In the beginning of 2014, I decided to do something rather scary… BE TRANSPARENT & HONEST. I want to be an open book, but I’m scared. WHY? Because I’m still at the beginning of my journey, and the numbers are pitiful, and the failures often and obvious.
Yet, I’m determined to battle this fear, and provide an honest insight for anyone who wishes to read. I’ve already started this process, too, writing articles like this one, and a crazy Kickstarter campaign like this.
Mere scratches on the surface. For this series is the window into my soul
Below are the numbers, the finances, the projects, my health, and stats from May 2014. This is a snapshot of what it’s like to be a self published author. A new entrepreneur. An average guy still finding his way. It isn’t designed to scare, nor glorify, merely provide the truth of right now.
_________
Many of the links in this post are affiliate ones, directing you to the products, apps, and softwares I use to create this monthly report. Don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything or affect your privacy, merely gives me a commission if you happen to buy. Please note I use(d) everything I link to, and am picky when it comes to sharing such info.
[su_note]LIKE TO GET ALL THE TOOLS I USE TO MAKE THIS MONTHLY REPORT? I made an Exclusive PDF just for you, and you can grab it for FREE by Clicking Here[/su_note]
WRITING:
Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, I love to tap away at the keyboard and share my words with those willing to read. However, standing out from the ever growing list of book is tough, so let’s dive into my published books, the amount of copies sold, and the kind of income a crazy pen scratcher like myself earns:
…
EXISTING PUBLICATIONS:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
BOOK:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
SALES:
2
2 (+1)
0
0
0
0
0
0
59
1
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
BIT.LY HITS
294
31
55
0
1
0
0
1
1
1
[/su_column][/su_row]
At the moment all of my books are Exclusive to Amazon, although I do sell Paperback & Hardcover editions of Tick to the Tock and Beyond Parallel (sales indicated in brackets). The tools I use to gather the above info are through the AMAZON KDP DASHBOARD and BIT.LY.
Well, as you can see for yourself, it’s rather bleak reading. The only book with a reasonable number behind is my perm-free book, Tales From a Tiny Thai Table. However, I am in the process of running FREE promotions for all of my books, so that has certainly taken precedent (discussed below), but regardless, such a low amount of books sold is sad to see.
I have plenty of things to try this summer, and as I’m placing all of my eggs in the Amazon basket, it allows me to try beat the system and slowly rise the charts. As you can imagine, this is a section I’ll be following close over the coming months.
…
NEW RELEASES:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
BOOK:
No new releases this month
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
SALES:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
BIT.LY HITS
[/su_column][/su_row]
…
CURRENT PROJECTS:
I’m currently hard at work on a few book projects, crafting both Fiction & Non-Fiction works.
I’m still writing the first draft of I UNLOVE YOU (my third novel), and in May I launched its Kickstarter Campaign. I’m around 15,000 words through, so progress has been slower than I’d have liked. However, I’m still getting to know these characters and re-finding my mojo. Overall, no need to worry 😉
As for non-fiction, I continue to work on The Successful Mistake, with several cool interviews facilitated throughout May (including Paul Kemp, Ari Meisler & Steve Olsher). I have no idea when I’ll launch this book just yet, but I’m excited to make HUGE inroads between now and the end of 2014.
I also continue (slowly and frustratingly) to work on The Starter-Kit Series, with a book aimed at ‘Coffee Shop Working’ next on the agenda. This has become a labour of love of late, but I’m determined to get back on the horse and publish the next edition soon!
And a final project I’ve been working on, which I link to my writing and will group with this section in future editions, is my AFFILIATE EARNINGS. I’m currently creating a Resources Page (to be released in June), where I’ll recommend and showcase all the tools I use to live my daily day. I don’t expect huge earnings from this anytime soon, but such passive income can ease my woes in the coming months. Although let me says this… I WILL NOT GO OVERBOARD!!!
The tool I use to create all Affiliate links is SMART URL, which not only creates a handy short link, but allows me to send users from different countries to specific stores (as you can imagine, ideal for Amazon).
PROMOTIONS/FREE RUNS:
Several of my books enjoyed a FREE Promotion in May, using their KDP FREEE DAYS. It’s the first time I’ve run a free campaign in over a year, so my experiences have been somewhat mixed. What I have learnt is the importance of experimenting, which I hope to do much more of throughout the summer.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
BOOK:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″]
FREE DOWNLOADS:
1,450
599
28
38
31
[/su_column][/su_row]
….
As you can see, TICK to the TOCK and Beyond Parallel did rather well, although I can’t say it had any effect on sales. It seems the Free Promotions of Amazon have run their course, although I plan to experiment with these (and other promotions) throughout the summer. I’d love to hear your thoughts and own experiences regarding this. It’ll be interesting to see what the next wave of Amazon success surrounds…
May was also the launch of the I UNLOVE YOU KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN, which has been a tad slow so far. However, I love the premise of crowdfunding, and this is something I plan to do more of in the future. Yes, I know. I’m a stubborn mule who refuses to give up 🙂
…
INCOME BREAKDOWN:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
INCOME:
BOOK/AFFILIATE:
AMAZON USA (affiliate)
AMAZON USA (affiliate)
EBAY (affiliate)
APPLE APP STORE (affiliate)
HOOTSUITE (affiliate)
FOLLOW UP.CC (affiliate)
STUDIOPRESS (affiliate)
SCRIBE (affiliate)
YOAST (affiliate)
ECAMM (affiliate)
TOTAL:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
..
THIS MONTH:
£3.69
£4.20
£0
£0
£0
£0
£0
£0
£0
£1.81
£0.25
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
£9.95
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
..
LAST MONTH:
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
[/su_column][/su_row]
…
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
EXPENDITURE:
…
Book Market Stall
TOTAL:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
…
THIS MONTH:
£3
£3
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
…
LAST MONTH:
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
[/su_column][/su_row]
TOTAL PROFIT = £6.95
I use WAVE to organise and keep on top of my invoices and finances, and the above breakdown is taken from reports generated with this fine piece of FREE software. I’ve not been using it long, but so far I have no complaints.
Well, the good news is, I don’t currently spend a great deal on my books. The time will come when I need to edit my third novel, and I hope to plow some cash into advertising soon, but the out goings at this moment in time are rather small. This is great, but I do need to up the ante because I cannot get by with such small sales. At some point I must take a risk and find a way to rise the charts. I love writing. I love sharing my books. I don’t do it for the money, but there comes a time when a balance is required.
As for the Affiliate Programs… other than Amazon, I’ve only just set them up, so it will take time for these bad boys to kick into gear. I do plan to launch my Resources Page in June, so that will help things. Here’s to the summer and moving onward and upward – because really, things can only get better 😉
SPEAKING:
I’ve decided 2014 is the year I kick my speaking/workshop career into gear, and as such I’ve created four topics to build a portfolio around:
- YOUR STORY MATTERS, DAMN IT! (aimed at colleges)
- CREATE CUSTOMER LOYALTY & BANISH COMPETITORS THROUGH BRAND STORYTELLING (aimed at businesses)
- THE SECRET BEHIND THE MODERN CREATIVE, ARTIST & CHANGEMAKER (aimed at colleges)
- THE LOCAL AUTHOR WHO NEVER USED TO READ OR WRITE (aimed at primary schools)
Focus for the rest of the year is to refine these topics, gain kick-ass testimonials, and generate momentum ahead of 2015:
THE GIGS:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
CREATE CUSTOMER LOYALTY & BANISH COMPETITORS
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
[/su_column][/su_row]
THE BEHIND THE SCENES:
May’s primary focus was contacting Primary Schools and introducing myself (over 80 contacted). As we’re coming towards the end of the school year, I don’t suspect I’ll do many talks before September, but I wish to start the conversation now and get the ball rolling. So far, response has been good, and I’m VERY optimistic about working with local schools soon.
In June I plan to place more focus on College & High Schools – again, introducing myself, building the portfolio, and starting a conversation for September and beyond. There’s a lot of preparation work to be done in June, but I feel some solid foundations were laid in May 🙂
INCOME BREAKDOWN:
[su_row][su_column size=”2/3″]
INCOME:
TALK:
YOUR STORY MATTERS, DAMN IT!
CREATE CUSTOMER LOYALTY & BANISH…
THE SECRET BEHIND THE MODERN…
THE LOCAL AUTHOR WHO NEVER…
MISCELLANEOUS
TOTAL:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
..
REVENUE:
£0
£0
£0
£0
£0
£0
[/su_column][/su_row]
[su_row][su_column size=”2/3″]
EXPENDITURE:
TYPE:
N/A
TOTAL:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
..
OUT GOING:
£0
£0
[/su_column][/su_row]
TOTAL PROFIT = £0
There isn’t much to say about my speaking at this moment in time. 2014 is the beginning, and I plan to do dozens of talks over the next 6 months – although I sense many will be free or for expenses only. I’m okay with this, as I need to perfect my topics, improve my speaking style, and get word out there.
How F’ing Cool Is This Kid?!?!
CLIENT WORK:
I may be a writer, but that doesn’t define my whole world. I also help businesses Discover, Create & Share their story, and I’m constantly meeting and greeting local businesses. However, the fine line of client work, networking events, and crafting your own projects is delicate indeed – and one I’m still toeing along each day:
…..
CURRENT CLIENT PROJECTS:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
PROJECT CODE NAME:
PROJECT HAN SOLO:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
A collection of videos and About Page overhaul for a local community projects very close to my heart. I can’t wait to finally share this with the world
[/su_column][/su_row]
….
COMPLETED THIS MONTH
NETWORKING:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
I’VE BEEN TO
NETWORKING EVENTS
MEETINGS
CONFERENCES
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
THIS MONTH
4
7
0
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH
N/A
N/A
N/A
[/su_column][/su_row]
INCOME BREAKDOWN:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
INCOME:
CLIENT WORK:
No Paid Work This Month
TOTAL:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
..
REVENUE:
£0
£0
[/su_column][/su_row]
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
EXPENDITURE:
TYPE:
N/A
TOTAL:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
..
OUT GOING:
N/A
N/A
[/su_column][/su_row]
TOTAL PROFIT = £0
This is another huge disappointment, because I’ve worked hard recently to gather new clients and work on new projects. However, I’ve only recently finished my improved Web Page, and have setup several initial meetings (with plenty more in June), laying the groundwork for some exciting opportunities down the line.
Overall, I’ve only tackled this part of my world half heartedly up until now, but I’m DETERMINED to set this right. Thanks to some wonderful mentors, I’ve focussed my attention, discovered what it is I wish to do and who I hope to help, and have an exciting list I can’t wait to work with. I hope June will be busier, but summer, for the most part, will involve a whole lot of hustle, even more persuasion, and several dead ends I’m sure.
The nature of business? You know it!
Actual Proof I’ve Been Writing This Month
WEBSITE:
This website is my home, and although it doesn’t generate any income per se, it does offer a detailed overview of WHO I am and WHY I can help. As such I think it’s important to breakdown all the ins and outs:
…
GENERAL OVERVIEW:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
TITLE:
UNIQUE VISITORS
PAGE VIEWS
AVERAGE TIME
BOUNCE RATE
NEW VISITORS
DIRECT TRAFFIC
GOOGLE SEARCH
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
THIS MONTH:
2,412
5,457
2:29
67%
81%
475 Views
2,198 Referrals
51 Referrals
72 Referrals
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
[/su_column][/su_row]
I anlyse all of my website’s data through GOOGLE ANALYTICS, which is a free piece of kit from the Google Empire. I’ve tested other software over the years, but nothing has tempted me away from this freebie yet.
POPULAR BLOG POSTS:
- 50-brands-with-amazing-brand-stories-20-11 = 971 Views
- how-to-get-your-book-on-amazon-for-free-indefinately = 432 Views
- 50-brands-with-amazing-brand-stories-40-31 = 355 Views
- 50-brands-with-amazing-brand-stories-30-21 = 275 Views
- 50-brands-with-amazing-brand-stories-50-41 = 271 Views
NEW BLOG POSTS:
- i-unlove-you-the-forever-free-novel = 38 Views
- The Purple Coffee Podcast: Session 1 with AJ Leon = 99 Views
- The Purple Coffee Podcast: Session 2 with Briana Borten = 9 Views
…
PURPLE COFFEE PODCAST:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
TITLE:
TOTAL SUBSCRIBERS
SESSION 1 Downloads
SESSION 2 Downloads
TOTAL DOWNLOADS:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
THIS MONTH:
0
27
10
44
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
[/su_column][/su_row]
I gather all Podcast stats through LIBSYN (my podcast hosting) and FEEDBURNER (which breakdowns subscribers).
SOCIAL MEDIA:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
FOLLOWERS:
FACEBOOK PROFILE
FACEBOOK PAGES
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
THIS MONTH:
146
539
1,091
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
[/su_column][/su_row]
**The above Facebook stats consider a combined friend/follower count for the profile, and all Facebook Page likes combined**
I’m really happy with this month’s website stats, because with only a few new posts, things have been rather quiet around here (although I plan to change that this summer!). The Purple Coffee Podcast took quite a lot of energy in May, but everything is setup nicely for the future. I have dozens of interviews to use, and many more new people to speak to.
This, combined with lots of Blog Posts in store, should make this website a more regular and constant place once more. I plan to make a few tweaks here and there to make this place a more homely one, but for the most part this is cosmetic.
Speaking of The Purple Coffee Podcast, I’m happy with the downloads received so far (although for nobody to subscribe yet makes me a tad sad 🙁 ). At this moment in time, I’m happy for the podcast to organically grow, as it’s main purpose is to make me consistent and to finally share the numerous amazing interviews I’ve done in the last two years.
As for Social Media, well, I need to do better, that is for sure. My numbers always seem to grow, but very steadily indeed. I don’t wish to place too much emphasis on social media anytime soon, but I would like to get better at it and start to take things to the next level.
[su_note]LIKE TO GET ALL THE TOOLS I USE TO MAKE THIS MONTHLY REPORT? I made an Exclusive PDF just for you, and you can grab it for FREE by Clicking Here[/su_note]
EMAIL:
Like this website, EMAIL doesn’t generate any income, but it does play a huge role in my journey. Overall, I try not sell via email all too much, rather use the medium to connect and share. Overall, email is my primary tool to introduce myself to potential new clients, reach out to those I wish to interview, and talk to YOU on a regular basis. This is a snapshot of my email world:
….
THE MAIN NEWSLETTER:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
???
TOTAL SUBSCRIBERS
NEW SUBSCRIBERS
UNSUBSCRIBES
OPEN RATE
CLICK THROUGH RATE
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
THIS MONTH:
441
30
13
40%
5%
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
[/su_column][/su_row]
THE OTHER LISTS:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
TOTAL SUBSCRIBERS:
FICTION
NON-FICTION
HOW TO BUILD AN AUTHOR HOUSE
PURPLE COFFEE PODCAST
#HAPPENINGS
TOTAL FOR ALL LISTS:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
THIS MONTH:
277
46
215
1
33
1,048
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
[/su_column][/su_row]
My email platform of choice is GETRESPONSE, which offers all the specifics I need to build my email lists. It also provides comprehensive reports which the above info is captured from. There’s many providers to choose from (and I’ve tried most of them), but these guys rock!
PERSONAL EMAIL:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
???
EMAILS SENT
FOLLOW UP REMINDERS
TRACKED OPENS
TRACKED CLICKS
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
THIS MONTH:
700
185
133
27
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
[/su_column][/su_row]
To help stay on top of my email, there are a couple key tools I use. The first is FOLLOWUP.CC, which allows me to set reminders for key emails. The other is SIGNALS, which monitors who opens my emails, and the links they click on. Combined, these two tools are absolute superstars!
One thing that remains relatively consistent is email. I’ve always had in excess of a 35% open rate, and considering I don’t add too many links to my emails, the click-through-rates are pretty good. This is also the first month I’ve used Signals & Follow Up, two tools that are changing my day for the better.
I don’t track and set reminders for every email, but if said message is important, I do, and the result is game-changing. I now get sent reminders to follow up, and I can see who opens, who clicks, and who doesn’t. Seriously, I’m in love with these two tools!
I would like to improve my subscription numbers over summer, though, and I think the best way to do this will be with via GUEST POSTS. Not sure where I’ll be heading to just yet, but one of my 2014 aims is to appear in more Major Publications. Oh yes, summertime is as good a time as any to begin me thinks 🙂
WORKING HOURS:
Time is a valuable entity you can never get back, and knowing how I spend my time (or as often is the case, waste it!), is a vital cog in my growth. I’m forever trying to find a balance between work, sleep, spending time with Kid Turndog, and chilling with a book in hand. The below doesn’t break down my exact timetable, but it does provide a rough overview as to how productive I am:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
WORKLOAD:
TOTAL HOURS LOGGED
FINAL CUT PRO
ADOBE CS6
GETRESPONSE
EVERNOTE/WUNDERLIST/ICAL
TURNDOGMILLIONAIRE.COM
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT
SKYPE
ACCOUNTING
YOUTUBE/VIMEO
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
THIS MONTH:
144 hours
13:48 hours
8:18 hours
2:28 hours
19:33 hours
3:19 hours
12:53 hours
15:10 hours
1:39 hours
0:54 hours
1:32 hours
7:18 hours
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
[/su_column][/su_row]
The app I use to capture this data is RESCUETIME, a nonintrusive app that monitors your computer’s use. You can set yourself goals, block certain sites, and bespoke it around your needs.
The overall RescueTime Grade I got this month was 69, which is apparently average. All in all, I’m happy with my workload, and considering this doesn’t take into account meetings, late night grafting, and general offline work, I feel I’m putting in the hours (although we can always work a little harder, can’t we).
Also, some of the numbers don’t tell the whole story. For instance, the 8 hours on Youtube & Vimeo is mainly made up of uploading videos (not me watching cats). As you may also notice, I spend a lot of time doing EMAIL, but seen as I’ve been contacting A LOT of local businesses and primary schools this month, it accounts for little but often chunks.
This section is super helpful, though, because it helps me see where I can better place my time. For instance, I want to spend more time in Scrivener in June, and come up with better ways to upload videos. Overall, I’m satisfied, but my priorities and how I can work certainly do with a spruce up.
Actual Real Mail – From the Lovely Jenny Blake
HEALTH & WELL BEING:
The final piece of the jigsaw is my health and wellbeing, which is arguably more important than everything else. 2014 is the year I wish to bootstrap my routine, and ensure I stay healthy, active, and on top of the stress and vigour working for yourself brings. You can’t measure happiness, but you can track your daily day, which certainly plays a role if you ask me:
FITNESS:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
ACTIVITY:
TOTAL CALORIES
WALKING
RUNNING
YOGA
PRESSUPS
SITUPS
OTHER
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
THIS MONTH:
8,873 Burned
61.3 Miles
4.5 Miles
5 Hours
585
0
2 Hours (football)
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
[/su_column][/su_row]
The app I use to track the amount of running/walking I do is MOVE, a smartphone app that monitors what you do 24/7. I love this app, as it provides me the motivation to walk and go for a run from time to time
DIET:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
DATA:
WEIGHT
TOTAL CALORIES
CARBS
PROTEIN
FAT
DAYS UNDER LIMIT
DAYS OVER LIMIT
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
THIS MONTH:
12 Stone (168 lbs)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
???? (???)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
[/su_column][/su_row]
I monitor my daily food intake with MY FITNESS PAL, which makes it super easy to track your meals, and set goals (be it lose weight, cut out gluten, etc). I also combine this with WATER BALANCE, which ensures I get enough water each day.
BOOKS:
FINISHED:
- Always & Forever by Karla Nellenbach
CURRENTLY READING:
- Thinkertoys by Michael Mikalko (52%)
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher (0%)
- This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald (10%)
There isn’t much to be said just yet, because I only started using SLEEP CYCLE, WATER BALANCE & MY FITNESS PAL about ten days ago. The data I have isn’t detailed enough at this moment in time, but come the end of June I should know more.
Still, even in these early days I have a greater insight into myself, such as how my diet isn’t quite balanced enough. When it comes to calories all is fine (I’ve been under my limit every day so far), but my balance between carbs, fat & protein isn’t quite right. This is HUGELY helpful, because correcting this will improve my energy levels.
More energy = better attention = longer writing sessions = better stories written = happy Turndog 🙂
I’m also pleasantly surprised with the amount of walking I do (and calories burned) with an excerise routine I consider moderate at best. You see, I don’t go on hikes or walk for fun. All those miles are of me walking to the train station and around town, and the pace is rather easy going, too. This, combined with my new found dieting ways, provides great optimism.
Like I say, a healthier, more active, more alert Turndog = a better all round Turndog.
As for reading, well, I’ve been in a lull of late, but determined to break free (because the more I read, the easier I find writing). I’ve finally finished Always & Forever, and ready to move onwards and upwards with at least two or three new novels this month. One book a month is not good enough at all. I MUST correct this in June!
TOTAL MONTHLY INCOME:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
TOTAL INCOME:
…
FICTION
NON FICTION
AFFILIATES
SPEAKING
CLIENT WORK
OTHER
TOTAL:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
…
THIS MONTH:
£7.89
£0
£2.06
£0
£0
£0
£9.95
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
…
LAST MONTH:
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
[/su_column][/su_row]
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
TOTAL EXPENDITURE:
…
BOOK RELATED
SPEAKING RELATED
CLIENT RELATED
COMPUTER/INTERNET
TELEPHONE
OFFICE SUPPLIES
TRAVEL
ENTERTAINMENT/MEETINGS
UTILITIES
INTEREST/DEBT PAYMENTS
TOTAL:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
…
THIS MONTH:
£3
£0
£0
£23.09
£38.16
£4.39
£35.01
£23.50
£10.80
£5.62
£143.57
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
…
LAST MONTH:
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
N/A (N/A)
[/su_column][/su_row]
TOTAL PROFIT = – £133.62
Summer is Finally Here
Okay, and so ends the first of my Monthly Income Reports.
As this is my first month using WAVE, some of the costs haven’t been aded yet, so I feel June’s outgoings will go up a decent amount (although not hugely). As you’ve more than likely noticed, I’ve started to use a lot of new apps this month, and also added some CRM software to my regime.
All of these are tasked with improving my efficiency and how I work, which is what a one-man band like myself has to knock out of the park. What it does mean is, I’m still working out some of the features, so this Monthly Income Report should become better as time goes on.
Overall, I’d be lying if I said I were satisfied. In the end of the day, I’m losing money, and it isn’t due to over spending. My income is low. It needs to improve. There are no ifs and there are no buts, and it begins and ends with me. In part, this is what I hope this monthly income report provides: both a kick up the rear end, and the motivation to move forward step by step by step.
It isn’t all doom and gloom though, and I feel my hard work in March, April & May will set me in good stead for June, July & August. There’s much to be done, but I refuse to give ip and wallow in self pity. Books need to be written (and sold!!!). Stories need to be told. Blog Posts need to be shared. Interviews need to be interviewed. And Turndog has a job to do that only Turndog can :).
[su_note]LIKE TO GET ALL THE TOOLS I USE TO MAKE THIS MONTHLY REPORT? I made an Exclusive PDF just for you, and you can grab it for FREE by Clicking Here[/su_note]
SO, THE PLAN FOR JUNE:
I’m going to end with a few mini objectives for June, because what’s 4,000 words (yes, that’s how long this post is so far :-0 ) without a few hundred more:
- Create a Guest Post Plan of Action (aimed at improving Email Subscriptions & Social Media)
- Hack My Social Media Use (improve how I use Social Media – need to be more effective)
- Design a Promotions Calendar for My Books (experiment and rise the Amazon Charts)
- Set Foundations in Schools (Finish contacting Primary Schools, High Schools & Colleges)
- Bag a Client (set more meetings and turn AT LEAST one of them into a Client!)
And that’s a wrap. Thanks for reading and being part oft his journey with me. If you’re a fellow writer/entrepreneur (or considering taking the plunge sometime soon), PLEASE DO NOT FRET. This monthly income report isn’t designed to glorify or fear monger anything. It’s the truth. It’s a snapshot of where I am right now.
It’s a tough grind, but it’s tough for most people in the beginning. I may be taking longer to escape the dust than others, but some will take longer than me. What The Successful Mistake has taught me so far is, to not give up. To keep pushing, improving, and working on what you love. This is one of the ways I can do that, so join me, converse with me, and let’s get through this together.
And to finally-finally end this thing… Please let me know your thoughts on Facebook or Twitter. What else could this monthly income report include? What should I get rid of? What do you love and what do you hate? And most important of all, what’s on your mind…
I’d love to know,
TURNDOG
– – – – – – – –
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