Unleash Your Creativity and Survive Your Day Job
April 30, 2010
I was at the library this week dropping off several (slightly overdue) books. While at the counter paying my fine, I took a moment to browse through the cart of books that were waiting to be placed back on the shelves. I randomly pulled out a book called The Artist in the Office by Summer Pierre. It was interesting enough for me to take home and Wow…I’m glad I did.
The book is a survival guide for creative people slogging through their day job. Although I’m gratefully (and humbly) now out on my own living my dream as a Copywriter and Copyeditor, I smiled as I read through the book. It reminded me of what I went through while working in corporate life. And I was lucky enough to have some really wonderful jobs, great bosses, and coworkers who turned into friends. I can’t say I have any regrets during my corporate career but I would’ve done a few things differently. This book would’ve been a savior.
In honor of this great guide, allow me to share with ya’ll four brilliant quotes from the book. If you get a chance to flip through this book at your library or bookstore-do it. You won’t be sorry.
To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.
e. e. cummings
For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin – real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.
Souza
Anything can be art, all you have to do is change your mind.
John Cage
Do you recall, from your childhood on, how very much this life of yours has longed for greatness? I see it now, how from the vantage point of greatness it longs for even greater greatness. That is why it doesn not let up being difficult, but that is also why it will not cease to grow.
Rainer Maria Rilke
(this is my affiliate link – gotta love Amazon!)
Blog Interview with Danielle LaPorte: Creator of The Fire Starter Sessions
April 9, 2010
I’m obsessed with information products. And not only the products themselves, I’m fascinated with how people go about successfully promoting them, generating buzz, creating marketing campaigns, and capitalizing on their success.
So I was very motivated to interview Danielle LaPorte because she is launching an ebook. And not just an ebook. A “digital experience.” What’s a digital experience and how is that different than an ebook? Don’t worry, I asked myself the same thing. To find out what this is all about, read my interview with Danielle below:
Me: Why create a “digital experience” vs. a straight-up ebook/information product?
Danielle LaPorte (DL): The perception of “e-books” is that they’re quick and dirty, utilitarian, and made for the moment. I created The Fire Starter Sessions with the same standards as a book that I’d write for a major publishing house. And as for the multi-media components, video teachings and audio files – you’re just a fool to not use all of the amazing communications tools that we all have access to these days.
Really, I’m using modern tech to create a package that I hope will be perennially useful.
Me: How is this content different from what’s out there?
DL: It’s rooted in my life-work experience and that experience is unique, and for lot’s of entrepreneurs, it’s really relevant. I’ve worked in non-profits, I’ve raised venture capital. I’ll pitched hundreds of media producers, and been on every side of the publishing equation. I’ve bombed, survived, thrived. And I’ve seen what works and doesn’t work – I jammed with over 460 business owners just last year alone.
Me: What problem did you see that this product solves?
DL: Isolation, apathy, the very real need to keep your mojo perpetually stoked.
Me: You’ve done so much – what is your secret to execution? (Executing ideas, turning ideas into actionable plans)
DL: Execution is the secret to execution. Not to be coy. But, are you going to launch or what? The point is to make stuff. I have a stick on my computer monitor that says: WHAT AM I MAKING? It works.
Me: What is a common theme among clients and why they hire or come to you? What are they looking for?
DL: Clarity. Permission to be bigger. Really specific how-to’s in terms of social media. Smokin’ hot ideas. Connections. Prioritization (that’s my favourite part.)
Me: How have YOU communicated your expertise – either online or offline? What has been the most successful for you? (Blog, books, email list, twitter, networking, speaking gigs, etc.)
DL: I’m media-lingual. (See answer to #1). My most viral and respected material is about my actual experience. The real story always pays off. Authenticity is magnetic.
Me: What differentiates you from your competition?
DL: Competition? What’s that?
For more information visit WhiteHotTruth.com and read more about The Fire Starter Sessions below. You can pre-order today and Danielle officially launches in May.
THE FIRE STARTER SESSIONS is: an e-book meets video transmission of acumen and love. You: are likely sitting on an empire of content, product, services, and prosperity that needs a spark — or blow torch — to take you to the next level. You: want to rock your revenue streams and do meaningful things in the world.
Worksheets that help you draw conclusions, quick videos with motivational punch, connections to current thinkers, practical smarts, and frank wisdom — THE FIRE STARTER SESSIONS is packed with inspiration that you will put to use.
Each chapter is it’s own “Fire Starter Session” that includes: e-book components, video inspiration or interviews, and worksheets. Some of the sessions are: True Strengths & The Metrics of Ease; Branding: Clarifying the Diamond of You; Products & Services: Making Stuff That Feels Good to Make; Money: More is More, Enough is Plenty; Web Design & SEO: Your Virtual Real-Estate…and dozens of tips and motivating perspectives.
In addition to getting Danielle’s deep and detailed knowledge, THE FIRE STARTER SESSIONS brings you contributions from some A-league marketing strategists, pro-bloggers, branding experts, and creativity coaches.
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