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.
Below are the numbers, the finances, the projects, my health, and stats from JULY 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. For all my other Monthly Income Reports, Click Here.
_________
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, just 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:
0 (1)
2 (1)
1
0
0
0
1
0
12
2
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
BIT.LY HITS
42
35
9
8
9
9
7
8
10
25
[/su_column][/su_row]
[su_box title=”THE TOOLS I USE:” box_color=”#89609f” title_color=”#ededed” radius=”7″]At the moment, all 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.[/su_box]
The pitiful sale numbers continue, I’m afraid, although the amount of people clicking on these links have gone up in the last month. They don’t seem to convert into sales, but I suppose we must take small victories in times like these.
I’m not twiddling my thumbs, though, and I’ve plotted and planned several promotions between now and January 2015. The first of these occur in August, so hopefully a spike of some sort will soon take place. Also, I’ve decided to unpublish the One Day in September Series, and replace it with a single compilation book. Oh, and this book is FREEEEEEE!
Both Beyond Parallel & Tick to the Tock now have perma-free novellas (Tales From a Tiny Thai Table & One Day in September), which I hope to push further in the coming months. Not only are these books available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, but by signing up to THIS LIST, you’ll receive both books, too. As I mentioned last month, much of my efforts at the moment are towards building my email subscribers. These two perma-free books play a role in this, and in the next few weeks, will start to materialise.
Fingers crossed, and positive vibes sent my way, please 🙂
…
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 continue to work hard on my third novel, I UNLOVE YOU (sign up to the Ban of Merry Misfits HERE), and largest non-fiction project to date, THE SUCCESSFUL MISTAKE (be part of the journey and fun HERE). July was business as usual in this regard, arranging interviews for The Successful Mistake, and continuing to craft I Unlove You’s first draft.
I will admit, writing this first draft is rather slow progress, and I can’t quite get into full flow. It’s frustrating to say the least, but with a great deal of things whooshing around my head, it isn’t all that surprising. I did try something new in July, and that was to write 1,000 words each day. I did miss a few days, but in general did okay, and managed to tackle over 20,000 words (which is pretty decent).
Finally, I’ve once again failed to make any progress on the Starter-Kit Series, and I think it’s officially time to place this on the back burner. Do I plan to create more (many more, in fact)? YES! I do, I promise 🙂
BUT, I think I need to focus on other things right now, and revisit this series once some other stars align. I’ll be sure to keep you posted in the future, so consider this goodnight, rather than goodbye.
[su_box title=”THE TOOLS I USE:” box_color=”#89609f” title_color=”#ededed” radius=”7″]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).[/su_box]
PROMOTIONS/FREE RUNS:
No promotions this month, as I spent July planning several of them between now and January 2015. In August, Beyond Parallel has it’s first ever Kindle Countdown Deal, followed by Tick to the Tock and The Skype Interviewing Starter-Kit in September and beyond. I’m just about ready-steady-go for all these, too, so I’m excited to see what impact they have on sales, reviews, and general exposure.
Let the experiments begin 🙂
…
INCOME BREAKDOWN:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
INCOME:
BOOK/AFFILIATE:
AMAZON USA (affiliate)
AMAZON UK (affiliate)
EBAY (affiliate)
APPLE APP STORE (affiliate)
HOOTSUITE (affiliate)
FOLLOW UP.CC (affiliate)
STUDIOPRESS (affiliate)
SCRIBE (affiliate)
YOAST (affiliate)
ECAMM (affiliate)
GETRESPONSE (affiliate)
TOTAL:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
..
THIS MONTH:
£10.00
£11.22
£0
£0
£0
£0
£0.21
£0
£5.14
£0
£0.38
£0
£0
£0
£0
£0
£0
£0
£0
£0
£26.95
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
..
LAST MONTH:
£3.34 (+ £6.66)
£1.19 (+ £10.03)
£0
£0
£0
£0
£0 (+ £0.21)
£0
£2.99 (+ £2.15)
£0.02 (– £0.02)
£0.04 (+ £0.34)
£0
£0
£0
£0
£0
£0
£0
£0
£0
£7.58 (+ £19.37)
[/su_column][/su_row]
…
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
EXPENDITURE:
…
Nothing This Month
TOTAL:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
…
THIS MONTH:
£0
£0
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
…
LAST MONTH:
£3 (+£3)
£3 (+£3)
[/su_column][/su_row]
TOTAL PROFIT = £26.95
[su_box title=”THE TOOLS I USE:” box_color=”#89609f” title_color=”#ededed” radius=”7″]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.[/su_box]
I dream of the day when I have lots to say about this section, but at this moment in time, income is minimal at best. There’s lots of plans for all of my books between now and the end of 2014, so I hope to see a few spikes in the near future. As for the my affiliate earnings, again, not much to say…
The great thing about this is (and indeed, it’s entire point), is that it’s passive earning, and requires little energy or effort. The foundations are set, so as my plans for world domination continue, these should creep up and up and up.
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″]
No speaking gigs this month
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
[/su_column][/su_row]
THE BEHIND THE SCENES:
We are now officially in the school summer holidays in England, so much of my work surrounding schools is on hiatus. Conversations have started, so towards the end of August LOTS of following-up is on the agenda.
The next #HAPPENINGS event is also planned for early September, so this should take shape over the next few weeks. I’m excited to run more of these informal nights, and the potential they hold for future speaking gigs and opportunities. All in all, my speaking isn’t a huge priority right now, but once I tick a few other things off the to-do list, I’ll get back on it (towards the end of August is the plan).
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
Not much to say, as I didn’t do one speaking gig this month (bad, Turndog. Very bad). Most of my efforts recently have gone towards schools and colleges, and as they’re in their summer break, I expect a quiet August, too. Lots of conversations have started, though, so I remain optimistic for the future.
SO INNOCENT AS HE SMUSHES A BACON SANDWICH INTO HIS MOUTH
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
- Project Leia (done and dusted, and signed off 🙂 )
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
1
6
0
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH
2 (-1)
10 (-4)
1 (-1)
[/su_column][/su_row]
INCOME BREAKDOWN:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
INCOME:
CLIENT WORK:
PROJECT LEIA
TOTAL:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
..
REVENUE:
£329.28
£329.28
[/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 = £329.28
I consider this a good month, because I finished a project and received the bulk of its payment. It’s always great to finish a project, but the fact I don’t have another one to get my mitts into is sad indeed. For this, It’s a goodish month, only.
I’m getting my chin up though, because I’ve had some amazing meetings of late, with several opportunities in the pipeline. This, of course, means little until you turn that dreaded maybe into an actual YES.
These great meetings have come off the back of lots of emails and reaching out to folk, but also from getting out and about to networking events and conferences. This dropped off a lot in July, which is not good at all. I NEED to improve this in August, and writing this section opened my eyes a little. As such, one of my first tasks in August is to organise my ‘Leads List‘, as it’s become a tad chaotic in the last week or so.
In part, this process has already begun, as I’ve arranged my CRM system and created lots of recurring tasks to send short videos to those people I know. These short-and-sweet daily messages could become a huge aspect of what I do. It’s too early to say, but expect a more in-depth blog post about how I do this, why, and the tools I use in the not too distant future.
GUERRILLA WARFARE IN SOWERBY BRIDGE. LIKE BANKSY, BUT BETTER
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:
2,327
5,113
2:32
66%
82%
435 Views
2,050 Referrals
86 Referrals
53 Referrals
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
2,183 (+144)
4,638 (+475)
1:59 (+ 0:33)
69% (-3%)
80% (+2%)
385 Views (+50)
2,065 Referrals (-15)
38 Referrals (+48)
23 Referrals (+30)
[/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 = 869 Views
- how-to-get-your-book-on-amazon-for-free-indefinately = 349 Views
- 50-brands-with-amazing-brand-stories-40-31 = 329 Views
- the-best-brand-stories-in-the-world-2013 = 249 Views
- 50-brands-with-amazing-brand-stories-30-21 = 232 Views
NEW BLOG POSTS:
- how-i-set-up-my-podcast-a-story-telling-misfits-tale = 37 Views
- learn-to-control-your-self-confidence-when-starting-a-new-business-with-jennifer-gresham = 18 Views
- turndogs-monthly-income-report-june-2014 = 78 Views
- regain-your-passion-after-daily-tedium-steals-it-away-with-claud-williams = 23 Views
- you-call-what-you-do-email-pshhh-this-is-how-you-email-like-a-digital-storytelling-minx = 22 Views
- how-to-overcome-business-failure-with-memorable-relationships-a-passionate-outlook-with-dan-miller = 43 Views
- why-im-hacking-my-health-in-order-to-understand-my-story-better = 14 Views
- what-to-do-when-you-are-the-one-preventing-your-own-business-growth-with-natalie-sisson = 83 Views
- the-tools-i-use-to-blog-share-visual-storytelling-goodness = 23 Views
- how-a-17-year-old-redefined-his-business-model-and-overcame-his-great-mistake-with-jeet-banerjee = 28 Views
…
PURPLE COFFEE PODCAST:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
TITLE:
TOTAL SUBSCRIBERS
SESSION 1 Downloads
SESSION 2 Downloads
SESSION 3 Downloads
SESSION 4 Downloads
SESSION 5 Downloads
SESSION 6 Downloads
SESSION 7 Downloads
SESSION 8 Downloads
SESSION 9 Downloads
SESSION 10 Downloads
SESSION 11 Downloads
TOTAL DOWNLOADS:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
THIS MONTH:
0
3
1
5
2
0
6
4
13
9
4
2
49
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
0 (0)
6 (-3)
2 (-1)
7 (-2)
11 (-10)
10 (-10)
4 (+2)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
40 (+9)
[/su_column][/su_row]
[su_box title=”THE TOOLS I USE:” box_color=”#89609f” title_color=”#ededed” radius=”7″]I gather all Podcast stats through LIBSYN (my podcast hosting) and FEEDBURNER (which breakdowns subscribers).[/su_box]
SOCIAL MEDIA:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
FOLLOWERS:
FACEBOOK PROFILE
FACEBOOK PAGES
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
THIS MONTH:
154
551
1,085
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
147 (+7)
547 (+4)
1,092 (-7)
[/su_column][/su_row]
**The above Facebook stats consider a combined friend/follower count for the profile, and all Facebook Page likes combined**
Overall, July was a good month for my website. My Content Editorial Calendar is now in full flow, and as I write this, weekly Blog Posts are ready and scheduled up until September. THIS FEELS GREAT, and I’m excited to be on top of this aspect of life 🙂
Releasing 10 posts in a single month is an achievement, and The Purple Coffee Podcast is starting to take shape, too. I still don’t have any subscribers, which is sad, but downloads are decent considering I’m a newbie in a chaotic marketplace. Lots to do, of course, but I feel the blog and general content side of things is heading in the right direction.
As for social media, I have no idea why I lost Twitter followers in July. I had hoped to ‘hack‘ my social media ways on July, but I didn’t quite get to it in time. It’s on the agenda for next week though, so the way I do things on Twitter et al may change by this time next month. More to follow, but I want to see all these numbers take big spikes in the coming months. Of course, much of this is down to my larger Content Plan, which again, is almost ready to GO GO GO. Good things are coming, kids. I just know it!
[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. 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:
469
24
15
43%
3%
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
458 (+11)
33 (-9)
11 (+4)
38% (+5)
3% (0)
[/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:
266
44
211
1
33
1,059
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
272 (-6)
44 (0)
211 (0)
1 (0)
33 (0)
1,054 (+5)
[/su_column][/su_row]
…
[su_box title=”THE TOOLS I USE:” box_color=”#89609f” title_color=”#ededed” radius=”7″]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![/su_box]
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:
427
65
91
41
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
275 (+152)
45 (+20)
200 (-109)
30 (+11)
[/su_column][/su_row]
…
[su_box title=”THE TOOLS I USE:” box_color=”#89609f” title_color=”#ededed” radius=”7″]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![/su_box]
Let’s start with my Personal Email Account, because it’s been a busy one indeed. The large increase over June is largely down to emailing every High School in my local area, and contacting LOTS of entrepreneurs to be part of The Successful Mistake. I haven’t taken part in as many interviews as I’d have liked to, but I’ve set the foundations.
As for you wonderful subscribers, well, growth is rather slow, but this should soon change.
I hoped to finish my Grand Content Plan in July (lots of PR and Guest Posts), but unfortunately it’s taken longer than expected. However, I am close, so this gigantic list (full of journalists, bloggers, and podcasters) shall be contacted soon. It all comes down to gaining greater general exposure, and introducing myself to those who wish to be part of I UNLOVE YOU and THE SUCCESSFUL MISTAKE (this is where I’m funnelling everything to).
It may take a while for everything to align, but nothing will happen until I start contacting this list and implementing everything. The start is nigh 🙂
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:
152hours
19:49 hours
5:21 hours
0:44 hours
15:40 hours
15:35 hours
20:39 hours
10:50 hours
1:45 hours
1:45 hours
1:49 hours
3:10 hours
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
112hours (+40 hours)
10:43 hours (+ 9:06 hours)
7:05 hours (– 1:44 hours)
2:18 hours (– 1:34 hours)
12:04 hours (+ 3:36 hours)
10:11 hours (+ 5:24 hours)
12:03 hours (+ 8:36 hours)
9:00 hours (+ 1:50 hours)
1:05 hours (+ 0:45 hours)
4:26 hours (– 2:41 hours)
1:54 hours (– 0:05 hours)
5:27 hours (– 2:17 hours)
[/su_column][/su_row]
…
[su_box title=”THE TOOLS I USE:” box_color=”#89609f” title_color=”#ededed” radius=”7″]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.[/su_box]
I won’t lie, I’m rather pleased with my working-breakdown this month. Not only did I spend a further 40 hours grafting (which can be seen as both a good and bad thing), but I spent nearly 20 hours in Scrivener (the software I use to write). Now, I may not be in full flow when it comes to writing, but to almost double my time at the keyboard isn’t bad at all.
In terms of my Rescuetime Grade, I received a 77 for July (3% down on June). I’m still not sure how they work this out, but it shows I live my life in a somewhat productive manner (at least on the laptop).
A few other key things that stuck out to me is, I spent a lot of time planning this month. And I mean, A LOT! An extra 8 hours in Evernote/Wunderlist is rather insane, because this is where I take notes and strategise. But like I keep saying, I continue to work on my Grand Content Plan, so once this is complete, a great deal of DOING can occur.
THE KID AT THE BEACH – THE FIRST TIME EVER
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:
8,386 Burned
65.9 Miles
0 Miles
6 Hours
1,450
1,450
2 Hours (football)
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
10,002 Burned (-1,616)
71.28 Miles (– 5.38)
0 Miles (0)
8 Hours (– 2)
1,389 (+ 61)
306 (+ 1,144)
2 Hours (football) (0)
[/su_column][/su_row]
…
[su_box title=”THE TOOLS I USE:” box_color=”#89609f” title_color=”#ededed” radius=”7″]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[/su_box]
DIET:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
DATA:
WEIGHT
NET CALORIES
CARBS
PROTEIN
FAT
DAYS UNDER LIMIT
DAYS OVER LIMIT
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
THIS MONTH:
11.05 Stone (159 lbs)
25,685 Net Colories
52%
21%
27%
31 Days
0 Days
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
LAST MONTH:
11.09 Stone (163 lbs) (– 4)
23,765 Colories (+ 1,920)
53% (-1%)
17% (+4%)
30% (-3%)
30 Days (+ 1)
0 Days (0)
[/su_column][/su_row]
…
[su_box title=”THE TOOLS I USE:” box_color=”#89609f” title_color=”#ededed” radius=”7″]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.[/su_box]
BOOKS:
FINISHED:
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Your First 1,000 Copies by Tim Grahl
- This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald
CURRENTLY READING:
- Thinkertoys by Michael Mikalko (52%)
- Limitless Energy by (20%)
- Twenty Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank (0%)
To start with, I’m a little disappointed to burn less calories and walk few were miles this month. HOWEVER, there is an excuse for this, so let me explain 🙂
At the start of July, I was sick for two days, and although I won’t go into detail (because that would be disgusting), it did mean I remained in bed for 48 hours. No walking. No press-ups or sit-ups. No yoga. Taking this into account, June and July weren’t all that different. Still, I do think I can improve somewhat, and I look to my recent lack of running. I’m not a fan of running to be honest, but in summer, during this lovely weather, it can be rather fun.
So, in August, I want to add some running miles to those walking ones. That’s right, I’m putting it in writing. I can’t back down now, can I 😉
I consumed a few more calories in July, too, but not a great deal more. Also, I’ve lost another few pounds, and edge closer to my 11 stone target. Once I hit this, I need to improve the balance of my diet, as I don’t want to become too damn skinny. In this regard, things are okay, as I added a little more protein to my diet, and less carbs. However, I’ve also increased my fat intake, which isn’t good.
As summer draws to an end, I need to better control the balance of my diet, as this won’t only provide the health I desire, but lots of energy levels, too.
This leads nicely to my reading, as one of the books (Limitless Energy) should provide me better info regarding sleep, diet, and how to get the most out of my day. This is HUGE, as if I want to accomplish everything I hope to, I need to become a productive and well oiled machine. This is what my recent health kick is all about, rather than losing weight. I want to get the most out of my day, and to rely as little as possible on stimulants like coffee (I want to drink coffee because it tastes lovely, not because I need it).
As for reading, I improved in July, but not as much as I’d like to 🙁
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:
£21.43
£5.14
£0.38
£0
£329.28
£0
£356.23
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
…
LAST MONTH:
£4.53 (+ £16.90)
£2.99 (+ £2.15)
£0.06 (+ £0.32)
£0 (0)
£116 (+ £213.28)
£0 (0)
£123.58 (+ £232.65)
[/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
OTHER
TOTAL:
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
…
…
THIS MONTH:
£0
£0
£0
£34.17
£38.56
£2.80
£25.30
£77.77
£10.80
£24.02
£0
£213.42
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/4″]
…
…
LAST MONTH:
£0
£0
£0
£76.87 (– £42.70)
£38.16 (+ £.40)
£0 (+ £2.90)
£25.70 (– £.40)
£53.20 (+ £24.57)
£10.80 (0)
£24.88 (– £.86)
£10.76 (– £10.76)
£240.37 (– £26.95)
[/su_column][/su_row]
TOTAL PROFIT/LOSS = £142.81
SUMMER BY THE CANAL = HEAVEN
Well, I managed to make a profit this month, which is good indeed. It just goes to show how important client work is, and if I can just maintain at least one client each month, I should be okay.
Overall, my outgoings are okay, and remain similar month on month. EXCEPT for meetings and meals (which is basically coffee), as this has risen to a rather silly amount. I suppose this is one of the outcomes of working out-and-about each day, and maybe I should spend more time at home, but this would result in less exercise, and, I feel, less work – there’s something about working at home that I find rather haunting.
But £77+ on coffee in 31 days is a bit extreme.
Certainly something to keep an eye on, because until I start making more money, every pound and pence counts. Other than that, everything else looks okay, and patterns are beginning to form (which is great, as it makes it easier to budget and plan).
[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 JULY:
Right, let’s end with a few mini objectives to help keep the eye on the prize throughout August:
- CONVERT A MEETING INTO AN ACTUAL CLIENT (PAID WORK AND ALL)
- ORGANISE ‘POTENTIAL CLIENT LIST’, AND CONTACT EVERYONE ON IT
- FINISH GRAND CONTENT PLAN, AND START IMPLEMENTING IT (TO FINISH BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER)
- ATTEND AT LEAST 5 NETWORKING EVENTS/CONFERENCES
- RUN AT LEAST 10 MILES
August is an important month, as not only do I have to complete my Grand Content Plan and ensure everything is set and ready to go, but implement it and make some solid groundwork. All the while, I need to keep pushing and hustling for meetings and clients, and find ways to sell some damn books.
Plus, if that isn’t enough, towards the end of the month, I’ll be back in school mode and following-up like a crazy man.
Busy-busy indeed, but it does feel like things are coming together. Am I in a better place then two months ago? It’s hard to say, and at times, it certainly doesn’t feel like it. Yet at the same time, things do look and seem better. I suppose it comes down to fighting the fear and pushing forward with vigour. One thing I do know is, this monthly income report helps. Not only does it SHOW me my current state of affairs, but unloads some of the stress. For this, thank you for being part of my crazy journey 🙂
And there you go, folks. Another Monthly Income Report at an end. I know these reports are long, but I hope they help you in some way (if only for pure entertainment/laughing at me purposes). These Monthly Income Reports are hard to write, but I find them rather therapeutic, too. Thank you for reading, and please get in touch and let me know your thoughts. I’d love to start a convo on TWITTER or FACEBOOK.
Speak soon,
TURNDOG
– – – – – – – –
DID YOU ENJOY THIS POST?
If you liked this post, found value in it, and would like to be super awesome, please do the following TWO things:.
…
STEP 1: JOIN THE FREE 30 DAY BRAND STORY COURSE AND RECEIVE:
[su_row][su_column size=”2/3″]
- 14 Actionable Emails & Challenges
- 15+ Exclusive Downloads, Books & Videos
- Secret Insight into My Discover, Create & Share Technique
- One-on-One Access to ME – a Guy Who Breathes Brand Stories
- My Weekly Newsletter Packed with Insight, Giveaways & Awesome
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/3″]
…
[/su_column][/su_row]
…
