Replace achievements with direction

Replace achievements with a direction you’d like to move in. A healthier, outdoor lifestyle, for example. So, when you think of how to spend a free weekend, travel in the new direction. Or, if you’ve a choice of holiday with friends, choose the more active option, rather than denying yourself altogether.

Replace tasks with goals

Ditch your list of tasks. Think instead of goals. Then, filter each day’s action through the goal. And, filter the goal through the direction.  Is this goal aligned with the general direction in which you want to steer your life, work and relationships? If not, is it even a valid one? Be careful to assess honestly whether some of your goals have been set by others. And, remember, one goal is probably sufficient for January. Small successes breed confidence.

Replace being with doing

Many people talk of wanting to BE a better person. Try DOING intead. It takes alot of effort to BE something you’re not. Work towards being by doing. That way, it is more likely to become a natural inclinication after some weeks of effort. (This will help those of you who really want a list to tick something off!) Again, ensure the doing is aligned to the particular goal you have set yourself. This is a gentle word of warning to those who tend to stray into doing lots but not reaching any particular goal. And, procrastinators will need to filter the doing through the goal, to chop off all that is simply random activity.

Think Direction, Goals and Doing

As the meercats would say, Simples!

Have you set resolutions for 2012? Might you benefit from reshaping them according to these three points? I’d love to hear your thoughts on my thoughts. Let me know if you found it helpful.

Image credit: Keith Williamson

First, a definition of the options, listed roughly in increasing order of cost.

Hot-desking

Hot-desking is the option of paying (on demand, or monthly) for use of a desk on an hourly, daily or ad-hoc throughout the month basis. Only rarely will you be able to make the desk your own, as it will be used by others inbetween your visits. (Larger organisations, typically in the IT industry, may keep some hot-desking space free for visitors, or where a large portion of the workforce works mostly from home.)

Hot-desking is best for those who are only rarely in the office. Alternatively, those who work from home, and want to avoid distractions, or enjoy a little company may also benefit.

Co-working

Co-working is the option of renting  desk for 1-5 days a week, usually in an open office. Often, you will be able to make the space your own, as it is more common to rent the desk all week.

Co-working is suitable for those who enjoy the vibe engendered by a busy office.

Virtual Office

A virtual office is a service provided by (usually) a provider of office space, for those who prefer to work from home, are on the road more often than not, or who cannot yet afford office space. The option is used by those who have a headquarters in one location, but who may wish to establish a presence in another, without committing to the initial cost.

The services include provision of an office address, and telephone number. Inclusive services may involve answering your calls, storing your post, conducting administrative tasks, setting appointments, and hosting meetings.

Dedicated Desk or Office

Renting a dedicated desk is the best option for those who need an office, but without the large premium that city-centre locations bring.It may, or may not, be in a shared office.

The advantage of a dedicated office over a mere desk, is that clients may visit and conversations will be private. In either case, meeting rooms are usually available for use (often free to residents, or, if charged, at a discounted rate).

Industrial Unit

Many Enterprise Agencies and business centres will have industrial units for rent.

They are suitable for manufacturers, those who need a workshop, or anyone else who needs lots of space. Some units on offer would need to be modified to incorporate suitable office space.

Business Incubation

In venues that offer co-working, you will often find business incubation mentioned. This can refer to an ad-hoc, supportive, ask-us-anything-and-we’ll-help, atmosphere, to a more structured coaching arrangement, and may or may not be included in the price.

Where Can I Find these Options in NI?

This is a list of the providers who supply a combination of some of the options listed. If you’d recommend we add other options here, click on Contact and send us details via the form. 

Belfast Business Centre

http://www.belfastbusinesscentre.com/

Blick Shared Studios (Belfast)

http://www.blickstudios.org/

CIDO Innovation Centre (Craigavon)

http://www.cido.co.uk/index.aspx

Emerald Valley

http://www.emerald-valley.com/

Glandore (Belfast and Dublin)

http://www.glandore.ie/arthurHouse.asp

Greenshots Newry

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenshoots-Newry-Ltd/190193324364525?sk=info

Magazine Studios (Derry)

http://www.magazinestudios.com/

Midtown Business Centre

http://www.midtown-center.com/

Newry Property Office

http://www.newrypropertyoffice.co.uk/pages/virtualOffices

Northern Ireland Science Park (Belfast)

http://www.nisp.co.uk/

Regus (Belfast)

http://www.regusdirect.co.uk/regus-shop/hot-desk-for-a-day

The HatcheryNI (Antrim)

http://www.antrimenterprise.com/index.php/news/289-the-hatchery-ni.html

Well, its not my idea really.  It belongs to Ayn Rand.  In her most famous book, Atlas Shrugged, she imagined a scenario when the wealth-creators of the world would go on strike in order to free themselves from exploitation by the less talented.  This strike was lead by the mysterious John Galt, who considered it a matter of justice that he should enjoy the full fruit of his own labour.

Those in favour of taxing the wealthy today use words like ‘justice’ and ‘equality’ in order to describe their belief that the rich should pay for the poor.  I call it stealing.  It is theft to force someone to part with their own property against their will.  But this is exactly what tax is.  If you don’t pay it, you get punished.  Did you agree to pay tax at that rate?  No.  Do you have a say as to how it is spent?  No.  How is it just that people are expected to pay different rates of tax for the same service, simply because their earning powers differ?  Any why do they differ?  Hard work and creativity, that’s all.

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t give to the poor.  But first off, who is really poor in this country?  Second, giving should be voluntary, to charities of your choice, so you can see how it will be spent.  Giving should not be enforced by the courts and police.  Third, the richer the rich get, the more money flows down to the less rich and society as a whole.  This is called ‘invisible hand’ economics.  Fourth, the social responsiblity of business is to increase its profits, not to right societies so-called ‘inequalities’.  There are and always will be inequalities of  talent, effort, skill, and luck between human beings, and it is immoral to try and level these.

No, Green was wrong to threaten to go abroad with his money.  Instead, the whole private sector should go on strike!  But I don’t suppose this will happen.  Capitalism is an unknown ideal in this country.  We’d rather compain and decline and let everything remain the same.

Image credit: shoops.

When they Hear the Word “Business”, They Think Tesco, HSBC or the Local Hardware Store

They do not think… my brother, my daughter.  No matter how many times you try to explain that the local corner shop is a “business”, and someone has to supply them with a shop-fitting service, shelves, screws, glass, doors and the like, they will rarely put two and two together to realise that maybe your carpentry “business” can supply the products and services to them, and, charge for it.

So, it makes even less sense when finally win that larger contract with Tesco for a shop-fitting service.  Tesco!? 

It can be very frustrating.  But, only those who’ve been entrepreneurs themselves can understand what it means. In the same way, athletes may struggle to explain their committment to not heading out every weekend with their friends to get wasted.  Or, mental health professionals may come across as snippy when they fail to join in the current trend of laughing at mental illness.

If you’re not in the zone, it’s difficult to understand.

They’re Not Risk-Takers

The self-employed, freelancers,  contract workers, small business owners, large business owners or any combination thereof are by definition risk-takers.  Depending on how your financial and home assets are arranged, and what decisions you make, you may be risking some of the following:

• Your regular income
• Your home and lifestyle
• Your spouse or your childrens’ luxuries
• Your reputation
• Your peace of mind, and ultimately mental well-being
• Your employees’ job stability
• Your entire business

This is what your non-entrepreneurial family and friends cannot understand about what you do.  They’re not by nature, risk-takers.

Are You?

Some of us are skilled at dealing practically with risk and managing the stress that accompanies it; some are not.  Some of us thrive on the pressure; some do not.

Now, I know at this point that there are those of you who consider themselves to be entrepreneurs, who will retort, but I’m an entrepreneur, and I’m not a risk-taker!

The thing is – you are.  If you are not dependent on someone else for your wage, if you make your own money, if you secure your own contracts, if you are responsible for the delivery getting there on time, or the salaries of others, you are taking risks.  I’m not saying that’s a bad thing.  Life and business would be rather dull if we never took risks.  (I reserve the right to choose not to jump out of planes however!) 

The thing about risks, like a Physics experiment, is that everyone finds their own level. 

• You may be comfortable running your business by the seat of your pants;  I am not.  You may have everything in a 10-year plan; I, however, do not.  We all find the level of risk we are prepared to cope with, and try to minimise the rest. 
• Some will minimise it by seeking out larger, regular customers and relying on those for the bulk of income, and state that they feel more comfortable with that.  Others will look at that same state of affairs and deem it too risky, preferring instead to continue to pursue new customers.

Your non-entrepreneurial friends and family are employed by someone else because it’s generally considered to be more secure.  Whether it really is, in our current financial crisis, is irrelevant.  Perception is reality.

They Can’t Fit What You Do Into Traditional Categories

“But what do you do!?”  It something we laugh about.  Especially freelance IT professionals.  How to you explain a tweet to a non-computer user?  How do you explain coding?  How do you explain that you design cool website buttons for a living?

Is your week varied?  Does it sometimes involve late nights in the workshop, or long days at conferences?  Are two weeks ever the same?  Might a morning begin with great intentions of  getting through that stack of emails, and end with an impromptu meeting somewhere unlikely?  How do you explain it when “work” involves croissants and coffee and chatting at BizCamp Belfast?

When a product or service appears intangible, it can be even more difficult to put it across, even to those in the service industry.  And, sometimes when you do make them understand, they’re flummoxed as to why anyone would pay for that service.  How does a lifetyle guru explain what they do?  It can seem a little #thirdworldproblems.

It’s easier for adults to learn, if the new stuff is presented in the context of stuff we already know.  Sometimes IT professionals will say that they “work with computers”, or “teach people how to use computers”.  I’ve even resorted to using the word “machines” with those who don’t know what a computer is…

That’s not to say they’re wrong, or backward, or I’m right and all-knowing. It just is. It’s just that we live and work in very different contexts.  When explaining, KISS.

They Don’t Know Who Pays You

“But, who’s your boss!?  You know, who pays you!?” is a common cry.  Many family and friends,  used to the employer (big boss) and employee (little person) arrangement, are alarmed when the big boss appears to be absent from the equation.  I admit, it alarms me sometimes!  And, yet, it is one of the reasons I love being self-employed.  There’s no-one of whom to ask permission.  Except @thesensei, of course.

When you reply, “I’m my own boss!”, this causes further confusion, as family, especially, know your tendancy to daydream, or your aversion to mornings!  They rarely see your professional side.

Alleviate Their Fears Gently

1. Don’t bash them over the head with your bohemian notions of freedom to create.  This will confirm all their suspicions!  Instead, reframe your responses to their questions in the language that makes sense to them.
2. Avoid going in the opposite direction and morphing into an overbearing, pin-striped moghul overnight.  Let them see you in work mode only sometimes.  Take the softly softly approach; ease them in gradually.
3. Unless you live with the person (who will want to know), minimise the bad news; maximise the good.  People ask how business is doing, but do they really need all the details?  Experience has taught me that they can’t really handle it.  And, they will respond without knowing the full facts.  Restrict conversations to the positive highlights.
4. Refer to the successes of other entrepreneurs in their social circle.  This creates the feeling that you are not off your trolley, if others they know operate in a similar way.

A few big wins, evidence of organisation, tangible proof of regular money coming in, appearances in the press, or mentions by others they know all help to alleviate their fears, though I suspect they never really go away…

What are your thoughts?  Have you tried, and failed, to explain what you do?  Do those closest to you get it?  Are you a risk-taker or not?  Do you have any tips?

Image credit: lixinyiphoto.

The Storytelling theme attracted our attention.

What is it?

The formula was a new one on me.  This is taken from the PechaKucha website:

PechaKucha 20×20 is a simple presentation format where you show 20 images, each for 20 seconds. The images forward automatically and you talk along to the images.

It was indeed a fast-moving series of fascinating, sometimes confusing, rambling, varied presentations loosely based around the theme.  Some shared information; most told stories or shared ideas, opinions, passions on book format, design, font, imagery, sculpture, art, thoughts, childhood, business and more…

I liked it.