Essays on creative leadership,
culture, and the human side of work.
Published weekly, with an original illustration. Two series: Becoming and Advisory Notes.
Mentor Morning Returns as Mutual Mentors In Bellingham, 10 AM to Noon, Saturday, December 2, 2023 Limit ten people, cost $25 Subject: How to get new business The topic of getting new clients or more business from existing clients never gets old. It comes up weekly with my clients. What are the best ways to…
I interview Kevin Veatch, who has led a multifaceted creative life. Kevin Veatch is a creative who started his professional life as a fourth-grade teacher. An excellent beginning for a creative career that includes being a teacher, graphic designer, photographer, retailer, environmental designer, home and interior designer, electrician, songwriter, musician, and sound engineer. You can…
“Now, honey, I’m sure we can find a way to reduce the rent.” It was late. Maybe around ten, my boss’s voice drifted back through the empty office. I was alone and finishing my work when I overheard his half of the conversation. All ears now thinking that it must be sex he was expecting.…
News flash. Fast Company asked me to write for them again. Thanks to Arianna O’Dell, who introduced me to a new editor there, I’ve been asked to write a piece on how to get a raise if you’re freelancing. Well over 30% of Americans are now considered freelancers, so it’s a near and dear subject…
It’s a great business, respected in its category and suddenly your best client announces that all projects over $100k will go through an RFP process requiring six bidders. Now you’re facing serious competitors, and a shortage of work. Worse, projects you do win are far less profitable.
I’m very happy – actually, “thrilled” is more appropriate – that Joe Biden is our new president. I wanted Bernie Sanders, but I understood he might not be acceptable to enough U.S. voters. It was Bernie who nudged me into thinking about these larger issues that affect us all. Bernie who gave me the courage…
If I lose the compulsion, the effort will go nowhere. Feeling anxious. Is it too much coffee? Or just the prewriting jitters? I can’t tell, although I did just finish my third cup. The doubts begin. Doubts seem to drive my writing. Doubts about the world, myself and why things are the way they are.…