issue 7

Lucky number 7. ??

A couple days ago we passed 1,000 readers (subscribers, amigos, supporters) of tal and I was ecstatic. I realize it's nothing in comparison to other newsletters on LI, blogs, or other social platforms. I know that I'm a small fish in a yuge sea. There are some real sharks and whales putting out insane amounts of content and swimming in revenue generated from a never-ending ocean of good ideas.

Someday, right? ??

As I look back, this has been a work in progress since I got out of education and got my start into alarm sales. I didn't have a map for what I was aiming for. I didn't know that startups were the ultimate destiation for me. But what I knew was that knocking on doors was going to bring new opportunities as well as just opening me up to what was possible.

One summer in Seattle changed my perspective on what my life could be. I wasn't 'just a teacher or curriculum writer'. I outgrew that shell and became a different person. Once I did that, I saw all the possibilities and started moving where I wanted to go. Things had never been so clear.

Lots of doubters. Lots of noise around my decisions from family and friends. But crystal clear nonetheless.

All these things that I do now—Having a voice on LI, writing tal issues, creating content, raising money, running a business—it might not mean much to anyone else but to me it's special.

I hope that people looking to break into this space find me and think, "if this dude can do it, so can I." Seriously. With the correct mindset and work ethic anyone can make that shift.

Thus, tal.

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Up to this point, tal has been broken down into issues where I've been writing about various topics that come inspired by writing that I've done in the recent past. You see, I wrote this booklet called, 'heretic' that details principles to make a shift like I described above.

Besides a few religious people informing me that 'her#$@*' was a terrible thing to talk about, describe, or compare a book to, the general message was relatively well-received by some initial readers. For those fence-sitting on my usage of the word, to me the modern-day heretic is a non-conformist, curious person who goes against the grain with a worthwhile purpose. Nothing more.

In the context of my own personal journey, I consider myself to be slightly heretical in the way that I approach my career, the education of my kids, and how I want to achieve my goals. I don't think there are many people in the world who feel the same way that I do about these topics. That's really all the backstory you're going to get in this issue. Would love to circle back on this, drill down, and have a robust conversation with all takers. You know where to find me.

So what I decided to do was repurpose my book and publish it through tal. Why? First, I thought it was too much of a hassle to try and monetize it. (I know KC is facepalming right now. I'll get on Gumroad eventually, dude. ??)

But more importantly, I thought there might be people that have felt / are feeling the same way that I do, and wanted it to get out into the world as quickly as possible. Didn't want to get together an email list (I know I should). Didn't want to create a course (I know I should). Just a quick and easy newsletter that won't eat up the whole day.

**I still have a few 'chapters' left that will be delivered to your LI notifications over the coming weeks, so be on the lookout.**

tal of the present: heretic in newsletter form

tal of the future: ???

Once I get done using my writing for tal, what does the future look like for the newsletter? Would you like videos instead? A slack community or something like it? What is your preferred content absorption method? ;)

I do struggle to think of the perfect medium. Seems I can't ever hit it perfect. Do you ever feel that way?

Por ejemplo, I would love to make more videos on LI. They just don't get the reach. I think the startup / entrepreneur / sales crowd that follows me enjoy them the most. Maybe. Do you? :) Seems that they're better on the % engagement side of things.

I've seen so much stuff LI around TikTok lately. Tried that a few months ago. Didn't love it. Do I just need to go back and try again? Turn those in my LI content? I'm sorry. This is probably the most uninteresting monologue tangent you've read today. Apologies.

I want to find the perfect delivery for my closest friends and allies on here so they continue to get value in what I do. LI and this community has given me so much and I'm trying to find ways to give back. You guys are seriously the best.

I wasn't kidding in my post a few days ago: If we've had steady interaction on here, please DM your address so I can send you a small token of thanks.

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Ending notes:

reading: Hey Whipple, Squeeze This!

listening: Joe Hisaishi, Martha Argerich, Intervals

eating: Raisin Bran Crunch, Builder bars,

drinking: Vitamin Water (I'm starting to get addicted)

sleeping: a few hours ;)

activity: longboarding & lifting

most excited about this week: interactions with potential investors

inspiring me: Plini

quote: "A man must eat a peck of salt with his friend before he knows him." Miguel De C.

joke: What is the worst part of a money addiction? ... Withdrawal.

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Gracias.