Commun!cate Newsletter

July/August 2008

Welcome to the July/August edition of Commun!cate. Although it looks like I've taken a break from writing newsletters, they've just taken a different form lately (inline emails and blogging). I'll periodically use my favourite HTML version because it gives me a nice, juicy archive of information for information greedy Google (et al). Also, it keeps my coding fingers in tune! Since last time, I've been doing a lot of editing whereas the previous couple of months was filled primarily with web site design. What I love about my job is the variety so it's been fab. Speaking of something new, I've also recorded a voice-over for my web site so be sure to check it out by visiting my home page. Although I do miss the sun and warmth, this is such a great time for hibernating and thinking about what's been happening to you and your business and where you'd like the rest of the year to take you. I've been using this time to shed some ideas and projects that weren't working for me. At the same time, I've been stocking up on some great reads because although we're all time poor, you have to make time for the things in your life which renew and recharge you. Otherwise, the dreaded 'burnout' will find you. In my travels, I discovered a quote which I love and want to share with you: Quotable: 'My biggest disease is that I have too many ideas. I think that intelligent people have a million dollar idea every week or two, but I meet a lot of intelligent people who are not millionaires ... And it's because people don't execute, they don't take the chance to do something.' Jason Calacanis, CEO, Mehalo Until next time, think of something you've always wanted to do and do it (providing of course it isn't harmful to yourself or others)! The ones I'm working on are learning to salsa and teaching myself Latin! ¡Olé! Regards There's a great business card prize (RRP $169) on offer with JustLocal's The Great Give-away competition. There are other fabulous prizes on offer so it's worth a look.
Featured Client: Natalie Millan I've been so fortunate to meet some great people through my work. Natalie is one of those people whose energy and care for others restores your faith. Natalie has written two books about the important topics of professional esteem and ethics. I've had the pleasure of creating the internal design for both books, as well as a great bookmark which will be used to further promote her books. Although they are directed towards massage therapists ('bodyworkers'), the information on burnout, esteem (and many other topics) can be used in your day-to-day journey, whatever your line of work. For more information on Natalie and her books, check out Natalie's web site.
Are you passionate about business cards? Well, we definitely are ... but maybe not quite as much as the guy in this scene from the American Psycho: Tips for creating a great business card (most apply to graphic design and promotion in general) Remember that first impressions last the longest. Don't overcrowd your design. Less is almost always more. Don't leave the back blank. You're paying for it so why not utilise that space? Some ideas are: a location map, a list of your services, a voucher, a moon chart, astrological information, affirmations, etc. Be creative, but also keep your target market in mind! For commercial print-runs, you need to use 300dpi or better image resolution so most standcard clipart will not be acceptable. If in doubt, ask your graphic designer or printer. Ensure that your branding (logo, colours, etc.) is consistent and as flawless as possible.

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Finding and Following YOUR Passion

As I mentioned in the introduction, I've been devoting more time to reading. When I heard about a book entitled, A Career in Your Suitcase, I was intrigued so I contacted the author who was happy for me to review her book. While I wasn't sure what to expect, I found a treasure trove.

Apart from the vast amount of information in this book, I found the stories of 'real people' to be inspiring as they are living extraordinary lives because they've decided to follow their passions. A book I probably read at least a decade ago, Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow: Discovering Your Right Livelihood also espoused the almost unheard of idea that work can actually be fun.

Rather than reinventing the wheel, here's an excerpt of the review I've written:

Reviewing A Career In Your Suitcase was both stunningly simple and didactically difficult. It was simple because there was such a wealth of information, but it was difficult for the same reason, as I found myself wanting to quote everything!

While I am already enjoying a freelance career as an expat whose life bridges two continents—Australia, by way of Tucson, Arizona, USA—I found myself immediately connecting my experiences with those of Jo and other expats who are introduced on these pages. As I read, I started remembering useful tips I’ve found along the way and, more importantly, I became even more energised about the ‘rightness’ of the career path I’ve chosen. In short, whether you’re just starting on the journey towards identifying your career (or careers) or you’re already well on the road, A Career In Your Suitcase is one of the things you should never leave the country without!

This book is a comprehensive resource that will guide almost anyone through the maze of creating a career. I say almost anyone because the people who will be able to use this book most effectively are people who are genuinely curious about how to identify what they want to do with their lives and what their authentic purpose is in a career sense. They don’t just want a job; they want a fulfilment and manifestation of their talents, skills, propensities, values and passions. These people will also have to be willing to work for what they want. With those provisos, this book can literally be a map to help take you anywhere you want to go.

To purchase this great book or to find out about Jo's other eBooks, click on the following link: A Career in Your Suitcase - 3rd edition (PDF).

Please note that I do receive a portion of the purchase price if you purchase through this link. Please also note that if I didn't 123% believe in the value of this book, I wouldn't recommend it.

Productivity: The eSSentialS of getting things done

• Get in SYNC. Chances are if SOMETHING isn't getting done, it's because it isn't in SYNC with what you really want to do.
• If it must be done, and no amount of meditation/zen is going to make you do it, explore outSOURCING.
• If it isn't vital (i.e. if the world isn't going to collapse if you don't do it), then SINK it and forget it. Remove it from the 'to don't' list as well.
• If it's important, SCHEDULE it. In fact, the more SPECIFIC you get the better, such as Monday from 5 pm to 6 pm. For example, if you've committed to doing a book review of a book which is 298 pages and you've read 42 pages in an hour, realise it'll take you roughly seven more hours to read it, with a further four hours or so to write the review. At the end of the day, when the phones are turned off, take that hour and do your reading. In no time flat, you'll be finished.

Factoid: Platypuses can consume their own body weight in food in a 24 hour period!

Source: http://www.australianfauna.com/platypus.php

Thank you for taking the time to read this instalment of Commun!cate. If you have a query, or want to see a particular topic featured, do not hesitate to contact me.