The “Hump Day” Brainstorming Lunch
In my ongoing effort to “mock the 9-to-5″ 
I spent Hump Day this week having an awesome Sushi lunch at Sekisui in Chattanooga, TN with my good friend Zack (aka @TechShaman on Twitter).
Zack and I originally met at a local meet-up a couple of years ago. While the group is no longer meeting, we’ve made it a point to keep in touch and meet up for lunch when we can.
It had been close to a year since our last get-together, so we had a lot of catching up to do! It’s always tons of fun because we share the books we’re reading, the resources we’re studying, brainstorm our business models, etc. You may recall that Zack is the one that turned me on to The Power of Full Engagement.
This time we discussed Linchpin by Seth Godin, money mindset, Mac tricks, and more. While you couldn’t be there with us in person, I thought I’d do the next best thing and share the resources we discussed…
I recently ordered Linchpin after it came up in the IMTW Podcast, and Amazon also recommended Path of Least Resistance by Robert Fritz. I grabbed both, and started on the book by Fritz (which I am loving!) and Zack is near the finish of Linchpin.
This of course launched us into an all-out money mindset discussion, as well as just mindset in general – and how we view our business models and their possible weaknesses.
We discussed scalability, outsourcing, getting back into creative mode (vs reaction mode), etc. We shared courses, books, resources and mentors that we were each tapping into on all of these topics as well.
Eben Pagan came up in that conversation and Zack said that the Wake Up Productive and Guru Mastermind programs were both closed, but has studied and recommended Eben’s Altitude program which is still available.
He also told me about Sean D’Souza of www.psychotactics.com, and suggested I would enjoy Sean’s Brain Audit ebook (around $140). Sean is based in New Zealand, which really got my attention. I’ve been looking for a good excuse to plan a trip there, and meeting a brilliant online marketer from NZ is a great start!
Sean has a great blog as well, so make it a point to check that out.
We also had a little chat about naptime (yes, we are both super-productive lazy nappers, ha!) and specifically apps for naps. Zack recommended Pzizz which takes you into and out of power naps or full sleeps for the best possible rest & recovery.
The conversation took lots of twists and turns, and somehow we went straight from Naps to Macs. Luckily I had my handy dandy shiny new Macbook Pro in tow!
(The real question is: do I leave home without it at all?! 
)
I confessed to Zack that I had not yet figured out how to shut down or restart my Mac 
and he politely showed me how – with a bit of a grin, no doubt -lol.
I took the opportunity to ask him a few newbie questions on iMovie as well. Like how in the world do I work with this chain of connected video snippets that iMovie seemed to have run all together as one big crazy clip?!
Of course, it was an easy fix, and I came straight home and uploaded a few video clips with the click of a mouse. Nothing especially exciting, except this one – mainly because I like the way Ben eats his noodles:
My next project is to learn transitions, dropping in photos between clips, and creating something a little more entertaining to watch. Although, you gotta admit – noodles is a good start!
Also on the topic of Mad Mac Skillz, Zack recommended Lynda as a great beginner’s learning resource. He also recommended Screenflow, Video Cue, Episode Mac Encoder, and Crucial Memory System Scanner for ordering & upgrading memory – which I plan to max out since the mac is for mobile video editing.
Two more resources we discussed: the MaxBlog Press Ninja Affiliate Plugin and Chris Garrett’s ARC Secret. Oh – and Vimeo, and specifically how you can use it to create private members-only videos with an upgraded account.
We also talked about real estate, events we’d attended recently, our upcoming event schedule, local meet-ups and probably a million other things besides. It was a fabulous afternoon that ended with a page full of notes, a big hug – and of course plans to meet up for Sushi again in a few weeks.
Zack has something super cool up his sleeve that I’ll share with you soon. He has me bound to secrecy for now, but I’ll let you know about it as soon as he gives me the green light to share the link!
Best,
p.s. I used Zack’s links to all of the resources that he shared with me yesterday. Some of those may be his affiliate or referral links, which I thought was a kind way of showing my appreciation for the wealth of information he shared with me
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How different is actually Mac from ordinary PC-s?
I have a cousin who is offering me to buy Mac for my next birthday every year, but I kind of feel reluctant to get something I am totally unfamiliar with.
Follow me @DavorGasparevic on Twitter.
It’s quite different in many ways – much more intuitive, and easy to use actually. I’m really falling in love with the interface and seriously considering an iMac for the home office.
I run multiple PCs and have been working with them for 15 years without issue, so I doubt I’ll make a full switchover anytime soon. I bought the 13″ Macbook Pro for mobile video editing (a specific purpose) which is what it’s best at (video/graphics).
It’s always best to buy what you need to accomplish what you want to achieve. Period. Unless you’re doing video & image editing, it’s not necessarily a switch you need to make – unless you just want to.
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Thanks for the reply. So you are saying it’s good for video graphics? Yea, that is what a few other people told me too…
I actually consider the idea to try it video marketing for quite some time. I’ve made some newbie video already and they suck in some small traffic every month for one of my affiliate websites. However, I think that if I ever start that seriously, I should get something that will enable me to make nothing less than amazing videos that will convert like crazy.
I’m growing more fond of an idea to actually try it (Mac) out
Follow me @DavorGasparevic on Twitter.
Honestly I think it’s all preference. Some claim macs OS runs so much smoother. I guess that was true during the times of window vista. If you have a pc with either windows xp or windows 7 you will be just fine. No need to spend 4 times the amount on a Mac.
Well, what a nifty post with so much info!
I did get Eban Pagan’s Wake Up Productive course which I did not download since it seemed lovely to put all the emails into a folder and access the lessons from the links.
Then with no warning, the links all went dead, and my Pagan folders show themselves as empty. A few letters to them went unanswered. So basically I lost the content that I paid for on the course. Although hot diggedy – I know how to use a timer for 40/10/10 increments!
Notes to self –
1. When buying a digital product – always download it if I want to review it ever again.
2. When selling a digital product – ALWAYS look out for the needs of the buyer. If I’m changing hosts or doing anything that will affect their ability to access something they’ve paid for from me, than LET THEM KNOW, or they may feel great contempt for me and say so someday on their dear friend’s world famous blog.
Final note – eat more sushi and keep good friends!
Follow me @ginaparris on Twitter.
Ah – interesting, and very good points Gina!
Next time I head to Chatt for Sushi & brainstorming you should meet me at the Manchester exit and come along. Maybe I’ll even rent another cool little “zoom zoom” convertible sports car for the road trip again
LOL (that was an adventure!)
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Hi Gina – wow, that’s really good to know about your experience with Wake Up Productive. I also paid for that course and got a lot out of it. But I immediately downloaded all the videos and audio files so that I could put them on my iPhone to listen to while walking, running, driving and folding clothes.
So I never realized it was taken down later. The most disheartening thing to hear is the unanswered emails about it—that’s unacceptable. And it’s actually sufficient for me to not recommend it… Definitely a cautionary lesson, as you suggest, for all who offer digital-only programs.
In other news, the sushi and company was marvelous and I highly recommend Chattanooga as a great place to visit for food and great brainstorming. Look forward to seeing you at the next one!
Follow me @techshaman on Twitter.
Yes – and Sekisui is fabulous! Definitely go with me on the next trip and we’ll meet up with Zack and some other cool people in Chatt
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Okay. I’m totally there! I LOVE Chatt – I think The Sailor truly wants to live there. He fell in love with the town when he had his Navy Reserve weekend there once a month. Now he goes to Bessemer, Alabama!
Follow me @ginaparris on Twitter.
I’m looking at real estate in Chatt as we speak
You should ride down with me one day to check out a few places!
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Ninja Affiliate is something I have been considering for a while. Is it something that you use on your blog?
Follow me @surveys4moneyau on Twitter.
I haven’t, but I am planning to try it out and give it a full review. I have heard a lot of good things about it.
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Oh, my goodness: thanks for mentioning the Pzizz software: I am soo getting that! Maybe I can finally get rid of my recurrent insomnia.
Follow me @https://twitter.com/#!/adrianacopacean on Twitter.
Zack says it’s awesome! I just checked the Android market on my Droid and it wasn’t listed, so off to check out the website myself
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Wow, what a post, Lynn!
It’s a lot different seeing just a small bit of what we discussed in print. You don’t realize how much you’re saying when it’s rapid back and forth conversation! I’m looking forward to all the video I’m certain you’ll be creating in the coming weeks and months. What fun
And wow, I was knocked out by your generosity in using my links. Thanks so much
In case anyone is wondering, yes, those links were created using the Ninja Affiliate plugin which I use to track traffic to not just affiliate links, but any key links I want to test on my blog.
Follow me @techshaman on Twitter.
You’re most welcome. Thank YOU for all the great resources & connections. You really helped me fill in some gaps in my current plans and thought processes! I always enjoy brainstorming with you, and can’t wait to get together again.
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
NZ awaits you
Follow me @Seandsouza on Twitter.
As does all the great material at your site
Nice to meet you, Sean. Zack speaks highly of both you and your content. I look forward to getting to know you. And yes, expect to see me in New Zealand in the very near future. Would love to plan a get-together while there!
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Get togethers are really nice, you’ll always be looking forward to the next. And thanks for sharing the info about Pzizz, really needed that. And about the video, really fun way to eat noodles
Follow me @andrewrondeau on Twitter.
That was such a fun lunch – and the noodles were fabulous!! I took a lot of random video clips in Melbourne just so I would have something to ‘play’ with in iMovie. Ed Dale’s presentation on creating quality videos really got me inspired!
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Sounds like a fun time! I’d like to find a meetup like this near Seattle. Any folks from the Emerald City doing something like this?
Two places to check: http://www.GeekTrax.com and http://www.meetup.com
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
It seems you guys have a lot in common!
I must get myself a Mac soon. My friends are quickly converting me to the ways of the iphone and Macbooks too.
Chris
I’m loving it so far. I aim to master iMovie, as that’s the reason I bought the Macbook Pro. But I’m finding it to be an incredible machine!
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Sounds like a super productive lunch! I always love to hear about your meet ups and things you discuss. Fun video!
Follow me @angienewton on Twitter.
It’s true what they say – Once you have a mac, you never go back!
I love my little MacBookPro – I have had it nearly a year now and have had no bugs/viruses/crashes at all.
Plus, it looks really cool too
Follow me @HayleyAmberCox on Twitter.
Not having a virus has all to do with the user not the brand computer. If the user never downloads the virus the computer won’t have one. Mac uses the same internal parts and processors pc’s use. The only difference is the higher price.
Hi Vinny, that’s actually not true at all. It’s the software that makes all the difference. The hardware is very similar (Intel chips at least) but beyond that the systems couldn’t be more fundamentally different in architecture and interface design. As an example, Macs run a derivative of BSD UNIX that is hella difficult to circumvent basic security on compared to Windows based OSes. On a scale of 1-10, 1 being easiest, it’s close to a 10 to write viruses for Macs, but it’s closer to 1 and 2 to do so for Windows systems.
To address specifically your statement, “If the user never downloads the virus the computer won’t have one.” That’s impossible. Everyone downloads viruses and likely always will. Macs download viruses every day, but clicking them (activating them) has no effect. Thus, the directive that Windows users receive to never click a link in email or open an attachment is irrelevant on Macs (at least for now). I click links constantly and open attachments and have never once had a problem. Of course I don’t click spam links but even if I did, I would have little to worry about right now. (Note, I’m not talking about about browser-based worms and java-script hijacking which is not about the OS, but about the browser running code that’s not OS specific).
While it’s true that Macs may eventually be targeted with more gusto by spammers and virus writers, and it’s always a good idea to be wary of links and attachments you aren’t absolutely sure of, for now, it’s mostly a non-issue on Macs and OS X-based systems like iPads and iPhones.
Sadly, as Macs gain a larger percentage of the market, more malware and viruses will appear and so it will always be important to be careful about the neighborhoods you visit and the unknown files you open/links you click.
But for now, the PRIMARY reason for Mac users to monitor viruses on their computers is to be good tech citizens and help out their fellow Windows friends by not passing any virii along to them.
(Methinks you’ve never used a Mac based on your comment
I recommend finding out what all the fuss is all about 
)
Final note, there are 100s of thousands of viruses and malware for Windows, and still approximately or so 116 for Mac OS X. And Google just banned Windows systems due to their insecure nature. Now you have to run a Mac or Linux if you work there.
Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) is done washing its Windows, according to a Financial Times article. Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) Windows is no longer an acceptable working environment for new Googlers or upgraded workstations, with the company instead favoring Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) Mac OS X and various flavors of Linux.
http://bit.ly/99sHr7
Follow me @techshaman on Twitter.
I am typing on my brand-new Macbook Pro! LOVE IT. Just got it today.
Looks like lunch was fun! So much to learn, so little time…
Follow me @lainehmann on Twitter.
Wake up productive was the first Eben product I’ve bought and since then they’ve all be winners. Still curious as to how you view Ninja Affiliate though.