Thinking Outside the Box

As you may, or may not have noticed I own a t-shirt quilting business. For the last four years I have been creating custom quilts for folks and it has been really great and just the right amount of work I was willing to do in my extra time, after the full-time job was finished.

However, I started thinking that I should get more creative with this business. When I had only been targeting a very specific group of people based on the product I offered: people who don't know how to sew. So I started to think outside of the box and came up with a few new ideas, one of which finally came to fruition tonight!

I am teaching t-shirt quilting classes! The first one was at Assemble Gallery & Studio in Greenwood and I am hoping to offer these classes at other crafty locations. From there, I thought... Why not in people's homes? I am hoping to get some attention about this opportunity to host a t-shirt quilting party.

This is one of my favorite parts about business - creating something new! Brainstorming! Putting an idea out there and seeing who grabs it! I was told that my class actually gets the most interest of all the classes offered at Assemble and that it might be in the upcoming Sunset Magazine... I am OVER THE MOON about that.

The class tonight was super fun and I can't wait until the second part next week! Lovin' my life as a business owner!

The Board

How do you stay motivated as a solopreneur? I've been asking myself that question because I am a people person and, quite frankly, the businesses I run very rarely involved working with others except for my customers. BUT have you considered having a Board of Directors for your freelance life? I have heard this idea... somewhere (forgot)... but many large, publicly-traded companies as well as all not-for-profit organizations have a Board of Directors to help in making decisions and so, why not your business too?

Ok, you might have to do some serious schmoozing to get some people on the board if you don't have the cash to pay them for this but I think it could be an informal group. Maybe just a few specific people you meet up with or talk to each week to discuss your new marketing or product ideas and get some feedback.

I have had a few friends ask me for business advice recently and due to the fact that I LOVE small business, I am totally psyched to help them out. Obviously it's one of my favorite subjects so why would I say no? I'm sure there are many others out there like me.

I love this idea and I'm thinking right now who I should pick. It could even be a group of other business owners that gather each week to drink coffee and talk business. I think it would be worth it. You would stay grounded and motivated (and caffienated).

Startup Quotes

via Startup Quote!

A List

Obviously, things have been a little crazy around here lately. I'm still limping quite a bit due to my sprained ankle and I've been all over the place trying to run my summer events. In about 2 weeks things should be slowing down again (finally!).

Here are a few things I've been reading about lately:

-When Less is More in Consumer Choice

-Are you an Early Bird Entreprenuer?

-Retail Analytics

-Researching Packaging Design for a new project I'm working on

-Finding new things to do on Friday Nights

Pirate Radio

I found a movie that combines many of my favorite things: rock music, the 1960's, boats, rebels, and random dance parties. Pirate Radio is a british comedy about a station, Radio Rock, which battles the government in order to play the music they love. It is full of great music and I also love the cinematography. I also liked feeling like I was on a boat with these guys.
Since I was so impressed with the visuals, I thought I would throw some up here.

Crutchy

This has been my view for nearly the last two weeks. I sprained my ankle at a wedding in Portland on the 3rd (no, not while jumping for the bouquet) and today was the first day that I found I could stand while putting my right foot flat on the floor. Still can't walk without crutches, which is mildly frustrating.
So, I'm not here to complain, just give an update. After a vacation through southern Oregon spent mostly sitting sideways in the backseat of a car, one leg on a cooler, listening to Radiolab and trying to stay cool in the 100 degree weather I have been on the couch working from my sister's home (I live in a 3rd floor apartment with no elevator).

I have spent more time staring at the tv in these last two weeks than I probably have in the last year and I'm totally caught up on all the reality drama of Bravo and Anthony Bourdain's most recent exploits.
It has been an interesting experience being so dependent on others. Acquiring food is particularly trying at times. If I'm hungry and alone, I basically have to eat standing in the kitchen since I can't carry anything while crutching along. I'm kind of wondering if there is some obvious trick to this stuff that I'm not figuring out. What do people do if they break a leg?!
I'm just thankful it only knocked me out of routine for a few weeks and not a few months.

I've Got Personality

A study from the Guardian Life Index lists six characteristics of entreprenuers. It's good to know that I have similar personality traits to successful small business owners.

Collaborative
Success-oriented small business owners understand how to delegate effectively to
others within their business as well as build strong personal relationships with their management team, employees, consultants, vendors and customers. They are more
committed “to creating opportunities for others.”
Self-fulfilled
Success-oriented small business owners place a high value on the personal fulfillment
and gratification that their companies provide them, relishing the self-determination and respect that comes from being their own boss and being in control of their personal income and long-term net worth. They are more desirous of “doing something for a living that I love to do,” “being able to decide how much money I make” and “being able to have the satisfaction of creating something of value.”
Future-focused
Planning for both the short- and long-term future are key traits that characterize
success-oriented small business owners. They are more focused on cash flow and more
likely to have “a well thought out plan to run our business for years into the future” as well as “a well thought out plan to run our business day to day.”
Curious
Success-oriented small business owners are more open to learning how others run their businesses. They actively seek best practice insights regarding management, business innovation, prospecting and finding/motivating/retaining employees.
Tech-savvy
Technology is a key point of leverage for success-oriented small business owners. They more intensely value their company’s website and are significantly more likely to “rely a great deal on technology to help make our business more effective and more efficient.”
Action oriented
Finally, success-oriented small business owners are more proactive in taking initiative to build their businesses. They are more committed to “taking the business to the next level,” “differentiating ourselves from our competitors” and “having something to sell when I’m ready to retire.” They also see adversity as “a kick in the rear to help move you forward.” Not surprisingly, they are less concerned than other small business owners about the overall state of the economy.

Read the full report here or another article about it here.

Weekend!

I haven't posted since Monday... I had no idea! Where did the week go? Well, I suppose it could have something to do with me trying to get all of my work done for my summer programs along with some side projects before my friends are in town for a long weekend.

I am so excited for this weekend! It will include kayaking, riding the Ducks, food, food and more food, rooftop bars, hilarious friends, Portland (!!), camping, and of course fireworks!

Tiny Office

Speaking of Tiny Houses, how about a Tiny Office?

I think I need a job where this makes any kind of sense. At this point I don't, but someday!! I'll just have to get creative since I do not have a green thumb. Not even close.

I was thinking that maybe I should get a trailer like this for my great American road trip and deck it out with a bed and a desk.
Thanks Sunset! You always keep me focused on the important things.

Tiny House How-To

NPR is offering some advice on how to get your own Tiny House. Unfortunately I don't live in Vermont, otherwise I might be spending some time learning how to build one of these masterpieces.

I also think I need to check out this web series Tiny Yellow House, specifically because they described it as Wayne's World meets This Old House. Perfect!

Queen B Quilts

Business has picked up a bit for Queen B Quilts, my t-shirt quilting business adventure which I started four years ago. I haven't put much effort into advertising or sales, but have relied merely on word of mouth, facebook and my blog to get my name out there. I have had the right amount of sales for my needs and wants up until now. However, I'm considering an expansion of sorts.

Recently, I approached the store Assemble in hopes of partnering to host quilting classes at their shop. We will be offering this class (a two parter) in July. I'm really excited by this idea of teaching a group to make their own quilts, because... well, I'm a social person and quilting alone in my apartment doesn't really thrill me. Just having the class listed on their website has boosted visits to my blog and facebook sites.

So, now I'm starting to think I could really take this somewhere. I have a few ideas I would like to implement as soon as I get a second to really concentrate on this project. I don't ever want to veer away from t-shirt quilting, but I'm trying to find new ways to offer it to everyone.

Stay tuned...

Frugalista

The Frugal Traveler, Matt Gross, spent a summer traveling across the US on $100 a day. I think I could do it for less, but I'm still taking notes.

Piano Man

New York, you continue to impress me! Yet another take on "keys to the city" here with instalation/interactive art.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

I don't think would work here in Seattle. Too many hills and rain.

Lanch Party

What is the point of a "product launch" and is it right for you? Here is a useful how-to from Inc. Magazine.

Steps:
1. Determine Your Purpose
2. Scout Your Location
3. Give Your Audience a Reason To Go
4. Follow Up

They also warn that holding a product launch event isn't for everyone, especially in cases of today's super busy, triple-booked customers.

I will be taking this advice and also thinking creatively about how a re-imagined product launch might look in the era of the busy and easily distracted mentality.

McMenamins

This is really exciting stuff! The McMenamins family is coming to Seattle! Well, Seattle-ish. And really I guess we do already have McMenamins' pubs here, here and here, but this is what I've been hoping for.
I frequent the Kennedy School in Portland whenever I can, so I really hope that this new renovated school they are setting up in Bothell is comparably awesome.

Post 101...

... and I'm ready to hit the road.

New goal: Save up enough money to quit everything and take my life on the road for at least 3 months.

Jennifer O'Keefe has lived my dream. See her pictures of The Great American Road Trip.

Listening to: The Helio Sequence

I Need A Nap

This might be the best looking and most inviting bed I've ever seen. I love small spaces, especially bedrooms where the bed is crammed in a corner. I also enjoy the messiness of the bedding and the fact that it's right up against a window. Perfect for lazy weekends and people watching.

Get Noticed

7 Ideas for Generating Buzz for your Business

Sculptivate

Cleverness from ROOT.

Popsicle Picnic

Cute idea for a Popsicle Picnic via DesignSponge.

As soon as it's warm enough to eat a popsicle in Seattle, I will do this.

Key to the City

New York is having a giant scavenger hunt!

New idea: Create city wide Seattle Scavenge.

Saved!

Finally! A good way to save all of the links I find without clogging up my favorites bar or frantically posting everything on this blog!
Thanks SwissMiss

Phone Phobia

Are you afraid of the phone? It seems we might be a new generation with a phone phobia. I don't think any official studies have been done, but I know that I don't particularly love using the phone and I've heard many friends and peers say the same.

A comment on the linked post above says that it's not fear but inefficiency that keeps them from using the phone, to which I agree. I often get phone calls where people are asking for documents to be emailed to them and then I have to get their email address (hoping I don't misspell something) and email them back anyway. I would just prefer an email in the first place. I'm also just a person who really likes to get to the point and I think email or text messaging does a nice job of that.

Another reason I prefer email or text is that it's always in my face. I mean, when people call and leave a voicemail, I sometimes delete it and then forget about it. I rarely delete emails or texts so everytime I check those, your name is still sitting there waiting for a response.

So now you know why I don't answer my phone.

Quick Starts

I always seem to be in a search to define myself through a test or put myself into a category, and judging by the number of personality/temperament tests out there I think most of us are searching for definition too.

Anyway, back down to earth. Inc. has a two parter on Entrepreneur personalities! I got a little bit lost in the first part, since I'm not much of a baseball fan but part two really lays it out nicely.

I didn't take any test, but I know myself well enough to know exactly which category I fit into right away.

“Quick Starts” enjoy initiating new things. They are creative problem solvers and think laterally. Easily bored, Quick Starts tend to begin lots of projects but need help finishing any of them.

I've managed to teach myself to stop starting so many projects, but that desire is always ALWAYS there. As Lewis Carroll wrote in Through the Looking Glass, "Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."

My challenge is, as always, how do I put this strength to good use? I often think this is a good skill for millionaires who don't mind losing a few bucks on a new business or at least have a few bucks to get something off the ground. How can I find a way (within my means) to put my creativity to work?

Backyard Party

I keep wishing I had a backyard so I could have an outdoor party of some kind (not that the weather is cooperating either). Rachel Ray has some fun outdoor party ideas. I particularly enjoy this Backyard Rose Party idea. Maybe you could host this and invite me. :)

Wish I Was Here

via random
via sfgirlbybay
via sfgirlbybay

Gadgets and the Multitasking Myth

Interesting article from the NY Times: Hooked on Gadgets, and Paying a Mental Price

Glow

Smiles

Some Days

I saw Some Days Are Better Than Others last night. It is part of the Seattle International Film Festival. It was a beautiful film with a very simple storyline and a few clever jokes and relatable characters. My favorite part involved Eli (James Mercer) practicing for karaoke, singing Total Eclipse of the Heart in his bedroom.
There is another showing today at 4pm. You should definately check it out if you can!

Night Vision

Stay Thirsty

This sums up what I was blathering on about with that whole "forget your weaknesses thing."

Paint the Town

YES!

Love Your Strengths...

... forget your weaknesses.

This topic has popped up in my daily life in a variety of ways. Strengths, gifts, intelligences, currency, etc.

The idea of varied strengths was just on my mind last week for some reason and of course, Seth Godin read my mind (as he always does) and wrote about the idea of multiple intelligences... or "dumbnesses" as he calls it.

On Sunday, being Catholic and all, we celebrated Pentecost. Part of the focus is on our gifts as individuals and the importance of learning about these personal gifts, accepting them and making good use of them.

Today at work, each person in our office was given the book Living Your Strengths by Winseman, Clifton, and Liesveld. I took the (slightly frustrating) online test to discover my strengths: Futuristic, Ideation, Strategic, Maximizer, and Relator. I found it to be a very accurate analysis of my personality and natural abilities. (I may write more about this later)

THEN I see this article at Inc.com all about discovering your "currency."

Are you on this train?

It seems that in this world today, you have to know who you are and why anybody should listen to what you have to say. I also think that it is important to listen to others because 1) they probably have a lot of insight into the type of person you are and 2) if you want respect you've got to give it.

All of those places where this theme showed up this week? They all mention the importance of recognizing the strengths of others. This creates synergy... and it makes things more interesting.

Eat Your Yard

Maybe

Here's a good question... Do I want to move to New York?

Best Start-Up Industries of 2010

Well, this is good news (at least for me, as a crafty, musical, vintage-collecting, tea-drinking, cupcake-loving entreprenuer).

Dear Friends, My Birthday is August 23rd...

...and I really, really, really need these wheels:

Ballard Docks

Cheese, it's good

On Sunday, I hit up the Pike Place Cheese Festival for the second year in a row. I'm not sure if it's the cheese, the sun, the wine (or the friendly people drinking wine) or maybe a combination, but what a great event! It turned into quite the full day, ending with a concert at Neumo's.

Along the way we stopped by the brand new Seattle Hard Rock Cafe. Now, I would never actually go there for dinner but I heard they had a nice roof top bar (very uncommon in Seattle) so we had to check it out. It was super loungy - all couches and fire pits. The fire was very hot so eventually we had to move away and stand near the wall. I wasn't complaining though (except for the part where I did complain to the bartender... in a friendly way of course), the view is lovely up there! The bartender was friendly and so were all of the people hanging out. If you're ready to pay $6 for a beer and listen to the top 40 hits of the 90's, then I recommend it.

We made it to Neumo's for Frightened Rabbit with openers Maps & Atlases. Both very good bands. And I highly approve of their choice to play Fleetwood Mac between shows.

It really has been a while since I've been "out on the town" so it was a fun excursion. I'm more than ready for summer to come along so there can be more adventures.

Rethink Possibility

There's just something about this commercial... it really does make me want to be 5 years old again.

Literal Version

This makes me laugh out loud!

What I'm Reading

When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris
Ok, so I finished this one already, but it is pretty hilarious. It's a collection of short stories from a slightly neurotic, yet clever, man. He writes in a tone that makes me feel like he's actually in the room, acting out his stories.
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
My recent obsession with the dream of living in a home on wheels and my frequent evenings watching slam poetry contests on youtube has led me to read this book. The rhythm he writes in kind of threw me off at first. It took some getting used to. But it is interesting. Of all these books, I've been reading this one the longest since I only pick it up occasionally.
Love is a Mix Tape
He recalls memories related to each mix tape he made. I enjoy his references to growing up a Catholic kid and his love of making mixes that are meaningful.
The Value of Nothing by Raj Patel
I have to throw a little economics in the mix. I havne't gotten more than one chapter in on this one, so I'll have to update this later.
The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
Gen-i-ous. I love this. Who knew food was so interesting? And disturbing. This book has caused me to rethink everything about what we eat and the business behind it.
Small Giants by Bo Burlingham
From one of the editors of Inc. Magazine (my favorite), this book explores various businesses that chose to be great instead of giant. It was the perfect find for me. I always questioned the business school idea of "grow or die" so I really love reading about these businesses and why they chose to remain small and stay true to their dreams.

Hello, Hello

After some careful consideration, I've decided I don't like compartmentalizing my life (or my blogs) anymore. Therefore, this is a one stop shop for all things I find clever, interesting, beautiful and genius.

I often found it difficult to write a blog post when I had to first decide where it would go and what the focus should be... but seriously, who cares? This blog is all about all of the random thoughts that go through my head. The things that catch my attention in the media or on the street. It's about the fact that I took a nap yesterday, in the middle of the day, and I don't feel guilty about it.

I also can't guarantee regular posts here. I've been meeting with a few close friends as we try to un-clutter our lives with the program Just Living. I highly recommend it. And, I've discovered, my priorities don't lend much time to my online life.

Although the posts may be few, they will probably be interesting. If they're not interesting, you'll know I was really bored that day.

Listening to:

Freelance Whales

Lady Gaga and the Little Monsters

Oh Gaga... I think she's brilliant... a little scary, but brilliant still. And not just because she's an awesome pianist, she's also quite the business woman. Read this article and find the fame monster with Lady G's marketing model.

Hello, It's Me

I... might... finally be getting into some groove at work and getting everything down so that I can start taking my projects to a new level soon! As an event planner, I have a lot of details to take care of so I don't get to spend the time I wish I could on developing solid marketing strategies and consistent communication with my potential event attendees. Soon and very soon things will come together and I can really dive into the deep marketing waters.

My office is embarking on a social networking adventure, which seems to be uncharted territory for this organization. So, I've been thinking about web presence at a very basic level lately and really thinking about the value of using Facebook, Blogger, Twitter, etc. Each website has its own personality and serves a unique purpose. I've also been thinking... why don't we just get out and talk to people? Just sayin'...

Anyhow, here's an interested video full of web statistics for your enjoyment!

JESS3 / The State of The Internet from Jesse Thomas on Vimeo.

Conviction

I've been thinking a lot lately about my career path and/or my "calling" in life. I listened to a radio interview of the author of the book The Element (fyi not a good name for a book. It's impossible to google and find). He claimed that each of us has our "element" - that thing you are passionate about, you have a natural capacity for and you are driven to succeed in. For instance, music isn't my element. Why? I have a natural capacity for it and maybe even passion - but I don't have the drive to be successful in it.

I was discussing this theory with a friend and she added that it should also be something "useful" to society. I completely agree. Many careers and jobs are useful, so it doesn't mean it has to be something immense, but something the world needs.

I've also considered the idea that if you aren't saying something that at least one person disagrees with, you probably aren't saying anything worth peoples' time. Even in marketing. If someone doesn't hate what you're doing then probably nobody has noticed it.

Anyway, I thought I'd write all this out because I just saw this video on a friend's blog. I love his idea of conviction. And I've realized that whatever I do, I hope to do it with conviction and a purpose.

Typography from Ronnie Bruce on Vimeo.

Master Illustrator

Well, not quite. I did spend 8 hours today learning how to use Adobe's Illustrator. I had never used the program until today, but luckily I had experience with Photoshop which made learning this program much easier. Many of the tools are the same, but you can do so much more with Illustrator! I love it. Now I just need to save up the money to buy it for my home computer so I can play all day long.

Here's the logo I created for a business idea I'm working on...

It's not exactly how I originally created it since some information was lost in the format I emailed with. What do you think?

Growth By the Numbers

Apparently, I love lists... so here's another one! This is Bruce Mau's "Incomplete Manifesto for Growth." His ideas are simple yet brilliant, perfect for your business - no matter what kind of business you're in.

There are a few personal favorites of mine:

1. Allow events to change you.
You have to be willing to grow. Growth is different from something that happens to you. You produce it. You live it. The prerequisites for growth: the openness to experience events and the willingness to be changed by them.

10. Everyone is a leader.
Growth happens. Whenever it does, allow it to emerge. Learn to follow when it makes sense. Let anyone lead.

14. Don’t be cool.
Cool is conservative fear dressed in black. Free yourself from limits of this sort.

15. Ask stupid questions.
Growth is fueled by desire and innocence. Assess the answer, not the question. Imagine learning throughout your life at the rate of an infant.

24. Avoid software.
The problem with software is that everyone has it.

25. Don’t clean your desk.
You might find something in the morning that you can’t see tonight.

32. Listen carefully.
Every collaborator who enters our orbit brings with him or her a world more strange and complex than any we could ever hope to imagine. By listening to the details and the subtlety of their needs, desires, or ambitions, we fold their world onto our own. Neither party will ever be the same.

33. Take field trips.
The bandwidth of the world is greater than that of your TV set, or the Internet, or even a totally immersive, interactive, dynamically rendered, object-oriented, real-time, computer graphic–simulated environment.

39. Coffee breaks, cab rides, green rooms.
Real growth often happens outside of where we intend it to, in the interstitial spaces – what Dr. Seuss calls "the waiting place." Hans Ulrich Obrist once organized a science and art conference with all of the infrastructure of a conference – the parties, chats, lunches, airport arrivals – but with no actual conference. Apparently it was hugely successful and spawned many ongoing collaborations.


After reading so many lists like this (my other favorite belongs to Stefan Sagmeister) I think I need to make a list of my own. I think this might call for a new notebook.

Google That.

Check out this list of Kids' (under 18) top searches for 2009.
1. YouTube
2. Google
3. Facebook
4. Sex
5. Porn
6. YouTube.com
7. Yahoo
8. MySpace
9. eBay
10. You Tube
11. Wikipedia
12. Michael Jackson
13. Taylor Swift
14. Gmail
15. Party in the USA
16. Miley Cyrus
17. Club Penguin
18. Miniclip
19. Fred
20. Games

My comments could go a few ways. Disturbing? Yes. The data is divided up by age group and even the under 7 crowd has Porn as the 4th most popular search after Youtube, Google and Facebook. Confusing? Yes. I don't know why the search for miniclip, Club Penguin and fred are so popular... anyone? I guess I'll have to Google it.
But my real point of this is: YOUTUBE. If you consider the fact that it's in the list three times, that probably means the intention for youtube is miles ahead of any of the other searches. So, how is this useful? Should we all have our own youtube channels? Should I start talking to my computer screen like this girl?
I have no real answer, but the data here seems more like a mandate. Get on Youtube or perish. At the very least, Google yourself or your business and find out what that situation is like. And then get yourself a Facebook page.

Why?

I have quite a few pet peeves. For the most part, I don't let them get the best of me, but there's one that I find particularly frustrating: Group Think.
Maybe it's because I go to a lot of meetings and, typically, the people in the meetings are from similar backgrounds and often friends. As soon as I see the first signs of discussions becoming one-sided or conversation hurling toward some sudden quick decision, I like to jump in and play devil's advocate. I start asking "Why?" a lot and asking for more clarification. Basically, I just don't agree with anything.
I often wonder if everyone sees what I'm doing or if they think I'm just being annoying by diverting our train from it's track.
I also often think that it's probably why many of my ideas always win, because I'm the first one to jump in and nobody wants to disrupt the flow.
Well folks, without questions there's no creativity. If there's no disagreement, we're probably not coming up with anything innovative.
I've been reading Seth Godin's book Tribes... it's fascinating. He really knows how to motivate his readers, not because he tells you how to make great changes and improve how you do business... he just tells you to do it. DO IT. You are the only thing keeping you from greatness.
So, my suggestion is to start by actually voicing an opinion during your next meeting. When you hear that voice in your head questioning things - say it out loud.

Consumer Experience: Web

(via The Toad Stool)
It is SO IMPORTANT to have a website that makes sense and is easy to use. Confusing websites and useless information and chaotic trails of links drive me absolutely crazy. I certainly hope that you think about the consumers experience when visiting a website rather than how hip the graphics are.
KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid.

Everything I Have

Whoa, this is so crazy/cool.
(via SwissMiss)
I don't know why I think this is so amazing. It might be because of one of my secret wishes to take on the 100 Thing Challenge. I'm kind of a mix of a minimalist and a kitchy collector of random vintage pieces and piles of books. I truly think that would be my major challenge in limiting myself to 100 things. Nevertheless, someday maybe I'll do it. And then I'll be able to achieve my second secret dream: living in a Tiny House.

Resolutions

I always have heard that you should never apologize for being late or making a mistake, just carry on and you'll look better for it. So...

I've haven't had a moment for writing on the blog and I've been thinking so much about what direction I would like to take it now that I'm working in a new position/field and I also have a lot less time for such leisurely activities.

I'm still working that out, but I do know I think about marketing EVERY DAY. It hurts my brain. Especially because now my marketing techniques are being put to the test, run through the ringer and chopped, cropped and chewed up. It's really not that horrible, but it's definately causing me to think harder, not only about marketing but about how marketing fits into this complicated world - and our complicated organizations.

My hope is that I can find ways to provide some insight into my brain and how it's working all of these things out. I will not say sorry for spending time away from the blog, but I certainly hope to give more attention to it in 2010 (twenty - ten, by the way).

Cheers!

Office Re-design

Well, my life this last week has been a bit hectic. After getting very very very little sleep while working on an event last weekend (plus cutting out to go to a Ghostland Observatory concert - so good) I wrapped up my job at Microsoft by Friday. I had so many projects to complete I had very little time to even check in on my blog or the blogs of others.

Yesterday I started my new event planning job. My first task (that I've basically given myself) is to clean/organize my new office. Basically, I require a space that is both functional and comfortable and a little fun. Call me high maintenance, but if the office (my home as well) doesn't aid in me accomplishing my goals and make me feel good while I'm doing it - well... then I'm going to make it that way or be quite unhappy at work.

Here are some tips about Office Design. Regardless of what you do, it's important to have good design in the office for your happiness and productivity.

Fixing Conferences

Fast Company produced an great article with six lessons on how to fix conferences. I clicked through to this because my new job involves planning conferences - although not for designers. Regardless, it gave me a few ideas. Maybe it will help you too.

Here's a quick run-down of the 6 lessons:
1. Social media is the enemy of time-based productivity
2. All problems are systems challenges
3. Big thinking loves tight parameters
4. Ask for what you want
5. Meeting in-person is powerful
6. Action is harder than rhetoric

Read the full article here and learn more about how these tips can create a more collaborative environment.

Say Cheese!

This is just plain funny.

But seriously, this cheesy camera is part of a Smithsonian exhibit celebrating the evolution of the camera. Check it.

The Urban Cursor

I don't know why I love things like this so much. Maybe it is because it's unique, completely random, out of place, and interactive. It might even make you think. Maybe you just think "I don't get it" or "Why is this here?" but still you use your brain. It's a nice break from the mindlessness that occurs when you're walking down the same street you walk down everyday.
Check out the Urban Cursor! I don't think it's a form of advertisement but it's not a bad idea. Maybe Photoshop CS4 could advertise my having giant tools that manipulated the ground covered in chalk. Just a thought.

Holiday Marketing

Meylah, a crafty person's business blog, offers some holiday marketing ideas. They are designed for crafters but really I think most businesses could take this advice, tweak it and run with it.

My favorite idea is "Send clients an early holiday card or newsletter" - so easy! Also, I like the idea of taking your products and making them look like they fit in with the holiday theme.

Another great idea, throw a party! Invite people over and sell your stuff. Not only good for business, it's just fun.

Check out the rest here.

Masters in Branding

The first branding masters program in the United States! I want to go. I really want to. But I have to wait.... Malcolm Gladwell is one of the instructors! Patience, patience, patience.
Visit the School of Visual Arts in NYC for more info.

Beautiful Losers

Beautiful Losers film trailer from beautifullosersfilm on Vimeo.

Competitive Patience

I just had an interesting experience. Basically, I got a job without even trying... at least I thought that until my friend reminded me of the time I'd spent building a relationship with my new employer, and doing so with an intention.

I'd been volunteering on projects for the last five years and so when it came time to hire someone they thought of me. It was quite possibly the easiest job I've ever gotten. No application. No interview.

So, I'm starting to think... maybe patience and hard work really can pay off. And I'm profoundly impressed by this notion of building intentional relationships. It's the purest form of advertising and marketing! It might even be the perfect example of branding (a topic I've come to learn is quite vague and difficult to explain - more on that later).

I'm very excited to have a new position where I can be creative and think a lot about advertising, marketing and design and put my energy toward something I'm passionate about!

Give the Gift of Love

I'm thinking I'd like to host an event. Would you come?

Crisis = Opportunity

Throughout this recession, I've been blown away by the way some businesses (specifically credit companies) have decided to handle it. Sometimes it seems that they are placing all of the blame on the consumer for not buying enough. They've told us that buying more is the only way to save our economy even when buying more means more personal debt.
In my opinion, it's the business world that needs to change. We, the consumers, have already made our decision to buy less. How will you deal with it now?
John Gerzema gives a great talk on the post-crisis consumer. It's hopeful. He explains that maybe the crisis wasn't such a bad thing, that maybe the only solution isn't to return to our old ways of buying on credit and constantly looking for what is bigger, brighter, shinier, newer, faster.
I keep hearing this mantra across business media: now is the time to build your business. I see the word crisis and think decision or turning point. We have an opportunity to build someting new and great and wholesome. I, for one, am excited!

The Rules

One Hundred Things Restaurant Staffers Should Never Do... really? 100! I've never worked in a restaurant but I'm pretty sure the average restaurant doesn't have this many rules, but I think they probably should.
I might be one of the pickiest customers on the face of the earth. If I go to a restaurant and the staff doesn't welcome me or they seem impatient or they interrupt I am quickly turned off and I rarely go back. Restaurants have a lot of competition. If someone isn't happy with your restaurants service or food they can probably walk 20 feet in any direction and find another place to eat.
I appreciate this restaurant owners attention to detail. I also wish that other businesses would also take note of these details. I would love to own a restuarant/bar someday and I definately plan on using this list as a starting point and reference when hiring and training my staff.

B Sides, Vol. 1: Plays Well With Lasers

I've always enjoyed making mix CD's (or tapes back in the day) and I do think of it as some kind of art. As a fun project, I thought I would start making mix CD's for a few friends each month. I find it to be a good exercise in creativity, specifically in naming the mix and such. I made a little design with a sharpie on this one but I'd like to get a bit more creative in the future.

1. My Girls - Animal Collective
2. 1901 - Phoenix
3. Heartbeats - The Knife
4. All The Right Moves - OneRepublic
5. Whatcha Say - Jason Derulo
6. I Want You back - Discovery
7. Paparazzi - Lady Gaga
8. Sleepyhead - Passion Pit
9. Ce Jeu - Yelle
10. Animal - Miike Snow
11. Rollerskate - Matias Aguayo
12. We Are Golden - Mika
13. M.A.G.I.C. - The Sound of Arrows
14. Dancing On My Grave - Ghostland Observatory
15. Stay Alive - The Pains of Being Pure At Heart
16. I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
17. Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z
18. Hello Seattle - Owl City
19. Clocks - Vitamin String Quartet