A couple friends mentioned recently about how busy their previous week had been, in an effort to meet deadlines. I asked, "What do you sacrifice in order to meet a deadline?" Their responses:
"The gym is the first thing to go. Eating healthy, too. I normally love cooking but when it's crunch time, I just throw whatever's in the fridge together, or cook instant noodles or something."
"I don't go out. My friends won't see me sometimes for weeks when I must finish a project at home. My girlfriend has to force me to go out for a drink during those occasions."
For me, I usually drop the gym first. Cleaning the house I try to let go, but I find I can't resist tidying up at least a bit, even when I'm running out the door.
What about you? What do you sacrifice in order to get work done?
Friday, May 6, 2016
Friday, April 29, 2016
Cultural Holidays and Time-Off
With the clients I work for in Spain, I have to keep in mind that at certain hours of the day, and certain days of the year, no one is available. Spain has an unbelievable number of days off. Christmas isn't three days, but rather two weeks. And immediately after, they celebrate Three Kings' Day, which is similar to North America's Boxing Day, in January.
In their public sector, there are long weekends almost every month. Plus, unless they're located in a large city, businesses are closed between 2 and 5 p.m. As if that weren't reason enough to celebrate, at each workplace employees have their own special day, similar to their birthday, except it's based on their name. Usually there is a saint that has their name as well, so on that day they bring sweets to the worksite and everyone partakes in a celebratory break.
What's your opinion? Do you believe the prevalence of numerous holidays is an advantage or disadvantage to the local economy?
In their public sector, there are long weekends almost every month. Plus, unless they're located in a large city, businesses are closed between 2 and 5 p.m. As if that weren't reason enough to celebrate, at each workplace employees have their own special day, similar to their birthday, except it's based on their name. Usually there is a saint that has their name as well, so on that day they bring sweets to the worksite and everyone partakes in a celebratory break.
What's your opinion? Do you believe the prevalence of numerous holidays is an advantage or disadvantage to the local economy?
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| A saint's day is a celebration for all. |
Friday, April 15, 2016
Free Versus Paid Work
I am an advocate of people being paid fairly for their work. I see too many green entrepreneurs working for free or unfair pay. True enough, perhaps when you have zero experience you may have to settle for this. But it should never continue for long. You have bills and rent or mortgage to pay, just as your clients do.
In some very limited cases, I have worked for "free". There are a few situations where a friend is asking for help, and I'm aware that economically they are disadvantaged. In these cases, I try to arrange a fair barter. In fact, I am a foodie, and payment in the form of food has always been a great option for me. However, this method has strict limits. For example, I never do it more than once for a friend.
Believe me, there is a bit of guilt explaining to people that want a discount, that I must be paid fairly for my work. Because of my experience and apparent ease in accomplishing skilled tasks, they think that I can do it with my eyes closed. That is never the case. What can appear, for example, to be a simple editing job of laying down photos and video in a 3-minute presentation, quickly becomes a nightmare: last-minute changes, resizing different formats, conversions, audio problems...the list goes on. It's important that clients realize all of the effort involved in their "simple projects", and pay us fairly.
In some very limited cases, I have worked for "free". There are a few situations where a friend is asking for help, and I'm aware that economically they are disadvantaged. In these cases, I try to arrange a fair barter. In fact, I am a foodie, and payment in the form of food has always been a great option for me. However, this method has strict limits. For example, I never do it more than once for a friend.
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| Just this once... |
Friday, April 8, 2016
Can You Work At Home?
For all you entrepreneurs, do you work at home? Or do you have a dedicated space outside of the house? I live in a small town and the concept of renting a desk or office space is unheard of. Therefore, I'm left with two choices: the library, or my house. Some days, there's no choice but to work at home, due to that day's schedule. And on those days, working on my laptop is the last thing I want to do, because I'm surrounded by reminders of other things that need taking care of: cleaning the rooms, washing my clothes, playing with the cat. I find that when I sit down at the library, I get much more work done.
If you have suggestions for how I can concentrate more when working at home, please comment below.
If you have suggestions for how I can concentrate more when working at home, please comment below.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Seize the Day
It's Saturday morning. Your alarm has woken you up at 6 a.m. It's still dark. The entire world is fast asleep, cozy in bed, yet you leap out, ready to start work after a strong cup of coffee.
This is what would-be entrepreneurs dream of doing. Yet how often does it actually unfold? Based on the number of work colleagues still doing the same thing after years of dreaming of breaking out, it's a good guess that the number of people that realize their plans is very small.
When faced with the unpleasantness of early morning weekend wakeups, or late-night website updates, or saying no to vacation plans, what is one thought or image that you can hold on to to give you the boost you need? What makes you leap out of bed at 6 in the morning?
"The ones who make it are the ones who show up day after day."
This is what would-be entrepreneurs dream of doing. Yet how often does it actually unfold? Based on the number of work colleagues still doing the same thing after years of dreaming of breaking out, it's a good guess that the number of people that realize their plans is very small.
When faced with the unpleasantness of early morning weekend wakeups, or late-night website updates, or saying no to vacation plans, what is one thought or image that you can hold on to to give you the boost you need? What makes you leap out of bed at 6 in the morning?
"The ones who make it are the ones who show up day after day."
Monday, September 21, 2015
Microphones and Audio
Although most people quickly whip out the cell phone when something instantaneous happens, some of you have access to better camera equipment. The question is: how is your audio equipment? Do you own one or more microphones that allow you to capture sound properly? Or do you rely solely on the mic your camera came with? (P.S. The second one is the wrong answer.)
Even on a clear, sunny day, the slightest breeze can ruin an otherwise great interview or soundbite. Same goes for when something happens in the environment around you. Unless you're in a sound studio, it's almost inevitable that your camera's microphone will pick up a door closing, a car driving on a street one block away, or a kid screaming. Murphy's Law.
However, if you look at your camera's manual carefully, and figure out how to plug in an inexpensive microphone designed to record interviews, your videos will turn out much better in the end. This topic and more is covered in my book, Make Money with Video: Sell Footage to News Stations and Get Paid.
When submitting video to news stations, videos with proper sound can equal a better cash return. Don't let bad audio ruin your chances of having your footage shown on-air.
Even on a clear, sunny day, the slightest breeze can ruin an otherwise great interview or soundbite. Same goes for when something happens in the environment around you. Unless you're in a sound studio, it's almost inevitable that your camera's microphone will pick up a door closing, a car driving on a street one block away, or a kid screaming. Murphy's Law.
However, if you look at your camera's manual carefully, and figure out how to plug in an inexpensive microphone designed to record interviews, your videos will turn out much better in the end. This topic and more is covered in my book, Make Money with Video: Sell Footage to News Stations and Get Paid.
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| A cheap clip-on can get better audio than the mic | of your camera. |
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
E-book About News: How to Sell Your Video
If you would like insider information on how you can make money supplying video to news television stations, I've written an e-book on the subject. It's available for sale via Smashwords.
In this book, you'll read about how to sell video you've either caught on camera, or produced to advertise your company. News stations receive videos every day, but only a select few make it to air. On the flip side, many people record video and give away their video for free or upload it to YouTube without taking advantage of the money they can receive if they contact a few news stations and offer what they have.
Happy reading! If you have further questions after looking through it, don't hesitate to contact me.
In this book, you'll read about how to sell video you've either caught on camera, or produced to advertise your company. News stations receive videos every day, but only a select few make it to air. On the flip side, many people record video and give away their video for free or upload it to YouTube without taking advantage of the money they can receive if they contact a few news stations and offer what they have.
Happy reading! If you have further questions after looking through it, don't hesitate to contact me.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Professionalism on Youtube
I find some amateur Youtube videos to be very amateur. Perhaps I have an overly critical view, but I feel that Youtube is meant for a large audience. Presenters should be somewhat professional, and talk... efficiently, if that's the right word. What I mean is, if a person on-camera is talking, and using way too many casual colloquiums "Like, you know, like, OMG!", and blabbering off-topic, it makes me switch to another video. Whether or not you agree that professionalism is key, we can all agree that you want the audience to watch your whole video.
Last night I was searching for Youtube reviews of a product. Once the person on-camera started blithering, after a few seconds I got annoyed and clicked on other videos. The ones I watched to the end were because the host was speaking efficiently.
Tips to improve your videos:
* know exactly what you'll be talking about
* if you need to, have cue cards off-camera to keep you on-track
* get a program for basic editing, to remove mistakes, interruptions, settling into your chair, etc.
* make sure the room is extremely quiet so the audience can hear your mic
If you would like your videos reviewed, feel free to send me a link!
Last night I was searching for Youtube reviews of a product. Once the person on-camera started blithering, after a few seconds I got annoyed and clicked on other videos. The ones I watched to the end were because the host was speaking efficiently.
Tips to improve your videos:
* know exactly what you'll be talking about
* if you need to, have cue cards off-camera to keep you on-track
* get a program for basic editing, to remove mistakes, interruptions, settling into your chair, etc.
* make sure the room is extremely quiet so the audience can hear your mic
If you would like your videos reviewed, feel free to send me a link!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Tip of the Month: Body Accessories
Almost everyone has piercings, tattoos, wild hair colour, wild fauxhawks... being creative with one's looks knows no bounds! However, keep in mind that society, as a whole, leans towards conservative. If you're being interviewed on-camera and trying to reach a wide audience, tone your look down if necessary. Cover up tattoos with clothing, flip your hair to hide rainbow streaks, take out piercings if you can, and cover the chest. On the flip side, if the crew interviewing you works for a more liberal station, by all means flaunt what you've got!
For a critical eye on how you appear to your audience, contact me for a review. Reviews of your appearance can be done on-line or in-person.
For a critical eye on how you appear to your audience, contact me for a review. Reviews of your appearance can be done on-line or in-person.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Tip of the Month: Umbrellas
Today's tip is in honour of our current weather, which is rain, rain, rain!
When it's raining, if you can't find shade or an indoor place to conduct an interview, you're going to have to stand in the rain. SANS umbrella. Umbrellas add unflattering shade and filter the light shining on your face and head. Even if the cameraman has a light, it can be reflected badly by the colour of your parasol.
Make sure your hair is styled to withstand the rain and resulting frizziness. Ladies, wear waterproof makeup! No powder - the streaks will look like you're crying.
For more tips on how to do well in interviews, contact me.
When it's raining, if you can't find shade or an indoor place to conduct an interview, you're going to have to stand in the rain. SANS umbrella. Umbrellas add unflattering shade and filter the light shining on your face and head. Even if the cameraman has a light, it can be reflected badly by the colour of your parasol.
Make sure your hair is styled to withstand the rain and resulting frizziness. Ladies, wear waterproof makeup! No powder - the streaks will look like you're crying.
For more tips on how to do well in interviews, contact me.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Up and About
Waking up early has been successfully ingrained in me. I love waking up at 6:45 a.m. Being up before 7 feels like I've already accomplished a goal, first thing in the morning! The air is clean, the world is quiet. It's a great feeling.
To be up that early, ideally I'm in bed by 10 p.m. because it takes me about 20 min. to half an hour to get to sleep. Lately I've been falling asleep at about 11 or 11:30, so this week I've managed to get up at 7, no earlier. I look back to 6 years ago, when I would be awake no earlier than 10. And that was a struggle for me back then. Now I can't imagine it any other way.
To be up that early, ideally I'm in bed by 10 p.m. because it takes me about 20 min. to half an hour to get to sleep. Lately I've been falling asleep at about 11 or 11:30, so this week I've managed to get up at 7, no earlier. I look back to 6 years ago, when I would be awake no earlier than 10. And that was a struggle for me back then. Now I can't imagine it any other way.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Sign Points to Entrepreneurship
Got a pretty big wake-up call the last couple of days at my main job, where I work for an employer. The management has seemed nervous ever since we got taken over by a large corporation. I came in late on the weekend, due to a traffic jam, which made my bosses nervous that I wouldn't get a special project done. I worked fast (my hands were shaking from nervousness) and I got the job done early. I actually had plenty of time for a modification, to make the item look better.
The next day my boss came down hard on me, for coming in late and making the other bosses anxious. I apologized for being late, but pointed out that the work I did was fine, on-time, and there were no complaints about the quality of it. Having that talk with her was punishment enough. I guess she felt differently, because I found out through the grapevine that she's ready to put a disciplinary letter on my permanent file. This is an interesting change; 6 years ago, when I was making a bad habit of arriving late, all it took was a small mention from my boss, and I cleaned up my act. I've been striving ever since to be on time for everything, even social events. Now she wants to put a letter, despite that I've been arriving on-time for 6 years, despite the project being done by deadline.
When you're an entrepreneur, you set the schedule. It's important to be on-time, but you set the start time that works for you. When you work for an employer, you are a punching bag for their insecurities.
The next day my boss came down hard on me, for coming in late and making the other bosses anxious. I apologized for being late, but pointed out that the work I did was fine, on-time, and there were no complaints about the quality of it. Having that talk with her was punishment enough. I guess she felt differently, because I found out through the grapevine that she's ready to put a disciplinary letter on my permanent file. This is an interesting change; 6 years ago, when I was making a bad habit of arriving late, all it took was a small mention from my boss, and I cleaned up my act. I've been striving ever since to be on time for everything, even social events. Now she wants to put a letter, despite that I've been arriving on-time for 6 years, despite the project being done by deadline.
When you're an entrepreneur, you set the schedule. It's important to be on-time, but you set the start time that works for you. When you work for an employer, you are a punching bag for their insecurities.
Monday, April 4, 2011
6:30
Here's what I was doing wrong before:
- Went to bed too late: 11 or 11:30 p.m.
- Drank coffee as late as 2:30 p.m.
- Launched into the task too abruptly; set my alarm too early in the beginning of this exercise
- Going to bed at 9, no later than 10 p.m.
- No coffee past 1 p.m. -- tea only
- Started with an 8 a.m. wake-up, and gradually kicked it back to 6 or 6:30
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Unique Gifts
Seriously, what is better than giving a gift like this to your clients? This mini bubble-gum dispenser is empty now, because my co-workers pounced on it when I brought in. A perfect mixture of nostalgia, distraction, colour, and advertising!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Re-Shuffling Time
Lately I've determined what's important to me in reaching my career and personal goals. Reaching them means that certain activities are not conducive to my life. Going out several times per week with friends, constantly eating out, wasting time on too many social media platforms, buying objects that clutter my household.... those activities have pretty much gone by the wayside. I now focus my spare time on either relaxing, or working on my career or hobbies.
It was an impulse that I fought in the past, mostly to fit in with friends who pressured me to act more "fun". It's definitely important to regularly have fun in your schedule, but too much and suddenly you've got less money, you're too tired to work, and you're grumpy to your loved ones. I find being picky about what I do socially, helps me stay on track with my goals.
It was an impulse that I fought in the past, mostly to fit in with friends who pressured me to act more "fun". It's definitely important to regularly have fun in your schedule, but too much and suddenly you've got less money, you're too tired to work, and you're grumpy to your loved ones. I find being picky about what I do socially, helps me stay on track with my goals.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Looking Young
Almost everyone wants to look as young as possible. In everyday life, this is a bonus. But in front of the camera, looking too young can hurt your credential with the audience.
Ask yourself: What is the age of the audience I'm trying to reach? In terms of general news media, usually the people watching you are conservative and middle-aged. Note also that that is usually the age range for news staff - anchors and reporters. Your image should match these people. If you naturally look younger, your clothes and accessories can be adjusted to match the audience's mindset. Consult an image specialist to convey that conservative look, yet look up-to-date as well.
Ask yourself: What is the age of the audience I'm trying to reach? In terms of general news media, usually the people watching you are conservative and middle-aged. Note also that that is usually the age range for news staff - anchors and reporters. Your image should match these people. If you naturally look younger, your clothes and accessories can be adjusted to match the audience's mindset. Consult an image specialist to convey that conservative look, yet look up-to-date as well.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Empty Malls
A few nights ago, idly spending time, I dropped by one of the biggest, busiest malls in Canada. Except it wasn't this particular night. Being January, the hallways were CLEAR. There were signs advertising massive sales and markdowns, but hardly anyone was shopping.
I wonder if retailers are advertising this? Focusing not only on lower prices, but on the pleasantness of shopping with hardly anyone else around? There was lots of parking, I wasn't getting bumped or squeezed by crowds, and salespeople had time to chat with me. Shopping was an actual joy that night!
I wonder if retailers are advertising this? Focusing not only on lower prices, but on the pleasantness of shopping with hardly anyone else around? There was lots of parking, I wasn't getting bumped or squeezed by crowds, and salespeople had time to chat with me. Shopping was an actual joy that night!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Christmas and Your Business
How does Christmastime affect how you run your business? Do you or your employees leave a smidge early each week, to attend parties or get tasks done? I actually work harder now, because everyone else around me wants to leave early to get to social events.
Do you give thank-you gifts to your clients? I am terrible at this tradition. Even amongst my close friends, I almost always don't get around to writing thank-you cards. I fantasize about hiring a card-writing service. Besides not having lots of time, the other problem I have with this task is that I have a really creative mind, so I don't want to just churn out generic cards. I want to hand-make and tailor each one to each special person.
Do you go to all of the holiday events? I am actually going to a sunny, warm beach soon, so while wrapping up loose ends in my business, I don't have time to say hi and meet new people in local networks. But if I was staying home, believe me I'd be attending as many parties as I could!
Do you give thank-you gifts to your clients? I am terrible at this tradition. Even amongst my close friends, I almost always don't get around to writing thank-you cards. I fantasize about hiring a card-writing service. Besides not having lots of time, the other problem I have with this task is that I have a really creative mind, so I don't want to just churn out generic cards. I want to hand-make and tailor each one to each special person.
Do you go to all of the holiday events? I am actually going to a sunny, warm beach soon, so while wrapping up loose ends in my business, I don't have time to say hi and meet new people in local networks. But if I was staying home, believe me I'd be attending as many parties as I could!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Flurry of Activity
I'm very excited with the increased amount of work I have been doing for Van Media. Last weekend I attended a show and met a number of small business owners. I was attempting to increase business by trying to find out if people needed photography done to market their products.
It's funny, I was not intending to buy anything at all. But I walked out of that show with a small handful of products, for myself and for friends. A (pleasing) cost of doing business, I guess!
It's funny, I was not intending to buy anything at all. But I walked out of that show with a small handful of products, for myself and for friends. A (pleasing) cost of doing business, I guess!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Summer to Fall
This morning I was reminded, as I pushed piles of fall leaves off the sidewalk, that the beginning of a season marks a time to push forward with our businesses. Many entrepreneurial colleagues are trying new ways to drum up new clients. Some are innovative -- creating information booklets targeted to specific clients -- some are not so effective -- mass mailouts.
On the former point, I know someone who saw a need for a pre-fab product, to save money, time, and hassle for his clients. He is developing his idea further by chatting with veterans in the industry. He has also printed up manuals for clients, which he has dropped off for them to peruse. This guy has the hard-working attitude and unique ideas, which will help him develop a small business venture.
For myself, I have decided to push for a larger networking base. I have renewed my interest in attending social events, and meeting new people. I will admit I had been working mostly behind the scenes, shoring up budget details and technicalities. It is now time to venture out again, taking time to say hi and see what others are up to.
What is a new push that you are doing this Fall, for your business?
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Looking back at summer 2010, this was one of the photography projects I worked on:
This wedding was shot at Van Dusen. It was not too sunny, but there was enough light that I could just use a reflector. Shooting with these clients was easy, considering I had joined them the week before the wedding, to scout locations.
From one season to the next, we can all look back and see if changes need to be made, to improve our work.
On the former point, I know someone who saw a need for a pre-fab product, to save money, time, and hassle for his clients. He is developing his idea further by chatting with veterans in the industry. He has also printed up manuals for clients, which he has dropped off for them to peruse. This guy has the hard-working attitude and unique ideas, which will help him develop a small business venture.
For myself, I have decided to push for a larger networking base. I have renewed my interest in attending social events, and meeting new people. I will admit I had been working mostly behind the scenes, shoring up budget details and technicalities. It is now time to venture out again, taking time to say hi and see what others are up to.
What is a new push that you are doing this Fall, for your business?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking back at summer 2010, this was one of the photography projects I worked on:
This wedding was shot at Van Dusen. It was not too sunny, but there was enough light that I could just use a reflector. Shooting with these clients was easy, considering I had joined them the week before the wedding, to scout locations.
From one season to the next, we can all look back and see if changes need to be made, to improve our work.
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