If you are an entrepreneur and pay any attention to the business-coach elites - or have paid any attention at all over the last decade - you will recognize that we've been collectively beaten about the head over the importance of an online, social presence. It would be difficult to find any real advice out there saying that it might actually be better not to utilize any or all of the free or nearly free platforms to promote your product, business or self for that matter. However, for many despite knowing that they should do something, most don't know where to start or are quickly overwhelmed by the sheer amount of content needed to keep the social machine chugging along.
Continue readinGWhat a fantastic time to be alive! Am I right? Due mostly to advances in communication technologies, availability of high-speed internet access, and a suite of great tools at our disposal, as a workforce, we are now more than ever before able to explore the realities of working remotely. The bad news, though, is that many employers who are flirting with the idea of allowing flexible work situations don’t have the foggiest idea what they are doing or where to start when it comes to making remote work, work. The good news? It’s getting better every day.
Continue readinGRecently, I had a conversation with a junior graphic designer. He was working as an in-house asset for a large regional home-builder. He expressed to me that he was feeling a little hamstrung in his current situation. He, along with his current marketing director (both young, green, and newish with the company), felt as if they weren’t being “heard” by the higher-ups.
Continue readinGThe subject of age is a perennial one. I'm too old to… That's a young man/woman's… If only I was in my 20's I'd… But I have good news for you my friends. Studies show that in the immortal words of Aaliyah - Age Ain't Nothing But A Number.
Continue readinGWhether you are working in an office environment surrounded by a team of your peers or a digital nomad working out of your camper van overlooking some scenic vista, most will agree that there is little room for lone wolves in the workforce. While team, trusted advisors, or circles of trust come in all shapes and sizes depending on the needs of the individual, few would argue that we are flat out better off on our own. As a freelance or remote worker, you must fight off the natural tendency to go it alone. Instead, you need to focus your energy on growing your pack.
Continue readinGIf you have worked as a freelancer or contractor in a creative trade, you no doubt recognize what your client may be telling you without actually saying anything. Hell, while this is common in the creative world anyone who has spent any amount of time in a service business —where you're trading time for money—can relate. The silent treatment nine times out of ten can only mean one of two things: Your client is either on an extended vacation in the Dominican Republic (avoid the mini-bar!) OR your client is out of here and has no intention of paying you for that brand identity you've been killing yourself to finish on the unrealistic deadline they gave you.
Continue readinGMarch 2016 was a pivotal point for me not just in terms of business, but in terms of being a human and as we know the two are inextricably linked.I tell this story even though it makes me feel a little stupid or naive. I always feel insecure talking about this experience because it plainly admits just how wrong I was and how skewed my thinking was at the time. However I am grateful for this experience - maybe more than anything else I've experienced so far - as it completely changed the way we do business, and the way I live my life.
Continue readinG“Experts diagnose. Amateurs give advice.” So says Chris Do, founder of the Futur. And he’s right, you know. This little difference in perspective is what separates the wheat from the chaff. An amateur is quick to allow the self-diagnosed client to proceed to tell them what’s wrong and offer advice to scratch that itch. An expert wouldn’t think to offer a solution without fully understanding the problem first, and the only way we can get to the real heart of the matter is through curiosity and application of expertise. What type of relationship do you want to have with your client?
Continue readinGEverywhere you look these days, people are espousing the importance of relationships. Moments later, they begin telling you how to hack, trick, or 10-step your way into one. It’s true, relationships are the key to just about everything one might hope to achieve in life, so it’s a no-brainer that much is written about them. However, despite many articles to the contrary, there are no shortcuts. You can’t fake authenticity and relationships that mean something require it.
Continue readinGSo many people kick off the new year looking for a fresh start. Something about the turning of the year suddenly inspires people to want to live their best lives, to transition, and to become better versions of themselves. A newfound interest in hitting the gym to discover the abs you just know are in there. A focused push to get out from under your disorganized life. Working to tame your financial landscape. Learning a new skill, picking up a hobby, or transitioning to a new career. These are just some of the many common resolutions bandied about this time of year. However, while many are quick to post their dreams and hopes on the social channel du jour, most will never experience the satisfaction of achieving them.
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