Archive for April, 2009

Saturday Reflections

Help Desk | April 11, 2009 in Building an eBiz, Write a "how to" book | Comments (2)

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Arrrrgggg …….

Okay let’s try that again ARRGGGGGGG !!!! Ah, that feels better.

Why the scream of frustration? I’m deep into that traditional writing contract I mentioned last . And I’m realizing how difficult it really is to the traditional way. It’s just too bad that not all writing can be done using my new .

What, you mean I don’t have a panacea good for all writing???? Nope, sorry. Not the best for writing fiction. Won’t for manuals (maybe it will – have to try it for that). Won’t for 2nd Editions (or 3rd for that matter) especially when you don’t have a concept map for the prior edition.

What it will for is non-fiction writing. Any sized content production where the structure isn’t already forced on you. In short creating ebooks.

Now just have to get back to doing the videos … and get the whole thing released!

Also .. don’t try to release a new product while you’re clearing 10 years of stuff out of the dining room and living room. Man, I knew we had stuff but I didn’t realize how much stuff we had until I tried to pack it all up (well, my wife with my limited assistance). Two kids = much toys, much videos, and one whole of a of computer games! And that’s not counting my electronic toys. Somehow have to finish by tomorrow night in case I have to replace floor boards on Monday. Weeeeee!

Have a great Easter folks … or Passover if you prefer

Glen

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On Writing eBooks and building my eBook business

Help Desk | April 6, 2009 in Building an eBiz | Comments (33)

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Well, what do you know …. it’s been an interesting week (end) and I’ve learned something important … now I just need to do something about it.

What have I learned?

Well, better start with what has happened. First, I’ve been swamped both with and other things. I had intended to do my videos last week, and the ebook. But I received a contract to a new release of a textbook I co-authored. And of , the client wants it within two weeks. Normally, I’d say that was impossible but since it’s only a rewrite and the changes aren’t excessive … we’ll see.

Meantime, I’ve been given a new refrigerator to replace our old one … cool. Except that it has to be shipped from Hamilton some 60 km away. And my family can’t help move it. So since I have to pay for the movers anyway, I’m going to get them to move a dining room set I’ve inherited.

Now the problem is that I’ve got an old shag carpet in the living room/dining room. Let’s just say it needs to be replaced. So if I’m going  to move the furniture in, I need to replace the flooring now. Which means all the furniture has to be emptied and moved out. Uggghhhh.

And of , I’m not going to replace the flooring with carpet, it has to be hardwood (we’ve all got dust allergies).

And all of this has to be done by next week. Then I get to replace the  baseboards! And did I mention that I really should paint the walls?

I don’t know whether I should cry over the amount of to be done or the amount of money I’m going to be spending!

Oh, and I’ve also been handed another contract (short term) to prep content for a where the owner wants to the name.

In addition, I also need to upload the Expert Marketing webinar to my training company’s website . And I also did a speech Saturday on Creativity and Innovation in Business Today. Fun, and I had to rush the writing but no big. However, I’ve agreed to convert all the speeches to DVD. Which means I need to clean them up, edit them, put titles on etc. And then I need to upload the speech to the TrainingNOW website. And I’ve agreed to do a webinar on mind mapping (or possibly concept mapping) to include with it.

All of which needs to be done within the week.

So what have I learned?

I really do need to a) prioritize, b) list my outstanding tasks and c) do a little each day. I’ve also learned that if I can I’ll avoid … so I need to create a that doesn’t allow me to avoid writing and doing the other things I need to do. And if I don’t do that I’ll quickly become overwhelmed and I’ll never get this writing ebooks business off the ground.

I’ve also learned that I need to be more realistic with my desire to get the writing ebooks business off the ground. I can’t get it all done in a day!

Man, I hope this business takes off … and based on the number of hits I’m NOT getting …

Have Fun! Keep Learning! And Get Earning!

Glen

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Real (?) Life and Building an E-Biz

Help Desk | April 2, 2009 in Building an eBiz | Comments (3)

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Ahh buddlefuzz … I was supposed to accomplish all kinds of things this week. Here it is Thursday and what have I done? I’ve been to the doctor’s — several times. Answered calls — several times. Read my email — several times. Updated this — oh wait, that’s a good thing.

In short, I haven’t accomplished much at all.

  • I did manage to get through of the material (finished 9 today … still need to listen to the audios though).
  • I did manage to update this …  twice (sort of)
  • I also bought some title backgrounds for my videos (hey, if I don’t have to do it that’s a good thing right?)
  • I managed to mess up the cd for the backgrounds (forgot to copy some over).

Unfortunately, I haven’t:

  • finished the free videos (actually I haven’t even figured out what to say yet!)
  • finished the mind mapping webinar (same state)
  • finished writing the (Hey, 3 for 3 I’m really doing well here)
  • finished my speech for Saturday (hey, at least I’ve got the topic chosen … sort of)
  • met with my partner Paul (Hey, it’s not my fault! It’s Harrison’s.)

Isn’t getting a new business off the ground fun! Not!

To make matters worse, I’ve had a chance to the next version of AceIt! (the project management textbook). What’s wrong with that, you ask? Yes, it’s money but I have to get it done within 2 weeks … and I can’t use the my fancy dancy writing ebooks . (Note to self — you need to do a on the limitations of the — perhaps as a survey of available techniques).

Ahh, I hate having to live in the real world! (aka Who needs sleep?)

Have Fun! Keep Learning! And Get Earning! (get some sleep – optional)
Glen

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