I’ve Been on Vacation
I took a short, impromptu vacation, and I recommend all of you do that from time to time. It’s all too brief, but refreshing just the same. And, naturally, the vacation explains the recent lack of content… I’ll be back on it in the next day or two.
Book Review Section Coming Soon
I’ve read a few business books in my day, and I thought it was time to write some reviews of them. I’ll write a review of each book and place it here in the “Book Reviews” category so you can easily find them.
I’ll review books that meet the following criteria: 1) I have read the book; 2) I think the book will benefit you (the readers) in some way; and 3) the book deals with some aspect of business. Since, no matter one’s specialty, an entrepreneur must be fluent in all things business, it’s good to read up on the subject. Read all you can about everything you can.
If you can learn a lot from others, you can save yourself some mistakes. Keep an eye out for the first review!
Cube Escape Episode 3: Finding a Niche
In this episode, I talk about Niches. What is a niche, finding your niche, why it’s important to have a niche, and so on. I give some practical advice for niche exploration, and then follow it up with a little business/training opportunity I came across that I think you might enjoy.
Here is the Internet Business Opportunity link.
When to Walk Away
When do you know it’s time to walk away? Is it when the boss/client is not going to pay you? Now, I’m not talking about getting stiffed. In my opinion, getting stiffed is grounds for never working with that individual again.
But what if you are told — or just expected — to work extra and then, when you ask about extra pay, the question is just deflected? Well, pardon my French, but that’s bullshit. When a boss or client plays too close to the chest, as they say, that means they are probably just leading you along. If you ask a simple question, and the reply is something along the lines of “It’s just between you and the deadline,” then there’s a pretty good chance that they have no intention of paying you extra. And if they start putting words in your mouth, then you need to act fast.
Naturally, some projects or arrangements account for any overtime. Some do not. Some work arrangements are just loosely strung together with something that works. If you are a salaried, exempt-class employee, you’re out of luck here. But if you are a freelancer, with a loose verbal agreement, don’t work late, or on the weekends, without premium compensation. If overtime isn’t covered in any written agreement, then don’t fall for that trap. Negotiate compensation or don’t do it.
If you have to walk away, walk away. I think it’s better to walk away then to get walked over by a stingy boss or client. Remember, there’s always more work out there. Don’t settle for crap. Remember that it’s your paycheck and your career.
Oh, and one other thing, if the job is making your stress levels and blood pressure skyrocket, you probably need to get out, and get out fast. No job is worth dying over… not even a little dying, day by day. Find something that works for you, not for your boss or client.
Having a Bad Day? Focus on Your Goal
We all have bad days, for any number of reasons. I was having a bad day this morning. Things were just going rough. No worries, though, because after I caught myself wallowing in my bad day, I focused on my goal and the stress just went away.
Whenever you feel stressed about your job, or your business, or even the balance of your checking account, just focus on your goal. Put an image in your head of your perfect day and focus on it. Stop what you’re doing and center yourself on that mental image. Focus on your goal — on where you’re going — and the stress will just melt away.
Bad days happen. Don’t let them ruin your day. When you catch yourself having a bad day, take a moment to center yourself and you’ll be fine.
Cube Escape Episode 2: What is Your Calling?
In this episode, I discuss the concept of vocation. I wrote about this in my last post. I ask the following question:
- What is your calling?
You get to learn about my calling, and get some practical advice for figuring out what your calling might be. Download the link, listen to it here, or head over to iTunes and subscribe.
What is Your Vocation?
Today, most people think of a vocation as what they do for money. I think that time and a century or so of misguided work environments has diluted that word. Many people interpret the question “What is your vocation?” as “What is your job?” I think we, as a whole, need to take another look at that word.
The word vocation comes from old Latin vocatio or vocacio, which means a call, summons, or calling. Quick reference here.
These days, it seems that whenever someone thinks of one’s “calling,” they are referring to a spiritual calling of some nature. While that definition does apply, a calling can be anything. And it doesn’t have to come from some higher power, either. A calling typically comes from within you.
What is your calling? What is it that you are calling yourself to do? Sit on the couch? Sure, that’s nice and relaxing, but it will get boring after a few weeks. You’ll have to do something or you’ll waste away to nothing. Do you know what your calling is? I just recently figured mine out, but I’m not going to share it here. You’ll have to listen to my next podcast for that.
To figure out your calling, you may have to do some deep digging into yourself. You might have to think back to your teenage years to learn what you did that made you happy. I heard someone once ask what you would be doing if no one was paying you. What would you be doing? If you have no idea what your calling is, start with this question and then dig deeper: “What would I be doing if no one was paying me?”
Stop Reading and Start Doing
“Just one more book, and I’m ready.” Do you say that to yourself? I used to. I didn’t get tired of reading, and I still feel like I don’t have enough information or ideas. But I was ready to start.
Are you ready to start? There comes a time when you need to start. This is no time in particular, but you’re going to have to start sometime soon, so why not now? Action produces results. Reading does not. I’m not saying that reading is bad. I love to read and write, and it’s one of my favorite methods for learning new things.
What you need to do is take a look at the reading you are doing now, and the next few books you have on your must-read list. How much time is all that reading taking out of your schedule? Could you be using that time to start your business or grow an existing venture? Is reading and learning theory really the best use of your time, or are you ready to apply some of that theory to yourself?
I say it’s time for you to start. It’s time to move from theory to application. You can read and learn along the way.
Cube Escape Episode 1: Why Start a Business?
In this episode, I ask and answer the question, “Why start a business?” There are many reasons why one should start a business, and you don’t have to be unemployed or quit your job to do so. I explore the reasons behind starting a business and then give a little homework assignment.
Here are some my key points:
- Freedom
- More Time
- Much Higher Income Potential
- Control Over Your Career
- Your Job Right Now Is Destroying You
You can either listen here, or get it from iTunes and listen to it on your iPod. I’ll be submitting it to other directories in the very near future, so keep your eyes peeled if you are a non-iPod sort of person.
The Rich Jerk Reviewed
As promised, I have reviewed The Rich Jerk’s ebook and audio commentary. Get it because it’s inexpensive (cheaper than most business books, but actually capable of helping you produce results), and good. It’s not the most informative ebook I’ve ever read on internet business and marketing, but it’s not meant to be an all-inclusive how to do everything book.
The Rich Jerk states as such in the book. Basically, it’s a short, quick guide to making money online, without all the fluff. It’s short enough to read in one sitting, so, theoretically, you could download it, read it, and start implementing it’s advice all in one evening. The audio commentary (an optional upgrade) is quite beneficial. Areas of the book are explained and examples given to clear up any confusion or head off potential questions about an area of the book.
This book isn’t for everyone, and it’s not meant to be. Nor will everyone want to use all of the techniques The Rich Jerk talks about in his book. But that’s OK. Pick and choose a couple of items / techniques from the book and get started right away.
This ebook is cheap, and if you upgrade to get the audio commentary (which he may discontinue at any time), it still costs less than most new-release DVDs. So, buy a new DVD or buy a book that could change your financial outlook for years to come? Two hours of fun, or what could amount to years of constant cashflow. Which one do you think I would pick?
The bottom line is that the book is inexpensive and packed with some easy-to-implement ideas for making money online. Buy it, read it, and then do it. The worst that will happen is that you hate it and get your money back. The best that can happen…?
Ecommerce Unveiled
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