I dare you 2

Leif

My goal would be to secure a publishing contract for my currently self-published book, "The Cave Creek Kid". It's a wholesome, cowboy-theme picture book for the youngest readers.

It started as a fun side project I did for my son. Given the modest effort I've put into marketing and distribution it's really turned into something surprisingly successful, and I believe it has a great deal of potential. It's always been on the back burner behind my design business, but I want to focus on it more and see how far I can take it.

More about the book can be learned at www.cavecreekkid.com. I'm open, and hopeful, for advice from bizniks who might be able to offer suggestions or support in my publishing endeavor.

Thanks.

Tuesday 17th Sept 2008 By this time next year I will be serving 20 plus peeps in one on one (group environment) training and functional movement to launch them to the next phase of fitness (whatever that may be for the individual- droping time-climbing a mountain-swimming-bodybuilding-over all health and freedom of movement). The income generated by this will be 12k plus per month. Which will allow me to provide a higher quality service.

GLWG (Seattle) By this time next year have a steady enrollment of 20-40 peeps. Supporting budget 4k-8k. Along with a strong relationship with Super Jack and Jill so that the walking participants can go and purchase walking garments. Place to give walking lectures and parties for members.

BBCJ (Bellevue) By this time next year have a steady enrollment of10-20 peeps. Supporting budget $1,500-3k along with strong partnership with title nine to give educational programs and host parties for partipants.

I realize marketing is the key to this happening. Yet it will be build 75%-85% in 5-6 month just off word of mouth. My time then can go to the client and their needs.

These are pretty much next year's goals - off the top of my head - the public pressure to perform has always been good for me!

I'm gonna make 100k next year between doing massage, classes, speaking gigs and special events.

I'm going to throw 3 major parties.

I'm going to travel at least once on an all-expenses paid international flight to go to an exotic location on business - ie to give someone a massage.

I'm going to host at least ... 28 biznik events in the year of 09.

I'm going to forgive all of the personal and professional contacts that have %$#ed me over or completely ignored me in the last 2 years somewhere in the range of 20,000 times each, in the year 2009. this will open me up to universal flow of prosperity that is trying to bless me with it's abundance... oh that resentment, gotta heal it!

I'm going to burning man.

I'm going to have a thriving, successful out-call business with clients who love and appreciate my expertise and who compensate me generously for my services.

I am going to have at least two magazine/high media interviews in 2009.

I am going to drop 20 lbs and get physically fit by working out 4-6 days a week and training with a personal trainer (already on that one!)

what else...

um - save the world.

...just as a hobby, you know. I also like to work with beads. They are ever so pleasingly shiny!

Whew! I set some lofty goals for myself last year.

By the end of 2008, I am a local go-to source for green interior decor for businesses and events.

• Working on that. My focus has shifted to homes and offices, nixing event decorating, excepting for small parties in house.

I am booked at least 3 months out in advance for projects and am living sustainably from my business income, including putting funds into my IRA and savings on a monthly basis.

• Not yet 3 months or savings, etc. but I am finally meeting my monthly expenses - or about to - just started some regular PT work, including working at SPACE design center, which is good exposure for me and we have some hot marketing packaging upcoming!

I have been featured as up-and-coming in Seattle Woman magazine and Oprah is keeping her eye on me! By the end of 2009, I have been on Oprah or my product featured by her - or Martha Stewart!

• I haven't done my big PR release yet. Hit a few snags in the road. Actually don't care SO much about the Oprah/MS thing at this point. Working on honing my niche and just being a local go-to resource.

• One thing I DID do was launch my product review service! Received over 50 responses to my call on HARO. Received today the first batch of products for reviewing. This will be great content for my column and biz blogging!

By the end of 2008, I have either bought my first home or at least in the position to do so.

• I'm quite far from this one. Or at least, it feels like it. Have been working on making monthly rent!
  

In my personal life, I am partnered with my supa fabulous life and love mate, and we are planning our future adventures together, as well as living blissfully in the present with each other!

• Thought I had this one down. Doesn't work when the other party isn't completely on board with you. This is still very much a desire of mine. I am built to partner loyally with one person. Like, I was born this way.

I visit my parents monthly - or bi-monthly in Portland and have a client or two there as well.

• Not there yet. This will come naturally with the income increasing. Have a potential client there - initial project fell through but has future possibility.

THANK YOU for the heads up. I like this accountability.

Are you going to start an "I dare you 2009" ?? I certainly have new goals in mind.

My goal of launching my next internet business has not been completed. Actually, two months ago I totally switched gears on the project when Google finally launched Android on the G1 phone. Now the project is going to be phone based with web components instead of just web. So I am setting a new goal for 3 months from now to launch version 1 of the Android app that we are working on.

I am happy to report that when I looked back at my goal, (to be earning a living writing about a subject I am passionate about), I realized I have reached it. My main client right now is a magazine called Sustainable Industries and while the pay isn't perfect, I have been living on what it pays me for the past few months. On top of that, an offer for me to write for them full time is in the works.

Now, what shall I do next?

Leif... OK, here's my report. Last Oct I wrote:

"By October of 2008 my book will be published and have sold at least the first 10,000 copies."

I did not accomplish that goal. I have re-written the book (Selling - Buy The Book) and plan on releasing it next summer.

The purpose of the book is to help me sell more seminars, speaking engagements, and consulting services. I have been promoting That Sales Guy in the meantime which is the foundation of my service offering.

Thanks for the accountability reminder. ...Howard

ok since I only posted my goals a couple of months ago....but I am part way there. I have been getting a more steady flow of clients, I'm currently looking at where to train for infant massage, that will probably take place early next year.
So, yeah I'm moving forward...

Leif, the goal tracking site link isn't working. The one you just posted.

Thanks Leif!

A year later, WOW! Thanks for keeping us honest, Leif. Here goes the report:

"I will have built solid new skills as a writer"

CHECK! I went from being a freelance writer focusing on product development and games design to managing a team of writers at the website called Classmates.com. Has it come a long way in the last year? Yes. Still a long way to go? Most definitely. I feel more engaged in how to talk to users online than I ever did before, and work with great writers who teach me all the time.

"learned all about website design."

CHECK! Sort of. Working on clients' websites and at Classmates has most definitely helped me learn. Not only do I now understand all those acronyms, but I also feel comfortable talking about how to engage users and what intuitive, clean design looks and feels like. And you know what, I love it, and love learning more and more each week.

"and fostered strong new Seattle contacts."

Definitely! While Seattle doesn't exactly offer you her warm hand throughout the year, I feel a certain connection to several people here, and wouldn't you know it, I owe that to Biznik in large part.

"In Oct. '08, I will -be earning my highest wages to date"

'Tis true. Steady, good pay. Although the 3 week trip to southeast Asia and an empty LA condo in October made my checking account sag a bit. I'm in the black and feeling fortunate.

"have invested in real estate in Washington State"

Not exactly. I did research and check out a few places, thanks again to a Biznik contact. But, I am not as keen as pulling the trigger on real estate right now. I've rekindled my savings spirit in light of all the fun news of late, so I'm tabling the Trump side of myself for now.

"will be thinking "Isn't life great!"

Also true. Some stones yet unturned but after the recent trip to Asia and the fabulous election results, I am more optimistic than ever and seeing Seattle as a great place to be. Now if only the sun would shine literally and not just metaphorically for me.

That was fun! Thanks again Leif!!! I'll chip in to the 2009 chat later...

Wow here was my goal: By October 2008, I will be helping enough people find the right home at the right price to acheive my goal of putting my wife out of work to begin our family.

Well I am no longer in Real Estate, but I did put my wife out of work with my 3 month old daughter. So I guess I would call it a success!

Hey Leif!

Congrats to you too for meeting your goal.

Miss me? I'm right here in Queen Anne, now, and for a while. :) I'd love to see you fine folks at an upcoming event, so I'll check Biznik's calendar and hope that schedules cooperate.

p.s. Great time of year for gloves.