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Archive for August, 2012|Monthly archive page

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A Little Daily Inspiration: Jenny McIver, Round the World in 30 Days

In You on August 28, 2012 at 9:58 am

Jenny McIver, RTW in 30 Days

I spent this past Sunday evening planning my ‘Round The World’ trip on Star Alliance. Please note that I did not purchase my ticket, I only planned. On my itinerary? Santorini, Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Barcelona, Florence and on. So, what contributed to my sudden urge to indulge in my wanderlust? Jenny McIver and her travel site, RTWin30days.com. Jenny has managed to have a full-time career, with ESPN, while taking adequate time to visit over 120 countries and help others plan their own trips. All in all, she’s taken 7 Round the World trips. She plans to take her 8th in January 2013. Each trip spans 30 days and she works remotely.

Her brazen determination to travel has inspired many, some who never thought they’d have the time or money to take a trip, and others who are continually on the hunt for their next adventure, to make giant leaps forward in their exploration of the world. And, as fate would have it, her commitment to do what she loves has turned into an unlikely business venture that may just continue to expand.

So, what advice does Jenny have for those looking to balance work and their love for travel? Keep reading!

 

Q&A

 

How did your RTW in 30 days website begin? 

I took my first trip around the world 7 years ago. It was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip and, though I’d never really written anything before, I wanted to keep a journal of the trip. I used a website called MyTripJournal.com which allows travelers to keep an online journal of their travels. The next year when I decided to do another RTW trip, I continued using the MyTripJournal site but by the 3rd year I realized this was going to be an annual event and I needed to transition to my own site where I could better control the content. The one thing that made my travels unique from other RTW travelers/bloggers is that I managed to maintain a career at home while working short (by RTW standards) month-long trips into my schedule. Thus the name, “Round the World in 30 Days.”

 

 

RTW has expanded into a travel advice guide of sorts. Did you imagine or intend for the website to take on this scope?

Not really. At first the blog was merely intended to keep my friends and family up to date on my travels and provide me with a written journal of my travel experiences. With each RTW trip, the readership circle continued to expand to the point where the site began to attract travelers planning their own RTW trips and looking for advice. I love giving readers advice on RTW tickets, destinations, etc. I remember how much guidance I needed when I was planning my first trip. You’d be surprised how many people have done one RTW trip but you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone else who’s done seven! I’m also proud to say that the website has even inspired people to start planning a RTW trip. That’s my ultimate goal. To get people who never even dreamed of taking a trip like this to realize that it’s not a crazy idea. Anyone can do it and you don’t have to quit your job, sell your house and take off for a year for a RTW trip to be worthwhile. You really can fit the trip of a lifetime into your life.

 

How open have resorts and travel organizations been to partner?

Companies are really just starting to recognize the power of bloggers as a marketing medium. I attended a travel bloggers conference (TBEX) this summer with travel heavy hitters like Expedia and American Express in attendance and looking to partner with bloggers. TBEX is only 4 years old and this was my 2nd year attending. The corporate interest in that conference has exploded in the past year or two and it continues to grow as destinations and travel-related companies begin to see concrete, measurable results from their work with bloggers. I am currently in talks with a company that would be my dream sponsor and I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to work out a deal soon.

 

You’ve managed to build an incredible lifestyle where traveling is a priority and financially feasible. How would you suggest someone with two weeks best utilize their vacation time?

It really is all about your priorities in life, isn’t it? For me, travel is obviously a priority. I carve out time in my schedule for it. Something I’ve learned, though, is that the main reason most people think they can’t take more than two weeks off is because they’ve never asked to take more than two weeks off. In the U.S. it’s just assumed that two weeks in the norm and it can’t be exceeded. However, if you want to plan a big trip, there are lots of alternatives. Some companies offer sabbatical time or try combining vacation time with telecommuting to extend your days away from the office. It’s possible to work from anywhere; I work daily on every trip. And as I like to say…why work from home when you can work from Rome?

But if you absolutely can’t get more than two weeks, a RTW trip is still well-worth the effort. A RTW ticket is the single most efficient way to see more of the world in less time and they’re not as expensive as you think. How much can you really see in just two weeks, you ask? Here’s a two-week snippet from the middle of my first RTW trip:

 

Cape Town, South Africa – Cairo, Egypt – Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt – Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Agra, India – Bangkok, Thailand – Phuket, Thailand – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 
During those two weeks, I hiked Table Mountain, took a safari, rode a camel around the Pyramids, snorkeled in the Red Sea, spent a night at the world’s only 7-star hotel in Dubai, marveled at the Taj Mahal, explored the gleaming temples of Bangkok and the pristine beaches of Phuket and visited the Petronas Towers. So what can you see in just two weeks? More than some people see in their entire lives.

 

What’s been key in building your life as an entrepreneur?

Paying my dues early on. Right out of college I spent 7 years working back-to-back jobs with 80-hour weeks and very little pay. I didn’t have the time or money to travel and I didn’t dwell on it. But it was those years that allowed me to make the connections that ultimately led to starting my own business in 2000. Since then, one thing I’ve learned about having my own business is that I’m never on vacation. That may sound ridiculous since most people think I’m always on vacation but when you’re a company of one – the office is always open. Of course, that office may be an overwater bungalow in Tahiti…but it’s open.

South Pacific



 

In all of your travels, what’s your all time favorite destination?

Tough question! But one that I get a lot. If I had to choose one country, it would be Thailand with New Zealand and Greece as a close tie for 2nd. I’m a big fan of islands, especially in the South Pacific, and I’ve visited some incredible ones like Easter Island, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands. My next big travel goal is Antarctica.

 

 
Three things: My family & friends, my health and my U.S. passport. My family and friends are the primary reason I have no desire to travel the world for a year like most RTW travelers do, I would miss them too much!  Without my health, I wouldn’t be able to travel to many of the places I’ve gone. So many people take that for granted, but I don’t. And never underestimate the power of a U.S. passport. It’s an all-access pass to see the world and I’m thankful to have it.

 

Thank you, Jenny!

Even if traveling isn’t a priority in your life, Jenny’s journey is proof that one can plan for and have the life they want.

If you’d like to read more about Jenny’s travels, get information/advice about planning your own trip, or just take a welcome break from your day, please find the information for RTWin30Days below.

And, as always, be thankful.

~Thankful

RTW in 30 Days Website: www.RTWin30days.com

Twitter: @jennymciver

Facebook: RTWin30Days

Star Alliance Trip Planner: Just in Case…

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MAKERS Nationwide Search

In You on August 24, 2012 at 1:14 pm

A few months ago, I interviewed Filmmaker Dyllan McGee of “MAKERS: Women Who Make America” (Check out the interview here). Well, now they are on the hunt for new additions to the MAKERS family.

Read below to find out more information. You or someone you know could join Condoleeza Rice, Alice Walker, Violet Palmer, Vivian Stringer, Faye Wattleton, Nichelle Nichols, Faith Ringgold, Marian Wright Edelman, Barbara Smith, Bylle Avery, Ruth Simmons, and many more women in this exciting platform recognizing female role models!

~Thankful

SUBMISSION INFO:

MAKERS.COM is conducting a nationwide search for six women who are transforming America through leadership, activism, and positive social impact! Though these women are unknown to the masses, MAKERS will afford the six finalists $10K grant money to continue their work, film their inspirational stories for an upcoming PBS documentary, and feature them as “Next MAKERS” on the AOL developed interactive website. Anyone can submit an entry for either themselves or for someone they know through September 27th on MAKERS.Com/NextMAKERS.

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Hope, Gratitude, The Olympics, and You

In You on August 6, 2012 at 2:30 pm

LONDON 2012-

It’s remarkable. Numerous Olympic athletes, along with their friends and family, have livened up the atmosphere in London. I was here last summer and today there’s a marked difference; the town is filled with hope and positivity. It’s too bad I can’t bottle this up and take it home.

Every four years Olympic athletes serve as an inspirational beacon for their countries. But ask any athlete, their success is never unhampered by extenuating circumstances: injury, financial hardship, family issues, etc. But no matter, something inside of them, the love for their sport, their will to be champions, or their hope and belief that anything is possible, keeps them going. Many of these athletes, especially American Track and Field athletes, compete for little to no financial gain. They aren’t compensated like basketball players. Some have modest contracts, while others hold down part-time jobs to make ends meet. They are forced to stay physically in tune while working. For those of you who find it hard to go for a jog after a day of work, just imagine training at the elite level. Simply put, Olympic and Elite level athletes do what they do for the love of their sport.

There’s another side of the Olympics that’s not-so-inspirational, but definitely present, the definition of failure. So much emphasis is put on ‘medaling.’ And sometimes, more than just medaling but winning Olympic gold. Placing 4th is often regarded as failure, but someone has to get 4th right? As someone who’s not competing in the Olympics, it would be hard to imagine considering myself, or anyone for that matter, a failure for getting anything less than a gold medal. For those who place 4th or 23rd at the Olympics, they’ve competed at an unbelievable level and are among the best in the World. But we all know that success is bred from hunger. So, if you have the desire to perform at a high level, no matter your profession, there’s very rarely a sense of contentedness. We achieve one level of success and always want more.

So what’s the take away for non-elite athletes, for those working in finance, as doctors, as assistants or writers? There’s a saying, “Do what you must to do what you love.” I undoubtably agree with this but only under two conditions, that one have hope and gratitude. Like these athletes, everyday won’t be perfect, some days you’ll see professional or personal setbacks. But if you’re on a path, you must have hope that you are capable of achieving what you’ve set out to achieve. And if you have gratitude, you’ll find satisfaction on every level of your journey as you steadily climb higher, take a step back, and everything in between. Otherwise, what’s the point?

~Thankful

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A Little Daily Inspiration: Lindsey Day and Serena Watson, Co-Founders of Made Woman Magazine

In You on August 3, 2012 at 12:51 pm

Lindsey Day, Serena Watson, Co-Founders Made Woman Mag

The media hasn’t provided much by way of entertainment for Women. Case in point: Hollywood Exes. Content providers seem to believe that women are craving drama, catfights and the excesses associated with the celebrity lifestyle. Thankfully, Serena Watson and Lindsey Day have created online magazine, Made Woman Mag, to as Lindsey says, “Provide progressive, positive content that’s still fun and interesting.” What started out as a newsletter distributed among friends, has grown to become a full source of online entertainment with nearly 1,200 followers on Twitter and over 1,000 followers on Facebook. These two University of Southern California grads managed to build something wonderful from scratch. They even plan to turn MWM into an online social network for young female professionals. (See their IndieGoGo campaign video below)

I had the opportunity to interview this dynamic duo to see how they turned a newsletter into a trusted online resource for women on the move.

 

Q&A

What were your first steps as collaborators?

 

Serena

First we defined the roles we knew we would need. Then we wrote a detailed outline for our business. Our mission, goals, company philosophy… We took a 30,000ft view of the company. Not just where we were at that point but where we wanted to go. We had to work hard to merge both of our dreams and goals into one plan. The outcome is a brand we feel will support huge growth in multiple areas. There is a lot in store for Made Woman!

But of course it all starts with the content. We knew we wanted people to connect with our unique tone and  interact more with our brand. So we put a lot of thought/discussion into crafting something we think is completely different from everything else on the internet. All of our articles are honest, witty, useful, and relevant.

Lindsey

Serena is absolutely right; defining roles early on was so important to the flow and forward progress of the magazine. Since Serena has a communications background and I studied business, it was pretty clear who should handle what, which helped. As far as the overall direction of the magazine, we were blessed to really be on the same page from the start. We had a clear idea of the tone and style we wanted to convey, so we jumped in there and researched to make sure there was a market for what we wanted to offer. At that point, we focused on our branding and making sure it would be immediately clear what Made Woman is all about.

 

Have there been times where you’ve had doubts about MWM? If so, how’d you overcome them?

 

Serena

Well, I’ve never had any doubts about MWM as a company or a brand. But personally, I have a lot of competing interest in my life. In addition to the magazine, I work fulltime for Sony Pictures Imageworks Interactive. I love my job a lot and it takes up a lot of time. I also shot a full length indie film during the time I was working on Made Woman. So yeah, I have a lot going on! But I balance it all by realizing that I am living my dreams! I love every aspect of the work I’m doing so I really can’t complain. I focus on balance and managing expectations. But everyone in my life is very supportive so that helps.

Lindsey

Like Serena said, I’ve never had doubts about the company itself. I think that’s the greatest thing about our partnership: we’ve both gone through tremendous struggles in our personal and professional lives since we started the mag, but we’re both beyond committed to this project. There’s no going back or cutting corners. So having that understanding is crucial. In challenging times, it’s just important to do something. Having consistent forward movement is important and keeps things from getting stagnant. That, and getting used to sleep deprivation!

 

What are your favorite aspects of MWM?

 
Lindsey

I love that Made Woman is a collective of amazing, inspirational women. This began as a business venture, but it has grown to be much more than that. It has opened us up to connecting with movers and shakers of all industries, from remarkably different backgrounds. It’s exciting and empowering—for us and our readers—to find that you’re not on this journey alone, that there are so many women choosing to really go for it, who aren’t settling, and who are working to fulfill their wildest dreams. You can’t put a monetary value on that.

 

Do you think the world of online publishing provides the opportunity for diverse and higher quality content? What are the pros and cons to online publishing?

 
Serena

Definitely! There are a lot of wonderful blogs and online magazines out there doing their thing. Writing things that wouldn’t be possible in a corporate owned print mag. But the downside is that everyone thinks they are critic. You see a lot of people using their forums to just tear people down. I think that if the power of online publishing is harnessed correctly, it can change the world for the better.

 

What’s been the greatest asset in increasing readership?

 

Serena

Social media has definitely facilitated our growth tremendously. Through Facebook and Twitter we were able to get the word out about our content and find new (wonderful!) writers. There are so many social media sites out there it is hard not to get lost or feel overwhelmed. But we picked the sites that were best for us and came up with specific plans for each. We saw huge increases in readership once we had a cohesive plan.


 
If you could give yourselves one piece of advice at the beginning of this venture, what would it be?

Serena

I think it would be “don’t wait, just do”. We spent a lot of time at the beginning worrying over each step. We didn’t realize that it would be easier to fix a mistake than to get back all that wasted time. Of course it is important to do your research and to make informed decisions. But it’s also important to move forward in order to see progress.

Lindsey

I would also say not to underestimate yourself. Sure, there may have been (and still are) a ton of competitors, and there was a lot to learn about the technical aspect of things; but along the way, I realized that I knew more than I gave myself credit for. Trust in your skills and abilities and don’t downplay them.

 

What does the future look like for MWM?

 
Made Woman is more than just a magazine, it is a lifestyle brand and networking platform for young, female professionals. Using the funds we raise from our Indiegogo campaign, we plan to launch a networking calendar so that young professionals can find great events and make real life connections. We also plan to launch a mentor match and job search functionality. Later, we will also host our own networking events and seminars. Basically, we want the useful, fun, and connecting aspects of the site to translate into the real world.

 

 

Serena

I am so thankful for my family and friends. Without them I would not have been able to accomplish any of this. I’m also thankful that I am able to see my dreams come true more and more every day! So blessed!

Lindsey

I, too, am thankful for the support of family and friends and for the opportunity to even do any of this. So many have come before us, whether our ancestors striving to provide a better life for their children, or those who have fought to secure our basic human rights. And I’m humbled every day that people are connecting with something I would work on for free. Thanks for having us!

 
I can honestly say Lindsey and Serena have gathered a wonderfully diverse group of female writers. As a contributor myself, I’m happy to be a part of a magazine dedicated to providing positive content for women! Most importantly, If you’re looking to embark on a huge project, I hope you’ve learned one thing from these women, begin small, end big, and start now!

Made Woman Mag: www.madewomanmag.com

MWM on Twitter: @madewomanmag

MWM on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madewomanmag

MWM IndieGoGo:  http://www.indiegogo.com/MadeWomanMag

~Thankful

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