Today is “Over The Hump’ Q & A Wednesday and I have two listener questions that I’ll address on today’s podcast, but first, an announcement.

First, I want to say a heartfelt congratulations to a colleague of mine and someone who I truly believe you should become familiar, entrepreneur and digital nomad, Natalie Sisson a.k.a The Suitcase Entrepreneur!

The self published book of the same title was recently released and I want to wish her much success.

<figure class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_4081" style="width: 209px;"><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-4081">Available Now!</figcaption></figure>

Her book launch began several months ago via a Kickstarter campaign for which I was one of her many global contributors.

Several weeks ago Natalie released the first preview copies of the book for us early contributors, giving us the opportunity to give it a read and write a review (which I did, you can read mine on the book page of her website as well as on Amazon.com) in a nutshell the book is brilliant!

The nuggets Natalie shares are just pure gold and I honestly believe is one of the best books on entrepreneurship I’ve read in a while.

You’ll find all the links on this page, (just click on the book cover to the above)

One side note, depending upon when you’re listening to this episode or reading the physical book may be on backorder, but be patient and order a copy anyway or purchase the Kindle version.

It’s my secret wish that I’ll get to have her on as a featured guest on a future episode of the GPFYC Podcast.

NATALIE’S CHALLENGE:

Now, for the second reason why I celebrate Natalie accomplishments she’s currently running a 30-day blog challenge to kick off the launch of her amazing book and I’m a participant!

Part of her global campaign is to encourage bloggers (and want to be bloggers) to post new content everyday on their personal/professional blogs for the next 30 days, then share our posts on her blog located at: http://thesuitcaseentrepreneur.com.

Below you’ll find a banner on the right hand side announcing my participation in the 30 day challenge. I’ve also provided a banner here in the show notes. So if you’re blogger or thinking about launching one I highly suggest you check it out.

Today is Day 2 of the challenge and the question she asks: If you woke up tomorrow and were free to do anything you wanted with your life, what would you do and who would you be?

My Response:

“If I were free to do anything I wanted with my life I’d do exactly what I’m doing now. I love writing, I love sharing ideas and connecting – whether it’s through a book, a blog post, a podcast, whatever, I just love connecting. Most of all I would spend my time with other like minded people who crave freedom and creative expression and are willing to do the work to get it.

I spent so many years of my life living a soul draining existence that I realized I wasn’t living, then one day I got the strength to walk away. Yes, it’s been tough and yes I’ve thought about giving in to societies pressures to “get a real job”, but in my heart I know that would finish me off and I’m not willing to do that”.

I believe I have something valuable to offer the world, things like encouragement, inspiration, support. I spend my days sharing my experiences of creative entrepreneurship and my words help others do the same. I spend my days in gratitude and I’m richly rewarded and not just in money, but in experiences.

Like the people that I get to connect with and help, the fabulous places I get to visit – (Paris comes to mind), expressing myself through photography, having my work shown in galleries, the amazing books I get to write, and speaking on stages around the world encouraging others to join me in living their best creative self”

That’s my dream and I’m sticking to it

Blogging As A Regular Practice:

I think think the challenge is a a great motivator to get you blogging on a regular basis, but not only that, it’s a great way to accomplish the results blogging provides – #1 Engagement.

Engagement leads to new readers, new readers will grow your audience, and a larger audience leads to increased opportunities. Regardless of your topic or niche speciality I highly suggest you consider launching a blog. They are super simple and I truly believe the foundationof your online platform.

As a matter of fact, I occasional offer an online program where I teach creative entrepreneurs How To Create A Successful Online Platform. If you’d like to learn more about my course I invite you to either leave a comment below or email me at: askrodney@getpaidforyourcreativity.com

Finally speaking of Ask Rodney, I feel this is the perfect segway into the theme of today’s podcast. As I mentioned at the top of the show I received two great questions this week and I’ll respond to each, I think they are both great topics so prepare to take some notes.

Over The Hump Q&A Wednesday Reader Questions:

Question 1: Comes from Danny

How do I stay motivated when it seems like I’m working harder and I’m getting nowhere?

• Slow down, take time to take the broad view, document what you’re doing


• Don’t keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result, it’s called insanity for a reason


• Commit to staying in action, and remain in a place of testing and experimentation


• Be easy with yourself, you only learn what works by discovering what doesn’t work


• Get out of the house, go do something fun, take an inspiration day, listen to Podcast #010 for inspiration and additional ideas


• Make decisions based on data and results, be willing to test, tweak, readjust and try again.

Question 2: Comes from John

What’s your opinion about doing an ebook or Kindle version of my recently published novel? Should I go digital? 

• Offer your books in both print and digital format, readers today want choice


• Multi-media experiences are fast becoming the standard, start preparing for that


• Have your books formatted for all digital platforms ie. Amazon Kindle, Barnes Noble Nook, Apple iBooks

Additional Resources & Recommendations For Danny & John:

Lulu – print on demand service – http://lulu.com

CreateSpace – also a print on demand service – https://www.createspace.com

iStock Photo – http://www.istockphoto.com/

For more information listen to my in-depth answers on the podcast.

Do You Have A Burning Question You Like Me To Answer?

If you have any questions on the topics of marketing, business, creativity, motivation publishing whatever please send to: askrodney@getpaidforyourcreativity.com or call and leave a voice message at: speakpipe.com/rodneywashington</