AmishSteve

Happy Easter!

2007-04-08T19:28:00.001-05:00

If it weren't for Resurrection Day, we'd have no hope. Christ would have given His life for naught. Christianity is the only religion that can claim the One we serve is alive! And since He arose, those who believe in Him have hope of everlasting life! Thank you, Jesus!

Since my last post...

2006-12-31T20:55:00.000-05:00

My Dad has passed away, and I'm still nursing this tender back. Lots of other events but I'm just too overwhelmed to recount them here now. Perhaps I'll have the time to get the website finished and working.

"It took Nixon to go to China."
-Vulcan Proverb

Google Docs & Spreadsheets

2006-10-26T12:45:00.000-05:00

Finding several useful sites for businesses of all sizes. Here is one that, if you are a Google user, is awesome!

note

2006-10-08T06:29:00.000-05:00

Haven't had a lot of time to blog, so here is a shorty:
I'm going to church today for the first time in a month.

Another Day

2006-09-25T17:04:00.000-05:00

Winter Haven to see Dr. Hostler for Lori, then to P.T. and Gary Gossman, PA for me. I'll have an MRI in a few days. Frustrating.

Bad week

2006-09-22T15:09:00.000-05:00

Sorry I've been preoccupied with my aches and pains. That's for old folks, right? Today I went to the office at CF to get a return to work evaluation from the "company" doctor. She said that it looked ok to her for me to return, but with several restrictions. Also, she really pushed for an MRI to be done. I made an appointment with Gary Gossman to check me out and prescribe an MRI. At Physical Therapy (PT), I'm scheduled to go in Monday afternoon , Thursday morning, and Friday morning. I go to see Gossman Monday afternoon at 4:30, and my Choirpractor on Thursday morning in Lakeland. Whew! But that's not as busy as this week has been. I have a Coaching Call tonight and I know John is not going ot be pleased. Oh, well.

Morning

2006-09-18T08:16:00.000-05:00

It's morning in Bowling Green, and I'm tired. Seems this pain is sucking the life right outta me. I've a few items to do to get started with my Dad's stuff today (his birthday, 83) as well as a physical therapy appointment this afternoon. In between, I have some eBay listings to get online, and some copy to get up on the website. Better get busy!

Busy with Dr's... But I CAN do SOMEthing!

2006-09-14T16:02:00.000-05:00

I've been busy with Dr. and P.T's lately. Half a day blown with each appointment. Then when I get home, I'm so worn out I just want to sleep. I can't sit for more than a few minutes, and I can't stand for long either, so I do lay aobut quite a bit. My feet are changing physiologically. They have'nt had shoes on them since August 27th. They are drying out severely. Woe is me. Now for what I can do. I can type a bit. I can write on pad o paper or 3X5 cards and get someone to input the data. Hmmm. Who can I get to do that?? Brilliant! I've just solved that problem!! Lori! Hannah! Come get these notes!!

agenda

2006-09-11T10:34:00.000-05:00

Went for a walk this morning. I'm tired out, but glad I went. Lori says she will help me call numbers that
I need to on her lunch hours for the next couple of days. I'm working now on the home page of the website.

Benefits

2006-09-10T10:07:00.000-05:00

Today I am still stove up, but am going to write copy for the homepage using the formula explained to me by John West suring our last coaching session. I have but three more sessions, so I must make the most of these. I'm making a list of benefits for the product we'll market; that will be the basis for the SEO on this site.

Update

2006-09-08T08:25:00.000-05:00

Got the call from John last night and now I feel motivated and ready to get going. I'll concentrate on the website this weekend, and perhaps I'll at last have a good deal to show. Going to the Dr. today again. Supposed to get the laser printer in today... hopefully.

AmishSeal

2006-09-04T13:51:00.000-05:00

Finally back in the saddle after days of hurtful back & some nerve damage. Still not 100%, but able none the less to get started, at least.

Here is a seal I created:

Gone to the Doctor

2006-08-30T17:32:00.000-05:00

The last few days have been awful. I have had my back be hurtful, but this is beyond the pale. Starting Sunday night, I had something going on that I just can't adequately describe. My left foot is numb, and I have had tremors in my left leg. Pain that is constant, with periods of excruciating pain that last several minutes. I can't sneeze without stressing out. I've been to the Dr. every day from Monday on. Today is another appointment.

2006-08-24T15:38:00.000-05:00

Work has begun in earnest on the website: AmishSteve.com . The last week seemed to be one of frustration, but in retrospect, a lot was accomplished. A new logo was put up, I have a better grasp of the mechanics of using the Builder to design the site, and I have a few companies I have listed to contact for products. Not bad for doing this pretty much on my own. I also have a list of things to do, such as creating copy for the site, choosing pictures, and discovering keyword phrases that will help search sites to find us. I feel good about where we are.

2006-08-17T20:59:00.000-05:00

WooHoo! We finally decided on a product to sell on our website: AmishSteve . (Site is not finished, no not nearly!) The product? Air purifiers! The research proved it out, and is something we can get behind (in a cheerleader kind of way). Next week is gonna be tough, but we are getting closer to a grand opening. In the meantime, eBay will be getting our business!

2006-08-12T20:53:00.000-05:00

I"m setting up a MySpace account, so be sure to
Find me on MySpace and be my friend!

2006-08-11T16:26:00.000-05:00

Has it really been 4 days since I've updated? I've been busy, as usual with sundry habits (work) that take entirely too much time! Today, my Dad called me at work and said he needed to be taken to the Doctor, as he had fallen the night before and thought he may have broken his arm. He's 82, frail and lives alone. I took off work and tended to him. (all is OK, no breaks or fractures, but he's very sore).
I called a couple of days ago to get a loan from my 401(k) to pay some bills and get this business off right. I'm glad it was there. Now I'm paying bills and ordering supplies. It's getting to the exciting part-- the "where the rubber meets the road" stuff!

I got my signed copy of "Grilled Cheese Madonna" in the mail today! I'll have to get a picture of it to post here, on Flickr, and on my Me page @eBay. Thanks goes out to Gabber of Auction Gab for sponsoring the contest and for getting me interested in wacky auctions!

2006-08-04T16:37:00.000-05:00

I've not done a great deal today, but I have started reading "Getting Things Done" by David Allen, and am very encouraged. I also have come to grips with getting the domain name changed or moved to a new hosting service, and the fact that my coach was encouraging helps considerably. We'll get through these early days even though they seem rough.

Lori will be busy most all weekend, and I have to work Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights (6:30pm-6:30am) so I'm not going to be very good company. I'll report back as soon as I feel better.

Oh, and I found this Creative Commons licensed jpg:

Adios!

2006-08-03T20:55:00.000-05:00

Check out the Carbonite link to the side, there. This product works! I have never had my PC backed up so completely, so easily, and so inexpensively! A true "no-brainer!"

2006-08-03T20:52:00.000-05:00

So busy this week! We got several auctions up, and I am researching to find a niche market for us to pursue as a prominent category for our store. Lots going on, and I feel inadequate to the task, but I know we can do it if we just get going.

2006-07-29T06:11:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a fair day. Started out by walking my usual route, and getting the mail. Then a short time reading email, and rearranging the desktop (virtual and physical). Sent Hannah off for the weekend with the youth group going to Daytona, had lunch, and read several articles on the Bright Builder's website. Researched eBay. Paid bills. Today, I hope to get the paperwork under control, do more research, and list at least 3 or 4 items on eBay before 2 or 3 o'clock. At 4pm I have committed to going to hosting a guitar jam and hope to have several players show up. That will be a bit of a break. From all the other breaks I take.

2006-07-27T20:23:00.000-05:00

Today was interesting. I started out having to take Lori to the chiropractor in Lakeland (45 minutes away) for a 7:30 appointment. When we got home, I spent a while reviewing emails and newsletters, checking eBay, and going to the P.O.. I was out of one of my meds, so I went to the pharmacy to pick that up, and by then it was going on noon. After lunch, I paid some bills, then had a 3:00 doctor's appointment for myself. It was nearly 5 when I got home (after picking up some groceries). Tonight Lori inputted several receipts into Quicken, and we are going to bed early. Everyone is bushed. Hannah goes to Youth camp tomorrow. Checking my to do list, I'm not quite on track, but close. I can catch up tomorrow. Later.

2006-07-26T17:34:00.000-05:00

Looking back over the day, I can see progress. I've listed one item, and researched several. Tomorrow will be better as I am formulating a plan to get jump started in the morning. I was getting discouraged, but I feel much better now. I went to a couple of sites to promote the auction and was reminded that the more I do, the more results I will get.

2006-07-26T09:27:00.000-05:00

Having worked Saturday, Sunday and Monday dayshift, and with yesterday being Lori's (40th)Birthday, I have not gotten anything done. Although I did listen to some podcasts on the ipod. I feel like I've hit a wall. And I must break through! Today I will. Today, I'll list some auctions and organize this messy desk. And read. Today. Now. Gotta go.

2006-07-21T08:28:00.000-05:00

Recieved feedback last night from John, who is coaching us through this time. Assignments for the next 2 weeks are:

ebay tutorials 4, 5, and 6
Teleconferences on: Hogging the Spotlight and Sales Copy
Modules 1 & 3 on eBusiness

As well as researching and listing items on ebay.
Last night I read most of Mod 1 and will finish it and Mod 3 today.
Yesterday I set up the photo studio (homemade lightbox) and will take pictures today for posting.
Just got back from the P.O. and had a lot of nothing in there except bills. I'd better get busy so we can get them paid! We're pretty over-extended and I don't like the feeling at all!

2006-07-18T11:56:00.000-05:00

I had a bit of trouble with the incorporation kit this morning, as I couldn't seem to get the forms to display in .PDF format, and the other supported format is .doc, but must be MSWord. I use openoffice software. I first called Bright Builder Tech Support, but they don't support the Cashflow software. Cashflow was next on my list, and Julie was very helpful. The problem seems to be with my pc, not the software. I had already downloaded the forms from www.sunbiz.org , State of Florida's site, and didn't need that portion of the 'ware. Cashflow did offer to send a corporate copy of MSOffice, which they can do as I'm an affiliate, and I'll be happy to get that. I'm also going to re-install Adobe Acrobat Reader in case there is a problem there. There are other forms I'll need on the Cashflow software, so it's ok to keep.

2006-07-18T07:59:00.000-05:00

Up and walking this morning before 7am! Checked mail, and started working on incorporation. I saw Charles Sanders on my walk and got his advise on which to use, "S" corp or LLC. We'll go with LLC. Software is not letting me see the forms, so I'll have to call technical support when they get in. In the meantime, I went to the State of Florida site and downloaded the incorporation forms. Found a neat "to-do" list program and installed it last night. I think it's gonna help. Still no word from my coach. I called and emailed a couple of times. I'll get someone on the line today!

2006-07-17T16:24:00.000-05:00

I took Stuart with me to Avon Park to take a plant over to Alligator Pack & Ship for a trial send. I'll get it in the mail tomorrow. Cost maybe prohibitive for this product. $25 to ship to my house 20 miles away.But it is still $20 to send to California, too. If it even survives the trip!

2006-07-17T10:39:00.000-05:00

Well, things got off to a bad start this morning with Lori waking up with a migraine and not getting up until 7:30. Hannah had breakfast made by 9 or so, and Lori was still getting ready as her headache was gone by then. Hannah, Stuart & I walked around town (about 2 miles) and got the mail, then came home, checked email and I got ready to go to Pack & Ship to send a test package. I see I have the Commitment Letter to write, so I'll work on that this afternoon.

2006-07-15T20:14:00.000-05:00

Business Vision Statement

Wow! Can it be a year already? I'm so glad we took the chance to get into business for ourselves. Lori has been working from home for the last nine months, and the kids and I couldn't be more proud of her! She feels great and hasn't had a migraine in months. The kids are much calmer with Mom at home, too. She was able to come home the first month that we made $2000. It kind of took off after that and here we are 12 months out making $7500 - $8000 per month consistently. We've paid off the cars and the signature loan and still have money for inventory. I'm giving my two weeks' notice tomorrow, then I'll be working from home as well! Things are certainly looking up! Lori and I have developed relationships with a few vendors that we use and can count on, so we aren't so concerned about getting a bad deal or not having product to sell. We're going to take our first real vacation this fall, knowing that we can keep up with the business with the laptop and cell phones. Just like we were at home! And Hannah has been asking when she is going to get a car. That used to be such a problem! Now, she'll be able to earn enough with her own business to buy it herself in no time! Aaron is doing well in school and will be coming aboard in a couple of years. And Stuart is looking forward to using his artistic abilities and being able to sell his work online!

Our days sort of run like this:Bible study and journaling first thing in the morning with a real, hot breakfast every day I'm home! Then our morning walk after which we check our mail, email and the stores to see what goes out today. Packing and shipping until noon, then a nice lunch in town where we look for trends and new product (tax deductable, then!) followed by Deep Analysis and eBay research for a couple of hours. We're generally done with the "have-to's" by 4pm or so, and we are able to be home with the kids for the evening. Soon this will be how it will be EVERY day!!Those ministries that we've wanted to support, but were unable to before, are now getting a percentage of profit and we can see differences in people's lives because of what we've been blessed with.

2006-07-15T15:30:00.000-05:00

Got quite a bit done, although it wasn't all by the plan! Journaled, Walked, Grocery-shopped, Got the lawn mowed, listened to the conference call "time management", and did the worksheet (Lori and I) then walked with Lori and discussed the future. Looking forward to tomorrow.

Update: Also listened to the conference call "E-Commerce Revolution" and did the worksheet. Wrote out the Business Vision Statement.

2006-07-15T07:58:00.000-05:00

Got out early and walked for about 1mile, cut short because the mailbox was full! At home, Lori is still in bed, but she worked hard last week, so she really needed the rest. I'm ready to go uptown and get groceries when I am through here. And take the car to the carwash. I'm checking off the list of to-do's. I think I'm gonna need a dayrunner or something to keep up with my life. So much going on, and I don't want to miss a thing!

2006-07-14T20:48:00.000-05:00

Time Management so far:

Time Management

This week: Steve

Saturday: Morning - Organize & file receipts, documents
- Walk 2 miles
- Grocery Shopping
Afternoon - Guitar practice, 30 minutes
Afternoon - Work on site at Bright Builders
Evening - Check on Dad's bills

Sunday: Morning - church
Afternoon - list something on eBay, guitar practice, 60 minutes
Night - church

Monday: Morning - Walk 2 miles
Morning - Read and go through tutorials on Bright Builders
Morning - Detail Business Vision Statement
Morning - Guitar practice, 30 minutes
Afternoon - Research products to sell
Afternoon - Call Advanta to get Business Name spelled correctly on cards

2006-07-14T18:34:00.000-05:00

Last night we had a great coaching session with John West from Bright Builders. Lori and I are going to keep a business journal, and I thought it best to do it here. I already made an entry in my hardcopy journal this morning. Here it is:

Getting ahead of myself, I listened to a conference Call before journaling. I'll do better tomorrow.
I'm at "work." Required physical today @ 12:15pm.
Today, I'll listened to a couple of conference calls @ "work" then @ home with worksheets, start writing Business Vision Statement, Commitment Letter, Start on Time Management.

That was this mornings' journal. I'll finish the day here as well.

2006-06-28T11:15:00.000-05:00

Check out the Skype link on the side! New technology to help sell on eBay.

Get Skype and call me for free.

2006-06-25T20:56:00.000-05:00

OK. Let's chronicle the birth of our e-biz. This past March, about mid-way, I decided I needed to fire my boss in the near future if I was going to keep living. Seriously, my health is being compromised by the odd hours, and working outside in all kinds of weather. (Plus, how fulfilling can dredging clay be?)
And so I did a little research, procured the necessary licenses and tax ID's, set up my PayPal account, and revisited eBay and bought a couple of items to get back into the swing of things. I bought a couple of memberships to Powerseller sites where I really did get some useful information and continue to be involved in them. I recommend Skip McGrath's site and Lisa Suttora's as well.
Next: what I learned

2006-06-24T20:42:00.000-05:00

New venture, new blog. I'm talking eBay!