Facebook is now huge for personal branding, small biz, and networking. For the last 8 years or so Facebook has seemed dead. Meta and the crew at Facebook made Instagram a priority. Instagram works great and they’ve kept up with competing with TikTok. But now, Meta has Instagrammed Facebook and brought all the great aspects of Instagram while simplifying the Facebook interface and opening up the 3 billion people on the platform to your message.

We all know people who seem to master posting on Facebook - friends, family, and now influencers. Let’s capture their posting energy with new tools.

TIP: Many people don't realize they can keep their private life private while still having a public "Creator" persona on the same account. Professional Mode unlocks an analytics dashboard similar to what you’d see on a business page.

Here’s a few reasons why I’m making Facebook a priority NOW.

• Personal profiles can now have a professional mode that allows unlimited followers and a clean profile interface... similar to Instagram.
• The Network Effect: You aren't starting from zero. Your high school friends, former colleagues, and neighbors are already there—they are your first "seed" audience.
• Algorithm Love: Facebook is leaning heavily into "Discovery." Your content is now being shown to people who don't follow you, much like the Instagram Explore page.
• The "Human" Factor: Groups allow you to build trust. When you participate as a person (Professional Profile) rather than a brand (Page), people are 10x more likely to engage. Your personal profile can do the selling now.
• You can leverage a Facebook Page for advertising to drive traffic to your personal posts - combining the power of pages and profiles.
• Facebook supports content creators - it will draw more creators to the platform.
• Facebook Reels are consumed a lot - breathing life into the platform.
• No need to worry about crossposting - Facebook can automatically post to Instagram and vice versa. Easy peasy.

Here’s how my personal Facebook Profile looks now:

<figure> <Image src="/ken-fb-profile-creator.jpeg" width="364" height="640" alt="Ken's Facebook Profile in Creator Mode" priority /> <figcaption>Ken's Facebook Profile in Creator Mode</figcaption> </figure>

Notice the "Follow" button instead of "Add Friend”, the "Digital Creator" category, and just a few sections like Reels
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/1510187538" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out my new Facebook profile →</a>

Here’s a comparison of old and new Facebook:

<table> <thead> <tr> <th>Feature</th> <th>Personal Profile (Legacy)</th> <th><strong>Professional Mode (New)</strong></th> <th>Facebook Page</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td><strong>Follower Limit</strong></td> <td>Capped at 5,000 Friends</td> <td><strong>Unlimited Followers</strong></td> <td>Unlimited Followers</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Visibility</strong></td> <td>Mainly Friends & Family</td> <td><strong>Global Discovery Feed</strong></td> <td>Public / Search Engines</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Analytics</strong></td> <td>None</td> <td><strong>Professional Dashboard</strong></td> <td>Meta Business Suite</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Monetization</strong></td> <td>No</td> <td><strong>Reels Bonuses & Stars</strong></td> <td>Full Ad Revenue / Shops</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Networking</strong></td> <td>Personal (Add Friend)</td> <td><strong>Creator-style (Follow)</strong></td> <td>Brand-style (Like/Follow)</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Best For</strong></td> <td>Private use</td> <td><strong>Personal Brands & Coaches</strong></td> <td>Companies & Local Biz</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Are you looking at using Facebook again? If you have marketing dollars for your personal brand or small business, let’s talk about optimizing your profiles and pages for this new Facebook Revival. <Link href="/services/reserve">Book a coaching session</Link>.

The Morico Letter - 12/20/2025

As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. Need <Link href="/coaching">digital marketing coaching</Link>? <Link href="/coaching">Schedule a coaching session w/me</Link> and let’s grow together.

Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

The best way I know to get your thoughts out there is a newsletter or blog post, and then tweaking it for social media. One big idea -- distilled for the different mediums.

I’m still getting decent traffic to my blog after 16 years. It’s my personal perspectives that matter. Your personal perspectives will matter if you just put them out there.

Here’s some reasons to journal or blog your perspectives:

• Contribute to the hive mind... literally AI is aggregating our thoughts... we literally have the power to influence the present and future... think of the butterfly effect. If you say nothing you won’t matter. If you do... you will. It’s that simple.
• You can manifest your future. Some people believe in manifestation. Part of it’s power is writing down you goals, ambitions, and thoughts. Doing it publicly gives it a lot of weight.
• Have written material to pass down to children / relatives. Here’s a thought way out there: you could literally live forever if a an AI bot collects all your written material and your great great great grandchildren could chat with you after your passing. There’s a project on X / Twitter that is doing this right now with John McAfee right now.
• People will network with you. Maybe you’ll meet your heroes or at least find like-minded connections.
• You might get business / notoriety / comments from friends.
• It’s therapeutic. Think of it like meditation...

Blogging has been a core business strategy for content marketing for good reason. It connects on a personal level that corporate speak often misses. Getting cited as a source in ChatGPT / LLMs can also send you traffic and get you recognized as an authority.

So many ways to benefit from just writing your thoughts. Don’t forget, with video so popular now, you could just speak your blog post into the camera. Same content - different medium.

Want to nail your content marketing? Schedule a coaching session with me, and I’ll show you how to use blogging to market your business in the world of AI. Schedule a coaching session

I’ve updated my blog with some core topics.

• ai
• buildinpublic
• business development
• creator economy
• entrepreneur
• gear
• linkedin
• marketing
• motivation
• personal branding
• personal development
• productivity
• seo
• social media
• wellness

Check it out at kenmorico.com/blog when you get a chance for some night time / weekend reading.

Now, go and speak your mind. I’m listening.

The Morico Letter - 5/31/2025

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As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. Need digital marketing coaching? Schedule a coaching session w/me and let’s grow together.

Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

P.S. Have you tried using blogging to connect with your audience? Reply to this email and let me know what’s worked for you—or what’s holding you back!

View Previous Letters

• Exercise
• Sun exposure
• Idea generation
• Sense of accomplishment
• Stress release
• Avoid driving / traffic

<Image src="/ken-walking.jpg" width="600" height="314" alt="Ken Walking" priority />

I grew up in the NorthEast, and we have a walking culture. The cities are small, but dense. The are often planned with a church plaza or green in the center. Trains are central to travel, and people often walk to and from the train stations.

If everything you need is centrally located, why would you drive? Makes sense, right?

The Fitness

Many Americans aren’t physically fit. It’s often recommended to walk as a simple way to start a fitness routine. But fit people love walking, too. It’s a universal life skill / habit. It’s worth mastering a routine.

<iframe width="315" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3H0Xg7sHT7c" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerPolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowFullScreen></iframe>

See the Sun

The sun generates blue light, which helps your body know when it’s time wake up. The sun isn’t completely negative for your health and you don’t always need sunscreen. Do your research: blue light, UV index.

There’s something simply awesome about feeling the warm sun on your face in the morning.

Get Ideas

Steve Jobs used to go on walks often and discuss business. Movement allows your brain to think in ways you just can’t when you sit down.

Stuck on a business or personal problem? You might solve it by walking.

Feel Accomplishment with a Walk

When I walk, I like to have somewhere to go. I know that you can walk just for exercise, but to me it seems kind of boring. I like to walk to parks, coffeeshops, or places to run errands. I even walked to my doctor’s office which was 4.5 miles away and he was shocked. Think of where you can walk to. Try going further and further.

Podcasts and music are critical to walking for me. I keep my iPhone with me and Apple AirPods Pro. The new AirPods Pro have a nice balance mode where it allows some environmental noise and some blocking. Plus, if you need to talk to someone it automatically lowers the volume. Really cool.

Release Stress with Walking

Let’s be honest, we get stressed from everything in today’s modern world. Finances, news flow, social media, job, traffic, etc. Just go walk and relax. There’s usually some green outside even if you aren’t in the country. Homeowners, businesses, and multi-family property owners spend a fortune on landscaping in the city. Walk and enjoy it.

Ditch the Car / Traffic

Who wants to drive? Not me. I once saw a signature on a user forum that someone had that said, “Traffic is for poor people.” It’s true. People that pay high rent in the city don’t need cars. People in the suburbs with money could just pay a driver or Uber. Everyone else needs to deal with traffic. I say just walk, or combine walking with an eBike or electric scooter.

Traffic is so stressful and drivers have never been more rude. How many times do we see road rage incidents on the news? What’s funny is that drivers are nicer to you when you’re walking versus if you are in a car.

I know many places are seemingly too hot or cold to walk, but I’ve figured out a trick. Stop somewhere half-way to get warm or cool. Break up the walk. That will help you carry on to your walking destination.

The Future

I now live as a digital marketer in Houston, which, like Los Angeles, is a car-based city. Everything is designed for getting to and from places with a car. But that is slowly changing. Younger generations see the value in walking and making a “walkable city.”

New bike paths, pedestrian paths, and parks all contribute to making cities livable. They also increase the value of real estate which really pushes the walkable city agenda.

If Houston, a city famous for fossil fuels, is changing, the rest of the country will.

Here’s a great idea: just go for a walk now!

<Image src="/rss-feeds-code.jpeg" width="800" height="450" alt="RSS Feed Code for Blog" priority />

• RSS feeds aren’t dead in 2025. They’re a secret weapon for bloggers and readers who want control over content. No algorithms, no noise—just updates straight from the source.

• For readers, RSS is a dream for power users. Tools like Feedly or Reeder let you follow hundreds of blogs in one place. No social media clutter. Perfect for researchers, curators, or anyone who loves a clean feed. Are you using an RSS reader?

• For bloggers, it’s low-effort, high-impact. Most platforms like WordPress or Ghost auto-generate RSS feeds. It’s a simple way to keep loyal readers hooked and syndicate content to podcast apps or aggregators. Why not give your audience options?

• With the fediverse and indie web gaining steam, RSS is making a comeback. It’s decentralized, privacy-friendly, and lets you own your content flow. In a world of walled gardens, RSS is freedom.

RSS isn’t just for humans. In 2025, it’s a backbone for AI tools, chatbots, and curated newsletters. Feed your blog into summarizers or automation pipelines with zero hassle. It’s like plumbing for the internet.

The catch: mainstream users lean on X or newsletters for discovery. RSS is niche but powerful. About 30% of websites still offer feeds (W3Techs, 2024), especially tech and indie blogs. It’s a small investment for big loyalty.

If you’re a blogger / content creator, keep that RSS feed alive. It’s a future-proof way to reach dedicated fans and tap into new distribution channels.

Readers, try an RSS app—it’s a game-changer for staying informed.

What’s your favorite RSS tool? I use Reeder on Mac / iOS to power through feeds.

Don't forget to add my blog to your RSS Reader - kenmorico.com/subscribe — visit to see the feed URL.

One of the reasons short-form video formats like TikTok and Instagram Reels are doing so well is that video creates instant relationships. It’s hard to do that with text or even photos. Especially now with AI so powerful, it’s getting almost impossible to tell what’s real and what isn’t, so we just assume it’s fake or a filter now. But video, and audio, seems more real to us.

Of course you need something to say, but if you pay attention you’ll notice everyone says pretty much the same thing... it’s your presentation and personality that drive interest. It’s the reason why remakes of movies are always so popular. If the “guts” of the story are good, it usually just requires a new presentation style to keep it interesting to a modern audience.

When I setup discovery calls with potential clients, I always use video meetings. I have a high success rate with the calls because it’s easier to sell when you see someone face-to-face. It creates what I like to call the, “we’re set” moment, where the trust is established and everything from that moment forward goes smooth.

Ready to stand out? Record a quick 30-second video introducing yourself or your business and share it with me. Reply to this email with a link or attachment and I’ll let you know my thoughts.

But to get discovery calls I need interest. And the most effective tool for interest, in my experience, has been video. How do I know it’s effective? Because clients tell me. “Ken, I saw your video online.”

Now, I know I don’t do a lot of online video, but what I have done in the past works. I’m in the process of streamlining how I create audio and video. Perhaps another newsletter on that process. Stay tuned.

Want to nail your next discovery call / video intro? Schedule a coaching session with me, and I’ll show you how to use video to seal the deal. Schedule a coaching session

In closing, I would encourage you to use video and audio to get your message across. I love text, but it’s now a secondary medium unfortunately and subject to corruption by AI.

Show yourself and let us see you shine... really!

The Morico Letter - 3/22/2025

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As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. Need digital marketing coaching? Schedule a coaching session w/me and let’s grow together.

Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

P.S. Have you tried using video or audio to connect with your audience? Reply to this email and let me know what’s worked for you—or what’s holding you back!

View Previous Letters

Curious as to how he got his business together, I asked him about his operation. He said, "Starting a business is easy. Running a business is hard."

The day to day front I saw in the office went much deeper.

Over the years as I’ve consulted more and more it’s absolutely true: starting a business is easy, running a business is hard.

Starting a business just takes time with paperwork, marketing, office space, etc. but once you’re set up it doesn’t need much maintenance. It’s the constantly changing business environment that poses challenges.

It’s harder than ever now with so many obstacles: globalization, AI, population surge, stagflation, etc. But the difficulty is what gives it value. The value in the business is twofold: you genuinely help others succeed through consulting and as a consulting business owner you overcome challenges.

With consulting, you see people face to face. You see progress in real time. In most cases, business problems are marketing problems. That’s why I love offering marketing coaching to business owners and ambitious professionals. For instance, just last year I helped a client by creating a 277% increase in digital marketing KPIs and they received a 2000% ROI on my consulting & coaching fees. Consultants and coaches can REALLY move the needle when they leverage technology correctly.

The Morico Letter - 2/11/2025

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As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. Need [digital marketing coaching] (https://kenmorico.com/coaching)? Schedule a coaching session w/me and let’s grow together.

Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

View Previous Letters

1. Highlight passages using the Amazon Kindle app or Apple Books app [<a href="https://libbyapp.com" target="_blank">The Libby app</a>] is great for reading books for free on Kindle].
2. Export the highlights into 1 large text document.
3. Add the file to a folder with other book notes.
4. Reference the book notes over and over when stuck on something: personal or business.

Books are focused. The author of the book has a clear focus when creating, editing, and publishing the book. By focusing on one book at a time, WE become focused and truly harness the knowledge of the author.

When I revisit notes I’ve taken years ago, I notice things I didn’t when I was reading them. In essence, the book becomes new again and I receive more knowledge.

When I was taking a novel writing class at UCLA Extension in 2002, my professor told us students, “put the book you are writing away for 6 months, revisit it, and you’ll be a different person.”

In essence, we change over time and gain insights we didn’t when we first absorb information (or write it down).

So, I encourage you to read books that have gained a reputation, take notes, and revisit those notes regularly when you need inspiration and guidance.

The Morico Letter - 10/12/2024

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As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. Need bespoke technical digital marketing services (SEO / growth marketing | website development | PPC/online ads)? Learn more and schedule a free consulting session w/me.

Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

View Previous Letters

• Older workers' salary requirements are too high for the current economic environment
• Skills developed earlier in a career are too far behind modern requirements
• Healthcare costs are too high for employers - older workers can cost employers more money
• Higher healthcare utilization: Older workers tend to have more chronic conditions and require more frequent medical treatments.
• Prescription drug costs: Medication needs typically increase with age, contributing to higher healthcare expenses.
• Layoffs and tech changes
• Rise of AI replacing white-collar jobs of any skill and experience level

Now, "older worker" can be relative. I've heard in the tech field older can mean 35.

Throughout my career, I've noticed employers preferring younger professionals. I, in fact, was once a young professional. I remember working for a large Japanese auto manufacturer and my co-worker, around her early to mid 50s, complained about her back pain, and she frequently missed a few work days here and there. Our supervisor was not happy about this, and looked to me for a steady hand.

As I've gotten older, I've seen that back pain can really ruin your day. Past research has shown that back pain — specifically lower back pain — is the “leading cause of activity limitation and work absence throughout much of the world.”

Older workers can also be subject to hateful ageism. I've heard co-workers gossip and call older workers "grandpa" and make fun of their work methods and recreational activities.

Of course, some people decide that the demands of staying current with in-demand, necessary work skills force their hand they acquiesce to early retirement - if they have enough retirement savings. In fact, my father retired just a touch early when he was pressured to use computers for his job (which is funny, because I've made working with computers a career).

It's not all gloom and doom. Like most things, planning is key for successful outcomes.

I see four ways to combat potential ageism and remain resilient in challenging economic times:

• Increase Your Skills
• Be a Consultant
• Stay Healthy
• Buy Tech Stocks

Increase Your Skills - online learning makes skill acquisition easy (online courses, YouTube tutorials, LinkedIn Learning, etc.). If you have the right skillset, and follow the recruiter formula (You can do the job; you will do the job; you fit in the corporate culture) you should have no problem getting a job, though it may be at a lower pay scale then you've had before.

Be a Consultant - This is my favorite. Exit the corporate experience and operate on your own terms and with clients that want your services and appreciate the experience you bring. That's why digital marketing is so important - as a consultant, <Link href="/services">I help influencers, startups, and Fortune 500 companies solve lead generation problems with Web, PPC, and e-commerce solutions</Link>.

Stay Healthy - everyone knows an older person that doesn't seem old. Why do they seem youthful? Usually it's because they take care of themselves. They go to the gym. They eat healthy to keep their energy levels up. They might even have cosmetic procedures to keep a youthful appearance. I once had a supervisor get botox injections and a hair transplant, "I've had some work done," he confided in me. Money well spent in my opinion and a positive ROI for sure.

Buy Tech Stocks - Be the vulture, not the meat. You can hedge the effects of technology by buying shares of companies that are building automation tools. I'll recommend the stock ETF QQQ (though not now... it's too high).

Remote work also enables older workers to continue working while accommodating health or caregiving responsibilities. The pool of potential employers is much larger than years ago.

With a little planning, we can all stay essential professionals.

<iframe width="315" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZtH8kZjivs0?si=sm2LIgy4BNOVzkSX" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerPolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowFullScreen></iframe>

...

So, have you seen ageism where you work? Do you have a plan for the later years of your professional life? Let me know.

1. Share a Personal Story

Tell a story from your career that offers value. Maybe it's a lesson learned from a challenging campaign or a skill you developed. Make sure it's entertaining, informative, or useful. Ask yourself, "What's the point?" and "Why should someone care?"

2. Set the Scene

Describe the where, why, how, what, and when of your story. This makes it unique and memorable. For example, detail a specific project, the challenges you faced, and the creative solutions you implemented.

3. Use Visuals

Include a photo of yourself at work or an image that illustrates your story. Visuals create a stronger connection with your audience and showcase your environment, work, and workspace. We're all interested in how others work and we pause when we see familiar environments and settings.

Why Personal Content Works

Generic content is everywhere. Personal content highlights your thought process, location, and unique traits. People are interested in your experiences and perspectives. Personalized content builds trust and authenticity, leading to stronger connections and potential leads.

The main reason content should be personal NOW is because everyone's seen generic (AI-generated?) content and they can look up their problems via search / ChatGPT.

Proven Success

I've personally gained leads by sharing personalized content on LinkedIn. By showcasing my unique experiences, I've connected with a wider audience and built meaningful relationships.

Start personalizing your content today and watch your engagement grow!

I like having a content creator "Home Base" like a website, where you can aggregate all your content. You can embed YouTube Videos, Instagram Posts, LinkedIn Posts, and really any content / media. AI can understand the content and serve you organic traffic. You can then link out to your social networks where people can follow you once they are interested in your content. It's a positive flywheel effect.

If you don't have a website, creating a "Home Base" is harder to do on social media, but here are some ideas for creating a "Home Base" on other platforms:

• Playlists on YouTube - an area where you can categorize your best content.
• Articles on LinkedIn / Newsletters on LinkedIn. Create a "Best of" article and pin it to your LinkedIn profile.
• Story Highlights on Instagram.
• Pinned Threads on X / Twitter or Pinned Threads on Meta Threads. Create a Thread with links to your best categorized content.

Remember that content created on third-parties aren't owned by you, so that's why creating a Website is still so relevant.

Another reason I think a home base is useful is that information comes at us so fast that we like some categorization to help us get information we're looking for.

For my own Website, I've structured things a bit differently than in the past for AI search engines / generative engines.

• An articles / guides section for deep-dive information on digital marketing. I try to add my personal experiences to make the articles and guides unique and real-world.
• A consulting section for those looking for quick access to a digital marketing consultant.
• A blog section where I get really personal and offer my unique perspectives on entrepreneurship, tech, and wellness.
• An About page that lists my credentials and creates authority for the content on the site.
• A homepage that's organized as a launching point for all areas for those new to the site or just searching for me directly.

I've already seen improvement in organic traffic since I modified my site structure. Generative Engines / AI really work differently than standard search engines and so I've created a guide to help marketers that I will update over time at kenmorico.com/geo/guide.

Going forward, I ask that any content you create has unique perspectives and any existing content be updated with unique value.

Always respect your audience when creating content and create using the WIIFT method - What's In It For Them? That's truly creating from a generous spirit.

The Morico Letter - 9/7/2024

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Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

View Previous Letters

• Learning productivity apps, code, and internet culture as a young teen
• Leaving my home state after college
• International travel
• Learning stock trading and options
• Starting a business
• Studying personal development
• Getting married
• Becoming a dad (x2)

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-VpPqHJ1Ws/" target="_blank">View list and comments on Instagram</a>

Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person you become. - Jim Rohn.

MY Take: We can FEEL success.

We know when we've achieved something meaningful. This inner validation reflects outward. People (and the universe?) see this confidence and present you with opportunities.

I don't question the process.

<iframe width="315" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZtH8kZjivs0?si=sm2LIgy4BNOVzkSX" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerPolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowFullScreen></iframe>

Threads has 175 million active users... it's growing a lot. I think Meta realizes Instagram changed so much from its original vision that it created a new space for ordinary creators - a Twitter / X like competitor.

Meta is pushing Instagram users to Threads in a big way - auto cross-posting and Threads promotions in Instagram. A social media network is only useful if there are large numbers of users creating content. I definitely see a change and think we are at a tipping point.

Here are some reasons Threads is hot right now:

• Other networks are dying for regular users
• Twitter / X has been getting a lot of attention and Zuckerberg wants to compete
• Meta pushing Threads heavily
• Threads users mentioning they like the new platform and saying it reminds them of the old Twitter and old-style social networking they loved
• There are no ads yet
• The algorithm seems to surface relevant content
• Threads posts with 0 likes appear next to posts with hundreds - everyone can get a shot at attention right now

This creates a lot of opportunity for marketers and people with a message to spread.

The desktop site has a TweetDeck-style multiple column view. This is free. X / Twitter charges for this functionality.

I can see more tools built out around improving the experience for power users. There are also lower costs for using the API, so coders looking to build tools that interface with Threads can do so much cheaper than X / Twitter. This will create a flourishing ecosystem.

In summary, I see a lot of opportunity and I am pushing all clients and future clients to utilize the platform. Don't forget to follow me there - <a href="https://www.threads.com/@kenmorico" target="_blank">@KenMorico on Threads</a>. Let's chat when you get there.

The Morico Letter - 7/28/2024

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Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

View Previous Letters

• Coffee
• Equipment
• People

Many of my clients were former employees that decided to start their own life. Accepting lower standards or standards that don’t meet your quality or ethical standards results in a dearth of satisfaction.

I don't believe in work/life balance.

Work is part of life.

There is no "weekend" or "weekday" for me.

I always look for ways to further integrate work I do into my lifestyle. <Image src="/about-digital-consultant.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Consultant - digital strategist, marketing, web development." /> Questions never asked: “What day is today?" “Is it hump day?"

Statements never spoken: "Friday's almost here!" "Someone has a case of the Mondays."

Do you feel the same? Or are you currently happy in your role as an employee? <Link href="/contact">Let me know</Link>.

Some Motivation for those on the Entrepreneur Journey

Inaction will make you soft and fearful. Your goals will suffer. Write a plan. The first plan probably won't work. Write again.

Overdosing on content consumption can be toxic unless it is met with near equal content creation. Show up for the people that need to hear your message.

Don't dwell.

Self discipline can only be mastered when you decide it MUST be mastered.

You can't win if you care what other people think. You can't even attempt change if you care what other people think.

Journey on, my friend.

P.S. When I was 21, I asked a successful consultant about starting a business. He said, "Starting a business is easy. Running a business is hard."

Another quote I love: <Link href="/blog/success-not-to-be-pursued">"Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person you become." - Jim Rohn</Link>.

Recommended Reading for Solopreneurship

• <a href="https://amzn.to/4eugha2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins</a>
• <a href="https://amzn.to/47Gf2Tc" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss</a>
• <a href="https://amzn.to/3XyImWR" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss</a>
• <a href="https://amzn.to/3XycQbD" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Brand it Like Serhant by Ryan Serhant</a>

<iframe width="315" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZtH8kZjivs0?si=sm2LIgy4BNOVzkSX" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerPolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowFullScreen></iframe>

I like to reduce choices when I get fearful. There is the story of "burning ships" ... when explorers or armies try to take an island or country there will be no way to get home or go back once the ships have been burned. They must move forward with the task that will only end in victory. VICTORY!

Burn your ships and make your decisions easier.

But it's more than that. It's about having access to resources when emergencies happen.

<figure> <Image src="/houston-hurricane-map-remote-work.jpeg" width="600" height="600" alt="Hurricane Beryl" /> <figcaption>I took this screenshot as Hurricane Beryl made its way through my neighborhood.</figcaption> </figure>

When the power went down, I had a backup UPS for my desktop computer. I had backup batteries to charge all my devices. When I used all my backup power I used a multi-port desktop charger to power all my backup batteries -- quickly.

My residential area didn't have power days after the hurricane, but my office downtown did. Look at the power map. Downtown Houston is precious. It's also a refuge for those impacted from the storm. I can mentally and physically "power up" here.

<figure> <Image src="/downtown-houston-power-map-remote-work.jpeg" width="225" height="400" alt="downtown-houston-power-map-remote-work" /> <figcaption>Notice Downtown Houston had power the entire time.</figcaption> </figure>

Having a place to go when emergencies happens is a BOSS move. I had an office in downtown Houston -- Downtown Houston is especially resilient during storms. I literally worked through a Tornado / Derecho just weeks before in Downtown Houston.

<figure> <Image src="/power-charge-devices-remote-work.jpeg" width="225" height="400" alt="houston-hurricane-map-remote-work" /> <figcaption>Using a Mophie Multiport desktop charger to charge all my devices and backup batteries.</figcaption> </figure>

A family member had a house with a backup generator. I used that for sleeping. I was a Boy Scout many years ago, and they have a motto, "Be Prepared." The military basically has a similar ethos.

Make a plan for emergencies. Buy gear / have resources before you need them. Every good leader does.

No, Houston isn't the most beautiful city or exciting, but it keeps the American economy moving. And sometimes, we just need to keep moving.

If you liked this post, give it a share and <Link href="/contact">let me know</Link> if you worked during a hurricane before.

<Image src="/ken-reading-glasses.jpeg" width="450" height="800" alt="Ken w/Reading Glasses" />

As a solopreneur in the digital marketing space, I give every productivity hack a try. The reality is that after 35 our eyesight starts to decline and reading glasses offer a chance to utilize smaller fonts while increasing comfort -- empowering us with longer work sessions and less eye strain for comfort.

The Mac makes adjusting the screen size easy - just go into settings and select "More Space." The new iPad I bought also has a ZOOM setting, so you can fit more on screen if you want.

<Image src="/more-space-screenshot.png" width="800" height="800" alt="More Space - Mac - resolution" />

And here's a bonus: wearing glasses makes you look smart and more capable... higher hourly billings? Promotions? No goofy typos when writing emails?????

If you liked this post, give it a share and <Link href="/contact">let me know if you tried reading glasses before</Link>.

“You know,” she said, “six months ago I never dreamed I could possibly manage the house and work full-time. But after the accident, I just made up my mind that I had to find the time. Believe me, my efficiency has gone up 100 percent. I discovered a lot of things I was doing didn’t need to be done at all. Then I discovered that the children could and wanted to help. I found dozens of ways to conserve time—fewer trips to the store, less TV, less telephoning, less of those time killers.” This experience teaches us a lesson: Capacity is a state of mind. How much we can do depends on how much we think we can do. When you really believe you can do more, your mind thinks creatively and shows you the way.

I think this is a lesson we can all learn.

I'm always looking at ways to expand capacity. But first, you must recognize the need yourself. That's when change happens.

Expand your capacity by reevaluating your routines and beliefs.

When you believe you can do more, your mind finds creative ways to make it happen.

Make it happen.

Newsletters are great for anyone because they are so easy to create and effective. People have also been more receptive to receiving them in recent years because of the improved platforms and independent journalist / creator movement.

Reasons You Need a Newsletter:

• An audience. You don't want to lose people that interact with you in some way - via a website, LinkedIn, or social media. If you have an email list you own an asset.
• You are helping people. How-tos, expert opinion, simple observations... it all provides value. We exist on earth to help others. Newsletters are a substantive, convenient way to help.
• You can sell a product / service and/or raise your profile.
• It's cheap marketing. Cost to create and distribute is near zero.
• Create a journal - even if very few people read your newsletter, you have created a journal. It will matter to you.
• You create a disciplined routine. Discipline improves all areas of your life.

We can see it's an essential digital marketing asset. Great.

How Do I Create My Newsletter?

1. I keep a journal of ideas. I update this anytime via my phone or computer. I write all my ideas in a text / markdown file using IA Writer.
2. I pick an idea I think will be helpful to my audience while bringing my personal experience to make the topic unique.
3. I establish a template / format for my newsletter. What's in my newsletter? Content, a call-to-action, a link for sharing, my photo, signature, and social media links.
4. I write the content in IA Writer. Time varies. Probably 2-3 hours.
5. I add the newsletter to my email platform. Right now, I'm using Hubspot to send my newsletter. In the past, I used ConvertKit and MailChimp.
6. I schedule the newsletter to send on a weekend. I tend to send on a weekend because people aren't busy working, they have time to read, and they are less likely to unsubscribe.

In addition, because a newsletter IS content, I also post it on my website. This helps with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and gives my website visitors something to read and hopefully get inspired to subscribe if they haven't yet. Of course, this is optional and not something you need to do.

Are you writing a newsletter? How has your experience been? Let me know.

The Morico Letter - 5/25/2024

Want to share this issue of The Morico Letter via text, social media, or email? Just copy and paste this link:

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As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. Need bespoke technical digital marketing services (SEO / growth marketing | website development | PPC/online ads)? Learn more and schedule a free consulting session w/me.

Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

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The Deep Work Benefit

Tasks can take up to 5 times longer with interruptions vs. deep work time.

It's something I've always known but is crystal clear now working at home with others around. <Link href="/blog/solopreneurs-need-coworking">Is coworking the answer??</Link>

The Deep Work Space

After optimizing everything, a deep work space like WeWork might be the way. Like writers, work from home professionals need a separate place to work to finish big projects. A sort of "cabin in the woods." I think the modern equivalent might be focus rooms at coworking spaces.

Spiritual leaders throughout history experienced revelations on mountain tops. Is it proximity to heaven or the still atmosphere that open their minds to extraordinary experiences? Or something totally different? Go to the mountain top and find YOUR answer. I have mine.

Deep Work Book Notes

Here are five actionable items from your notes on "Deep Work" by Cal Newport:

1. Create a Dedicated Workspace: Just like Jung's private office or Bill Gates' "Think Weeks," establish a space where you can work without distractions. This could be a separate room or a specific area in your home or office where you can focus deeply.

2. Schedule Deep Work Sessions: Allocate specific blocks of time for deep work. During these periods, eliminate all distractions and focus solely on cognitively demanding tasks. Consistency is key, so try to make this a regular part of your routine.

3. Limit Shallow Work: Identify and minimize shallow work—tasks that are non-cognitively demanding and often performed while distracted. Batch these tasks into smaller time slots to free up more time for deep work.

4. Embrace Digital Minimalism: Reduce your reliance on digital distractions. This might involve setting specific times for checking emails and social media, or even taking regular breaks from technology to improve your concentration and contemplation abilities.

5. Focus on High-Quality Output: Strive to produce the best work you are capable of. In a competitive and digital economy, high-quality work stands out and is more likely to be rewarded. This requires depth and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Reading Recommendation: <a href="https://amzn.to/3XTzlt2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Deep Work by Cal Newport</a>

Working Different for Productivity... or ReWork

Listening to the audiobook version of ReWork (Jason Fried, David Heinemeier Hansson).

A huge takeaway for me: Develop tech products that do less / simple things better than the larger competitors. Leave harder stuff for them.

A philosophy for #tech, #indiedev SaaS, & maybe... life.

Do what you can to make an impact as an individual.

ReWork Book Notes

1. Start Small and Stay Lean: Focus on building a small, profitable business rather than aiming to be a large corporation from the start. This approach allows you to be more agile and responsive to changes and customer needs.

2. Make Quick Decisions: Avoid overthinking and lengthy planning. Make decisions quickly and iterate as you go. This helps maintain momentum and allows for faster adjustments based on real-world feedback.

3. Prioritize Execution Over Perfection: Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before launching. Get your product or service out there and improve it based on user feedback. Perfection can be the enemy of progress.

4. Embrace Simplicity: Simplify your processes and focus on what truly matters. Avoid unnecessary meetings, detailed business plans, and complex systems. Keep things straightforward to enhance productivity and clarity.

5. Focus on Your Core Product: Invest your time and resources in improving your core product or service rather than diversifying too early. Ensure that what you offer is the best it can be before expanding into new areas.

Reading Recommendation: <a href="https://amzn.to/3ZtNJJE" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ReWork (Jason Fried, David Heinemeier Hansson)</a>

Discipline for Productivity... Military Style

DISCIPLINE - I’ve been listening to @jockowillink and I'm enjoying the ex-military perspective... the concept that even minor tasks in your life can be thought of as missions.

Interesting mindset.

I’m going to give it a try.

Get on your warpath!

Discipline Equal Freedom Book Notes

1. Cultivate Self-Discipline: Understand that true discipline comes from within. External sources can inspire you, but lasting discipline must be self-imposed. Start by making small, consistent decisions that align with your goals.

2. Establish a Morning Routine: Get up early and start your day with purpose. This sets a positive tone and gives you a head start on your tasks. Consistent early rising can help you become the person you aspire to be.

3. Embrace and Utilize Stress: Instead of fighting stress, use it to your advantage. View stressful situations as opportunities to become sharper, more alert, and more effective. This mindset can transform stress into a tool for personal growth.

4. Daily Self-Reflection: Regularly question yourself about your progress and goals. Ask tough questions like "What have I learned?" and "What am I doing to improve myself today?" Honest self-assessment can drive continuous improvement.

5. Make Conscious Choices: Success is a series of deliberate choices. Decide to work hard, take on challenges, and lead when others won't. Choose your influences wisely and focus on becoming the best version of yourself, regardless of past experiences¹².

Reading Recommendation: <a href="https://amzn.to/3XUINfq" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko Willink</a>

What's a simple strategy you can implement to grow a social account without dumping money into ads?

Invite other people you interact with on other platforms.

For example, once a month, I invite a few people I interact with on X / Twitter to join me on LinkedIn.

How Do I Grow a Social Following Organically?

1. Review my mentions and replies from an existing source social media network.
2. Find interesting people related to my niche that were eager to engage with me.
3. Verify they have a real name and search for them on LinkedIn (or other target social network).
4. Once I've found the account, I write a short connection request that is personalized mentioning our interactions on X / Twitter (or source social network).
5. Score a new connection / follower!

Bonus if you can strike a back-and-forth mail conversation. This will boost your views in their feed.

You can try this with other social networks, of course.

I have around an 80% success rate with this method. It's easy to do, the connections are usually eager to accept the request, and they are impressed that you took time to personally craft an intro message.

To make this work you must be active on social media. Tools can make this easier. I use X Pro as part of the X / Twitter Blue Subscription. Tools exist for practically any platform. Reviewing replies is usually easy without tools as well.

If you would like to explore how you can use bespoke technical methods to grow a social media account, just let me know.

The Morico Letter - 4/27/2024

Want to share this issue of The Morico Letter via text, social media, or email? Just copy and paste this link:

https://kenmorico.com/newsletters/grow-social-no-ads

As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. Need bespoke technical digital marketing services (SEO / growth marketing | website development | PPC/online ads)? Learn more and schedule a free consulting session w/Ken.

Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

View Previous Letters

<figure> <Image src="/google-knowledge-graph-consultant-desktop.png" width="800" height="450" alt="Google Knowledge Graph - Desktop Search Results" priority /> <figcaption>Google Knowledge Graph - Desktop Search Results</figcaption> </figure>

You'll see my name in large letters, a short description, and profile links. This is the Google Knowledge Graph. It's like an encyclopedia entry.

Things are a little different on mobile due to space:

<figure> <Image src="/google-knowledge-graph-mobile.png" width="450" height="800" alt="Google Knowledge Graph - Mobile Search Results" priority /> <figcaption>Google Knowledge Graph - Mobile Search Results</figcaption> </figure>

In both versions, you'll notice Google knows I'm a person - not a business or entity.

Also notice I own the entire real estate in the browser. No one can hijack my message when I own all the top results.

I see so many capable professionals with no online real estate. If I Google their name, 10 other people with similar names show up first. Very sad.

I have a few things that can get you noticed and owning your own Google real estate.

How to Bend Google to Your Will

1. Create a Personal Website
2. Optimize the Personal Website for the Google Knowledge Graph
3. Have active social media accounts
4. Create content - articles, newsletters, blog posts, videos
5. Create an about page

These are some steps to get you imprinted in the digital encyclopedia. To get a full profile like mine would take the skills of a Web Developer and content strategist (like myself).

In addition to boosting your personal site content, the profile will help your other content like LinkedIn posts and YouTube videos rise in the page rankings.

Don't let others take your online space. Produce.

The Morico Letter - 2/17/2024

Want to share this issue of The Morico Letter via text, social media, or email? Just copy and paste this link:

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As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. If you need 1:1 guidance for growth marketing | website development | PPC/online ads, let me know.

This newsletter is community-supported. Would you consider donating to help me empower others w/ important messages of life-changing productivity, business strategy, and self-development? Choose an amount to donate.

Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

View Previous Letters

The challenges of managing parenting and work have forced me to be the best version of myself possible... the most disciplined, most productive, most fit, and most spiritual.

Reflecting on the special challenges of being a father...

Jordan Peterson says you're not truly an adult until you have children. I agree... it's a life stage.

It's a challenge.

What a challenge.

It's not a complaint at all. It's a wonderful gift to be OFFERED a challenge to direct someone's life.

In many ways, I feel portions of my life that didn't quite make sense at the time, now seem clear upon reflection.

Some learnings weren't for ME.

They were for my children.

<Image src="/ken-ivf-baby-miracle.jpeg" width="450" height="800" alt="New beginings - Ken w/baby." />

Being productive is largely about removing things (via automation, outsourcing, batching, efficiency gains, or just simply not doing them at all) and prioritization.

It had me thinking: the best productivity tip really is removing tasks.

This new year, I want you to be selfish. I want you to say no to tasks and people that aren't essential.

When you are in a perfect place in your life and able to give more, then you can share more of your time and energy.

By reducing tasks you'll be able to help even more people at a later time.

I'm sharing more business and productivity tips regularly on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenmorico" target="_blank">my LinkedIn account</a>. I hope you'll follow me there. Remember, everyone needs a LinkedIn strategy for 2024.

The Morico Letter - 1/20/2024

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As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. If you need 1:1 guidance for <Link href="/services">growth marketing | website development | business coaching</Link>, <Link href="/services">let me know</Link>.

This newsletter is community-supported. Would you consider donating to help me empower others w/ important messages of life-changing productivity, business strategy, and self-development? <Link href="/newsletter/donate-now" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Choose an amount to donate</Link>.

Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

<Link href="/newsletter#all">View Previous Letters</Link>

For example, this year I'll be focusing on business development, and December isn't really the right time to do that. What I've done instead is prepare the way. I've done everything in preparation for January. So, in effect, I've started now, but my goal will be realized in January.

So many professional activities take real planning. With strong competition, we must be fast and thorough. If we are ethical it is especially hard since I see so many scam artists out there -- exploiting algorithm holes, exploiting human psychology, and just flat out lying.

Our personal brands matter a lot because trust is becoming more scarce. You need a strong personal brand for anything you want in life: a promotion, networking, new business, and respect from others. Technology has massively increased the need for personal brands because of the lack of trust with everything online... and AI has accelerated that even more.

I've overhauled my personal brand in preparation for January... here's some things I've done that maybe would benefit you professionally as well:

• Overhauled my brand colors, graphics, social post templates to be more bold and clear
• Improved my LinkedIn profile - headline, job experience, banner
• Curated my LinkedIn feed to make it more useful and efficient
• Added a LinkedIn Newsletter (<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7137467126264561664/" target="_blank">The Essential Professional</a>) to build authority
• Started a new YouTube Channel (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@kenmorico" target="_blank">@KenMorico on YouTube</a>) to enhance relationships
• Re-coded all my Websites for extreme speed, mobile friendliness, and clarity in content
• Learned new programming frameworks to build new future products (if I have the time... new baby 👶🏻 on the way!)

If you are lost on what to change for the new year, there is a fascinating Native American rite called a "vision quest" that may help. Of course, you have me in your corner, and I can be your guide for <Link href="/services">business coaching</Link>.

Are you preparing for the new year? What have you done so far?

The Morico Letter - 12/16/2023

Want to share this issue of The Morico Letter via text, social media, or email? Just copy and paste this link:

https://kenmorico.com/newsletters/manifest-winning-january

As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. If you need 1:1 guidance for <Link href="/services">growth marketing | website development | business coaching</Link>, <Link href="/services">let me know</Link>.

This newsletter is community-supported. Would you consider donating to help me empower others w/ important messages of life-changing productivity, business strategy, and self-development? <Link href="/newsletter/donate-now" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Choose an amount to donate</Link>.

Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

<Link href="/newsletter#all">View Previous Letters</Link>

It's over a billion users strong at this point and there is a confluence of factors why we need to take it more seriously now. I'll explain how we can harness it's power to strengthen our personal branding & SEO while making more connections / sales / customers.

Here's what's happening:

• 1+ Billion users
• 9 consecutive quarters of accelerating member growth in Q1 FY24
• Google Helpful content update is giving priority to LinkedIn content in Google Search - something it hasn't done before
• Macroeconomic turning point - still demand for jobs but layoffs and future layoffs mean the push/pull effects will draw more users and more engagement
• More tools on platform - it's a much better content platform today than it was years ago

Here's some stats from LinkedIn:

<figure> <Image src="/linkedin-stats-11-2023.png" width="800" height="450" alt="LinkedIn User Stats" priority /> <figcaption> <a href="https://news.linkedin.com/about-us#Statistics" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">985 million members 11/2023 (source: LinkedIn.com)</a> </figcaption> </figure>

More Users, Fewer Problems

I've seen it turn into a real social network - with more users, content creators are taking it seriously and creating engaging content that's useful. I've seen Facebook posting decline in my network and to some extent, Twitter / X as well. Posts that are duplicated from Twitter / X to LinkedIn are getting more engagement on LinkedIn for media sites and industry sites I follow.

As with all social media networks, they are only really useful or worthy of your time if there are many users and they engage on the platform.

Content with Reach - LinkedIn for Personal Branding & SEO

With Google's Helpful Content update for search, it is now surfacing LinkedIn user content because of the site's authority. In the past, I've noticed some great content on LinkedIn, but it would never surface in Google Search. That's been fixed.

How can we leverage this? Post on LinkedIn and reference your own article on your own site. From that article, link to landing page where you sell a product or service.

Macroeconomic Turning Point

With some industries strong while others weaken, it creates a Goldilocks time for LinkedIn. People NEED LinkedIn - in fact, there was a <a href="https://news.linkedin.com/about-us#Statistics" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">55% year-over-year increase in LinkedIn Premium sign-ups in Q1 FY24</a>.

People will pay social media? Yes, especially when there's utility. People vote with their wallet. Take notice.

More Platform Tools

I'm really enjoying the Newsletter feature of LinkedIn. I can subscribe to influencers I follow and see their newsletters in one place or via email. I can comment and see other users' comments -- something not easy to do via a traditional newsletter.

Of course, LinkedIn supports vertical video and I suspect it will promote it even more as we move to a more video-first environment, but for now, LinkedIn is great for office professionals because text-posts can get great reach. Plus, you can blog an create articles with LinkedIn Articles.

Conclusion

All these factors can increase our personal brand on LinkedIn. Increased visibility in Google Search means our LinkedIn Profile will be prioritized when clients / customers / employers search for us by name, and when we write content on LinkedIn, people will find it beyond the LinkedIn platform.

I think now is the time curate our LinkedIn feed, add contacts from other social networks that have a LinkedIn presence, and subscribe to newsletters.

For help with your LinkedIn presence as well as a content strategy and bespoke tools to maximize your impact, reach out for LinkedIn consulting. The timing is perfect.

The Morico Letter - 11/18/2023

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As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. If you need 1:1 guidance for <Link href="/services">growth marketing | website development | business coaching</Link>, <Link href="/services">let me know</Link>.

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Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

<Link href="/newsletter#all">View Previous Letters</Link>

No one needs to consume lengthy research content now when they can get perfectly-sized responses to their questions from ChatGPT and AI.

We and our content need to be better in this new AI age -- let's explore the issues and solve them now.

Content Essentials - This Time is Different

In the age of ChatGPT and AI tools, speed reigns supreme and our content should only include the most essential information for people to complete an intended action. Google recently stated:

<figure> <blockquote cite="https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content"> Are you writing to a particular word count because you've heard or read that Google has a preferred word count? (No, we don't). </blockquote> <figcaption> <a href="https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content" target="_blank" > source: developers.google.com </a> </figcaption> </figure>

A few months ago, I had a person email me looking for content they couldn't find on my site. They had thought the content was good enough to come back, but mentioned there was too much "junk" on the site and couldn't quickly find it. I didn't think that was the case but it made me think. I went on a purge mission removing irrelevant content and non-essential navigational elements.

Google even states that extra unhelpful content can penalize ALL your site assets:

<figure> <blockquote cite="https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/ranking-systems-guide#helpful-content"> Removing unhelpful content could help the rankings of your other content. </blockquote> <figcaption> <a href="https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/ranking-systems-guide#helpful-content" target="_blank" > source: developers.google.com </a> </figcaption> </figure>

Give customers and clients what they need, and only what they need. And give it to them as fast as possible.

Why Speed of Content Delivery is Essential to Sales

When people complain online, you'll often hear them say, "this website is slow" or "this app is laggy." Friction in content delivery impacts customer experience and SALES.

<figure> <blockquote cite="https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/marketing-strategies/app-and-mobile/mobile-page-speed-conversion-data/"> For every second delay in mobile page load, conversions can fall by up to 20%. (SOASTA, The State of Online Retail Performance, April 2017. </blockquote> <figcaption> <a href="https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/marketing-strategies/app-and-mobile/mobile-page-speed-conversion-data/" target="_blank" > source: Think With Google </a> </figcaption> </figure>

<figure> <Image src="/mobile-conversions-seconds-delay.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="mobile conversions - delay leads to drop" /> <figcaption> For every second delay in mobile page load, conversions can fall by up to 20%. </figcaption> </figure>

While increased purchases / sales are not guaranteed, the presumption is they will improve based on current levels when the site or app speed is improved. Depending on your revenue, increasing speed can have a massive impact. For example, with $1,000,000 in annual revenue, just decreasing load time by 1 second could result in $200,000 in additional sales. And you don't need to change anything else about the business. Amazing.

I've seen many businesses with load times in the 6 second mark. Huge room for improvement. That's why I totally rebuilt my Website platform from scratch using modern and bespoke coding solutions. Many times, no matter how optimized your site or app is, the platform you build it on will hinder its speed. For many websites, that platform is WordPress. I've gone from ranking 75/100 in speed rankings to 100/100. 5 second loading times to 2 seconds. For myself, I can do this because of my Web development background. Regular business owners or marketers can't achieve these results (unless they <Link href="/services">hire someone like Ken Morico</Link>).

Speed & Content Action Plan

1. Audit your current site or app with speed tests.
2. Review the site / app like you know nothing about it and think of it like a new user / customer / client.
3. For every item, ask yourself, "does this need to be here?" If not, remove it or redirect it to another property.
4. Review what is working for your competitors.
5. If your current platform is hindering your ability to reach speed thresholds, research new platforms and methods.
6. Make notes of performance before and after changes in your analytics platforms.
7. Revisit content regularly to determine if it's relevant anymore. Times are changing fast.

Speed is a Feature

Apple once marketed the Mac Operating System (Snow Leopard), in 2009, as having "zero new features." That version of MacOS was considered to be the fastest and most-loved version ever.

Could we do the same for our own content / products / services?

Conclusion

I think you'll agree that speed and content minimalism plays a large part in our perception of brands. Improving speed and reducing / removing content not only can have a large monetary impact, but it's usually very cheap to do.

Take action now.

The Morico Letter - 10/21/2023

Want to share this issue of The Morico Letter via text, social media, or email? Just copy and paste this link:

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As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. If you need 1:1 guidance for <Link href="/services">growth marketing | website development | business coaching</Link>, <Link href="/services">let me know</Link>.

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Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

<Link href="/newsletter#all">View Previous Letters</Link>

One issue that came up was embedding YouTube videos. The official video embed code from YouTube uses fixed dimensions on an iFrame - so it breaks mobile designs. This is comical that I got a notice from Google that my video display was jacked up since GOOGLE gave me the code...

<Image src="/video-outside-the-viewport-gsc.png" width="400" height="400" alt="Video outside viewport - #buildinpubic issue" />

The fact that I got this urgent message very quickly (via the Google Search Console / email) tells me how important videos are to Google within Webpages... they actually de-indexed the video in Google Search. Other content doesn't get pulled this quick.

It's interesting that Google is ok with content creators removing Google AdSense (display, banner, text ads) from websites so long as YouTube stays strong. We know this by their Helpful Content update messaging.

Lesson learned: add videos and make the experience on the Web page great. #buildinpublic

Get my <Link href="/resources/solopreneur-checklist">solopreneur checklist</Link> to get the start-to-finish instructions for starting as a solopreneur based on my experiences.

One point -- I've been sending out e-mail newsletters since 2013. I've used MailChimp for most of that time. I recently switched to ConvertKit, and while not perfect, my open rates increased: ~24% with MC, ~30% with CK.

I've gotten better at sending newsletters for sure, but an uptick in deliverability gives a nice tailwind.

As far as unsubscribes, I've noticed sending emails on weekends results in fewer cancellations. I get it - during the week people are busy and the last thing they need to see is a non-urgent email. A work-day email could be the final straw that causes them to press that "unsubscribe" link... or at the very least make them question if it's worth it to read the emails anymore.

My email newsletter growth is flat - mostly because traffic is down from the Google "Helpful Content Update" (which I wrote about in my last newsletter) and I haven't promoted a good lead magnet in a while.

With the cadence of my emails steady and composition improving, the rate of unsubscribes is slowing (my emails were inconsistent in the past which contributes to unsubscribes).

My newsletter is the core content I try to build other social posts off of, so they're really important and also become articles on my Website / blog.

Kaizen, my friend.

Get my <Link href="/resources/solopreneur-checklist">solopreneur checklist</Link> to get the start-to-finish instructions for starting as a solopreneur based on my experiences.

<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/comments/16rw8lh/i_am_going_to_lay_off_most_of_the_employees_from/" target="_blank"

I've seen Reddit users posting that they are literally going to layoff workers because they've lost so much traffic. </a>

<figure> <Image src="/google-helpful-content-update-layoffs.png" width="800" height="450" alt="awesome twitter profile photos" priority /> <figcaption>Google Helpful Content Update - Effects</figcaption> </figure>

Let's explore the situation and find out how to solve for it and make our content anti-fragile.

What's going on? Google's "Helpful Content" Update launched.

<figure> <blockquote cite="https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/ranking-systems-guide#helpful-content"> Google Search's helpful content system generates a signal used by our automated ranking systems to better ensure people see original, helpful content created for people in search results. ... The helpful content system aims to better reward content where visitors feel they've had a satisfying experience, while content that doesn't meet a visitor's expectations won't perform as well. ...The system automatically identifies content that seems to have little value, low-added value or is otherwise not particularly helpful to people. </blockquote> <figcaption> <a href="https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/ranking-systems-guide#helpful-content" target="_blank" > source: developers.google.com </a> </figcaption> </figure>

So that seems in-line with Google's mission, but something else makes this a particularly insidious update.

<figure> <blockquote cite="https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/ranking-systems-guide#helpful-content"> Any content—not just unhelpful content—on sites determined to have relatively high amounts of unhelpful content overall is less likely to perform well in Search... </blockquote> <figcaption> <a href="https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/ranking-systems-guide#helpful-content" target="_blank" > source: developers.google.com </a> </figcaption> </figure>

So you need to review all content on your site and trim the fat. This essentially means all content should probably relate to a niche and it should be high-quality... answering questions and being "helpful." I've recently done this myself, moving tech articles from my main site to a new site moricotech.com [after optimization, these were put back into my main site, kenmorico.com under different categories].

<figure> <blockquote cite="https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/ranking-systems-guide#helpful-content"> If you host third-party content on your main site or in your subdomains, understand that such content may be included in site-wide signals we generate, such as the helpfulness of content. </blockquote> <figcaption> <a href="https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/ranking-systems-guide#helpful-content" target="_blank" > source: developers.google.com </a> </figcaption> </figure>

Again, extra content should be removed. I've also done this by eliminating content or <a href="https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/Reference/Status/308" target="_blank">308 redirecting</a> it another niche site I control / own.

Google confirms the halo-effect of content trimming:

<figure> <blockquote cite="https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/ranking-systems-guide#helpful-content"> removing unhelpful content could help the rankings of your other content. </blockquote> <figcaption> <a href="https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/ranking-systems-guide#helpful-content" target="_blank" > source: developers.google.com </a> </figcaption> </figure>

So I think it's time for a review of all our content.

What are some action-items to compete in this new landscape?

1. Trim and remove weak, non-helpful content.
2. Move helpful content not related to your site's niche to another niche site.
3. Improve existing content with assistance from AI / research.
4. Improve site speed. I've overhauled my sites with a new content platform to achieve a <a href="https://pagespeed.web.dev" target="_blank">page speed</a> score of 100 (standard content management systems score 50-70 usually).
5. Examine third-party content on your site and remove it if it's not relevant. Third-party content requires regular review due to spam, irrelevance, and hacks.

Are you prepared for these new changes? Since many changes can't be implemented by non-technical site owners, <Link href="/services">you'll likely need a tech consultant</Link> and technical strategist like myself for this new environment.

No worries... just <Link href="/services">reach out</Link> and let's explore how I can help you. Website content is a true investment when done properly... other content methods like social media posts and Pay-Per-Click advertising come and go. Go with what lasts.

Owned content is worth the effort.

The Morico Letter - 9/30/2023

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https://kenmorico.com/newsletters/google-helpful-content-update-dont-lose

As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. If you need 1:1 guidance for <Link href="/services">growth marketing | website development | business coaching</Link>, <Link href="/services">let me know</Link>.

This newsletter is community-supported. Would you consider donating to help me empower others w/ important messages of life-changing productivity, business strategy, and self-development? <Link href="/newsletter/donate-now" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Choose an amount to donate</Link>.

Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

<Link href="/newsletter#all">View Previous Letters</Link>

The Journey

<Image src="/ken-digital-strategist-social.jpg" width="300" height="300" alt="Build in Public solopreneur" priority />

Oftentimes, when creating content, we get stuck. The best thing to do is just share your journey, what you're working on, issues you encountered, and your thoughts on your process.

In sharing your journey you help others. That's what's so noble about this movement.

For non-technical creators, Gary Vaynerchuk best explains it in his video about "Documenting vs. Creating."

Document vs. Create is a concept popularized by Gary Vaynerchuk. It encourages people to focus on documenting their journey rather than creating new content from scratch. The idea is to give people a backstage pass, focus on humans, and be relatable. Instead of over-editing or procrastinating, the approach is to get content out there.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RVKofRN1dyI?si=kXW5vWxgUkwMxti_" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerPolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowFullScreen></iframe>

Let's share and grow together!

Get my <Link href="/resources/solopreneur-checklist">solopreneur checklist</Link> to get the start-to-finish instructions for starting as a solopreneur based on my experiences.

#buildinpublic posts

<Link href="/topics#buildinpublic">See all #buildinpublic posts.</Link>

New Haven Pizza is the best. Period.

In this article, you’ll find some background on the pizza, the recipe, and some great tweaks you can make. LET’s MAKE SOME PIZZA!

Why Make New Haven Pizza at Home?

• It’s rewarding to make your own pizza… especially a difficult one like New Haven Pizza
• It’s much cheaper… I paid $85 for 2 medium and 1 small pizzas at Sally’s of New Haven in August 2023. Ouch!
• Better ingredients – YOU choose the quality of your ingredients

What Makes New Haven Pizza Special

When I was a kid, I loved pizza. Growing up in New Haven, Connecticut, there were so many great pizza restaurants around. At the time, I didn’t realize how special they really were, and how difficult it is to create a great pizza. The secret, I found out, is in the rich tomato flavor with flavorful San Marzano tomatoes, spicy oregano, and thin, crispy & charred crust. New Haven pizza requires more time and expensive ingredients in my opinion. For instance, you can taste the sauce and actually SEE it in the pizza. In fact, the sauce is often so good that a popular New Haven Pizza is plain – no toppings – just the sauce.

In cheap pizzas you’ll often see just gobs of low-quality cheese covering a little bit of sauce. Maybe New Yorkers care more about speed and money… for me, I’ll take a New Haven pizza. New Haven pizza also often has a little bit of charring… the coal-fired ovens make it delicious. For the home baker, it probably won’t be possible to achieve the charring because home ovens don’t get very hot, but we can get a little close.

My grandmother loved to make sauce. My family would grow fresh basil in the backyard and use it in the sauce. Oftentimes sauce is what makes for good Italian food. Fresh ingredients and strong spices make it stellar. Since I moved to Texas a few years ago, I haven’t been happy with the local pizza. I decided to put on my oven gloves and take it to the kitchen, making my own pizza – the way I remember it from my childhood.

I don’t own a New Haven pizza restaurant and clearly different restaurants will have their own take on what is New Haven Pizza, but through my years and years of making pizza this recipe is the closest I’ve come to replicating the regional taste at home.

Ingredients

Dough

• 2 cups all purpose flour, 2 cups bread flour (this gives extra elasticity to the dough mix.) I use <a href="https://amzn.to/402DwlJ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bob’s Red Mill All Purpose Flour</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3FqiX9b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bob’s Red Mill Bread Flour</a>
• 1 package yeast (regular, rapid-rise, or pizza-specific yeast) <a href="https://amzn.to/2JCldMS" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Red Star Yeast</a> Preferred
• 2 tablespoons Mediterranean sea salt
• 1 large tablespoon malt (or 3 teaspoons sugar – Sugar in the Raw brand preferred)
• 2 2/3 cups [1.5 total] slightly warm purified water
• 3.5 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

• 1 can of whole tomatoes | <a href="https://amzn.to/49e5tey" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">San Marzano Italian Tomatoes</a> are required for authentic taste
• Dusting of Oregano
• Teaspoon of olive oil

Other Ingredients

• Medium grind corn meal
• Optional – mozzarella cheese (whole milk – not skim. In block form.)
• Optional – Pepperoni (I like Boar’s Head pepperoni from the butcher section of organic grocery stores or common Hormel’s Original Pepperoni in a package if you can’t get to the butcher’s section.)
• Basil leaves (for the top after baking – optional – not a New Haven signature but Ken’s topping)
• Crushed red pepper on top (optional after baking)

Note: Even in October 2023 there are still supply issues with ingredients. You'll want to purchase ingredients as fast as you can since they may go out of stock or you won't be able to get the correct size / amount you need.

Kitchen Items Needed

• stainless steel bowl
• pizza peel
• pizza cutter
• thick pizza stone
• wood or coal-fired oven imported from Naples (not really, but if you have too much money and lots of space… why not?)

<figure> <Image src="/ken-preparing-new-haven-pizza-recipe.jpeg" width="450" height="800" alt="Ken preparing pizza - Home made New Haven Pizza" /> <figcaption>Ken preparing the pizza</figcaption> </figure>

Gimme the Dough

Use non-stick spray in a large stainless steel bowl to keep flour from sticking to the bowl. Heat 3/4 cup of water to 120 degrees. For me, 3/4 cup of water in a 1400 watt microwave for 20 seconds at full-power works. You DON’T want the water too warm or it will kill the yeast. Mix warm water, yeast and malt (or sugar) in the cup of warm water. I use a measuring cup to mix the yeast with the sugar/malt. Let sit for at least 5-10 minutes. You should see about a .5 inch foam top form due to the yeast. If no foam starts to generate after a few minutes you either killed the yeast with hot water or the yeast is no good (they do expire – check the package). Mix flour with olive oil and salt. Add the warm water / yeast mix to the large bowl. Stir with a large spoon. Add another 3/4 cup warm water to the mix. When the mix starts to congeal, rub it into a ball.

Knead the dough until it has a nice consistency – not too dry, not too wet, but I do prefer it a little on the moist side to help the yeast rise. Cover the ball of dough in the mixing bowl and let the dough rise for 1-24 hours. I like to use a glass plate to cover the mixing bowl so I can see the dough rise. Typically, I’ll make the dough in the morning and then 6 hours or so later I’ll prepare the pizza for the oven. If you can’t wait you can let dough rise for only an hour, but you get more flavor the longer you wait.

Follow the ingredient amounts exactly. If you do, no adjustments will need to be made. If the dough is too dry, add some more water. It may also need a little more olive oil. If the dough is too wet, add more flour. This type of pizza is very hard to make. You’ll need to try many times before you get it right. The fun part of this process is that once you get the pizza right you can experiment with different toppings, ingredients, temperatures, literally everything so each pizza can be a new and different experience while still under the delicious New Haven Pizza umbrella. Speaking of New Haven pizza, you’ll often see it referred to “Apizza” or “ahbeetz.”

Setup the Special Sauce

Smash the whole San Marzano tomatoes in a bowl using either a spoon or <a href="https://amzn.to/33BBmAL" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">potato masher</a>. I find placing the crushed / saucy tomatoes on the pizza cold give the sauce a tangy, rich taste that New Haveners will recognize. You can add oregano to the crushed tomatoes sauce pan. Also the wood or coal-fired oven found in the restaurants give it a really unique taste. Some restaurants will use a lot of oregano — so much so that you can see it everywhere in the sauce. You can use a little garlic but beware –garlic is very potent and just a little too much can ruin all the sauce.

I knead a Pizza

Use a wooden cutting board to knead the dough. There will be enough dough for 4 small pizzas. New Haven style pizza is very, very thin. It can be difficult to get dough very thin. Just keep kneading and flipping the dough. Press with your fingers in an outward motion to stretch the dough on the cutting board or pizza peel. If you can start to see through the dough you’ve stretched it too thin. Also recognize the sauce and toppings will really weigh down a crust and it may stick the pizza to the pizza peel. It might even ruin the pizza. This is where the magic of cornmeal comes in.

Place some cornmeal on a <a href="https://amzn.to/1KnmuVD" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pizza peel</a>. This will help it slide off the peel (and adds a bit of flavor). When the dough is thin enough and in a pizza shape, place it on the spatula.

<figure> <Image src="/new-haven-pizza.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Ken’s Plain Sauce Apizza" /> <figcaption>Ken’s Plain Sauce Apizza</figcaption> </figure>

Wow, that was a lot of steps to make a great pizza. I’ve spent hundreds of hours perfecting this recipe and thousands of dollars making it right & providing it to the community. If you’ve found it delicious like thousands have, consider tipping me a New Haven pizza.

<a href="https://donate.stripe.com/00gcOH3YSgQPdBSbII" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Tip Ken a Pizza </a>

Use a large spoon to put the sauce on the dough, spreading it evenly.Like I mentioned before, sauce is important in New Haven. Add as much as you can, but be careful not to weigh down the pizza too much or you won’t be able to slide it off the pizza peel. You can add toppings; however the sauce is the star of the show and the San Marzano tomatoes give it that sweet taste that goes perfect with a charred crust.

Rip chunks off of the block of whole-milk mozzarella cheese. Space cheese chunks evenly on the pizza. They don’t need to look perfect as the cheese will melt and spread. Add pepperoni if desired [I love pepperoni! It’s America’s favorite topping…]. Place the pizza on a pizza stone. Pizza screens are more durable than cheap pizza stones and help the heat flow through for a crispier crust. Pricer pizza stones are great but need to be thick to be durable and need more time to to preheat in the oven to get hot. I like stone because it’s similar to a real pizza oven.

New Haven style pizza crust is a little crispier than average pizza with char [char is the black burnt areas on the crust that appear randomly on a pizza heated to high temperatures]. The thin crust will also make it crispier. Preheat oven. For a thick pizza stone preheat for a long time. Maybe 40 minutes. Place the pizza in the oven for 13 minutes at 500 degrees. Rack position may affect crispiness. If adding cheese be careful not to place it on a high rack otherwise the cheese will burn. Keep an eye on the pizza in the final minutes of baking. Add basil leaves and crushed red pepper after the pizza is done if desired [not really New Haven, just my take and more Neapolitan].

<figure> <Image src="/sallys-pizza.jpeg" width="800" height="450" alt="Sally’s Apizza – notice the prominent sauce" /> <figcaption>Sally’s Apizza – notice the prominent sauce</figcaption> </figure>

Home Outdoor Oven

Recently, my brother purchased an <a href="https://amzn.to/3rQi7Q8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">OONI outdoor pizza oven</a> that he let me use. Using actual coal and super-hot temperatures made possible from the oven took my pizza to new heights. If you want true New Haven pizza at home, you need coal and a hot oven. If you have the space and money and REALLY love New Haven pizza you must buy one. The coal flavor adds a dimension that is indescribable and truly unique.

The coal oven:

<figure> <Image src="/ooni-oven.jpeg" width="450" height="800" alt="ooni oven" /> <figcaption>ooni oven</figcaption> </figure> <figure> <Image src="/ken-ooni-outdoor-oven-new-haven-pizza.jpeg" width="450" height="800" alt="Ken w/ ooni oven" /> <figcaption>Ken w/ ooni oven</figcaption> </figure> <figure> <Image src="/ooni-oven-open-with-pizza.jpeg" width="800" height="450" alt="ooni oven inside w/ coal" /> <figcaption>ooni oven inside w/ coal</figcaption> </figure> The Result: <figure> <Image src="/new-haven-pizza-char-pepperoni.jpeg" width="800" height="450" alt="New Haven Char Pizza - homemade with unique ingredients" /> <figcaption> New Haven Char Pizza - homemade with unique ingredients </figcaption> </figure>

Some of favorite pizza restaurants in New Haven include <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/frank-pepe-pizzeria-napoletana-new-haven" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Frank Pepe’s</a> and <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/modern-apizza-new-haven" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Modern Apizza</a> and Tolli’s Apizza (new ownership / maybe still good?). Also, wash the pizza down with some unique soda from the area <a href="https://www.foxonpark.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Foxon Park</a> – my favorite is <a href="https://amzn.to/1Knmtku" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">White Birch</a>. Be sure to stop there when you in town. Traditionally, we would need a coal-fired oven to make these pizzas. You’ll notice that most pizza restaurants add just a little bit of sauce and smother the pizza with cheese. Not the best way to go in my opinion.

New Haven is renowned for its pizza, and it is also a favorite of President Clinton and other famous people. I hope you will enjoy this recipe and make this pizza from a small city in Connecticut a big part of your family life.

<figure> <Image src="/new-haven-pizza-recipe-pepperoni-peppers.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Ken’s New Haven Pizza (2019) – Slightly burned with yellow bell peppers, Boar’s Head Pepperoni, Mozzarella cheese" /> <figcaption> Ken’s New Haven Pizza (2019) – Slightly burned with yellow bell peppers, Boar’s Head Pepperoni, Mozzarella cheese </figcaption> </figure>

New Haven Pizza Tweak – Naples Pizza:

Since New Haven pizza is a variation of pizza from Naples, Italy, and many New Haven Italians are descended from the Naples area, you may be interested in making a Naples version. It has a great taste due to the Italian ingredients and the strict adherence to pizza standards [ok, my standards aren’t so strict, but I’m American…].

Tweak my existing recipe by using:

• 4 cups <a href="https://amzn.to/3MckYJT" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">00 flour (from Italy)</a>
• <a href="https://amzn.to/2hC7ivm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Italian Yeast </a>
• Fresh Basil leaves topping
• Mozzarella is placed with large round slices

I’ve had pizza in all regions in Italy and I love Naples Pizza. It’s a bit fluffier and chewier than New Haven pizza but it has the char we all love.

Resources

New Haven Pizza Experience

Frank Pinello discovers New Haven pizza or “Apizza” in this documentary.

<iframe className="youtube-video" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BmiQRvib3DQ?si=2qeNXhrQ1DXqynt-" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen></iframe>

Enjoyed the Recipe?

Show Ken some love (and pizza)!

<a type="button" href="https://donate.stripe.com/00gcOH3YSgQPdBSbII" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" className="btn btn-primary"> Tip Ken a Pizza </a>

What happened and why does it matter? Algorithms, “creators”, and people going back to old habits.

People known as “creators” have hacked human psychology and generated so much interest in the content they create that the social media algorithms constantly show their creations to keep users on platforms.

You used to see what your co-worker posted about what they had for lunch. No more. Your co-workers don’t post about their lunch anymore (or they are opting out due to privacy concerns, depression, social anxiety, ads, or data collection concerns by social media companies). And even if your coworkers did post about their lunch, you wouldn’t see it because the algorithms probably wouldn’t show it to you.

Social media companies bet on WINNERS. And it’s WINNER TAKE ALL. Not some. ALL.

There’s no room for mediocre posts. People have noticed this I think. Social media is morphing to video watching / TV with short form videos like TikToks and Instagram Reels. It’s a simple and lazy way for people to consume content. Short form video content is enjoyable… I love it. But we are turning into spectators and not participants. And with AI potentially taking the place of many average / lazy people, it’s not a time to sleep.

With the majority of people and businesses losing attention on social media platforms, it’s time to step up. Writing great content is now a complement to video. Video is FIRST.

Making Money with Video

Over the years, I’ve gained consulting work through my website and written content. As that starts to fade a bit, recent clients told me, “I saw your video on YouTube.” The connection they felt with me over video caused them to take action, reach out, and pay me. Think about how you’ve made money in the past? You’ve probably connected with people, live, in-person. Online video has gotten so good at mimicking reality that people see it as face-to-face communication.

Don’t believe me? Look at views of text content and compare it with video content. Video is exploding and taking over. With video critical now, you MUST find a way to get to good at creating video content (and creating it fast).

The Challenge of Video

In some instances, you can create video content without being on camera. A lot of people struggle with being on camera. I strongly believe that if you can be on camera, you should. Take being on camera as a challenge. Be the best version of yourself, right? Right!

Getting Attention Through Video

• Be enthusiastic
• Be fit
• Present an interesting clothing style
• Make a script / outline with clear, simple statements (chapter markers can help)
• Show your world / environment
• Tell stories
• Highlight your expertise
• Talk to the camera like a friend is right in front of you

Of course, once you have attention, you’ll need an <Link href="/services">online strategy</Link> and <Link href="/services">website</Link> to direct users to.

Creating engaging, personal video combats threats from AI, corporations with large ad budgets, and social media algorithms. It’s the perfect weapon for solopreneurs and corporate innovators.

I see you taking the whole attention pie. Action!

The Morico Letter – 9/10/2023

Want to share this issue of The Morico Letter via text, social media, or email? Just copy and paste this link:

https://kenmorico.com/newsletters/create-money-attention-you-all-in

As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. If you need 1:1 guidance for <Link href="/services">growth marketing | website development | business coaching</Link>, <Link href="/services">let me know</Link>.

This newsletter is community-supported. Would you consider donating to help me empower others w/ important messages of life-changing productivity, business strategy, and self-development? <Link href="/newsletter/donate-now" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Choose an amount to donate</Link>.

Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

<Link href="/newsletter#all">View Previous Letters</Link>

<Image src="/ipad-as-phone.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Use iPad as a Phone" priority />

Are you wondering how much more you could accomplish on the road if you just used an iPad instead of just a phone or bulky computer? Are you a digital nomad or remote worker and just want the most lightweight solution with flexible calling features offered by Google Voice?

Phone plans can be expensive, especially post paid plans that tie you to a new device to reduce the cost. Like most things, data service plans are cheaper if you can pre-pay with cash upfront.

Can I use the iPad as a phone?

Yes, you can use the iPad as a phone to make real and regular calls while connected to Wifi with a third-party service like Google Voice or with a post-paid phone plan and "Add WiFi Calling For Other Devices" setting enabled on iPhone. The iPad doesn't have the default Apple Phone app like iPhone (the bright green phone icon). You need separate apps or you can use FaceTime Audio to make calls to other Apple iPhone, iPad, and Mac users (though this limits the people you can call to Apple ecosystem users). It's pretty cool to be able to make calls without iPhone. You have a fully capable device and no extra gear like a phone or another bill like a phone bill. Very Spartan, Stoic, and efficient. It won't be for everyone though. Are you disciplined????

How do I use iPad as phone?

Quick steps:

1. Download <a href="https://voice.google.com" target="_blank">Google Voice</a> or if you don't want / need an actual phone number use <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/105088" target="_blank">Apple FaceTime</a>
2. Establish a Google Voice account and acquire a phone number or pick an email address identity to use with Apple FaceTime when calling others
3. Call using the dialpad in Google Voice or the Contacts app in iOS
4. Text using the Google Voice app or message your iOS contacts using the <a href="https://support.apple.com/messages" target="_blank">Apple Messages</a> App
5. Let others know your new phone number or email ID

Simply open the Google Voice app and dial the number or use the built-in iOS Contacts App and click the phone icon for the contact you want to call.

Using an iPad as a phone will vary in cost. The cheapest method involves just using any available WiFi connection and using Google Voice or FaceTime Audio. If you have a post-paid phone plan, you can spend more for the convenience of using your cell phone plan with your iPad. I'll explain in more detail below.

Next year, I’m thinking of ditching the iPhone and just carrying an iPad. The iPad Airs and Pros are much smaller and lighter than they used to be. Plus, if you do carry a laptop as well, you can now use the iPad as a second display (using <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/102597" target="_blank">Apple's Sidecar feature</a>)! Here’s how I plan to accomplish using an iPad as a phone / primary device:

• <a href="https://amzn.to/3Me08tz" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Buy iPad Pro w/cellular</a> with Cellular Data capability
• <a href="https://support.google.com/voice/answer/1065667?hl=en" target="_blank">Port my current mobile phone number</a> to <a href="https://voice.google.com" target="_blank">Google Voice</a>
• Have a <a href="https://www.att.com/prepaid/mobile-hotspot-tablet/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">20GB prepaid data plan for the iPad (5G)</a>
• Make phone calls using <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/105088" target="_blank">FaceTime Audio</a> for friends using iPhones / iPads
• Use the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-voice/id318698524?mt=8&uo=4&at=1l3vooi" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Google Voice App</a> to make and receive regular phone calls for people not using iPads / iPhones
• Use <a href="https://support.apple.com/messages" target="_blank">Apple Messages</a> and <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/105088" target="_blank">Apple FaceTime</a> like I do now, but using my email address as my caller ID instead of my phone number (everything works the same)
• Use <a href="https://amzn.to/3Fv8465" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Apple AirPods Pro</a> when making calls / talking.
• Keep local police numbers handy (without regular phone service you lose 911 / emergency service)
• Carry my <a href="https://amzn.to/46EZgXa" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">lightweight tablet messenger bag</a> pretty much everywhere (only $20 through Amazon)

New! The iPhone (iPhone 16) has a 6.1-inch screen and some landscape User Interface views not available on the smaller / older iPhones. If you are looking into getting an iPad it might be a viable alternative. The iPhone Pro Max has a 6.9 inch screen, though the iPhone software isn't optimized for multitasking which makes iPhones much less capable devices, no matter how large they get. It appears to be an Apple design philosophy at this point to sell more iPads... :)

Why do I want to use an iPad as a Phone?

iPads are much faster than phones, they have the best screens now with iPad Pro with XDR, and they have the fastest processors with the Apple M2 iPad. If you are using a phone you are using a slower device. Time is money when you are working remote.

iPads Can Now Make / Receive Regular Phone Calls (with an iPhone Nearby OR Post-paid phone plan)

With the introduction of iOS 8 iPads (and Macs) can make and receive calls through an available iPhone connection. If you want to keep your iPhone and just want calling features on the iPad, this is now available. It works great too. When you get a call on your iPhone, your iPad will also ring. You can talk through the mic on the iPad. You can also make calls using the Contacts app on the iPad. Pretty handy. You MUST be using Wifi for this to work.

If you have a post-paid phone plan you can use the "Add WiFi Calling For Other Devices" setting (under Cellular - > WiFi Calling setting in the iPhone settings app) to receive calls on your iPad without the phone being nearby.

<Image src="/add-wifi-calling-for-other-devices.jpeg" width="450" height="800" alt="Add WIFI Calling for Other Devices" />

The iPad Vertical Messenger Bag Matters

<Image src="/ipad-messenger-bag.jpg" width="800" height="400" alt="What's in my bag - iPad, Apple Earbuds, small messenger bag" />

Mid-size messenger bag… not great for everyday use… pretty bulky

I purchased a <a href="https://amzn.to/46EZgXa" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">light vertical messenger bag</a> and it’s perfect for carrying an iPad plus a few other things like business cards, earbuds, and a phone. You can see how much smaller it is compared to a normal / mid-size bag. The light vertical messenger bag has a nice durable canvas material (kind of like outdoor tent material) and in gray it’s really stylish with black accents. It also comes in black. Plus, it’s only $20.

<Image src="/v7-vertical-messenger-bag-ipad.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Small vertical messenger bag for iPad" /> V7 Small vertical messenger bag for iPad is great for everyday use – light, not bulky

Remove Voice Plan – Mobile Phones

Removing the regular voice service should save me around $50 / month. This will pay for a new iPad Air just in the first year. Plus, the audio quality will be better using FaceTime Audio / Google Voice / Hangouts instead of cellular voice. Plus, iPads have much better battery life than iPhones.

Google Voice App - use to make free calls

<Image src="/google-voice-use-ipad-as-phone.jpeg" width="450" height="800" alt="Google Voice App - Free Calls" />

FaceTime Audio

<Image src="/facetime_audio-only_call.png" width="450" height="800" alt="FaceTime Audio Only Calls" />

Google Voice has some handy features like voicemail transcription and call & text message forwarding. It can send received text messages through email as well.

Disadvantages of Using iPad as iPhone

There are a few thing you lose, but I am willing to make some sacrifices.

• Portability
• Better camera present in iPhone (the iPad camera isn’t bad – but certain models don't have a Flash or multiple lenses)
• No vibration feature (used for some games as well as receiving calls)
• True 911 services (I’m looking into alternatives)
• Can’t work with an Apple Watch (at least not yet)

What To Do With an Old iPhone?

iPhones have wifi built-in, so you can still make and receive calls using the Google Voice app. Also, you can activate the hotspot functionality on the iPad and take the iPhone with you when you go places. It should work within 30 feet or so of the iPad.

If you don’t want that old iPhone you could sell it on eBay, give it to a family member, or trade it in at a department store like Walmart, Target, or even the Apple store. I think retailers are getting smarter in their thinking that users want the latest tech and the old tech needs to be unloaded in a way that gives some value to existing customers.

The camera on the iPhone 14 is usually better than an iPad, so you may want to keep it around just as a camera. Plus, iPhones make pretty good iPods for night-time listening.

People have mentioned that you can make emergency calls with deactivated iPhones. You may want to see if this is the case and keep that old iPhone for 911 service.

Still Not Sure You Want to Use Your iPad as a Phone? New Options From AT&T

If all this seems like too much for you, AT&T is making it <a href="https://www.att.com/prepaid/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">cheaper to keep your existing iPhone after your contract expires</a>. Stiff competition is lowering costs a bit. <a href="https://www.verizon.com/prepaid/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Verizon also offers cheaper prepaid plans</a>, as long as you own your device outright or pay for it in full. Prepaid service plans are the way to go in my opinion.

FAQs

How much does it cost to use an iPad as a phone?

Using FaceTime audio for iOS devices is free. To call numbers in the U.S. is also free using Google Voice. Getting calls to your iPad from a number you share with your iPhone requires a post-paid phone plan when you are using your iPad away from your iPhone (for example, you go on vacation and decide not to take your iPhone).

How is the audio quality when using the iPad as a phone?

Since the calls go over data networks, if you have good stable internet connection the calls will sound excellent.

Can I use my iPad as phone with my phone SIM card?

No.

Does the built-in iPad SIM card allow me to make calls?

No. It only allows data on the cellular network.

Can I text from my iPad [iPad (WiFi + Cellular)]?

You can receive texts using third party apps like Google Voice. If your friends mostly use iMessage you can use that as your texting platform and use your email address as your ID / sent from Phone number. Also, if you have a post-paid phone plan you can use that to forward messages to your iPad.

Can I make an iPad a primary device / phone?

I think so. It takes a little work, but I think going minimal will help clear your mind and may help you focus.

Do you have any tricks for using an iPad?

To save the most money simply use WiFi and make calls to other contacts using FaceTime audio, as long as your contact also has a Mac / iOS device. That is the simplest and cheapest way. For regular calls, use Google Voice.

Want to Use an iPad as a Phone but Don’t Care About Cost?

If you have an iPhone and voice plan already and want to use the iPad as a phone, you can. Newer iPads can be configured to link to your phone number. So when someone calls your iPhone voice number, it will ring your iPad wherever you are. Not just on the same network. If cost is not an issue for you, this is the best option. Note that you won’t get voicemails – you need to call your voice number and use the keypad to get your voice messages. You can't use this method on prepaid plans. It must be a post-paid plan.

If you have a post-paid phone plan you can use the "Add WiFi Calling For Other Devices" setting (under Cellular - > WiFi Calling setting in the iPhone settings app) to receive calls on your iPad without the phone being nearby.

<Image src="/add-wifi-calling-for-other-devices.jpeg" width="450" height="800" alt="Add WIFI Calling for Other Devices" />

Carry Less Mental Baggage

Using just an iPad with no phone plan can lighten the load on your mind. Fewer items to carry, and one less bill is very appealing. <Link href="/articles/leverage-stoic-philosophy-to-build-your-personal-brand">Stoicism for the win.</Link>

Comments From the Community

ok- while i didn’t do an “iPad plunge” & thought I’d add my 2 cents… hold onto your iPhone & consider getting a T-Mobile pre-paid SIM to fwd GV to as a backup – u only get charged $2 ( for the day) if u answer the phone. I’ve been experimenting WiFi only for 2-3 years & snipped mobile internet & it’s been golden – I budget $10/month & it ends up being $10/quarter (if u organize your life around it). Added benefit you’ll be much less distracted when out and about & most of all actually with people & your surroundings 🙂

Using iPad as a phone is nice, but sometimes difficult (weak Internet access in some locations). I don’t like Google Voice and Skype so during first week I was in trouble. And I found Viber, Rebtel and finally Smartgroschen… Smartgroschen is a new app with many possibilities and high voice quality. The most important: calls with low rates. Cheaper than Skype. Tested by myself 🙂

Everything is OK, but I can’t stop using my iPhone! 😀 😀 😀

I made the plunge and ported my number to google voice in late 2011. I use an iPad 2. My bag is a Kensington…they make incredible bags for the iPad with great prices. One thing I do differently then you guys is that I also have a Skype subscription ($60 a year for a number and premium). I forward my ported number to the Skype number. I use Skype only because my earlier tests showed Skype had far better audio quality then google voice using Talkatone. I would love to just use hangouts for my phone instead of Skype so I will retest the audio calls eventually…but for now Skype audio calling is rock solid. Sadly, I currently only have 3G service. I don’t recommend it. Upgrade to a tablet that has 4g. You really need at least 5mb speed on data to prevent those awkward poor data voice stretches. Go with Att LTE since it has great speed and most everyone is on Verizon.

I can’t tell you how happy I am with google voice…the voice mail transcription, blocking calls…etc… Is super cool.

Brilliant article. I have been doing some research, debating with myself on if I should ditch my “phablet” and go straight to the tablet. I am currently lugging around the Samsung Note 3. It is really nice because of it’s size for many things. However, after carrying it round for bit, I find it too bulky to carry around in my pockets. I know there are holster remedies like the seidio or the otterbox, but because of the size, it would still get caught on things. I originally purchased the Note so I can nix the tablet and just have an all-in-one. It just doesn’t feel the same. Maybe it is because it is an android and they don’t have have even half the apps as ios has. Or, is it because I don’t really use the phone portion of it as much as the tablet. Either way, I think that the tablet with data is the way to go. I will post my experience when I sell my note and can actually afford the iPad.

I’ll get into the many reasons… but perhaps the most important one – the journey: accomplishments, failures, learnings, and accountability. This is important to your soul.

To compete, you must be the best version of yourself… and corporate life doesn’t demand that requirement.

Hiding Out in a 9-5

Working a 9-5 job, even if it’s part of your intended career path, lets you hide. You can win awards that a team helped achieve. A division that you’re not a part of can massively boost profit. A marketing team you’re not in can improve public perception of your company — strangers and family think you’re special by association… not by what you’ve actually accomplished for that company. The company can make the news for its surging stock price… when in reality sales are declining and the stock price is rising because company executives authorized a stock buy back.

Of course, you can achieve a lot on your own at a company, but my point is sometimes you just can’t. You can’t make a needle move, or if one does, you probably didn’t trigger it. I think for most, working a corporate 9-5 is for one reason only – cash… lots of it. I can understand that, but I think we desire more… especially you reading this newsletter.

So, let’s assume you want to be independent, you already are independent, or you just want to have something on the side that provides satisfaction and could possibly turn into something more substantial in the future. What are the factors that are enabling this solo owner trend? Is it sustainable or just a fad?

Reasons for the Solopreneur Explosion

1. Post pandemic people want freedom. Many people were burned out pre-pandemic and didn’t realize how burned out they were. I’ve experienced burn out and post-corporate recovery. It seems there is no going back. I’ve seen other co-workers literally glow after leaving a stressful corporate position. There’s nothing quite like it – see for yourself… look in your network for people who took the plunge and see what they look like before/after. You will be shocked. I promise.
2. Tools. We can achieve so much now with remote tools. ZOOM remote meetings – remote digital whiteboards, no-delay face-to-face video, online file sharing, online project management systems, …the list goes on and on.
3. Social Media. There is a new job category… the “creator” and “creator economy” … in effect, mobile video and in-app advertising have enabled thousands of people to make a living using video, text, and photos.
4. Culture shift. Clients and managers KNOW you can deliver remotely. For years, I would say anytime before 2018, people in charge didn’t fully trust the remote workforce. They gradually accepted it pre-pandemic and when the pandemic hit they realized remote work absolutely does work.
5. Artificial Intelligence. New AI tools enable massive productivity gains. My observations from what people self-report using the tools is 2-10X productivity enhancements. Absolutely massive.
6. Society. We all know more and more people going out on their own. It’s becoming acceptable in society to be an independent worker.
7. Challenge. People need a challenge. Corporate life can be cushy and boring. Working on your own is one of the hardest things you can do.

The Future of Solopreneurship and Why it Matters to EVERYONE

• AI tools will improve a lot and might cause you to lose your job. You might be forced to be a solopreneur. People in government are studying this and possibly preparing UBI – Universal Basic Income.
• If you hire vendors or are a hiring manager, you might work with a solopreneur.
• Traffic seems non-stop in cities these days – the typical “rush hour” traffic pattern is broken. People work at all hours now.
• Tourist destinations are busier. With remote work, people work from everywhere… and that includes your favorite destinations.
• The world is opening up and becoming more interesting – vloggers are everywhere… creating content on every where and every what.
• For many, costs are going lower, changing life patterns. For example, many young people rent apartments in the cities and don’t even have or need cars. Electric scooters are new transportation options. As more people realize lower costs, they will become more open to solopreneurship. Maybe that leaves open more corporate jobs.
• Solopreneurs are happier… you might want to befriend one. Check out the vibe in a co-working space vs. a standard corporate office to see first-hand.

Well, these are just my personal opinions formed from over 20 years of corporate and solopreneurship life. But what do I know… your viewpoint and circumstances might be different. I just ask you consider my perspective and pay attention to trends. Don’t go it solo… 😉

[P.S. I have <Link href="/articles">solopreneurship articles</Link> if you want more on the topic.]

The Morico Letter – 8/26/2023

Want to share this issue of The Morico Letter via text, social media, or email? Just copy and paste this link:

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As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. If you need 1:1 guidance for <Link href="/services">growth marketing | website development | business coaching</Link>, <Link href="/services">let me know</Link>.

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Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

<Link href="/newsletter#all">View Previous Letters</Link>

I’m not the only one with this problem. As projects get more complicated, we end up creating more and more folders. As we work on multiple projects at a time, folders expand.

Recently, I re-launched my consulting company’s website, ETHOS DIA, and I realized to get this project done and prepare for more projects I need a better system of organization.

<Image src="/PARA-blog-post-PARA-hierarchy.jpeg" width="800" height="450" alt="PARA Method - Folder Structure" priority />

PARA stands for Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives. Its purpose is to prioritize your items. Projects come and go and should be completed, so initially they are stored in the Projects folder and then moved out. Ah, that feels good. Keep projects moving. It’s sort of a Kanban method. Areas are sort of the traditional folder structure we use – Marketing folder, Accounting Folder, etc. Resources folder – this is my favorite. I often refer back to checklists, motivational themes, book notes, article notes, and more. Archives folder is obvious – items that are no longer current but you still want to hang on to.

How did I implement the PARA method? I use Apple Notes for all my notes, and I created all the PARA folders within it. For my company files located on my computer, I created all the folders. PARA method can be adapted to notes platforms and other file systems like Google Drive. It’s a mind shift.

I didn’t invent PARA – it was created by Tiago Forte and you can <a href="https://fortelabs.com/blog/para/" target="_blank">get the full details of PARA Method at Forte Labs</a>.

If you’ve found this resource helpful, you can checkout my other productivity resources at kenmorico.com/resources.

The Morico Letter – 8/5/2023

Want to share this issue of The Morico Letter via text, social media, or email? Just copy and paste this link:

https://kenmorico.com/newsletters/para-method

As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. If you need 1:1 guidance for <Link href="/services">growth marketing | website development | business coaching</Link>, <Link href="/services">let me know</Link>.

This newsletter is community-supported. Would you consider donating to help me empower others w/ important messages of life-changing productivity, business strategy, and self-development? <Link href="/newsletter/donate-now" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Choose an amount to donate</Link>.

Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

<Link href="/newsletter#all">View Previous Letters</Link>

<Image src="/ken-digital-strategist-social.jpg" width="450" height="800" alt="Solopreneur in Co-working space" priority />

If you’re thinking about becoming a solopreneur, you’re up for a challenge, and you want to push yourself to be the most productive, fit, and effectual person, read on.

The Gritty Details

Let’s start off with a technical definition – a solopreneur is an entrepreneur who runs their business independently, without the help of a co-founder or W-2 employees. A solopreneur is an individual who performs
ALL duties related to their business alone.

The term “solopreneur” is a combination of the words “solo” and “entrepreneur.” It was first used in the early 2000s to describe the growing number of people who were starting their own businesses but didn’t want to hire employees or take on the risks of traditional entrepreneurship.

Differences Between Solopreneurs and Entrepreneurs

Here are some of the key differences between solopreneurs and entrepreneurs:

• Focus: Solopreneurs typically have a single focus, while entrepreneurs run businesses that offer multiple services.
• Risk: Solopreneurs take on less risk than entrepreneurs, as they are not responsible for the success or failure of other employees.
• Growth: Solopreneurs are less likely to scale their businesses than entrepreneurs, as they do not have the resources to hire more employees.
• Rewards: Solopreneurs enjoy the freedom and flexibility of working for themselves, while entrepreneurs may be motivated by the challenge of building a large and successful business.

Why Solopreneurs Succeed

Solopreneurs know that generally, employees can be a drag on productivity and profits. Why train someone when you can learn an AI tool that is available 24/7, won’t complain, won’t sue you, and has set costs?

TECH makes solopreneurship possible.

What Solopreneurs Do for Work

Solopreneurs often run service-based businesses, such as freelancing, consulting, or web development. They may also sell products online or through retail channels. With the advent of Amazon FBA and fulfillment warehouses, the heavy lifting of shipping physical products is greatly reduced.

How Solopreneurs Succeed Innately

Recruiters often mention that to succeed in a company a candidate needs 3 traits:

• Can this person do the job?
• Will the person do the job?
• Will this persona fit in our culture?

As a solopreneur, you will ABSOLUTELY know you have these traits. It’s your world.

Solopreneurs have complete control over their business, can set your own hours, and you can work from anywhere in the world. That means you have access to lowest costs anywhere — because YOU can BE ANYWHERE.

Challenges of Solopreneurship

The challenges:

• You have to wear many hats
• You have to be self-motivated
• Handle stress
• Legally setting up a business takes some time and money
• No safety net

If you’re considering becoming a solopreneur, there are a few things you need to do to get started. First, you need to come up with a business idea. Then, you need to create a business plan. Once you have a business plan, you need to start marketing your business and generating leads.

Solopreneurship WILL be a rewarding experience. If you’re self-motivated and you’re willing to put in the work, you will be successful as a solopreneur. You must master tech tools to get the edge and compete with larger companies.

<iframe width="315" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZtH8kZjivs0?si=sm2LIgy4BNOVzkSX" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerPolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowFullScreen></iframe>

Discipline Rules in Solopreneurship

Discipline is key. It’s very hard to motivate yourself when you are the one making the rules. Another issue is knowing what to work on. When you work for someone else, they tell you what to do and sometimes there is comfort in not having to think about tasks. Of course, there is no glory or growth when you work for others.

The Path Forward

My solopreneurship journey over the last 5 years provided me with great personal satisfaction. It’s constantly challenging — and that’s what’s required for a fulfilling life.

If you want to follow my solopreneur journey and collect some actionable tips along the way, <Link href="/newsletter">subscribe to my newsletter</Link>. See you there — I know you’re up for it.

The Morico Method – Solopreneur Checklist will give you the important steps you need to start as a solopreneur and keep you on track for success! Based on years of experience as a true solopreneur, this list will provide a holistic view of the solopreneur journey.

Sign up to get the checklist now!

<Form type="checklist" />

Text-focused Platform

500 Characters per post – more than the 280 of a typical tweet. When I write Tweets, I often find that 280 characters isn’t enough… I always seem to want just a few more.

Thread Creation

Like Twitter, you can create threads, or a series of posts connected through replies by you. They can be addictive to read and force you to think as a storyteller.

Beautiful Photos

I’ve noticed a few people comment how beautiful photos look on the platform. It’s not only the camera that matters when taking pictures, it’s how the social platform compresses the images and the number of colors they can display.

Simple

It’s super-easy to use Meta Threads because it’s a limited platform at this time. Honestly, it looks like something some hackers put together over a weekend, but it’s a little refreshing to use a tool with just a few options.

Since Meta Threads doesn’t really offer anything unique from a social media platform / tool perspective we can approach it with existing proven methods.

Key Meta Threads To-Dos

• If you’re not signed up – do it now. You want to claim your username. Also, since it’s new, it’s easier to build a following since there are fewer users to compete with.
• Use the app’s tool to import your Instagram bio. Your Instagram profile should be optimized, so just bring it over. You want your message to be clear and consistent across platforms – new or not.
• You can’t post via desktop / laptop computer and there are no scheduling tools. Bummer. Prepare your posts via a Word Processor that syncs with your phone and copy/paste from the phone. I use IA Writer and the speedy Markdown writing method.
• Unlike Instagram, you can include links. Provide value in your posts and then end them with a CTA to your Website.

Writing Methods

There are a few styles in text-based social media networks:

• Punchy single idea standalone posts
• Threads (multiple posts interconnected with replies)
• Single or multi posts with an added intro image

I like threads because of how flexible they are. It’s easy to provide value and utilize the space to fill out an idea.

Here’s a thread template I like:

1. Start with a stat or enticing intro. Add hashtags if appropriate. Add a notice and an emoji down arrow indicating there is more in the thread.
2. Demonstrate your knowledge and provide value in post.
3. Demonstrate your knowledge and provide value in post.
4. Demonstrate your knowledge and provide value in post.
5. Demonstrate your knowledge and provide value in post.
6. Add the call to action… something like want more? Go to kenmorico.com or If you want me / us to do this for you, sign up at kenmorico.com

You can study writing hooks and open loop writing to further grasp how to entice readers and keep them reading the whole thread.

For marketing, one writing method is AIDA.

The AIDA model is a marketing model that describes the steps a customer takes in the buying process. The acronym AIDA stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action.

• Attention: The first step is to get the customer’s attention. This can be done through a variety of means, such as using eye-catching visuals, creating a sense of urgency, or offering a free trial.
• Interest: Once you have the customer’s attention, you need to generate interest in your product or service. This can be done by providing information about the benefits of your product, telling stories, or using humor.
• Desire: Once the customer is interested, you need to create a desire for your product or service. This can be done by highlighting the features and benefits of your product, showing how it can solve the customer’s problems, or creating a sense of scarcity.
• Action: The final step is to convince the customer to take action, such as making a purchase, signing up for a free trial, or downloading an app. This can be done by providing a clear call to action, making it easy for the customer to take action, or offering incentives.

The AIDA model is a simple but effective way to help you understand the buying process and create marketing messages that are more likely to convert customers.

Here are some examples of how the AIDA model can be used in marketing and therefore morphed into threads:

• A clothing company might use a striking image of a model wearing their latest fashions to get attention.
• A software company might offer a free trial of their product to generate interest in their solution.
• A car dealership might highlight the features and benefits of their latest models to create desire.
• A travel agency might offer a limited-time discount to encourage customers to book a vacation.

The AIDA model is a powerful tool that can help you to increase sales and conversions, and when combined with the effectiveness of threads, can make social media ROI positive.

Featured Images Still Work

Don’t downplay the importance of a featured image for a thread. It was revealed images do help boost posts for the Twitter algorithm and I suspect it’s the same for Meta Threads. I’m currently using Adobe Express for graphic creation and photo acquisition (along with unsplash.com).

I often don’t have time to integrate photos in my posts, but I do find tools like Adobe Express with AI image generation can create some stunning photos based on exactly what I describe. <a href="https://x.com/kenmorico/status/1674058063475507202?s=20" target="_blank">See this tweet thread with an AI-generated image I made.</a>

Conclusion

I love the punchiness of threads and look forward to using Meta Threads. I feel threads combine bullet ideas that our short attention spans desire, but with volume that satisfies our deeper yearning for more substance.

I wrote more on <Link href="/articles/twitter-threads-for-marketing">Twitter Threads in this blog post</Link>… most of it is applicable to Meta Threads.

I’ll have more resources on threads in the future… stay subscribed!

The Morico Letter – 7/22/2023

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Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

<Link href="/newsletter#all">View Previous Letters</Link>

Are you reliant on external platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter that limit your reach at any time? Or do you have your own “Home Base”? I’ll explore the benefits of having a personal site even today, in 2023 and beyond.

I’ve been creating personal homepages since 1998… they allowed me to stand out online since the online space was much, much smaller. Today, social media allows excellent reach — at a cost. The cost is control. You don’t have any. In every social media platform, if you direct users off platform with your own link, you’ll see that post downplayed in the algorithm. Social media companies don’t make money if you take THEIR USERS off platform.

In life, oftentimes the maximum benefits of assets flow to the owners – real estate, factories, services companies, etc. With a personal website, or “personal brand” site, you too can benefit from asset ownership.

Here are 5 reasons personal websites are a must have:

1. Showcase your skills – if you have a job your website can host content that demonstrates your expertise. What can this do for you? It can be leveraged for a new position with higher salary (I did). It can drive traffic from Google and provide an audience you can later monetize.
2. Provide a Platform to Sell Products & Services – it’s hard to show all your products and services on social media. Fans can purchase right on your site… I have Apple Pay on my site – 1 click and 2 seconds later I have a sale.
3. You Can Display Ads or Sponsorships – yes, if you have content worth reading you can display ads on your site or sell sponsorships for your newsletter (audience signed up on your site — YES!).
4. You Control the Messaging – no competitors can distract your audience once they are on your site. You control the flow, purchase funnels, and narrative. You are the best in your industry, right? Here’s why…
5. Full Control Over Content – There are no limits to what you can place on a personal website. Video, audio, text, products, whatever. You can brand it any way you like – the colors, the copy, the resources – you get depth not possible anywhere else. It’s literally your world, and YOUR platform.

Personal websites are great and not just for celebrities or Web developers. Every professional needs one in 2023 – now more than ever.

Get personal with your audience. That’s my advice from me to you…

(P.S. I do offer <Link href="/services">coaching sessions for professionals</Link> that have or need a personal brand site – reach out if you’re serious about being a player in your space.)

The Morico Letter – 7/8/2023

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Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

<Link href="/newsletter#all">View Previous Letters</Link>

As a group, Americans failed when Covid-19 sent a shock to our economy and personal health. Clearly, a pandemic shouldn’t have been a surprise, because they have always happened throughout history. Yet, many businesses didn’t have the cash resources to continue with even just 2 weeks of a shutdown and our obesity levels made many unnecessarily at risk.

People with poor immune systems were at risk. Yet some of the risk of a rough covid infection clearly could have been mitigated by healthy choices prior (obviously not for all of us). We could control our overall health and weight. Disease is a constant when your immune system is compromised. There are always new viruses without vaccines.

The question: can we be ready for shocks? Or at least as ready as we can be? Can we, and our businesses, be “Military Grade”? “Military grade” refers to tests developed by the U.S. Department of Defense to determine the “environmental worthiness and overall durability of material system design” of certain types of objects. Do WE demonstrate environmental worthiness? Are our systems durable?

It seems to me that people who bring a military work ethic and process to their work and personal schedules succeed where others fail. In a digital world we need to get back to basics and focus. I think so many are failing now because of digital distractions. More of us are losing grip on focus, and those that don’t are getting outsized reach / wealth / fame.

I know I’m guilty of getting distracted. That’s why I’ve spent a lot of time researching best practices to regain focus and solidify my work systems.

Here are some methods I’ve used to get “military grade”

1. Make focus a priority. Not just a priority. The number 1 priority. Without focus nothing else matters.
2. Become “Antifragile” – Nassim Taleb wrote a book called Antifragile that explains some things benefit from shocks, volatility, randomness, disorder, and stressors. These things are called “antifragile.” They thrive and grow when exposed to these things, and they become stronger as a result. I do this with a secure financial position for my business, openness to do without, or move to better environments when times change.
3. Learn new skills or improve existing ones. In regards to military grade, our environments are changing. In my opinion, AI changes everything. You must learn aspects of AI that affect your job.
4. Develop a fitness / health routine – by putting workout time and meditation on my calendar I’ve been more likely to do it. If I do, I have much improved focusing abilities and achieve work objectives faster and with better quality.
5. Leverage digital tools to achieve a focused status – use Screen Time to limit time on social media apps, use timer apps to create 25-minute pomodoro timer sprint sessions, and use time-blocking techniques to create space for all important items on your calendar.

If I am “military grade” chances are my business will be too. If you work a corporate job, and you have reports, you can harden them into an antifragile state and inspire them to focus.

If I am “military grade,” my clients, business, family, and friends all benefit during difficult times. Mission accomplished.

The Morico Letter – 6/24/2023

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Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

<Link href="/newsletter#all">View Previous Letters</Link>

As someone who has managed millions of dollars in advertising budget, I can say this is a mistake. Not only is it extremely expensive in 2023, but it’s easy to completely mismanage and expose you or your brand to trust issues.

Since the number of users online is growing each year [<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/617136/digital-population-worldwide/" target="_blank">5.2 Billion according to Statista</a> or 65% of all people on earth], your message can easily get drowned out. With AI Tools like ChatGPT, search results and ads will become less effective over time and traffic to your landing pages will dwindle (I’ll bet it already has).

There is still a lot of attention on social media. I’ve been focusing a lot lately on social media listening. Why do some users get massive followings? Why did I follow someone?

I’ve found those 2 questions were key for me.

• Why do some users get massive followings? – for me personally, I’ve noticed people that speak about certain topics have large followings. They are generally focused on a few topics and don’t veer off too far. Mostly I find this is because people are in a mood for knowledge that someone else has. People can be like mood boards and reminders.
• Why did I follow someone? – this is the most important question. Think back about WHY you followed someone on social media (or a website / newsletter). What were the steps? Did you see that they talked about a topic you were interested in and then you immediately followed them? Were they interacting with someone you already follow?

Back-engineer why you follow others, and you will see patterns and secrets revealed. The one secret that I kept coming back to was that I followed people I kept seeing over and over. They showed up consistently. And then eventually, if I liked their message, I followed or added them to a watch list. I rarely followed someone the first time a saw a post or their profile. It’s like dating – there are warmups before next steps.

But their messaging must be on target. It must be clear why I should follow them. When your messaging is clear, you start to see some organic traction, then you can spend money on ads to gain leverage.

Also, I follow people that interact in a human fashion. They reply to others. They don’t post too often. They aren’t overly promotional. They show up in the channels I like to be in (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Email Newsletters, Etc.).

To recap:

1. Determine you message. You bio, landing pages, and ethos must be consistent and clear to new people.
2. Look at the people you follow on social media. Why are they popular?
3. Why did you follow someone? THINK about it. WHY did you click the follow button?
4. Post consistently until you see some organic growth.
5. Leverage with ads when everything works at a small, organic scale.

Once you get into a rhythm of consistent posting, replying, and optimize your profile and landing pages, you’ll start to see green shoots. Eventually those green shoots will turn into dollar green shoots and maybe some recognition from others.

The Morico Letter – 6/10/2023

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Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

<Link href="/newsletter#all">View Previous Letters</Link>

The self-employment challenge starts with YES. It starts with you gripping a torch, setting fire to the bridge behind you, and walking forward without a map in the wilderness.

…Self-employment isn’t even necessarily for you… it could be for your clients that need your particular skills or the way you implement your skills, the products you create for others, or the other vendors or people that count on your business.

One thing I know – self employment will change you as a person into the person you need to become to achieve a purpose. A mission. A calling.

I think the reason solopreneurship is so interesting right now is that we have amazing tools that make achieving more without employees possible. Even if you work for company, the new tools like AI can make you a better contributor, produce more impact, and get noticed. But no matter how great the tools have become, time management will always be key.

As the world becomes hyper-competitive, and everyone has access to similar tools, what’s left? Time management. Discipline. Self-development.

In fact, as I’ve been self employed 100% for a few years now, I’ve discovered:

Solopreneurship IS self development

When you are focused on a task or large goal you’ll realize there is only so much time in a day. You’ll need to tap into the focused version of yourself you’ve never seen before. You’ll need to develop into the person that CAN handle the difficult tasks.

Time Saving Tips & Handling Difficult Tasks

• Minimize Distractions – create an empty desk, turn on focus mode on your phone, delete all apps on your phone that don’t need to be there. Distractions will derail your focus and cause you to lose time.
• Get to a Space Where You Can Really Work – early morning at home (5-7am) or a Coworking space / office / quiet coffeeshop
• Get Noise-Cancelling Headphones – even quiet places can have small noises that can distract you.
• Figure Out Your Daily Tasks That Will Move the Needle for the Business – put them on your calendar and hold yourself accountable. If you can’t finish a task do a different task. No time is ever wasted. Have back-up tasks to complete when you can’t think straight.
• Leverage the Simplest, Fastest Process to Accomplish Tasks. As a solopreneur, I don’t have time to flesh out every image, article, or email. I can create a system that will allow me to be consistent, and that matters more. I’m still working on my processes. I think refinement of processes should be a daily task.
• Use Mindset Tactics – meditation and yoga. Walking. Prayer. These are easy to do and help to achieve difficult tasks. Have a clear mind enables you to complete tasks faster. For me, there is no task that can’t be finished if I ask God for help before starting. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8.
• CREATE Energy – you accomplish less if you don’t have the energy to finish tasks. Everyone is different, but I’ve noticed when fasting, eating less, and drinking smoothies I’ve had more energy to accomplish tasks. Find what works for you.
• Trade Attention – remove entertainment and phone scrolling – replace with reading books or working. Kindle app works great to replace social media use with book reading.

I have more ideas on time management that I hope to integrate into a course, book, or guide. Stay tuned (and subscribed).

Expanding Capacity

Something that stood out to me when reading The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz is when he mentions a story about a woman who was forced to return to the workforce after her husband was permanently disabled after a serious accident.

“You know,” she said, “six months ago I never dreamed I could possibly manage the house and work full-time. But after the accident, I just made up my mind that I had to find the time. Believe me, my efficiency has gone up 100 percent. I discovered a lot of things I was doing didn’t need to be done at all. Then I discovered that the children could and wanted to help. I found dozens of ways to conserve time—fewer trips to the store, less TV, less telephoning, less of those time killers.” This experience teaches us a lesson: Capacity is a state of mind. How much we can do depends on how much we think we can do. When you really believe you can do more, your mind thinks creatively and shows you the way.

I think this is a lesson we can all learn. I’m always looking at ways to expand capacity. But first, you must recognize the need yourself. That’s when change happens.

The Morico Letter – 5/27/2023

As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. If you need 1:1 guidance for <Link href="/services">growth marketing | website development | business coaching</Link>, <Link href="/services">let me know</Link>.

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Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

<Link href="/newsletter#all">View Previous Letters</Link>

A clunky or old mouse or even no mouse like I was using could wreck your productivity and cost you thousands of dollars in lost billable hours. Time is money. Your mouse matters. With a recession coming and a world in turmoil, we need to be our best, our fastest, our most efficient. No excuses.

For many years I've used Apple's Magic Trackpad with the Magic Keyboard with Number Pad. No mouse. I love the Magic Trackpad. It's buttery smooth and it's glass surface feels amazing to touch. But trackpads don't excel at everything, and it's quite evident when selecting text, which I do a lot. So I decided to buy a mouse... actually 3 mice -- the MX Master 2s, the <a href="https://amzn.to/3L4uonz" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">MX Master 3 for Mac</a>, and the <a href="https://amzn.to/3L4lAOo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">new Magic Mouse 2 BLACK for Mac</a>.

I enjoy reading reviews of essential products, and so I thought I'd write a quick review based on my decades of using computer mice.

I'll break down the quick pros and cons of the recent models:

PROS - MX Master 3 for Mac

• Fast screen cursor movement. You can move across the screen several times faster than the Magic Mouse. This matters on larger screen resolutions like 4K.
• Feels good in the hand.
• You can rest your hand on the mouse.
• Customizable buttons and thumb scroll wheel.
• Nice color scheme - blends in with new Black and silver Mac accessories.
• Rubber wrap around thumb and palm area feels nice.

CONS - MX Master 3 for Mac

• Software is bloated. Takes a lot of computer RAM and thus isn't great for Macs with less memory or processing power.
• The click wheel is solid but scrolls in a clunky way. Feel like an old device
• Logi logo on top is a bit distracting
• No way to tell how much battery power is left in the device
• No USB Receiver dongle for better performance / connection stability
• Slight delay after waking from sleep - adds friction when I need to just get to work

PROS - Magic Mouse 2 BLACK for Mac

• Accurate and precise pointing
• Scrolling is perfect and very smooth
• Smaller size gives more desk space / better to use for lap desk
• No software to install / works on startup with Macs... other mice don't do this
• Aluminum bottom feels premium / plastic top feel almost like glass
• No delay after waking from sleep

CONS - Magic Mouse 2 BLACK for Mac

• Can't hold the mouse fully in your hand
• Edges are sharp
• Slow to move around the screen on large resolution screens
• Needs lots of cleaning with a cleaning cloth
• Swipe motions don't always register
• Surface is a bit small for gestures

Both mice look nice and blend well with space gray or black and silver Macs. I had the white keyboard and trackpad with the mice and visually mixing the styles didn't look great so I would recommend going with darker-color keyboard and trackpad.

Both mice look and work much better using a <a href="https://amzn.to/3PYW9kx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Black Aluminum Mouse Pad</a>. The tracking is more precise and smoother, and though some people mention the Black Magic Mouse tracks a little slow, the aluminum mouse pad really speeds it up... plus the black aluminum looks really premium.

Magic Mouse Dock

A lot of reviewers mentioned the charge port is in a bad spot on the Magic Mouse 2. And it is, but you can use the black iPhone dock to help not scratch the smooth top finish. I love the iPhone dock for the iPhone to keep my phone standing. It also works great as a travel stand when <Link href="/blog/solopreneur-home-base">working in coffeeshops and co-working spaces</Link>. Yes, the black finish shows dust and fingerprints, but I charge and clean my devices regularly... <Link href="/blog/no-calendar-no-happen">I use my calendar and discipline...</Link>

<Image src="/black-magic-mouse-iphone-dock.jpeg" width="800" height="450" alt="Apple Magic Mouse 2 Black Dock - iPhone Dock" />

Conclusion

Pick both. If you can afford one premium mouse, you can afford two. Use one as a travel / secondary mouse. They are both great mice. That's what I did. I also switch them up. Variety in life, right?

• <a href="https://amzn.to/3L4uonz" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> MX Master 3 for Mac - Check Price on Amazon </a>
• <a href="https://amzn.to/3L4lAOo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Magic Mouse 2 BLACK for Mac - Check Price on Amazon </a>
• <a href="https://amzn.to/3PYW9kx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Black Aluminum Mouse Pad - Check Price on Amazon </a>

MX Master 3 for Mac Long Term Review

I've been using the MX Master 3 mouse for a while now but I wanted to focus on its long-term usefulness.

I write code, blogs, and social media posts. This mouse is great for coding because it's very accurate. It feels good in my hand and I don't feel uncomfortable after long periods of use like I do with the Magic Mouse 2. That said, it's a very large mouse and does at times feel TOO LARGE, and I have hands that are at least average size. I'm a little taller than average.

My Mac is a base M2 Mac Mini at the moment, and because of the bloated Logitech software I don't run the Logi Options software on my computer. I miss out on some customizations that are pretty cool -- but the default Mac driver for the mouse works well. I think with a newer Mac and 16GB RAM you would be ok.

My only problem with using the mouse with a Mac is that it turns off after a period of time. That means when I wake my computer my mouse doesn't wake. I need to click it or move it and THEN it wakes up. Not a Mac-like experience.

It seems I never run out of batter power for the mouse. The upside of its sleep functionality is that it goes weeks and weeks without charging. The Magic Mouse 2 is always on and while convenient, it reduces the battery power a lot.

The USB-C cable and connection is very convenient and modern. I'm trying to get all USB-C connections for my devices.

PROS - MX Master 3 for Mac

• Fast screen cursor movement. You can move across the screen several times faster than the Magic Mouse. This matters on larger screen resolutions like 4K.
• Feels good in the hand.
• You can rest your hand on the mouse.
• Customizable buttons and thumb scroll wheel.
• Nice color scheme - blends in with new Black and silver Mac accessories.
• Rubber wrap around thumb and palm area feels nice.

CONS - MX Master 3 for Mac

• Software is bloated. Takes a lot of computer RAM and thus isn't great for Macs with less memory or processing power.
• The click wheel is solid but scrolls in a clunky way. Feel like an old device
• Logi logo on top is a bit distracting
• No way to tell how much battery power is left in the device
• No USB Receiver dongle for better performance / connection stability
• Slight delay after waking from sleep - adds friction when I need to just get to work

Conclusion

If you code and need precise pointing with incredibly battery life, get the MX Master 3 or MX Master 3S. If you work long hours at your computer, get the MX Master 3 for your health.

• <a href="https://amzn.to/3L4uonz" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> MX Master 3 for Mac - Check Price on Amazon </a>

For many businesses and solopreneurs, attention equals money. More attention, more money. With more entrants and AI tools, our share of the attention pie is shrinking with every passing day and revenue generation will be increasingly difficult.

What can we do? How can we stand out online? Leverage our personal stories and experiences. For example, when I worked for a large ad agency, I would sometimes study old magazine advertisements for fun. I remember seeing one for a car from the 1960s. It was just a one-line copy block and a photo of the car. How simple. Those days are long gone. We need to work much harder to move product – either physical or intangible. We need personality and grit.

We’ve all heard the adages “There is no bad press” and “stay top of mind.” These resonate because your name takes space in your audience’s consciousness. The repetition of the name in effect becomes a positive brainwashing… creating familiarity and making the audience receptive when positive messages come forward. Showing up consistently is one way stand out. If you’re not seen you’re not moving product.

Get jealous of people with large followings. Some people will push back on social media follower counts, saying they are “vanity metrics”. <a href="https://twitter.com/GuyKawasaki" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Guy Kawasaki</a>, Apple alum and startup founder, once said, “Who doesn’t want more followers? Everyone wants more followers.” Let jealousy lead you to action.

Follower counts (and even better high number of comments) demonstrate social proof. It shows your message finds a home with others and should find a home with new customers / followers.

So, what can I do to harness the attention I deserve (the attention I rightly deserve)?

The 4-Step Attention Shark Solution:

1. Create an awesome profile photo. Since people are much more trusted than brands / logos, WE need to launch our product and brand into awareness. Profile photos are used everywhere online. It’s the most important aspect of your online presence. You can even integrate your brand colors into your personal profile photo to ensure continuity. It’s important that the photo be cropped properly. Profile photos can get adjusted to many sizes and may distort. I personally like profile photos that look straight on at the camera. It makes me feel like the person is speaking directly to me and should create a more emotional connection.

<figure> Here are some profile photos that stood out to me and displayed accurately: <Image src="/awesome-twitter-profile-photos-1.png" width="800" height="450" alt="awesome twitter profile photos" /> <figcaption className="flex"> (Left to Right):  <a href="https://twitter.com/noahkagan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Noah Kagan </a>   ·   <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Elon Musk </a>   ·   <a href="https://twitter.com/andrewchen" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Andrew Chen </a>   ·   <a href="https://twitter.com/emilychangtv" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Emily Chang </a> </figcaption> </figure> 2. Create consistency. Post everyday. This is really hard, but you can use tools like a pre-scheduler and by over-creating content when you sit down to create content. Usually, if you are in a mood to create content then you normally can create more than you intend to. This is because you are “in the zone”. Break larger content pieces into smaller pieces and trickle out your content. 3. Showcase your personality but leverage AI. A great way to showcase your personality is to create short-form videos. They prove you aren’t just a disembodied online entity, but a real person. It will put your new followers at ease that they aren’t being fooled by a bot. Think of AI and ChatGPT as an extra pair of hands. A writer. An editor. Ask it for ideas and edit the responses. Ask it to rewrite something you previously posted. You might be surprised by how intelligent you actually are! 4. Learn from others creators. See whom you want to model and get inspiration from their content. How long is it? Are they creating Twitter Threads? LinkedIn carousels? Short-form videos? Something is working. Study and test on your own content.

Using these solutions will help you stand out and keep up with fast content creators. Speed is the game. Set up a routine to succeed (more on that in future letters – stay subscribed).

Robots don’t tell personal stories because they don’t have your experiences. They are locked inside your brain. There is no computer API to snatch your thoughts. There isn’t a computer program to tell your_stories in _your voice.

I know I got discouraged several times when I saw competitors in my niche succeeding with higher follower counts. But I take comfort knowing there is always room for unique voices within the same niche. The audience on the Internet is ENORMOUS. There’s always a receptive place to land our content plane.

Now, let’s takeoff.

The Morico Letter – 4/29/2023

Tactical Quick Tips

• <a href="https://www.capcut.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Capcut</a> — video editor for mobile and desktop makes creating short form videos a breeze. It’s the best and simplest video editor I’ve ever used. See the video I created using Capcut on <a href="https://x.com/kenmorico/status/1651668986809991168?s=20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a>.

Ken’s Reading List – Only Worthwhile Reads

• <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/24/is-business-travel-returning-no-and-its-not-going-to-say-studies-.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">New reports say business travel isn’t going back to normal – ever</a> — (CNBC) Business travelers are younger and less affluent… client acquisition is still essential for business flights and other interesting facts.
• <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204172" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">How to Clean Your Apple Devices</a> — For the clean freaks, Apple gives some instructions to get the grime safely off your expensive devices.

As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. If you need 1:1 guidance for <Link href="/services">growth marketing | website development | business coaching</Link>, <Link href="/services">let me know</Link>.

This newsletter is community-supported. Would you consider donating to help me empower others w/ important messages of life-changing productivity, business strategy, and self-development? <Link href="/newsletter/donate-now" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Choose an amount to donate</Link>.

Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

<Link href="/newsletter#all">View Previous Letters</Link>

It seemed to work. It didn’t other nights.

The secret?

Work out, go to bed early, and don’t play with the phone.

Phones belong on nightstands at night.

I think what Schwarzenegger means when he says "SLEEP FASTER" is that we waste a lot of time preparing for bed, looking at the phones, and not being physically tired enough for sleep. Maybe our room isn't dark enough. Maybe it's too loud in the room. When it's time for sleep it's TIME FOR SLEEP.

I personally solved the darkness problem by getting an incredible <a href="https://amzn.to/3TGsEYR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sleep mask - the Manta</a>. I solved the noise problem with <a href="https://amzn.to/3MUuPEn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reusable silicone ear plugs</a>.

Pray I have the discipline to carry out my sleep routine in the future.

<Link href="/blog/what-is-a-solopreneur">Being a solopreneur requires discipline</Link> AND <Link href="/blog/the-courage">courage</Link>. I work on it everyday, including sleeping well.

Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mentor

Arnold Schwarzenegger has a lot of deep advice. He's lived a long, unique, life. He's literally the embodiment of the American Dream.

Some things I admire about Arnold:

• His work ethic
• His German / Austrian references intrigue me - he looks at life through a different lens than native-born Americans ["wenn schon, denn schon" - do it fully or don't do it]
• He came to California from Austria and stayed in California
• He speaks his mind
• He's somewhat religious
• He's community-minded
• He STILL WORKS (or "WERKS" 😀)!

I read his book, <a href="https://amzn.to/4gNH6btBe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life</a>. A Great read.

Arnold Schwarzenegger - Be Useful - Book Notes

These are the notes I gathered from reading the book:

1. Set Small Daily Goals: Start with small, manageable goals that you can achieve daily. This builds momentum and gradually expands your vision.

2. Create Space for Inspiration: Dedicate time each day for activities that allow your mind to wander and find inspiration, like walking, exercising, or relaxing in a quiet space.

3. Stay Positive: Focus on being ruthlessly positive, even when surrounded by negativity. This mindset helps combat feelings of helplessness and apathy.

4. Communicate Your Vision: Clearly communicate your goals and the journey to those around you. This helps garner support and makes the journey more meaningful.

5. Be Adaptable: Be prepared to shift gears and find new ways to overcome obstacles. Flexibility is key to navigating challenges.

6. Acknowledge Help: Recognize and appreciate the support you receive along the way. Giving back is an essential part of the journey.

7. Use Physical Activity for Clarity: Engage in physical activities like gym workouts, skiing, or bicycling to clear your mind and generate new ideas.

8. Limit Distractions: Put away devices and create time for uninterrupted thinking and creativity. This helps in the discovery process.

9. Learn from Surroundings: Keep an open mind and learn from your environment. This helps in finding new solutions and staying inspired.

10. Be Useful: Strive to be useful to others. This not only helps them but also brings fulfillment and purpose to your own life.

<a href="https://amzn.to/4gNH6btBe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check Be Useful book price on Amazon</a>

The theme of the book is a phrase he father mentioned to him... "Be useful, Arnold!" I feel like we are on this earth to be useful to others. This is something <Link href="/blog/success-not-to-be-pursued">personal development coach Jim Rohn</Link> spoke of often when he was alive.

Let's take Arnold's advice and Be Useful... and get a quality sleep.

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This year, 2009, the S&P 500 saw its lowest mark in years — the mark of the beast — 666. The HR director told me with his face on the floor, “My retirement account is down 70%.”

The financial meltdown ravaged the country’s economy — advertising agencies, once glorious employers, mostly became insolvent. I was an in-demand Web professional working for one of the largest ad agencies in Houston. A new business pitch for a large 8-figure account came through the door.

I was called in to a meeting.

“We are asking everyone to help with ideas for this pitch.” Why were people not a part of the creative process called in to get creative? What about the current projects I was working on? Was the company going under?

This was a war-time effort. But why?

The reason, the real reason — BIG ideas are key. BIG ideas arrest people. BIG ideas stir emotion. BIG ideas cause divorces and marriages. And BIG ideas MAKE MONEY.

BIG ideas are lifelines when the financial weather gets rough.

As individual creators we need BIG ideas too. We need fully-developed ideas for the business of US.

Content generation can be a never-ending time and mental suck – but it doesn’t have to be when really what’s lacking is a BIG idea. For content distribution, I see these BIG ideas as seasons or limited-time themes.

BIG idea lifecycle:

One BIG idea – BIG idea long form, top-to-bottom explanation – execution – many distilled pieces of the BIG idea – repetition – Replaced by a new BIG idea

Repetition of the BIG idea will resonate more with an audience. In a world dominated by speedy thumbscrollers, we need focus — a theme, a season, combined with repetition and different formats, to cement our BIG idea into the minds of our very special followers. They will judge our efforts.

Fewer Ideas. More Idea Depth & Idea Testing.

With fewer ideas / directions, your business and personal goals become more achievable. Suddenly your confusing analytics reports look like the answer to your business problems are staring you in the face instead of 10 levels deep — if there’s an answer at all.

“Focus is a matter of deciding what things you’re not going to do.” – John Carmack

Fewer ideas are easier to manage and gauge success. Plus, when you put a lot of thought into one idea, you know you’ve put in the effort to make sure it was fully communicated. You’ll know if you need to pivot in the future.

Pivoting is Key to Success.

Often, it’s knowing something DOESN’T work that propels you to make the correct decisions in the future. Technology can change. That would require a pivot. The political landscape could change, requiring a pivot. Sometimes just growing older, or entering into a different life stage can require a pivot. With digital platforms, you’ll know right away. And this learning will make you nimble and WISE. You’ll also gain the attention of peers and competitors because your success will appear evident.

Your direction for future content is based on the success or failure of your last BIG idea.

Instead of writing several ideas a week, focus on just one BIG idea in a week. Or 2. Depending on how BIG the idea is. One deep core content is what you need – newsletter, video, or podcast. Once the core content is crafted, you release bits across social media and other mediums hyping the deep core content you created. You’ll need to parse it down into shorter form variants. Chat GPT might be able to help you with this – feed it your content and ask it to write a summary or bullet points.

You are your Deep Content

Deep content is what you (or your business) is known for. It’s the steak. For me personally, I know I’ve gone in too many directions at times. It’s harder to track if the path you are on is the correct path if it’s polluted with multiple, weaker ideas… and especially without repetition. So many social media networks do give us the option to express the full range of our personalities and interests. You can post 80% core messages and 20% random interests. I notice I do follow influencers for their full range of interests in addition to their core competency. But 80% core 20% random will keep you on the right path and make measurement and content generation easier.

Finding BIG Ideas

“Big ideas come from the unconscious. This is true in art, in science, and in advertising. But your unconscious has to be well informed, or your idea will be irrelevant.” – David Ogilvy

Feed your mind to get the BIG idea. Take notes from inspiring books. Read compilations of great thinkers. Surround yourself with relevant books, articles, and podcasts.

Creating BIG ideas can be as easy as turning on a switch. When the switch activates, however, you’ll need to discover for yourself.

BIG ideas are easier to create when you know how and when to create them. Everyone is different. Find the hour of the day you are most creative. Play music that motivates and inspires you. Create an environment so conducive to ideation that you would need to be brain dead not to come up with BIG ideas.

Tracking BIG Idea Success

How can you track, empirically, if your deep idea resonates with people? Bounce rates / engagement rates (like in Google Analytics 4) for your Web content. Email unsubscribes for the email version of the newsletter. The number of Tweet impressions / likes versus your normal amount. And, of course, comments & questions from your audience.

It will be obvious if the idea works or not — just be sure you repeat it enough to know the audience saw it. Sometimes people are busy and you need to read them over and over on different platforms. Also in different medium forms… think the “Don’t do drugs” commercial… text is one way to persuade, but seeing eggs frying in a skillet representing your brain can ingrain the message for some people.

Twitter is an Idea Playground

Twitter is perfect for networking, business pitching, and creating your long-form, deep content, highlights. You can just create a hook, and add a list of nuggets to offer value. BIG ideas can thrive there. Make sure to repeat and tweet.

Re-create your Deep Content Natively for Other Platforms

You can even re-create your deep content into native-form content for social media platforms – threads for tweets (with the option to place a link at the end!), carousels for LinkedIn (LinkedIn Articles should work, but they don’t for some reason… maybe people don’t have patience), and for Instagram you could also do more detailed carousels or longer videos.

The great thing about content is that there is always another fight in the ring. You can always rephrase some of your social content if the first iterations of your highlights don’t work.

1 BIG idea. Many expressions.

This idea is done. I’ve got another BIG idea for my next letter…

Tactical Quick Tips

• Twitter is making a huge comeback. So many great discussions and fascinating people to follow in your industry. <a href="https://tweetdeck.twitter.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TweetDeck</a> is new and improved and has helped me immensely in participating in conversations and interacting with influencers. <a href="https://x.com/kenmorico" target="_blank">Follow @KenMorico on Twitter</a>.

Ken’s Reading List – Only Worthwhile Reads

• <a href="https://www.theintrinsicperspective.com/p/writing-for-outlets-isnt-worth-it" target="_blank">Writing for outlets isn’t worth it anymore</a> – A professional writer’s experience leaving behind legacy media publishing and creating a new life with Substack & independent newsletters.
• <a href="https://levelup.gitconnected.com/build-your-own-driving-mode-in-ios-209f7f5a9d88" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Build Your Own “Driving” Mode in iOS</a> – For people like me that use their iPhone in the car a lot, you can create a “driving” mode to make it easier to use in the car.

The Morico Letter – 3/4/2023

As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. If you need 1:1 guidance for <Link href="/services">growth marketing | website development | business coaching</Link>, <Link href="/services">let me know</Link>.

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Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

<Link href="/newsletter#all">View Previous Letters</Link>

The greatest immediate change I see is the ability for AI to give us turbo speed. AI will give us extra team members. We can have researchers, creative copywriters, and artists on staff 24/7/365. We can be better consultants, better manufacturers, better Real Estate agents, better everything.

A lot of the technology right now is free to preview, but the elephant in the room is how much it will cost. Maybe a high cost will be good… for people…

For me, I’ll experiment with AI \ <a href="https://chat.openai.com/chat" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chat GPT</a> and <a href="https://openai.com/dall-e-2/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dall-E 2</a> and use it to help <Link href="/services">my clients</Link> and produce MORE. Follow along on my socials and let’s experiment together. Strength in numbers!

Tactical Quick Tips

• You can use Facebook like LinkedIn for professional networking. Create a Facebook Page with your name and follow other pages of people in your industry. You’ll have a new dedicated feed and won’t intermingle your personal and business Facebook Content.
• Fear can ruin your drive and hinder your ability to accomplish tasks. “I Don’t negotiate with myself” Tony Robbins says. <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fear-will-destroy-you-or-drive-you-tony-world-champion/id1098413063?i=1000446768431" target="_blank">Listen to this podcast episode</a> where Tony explains the secrets to focus and power through difficult situations. The best Tony Robbins episode I’ve listened to.

Ken’s Reading List – Only Worthwhile Reads

• <a href="https://medium.com/trapica/ios-14-impact-on-google-ads-4bbe1026fd19" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">iOS 14 Impact on Google Ads (Plain-English Guide for Advertisers)</a>
• <a href="https://libereat.com/2021/05/milk-alternatives-cereal-tea-coffee/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Best milk alternatives for cereal, tea, coffee…(I’ve been experimenting with milk alternatives)</a>
• <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201236" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mac keyboard shortcuts (Direct from Apple)</a>

The Morico Letter – 1/12/2023

As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. If you need 1:1 guidance for <Link href="/services">growth marketing | website development | business coaching</Link>, <Link href="/services">let me know</Link>.

This newsletter is community-supported. Would you consider donating to help me empower others w/ important messages of life-changing productivity, business strategy, and self-development? <Link href="/newsletter/donate-now" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Choose an amount to donate</Link>.

Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

<Link href="/newsletter#all">View Previous Letters</Link>

Hear my commentary on X / Twitter: <a href="https://x.com/kenmorico/status/1611004701805318150?s=12&t=ETmSvCFI5ELmRG603TBuPg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View directly on Twitter / X</a>

Use your mind & courage as MACHETES to clear a path to achieving new and uncomfortable personal and professional goals.

Start and the unseen path will become visible.

-Ken Morico

<Image src="/clear-path.jpg" width="450" height="450" alt="Start and the unseen path will become visible." priority />

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<Image src="/remote-work-coffeeshop.jpeg" width="800" height="450" alt="remote working at Indonesian Coffeeshop" priority />

No one wants extra baggage, responsibilities, tasks, or time wasters when traveling. Every time I travel I try to bring or use less stuff. We live in a WiFi world now. You can leverage your existing phone plan to make calls.

Plus, I'm less tempted to do stupid things with my phone like check it constantly.

How did I work remote without a SIM card / international phone plan?

• Used WiFi calling - I received calls, made calls, received texts and sent texts with my AT&T phone plan using the WiFi calling feature of my iPhone. It sends call data over WiFi so you don't need a cellular service.
• Tapped into family cellular service when needed using the hotspot feature of a family member who already has a phone plan. Truthfully, I actually didn't need to do this but it was an option.
• Used the offline maps feature of Google Maps to use Google Maps when not connected to the internet. Internationally, Apple Maps was terrible -- very few locations listed and the few that were listed had vitally no information about the location.
• Utilized coffee shops for working. Every coffeeshop has WiFi. Coworking spaces would be an option as well if I needed to work on hard-focus tasks.

The WiFi calling feature is pretty impressive. From Indonesia, I made a call to a U.S. number for ANA Airlines based in San Francisco, which appeared as coming from my U.S. phone number, which ANA Airlines then routed the call to Japan. Crazy.

The only weird things that show up when working internationally over WiFi is some sites are blocked and some Google searches will appear in a foreign language. Using a VPN would fix these issues, but I don't like the idea of complicating and slowing my Internet connection unless I actually have to.

In some ways, traveling without an Internet connection is a challenge. Could you find your way to your destination without using technology if you were lost? Create a moment of personal growth. Traveling is about growing... even if you are working when traveling.

Time Away From Thumbscrolling

When driving around town, it was nice to just observe surroundings and not constantly check my phone. Not having constant Internet connectivity can calm you down. Be in the moment.

The world is moving to short-form videos like TikToks, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Video is grabbing all attention. Why is short-form video so effective and popular now? It's because the format is fantastic... it's like watching TV and flipping channels with full-screen video formatted for the device we are using - the smartphone.

If we have a lot of content to show our users but are limited to 1 or 2 minute videos, what can we do? Make more videos. Distill information to its essential core.

How do we approach SEO in this video-first world? Link out. If videos are catchy, create links to longer textual content in video descriptions and bio links. I've had success with this in my YouTube video description areas.

Pivot. Take action. See the needle move.

Tactical Quick Tips

• When creating a call-to-action in an Instagram post, link to your bio in the description by writing your username - "...check out more details in my bio -> @KenMorico" The username will be hyperlinked to your profile and users can click the bio link
• Store articles you want to share with others using Instapaper. Create a "social share" folder to separate them from personal articles. Being a curator is awesome too.

Ken's Reading List - Only Worthwhile Reads

• <a href="https://www.creativebloq.com/graphic-design/mood-boards-812470" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"
  Create mood boards that inspire: 20 pro tips (useful for Instagram) </a>
• <a href="https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/" target="_blank"> 1,000 True Fans (making a living with fans isn't as hard as it seems) </a>
• <a href="https://draxe.com/nutrition/anti-inflammatory-foods/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"
  15 Foods that Fight Inflammation (inflammation is at the root of many diseases) </a>

The Morico Letter – 8/30/2022

As always, thank you for being a subscriber. Comments? Just reply to this email. If you need 1:1 guidance for <Link href="/services">growth marketing | website development | business coaching</Link>, <Link href="/services">let me know</Link>.

This newsletter is community-supported. Would you consider donating to help me empower others w/ important messages of life-changing productivity, business strategy, and self-development? <Link href="/newsletter/donate-now" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Choose an amount to donate</Link>.

Stay strong and I wish you luck in your journey.

Regards,

Ken Morico

<Link href="/newsletter#all">View Previous Letters</Link>

Planning My Week Using Calendar

• Plan each week on Sundays. It takes me 30 minutes. AND I put that time on my calendar. (I use <a href="https://support.apple.com/guide/calendar/welcome/mac" target="_blank">Apple Calendar</a> app on Mac and iOS).
• I picked 3 areas I want to focus on in my life. I added a morning session and an afternoon for each area for each day of the week [monday – friday]. Each day is usually focused on 1 area of life for both morning and afternoon sessions (though I sometimes switch).
• I added dedicated time events for working out. I know I need to work out / exercise, but not having it on the calendar really let it slip for me [usually first event for the day, per advice from <a href="https://jockopodcast.com/" target="_blank">Jocko Willink]</a>. Also, extra events for biking and other irregular exercise activities.
• I added dedicated time events for mediation and prayer twice a week [based on advice I found from sources in <a href="https://tim.blog/" target="_blank">Tim Ferriss</a>‘ books <a href="https://amzn.to/3IY3gWf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tools of Titans</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/36LmVeT" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tribe of Mentors</a>]
• I added dedicated time events for reading books.
• I planned time with friends in advance and added it to the calendar
• I added dedicated time events for healthy batch cooking and making smoothies.
• I added dedicated time events for family and fun events.

<Image src="/calendar-desk-setup-imac.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Calendar - Mac - Desk" />

Calendar App Tips:

• I use the weekly view in the Calendar app. (Use landscape mode on iPhone to see weekly view)
• I copy / paste events from the previous week when planning the new week. This is very easy using a Mac / desktop. On iOS you can just start typing the name of the event when creating a duplicate event and iOS will fill in all the details.

Discipline is Necessary

Brainstorming events / tasks doesn’t do you any good if you don’t have the willpower to complete them. For me, having my calendar full and alerts reminding me when new tasks and events start helps a lot.

Of course, just having something on your calendar doesn’t mean you have the willpower to complete your tasks. I found discipline techniques in several books.

Discipline resources:

• <a href="https://amzn.to/38byQCZ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Discipline Equal Freedom</a> By <a href="https://jockopodcast.com/" target="_blank">Jocko Willink</a>
• <a href="https://amzn.to/3qSuNlI" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The 10X Rule</a> By <a href="https://grantcardone.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Grant Cardone</a>

Discipline is critical to goal completion. It doesn’t just feel good to have the tasks completed — it gives you self confidence and helps you keep momentum which launches you into a mindset of action and bigger thinking.

Discipline Tech / Gadgets

The <a href="https://amzn.to/3tCQ0Eh" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Apple Watch</a> using the “Siri” watch face has helped me get an overview of my tasks / events at a glance and the watch is great at reminding you about your events with alert sounds and vibrations. The Apple Watch crown scroller makes moving through upcoming tasks very slick and fun.

According to Apple:

Siri
This face displays information that’s timely and helpful. It might be your next appointment, the traffic on your way home, or the time the sun sets, and you can tap to get more information. You can also turn the Digital Crown to scroll through your day.

<Image src="/siri-watch-face.png" width="450" height="450" alt="Siri Watch Face | Calendar Display" />

Conclusion

Willing yourself to victory is often all it takes to succeed. Let’s not forget to empower ourselves with modern technology and use all the tools at our disposal. Master tech. Don’t let tech master you.

How do you find discipline? <Link href="/contact">Let me know</Link>.

Want to produce, work, & live free like me?

Explore my Toolkit & achieve:
More Money.
More Fame.
More Efficiency.

<Link href="/resources/toolkit">EXPLORE TOOLKIT</Link>

Why Athleisure?

What’s different about athleisure versus previous types of lounge clothing? As far as I can tell, it’s the style and fit. Similar to the way jeans were just basic denim and morphed into skinny jeans, baggy jeans, work jeans, and commuter jeans. Athleisure is clothing with a purpose. It helps get work done. It’s fast… quick to put on, versatile… you can wear it out running errands or even for exercise. You could even sleep in it. Attached hoodies keep you warm for cold environments or offices. Premium fabrics breath better. I even have a Polo Ralph Lauren top that is reversible … in case I get bored of the colors. Deep pockets for holding my phone.

Athleisure clothing fits well… typical gym clothing is baggy and sometimes doesn’t breath well. Baggy clothing can be distracting when working, so form-fitting clothing helps keep you focused.

<Image src="/wfh-athleisure-solopreneur.jpeg" width="800" height="450" alt="solopreneur - athleisure" priority />

Athleisure Philosophy and the Entrepreneur Lifestyle

Wearing athleisure makes a statement – I care about comfort above all else. I care about work above all else. I care about efficiency above all else. I have the money and lifestyle to not care about what anyone else thinks. Initially, Mark Zuckerberg made the hoodie famous and a type of athleisure style.

<figure> <Image src="/zuck-athleisure-hoodie.jpg" width="225" height="400" alt="Zuckerberg - Hoodie" /> <figcaption> My remix of <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/7179884616" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Thomas Hawk's Mark Zuckerberg Portrait</a> </figcaption> </figure>

Covid and the pandemic accelerated the work from home trend and employers were more lenient when it came to work attire because suddenly a worker shortage became real and getting the work done was more important than appearances.

I think as economic times become more difficult in the future companies will be less lenient and demand workers come back to the office as they see revenue dropping and will think working from home is no longer optimal and will seemingly lead to bad habits. But entrepreneurs have a power move – they call the shots. This athleisure trend doesn’t need to end. Or maybe you will end it. It’s great to have a choice…

My Athleisure Clothes

• <a href="https://amzn.to/3AfOnM0" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Polo Ralph Lauren Hoodie Top</a> [cotton / polyester blend]
• <a href="https://amzn.to/3qNjqfm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Polo Ralph Lauren Jogger Bottom</a> [cotton / polyester blend]
• <a href="https://amzn.to/3tEhB6a" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bamboo / cotton blend undershirt</a>
• <a href="https://woolandprince.com/products/merino-underwear-boxer-brief-black-and-gray-end-on-end" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Wool & Prince Merino Wool Boxers </a>
• <a href="https://amzn.to/3Il9Vtr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bamboo Socks</a>
• <a href="https://amzn.to/3nK4pbZ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Breathable Mesh slippers</a>
• <a href="https://www.allbirds.com/products/mens-wool-runners" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Allbirds Merino Wool Runners [for going out] </a>

Podcast Episode

Listen to my thoughts on athleisure

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</iframe>

Are you using Athleisure? What products are you using?

To keep updated on Work From Home productivity and solopreneurship, subscribe free to <Link href="/newsletter">The Morico Letter</Link>.

The Benefits

Intermittent fasting offered all the benefits I was looking for: increased energy, weight loss, and time savings from eating fewer meals. I decided to try it and then combine the fasting with healthier, home-cooked meals.

No doubt, the diet worked. Over time, I lost 30 pounds. It’s not an easy diet, but no diet is. But for me, it’s easier to do because the payoffs of time-savings and energy are huge. As an entrepreneur and now a new dad, it’s more important than ever that I keep my energy up.

Raising Standards

Tony Robbins often talks about “raising your standards” to improve achievement. For me, when I realized my clothes weren’t fitting properly it gave me reason to change. In fact, if you visit trendy clothing stores, you’ll notice they won’t even sell clothes past a certain waist size. Trendy clothes aren’t for fat people. They are for fit people… or at least near-fit people.

The Steps

What were my steps to achieving the weight loss and getting through the rough initial process of starting a RADICAL diet?

I picked a version of intermittent fasting: for me it’s what they call the Warrior diet… eat a lot of food once a day. I’ve been doing 4pm.

I drink hot coffee only in the morning either with no sugar and cream or with coconut creamer [Nutpods or similar half & half substitute] and stevia / sugar substitute. The warm feeling from the hot liquid helps me with hunger in the early part of the day.

Exercise. It goes without saying you need some exercise. For me, dog walking is great simple exercise. I also use home gym equipment to save time on traveling to a gym. Dumbbells can do almost any exercise and they don’t take up much space in the home.

The Payoff

It’s hard to work if you don’t feel well. I’ve found that exercising is not enough for having energy. Diet and fasting work better. I know there are a lot of fat, productive people. But imagine if those fat, productive people weren’t fat… how much more could they accomplish?

Increased energy. Increased sense of self-worth. More productivity. Better health.

Find your discipline. Visualize the reasons for change and the desired outcomes. See your final, polished product.

Tap your inner warrior.

<Image src="/bird-scooter-instagram-entrepreneur.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Bird Scooter / Fitness / Intermittent Fasting" />

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Want to produce, work, & live free like me?

Explore my Toolkit & achieve:
More Money.
More Fame.
More Efficiency.

<Link href="/resources/toolkit">EXPLORE TOOLKIT</Link>

Remote work used to be a luxury. Now, it's more commonplace and accepted. I still think if the economy trends down it will no longer be offered as an option by many employers.

I'll also say having small children around changes the dynamic SIGNIFICANTLY. I'm paying to be in an office right now... a co-working space. The modern coworking space, or shared office, was pioneered by the famous WeWork company.

All in, remote work is fantastic. Just plan some social interactions. Having an animal around helps...

<Image src="/ken-digital-strategist-social.jpg" width="400" height="225" alt="Consultant - digital strategist, marketing, web development." />

Coworking spaces reduce overhead costs, improve productivity, and allow for providential encounters for business development.

I strive to lower costs for my clients. One way I do it is I don't pay for full office spaces or stringent leases. I pay for what I need and nothing more. I can pay daily fees or monthly. Coworking spaces are often flexible. The flexibility also enables me to be in virtually any city in the world and have a conference room to meet my clients.

How Much Do I Pay for a Coworking Space?

I generally pay $60 - $600/month for flexible coworking spaces.

What's it Like Being in a Coworking Space?

Coworking spaces are often creative spaces that are professionally designed. They can be inspiring places to work at while providing great perks like gourmet coffees and craft beers.

Coworking spaces often have different "nooks" where people can move and feel like they are in a separate space. Maybe one area is like a library. Or another area is like a coffeeshop. Or another area is like a diner booth. Changing spaces can help change your mindset.

How Do Coworking Spaces Benefit Digital Marketing Clients?

Coworking spaces around the world allow me to visit clients where they are... or where they want to be. Oftentimes consulting companies won't visit clients because it is too costly or their client doesn't bring in enough revenue. I believe all clients deserve in person meetings where possible and coworking spaces allow me to deliver enhanced client interactions.

Coworking spaces combined with a work from home / work from anywhere policy is sweet.

I encourage my clients to utilize coworking spaces for themselves and reap efficiency benefits.

<Image src="/direction-for-clients-social-post.png" width="800" height="600" alt="Direction for clients - Never unclear at ETHOS DIA LLC" priority />

1. Let Them Know Everything Will Be OK

For me, letting the client know everything will be ok is the biggest lesson. As a consultant or solution provider you must solve a problem the client can’t solve on their own. They may not know what it will take to complete a project because they do not have the same area of expertise as you, so they are at a disadvantage when communicating with you. They don’t truly understand the project status and level of effort to accomplish tasks. Ease their project pain.

Clients have many concerns that they won’t fully disclose to you, but they are significant. They might be thinking, “If this project you are working on fails, I might get fired / lose money / lose reputation.” Clients need confidence from you. It’s your responsibility to deliver for them. Trust is not a commodity.

2. Respect Their Budget

As a vendor you are trusted with funds. Some clients will fully trust you with their budget.

Taking a hit to your income to do the right thing for their business means A LOT to clients. There is nothing more genuine than NOT taking the money. Money tends to come to its rightful owner over time.

Your patience and reputation will circulate.

3. Communicate

As clients tend to be busy people, they may not have time to check in on you. Make it easy for them by providing status updates regularly or at key stopping points in the projects you are working on.

4. Use Video Chat When You Are Unable to Meet In-Person

Since part of the role of a client relations manager is human communication you want to use the best communication methods. There is no better communication than face-to-face, but a VERY close second is video chat. It is said people can tell when someone is lying by looking them in the eye. By using video chat you will gain more trust than by using more common, less personal tools like email and phone.

4. Produce a List of Tasks To Do & Completed

When you produce a detailed task list after meeting with a client it demonstrates 2 things to the client: 1. You listened to them. 2. They know exactly what you will do. There is a peace of mind when there is agreement on a successful delivery.

When you produce a list of completed items it shows you worked on items the client had a say in and that it is obvious to see progress had been made since the last meeting / check in.

5. Sprinkle Visions Of Wild Success And Plan In Secret

Communicating current projects and goals are fine, but teasing what COULD be possible in the future will keep clients engaged.

Big thinking that is integral to your approach will make it apparent to your clients that they have a friend in their corner.

6. Give Them Something To Boast About

When you incorporate big thinking into your planning and you execute some cutting-edge technology or technique for your client they will naturally be delighted to share the accomplishment with their c-suite or promote it through their PR / social media channels. After all, only a genius client could extract execution perfection out of their vendors…

If these tenets touched you in some way, I would appreciate it if you would <Link href="/services">reach out to work together</Link> or please refer someone to Ken Morico.

Talking One-on-One

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Nothing is more important to a computer user than a monitor. If it looks off, it will bug you. If you can't spread out your applications, it will frustrate you and slow you down. If it flickers or is blurry it will give you headaches. If it doesn't have a good contrast ratio you miss out on lots of detail in images.

Like many people, I've used HD monitors (1080P) and a 4K 27inch monitor for 1080P in retina mode. The problem with 1080P / HD monitors is that you can only fit 2 applications side by side and they don't give you much vertical space to read Web pages or work on long documents / code / social media feeds.

A 4K 27 inch monitor can give you a crisp image with 163 pixels/inch vs around 100 pixels/inch with HD monitors, but if you are using a Mac the retina mode limits the resolution to 1080P effective, so you have basically the same workable area as a smaller monitor with less resolution. Of course, you can "scale" the resolution to make it look like a larger space, but the quality suffers greatly. For me, I just couldn't use my monitor in that mode. 27 inches is also too small to use 4K resolution in full native mode, so text and windows look extremely tiny. You could add another monitor to make a dual-monitor setup, but your setup becomes more complicated with more wires, more electricity used, and inconsistent experience with Windows or Mac because the operating systems don't always detect multiple monitors properly. All your applications may be in totally different locations when you wake your computer from sleep mode (happened to me all the time). Also, with a dual monitor setup you won't gain the vertical space that is so useful.

So what's the best solution for someone that wants lots of space but doesn't want multiple monitors & operating system quirks?

The Solution for Tiny Workspace Frustrations

Recently my frustrations with a tiny workspace finally pushed me to action - ditch my 4K 27inch monitor with 1080P-size workspace and buy a <a href="https://amzn.to/3Qwhqog" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">32-inch Samsung 4K monitor</a>.

The Case for a 32-inch 4K VA Panel Monitor

The best blend of performance for work-from-home computer users is without a doubt the 32-inch 4K monitor.

Why a 4K 32-inch Monitor?

• Doesn't take up a lot of desk space relative to a dual monitor setup
• More power efficient than a dual monitor setup
• Large enough to display 4K resolution in native / default mode
• No resolution scaling speeds up computer processing and graphics performance
• 139 pixels/inch qualifies as a "Retina" screen... i.e. can't distinguish individual pixels at a normal viewing distance
• Unscaled resolution works great with all computer software / no image issues due to non retina-ready software
• A cleaner desk!

Why a VA-Panel Monitor?

In addition to a larger monitor, going for VA tech offers a few benefits -- more colors, better contrast ratio, deeper blacks and a more even image. For me, it's just less distracting to look at.

What Can I Do With All the Extra Space?

I like to have "command centers" for each set of tasks I want to accomplish. These command centers have 4-8 screens worth of data displayed on one large 4K monitor. Each command center is created on a virtual desktop on MacOS using Spaces, Apple's desktop management feature.

Some of the command centers I group my windows into include:

• A Networking area for reaching out to people on social media
• A trading area for placing stock trades
• A project management area
• A research / Web browsing area

I usually have one desktop reserved for a single work task... like writing or editing a spreadsheet. This is like a miscellaneous area.

I quickly switch between command centers with a flick of the <a href="https://amzn.to/3Q1T700" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Apple Magic Trackpad</a> or thumb buttons on the <a href="https://amzn.to/407R7YS" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Logitech MX Master 3S productivity mouse</a>.

The productivity boost comes from not having to switch desktops, look at other monitors, or be confined to only two windows at a time. It's really hard to quickly read a document when you can only see a few paragraphs at a time. Or analyze 15 data points in real time when the stock market is open. Or track 4 streams of social media while searching hashtags, composing messages, and controlling my music playlist to keep my spirits up.

Some people might argue that too much information displayed on a screen will distract you too much from your core tasks, but I disagree. If you need to analyze a lot of information in real-time I think a large 4K screen is a necessity.

By the way, for people on the road with a laptop, if you want to expand your work area, you can buy a <a href="https://amzn.to/3Quq7zu" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">recent iPad</a> to connect to a MacBook Pro and turn it into an additional monitor. It's easy to carry in a backpack. For windows users, there are portable USB-C monitors that do the trick as well.

Focus With a Larger Screen and Typical Resolution

Although running full 4K resolution fits a lot of information on the screen, it's not easy on the eyes. If you just want to focus on 1 or 2 tasks, running the monitor in retina mode / 1080P is ideal. I like retina mode AKA 200% mode in Windows 10 for writing or displaying 2 screens side-by-side.

The beauty of a large 4K monitor is that it gives you options to quickly switch to the way you want to work for that particular moment.

Changing your mind IS a good thing...

What are you using for your work setup?

Tips on optimizing your 4K screen so you don’t squint

<Image src="/4k-monitor-desk-lg-tech.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="4K Monitor Optimization" priority />

I'm always looking to increase productivity, and one of the easiest and cheapest ways to do that is with a large monitor. Nowadays, 32-inch 4K monitors are relatively cheap. What does a large 4K monitor give you? It gives you the screen real estate of 4 monitors in one. That's a massive amount of space and quite frankly sometimes it's too much. So how do we optimize for the best viewing and productivity experience?

4K is NOT Retina Quality

4K at native resolution is a monitor style of the past. Today, most modern monitors are a "retina" style with pixel quadrupling to make fonts and graphics smooth. But at 32 inches, 4K monitors are meant to run at normal resolution modes -- that is to say old style 1 pixel equals 1 pixel on display. The benefit is that you get the full 4K real estate - 4 screens right in front you on 1 monitor. But the drawback is that it can be hard to see the screen because fonts and menu items are small. I have some tips to make it the best experience you can get with simplifying your setup with just 1 large monitor. Read on.

Use the Right Cable

Real computer monitors use DisplayPort connections and cables. DisplayPort can run over Thunderbolt 3 / USB 4. HDMI is universal, but we're not playing games with game consoles. We need sharpness and that means real cables that give us all the colors our monitors can display. Macs in particular have a tough time getting a clear picture over HDMI. With some tweaking using the tips I mention in this post I have gotten HDMI output to be acceptable on my 2014 Mac mini.

ClearType and Mac Font Smoothing

For Macs, enable the font smoothing. This is equivalent to ClearType on Microsoft Windows computers. This gives extra resolution to fonts because each pixel [or dot on the computer screen] is made up of 3 sub pixels and the operating system can control it to give fonts extra sharpness... if enabled. Macs no longer have it enabled, but you can enable in the Terminal [try medium level 2 first]:

Disable font smoothing:

defaults -currentHost write -g AppleFontSmoothing -int 0

Light font smoothing:

defaults -currentHost write -g AppleFontSmoothing -int 1

Medium font smoothing (default):

defaults -currentHost write -g AppleFontSmoothing -int 2

Heavy font smoothing:

defaults -currentHost write -g AppleFontSmoothing -int 3

Reset to default font smoothing level (medium):

defaults -currentHost delete -g AppleFontSmoothing

You will need to log off or restart your Mac for any changes to take effect.

If you don't want to mess with the Mac Terminal [though I do recommend doing it this way], there is an app called <a href="https://www.fontsmoothingadjuster.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Font Smoothing Adjuster you can download</a>.

Depending on the monitor, it can help or not. It's good to experiment with different smoothing to see if improves text legibility.

Picture Adjustments

Because your monitor in your room can have a lot of different looks depending on where it is placed, the lighting conditions, and distance from you matter.

A few things you can tweak:

• Try adding <a href="https://amzn.to/3QrRqui" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">lights directed at the monitor</a>
• Get closer or further away from the monitor [most likely further away since as you get closer to the monitor it tends to get too bright and the colors get washed out]
• Adjust the color calibration of the monitor - use the built-in system settings to do this or <a href="https://amzn.to/34RgLZr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">use a hardware calibrator</a>
• Adjust the monitor angle / tilt / height
• Adjust basic settings like brightness and contrast and more advanced settings like Gamma / color mode
• Try dark mode
• Use the accessibility settings to increase contrast, menu sizes, and other adjustments. You'll be surprised how much the system settings can change the look of text and user interface elements
• Use the right color profile. On most operating systems the common profile would be sRGB, Rec 709, or generic RGB. Higher quality monitors would use something like DCI P3 color profile.

<Image src="/mac-accessibility-screen.png" width="800" height="450" alt="Mac Accessibility Screen" />

<Image src="/mac-accessibility-display-option.png" width="800" height="450" alt="Mac Accessibility Screen Options" />

<Image src="/mac-accesasibility-display-options.png" width="800" height="450" alt="Mac Accessibility Screen Display Options" />

<Image src="/mac-display-color-profile-calibration.png" width="800" height="450" alt="Mac Display Calibration Chooser" />

Turn off Monitor "filters"

A lot of monitor manufacturers alter the picture coming from the computer. We want the purest picture coming from the computer and you need to find out how to do that. Sometimes, little tweaks work. Some monitors come pre-calibrated from the factory and don't need much tinkering. Tinker with picture modes [on my Samsung monitor, "Game Mode" disables picture effects to get the monitor to display the picture the fastest] to see if they make a difference.

Use Special-purpose Eye Drops

I've been using computer vision eye drops from Similasan [currently out of stock 10/23]. They help my eyes focus on the screen on keep my eyes from drying out.

Try Special Computer Use Eye Glasses

For 4K viewing, your eyes need to be perfect. For many people, that means glasses. I wear contacts, but computer glasses help give me perfect vision. Computer glasses are like reading glasses, but with a weaker strength for more distance. See your optometrist to get the exact strength, but a ballpark strength is half of your reading strength. You can go to a pharmacy store like CVS or Walgreens to check your strength from the kiosk and then order the eye glasses online. <a href="https://amzn.to/3nttyI2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Computer glasses</a> aren't sold in regular stores... you need to buy them online.

I use <a href="https://amzn.to/3nttyI2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Readerest computer glasses</a> right now.

Get Your Eyes Examined

Lastly, as we age we need to realize that over time our eyes get worse over time. It happens very slowly though, so we need to be accepting to the fact that we might need help. We might need reading glasses, computer glasses, or adjustments to contact lenses. You can see your eye doctor for an updated prescription.

I’ve discovered the freedom of movement is incredible. However, I’ve been more mobile in the past working remotely in places as far away as Indonesia. For family reasons I can’t be living a truly nomadic lifestyle living in other countries at the moment, so I’ve found innovative ways to feel like I’m moving around while working — locally.

<Image src="/about-digital-consultant.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="digital nomad - solopreneur" priority />

What’s great about being nomadic locally is that it is something anyone who lives in a city can do. Being in a city is key. You can’t easily hop from place-to-place in a rural or suburban setting. And if you could, you would need a car to get around and need to worry about parking and the stress of driving.

The Main Ingredients for Going Nomadic, Locally

So what’s my recipe for going nomadic… locally and cheaply?

1. Find a large city library with a quiet reading room
2. Find co-working spaces that offer day passes with no expirations.
3. Find a public transportation app and use the Google Maps app to schedule your trips to and from your working spaces.
4. Plan things to do when you are out and do things that are on your route to the working space or on your way home.
5. Get some good mobile gear and backpack for working remotely
6. Spend a lot of money on your home office – you’ll be working here most of the time and you want to be productive.

How Do I Prepare to Work Nomadically, Locally?

You must be ready for change, and feel confident that you can make a major change in your life. Your success must be visualized before you achieve it. And realize if you fail, at least the attempt was a success in your life.

Working nomadically in a local setting is the same as working in other countries, with the exception that it is easier because you have options to work for companies in your local area that will pay you a standard salary, if you want that. Many large corporations are letting their workers work remotely 1 or more days a week. If you have any leverage, you should be able to ask for this. While I once worked for a corporation that allowed work from home days when I first joined the company, they were eventually taken away with changes in management. Keep that in mind and focus on working for yourself so you have many options.

I’ll tell you that when it is springtime and sunny outside the last place you want to be is an office. Give yourself options to enjoy life. Carpe diem, before there are no more diem.

What Skills Do I Need to Live Nomadic, Locally?

Nearly any office job can be performed remotely. Some popular ones are drop shipping, development, digital marketing, and trading. Whatever your profession, see if the company you currently work for hires remote consultants to aide in-house workers. Chances are, they do have additional consultants and might already have a plan to replace you with cheaper workers.

How Can Local Nomading Enable Self-employment?

Well, I can’t say local nomading can enable self-employment, but if you enjoy traveling and being in new spaces, you WILL find a way to make it happen and thus you will make yourself self-employed.

Is Local Nomading Exciting?

Hell yeah. Living life in a routine isn’t really living at all.

How is Local Nomading Easier / Different Than Ordinary Digital Nomading?

• Don’t have to leave family and friends
• Won’t get sick traveling
• No new languages to learn
• No new leases or mortgages
• Less life disruption
• Since many nomads eventually settle in a place, the skills you learn being a local nomad will stay with you your entire life and go with you wherever you settle in the world

Work on Your Productivity / Do the work of 10 Humans

You might be wondering if you are going to work for yourself and live a free lifestyle working anywhere locally what skills will I need? No skills really, you need to get busy – there is much to do to kick off a self-employed lifestyle. I’ve read that in an 8-hour workday workers will only actually get 2 hours of work done.

According to Ray Dalio, hedge fund manager of Bridgewater, the best way to improve your financial situation without any trickery is to increase your productivity. Luckily I feel we have so many products and services to assist with productivity. For example, I used to go to Chipotle for lunch and wait in line and slowly go through the long process of telling the staff what I wanted on my tacos. Now I order online using the Chipotle app, pay for my order with Apple Pay built into the app, and when I arrive my order is on a shelf waiting for pickup. Plus I get points so I’ll get free meals over time.

Batching is another technique that Tim Ferris, author of the Four Hour Workweek, and pioneer of digital nomading, mentions to increase your productivity. Basically, you do tasks in a focused session to limit your distractions doing other tasks. For example, I like to batch cook on Sunday and then I have meals for the rest of the week. Since cooking takes a long time if you were to do it each day or even just a few days a week it saves hours per week.

Are You Up for a Challenge?

One of the benefits of working nomadically is the challenge — the challenge to create multiple streams of income, the challenge to direct your life in a way that will enable total freedom.

In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever felt so American as I do now and maybe even something bigger than just being American… a global citizen. Keeping a global mindset or even an expanded view of where you are right now will improve your mood and freedom.

To get started, have a plan to enable your flexibility and income. Stick to it. Be flexible. Stay disciplined, have goals, and get out and nomad.

Want the full story on nomading and solopreneurship? Get my <Link href="/books/real-world-digital-nomading-book">free digital nomad ebook</Link> and <Link href="/resources/solopreneur-checklist">download the solopreneur checklist</Link>.

<Image src="/iphone-grayscale-workflow-productivity.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="iPhone Grayscale Productivity" priority />

Color has long been known to be a stimulant. In fact, the color yellow in particular has been shown to entice children (Legos, for example). I think we live in a world where we want fewer distractions and more focus — for several good reasons.

1. Our time on this earth is limited, we need to make the most of it.
2. We can be more productive if we are forced to focus. Recently, I have totally blacked out the second monitor on my desktop computer so I am forced to focus on one task, but realize that the other monitor is there if I need it. So many apps now have “focus” mode or “Zen” mode or “fullscreen” mode. Take advantage of it. If you’re not too distracted you might thank me… #GrayPhone

Activate Grayscale Mode on iOS

To activate grayscale mode on iOS, go to SETTINGS > ACCESSIBILITY > DISPLAY & TEXT SIZE > COLOR FILTERS > Enable.

Simplify...

Resources

<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/12/technology/grayscale-phone.html" target="_blank">New York Times Articles on Grayscale</a>

Within Bill Rock Productions lies a part of broadcasting history. The racks of video and audiotapes consume walls. Pictures of Dick Clark, Don Imus, senators, and other famous personalities hang on the walls. In back, vintage audio equipment juxtaposes to digital audio equipment and a digital video editing station. This studio bridges the gap between the radio of the past and our ubiquitous digital future.

<figure> <Image src="/bill-rock.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Bill Rock - audio pro" priority /> <figcaption>Bill Rock of Bill Rock Productions</figcaption> </figure>

The heart and soul of this equipment is its operator, Bill Rock, an announcer and video producer 35 years in the business. Rock lives in Stratford, Conn. and runs his business from his home. You can hear Rock’s voice during interludes of NBC’s Nightly News weekends and Meet the Press, MS-NBC, CNBC, NBC Radio Shack Network, Sirius Satellite Radio, News 12 New Jersey. Rock recently narrated Discovery’s Summer of the Shark.

As a “voice” Rock works in the background of broadcasts aired every day.

Rock said that his business is a “young person’s business,” and many who enter leave by their 30s and 40s. Some go into management, and even fewer survive in the talent arena.

Rock has a truly distinctive voice. It’s deep, authoritative, and recognizable. He projects his voice to “print” (i.e. he can superimpose his voice like type over a photo) on the background sounds during promos. Many recognize his voice from radio and TV.

An audience hears Rock’s voice, but they have no idea what he looks like. When speaking with him, one gets a sense that they know him from somewhere, but because he’s never an NBC visual presence, he goes unnoticed walking around town. If he were on TV, you’d see a 6’2 dark-haired man, with round facial features, glasses, and groomed facial hair.

Starting out, he first got into the talent side of radio, and then stayed in management for a larger portion. He spent a lot of time as a program director, where his communications degree from Seton Hall University came into play. He learned a lot about business, which later gave him the background to start Bill Rock Productions.

Rock says he has an average voice, but by imitating and practicing, it has kept him in the business for 35 years. During the course of his career, Rock adopts a variety of styles to fit the format he works in. He drew part of his styles from some of his influences like Don Pardo of Saturday Night Live and Don Imus. Two of his greatest network announcing influences include Les Marshak of NBC and the late Ernie Anderson of ABC. Today, Rock borrows elements from Don LaFontaine, who announces most movie trailers and three major networks. By blending the affections of other announcers and his own, he has created a unique style that in all likelihood will also be imitated.

There is a market for a voice.

Rock is the only announcer in New York he knows of without an agent, and he prefers it that way. “I do my own negotiating and selling. Some salesmen are so good because they believe in what they are selling. I can sell myself because I believe in it [my work]. I can’t sell anything but myself.”

Rock is one of eight announcers NBC counts on, but he knows this can be a very good thing. “I’m a cog in a wheel, but in a way it’s nice because [NBC] is the largest wheel.”

Rock started his interest in radio when he was 17 at a 500-watt station (WERA – 1590 on the dial) doing Sunday morning news in Plainfield, New Jersey making $1 an hour. In college, he diversified with reading news and then becoming a station manager. “It was personal drive; wanting to expand. Not knowing it would come into play later. It made me valuable. I was a musician. I know how music works. All these interrelated hobbies turned into businesses.”

Rock worked his way up from reading the news to management. Rock was an operations manager at WELI in New Haven, but he felt unsatisfied. “I wasn’t making anything.” Rock admitted that the real reason for joining WELI was his hobby — boating. “They had a boat and I wanted to use it. That was reason enough.”

Rock’s changing roles kept him competitive. Rock moved from small, to medium, to large markets like from Albany, to Boston, to New York. He also made plenty of contacts that helped him early and later in his career. “Contacts are everything in this business. I still even have some from 35 years ago.”

Rock has seen many career changes, each of which has increased his skill set and contributed to making Bill Rock Productions work. Today, Rock is all business, but this wasn’t always the case. “When I was back in college, I wanted to have fun; I wanted to enjoy what I was doing. Like anything anybody does, if they enjoy doing it, it is self rewarding.”

Rock loves owning his own business. He sets his own hours and it gives him time to enjoy his hobbies during business hours. “I would never want to work for someone again. There’s nothing like being my own boss and creating your own world,” he said.

Starting his own business has given him a laboratory to diversify. Rock says he’s never bored. He works as a cameraman, video producer, writer, editor, announcer, on-air bit comedian, narrator, and more. Rock needs to have several skills to operate his business. Just some of them include audio mixing, lighting, editing, and more. With all the jobs Rock does, and the numerous skills he possesses, Bill Rock Productions remains “a one man show.”

Rock has won several awards for his video presentations, including Telly awards, Communicator awards, and he has even been inducted into the Seton Hall University hall of fame.

What gives Rock his distinctive edge is his talent and creativity. “It’s what I do with the [computer] box that sells me,” he said.

Rock reflected on his days in radio with fond memories. “Being on the radio is you; you’re a personality. I had more fun in radio than anything I ever did in my life.” But for now, announcing for NBC, Rock admits, “My voice is a product. I just manufacture something.”

Rock loved the spontaneity of radio and the promotions he was often involved in. The program manager at the time suggested Rock change his on-air name to Sean Grabowski, a Polish name, to appeal to the working-class population in Pittsburgh.

“We had this prize where I would come to a person’s house and cook a whole dinner for them, but I couldn’t cook so we had the promotions lady in back bringing in the food pre-cooked from her car to the kitchen as if I was making it. I thought somebody would catch me, but it went the whole night,” he said. “And these people had invited their neighbors, and they were saying, ‘Sean is cooking for us’ and I’m explaining that this is an old recipe from my grandmother. And this guy had Cuban cigars and he said, ‘Sean, I’ve been saving these for a very special occasion.’”

Another job in Boston found him bugging Watergate. “We sent a Volkswagen Bug to a cheesy motel called the Watergate in New Jersey.”

Rock now DJs the 60s Vibration Channel noon to six, Monday through Friday on the Excelsior Radio Network.

Update: Bill Rock now hosts “Elvis Goes Hollywood” on Sirius Radio as well as running his production company and keeping up with his NBC gigs.

Want the full story on solopreneurship? Get my <Link href="/books/real-world-digital-nomading-book">free digital nomad ebook</Link> and <Link href="/resources/solopreneur-checklist">download the solopreneur checklist</Link>.

With so many entertainment options available now, people aren’t held captive to print newspapers as their news source. The same goes for television. How many people rush home to see the 6 o’clock news? How many people get home at 6 o’clock anymore? We can get news from so many channels now. I’m sure new channels are being invented as I write this. We’ve got Internet news sites from major newspapers, blogs, Television, streaming on demand video, radio, satellite radio, Internet radio, and of course as my old journalism professor used to say, "the dead tree edition." Not to mention trying to pry people away from the Nintendo Wii and Playstation 3. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/magazine/23roundtable-t.html?_r=2" target="_blank">This New York Times article discusses how the flow of traditional media has broken</a> and how companies need to adapt in this new environment.

Part of the growth of blogs is due to the improvements in rich text editors on the Web. Traditionally, only Web developers could program the style markup necessary to make a Web page interesting. Same goes for adding graphics. Forget about video. The new breed of rich text editors from sites like WordPress.org and Yahoo! make styling text and adding images easy. You don’t need any special software to get the posts to the Web. The editors work just like Microsoft Word and other Word processors. I’ve just finished integrating a rich text editor into my employer’s Intranet site to allow our editor to post and edit articles for the external company newsletter. They used to print full-color editions every quarter. By the time the newsletter got into the hands of the clients the articles were not timely anymore. Posting a newsletter or Blog online allows fast and cheap production of content. This is great because more resources can be allocated to producing fascinating and timely content.

Blogging can be more lucrative for writers. Many people think equate the term “writer” or phrase “freelance writer” with being broke. In the recent past you be right. Professional writers working for a newspaper make around $35k. Plus they live in fear wondering if their newspaper will still be around or merged with a media conglomerate. Ah, but bloggers can make money on advertisements, merchandise, and speaking engagements. Probably the most famous blogger is Perez Hilton. His blog landed him on MTV. My friend Adam Bernard who operates a blog called "<a href="https://adambernard.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Adam's World</a>" made him an expert in a niche – Hip Hop journalism. He’s a full-time blogger / writer and doing very well. Of course like anything, you must be good at writing. With so much clutter on the Web, I would say you have to be unique and witty to stand out.

Web searchers are usually searching for something via Google when they arrive at a blog. That’s why niche blogging is so significant. Newspapers, while usually having a local slant, are general. They have many sections – world news, business, weather, entertainment, etc. When Web surfers Google a search phrase, it’s narrow, not broad. Like “how to make pizza dough.” Try finding that information in your local paper. Try finding it in .02 seconds. Thought so. Google’s a bit faster than your newspaper search. Once you arrive at an appropriate blog, you’ll usually find other articles about the same topic. AHHH, now a blog becomes an information resource.

I found an article about blogging [www.masternewmedia.org 11/4/2007] that describes the general setup of a blog and how to start. While anyone can start a blog, not everyone has something to say or can say it well or with “sizzle.” Blogs can be for friends and family, however. They don’t all have to be for public viewing. In fact, blogging software allows posts you choose to be private.

Another thing that separates blogs from traditional media like newspapers is the ability to post comments. Blogs enable two-way conversations. Newspapers have letters to the editor sections. You’ll notice those section are very small, reference items several days old, and are very filtered to about two or three letters. Blogs can have unlimited comments and are rarely filtered. You get a more accurate read as to how people feel about a topic or article in a blog. The comments are usually posted immediately as well. Plus, commenter’s comments sometimes appear right under the blog post, making commenters /contributers mini-celebrities in their own way.

So with the birth of this new year comes this new blog. Now, isn’t that timely?

[UPDATE 5/7/2011: I can’t believe I’ve been blogging for over 2 years now. Amazing. It’s been a lot of fun. Best of all, it’s a great feeling to know you can pass along information that helps people develop themselves professionally. ]

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On January 2nd, 2009 Adam Bernard Wrote

Congrats! And thanks for the mention! Right next to Perez Hilton, even. I can honestly say my blog has opened up a lot of doors for me. Sure, some people will say “why work at something that doesn’t pay,” but in the long run what it does is create the potential for A LOT of paying gigs. Essentially it’s a living resume. In 2008 Adam’s World netted me a freelance gig with Jive Records and a column with the Fairfield County Weekly.

Show em what ya got and people WILL notice! Make it happen, man!