Just over a year ago I left the big, safe world of corporate life to start my own business. Scary to say the least and one of the most challenging years I have ever had. I explained why I made the move in my last blog, and now will tell you honestly what it has been like. The ups and downs that you don't see in the movies, plus answer the most important question that I get asked all the time - was it worth it?

A few years ago I took the massive step of quitting my high paying corporate job to start my own personal business. Why? It sure wasn't to work less and earn more! I now work harder than I ever have and earn less than I did 15 year ago, so why risk it all to make this crazy transition? For two very good reasons.

If you run your own business and are looking for a way to structure and grow it to sell, this is the book for you. Written as a story it is simple and clear, but with a powerful message.  It tangibly changed the way I was running my business for the better. I highly recommend you get a copy if you are serious about exiting your business one day. Click on the below image or here to buy via Amazon*. 

I have been making french toast for my boys for the last few years and it always jumps off the plate with no complaints on a Sunday morning. It's easy and quick to make and believe it or not is quite healthy. 

LinkedIn has 300 million members, 6 million in Australia and is the biggest and best social media channel for business. Not convinced? Did you know that 65% of companies acquired B2B leads through LinkedIn or that it drives more traffic to B2B blogs and sites than Twitter, Facebook and Google plus combined! Still need more? 

I came across Roger's work at the same time as I discovered John Demartini. John was the master of values. Both are experts in human behaviour, but Roger's clear system of personality assessment won me over. 

here is a debate amongst entrepreneurs and business people whether a University education is relevant in today's super-fast moving information economy. So I pose a question - Do you support traditional University Degrees as the best start to a career or entrepreneurial courses and work experience?

If you were heading across the world to impress 1,800 of your peers would you pack lycra? That's just what I considered before packing my favourite superman outfit and heading off to Social Media Marketing World in San Diego in March 2014. 

Business in Bali, why would you bother!  Why would you want to work? I know Bali is Australia's favourite holiday destination but let's examine why it could make a great business destination too.

Social Media banners are a vital ingredient in your creating your Powerful Personal Brand.  It's the best real estate you can get on social media to instantly communicate your business and values in one second; as they say a picture tells a thousand words. 

Eat!  It's pretty important for living apparently.  As someone who loves to eat, I believe it's important to not deny yourself sustenance and pleasure. I also believe it's important to eat the food you crave. Surely you jest Andrew, I hear you say. Cravings are BAD!  Well I disagree. 

To be healthy, don't die. Seems obvious enough yet some of us take actions every day that produces that result. I'm not talking about jumping out of a plane, I mean the boring stuff, good food and regular exercise.  I don't preach about abstinence, God know's I have had my fair share of unhealthy, yet very enjoyable things. 

Kids are attracted to danger. Especially boys, that's why I love doing stuff with them! They love the thrill of being on the edge and excitement of testosterone. To deny it is to stop the nature of boys. I say proceed with safety and a sense of adventure.

I have a tattoo of the symbol of Yin and Yang on my left wrist. I thought I would never get a tattoo as I would not find one picture to look at forever, yet on a trip to Bali last year I had an epiphany. 

Beer, the drink of the Gods. Well my Gods at least. You may think it strange for me to write about my love of beer at the same time as health and fitness, but I believe it is vital to explore the areas you enjoy in life and I enjoy beer - so much so I made my very own mobile applicationClosest Beer so I would never be too far from one!

I learn't about the study of Values or Axiology two years ago when I attended my first Break Through Experience with Dr John Demartini.

‘A brand is no longer what we tell the consumer it is – it is what consumers tell each other it is.’

Scott Cook