Archive for June, 2008
On the front page of today’s (June 30, 2008) WSJ Marketplace section, there’s an article about the new CEO of Coca-Cola. The photo of Muhtar Kent (new CEO) shows him wearing a plaid suit, striped shirt and a patterned tie (he also seems to sport a yellow Live Strong bracelet…which appears to match the tie). I’m posting this only because, unlike Hillary and other women in the media, we rarely read about what the men are wearing. So now I feel better!
You’re at a networking event (or in the elevator, at a conference, etc.) and someone asks, “What do you do?” If you respond with the ubiquitous: I’m a writer (graphic designer, consultant, etc.) you may be selling yourself–and the potential connection–short. Try this Blurb Worksheet (PDF) from Marketing Mentor to create a more concise and captivating 10-Word Blurb. Anyone care to share their Blurbs?
Let’s face it: It takes guts to own your own business. And creativity. Lots of stick-to-it-iveness. A big heart. The ability to manage people, and to hunt for the best collaborators and nurture those relationships. That’s a gift. I don’t know how many of you think of it that way, but trust me - it is. Those of us who choose to go out on our own are WAY outnumbered by those who prefer to have a boss. Of course, I’m not saying one way is better than the other. They’re just different. But that ability you have is precious, and needs to be guarded. A friend of mine calls it the “curse of competence.” Unfortunately, there are…and will always be…plenty of people who want to steal that gift. They are the people who ask for guidance and help, yet never offer the same in return. They are the people who receive your referral and instead of being gracious, they ask if you have more clients you can refer. They’re the ones who want to have long, circular conversations about how to grow their business, but never really take the challenging next steps, and keep coming back with their frustrations. These folks may be good (if misguided) souls, but you can’t let them suck you dry. How do you protect yourself? A couple things I do:
And to make sure I don’t become one of those soul-sucking folks myself (hey, no one’s perfect), I always try to remember that when someone helps me, I want to do the same for them if possible. I don’t keep a meticulous list, but I think of those folks often and try to do good things for them whenever I can. So I’m curious - have any of you run into the same issue? I’m sure you have. How do you protect your valuable time, energy and ideas - your gift?
Like pizza? The Lincoln Park Chamber is hosting its 2nd Annual Pizza Fest this weekend, June 21-22. And Jazz Conspiracy will be playing on Sat around 11:45. If you’ve never heard them, you’re in for a treat — especially since our own Matt Mayes is on drums. When: Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22 Where: Parking lot at corner of Racine and Fullerton Come enjoy pizza from a variety of Chicago vendors, a cornhole (bean bag toss) tournament, great live music, a Best Pizza contest and more!
From my friend Ilise Benun at Marketing Mentor: this looks to be a great event for all of us independents and you can’t beat the location! The Creative Freelancer Conference, slated for August 27-29, 2008 in Chicago, is the first and only business conference for self-employed creative professionals, serving graphic, web and interactive designers, photographers, copywriters, illustrators and anyone else who fits the bill of “creative solopreneur.” A panel of creative-business experts, led by Ilise Benun and co-founder, Peleg Top, will share best practices for pricing, marketing, building client relationships, crafting proposals and contracts, maintaining a work/life balance and other skills critical to freelance success. Creative Freelancer Conference Please share with other freelancers. Details are also posted on the ideaXchange Events page.
Just a quick reminder - because we’ve had some inconsistencies in the schedule postings - the next meeting is June 26. Email Jenni if you need more details.
I’ve been listening to Alanis Morissette’s new album, and the song “Incomplete” is resonating big time. It’s about slowing down and realizing that all the striving you do - all the rushing around trying to be everywoman - is really keeping you from enjoying the moment and celebrating everything you’ve already accomplished. It was that rushing around like a chicken with my head cut off last Friday that made me goof so much on our group emails. What a flub! I guess I could slink off in embarrassment, but I’d rather look at it as a chance to learn about myself. No big deal, just a reminder to chill out - I don’t have to complete 100 emails an hour. The bottom line: Take a moment today to just breathe and relax, and enjoy where you are today, professionally AND personally. Think about all you’ve done to get here: all the challenges you’ve faced, the things you’ve learned, the guts it takes to own your own business and do everything it takes to keep it strong, especially in our cruddy economy today. You’re a rock star! Take a breather and soak it in.
Second-quarter estimated taxes are due today, June 16. See the IRS 2008 Tax Calendar for info on other upcoming dates.
Trying to keep up with small biz news? Check out these sites (courtesy of Barbara Weltman.com): Business Week Online Small Biz, Startup Journal (WSJ.com) and USA Today Small Business. I also peruse Business Week: Innovation & Design, Entrepreneur.com and Crain’s Chicago Small Business. Any others that people find useful?
After reviewing this e-mail checklist I realize I’ve too often overlooked using the phone (#14). |