Back To School 2020
For many of us, it is the start of another school year which is completely unpredictable and our only certainty is that it will be unlike almost any before.
Yes, my sons chose to participate in their classroom environment. It was a decision that we made as a family knowing that there are risks, realities, and consequences regardless of what we do or how we do it.
If I am honest, I have concerns largely because there is much we simply do not know. Frankly, I am not convinced that there was a “right” decision. I think all you can do is try to make the best one and adapt to each new day with a generous dose of hope and resolve.
There are those who will agree and others who will disagree with our decision. All of us are making them based on the best information we have. It is never enough, but if there’s a lesson for us all over these past 5-6 months, it is that ‘Tomorrow doesn’t wait’. We can only plan a course and adapt as the winds guide.
At the time this newsletter was sent (August 17th, 2020), I had started reading The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes. This was a quote from one of the early chapters. He shared it in the context of training and repetition as it relates to building great teams.
It was definitely something that caught my attention as I have been on both sides of the ‘Told-Once (or Never)’ style that perpetually fails to produce the results that we want and need.
As my newsletter continued, I shared additional insights uncovered as I read and worked through the exercises. (Note: This is another thing that I have been working on to put actions behind something I read or learn. The one implemented idea or improvement that you get far outweighs a sheet of notes that sit on your desk or shelf!)
Note: Once I completed the book, I posted my notes on this blog as well. You can read them in this post.
Here are a few other things that I have caught my eye this week! I included a quick synopsis, but I would love to hear your thoughts on them as well!
12 Chrome Extensions
Predominately, I am a Google Chrome user. If you check out my browser, there are a number of extensions that I use on a day-to-day basis. Be sure to check them out!
SEO Bundle
Google Algorithm Update
SEO in 2nd Half 2020
Google Search Console Insights
I admit it. I’ve been geeking on topics related to Search Engines & Search Optimization for reasons that will soon become clearer. (Yep, that’s the Tease!)
That said, there have been a number of algorithm updates in 2020 and, if the first link above is suggestive, they are still coming. The #1 takeaway for us all should be continuing to develop and improve our content directed toward the audience with whom we interact. Any other path is akin to rolling stones uphill!
Astra Suspension Update
You can check out the original details in the link below. Upon further analysis during which Astra was found to contain an additional affiliate link, WordPress has decided to both increase Astra’s suspension for an additional week and return it to its Themes page which ensures that sites using the Astra theme can be kept current for behavior and security updates. Feel free to read the link above for the specifics, but this seems to be a good compromise.
WordPress Suspends Astra Theme
If you are one of the over 1M WordPress sites that are built upon the Astra theme, take note. As of last week, its availability has reportedly been suspended on WordPress’ platform for five weeks. The theme creators are appealing, but website owners should check your site (especially if you use the theme).
If there are posts, articles, etc. that you found valuable, let me know in the comments below or shoot me an email.
