Today is the first day of my 100 day countdown. I started it off right with a great speech about how to leverage Twitter for your brand (PowerPoint deck coming soon) to the Social Media Breakfast – Milwaukee chapter. It’s funny to me that someone I work with showed up to learn how to use Twitter, even though we can’t “officially” use it at my day job. I also think it’s funny that on the first day of the 100 days of my day job that I’ve got 2 speaking engagements (in 2 different cities) so I have the day off. My second engagement is my Make a PLAN and Make it Great! speech that folks have really connected with. Simple stuff is best for me…and my audience.
Here’s a few random thoughts about what is in my head right now:
It’s finally hitting me that I have 100 days left. I’m both surprised and glad by this. I wasn’t sure if it would ever hit me. It’s becoming real, and I’m enjoying the discomfort and the unfamiliarity of it all.
Folks are finding out I’m leaving and wishing me well. Even people who would never dream of breaking out and doing their own things are being incredibly supportive, including many folks on Facebook, Twitter, and on my Last 100 Days Introduction post in the comments section. Thank you!
I’m more productive when I can focus on things. I always prided myself on being a great multi-tasker, that could do a lot of things at once. I realize that has contributed greatly to my inability to finish things I start. I had another weekday off this week, and I got a new product almost done. I’m going to take another day and complete it. And of course, as I’m writing this, my phone is going off, Twitter is going crazy, and I got distracted. So the writing is best when it’s quiet and I can focus. MUST. FOCUS. MORE!
People will be even more important to me as I make the leap. Jumping into my own thing means I won’t have the structure of coffee breaks and lunch to hang with people. I’ll need to be intentional and schedule times to connect with people. I need to focus on serving others needs even more, and make sure I create opportunities for folks to hear my message. I’m doing zero traditional advertising, and though I may get a landline for phone interviews, I have no intention of listing that number. People will make the difference in my life AND my business.
Coffee is better in a porcelain mug. Today is the first day in a LONG time I didn’t get a cup of coffee in a travel mug. It slowed me down…a lot…to drink it in a porcelain mug. No grab and go, just slow and sip. I like that.
I still am drawn to “check in” to work. I looked at my Blackberry. I logged into webmail. I want to know what’s going on, and if I can help. My team is fine without me now, they’ll be fine without me in 100 days. I need to resist the urge.
Tune in tomorrow for more in the journey toward my last 100 days.
Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/10413717@N08/3192905722/
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I have been extolling the virtues of drinking coffee from a porcelain mug for a long time. Congrats on the last 100 days at the day job and your new venture!
About the coffee thing: I got to try this out.
I like sweetened tea too.
This was a great post to read as I’m “checking in” for the day and yes, slowly sipping my own cup of morning brew. You’re an inspiration Phil, I love the momentum you’re starting these 100 days with! So glad I got to ‘meet’ you. Best wishes for today and well beyond the other 99!
Love that you are sharing this with us, Phil -
We are all rooting for you and looking forward to all your thoughts and feelings on the changes.
Phil – First of all, congratulations for taking this ‘leap of faith’ as Rajesh Setty would call it. It indeed is an important one from life and career perspective. I wish you all the very best for a very successful and rewarding transition.
Being on your own can be scary and exciting at the same time, and I am so glad that you are sharing your journey. I am sure it would help many who have a secret desire inside to make it on their own.
Best,
Tanmay Vora
Phil my friend, congratulations. I am extremely glad to see you make the move. Cool deal all the way around. You WILL be successful of that I have no doubt. Have fun and enjoy the adventure. If there is anything that I can do to help you please let me know.
Hope you have a SUPER Day,
Skip
I’ll say it again. Don’t hesitate to ping me along your continued journey to success. I’m sure I have at least one talent you can make use of.
Honestly I think you’re braver than most folks. This sort of thing takes courage. Okay, and a little bit of insanity. But if folks could see you smile, they’d know it’s powerful stuff.
Cheers,
Todd aka @tojosan
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