Ok so by now you probably know, I’m a total sucker for productivity hacks. If there’s an article about a way to do things faster or easier or a hack for getting more done in your day I’ve probably read it. Along the way I’ve come across plenty of things that didn’t work or just weren’t worth the money. Lucky for you, I won’t bore you with any of those here. I will however, share the 8 very best and cheapest apps (most are free) I’ve found and use whenever
Every child is born an artist. The problem is how to remain one as we grow up. – Pablo Picasso I’ve always loved this quote. But I’ve sometimes struggled to really put my finger on why. Initially I suppose I liked it because it conjured for me an image of a joyfully uninhibited child artist wandering freely from one thought to another, seeing infinite possibilities in her work and exhibiting a freedom that few adults seem to have the luxury to indulge. Now however, I find myself re-reading this quote
If you own a business you know that one of the biggest challenges a small business owner faces is branding building. You want to grow your business. To do that you need to sell more of your product or service. But, in order to sell more you need more exposure. Sounds simple, right? The challenge though for most of us is creating massive exposure for our product or service while remaining confined to a very limited marketing budget. We could try advertising in traditional media, whether it’s print or broadcast.
Over the years I’ve struggled both professionally and personally with the idea of worth. Professionally, I’ve sometimes wondered if I should consider discounting my price or settle for less in order to get more business. In my personal life I’ll admit I’ve been guilty of getting stuck in the thinking that I’m “just” a mom and by doing this I’ve unwittingly de-valued my role and contribution to my family and myself. Neither is good. I know. Though in defense I must say that professionally, I’ve found pricing one’s services is often
The other day I was chatting with a friend who owns a small business. My friend was complaining that she’d pitched a prospective client that she was convinced would give her their business because she knew she was the best choice. After all she said – and I’d have to agree – she worked harder and knew more about this client’s business than any competitor and she’s had more success in this industry than any of the competition. And yet in the end, and to her great surprise, the prospect chose
I found this article and wanted to share with you all! After all, it may not come easy, especially if you’re quiet by nature but there are times when you’re going to HAVE TO step out and shout about your talents and accomplishments. The key is doing it – without- bragging. One important ingredient? Instead of highlighting how you’re better than others, emphasize how you’re better than your own past. For instance, have you noticed the dramatic improvement in the quality of this newsletter over the last year? Check it out here: The
So much has been written about finding a job or career you love. It’s become something of a cultural obsession, kind of like uncovering the professional Holy Grail. Honestly, who among us hasn’t thought, wouldn’t life be great if I could work at something I really enjoyed and in turn I became super successful doing it? I must admit I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time over the course of my professional life trying to solve this riddle. No doubt, like some of you I thought, gosh, if I could
Another graduation season has come and gone and, I have a confession to make. I realize that I’m oddly fascinated by commencement speeches. I know, that may sound strange but I have to tell you I love a good commencement speech. Maybe I’m drawn to the idea that it’ll provide me with a little inspiration or encouragement. Or perhaps I’m secretly hoping to uncover a few pearls of wisdom that have somehow eluded me all these years. More likely, and as my husband would say, it’s just that I have
“Great ideas alter the power balance in relationships. That’s why great ideas are initially resisted.” More biz wisdom from Gaping Void.
“To Err Is Human, To Admit it Divine.” Mike is a friend and former colleague of mine who I have known personally and professionally for well over 20 years. He’s widely considered to be a very successful business executive who brims with confidence. Mike is also a take-charge person, with a healthy ego and he’s never shy in voicing his opinion. Knowing this, I’ve found it surprising, (and a little disappointing) that in all the years that I have known him I’ve never once heard him admit to a mistake,