Why you MUST Know the PRO/KEY Ratio

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Introduction

Right away I’m hearing, “I don’t know about the PRO/KEY ratio now, so why do I need to know it? You need to know and use the PRO/KEY ratio in your work because it knows about YOU. If you are trying to make money online, you can’t make money without it.

Don’t wave the bullshit flag just yet. Let me ask a question. If you don’t work efficiently by profitably using every minute of your time on the computer, will you make as much money as the person who does profitably use every minute of their time?

“Put that in short English,” I hear someone saying.

Sorry, not yet. We will build up to it together.

Is your strategy succeeding? How do you know?

Right now, without hesitation, answer this question: “Is your strategy succeeding?” Then answer this question. “How do you know?” Wrong question as most likely won’t be able to give a provable answer, so I’ll ask a different question.

How much are you making for every hour you spend on the keyboard? Prove it. Did I say to subtract keyboard usage for activities other than working your business? Nope. That is mostly wasted time. Sure, we can use some time for entertainment, but it is still time we could have used for working in our business or getting needed rest and recreation away from the computer. Not to mention completing our other responsivities in life.

Agree? Disagree? Please don’t decide just yet. Not until we have some facts.

Need for a universal measurement

I tried to find one activity that would work for all sorts of online businesses from writing books to building a business with a combination of seminars, coaching, blog posts, social media time, social internet activities, etc. The one common activity is hours of keyboard usage. That means active use pressing the keys.

Some will say, and on the surface rightfully so, they make money from coaching over the phone, giving online séances, selling products in an online store or even a brick and mortar store. It doesn’t matter because it is all related to the amount of time the entrepreneur spends on the keyboard. That is if they have an online presence. Those who don’t have an online presence won’t read this post.

Except for social bloggers and people who come online solely to interact with people, is there anyone who disagrees that keyboard usage is an important part of their business? Let me fix that. Is there anyone who disagrees keyboard usage that results in profits is an important part of their business? Is there anyone who disagrees keyboard usage that doesn’t increase profits is often a waste of valuable time? (This is called begging the question, so I’m begging you not to disagree with me.)

Would our business make more money if we dedicated a higher percentage of our time to money making activities? Notice I said money making. Many people think they are successfully marketing, but they don’t have a way to prove their marketing is money making. Wouldn’t it be great to prove if a marketing strategy was money making?

Enough motivation. How can we measure keyboard usage? We could use a stopwatch and keep a log. Wouldn’t it be better to have an app run in the background to measure our keyboard usage? One that wouldn’t make exceptions or forget to start a stopwatch? And one that will keep a log for years without any effort on our part? Well, there is such an app. It’s called Manictime. The free version doesn’t do everything, but the paid version does. It costs $67 to buy the paid version. There is a 15-day free trial. Yes, it’s a lot of money. No, I don’t do affiliate marketing, so I don’t make anything if you buy it.

In conclusion, the KEY in PRO/KEY is keyboard usage

Guess what PRO is? It’s PROFIT. Now we have the ratio PROFIT/KEYBOARD usage. It’s similar to profit/hour, except it includes ALL your time on the computer. The idea is to maximize the PRO/KEY ratio by avoiding time wasters. Easy, huh?

Using the PRO/KEY Ratio

Our goal is to make the ratio as high as possible. That’s good enough for now. We can do that by making more profit, or we can do that by reducing keyboard usage. We could make it infinite if we make a dollar and don’t use the keyboard. Let’s set INFINITE as our target. Impossible, you say? Yes, it is, but we can at least head in that direction.

Graphing our Progress

Once a month, record the total minutes on the keyboard since the start of tracking and the total profit since the start of tracking. Using the time from the start is important as it smooths monthly fluctuations. The ratio should go up over time. That’s all there is to it. Now how do we make the ratio go up?

1. Reduce our wasted keyboard time.

2. Become more efficient in how we do our work.

3. Spend our time on the most profitable activities.

Conclusion

If we focus on ways to increase this ratio, we will automatically favor activities that make a profit. It is also a way to test new activities. If, after a few months, the ratio starts to go up, the activities are productive. If not, stop doing it.

gershon_ben_franja@yahoo.com

Gary Thaller 

Coordinating Conjunctions Quiz

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Introduction

I'm starting to create a series of quizzes to highlight the errors I see most often while proofreading. In order to prevent possible copyright violations, all the sentences will come from my own books.

In my opinion, we learn by doing things right, so I'll do everything I can to help everyone score 100%. You will see the questions here, and then you can take a quiz online. 

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions combine clauses that can stand independently as sentences. When using a coordinating conjunction to combine sentences, sometimes a comma is added and sometimes it is not. 

Use the acronym FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to recall the coordinating conjunctions.

The rule is simple. If there is a subject in the clause after one of the coordinating conjunctions, there is a comma before the coordinating conjunction.

If there not a stated subject after the coordinating conjunction, there is not a comma before the coordinating conjunction.

Take the quiz online. The access code is test. Use your own name or make up a name.

Examples 

1) Which of the following is correct?

a) It gives valuable information to help you set realistic expectations along the way and will help you set goals for yourself.

b) It gives valuable information to help you set realistic expectations along the way, and will

help you set goals for yourself.

2) Which one of these is correct?

a) Astute readers will see these secrets and take action for success.

b) Astute readers will see these secrets, and take action for success.

3) Which one of these is correct.

a) The money is nice to have, but I cannot quit my day job yet.

b) The money is nice to have but I cannot quit my day job yet.

4) Which choice is correct?

a) The numbers do not lie. Either I did the work, or I did not.

b) The numbers do not lie. Either I did the work or I did not.

5) Which of the following is correct?

a) I have a master plan when I write a book, and I follow a process when I write.

b) I have a master plan when I write a book and I follow the process when I write.

6) Which one of the following is correct?

a) People used to take time off, but now society demands too much.

b) People used to take time off but now society demands too much.

7) Which one of the following is correct?

a) Writing activities must consume 75% of your time, or you will fail in the long-term.

b) Writing activities must consume 75% of your time or you will fail in the long-term.

Take the quiz online. The security code is test. Use your own name or make up a name.

Grammarly Handbook - The "Best" Source of Grammar Rules

Introduction

What is the "best" source of grammar rules? In my opinion, the source should be correct, and the source ought to be easy to access. In addition, the source should be well-organized. The Grammarly Handbook meets all three criteria.

Description

The Grammarly Handbook has a home page with a long subject list. It is easy to find the answer to most grammar questions. The explanations are short, so it doesn't take much time to find the answer.

I keep the bookmark on my bookmark bar at the top of my browser, so it's easy to find.

Self-Study

We make most grammar errors when we don't know we are making an error. I started spending ten minutes a day reading the Grammarly Handbook. Eventually, I'll finish the book.

Conclusion

For those who are serious about improving their writing, the Grammarly Handbook is an excellent resource.

Proofreader as a Coach (Special Offer Included)

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Introduction

Proofreading costs money because proofreaders like to eat, and writers are often short on money. This is the problem. What is a possible solution? 

Error Count

Experience tells me I will find at least 60 errors for each 1,000 words I proofread. Most of these are not trivial errors, and many of these errors can earn the dreaded one-star review for grammar, spelling, and punctuation. How much is it worth to avoid the one-star review?

If a book is 50,000 words long, I will almost certainly find at least 3,000 errors. Let me rephrase that. I will almost certainly find the same two or three errors repeated 1,000 times! The last sentence hints of the solution.

Figure out how to eliminate errors before repeating them 1,000 times! If a writer can eliminate their common errors, then their book may be good enough.

The High Cost of "Whole Book Proofreading"

The writer has two choices. My current rate is $3.99/1000 words. This includes proofreading, in-depth editing, and explanations of errors. The cost for 50,000 words would be almost $200. Should writers pay this much to eliminate thousands of errors?

It doesn't matter if they should. What matters is if they can, and many cannot.

The Solution

Are you seeing it yet? 

If a writer completes their 50,000-word book before hiring a proofreader, then they are likely to have about 3,000 errors. The writer CANNOT find these errors because they don't know the source of the errors. 

So what's the solution?

The solution is clear! Hire a proofreader after you have written 1,000 words; learn your common errors and don't make them again! 

Special Offer

Purchase a copy of Write, Edit, Revise and study the book. I wrote this book in simple language, so it is easy to understand. According to one of the reviews, maybe I made it too simple. You will learn how to construct sentences almost without effort. 

When you are ready, email me a copy of the purchase confirmation from Amazon, and I will proofread 1,000 words! We can work together to find your common errors, so you don't make them again.

If you hurry, you may catch the price at $2.99. I did just raise it to $3.99. 

PS: If you use Kindle Unlimited to buy the book, the offer is limited to 500 words. Please read at least 10% of the book, so I get paid something.

(Note: This offer will last at least one week. Afterward, it may end at any time.)

gershon_ben_franja@yahoo.com

Book Release: How to Start a Successful Proofreading Business.

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Much has happened this year. A new business and a new book. I even have a new name: Commakazi.

The wave of writing eBooks for profit is over, and it's time to Catch the New Wave in the Kindle Revolution. 

What happened? We all know what happened. 

When I started writing eBooks for Amazon in November 2012, there were 1.76 million eBooks on Amazon. Now, there are over 3.1 million eBooks. 

Unless the writer is in the top 1% or higher, they won't earn a significant income. 

It’s like the California Gold Rush all over again. Many people made their fortunes during the gold rush – selling picks, shovels, and other supplies to the miners. 

The miners are those writing eBooks for Amazon. The easy gold has been mined, and they are making less money each month. 

The proofreaders, and others who provide services to eBook writers, are the ones making the most money now.

There are three copies available for gifting. (Sold. There may be more tomorrow.)  Please enter your email in the comments and ask for the gift. If you know me from Facebook, you can indicate you want a copy in the comments and contact me on Facebook.

Take the Comma Challenge and Win a Free book!

The Challenge

First Two People to Score 100% get a Free Copy of my New Book

I've removed ALL the commas from the chapter below. Correctly place all the commas required near the word and, and I'll gift you a copy of my new book when it's released tomorrow.

Hint: Click Control-F to highlight the "ands."

Enter your answers in the comments by copying the word before and the word after the word and, including the correct comma placement.

Example: word and, including 

Chapter 2: Hire a Proofreader!

Introduction

We will have to show our future clients the value of hiring a proofreader. If we don’t hire a proofreader for our writing we will have no cre-di-bil-i-ty!

We should never ever under any circumstances try to sell a product we don’t use ourselves! What did I do today? I hired a proofreader for this book on www.fiverr.com!

Who to Hire

If you want to skip reading the rest of the book then hire me!

We both knew I was going to say that didn’t we? Why should you hire me?

First of all, you want to build a business don’t you? What better way is there to build a business than to follow another person’s business plan? Not anyone’s business plan but someone who tells you their business plan and shows it to you in action! It’s like buying a franchise for nothing! I will by example show you how I develop client relationships. You see this is my extra value for you!

What about Fiverr?

This is interesting. In a couple days my proofreader will know my “secrets.”

I searched for proofreaders and editors on www.fiverr.com and found one that proofreads 3000 words for $5.00 and promises 24-hour delivery. This is perfect for me as I can write 3000 words a day. Later we can discuss why this is important to me.

If the relationship works reasonably well then I’ll include a link to her gig. (It worked.) www.fiverr.com/midnightwriter

Note: We shouldn’t expect perfection from anyone. Besides, proofreading isn’t the key value a proofreader provides. That’s a mysterious concept isn’t it? At this point my proofreader may be scratching her head and wondering “What is the key value?” Isn’t the whole point of proofreading to eliminate mistakes?

Reducing errors is a minor side-effect. Yes I’m intentionally being cryptic so you will ask yourself “What is the crucial benefit we offer writers?”

Hiring a Friend

Try this once for free and it may work splendidly. Try it every day and you will lose a friend.

Conclusion

We must use our own product to be successful. Can you imagine selling cars if you didn’t drive? We learn by doing not by reading so if you’ve never hired a professional proofreader then now is the time isn’t it?

Win 10,000 Words of Free Proofreading - Take the Comma Challenge. We have a winner!

The Challenge: Insert 60 commas in their proper places, and Win 10,000 Words of Free Proofreading. 

(Only One Winner. Contact information for winner available upon request.)

Copyright Gary Thaller

Source: Sales Team One by T.R Colby

(Used with Permission.)

Send entries to gershon_ben_franja@yahoo.com

Please include Comma Contest in the subject line

M.C Simon hurdled the comma challenge and has joined the ranks of Commakazi's. 
Not only did meet the challenge, but she went the Extra Mile and wrote a magnificent blog post about the challenge. Don't miss this post. It's the best I've read in years!
Warning: Do not drink any liquids while reading M.C's blog post!

Friday October 21 1904: New Suit

Editor’s note: The last week was uneventful and I’ve omitted those pages.

Today was an excellent sales day and I sold my 28 pieces of fruit before eating lunch. Learning my customers’ names has paid off and they are showing commitment to buying from me every day. Many times they call my name before I see them and because of this I’ve been able to increase my sales to 28 a day. Today I decided it was time to buy my first suit.

I planned to go to Bloomingdale’s on 59^th and Lexington which is only a few blocks from the YMCA. When I got there I saw a small store across the street with a gold triangular sign that said “Tailor - Selling Visions since 1873.” Intrigued I decided to stop in before going to Bloomingdale’s.

As I walked in the six bells above the door rang and an old man with a long beard greeted me saying “Hi I’m Abraham E. Golding and to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?” I introduced myself and told him I was looking for a suit. Abraham said “Here we sell visions here not suits. What is your vision?” Still smarting from the presentation last week I told him I wanted a suit to wear to church and on special occasions.

Abraham pulled on his beard and said “The first and last words of the Torah are ‘Bereshit Ysrael’ -- In the beginning Israel.’ The word Israel means ‘God wrestlers’ and we have been making it difficult for God almost 6 000 years but God hasn’t given up on us. We have fallen away from God’s vision many times but He keeps guiding us back with love and sometimes with affliction therapy. Tom what is your “Israel?”

I looked down at my feet for a minute thinking and then raised my eyes and said “Abraham I want to be a sales rep with the company that has the best sales reps around the country.”

Abraham explained “In Hebrew we have a way of expressing the future in the past tense. I think Americans would say ‘It’s as good as done’ to express this idea. Americans would say ‘I am a sales rep with a company that has the best sales reps around the country.’ This will always remind you of your Israel. In the next week try to find one word that expresses this for you.

“What are you doing now?”

“I’m selling bananas on Wall Street!”

“That’s an impressive start. God started in the beginning and you should start in the beginning too. Remember these times and they will help you stay humble when you reach your Golden Banana. Let’s take a look at some suits if we may.”

Mr. Golding started walking slowly through the store while I followed and he explained there were many different styles of suits. Each style was like a uniform with bankers lawyers doctors businessmen and salesmen having a different style. Then he talked about quality. The first rack had suits that were $12 and they were for those who were near the bottom of the business and had no visions of going higher. The second rack was $18 and were for the next level of management or for those who were aiming to get there. He led me past the $12 $18 and $24 racks and then walked back to the $18 rack.

Mr. Colby I think you are a $24 man. My chest swelled because that was the first time someone called me Mister and the first time someone called me a man. Then he said maybe you are an $18 man. Do you have anyone working for you? “No sir ” I said “but I plan to have some boys working for me soon.” He said that I was unquestionably a $24 man since I will soon have some people working for me. I gulped because I was thinking I could get a suit for $10 at Bloomingdales but I wanted to be a $24 man.

Abraham picked out a charcoal black suit with faint golden pinstripes and handed it to me. Let us choose some shoes and then you can try this suit on. When I put the suit on it was too bulky and I had to pull up the legs of the trousers so they didn’t drag on the floor. I noticed the bottoms were cut funny and they looked like this: vvvVVvvv.

Mr. Golding had me stand on a platform in front of five clear mirrors and a two clear mirrors in the back so I could see myself from all sides. He told me he would alter the suit to fit me and in the future he would alter it again for free as I grew taller. He figured I could grow for a year before I had to buy another suit.

He started making strange markings on the suit with a piece of flat yellow chalk. He explained the pants should rest on the front of the shoes so there was a sharp crease at the bottom. They should be loose enough so I didn’t have to pull them up when I sat down but they should not look baggy. As he made marks on the lapels he told me they should stay flat on my chest when I sat down but they should not look too tight. He marked the arms so just the right amount of my shirt would show. Then he made some chalk marks on my back.

Afterwards Mr. Golding suggested I own two shirts so I could have a clean one every day. He recommended a laundry near the YMCA. Then he told me I would need four ties and to alternate them each day. One tie came with the suit and he picked three more for me. Then he helped me choose some suspenders and socks. The shoes I was wearing while trying on the suit fit perfectly so I took those.

I was adding the prices in my head and realized I didn’t have enough money. Mr. Golding said that was not a problem. I would pay when I picked the suit up Tuesday and I would only pay if I were happy with the fit. He totaled the bill and it came to $36.00 a reasonable price to pay for my vision. We shook hands and Mr. Golding congratulated me on the first steps of fulfilling my vision.