In time the texting concept caught my attention. Slowly I began to gain more interest in using it. My original thoughts were somewhat lost in my mind as I could no longer heavily weigh the reasons I shouldn’t bother texting over the reasons I should – the tables had turned. It seems now I use SMS messaging every day, with many contacts. Had I simply looked back 4-5 years ago I’d never have thought this would be the case.

The main reasons I’m so fond of texting is pure convenience. Maybe I’m one of the few who think about this but I tend to worry about calling someone because I don’t want to be interrupting their dinner, date or maybe even a nap. Though I shouldn’t feel guilty (they should turn the phone on vibrate) as it’s impossible to know when I can/can’t call, I still do. With texting I can simply send someone a message and get a response when they are able to reply, it’s that easy. On top of that, it barely disrupts what I’m doing…and I can do so practically anywhere without disrupting the people around me.

But, this all brings me to my recent thought. Conversations have changed with technology. In fact, can we even call some of our communication methods conversations? It’s strange to me to say I “had a conversation” with a friend even though I simply texted back and forth. To me, it’s missing a key value of relationship building.

Along with texting of course there are methods such as Skype (text chat), AIM, Facebook chat/messaging, email, Twitter….the list goes on. Do those have the same conversation values? Though technology can be absolutely wonderful, I question if we’re losing the personal touch of having a face-to-face or audible conversation with other people in our lives.

Don’t be afraid to pick up that phone and dial instead of texting. Having a real dialogue is healthy – let’s not lose that skill.

I, like you, am a victim of my own bad habits. There’s nobody else to blame for the failures. In one hand I typically set the bar pretty high for myself, sometimes to unrealistic challenges, while other times I keep certain things at levels that aren’t even going to require effort to accomplish.

Now that 2011 is upon us, take an approach that may be a bit different than previous years. Grab a full-size piece of paper and a pen, then write out each goal you have in mind. The order doesn’t matter but just make sure you write them all down including as much detail as possible. Once you’ve done so the next step is very important and probably something you’ve never done before. Next to each goal I want you to write the date you wish to accomplish/reach the goal. Getting specific such as “By March 2011″, “June 1st” or another specific date. Do NOT write “Within 90 days” because that does not set a time frame – the start date has no value. Lastly, go into your calendar such as Outlook, Google Calendar, iCal, or whatever program you use the most, and add all your goals with the corresponding dates attached. Be sure to set up a reminder (even multiple) prior to that date to help make sure you’re on track.

You may be surprised but this approach may very well help you stick to those resolutions unlike years past. For me, this is exactly what I’ve done. In years past I’ve been terrible with using a calendar even in my work/business life, but have been trying to make that change. Now adding goals with dates…I KNOW I’ll be more determined. Measuring my success rate will not only be exciting but educational, and I certainly look forward to hearing how this works for you.

Will you stick to your 2011 resolutions? I’d love to hear how it goes for you.

Something that I’ve recently come to think about is how much “work” we put into our business(es). Something I will always stand behind is that we, here in America anyway, “work” too much. The typical 40-hours a week is practically a minimum now-a-days as most corporate america employees work well over 40, sometimes up to 60 hours a week. To me, that’s just insane. Better yet, I don’t even think it’s healthy. Do you think we are meant (by a higher power, or whatever you may believe in) to spend 40, 50 or even 60 hours of our lives each week devoted to “working”? I…really doubt it. Even doctors and scientists have stated that we’re generally killing ourselves.

It’s no surprise when I say stress is a bad thing, right? And how many people are stressed on a daily basis? Unfortunately we’ve turned into a “get more done in less time” society over the past decade, and while it may have helped to grow a lot of companies, it hasn’t done just as much good in people’s lives.

So, as this weekend comes and goes, I hope you take time to relax, get together with family/friends, de-stress, enjoy the good in your life, and think about time-management. Personally, I’ve spent an entire day and a half doing, practically, no “work”. As much as I’ve wanted to be productive there is a need to pause, sit down, and soak in the down-time.

There’s one thing I know for a fact; you’re not getting any younger. Is there really enough value in watching reality TV shows that you spend a few hours (or more) in front of the television? Now of course some of the shows can be informative but the majority? Definitely not worth the time.

Instead, I challenge you to take an hour, grab a book, and read. I’ll be the first to admit that reading is not my thing. Heck, if I could have everything in video or audio form, that would be sweet! Let’s not kid ourselves – somethings are better in text form anyway. But lately I’ve began doing the unthinkable – picking up a book and swallowing up the content. And I must say that I’m actually enjoying it.

You’re probably wondering what exactly it is that I’m reading, right? As this probably isn’t a shocker, I’m not really reading for “fun” per say but instead for motivation, keeping up my drive, staying connected with other entrepreneurs, and trying to remain up-to-speed.  A couple months ago the book I picked up and read through in a couple days was Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk, and you can read my Crush It review if you’re interested in hearing about the book. Currently, I’m reading Rework by the co-founder of 37Signals, Jason Fried, and Partner, David Heinemeier Hansson. Seeing as I’m only about 50 pages into the book thus far there isn’t a whole lot I can share, but what I’ve read up to this point is awesome. For the early entrepreneur, the enthusiastic go-getter, the type of person who loves making this happen and seeing the results, this book is  a perfect fit. Generally speaking it’s a testament to those who are trying to build a product, service, and/or business with little money, a team made up of 1-3 people, and even those who think spending 80 hours a week working is crazy. If you fit any of those molds…get this book and then let me know what you find most interesting.

Spending that extra 2 hours a week, flipping open those pages in a book such as Rework or Crush It can absolutely change your life. It’s not about some grand ole’ plan to determine your path but instead get your off your butt, moving towards what you want to accomplish. Life is short and the TV can certainly be put aside.

Anyway, I didn’t come here to spew excuses or anything of that nature. Lately I’ve been shifting my focus. Internet Marketing is a great industry but my direct path I was looking to tackle is slightly different than originally intended. There’s good reason, and no, I’m not going “away”.

Here’s the exact truth: the potential is endless on the web. You can take a small niche idea and turn it into a very successful business. I’ve seen so many awesome start-up products turn widely successful, and it’s mind-boggling. The thing is, I like to stick my hands into lots of projects; that’s me. If I wrote out a list for you…let’s just say you would think I’m nuts!

The point of this message is to share with you that I’m shifting my overall focus. No longer am I just targeting network and internet marketing projects. My interests are pretty wide and, well, I’m not getting any younger. My friends that know me best would agree that I try to tackle a lot, and honestly that’s the only way I want to go.

You’ll see my blog here shift. My refocus effort isn’t a here today gone tomorrow scenario. Instead, my posts will vary quite a bit. You’ll read more into what I’m doing, what I think, what I’ve experienced, and other related areas. As I thought more about this the past couple weeks there were far more good reasons, and thus…I hope you continue to read.

Lastly, I am going to try very hard to write a post at least four times a month. It may be two posts in a given week – let’s see how this goes.

Thanks for checking in here. Feel free to comment and message me.

Now that I have admitted to my lack of posting, I’m determined to get back into it. My goal is to somewhat change this blog/site around a little – improve the direction, content and value it provides. I’ll be posting on many more topics around business, marketing, the internet, technology, etc..

So, hang tight. I realize going so long without posting can turn people away but I’m confident I can win my readers back.

Thanks for sticking around!

For many years we, humans, have wanted to accomplish things – personal achievements, new goals, business growth, etc.. What leads us to those accomplishments? Is it desire? Is it commitment? Or is it even time? The honest answer is all three plus more! We don’t accomplish things without many (if not all) of those elements even though they may be second nature.

I was thinking the other day to myself, “What drives me to get things done?” and “Why do I do so many things at once?”. The answer is simple, I enjoy it. But there are problems with the way I’ve tried doing it all. My time management is on and off depending on what I’m doing. If I’m on the computer working on a website, I can guarantee you I have MANY windows/tabs open for different websites such as Twitter, Facebook, ListJumper….which may have little or nothing to do with what I’m working on.

Time management is absolutely important. My example is one you shouldn’t follow. Look at the last time I posted a blog….and I could have easily been posting consistently, but didn’t manage my time well.

If you struggle to manage your time, it’s very normal. Instead of watching 1.5 hours of TV, spend only 1 hour watching TV and the other .5 hour writing a blog or catching up on email. During that .5 hour, don’t multi-task – just do one thing! You’ll appreciate what you’re able to get done in that time.

Thanks for coming by and you can certainly look forward to more posts, now.

Many of those who I’ve learned about have impressed upon me ways of growth. One of the important things I’ve absorbed is creating a name for myself, creating a brand, and building a repore. I’ve decided to build my name into something positive as I know it’s worthwhile and professional.

In my quest for success, I believe that there are people who you can and can’t trust, but in order to reach that certain “success” you’re working for, you need to practice what you preach.