Being an Entrepreneur is a Blast!

It’s been a week since my last update, so I wanted to stay in touch with my readers. Building a small business and being an entrepreneur is invigorating. If you've ever considered building your own business start today!

Here is the update:

Construction is going well on the new Rust Belt Chronicles website. I’ve been working on building the website daily and it usually doesn’t end until 5:00 a.m. I’m working the bugs and troubleshooting all the issues on my own; which is a great way to understand the pitfalls and how technology functions between applications. The experience is invaluable!

When will we Launch?

I am hoping to launch the new website by mid-month, although it could get pushed back until May. Sometimes a day or two becomes immersed in sorting technical issues out. I don’t have the time to seek advice on the problems and there are no manuals to resort too, so I never know how much time it will take to resolve a problem. Life doesn’t always go as planned.

Opportunity

Had I not been laid-off it would have taken many months to build this small business. Who knows, I might have become a frustrated entrepreneur and thrown in the towel? Now, I have no choice but to succeed!

I became very excited to learn my wife is going to be assisting me in running the business. I offered her the title of Vice-President, but she wouldn’t go for that; since it reminded her of the people at the hospital prior to being laid-off. It feels great to have some help with daily operations and not attempting to do it all myself!

Help Wanted  

The Rust Belt Chronicles is looking for passionate writers for weekly articles (blogs) covering Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Cavaliers, health, religion, politics; plus local and regional news. If you would like to become involved please send me an email to:lexbandofgold@gmail.com. We are tossing some ideas around in lieu of pay, since we are starting out with little overhead.

Agenda Cleared

I decided not to write for the other organization at the present time. It’s taking all my time to work on The Rust Belt Chronicles. Tons of decisions on various segments of the business need worked on as well.

The Best Time of My Life

Starting your own business is a blast, despite all the moments of frustration. I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. To realize, you’ve managed to build a business is a confidence booster. It’s something many people talk about, but few act upon.

Please join us in our new adventure. We wish to create something everyone can enjoy. An online journal that’s different, daring and bold. Together, we will strive for truth, honesty and something meaningful that matters!  

 Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Cleveland Browns receive 7th round pick for McCoy

The Cleveland Browns traded QB, Colt McCoy and a 6th round 2013 draft pick to the San Francisco 49’ers today. The compensation is reportedly a 5th and 7th round 2013 draft picks for the Cleveland Browns.

With the recent signing of QB, Jason Campbell, McCoy became expendable. McCoy started 21 games with the Browns in three seasons after being drafted in 2010. Injuries and the direction of the former regime’s offensive scheme often kept McCoy out of the fold.

The third round pick of the Browns now has a new start with the 49’ers, who also signed kicker, Phil Dawson during free agency. Colt will be competing for a backup position with San Francisco.

What direction the Cleveland Browns take with the #6 pick in the upcoming draft now takes an interesting twist. Will they choose Gino Smith at QB? This is also a good move by the Browns front office to give them flexibility in trading down in the draft.

cbssports.com intitially broke the news of the trade and no official word has come from the Cleveland Browns.

Should be an interesting scenario unfolding on NFL Draft Day in Cleveland!

The New Rust Belt Chronicles is Coming!

The Rust Belt Chronicles has gone dark. I decided to take the time to manually move my blogs from Google Blogger to my new site on WordPress. The project has become rather tedious, but all good things must be designed properly.

 There are applications to make the transition happen quickly, but I wasn’t sure how involved the work would be to categorize the old blogs and possibly have to reformat the text and links. Why not just do it myself? Moving and placement of all the photos adds to the time to transpose and the occasional “404 error” implies the post has to be deleted and start again. The first time that instance happened it took me 3 hours of scratching my head to figure out the problem (like too large of a photo) and simply trash the article.

I always learn the hard way!

I am not sure if I will try to move each comment from Blogger to WordPress since that becomes another nightmare. We’ve got so much else to do to organize the newspaper regarding business decisions the comments may get moved later.

Once I achieve the transposing of the blogs, my blogging should resume on a regular schedule.

I should be done by Friday.

Perhaps by mid-April, the new Rust Belt Chronicles will make its debut.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Somebody is Everybody's Customer!

Last evening, I was watching an online program and it brought back some painful memories about customer service and everybody involved.

During the program, the restaurant business was going badly with customers dissatisfied with their dinners at a frightening rate and when the server was asked if it bothered him. All he could say was: “You have to learn to not let it get to you personally, in order to work here.”

LEADERSHIP BEHIND GROWTH

Have you ever witnessed the collapse of a process, organization or department day after day?  I have and it hurts. Perhaps even more frightful is the fact that it’s accepted and appears to be all that is expected of people. That is truly sad.

I’ve watched an organization attempt to improve processes to a point and the internal power struggles often resulted in management turnover. Each time it happened, the end result weakened with less service. The bigger the organization grew the less control it had and the outcome became the norm.

We use to joke that if the service offered today stopped, we wouldn’t see much of a difference. That’s how bad it was.

WHO CARES?

I attempted to let my thoughts be known, because I cared and have seen far better service. My comments weren’t appreciated and fell on deaf ears. The management style is stuck in this “see no, hear no evil” mode and basically the biggest fear is “not being the person to stick their neck out.” The fear of opening a can of worms might prevent the career climb of the ladder, so they invite the typical downward spiral behavior.

There comes a point in time when you must protect your own sanity. What it should have been was a realization it was time to find another job.

PARALYSIS BY ANALYSIS 

When you witness an organization so dysfunctional that it fails to follow its own blueprint; there’s no hope. I often talk about how easy it is to accept mediocrity, but this behavior is beneath mediocrity.

Poor leadership with growth and denial is a huge problem. The end result is always the same. Everyone who partakes loses.

Some know it, some don’t get it and some- really don’t care!

Which are you?

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Rock Lines Returns!

(Rock Lines is one of my feature articles in the new expanded version of The Rust Belt Chronicles. Stay tuned for a launch date.)

Trevor Bolder Recuperating

Uriah Heep bassist, Trevor Bolder, is recuperating after having surgery on his Pancreas. The operation and chemotherapy was successful in killing the cancer cells. We wish Trevor the best. Word has it; he may be back sooner than expected with Mick Box and company.

It looks like they hit the “Nail on the Head” with this procedure!

Trevor is a superb bass player, former member of David Bowie’s Spiders from Mars band and has the closest playing style of Jon Entwistle alive today. Witnessing his bass solo on “July Morning” is something to behold and unfortunately many YouTube’s postings fail to focus on his solo. We found a nice video displaying his prowess here, although the sound is a little distorted.

Filling in for Trevor on Heep’s upcoming tour is bassist, Dave Rimmer, best known for his work with Zodiac Mindwarp.  You may send Trevor a card or letter at this address:

Trevor Bolder

PO Box 6249

Leighton Buzzard

Bedfordshire

LU7 0WSTR
 

 

Thank Hank Party- The Cleveland Agora

 

The Cleveland Agora will host a 100^th anniversary party on March 22^nd in honor of its founder Hank Loconti. The VIP event ($200.00 a ticket) begins at 5:30 pm and the doors open for a concert ($48.00 ticket) at 8:30 pm.

Musical Guests include: Glass Harp, Foghat, members of the James Gang, Michael Stanley, Jimmy Ley, Freddie Salem (formerly of The Outlaws), Bootsy Collins, Unsaid Fate and many other surprise appearances. All proceeds will be donated towards the restoration project of the Agora at 5000 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mystery Artist
 

 A few blogs ago, I mentioned I was back in the saddle backing-up a local up-and- coming artist. Who is this mystery man?

It’s the multi-talented artist, Rob Hemmick. I’ve had the pleasure of watching this young man mature as an artist. I first was blown away by his “one-man band” appearances 20 years ago and since then, Rob has produced his own material and honed his writing skills to a professional level.

You can check his latest release- "Sad Flight to the Sun", here.

The band features Eric Cicolani on guitar of The Thomas Edison Sound Machine and Ron McDonald of Mad Gathering on bass. The band is currently rehearsing for opening slot gigs later this spring.
 

That’s all for Rock Lines this week and make sure to watch for the new expanded edition The Rust Belt Chronicles to stay up on the latest happenings in Rock Lines.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Cleveland Browns Improve Defense!

(This article will appear in the new Rust Belt Chronicles- Browns Town Section).

The Cleveland Browns improved their defense significantly at the beginning of free agency.  Desmond Bryant, Paul Kruger and Quinton Groves should have opponents and (hopefully) quarterbacks reeling. Where they actually go from here is anyone’s guess. Browns fans must be excited to see the recent edition of players acquired to help bolster the new 3-4 defense of Ray Horton. The front seven of the defense is loaded with aggression and speed.

Stopping the run and applying quarterback pressure is a key factor in the AFC North. The Brown’s have been in many close games over the last few years and maybe we will finally win those games. Last season, a lot of the rookies received playing time due to injuries and that has to reap dividends this year. It was exciting to see the youth of the Browns excel at many of the defensive line and linebackers positions.

Perhaps, the factory of sadness is about to turn a corner?

The one major weakness is who will play opposite Joe Haden in 2013? So far in FA, the Browns haven’t signed a cornerback and many of the players approaching their prime have been signed. I believe the Browns will sign at least someone in free agency to cover in nickelback situations.

Does this mean the Browns are going for Dee Milliner in the 2013 Draft or have good reason to believe he will still be available at No. 6?  Perhaps the coaching staff has someone in mind from one of their former teams that could be negotiated through a trade?

Cornerback, Brent Grimes was in town to listen to the Browns and is waiting several days to make a decision. Grimes is recovering from last year’s season ending injury (Achilles) and may never be the player he was before the injury. Some believe he is just using other teams to up the ante with Atlanta. When healthy, Brent was a very good player, but; is he damaged goods?

Another position of need is free safety. Few players “in their prime” are available at this point of free agency.  It would be nice to get a player at the right price through FA. The Browns may draft a youngster and work with the kids on the current roster.

Personally, I believe they will choose a linebacker/pass rusher at No. 6, if the player the front office wants is on the board. If not, expect a trade down to get back the No. 2 pick we lost with Josh Gordon.

That’s what I love about this time of year- lot’s of speculation, hearsay, hype and rumors.

Right now we’ve got a solid, young front seven defensive unit. We are only one or two players from having a top 5 NFL defense. The Browns still have money to spend. Throw in Ray Horton’s aggressive style and for the first time in a long time, the game is going to be exciting on the lakefront!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Feast or Famine of a Free Spirit!

It’s been a strange week.

I had my first rehearsal with a group of friends supporting an up-and coming artist on Tuesday. It isn’t a normal band type situation as I am learning the pre-recorded percussion parts and merely being a backup musician. I am hoping there will be some “freedom” to be somewhat creative with my drumming. The learning curve will be the tell-tale factor in how soon we perform publicly.

Who is this talented young man? You may read about him in the new Rock Lines section of the upcoming expanded edition of the Rust Belt Chronicles.

The other neat possibility is I can see this becoming two or even three separate projects since the bass player has his own material as well. We could entertain in small lounges or dinner clubs with much of the material and/or expand into a rock/progressive band playing in larger venues. Providing time and resources are available our possibilities could be vast.

I really hadn’t planned on being in another band again, but the itch just won’t go away!

On Wednesday, my wife and I had supper at a local Italian restaurant. Look for the restaurant review in the first edition of the expanded edition of the Rust Belt Chronicles.

On Friday, I ran across some questions concerning legal photo usage and how to find a source to use images; so I questioned a few people online. As usual everyone replied. Next thing you know, I have a person who works for a popular blogging site possibly offering me to head his Ohio blog which would give me access to photos legally. The pay is minimal to start, but it would give me a huge audience immediately and could turn into a better position.

Interesting indeed, too bad I didn’t start this type of income two or three years ago.

So I began researching the company, its founders, policies and knowledge base for information. This led me to compare the company to its market competitors. After several questions I cooled my jets realizing instead of trying to get my own paper going; I had veered-off in a completely different direction.

While the company makes millions of dollars per year, the writers only see a small percent. For the experience and what could come out of it might not be a bad idea. But, can I devote enough time and energy to two entire online projects or more and make the best of both worlds?

With my own paper there is no middle-man, but the audience is small starting out. I may try both initially if the proper time and sanity are available.

The week that started out with only a few obstacles ended up taking so many directions, writing a blog was out of mind and impossible.

Who knows, maybe I needed a break. Maybe you needed a break from my daily writings?

 I am hoping to refocus on launching my expanded journal and one way or another- making a lot of noise!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.