Focus on Possibilities

Lift Up Your Thinking

Some of you may have noticed that I have dreadlocks in my hair. I have had them for a number of years. They can be quite the conversation starter, but the hairstyle goes much deeper than my vanity.

The thing I didn't know before having dreadlocks was the idea of lifting up your thoughts. True Rastafarians will not speak certain words because the very act of speaking gives the word power. Instead of "I", "eye and eye" is used to show the connection between all people. "Understand" becomes "overstand" because one should not think of anything as lesser than anything else. 

Change of language is vital to any cultural movement. That is why the quote on the meme is so important for me to remember and activate in my thinking. It is the idea that your thoughts bring your life and circumstances. If I wake up every morning thinking of possibilities, but go to bed every evening thinking of how little I accomplished (like I admitted in my last post), then I am focusing on problems instead of solutions. This will never lead me to opportunity. So I must lift up my thinking.

"Working" from Home

Woah! Time flies when you are home and you can think of a half a million things to do besides working. Every morning I wake up and think I have all these things on my to-do list for my business. Every night I go to bed thinking, I did nothing or very little on my list. 

It's frustrating and I'm not sure how to stop the cycle of procrastination and distraction. Some people say, act like you're going to work and wake up, dress, and work like you would for someone else. Yeah, when I work for someone else, there is a lot more than just getting up and dressing. I have the commute, the co-workers, and the office. All these things add up to doing work for the company. 

JK in the glorious sunlight

Client work is different. Whenever I write for a client, then my turnaround is quick and efficient. This leads me to believe that I need a better idea of my job duties or a clearer description of goals. This, of course, rests on my shoulders to figure out. Delegating work to myself doesn't seem to be my strong point. I have to figure this out otherwise it will be the death to my business.

Writing for Real

A few months ago, I decided to take the advice of a friend and start my writing business. I went through the business procedures, put up a website, and a blog. Now, the realization of being a writer is shaping itself more concretely in my mind.

I have taken on a new persona, at least in name. And gained a new client. But, it still seems weird to me to introduce myself as a writer. I still awkwardly answer questions and think it's funny how some people think I'm creative based on my occupation.

This writing journey is like sunrise. What will the day become?

Life is a learning process. So I continue to learn. Anais Nin wrote, "The role of the writer is not to say what we can all say, but what we are unable to say." 


My next challenge is figuring out what people mean to say when they use words that often don't tell the whole story.

When is Going "The Extra Mile" Too Much?

Recently, I met with a prospective client. She asked me for my credentials and I verbally went over them and later sent her some links to sample writing. This was not enough to convince her to do business with me. So she asked me to write a sample for her based on information about her product.

I am trying to build my business and do not have very many clients, therefore I obliged. She sent me some links and some ideas she wanted in the writing and I sent her my sample. It took me about an hour to write the sample; every word has to be just right. 

Starting a business is tricky in this regard. Everyone tells you that you have to build a solid reputation and follow through, but what about working for free? Potentially, I will get this job and then I will be paid to complete the rest of the work, but as of now, I'm not visiting the bank. 

What things have you done to gain or keep a client?

Taking a break after working for free 

Business Networking International

Through my mentor, I was introduced to BNI Santana Row. Last week I attended my first meeting and met some fellow entrepreneurs. As soon as I walked in, I was handed a huge stack of member's business cards and encouraged to leave a stack of my own business cards for members to have themselves. Who likes a networking event where you gain contact information without actual contact? Me. Me.

The group has a family feel and the premise of the organization is to get to genuinely know people in the group so you can refer them to clients and friends. In turn, you gain referrals from other members. There are some quirky sayings like, "givers gain" and slips to show that you have been meeting face to face with members and making referrals. Overall, I thought it is pretty organized.

I'm not sure I will be joining this particular group because they have someone that has a similar business to mine already in the group. To preserve the integrity of the group, only one person in each field can join. I was assured that another group probably has room for me.

The community has been nice in the virtual world as well. My LinkedIn has blown up with added contacts. 

The G

What Google analytics looks like when you first set up and no one loves you...

Unless you live under a rock, you know that to be anything on the web, you have to kiss The G, caress The G, and send him your first child. Who's The G? None other than Google.

Google has requirements to gain Search Engine Optimization (SEO) on the mighty search page. Lots and lots of complicated requirements. You have to figure out how to cut and paste code and place them on your website so Google can find it, but no one else can see. You have to figure out if you want to track the visitors to your site (I opted out). You have to figure out a plethora of other things as well.

Does The G know I exist? Hardly. One day I will figure out the algorithm and share it with you. In the meantime, don't hold your breathe :)

Visionary Circles

Since my first networking event, I have been matched up with a mentor through Promote Her Business. My mentor is another "creative" and works with me to build my business. 

This group is focused on helping women be more successful in their entrepreneurial quests and hosts monthly meetings where VIP mentors give advice on various topics. I attended my first event last week. As a newbie, I filled out a worksheet and was given business pointers and suggestions. 

Lynnea Hagen speaks about business goals

I'm pretty much failing at articulating my difference and my vision. Hooray! At least I'm starting to understand this complex world a little more.

The important thing is that I am learning. That always makes life worth living.