A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking with Darren Rowse from Problogger.net, who has been more than a true inspiration to me ever since I started blogging. If you’re insane and you don’t know who he is, he’s like the Michael Jordan of the blogging world – he’s original, he’s got mad skills and he’s bald.
No offense Darren. I would gladly shave my head if it meant I could get to your level one day. Although, maybe that’s the trick. Think of Seth Godin, ShoeMoney and Leo Babauta – all top level bloggers…all bald.
Hmm…
Anyways, what made our recent conversation really special for me was the fact that Darren was interviewing me! I still can’t believe it, but it’s true. The interview was announced on Problogger.net yesterday, so if you haven’t heard it already, you can listen to it by subscribing to Darren’s newsletter.
If you’ve already listened to it, thank you for the gift of your time, and thanks to any new subscribers coming over here from Darren’s blog.
Side note: I apologize for the low volume on my end. I’m in the middle of a move and was using a backup microphone that apparently made my voice very soft. When my podcast comes out later in the year, I promise the quality on my end will be much better!
At the end of the interview, Darren had asked me to leave one parting tip for bloggers, and this is what I said:
In order to get to that next level, you’re going to have to take bold actions…
This is a followup post to that very statement.
The Routine
Ahh yes – the routine. A lot of what we do in life is simply part of a routine, and it’s not a bad thing. In fact, a routine helps us live a healthy, stress-free and happy lifestyle. We’re comfortable in a routine.
However, when trying to progress online with our blogs or our businesses, falling into a comfortable routine can stop us from ever seeing the influential results that we want to see.
Doing the same thing day in and day out – whether it be simply writing a new blog post, updating your Twitter or Facebook status, or commenting on other people’s blogs – will definitely help us progress, but it won’t take us to that next level. It’s the bold actions that we take outside of the routine that help us get there.
Think of it like a mountain that you wish to climb. There’s a set of stairs that wind all the way around the mountain, circling hundreds of times so that you can slowly make your way up to the top. In order to reach your goal faster, you can get off the stairs and create your own path.
Yes, it’s uncomfortable.
Yes, it’s risky.
Yes, it takes more effort.
Yes, it’s not part of the normal routine.
But that’s what makes it a bold action, one that could help us reach our goals much faster than if we simply relied on the routine.
Bold Actions
So what exactly are the bold actions that you should take?
For me, it was filing papers for my LLC. It was joining a mastermind group and asking hundreds of questions until I understood exactly what I had to do. It was spending 2 months to write an eBook. It was deciding to be completely transparent on this blog down to the penny. It was personally emailing Darren Rowse and telling him my story.
It was doing things that I was not completely comfortable with, but knew I had to do get to me to where I wanted to go.
And you?
I can’t tell you what bold actions you should take. However, I believe that most of you already have an idea of what they are. It’s probably something that you’ve been wanting to do for a long long time.
So why not now?
Thanks again for your support – it means the world to me. Have a great weekend, and stay tuned for my January 2010 Monthly Income Report in my next post.
Cheers!
p.s. Congrats to Stephanie from EmptyNestRenesting for winning a free copy of the new 4-Hour Workweek from my last post! Thanks everyone for sharing your seriously awesome comments!
Like what you read?
If so, please join over 25,000 people who receive exclusive weekly online business and blogging tips, and get a FREE COPY of my eBook, eBooks the Smart Way! Just enter your name and email below:
Check this out!
"Corbett Barr just launched his new blogging product! Here's my Special SPI Bonus just for SPI fans."
No, I'm not a millionaire, but I am living off of passive income made online. I'm here to show 
Enter your name and email below to get Free Instant Access to the most comprehensive guide available on how to Publish, Market, and automate your own killer eBook.
{ 80 comments (Click Here to Leave a Comment Below) }
Congratulations Pat, this is awesome! I’ve just downloaded the podcast to listen to.
It’s true that bold action is the way to go. I don’t want to be down the road later in life with “what if” regrets. I think you know when you are taking bold action when you are completely out of your comfort zone. Just putting yourself out there is a start. For me, learning how to record a podcast and then doing it has been a rush the last few weeks.
It’s all good.
Ahh, the “what ifs” – I hate those. I hope I live a full life where I never have to ask myself that question.
Congrats on the Podcast! I’m on my way to do the same very soon! So exciting
Cheers Marty!
Excellent post Pat. This is my first experience with your blog and I think I will definitely be coming back for seconds, thirds, and fourths….
You are absolutely right, if we stay on the same ol’ path of routines it is unlikely we will make the tremendous changes we set out to make. Have to take mindful risks…tread with caution, but never be afraid to walk an unfamiliar path. Thanks!
You’re absolutely right, Pat. If you want to grow and improve, you’ll have to leave your comfort zone a while and create a new one at that next level. What few people realize is that there are no limits to what you can do. Realizing that scares the hell out of me, but at the same time it gives me so much energy that I can hardly contain it (and have difficulty getting some sleep
. Thanks for being an inspiration to so many of us, Pat. You rock!
Bart, I love what you said about basically creating a new comfort zone at a higher level. That’s powerful stuff.
Sometimes, I know what the next right move is because it is something that scares the hell out of me…lol!
Thanks Bart!
Bold actions seem to be the cornerstone of success. This is something I’ve been focusing on recently – often these bold actions seem to occur out of nowhere and when you least expect them too. Got to grab the opportunities when they arise.
Hey Anthony, I totally agree with you. Any bold moves we can expect from you in the near future?
Of course! Big changes happening to my app (task.fm) in 2010 and a new project Im not quite ready to talk about
I feel like I’ve constantly been pushing past my comfort zone with my blog. There are new fears popping up all the time, but by keeping my eye on the ball and focusing on the bigger picture, it’s much easier to keep going anyway!
Henri, I can definitely tell that you’re doing a lot and progressing rather quickly. Keep up the great work! By the way, I loved your article about killing the TV. I really need to read that again…Cheers dude!
By the way, I’m losing my hair at an alarmingly fast pace. I think success is imminent
.
LOL!
I think in order to be successful in any industry (online or elsewhere), you definitely can’t be timid. You can’t be afraid to approach people and speak to people, with tact and professionalism, of course. I think producing a book is a pretty bold move….you can try your best to effectively gauge demand (based on my own experience), but, sometimes you just have to release it in order to know EXACTLY how people will accept it. There’s that element of uncertainty and intrigue that makes entrepreneurialism (is that a word?…lol) so downright appealing…..i just love it
I think being timid is kind of our way of making sure we’re safe. It’s kind of a part of human nature. But like you said, it can definitely hold you back from getting to where you want to go. And you’re right, with things such as launching an eBook, you sometimes never know what the outcome will be, and you just got to do it! Just like your in the process of doing right now!
Any sign of a launch date?
oh, definitely, Pat.
The delay in releasing the book has been one part me just being super OCD….lol (I just want everything to be done perfectly)…and, I have an editor combing through it as we speak. Even though I’ve seen some people price 30 page eBooks at a $97 price point, I didn’t have the conscience to settle for releasing a product that wasn’t at least up to par with my own standards…I wanted it to be LONG and content heavy.
The main Book alone, ironically, is the exact same length as four of the leading eHow eBooks combined…I thought that was pretty funny….lol….then, we throw another 150-200 pages in guides on top of that…
I think that justifies the current price point.
The owners will be interviewing us, posting it to their blog, and including free copies of the book in next month’s contest. I’m pretty psyched…that site sees 400,000+ Uniques a month…..
I’ll keep ya’ updated, Pat! Couldn’t have done it without you…seriously….I couldn’t have….
I am a guy who likes the routine.. it kinda keeps me stable and calm. I am an introvert so that’s natural thing for me, but even I know I need more action and more spontaneous things in life.. so I am diving into entrepreneurship! Kinda scary but that’s what makes it exciting..
Your blog is growing nicely! Congrats
Hey thanks Adrian!
By the way, I was totally an introvert too, but working on this blog, really putting myself out there and taking bold actions have helped me break out of my shell and find success. I know you’re well on your way too. Cheers dude! Thanks for your comments, as always!
I’ve got tons to do but I’ll make it!
You introvert? Hmm… Kinda surprised buddy!
Nice to hear that, I might actually shoot you an email about it.
Looking forward to new posts and positive news!
Adrian
Pat, I was lucky enough to hear the interview being subscribed to Darren’s site and the interview was great.
I also emailed Darren recently b/c of his post he did about interviewing bloggers but wasn’t sure I’d ever get picked
I make money outside of my blog because of my blog in amounts more than many of the pro-bloggers make within their blog.
I’m glad you were one of the chosen few, I do really think you deserve it.
In regards to your question on Routine or Bold actions, my routine is taking bold actions. I don’t know any other way. I’m 100mph most of the time and I can’t stand the idea of a routine that I’m comfortable with, I do my best when I’m uncomfortable.
Keep rockin!
Thanks Nick, I really appreciate that. Hey when I get around to my podcast, would you be interested in an interview? I’d love to learn more about what you do, and I’m sure everyone else would too, if you’re up to it.
Having a routine that is taking bold actions is awesome…I’d love to get to that point, but I find myself falling back into a routine every once and a while. Doing my best to get to that mindset soon!
And you’re right, when I think about it, I work best under pressure, when I feel a bit uncomfortable. Thanks for reminding me of that…I have to take advantage of that
Call me anytime Pat, just have that mute button ready, I tend to drop F-bombs if I’ve had more than 2 Monster energy drinks in a day
It is just human nature to migrate towards being comfortable and staying in a routine. I catch myself doing it all the time. I mad my boldest move yet just last week by submitting my application to LegalZoom to start my LLC.
I used your posts from last year to help guide me through it all – THANKS!
John – you’re totally right, it is a part of human nature. Congrats on the LLC! I think you’ll find the experience of starting your own business to be wonderful. Cheers John!
Routine can get so, well *routine* after a while
You’re such an inspiration, Pat because you walk the talk and show what can be done after making bold moves.
Really glad that you’re being recognized by larger bloggers as the information you provide is always relevant, inspiring and of high quality. You’re one of the few bloggers that I read immediately when I get your new article through my feed.
I’m looking forward to the next stats post as it would be interesting to see the before and after affect of your ‘bold move’ of contacting Darren. Here’s to great numbers!
Karen
Hey Karen, it is nice to be recognized by others, but to tell you the truth it wouldn’t have happened unless I took these bold actions that I’m talking about, like personally emailing both Yaro and Darren my stories, or even going back to when I decided to do business online – none of this would have happened if I didn’t take that bold move back in 2008.
Ahh, a stats post – my next one is an income report, but I’ll definitely throw in a stats report to reiterate that “spike” effect I talked about in my last post. Thanks for your support Karen!
I’m so glad that it’s paying off for you Pat.
You’ve inspired a lot of people by your ‘bold’ actions.
Hey, if you can do it, then maybe I can too!
Karen – absolutely. Seriously, I’m not anyone special. I’m no more special than you, or anybody else in the world. If I can do it, than anyone can!
I was wondering when you were going to end up appearing on ProBlogger, since success stories are exactly what Darren loves to hear.
Great interview – we all know its an inspiring story, but its also good to see that the A-list guys really do care and do pay attention. Getting that kind of support means so much more than a bump in traffic from exposure. You’ll make some really great connections and receive some really great advice from Darren also.
So now that you’ve been featured on Yaro and Darren’s blog, are you going for the hat-trick with Leo? Good luck!
Hey Drezz, you’re right. I mean, the traffic and new subscribers are awesome (thank you all!), but it’s the recognition from some of my own idols that means the world to me, and shows that I’m really progressing. Plus, like you said, I can call Darren and Yaro my friends now, and if I were to meet up with them at a conference or something, I’m sure they would remember who I was. That means a lot.
As far as the Hat Trick, I’m not sure – that would be awesome though! Hehe!
Thanks Drezz!
It was great to see you and listen to your interview with Darren. I know you could probably kick yourself for having a dopey microphone, but it was great anyways. You really do just what you say here which is “take bold action”. I’m learning by watching you:-).
Yeah I was kicking myself, but apparently people still got the message just fine, which is the most important part. Any bold actions coming your way soon? Can’t wait to see what’s in store!
I read Problooger every day. His blog is usually the one I read directly after leaving here. I find 99.9% of his content to be of maximum quality and usefulness, the comment response technique on the other hand is an issue, for me.
But any-who, I was pleased to open my in-box and be presented the opportunity to hear your interview, it is a real testament to your hard work and dedication to your craft.
Yes, the quality of the audio wasn’t that great and there were kids in the back ground along with other noises, but that is what blogging is all about Blogging is real, it is real life.
Wow, I feel honored to be placed ahead of Problogger on your daily reading schedule! And, I totally forgot about the kids in the background, but yea – that’s life! Hehe!
Congrats again to you, Pat! Your success is well-deserved and I know you will be growing quickly based on your own approach and bold actions. I’m also curious to hear the effect that Darren’s interview has on your stats. I know the Yaro interview was a big jump for you, so I hope this one is even better!
Thanks Dustin! I really appreciate it! I’ll definitely put up a stats post for those who are interested very soon. I want to see if the “plateau” is higher after this spike, like I mentioned in my last stats report. Cheers Dustin, and keep up the awesome work on your blog. It’s growing quite nicely!!!
Thanks for the timely interview and post, Pat. I am in the middle of taking some bold steps, so thanks for the encouragement and validation that I am on the right path.
I’ll keep you posted as I make progress.
Rasheed
Rasheed – please definitely keep me posted. I can’t wait to hear what you have going on. Good luck, and thanks!
Hey Pat,
Great article again. If you started blogging 4 years ago, just using those small things like twitter, facebook, and updates would put your blog to the top. But at this day and age you have to take risks. Throw yourself out there and hope someone reels you in.
You’re story is quite inspiring. Makes people realize that if they just find something their good at, literally WHATEVER it might be (passing the leed exam) they can find a way to make a living off of it.
This is my 4th comment on this blog and i’ve got to say it’s one of my favorite on the entire internet.
I think i’ll be a follower for a long time to come.
Always -Matt
Matt – you make a great point. What may be considered a bold action may change over time. Technology has a lot to do with it, but also being on top of the things that aren’t of the norm.
Thanks Matt for your support of the blog, and also for your wonderful comments. I hope to hear from you time and time again! Means a lot.
Cheers!
Pat – long time not talk to (comment). Been buried in work from my full time job.
Anyhows…I haven’t seen the Problogger bit yet. I’ll check that out next.
Your post here reminded me of a quote…one I wish that I lived by more…
“Do the thing you fear, and the death of fear is certain.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Hey Steven – I hope your job is treating you well. It’s always good to hear from you!
Love the quote by the way – I may just print that one up and paste it next to my desk along with the others. Thanks Steven!
The interview was great! And I cannot agree more with your post today. Most of my friends just think I’m crazy because I do what I want to do most of the time. (I put my stuff in storage and moved overseas, I suddenly decide to get an MBA, I switch jobs, etc..) Life is change and it’s the only thing you can count on. Embrace it, make it work for you, and be bold!
Hey Thanks Pam! And yea – a lot of people don’t understand exactly the kinds of things we do online – however I’m sure in due time, they will feel left behind as they start to understand why we’re here. The times of working 40 years in one place is no longer – now we create our own path!
By the way – any tips on a puppy who likes to, well, hump all visitors?
About that puppy, Gizmo..First off, is he neutered? If not, that would explain his behavior. If he is, well dogs of both genders will sometimes have excessive mounting behavior. Usually the mounting behavior is a quest to establish dominance and hierarchy in the pack or in whatever the situation may be. (Such as with guests–intruders) There is nothing abnormal about it but it can be annoying and it could lead to a fight with another dog!
I wouldn’t punish a dog for this behavior but I would train the dog to stop this behavior. Try this: Use a command for only this behavior such as “no humping” or whatever. Whenever Gizmo starts to mount, tell him sharply, no humping and then distract him with something he likes such as a toy or affection and tell him what a good boy he is. Also, do this just as you see that the mounting is just about to happen. This interrupts him and he gets praise for not doing the mounting behavior. I hope this works for you Pat. Email me anytime if you have any other issues!
Thanks so much Pam! I sent you an email
So excited that you got interviewed on Problogger! THat is totally neat and really is an inspiration to others that the bold action you talk about does pay off if you are consistent and have passion for what you do. Napoleon Hill talked about bold action a lot in his book Think & Grow Rich & that is what totally turned me onto it. This is a great reminder to keep it up though!
one of my favorite and most read books. My 12yr old son is now reading that for the 2nd time. I think it should be required curriculum in the school systems.
Ahh – that book is next on my listening queue, after Getting Things Done by Robert Allen. I can’t wait to dive into it!
Cheers Maren!
(Completely unrelated…lol)
Hey Pat,
errrr….I went to the Photoshop site, and it looks like it runs around $699….hm…..is that where you got your copy?
I don’t want to keep harassing you with emails…just seems a bit of a lofty price if someone just wants to make some minor changes to something….
The Paint program seems to be very ‘antiquated’, with very little functioning…
I got it from a physical store, but yes – it’s fairly expensive (but a business write off may help that – but again, I’m not a CPA!).
You may find “photoshop elements” to be a lot cheaper, and stil have the capabilities that you’re looking for in photoshop. Or, you may be able to get an older version on ebay or something like that.
Hey Pat,
Finding out where we are in our comfort zone level can help to let us know whether we are still growing as fast as we want to. The dangerous thing is when one is caught up in a routine and not noticing that he isn’t really growing anymore. This is an important point to take note and thanks for the great point!
Cheers,
Vincent
Thanks for the comment Vincent. By the way, I went over to your blog, and I saw that scene from Pursuit of Happiness, which is definitely one of my all time favorite movies. Great post to go along with it. Thanks for that!
Pat,
I am one of the new comers as a result of Darren’s podcast. How awesome is that?
To be honest, when listening to your podcast I had a lot of emotion, mostly ones that weren’t good like ‘fear’ and frustration.
It’s nothing you did. Let me explain.
I found it very intriguing and almost upsetting that you could monetize so quickly in what you do. I guess you could call it jealousy, but it’s not that. I really took a good hard look at what you do and why you are successful.
Here is what I found:
1. You reply to almost every comment.
2. You are articulate.
3. You are like me, and therefore I like you. AKA, you’re someone I can relate to.
4. You are great at presenting.
5. You understand social media and use it to build your brand.
6. You’ve worked hard and you deserve everything coming to you.
Now, speaking of bold action… This will show you how the emotions I had are currently attached to all this.
Recently I decided that something astronomically drastic had to be done with my brand. Because my blog was taking off, and I was gaining a lot of traction, I knew it had to be something huge to really draw in a crowd.
I decided to do a 90 day- 45 lesson virtual flight course… ALL FREE.
Yes, a lesson every other day in 90 days. And quality videos too.
Up to now I have done a few products with mediocre success. I feel this new endeavor will really bring in a crowd and show them what we do is great, and then they can decide if they want to become part of the ‘tribe’.
I was working on this grueling project while listening to your podcast.
As of yet, I have nothing to show for it and it’s all one huge question mark. But, with that said, I have a gut feeling that it’ll take us in the right direction.
It’s Bold, especially for my industry. It’s partially crazy since I don’t have money coming in right now anyway.
But you know what? As I say all the time in closing my blog posts and videos:
THROTTLE ON
_________________________
Some last words about you.
You’re awesome and I really appreciate all you’ve done for me so far, although it wasn’t intentional. Out of all the ‘noise’ out there in the blogosphere, something about you really shined through and I heard your ‘signal’.
Out of blogs like ProBlogger, Blogussion, Chris Brogan, Seth Godin, etc, you’re in the top 5 in my prioritized reader list.
Keep up the good work.
Hey Chris – thanks for the awesome comment, and the time you put into it.
First of all, thanks for stopping by from Problogger, and I’m sorry to put some fear and frustration into your head, but I think you’ll agree with me in saying that it’s a good thing. You’ve obviously thought long and hard about the next steps you should take, and I’m sure it will pay off, because – well, that’s definitely a bold move you’re taking, and it seems to be a good one. At least in my experience, the more you can WOW people with free content, the more likely they are going to become a loyal fan, some who will be willing to pay you for something later on (or even offer to pay you for something). That’s how it went down on my exam prep website, and it seems to be heading in that direction here, although I’m sure it will be a while before I come out with a product of my own, if I ever do. I simply enjoy blogging and providing free content right now, and there’s really no need for me to cash in here.
Anyways, i digress. As far as that list you wrote – I’m humbly thank you. I could easily turn around and write the exact same list about you, although I know less about your website at the moment.
Lastly, I’m honored to be listed among some of my all-time, favorite bloggers and indirect mentors on your list. I hope I can continue to provide you even more, better information that will help you and your business in the future. I’m shooting for #1 on everyone’s list
Cheers Chris, and I hope to hear from you again soon. Good luck with the Promo, and please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks again!
I will be checking back to let you know how it’s going, for sure.
By the way, since I’ve a video guy, I’m really loving the vids on Youtube! I know you don’t get a ton of views or comments, but I really enjoy watching them.
The ‘blackboard’ style is awesome. (Do you use omnigraphel and a trackpad device or something?)
What kind of dog is gizmo? He looks like my West Highland Terrier.
I’m fairly happy actually with the amount of views I’m getting as of late. I just started doing videos a couple months ago, and so far so good! Thanks!
The blackboard style is actually a Bamboo Tablet and Pen, filmed with Camtasia on Photoshop
And Gizmo, he’s our 1-year old Maltese!
Thanks Chris!
That would have been my second guess on Gizmo!
Wow, clever idea on the blackboard. Do you mind if I use that same type of style?
I don’t mind one bit!
Hey, Pat, thanks alot for all the help lately!
(P.s. I saw your “comments” hovering at “49″….so, just thought I’d bump you up to “50″ here…lol)
LOL, you are OCD! LOL!
Thanks Howie!
lol….odd numbers are the devil….
(cringe…this comment looks like it may make 59…….somebody else comment….quick…)
hey, p.s. man, that snagit program is pretty neat….I grabbed a free trial of it today and threw a little nifty red arrow pointing to the promotional price (just like you have on green exam academy)…..thanks for the tip man
Hey Pat,
Great to know you were in terviewd by the “King”. I knew great things were coming ever since i heard the interview Yaro did with you.
With this Darren’s interview, i expect your audience to skyrocket
once that happens would you be able to keep up with replying us all?
Cheers man.
Hey thanks Olusegun! Darren is indeed the King.
I hope to still be able to reply to all of the comments, at least while I’m not on vacation. I think if I were to continue to do it as the blog grows even bigger, it would be even that much more impressive…I would think!
Hehe, thanks again for the comments dude!
Hopefully you are not going to take bald actions in order to get to the next level, Pat! Enjoy your hair, man.
Oh man…Tom! I can’t believe I didn’t think of that when I was writing this post…LOL! I am enjoying my hair…for now…
Cheers bud!
Hi Pat, I appreciate you for your bold actions and the success you got back for that.
I have also taken some big risks and bold actions in my life especially for my online career. But it is not the right time to share them now. Soon I will talk and blog about those things.
Pascal.
Cool Pascal – I look forward to hopefully reading about your Bold Actions one day. All the best to you!
Hi Pat,
I do the things I don’t like on Mon & Tues and then get them off my plate. Not exactly bold but it has to be done.
Running a successful biz online is like running your home – you gotta do the little things otherwise the place (website) becomes a mess. A few weeks backsliding and all the good work is wasted.
Ivan
Pat,
I have to hand it to you. Your points on being bald considering Seth and Show and pretty darn true. As far as bold moves are concerned I think there are two real types of bold moves. There’s the ones that are bold because they require a monetary outlay or a large time investment, then there’s the ones that are bold because I just don’t want ot do them. Even if they take 20 minutes and are simple. Not sure why but I just hate some tasks. I think one of the best things that Tim Ferris taught me was too outsource those “bold” tasks. I’ve gone through a lot of VAs as they seem to swing in quality but still each one has had a material impact on my life. I’m currently using one called PT http://getmorehands.com They’re more expensive than the Indians (I was using asksunday) but they’re also more competent and require less time on my part which is what outsourcing these tasks is all about.
At any rate, love the thoughts on both bald and bold!
-Matt
This is a great analysis, Matt. Indeed, I believe you’re right in saying that bold moves are either ones that require some kind of monetary investment, and things we just don’t want to do. If you don’t mind me asking, what kinds of things do you have your VAs do? I hire VAs only on a per project basis, as I think I would end up spending too much time managing a full-time VA, and actually teaching them stuff along the way which I know isn’t really what you should do. It would probably end up more like an internship, lol.
Thanks for the great comment, and I hope to hear from you again soon!
The company that I referenced above charges on a per-task basis so I can really utilize them as much or as little as you want. For the most part anytime I realize that I am avoiding a task I just immediately send it to them. This often includes calculating invoices, contacting clients to set appointments, as well as any contact that I need to make that requires a phone call. I HATE WAITING ON HOLD. If I think I am going to have to wait on hold I will put the task off forever. With them they make the call for me. If I need to confirm my identity they simply conference me in, I do so, then I hang up. One of the more joyous tasks is having late fees removed. You’d be amazed how many late fees you can have waived if you just call. While I try to keep everything on auto-pay normally my first bill does not get paid on time for anything as I’m not used to paying bills and the auto-pay hasn’t been setup yet. I love forwarding the bill to them and simply asking them to have the late fee reversed. The pleasure of knowing that I just paid a few dollars to have a $50 late fee reversed never gets old. If you have any you think can think of I highly recommend it. The list of random stuff I have them do is pretty much endless. If you think about what you’re putting off doing right now I’m sure you can find a few things to send their way… Sorry if this is a bit of a rant
Pat I would gladly be your intern…maybe you can do your own version of the Apprentice one of these days. Why not? Bold moves!
Great interview wit Darren Pat. Maybe there’s hope for me yet as I’m going bald, I guess that means I’ll have to wait about 5 years!
I know what you mean about taking bold action, I asked some other bloggers for interviews and they all agreed to be interviewed by little me.
Perhaps one day I’ll have the courage to ask you Pat
I should also add to my above post that what Robert is talking about here is perfect. You can easily have them reach out to people and request interviews.
My bold action was actually creating my blog and setting up a Facebook fan page. Now I need to continue this steady stream of bold actions to profitability!
Awesome job dude! You’re on the right track, keep up the bold moves!
Reading this post was like a kick in the butt. One that I needed!
I get analysis paralysis and I keep polishing the stone, I just need to put it in the sling and give it a whirl and trust God with the rest.
Since I read this I stared my eBook and pitched two inventions to companies and started prototyping my wife’s killer invention that I think will rock.
Thanks for all you do.
-Stephen
Thanks for the encouraging words. I just took a leap of faith and joined a business that is in the beginning stages of Network Marketing. Boy that word, Network Marketing really scares the pants off of people. Maybe you could do a post on this subject.
thanks!
Jen
This is a great reminder. My comfort zone is so comfortable, but I’ve found that I can’t stay there forever even if I wanted to. Challenging yourself is the only way to grow, which is true in all areas of life. And I enjoyed your interview. I’ll refer back to it from time to time for inspiration.
Pat,
I agree 100% the time to take action is now. Sometimes to step out of your rut and to do something new takes some effort but I’m finding the surprise you find around to the curve in the road is worth it.
Jim