Journal of Next Business

[JWelch]

Day 1:

Stats:
20 cold emails
1 response from a possible auto-responder followed redirect to new email.
1 bounce
0 responses
0 sales
6 business failures

Feelings:

I reconciled with my fears of embarrassment thanks to my inner work coach. We're using the Sedona method currently. We previously used some stuff from Kabala mysticism to remove blocks. We also used emotional freedom technique for a while.

He helped me get to a product for the first time. Ever since, I haven't had a problem getting to product. The first business sale is still elusive though.

I also reconciled with people looking down on me or making fun of me about this and telling me to do other stuff. I abandoned my last progress thread because of those feelings.

Habit to quit:

Smoking

Current Status:

Finding product idea and looking for first sale.

Goals for today:

25 new emails sent
20 minutes of meditation
4 mile walk
5 new terms learned in my industry

Challenges:

I know nothing about my industry. It's hard to add value without a deep understanding.

Thoughts:

I want to be like my favorite poster: @MTF. I want to see what happens when you don't give up.

You gotta bump those numbers up, those are rookie numbers.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[jcvlds]

How are you defining “business failures”?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Eugen]

I'm going to touch a small point, but, since it looks like your e-mails are more or less the same, you could use some bulk outreach tool such as Gmass or Mailshake(with this one you have more control over personalization) to save some valuable time.

 

[jcvlds]

I'm going to touch a small point, but, since it looks like your e-mails are more or less the same, you could use some bulk outreach tool such as Gmass or Mailshake(with this one you have more control over personalization) to save some valuable time.

I heard about mailshake recently and was interested in it but haven’t heard from anyone using it what their results have been like.

Have you used it before and, if so, would you mind sharing if you thought it was worth it and what results can be reasonably expected?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Eugen]

I heard about mailshake recently and was interested in it but haven’t heard from anyone using it what their results have been like.
Have you used it before and, if so, would you mind sharing if you thought it was worth it and what results can be reasonably expected?

I've only used GMass (It has a free version where you can send 50 e-mails per day as well as customize the e-mails and adding auto-follow ups/trackings).

I think it's great. I used to have a virtual assistant sending e-mails for SEO link building. But now, I can send 50 e-mails in one minute.

Mailshake is another tool that does the same thing, however (I haven't tested it yet) offers way more personalization. While with GMass you can customize based on the columns of your excel file such as, "Hi {Name}" would take the owner's name, Mailshake allows you to add a template and personalize every detail.

In any case, I think they're GREAT. Do give them a try. You can start with GMass the free version and upgrade if needed.

 

[jcvlds]

I've only used GMass (It has a free version where you can send 50 e-mails per day as well as customize the e-mails and adding auto-follow ups/trackings).

I think it's great. I used to have a virtual assistant sending e-mails for SEO link building. But now, I can send 50 e-mails in one minute.

Mailshake is another tool that does the same thing, however (I haven't tested it yet) offers way more personalization. While with GMass you can customize based on the columns of your excel file such as, "Hi {Name}" would take the owner's name, Mailshake allows you to add a template and personalize every detail.

In any case, I think they're GREAT. Do give them a try. You can start with GMass the free version and upgrade if needed.

Brilliant, thank you so much. I will definitely check em out!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Guest92dX]

Day 7:

Value for anyone reading:

Quote of the day:
"The slow overcomes the fast. Let your workings remain a mystery, just show people the results." - Lao Tzu
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update:
+1 followup
+1 response
+1 new extremely personalized cold email

Ran out of people to message for coffee on LinkedIn. Lol.

Note: the numbers will have a final update after I complete tasks for the day.

Current Stats:
45 cold emails
6 extremely personalized cold emails (Industry association included)
1 response from a possible auto-responder followed redirect to new email.
3 bounces
1 responses
0 sales
1 followup
6 business failures
12 Linkedin coffee offers

Total actions: 65

Feelings and Thoughts:

From my personal journal:

#1
There was conflict in my thread. History and the "past" always has conflict. It always has. I'm running into more conflict even through I don't want it. I'm okay with it. I'll keep pushing even though hurts. The path of least resistance for me yesterday was rage at being called "entitled". I will improve. There is no defense. There is only the march.

#2
I received my first response to a cold email at 12:48am. Wow! Amazing! Beautiful! It coincided with my first night of sleep without blue light from tv in a year. The whole day was conflict and a shattering of my conditioning. It's a small win, but it is my win, the true ownership of "my". The moment is sweet. My lips are trembling...

Thank you!

It also coincided with the shortest email I wrote. They're supposedly a #1 ranked company by a magazine. Their website. Look into it.

Today also coincided with a search for an article on brevity. My main weakness in oral and written communication.

Values found: Relevance. Brevity. Choices.

#3 I will probably add a consistent schedule with set times tomorrow.

Habit to quit:
smoking
-7 change in cigarette intake

Current Status:
Assessing profiling checklist and resonance.

overarching goal:
Software business by end of August

Goals for today:
Assess profiling of how I hit checklist and profiling of resonating company.

Goal for tomorrow:
8 new personalized emails.
8 repentant followups.
8 deletions of non-fit checklist and/or possible resonance.

Accountable time line and major goal:
5 months, 1 problem, 1st sale.

Possible changes:
none until tomorrow.

Challenges:
The insecurity is real. It is a real challenge. I must trust ritual and put complete faith in it.

Current Problem to Solve:
Get 2 more responses.

Question for Anyone Reading:
None for today

-------
Note: this thread is just an extensive documentation for myself. It is all my best effort put into kaizen. It is all of me and none of me. The past is what had to happen. The present is the gift.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Guest92dX]

Day 8:

Value for anyone reading:

Quote of the day:
"Forcing a project to completion, you ruin what was almost ripe." - Lao Tzu
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update:
+1 response
+1 project
+3 personalized connections
+1 meeting

Note: numbers for yesterday were not updated because I forgot what I was working on lol.

Edit: +30 generalized followups

Current Stats:
45 cold emails (action)
9 extremely personalized cold emails/contacts (action)
1 response from a possible auto-responder followed redirect to new email.
3 bounces
2 responses (action)
0 sales
1 project (action)
1 meeting (action)
31 followup (action)
6 business failures
12 Linkedin coffee offers (action)

Total actions: 101

Edit: Lolololol, I forgot where I found out that numbers like 101 (palindrome numbers) symbolize completion in eastern philosophy, but I interestingly always had deep insights, sunny days (metaphorically), and made progress on my way to making senbazuru or 1,000 cranes. It would always wind up like 202 or 383, or 363, lol. Anyway, I thought this was interesting. I didn't do it on purpose. I just decided to make 30 generalized followups today.

Feelings and Thoughts:
Had a 2 hour meeting through a personal connection. It is outside of my industry focus, but it segues into an upcoming event that is related to an area I want to pursue. I also have the opportunity for a low-skill business through the meeting I recently had.

I met three different business owners by coffee and diesel like @Andy Black suggested and just having natural conversations. I'm waiting to hear back from them.

I could have taken a sale as there was a budget for the project. However, I declined to take a sale to allow for the there to be a budget if we collaborate again.

Habit to quit:
smoking
0 change in cigarette intake

Current Status:
Working on small project in sales and marketing.

overarching goal:
Software business by end of August

Goal for tomorrow:
8 new personalized emails.
8 repentant followups.
8 deletions of non-fit checklist and/or possible resonance.

Note: removed daily goal as it is a weird way of keeping track of things. I have to log actions twice in a day if I do it that way.

Accountable time line and major goal:
5 months, 1 problem, 1st sale.

Possible changes:
none until tomorrow.

Challenges:
Focus, schedule, and consistency. It's time to develop a schedule. I'll probably start tomorrow.

Current Problem to Solve:
Finish project. Reach more people.

Question for Anyone Reading:
Google searches say it is okay to send weekend or end-of-week emails. What do fastlaners think about sending emails on the weekend? I don't want to take away any momentum I have right now.

-------
Note: it's just another progress thread, focusing on kaizen.

 

[WaterWerks]

dude, i love the whole setup you have going on in this thread. way to not down the progress, you can always come back and read for some motivation.

good luck to you sir.

 

[lewj24]

I could have taken a sale as there was a budget for the project. However, I declined to take a sale to allow for the there to be a budget if we collaborate again.

DUDE!! You could have had a sale! Why not take it? You could have beaten your major goal by 5 months! That would have been awesome. What did they want you to do?

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Guest92dX]

DUDE!! You could have had a sale! Why not take it? You could have beaten your major goal by 5 months! That would have been awesome. What did they want you to do?

First, thanks for helping me to see my emotions. It really brought to place of balance. Second, I apologize for losing my shit. The questions are only meant to engage anyone reading.

The project is super small as far as I know. I'm writing some type of ad copy for a brochure. There is opportunity down the road for other bigger things though. I'd rather there be a budget for those because I may need ammo if it's more sales and marketing work.

The budget is like $200 - $500. The work can probably be completed in one afternoon though. I'm looking into ways I can increase the value of the project. It is for an upcoming convention.

Edit: it is also outside of my values/interests, but the networking opportunities add lead to areas of my values/interests.

 

[Andy Black]

First, thanks for helping me to see my emotions. It really brought to place of balance. Second, I apologize for losing my sh*t. The questions are only meant to engage anyone reading.

The project is super small as far as I know. I'm writing some type of ad copy for a brochure. There is opportunity down the road for other bigger things though. I'd rather there be a budget for those because I may need ammo if it's more sales and marketing work.

The budget is like $200 - $500. The work can probably be completed in one afternoon though. I'm looking into ways I can increase the value of the project. It is for an upcoming convention.

Edit: it is also outside of my values/interests, but the networking opportunities add lead to areas of my values/interests.

I treat the first purchase as a test - both ways.

To get started I said Yes to everyone (so long as what they were doing was ethical).

From what you wrote in the quotes above this sounds like a great opportunity?


EDIT: I read your opening post to try and work out what you want to achieve.

You mention that making a sale was one of your goals.

Making sales and getting customers is what defines a business.

Often those sales aren’t for what we planned them in our heads to be.

Often the business we create isn’t the one we envisioned we’d create.

What’s the best that could happen if you did that work and made the money?


EDIT2: I read the whole thread. I don’t think anyone is insulting you, just trying to help. It’s sometimes hard to see that when it’s directed towards yourself.

 

[Guest92dX]

Day 9:

Value for anyone reading:

Quote of the day:
"Just remember where you come from" - Lao Tzu
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update:
+15 generalized followups
+2 personalized emails

Note: When I hit resonance for the second time, I will boost numbers.

Current Stats:
45 cold emails (action)
11 extremely personalized cold emails/contacts (action)
1 response from a possible auto-responder followed redirect to new email.
3 bounces
2 responses (action)
0 sales
1 project (action)
1 meeting (action)
46 followup (action)
6 business failures
12 Linkedin coffee offers (action)

Total actions: 118

Feelings and Thoughts:

zero responses on project. zero responses on followups. zero responses on new personalized emails. Just freaking zero today.

I had a couple beers before visiting the doctor. I'll probably just meditate today.

Non-fit deletions and new personalized email numbers were not hit because I don't feel like I reached the checklist point yet. This is not a numbers game. Nothing dealing with people can be a numbers game. They're humans.

Sure there are numbers involved when dealing with people, but mindless pumping is unnecessary.

I must find the way of the pushup.

Habit to quit:
smoking
+7 change in cigarette intake

Current Status:
Working on small project in sales and marketing.

overarching goal:
Software business by end of August

Goal for tomorrow:
8 new personalized emails.
8 deletions of non-fit checklist and/or possible resonance.

Accountable time line and major goal:
5 months, 1 problem, 1st sale.

Possible changes:
none until tomorrow.

Challenges:
Focus, schedule, and consistency. It's time to develop a schedule.

Note: schedule will be released over the weekend.

Current Problem to Solve:
#1 Finish project. Reach more people.
#2 Hit deeper resonance.

Question for Anyone Reading:
None for today.

-------
Note:
To self for review today and tomorrow. Find the inspiration.
#1 improvement is necessary now.
#2 I have to have a new leap of understanding.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Guest92dX]

Day 10:

Value for anyone reading:

Quote of the day:
"No one makes the first leap." - Morpheus, The Matrix
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update:
+1 new response
+2 followup

Note: hit resonance will start putting up numbers after the holiday. I personally think it is a mistake to even think about sending inquires today or on Sunday.

Current Stats:
45 cold emails (action)
11 extremely personalized cold emails/contacts (action)
1 response from a possible auto-responder followed redirect to new email.
3 bounces
3 responses (action)
0 sales
1 project (action)
1 meeting (action)
48 followup (action)
6 business failures
12 Linkedin coffee offers (action)

Total actions: 121

Feelings and Thoughts:

First project flopped. I'm glad I didn't take any money for it.
I received a hard deadline that didn't come with an actual day attached to it. I'm like what? I turned around the project after waiting one business day for materials, which I never received. I turned around the project at the start of the business day before anyone was up. I never received any feedback.

There were no clear project instructions either.

They went ahead without the advertisement I provided them I think.

I'm still wondering what everyone was thinking and why it felt like chaos on their part. My phone died and I took a nap after baby sitting my email for hours. I woke up to a voicemail after a midday nap about a possible disaster and never heard what it was.

I then called back immediately and the client wanted me to check out a pdf. Everything wasn't entirely clear. The pdf never came.

They want to meet again on Tuesday. I feel confident enough this time to ask for them to write or speak in greater detail. It feels like a miscommunication issue.

Apparently, the email I just received amounts to them not knowing the deadline either and just finding out about it.

I don't know how to be more than 7am - 11pm. So, I plan to just ask for more detailed information next time to avoid unnecessary communication or agreeing to do any work.

Habit to quit:
smoking
0 change in cigarette intake

Current Status:
Doing nothing. There's an American holiday tomorrow.

Goal for tomorrow:
Spend time reviewing what I've done. Re-assess everything to see where the resonance is.

Accountable time line and major goal:
5 months, 1 problem, 1st sale.

Possible changes:
none until Monday

Challenges:
None for right now. There have been no changes.

Current Schedule:
1 hour meditation
1 hour eating
5 hours emailing and following up
2 hours research

Current Problem to Solve:
#1 Convince client to give me more details for any future projects
#2 Reach more people

Question for Anyone Reading:
None for today.

-------
Note: no notes today

 

[Guest92dX]

I treat the first purchase as a test - both ways.

To get started I said Yes to everyone (so long as what they were doing was ethical).

From what you wrote in the quotes above this sounds like a great opportunity?


EDIT: I read your opening post to try and work out what you want to achieve.

You mention that making a sale was one of your goals.

Making sales and getting customers is what defines a business.

Often those sales aren’t for what we planned them in our heads to be.

Often the business we create isn’t the one we envisioned we’d create.

What’s the best that could happen if you did that work and made the money?


EDIT2: I read the whole thread. I don’t think anyone is insulting you, just trying to help. It’s sometimes hard to see that when it’s directed towards yourself.

Hmm, yeah. The thread is missing a well-defined goal. I just didn't write it in the thread like what type of type of business, xxx sales, etc. I will add that tomorrow.

The opportunity is average. It won't ripen until 1 month from now. 1 month from now, I'll be able to boost my input numbers on connections. That's where the juice is.

There is a second avenue to get inventory from them to create a pseudo-online store/arbitrage business. This is also interesting.

 

[AdamMaxum]

This thread was/is difficult to read. EasternCrane you gotta hustle harder man. I can send 45 emails in 30 mins...like people above have tried telling you.

I am unsure what your goals are or what you're trying to do.

If you're going to chronicle your journey provide some deeper insight. This isn't a forum to journal about your daily life if it's not going to help others take action or learn something.

Sorry for the harsh words...I just need to see some substance here. I'm rooting for you.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Guest92dX]

Incoming thread overhaul. Tomorrow.

I will update everyone of my posts with the "overarching" goal.

I really don't know how to lay this out clearer. It really is evolutionary by nature like how I made 1k cranes. I didn't track everything at first. The tracking grew as I grew as a person. Periods of high and low action.

Bear with me for the low action. There is method to the madness.

This is about completion, not perfection. Good enough is good for me.

If the moderators will allow me to update super old posts I will. I don't know if that's possible. I will check tomorrow.

Everything is up for critique. I do not act on every or any critique though if it intereferes with my balance, goals, emotions, or inspiration.

However, every critique is DEEPLY considered and contemplated. I do not brush off any suggestion.

Everyone has value.

Thank you for reading if you have been a lurker or active contributor.

 

[Guest92dX]

Day 11, 12, 13:

Value for anyone reading:

Quote of the day:
"Just do your work and step back" - Lao Tzu
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update:
+12 new emails
+2 followup
+1 meeting


Note: ran out of contacts so I have to find more contacts. I thought I would have heard back from more people by now.

I severely underestimated the exercise.

Current Stats:
45 cold emails (action)
23 extremely personalized cold emails/contacts (action)
1 response from a possible auto-responder followed redirect to new email.
4 bounces
3 responses (action)
0 sales
1 project (action)
2 meeting (action)
50 followup (action)
6 business failures
12 Linkedin coffee offers (action)

Total actions: 136

Feelings and Thoughts:
Felt low for a while, my action suffered. I'm back at it now. I have to find more contacts.

[section removed because it is a distraction]

Current Status:
Finding more people to contact.

Goal for tomorrow:
Find 100 new people to contact.

Overarching goal:
Create a software business with first sale in 5 months.

Accountable time line and major goal:
5 months, 1 problem, 1st sale.

Possible changes:
none for right now

Challenges:
None for right now. There have been no changes.

Current Schedule:
1 hour meditation
1 hour eating
5 hours emailing and following up
2 hours research

Current Problem to Solve:
Find more people

Question for Anyone Reading:
None for today.

-------
Note: no notes today

 

[lewj24]

Goal for tomorrow:
Find 100 new people to contact.

Why?

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Guest92dX]

Day 14 and 15:

Value for anyone reading:

Quote of the day:
"It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop." - Confucius
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update:
+0

Current Stats:
45 cold emails (action)
23 extremely personalized cold emails/contacts (action)
1 response from a possible auto-responder followed redirect to new email.
4 bounces
3 responses (action)
0 sales
1 project (action)
2 meeting (action)
50 followup (action)
6 business failures
12 Linkedin coffee offers (action)

Total actions: 136

Feelings and Thoughts:
I spent time away from doing anything because I'm uncertain of the next step. I currently have a project that feels more like being a free "employee" than a real business.

The opportunity could lead me to more fruitful avenues.

In other news, I have a phone call that is on-target for my industry.

Current Status:
x

Goal for tomorrow:
x

Overarching goal:
Create a software business with first sale in 5 months.

Accountable time line and major goal:
5 months, 1 problem, 1st sale.

Possible changes:
x

Challenges:
x

Current Schedule:
1 hour meditation
1 hour eating
5 hours emailing and following up
2 hours research

Current Problem to Solve:
x

Question for Anyone Reading:
x

-------
Note: no notes today

 

[Guest92dX]

Why?

Thought about it.

I have my project. It can springboard to more opportunities. It isn't something I'm really interested in.

I'll sit with it for a while.

 

[lewj24]

Day 14 and 15:

Value for anyone reading:

Quote of the day:
"It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop." - Confucius
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update:
+0

Current Stats:
45 cold emails (action)
23 extremely personalized cold emails/contacts (action)
1 response from a possible auto-responder followed redirect to new email.
4 bounces
3 responses (action)
0 sales
1 project (action)
2 meeting (action)
50 followup (action)
6 business failures
12 Linkedin coffee offers (action)

Total actions: 136

Feelings and Thoughts:
I spent time away from doing anything because I'm uncertain of the next step. I currently have a project that feels more like being a free "employee" than a real business.

The opportunity could lead me to more fruitful avenues.

In other news, I have a phone call that is on-target for my industry.

Current Status:
x

Goal for tomorrow:
x

Overarching goal:
Create a software business with first sale in 5 months.

Accountable time line and major goal:
5 months, 1 problem, 1st sale.

Possible changes:
x

Challenges:
x

Current Schedule:
1 hour meditation
1 hour eating
5 hours emailing and following up
2 hours research

Current Problem to Solve:
x

Question for Anyone Reading:
x

-------
Note: no notes today

Dude what is going on? I'm trying to root for you but you are making it tough. I'm about to give up. You just posted a quote about never giving up and right below it you post about how you decided to do nothing....

I talked earlier in this thread about goal setting. Do that. If your goal is to start a software business break it down. What kind of software business? What industry? How do you start a software business? etc. etc. You keep breaking it down until you figure everything out and then determine if you still want to go through with it. If you do then you will have an idea of what actions you then have to take. Boom. Then take those actions.

Stop posting and tallying your "136 Actions." What even counts as an action? So an email counts? A LinkedIn coffee offer counts?? What is this man? You might as well count brushing your teeth or taking a shit. After all, you have to do these things in order to be a productive worker/achiever/entrepreneur. This is useless BS trying to make yourself feel good for "taking action."

The only way you need these kind of numbers is if your trying to figure out some real metrics that you can manipulate in the future such as "I sent 10,000 emails and got 100 back I wonder if I can increase my conversions somehow or if I should try a new method" But that's not taking 10,000 actions.

The goal is not how many actions you take. The goal is how many dollars you make.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Guest92dX]

Day 16:

Value for anyone reading:

Quote of the day:
"Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues." - Confucius
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update:
+15 Linkedin connection requests
1 appointment phone call scheduled

Current Stats:
45 cold emails (action)
23 extremely personalized cold emails/contacts (action)
1 response from a possible auto-responder followed redirect to new email.
4 bounces
3 responses (action)
0 sales
1 project (action)
2 meeting (action)
50 followup (action)
6 business failures
27 Linkedin coffee offers (action)

Total actions: 151

Feelings and Thoughts:
Ending the cold emails is the right thing to do. Going 1 - 118 emails with 1 response is abysmal. This is even after changing my email content to be more valuable. It was already targeted on-point for the industry. Optimizing a waste of time doesn't change it from being a waste of time.

@MTF You were right that email isn't as effective anymore.

It is not the right environment to contact someone in a new way unless there is a very specific detailed and useful reason. I now think cold email and even possibly email in general is quite possibly the most overrated and over promoted marketing tactic, unless the person is already looking for your email.

In a more correct environment, I went 1 - 12, which seems closer to a useful number.

I was thinking about this in the wrong way. Environment is critical.

-----
In other news, I'm still working on the out-of-industry project and will make some followups on Monday.

[section removed as it is a distraction]

Goal for tomorrow:
Finish up appointment, send more connections,

Overarching goal:
Create a software business with first sale in 5 months.

Accountable time line and major goal:
5 months, 1 problem, 1st sale.

[section removed as it is a distraction]

Challenges:
x

Current Schedule:
1 hour meditation
1 hour eating
5 hours emailing and following up
2 hours research

[section removed as it is a duplicate]

[section removed as it is a distraction]

-------
Note: no notes today

 

[Guest92dX]

Day 17:

Value for anyone reading:

Quote of the day:
"The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones" - Confucius
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Update:
+2 genuine problems
+1 scheduled call

Note: can't make more connections I think because I ran out of commercial messaging or something.

Current Stats:
45 cold emails (action)
23 extremely personalized cold emails/contacts (action)
1 response from a possible auto-responder followed redirect to new email.
4 bounces
3 responses (action)
0 sales
2 problems
1 call (action)
1 project (action)
2 meeting (action)
50 followup (action)
6 business failures
27 Linkedin coffee offers (action)

Total actions: 152

Feelings and Thoughts:
So, I found two real problems that are on-point/target for the industry! Woohoo!

I actually suspected one of the problems while I was researching, but I wasn't sure. They are both interesting. Neither of the problems deal with software.

I'm going to take a field trip soon to scope out one of the problems.

Note: the 5 preliminary problems I found don't apply to what I'm doing. I misinterpreted the data. The problems apply to a different element of the industry.

I'm starting to think the world probably doesn't need more software.

Time to see if the problems can be solved and prep for selling!
---

In other news, I'm still working on the out-of-industry project for free to find more problems.

Goal for tomorrow:
Figure out field trip

Overarching goal:
Create a software business with first sale in 5 months.

Accountable time line and major goal:
5 months, 1 problem, 1st sale.

Challenges:
See if both problems can be solved. Confirmed and unconfirmed.

Current Schedule:
1 hour meditation
1 hour eating
5 hours research

-------
Note: this thread is just my own personal attempt at kaizen and way to improve every day. I don't believe massive numbers always = massive action because you can have massive impact with low numbers. It is relative. Everything in life is conditional.

 

[MTF]

Updates?

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Guest92dX]

Updates?

Haven't stopped yet. I'm currently waiting on 1 person to meet for coffee and see what turns up.

He's the first test case for selling and part of the reason why I stopped blasting people over email and social networks.

There is just this waiting game and possibly time to make a decision.

I'm also trying to figure out how to make this field trip to see if the product can be built. I may scrap the product because the field trip is looking like an area I don't want to visit for safety reasons.

I just received word on the first location yesterday or the day before.

I may wind up going for the second or third possible product.
---
In other news, I applied for some jobs since it was suggested in the thread.

There is something I want to do for the project to cover my bases, but I don't have the money to do it.

I'm also going to that conference I mentioned earlier.

 

[SoftStone]

Haven't stopped yet. I'm currently waiting on 1 person to meet for coffee and see what turns up.

There is just this waiting game and possibly time to make a decision.

I'm also trying to figure out how to take a field trip to see if the product can be built. I may scrap the product because the field trip is looking like an area I don't want to visit for safety reasons.

I may wind up going for the second or third possible product.
---
In other news, I applied for some jobs since it was suggested in the thread.

There is something I want to do for the project to cover my bases, but I don't have the money to do it.

how long have you been waiting for that person?

 

[Guest92dX]

we just started talking. We're supposed to meet this week. The week is over. He's only had a 3 days to respond or confirm though.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[SoftStone]

we just started talking. We're supposed to meet this week. The week is over. He's only had a 3 days to respond or confirm though.

I'll try to add some value from my limited experience (haven't made a dime, yet, but whatever...).

I recently contacted someone via the phone to offer him my web development services. He agreed and said that I should send him an email.

Fast forward a couple of weeks he still has not responded after following up twice.

Now, I am not saying that is going to happen to you.

All I am saying is that it's quite a bad idea to rely on one outcome. I hope you're contacting other people in the meantime.

 

[Guest92dX]

Day 50:

Value for anyone reading:

Quote of the day:
"A person experiences life as something separated from the rest -- a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. Our task must be to free ourselves from this self-imposed prison, and through compassion, to find the reality of Oneness" -- Albert Einstein
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update:
+1 meeting
+1 proposals

I met the guy I was waiting on. He didn't seem to have all nice things to say about some of the other people I talked to. His mindset seemed problem focused or negativity focused. I wound up confirming the second of the 3 problems I discovered. He said the current problem I'm working on isn't much of an issue, but I haven't scoped it out well so I don't know.

He told me to send him a proposal for what is essentially a "lead gen" site in the solar industry. There don't seem to be many sites like this. The scale and opportunity may be there and there may be a way to stand out from other companies.

So now it's time to see if I get the first sale. I will probably start another set of cold contacts/outreach next week because of a death in the family.

So, I will be putting more numbers up soon. I had to wait a little bit though while confirming that there are actually problems and opportunities.
-----
In other news, I'm still waiting to take that damn field trip to scope out the other problem lolololol. It is scheduled though.

There may also be another sale in the works. If I see this guy I met randomly while getting coffee I'll ask him what's on his mind.

Current Stats:
45 cold emails (action)
23 extremely personalized cold emails/contacts (action)
1 response from a possible auto-responder followed redirect to new email.
4 bounces
3 responses (action)
0 sales
2 problems
1 proposal (action)
1 call (action)
1 project (action)
3 meeting (action)
50 followup (action)
6 business failures
27 Linkedin coffee offers (action)

Total actions: 154

Feelings and Thoughts:
I didn't think I'd get to the point where someone would actually consider buying anything or even pretend to consider it. I still don't know if this guy is playing me. He asked for a proposal though. I'm going to trust him to help me discover more about myself and what I should be doing.

What I do know is that even when you think you can't trust someone or that they'll let you down, you should trust them anyway. Trust them to be their self. Trust them to come through for you. Trust them to give you an opportunity to be better than you were before. Trust them to help you discover things in yourself that are limiting you.

Goal for tomorrow:
prep for putting up numbers towards sales on the second problem.

Overarching goal:
Create a software business with first sale in 5 months.

Accountable time line and major goal:
5 months, 1 problem, 1st sale.

Challenges:
Get first sale.

{section removed as it is a distraction}

-------
Note: this thread is just my own personal attempt at kaizen and way to improve every day. I don't believe massive numbers always = massive action because you can have massive impact with low numbers. It is relative. Everything in life is conditional.