do to help YOU make your life that little bit more successful?

I'm Going To Do This...What About YOU?

Leading on from what I was talking about accountability yesterday...it's that time again when, whether you realize it or not...YOU help me to get things done!

So...with that in mind...

By Christmas (this year, of course!)...I will have released...

1) My first hour-long audio CD
2) The home study version of my "Truth About Success" Mentor Program
3) An enhancement to my "Law of Success" package
4) At least one teleclass series
5) The audios for my "To Our Success" E-course
6) Something exciting that, for the moment anyway, I'm keeping to myself!

Add to the fact that I have two overseas seminars to speak at and am moving house within the next few weeks...then it's going to be a FUN time!

What about YOU...what will YOU achieve within the next couple of months?

Whether you a solo-entrepreneur like me, a career-person, or a homemaker...you MUST to have something to AIM for!

So...now is the time for you to announce to US what YOU are going to achieve before Christmas.

In my mind...this 'exercise' should be MANDATORY if you want to have a more successful life.

Again...only if you're serious should you take up the 'challenge'!

Here's How I Do It...Even When I Can't Be Bothered!

Today is the 25th consecutive day that I have written something on this website.

Now...I'm not saying that to 'boast'...I'm merely drawing your attention to the fact that it IS possible to continue to do something...even when, before you do it, you haven't a CLUE what you are going to do!

I'll be honest with you...some days...I wonder where I am going to get any inspiration from.

But...I still FORCE myself to write SOMETHING.

And usually...that something ends up not too bad (I hope!).

How do I keep on writing something...even when I often 'can't be bothered'?

Well...I know that I HAVE to, that's why!

What do I mean?

I mean that, when I started this little exercise, I told you that I would be writing at least five days a week (barring 'life' getting in the way)...so I WANT to stick with my 'promise' to you!

I don't want to let you down.

Of course, at the same time...I also KNOW that the very ACTION of thinking of something USEFUL to write is an excellent 'habit' to have.

Plus...I am creating content that I can use in the future.

And...writing down my thoughts helps ME focus on how I can develop...at the same time as trying to help you!

So...even though it can sometimes be a 'painful' process to come up with something...I know that, as long as I start...I'll finish!

It's a lesson that I can highly recommend.

So...get going...and START something that, because you are accountable to somebody else, you'll commit to.

That way...you'll have less of an excuse not to do it!

They Say It Isn't Important...I Say It's THE Most Important!

I've found out perhaps one of THE most important things you need to consider where success is concerned.

Want to know what it is?

I'll give you a clue...it's something that YOU don't have to do!

Confused?

It's something that a lot of even the top 'names' tell you isn't important (in fact...I was at a seminar the other week when the speaker said that it had NOTHING to do with how successful you can be!).

Well...I disagree.

My Truth About Success Mentor Program students know EXACTLY what it is...because every single one of them completed the entire five week Program...despite not finishing ones they had taken previously.

And that was even though it took around two hours (at least) a week out of their very busy schedules!

Want to know what it is?

Well...I'll tell you in a few days.

But first...I want to know what YOU think it could be (just for fun of course!).

I'll be interested to see what your answer could be!

If You Can't Get By These Three...Then Don't Bother Asking!

I have a very simplistic view of what I want out of life.

Everything decision that I make in my life now passes through three main criteria...

1) Does it compromise either my time our my relationship with Lesley and Katie?

Simple, really.

For example...I'll spend a week in the States going to (or speaking at) a seminar...but no more.

I've worked away for weeks on end before...just coming home for weekends...and the strain it put on my relationship with the people that matter is too much.

So...everything that I aim to do in life musn't compromise this very important one!

2) Does it excite me so much that I can see myself doing it for as long as I want to?

I know for a fact that I could be earning more money than I currently if I leveraged my talent in areas other than personal development.

I KNOW that for a fact.

But...because it doesn't 'float my boat' like this stuff does...I just do it occasionally...and use it as a process to push myself out of my comfort zone (and to get out more! lol).

There's no point for me to spend most of time on stuff that I'm not totally, 100%, need-to-finish-this-chapter-before-I-go-to-sleep passionate about!

I LOVE writing to YOU about THIS stuff...so THIS is what I'm ALWAYS going to do more of than anything else. Period.

And finally...

3) Does it allow me to choose when and how I want to work?

As I've mentioned before...I won't be doing my Truth About Success Mentor Program in its original format EVER again!

Why?

Well...doing it forced me to sit in front of my computer for around 20 hours a week for five weeks - that's why!

People are surprised when I tell them that, despite not earning a bad 'return' for just over 100 hours of effort (plus the time it took to write the thing!)...I refuse to put myself into that sort of time 'strait-jacket' ever again.

I'll be honest with you...I could earn a reasonable living by delivering my Program every week of every year...(and help people have amazing results in their lives, by the way)...but, what's the point of not looking forward to being EXCITED about choosing to do what I want to do WHEN I want to do it?

---

So...if an idea or a project gets through these three THEN (and only then) do I look to see if I will get paid (either monetarily or through growth) enough to justify my time.

Remember...as Jim Rohn says:

"Time is more valuable than money.
You can always get more money, but you can never get more time."

I value mine so much these days...that I am fully prepared to make what may seem to others as absurd monetary decisions in order to make sure that I get the most from what time I have available to EXPERIENCE what life is really like.

So...what about YOU...what criteria do YOU use before you take ANY new 'project' or job on?

(If you don't have any aside from a monetary one...then I suggest that you start thinking more creatively!)

Whatever You Believe In...You Become

After spending a totlal of six days out of ten both speaking, sitting (and my new talent - mic running! lol)...I'm all 'seminared' out!

It never ceases to amaze me at these events how different people who supposedly share a common goal are!

Some people are so consumed with what they do that they can't help but talk about themselves...and others just seem at that almost perpetual 'I'm just starting out' phase.

But...there seemed to be so very few people who 'get it'.

I was talking to a lady who was literally stunned when I told her that I wouldn't be doing my "Truth About Success" Program ever again because, although I made money from it...it took up almost twenty hours of my week to run it!

She couldn't understand that I didn't want to create a new JOB for myself...even though I could make a 'living' out of it!

And...when I told her that I would be financially secure for life within five years...her jaw literally dropped open!

She couldn't understand that, because I wasn't 'chasing' money...how could I actually say (and BELIEVE it when I say it) that I would be in that position within that time?

She didn't get it.

I hope that by now...YOU do!

I've realized that most self-employed people are so obsessed with how much INCOME they have...that they forget that there is more to life than just being measured by money.

Most 'solo-entrepreneurs' especially seem to focus on working themselves into the ground to take up projects because there's 'money in it'...when in fact they should ALL be looking at how they can leverage their KNOWLEDGE instead to FREE up more time for themselves.

What also struck me was that I met a few people from the first Coachville conference that I went to back in March.

During the intervening six months...most seemed to have almost stopped still...whilst I have, in that time, released an ebook, an ecourse, a mentor Program, recorded an audio CD...and pushed myself into becoming a speaker, teleclass leader, published author...and internet marketing 'expert' for Coachville.

I'm not saying this to show you how 'great' I am...I'm telling you this because...I KNOW that whatever you BELIEVE in...you BECOME.

I'm constantly proving to myself on a weekly basis that I KNOW that it's possible!

And...I'm therefore proof that YOU can do it, too...if you really push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Help...I'm Discombobulated!

dis·com·bob·u·late
verb : cause to be confused emotionally

I'll own up and admit that when I heard this word today...I wasn't entirely sure what it meant! lol

Would you have done?

The funny thing was...it was actually on a powerpoint slide presentation at the Coachville Advanced Coaching Proficiencies Training that I went to today!

As you know...I do stuff for Coachville myself...but I can safely say that I would NEVER use this word!

Coachville's founder...the late Thomas Leonard was by all accounts...a genius.

But...unfortunately...much of what he wrote, although of genius quality...has too many 'isms', 'ations', 'ilities', 'otions' and words with more than 12 letters in to make a lot of sense to 'normal' people.

As you may know...I am passionate about making sure that my 'message' gets across...so therefore I write for a reading age of twelve.

I could easily write with longer words...and quite often I have to edit down what I want to say so that it passes my twelve-year-old test.

Why?

Well...I haven't the faintest clue about how educated YOU are...nor whether you will understand some of the 'NLP-type' jargon that many coaches use to make an easy subject sound difficult.

So...I write like this so that...if you're a genius (congratulations!) you'll understand me...and, if you're not then you still will!

It's something that YOU should be aware of in your OWN communications.

I'm ashamed to say that Lesley sometimes says to me "Don't talk to me like a child!" (A habit I'm fast getting out of as I value my life! lol).

But...talking ABOVE someone has an even bigger effect....straight away they feel inadequate if they aren't sure that they understand completely what you are saying.

You don't like it when you feel like that...so why should they?

It's no good putting them through all of that discombobulation just to make a point (and look clever) is it?

Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now!

I've spent three-and-a-half hours today listening to tapes of three very successful people sharing their 'secrets'.

They were interviewed by Joe Polish...the millionaire marketing carpeting cleaning 'guru' that I met over the weekend.

Now...Joe is one clever guy (don't you find that all self-made millionaires are?)...and, although he may be rich...he is still one nice guy.

I witnessed him going out of his way over the weekend to help anyone who would ask...even during the coffee breaks.

I can categorically say that this man does 'business' in the way that I like to do business...so, if you do ever come across him...I guarantee that he will overdeliver.

Now...back to the tapes...

I'm not an audio learner generally...as I am too busy writing to concentrate on anything other than music.

But...today I've had one of those non-creative days where I KNOW that it's pointless for me to try and come up with something constructive for my business.

Every once in a while I get like that...usually when I have 'worked' consistently for a couple of weeks without a real 'brain break'.

So...instead of beating myself up about it...I just made sure that I used this time to listen to some interviews instead.

One of the interviews was with fellow Brit - Stuart Goldsmith.

Now...here's a man that has made a fortune in direct mail here in the UK...a direction I want to go. So...do you think that I got my $5 worth (the amount it cost me to buy the tape on special offer at the seminar last weekend)?

You betcha!

Aside from crystallizing my ideas about how I want to move forward in that area...which I have already acted on with someone I met at the seminar (remember - quick, decisive ACTION is the mark of successful people!)...Stuart came up with this quote....

"You could make more money...but you could choose not to."

Now...THAT'S the lifestyle that I can totally relate to!

So...once again...if HE can be successful...and do it on terms that mirror my own...don't you think that I could be able to?

And don't you think that YOU could, too?

Keep your 'eyes peeled'...it's only a matter of time!

I'm Never Getting In That Jam Again!

I've spent most of today trying to collate hard copy versions of most of my digital stuff.

Now I know why I don't physically ship products for a living!

My color printer took too long to print...and then ran out of black ink.

Then my laser printer jammed (because I was trying to force feed it inkjet paper - I didn't know that there was a difference until today!)

So...I've learned that I won't be doing too much printing in a hurry.

Once I eventually get the Home Study version of my Truth About Success Mentor Program completed...I think that I'll let a copy shop do most of the work...even if it costs a fair bit more money.

My time is too precious to me to be wasted trying to stay calm whilst printers jam.

I know that, all-in-all, my talents lie elsewhere...and my days of printing and copying should be long gone!

Isn't it funny that, when we think that we are saving time or money by doing it ourselves...it usually ends up as neither!

So...I'm staying focused on my priorities...and I will therefore use my time more wisely in the future, that's for sure!

NB. I will be away until Sunday at my first 'proper' speaking gig...so I will resume when I get back.

It's no pressure...I'm sharing the bill with Joe Polish amongst other people (if you're not from the US you might not have heard of him.)

Talk about in at the deep end! lol

I Can't Do THAT! Oh Yes I CAN!

I love a challenge.

And...I love challenge my OWN views of what I can achieve!

I've already chased away a couple of demons this year...and after yesterday and today...I've finally knocked out my hour's worth of audio...just to shut up that little nagging voice in my head!

There's plenty more due soon as well.

I've realized that even though I THINK that I have limits...I KNOW that's that what they are...just THOUGHTS!

Even in the last six months I have accomplished a couple of things that I would have laughed at the beginning of the year!

And ALL because I KNOW that, unless I force myself out of my comfort zone...then I'm just not going to get to where I REALLY want to go.

Sure...I can 'play' in the amateur leagues...or I can learn from the professionals who are already in the BIG league.

I don't even need to speak to them. All I need to do is to see what those people to whom I aspire are doing...and literally drag myself up to that level by pushing my boundaries.

So...if they're doing teleclasses - so am I!

If they're recording audios - so am I!

If they're speaking - so am I!

If they're running a Program - so am I!

And...if they're releasing a book...then so WILL I!

This doesn't just work for me, you know.

YOU should be looking at those people who you want to emulate...and see what they are doing that you are not.

Then...ask yourself - "Why not?"

If you look deep enough...you won't find a decent enough reason not be able to do what they are...if you really WANT to.

If I can do it - then so can YOU! :-)

Hello? Can You Hear Me?

I've spent most of today pushing myself to do something that I know that I SHOULD do...but have always managed to talk myself out of!

I recorded some audios!

Don't you just LOVE the sound of your own voice? lol

For me...it has always been a nagging thought in my mind that I should actually get around to thinking about those people who might prefer to HEAR what I have to say...instead of just reading about it.

So...I got my mic...ran my software...and have so recorded twelve two to three minute audios of some of the articles that I have written.

Sure...I don't think that they are up to much...but then again...we're always our own worst critic aren't we? lol

And...just as I was getting into the 'swing of it' (and was aiming for getting twenty or so 'tracks' down)...my software program decided to 'play up'.

Perhaps that was a sign that I shouldn't record any more! lol

Anyway...

In the spirit of not asking you to do what I wouldn't...I'm going to put myself 'out there'...and give you a chance to hear my 'dulcet' tones from one of the tracks.

It's only 2mins 22secs long...so it won't take you long to listen to it.

I'll tell you now. The OLD me would never face up to what I am doing because of the old confidence issues...so this is an excellent way to face up and conquer one of those 'demons' that I've had for a while!

I'd be interested to hear what you think...and whether you'd be interested to hear more.

To hear it just click on its title - "The Perspective's Guide To Being An Idiot"

It will stream automatically...and, if you haven't got the RealPlayer program that you need to listen to it...you can get a free version from here.

It's All Down To Perception

It'a amazing how often the course of my day changes because of an email I receive.

Today I spent a couple of hours getting excited about a little project.

I came across some ebooks that I thought were VERY interesting (no surprise there then! lol).

But, the trouble was...even though I KNEW that they were 'top-notch' with a reputation to match...I also knew that, well, the website stank!

As I like to recommend ebooks and stuff that I like...I knew that, if I sent you to the website...then it wouldn't do a particularly good job of showing you how good these ebooks really are.

So...I took action.

I copied the site...and redesigned it to be a lot more 'up-to-date'...which will showcase the QUALITY of the ebooks much better than the rather dodgy-looking original.

Thanks to a little bit of techy stuff...I can also keep the correct links in place to the payment screens...only, of course, if you were interested enough to invest in them! lol

So...what do you think?

Click on this link for the original website.

And...

Click on this link for my version.

What do you think? Do you think that it shows the ebooks in a much better light?

As with most things in life...how you are perceived by other people makes a HUGE difference!

The TV Or Moving Forward...There's No Competition

It's 8:50pm...and I'm writing this.

I shouldn't be...but because I have made this almost daily 'exercise' into a habit...I decided that I should 'walk my talk'...and force myself to write something useful!

It would be easier for me to just carry on what I was doing...watching a TV programme with Lesley and Katie.

But...I set standards that I aim for...and (at the moment anyway)...I don't ALLOW myself to miss a weekday posting unless I am on vacation or something really important has come up.

You see...success is all about doing the little things regularly.

In the big scheme of things...not writing this entry isn't such a 'big thing' when I have written over 260-odd entries over the last year or so.

But...it matters!

It matters because it keeps me thinking...and forces me to create content...even when I feel that I may be at a loss for something to say (very rare, I know! lol)

It's important for me to keep myself moving forward...and for making a contribution in some small way.

I know that the little things lead to the big things...and they lead to ultimate success.

So...what can YOU make into a habit so that you are able to move towards your goals EVERY day?

Your Life CAN Get Easier!

Little things go a long way.

It's something I've become more aware of recently as I've been testing a few things out in my life in response to some of the discussions I have been having with the Truth About Success Mentor Program students.

I've begun to look at my day in a different way.

Firstly - I make sure that, at the end of EVERY day...I have moved closer to where I want to go.

Secondly - I've taken to look at my day as a series of different tasks or events.

What this means is that I make sure that I devote myself fully to whatever I am doing at that particular time.

So...for 15 minutes almost every day...I focus my attention completely on writing this.

By the same token...when I am having a ten minute 'break' from writing...I make sure that I REALLY take a break...and just make the most of what I am NOT doing!

And...because I know that in the periods of the day when I am working I am fully focused...I don't 'beat myself up' for not working all day long.

So...I might take an hour out to have lunch with Lesley...or take 30 minutes pushing Katie on her swing.

At the end of every day I KNOW that, as well as 'working'...I have also made time for who and what are REALLY important to me.

And that's why my life, although more challenging...is getting EASIER!

It's up to YOU to decide whether you want that to happen in YOUR life, too.

Calm Down! It's Totally Out Of Your Control!

I've been unable to access the Internet for most of today because of problems with my cable provider.

Boy...did it upset my 'routine'!

Because I'm online all day long...I constantly jump between tasks whenever I need a short break from my writing.

So...I might respond to an email, read an ezine...or just do a little 'investigative' surfing...and then get back to what I was doing.

And...not being able to write in this way started to 'get to me' (well initially, anyway!)

It was when I started to think about getting annoyed that I realized that change CAN be a GOOD thing...if only for one afternoon!

So...I'd write...then I'd go and sit in the garden...or read one of my ebooks...or make a cup of tea.

In the end...it made a NICE change from doing what I normally do!

I always try to look at how I can get the best out of any situation...and this was a good example of something that could have got frustrating if I let it.

What about YOU? Do YOU get let yourself get all 'hot and bothered' by those little things...like your train being late, or being stuck in traffic?

These sort of things you have NO control over whatsoever...so there's no point in letting it 'get to you.

Just accept that things like this WILL happen...and look at how you can use the time that you would otherwise spend getting stressed on something more useful and positive instead!

I know that it isn't always easy...but you WILL feel much better for it, honest!

I'll Join You At The Top...But Only On MY Terms!

I often wonder why I don't earn more money than I do...or aren't as 'well known' as I would like.

Of course, I KNOW that there are certain ways that I can take advantage of people like you just to make a 'fast buck'...but I'm not like that. (You'd be surprised at how many of even some well-known online 'gurus' do exactly that!).

So...those are ruled out.

I also know that, compared to most successful people I know online...I don't really do that much different to them.

So...why aren't I in that 'bracket'?

Well...for a start...I don't compromise what is important to me with what I do.

Because I know that my family is THE most important thing to me...I can't work all of the hours I would 'like' to.

At the moment...I probably work around 40 hours a week tops...when, if I was on my own...I would almost certainly work closer to 100!

But...as a general rule...I start at 9am....have two hours off around 3pm to pick Katie up from school...at then through to 7pm.

Why only 7pm? Well...that's the time that I have agreed with Lesley that I will finish around every day...so that we can spend some 'quality' time together.

And...I now also only work about 30 minutes each day over the weekend...mainly just to answer emails...and this!

So you see...as I am in complete control of my own destiny...I CHOOSE to make what is the MOST important thing to me (my family) the priority in my life.

It would be pointless for me to be worth millions and not have a family to show for it...that's for sure.

So...it is a challenge for me to fit 100 hours of work into those 40 hours.

Which also means that I need to focus on working smarter...though not necessarily harder.

I'm now focusing my efforts on quality output instead of quantity (not that it wasn't quality anyway! lol).

And...every moment of 'free' time that I have where I don't have family commitments (i.e. just before bedtime)...I make sure that I learn something useful that I can apply to myself and my business.

With all this is mind...I now KNOW that perhaps I don't NEED to be 'up there'...as I already love what I do 'here'...and it enables me to appreciate the value of spending time with those people I love...and at 'working' at what I love.

There is NO other way.

And...funnily enough...I WILL be up there one day...because doing things the 'right' way has a habit of making things (eventually) fall into place!

Don't believe me...well then...watch this space!

I Must Make This A Habit. I Must Make...

I'm a huge habit 'fan'.

That's why I'm writing this now!

You see...I haven't got the faintest idea what I'm going to write...but, as I make it a habit to write this just before I finish up for the day...I HAVE to come with something useful!

So...you see...this HABIT thing DOES work!

It works because, if I this 'exercise' wasn't a habit for me...then you wouldn't be reading this now and I would be reaching over to turn off my PC instead!

I KNOW that I won't stick to much if I don't train my brain to get in the 'groove' of regularly doing something.

This success business comes more down to a lifestyle change instead of a short-term change.

And...if you are serious about having the life you truly desire (as I am)...then you need to make sure that you DO read that book every day, or do your affirmations every morning, or listen to that tape on the commute to work.

The big changes only occur when the little changes get big enough.

I've written over 240 of these entries since August last year to prove it! lol

Hey...Don't Bring Me Down!

Ever been there? I bet you have...

This evening I had a conversation with a business partner...

At the end of the conversation I put the phone down and I could tell that my mood had changed.

How constructive was that?

Relationships all come down to dynamics.

If you come away from a conversation with a negative feeling for whatever reason...then it can have a serious effect on your self-confidence if you let it.

Now...because I am aware of these feelings and the impact that they can have on me...after a couple of minutes...I CHOOSE not to let it get to me!

And............I think that I'm over it now! lol

All joking aside...it's easy to see why taking the 'lead' in any discussion can end up with a lopsided 'result'.

Your view of what you deem success might well be completely different to the person that you are talking to.

If that happens...then it's almost as if someone puts a pin into your balloon.

All of a sudden...it's almost as if your achievements are a crumpled heap on the floor instead of being wonderful, free-floating, and carefree.
That's why I try never to impose my views on other people.

Why?

Because...even with the best of intentions...you NEVER know whether you are thinking off of the same scale!

Relationships are key to both business and personal success...and, if you finish a conversation standing taller than the other person...then eventually they are going to want to knee-cap you!

Are They Going Over Your Head?

Today something very strange happened.

I had an hour-long phone call with somebody whom I've been trying to contact about 'business' for over a year.

And...they emailed...and then phoned...ME!

The last time that I had emailed them was about four months ago...and I had completely given up hope of doing something with them.

It reminded my of how important it is to keep looking up towards the sun instead of down towards the shade!

What do I mean by that?

Well...who can explain why they finally decided to conact me?

All I know is that...by constantly moving (OK...literally forcing) myself forward whenever I can...these unexplained 'paybacks' will eventually come.

So...make sure that YOU are looking forwards and upwards, and not backwards and downwards.

Otherwise...

You'll find that all those 'coincidences' will just 'go above your head'!

Just Believe In The Process

Things are really moving on my "21 Truths About Success" Mentor Program.

Sometimes...it can be difficult to commit yourself to something when you haven't held it in your hands...or seen what 'it' looks like.

And...that's the problem where success is concerned.

Most people are so bothered by the fact that what they really need to learn isn't 'there' that they completely ignore it!

I've learned to my cost on a few occasions over the last 18 months or so how important the quality of your relationships are.

Now...I don't necessarily mean family relationships (although, of course, these are vitally important).

No...I mean those relationships with people who are where you want to be.

Some of my best investments in the time that I have been online have been the money I have spent to go to seminars and meet successful people...or money I have invested in order to have a consultation with someone.

It's not until you experience for yourself that you realize how truly powerful a one-on-one conversation with someone can be.

It's frightening how your learning curve can be literally destroyed by having a focused conversation with someone who knows what you don't!

I've found it myself with the people I coach...and I found it when I had short five-minute conversations with Internet marketers.

Someone, somewhere...knows what you need to know or do...and they can probably tell you how to achieve it in minutes.

You just have to BELIEVE in the process!

Change Your Image Or Work With What You've Got? You Choose!

It's amazing how technical people haven't got the faintest idea about how people use their systems!

My mailing list / autoresponder system has 'upgraded' to a better looking system.

Except...they forget to bring all of my autoresponder messages with them!

And...they suddenly have 'lost' two very KEY parts of the old system's functionality...things that are essential to make my business run the way that I want it to.

It's the same old story...

To busy wondering how things 'look' like than how things actually work!

It's just proved to me that companies are just run by people! People who try to 'run before they can walk'...and try to focus on their image above everything else!

Sound familiar?

All of us are guilty in some way of trying to live up to other peoples' expectations of who whe should be or look like...when in fact we should be focusing on how we can improve what we currently DO have!

It's just a shame that I was reminded of this by the management of a top company who should really know better!

Creating Internet Relationships

The internet and email is a fascinating and evolving arena where you can grow your business. While there are lots of ways to create relationships, one of the best ways I've found is to create a newsletter or something of value to your target market.

Remember your existing customers by sending them a monthly newsletter. Encourage them to respond to you with stories about how they've used your product or service and use these stories in your newsletter as much as possible. Recognize that most of us receive a lot of junk mail and spam, so we are quick with our filters and delete buttons, however, if you can create a newsletter that has value for your customers and it doesn't come too often, they will likely read it. It's a good idea to include your phone number on all correspondence. Many people will not call, but it leads credibility to yourself as a business person.

I also send my newsletter to people I am interested in having as customers but haven't decided to do so yet. These are people I've spoken to about my business online and in person. This keeps my name in front of them on a regular basis and when the time is right, they may become a customer.

People like to do business with those they like and trust. It's not necessary for them to know you in person, but it is important to them that you'll be there for them if they need you. By keeping in touch periodically, you'll be able to accomplish that and it won't take a lot of time or administration on your part.

If you're interested in receiving a copy of the newsletter I'm sending out to my customers, please send me an email to walacey@telus.net. If you like the template, then you can substitute your company information and utilize a similar format for yourself.

Cathy Perry
Independant Associate
Prepaid Legal Services Inc.
www.prepaidlegal.com/info/cperry
(403) 901-1065

Why Are You Beating Yourself Up About It?

The title of this blog is "Success...One Day At A Time"...and this has certainly been apparent to me this week.

It is the first time that Lesley has been away for a week...it's usually the other way around!

And...as I have been 'rattling' around the house alone all day EVERY day whilst Katie has been at school (and sometimes after)...I have had a chance to observe myself!

I found it incredibly easy just to lounge around...and get annoyed with myself for not getting on with my 'work'.

But...then I realized that since Lesley has been away...I've worked all last weeked, and most nights once I had put Katie to bed.

So...no wonder that I couldn't 'perform' all day every day!

Because of this I decided over the last few days that I should be focusing on the times of the day when I WAS focused...and then do the work that I would get the most value (and future income from) in that time.

So..I spent time reading the ebook that I reviewed - "7 Secrets of the Millionaires"...and then focused on writing a good 'review' of it.

So far - I've made almost $900 from that one letter...so at least I can feel justified that I used my time well.

Aside from the six hours of teleclasses for Coachville that I've done...I also wrote and re-wrote the email for my new "21 Truths About Success" Mentor Program.

Basically...what I am getting at is that you shouldn't beat yourself up if you feel that you are letting yourself down.

Just focus on the best return you can get with the best use of the time that you do feel 'like it'...then just DO IT!

It will all work out in the end...you'll see!

Are You Too Lazy To Notice?

For the first time in a couple of months...I've finally found an ebook that I could recommend!

It's called "7 Secrets of the Millionaires" by a British multi-millionaire called Stuart Goldsmith.

The strength of the ebook is that Stuart doesn't pull any punches...and certainly tells it like it is!

Which...in a way, is THE best way. After all "honesty is the best policy"!

The sad thing is that I know that although a few people will read the ebook...perhaps only one or two will actually APPLY what they have learned.

Unfortunately...that's the way it is...and, with all the best intentions in the world...I can't change that fact.

YOU already know enough about success to make huge changes in your life...you're just too lazy to apply them!

Now...I don't mean specifically to criticize you alone...we are ALL lazy!

We forget that that little bit of extra effort applied regularly can make a massive difference.

It's just that we are too busy looking for the 'new best thing' to notice!

Are You Conquering Your Demons?

Sometimes all it takes is a little effort...

Today I've taken the first two teleclasses in my role as Coachville's "Dean of the School of Emarketing".

They were the first teleclasses that I managed by myself!

And...I can tell you...did I NOT want to do them! lol

You know...you get those...'do I really want to be doing this'-type questions running through your head for 24 hours before you do something?

The easy option for me would have been not to put myself up for them in the first place!

I've been typing so much over the last 18 months that I had to convince myself that I WAS able to talk properly about my subject.

And...of course...these things are never as bad as they seem.

It just goes to show that the easy option tends to be the worst option where you success is concerned.

I've got eighteen more teleclasses to do over the next four weeks....and I reckon that I will be able to do them in my sleep once I finished.

Another demon conquered!

Just because I did something that I felt uncomfortable doing.

So...what about YOUR demons...are YOU pushing yourself to conquer yours?

You Already Know It, Stupid!

I've spent the last week or so converting into mp3 format the tapes from a seminar on Internet marketing that I went to at the end of January.

Like most things...when you are actually there...you get those 'ah ha' moments...and tell yourself that you are going to do this or implement that as soon as you get back.

Yeah, right!

Well...to be honest, I HAVE implemented one or two things from seminars that I have been because I firmly believe that I need to justify the cost and the time that I am away from my family and my business.

But...I've spent about over 20 hours listening to the audios from the seminar, and I realize that there are so many things that I learned that I SHOULD have implemented but haven't.

I also realized that, as I was listening to the speakers, I remembered what they were going to say...yet I still hadn't USED this information that I already knew!

So...I'm going to do something about it!

What about you?

I bet that YOU already have enough information from those books and tape sets that you read and listened to from all of those gurus - self-help or otherwise.

What are YOU going to do with it?

We both now know that you already know enough to make HUGE changes in your life...so what are YOU going to do with it?

Perhaps the best thing for you would be to go back to what you already know before you buy something new to learn, don't you?

Are You Really Playing To Your Strengths?

On 8th October last year I released my Ecourse - "To Our Success".

Today I finally finished writing it!

All-in-all...it's taken me the best part of a year on an off to write it in my spare time.

And, you know what? I wouldn't would never have finished it unless I actually released it!

It all comes down to accountability.

I knew that it was a huge task to write 183 lessons that were full of good, usable content.

So...I decided that, as the Lessons only had to be completed when they were due...then I could afford to commit myself to the biggest project that I have ever undertaken time-wise.

I knew that I would lose interest if I was just writing an ebook...so I didn't!

I just played to my strengths.

Do you?

Do you do what you do in the best way for you to do it?

Think about it.

Do you write your book at the best time for YOU to write?
Do you read when you are your most alert...and not when you are tired?
Do you find a way to do something that fits in with your personality?
Do you work when YOU feel like you want to?

Well...do you?

It's no good listening to what they gurus unless you actually apply what they are teaching you.

And...there's no point in applying what they teach you unless you do it in a way that suits YOU!

If you don't feel 'right' because you are not doing something because you feel like doing it...then DON'T DO IT!

You are in complete control of what you do and when you do it...so make sure that you do it when it fits in with who you are!

I Have An Idea!

Today began an intensive 19-day program for my brand-new website - Coach Emarketing.

Now...you read it here first. I only thought about the idea last night...and have only registered the domain name today.

So...I've set myself a little (OK - huge! lol) challenge to have a fully-fledged membership site on Emarketing for coaches fully up and running by the time of my first teleclass for the Coachville School of Emarketing on Monday June 23rd!

Who knows what life may throw in the way in the meantime...but, as you know, I LOVE to set myself these sorts of challenges!

What about YOU?

Do you have some ideas floating around inside your head that can inspire you?

You know...those sort of ideas where you actually get excited about them?

No? If not...why not?

You MUST have ideas...we all have.

What do you do with yours? Do you forget about them as soon as you come up with them...or do you write them off before you start?

Take my idea, for instance. I could think of many ways in which I couldn't achieve what I would like to.

There are probably hundreds!

But...I choose not to focus on them...and instead focus on what I alone have control over...and then make sure that I do the best 'job' that I possibly can.

If I do that and things don't work out as planned...well...at least I would have learned something about my capabilities in the mean time.

So...don't hold back because you think that things might not work. So what if they don't...just doing something, anything is better than doing nothing at all!

Marketing...It IS Your Business To Know About It!

I think that I'm a perpetual student!

I've just visited Amazon.com and bought another four books on marketing!

But...personal development is my business, right?

Wrong!

Learning how to market myself and my products is my business!

And it is exactly the same for YOU!

If you take one thing away from my almost daily ramblings...take away the fact that, in this world...the most successful people are those that market themselves the best.

Now...notice that I didn't say the richest? Why? Well Mother Theresa is successful (but not rich)...and yet still what she has achieved is a product of her marketing...and her saintly 'brand'.

By marketing I'm not talking about selling.

I'm talking about how you present yourself and what you have to offer.

So...

- If you're going for a job interview prepare properly and dress accordingly.
- If you're trying to sell your ebook online learn about how to write good sales letters.
- If you're trying to persuade your teenage daughter that she should do her homework...learn more about teenagers...and (nice) persuasion techniques.
- If you just want to get on at work...learn how the most successful of your peers handles themselves and how they do their work.

It took me a while to realize...but, once I began to learn more about how to deliver what I produce...my fortunes have changed.

So...whatever you want to be or do...keep learning. And...keep learning at how you can market it and yourself, better!

You, Me, And The Law Of Reciprocity!

In the seven hours since I sent out my announcement...four hundred people have subscribed to my (currently free) "To Our Success" Ecourse.

Now...I'm not telling you this to boast...I'm telling you this because I'm trying my new marketing on for size!

I know that I could sell this Ecourse for anything up to $97...especially as I also know from feedback from previous subscribers that it is excellent stuff.

So...why am I giving it away free?

Well...I am because I know the power of what Brian Tracy calls the "Law of Reciprocity"...literally meaning what you put out comes back to you.

I'm a new believer in prosperity and abundance...and I'm also a believer that my 'cause' will be furthered better in the long run by giving value away now, rather than going for a few dollars.

It goes against current Internet trends to give away so much for free...because it is believed that free isn't the way to go now that the Internet has matured a little bit.

So...I'm going to prove 'them' wrong! lol

And...I would ask you to look at how you can do the same.

This isn't about marketing...and it isn't about the Internet. It's about giving someone else something of value without an expectation of something back from them in return.

Take a look at what you do for your family and friends (and even work colleagues).

- Do you go out of your way to help them when you see them struggling?
- Do you buy your spouse a little surprise gift...for no reason whatsoever?
- Do you give your mum a big hug...just for being her?

If you're a man like me...then you may think that I'm going a little soft. But...I'm not! I'm just more aware of how I can tap into the prosperity that is there for ALL of us.

Yes - even YOU. Why don't you try giving something of value to someone you love...just for the fun of it?

At the very least...won't you feel GREAT after doing it?

I certainly do!

I've Lost 8,000 Subscribers...Why Should I Worry?

It's been almost a month...and I'm back!

I've been to Vancouver and back...and then San Francisco and back, and believe me...that's a hell of a lot of travelling!

In between...I had a problem. I found out that my mailing list provider 'lost' around 8,000 of my 25,000 subscribers!

Now...what would you do if you were me?

Well...I got a little annoyed at first...and chased up their support team to find out what went wrong...which took almost a week!

It turns out that apparently they hadn't been removing all of the bounced emails from my list for some time...so suddenly I have lost a third of my list due to bounce-backs!

Would you get angry? Would you wonder if they were really all bounce-backs? Would you cry yourself to sleep with the knowledge that you had lost a third of your 'business' overnight?

What do you think I did?

Well...I didn't let it bother me!

Why? It didn't bother me because I know that the success of any ezine isn't down to the numbers of subscribers it has. I know that if they were really bounced emails then it doesn't make a blind bit of difference.

But...what if they weren't? Well...then perhaps those subscribers who wonder where I am might find their way back.

And those that don't? Perhaps they were only light readers who wouldn't care if I never emailed them again.

I'll never know...but I'm certainly not going to get all worked up about something that I have absolutely no control over.

Would you do the same in my situation?

The Focus Secret Of Training Your Brain

A very strange, yet strangely productive day today...

First, I was asked to speak at the Coachville "Future of Coaching" Conference - my first 'gig'! (Just goes to show how events can just 'happen'...and all on the back of me deciding to put my website forward at the conference a couple of weeks ago)

Secondly...I spent quite a few hours writing a salesletter for a new JV resale rights product that I'm working on.

Then...I wrote my Tuesday recommended resource edition of my ezine.

And...inbetween all that I picked Katie and her friend up from school and cooked them dinner!

Ah...a man of many hats! lol

But...boy, did I achieve so many different things today!

At the start of the day...I wasn't even sure what I was going to do...yet, once I had decided that I was only going to focus only on ONE project at a time...everything fell into place.

Every time my mind would wander off to thinking about food or a cup of tea...or to the 'ping' of my incoming email...I told myself that I must FOCUS and finish what I was working on first.

And...guess what...it worked a treat! lol

So...take it from me...the next time that you know that you need to get a project done, yet you begin to feel distracted - just tell yourself to focus and concentrate for another few minutes or so or until it's finished.

You'll be surprised at how well you can 'train your brain' if you do it often enough!

Now Try To Tell Me That Positive Thinking Doesn't Work!

Today...I can safely say was almost certainly the most rewarding day of my self-employed business life!

Hell...probably of all of my working life!

Why?

Well...I managed to get myself into an ideal position for ANY business. I got...

Free publicity!

Luckily for me...most of the day we were being taught about websites...and how to use them to generate credibility and as a tool to move clients through to a coaching process.

Well...as I had a website that did exactly that...I suggested to the trainers that they might want to use it as an example...which they did.

Little did I realize that...what is a fairly mundane and routine website in internet marketing terms...turns out to be an amazing effort in coaching circles!

Within five short minutes...I was deemed an expert...and my site and my email address were exposed to 200 people (and possible customers for my new 'info marketing' project that I will be working on)!

And...one of the speakers - Dave Buck liked it so much that he is going to use it as an example on future seminars around the world! Certainly excellent exposure, wouldn't you agree?

Not only that...I was asked if I would maybe like to participate in some training in the future. Now isn't that an excellent way of conquering my 'fear' of public speaking? lol

Today's events certainly opened my eyes to possibilities.

I now have first-hand proof that what is standard in one market can be classed as ground-breaking in another!

And...all because I sat in McDonalds this morning and told myself that I was going to network with more people...and I was going to find some business partners that could help me change my life!

Now try to tell me that positive thinking doesn't work!

The Idiot's Guide To Stereotypes

There's an old saying - "Never judge a book by its cover."

And...at the seminar I've been at today, it certainly rang true!

I sat next to a lady who by all accounts looked just like someone's mum! lol

What I found out was that she was an hypnosis expert, had published seven books, and currently ran a company!

It certainly surprised me as she didn't look the 'type' of person who could perhaps help me a lot with my business aims!.

And that's the problem...we've all been conditioned to make judgements based on stereotypes.

Of course...because our brain needs to filter out so much information...we need to have some form of 'quick' opinion on a lot of things.

But...as today proved...it's not always that right!

So...the lesson both you and I can take from this is that perhaps we should try to ignore our first impressions a little bit more...and instead get to know someone a little bit better before we decide what sort of person they are.

I'm certainly not going to be making such 'rash' decisions in the near future, that's for sure!

It's Not About What You Learn...It's About The People That You Meet

I'm off to another seminar tomorrow...but at least this time it's only in London, and I can come home at night!

It's about building a coaching practice.

Now...I, personally, don't want a full-time coaching practice! lol

So...why am I going?

I am going because...

- It gets me out of my comfort zone.
- It forces me to network with people.
- It will give me some ideas about other people go about it.
- It will hopefully give me some connections for the (soon to be under development) marketing side of my business.
- It gets me away from my computer for a couple of days in the real world!

And...I aim to learn as much as I can from it.

So...did you notice that the last thing on my list was the main reason why most people go to seminars or conferences?

It's no accident!

I know that I, along with most of the other participants, will probably forget most of what we are taught!

The real benefit from these things are the connections you make...and the odd 'golden nugget' of information that you may pick up from the presentation.

That's why I think that it is important to invest in going to these things...as you never know who could meet who might be a huge help where your future success is concerned.

Now...isn't it worth feeling a little uncomfortable in return? I certainly think so.

The Curse Of "False Start Syndrome"

Another day nearly over...

I've realized that I'm too creative for my own good.

This afternoon...I had two ideas for online projects that I believe have some value in pursuing...but, I haven't got the time to properly devote to them.

I've got numerous ideas to use some of the techniques currently used by top internet marketers within my personal development 'niche'...and they are more than enough to keep me going for a long time.

It's easier to get what I call 'false start syndrome'...and I am guilty as hell of this!

You know...you find something that excites you...then you spend a few days (or weeks) working on it...only for the novelty to wear off!

Ever done that?

I've got at least three or four unfinished projects sitting on my PC right now.

But...because I am a bit of a perfectionist...they are not good enough (or complete enough) to be released...so instead I go to work on new things! lol

Because of this I have decided that I will stick with the half-a-dozen or so projects that I currently have...and see them through to the end.

It's the only way not to get 'snowed under'...and then have too much to do that you can't think of what you should do first!

Change How You THINK About What You Do...And Not How You Do It

After spending all day in hospital with Connor...and generally charging about...

This is the first thing that I have done work-wise today...yet I am $300 better off!

Now...I didn't say that to gloat. No Sir-ee.

I say that to show you how wonderful the world of internet information publishing is.

Now...it's not for everyone...and today's earnings are the exception rather than the rule, believe me.

But, when you stop being paid by the hours that you work...a whole new world of leverage opens up to you.

Now...I'm lucky.

Thanks to Connor's disability...I have been able to spend the best part of a year part- and quite often full-time working on my internet business.

Not everyone is able to do that...you may not be able to do that.

Part of my 'achievement' is in the non-financial area. I am, after all, probably break-even money-wise after almost a year.

You see...in that time I have improved the way I work...and, more importantly - the way that I THINK about the way I work.

I was treading water for a long long time before I realized that I needed to focus on doing the tasks that were the most important to my future.

Another change was that I made the decision to push myself that little bit more...going to seminars...contacting people...and making financial commitments that only my credit card could bear.

Now...that effort should begin to pay off as each of the separate pieces should begin to fall into place together.

So - I'm not clever, I'm not smug...I'm just a learner who is lucky enough to have the time to be able to apply what he has learned.

Tomorrow - I may earn nothing...but then again if I didn't do any work in the 'real world' - then I wouldn't have been paid anyway, would I?

Try to look at ways at how you can maximize your knowledge....that's all I've done...and I'm certainly no more 'clever' than you are!

A Little Effort Can Make A BIG Difference!

Another late night spent working...

Why? Well...I've been playing 'dad' to a sick Katie for the last five days...and I know where my priorities should be during daylight hours!

On the work front...I've discovered something that's so obvious that I wonder why I missed it before.

With the release of my new ebook I've realized that a little effort can make a big difference!

How?

Well...I have a list of about eight or so people who were my top affiliates for "The Science of Success" whom I would obviously like to be top affiliates for my new book!

So...what would you have done?

Well...I now have a function that enables you to download a copy of my free sample ebook...and then brand it with your affiliate link. Sure...I could have just sent them the link to download...and let them do it themselves.

But...I really wanted to make it as easy as possible for them.

So...I spent about two hours branding the ebooks myself...and branded my classidied ads with their links for good measure. And...I put their branded ebook up on my site with a filename just for them...so basically all they had to do was to put the ads in their ezines or refer people to their book on my site.

I then sent them a personalized email explaining this...and I already have had three of them come back to me saying how easy it was for them to 'get going' with publicizing my new ebook!

Now...do you think that they are more than likely to move forward with it if I make it easy for them? And do you think that it was worth two hours of my time do it for them?

As I've said before...it's the little things that make a BIG difference!

The Results Of Breaking Free From The Comfort Zone

Well....

Back from "The Big Seminar" in Dallas...and I've only managed about one hour's sleep in the last 28 hours thanks to a bumpy overnight flight!

But...am I excited or what?

I got to speak to all the speakers bar one about my brand new ebook project - "The Law of Success" by Napoleon Hill...and because of that, my exposure will increase as some of them will be recommending it to their mailing lists.

I can honestly say that there are very few (if any) businesses where the 'cream of the crop' are so accessible to the likes of you and me. And that's the beauty of it.

What price can you put on being only an email away from some of the most 'clued-up' people in this internet age?

But, hey - I deserve it! lol

Why? Well...because I forced myself out of both my monetary and mental comfort zones to travel literally days to get to places like Dallas and Las Vegas from the UK - that's why.

I stretched myself so that I could have access to people who regularly excel at what they do. I may not be in the business of selling internet marketing 'solutions' to joe public like these guys...but I am in the business of needing to apply the best marketing strategies to my own business so that I can sell more 'product' for the same or less marketing outlay.

So - if I am 'in the loop' - do you think that I will have a better chance of reaching their heights - just by association alone?

Who would you rather receive an email from - someone who you had never met...or someone that you have shared a beer with?

True - this sort of monetary and time outlay doesn't get a return immediately...and that's probably the main problem from most peoples' perspective.

But...I made a connection in Vegas last June the outcome of which should more than cover the cost of both trips...some 8 months after our initial meeting.

As an additional benefit - you get to meet other people just like you who might need what you've got...and who might be able to offer you what they have. I personally met two people that fitted into that category whilst I was there.

Don't you see where this is going?

I'm not for a moment suggesting that you should just go to a seminar...and your success will be assured...BUT

If someone shows you an exact blueprint of what earns them hundreds of thousands of dollars a year...wouldn't that be interesting to you?

But...as an added bonus...you will find out that the so-called 'gurus' are just ordinary people like you and me...who have persisted until they became successful.

Don't you think that if you could learn just a tiny little thing from them that it would be of some value to you?

The best way to speed your path to success is associate yourself and mingle with the 'big boys' in whatever occupation you are in. And...if your 'niche' happens to deal with the Internet in some small shape or form - then you will never have a better opportunity to get close to the 'movers and shakers'.

Get out of your comfort zone...and bend and stretch a little. Sometimes a small commitment can make a huge difference!

Listen, Learn...Then Act!

It's funny...

Having to learn how to be an online marketer as well as ezine publisher, ebook author, and webmaster certainly stretches you!

But...I can honestly say that I know at least 100 times more about each 'facet' of my new abilities than I did only a year ago.

Sure - I read a lot. But then again...I also have to write a lot!

I was chatting to a 'newbie' on the phone yesterday evening and, after I was finished, I realised that I do know A LOT about how to do this 'stuff' on the Internet! Not enough to make a very good living out of it (yet)...but I have the building blocks in place.

Why? Because I listen...and learn from those marketers who are already successful (most of the time!).

For example, I had always heard about the financial benefits of an 'upsell'...basically offering a higher price combination of products to someone once they had already made up their mind to buy the original item.

50% of the buyers on "The Science of Success" website do exactly that...and I've probably made an extra few hundred dollars in six months from it.

All because I listened, learned, then acted!

This three step process for copying those who are where you want to be is a good starting point for setting yourself realistic targets in any line of work...be it your own business...or your career.

Everyone does the listening bit.
A small percentage actually makes a note of what they have just learned.
And an extremely small number of people actually take what they have listened to and learned...and shape it to fit their own business.

It's not easy. It doesn't always work.

But...if I can make two or three separate lots of a few hundred (or even a few thousand) dollars every year because I applied something someone else was doing successfully - then I will be very happy!

And...if you did the same with all the personal development books you read...or tapes you listen to...then, without a doubt, your life will have changed beyond your expectations by this time next year!

The Rewarding Way To Motivate Yourself

Do you reward yourself when you achieve something?

I never used to...but I did today.

I've learned that we spend so much time on the actual completion of a task that we forget to reward ourselves for the effort we put in to make it happen.

Well...I've been working for the last two months on a huge 'manual' task for a new ebook of mine...and today, I finally 'cracked it'!

So - I rewarded myself with a pizza!

It may not seem like much - but it was something that I really fancied having that I probably wouldn't have done...and, if anything, getting it was a symbolic gesture to reward myself for all the effort that I had put in.

And, guess what...it was THE best pizza I had tasted in a very long time!

It's easy to just carry on to the next task when you finish the current one - like a hamster on a wheel...and then wonder why you get fed up a couple of weeks down the line when you start to feel burned out.

So - you have my permission...when you complete the next reasonable size task or challenge - make sure that you give yourself a little reward!

You deserve it!

Why The Smallest Amount Makes Such A Huge Difference

It's funny...

Over the last few days, I have been asking my ezine subscribers for donations for Connor's children's hospice - Demelza House.

The thing is...it's as gratifying and exciting seeing the donations come into my email as it is when I see sales of my ebooks go through!

I'll be honest - it's the first time that I've really 'put myself out' for charity...but Demelza House is a wonderful place - and deserves a little effort on my part in return for the 21 days respite that we get from them.

It feels good to be able to connect with so many different people around the world and help a cause that is just an hour's drive away from me!

And...it's about time that I gave something back by actually 'practicing what I preach'.

It's good to have that warm 'glow' inside you when you know that you are doing something that is, well....RIGHT!

So - what about you?

Are you focusing so much on yourself to realise that there are many thousands (even just in your community) who could do with some help, financial or ortherwise?

This holiday season - give a small thought for somebody else when you are spending money on all that extra food.

I know from experience that the smallest amount makes a huge difference!

How To Slow Down Time Without Being Overloaded

Do you ever have those moments where time just seems to pass by more and more quickly?

Since I have a rigid routine of writing an ezine on a Friday and a recommendation on a Tuesday - it seems that the weeks seem to 'fly by' as each one comes around again.

As soon as Friday's issue is finished - it seems like it's Monday again - and I have to contemplate what to write on a Tuesday...and so it goes on.

Isn't it strange that time seems to 'drag' when you are bored...yet seems to 'speed up' when you have lots of (sometimes interesting) things to do?

Have you ever thought about why that is?

No, neither had I, really! lol

But...it seems to me that the more energy, effort, and focus you put into a task - the more your brain 'steps up a gear' and seems to work on overdrive.

There is a saying that, if you want something done - ask a busy person...so, perhaps that is true.

That's why it seems so easy to get overloaded when you aren't really accomplishing anything. Your brain steps up - ready for action - and all you feed it is more knowledge to think about...rather than tasks for it to accomplish.

Makes you think, doesn't it?

All I've got to do now is try to work out a way where I can 'slow' time down - yet still achieve as much as I want to.

I know that it can be done. Just look at any hugely successful businessman or entrepreneur - and see how much they manage to 'achieve' every working day.

It's certainly something to ponder over the weekend!

Use The Difficulty...

Today has been a 'down' day.

Why...because something I tried didn't work - and cost me a few hundred dollars in the process!

It almost ruined my day...but I am fighting the urge to let it.

It's easy to get hung up on things like this - and it seems to get more and more difficult to pull yourself up when you feel 'down and out'.

But...guess what?

I'm NOT down...and I'm certainly NOT out!

I may have lost money today - but I made enough money last week to cover it - and - I can still get some other benefit from it. So - all may not be as bleak as it at first seems!

It would have been easy to admit 'defeat' and rue the day that I ever started this business - but I WON'T!

I won't because I know that life isn't about a smooth upward curve. Every setback is a clue to a future benefit - mark my words!

As the actor Michael Caine said in a recent interview - "How can I use the difficulty to my advantage?"

So - the next time you look as if you are 'snatching defeat from the jaws of victory' - think again. You could, in effect, be building a nice new foundation for your future success from the experience!

Do You Have A Real Desire...Or Are You Just Not Bothered?

Today has been one of those days where I have achieved at least as much as I wanted to!

Do you have many of those sort of days?

No - me neither! lol

The thing was...it could have easily turned into one of those 'lost days' - but I caught myself reading emails instead of working...and made sure that I put my nose to the grindstone instead!

It's not always easy to drag yourself forward - but once you getting going - the end results prove that it was all worthwhile.

The key to it all is desire.

Ask yourself this question:
How badly do I want to achieve my goals compared to how bothered I am if I don't achieve them?

The answer is not always that straightforward - but it is probably one of the biggest things holding us back from achieving what we want from our lives.

It's easier to read emails or watch TV...it's hard to work or make phone calls instead.

But...unless you hurdle these 'speed bumps' then your journey forward is going to be a slow one...or you may even find yourself at a standstill!

So - next time you catch yourself being lazy (like me!) - make sure that you give yourself a good talking to - and get on and do something important instead!

Lessons From A Scary Experience!

Sometimes it's easier to do something than worry about not doing it...

Doing my first teleclass last week with my mentor, Mitch Axelrod was a scary experience.

Well...the experience itself wasn't that bad...the build-up to it in my mind was what made it scary!

Do you ever do that?

You know - spend so much time worrying about something that it almost paralyzes you?

I'll be honest with you...if it was solely up to me - I probably would have found some excuse to get out of doing the teleclass! lol I spent the entire week before literally stressing myself out about the entire process!

But...once I was on the call and got going - I was fine. And...the silly thing was - I KNEW that I would be!

So - why all that worrying beforehand? Easy - I didn't really BELIEVE in myself. I didn't really BELIEVE that I could do it...even though I knew that I could.

Silly really.

But...now that I've 'done' it once - I won't find it so easy to 'kid' myself that I shouldn't do it again, should I?

So - the moral of this story is this....

"Feel the fear...but do it anyway!"

The Sheep's Guide To Relationships

I must subscribe to about 100 ezines.

I spend a lot of my day surfing for information.

And...guess what?

There are an awful lot of 'sheep' online!

You know - those people who just copy what an 'expert' does - and then just fills in the gaps. No wonder most of these people barely make a living online.

When you see the same article in about five ezines within a matter of days - then it makes me wonder if such people have 'got it'.

I wonder if they understand that they need to a) be original and b) put in the necessary effort...in order to keep people like you and me reading.

I could take ten minutes to copy and paste articles from other people for my ezine - but I'd rather spend most of an entire day writing the articles and putting it together myself.

To some people this may seem like a 'false economy' but...in the end...when the dust settles and some form of normality begins to come over the Internet - it will all come down to the same thing...

Relationships.

As in the 'real' world - you would undoubtedly want to do 'business' (in whatever form) with someone you like and respect and trust than someone who just contacts you when THEY need your business.

So - like with most things - the online world is no different.

You need to put the effort in BEFORE expecting the reward.

It may mean that you appear to 'fall behind' the sheep for a time - but everything will fall into place in the end...if you're patient enough.

Who Are You Really Kidding - Yourself Or Those People Around You?

Yet again (let's call it fate!)...I literally fell upon an excellent ebook!

I nearly didn't buy it because of the way it was presented.

Its name, for a start - "How To Get Lots Of Money For Anything Fast!"

Call me an old cynic from the UK - but what an absolutely RIDICULOUS name!

The thing is, though - the content of the ebook is absolutely first-rate. In fact...I rank it right up there with the all-time greats!

It's so silly that it was aimed at the "get rich quick" fraternity - when it should be classed as a 'serious' tool for achieving any goal that you set yourself.

Perhaps the author's very famous 'net marketing friend thought that my area of the online world was too boring for them to make any money!

What a joke!

It just goes to show that outward appearances do have an effect on what is perceived to be valuable.

Are your actions 100% consistent with your outward appearance and behavior? Are you really an aging hippy dressed up in corporate clothing?

Who are you really kidding - yourself or those people around you?

Be authentic to yourself. You are unique for a reason.

You are unique and have special talents because you were put on this Earth to use them and not waste them.

Don't try to make out that you are something that you are not. It's only you who will lose out in the long run.

Never Ignore Something Because It Seems 'Different'

I literally 'stumbled' on them.

Two ebooks that are an absolute goldmine!

They are both called "1000 Ways to Make Money" - one was written in 1900 - and the other (an updated version) written this year.

Both books contain ideas for making money through both conventional and not-so-conventional means. Although a lot of the ideas may seem a little obscure - or not really suitable - they certainly got my brain cells fizzing with ideas for my business.

I was so excited that I had to send an email to the subscribers of "Our Success Partnership" to tell them about the ebooks within a couple of hours of downloading them!

Never ignore something because it seems 'different'.

It's always good to have an open mind about things. Some things may seem strange or unworkable - but reading about them may plant a seed of creativity in your mind that you can use on something more relevant.

Discount everything that is not 'normal' - and you will rule out a lot of ideas that may indeed become the key to your future success!

Sometimes inspiration can come from the strangest sources. Many times an idea has suddenly flashed into my head when I have been doing something completely different.

The key to using it to your advantage is always to remain open to any new idea - whether you think that it will be useful or not.

You may initially seem a little overwhelmed at the amount of ideas that are coming to you - naturally - but give it time and you will get a handle on what is important, and what is just 'noise'.

Then - just look at the best way to apply them to what you do - and you'll be on your way!

Why Life Is About Quality - And The Things That Matter

The rules have changed!

The difference that you can make in the world will no longer be judged by your status or your bank balance!

You have been warned!

Many years ago - people had the view of the new Millennium as "The Age of Aquarius" - and, although the world is nothing like that very 'new age' view - the balance of influence has changed due to 9/11 and the Bali bombings (amongst others).

So - what can YOU do about it?

Become a 'people' person. Be polite, show respect (to the cleaner as much as the big boss).

Learn to give a little without expecting anything in return.

I'm not asking you to compromise yourself at the benefit of others - all I ask is that you look at the value you can give to your relationships as much as the value you give to your tasks.

So - what if you're not really a social sort of person?

Well - I''ll let you into a little secret...

I'm not really one, either!

The secret is not how you say it - but what you say!

I have spoken to precisely three people on the telephone since I began my online journey eight months ago. I'd like to think that I've managed to get my 'message' across pretty well so far!

But...

For me - and for what I have chosen to do - that is not good enough. So - I will making sure that I am also heard as well as read!

Life is about quality - and the things that matter.

The world is gradually waking up to this fact...just make sure that you are riding the wave instead of getting drowned by it!

You Cannot Become Successful On Your Own!

Are you (like me) almost tied (OK - addicted) to sitting in front of your computer?

Close your eyes...and relax!

The trouble with the growth of computer use is that we tend to forget one of the golden 'rules' of success.

"You cannot become successful on your own!"

I'm probably as guilty as anyone - but I'm now going to learn to change.

Email is so time-consuming!

You can build relationships via email (I know of one extremely successful online collaboration where the two authors have never met or spoken on the 'phone!)...but I can honestly say that the most productive ones that I have had so far contain a non-email element to them.

For example - there are a few very successful up-and-coming Internet marketers that I am building relationships with. I met them at the Internet Marketing SuperConference in Vegas this year.

The main reason that I 'shelled' out almost $3,000 to get there from the UK (and over 40 hours total travelling time) was that I wanted to show my 'face'.

There would have been no other way that I would have met two of them otherwise - because there would have been no real reason for our paths to cross online.

So - my financial and time commitment WILL pay off. It hasn't yet - but these relationships will undoubtedly be worth all of that effort in the end.

Why am I telling you this?

Well...I set myself apart from my 'peers' by physically meeting with the 'movers' and 'shakers'.

The world...whether online or offline...are full of 'me, too' people.

Set yourself apart. Make your face known. Stand up and be counted. Go the extra mile.

Do whatever you can to be different and get noticed.

I'm not for a moment suggesting that you act like a clown or embarass yourself. All I ask is that you think of ways that you can get the attention of your peers and your 'superiors' by subtly making a difference.

It's not difficult to do. It's just a little more difficult to do regularly...and that's what will make the difference.

The effort you put in now will certainly pay off for you in the future.

'Do The Right Thing'...And You Will Benefit In The Long Run

Sometimes your emotions can cloud your judgement.

I've been guilty of exactly that over the last couple of weeks.

I was let down badly by my Autoresponders last week...and this week - my ezine still hasn't been sent out despite it being Sunday night (it should have gone out on Friday)

I've met the people that run the company that I use for both - and like them. Their support was impeccable.

Perhaps I've been spoilt as now that they are going all 'corporate' due to their success - I cannot trust their reliability - or get as good support as before.

So I'm looking at biting the bullet and moving my list. It's not a decison I take very lightly. After all it will certainly cost me more money.

But sometimes...you have to make those decisions that make sense - without letting the emotional attachment get in the way.

Above all - I value the fact that my ezine is on time - and delivered on time. Without that (and after the weekend I have had! lol) - then my entire 'reputation' online is put under scrutiny.

We all have difficult decisions to make (most of them undoubtedly more important that just moving a mailing list) - and it can sometimes be difficult to 'step back' from the situation - and look at it from a totally dispassionate set of eyes.

It's not easy - far from it.

But...any 'grief' that you have now will certainly be less than the problems you will have if you leave the situation to drag on as it is.

Marriages and life-long friendships have been broken for far less.

Even though it may sometimes seem that you are not doing 'the right thing' - your relationships will certainly benefit in the long run.

A Challenge...That's The Sort Of Incentive I Need!

I've got at least 15 different ideas in my head at the moment for product ideas and enhancements to the Our Success Partnership website.

But...as you no doubt know - I couldn't possibly make the time to work on them all!

Or can I?

I'm going to give myself a little test. I'm going to challenge myself to come up with a plan for each one.

Each new 'project' will

1) Have a deadline
2) Have each element broken down into manageable pieces.
3) Each manageable piece will have a deadline.
4) Each of these pieces will be broken down into daily tasks.
5) Each of these daily tasks will have a daily time commitment.
6) Each time commitment will be fulfilled every day.

Of course - there might be some days where things may slip due to circumstances out of my control (such as Connor being ill, or my Mailing List provider breaking down!). But - I will give myself a maximum of three days to 'catch up'!

OK. So how am I going to actually 'do' all of these projects, you may ask?

Well...that's where YOU are going to come in!

By 31st October (when the deadline for the "To Our Success" E-course ends) I will have a list of the 15 or so projects that I am willing to commit myself to. (These will of course include those 'unfinished' ones that I have mentioned previously).

Then - I will ask YOU which one YOU want me to work on first. It's as simple as that!

I will post every day on how I am 'coming along' - and whether I am sticking to the 'plan'!

So - why am I doing this?

I'm doing this for three reasons:

1) I want only to provide content that YOU want (and not only what I want to do!)
2) I want to show YOU that it can be possible to get on and do something from a standing start. You'll be with me all the way!
3) It makes me accountable, challenged, and well...different!

In fact - I don't know of anybody else who has done this before - so perhaps it will be another first! lol

I'm no different to you. I need to be given an incentive to do what I do. This is my way of challenging myself to complete my next project!

I'm going to walk you through a project from its very beginning to its end - and you'll see that there are no 'secrets' to doing what I do.

And I'll prove to you that success...is all down to YOUR mind!

I Want To Talk To You - Not To Your Wallet!

Today I have spent the ENTIRE working day answering emails!

I could be like some people I know - and never answer them. You send them an email - and...nothing.

Most of the Internet marketers that I have managed to get to 'speak' to very rarely answer them.

What sort of 'customer service' is that?

I decided when I first started that I would always try to answer every (non-spam!) email that was sent to me. Sometimes I may take 30 minutes to type a response - but it's worth it to know that people who take the time to write to me are treated like human beings and not as a number.

Sure - as time goes on - then I might have to get a little more selective - or send out standard answers - but not just yet!

I pride myself on talking to YOU - and not to your wallet!

In any area of life - it's the same. Treat people as you wish to be treated yourself.

It's not a difficult thing to remember - but most people are so self-absorbed that they don't appreciate that the world (and therefore your success on it) is built upon relationships!

So - if you want to get on - start getting along with more people. Treat them with respect. It doesn't matter if they are the cleaner or the CEO - everyone deserves to be respected.

One day it could be you in either position - and how would YOU feel?

Be reliable. Be polite. And above all be genuine!

Always remember that the people you tread on on the way up - will be there to trip you up on the way down.

Don't burn your bridges - build them!

Don't Look Back In Anger

I'll let you into a little secret...

Tomorrow I'm releasing my new E-Course called "To Our Success".

So?

Well...I announced the day to my ezine subscribers on Friday knowing full well that I had at least three full days work ahead of me!

Why?

I wanted to challenge myself to 'do the business' and put some really heavy effort in.

In less than three days (weekends aren't full working days!) - I have completely re-written my website sales copy twice, I've put the finishing touches to the E-course, and I've had to iron out some last minute technical hitches! And then - I've had to test it all - and believe me - when you see it - you might get an idea of what I've had to 'cobble together' to get it to work the way I wanted it!

Don't you get a fantastic sense of achievement when you can look back and see what you have accomplished?

The 'buzz' that you get from performing almost at your full potential - and succeeding - is certainly something worth working for - take it from me!

Take a look at some of those things that you can accomplish with a flourish (hey - I like that phrase!) - and spend a few days (or even a few hours) challenging yourself to get as much done as possible.

It's great to know that I will have a new product 'out there' - despite seeming to have the same amount of time left this week as I usually do.

What can you focus on and 'finish' using your full potential? I'm sure that you could find something if you really tried!

What? A Good Retail Experience?

As I intend to produce some audio versions of my material - I bought myself a headset/microphone set in June for over $100. (see I'm taking this seriously!)

It seemed to work only occasionally - and just seemed to produce a constant hum when I last tried to use it a couple of days ago.

So - I took it back to the large retail chain I originally bought it from - expecting it to be sent away to the manufacturer - and my audio plans would then be put on hold until they finally sent a replacement.

Except...

Within less than 3 minutes of explaining the problem - it was exchanged (with no-questions-asked) for a brand new model!

Whether it was luck that I was dealt with by a manager or not - I don't know - but what I do know is was that they exceeded my expectations.

I walked out of the store with a smile on my face - and a 'weight' off of my shoulders.

Whatever you do, wherever you are - if you can 'over-deliver' then you will set yourself apart from your competitors and your peers.

Even better - if you 'under-promise' as well as over-delivering then you will certainly be 'head and shoulders' above everyone else.

This isn't purely restricted to business. Think of how you can apply it in your career - or in your relationships.

It doesn't always take a lot of effort to do that little bit extra. Take it from me - that little bit extra is always going to make a big difference!

Shouldn't You Jump OVER The Bandwagon Instead Of Onto It?

I have received about 8 emails in the last 24 hours pushing the new 'wonder' opportunity.

The program is fully backed by one of the top 'gurus' on the net.

But...

I always feel that it is better to jump OVER the bandwagon than onto it!

As I now have quite a large mailing list - I am sure that I could get a few 'takers' that might put a few dollars into my pocket (but not necessarily theirs!). But I'm not going to.

Why?

I'm not going to because I believe that just because 'everyone' seems to be doing doesn't necessarily mean that I should be doing it. And neither should you.

Never, ever, get seduced by the lure of short-term profit dressed up as a long-term opportunity. If it looks too good to be true then it almost certainly is!

Some people will definitely make money out of these 'programs' just because of the sheer weight of the sheep following blindly from one 'dead cert' to another. I could be one of them. But I won't be.

I won't be because I believe that in a business such as this - people are important. People are important because, at the end of the day - that is who is at the other end of my emails and my websites.

People just like me. People wanting to make an honest living - and are prepared to put the necessary effort in to achieve it. But...

They still get seduced by very clever marketing and, for want of a better word - manipulation. Don't be a sheep. Think for yourself. Keep your wallet (or purse) in your pocket until you are given good, honest justification that something works.

You wouldn't give someone you just met on the streets $50+, so why would you commit that much to something based upon a promise?

I might lose money by saying this - but I'd rather have my reputation - and let you use your money for something more important instead.

Email - The Great 'Leveller'.

Take yesterday for example. One minute I received an email from a millionaire businessman - the next I was being asked about marriage counselling!

The beauty of it is that whether you're short, fat, thin, shy, or extrovert, it's your personality that comes through when you write. I gave myself a bit of a shock yesterday. I realised that I was a writer. I've written ebooks, I write articles, hell - I even write this every day! - but in my eyes, my 'occupation' is not that of a writer.

But...

When I sit down and think about it - my success online is down entirely to what I write. Apart from the 100 or so people that I met at the Internet Marketing SuperConference in June - nobody knows what I actually look like! Yet over 15,000 people receive my ezine every week - and don't unsubscribe!

You, too, have a personality. A personality that is hidden behind shyness, fear, or stress. A personality that sets you apart from everyone else on this planet. Linked to this personality is also your unique talents, which, combined with whatever 'delivery vehicle' you choose to use (whether its spoken or written down) will enable YOU to live the life you have always dreamed about.

If you're shy or lack confidence - write something down. If you're a good talker - record yourself on tape. Make use of the God-given talents you have - and the world could be your oyster. Who would have thought just six months ago that I would be emailing a millionaire? It can work for you, too, if you really want it bad enough.

Lose Money In The Short-Term and Gain In The Long-Term?

Question:

Would your forgo a reasonable amount of affiliate commission in order to get lots of subscribers to your mailing list?

That is the 'dilemma' that I am facing at the moment. In two days I have got over 100 new susbcribers for FREE through an excellent service called Subscription Rocket. My ezine gets 'shown' on pop-unders on other sites depending on how many times I show the same pop-under. This is great - but I already have a pop-under that more than pays for my 3,000 monthly subscribers through Ezine Place.

So what would you do?

I've decided that I am going to alternate between the two services - and see how things are in a month's time. It's easy to get carried away with the 'new thing' - but you should never get rid of something if it "ain't broke".

This short-term 'get rich quick' mentality is everywhere on the Internet - especially over the last few months. I've lost count of the people who I have come across who jump from 'bandwagon' to 'bandwagon' - and then complain when they each start to fall away.

Be consistent. Whether it's in business or life - never make wholesale changes or put all of your eggs in one basket. Evolve what you are doing - and turn your life around one step at a time. Remember - if we don't have steps the climb to the top will be that much more difficult.

We're Doomed!

Only three or so weeks in...and I missed a weekday posting!

I was offline for most of yesterday as I was having my home office redesigned as Lesley will be helping me with my more mundane admin tasks.

When I got back online today, I found some emails from subscribers to the ezine saying that they were unable to unsubscribe. This sometimes happens as AOL can get confused with the long unsubscribe URL. But when I went to manually delete the addresses - I found that my mailing list provider was showing that I had around 6,000 people on my list instead of the 14,000+ that were on there yesterday!

I know that a few people unsubscribe, but 8,000 in one day was ridiculous! lol

To cut a long story short - they were unable to reinstate my list to its proper number - and in one case I had 297 more subscribers than when I started! Luckily (well, it wasn't down to luck really), I always take a copy of my mailing list before I send out an ezine. You can never be too careful where the key to your online business is concerned!

It could have easily turned into 'one of those days' as practically every person who bought one of my ebooks over the last couple of days seemed to be having problems accessing the files! All was sorted out in the end - but I could have easily have 'blown my top' and started to moan at how unlucky I was.

If you know me well enough - you know that I never let these sort of things get to me - and neither should you. There will always be days where whatever can go wrong will go wrong - but, hey, that's life! You can either rise to the challenges or complain about the problems. It's you and you alone who decide which one you choose.

It All 'Ads' Up To A Mistake!

A couple of days ago I decided that I should start running ezine ads for The Science of Success. I found an ezine that appeared quite reasonable relative to what I had in mind. So - ad placed, I waited to receive my issue - and the increase in sales!

I woke this morning, checked my email - and realised that, even after writing about it a couple of days ago - I had assumed something!

I had assumed that my ad would be right at the top. Why? Well -single ads tend to be in ezines, don't they? Guess where mine was? Right at the bottom, just before the goodbye! lol In my eagerness to expand my marketing - I forget the obvious thing - check what you are going to pay for! I have been a subscriber for some time to this ezine - so it would have been a very simple thing to do to find out where the ads were. Even if there weren't usually any - I should have clarified exactly where mine was going to go!

Another thing which 'fate' decided to remind me of my stupidity became apparent when I read the ezine. Right at the very beginning, the middle, and even near the end - the author announced his own new ebook to his adoring readers! What hope had I of getting noticed when most of the readers would have clicked away and got lost in buying his book - and probably would never come back to read the rest of the ezine!

It was a timely reminder that, yes, indeed, I am human, and not perhaps as clever as I thought I was! I could curse my luck at the timing, and the placement of the ad - but luck had nothing to do with it! This 'failed' (only time will tell) exercise will give me an excellent lesson in making sure that I understand exactly what 'bang' I get from my bucks!

I'll soon be off on a PC free vacation until next Friday 23rd August, when normal daily service (could you call it that?) will be resumed. Vacation ahoy!

Too Much Brain...Not Enough Action!

I have a problem.

Sitting on my hard drive doing absolutely nothing are the following:

1) "The Truth About Success" - A 200 page ebook that I wrote in the early part of the year - I reckon it would take me one week to finish it (although it would take another month to get the 'system' in place for selling it.
2) To Our Success" - A 183 part e-course that is two-thirds finished (I've even written the sales letter for this one!)
3) "Concentration Power" - A re-working of an old classic that is one-third finished
4) "Magnetic Wealth" - A new 'small' ebook which will be the first in a series - this is also two-thirds finished.

I only began #4 last week!

And...my new workbook - The Millionaire Mindset was written after #1,#2 and #3!

Each of these products could be earning me income - yet I am not happy enough to put in the time required to get them up to scratch.

Why?

A number of reasons...and they are different for each one:

The Truth About Success
This is my 'pride and joy'. The plans I had for this ebook would require a lot more effort to get it up to the 'standard' that I want to achieve with it.
My aim was to add at least another 50 pages of various links, reviews, content, etc which would have fit in with the message of the ebook. So - I don't want to launch something that I believe should be priced (and valued) higher - just to bring income in. It's also very difficult to 'step back' six months and get back into the original groove of my thinking.

To Our Success
This is currently designed to be a email 'lesson' every other day for an entire year.
At the moment - I still have to finalise the technology side, which is doable, but nevertheless time consuming. I also have a number of ideas for it - an audio version, or just an ebook version. I also have some ideas about a different way to market it - yet despite devoting three solid weeks to it recently - events have moved on.

Concentration Power
This is a re-write of a 'forgotten' book, which in my opinion is excellent - despite it's age. It takes a lot of time to go through sentence by sentence re-wording a 200 page book, believe me! The 'brain power' needed is surprising, given what I am doing - and at the moment - this is the last in line. This will be an ebook - which will also have a supplementary workbook attached.

Magnetic Wealth
This ebook cum Workbook will be the first in a series of concise, simple, and plain-speaking ebooks that you will be able to easily print out and work with, without using up half of a tree. It will be priced under $20 - and each ebook in the series will complement each other and be badged under the same 'banner'. This one, again is probably a week away from the finishing line.

So - why don't I practice what I preach , you're no doubt asking?

Well, in a way I am. Why? Well, all of these projects WILL be finished when the time is right. I guarantee it!. So - what can be more important than getting these ebooks out - and start making more money?

Well...

This is what I have been doing with my time instead :

1) I have been learning more about copywriting. This is a key 'skill' that many marketers on the net ignore, or put very little importance on. People say get traffic to your site - but if you don't have a website that converts that traffic then - what's the point?

2) Second education - I have started to read-up on persuasion, influence, and how people are moved to do things. This isn't from a manipulative viewpoint - the subject itself is an extremely interesting one - snippets of which I will no doubt be sharing with you in the future. It also links in quite nicely with the copywriting education I am giving myself.

3) I am about to embark on the more 'technical' aspects of becoming known on the net. I am working on plans to make sure that my articles are distributed, that my web pages load more efficiently, that I have a plan for link exchange, and that I configure everything to work well with the search engines. This is no mean task, believe me! The reasoning behind this is that I can drive qualified traffic to my site for free through search engines etc. It should be as important as any other thing that I do online.

4) As it is the school's summer holidays - I am concentrating on being 'just' a Dad. This is as important as everything else put together. I will never, ever neglect my duties as a parent at the expense of more 'material' gains. Another day - another dollar, but every day I need to 'deliver' as a parent.

And the 'moral' of my story? Concentrate on building your foundations before you even think about building your 'empire'!

Assumption Is A Dangerous Game!

One of my most used phrases as a supervisor and manager was "Assumption Is A Dangerous Game".

I always made a point of telling my staff that they should never assume anything. Perhaps a more direct way of saying it was - to assume makes an ass out of u and me! It usually didn't sink in until they assumed something had been done by someone else - and all hell broke loose! By the time I left my job - I think that most people had got it.

It's easy to fall into the trap - especially with such reliance on automated systems for running my 'business' on the Internet. You assume that your website will be 'up' 24/7, that your autoresponders are doing their job, and that your download links are working properly. Take one of the autoresponders that I use for welcoming subscribers to Our Success Partnership ezine, for example. Every day, I manually add in any new subsribers I get from www.ezineplace.com, and I assume that they get sent out correctly.

Big mistake!

The system may tell you one thing, but you must test it to make sure that it works! Every now and again, I add in one of my own personal email addresses from yahoo, just to make sure that it is all working correctly. A couple of days ago, after I had made a few changes, I tested it, and guess what - I didn't receive the 'test' email! So - I fired off an urgent email - and the autoresponder company's techie person is looking at it as I write. (and...the 'test message' function appears to do what it is supposed to!)

So - of course, I'm not going to 'send' any more emails using the autoresponder until I know that it works. Because I didn't assume anything I am now not 'losing out' on any information I could have given my new subscribers. But guess what the hundreds of other users are doing? - probably nothing, because they just assume that it is working!

Don't make a similar mistake. Regularly check (whether online or in the 'real' world) that you aren't assuming that a key part of your business, or even life, is working as it should. If anything impacts on my business then it is my SOLE resonsibility to make sure that it works. Don't fall into the assumption trap - the time it takes to check something will be far less than if you have to re-do everything from scratch if it goes wrong.

Notes From The Masters

I was going through my notes from the Internet Marketing SuperConference this morning to review what I had learned and if I could apply any more of it (yes - I do practise what I preach) - and I came across the answers to the question that I posed to the panel of experts, namely:

"What, in one word, would you say is the secret to your success?"

Here's what they said:

Passion
Persistence
Knowledge
Marketing
Multiple Streams of Income
Faith/Belief
Integrity
Relentless
Failure
'Reason Why'

The last one was from Yanik Silver (who is a very successful online entrepreneur after only 2 years) - and it is also the most interesting!

What's the reason why you do what you do?
What's the reason why people would buy what you sell?
What's the reason why you earn what you earn?

It's an almost never-ending question that interests the 'hell' out of me! I'm sure that I'll write a book (or at least an article) about it someday.

Look at the rest of the words - what do they tell you about what success is? Every one is about YOU. What YOU can do to be successful. These words are simple - but they were certainly difficult for the 'gurus' to think of when they were put on the spot.

How can you use them to help your success in the future?

It's Payback Time!

I've just spent less than an hour surfing the net and I have at least three new ideas written down that I can apply to my business. They didn't cost me anything - I picked them up from message boards, free reports, and articles.

You could find out as much as you would need to know about any subject you could imagine - but do you? Or do you just read and move on? Read, write it down, then move on. It's surprising how quickly your mind will forget once you get onto the next website. Out of the three ideas - I might try just one...but if it even only gains me one more subscriber a day or one more sale a month - it hasn't cost anything - apart from my time.

Can you find ways to get a 'payback' on your internet surf time? It's all out there - you just need to find it, write it down, and act on it.