Positive Change

5 Ways to Help Your Home Office Keep the Ideas Flowing

February 13, 2010 By Cara Lumen

I love working at home. I get to set my own rhythm. I take a break when I need one, go for a walk or read a bit whenever I need a change. It’s my call. And it’s also my call about how well I arrange for my office space to support my creativity, my concentration, and my effectiveness.

1 – Organize your clutter

It is way too easy to put off putting something away. I even have a basket that I put things in that I want for reference as I write. It would probably be a good idea for me to put that in some order and maybe next time I go searching for something in it I will, but it is in one place – a basket. Order is good. I have a great shelf to put things on at my desk but my cats Sebastian and Sabrina like to lie there, so I’ve made another plan. Their company is supportive and nurturing and they are an integral part of my home office. I have labeled folders within reach to place the paid bills. I bank on line and set up my bill payments the minute I receive a bill. I have the papers I use during the day handy – all my passwords, a calendar, phone numbers I use a lot. They are in a pretty napkin holder on my desk and don’t take up much space while staying within easy reach.

But here’s a trick I learned a long time ago when I worked in a regular business office. Each day before you leave spend the last five minutes organizing yourself for the next day, putting things away, making a short list of what you need to do next. That way when you come in you know exactly where to start and you have a tidy space to get started right away.

2 – Acknowledge your successes

I created an acknowledgement/tracking system for myself in which I write the things I feel good about accomplishing. I don’t necessarily do it every day but I like to do it at the end of the week and if something really great gets done I’ll write in it at the time. This Magnetic Momentum Builder is my version of the 5:15 report also lets me track and acknowledge my forward progress

3 – Bless your work

I used to do temp work so I’d go into a company where I knew no one. And I would bless the pieces of paper I was preparing. It was fun to wonder how many people would handle that piece of paper and unknowingly receive the positive energy I sent along.

When I am waiting for my radio show Passionately On Purpose to begin, I look out my window and the great nature view I have and bless the words I am about to speak and the intention behind what I am about to present. I fill my thoughts with loving energy to go with what I offer.

I hadn’t thought to do that with these posts, but I will starting right now. As you post an article or a blog post or begin to give a telecourse, center yourself and align your thoughts with the people you hope are touched by what you offer. And they will be.

4 – Listen to your inner wisdom

The beautiful thing about working at home is that when a creative idea shows up you can simply make it happen. I was thinking up ideas for my radio show when I realized that particular topic would make a good post so I started writing and here it is in post format. And elements of it will be a future radio show. Now that I’ve begun to do interviews on my show all sorts of related ideas are showing up and I’m hard pressed to keep track of them all. But the trick is to put your ideas all in one place. I now have a folder called “Idea Bank” in which I keep all those things I think up to do or create. Those ideas you get – they may or may not be yours to do but if you choose to act on them then you definitely are the chosen one for that idea.

Watch for signs. Whether it’s an email from a friend with something in that sparks an idea, or you read a phrase in a book that would be translated into what you do, or you’re just sitting there and the idea comes in – those are yours to at least capture and think about doing.

5 – Create meaningful scenarios

Can you look up from your computer and see something you like? I can look up and see a plant I love doing it’s thing in a corner or a lithograph of an old typewriter I’ve had in my office for years as a symbol of my being a writer, a Treasure Map I made of my intentions years ago that still holds true, and my cats curled up in a nearby chair. Surround yourself with things you like to look at and be with. That’s another reason to keep your working space organized so you have space for your treasures. Stop and admire the small scenarios of meaningful items you have created.

They don’t call it “home” office for nothing – you spend a lot of time there. Honor yourself by making it visually pleasing and organized in support of what you do. Periodically schedule a put-away morning and tidy up every corner of your space. Love your office. It reflects who you are and what you are thinking. It should be nourishing and welcoming. Fill your home office with inspiration and it will support your creativity, your concentration, and your effectiveness

How Green is Your Office?

November 7, 2008 By Cara Lumen

by Cara Lumen

You know the saying “pretty is as pretty does”? Well, “green is as green does.” The planet is cared for one person at a time. So I looked around my office to see if it was a green as I could get it.

Print on both sides of paper

This is such a simply one and I really fussed about doing it. “How can I tell which side is which when it’s all my stuff?” “It confuses me. I want things to be neat.” I gave that one up. I use binders a lot and so if I punch the holes in the right side I’m always looking at the side of the page I need to see.

Don’t print a lot

There are so few things I really need to print out. I have three pieces of paper I continually update and keep printed out by my desk – my family phone numbers (which I could program into my phone or look up on my computer) my most frequently used passwords (again, they are on my printer but I use this paper a lot), a calendar of my own making upon which I color my scheduled events. The only other things I print out are sometimes teleclass scripts (although I usually read those off the monitor) or notes for a radio interview (which actually go better if I don’t look at my notes). I take notes on my computer while I am coaching my clients or listening to a teleclass, and my “to do” list is always open on my computer. There is no need to print. Besides, when it’s on my computer I can edit it, underline it bold it color it, move it forward– whatever it takes to call it to my attention in the future. Next time you start to print something ask yourself if it is really necessary.

Get email fax

We don’t need to print out those faxes, we just need to have them as record and since email faxes come as a PDF we can print them out if we do want to. This eliminates paper usage and the need for a separate machine cluttering up your office and using electricity.

Buy recycled paper

It may be a bit more expensive but I’m also not using very much paper any more so recycled works for me. And since I print on both sides I get even more value from each sheet.

Turn off electronics not in use

Anything that is plugged in, whether it is turned on or not, is pulling electricity. I have two surge protectors. One I willing turn off at night because it holds my lamp and speaker system and printers. The other has my modem and computer so I have a choice about whether to turn that off or not.

Keep temperatures down and wear warm clothes

Let’s face it, sitting at a computer doesn’t keep the blood flowing and your feet warm from natural activity. I have a colorful shawl I put around my shoulders if I get cold sitting at my computer and a soft blanket for my knees. And I now have a wonderful collection of colored thermal shirts for the winter and I live in California! Wearing layered clothes allows you to adjust to your own body temperature.

Can your lunch scraps go in with the yard waste?

They can in my city. So the leftovers from your lunch (if you don’t have a dog) can go in with the yard waste to decompose. I keep a special lidded container on my kitchen counter and use it instead of the disposal. It is for organic waste, not meat products. Check with your local waste management company and if they don’t do it, suggest it!

Make one shopping trip a week

This isn’t for everyone but working out of a home office means I don’t have to go out much. But when I do I make certain I get everything done that needs doing. Bank, groceries, etc. all in one trip. And I keep my car tuned and its tires inflated. It happens to be a 95 Honda Civic which has gotten 30 mpg all its life and for my purposes has only reached a healthy middle age.

Green is in the small things

I don’t know if buying a refillable pen counts but it eliminates my throwing away a used up stick pen. I’m using pencils a lot and like them for my calendar and for note taking. I have a lot of left over index cards that I will never use so I now keep them on my desk in an easy-to-grab place to take notes on. Once one side is handled I mark a line through it and turn it over ready for more notes. I cleaned out my office and emptied a lot of binders. All of that paper is waiting to be recycled. I have at least 18 inches waiting its turn. I keep plants in my office – for my health and for my pleasure. My recycle waste basket is within arm’s reach and makes a regular trip out to the curb in my paper recycle container. On the one day a week I water my flowers, I catch the water that is lost as I wait for my shower to warm up and use it for that purpose. I’m not yet willing to haul water from upstairs to down in order to recycle water on the rest of the week but I’m aware of it as a possibility. What are you willing to do? What one or two things can you do in your office today that will make it a shade greener?

Follow Your Strengths to Success

July 15, 2008 By Cara Lumen

by Cara Lumen

There are seven marketing strategies I could use to promote my business Two I’m really, really good at, one I have the talent to be good at but I need to step up to the plate, The other four vary from medium to definitely less than medium and I feel a great resistance to pursue them.. My question is do I stay safe in the comfort zone of my strengths, do I push myself out of my comfort zone and broaden my spectrum, or do I bluff my way and do them all?

Let your strengths be your guide

There is a reason we tend to favor some activities over others, we love doing them and we are probably very good at them. I love to write, I love to teach and I’ve been doing them all my life. So I’m going to keep those at the core of what I am doing. Fortunately my strengths are in the most technical aspects of marketing: a strong Web Presence Strategy, a Writing Strategy that includes information products and a steady article writing campaign and Speaking and Demonstrating Strategywhich even with teleclasses, I’m not fully taking advantage of.
But what about the other four marketing strategies I could use to promote my business? They are the ones everyone should be able to do. They are the “easy” ones. And they are not yet my strong points.

Check out your second best strength and develop it

But hey, I’m into growth – both personal and business. So I really ought to just pick one and strengthen it. But they are all about reaching out to others. They are all about connecting and relating and talking to others. So in the midst of my discomfort over these strategies I have to find what I am willing to do; how can I adjust how I view them and find my own unique ways to get the results these strategies produce?

Align with your passion and purpose

I love what I do and I love sharing it with people. I write an emagazine and a blog. But those are one-way conversations from me to them. It’s not a two way exchange.

The Keep in Touch Strategy is one of the most important and effective of the seven strategies and would be within my comfort zone. I already know these people. This is just a matter of emailing a personal note, picking up the phone for a chat, or sending them a card. The point is to have an exchange, to reach out on a personal level and see how they are doing. I need to listen to what’s going on for them.

I’m going to schedule an hour a week to reach out and acknowledge someone I know. There now, that’s one strategy added.

Flex those muscles!

That leaves three strategies and I don’t have to do them all. But being aware of them helps me notice when I do them organically. I activate the Referral Strategy when I connect my client who makes home-made gourmet dog treats with a client who wrote a wonderful book about a dog. I activate the Networking Strategy when I volunteer to help people connect with potential roommates for an upcoming training we are taking together. And the Direct Outreach Strategy may just be as simple as reaching out to someone I admire to explore some joint ventures.

Follow Your Strengths

I’m not going to beat myself up for what I can’t do comfortably. I’m not just going to focus on the things I do easily either. I’m going to stretch a bit. I’m going to flex my muscles and look for my personalized version of a strategy that gets the results I want. I’m going to pick my moments and move gently into expansion. I’m going to follow my strengths to success.

Skills and talents are two different things. You can learn a skill like riding a bike, but it takes talent and passion to win a bicycle race.

Cherish your gifts.

When you look carefully you will see your talents. They are about what you love to do. They are what others always ask you to do for them. These are your strengths. Build them up. Bundle them creatively. Use them as your foundation.

Develop your own version

I’m a whiz at coaching. I’m a really good writer, but networking is not something I’m very comfortable with. So how can I create my version of networking that will be comfortable for me and still work? I’ve decided to start interviewing people for my podcast. That gives me a reason to call them and get to know them. That’s my version of networking and that will be fun.

Morph your fears into productivity

What business strategy do you need or want to put in place that is outside your comfort zone. Morph it. Tweak it, adapt it, and personalize it till it works, but don’t fret over it.

Build your own strategy

Go with your natural talent. Partner with or hire people with the natural talents you don’t have. 2+2 make a lot more than 4. Create your own version of the seven core marketing strategies. Nurture your natural abilities and follow your strengths to success.

Mellowing Into Our Creative Genius

February 19, 2007 By Cara Lumen

Every time I start to think it may be too late to achieve something exciting, someone reminds me of Colonel Sanders who started Kentucky Fried Chicken in his 80’s

But a recent article by David W. Galenson & Joshua Kotin that originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times, pointed out the difference in creative styles between those who did awesome things in their 20’s and those who developed over time—the Conceptual Innovators vs. the Experimental Innovators.

Young people are often “Conceptual Innovators. They get an inspired idea and often work it into a unique masterpiece. They have a tendency to be the rule breakers. Picasso created cubism at 25. Orson Wells made Citizen Kane at 25. Mozart wrote full symphonies in his teens and 20s. Conceptual Innovators are often driven by the need to express a new idea or particular emotions. The flash of insight comes and they follow their ideas and create a new concept.

But there is another way creativity emerges. It is the trial-and-error experimentation and contemplation that ultimately leads to a unique expression of the collected wisdom and life experience. These people are called “Experimental Innovators” and they seek to describe what they see and hear and understand. They examine the over-view based on their life experience and their personal quest for knowledge, and organize it into a unique and individualized offering.

The list is long of people whose quest for expression involved a long journey. Paul Cezanne was an experimental innovator. After failing to get into the prestigious Ecole des Beaux-Arts, he left Paris feeling totally discouraged because he felt he could not compete with other young artists of his time. After years spent in contemplation and exploration, he finally came to understand what he wanted to do. He wanted to bring solidity to Impressionism. He was 30 years old at the time. Then he spent the next 30 years, primarily in seclusion, developing his unique style that ultimately influenced every important artist of the next generation.

It’s important to have a goal. It’s important to make a commitment to the problem you want to solve. It’s important to keep on learning and to examine your life experience as you formulate your personal philosophy.

Mark Twain wrote Tom Sawyer at 41 and Huckleberry Finn at 50

Robert Frost dropped out of both Dartmouth and Harvard, retreated to a rural environment, and published his most famous poem, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” at 49.

Frank Loyd Wright completed Fallingwater at 72 and worked on the Guggenheim Museum until his death at 91

At 63 Frost observed that young people have flashes of insight, but “it is later in the dark of life that you see forms, constellations. And it is the constellations that are philosophy.”

It is our unique philosophy that we can put into information products that will possibly change the lives of others. I think it’s important that we pass forward the wisdom we have accumulated over the years. If we share our successes and our less-than-successes and others will learn from them. We’ve come too far and know too much to allow ourselves to move into a sedentary existence as we age. Pick up your pen, get on that computer, go to that art class, take the creative writing course, write that e-book, lead that workshop, follow your passion, follow that dream you’ve been carrying in your heart all your life. Now is the time. Now is the time for you to step up to the plate and go to bat for what you have leaned and what you believe. Get active. Get creative. Rejoin that you have finally mellowed into your own creative genius.

A Measuring Stick for New Projects

January 20, 2007 By Cara Lumen

One of the reason we are entrepreneurs is because we have tons and tons of ideas. And fortunately or unfortunately, we are enthusiastic about every one of them. So how do we focus ourselves? How do we pick the projects we would undertake next?

What kind of a measuring stick can we build to help us make a decision?

Everyone’s measuring stick will be different. You are the only one that can pick the qualities that define value for you. After you choose your list of qualities, you will need to assign a value to each of them in order to create your own personal Payback Measuring Stick. Here are some ideas:

What is the payback I get for this project in terms of:

My time (How long will it take to implement? Can I do it or do I need to hire some/all of it done?)
Money invested. (How does this project fit into my over all business budget?)
How it feeds my passion (Is this on target with my innermost goal?)
Creativity
Pleasure/enjoyment in creating/doing it
Potential joint venture possibilities
Leveraging capabilites
Is it scalable in that it can get bigger?
Is it scalable in that it can be built so I do not have to work all the time?
Will it hold more customers/clients?
Will I run out of customers for it? Is there a burning need for it?
What is its current worth? (If it’s a project in place now that you are considering expanding)
What am I personally up for right now in my life—a big undertaking, or a small but valuable tweaking?

What weight you give the aspects of this Pay Back Measuring stick depends on your goals.

Are you trying to create passive income that will keep rolling in for the future? Then you are going to care about the leveraging and joint venture aspects of the project. Leveraging is a key component to growth. Can this one idea become many other things? Can this e-book become a teleclass and an audio book and a packaged information product? Can you create a retreat based on its content? Is it the basis for a radio show or a podcast? Who else can you join with to strengthen the idea and make a profit for you both? What other lives can this project idea have?

Scarcity may be a deciding factor. Do you have the time and/or money at your disposal to do it yourself or can you be a team leader and get someone else to do it for you?

Is being creative a core value for you? Then you are going to give more weight to creativity and your pleasure and enjoyment in doing the project.

What size do you want your business to be? Are you limited by 1:1 delivery methods or is this new project a way to leverage your knowledge base into a group target market? Is there a genuine need for this idea or should it be modified and adjusted?

If you are in a hurry to create a product to accompany your next speaking engagement, or if you want something up on line and for sale in a week, the time it’s going to take to create it will carry more weight.

Every decision must be weighed heavily against your core passion. I see lots of moneymaking ideas floating past me, but many of them do not represent my values, or the needs of my client base, or my basic purpose for being in service. Some I can adjust to my business, some I cannot. Choose a project because it honors your heart’s calling.

Once you determine the value of each possible project, you have your own unique Pay Back Measuring Stick to help guide your choices.