TIME TO CHANGE BLOG'S DIRECTION

Okay okay, it’s been 3 days since I last posted the progress of my journey.

A friend of mine have read this Blog and told me to abandon the chronicle part and jump straight to action. I think he’s right! Who wants to read another chapter of my life?

Instead of chronicling the journey, I might as well write about TIPS and post LINKS on REAL people who have taken the leap! What could be better than building up the confidence to take our own leap by learning from others right?

Hence it’s time to reorganize this blog and strategize. I am all about improvements baby!

It is not all about me now. It will be about “How to leave your dead end job without going BROKE!”

Since we will do this together, the coaching part is basically direct to the point (no lengthy frilly explanation & stories) and non-structured, which means improvements can be made from time to time as no two persons are the same. I am toying with the idea of having it the guerilla way.

Sometimes you just need to close your eyes and JUMP ship! Trust your abilities to land safely but NOT without preparing yourself with the DO’s and DONT's. You will learn more about this during the coaching session.

My hope is that this new site will be a kickstart of a journey towards a self-made you.

ESSENTIAL BLOGGING RULES

I read from somewhere that in order to be successful with a blog is to keep writing to build up contents. To tell you the truth, its not as easy as I thought it was. You will need ideas, you need inspiration and they certainly don't come easy like snapping your fingers.

I figured that in order to be successful with blogging, this is what I found (gathered) from reading some successful bloggers sites. There are more do's & don'ts to be successful, and these are just a few of them:

1. Come up with a clever (and memorable!) name for your blog

Apparently a memorable name that is straightforward e.g: dogood.com, hireme.com or ilovefood.com is easier to remember. Be original with names and words (use common words is better!) used, and dont come up with something like cheesyplump.com, redpot.com, bluebingbat.com...the words dont always pop up in readers' minds.

2. Write about what you know

You love cooking? You know how to turn passion into money making opportunity? Even writing about flowers, animals or celebrities (if you have access to them!) will get you readers. Don't write anything that you know nothing about just because its a 'trend' to write about it. People will appreciate your knowledge on what you are familiar with.

3. Good contents

Content is king they say :-) Well written and generous with tips will lure your readers to your site like a magnet!

4. Don't write for the money - well, at first.

Don't expect to monetize your site right away! It takes time and as long as you stay focus and stick to your gun, you will see opportunities on how to take your site to another level.

5. Linked with other bloggers.

Make new friends and offer to link their page to yours and vice versa. 

6. Sign up for affiliates program.

This one is tricky. Be sure to study the sites offerings before you start linking them up on your page. Make sure there is no catch. Find out how do they pay you and what's the incentive scheme like.

7. Put up interesting visuals

Human are more into visuals than words because our brain is wired to interpret messages based on visuals FIRST before they read the captions. Hence the reason why food blogs never fail to get visitors :-)

DO YOU WANT TO BE FREE?

Don't you just love this? It speaks a lot about what we are doing with our lives!

It is exactly what we are doing NOW! Think about it for a second will ya? Does it really HAVE to be this way or there's a BETTER way?

DAY THREE/FOUR 20 & 21/7 : CHILLAX WEEKENDS!

Weekend is usually the days where I spend time with my family. My apology if you are reading a combo here :-)

For the past two days, apart from spending time with family watching movies at home and...eating, I bought another two know-hows books to learn more about the techniques and tips in becoming...an INFOPRENUER!

One of the books was indeed a good buy as I managed to get the book discounted at 50% from the store manager! Well...considering that its the last copy in the store and the pages had turned slightly yellow.

Tonight, I will start scribbling my ideas & plan, and setting deadlines for each.

My coaching site development plan may start in August, while I am still struggling to find the right name for another project.

Nevertheless, I plan not to waste time at work while serving my notice (2 months is a loooong wait) and decided to use it to develop and touch up my business ideas. At least, it keeps me on my toes to stay focus to achieve my mission :-)

DAY TWO 19/7 : ANOTHER IDEA IN PROGRESS!

This morning I went to a well known coffee chain store and while waiting for my turn to be served, I starred at the assortments of food displayed. I was wondering, with food that expensive and is constantly cold (they can heat up the food for you), how many would actually buy to eat? I was wondering how many days will they keep these foods and what happens if they are not finished. 

Curious, I chatted with one of the cashier who is off duty and to my surprised, their Management usually discarded them all off. "Why throw? Cant they allow staff to bring back...?" I felt disturbed with the reply. She then explained that its the company's policy to not keep the 2 day old food (we are talking about cakes, muffins, bread), and they will fine staff if any of them is found to be packing the food home. 

Heck, I have like a one week old chocolate cake sitting inside my fridge and it is still good to eat! 

I am speechless with the respond.

While having my breakfast I imagined what would it be like for the poor or strays if they could eat these unconsumed food. Why do we need to see the food be put to waste simply because its the easiest thing to do to clear 'old' stocks?

I further visualised underprivileged children who would die to eat a slice of the cake (I cant imagine if my 5 year old never tasted cake before), poor people who could hardly eat a decent food because they cant afford and strays who goes from one table to another only to be chased away with sticks or be poured with hot water. 

Like it or not, be it human or animals, they have the rights to survive. We may be created differently by God but deep inside we longed for respect, love and security. No human or animals deserves to starve while others wasted or dispose off food that are still good to eat. Every time we eat and complaint on how bland the food tasted, imagine those who hardly have any to eat. 

Then, another idea strike me. Why not do something random and do it purely for the good reasons? We don't have to be from some big corporations or big shots to be able to make a difference in our community right? We can create a movement and do things simultaneously and have fun doing it!

Knowing that this small project will put my mind at ease every night before retiring to bed is what important to me. This small effort helps to keep hunger at bay. Day after day. Night after night.What may seemed to be a norm for us (we have an access to good food every day!), will mean a LOT to those who cannot afford to enjoy such privilege.

I hooked up with a close friend via whatsapp and she too think its a good idea. Since its community based, we could get schools, Universities, restaurants, cafes, churches to be involved - ALL for a good cause! There is no membership fee required, ALL are free to join the movement. Even the food contributors!

Excited, I have decided to put this plan as another project to develop. And hopefully it will receive good response from the public. 

My point is, let your mind wander and subconsciously you will be able to spot the gap in the market for you to pursue. Don't limit or confine your mind to think of the impossible and explore it from there. 

So all in all, here goes, looks like I have a green and coaching business as well as a movement to work on! And in another 2 months, I will be working with a new company!

I am sure my life will never be the same after this :-)

JUMP SHIPP - ONE COOL TV SHOW!

I stumbled upon this show on TV just recently. And I really find that it is really INTERESTING! Nevermind that its already a few years now in the US and now only showing it here in Malaysia!

Thing is, just when I have decided to embark in this project, I never thought that I'd get to watch a TV show dedicated to help people discovering themselves, testing the market with their hidden talent and later, make a BIG decision whether to stay in a dead end job or JUMP SHIP and go with the guts & passion.

Here's an excerpt of what JUMP SHIPP is all about (courtesy of aol.com):

You suspect it's time for a change. You're really not asking for much: You just want a job that combines your passions and skills, provides a reasonable income, and allows you to spend time with people you love. And the dead-end, soul-deadening job you've been clocking into for the last few years isn't exactly all you'd hoped and dreamed for yourself. Work isn't your life, you say, yet (like it or not) it takes up a pretty big chunk of it -- about 33 percent big. So, why are you spending a third of your life doing something you never wanted to?

You probably have your reasons for staying in that job that's making you miserable: You need a steady paycheck and health insurance, or you'd rather tough it out in a bad situation you're familiar with than risk something new. I get it. But here's my advice for you: QUIT.

Forget what you've heard about winners never quitting, because that's just not true. Smart people quit the wrong things at the right time. If you don't write it, no one's going to read it. If you don't change it, it will always be the same. If you don't bring your dream to life, your dream dies with you. If you ever hope to find your right thing, you have to quit that wrong thing. Here are a five all-too-common signs that it's high time to call it quits and move on:

1. You're unsatisfied.

Don't worry, you're not alone -- according to the 2010 annual job satisfaction survey published by The Conference Board, only 45 percent of Americans are satisfied with their work. The numbers are even worse for those under the age of 25, in which 64 percent report being unhappy at work. Not only is that the lowest job satisfaction rate since 1987, but worker unhappiness has shown a consistent downward trend for 24 years with no signs of turning around. Figure out why you're unhappy in your job and do something about it.

2. You're bored.

Another prime indicator is boredom. According to the same report from The Conference Board, only half the U.S. workforce even finds their job interesting. Let's face it:A lot of boring stuff happens at big companies, which means you're probably asked to work on a lot of boring stuff. The fact that the work is relatively easy, or that it pays a lot, doesn't really compensate after a while, and you start to feel like you're wasting your time. If your work doesn't challenge you or make good use of your strengths, it's time to go.

3. You're stuck.

A 2005 study by Harris Interactive survey found that a third of all American workers felt like their careers had reached a dead end. You could even be content with your pay grade and indifferent to "climbing the corporate ladder" and still feel like there's no room for you to grow. If you've learned everything you can, contributed everything you have to contribute, and continue to clock in only because you don't know what else to do or where to go, start planning your exit.

4. You're excited about something else.

One of the best reasons to change directions is to pursue something you actually care about. In a recent poll by Maritz, only 14 percent of employees said that their company's values aligned with their personal values. If you're more excited about your hobby than you are about your job, look for a job related to your hobby. If you've always dreamed of owning an animal shelter or working as a Hollywood makeup artist -- and you've got the talent for these things -- drop what you're doing and go for it.

5. You're scared.

Yes, this is a reason to leave your job, not a reason to stay. Look, it's OK to be scared. Change is scary! But think about this: If you stay put and change nothing, what will you be in 10, 20, 50 years from now? If you suspect you'll wake up in the middle of a midlife crisis wracked with regret, dreaming about what could have been and saying things like "I wish I'd...," "it's too late" and "if only" -- do yourself a favor and take the risk. There comes a time when the risks of staying outweigh the risks of going. The fact that you're scared to try it is a pretty good sign that you want it really badly. Jump.

For more career advice, tune into "Jump Shipp" beginning Oct. 21 on Halogen TV. Each week, viewers will be inspired when real people get a chance to pursue their dream jobs and decide to JUMP SHIPP. Check out the trailer here:http://halogentv.com/shows/jumpshipp/

There you go! The above points resonates to me and I truly I FEEL all the above! Though its just an hour TV show (I bet those TV stations cut the airtime short to make way for advertisers adverts!) nevertheless it proves that there are many people like you and me out there that needed help to kick start our journey to reach our life long aspirations.

Hence the very reason WHY I started this blog (and soon a website!) so we can walk together in our journey. Who says you have to walk alone all the time? :-)

I leave you now with an inspiring word of wisdom from Josh Shipp, the founder of Jump Shipp (see above).

DAY ONE 18/7 : START OF A JOURNEY

After weeks of enquiries / emails, back & forth, I finally shortlisted the designers that will be working with me on this much anticipated project of mine. Max excited!

Well, technically the project will only start next month so I can have some time working on my articles, etc. Furthermore, I will be leaving the existing company in two months (yes, to move to another better paying job) and there's just lots to do!

Okay, here's the thing. Remember I told you that I am going to work on this and give myself 90 days? Well, the count starts today, as Day ONE! 

Remember this date 18 July 2013! 18072013 :-)

In stages, I will work with the new company for a certain period while working on my project on the side. My ultimate plan is to slowly leave the 'nest'. Truth is, I do not aspire to be at a higher level in the Corporate world. By having such aspiration, it means that I still want to be at an employers' mercy. No, thank you!

Having the opportunity to be this high at the height of my career makes me feel thankful and humble. I have gone through lots of career obstacles to achieve such honour. I am grateful that I am finally on track with my life goal. And this page will chronicle the 90 days journey and I hope (in case you are just like me) we can walk together to achieve our dreams. 

My hope is that we will be able to built a community that is self sustained - minus the job or submitting ourselves to employment. To help others discover their strengths and capabilities inspires me to focus in this project and your support is utmost welcomed!

Stay tuned for more updates on the site development and of course, my journey!!

THE QUEST, IN SEARCH OF A WEBSITE DESIGNER (UPDATE)

Okay, you probably have read about my posting yesterday. I was looking for a cool website designer that could work with me on my requirements and budget (I still think for a startup, need to start small first and grow it from there! :-D).

Today's mailbox is kinda interesting! FINALLY! Some good ones responded and they are extremely helpful with suggestions and proposal. I must love these people and thank my lucky star!

I agree that while they are freelancers, its NOT easy for them to please a customer or even READ THEIR MIND on how they wanted their website to look like. So in my case, I will try my utmost best to share my ideas, vision and fill in with any information or examples required to facilitate them in coming up with creative ideas & proposal.

Though they are creative, don't expect them to be a psychic ~ so do your part and fill in info whenever required. Try to be layman as possible if you are not familiar with web terms. They will understand and walk through the process with you.

Since I am not a techie or familiar with the jargons well, I usually leave the creative process to them. At the end of the day, its hard earned monies worth! :-) Their work will determine if your website is interesting (and inviting enough!) for visitor to feel tempted to click that ENTER WEBSITE button :-)

I agree with one designer's comment, that 'Content is King'. So whatever that you read here on this blog comes purely from my creative brain's juice. Hey, I may not be good at designing a website but I can write! I will learn in each step of the way, what works and what doesn't. Trying to keep it simple so readers can understand my point.

To all Website Designers out there. I salute to the long hours that you put everyday to make a client's website engaging and interesting. My advise, learn to work with your customers / clients (each and everyone, not all of them are the same) and imagine yourself in their shoes. Every customers / clients are important, as their success contributes to yours too (the testimonial of your work!). Maintain good relationship always and trust me, most clients will always go back to the same designer that worked with them brilliantly before. Clients usually prefer two things, (a) Design me the best website that closely match to what I wanted (b) Price, please make it as reasonable as you can!.

As of now, I am still communicating with some of them and work on requirements, what works and what not. Its like finding the best event planner for an important event!

I am close to making decision soon. Oh yes, I don't mind to help promote their work and spread good word about their work once I have made up my mind :-)

Until then.....stay tuned!

LIFE HAPPENS WHEN YOU'RE MAKING PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

It's extremely important to make plans if you have the intention to leave your job someday.

I am NOT talking about making only ONE plan, come up with several plans so you have something to fall back to.

I recalled my boss telling me that I am not only a curious person (I seek answers to my curiosities too!), I am a planner too! He is absolutely right about this.

I don't see why it is wrong to make plans in life. While it is true that we can't always have what we wanted or achieve close to what we have planned, hence having several plans could help us move on from one endeavour to another (if Plan A doesn't work...) and it also helps to minimise any painful moments arising form unmet expectations along the way.

Hence the reason why I created this Blog. I hope to create and revolutionise a community that are not afraid to leave their comfort zone and pursue their talent/dreams. I look forward in building a community that provides emotional support and opportunities towards one another while embarking in their own personal journey.

The create-your-own profession is nothing new, and in fact, most people in the past have their own businesses and worked for themselves. It is only after the revolutionary period/era that many opted to work for others because it's 'safer' and 'easier' to earn a monthly wage. Little did they realise that by stepping into this so called 'Comfort Zone' they have to sacrifice their time, dreams and freedom. They are bounded by contract, rules and regulations set by the employers.

While not everyone has the ability to come up with a business, to run and grow it at the same time, some is better off working for others. It is not because they are incapable or untalented, it is because they have been in the comfort hole for too long to be able to step out and think of something to improve their lives.

They rather go by the flow and be contented. However, at the end of the day, they are the same group of people that complaint about how difficult their life is, how their jobs sucks, how they earned peanuts, etc.

My quest is to do this together with you. Let's step out of our comfort zone and pursue our dream. If you ask me why, I'd tell you that because we deserve it and life is much more than getting stuck in a hole and feeling miserable about it.

IN SEARCH OF A WEBSITE DESIGNER! ~ COULD IT BE YOU?

A friend chatted up with a few weeks ago and asked me if I have a proper website that focussed on the services that I am offering. Clueless, I said No. I recalled browsing the internet for similar sites and stumbled upon a few links that are pretty engaging and interesting.

Fast forward, I reckoned what this Blog actually need is a proper website. My friend was right.

So I went on to Google to seek for an affordable Freelance Website Designer and found a few that are pretty capable. So I short listed a few and started to contact them.

I have a budget in mind (every new Startup must start small!) and I wonder if these aspiring designers are able to understand my requirements and subsequently cook up a brilliant proposal. Unfortunately, instead of working around my budget and make a good proposal (they are running a business aren't they?? Cant they be at least creative & enterprising when selling & promoting their ideas?), they quickly quoted me on their fees first. Whoaa....some would even cost me a good 15 grand! I almost fell off my chair...

This is a new startup peeps, I am yet to run an empire to be able to pay that much :-(

No doubt we have a lot of good designers out there, but what I have observed so far is that most of them are lacking with the ability to work around customer's needs / requirements, they are not very good at 'selling' their ideas or creative in their approach. Some takes all their sweet time to revert to me with a short reply to my queries (I am expecting more info please?). Perhaps they are still young? Hmmm.....

I seriously think, in order to be successful in any businesses at all, whether as a full time, part timer or freelance entrepreneur, one must have the ability to relate to customer's needs, vision, with the ability to propose an idea and sell the concept. 

Its not like a Hi and Bye kind of transaction here folks. Its way beyond that! Its about building long term relationships so people like myself could leave a good word about your work and subsequently this will reflect on you, as a talented young entrepreneur. Business relationship doesn't just stop after you build the website, think about the possibility of the client enhancing the site in the long run and engaging your service to be part of it! Imagine he/she recommended your service to others.

Sadly, till to date, I am yet to find one (still trying to get a few to revert).

Nevertheless, I am considering the idea of submitting my application in O'Desk or Elance and I believe that there are hungry and talented aspiring website designer out there that is waiting to be discovered.

Until then, I will keep you posted about my quest. Stay tuned!

THOUGHT OF QUITTING?

How many of you can't wait to leave that mundane and hectic Corporate lifestyle?

Running around, chasing your own 'tail' and still reach no where?

Well, I am one of those who has decided to pursue my dream and like it or not, this blog might be the answer to your dilemma.

With full arms extended, welcome to our domain!