[Photos by the lovely Joanie Tobin, 2010]
I have only one priority in my life – it’s my family. This doesn’t mean that other things, like work, aren’t of importance. In fact, work is a very important part of my life, it challenges me, nurtures me, and enables me to provide for others. But the truth is I would drop everything for them – especially Lucy and Colin.
They are my life as well as the two best cheerleaders anyone could ask for. They ground me. They inspire me. They encouragement me. And perhaps most importantly, they love me, unconditionally. What grounds you? What is the one thing that brings you back to what’s important?
There is a quite a bit of chatter about how companies should engage with online consumers within the social media space – including suggested service etiquette, rules of engagement, and how to simply listen effectively.
Social media has enabled a new channel for customer feedback. It’s more than just a one-way feedback opportunity, but rather the start of a two-way dialogue where the change process can be witnessed and the outcome quickly implemented. As a customer, how do we maximize this channel and these new dialogues to foster a valuable outcome?
Well, we could moan and vent about our frustrations via Twitter, Facebook or even Yelp, but does that offer workable substance. How is that productive? I mentioned in an old post that just because you have the means to tweet or voice your opinion online (and have a potential product/service grievance), doesn’t mean you should do so carelessly or without some thought to your desired resolution.
Samantha Ogborn wrote a great post, Social Media Karma: Why Your Voice Reigns that offers insight into how you (as a consumer) can effectively leverage and increase the value of your social media voice.
Yesterday I tweeted a resolution for June:
Part I, single-tasking.
Part II, 1 new post per week.
Part III, 2 comments per week.
The first of any month seems like an opportunity for renewal – June’s perfect for this. This is not the first time I’ve decided a revision was in order (here and here). I am, and probably will always be, undergoing a constant state of revision. It’s something I seek to do often. I find great value in personal reflection, growth, and development.
Right now I crave intellectual growth. These three particular resolutions are a start:
I. Single-tasking. With Lucy here, my time is increasingly precious and my need to be efficient and effective is critical. Multitasking simply does not work for me anymore – and perhaps it never really did. It leaves too many tasks, projects, and ideas open and usually incomplete. By single-tasking I am able to tackle one idea at a time. Focus on it, create it, and complete it with everything I have. As a result, I’m producing higher quality work and am able to be much more present to the process.
For more on single-tasking, I highly recommend the wisdom of Tim Walker:
- DAGTOOTAAT (“Do A Grand Total Of One Thing At A Time.”)
- Once again: Do Not Multitask.
II. One new post per week. It’s time to exercise my mind and tease out my ideas (it’s a bit cluttered up there at the moment). Blogging is how I’ve always done that. Recently circumstance and severe writer’s block have prevented me from doing so. The primary culprit – fear. More specifically, a fear of what others will think and of simply making a mistake. Though as I have learned from Sir Ken Robinson mistakes can lead to innovation and fear of them can only harm such creativity. It’s time to face my fears.
III. Two comments per week. Yes, comments. Do people still comment on blogs? They do. In fact, I love commenting and wish I did it more frequently, which is why it’s on the list. I’m sure folks think that there is better use of my time, but I find commenting very value. It’s an opportunity to stretch my own brain and enhance critical thinking skills (something that’s a proactive process for me personally). It’s also an awesome opportunity to engage with wonderfully bright individuals – and there are a ton of them out there.
There you have it. Resolutions aren’t just for the New Year. In fact, the summer is the perfect time to revise yourself, personally and professionally, even if it’s just for the season. What have you been meaning to do, revise, or change? What are you waiting for?
An expert [noun]: a person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area. [adjective]: having or involving such knowledge or skill.
There seems to be a number of self-proclaimed social media experts. The result is strategic confusion. Sadly, people and organizations in need are falling victim to misinformation. Sometimes unintentionally, and sometimes not.
Market your skill set honestly. I by no means would consider myself an expert really in anything at this stage in my career – still far too much to learn, experiences to be had and mistakes to be made. I believe I have a responsibility, which is to appropriately, and honestly, communicate my abilities, skills and knowledge. I’d like to believe we all have such a code.
I’m not here to point fingers. In fact, the responsibility is twofold. As entrepreneurs, small business owners, or large organizations it our responsibility to select the best candidate or candidates for the job. Typically our goal is to address knowledge gaps and fill areas of need that are perhaps beyond our own scope of experience.
Arm yourself with information. Just like with any employee hire or consultant contract make sure you take the time to better understand your candidate options. Don’t fall victim to buzzwords. Just because someone may know how to talk in social media speak doesn’t mean they are necessarily an expert.
Know your organization’s needs. Do you really need a social media expert? Do your homework ahead of time. Maybe the need is deeper than that. As an organization have you clearly mapped your goals, objectives and/or strategy? If not, then social media isn’t where you need to start.
There are people who I would consider experts. Individuals who are respected, offer wisdom by way of experiences and have the results to back it all up. More often than not I find that they are incredibly modest. They are busy doing rather than boasting or bragging. Instead the communities around them are helping them to build a credible reputation infused with collective confidence.
Expertise takes time to cultivate. Be willing, open and patient to learn from others.
Image: monster in a bag courtesy of arimoore, Flickr
At this stage in my life, freelancing offers me wonderful flexibility, but I learned that there are some unique challenges – especially when you’re pregnant. With no instructions or HR support I needed to create my own post-baby plan of attack.
It was important to tie up my work as well as set realistic expectations with clients and online networks. I needed to be detailed and meticulous as well as flexible, adaptable, and open to the unexpected changes that were no doubt around the corner. How can you create a success maternity leave that works for you:
Identify goals: What do you want your maternity leave to look like? Before I did any other work I needed to set goals. While I couldn’t account for everything, I knew that I wanted to spend as much time with my daughter as possible and check in routinely with my networks.
Define expectations: Length of leave? Once I identified my goals, I was better able to determine how long that leave should be. This also took into consideration what we could financially swing. Downside of a freelancer’s maternity leave – no maternity pay. Be realistic with your time, you’ll probably need more then you think.
Be transparent: I wanted to embrace my time off. It’s hard, but you are doing something amazing and deserve (and need) the break. This is where communication is critical. I made it clear that I’d be a bit MIA and posted occasional updates on my blog, via Twitter, LinkedIn, and sent out periodic emails to select people and clients.
Say no: This is the time to say “no” and do so with confidence. If you’re like me, this is not easy to do, but it’s so important. It will make you better able to focus on adjusting to your new life, tend to your own needs, and address priority items. I am still working on this area, but it’s been invaluable to say no.
Be flexible: As I mentioned before, allow for the unexpected. Planning is great and being as organized as possible going into your leave is a sanity saver, but be flexible and adaptable to the situation. My expectations going into my leave have at times been dramatically different than the reality. I continue to revise my goals and actively communicate the transition to my network.
Final advice, identify what you want out of your maternity leave and own it. This is a special time. Relish in it and be sure to give yourself a break. If you’re open and honest, then people around you (your networks, clients and peers) will be patient, flexible, and most importantly, supportive.
For me, it came down to a little soul searching and identification of personal and professional goals. I determined that my goal was to attain space and balance without become completely obsolete during my hiatus. How’d I do? Well, perhaps that’s not for me to answer, but for the folks around me to critique on.
Image: Lu
Introducing Lucille “Lucy” Rose Rhinesmith!
Lucy was born on March 6, 2010 at 8:34 PM, weighing in at 6 pounds 2 ounces and 18 1/2 inches. We are smitten with our newest addition!
To fully enjoy every moment I will be on maternity leave from all social networks (other than to gush over life as a new parent) and freelance work until early April mid May.
In the meantime, please feel free to check out past posts here at Left Behind Bottle Caps or contact me via DM or email to connect this spring.
Please note that the original post was updated on May 5, 2010.
Oh come on, we’ve all been there. You know, in one of those situations where you’re not quite on the same page as your client regarding next steps, a particular item and/or the way to achieve the primary project objectives. It happens to all of us.
So once it’s been determined that you and your client disagree, how do you move forward? Do you:
a.) Simply appease the client
b.) Stand your ground
c.) Find a happy medium
d.) End the project
e.) None of the above
Before reading any further, you have to understand that I am not of the school of thinking that the client is always right. However, I am not so vain to assume that I am always right, because I’m not. I’m of the frame of mind that successful relationships are rooted in how we choose to navigate these types of situations. They can be incredibly empowering and valuable to everyone involved.
Eye on the prize. What’s the end goal or intended outcome? Sometimes we get so caught up in how we’re going to get there that we fail to remember where we’re going. Refocusing on the end goal (or goals) can open the door to solutions or paths that we never even imagined. Being too focused on the “how” right up front can be incredibly harmful and misleading to a project. It causes us to unintentionally narrow our scope of thought and fail to identify all the factors that can cause change throughout the process.
Pick your battles wisely. There are times when you simply won’t agree with the client. Is it a small issue or a big one? Put the item in question into perspective. If it’s something small with minimal impact, then it may not be worth the headache. However, if it’s something big that could throw off the trajectory of the entire project, then it may be well worth digging in. Therefore, decide when it’s critical to not back down – and please make sure it’s always for the betterment of the project, and not your ego.
Mutual achievement and focus. Remember, beyond the actual end goal of the project, your client wants to succeed in an area where you can offer insight – and (I’m assuming) you want to see that client thrive as well. Even at the most frustrating and trying moments of a working relationship you have to take a step back and remember that you’re both focused on mutual gain. Therefore, work together to remain focused and achieve that mutual outcome.
Walk in their shoes. How you look at a particular item or problem may not be how your client sees that same situation. Take the time to ask questions and understand where their perceptions are coming from. Industry norms and corporate culture can play a huge role here. Being able to understand the ecosystem where your client works can foster a solution that takes into account other factors and preferences that scale well beyond your control.
Keep the lines of communication open. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, be sure to grab face time or pick up the phone. This is especially critical when you’ve found yourself in a disagreement with a client. Don’t go back and forth via email. Being aware of a brewing situation, taking the time to acknowledge the point of disagreement, and working towards a solution is incredibly poignant. Employing the tips above can further assist you in having a productive conversation with invaluable results.
My last word to the wise is – do your homework. Client unrest is normal, but make sure that you’re up front before they’ve become your client. Granted, we don’t always have a choice, but in cases when you do make sure to clarify expectations right from the get go. This will enable you to more effectively manage expectations throughout the relationship. The result is a healthier working relationship that can proactively manage disagreements and collectively work towards powerful solutions.
[Image: Dimbola Walk 004 Boat courtesy of Auntie P, Flickr]
Whether you’re a freelancer, contractor or simply work remotely it can be both convenient and uniquely challenging to work in an nontraditional office. My “office” has been anywhere from the Cambridge Public Library to my current location, the dining room table.
The perks of a nontraditional workspace seem almost endless – no cubicles, tea at the ready and flexible work hours. Though it also requires major self discipline and means holding yourself accountable by developing a workflow that’s flexible, productive and motivating.
Up and at ‘em. Each morning, I tackle the day as if I am in fact heading out the door to an office. None of this working in my bunny slippers stuff. It’s the same deal each day: up no later than 7AM, shower, breakfast, a large pot of tea and an outfit to promote productivity. Dressing for success doesn’t necessarily require you to go anywhere (but you’re ready if you do). You never know when an impromptu meeting or lunch will present itself.
The perfect spot. Usually, I’m not one for working all day from home. Circumstance and limited mobility has resulted in me converting my dining room into the ideal workspace. I’ve reworked the space so I can spread out, be comfortable, productive and most importantly minimize the distractions of being at home. It’s important to know where you work best. Is it one location – or a variety throughout the week or even day.
Routines that work. Find a routine that works for you. Identify what makes you most productive and motivated, then go from there. For me, I know I need to take the time to breakdown tasks, tackling the most important ones during my most productive peaks and making sure I have some form of daily social stimulation. The primary thing I miss about being in an office is the people. I love a good sounding board. Therefore, I leverage networks daily to ensure that I am able to stay connected and challenged.
Make it manageable. Make task lists (daily, weekly and monthly) and employ time management to keep you on track. Identify the priorities – and then break the day into manageable chunks based on client needs and your own. I always make sure to integrate time to write, research, listen and interact with others. The trick is to create a list that’s manageable. Think about what has to get done, considering each item in detail, then note realistic times for each. It’s amazing how quickly even eight to ten hours can be allocated – use them wisely.
Motivational milestones. Working solo means lots of self motivation, especially on tougher days. I thrive on goals. I like to be able to set a goal and work diligently to accomplish it. There’s nothing more motivating or rewarding. Goals come in all shapes and sizes. Set customizable goals weekly to foster not only productivity, but a sense of accomplishment. When setting goals, don’t forget to include ones specifically for you. If you’re a freelancer, make sure you make time to market and better yourself weekly.
Setting boundaries. Perhaps my own greatest challenge is knowing when it’s time to stop. It can be easy to work all day, but I don’t – and neither should you. To ensure maximum output and avoid burning out be sure to decide when you’ll be shutting down – and try to stick to it. Be flexible and let the day’s workload help you decide on that particular day’s length, but remember to be diligent in this practice. Otherwise, it will all just run into each other and the freedom, enjoyment and balance of freelancing dissolves – with work/life balance going out the window.
Flexible working is a great opportunity for many of us. It enables us to pick and choose the projects we are most passionate about, while being able to do so in a manner that’s conducive to our own lives. Though it’s up to us to toss out those fuzzy slippers and establish a workflow and community that maximizes productivity, quality and satisfaction, while fostering accountability and promoting balance.
[Image: Green Fuzzy Slippers courtesy of Jamiesrabbits, Flickr]
If you’re reading this post, then you probably came here via Twitter. You’re on Twitter, I’m on Twitter, but who isn’t on Twitter – or who’s on Twitter, but not really here (meaning inactive). This (slightly snarky) thought process was sparked by reading, 80%+ Twitter accounts inactive, but core users more committed, courtesy of dirkthecow via Social Media Today.
What about me. Twitter can be a great communications tool. It’s been great for me personally and professionally. Caveat: knowing that everyone’s not using Twitter. Knowing who’s using a tool is equally as important as knowing who’s not. Don’t forget who isn’t here to contribute to the conversation – they may have something amazing to contribute, but are voiceless.
And it’s not just Twitter. There are plenty of platforms and tools where folks are missing. For instance, Facebook, yes, there are millions upon millions of users, but who’s missing. For example, me. I don’t have a Facebook account (…really, I don’t). I might have something valuable to say.
Aligning audience and means of communication. Are there voices being left out of the conversation that could add exponential value to your organization, goal or community? Twitter can be used in the execution of a portfolio of communication means to tap into a range of audiences, but that should only happen once audiences have been identified. Have you taken a moment to determine who your audience is – and where they are?
Who’s making the decision. What happens when you don’t take the time to identify where your audience plays, well, you miss an opportunity. Someone misses the message, the chance to be engaged or an invitation to participate (either physically or virtually). Case and point, my ten year high school reunion, the reunion invitation was only sent via Facebook. As I said earlier, I’m not on Facebook. Meaning, I found out about the reunion only after it took place. The point isn’t that I missed the reunion, it’s that I never got a chance to decide for myself if I wanted to attend or not. The means of communication decided for me.
Take the time, do the work. Don’t let voices go unheard or leave communities ignored just because you missed the mark. Take time to understand your audience and then communicate to them in the space where they play. Why should they come to you? If they are that important, then you should go to them. In time, that may reverse, but you have to reach out and cultivate the relationship first.
Tools are going to change, audiences will change too – and where they intersect is going to change. What shouldn’t change is critical thinking around how best to link the two.
Remember, 80% of Twitter accounts are inactive. That’s whole a lot of people not paying attention to those thoughtful, value-filled, community building tweets you’re spending hours crafting. Make sure your audience is where you’re focusing your attention, before you start trying to get the attention of an audience that may not even be there in the first place.
[Image: The empty playground #1 courtesy of soulholder, Flickr]
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