Dec
18

… took some time to display the holiday cards I’ve received on my credenza.

 

Why? First, because I like saying “credenza.”

But second, because I’ve learned that just because you work alone, it doesn’t mean you can’t partake in ‘the holidays,” the way people in bigger offices do.

Find ways to celebrate along with everyone else by displaying cards, decorating your office or taking time off for a “company holiday party.”

Before you know it, January will be here and things will be cranking again!

Dec
16

… got an e-mail from someone who wants to reuse an article I wrote.

 

I said, absolutely. Just two conditions:

1. You can’t change any of the words.

2. You need to include this blurb with the article:

Michael Katz is Founder and Chief Penguin of Blue Penguin Development. He specializes in working with solo professionals and, in particular, teaching them how to get better clients, more easily. Sign up for his free newsletter, The Likeable Expert Gazette, here: http://bluepenguindevelopment.com/subscribe/

Sharing your original content with others who want to republish it is good for you and good for them.

Asking them to include a brief bio and link back to your web site is even better.

 

Dec
10

… am loving a service called SoundGecko.

 

I subscribe to lots of blogs, newsletters, etc. Good stuff, but I delete much of it because I just don’t have the time to read it all.

With SoundGecko, when I see a post that I want to keep, I click a button in my browser and SoundGecko saves it.

Then – this is the best part – I open it with the SoundGecko app on my smartphone and it reads the saved post to me. Out loud. In English.

Now I catch up while driving, shaving or at the gym (sometimes all at the same time).

The base level is free.

Dec
9

… turned down an invitation to speak at a business event.

The people who invited me are very nice and the specifics aren’t that far off from what I often do.

But still, it wasn’t quite right.  And so I said, “No thank you.”

You’re not obligated to jump at every opportunity put in front of you. 

If it doesn’t feel right to you – for whatever reason – you’re allowed to walk away.  No explanation required.

Dec
2

… left myself a voicemail.

 

I was driving, and I wanted to make sure I didn’t forget a certain phrase that came to mind.

Inspiration evaporates very quickly.

I try to pay close attention and make sure I take steps to capture the good stuff!