Shannon's Blog: Minding My Own Business

Introducing...My New Website!

2021-02-03T18:57:00.000-08:00


So much to ❤️ at Centrepiece Writing Studio

You know how it feels when you try on a jacket, or get a new 'do, or get in the driver's seat of a new car, and it just feels so...

YOU!

You get a confident twinkle in your eye, maybe a little strut in your step - and you think to yourself: Yeah, this is me!

That's how I feel every time I visit my new website: www.centrepiecewriting.com!

This site is such an authentic reflection of who I am and the services I offer - I can't wait for you to check it out.

Yeah, this is me!

Shannon Goes to Camp

2020-09-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

"Follow your bliss, and the Universe will open doors where there were only walls."

- Joseph Campbell

Summer may be over, but I'm off to camp!

Pretend you already knew I've been working on developing a video game for the last 18 months. If you didn't know, it's probably because there hasn't been a lot to say until now. I'll fill you in below!

The exciting news is I - along with a superstar crew of creative Bad Astronauts - have been hand-chosen by the fine folks at Xbox (yes that Xbox) to attend a five-month virtual Game Camp, where we'll be building a test version of our game!

We start next week.

The Power and The Glory: An Everyday Easter Story

2020-04-08T15:57:00.001-07:00


"She said Tell me are you a Christian, child? And I said Ma'am I am tonight."
-Marc Cohn, Walking in Memphis

“Do you know the Lord’s prayer?”

The question - called out to me by a stranger on the street - catches me off guard.

This guy is vaguely familiar to me. He and his girlfriend sit in a doorway with their stuffed backpacks. I imagine they may be under-housed. Calling out greetings to the passersby. I had smiled as I'd walked past, returning a friendly wave.

And now, this question from left field: Do I know the Lord's prayer?

I cringe inwardly.

Is it leading up to a creative request for spare change?

Am I about to have my WASP-y ass handed to me?

I pause, calculating the risk.

Read more »

Finding Peace in an Outhouse (and Other Shitty Situations)

2020-03-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

"Nobody can bring you peace but yourself." Ralph Waldo Emerson

A few months ago, back when travel was still in the social lexicon, I pulled off the highway for a quick health break. Imagine my disappointment when I discovered the available facility wasn't a bathroom at all, but an outhouse. Gross!

I have specific protocols for outhouses: close my eyes, hold my breath, sometimes even plug my ears. And for the love of all that is good, control that imagination! Focus only on the task.

These are natural instincts when we're uncomfortable. And although these strategies are perfect for a five-minute pit stop, they aren't productive for long-term coping.

Read more »

Sometimes I Fall Down

2019-05-07T22:11:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's already May. Since my last blog, I've reached a number of exciting milestones: I got my business license, launched my new Facebook page, and deposited my first paycheque as an entrepreneur! I'm proud of my progress.

But truth be told, this has been a tough winter, and this post is more personal than professional. I spent months feeling like I was fighting the office cold, and generally felt a desire to climb into my bear-cave and hibernate through to Spring.

In March, just as the sun came out and the robins began to sing, my pace of life slowed even further. I felt tired, sluggish, and couldn't concentrate. My motivation was non-existent. I assumed I was finally getting the flu. I didn't get the flu. But I spent almost a week at home, sleeping 10-hour nights and topping up with mid-day naps. I startled easily, and could feel my pulse pounding in my belly, sounding alarm bells at imaginary threats.

At this point, my exercise routine dropped off, and I dialed way back on social activities.

My friends lovingly placed bets on mono.

I went to the doctor and all my tests came back top notch. The good news: I'm still on track to live to 100. The bad news...

From My Home To Yours...

2018-12-17T20:49:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year when the world falls in love
Every song you hear seems to say
"Merry Christmas, may your New Year dreams come true."

- Christmas Waltz by Sammy Cahn & Jule Styne

I love the centrepiece laid out on the table above, and the way it brings joy on so many levels: pinecones for texture and growth, pomegranate seeds for colour and zest, sprigs of pine for fragrance, and of course, a lantern to light the path.

Add a little Sinatra to round out the senses.

Whatever your personal tradition, this is the time of year we find solace amid the darkness, and celebrate the gradual lengthening of the days. During this time of reflection, I wish you all the warmth and coziness of December. Wrap yourself in a blanket and curl up by the fire. Take afternoon naps. Bake gingerbread. Keep your loved ones close. It's the season for comfort.

From my home to yours, Merry Christmas!

xoShannon

***

What a year! This marks my 24th blog in 24 weeks. I figured I had it in me, but honestly, I've surprised even myself! What started in July as a tiny seed of an idea has grown, inch by inch, into the healthy shoot we see today.

Your steady and ongoing encouragement - always just when I needed it - has provided the light and nourishment to help this writer thrive.

And now, to spend uninterrupted quality time with friends and family, and in the true spirit of comfort and joy, it is time for a break.

During my hiatus, I'll be looking back to see what worked, and looking ahead to consider what I can do differently in 2019 to expand my reach and access a broader audience.

Stay tuned!

Subscribe to my blog to make sure you get all the latest updates.

Photo courtesy of Jessica Lewis @ pexels.com.

Combatting Loneliness: We're All in This Together

2018-12-09T20:37:00.002-08:00

"On the subway, we feel like strangers, but we're all in this together."

- Ben Lee, Singer
full song here

I've been talking to a lot of people and seeing a lot of comments online from people who are lonely.

We are finding it harder and harder to make those personal connections that give us that sense of belonging we all seek.

I don't have the clinical or sociological expertise to discuss the roots of this problem or its significance on society, but I'm a human, and I've also experienced loneliness - especially through large swaths of my adolescence and young adulthood - so I feel modestly qualified to talk about this.

I don't mention any of it to bring you down.

I mention it because there's a terrible irony here: If you feel lonely, you're not alone.

This is a complex topic, with many strands and solutions that vary by circumstances. But let's not overlook the simple solutions either - whether you're lonely yourself, or want to support someone else:

Let's be open to each other. Let's unplug our earbuds when we're out in the world and say hello (verbally or non-verbally) to those we meet. Hold doors and elevators.

Set the boundaries you need to be safe, but if there's room left:

Talk to strangers.
Make eye contact.
Ask baristas, bus drivers, and other peripheral people their names.
Laugh at your shared circumstances.

Some of this can feel awkward at first if it's not your usual M.O. But keep practicing.

And even though you definitely deserve to be the person on the receiving end of all this random love, don't wait for others to reach out: be first!

It will definitely come back around to you when you get the hang of it.

The more I advance my writing practice, the more I'm learning what my work is all about.

Yes, on the surface of things, I offer writing services. That part's obvious.

But at a deeper level, it's all about connection. I help others say to each other the words that help them connect, to show they value one another and share the impact they have in each other's lives.

How amazing is that?!

If you need help finding just the right words, feel free to give me a shout.

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Photo courtesy of S.L Wong @ pexels.com.

** Statistic from Radio Canada International, Loneliness is a 'significant issue' in Canada, says doctor, January 19, 2018

Plot Twist: Shit Gets Real

2018-12-02T22:45:00.003-08:00

We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too. - John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States

In the last month, I've been taking care of a lot of boring-not-boring paperwork to bring legitimacy to the biz and get ready for the next step. Things like registering my name and business number, asking questions at City Hall, weighing the pros and cons of new software and negotiating rates with banks. I love it. Yep, super-exciting for me. Pretty mundane for you.

This hustle has all been with a vision to starting billing in the 2019. And now it looks like the stars are aligning for exactly that.

It's not the tribute work I've had my eye on. Rather than short little 5-7 hour projects I can fit in on evenings and weekends, this'll be a whopping 50-hour+ project, with a potential for more if it goes well. I've signed a non-disclosure agreement.

Shit just got real. <Gulp!>

Last weekend was a flurry of clarifying the project scope, assembling a cost estimate and writing a professional bio.

I can't say more than that right now, but I'm pretty stoked!

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Photo courtesy of WikiImages @ pixabay

Careening into December: A Reminder to Take it Easy

2018-11-25T20:16:00.002-08:00

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Did you feel life pick up speed his week? I know I did. My inbox flooded with loudspeaker announcements of sales, as every store I've ever shopped at tried to grab a piece of me. Yikes!

Whether or not you're in the thick of things already, we're all close. It's the last week of November after all. The time when to-do lists surge out of control. Parties and concerts abound. We burn through our reserves of Vitamin D.

I'm on high alert.

As a small business owner, my biggest risk to my productivity isn't a computer virus or a power outage. For me, it's the common cold and flu.

Have you ever tried to write when you're sick? Sinuses aren't the only thing that clog - inspiration does too. And it's hard to be creative when you're sleeping.

Starting now, I'm keeping extra special watch over my well-being. That means paying attention to hand-washing. Staying hydrated. Getting enough sleep and exercise. And keeping tabs on my stress and anxiety levels too - this is a season of high expectations and limited daylight.

Germs don't just sink business plans. I've seen 'em crash parties, and even sideline vacations. Don't let this happen!

We are encouraged this time of year to look beyond ourselves, give generously and share joy and goodwill wherever we go. There is so much that is right with this message. But it's not supposed to be at the expense of our own health.

Just like the oxygen masks on the plane, we need to take care of ourselves before we can take care of others.

Now go enjoy the festivities of the upcoming month!

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Photo courtesy of Pixabay @ pexels.com.

This Little Light of Mine: A Lesson in Marketing

2018-11-18T18:18:00.003-08:00

"From a little spark may burst a flame." - Dante

I made a stomach-turning discovery this week.

I've been watching my readership sink over the last five weeks since Thanksgiving. And although I've always approached my readership stats with a sense of curiosity, they've been pretty deep in the basement lately in a way that's been hard to explain.

Do I have spinach in my sentences?

Rather than taking it personally, I assumed people had gotten busy with Halloween, followed by that nuisance of a time change, caught a quick breath over Remembrance Day, and then swan dived into the early and persistent pressure of the jingle jingle. Who has time to read this time of year?

But this week I discovered it was all my fault after all.

I took for granted my default social media settings. Instead of posting for the world to see, the last couple of weeks, my blog posts have been inadvertently locked up in a me-only viewing party of one.

Rather than letting it shine, I was accidentally hiding this little light of mine under a bushel. NO!
What is a bushel anyway?

This is a good marketing lesson learned the hard way.

Sharing my writing publicly - as far and wide as possible - is the best way for me to showcase my skills, generate interest in my services and build my brand. I'm small right now, but I'm figuring out how to get bigger. Stay tuned!

It is entirely my responsibility - from writing the headline that grabs your attention, to choosing the photo that catches your eye and prompts you to click, to burying a secret scroll-over message in the image. (Go ahead, hover on the candle!)

If I don't get the hits, as the business owner, it's entirely my fault. It's not you, it's me.

Luckily I learned my lesson early, and among friends.

I'm sure there will be many more lessons as I bump my way along.

If you love my blog, subscribe! You'll get fresh posts delivered straight to your inbox even when I flub my settings.

Photo courtesy of Bithrim raj @ pexels.com.

Lest We Forget: Three Concrete Approaches to Honouring Freedom

2018-11-12T17:24:00.000-08:00

We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.
-William Faulkner, writer, Nobel laureate

I am taking time this weekend to remember those who serve and those who have served to protect our peace, democracy and freedoms.

Especially, I've been reflecting on freedom: What does freedom mean and how can I honour freedom in a free country like Canada?

Here are a few ideas:

1 - Seek Knowledge

Knowledge is power. I think of countries where getting an education is still so difficult, especially for girls and women, especially for the impoverished, and how lucky I am to have access to so many free learning resources, both formal and informal. Whether I want to find a better soup recipe, or learn a new language, or find out more about how my car engine works, I can do it!

It can be as easy as going to the local library, museum or nature centre. Or could be as involved as signing up for a continuing education class at the local college, or signing up for a training session on Coursera, an organization that partners with top universities to offer free online courses. Seriously. Become Yale educated from the comfort of home. How cool is that?

2 - Vote

Your voice counts. Where I live, we are in the middle of a mail-in referendum on what voting system we will use going forward. Three different forms of proportional representation are on the table, as well as our current system, first past the post. This is democracy - and freedom - in action. And yet, with less than three weeks to go until the deadline, only 3.7% of ballots have been returned. I'm not pointing fingers - I haven't mailed mine in yet either. But that's because I've been taking the time to do my research. (See Number 1!) I hope there are many others in the same boat, and as we read, discuss and learn, we'll see more decisions coming in.

3 - Let it Go

We all hold on to guilt, blame and fear that holds us back from being our best self. I know I do. I had a whole other blog post ready to post yesterday, that I scrapped at the last moment, in part, because it felt too personal. I suddenly got shy even though I have a supportive audience who wants to know more about me and how I'm doing. And that led me to miss my deadline last night, which I felt bad about, which spiraled into a very definite (momentary) decision that I was going to scrap the blog altogether. So... there's your peek behind the curtain for the day. Happens to all of us... right?

Getting over fear and guilt and blame is easier said that done. There's no 5-step process to follow. No recipe for freedom cookies that I know of (although they sound delicious!)

I have no credentials to help you safely navigate your roadblocks, so I'll keep it pretty high level.

For instance, even just stating an intention can be a good place to start:

I am now letting go of my guilt, blame and fear.

There is freedom in these words. Say them out loud a couple of times a day and see what happens.

During one difficult time, I used to sing Nina Simone's I Wish I Knew How it Feels to Be Free in the shower until I felt better. Whatever song you need - play it on repeat til it really sinks in!

Write your fear on a piece of paper then burn it. Whisper your guilt into the knothole of a tree. Decide to forgive.

As we offer gratitude to our service men and women this weekend for the liberties they protect, let's honour their sacrifice by enjoying this generous gift of freedom.

Our families, our communities and the entire world all rely on us to share our greatest gifts. And above all that, we owe it to ourselves.

If you like my blog, I bet your friends will too. Thanks for sharing.

Photo courtesy of Craig Dennis @ Pexels.

A Grand Unveiling

2018-11-04T20:47:00.000-08:00

Design is the silent ambassador of your brand.
-Paul Rand, art director and graphic designer

My business cards are ready!

Earlier this summer, I mentioned that just at the moment my business name had crystallized, a friend reconnected and offered to help with a logotype and card design.

What luck!

We met over donuts and discussed at length my business name and the kind of work I hoped to do.

At this point, it's important to know I have a very limited capacity for spatial visualization. So my thoughts about how my card should look were particularly open-ended. I wanted my cards to be approachable. Open. Calm. Maybe a pen?

But, as it turns out, a spatial deficit doesn't stop me from having strong opinions. Hey! Why are you laughing?!

I liked that. But not this. What about moving this over there? No - never mind, that's wrong. Can I see...?

And this is where I salute Marleen Kiral, Commander-in-Chief at Almostronaut, for her guidance through the asteroid field. Marleen answered all my questions with her signature matter-of-fact style, provided strong advice on trends and best practices, and she navigated me back to the flight path whenever I got distracted by my own personal preferences (yes, Shannon, pink is great, but have a look at this chart about colour connotations).

Through our conversations, she came to understand my personal style, and I'm pretty sure she searched the edges of the universe to find the perfect graphic.

I am over the moon with the results.

Are you ready to take a peek?

Front


Back

Alternate back: I plan to share these with funeral homes

I'm thrilled with how font, graphics, colour and text combine toward one unified message: Trust me, I deliver.

I can't wait to start sharing them!

If you like my blog, I bet your friends will too. Thanks for sharing.

Photo courtesy of weatherbox @ freeimages.com.

Incorporation vs. Sole Proprietorship

2018-10-28T21:26:00.001-07:00

Decisions like this make me want to hide!

I'm in touchy territory here. I admit, until recently, the mere topic of incorporation vs. sole proprietorship (yuck!) used to trigger anxiety.

Researching this kind of stuff is onerous, and yet it feels so important. There's pressure to get it right. When I think back to my pre-biz days, self-doubt around business mechanics was a real barrier to expanding my horizons.

But it won't stop me now.

So when I write about incorporation vs. sole proprietorship, it's not with a ton of expertise. It's based on skimming a bunch of websites, then back-checking my understanding on a few others. Consider this more of a musing than actual advice. You're not reading this for actual advice are you?

A few of my friends have incorporated in the past year or two, and from the sidelines, it feels like there's a certain cachet attached to it. They are fancy business people now. They get to put Inc. at the end of their business name. Just like Apple!

But realistically, incorporation has more to do with the (decidedly unglamorous) world of taxes and liability than any measure of business success.

There are a lot of misconceptions about incorporation. Here are a couple I've encountered in the last while:

1) I recently heard someone say: "now that you've incorporated, you can write off all those deductions." Cha-ching! What they may not have realized is: a sole proprietor can also deduct business expenses. And since my primary income still comes from employment, that means my business deductions can actually offset my personal income. Now that's what I call F-U-N! Hello tax refund! And sole proprietors only have to file one return. Corporations have to file separate returns, which means owners need to file that on top of their personal return.

2) Incorporation protects my personal liability. If I get sued or get swamped in debt as a sole proprietor, my personal assets are at risk, including my home and personal savings. If I incorporate, only my corporate assets would be on the line. This is not a misconception - it's true. But this is more about risk assessment. What is the likelihood I'll be sued? As a writer? Pretty low. So long as I'm careful about copyright, and cover my butt with a decent insurance policy, I should be okay. And as for indebtedness? My overhead costs should be fairly low, and I'll have full control over my spending decisions. So I'm feeling pretty okay there.

That delicious corporate tax rate though! For private small business corporations in Canada, the net tax rate is 10%, compared with 15%-26% for personal taxes, depending on income.

Of course, because there are incorporation fees and legal fees involved in setting up a corporation, I presume there's some sort of earnings threshold I could calculate to figure out when my income makes the the tax deduction juicy enough to offset the costs attached to incorporation. This is beyond me right now. Note to self: find an accountant.

It's a decision that will require regular monitoring and re-evaluation, but for now I'm keeping it simple (and my costs low) by sticking to a sole proprietorship. My business name was just approved this week (woohoo!) and that means I can now register my business and start billing.

Regardless of tax rates, seeing my vision come to life and earning an income from that will be most delicious of all.

If you like my blog, I bet your friends will too. Thanks for sharing.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay @ Pexels.

Fonts Fonts Everywhere

2018-10-22T21:34:00.001-07:00

Helvetica is the sweatpants of typefaces. - John Boardley, typography whiz and fellow blogger

I've always been a content gal.

Get the words just right, and they'll speak for themselves. If the content needs a little extra oomph, someone else can deal with that.

It's rare for me to deviate from whatever the default font happens to be: Times, Arial, Helvetica.

I know some of you are cringing right now.

But through the process of creating a business card and logotype these last few months, my thoughts have been consumed with fonts.

There are millions of options out there. And fonts have meaning. They silently convey personality, even attention to detail.

Don't believe me? Let's go to the movies...

Maybe you'd like to see:

Passions and fortunes come and go, but frankly my dear... a few party favours make everything bright and gay!

Or how about:

The film that finally explains why men and women can't be friends. I'll have what she's having...

Or maybe:

A bell-polishing caretaker enjoys the grand solitude of a glamorous Colarado hotel. Well I say, here's Johnny!

Obviously, I'm embellishing for effect. Unless you've got a killer Halloween gig, a professional logotype will usually be much more subtle. But the fact remains, the font we choose will communicate on our behalf, even before our client has a chance to read the words.

So from one novice to another, a few tips on selecting the right font:

Love it: If you inwardly cringe at the sight of your typeface, that will come through when you share it.

Get fresh: If your font evokes thoughts of The Gap, skip it. You want clients to think only of you. Pick again.

Be clear: Some fonts have legibility issues. Many websites allow you to preview your own content in a font before downloading. Do that!

Go slow: Font surfing can be like testing fragrances. After a while, they all start to look the same. When your eyes start crossing, take a break.

Ask for input: Bring in your trusted peeps and ask for honest advice. Does the font suit your style and objectives? If not, talk it out.

As for me, my own card is almost ready, and I can't wait to unveil it. Stay tuned!

Photo courtesy of KoalaParkLaundromat @ Pixabay
Cinematic fonts used with permission (order of appearance):
Bumbazoid by Boba Fonts * Double Feature by David Shetterly * Raconteur NF by Nick's Fonts

If you like my blog, I bet your friends will too. Thanks for sharing.

Rising Above - Dealing with Scummy Days

2018-10-14T21:30:00.000-07:00

Buildings and bridges
Are made to bend in the wind
To withstand the world
That's what it takes.

All that steel and stone
Are no match for the air, my friend
What doesn't bend breaks
What doesn't bend breaks.

- Ani Difranco, singer

Resilience is a hot topic in the workplace right now.

I don't know about you, but when I'm having a bad day, I like to really wallow in the muck, eat too much chocolate, and then pick fights with my family - really spread that misery around!

#KiddingNotKidding.

But sometimes there's just no time for a pity party. Or maybe the party's gotten stale.

That's where resilience comes in: the ability to recover quickly from setbacks. To get back up one more time than you fall down.

A couple of months ago, I had one of those weekends. I'd just had some orthodontic work done, and was in a lot of pain. It was also the first grey and chilly weekend of August - the kind of weekend that portends the early and abrupt arrival of Fall. I hadn't had much time to work on my blog, and I was discouraged about the slow pace of progress. All I wanted was to curl up in a blanket and sulk.

But I also wasn't ready to forfeit my precious weekend to doom and gloom. I needed a way to rise above the scum.

There are lots of ways to get out of a funk.

Good old fashioned exercise is often enough to help shift gears, but honestly, when I'm cranky, feeling like I should get moving usually just adds resentment to the fire <Don't tell me what to do!...sulk wallow wallow...>

Some people use yoga or another type of meditation to help direct their focus. These are both effective, but require (or appear to require) alignment with a spiritual practice that may feel uncomfortable.

If this describes you, a mindfulness practice could be an approachable alternative.

For instance, I recently embarked on a 30-day mindfulness challenge that encourages participants to Take 5 (literally, take five deep, deliberate breaths) throughout the day to refocus attention and create mental space to "take the next wise step."

That's it: five deep breaths. I can even do it on the couch!

Full disclosure: I'm new at this, and I'm on my third attempt to complete the challenge. The first time I got through 11 days, and then only two days on the second try. I'm now on Day 14, and I think this one's gonna take.

I like this practice because of it's accessibility. I can do it wherever I am, whenever I need it. I can do it without drawing attention to myself, and I can repeat it until I've noticed an improved sense of calm/creativity/focus/presence/~~world domination~~.

I hadn't started the mindfulness challenge at the time of this story, but luckily I have a couple other tools in the box.

Since I was feeling discouraged about a perceived lack of achievement, I decided a good place to start was to make a list of what was going right, instead of dwelling on what wasn't. As my father-in-law says: "Time to change the cassette!"

The truth is I'd had such a productive summer! Between June and August I:

Conceptualized and laid progressive groundwork toward building a business from scratch
Started and maintained a disciplined writing practice
Launched a blog
Managed friendly neighbourhood communications for my strata council
Swam 22 km
Entertained and supported friends and family, near and far
And I even hit it out of the park on a number of projects back at the office.

Once I put it that way, it was much easier to get back into the groove. I found renewed inspiration not just for writing, but also to identify the next wise steps for my biz. My dental pain subsided and the sun came out.

I probably can't take credit for the latter, but even if it had stayed cool and rainy I would have been in a much better place to deal.

What do you like to do to pull yourself out of a slump? I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments.

* * *

If you like my blog, I bet your friends will too. Thanks for sharing.

Photo courtesy of Ian Dooley @ Unsplash

On Humility and Gratitude

2018-10-07T21:31:00.004-07:00


Without humility there can be no humanity. -John Buchan, Canada's 15th Governor General

I had coffee with a friend this summer, and we got talking about confidence.

Specifically how much of it I'll need to get my business off the ground. I've touched on this topic before: it's the difference between maybe I can help? and I can help.

I agreed with her.

I continue to monitor my personal presentation in terms of confidence. I'm deliberately pushing myself to talk more about my blog and ask for help reaching a broader audience (yes please: share my blog!). I'm also learning from missed opportunities.

But there's not much more to that story.

We all know about the connection between confidence and success right? That territory's already been charted.

What I've been reflecting on more since that conversation, is the role of humility in success.

Unlike confidence, humility is a trait that sometimes gets overlooked. The fear, I think, is that humility shows weakness and vulnerability.

But confidence and humility are not actually mutually exclusive.

Confidence tells us:
   - I have the solution.
   - I can go further, higher, faster. (cue the Daft Punk)
   - My approach is correct.

Business owners need confidence in spades. It's essential to leading our clients to the best outcome, promoting our services to others and setting rates that respect our time and expertise.

Humility has a much more subtle character, and it sometimes gets a little squirmy in the spotlight, which makes it harder to examine.

Humility reminds us:
- There's always more to know.
- Another's experience is as valid as mine.
- To deliver excellence, I rely on others.

If confidence is the gas pedal that opens up horsepower in our entrepreneurial vehicle, humility is the brake. Humility provides a check to unbridled speed. Hitting the gas is fun and makes us feel powerful, but humility reminds us of the danger involved; gives us control on the sharp turns. We definitely want functional gas and brake pedals on any road trip.

Humility also grants us access to a very specific group of clients - the reluctant, the vulnerable, the tentative - those who need more than gusto to convince them of the value of our service.

In other words, humility helps build authenticity, empathy and trust.

* * *
Humility and gratitude go hand in hand. As we celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada this weekend, I offer my humble and sincere thanks to all of you who:

read, share and provide feedback on my blog
take care of cooking and other home maintenance while I work on my blog
seek out my writing services and refer me to friends
share your gifts and expertise on a multitude of topics
are generally inspired to see things differently.

Together, we are creating the world we want to live in. 🍁

Photo courtesy of Pixabay on Pexels.

FAQ: Minding my own Busy-ness

2018-09-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Ylanite Koppens @ Pexels

"Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day of your life." - Unknown

Every week? people typically ask when I tell them about my blog posts.

Me: Every week. That feels about right to build discipline, exercise my writing muscles and stay on the radar.

What if you're away?
I can post remotely.

What if you're sick?
Well, okay, I always prioritize my health, but I don't get sick very often.

That sounds busy...

The question I get asked most since I launched my blog goes something along the lines of: You're doing this in your spare time?! You must be busy...

The truth is, it does take up quite a bit of time outside of my day job. There's so much I want to write, research, plan and create to advance the project. And only limited hours per week.

But - much like the burn in your legs after a long run - it's the good kind of pain.

I've struggled with the other kind of busy before: the kind of busy weighted down with shoulds and woulds. The kind of busy that decides to drive to get groceries instead walking. The busy that sucks your energy dry then promises everything will be alright if you just have one more chocolate bar, glass of wine, season of your favourite Netflix binge series, (pick your poison).

But this is the kind of busy that drives me to nap after dinner so I can buy a couple extra productive hours before bed. The kind of busy that slips a notebook into my bag so I'm ready whenever inspiration strikes. The kind of busy that causes me to evaluate how much time I'm spending on TV and Facebook.

It's a busy that liberates rather than oppresses.

In other words, it's a labour of love.

***

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Right On Schedule

2018-09-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

Don't compare yourself with other people; compare yourself with who you were yesterday.
- Jordan Peterson, psychologist

It's easy to compare ourselves to others. I'm prone to it, and something tells me you might be too.

As I start up my own little startup, it's very compelling to compare myself to those who are also going through the process, or those who have gone before. But that's usually when the doubt starts creeping in: I should be further along by now. Ms. Smartypants over there probably didn't get stuck on this banal decision. I must not be cut out for this...

This time zone metaphor resonated with me, and I thought I'd share it while I'm out enjoying the last remaining hours of my vacation.

Attribution is important to me. I tried to identify the author of this work, but nothing definitive came up.

So for now I'm tipping my hat to that most famous blogger, Anonymous. If you know where this came from, please leave a comment below.

* * *

New York is three hours ahead of California, but that does not make California slow.
Cameroon is six hours ahead of New York but it does not make New York slow.

Someone graduated from college at 22 but waited five years before securing a job.
Someone became a CEO at 25 but died at 50.
Someone became a CEO at 50 but lived to 90 years.
Someone is still single,
While another is married with children

Absolutely, everyone in this world works based on their own time zone.

People around you might seem to be ahead of you.
That’s total fine. Some are behind you.

Everyone is running their own race in their own time zone.
Don’t envy or mock them.
They are in their own time zone and you are in yours.
Life is about waiting for the right moment to react.

So RELAX.
You’re not late
You’re not early
You’re very much on time, and in your time zone.

Photo courtesy of Aphiwat @ Pexels

Guest(ish) Blog

2018-09-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

You just have to find that thing that’s special about you that distinguishes you from all the others
and through true talent, hard work, and passion, anything can happen. -Dr. Dre

I came across a blog this week on CareerShifters.com, about a British public servant who left his job to (successfully) pursue a career in photography.

I'm sharing it here, as I was inspired by his success.

People sometimes ask me if I'm aiming to grow my business into a full-time job that will allow me to quit my 9-to-5. The honest answer is: I'm not sure yet.

I'm still at the very early stages, and for now, building is its own reward. Ask me again in a year or two!

I enjoy following the CareerShifters' newsletters, as they take a different approach to changing careers than other traditional job advice websites. There's a real emphasis on discovering your passion, more so than leveraging your existing skills.

If you've ever wondered "what if...?" but found yourself also thinking "I have no idea..." I recommend taking a peek.

Maybe you'll find the inspiration you need to take a new step!

Photo by Skitterphoto @ Pexels

A Different Kind of Success

2018-09-09T15:51:00.002-07:00

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” — Winston Churchill

Sometimes success arrives in a different form than we expect.

I had an opportunity to practice my pitch the other day, and although my services were not needed, I was glad to A) practice talking with prospective clients and B) think through the range of services I offer.

As I consider billing options, I've been percolating on how to account for the valuable consultation portion of my service. It just wouldn't do to walk a client through a tailor-made needs assessment, only to have them decide they're now ready to write the tribute themselves.

In preparing my pitch for this specific client - and without thinking about it too much - I developed a structure that helped clarify the three levels of service I offer:

1) Getting started - the needs assessment: if they want, a client can take the notes from this session and write the tribute themselves from here. This is for clients who just need help getting going, and protects me from the clients who don't realize that til we've already spoken.

2) Organizing rough notes and identifying themes: for clients who have started and gotten stuck. I get it! It's harder than it looks.

3) The full package: start to finish. Presumably this is the service most people want.

All services include a light word massage as needed.

I'm now one step closer! Now that I know what I'm offering, I can start tackling what to charge. And just this morning, an article showed up in my inbox talking about freelance fees. Everything's happening right on schedule!

* * *

Celebrating Actual Success: This post marks my tenth blog in ten weeks! I've made a lot of progress in the last two months, and the thinking I've been able to do through my writing has solidified a lot of the advance planning required for success.

Thanks so much to all of you for reading and cheering me on through the process! Your steady stream of interest and kind words keep me afloat.

You may notice a content lightness in the next couple of weeks as I take some personal development time and regroup for the next round. Stay tuned!

Photo courtesy of Josh Sorenson @ Pexels.

Happy Labour Day

2018-09-02T23:30:00.001-07:00

Without labour, nothing prospers. - Sophocles

Am I the only one who didn't know the origins of Labour Day?

I always imagined it had something to do with taking one last day to put up our feet before digging in to the heavy work required between now and the harvest leading up to Thanksgiving.

In fact, here in Canada, Labour Day doesn't have anything to do with farming. It dates all the way back to 1872, when print workers in Toronto won the right to a nine-hour day, down from 12 hours. Check out the details here.

One hundred and forty-six years later, it can still be tricky to find that elusive work-life balance. Between family, home and personal responsibilities (not to mention getting enough rest and having enough fun!), the struggle is real. I'm lucky to work for an employer that offers several flexible options.

This Labour Day, I'm celebrating: my request has been approved to shift down to four days per week starting in October!

This is something I've dreamed of for years.

Now that I've committed to laying the track for a new business venture, these extra days per month will open up more dedicated time for learning the ropes, expanding my network, honing tricks of the trade, and generally minding my own business.

Rest up everyone, it's gonna be a busy Fall!

Photo courtesy of Kaique Rocha at Pexels.

Inch by Inch, Row by Row

2018-08-26T16:32:00.002-07:00

"Life begins the day you start a garden." - Chinese proverb

I've been thinking a lot about my garden this summer.

Three years ago, my garden was in disarray. The plants had been planted haphazardly before we moved in, as if by an apathetic grocery bagger who doesn't care they've just packed your eggs on top of your bread. The so-called gardener was obviously at the end of their day, nearing the end of their plants, and tossed whatever was left into our backyard in a hurry before going off to grab a weekend beer with friends.

After a couple of years of (ignorance- and priority-related) neglect, the ornamental grasses had spread with abandon.

I didn't know anything about gardening, and every time I looked out the back window, I felt a heaviness; the emotional burden of clutter and disorder.

Recently as I planted a couple of daphnes given by a friend, it dawned on me that I was close to the end of planting. I have reached my goal of having a tidy, one-hour-a-week garden with flowers and herbs!

I accomplished this very gradually, over the course of three years, by capitalizing on bouts of natural inspiration, investing in healthy plants, and spreading out costs over a series of visits to the garden store. I asked questions, worked on my own schedule, and when it made sense, paid for expert help. For a while I followed a plan, but I also included some plants that called to me.

It's satisfying to take stock of how far I've come. Are there still a few empty spaces that need filling? Definitely. But I have a dependable source of basil, mint and cilantro. Lavender, echinacea, dahlia, and other blossoms attract bees and butterflies throughout the warm season. The weeds are easy to spot and remove.

It takes far less than an hour a week to maintain, but even better than that, the time I spend in my garden makes me happy. I feel productive here, and I still find wonder in the cyclical blooming, cutting back and re-blooming of flowers.

That sense of burden has been replaced with clarity and pride.

Without realizing it, this is the same approach I've set out for myself as I mind my own business:

Take it slow. Learn along the way. Ask tons of questions (even the embarrassing ones like: is this a plant or a weed?). Make a plan, but leave space for the magic (and freedom!) that can come out of adjusting it. Celebrate positive outcomes. And most importantly, enjoy the process.


Before: Mary Mary quite contrary, WTF happened to your garden?

After: Eat your heart out Mary!

Title photo credit: Pixabay at Pexels. Garden photos: blogger's own

The Universe Responds

2018-08-19T20:50:00.001-07:00

Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it. - Maya Angelou

Exciting news: I've got a name!

If I had doubt before, it was because the name wasn't fully formed. Just as we all have multiple parts to our full name, so too does my business.

Although each part of the name came to me separately and weeks apart, I note (with equal parts awe and humility) that everything culminated a mere five days after my blog post on the topic.

The law of attraction; stating an intention; trusting the universe - whatever you call it, it's a powerful catalyst for making things happen.

The final piece clicked into place while I was letting my mind wander on the ferry. I wrote all three words together and... Shazam! Over the next few days, I wondered whether I should workshop the idea with friends, but it seemed pointless. The name is the name.

The Part Where I Explain Why I Can't Tell You What I Want to Tell You

This blog is a tool to help me process my thoughts. Record my learning. Play with style. Instill writing discipline. And hopefully entertain/inform/inspire my audience too.

But it's not a marketing tool. Ultimately, Minding My Own Business is a peek behind the curtain. It's where the brass section empties their spit valves, and the actors argue over stage direction. If MMOB were a bakery, there'd be flour strewn everywhere, and the baker would be stealing a swig from a secret flask and cursing the supplier for a late delivery. You get the picture. Like the rest of life, it's sometimes gonna get messy up in here.

That makes it inherently unsuitable to be connected with the professional, empathetic service I'm offering.

So, despite my excitement, enthusiasm, and propensity to proclaim all good news to the world immediately, I won't be using my business name here until I can find a good way to connect to it without leaving a trail of breadcrumbs that might put off potential clients. #ThinkingThingsThrough

* * *

Confirming my name is an important milestone - I can now start securing domain names, social media handles, email addresses.

Work has also begun on the graphic undertaking of designing a logotype, business cards, and eventually a website.

Can you believe that a friend/in-law popped up recently with this exact skill set and offered to help?
Talk about allowing the universe to deliver!

Design collaboration is fairly new to me, and I can't wait to see how this work manifests...

Photo courtesy of Ander Bourdain on Unsplash

The Constant Struggle Between Rushing and Resting

2018-08-12T22:02:00.002-07:00

"A field that has rested yields a bountiful crop" - Ovid

This is the first week I wasn't quite feeling the blog. It wasn't writer's block exactly - I started a handful of new topics. It's just that none of them feel quite ready. And I was tired.

Maybe it was that ready-for-a-break feeling after a full week.

Or it could be a natural low point after six weeks of sustained momentum.

Maybe it's the air pressure, moon phase, or a butterfly on the other side of the world flapping its wings at just the right moment. Who knows?

It's easy to internalize societal pressure to #SleepWhenImDead and smash through my success-limiting energy plateau like the Kool-Aid man on a hot day. This wussy need for a break is obviously just self-doubt manifesting reasons to quit... Unless it's that barely perceptible early-warning alarm reminding me to quiet my mind and bolster my immune system.

There are times to push ahead and times to rest, and mine is a constant struggle to figure out which is which.

I'm not going to get anywhere without discipline, consistency and some serious time management. I know this.

But on the other hand, creativity is a delicate animal. It needs rest and nurture and fresh air, especially a fledgling little creature like mine.

So, even though I'm just as eager as the next gal to #GetBusyLiving, I'm also very happy to #ReadABookAndThenHaveANap.

That might mean missing an arbitrary self-imposed blog deadline every once in a while.

Just not today.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay at Pexels.

Do the Hustle

2018-08-05T18:38:00.002-07:00

"If you want to conquer fear, don't sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy."
-Dale Carnegie, author of How to Win Friends and Influence People

It's only been a few weeks since my friend's Dad's memorial - way too soon to worry that my first client might be my last. The blog's keeping me disciplined, and there's still a lot of research to do. Business taxes, copyright law and billing... it's not exactly riveting summer reading. So no rush. But still, in the absence of any marketing tools, I've been starting to wonder when my next lead would present itself.

And then the phone rang.

It was a fellow who knocked on my door about six weeks ago. Back then, he was getting ready to set up shop in the neighbourhood and was introducing himself around. Friendly guy. As it turns out, I have some self-taught experience with the service he was offering, and so didn't see myself as a suitable client. I wished him well, closed the door, and went back to making dinner.

This was about a week or two after my big little idea started taking shape. As I got back to chopping cilantro, I considered the similarities between us, both of us just starting out. I reflected on how unusual it is these days to go door-to-door. Good hustle! I thought admiringly.

And that's when I realized: When opportunity knocks, you answer; even if you're in the middle of making dinner. And without thinking about it too much, I suddenly found myself out the door, chasing after him down the street.

If you know me, you know this is... not characteristic.

Although I may not be a likely client, I explained, I had just had this very small idea to start a writing business in my spare time - nothing corporate, but something personal and human - and if he ever needed some friendly-neighbourhood communication materials to help him get his name out there, maybe I could help?

In that formative moment, we saw each other entrepreneur to entrepreneur.

It was exhilarating! Gettin' on my own hustle! Cold-calling the cold-caller!

Neither of us had business cards to share. He wrote down my number and suggested we get in touch in a couple of weeks, leaving us both room to think a little more about what we needed.

As my attention turned to blog platforms, memorial tributes and summer travel, that interaction slipped to the back burner.

And now here he is, back on the front burner. With ideas about his communications needs!

I can already tell it's a good connection - we've now met and talked about all the ways we can support each other as we get set up.

There are so many take-aways from these initial meetings:

1) Time to change my voicemail recording (Done!)
2) Girl, quit offering your services with a question mark: I can help. Period.
3) It is within me to network authentically. (Prepare! Practice! Repeat!)
4) The universe is full of potential clients. My job is simply to connect with them and offer to help.
5) I want this bad enough to chase a stranger down the street!

Photo courtesy of Rawpixel at Pexels

Business "public servant" corporate start “Free time” “Spare time”“Part time” Side hustle “On the side” “side hustle” “Minding my own business” “Minding Her own Business” “Minding Your Own Business” "Minding his own business" path career change government  new job writing blog Shannon “Shannon M” “Shannon Marshall” Victoria “BC”“British Columbia” Network, meet clients, introduce, expand, hustle