XD30 – Day 29 – Increasing the Numbers

                I have decided to build upon yesterday’s enlarging my tent thought because I know that I can think bigger and better every day. I have challenged myself by doing an all-new eBay YouTube Live showcasing my new inventory. I am grateful for technology to spread my message and showcase my wares. You can shop tall women’s affordable luxury fashion here: www.ebay.com/usr/carlrjenkin_6

                Doing a YouTube livestream is a new way of expanding my thinking. Normally, I do Periscope but YouTube is the second-largest search engine which is owned by Google the number 1 search engine. I see myself expanding more by doing more YouTube livestreams in the very near future. I will probably do one Sunday especially when I list new inventory.

Also while deciding that today is a nice day (I have gotten outside before it’s hot!). I have written my July editorial calendar for all of my emails. I am thinking bigger and better and enlarging my tent; and, my social media numbers are increasing.

These three things more than compensate for how my paperwork was still in limbo yesterday because I am moving forward. I am shifting towards positive and transitioning in that direction. Moreover, I am still receiving many recruiters checking my LinkedIn page over my new certification. In addition, I am very grateful to be in a free landing page training. This can be great with growing my email list. Finally, my blog analytics are trending up due to my high-quality video content on my site. I am dedicated towards enlarging my tent more than just one day. 

XD30- Day 28 - Enlarging My Tent

This morning I have watched Becky A Davis’ 40 Days of Prayer for My Business http://bosspreneur.thinkific.com/courses/take/40-days-of-prayer-for-my-business . In Day 36 she preaches from the Book of Isaiah about enlarging your tent. Immediately I think about my certification since I have passed my exam this past Sunday. However, I have enlarged my territory including eBay because I have been on there for over 1 year. Hey, I can do another YouTube Live showcasing my new merchandise. It must have been serendipity because I receive a bid in my inbox. The night before I have shared my merchandise on social media and viola, a buyer.

                I have spent this entire day thinking bigger. I have recorded three more videos including the new about me video for my new certification. I have to keep promoting my new certification because no one else will. I am very grateful that people in one of my LinkedIn group are liking my certification article. I truly need the support. I’ve posted my new about me video article. I have come up with a 1-minute breakdown for my new certification showcasing my service management proficiency. Right after shooting it, it clicks that I can shoot a 1-minute PMP breakdown too. I will drip these videos tomorrow and Friday. I will publish them on my blog and republish them on two different social media platforms to increase my reach. I am enlarging my tent by thinking bigger resulting in more video promotions.

                I have also enlarged my tent by posting my online shop articles because I have not told anyone in over one month about my store. Well, today is high time to do so because if I am not mentioning what is in my store then no one knows about. In addition, I have done a new eBay YouTube Livestream showing my new merchandise. I have updated my inventory telling me about the sale and given them some business knowledge.

Shop me eBay store for the best in tall women’s affordable luxury: www.ebay.com/usr/carljenkin_6

XD30- Day 27 -The Hokey Pokey

                I feel as of lately that I am doing the hokey pokey dance: I have one foot in a positive direction and another foot out with something popping up unexpectedly. Honestly, I am thinking that it would get easier as the month progressed; but, I guess not. I am happy that I am being highlighted in a professional network, people are watching my certification announcement video (it’s nearly at 100 views. I appreciate the love!), received great advice, and some customer service help. However, things are still creeping up. It’s like whack-a-mole in a way. It is more than annoying because I want to put this behind me. I will admit that I can see progress ahead and it does help that I’ve picked up another credential and received wise counsel for free. A lot of people don’t get this. Now that this day is over with, I do see bluer skies ahead. 

XD30 - Day 26 – Never Stop Hustling

                I awake all giddy that I have passed my exam. You know when you wake up and it’s really, really, real?! This is the absolute best feeling in the world. It feels great to know that you’ve knocked something off of your New Year’s resolutions list. However, no man is an island and I must promote in order to get the word out. I’ve republished my website’s blog article on LinkedIn, tell everyone about today YouTube Live episode where I discuss my take on ITIL as a certified project manager. My hard work has paid off because as soon as I publish my ITIL article on LinkedIn some recruiter is in my inbox. See, these are the results that I am looking for.

                I have to push because there have been a lot of slowness and irregularities happen to me. One of them is explained today when I learn that a recruiter will be on maternity leave. I wish her well then proceed to reintroduce myself to the other recruiters taking her place. Next, I discover that I am receiving more free help from an organization. This is a blessing especially since I’ve missed the phone call and have to walk to place in order to receive the good news.

                My night winds down like any other. Then I search the BET Awards Twitter hashtag and learn that rapper Remy Ma has blocked me for NO reason. Hey que sera, sera (whatever will be, will be!). 

XD30 – Day 25 – Irregardless

I passed my third certification exam on the first try! I am very proud of myself especially after the morning that I had. I didn’t know that Metro changed its service hours so now on Sundays, it opened at 8am instead of 7am. I walked from home to McPherson, back to Farragut West (where some Asian man asked me if I had $5 in hashish at Farragut Square. Geesh! Drug dealers were NOW wearing hot pink t-shirts?! Who knew!). I then crossed the Square back to Farragut North only to learn the K Street entrance still had the gate up but the L street entrance was open (You had only ONE job!). Once I saw the 16-minute wait, I climbed the escalator back to McPherson where I waited another 19 minutes to roll to Reston. I arrived at the testing center at 9:30am. The instructor said that he just got started teaching. Oh vey!

This was NOT my first weird certification experience. I passed my PMP exam the day of the earthquake in 2011. The scrum test system crashed the day of the test from too many users and the Lyft driver missed the Vienna metro exit yet I still passed the Certified Scrum Master exam. I refused to be rattled over such nonsense. Not even that irritating broad whose favorite pastime was sitting in on certification workshop but not taking the exams then complaining about how backed up she felt. Girl, bye! She wasn’t the only one who made it a sport of sitting in these certification workshops but not taking the exam immediately afterward. There was another lady and gentleman in my training class who did the same thing. They acted as if it was nothing. I couldn’t waste that type of time sitting there which was why I now had three certifications and they didn’t. That’s what Udemy was for! Udemy out there giving away certification courses on the cheap for $10 (I scored mine for that much!). I bet they spent more of food and liquor than their own self-improvement! That lady was just the most annoying of the bunch.

I was happy that it was nice (not dripping humidity) outside because I walked to blow off steam (and stupidity!). It took me 30 minutes to register for the exam because it was onsite registration and another person who openly admitted that this was his second time sitting in on a computer language course and he didn’t think that he would pass (Are you serious?! You held my registration up for that?!). Anyway, I completed mine, went to the testing area, grabbed my headphones, prayed and got to work. I passed my certification exam on the first exam. I received my printout and certificate of completion and rolled back home happy knowing that I got what I came for. 

XD30 – Day 24 – As Long As I Don’t Get a Talker

                I returned home from an all-day event and discovered that I had way more than I thought I did. Raggedy Kinko’s self-service card readers malfunctioned on me early this morning. If I wasn’t in a time crunch, I would had asked for a replacement card to make my copies.

                Awaking at 6am on Saturday takes a lot of dedication and effort. I guess most people sleep in on the weekend. I have training ( I am big on continuous improvement and oftentimes the weekends are the only time I have time to learn. I am actually happy that this is on the weekend because I don’t have to take off.).

                I am happy that there are very few people. As I age, I have very low expectations for training. I don’t ask for much just no buttholes and group exercises. I am also very happy that I don’t have either here. I have also learned that one of the trainees received a discount on services. Hey, I want more training aligned with my current career.

                Having this instructor is eye-opening. That’s why I prefer a human being teaching versus self-study because I get out of my own head. I have trained a previous couple of days to get acclimated to the material but with the instructor explaining, I totally get it. It’s like everything is clicking. In the morning, I am like okay, I am going to pass. 

XD30 – Day 23 – Learning More Than Ever Before

I am extremely grateful to awake this morning being in a way better position than yesterday. One of my daily affirmations is being open to learning something new from people, places and things. I learned so much yesterday and was grateful to receive answers then than next week or even today. Wasting time is one of my biggest pet peeves. I have seen and experienced massive change in one week. That’s how fast my life goes sometimes. Rapid change can occur very fast. I have gotten comfortable with being uncomfortable. It’s the reason why I have received 4 promotions in 10 years. I am on the cusp of getting uncomfortable again for the next venture. 

XD30 – Day 22 – Eyes on the Prize

                I am focused on preparing for the next phase of my career. Yes, there is a whole lot of negative things swirling around me; but, I refuse to let them distract me from my goal. Actually, I am glad that I am away from my cell right now because I get focused. I can hone in on what I need to do.

                Confession: I have received assistance for training and there’s a 90%+ passage rate; but, I am still doing my part to adequately prepare for the training. I always want to walk into the training center knowing what the topic is. I have never walked in cold without knowing anything. I own my learning and feel that although I am receiving assistance, it is still my responsibility to learn as much as possible.

                I have never told anybody anything about it because I only care about outcomes not steps. I never broadcast everything that is going on because when I do announce it. I am very general about discussing certain things especially when they haven’t come to fruition yet. Personally, I dislike people broadcasting every move you make. Focus on outcomes, not impressing people with the whole ‘look at me’ thing. Be productive not busy!

XD30 – Day 21 – Getting Sleep and Rest

                This morning is the first day where I have awakened at 6:45am. Usually, I would have not only been up but finished my walk. I have been at peace, going to sleep and enjoying it. I do think that everything is falling into place.

                I am very happy that one of the projects that I truly want to participate deadline’s is still open. I will apply today because I do see myself deepen my broadcast knowledge. I am a member of this group but I am still all about creating high quality content.

                Yikes! I am happy that I have allotted more time towards completing the app because there were more questions on the final page. I am getting it done but whew! They are asking for a whole lot. I will email my contact asking for more information. At least the application deadline is still open.

                I am applying for this because I view this as an opportunity to grow and communicate even more. I love communicating, sharing and exchanging ideas because I learn something new and become smarter.

                Finally, by getting rest I am able to be my best and take full advantage of advice clinics. I have received a value tip that will help me; and, I am grateful because I am fully present to be able to receive this information. 

XD30 – Day 20 – Pile It On

I have been doing the side hustle thing for nearly one year selling clothes that I no longer wear online. I have made some money and decided to add more items into my store. Normally, people say to add on Sunday but I have decided to do it today because people shop every day. Adding four new dresses to my store will help my inventory because there are new things to look at. People are buying and selling every single day and I will do the same. 

XD30 – Day 19 – New Week, New Me

                I am back at it full of vim and vigor ready for this week. I created 18-20 daily tip videos to bolster my expertise. I post my first one on social media and am happy with the result. People actually miss my series. Also I have done my weekly livestream show (regardless of how tired I feel) because 1) I love it and 2) there is a void in my profession. I am glad to have kept my promise to myself to do the show because people are watching. I also upload it to my blog to generate more traffic. 

XD30 – Day 18 – Content Generation

On this Father’s Day, I celebrate my Daddy and generate a whole lot of content! I have shot over 18 videos. My tip series is returning Monday and I will post a screenshot on social media promoting its return. I love creating content because I love to communicate and share what I know. That’s why I love being a blogger and doing livestream. I get to share my information and insights on topics.

                I have hammered out 18-20 videos for my daily tip Instagram series. I am all about teaching people and positioning myself as the expert. I just am sick of the paralysis of analysis so I have just done filming all of my tips and converting these videos onto YouTube. I will release one a day starting tomorrow. It will also give me way more content and things to promote on my project management blog. 

XD30 – Day 17 – No Cash No Service

                I went to a place to get some chicken tenders. It had a cash register but when I pulled out my $10 bill, he said that he didn’t have change. Huh? What type of false advertisement was that?  Look I took my money to BGR, ordered my chicken tenders using my cash and saved $2.50 in the process. That was just messy. Every place else took money. Like I said ‘no cash, no service.’

XD30 – Day 16 – Taking Back My Power

When I saw the second charge this morning, I decided that the buck stopped here! I was no longer just going to take it! I filed a complaint with an agency telling them that the bank made the mistake not me and that I spoke with the vendor to resolve this matter. It felt great because I knew that the bank would listen to the agency. Next when I learned that the mail which I was awaiting didn’t come, I called the bank to address my situation. Even though it had to do verification (why when it was taking money out of my account. People steal from those who have money NOT the other way around!). I managed to get my charges removed turning my balance back to positive. I was still happy that I filed because the person talked about the decision may not go my way. Huh? The bank took my money. Y’all better refund it. Pronto!

                On a much happier note, I made another sale. This meant that I would do another Periscope. I did one yesterday and immediately received a sale. I will keep doing it until every item sold. I also need to meet my weekly sales goals and keep me afloat in the meantime. I admit that at the start of this week, I would have never thought that I would be in this position. All I want is a smooth week without the craziness especially when I have NOT caused any of it. I am in disbelief that someone who is NOT an instigator of any kind is the one getting put through so much mess! 

XD30 – Day 15 – The More You Know

                In the midst of my financial struggle (I awoke to a negative charge after seeing a positive balance the day before), I used the cash in my pocket to priority mail my order, changed clothes and rolled to the contracting conference. I had to get out of my space and keep my mind off of that craziness. I also wanted to see the former mayor of Cleveland who now ran a women’s public policy think tank. The free conference was literally right down the street; and, the same place I worked a couple of months ago. Immediately when I walked into there I thought ‘maybe I should had signed up for this’. However, they fed us which was good enough. I learned so much especially all of the free resources that were available for me looking for federal government contracting opportunities. The only drawback was no charging stations. I had to walk home to recharge my cell phone. I returned to the ending reception where I ate pina colada cotton candy but I still missed 2 sessions because of no charging stations.

                Attending this conference afforded me another opportunity to talk about something besides eBay and project management on Periscope. Look I love making money via livestream hawking my wares but talking about the conference that I attended is a breath of fresh air. People get to see what else I can talk about. I will check into another conference to hobnob and learn more about making money and new topics in the very near future. 

XD30 – Day 14 – Money in My Sock

Goodness! Here I am thinking that I have stretch my money all the way until the end of this week only to learn via voicemail that one of my parents has watched my YouTube videos and is giving me money to upgrade my ‘presence.’. Immediately I tell everyone on Facebook because my parents are 65+ and they are critiquing my YouTube videos! How many senior citizens are doing that?! Exactly! Also I check my bank balance and see that there is way more than what’s in there yesterday. I can breathe just a little (I wish I would have known a little earlier else I would not had cancelled that meeting because I thought that I was dirt poor. That’s another blog post though.). Furthermore, PayPal says that my echeck has cleared so now my other money isn’t held up. I transfer that ASAP! Today truly feels like the wheels are churning.

                I am still putting a lot of new items into my eBay store to start summer off on the right note. I also want to move as much merchandise as possible. I have started doing eBay YouTube Livestreams and will do one later today because YouTube gives me another audience and storage options. I can also embed these videos online. I particularly love the screenshare feature because then all I have to do is plug in my webcam, show my eBay store and roll! I am still pushing myself to earn more money than I did yesterday!

XD30 – Day 13 – Pay Me Dust

                Sheesh! As soon as the money comes, the money goes. I check my bank account and am down to little or no money. Even though I am grateful to have cash in my pocket, I am happy that deposited the money else everything will bounce. See I am happy because I don’t have to think about the what-ifs. It could have ended worse than where I am sitting. However, at least I don’t have a negative balance.

                Yet, somethings are tied up elsewhere; and, I am fixing to make sure that I get these matters resolved. I know that I have the sales capability to generate the income necessary. After all, I am grateful to have one eBay sale and I know that once I have another sale…then another and then another. I will return to Periscope, add merchandise and try something new this time: YouTube Live. I have done YouTube Live with project management and webinar; but, never my eBay 

XD30 – Day 12 – Cash in Hand

                I am so grateful that my friend has loaned me cash. Now I can deposit it and have it float. I won’t have any bounced checks and am very grateful for this. I can stay at home, work on my job search and stay in the air conditioning. When it is 95 degrees in the shade, it is the simple things that count. I truly need peace of mind especially when I am in transition. I am very happy that I have some things on lock because I truly want to start as soon as possible. 

XD30 - Day 11 – Bouncing Back

                I am feeling much better after 1) willing myself to the CVS for ginger ale (sold out due to last night’s Capital Pride revelers so I have to get lemonade); 2) Midol and 3) sleep. My ear infection is gone (or whatever that was) and I all ready to bounce back and take control of today and this week. I am ready to get back into the saddle and start working, earning and learning. I do feel that this will be one of my best weeks ever because I am working and no longer beholden to anyone or anything. 

XD30 – Day 10 – A Friend in Need

                Having a new job is great but I need cash flow in the meantime. This means asking one of my friends for money. Having been in DC for over 11 years, I have never asked for help; but, there is a first time for everything. I am grateful that she has helped me because now I know that I can cover my food for at least two weeks; plus, I will start working (at least getting paid training) this upcoming week. This is probably the only time that I will ever need gap insurance. 

XD30 - Day 9 – Coming through

Finally! My security clearance has come through. I don’t know why it has taken this long but I am very happy that today is Friday and it has caps off my week on a high note! This is the best thing ever because now I also know that I qualify for a whole lot more stuff which is great. In addition, I have had someone watching my How to S.W.O.T. Away the Competition webinar which is a major feat in my book. Someone is interested in my material which is great. Furthermore, I am going to use this as a tripwire for my book! I do think that this will be great. Lastly, I am very happy that my Cavs have bounced back from the brink of extinction to win big at home. Go Cleveland!

XD30 – Day 8 – Baby I’m A S.T.A.R.

Training has concluded today. I have learned the S.T.A.R. (situation, task, action, result) method. It has given me clarity that I haven’t had before. I’ve realized that my discovering the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) has led to upper management recommending me for the IT installation. This installation project was my first project. Without this installation project, I wouldn’t have been accepted in the agency leadership program or qualify to sit for the CAPM exam. This one action has significantly changed my life. That’s why I am happy that I have attended training. I need all of the help that  I get. 

XD30 – Day 7 – What’s Her Name Again?

I have returned to the training. I have forgotten my phone. It’s a momentarily lapse because I have changed my mind about taking my laptop. Hey, it happens.

                Since I am not a government employee, I have to go to the info desk to check-in. I give the lady my ID . She looks at it then says ‘do you spell Carla with a C or a K?’ Let me repeat this again. She has my ID in her hand and still ask me ‘if I spell Carla with a C or a K?’ I say C and she prints my visitor sticker.

XD30 – Day 6 – You Learn Something Every Day

                I came to the job training uneasy because I hated group work. I dread it like the plague. I had to travel to another quadrant in DC so it was a new experience. That neighborhood was nothing like DuPont but I was still happy for the opportunity. I learned during this morning that because I was a career permanent federal employee that I had lifetime reinstatement eligibility! That was completely mindblowing and more than worth my time being there. Now I knew that if I wanted to, not only could I return to the government, but I could apply for a higher grade using my reinstatement. This turnaround my entire fortune because now I knew that I could get back in and earn money.

                On another note, although I told the trainer that I would bring my laptop, I did have some apprehension as soon as I left the building because I would have to go through the metal detectors. Yeah, that would be no fun. I will still bring it with me tomorrow just in case. I will also bring my charger. I will see what happens. I am just thankful that I am learning from a professional and glad that I’ve received the referral.

                Now that I have covered the workday. I am going to discuss my personal experience. I did not know that the crosstown bus was at this metro station. This is great because with the shuttle bus running, I need an alternative route home. I feel like this is an added bonus for me because I have never gone to the end of the line before; but, if those little druggies board the shuttle then I am hopping on the bus and rolling home. 

XD30 – Day 5 – People Are More Alike Than They Are Different

People are more alike than they are different. I have learned this today during my chat with a potential employer. I learn that he once owned his own business. Who knew? I feel a whole lot more comfortable knowing this. Oftentimes I operate isolated and with tunnel vision. Yet, it’s important to get out and press the flesh. I am comforted knowing that I am not an island.

XD30 – Day 4 – Harpo Who Is Dis Woman?

                I awoke this morning at 5am to see that someone left me a message telling me to call them. It was important. First, I never conducted any type of financial business on Sunday because it was the Sabbath; so, of course, I was beyond annoyed at this point. Let me back up a little bit. I learned that a bank messed up my dispute on Friday so I had to refile it. That would take another 10 business days. I did not understand why this crap happened to me but I hated having my money on hold. This was adversely affecting my pockets. Moreover, I mailed a copy of my documents to the party telling her what happened. This was not the first time that I had to file some type of complaint with the bank of the federal consumer agency (I had a fraud charge last summer.). Now that mess! This was NOT how I wanted my week to start especially since I ended it on a very positive note.

I received an in-person interview and a future contingent letter. My job prospects were looking up. I was going to spend today preparing for tomorrow’s interview. Now I had to deal with this. Originally, I prayed that this situation didn’t disrupt my Monday interview. In a weird way, because it happened today, it didn’t; but, I still didn’t need all mess especially today. 

XD30 – Day 3 – The Devil Is a Lie

I cannot believe my good fortune! I have gotten into next week’s training program. I have only learned about this from my case worker this past Thursday. Originally, I didn’t even want to go to my meeting. I wanted to (literally) phone it in. My ITIL certification class was 2 ½ months late and I was fighting over the measly part-time contract position. I was angry. However, once he mentioned this, the lightbulb went off for me. I emailed him back telling him to refer me to this position. This is the fastest turnaround in government history! It ranks right up with my interviewing for my economist position on Friday and getting the job Monday afternoon. The Devil is a lie! In addition, with my in-person interview and future contingent letter and I am on a roll! 

XD30 - Day 2 - Mastery

                This is the second word that has popped into my brain after here for the first day. I have been very busy creating videos showcasing my expertise. I have started promoting my scrum master talents. My website, www.carlarjenkins.com, has the average session duration of 5 minutes. The average is around 2 minutes 9 seconds. Visitors are spending a whole lot of time on my site watching videos and reading my articles. These activities reinforce my mastery. I possess over 10 years’ project management experience, Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM) licenses, and a social media influencer with a Klout score of 66. These are Rockstar qualities!

                How did I become a master? By committing myself to excellence and developing a plan. I have always created daily to-do lists with things that will put me closer towards being an expert. It takes a whole lot of work. Using project management as an example, I know that I am a much stronger project manager now than when I received my CAPM in 2011. Mastery can be painful at times but it is worth it because people view you as an authority and trust what you say. I have been mastered social media too.

                I have a Klout score of 66 ( I originally stayed away from it because I thought that it was wack. I was simply putting out high-quality content.). A score of 66 means that I am in the top 10% of all social media users. I am proud of my mastery especially when people can read my articles and implement the steps. To see my mastery, visit my site at www.carlarjenkins.com

XD30 - Day 1 - Here

I am here. A place that I have not expected to be. There has been a whole lot of adversity and weird things happening to me over the past 1 ½ years; but, I am still here. I am ready to admit at times it has been surreal like Salvatore Dali’s paintings. The melting watch portrait perfectly sums up this period; yet, I am still here; and, I intend of being here after this season passes.