Ladies and Gentlemen!
Boys and Girls!
People of all ages!
I present to you 90 Days to a SMASHING Success!
October 7, 2011 was officially my LAST DAY as a full time employee. Starting October 8, 2011 I am full time at A Better Way of Business.
Also, starting October 8, 2011 is this journey. 90 Days to a SMASHING Success! Where I will be chronicling my first 90 days of being self employed through a series of DAILY video posts. That’s right, each and every day I will be recording videos to post RIGHT HERE!
I’m planning on covering any number of topics in the videos. As of right now (evening of October 7) my thought is I will be making a video each morning hitting the highlights of what it is I intend on doing for my business that day. Whether it’s contact clients, write / record blog posts, read and comment on other blogs, work with clients, or simply take the day off to spend time with Skye, Alexander, friends, family, or go to Church, I’ll be covering it all RIGHT HERE!
What’s the purpose of this? Why should you care? What do I expect to get out of it? All good questions (some still needing more refining!).
1) I want to improve the videos I make. And although I have EVERY INTENTION of leaving these videos “rough” (I will hit record, talk, and then you’ll see me click the stop recording button and I’ll upload), I still want to get more comfortable in front of a camera. The best way I know to do that is through frequent practice. This project will allow for that.
2) Benefits to my target market. At A Better Way of Business I REALLY want to focus on service providing small business owners who have recognized that their business is not running as it should. It’s not making enough money, they’re working too much, basically, the dream they had for their business has turned into a living nightmare! By showing the ins and outs during this 90 day journey I hope to provide valuable, real life, real time examples of what TO do (and I know they’ll be some what NOT to do). By doing this everyone involved learns (me as the guinea pig and you as the observer).
3) Accountability. By putting this out here I now have to ACT! Or guess what??? I loose face. I lo0se creditability. So I am expecting and hoping for a growing, thriving community to build around this project that is here to not just watch the 90 day journey, but to be a PART of the 90 day journey! I plan on getting YOU to root for my SUCCESS!
4) Propel my business forward beyond my expectations. I’m naturally wired by God to want to not only meet, but EXCEED expectations. By starting each day with what I want to accomplish I have a target. I have a goal in mind. And I’m going to do my best to EXCEED that goal.
5) I’m leaving this open because I think there are MORE benefits that are going to come from this than either you or I are aware of at this time.
So there you have it!
90 Days to a SMASHING Success!
This is going to be a FANTASTIC ride! Buckle. Hold on! Let’s ROLL!
If you have comments, questions, concerns, or just want to send me a shout out please send emails to 90days@abetterwayofbusiness.com.
~Ivan
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Intro Video: Recorded October 4th, 2011 within 30 minutes of me coming up with this idea the video had been recorded! Lesson to take away? SPEED OF IMPLEMENTATION IS CRUCIAL!
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Day 1: Video 1
I plan to accomplish three things. 1) Planning 2) Goal Setting 3) Reworking the “Work With Me” page.
(If you’re wondering, Alexander woke up as I walked down the steps from my office!)
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Day 1: Video 2
Sorry for me talking so quietly. I woke Alexander up and could hear him crying right after I introduced myself. Can you tell I was warn out???
I ended up spending 3 hours on work today. 1.5 hrs on goal setting. 1 hr on planning. and .5 hrs on replying to comments, emails, and online discussions. Good day, even if I didn’t accomplish everything I set out to.
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Day 2: Video 1
It’s Sunday. Planning on getting some rest. I will work a little on my plans and maybe sort through some emails, but more focused on rest.
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Day 3: Video 1
It’s MONDAY! First official Monday of the self employed journey.
I’ll be honest with yall, the fear, the concern, the thought of “What the HELL did you just do!” is beating me up pretty BAD! No fear though! Because although the mental dialogue SUCKS, I’m STILL MOVING FORWARD! A lot to accomplish is a short time.
Today, I’m hammering out the rest of my blog content for the week. Then I’m POURING myself into planning and defining key areas of the business.
And I call out to ANYONE who wants to share what they want to accomplish in 90 days. Even if it’s not in 90 days, what are you working on? Share with us! We’d love to know!
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Day 3: Video 2
It was a GOOD day! The inner voice telling me I made a mistake left early this morning as I pounded away on many things. I finished setting up all my posts for the weeks, spent some time reading through other peoples’ blogs, made a connection based off a comment I left, and poured myself into defining some service offerings. I finished the day with a Skype conference with my accountability group.
GREAT DAY!
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Day 4: Video 1
Looking forward to another AWESOME DAY!
I’m going to spend some time this morning read through other peoples’ blogs and looking for ways to add value, another group conference call at noon, and scattered throughout I’ll continue defining some service offerings.
I”m PUMPED! How about you???
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Day 5: Video 1
Today I’m going to revamp my work with me page. I have a testimonial I want to include and update what it is I offer to small businesses. I’m also going to work on content for the blog and move some furniture.
What are YOU doing today??? Tweet it to me @Ivanbickett
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Day 5: Video 2
Spent the day reworking my Hire Me page. TWICE! Also Skyped with another business owner and we agreed to barter our services to each other (we both need what the other offers)! SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THIS! Heading to the Speak it Forward Boot Camp tomorrow! It’s going to be GREAT!
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Day 6: Video 1
Going to the Speak it Forward Boot Camp for the next 3 days! I’M SO EXCITED! I get to learn everything Kent Julian knows about speaking, meet GREAT PEOPLE, and add another tool that’s going to help me succeed here.
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Day 7: Video 1
Day two of the Speak it Forward Boot Camp with Kent Julian! I’m EXCITED!
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Day 8: Video 1
It’s the last day of the Speak it Forward Boot Camp by Kent Julian. I’m VERY excited to learn even more today and cement the relationships that have been created!
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Day 9: Video 1
It’s Sunday, the day after the Speak it Forward Boot Camp (which I definitely recommend to ANYONE who wants to use speaking in their business). I’m tired! It’s a testament to how much Kent Julian tells us at the Boot Camp. Today I’m just going to rest with Skye and Alexander and later go to Gwinnett Church. Enjoy!
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Day 10: Video 1
This morning I revamped my morning routine. I’m going to spend 30 minutes with God and 30 minutes exercising. I realized that once I felt God lead me in the direction of self employment I said, “Ok. I’ll do it!” Then I have been going my own way. However, I need God and want to follow the path He would like me to. So I”m going to make sure to spend time with Him everyday. Also, the Speak it Forward Boot Camp with Kent Julian helped show me how important being in good physical shape is for someone who is self employed. I was way more tired than I should have been. And that’s because I’m in horrible shape. So I’m going to start exercising daily so I’ll have the energy I need to make this happen!!!
As for what I’m working on today, I need to produce some content, I need to create some forms, and I need to contact a client. I’m excited!
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Day 11: Video 1
This morning I cover my accomplishments from yesterday (did what I wanted to do!!! yippy!!!). I also talk about how negativity is affecting me. I let you know I posted my goals for this project. And I give you heads up that I’m continuing to work on a form and I have a lunch meeting.
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Day 11: Video 2
I spent time this morning reading blogs and responding to people. It worked. The negativity is out of my head. I”m going to spend the rest of the after noon hammering out my form. I want it finished today! I also make a shout out to lifechurch.tv for a GREAT message on defeating inner criticism.
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Day 11: Video 3
Three videos in one day?!?! It cannot be! It is so!!!
So I finished my form much quicker than I expected. So now I’m going to spend some time reading a few free ebooks I received for signing up for blogs last week. Then I’m going to chill with Skye and Lil Man. Going to be great. I can’t wait! Have a great evening folks!
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Day 12: Video 1
Lot of stuff to do today. Need to email a client. Then chug away on my to do list. LOTS of stuff to do on there! Allergy shots and lunch with Skye. I’m excited.
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Day 13: Video 1
I cover what I accomplished on day 12 and run through a little of what I am going to do today.
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Day 14: Video 1
I talk about the hole in my retina. And how I’m working on defining on paper my ideal client AND who I don’t want to work with.
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Day 14: Video 2
I got a lot done today. Finished setting up my office, wrote content for next week, skyped with Dr. Jack Lynady, updated my about page, recorded a 15 minute about video, and worked on more of who is my ideal client. Super pumped about what was accomplished.
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Day 15: Video 1
Hanging out with family today.
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Day 16: Video 1
I’m investing in my family and God today. Spending time with Skye and Alexander and later we’ll be going to church.
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Day 17: Video 1
A lot to do today. I need to A) record two episodes of be remarkable b) send out emails asking for guests post for the One Thing series c) setup Quickbooks for A Better Way of Business c) send an email to a client d) read through a lot of blog posts I subscribe to. It’s going to be a great day!
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Day 17: Video 2
It was a great morning. I sent out 6 requests for guest posts. I addressed various emails I needed to for one of my groups. I emailed a client. I made 2 videos for Be Remarkable! Got my allergy shots, went to Walmart, and had lunch with my beautiful wife! Got back, made a blog post, and then spent THREE HOURS trying to get my internet to work right. STUPID INTERNET AND STUPID COMPUTER. Finished up the day with a great accountability group meeting.
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Day 18: Video 1
This morning I’ll be working on Quickbooks followed by my Tuesday group meeting. Looking forward to a great meeting there. I’ll probably come back after lunch and let you know what’s planned for this afternoon.
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Day 18: Video 2
Had a good day. I setup Quickbooks for the business and now know how much I’ve spent. Had a great group call at lunch. Barter for services for a couple hours afterwards and received some GREAT feedback on my 20 Points Business Analysis. Then I woked on FAA material for a couple hours. Great day!
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Day 19: Video 1
Going to create some content this morning. Make my first podcast ever with Kevin Gainey at 10 (super excited about this)! Work on FAA material this afternoon. And start some revisions on the 20 Points Business Analysis. Going to be great.
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Day 20: Video 1
I recap day 19, which was a day of “not happenings”. And I’m not sure what I’ll get done today as my parents are coming to visit. I know I’ll upload an assignment to FAA. Not sure other than that.
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Day 21: Video 1
Since we were supposed to be in Alabama today we’re going to act as if we’re still on vaction! We’re taking Alexander to the aquarium (this is also one of Skye’s 2011 goals). Then later today I want to work on some FAA activities.
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Day 22: Video 1
Spending the day with Skye and Alexander. Not sure I’ll do anything business related. Have a great Saturday yall!
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Day 23: Video 1
So I keep saying this is day 22… But I’m wrong. It’s day 23. Sorry for the confusion. Also, it’s 430 PM! Totally forgot to make a video this morning. Got woke up early by Lil Man and been hanging out with him and Skye ever since. This really has felt like a nice vacation. Ready to hit it hard tomorrow though! Not much going on today. Just relaxing. Later some FAA assignments. Have a great evening!
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Day 24: Video 1
This morning I’m going to make a couple posts for the blog then at 10AM Kevin Gainey and I will be putting on our first podcast! So excited. At lunch I have a bunch of running around to do and after that I’ll be back with more work!
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Day 24: Video 2:
So far today I completed one post, read through a bunch (4) of guest posts, and recorded a podcast with my friend Kevin Gainey (so excited about it!). Then I had lunch with Skye, got my allergy shots, bought a pair of jeans, and went to two stores looking for a sports coat (which I refuse to pay the prices for the one I saw). Great day. Now to more content, FAA assingment, and later tonight a group call! This is it until tomorrow. Have a great afternoon and evening.
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Day 25: Video 1
Going to rerecord the podcast this morning (it had some tech difficulties so we need to redo it). Then some FAA work, followed by my Tuesday group meeting at noon. Going to be a great day!
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Day 26: Video 1
Today I’m starting my local networking efforts (which I’m super excited about). And I’m following that up with figuring out how to use MailChimp.
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Day 26: Video 2
I have to say, I am fired up in this video! Here’s what I talk about: THIS IS A GOOD DAY! The networking event host by Steven Julian went great! Followed by coffee with him. Then I had lunch with a fellow FAA’er. And read through the responses by Jonathan Pool, instructor of IDEA at FAA! Great day!
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Day 27: Video 1
I talk about my need to add value in other’s communities. I also share how work I’m doing at A Better Way of Business is helping others. I go on to say I’m spending the morning commenting on other’s blog and then working on a plan to be better organized with content consumption.
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Day 27: Video 2
I spent the morning reading blogs and adding value where I could. This lead to several videos I created for future posts. Then after lunch I’ve been learning about how I can better use YouTube for business. Great Day. Off to take Alexander to the Doctor!
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Day 28: Video 1
I’m going to volunteer at a local community organization that serves the working poor. I’ll be helping to sort food for the upcoming holiday seasons. Not sure what this afternoon holds.
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Day 28: Video 2
Spent the morning working at the North Gwinnett Co-op! Maureen Kornowa runs one well organized operation there! For 3.5 hours I didn’t slow down! I think we helped 40+ families this morning! I’m BEAT! Going to rest now.
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Day 29: Video 1
We’re heading out to do some weekly shopping and to go to breakfast date. Later I’m going to send some emails. Peace out, yos!
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Day 30: Video 1
Day 30 Video 1. We’re half way through this journey! I plan on updating yall on my progress towards my goals, but that will have to be tomorrow. Now, I think Alexander has the flu. He’s running 102.8 and puking frequently! Poor little guy. Talk to yall tomorrow.
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Day 31: Video 1
I’m home with a sick Lil Man today. I’ve already addressed some emails, but not sure what else I’ll get done today.
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Day 32: Video 1
First off, Alexander is doing better and at daycare today. The agenda for today? This morning I’ll be recording another episode of the Free Agent Toolbox Podcast. Then I’ll be sending out a bunch of emails to people I’ve met recently. At lunch I have the Tuesday group chat. Not sure what this afternoon holds, but I’m sure it’ll be a blast!
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Day 33: Video 1
Great day so far. I had a quiet time, took Alexander to daycare, started on the 100 Up Challenge, and am in the kitchen making some breakfast. Going to send out some emails, edit a video, participate in an online webinar today. Very excited!
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Day 34: Video 1
So I got up and left the house between 545 and 550 AM to go meet my good friend Chris Sutton for breakfast. I meet weekly with Chris and some other guys for accountability and ideas (among other things), but this was the first time I got to meet him in person. GREAT time! Later today I have a Skype call and then I’m going to do some serious thinking and contemplation. Going to be a great day!
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Day 35: Video 1
Alexander is home with a stomach virus. Threw up three times in his bed last night. So I’m home taking care of him this morning.
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Day 36: Video 1
Sent out some emails this morning. Then had 1.75 hour talk with my good friend Kai about business. Then 2 to 3 hour talk with Skye. THERE ARE GOING TO BE MASSIVE CHANGES TO BUSINESS IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE! Stay tuned!
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Day 37: Video 1
I apologize for my … low energy levels here. I have a sinus headache for the record books. It’s hurting so much I have tears in my eyes, my forehead and my eyelids are swollen, my vision is blurry, my teeth keep going numb. This is insane! So HUGE changes coming to A Better Way of Business! I will be discussing them this week. So the blogs won’t be going out at the regular 5AM time. They’ll come out as I write them each day. Stay tuned!
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Day 38
No video today. 8 hours in ER over the worst headache in my life (worse than any migraine I’ve ever had!).
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Day 39: Video 1
Good day today. My headache was much better. Actually, it was gone for part of the day, and better for the rest! Yippy! Had a time with my Tuesday group, then recorded another episode of the Free Agent Tool Box Podcast with Kevin Gainey. After that I responded to all the comments I got yesterday (it was awesome, thanks so much for caring, yall)!
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Day 40: Video 1
Going to be a great day today. I have an appointment with a DO to find out what happened with my head. I’m telling yall, that headache scared me. I’m used to SEVERE headaches. I get worse headaches than most people. But that was something different on Monday. So I’m going to a local guy that helped solve a problem Skye took to half a dozen different doctors. Hopefully he can help me. In addition, I’m going to send out a few emails to people and write a post regarding my goals for the 90 Days to a SMASHING Success! HUGE changes coming. Yall pay attention! Thanks for all the love Monday and yesterday. I really needed it and greatly appreciate it!
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Day 41: Video 1
Sorry folks, I keep screwing up my day when I do the video… I frequently say day 40 in this video, but it’s day 41. Sorry for the confusion. So this video is… more …. raw, for lack of a better word. I woke up in a funk and went for a walk to talk to God and try and get out of the funk. The walk helped, but I didn’t get the concrete answers I’m looking for. Honestly, I’m just ready to throw my hands in the air and quit. Walk away. Be done with this. The last two weeks have been one instance after another of getting sick and getting kicked while down. I’m tired of it. Ready to move on.
But I won’t. I’m not giving up. Massive changes are coming and I’m excited about it. We all get kicked in the balls occasionally, but it’s how we react to that that sets us apart. I’m going to stand up and keep marching forward. You?
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Day 42: Video 1
I’m going to spend the morning volunteering at the North Gwinnett Co-op. Helping to give out food for Thanksgiving. I’m EXCITED! Later I’m making another video regarding the changes going on here and then I’m going to work on some odds and ends. Going to be a good day!
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Day 43: Video 1
It’s a day of resting and relaxing with Skye and Alexander. After the headaches of last week and the mental strain, I need some rest. I’ve fallen asleep in the floor a couple times today. Tonight we’re going to dinner with a friend who’s turning 30. Good times. Yall have a good evening!
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Day 44: Video 1
Just chilling with the family today. Going to be heading to church here in a bit. It’s going to be a good time. Now for some blog reading!
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Day 45: Video 1
It’s Monday before Thanksgiving. I need to do all kinds of stuff to catch up after the last two weeks! Going to be exciting!
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Day 46: Video 1
Another fun filled day here at A Better Way of Business. Recording a podcast this morning with Mr. Kevin Gainey. Then I need to put out a blog post, meet with my Tuesday group, watch some tutorials for Mailchimp and will be finishing off the day with my Wednesday group (moved to today in light of Thanksgiving). Yall have a great day!
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Day 47: Video 1
Trying to get Lil Man to take a nap has been hard today, yall! I’ll be writing a blog post after this video and then it’s back to getting the house ready for everyone to come here tomorrow for Thanksgiving.
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Day 48: Video 1
It’s Thanksgiving Day, yall! And both sides of the family are coming to our house to eat and hang out! Going to be a great time. I hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day as well.
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Day 49: Video 1
Had my MRI this morning. Won’t get to go over with the doctor until next week sometime. Then Skye, Alexander, and I had breakfast with Aunt Dewayne. And then we went and had lunch with Kai. Great times. Virtually no business going on today.
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Day 50: Video 1
Hung out with Alexander today while Skye worked. Great times. Now we’re all hanging out as a family. No work today.
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Day 50: Video 1
No work today. It’s the last day of the Thanksgiving break (and my birthday). So we put up the tree and some decorations and just enjoyed each others time. Hope yall all had a great vacation and are ready to hit the ground running starting tomorrow.
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Day 51: Video 1
I’m going to write a blog post this morning. Them I’m off to network with a new friend I met at the Suwanee Business Alliance. After that I’ll be having lunch with my beautiful wife, followed by a doctor’s appointment to go over my MRI, and some keyword research. Going to be a busy, fun filled day!
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Day 52: Video 1
A lot going on this morning and some additional learning going on this afternoon. I’ll be writing a blog post soon, followed by recording another episode of the Free Agent Toolbox Podcast, followed by a run, followed by my Tuesday Group meeting. This afternoon I’m going to spend some time doing some additional learning about my diet and health (stemmed by the MRI review I had yesterday).
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Day 53:
I was totally shocked and surprised on the morning of Day 54 when I realized I did not make or post a video yesterday. This is the first day I have missed, barring a medical emergency, in the series. I sincerely apologize for the over site. Check out Day 54′s video for my attempt at an explanation.
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Day 54: Video 1
In this video I provide a bit of an explanation as to why I missed yesterday, it wasn’t intentional, and I plead with you to take care of yourself so you can live the life you want.
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Day 55: Video 1
I did not record a video on this day. No excuse. Just missed it.
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Day 56: Video 1
I let everyone know that I applied for Class O over at Tentblogger. I’m excited about the new project Mr. Saddington is launching and hope and pray I get to be a part of it.