The lessons learned from writing 100 blog posts.

"This is my 100th blog post; hurrah for me! Cue the band and let the celebration begin."

Why am I celebrating an arbitrary milestone of 100 blog posts that frankly has been surpassed by many, many others? Admittedly, 100 is a nice solid number of accomplishment, but the reason for celebration is because of the lessons learned from 100 blog posts. I have learned so much!

The necessity to blog was born with GPEStratagem and a need to develop my position as someone who can help leaders of small and medium sized businesses solve their commercial problems with clever solutions; I soon found myself writing about Change and Adaption, Creative Problem Solving, Execution, Leadership, and what I affectionately call The Human Condition (all designed to progress my desired position) - Blogging has allowed me to articulate my thoughts and what was originally a necessity to blog, has become a desire to write.

I estimate that I have written in the range of 50,000 words so far, and with each blog post I've developed my own unique process of writing, editing, rewriting, smiling and frowning... all in the hope that I've expressed my thoughts well. The words would come easy sometimes, although not as much as I would like; I may put a topic aside but I would never walk away, and have for the most part published two blogs a week. I have adopted the saying, "If you want to be a writer... then write" and it has motivated me to keep writing even when I may not feel so inclined. Looking back on my earlier posts I do see how I have become tighter with the words I use and I most definitely have become a better editor when looking at other people's writing.

What I have found with all of these words, and it seems to happen when you go to upload your post, are those whispers that say, "the post isn't ready", "it's not perfect", or "just a little more wordsmithing"... you need to click publish anyway; blog posts are meant to be read, elicit feedback, inspire social comment and invite feedback. 

And what have I gotten for my 50,000 words and a year's worth of blogging efforts?

Some of the data looks like this - An average of three web visits a day; on average, about 50 views per post on Linked In (with most views being 4,982 and the least views not even reaching 20); a 1:10 "like" to "view" ratio on Linked In; 5 retweets; 16 web subscribers and about 40 comments, with most coming from one post.

Thank you to all those who have read what I have written - It is greatly appreciated!

I will admit I would be ecstatic to have 4,982 views each time I posted a blog but in reality I'm just as ecstatic to get one. I am quick to remind myself that before I build out a bog and started to publish 500 words twice a week, my number of views was zero and week after week it was the same. My activities are having an impact, and although they may not be where I would like them to be, it is never zero.

I am also quick to remember, as humble as it is, I am adding to the conversation... where a year ago I was silent on the sidelines - Nothing happens unless you put yourself out there. I came across a Gary Vaynerchuk video a while back entitled 1 > 0 which speaks to this point and more. It is a video I have referred back to on more than one occasion.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how easy it actually is to get into the technology, build a website, and push your content out to your favourite social media networks. It's even easier if you take the time upfront to review all the instructional videos that make it really straight forward - I'm not sure if it's a guy thing or me?

Here's to putting yourself out there... definitely something to celebrate!

gpe

How you define a good day...

This starts with shoes, more shoes, and quite literally rows and rows of shoes.

A friend of mine is part owner of a wholesaler that specializes in high end footwear mainly from Spain; the name of the company is the U4ik Agency (www.u4ikagency.com). This is a relatively new endeavor for her and the days are long as she shapes the company, builds the brand, and works to generate a profit - This brings us to what in the shoe business is affectionately known as a Sample Sale.

As a layman that was just happened to be driving his daughter who was helping out, a Sample Sale looks very much like a room with a vast variety of shoes, boots and accessories (in limited sizes) where the shoe lover can check out the latest fashion trends. If you like what you see and they have your size, substantial discounts are available that would satisfy any battle hardened bargain hunter. My daughter, who is taking visual merchandising at school was excited with the possibilities of the day - I on the other hand had somewhere else to be and left them all to their own devices.

After the obligatory text message at the end of the day to pick up my daughter, we were driving home and I happened to ask, "How was your day?"

To that she responded, "It was a good day...

"I made some money..."

"I learned some things I didn't know..."

"and I met a number of new people."

I could not help but smile as it did sound like a good day.

gpe

PS: I am incredibly proud of my daughter's accomplishments and here is an example of her work from a recent photo shoot.

Choosing KAOS over CHAOS... a perspective.

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

Up front, a little context for illustration purposes.

Imagine having the idea to downsize your current living arrangements and move to a much smaller space in the city... all for the experience and the adventure. Let us colour this tale with a short closing, frantic packing, multiple storage sites and refurnishing some of your father's home. Since you are refurnishing, why not spend a couple of weeks bonding with your 85 year old father before you move to the city; while there, you decide to buy 36 acres of land in the country for the future. Ultimately your new place needs to be painted, cleaned, and furnished with what you have stored; add on closing your "new land", new clients, as well as your current ones, you are now redefining "dynamic".

And guess what, your printer doesn't work, you have internet problems, can't find your flatware, the coat you need is at your fathers, you have more clothes than drawers, still need a parking pass, and when you went to tour the new property, you got bit in the neck by a tick. And that pen that was in your pocket ten minutes earlier, is now gone. Complete disorder and confusion - Total CHAOS!

Coming through this "transition" I can say that it has gone according to plan, but two weeks ago I was frustrated, tired, and constantly looking for things that once had a place... I was on the verge of becoming overwhelmed emotionally and was questioning the wisdom of this adventure. And then, cosmic salvation... I was remind of KAOS; in that moment I laughed and knew everything would be just fine.

KAOS, for those of you who may not know, is an "international organization of evil" and the nemesis of the secret spy agency named CONTROL. Depicted on the TV comedy series Get Smart*, KAOS shared in the exploits of the bumbling secret agent Maxwell Smart each week. KAOS, as it turns out, was formed in Bucharest, Romania, in 1904 and for tax reasons, is a "Delaware Corporation". How could you not laugh out loud?

Looking at KAOS, rather than CHAOS, reminded me that I had taken on change, and although I may not be in CONTROL all the time, I did have a plan which was working. More importantly, KAOS was part of the adventure to be enjoyed; taking you to places you don't expect, surprising you and sometimes even making you laugh. It is something to embrace and work through... not let overwhelm.

Make no mistake, it is important to have a plan, established milestones, and support to meet your goals - After that though, it becomes a choice as to whether you want to have fun with KAOS or let CHAOS overwhelm you.

gpe

* Get Smart was an American comedy television series that satirized the secret agent genre. Created by Mel Brooks with Buck Henry, the show starred Don Adams (as Maxwell Smart, Agent 86), Barbara Feldon (as Agent 99), and Edward Platt (as Chief). Henry said they created the show by request of Daniel Melnick, who was a partner, along with Leonard Stern and David Susskind, of the show's production company, Talent Associates, to capitalize on "the two biggest things in the entertainment world today"—James Bond and Inspector Clouseau. Brooks said: "It's an insane combination of James Bond and Mel Brooks comedy." (Wikipedia)