The Sunday report is by far the easiest of the 4 posts I have to write each week, and the one I tend to enjoy the most. I think it simply comes down to the fact that it gives me an opportunity to review the week and reflect on all that has gone well. Translation! Dean gets to toot his own horn.
The first domino has fallen…
Well I have experienced my first minor breakthrough on my journey to get my name out there in the conversation. I was contacted a few weeks ago by a dude who has a bi-weekly radio show that focuses on careers. We spoke on the phone this week, and he has booked me for Friday, January 22nd, 2010.
The idea would be to have a round table discussion about quitting, with the focus being on careers. I can definitely add to that conversation, considering that I up and quit my last job December 31st, 2008.
I laughed to myself, when I was told I would be the authority on quitting. But the reality is, authority is granted to those who step up and claim it.
I was very cognizant of this when I launched my site. I did not enter into this venture with the idea that I would tread lightly or meekly. I am going full force with the goal of being crowned as the expert in the area of quitting. I will scratch, claw or give wedgies if need be, to accomplish my goal.
Oh, and I fully expect the jokes to fly. I have already had one person say I have a face for radio. I guess it could be worse. I could have a face that looks like a radio. How weird would that be huh? Bring em’ on kids, I’m ready.
Great Resource…
On the same topic (talking about authority), Brian Clark of Copyblogger, wrote a wonderful free report about this. If you are interested, check it out at Authority Rules.
Guest Posting…
I made my first formal pitch to guest post this week on Copyblogger. I had to submit 3 pieces of writing to show I am not some chimp who is simply computer literate.
I submitted 3 pieces from my blog that I knew were very unchimp-like that I really liked, along with an idea for a post I would like to write.
They will get back to me in 2 or 3 weeks.
My outlook for this closely resembles something I once read from Stephen King. When he completed his first novel, “Carrie,” he sent it to a gaggle of publishers, and then, once he knew that he had done all he could do with it, let it go and started work on his second.
I too have done all I can do at this point. I have no control over the results, but I am approaching this like I will be accepted. I mean, if I don’t think I am worthy of a guest post then I should never have submitted in the first place.
I am totally focused on what can be. (I realize by including the word “totally” some of you may think I am saying that like a valley girl. That is so not the case gurlfriend.) I will deal with what is, when it happens.
Words of wisdom…
One of the blogs I do read religiously is one by Chris Brogan. He is considered a guru on social media. I like the dude because he talks to you like a person, whether it be in his blog, or his video posts.
I also subscribe to his weekly newsletter and I was quite moved by one part he wrote this week. I wanted to pass it onto you because it is something I think we all struggle with and can relate to.
Give your ideas a voice…
“One reason we sometimes get afraid to speak up is because we worry that our idea is too small, or that it’s stupid, or that other people are already thinking the same way. The truth is most ideas are useful, even if they are part of the elimination process. Get into the game of sharing your ideas with people. Dare to use your voice.“
I love that thought and will think of it often when I am worried that an idea I have may not be worthy. Not that this ever happens to me, but it is important to appear as if I am somewhat human and burdened with the same doubts as everyone else. 
My Manifesto is born…
Earlier this year, I had come up with a list of 25 things I was going to quit and aptly entitled it, “The I Quit Manifesto.”
I always knew this would eventually turn into something with more substance and breadth, but I just couldn’t figure out what that would look like exactly.
This past weekend I finally saw (possibly hallucinated?) what that would be and I am pumped to get started. It won’t be and endless document like War and Peace, but I can guarantee it will be longer than a haiku.
I won’t say anymore than that at this point, simply because I have a habit of shooting my mouth off before I am clear exactly what I want. That, and if this knowledge got into the wrong hands, well needless to say, your life could be in danger.
Just know that this bad boy will freaking rock the cashbah. My apologies to The Clash for stealing that line. I don’t even know what they hell it means.
To ideas worth quitting,
Dean
