Top 10 Accomplishments of 2007

My 2007 top 10 accomplishments:

1. I got my dream job at Jawonio – a non-profit organization. I am a Document Imaging Specialist helping them start up a new business of digital scanning solutions. As part of my job, I became a DSC certified Consultant of Docuware.
http://www.squidoo.com/jawonio/

2. I became a Squid Angel and later a Giant Squid on Squidoo. This is a web 2.0 application that allows individuals to create lens (websites) on any topic and can make money in the process. I donated 100% of my earnings (over $300 so far) to the Soldiers Angel Fund. I’ve also created over 180 lenses so far.
http://www.squidoo.com/jack_c_Lee_home/

3. I completed a Squidbook on Epee Fencing.
http://www.squidoo.com/epee_fencing_1/

4. I’ve competed in the Empire States Game Master Division in Fencing.
I earned a bronze medal.
http://82.165.228.181/summer/results/sport_results.asp?year=2007&sport=MF&division=M&clean=0
I also earned a C2007 ranking in the USFA after coming in 3rd place in the Yonkers outdoor tournament.

5. I became a member of the Landmark Preservation Commission in Yorktown Heights, NY.
http://www.squidoo.com/landmark_preservation/

6. I continue to volunteer P/T at the Westchester Archives.
http://www.westchestergov.com/wcarchives/

7. We purchased a Coop in Greystone, Yonkers NY with a fantastic Hudson River View. We plan to downsize in 2009.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=s&utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-google-gm&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=google%20map

8. I continued adding to our Family Tree site at Tribal Pages.
www.tribalpages.com/tribes/jackclee

9. I continued to report on the status of the Trump State Park – one year later.
http://www.squidoo.com/Trump_State_Park/

10. I lost 7 pounds on a special tea diet recommended by a colleague. It is Lingzhi tea made from mushroom.

Labor Day 2007

On this Labor Day, it is worthwhile to reflect on where we have been.
This past year has seen the stock market reached past the 14,000 mark on the Dow.
The unemployment rate is at an all time low of 4.6%.
Housing ownership is at an all time high across all demographics.
The inflation rate is low by historic standards.
Gas prices are falling below $3.00 a gallon.
The federal deficit is trending downwards.
Just announced this morning, North Korea is promising to give up its nuclear program.
Our President, George W. Bush is in Iraq (on the ground) and providing encouragement to our troops. The surge seems to be working after 6 months...
Almost 6 years post 9/11/2001, we have not been attacked again on the homeland.

What does the NYT choose to focus on?
(As 9/11 Draws Near, a Debate Rises: How Much Tribute Is Enough?)
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/02/nyregion/02fatigue.html?ei=5065&en=d4bae0c24379ce98&ex=1189310400&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print

Squidooing...

I have created my 160 lens on Squidoo in about 8 months (that's practically one a day)...
My lensography is here:
Jack C. Lee Home
It seems the sky is the limit.

Contest entry

I recommend Sedona, AZ as a great place to visit. Here are some photos I took last year on my photo album on webshots.
There are vortex with magnetic energy which may have healing powers.
I’m entering it in to a contest of the best Things You Should Do. It’s a website with Cool Places, Thrilling Adventures and Crazy Events all over the world. I could win an iPhone if they think my suggestion is the best!

Seth Godin's Dip Tour

June 6, 2007

Last week, May 29, 2007, I took a trip into NYC to attend the Dip tour by Seth Godin.
http://www.squidoo.com/theDipTour

It was great to see and hear Seth in person. As the founder of Squidoo
www.squidoo.com
I am very impressed by his marketing skills.
As a lensmaster on Squidoo, I am interested in what he has to say about the future of Squidoo.

Unfortunately, due to heavy traffic, I was late getting to the seminar.
It was a packed room with 120 attendees. I missed his talk and caught the Q/A at the end. However, I don’t think it was a big loss. I got the gist of his ideas from reading the book on the train ride going home. It was a short 80 pages and small book 7”x4”. I wrote an Amazon review on the book.

Amazon review

Along with the $50 registration fee, I did get the 5 copies of the book and some magazines, and I was able to get Seth to sign 3 copies (one for me and 2 for other lensmasters). I also took a photo with Seth.
You can see my photo with Seth at my biography lens - http://www.squidoo.com/Jack_C_Lee/

The main question for some of us lensmasters was what Seth sees as the future of Squidoo.
His answer was straight forward and clear.
He sees Squidoo growing about 20% per month and very successful.
He has no intention of selling Squidoo and he sees adding incremental improvements and modules to enhance Squidoo and fix some growing pains in the coming months.
I was satisfied with this answer and I take him at his word that no big changes are in the works. He likes to keep it “Small.”

Here are some notes I took at the Q/A.
1. Make sure you market to the “right’ people.
2. Make promises and keep it.
3. Transparency is best but renegotiate if necessary…
4. Luck plays a big role.
5. Take risks…
6. There is no scarcity without dip.
7. Best advice for 16 year old, “do something for themselves”. Accomplish something will give them confidence. Rejecting Harvard is not necessarily a bad thing.
8. For startup business, his advice is threshing early is better than threshing at the end…
9. Don’t use SEO as a crutch. Must have something “good” to market.
10. Be the best at something…

At the end of the book, Seth has a random list of “bests” including the following
Megan Casey, Gil Hildebrand Jr., Leica, Elvis, Amazon.com, Rolex, Coach, Peet’s…

My conclusion:

Seth undoubtedly is a great marketeer. The concept of the Dip tour is also a novel way to publicize his new booklet. I wish I had his wisdom 10 years ago. I don’t regret my career or my many dips. That’s life. It does bring to mind some of the current lensmasters at Squidoo. Lately, some are disillusioned with the future prospect of Squidoo. Some of the latest growing pains seem to cast doubt in some people’s mind. The failure for Squidoo to publish their financials is also a concern on some.
The big question for some is – should they continue with Squiodoo or quit and do something else? Personally, I am sticking with Squidoo. I never expected much coming in and the results so far have been great. I even wrote a squidbook about my experience (How I became a Squidoo Addict?)
I will continue to make suggestions and criticize when necessary pushing Squidoo forward. I hope Squidoo will become a big success for all of us.

My Biography on Squidoo:

http://www.squidoo.com/Jack_C_Lee

My Squidbook:

http://www.squidoo.com/squidoo_addict_1/

-Jack

My Squidbook on Conservatism is finished

I have finished my squidbook on "Common Sense of a Conservative" - 42 Chapters.
Here is the link to the Table of Contents -
Common Sense of a Conservative

A squidoo lens on the IBM Pension lawsuit

I've created a new Squidoo lens on the recently settled IBM Pension class action lawsuit.
Class Action Lawsuits

My squidbook on Squidoo is finished

I have recently completed a squidbook on "How I became a Squidoo addict?". It is 25 chapters(lenses) long.
The link appears here:
My Squidbook