Howdy. This newsletter’s landing page says “the life, learnings, and earnings of Ryan Sneddon” so here we go.
Time to read: 2 minutes, 57 seconds
Life
I lost my mojo last year. And I blame one of my favorite things.
Work.
I wasn’t born “bold,” but I learned to be bold after realizing bold people get what they want from life.
But over the last year, I became so focused on work that I forgot to live the way I want — adventurously and proactively. I’d been saying, “I’ve always wanted to do that“ far too often. So I made a change.
Every month in 2023 (starting in February), I’m doing something epic. Something I’ve “always wanted to do.”
Important: This isn’t a bucket list. It’s the start (or restart) of the way I want to live — adventurously and proactively.
February’s epic adventure
I’ve wanted to fly in a helicopter for as long as I can remember. So I booked a tour of my city. It cost $300 and it was every bit as awesome as I hoped. 100% worth it.
Flying over one of my favorite cities – Annapolis, MD
Here’s a video recap.
Learnings
I listen to and read 2 books simultaneously. I’m checking off all the classics I haven’t read. 85 to go.
Listening: Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
This is a DOOZY (hence why I’m listening. 24 hours on Audible!)
Reading: The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
I just finished Influence by Robert Cialdini. I rate it 9/10 (high for me). Read my longer notes.
Miscellaneous
I read and summarized Warren Buffett’s 2022 Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letter.
Earnings
I have three active projects (1 healthy biz, 2 baby projects), one I’m building, and two I’m exploring.
Active
Naptown Scoop - My priority
Digital newspaper for Annapolis, MD. We publish an email newsletter like this 3 times a week. It’s 90% ad-funded.
Short term goals
Hire a writer. I write 90% of each newsletter. My goal is 10% within 6 months. 27 applicants so far.
Migrate from Mailchimp to Beehiiv. I have new features want to do the migration first.
Document processes. See long term goals.
Long term goals
Repeat Naptown Scoop concept in 100 cities across the U.S.
Financials
Monthly advertising auto-billing: $6,842
February other income: $500
All from one sponsored Instagram post
ATM - New
I installed an ATM in one of the most popular bars in town last night. $10 cover and huge lines every weekend. I bought this way back in September so I’m stoked it’s finally installed.
Money earned in February: $0
Copywriter’s Challenge - Launching today
I’ve written persuasive sales copy almost every day for 3 years. Why not productize that knowledge and sell it? So I created a 10-day course for novice copywriters to learn the basics. Check it out.
Money earned in February: $250
1 pre-sale. Rocking a 100% conversion rate right now 😉
Building
Journey Map
I partnered with my friend David and his wife to create a tourist map of Durham, NC where we’ll sell advertising. We chose Durham because they live there.
Current update:
David and Grayson are setting up sales meetings
I’m creating a flow for ad payments, collateral uploads, and contracts. Once we make a sale, the owner/GM will do everything through a single Typeform.
Freelance artist is revising prototype map for sales meetings.
Exploring
Portable toilet rental
I have so many connections (and a free advertising channel) through my newspaper it’d be foolish not to think about how to capitalize. Spreadsheet geek partner is proforma-ing and finding equipment. I’m creating a marketing plan.
Chance of building: 60%
Annapoly
Custom Monopoly board game for my hometown (Annapolis, MD). Again, something I can sell through Naptown Scoop. I’m setting up meetings with manufacturers to determine unit cost.
Chance of building: 40%
That’s it
Let me know what you loved and what you hated.