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I’m 26 and I’m frustrated. I am frustrated by the media and the insatiable celebration of youth. It’s like once a woman hits “30” you’re sh*t out of luck, you’re no longer attractive, sexy, and you start receiving automated emails … Continue reading
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I work in Talent Development, thus it’s no surprise that my tool bar consists of motivational quotes, leadership articles and TEDtalks. I am an inspiration and development junkie. I especially love hearing, reading, speaking about leadership– but not bran flavored … Continue reading
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Thou Shalt Give: Felena and I spent a Saturday morning having a delightful dialogue about young women in science. In particular, what can we do to encourage young women to pursue science, technology and mathematics. Our conversation took an interesting … Continue reading
Starting a business is hard. At times it feels like swimming up-stream. In a storm. With no life preserver. It can feel as though your start-up will never find its root, gain traction, and impact the world nor repay your now very meager pocket book. It’s just another Tuesday morning trying to figure out how in the hell Le Red Balloon will take over the world and I stumbled across this Wall Street Journal goodness and had to share it with the hubettes. Here are insights from the experts, fellow entrepreneurs that are venturing through the journey started by being a visionary. How Entrepreneurs come Up with Great Ideas , here is your go-go juice (for all of my Honey Boo-Boo fans out there) ladies. So do-the-do, fight the good fight, and keep innovating.
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Look at What’s Bugging you- look at what irks you and perhaps ask, can I solve this problem?
You’re Never Too Told- startups may sound like a 21rst century phenomena started by a group of twenty something app developers and web designers. While there may be many young people that fit this bill, success does not only belong to the millennials.
Be Present in Life- as founder and CEO of NewMe Accelerator shares, “I’m sure you can relate to how overconnected we all are. Something as simple as having a cup of coffee becomes a juggling act of replying to emails and managing schedules. It’s easy to miss a potential piece to your innovation puzzle when it’s right under your nose if you aren’t there”.
Ideas are abundant; Drive isn’t – great ideas are a dime a dozen but those who hustle, to see that vision come to fruition, are rare.
Let your Subconscious Do the Work- listen to your inner compass, even when you hadn’t realized it was turned “on”.
Attack Practical Problems- “make a note whenever you encounter a service or a customer experience that frustrates you, or wish you had a product that met your needs that you can’t find anywhere. Then create it yourself.”
Head Into the Weird Places – there is a beauty hidden in the obscure. People hold incredible stories. Literally we are living in a sea rich with love, heartbreak, challenge, innovation, the human spirit can teach us profound lessons even if its from the person sitting next to you on the bus or standing in line at the post office. Listen to the underdog stories, eat where no one else sits, as CEO of Venture Capital, Victor Hwang, beautiful expresses, “Watch and listen to weird stuff. I enjoy watching obscure documentaries and listening to unusual podcasts. It’s thrilling to find cool ideas lurking just a few clicks away. Walk in weird places. I take walks in hidden suburban neighborhoods, department stores, community colleges. When you’re walking with no purpose but walking, you see things in fresh ways, because you have the luxury of being in the present.”
Search for a better Way- “As one goes about their daily life, it is useful if they routinely ask themselves, “Isn’t there a better way?” You would be surprised at how frequently the answer is, “Yes.”
Think Big- Go big or go home. Make the world a better place. Fail fast and pivot quickly.
Taking it To Martket: “We typically think of these ideas as the thing that sets these great entrepreneurs on the path of success. However, an idea is only that until you do something with it. Great entrepreneurs also discover the strategies to deliver the new innovative solution to the market.”
Listen to the People Who know-”Get customer feedback: Listen to customers and create products and services that give them more of what they like and/or remove what they dislike.”
Get Inspired by History-You often hear about the pursuit of the new new thing. But I believe entrepreneurs have a lot to gain by looking into history for inspiration.In the mid-’90s, some beer enthusiasts and experts called us heretics for brewing beers with ingredients outside of the “traditional” water, yeast, hops and barley. So, I started researching ancient brewing cultures and learned that long ago, brewers in every corner of the world made beer with whatever was beautiful and natural and grew beneath the ground they lived on. We now make a whole series of Ancient Ales inspired by historic and molecular evidence found in tombs and dig sites.” – Sam Calagione, Founder and President of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery Inc.
Be Prepared to Shift Gears- entrepreneurs can bob and weave with the likes of Muhammed Ali or Mike Tyson but keep practicing. You will have to learn to dodge, reassess, and act quickly, all the time.
You can’t Rush the Brain- I don’t know where great ideas come from. I am not sure anyone does. I am not even sure how I come up with my ideas. The brain does its thing, and out pops an idea. While you are waiting for the brain to get its act together, do what you can do. Do the doable. Meet with people, schmooze, have a laugh or two. Build mock-ups and prototypes. At the very least, collect other people’s problems. That’s always a guaranteed doable.– Saras D. Sarasvathy
Isidore Horween research associate professor of business administration, University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.
Words of experience from the greats who have learned the hard way. Keep going and with the rising of each sun, know that your business CAN be.
I have a guilty pleasure; and I am not referring to Ice Cream Snickers bars nor Mariah Carey’s greatest hits album. I LOVE radio show “War of the Roses” on Magic 92.5, every morning on the ten spot (wow, could I sound any more like a DJ?). This five minute program is designed to catch cheating spouses in the act on air…yikes. Suspecting partners have MAGIC call their potentially guilty significant others and offer a dozen free romantic roses send to a person of their choice. Meanwhile their current partner is on the line listening to their every adulterous whisper. When the unsuspecting partner is found guilty for all of San Diego County to hear, all hell breaks loose. The swearing, blasting, and hot mess of an argument erupts. One crisp morning on my way to work (boo) betwixt another story of betrayed trust and cheating men, the girlfriend on the phone announced that she had taken one shoe from every pair of her boyfriends prized kick collection and threw them onto the freeway. I couldn’t believe it. I mean, I have been mad at exes, don’t get me wrong, but I suppose I am not the type to destroy a man’s shoe collection, key his new BMW, or message his new girlfriend (at least to date). My girlfriends and I have swapped plenty of dating battle stories, under the influence of champagne, pinot noir’s, tears, and tubs of ice cream.Our post breakup strategies are always the same. Get closure. Pack your bags. Write him a letter. Start exercise routine on the off chance that you run into him again and he will be overwhelmed by your fit slim figure and fresh new hair cut. PARTY.
I was recently dumped, a relationship of three and half years, filled with tears, some fond memories, and stresses. I woke up early every morning putting my best foot forward in the hopes that the next morning would have me eager to continue our tumultuous relationship but to no avail. If my tear stained pillow could talk, it would smack me across the face and say “GET IT TOGETHER WOMAN” begging for me to get a new pillow because it can no longer soak up my passive aggressive cries. This awful relationship was with my company; my full-time corporate gig after years of changes has finally booted me off of the crazy hamster wheel.
I had the realization that being an employee with my organization was much like an abusive relationship. From the beginning I was wooed with the promise of benefits, paid education, an on-site café and I always felt controlled, watched, and guilty, every couple of months they would kick something nice my way…a bone big enough to make me re-commit my heart to my work, of course this only lasts a few weeks until you feel empty and unfulfilled again. Knowing that a relationship isn’t requited and the honeymoon has love been over, doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. I can’t help but wonder, what do you do when your company breaks up with you?
You have two options, much like on “war of the roses”, you can bow out with grace, dignity, and hope that your partner’s lack of integrity will be enough punishment or that some way somehow the universe will serve them the swift kick in the ass they deserve—or– Option number two, go postal– cue crying, screaming, law suits, letters to accrediting bodies, public articles–end scene.I am going to attempt to approach this situation like I would a breakup– 1)Get closure, 2)Pack my bags, 3)Write a letter, 4) Start exercise routine on the off chance that you run into him again and he will be overwhelmed by your newly slim figure and fresh new hair cut, 5) PARTY.Get closure:There are many things that go through your mind when someone lets you go. The biggest question is why? Someone can say it isn’t a performance issue well, then why aren’t you keeping me onboard? In order to move forward you must have the truth and then process. Considering that most “letting go” speeches follow a strict HR and compliance template, it’s not surprise that the truth isn’t part of the design. If you feel that you don’t have enough information to move forward. Ask. You deserve to know why you aren’t needed so that you may further feeling wanted.
Pack my bags:I have created a home in my nook of an office. My cubicle is decorated to my liking. My drawers are my own. I have inspirational reminders all around; photos of my grandparents and red balloons are pinned to my cork textured material walls. It’s time to separate myself from this space as it has chosen to separate itself from me. If you have the gift of time, start to remove things slowly, a box a day, a few books a week, so it feels more like moving to a new place versus an eviction.
Write a letter:Writing a letter is your opportunity to say your peace. As long as you get to share your opinion, insights, and feelings (while still remaining tactful and politically savvy). Perhaps the hardest part is the juxtaposition of having to be gracious while getting fired. You have to take the bullet , smile, and say “thank you for the opportunity”. Now, am I saying that you need to draft a four page letter (Aaliyah reference) to your VP and confess your every word? HELL NO, because you and I both know having the self restraint via the medium of writing will be nearly impossible (even harder that not being jealous of Kim Kardashian regardless of how much you despise her). It’s often said that you should never burn your bridges, and to be thankful as you never know who might resurface down the line of your future employment. Just as your company is able to say their last words, be sure you speak your truth with the caveat that you might need them as a reference.
Get right:The stress of corporate America can be found on my muffin top thanks to the months of self-medicating with wine, champagne and potato chips. It’s time to fall back in love with myself, with my body by caring for it with health and wellness. Hopefully I will run into my fellow employees looking radiant and thirty pounds lighter.
PARTY:You lost your job. It’s time to dance. Honey, you have earned it. Take the road trip you have been putting off because your boss needed you in the office. Travel. Drink wine. Spent time with friends and of course, spend time with yourself, remember all the reasons why you are an asset to any company.
Alas, having your heart broken by a friend, man, woman, or company is always challenging. There are two breakup strategies you can utilize. Strategy #1: Treat this as an opportunity for self discovery and growth or Strategy #2, let this serve as a complete catalyst for self-destruction. Keep the hope alive that there will come a glorious day when autonomy will align with your income until then, don’t throw your bosses shoes over the 5 Freeway.
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Riding high on the tumultuous and stormy seas of full time employment… sure, sometimes the coast is clear and its smooth sailing—and then some days the demands, politics, and changes at your “steady” job have literally and metaphorically rocked your … Continue reading
Guest blog written by Hera hub Member, Hadley Wood, owner of H. Lindwood Insurace Services. Inc.
If you are like me, right around Spring I start to get antsy about wanting to take a trip somewhere. I start looking at all these pictures of warm beaches and beautiful locations around the world and think…damn – I really want to ‘get out of Dodge’! Even though we live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, I think it is only natural that we want to see new places and explore the world a little (maybe something in our ancient Nomadic genes?). Spring is the time to start planning the summer getaway!
Here are a few tips that I find helpful when planning a trip:
1) I have heard that Tuesdays are the best day to look and book a flight or hotel. I like to use a consolidator (like www.Kayak.com ) and filter the search for dates ‘around’ the time I want to travel. Sometimes, the prices can be hundreds less to travel on a Monday than on a Sunday!
2) I always like to check on www.tripadvisor.com for hotel ratings and pictures that are posted by travelers. Sometimes the hotel or location pics that are posted by the hotels are totally different that the actual photos taken by real travelers! Always nice to know the travelers comments over what the hotel marketing folks say.
3) If I am going to stay at a location for a week or longer, I like to check out www.VRBO.com for a vacation rental. I have saved hundreds of dollars doing this and have stayed in some amazing places. When doing this, I always check to make sure that the owner has lots of comments from recent guests and good ratings.
4) Before I go on my vacation, I always purchase Travel Insurance. I use www.travelguard.com . The price I pay is minimal to the advantage I have in feeling more secure with it. It is coverage for everything from lost bags, medical emergencies, stolen documents, trip cancellation, trip operator bankruptcy (or fraud), emergency evacuation (from weather or warfare), and more. I have had to use it in the past and will not go without it.
5) Always check with your Health Insurance provider to add your trip to the coverage. Most of the time, your Health Insurance is only good in this country. You can though, add the trip to your coverage for the time you are away. This can cost as little as $15.00 to do this and is well worth it!
6) Always call your cell carrier and add the country code to your plan for the time you are away. Sometimes people forget to do this and have a hefty cell phone bill waiting for them when they get home! I have had this happen and it is tough to dispute.
7) If you are traveling and will be bringing a lot of stuff with you, it is sometimes worth shipping your luggage through UPS (to your hotel) over paying the airlines large extra baggage fee! Also, your luggage will be at the hotel when you get there (along with a tracking number from UPS).
8) Always remember to make copies of your credit card(s), passport, Drivers License and any medical prescriptions and leave the copies with someone at home in case these are lost while traveling. It is very helpful to have these copies if you need them!
9) If you are planning to travel to multiple destinations, it is always a good idea if someone at home has your detailed itinerary. It is especially important if you are traveling to remote places or ‘danger zones’ but anything can happen anywhere so it is best to be safe.
10). And lastly, speaking of safety, always check the CDC website http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/ for updates of any disease outbreaks or immunization concerns in advance of your travel. If you are heading to a mosquito region (like Costa Rica), you may need to get on the malaria pills a month before you travel – so take this into concern when planning ahead!
So if you are lucky enough to take a trip somewhere soon, I hope you have a safe and wonderful, memory-making time!
Happy travels.
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Hadley is the President of H. Linwood Insurance Services Inc. and when she is not assisting her clients with their business insurance needs, she is either planning her next exotic travel adventure or living it!
She can be reached at 760 720 4632 or hadley@hlinwood-insurance.com.
I hate to admit this but I’m addicted to my smart phone. As someone that appreciates library books, hand written letters, and home cooked meals I struggle with owning up to the fact that myself and my business rely on my iPhone. I was someone that smirked at people attached to their cell phones, texting in line waiting for their triple espresso from Starbuck’s or having the need to duck out of meeting because that phone call was “so important”. I have come to realize that my smart phone is like my purse, it’s just essential. As an entrepreneur and small business owner my iPhone is a resource, I am able to stay plugged into the interwebs to engage my customers, followers, and employees. In the digital era where tweets and thoughts are posted every #millisecond we don’t have the luxury of addressing customers questions when we get around to it or when we get home to access our computer. Instant access is needed.
While I am devoted to social media I have at times felt overwhelmed. As a business owner which apps and platforms are pivotal verses nice to have. After all, you only have so many thumbs, so which apps are must haves so I can put these fast texting nubs to good use. Ryan Holmes, CEO at HootSuite shares the 7 Must-Have (FREE) mobile Apps To Do your Job Better.
Alas, 7 apps that will optimize your smart phone and give you the ability to control your business all on that small 3 inch screen. These apps allow you to be the maestro in the symphony of your business, managing the string quartet, cellist, and saxophonist all by the swipe of your finger tips.
Guest post by the fabulous, Skyler McCurine.
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Define Entrepreneur. Sure, I could go to Wikipedia and share the definition but…wait hold on…here you go, “is a loanword from French, and is commonly used to describe an individual who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on … Continue reading
Collaborative Guest Blog written by Productivity Guru, Ellie Pope and Business Strategist and Marliese Bartz, dynamic Management Consultant.
We’ve all been there — piles of things to do, yet you can’t seem to focus on your most critical tasks. You start to think, “Why am I so unproductive?” Perhaps there’s nothing wrong with you, it’s around you. We rarely think of it this way, but the brain’s resources are finite — our worlds are so busy and full of details, we don’t have enough attention to give to everything. Having an organized workspace and solid organizational systems reduces the load on your brain, and makes more resources available for your important work.
The key is to create an environment that improves your productivity. To do this, let’s apply
LEAN thinking — minimizing tasks that don’t bring value to your clients — to free yourself up formore valuable activities such as brainstorming, writing, and problem-solving.
Here’s how to use the five basic LEAN principles to create a high-performance work
environment:
LEAN Step 1 — Sort
Odds are you have a bunch of ‘visual reminders’ (i.e. Sticky Notes) posted around your
workspace. What you may not realize is that, every time you look around your workspace,
those visual reminders keep you from concentrating on your real work. They cause your brain to wander, reducing your focus and productivity. Ditto for the project files, bills, and reading material piled on your desk. This is why Sorting starts with de-cluttering, to reduce the load that your environment adds to your brain.The goal of Sorting is to end up with only the necessary tools and materials to get through your workday.
Here are some basic ways to sort:
• Get rid of anything you haven’t used in the past year.
• Remove the ‘visual reminders‘ from around your office — Sticky Notes, To Do Lists, project files, stacks of paper, and magazines. Either throw them away, consolidate them, or file them. For items that you must keep on a surface, concentrate them in just a few places away from your computer and review them once a day.
• Schedule tasks on a whiteboard or virtual calendar that is placed outside your typical line
of sight.
LEAN Step 2– Shine
Every time you walk into a dirty office, you can feel a little dead inside, making it just a bit harder to be productive. S
o, while you’re de-cluttering, it’s a great opportunity to Shine — clean all surfaces with soap and water. While you’re cleaning, inspect and remedy things like loose screws, cables that are crisscrossed, etc. Once your office is clean and functioning well, the space will invite you to engage, be creative, and enjoy yourself.
LEAN Step 3 –Set In Order
Setting in Order helps you create an office space where things are in predictable, easy-to-reach places. This avoids interrupting your concentration by having to ‘think about’ where to find things, and frees up precious time and attention for use in your real work.
Here are some basic ways to set your workspace in order:
• Prioritize location of items by frequency of use — daily use items should be within arm’s
reach; items used less frequently could be within a few steps’ reach.
• Separate active items into bins or trays.
• Add time-saving visual cues — label bins, trays, and files.
• Schedule follow-up items on a calendar, so you won’t be constantly worried about
remembering to follow up.
LEAN Step 4 — Standardize
This step involves establishing a common way of doing things — performing the same tasks the same way every time uses less mental energy. Standardizing your workspace includes colorcoding, flow charts, checklists, and labeling. Some simple ideas include:
• In a virtual environment, use the same labeling conventions every single time. Folders
might follow ‘Client Name/Project Title/Details’; Files might follow
‘ClientName_ProjectName_RevDate’. To remove visual noise, include an Archive Folder
for completed projects.
• In a tangible environment, try using colored file folders — Green for items in process,
Yellow for projects on hold, and Red for archived projects.
• Create flow charts or checklists for any repeated tasks/processes that have numerous
steps.
LEAN Step 5 — Sustain
Sustaining is arguably the toughest step, because it involves creating a new habit. It will take some discipline, but by implementing a few simple processes, you’ll have a better chance of success:
• Maintain a 5-minute-a-day routine check — return all items to their designated spots, check to see if the printer is low on paper or ink, etc.
• Schedule one 30-minute slot per week for sorting and shining.
• Place a 4-hour slot on the calendar every 3 to 6 months to archive projects, receipts, and
reading material.
By dedicating yourself to weekly sorting and shining, just as you do with your household chores, this maintenance will become easy and habitual. And once you experience the productivity increase from a well-organized workspace, you’ll want to maintain it! Just think LEAN, and make this your most productive year yet!
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Ellie Pope trains overworked women entrepreneurs how to get more done by easing up,
tapping into their inner rhythms, and cultivating their desire. The result is they make more
money with less stress, more peace of mind, and more fun. She can be found at
www.ProductivityPoolside.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ProductivityPoolside.
Marliese Bartz is a business improvement strategist dedicated to helping creative people
implement their ideas. She helps entrepreneurs operationalize their strategy so they can remain focused on what they do best — being creative! She can be found at www.linkedin.com/in/marliesebartz/.
