Day 10

Implement and test salient today... and the weeks goals will be complete.

Just starting to do this is the completion of the goals I believe... double check...

Okay, 2 extra things:

1. -Do I still need the links, data, etc?  How does Google Analytics play into all this?"

So there is data that should be saved, affiliate links to retrace, and content to recover.  This is definitely going to take a while and may be the big focus of next week.

Analytics runs separate and all that data is saved.  I just need to begin a new analytics project for the new site, and that can be on the same account.

2. What else, if anything, do I need to do to get everything operating on AWS?

Biggest missing piece is the advanced AWS stuff -- how to install PHP, SQL, and other required features into my AWS site so it's configured properly to run wordpress, my theme, etc.  As I have just discovered.

And I am starting right now by starting a new post that defines all the technical terms I am coming across... since I clearly don't understand basic shit like:

-"WTF is SDK?" (It's software developer's kit.  See definition I found.  Thank you, Google.)

-"WTF is this Composer Amazon is talking about?"

-"WTF are dependencies?"

...etc

http://entrepreneurisback.blogspot.com/2015/01/developer-terminology.html

Final Goal: Begin Implementation

I am going to do a compromise here since there's like... an hour's worth of training and making accounts JUST TO START installing the codes I need on my AWS.

The compromise is this: A list of what needs to be done to finish implementation next week.

And here it is:

Salient REQUIRES WORDPRESS.

WORDPRESS REQUIRES:

• PHP 5.2.4 or greater
• MySQL 5.0 or greater
• The mod_rewrite Apache module

HOW TO:

^ includes wordpress

ALL SDKs: Basically, the software developer kits for ANY platform that can work with AWS... kind of the "go to" page for "How to install X on AWS"

http://aws.amazon.com/tools/


PHP:
(recommended: install composer: https://getcomposer.org/)

Amazon SDK for PHP: http://aws.amazon.com/documentation/sdk-for-php/


SQL: See video above first.

This may help or may be completely unnessary / do nothing: http://aws.amazon.com/rds/sqlserver/


MOD REWRITE APACHE MODUAL

see video above... so tired... all I see is "apache helicopter model" right now.

:)

Good week.  All objectives complete.

Day 9

Man, I have a hard time NOT putting 2 hours into ROARS every day.

Today...

Got Back Into TheVault.bz

Enough said here.

Found out TheVault.bz Offers Web Themes

Biggest one catching my eye is Salient -- "SEO Optimized" and the exact theme I was looking for:

http://themenectar.com/demo/salient-one-page/

http://themenectar.com/demo/salient-frostwave/features/elements/

All Demos -- http://themeforest.net/item/salient-responsive-multipurpose-theme/4363266?ref=nfo23
(Edit: just noticed on this page, you scroll down far enough you'll see what they have to say about their SEO... fucking perfection.  Salient is the winner I believe.)

Next is "super SEO" Strategy.. still good but has the sidebar, it's down the page a little which is good, but not sure if it's what I want.  Admittedly, much better if I still want the blog on my page... but less sexy and I'm unsure (especially because most of the super SEO stuff seems completely unnecessary for me and redunant.)

http://strategy.yoastdemo.com/

I've downloaded both and moved them into the web folder.

Probably the best approach is get it installed (I noticed Salient came with excellent instructions) and test it, if you get it working and like it, probably best to buy the liscense.

There's a lot more themes where those came from... but seems like biting the bullet and using Salient is a great way to go here,

Browsed a little

Obviously, the vault is loaded and takes a while.  Best thing to do seems to be to sort by date, so I start with the most relevant stuff.

TOP 10 OPT-IN

2 ideas for Top 10 Insomnia Remedies

Traditional -- the top 10 I have now (or had... worth noting IT IS NOT UP!), modelled after the top 10 web providers sites

Opt-in -- top 10 offered as a trade for their email.  Should say things like

"Tired of searching through a million "best" remedies that don't work?  Search no more -- see what the experts have to say and get your free copy of the true top 10 here"

(challenge.co for example)

Going to admit... I am pretty sure I tested this in the past and found that it didn't get the opt in #s I wanted... so maybe this isn't the best way to do it... it's just the free, easy, upfront value that gets me.  But this isn't the best "kiss test."  It doesn't shock and awe my market.  I'd need to really sell it and that's just not something I can do in 3 seconds for this content.

Day 8

DAY START:

So, not going to worry about "porting" or "how to wordpress" right now:

"

• Understand what will be needed to port over:
  -Domain redirecting?
  -Wordpress / Site code setup on new server?  Is it just copy and paste?
  -What else, if anything, do I need to do to get everything operating on AWS?
• Answer these questions:
  -Port... or reinvent?

"
Because I wrote this before I knew if I was going to port... or reinvent.

I am going to reinvent.

First thing I want to do is get a better SEO site / blog style.  Today is about:
-Finding the best SEO premade site designs
-Choosing the design that best fits my vision for the reinvention.

((I shall start by taking a peak at Ed Dale's "the challenge".  If I am unimpressed I will have a look at STOMPERNET

Okay so those are both dead lol))

Read the "Top 18 SEO Myths of 2015" off of hubspot

Looks like now-a-days SEO has had several super updates to elimitate the old keyword optimization ways of the past, instead focusing on the intention behind the keyword and the quality of the site and it's content...

Great news, really, for someone who developed a top notch, market leading product like me... I can provide value for days, and now they are saying:

-No multi-site tactics -- stack all your quality on your home site.
-No doing TONS of pages on the site -- make only super high quality pages, the more of THOSE the better.
-No more spamming links or using keywords repetitively -- think linking from related pages, not anchor text (authority sites linking to you are still key, so this opens up the opportunity to spend more time developing campaigns to guest blog and add value to the big guns in exchange for a link to your website.)
-No more keyword spamming the H1 tags, no multi-H1s and etc -- keep word choice tightly related, but as human as possible.
-Think value and building the best, simplest, most satisfying web experience possible.

New Web Design for a Conversion-Effective Site that's SEO Friendly and Incredibly Satifying to Users (low bounce rate is a goal!)

So now I'm looking at Templates that reflect this.  I want one like yourleafnow.com ... that's the 2015 way to stand out and impress IMO.

http://www.templatemonster.com/ (I looked at the more modern "Cherry" designs... see timeline at bottom) to buy.  Definitely considering it.  Want to shop a little and make sure the deal is good and get some reviews on them first, but I like the idea a lot.  Video at the top and scroll down to be guided through all the other content and solutions.

ex. http://www.templatemonster.com/demo/52603.html

Like:

FIX INSOMNIA
-video-  ("cure insomnia" opt-in on the right)
\/
\/
TOP 10 REMEMDIES FOR SLEEP NOW
\/
\/
BLOG CONTENT SNAPSHOT LINKING TO BLOG STUFF, maybe featured article snip
\/
\/
(Some content here that basically re-interates solving the insomnia problem, basically another hook that is designed to leading them back to the main idea at the top, probably more text-oriented than video oriented, maybe leading them to an article that sums up the video in text and has an opt-in page on it)
\/
\/
INSOMNIA NEWSLETTER (so they can opt-in)
\/
\/
SLEEP TRACKS
\/
\/
ABOUT US
\/
\/
FOOTER (w/ links)

TheVault.bz

As I did all this today, I have put requests on thevault's IRC to get back in, since I have been (fairly) removed from their site.  Looks like my account was shut down, as I have no automated way to re-activate.

Keep in mind, you are a trained account executive.  You can, and will, get back in.  This is the place to start for all Internet Marketing 2015 resources.  Just like you can get the attention of the big guns on the web in the insomnia field.

In Conclusion

Another big day for the renaissance and "doing both".  

I found out today I can't be too rigid with my goal of having wordpress done on AWS -- I need to select a SEO friendly website style/template first and then figure out how to implement it.

On the other hand, I've got a design in mind, and I have a source for templates, so now it's just about exploring that.

My goal for the rest of the week is:

1. Select a website template / code.

2. Begin implementing it.

By the end of next week, I want howtofixinsomnia.com to have all the framework complete, just waiting for me to color in the content.

Fuck this is fun!!  :)

Day 7

Daily Review:
-Got www.howtofixinsomnia.com purchased and working as an AWS hosted, static website, with a charming little "Coming Soon" page.

-www.howtocureinsomnia.com was not taken but starting bid was over $100 per month for the first year... and I actually think "how to FIX insomnia" is a better brand, I can literally have a sleeping wrench as a logo or something.

Couple other things "How to Fix Insomnia" had going for it in the KEYWORD data:
1. Key adwords phrase, but easier keyword to win SEO on.
2. VERY related to how to cure insomnia.
3. Bounce rate for "How to Fix Insomnia" keyword traffic to naturalcuresforinsomnia.org was very HIGH.  Which is a good thing -- it goes to show, the people who type that aren't interesting in reading about a list of cures... they wanted to fix it... hopefully.

Good 2+ hour chunk spent on this today.  Feels nice.  Not sure what to count from yesterday... maybe 2 hours as well?  I am exceeding the guidelines for the week, now to exceed the goals...

TOMORROW:
"

• Understand what will be needed to port over:
  -Domain redirecting?
  -Wordpress / Site code setup on new server?  Is it just copy and paste?
  -What else, if anything, do I need to do to get everything operating on AWS?
• Answer these questions:
  -Port... or reinvent?

"

-Domain redirecting -- No.  We will be starting over with a new domain and new brand.
-Wordpress -- The main focus of tomorrow, and possibly Wednesday -- get this up and running.
-What else?  Combine that with the next question, "Port... or reinvent?".  We need to think it through.  I have a vision of a simple, bold top page and you can scroll down to the blog or watch the intro video.


ROARS LOG 1/12/15:

Today I am doing the AWS training.

Made a big mistake today at work that costs me $2,500.  Working hard here will allow me to progress on both fronts.  DO BOTH.  BECOME A 6.  BECOME MILLIONAIRE MATERIAL.  GET THIS SITE UP, RUNNING, MAKING MONEY, AND THEN DWARFING LEAF AND IT'S COMMISSIONS.

Fuck being dependant on single deals, single sales.

I want automatic streams of income so I can be making my second million while I'm relaxing at a lodge in Mammoth and planning my summer in New Zealand.

Week 1 Review 1/4 - 1/8

100% Failure to achieve any goals whatsoever.

3 Problems and what needs to be done to fix them:

1. Problem: No plan / word for how to transition from LEAF to ROARS, so I went on auto-pilot and slacked when I got home.  Procrastinating directly leads to failure.
   Solution: New word addendum -- Monday - Thursday, FIRST THING you do when you get home is come to this blog and post plan for the day.  That's the word: I will start right away -- I will not procrastinate, whether I fail to start or not I will try.  Ideally, you will also get amped on pushing the limits of your comfort zone.
2. Problem: Messy Environment.  Since I am hanging out with Dave tomorrow, this lead to this task demanding my attention.
   Solution: Keep the room and house clean in general -- if there are other tasks demanding your attention, you will have a harder time focusing.
3. Problem: Drinking on a week night.  I was feeling very disoriented on Monday / Tuesday as it was, so drinking Monday night and not getting enough sleep made me too exhausted to work on Tuesday.
   Solution: Do not drink on week nights.  Keep the wine off the desk.  Come on now... there's no word needed here... this is basic stuff.  Drinking Monday night just goes to show you are not ready to be an entrepreneur.

Next week I still intend to move on to 4 hours, I want to do 2 on Sunday and then 30 min per day, M-Th.

I am failing.  If I don't get a lot more serious about pushing my limits, and I don't do it quickly, this year is going to unravel before it even begins.  Let's approach next week a lot more seriously with a lot more focus.

The Renaissance Challenge, Day 1

Week 1, take 2!

It's good that I had "week 1" in December as that inspired this challenge, but at the same time it was the whole "failure to plan = plan to fail" thing... no 90 dc was active during that time.

Today, that has changed with The Renaissance Challenge: Q1 2015.

"The Renaissance of the Entrepreneur"

It's a fitting title.  My history here has parallels with the real history of organized advanced civilization: There was ROME, then it fell and there were dark ages, then there was a re-birth of advanced civilization and the modern era of science and art began.

With my business, there were the early days that laid all the foundation I needed, but at the same time did little to really make me much money.  It's like how Rome was advanced, but their science is nothing compared to today's.  Then my financial backing fell apart and I dropped the business for 3 years... a long, dark age of no progression.

Now, I hope to restart the business and use my new hustle skills and matured mental framework to handle this challenge on a far more advanced level.

As far as being an entrepreneur goes, this is a renaissance.

So it's a clear intent, and therefore I feel it's a good name.

Where do we go from here?

From the last "week 1":

"GOALS:

• Have an AWS website (not natural cures / how to cure insomnia yet... just A site.)
• Understand what will be needed to port over:
  -Domain redirecting?
  -Wordpress / Site code setup on new server?  Is it just copy and paste?
  -What else, if anything, do I need to do to get everything operating on AWS?
• Answer these questions:
  -Port... or reinvent?
  -Should I start a new SEO campaign centered around "How to Cure Insomnia."?
  -Do I do both -- does natural cures still have enough value to keep alive after being dead nearly a year?
  -Do I still need the links, data, etc?  How does Google Analytics play into all this?"

These will be the goals of this week.

Also, here are the hourly guidelines for this first Renaissance challenge.

Week 1:

-3 hours at home, so 30 minutes on day 1, tomorrow I will pay for AWS training (just not worth the time to try and track down other training on this right now) and I expect it will take at least 1.5 hours, leaving 1 hour left for thursday to setup a mock website and answer the questions above.

Week 2:

-4 hours: 1 hour per day, Monday through Thursday.

Week 3:

-5 hours, 1 hour per day, Sunday through Thursday.

...12 weeks, so add one hour per week up until week 9, at which point get a steady 10 hours per week until the end of the challenge.

Then take a week to relax -- go easy at LEAF and don't work on the business... so I'm clearly separating my 90 DCs.  Week 2 of April you can start Q2 2015, and instead of moving everything over just have the 90 DC actually be 83 days... there is seriously no reason to nit pick, as there is no way to have 4 90 DCs and time off without doing it this way anyways.

Final Comments

I expect this whole year to be part of the renaissance.  If this challenge fails, just make Q2 "renaissance 90dc part 2".  I expect to do this anyways.  I want to push harder and harder this year to really bring this business back to life, and in doing so I expect to start making real money on both fronts.

The biggest wins will be proving I can do both and growing mentally strong.  It's like deciding one year you are going to start lifting weights every day as much as possible to become physically strong.  I am deciding to start really flexing my mind to become mentally strong.

Let's make this year a happier, more fruitful year than 2014 and really get a running start down the path of millionaire by 2020.