Lovable-Golden-Retriever.com

by Nancy Aingworth
(Columbus, Ohio, USA)

I bought SBI (for the second time--long story!) in December 2007, then life got in the way. Mom died, we had to clear out and sell the family home where we'd lived with Mom as we took care of her, and then move twice in 3 months. My hubby and two dogs adjusted better than I did, but I muddled through. I used my "down" time to read books and take notes that became the basis for my site's pages.

Finally ready to move on with my life, I built my first page in October 2008. I kept the blinders on until I'd built 65 pages by May 2009. I needed a break, so I followed Paul's Challenge in the Water Cooler (learning lots of writing and marketing skills) and wrote 20 articles to draw people to my site. My baby site grew a little each month, and I rejoiced in each tiny achievement. I recently celebrated reaching Page #100, and continue to move forward.

The Cincinnati conference was practically in my back yard, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to go. I mean, I didn't know anybody, and I'm just not too keen about talking to strangers. But you know what? There aren't any strangers in SBI! We all talk the same language! It's really fantastic to talk about SBI stuff and have the listener not only understand but participate excitedly instead of "shutting down" out of boredom and total lack of comprehension.

The Cincy conference was absolutely fabulous, from the presenters to the facilities, and everything in between. The organizers had done a great job of making sure everything ran smoothly. The presenters always had time for us when we had a question or a problem. We all networked at every available minute--between sessions, at meals, in the evenings, and right up until the first session started in the morning. Talk, talk, talk--SBI style!

Don Coggan was incredibly patient and kind with my questions, helping me streamline the direction my site needed to go, which gave me concrete ideas for my next sites that can branch off this one. The presentations on keywords, affiliates, and Most Wanted Response were great. The emphasis on studying and implementing the Action Guide was just what we all needed to hear. The first thing I did when I got home was watch Days 1-9 of the AG, and wish we had Day 10 in video form. (I know, all in good time, I'm sure!)

The conference not only clarified several areas for me, it also gave me the chance to make some great new friends. One of our first assignments was to "buddy up" with another attendee for the duration of the conference, and follow up with them afterward. I'm still keeping in close touch by e-mail with my buddy, as we encourage each other with our sites.

Terri moved me to tears as she helped us visualize where we want to be in 1-3 years (or more). My SBI site is going to take us into our retirement years within that time frame, and I could picture us sitting on the porch of our country home in Tennessee--far from the noise of our current city neighborhood--drinking in the peaceful scenery. I was there!

And it's all because of SBI. All it takes is BAM, following the AG methodology, and never giving up. That's why I'll be in Dallas in April, and Chicago in September. I'm already so motivated I can barely sleep at night, but the conferences are the guiding light that keeps me on the path to my goals.

But it's not the destination--it's the journey. Meeting all these wonderful SBIers along the way makes the journey absolutely delightful and inspiring. Ya just gotta come see what it's all about!