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Slay that frog!
Do you know the story behind the maxims: “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day,” and “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it...
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Let’s celebrate + stretch
It’s the last week of June. We are about midway through the year. Have you taken time to review where you are with accomplishing your goals at this half-way point? Now is the perfect time to look back...
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Do You Have Gotta-Do-It-First-itis?
Does this sound familiar? You are headed to the office or studio, only you pass through the kitchen and see the dishwasher needs to be emptied. Well, it won’t take that long. You do it first and just...
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Can You Find Your Art Supplies?
I have been in a “cleaning out” mode lately. We have talked about downsizing in the next year or so. I always joke that I am on a five-year plan for decluttering, and the time just keeps getting...
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7 Ways to Get More Work Done This Summer
We are about halfway through the summer. Are you doing anything special during your summer vacation? I’m spending lots of extra time at our home on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. I also reading much more...
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You Can’t Do It Alone
You have a big vision for your business, right? And, as much as you might like to, you can not get to the big vision without support. In the beginning you did everything, or most everything yourself....
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Eliminating energy zappers
The topic of tolerations seems to come up every once in a while with my clients. It also comes up in my own life. Tolerations could more accurately be called “energy zappers.” They are those...
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Know your customer to ignite your business
Over the weekend I met my friend Jamie at a local coffee shop. We hadn’t seen each other for a while and had a great time catching up. After about half an hour, we were joined by Caitlin, one of...
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Reinventing Everyday
Are you practicing the 3 R’s? What are the 3 R’s, you ask? Recycle, reuse, repurpose – all part of reinventing your business everyday. How much of what you create just needs to be spiffed up or...
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When to Say No
Are you a “yes” person? I know I used to say yes to lots of opportunities. Some of them moved the needle in my business; some did not. Some I said yes to because the opportunities were cool. I didn’t...
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Plug The Profit Leaks in Your Business
Do you remember the lyrics of a childhood song, “There’s a hole in the bucket, dear Liza, dear Liza”? I don’t know if kids still sing this today or not. In 1053, a British comedic duo, Flanders and...
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Only 120 days left until 2020
A few years back, I remember being in a water aerobics class over Labor Day weekend. The instructor noted how much time we had left that year to get and stay in shape. If you look at this year’s...
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I’m stretching. Are you?
Have you ever been on a stretcher? I was a few years back when I was rehabbing a neck problem. What happened? Well, I actually grew a bit, something pretty cool at my age. What does my growth have to...
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Breaking Through Your Creative Blocks
I had a conversation last week with a client who was stressing about spending so much time on and in her business that she was feeling stuck. Claire told me how she used to love to create just for...
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What’s your next business move?
Are you like so many other creatives? You have lots of ideas about where to go with your business. Maybe you should start teaching your art. Or do a local craft show or open an Etsy shop. Perhaps...
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Hello Imperfection!
The other day I read this quote from Zen Monk Shunryu Suzuki: “You are perfect just as you are, and you could use a little improvement.” I hesitate to say that the quote struck me as “perfect.” Some...
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Stop waiting for permission
Anyone who has been around small children knows they ask questions, lots of questions. Many of those questions start with “Can I.” Can I have one more cookie? Can I watch TV? Can I stay up late and...
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Increase your booth ROI
For many years I’ve had the opportunity to sell my product in public venues. I’ve sold my handcrafted quilts at local craft shows, larger regional juried craft shows, and a local crafts cooperative....
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Say No More Often!
Over the years I have wrestled with saying “no” to many requests. When I was two years old, I am sure I did not have that problem. Just ask my family! As I grew up, I think the people pleaser in me...
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The Fortune Is In the Follow-up
How good are you at follow-up? You know that is where the money is. I was talking with a few of my clients who were heading back from Quilt Market with lots of follow-up items. Some were clearly...
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