Today’s amazing guest is Tom Greveson, the founder of Revolution Viewing. I saw Tom speak at my old University (we be Alumni Peeps) and, well, do you know sometimes how you see something and just NEED to know more? This is what happened, hence why I HAD to include Tom in The Successful Mistake.

We discuss mistakes, startup hardship, and figuring out exactly who your target audience is. Breathe in the advice, folks:

THE BIO

Tom Greveson is a great lover, he loves music by Hendrix, The Stones, The Beatles, Arcade Fire, Simon & Garfunkel, The Jam, Joy Division and The Smiths. Tom also loves kiteboarding, snowboarding, wake-boarding and playing around with boats, jet skis and tractors (preferably all at once in the sea at Rhosneigr). Tom’s favourite city is Annecy, France. Tom dislikes writing in the third person, he finds it rather formal. I established Revolution Viewing LTD (digital media company specialising in interactive web content) in 2004 and absolutely love managing a great bunch of people that (I’m pleased to say) enjoy what they do. Lucy is my lovely, beautiful and patient girlfriend and Oscar is my crazy, daft and impatient little boy.

Website     l     Twitter     l     Facebook

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The Interview Overview

1. Tom discusses how he tried to do too much in the beginning and how he struggled to say no
2. We talk about having a rough idea about what you want to do, but how it takes time to refine this and drive forward
3. He talks about becoming a master of something rather than trying to do all – how Revolution Viewing targeted a smaller market, but this is when everything came together
4. We discuss expansion, and how growing too fast has its issues
5. Tom expanded into recruitment, but the passion wasn’t quite there. It distracted from what he’s spent years building
6. We finish the interview off by digesting ‘focus’ and how he approaches new ideas now. It has to align with his world, vision, and what they’re all spent years creating.

Thanks for dropping by and joining us for this marvelous edition of Turndog Talks To

Make sure you join the conversation on YOUTUBE and SUBSCRIBE to the Turndog Channel – keeping you up to date with all interviews, trailers & other cool videos from the world of Turndog Millionaire.

Have a most lovely day,

Turndog - @turndog_million

It’s been a crazy  few days and I’ve learned a great deal, but I’ve discovered many people don’t understand the concept of Crowdfunding – at least not the way I see it.

Of course, money plays an important role. It stands centre stage. If successful, you receive it all and can fulfill your dreams. If not, you get nothing, making the whole experience somewhat pointless. In my case it’s £2,743. If successful I can create the Paperback, Limited Edition Hardcover, T-Shirts, Posters, and other cool stuff. If not, it’s back to the drawing board.

HOWEVER, that is the obvious side of Kickstarter and it isn’t the side I’m drawn to. Important, sure, but not the be-all-and-end-all.

Kickstarter’s Angelic Mistress

The side of crowdfunding I adore is The Journey. This isn’t a writer or artist or musician or inventor hiding away in her room and releasing it somewhere down the line as she works with large shops and distributors and teams of talented folk. Crowdfunding involves transparency and an invitation into the most vulnerable part of their world - a place often kept hidden and secret.

This is modern storytelling in its finest form. Sure, money is required and support essential, but behind all of that is a story that YOU can be part of from the very beginning. This is what I love about sites like Kickstarter. They provide the means of brining the creator and consumer together.

You don’t simply buy a product, you become part of its history.

It’s All In the Journey

I closely follow sites like Kickstarter and have done for some time. I’ve met amazing individuals and been introduced to incredible stories along the way. I’ve met people like Danny Fein of Litograph through crowdfunding, and although I loved his product in an instant, it was the video and the story that wouldn’t let me go.

The same can be said about Ian Schon, an inventor and someone I came across via his Pen Project. I didn’t pledge to this campaign because I couldn’t justify that much money on a pen (which I know sounds strange, considering I’m a so called writer), but I did share, reach out to him, and have followed his journey ever since.

We’ve all bought pens before and they’re usually everyday purchases from a large supermarket. It’s distant and stale and boring. With Ian’s Pen Project, however, you get to see how they’re made, why they were made, how he’s going to involve you in the entire journey.

Crowdfunding offers this, and it brings the creator and the consumer together like never before!

The Future For Writers

Writers are beginning to use sites like Kickstarter, but it’s still somewhat rare. I have no idea why though, because writers should be using crowdfunding more than most!

We craft stories and immerse readers into a make-believe world. We take them on a journey from the beginning, through the middle, and all of the way to the bitter end. We make them laugh and cry and FEEL. Yet, how often do you see a writer share the process? We build stories and take people on a journey, but we won’t allow them to be part of OUR story or join OUR journey.

Crowdfunding helps bring the writer and reader together like no other. People like Natalie Sisson has used Kickstarter to fund their project, invite readers to edit and be part of each chapter, and not only is she creating a dedicated team, she’s learning more about her skills, her readers, and what book she NEEDS to write.

For some reason writing and crowdfunding seems to be a taboo subject at present, but I’m not sure why.

The Future For This Writer

This is my first Kickstarter but it won’t be my last. I plan on running another one shortly, for my next novel, Tick to the Tock. Regardless of whether the Beyond Parallel Kickstarter is successful, I want to invite you into my next novel’s journey. It’s hard being honest and transparent. It’s scary as hell, but I believe it makes the story all the more compelling.

Writers are, after all, storytellers by trade, so we really should be leading the way.

Money is important as it often is in life. It sits centre stage in Crowdfunding, but I don’t see it as the most important aspect. The journey is. The invitation of being part of the beginning is. The story is, and the fact that you can be part of it, is. I’m not going to end this Post with a call to action toward the Kickstarter Campaign – you know where you can find it.

What I will offer is an invitation into my next novel’s journey – a sneak peek if you will. 

If you’d like to read a draft chapter, a chapter that my editor hasn’t seen and will more than likely change a great deal between now and launch day; a chapter that’s raw and vulnerable; a chapter that probably isn’t ready for other eyes yet… Well, send me an email and ask.

I don’t want to journey onward in secret. It’s scary as hell letting others in, but it’s something I must do. It’s over to you.

Turndog – @turndog_million

As with many things online, Kickstarter is all about gaining traction and momentum. The more pledges you get the greater the exposure, which in turn places you higher in the Search Area and the more likely you are to be picked for the Staff Favourite section. All of this improves the likelihood of being featured in their Email Newsletter, which basically guarantees the success of a campaign like ours.

Are you beginning to see the importance of momentum?

How YOU Can Help

Between now (Friday evening) and Sunday evening I’m gathering as many PLEDGES as possible. I hope you’ll check out the page and consider getting the Paperback, T-shirt, or limited edition Hardcover, but ANY PLEDGE helps this weekend

That means I’m encouraging anyone and everyone to consider the £3 ($4.50) Reward which guarantees a Thank You Tweet, YOUR name on the website and in the book, and invites to both the Real World and Online Paperback Book Launch. That’s right, for the price of a posh coffee you can get to be part of this epic journey and help a dreamy writers dream come true

Getting Kickstarter To Take Notice

So far all of my attention has been on Friends, Family, and existing Readers, which is always my first priority, but to reach the target of £2,743 we need to hit the eyes of many. That’s where Kickstarter’s platform of eager supporters comes in. Two Days of solid Pledging will raise Beyond Parallel up the charts, make Kickstarter take notice, and soon hundreds - ney, thousands – of new people will be introduced to a book that you’ve known about for ages. And it will all be thanks to YOU.

How cool would it be if one of your friends came up and said, “Hey, did you see that Kickstarter success, Beyond Parallel? Dude, that sounds super cool and such and such…”

You’ll look back all nonchalant and say, “Yeah, I’ve known about it for months. Duh.”

Hmmmm, okay, maybe not, but you understand what I’m saying, right?

Skip A Posh Coffee

Okay, so this weekend please consider skipping a Posh Coffee and instead PLEDGE to the Beyond Parallel Kickstartter Campaign.

Together we can make Kickstarter take notice, introduce thousands of new people to the book, and get this target tackled with weeks to spare. Sound good? Great! You’re awesome and I appreciate the love and support.

Top weekend to you,

Turndog – @turndog_million

I’ve spent the last year or so keeping a close eye on Kickstarter – finding cool gadgets, uncovering intriguing brands, and discovering like minded folk. It’s treated me well as I’ve come across many great things, but all the while I’ve been studying too: what makes a good campaign, the right words to use, how to craft a video to end all videos…

It’s lead me to here: The Launch Of The Beyond Parallel Kickstarter Campaign

Beyond Parallel was released in January – a very proud day – but my dream has always been to see it in Print and hold it in my bare hands. That’s what the Kickstarter Campaign is in aid of, and today is the day when the epic journey of raising £2,743 begins!

We have 30 days to raise the money, and should we be successful then I’ll be able to Print the Beyond Parallel Paperback, Launch the Limited Edition Hardcover, Produce the T-Shirts, Tote Bags, and Special Edition Litograph Poster, and all of the other goodies that can be yours from JUST £3

I’m rather excited and nervous at the moment and I have much to learn in the next 30 days. I hope you’ll be part of this journey with me, and this is how you can be:

1. PLEDGE
   

2. WATCH THE VIDEO

3. SHARE THE BEYOND PARALLEL LOVE

To see the 10 Rewards, how the money will be spent, and how a little can become a lot, PLEASE CLICK HERE. Raising £2,743 is no easy feat, but  with your HELP it can be done with time and pennies to spare. This isn’t only my journey, but ours – should you choose.

Let’s do this!

Turndog – @turndog_million

I’ve been a proud Kickstarter lurker for over a year now and come across many great brands and individuals through it. On Wednesday I will no longer be a lurker because I launch my first campaign – in aid of getting Beyond Parallel in Print. Let me tell you, I’m excited and terrified all at once.

It’s Like Launch Day All Over Again

At the start of 2013 I launched Beyond Parallel as an Ebook and it was one of the proudest, most exciting, and purely terrifying days of my life. I’m going through similar emotions right now. On the one hand I’m excited about meeting new people, bringing all my friends and family together, and reaching the target of £2,743 with days to spare.

On the other, what if it’s a complete disaster?

What if my mum’s the only person to pledge?

Why, it would be the most embarrassing thing in the whole wide world – kind of… sort of… not really.

I’m sure you understand my pain, but in order to succeed in life you need to be bold form time to time. This is one of those occasions and I’m intrigued about the lessons that await. This may be my first Kickstarter Campaign, but it won’t be my last. I’m planning a second for my next novel later this summer, and  a third in aid of The Successful Mistake.

Is It All About The Money?

For those of you who don’t know the ins and outs of Kickstarter, this is a simple breakdown:

HOWEVER, despite the money aspect of crowd-funding being important, it’s not the part that excites me the most. Don’t get me wrong, the £2,743 target that I’ve set is very much needed, but the thought that I’ll meet new readers, interact with existing ones in a unique way, and generally create something bigger than myself is the greatest gift Kickstarter offers.

Standing out as an author is tough these days, and in my opinion Kickstarter can help achieve this – not just for writers, but designers, musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, and inventors alike.

What’s The Plan

On Wednesday 12th June the Beyond Parallel Kickstarter Campaign Launches!

The video is ready, the rewards are awaiting, and the story-behind-the story is ready to sweep you off your feet. I’ve tried to be as transparent as possible and have great ideas for updates throughout the month. Pretty soon we’ll see whether this Kickstarter Campaign will shine or fall.

Will you help it shine?

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There’s going to be much more info on this site in the following weeks, but there are certain things you can do RIGHT NOW to HELP:

1: JOIN THE EVENT: Sneak Peek access to videos, rewards, and other cool content.

2: SIGN UP TO THE LIST: be the first to know EVERYTHING

3: INTRODUCE AN INFLUENCER: know a journalist or blogger? Introduce them to this campaign and help spread the love.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Like I say, I’m excited/terrified about what awaits.

I’ve been planning this Kickstarter Campaign in my head for some time, and I’ve asked A LOT of advice from people who have been there and done it – thanks to those amazing folk, by the way.  I have 3o days to raise £2,743 and get Beyond Parallel in Print. This is the dream. This can be realitty. But I’ll need A LOT OF HELP to make it happen!

I hope you’ll be part of this journey and Pledge & Share

Wish me luck and keep those fingers crossed

Turndog – @turndog_million

Some of you may have been wondering where I’d got to: I’ve not been Blogging – I’ve not been Tweeting – I’ve been rather quiet indeed.

I do apologise, but these last few weeks have been manic and chaotic and absolutely beautiful. I’ve been working hard on a few new features (The Storytelling Starter-Kit), MY Story, this Website in general, and a Kickstarter Campaign that launches very very soon. I’ve also managed to finish the first draft of my next novel, so you see, although I’ve been rather MIA, I’ve been working hard to ensure the future remains bright.

I hope you’ll spend a few minutes looking around the new website, and if you come across any issues – or have feedback of any kind – please send me an email at: matt@turndogmillinaire.com.

I’m so happy with everything and can’t wait to add a few other touches in the coming weeks. I have quite a few ideas for this summer, so make sure to sign up t0 The Storytelling Start-Kit and receive important information before everyone else.

Of course, this website wasn’t all done by me. I owe a great deal to Greg from Splitpixel, as well as Hannah Cordingley who provided all of the amazing pictures that you see (such a talent, don’t you agree?).

It’s been a manic few weeks but a period in time that I’m grateful for. In the coming days I’ll be Blogging as usual, Tweeting away, and generally getting back to some sort of normality. Like I say, I have quite a few ideas to start implementing, so I hope you’ll Sign Up and be part of this journey with me. Speaking of which, a grand journey is about to begin on Wednesday…

My debut novel, BEYOND PARALLEL, is coming to Print – But I NEED YOUR HELP to make it happen.

I’m launching the Beyond Parallel Kickstarter Campaign on Wednsday 12th June and I couldn’t be more excited about the epic journey that awaits. PLEASE LOOK AT THIS PAGE and uncover all of the ins-and-outs. I hope you like what you see, are excited to be part of Launch Day, and will Join Me in 30 days of crowd-funding craziness!

Right, for now I’ll bid you farewell. Welcome to the new site, and please, if you have a few minutes, take a look around and let me know your thoughts. I would love to hear your feedback

Have a great weekend,

Turndog – @turndog_million

Today I talk to Dan Miller: author, speaker, and general entrepreneur mastermind. This is in aid of The Successful Mistake, which involves me interviewing some of the world’s best business minds. Dan is most certainly one of these and I’m excited to hear his insight.

Dan and I discuss mistakes and how to come back from the brink. Let’s see what Dan has to say, shall we…

THE BIO

Dan is the author of the New York Times best-selling 48 Days To The Work You Love , No More Dreaded Mondays and the newly released Wisdom meets Passion. He has been a guest on CBS’ ‘The Early Show,’ MSNBC’s ‘Hardball with Chris Mathews,’ Moody MidDay Connection, and the Dave Ramsey Show. Dan has spoken at the White House Christian Fellowship, and is in high demand at national conferences on aging and changes in the workplace, and at universities and churches. Over 130,000 people have subscribed to his weekly newsletter, his 48 Days Podcast consistently ranks in the top 3 under Careers on iTunes, and the 48Days.net business community is viewed as an example around the world for those seeking to find – or create – work they love.

Website     l     Twitter     l     Facebook

The Interview Overview

1. Dan talks about losing it all when going into an industry that he didn’t have passion for
2. It didn’t take much for the entire marketplace to change, and with it went Dan’s livelihood
3. Dan talks about the road back, how hard it was, but the amazing help he received from people during these bad times
4. He turned to the internet, started coaching people, and slowly but surely built his brand once again
5. We discuss being open and honest with people, letting others in – even when vulnerable – and building relationships whenever you can
6. If it wasn’t for these relationships he couldn’t have done it on his own. We finish off talking about the value of building tight knitted friendships and developing something that truly matters.

Thanks for dropping by and joining us for this marvelous edition of Turndog Talks To

Make sure you join the conversation on YOUTUBE and SUBSCRIBE to the Turndog Channel – keeping you up to date with all interviews, trailers & other cool videos from the world of Turndog Millionaire.

Have a most lovely day,

Turndog - @turndog_million

This is sad to see and will hopefully change.

However, book review sites are a great resource for writers, especially to new authors like my good self. We reach new readers, receive valuable feedback, and earn tough skin along the way. These are all vital traits the modern day pen scratcher requires.

I wrote about how to find reviewers a few months ago, so you may want to read that first, but today I wish to discuss how to craft the perfect Review Request Email. I’ve reached out to hundreds of reviewers in recent months and become fairly close with some of them. What I’ve learned is that they receive hundreds of emails each week, often from rude authors that use very generic messages. Let’s change the mould!

Craft The Perfect Review Request

My way may not be perfect, and it may not be suited for you. It can take quite a bit of time and results are not guaranteed. However, when I receive a YES I build a relationship with that reviewer. You learn more about them, how to serve the industry, and how to improve as a writer. Isn’t this what it’s all about?

I shall now break down the general email that I send and hopefully help you along your way:

The Opening Line

Hi [insert name], I hope your day is going well so far. [insert personal message 1]

It may sound redundant, but whenever possible use the reviewer’s name. If you use anything but they will see straight through you.

This is also your first opportunity to show that you have read their site, not simply picked their name from a list somewhere. It doesn’t have to be a long message, but mention a feature you like, a recent review they’ve done, or any other comment that demonstrates you care. This is where the time intrusive element of my process comes from, but in my opinion it’s worth it.

The Introduction

My name is Matthew Turner, a Contemporary New Adult Writer, and although I appreciate you’re very busy, I hope you’ll consider reviewing my debut novel: Beyond Parallel.

You can discover more about the bookl via the Press Page, but to give you a quick description:

Your next task is to introduce yourself and your book in a quick and precise fashion. They’re busy folk who get dozens of emails each day. Don’t ramble on. Get to the point.

In my opinion the best way to overcome this is through a Press Page (take a look at my own). It gives the reviewer power to learn more if they desire, you the opportunity to go into great deal, and all the while keeping your email short and simple.

I’ll write more about Press Page’s in the future, but these resources from Duolit and Joanna Penn are great starting points.

The Book Description

________

One boy. One girl. One insignificant moment that changes their lives forever.Bella and Clark are two young twenty-somethings, finding themselves in a chaotic and crazy world. One craves love; the other avoids it. Will they find one another, or will a single what-if moment send them down different paths?In the same mould as Sliding Doors, Uncertainty, and Smoking/No-Smoking, Beyond Parallel flips between two parallel tales. One follows Bella and Clark as a couple, the other as if they never meet.Is it all a game of chance, or are Bella and Clark meant to be?

________

Create a simple version that’s to the point. No more, no less.

The Sign Off

[insert personal message 2]

Thank you so much for reading. As I know a few reviewers, I understand how many emails you get and just how hectic your reading list is. You do a great service for us writers, a service often undervalued and abused. I hope I don’t add to your woes, but if Beyond Parallel does interests you, please hit reply.

I have .mobi, .epub, or PDF available whenever you require

If you have any questions, please let me know. Otherwise have a most wonderful day,

Before leaving, write another personalised message. It might be about their website or a book or their Facebook Page or anything whatsoever. Spend a few minutes to make this email matter, because it’ll differentiate you from many other writers.

Finally, thank them for their time, offer details should they have any more questions, and leave them with an action of some kind. Don’t simply attach a copy of your book, it’s presumptuous. Provide them the power, give them the chance to discover more, and leave it at that.

You can always follow up at a later date.

The Perfect Review Request?

The idea isn’t to copy this email, rather for you to create a quick, precise, and bespoke message of your own.

Add your voice, your personality, and a style that only you can. I see nothing wrong with creating a template to contact reviewers with. It saves a great deal of time, but if everyone receives the exact same email at the exact same time… this is an issue.

Stand out. Be personal. Take the time to care.

Reviewers are amazing and authors should treasure their time. Most do it for pure love, read a dozen or more books a month, and get bombarded by writers from all directions. Show some empathy toward your fellow book lover and write your own Perfect Review Request.

Turndog – @turndog_million

A large aspect of The Successful Mistake involves interviewing entrepreneurs, therefore I listen to a lot of tales. One such instance is when I sat down with Mary Juetten, the founder of Traklight.

Mary and I discuss mistakes and how to move forward when one occurs. I’m a firm believer that mistakes are a valued part of the business process, so let’s see what Mary has to share, shall we…

THE BIO

Mary has over twenty-five years of varied leadership, management, and business and financial consulting experience including successful turnarounds in the public and private sectors. Mary is a recovering accountant, holding both a CA and CPA, and a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and a JD from Arizona State. Her prior work experience includes financial auditing with Richter, Usher, & Vineberg, consulting with Price Waterhouse, and executive positions with Vancouver Community College, AMEC Training & Development, and most recently a one-year consulting contract as Chief Operating Officer with a local online startup, youchange Inc. In 2010, during law school, Mary founded traklight.com, a site that provides inventors, creators, and small businesses with the tools to identify and secure their intellectual property. Mary also consults and mentors small start-ups in the areas of planning, business models, and intellectual property identification. In addition to volunteering

Website     l     Twitter     l     Facebook

The Interview Overview

1. Mary and I discuss hiring people in the early days and how it can lead to issues if careful steps aren’t taken
2. It isn’t always about skill-level, but finding the ‘right’ people who can capture what you’re doing
3. Mary also talks about the mistake of hiring people lead her to discover more about developing and other aspects of the business she may otherwise have overlooked
4. We talk about building relationships, not just with customers, but staff members to help create a culture that demonstrates who you are and what you’re doing
5. Overall we discuss the importance of understanding your industry and making sure you know where you are, what you’re doing, and how you intend to move forward

Thanks for dropping by and joining us for this marvelous edition of Turndog Talks To

Make sure you join the conversation on YOUTUBE and SUBSCRIBE to the Turndog Channel – keeping you up to date with all interviews, trailers & other cool videos from the world of Turndog Millionaire.

Have a most lovely day,

Turndog - @turndog_million

When my lovely MacBook Prp decided to die on Easter Monday I was able to fix it myself (not sure how, but I did). A smart person would have taken this as a sign and gone to the Apple Store –  or at the very least do a MASSIVE backup.

I didn’t and lessons have been learned.

When Technology Fails Us

I love technology and gadgets, but when they fail us a part of our soul goes with it – unfortunately it’s the productive part that tends to get work done. For four days I had to work on my iPad, which isn’t my forte, falling behind my schedule and getting little done as a result.

However, things could have been much worse, that is for sure. My laptop is working fine and it didn’t cost much to fix. I also managed to salvage ‘most’ of my data, so it’s fair to say that I got lucky… this time.

Working on The Successful Mistake brings many benefits, one of the biggest being that I get to see first hand how other people approach mistakes, how they overcome them, and how they learn and move forward.

I’m determined to learn from my Laptop Demise and make sure I move onward and upward. This is what I’ve learned:

IMAP not POP

I‘m not email savvy. I know how to setup an account, but understanding all the ins and outs is beyond my capabilities. Before my laptop demise, I used Thunderbird and set up using POP (apparently), which means it stores all of my emails on my laptop – rather than their server.

At the time this seemed like a good idea, but I have no idea why. Needless to say this was a mistake and I have now lost all of my emails, most email addresses, and a few key correspondences that could come back to haunt me.

It’s enough to make you want to cry, but if all I’m going to lose from this is email, it’s a price I must pay. I now use Apple Mail (which I love) and IMAP (emails saved in the cloud), and considering changing servers to add extra security.

Please, learn from my mistake and make sure you’re on IMAP (or regularly backup your emails). Check your settings now… go… do it!

Automate Where Possible

My iCal is rather manic. This is great as it helps keep me organised, but when I have to rely only on myself, issues arise.

In my call I set certain periods to backup my data, clean my Mac, and other boring tasks. I now plan on automating such chores wherever possible, which means investing in a home network that allows Time Machine to do its magic… automatically… with or without my consent.

I’ve also downloaded Clean My Mac 2 and tasked it with automatically cleaning my laptop every two weeks. These are both things I can do myself, but laziness, busyness, and sleepiness can quickly cause issue.

Setting all of this up costs a little hard earned money, money I’d rather not spend, but the next time an issue like this arises I may not be so lucky. I may lose ALL of my data, which is worth a whole lot more than $200.

Take Things Seriously

Recently I’ve planned major updates for Turndog Millionaire. This involves a new website, new courses, new projects, and a whole new outlook on life. It’s very exciting, largely because I’m taking things to the next level.

What this recent episode has taught me is that I need to take everything I do seriously. I must up the ante wherever I can, so this week I’m meeting my bank manager, building a home network, and downloading key pieces of software that will keep me protected and on top.

It makes me think about Steven Pressfield and his outlook on ‘being a pro’. If you don’t take yourself seriously then how can you expect others to do so. I’ve decided I don’t take myself seriously enough, but this will soon change.

What You Can Take Away From This

In this instance I didn’t lose much. Next time I may not be so lucky!

The Successful Mistake has taught me a great deal, especially in the last two weeks.

1. I Didn’t Panic (I took a step back and made rational decisions)
2. I Stayed Positive (if the worse came about, I’d have a new MacBook Air)
3. I Made A Few Backup Plans (be prepared for anything and everything)
4. I Asked For Help (I asked friends in the ‘know’ – it helped!)
5. I WANT To Learn (I won’t suffer from this again – EVER!)

For the most part a lot of this was unavoidable. I can’t help nor predict when my laptop will die, but what I can control is being prepared for the worst and being proactive wherever possible.

I didn’t backup my data, I didn’t setup my email properly, and I didn’t act upon the first issues on Easter Monday. This was my mistake. It’s my fault I don’t have my emails and it’s my fault that I had a week of unproductive nightmares.

I will learn though. Will you learn from my mistakes? 

I have an exciting few weeks ahead of me, and although this episode has thrown a spanner in the machinery, I’m glad it happened – kind of…

Turndog – @turndog_million