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You Have The Last Say

1/27/2015

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Recently I had an opportunity to share my thoughts with professional and novice writers on a group discussion. I'll share a bit more on that later. One thing I want to say is that you need to live your life without the voices around you telling you that you can't. Becoming overwhelmed with the critics and naysayers isn't something to focus on.

Giving energy to it is worse. Work on writing your story, your way. Within the field of writing and publishing it can easily become a party of one as you mostly work solo on projects and for many hours. If you are a solopreneur you know how it is. Especially at the genesis when some tell you it won't work and you'd better get a steady job. Responsible planning is very important and you may have to work another job until your dream career takes off but to give it up due to doubt-no way.

Here is how I responded to the thread I mentioned earlier. I encourage you to apply what works for your ambitions and goals for a realistic change if you are on the bubble about it. I hope it helps you:

"You are right, freelance, even staff writing for that matter, can get downright monotonous. Depending on the type of writing stage/career you are in, you may trend towards a sense of loneliness because you simply needed quiet to concentrate and write. Now it's a habit you can't get out of. What you once thought would be fun and cool, now is mundane and draining. I've had some liken this to the East Coast winter blues. Many can't take the cold, dank, sun rise/set changes and it puts them in this depressed mood they stay in until spring.

A couple of things may or may not help but I'll toss them out to you anyway. Try other aspects of writing to mix it up. I took the time to research before starting my publishing company because I like you, really wanted to be a writer. I also knew/saw many disappointed because of the stress-induced deadlines for those wanting to make money and a career from writing. For the freelancer, especially newbies, unless you strike platinum right out of the gate (most don't ever), work more, make less and fool themselves into believing that the exposure is the thing.

Meanwhile predatory companies smelling blood know this and feel confident offering $5 an article. This sorry method still works because so many buy into it for a variety of reasons. Suppose your work load picks up, the gleanings are still miniscule. While I love writing, I also knew I could edit, layout, marketing, building websites, book signings, speaking engagements, etc.-and make solid money at it. I even cater the book signings for my clients, this gave me a refreshing change, so no two days are the same. As far as socialization, I joined a couple of networking groups which provide the human interaction, connectivity and exposure-keeping me relevant and current.

I blog for my site once a week and several times a month under pseudonyms, giving me flavor, variety, texture so I don't get bored. You do not have to start a company but give yourself more reach by thinking outside the box. I also teach writing classes, another way to gain leverage because now your students want to write and come back to a trusted source for assistance in the other aspects of their writing goals to publishing.

I can't tell you how fulfilled I am now once I realized what I was capable of. This is not a Cinderella story. It takes hard work, thick skin, second job for a bit, patience and knowing when it is time to let go of a client/potential-even when you desperately need the money. But what I can tell you is, if you peel back the layers and see what else is out there, the yield will be good for all seasons.

You hang in there."

Until next time~






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Know Your Worth And Promote It

1/20/2015

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Knowing your worth can unlock limitless possibilities. To start, it will aid you in taking the necessary steps in promoting your business. Even when accepting employment it is important that you value what you do by writing it down. When it is time for reviews you will have proper, accurate information. Very important as we accomplish a significant amount of tasks and will usually forget something if we do no accurately document it.

Stepping stones to your success are knowing when it is time to promote yourself in business. I hear from many who are on the bubble as to what they want to do in the event they want to become an entrepreneur. I do get the trepidation that comes along with leaving what is thought to be stable employment but what is wrong with promoting your expertise right now? Nothing. There are a few ways to do this on a budget.

Social Media

Create a Facebook business page and ask others to like it. There are those who may have enough organic traffic that they do not need that extra exposure. If this is too much pressure, build an audience by adding interesting content related to your potential business model. At least three times a week add something directly related to what your project involves, a blog, business website project, community activity involvement.

Newspaper

I know most will attribute this type of exposure to social media but tapping into this resource adds benefit to you and the paper promoting you. Make the call to the editorial department, inquiring about free classified space online or in print.

Public Library

Another hot spot as many offer built-in media if you are appearing for a speaking engagement, book signing or reading.

Local Small Business

Reach out on networking utilizing these rich venues for mutual business branding. If you book an event with them such as consignment shops for makeovers, (make-up or clothing), offer another community service, the store usually advertises the event and you will promote with flyers you can create right from your own laptop.

Restaurants

Very important as some may offer an author spotlight, creating a themed dinner to match your book. If you are into poetry, and have a book out but finding it hard to promote on a budget, try coffee houses, cafes, tapas bars for starters.

With these ideas and more to come, you have what it takes to hit the ground running-Now go get 'em!

Until next time~

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Stay Motivated

1/13/2015

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It is very easy to give up when you have a rough morning. For me, it was dropping a favorite vase, stepping into my boots and experiencing the worst knee pain ever, dropping an important call, and forgetting to pay a bill. That was just this morning! Not as bad as it could have been, yet it was not pleasant to experience these things in what seemed like an instant corrupting an hour.

My day never missed a beat. I made sure of it. Not by ignoring the problems of the day but hitting them head on. I begin every morning with positive reading. Next, I notice the new growths on my 30 plants poised in the master bedroom, watering any that need it. Eating properly is helpful and I am getting better at that too. The real deal though, what I think about, concentrate on is what motivates my actions.

It is an emotional journey whether we realize it or not-the act of being and staying motivated. Lists, resolutions, goals, written down often forgotten. Simply because the day gets in the way? Right. Move over ego its time to talk to the heart. Whatever is in the mind, focused on, is eventually what will be the stimulus to the heart, causing us to become reactive to what we want to do. Awakening the reasons we stray away can help us stay on track and make better decisions. As an entrepreneur I truly understand the benefit of business education. Recently it helped me stave off a potentially bad decision. Thankfully because of knowledge, network alliances and good old common sense, trouble was averted. Don't be afraid to be intelligent. No one should feel as if they can get over on you.

I always apply that wisdom and logic to myself and encourage my Floral Greens family and beyond to embrace it. Some things can't be helped, but recharging our emotional needs by caring for what is important to you and your business will keep you healthy and prosperous. There are days you will have to say no-just say no and walk away. You cannot please everyone so don't even try. Honor the promise you made to you. Learn to think clearly, wisely, and actuate, meaning move forward.

Worrying about every little thing or what criticism will come your way is like being a sitting duck. Own your decisions. Have a plan that is realistic and progressive. Understand when it is best to graciously withdraw. You may not win 'em all but you can live with yourself at the end of the day, and you need to be ok with that. If it is meant to be the potentials will come back, if it was never going to work, consider it a blessing. Doesn't mean you weren't worth it or that they weren't. It could mean that your business models didn't match-it happens, move on.

A fellow entrepreneur was physically ill because they turned down a substantial contract. Mulling it over, calling, rationalizing, crying it out, they made a decision. While the idea of becoming possibly debt-free, the stipulations, tantrums and unreasonable demands by the new prospect weighed in as an equalizer. For them, the acceptance would have spelled certain defeat and back-pedaling they refused to go back to. You deal. They deal. We all do. Live goes on.

Shortly after that I received a text with a picture of a not-so-despaired couple who have no regrets. The caption on the picture read: "AAHH!" In the middle of what they thought a crisis, was a blessing. Another potential client aware of their expertise had only one question for the couple. He wanted to know how they fit in family time. The couple responded that they get away even for something small like a day out to keep motivated and refreshed.

Evidently that hit a heartstring with what turned out to be a wealthy philanthropist, who signed a 3-year contract. As if that weren't grand enough, he told them they must take more than one day off together and sent them on a vacation-hence the lovingly braggadocious picture.  Again, they may not get rich but they refused to give in when things weren't going their way. Never, never, never give up. Seek out what is ailing you, preventing your happiness. Then you can tap into your motivations. Be fair and open-minded.

Adjustment of view is nice too. For me, I love trains, always have, but if you don't move forward you won't see the change in scenery. Happiness has its own rewards and that is the seed of motivation.

Until next time~



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Anything Is Possible

1/6/2015

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To err is human.... We've all heard it and to my credit, I have made plenty of mistakes. But you know what is better and sweeter that acknowledging them-fixing them. Years ago when I only thought of what it would be like to start a business, I wrote things down, scratched stuff out and erased. The next time I got a little farther and spent hours balling up paper, eventually getting around to getting something on the computer. I was stubborn, driven, but stubborn.

I had ideas, goals, and inspiration. Now if I only had the means to make it happen. Oh, yeah, I do. I DO.

I'm making a simple point here. Get out of your own way and make what you want to do a reality. A few of you that follow me know exactly what I am talking about. Some of you have not only the skill set, you have the product on the market, now work it. Building a brand takes more than skill. It takes time, energy, endurance and yes, money. As I have stressed many times before, you do not have to break the bank in order to start a business. Depending on what it is that you are trying to do, often may take only creating a web site, social media presence and building an audience.

It's time. It's time for you to get out there. I know the fear and the fearlessness. You can do this. Stop stalling. You may fail many times, ok. Who hasn't? As of this article, which by the way was up on Tuesday, it was discovered that for some random reason, it disappeared. After being mortified for about 10 seconds, I brushed the pride and slight embarrassment to the side and carried on delivering my message to you. One of the things I initially said in the original post is that nothing can keep you from a fulfilling life. Research, and get this thing you call life moving forward.

One of the main complaints I hear from potential business owners is they are scared of going it alone. Take a moment to breathe, gather your thoughts, write them down, reorganize by priority and take the next step-small is fine. The thinking part is great, the doing-better. You can come up with a thousand excuses as to why you should wait but the only one you need to move forward -YOU.

The way to building strength is by exercising. The way to growing a business is movement, plain and simple. Do I get it right every single time? You better believe I don't. Do I ever give up? Never and still going strong.

Until next time~

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    The Floral Greens Publishing Concept


    First off-let me thank you personally for visiting us here at Floral Greens Publishing LLC. Our Target Focus: World Class Customer Care and dedication in offering fun, professional results without breaking your wallet, adding positive value to your business.

    The concept is simple. Deliver honest, stellar work. The rewards: balanced wellness for home and business. We love exceeding our clients' expectations! So bring on your deadlines and count on well researched, accurate work every time.

    As CEO, Owner and Founder of Floral Greens Publishing LLC Dawn is dedicated to fulfilling all of your publishing needs, offering traditional & digital services in:

    ​Speaking Engagements
    Fiction
    Non-Fiction
    Assessment/Organization
    Writing
    Autobiographies 
    Short Stories
    Poetry
    Greeting Cards
    Children's Books
    Magazine/Ezine Articles
    Web Content & Design
    Blogs 
    Novels
    Proofreading 
    Editing
    Copyediting 
    Copywriting
    Social Journalism
    Publishing
    Plays
    Book Signings
    SEO/Marketing
    ​Sponsorships
    Traveling Story-Tellers 
    Classes and Workshops
    Life Coaching
    ​Business Coaching


    Speaking-where we create customized discussions and project enhancements that target and strengthen business and home life. Whether you work as a team, solopreneur or just want to better organize your daily thought-life, the skills you achieve with us will prove to be the gift that keeps on giving.

    Getting our start as Independent Publishers also known as Indies, we have gained momentum and continued respect as a powerful force in social media and publishing arenas.

    As true advocates of spoken and written word we support our public libraries and appreciate their positive effects on our communities in building literacy across the country and the world. Through our ongoing efforts we diligently strive to shed renewed life on Deaf Culture with stories, poems and novels featuring American Sign Language.
     
    Why stop there? As a self-professed "Frugal Guru" Dawn loves writing about bargain shopping and sharing her many successful tips, recipes, consignment finds and other interests for the everyday lifestyle.

    Writing has been a life-long dream now realized and here at Floral Greens Publishing LLC we have hit the ground running!

    ~Remember, everyone has a voice, it is up to you how you want to be heard~Dawn

    Other Credits:
    Dawn is an active member of:
    CAPA-(Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association)
    ProjectEve-www.projecteve.com
    Hubpages-www.hubpages.com
    Amazon Author with three Kindle books to her credit:
    A Flowered Thorn
    A Letter For Brighton
    Motiv8

    "Making What You Write-Right"

    Contact Dawn at Floral Greens Publishing LLC for a free no obligation quote on freelance or contract needs at: dawnaharden@gmail.com or call 860-995-8772









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