Podcasts for Education and Connections
I adore podcasts. That's likely clear as this is my third and likely far from final post about amazing podcast discoveries. I "binge" listen to podcasts when I make a new discovery. Podcasts make it easy to listen on my daily walks or during chores. While listening, I learn a ton from these talented folks sharing their own experiences or interviewing others. I also pore through show notes to connect with the podcaster and guests by signing up for their newsletters, checking out websites, and connecting on LinkedIn and Facebook. 


Freelancer Focus
My latest favorite podcasts are Deliberate Freelancer by Melanie Padgett Powers and The Content Byte by Lynne Testoni and Rachel Smith. Both of these podcasts focus on the life and improvement of all types of freelancers, although they tend to particularly focus on content writing. Even if you're not a writer, there is a lot to learn from all of these ladies. All of them have a fun, no-nonsense approach to their material and businesses. 

Deliberate Freelancer
Melanie will periodically stop to review her quarterly wins, challenges, and goals. I learn from these by gathering ideas of ways to improve my own business. She'll interview industry leaders that are way beyond my income level, but they all offer ways to improve your business. Dream UP, right? The focus topics are relatable to many freelancers, from SEO on websites to email and social media strategies. A particularly practical recent episode was an interview with Brian Hall with ways to easily optimize your website with a lot of great resources available through his website.

The Content Byte
I'm just beginning to work my way through these episodes. My first episode was an interview with Bernadette Schwerdt, a leader in the copywriting industry. So many great ideas here, and she has her own podcast! Another very practical episode was about social media with Anfernee Chansamooth.  These ladies held a Summit in September which has received nothing but rave reviews for the talented folks brought together as speakers. They're considering holding another event, but it's too soon after the last to be sure. This was held virtually as well, making it high on my future conferences to attend!

Have you found any inspiring podcasts or mentors? Love to hear who you follow! I'm always interested in building my network while learning from others. 

Have a project you're considering? Let's Chat about specifics or we can collaborate on a Pick My Brain session!

What IS the Two-Minute Rule?
​David Allen, author of Getting Things Done (published 2015), is credited with the Two-Minute Rule concept: "If an action will take less than two minutes, it should be done at the moment it's defined." James Clear, author of Atomic Habits (published 2018), focuses the concept on creating habits: "When you start a new habit, it should take less than two minutes to do." Mr. Clear focuses on beating procrastination with the two-minute rule in this article. 

​So How Does the Two-Minute Rule Work?
​Literally - 2 minutes - pick a project, any project, and break it into its smallest components to simply get the ball moving forward. As Mr. Allen and Mr. Clear note, this can be applied to tasks, habits, and beating procrastination at a minimum. This is the best way to get started or create forward momentum. 

• Tackling that cluttered desk?
  • Toss out the trash on your work space.
  • Sort a pile to file something later.
  • Get your coffee cup back to the kitchen.
• Making a doctor's appointment?
  • Get the doctor's phone number.
  • Get your insurance card handy.
  • Jot a note what you will be calling about.

NaNoWriMo - Perfect Two-Minute Rule Habit!
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) began in 1999 and became a nonprofit in 2006. The goal: write 50,000 words of a novel in 30 days. The crux is essentially create a daily writing habit. Write something. Anything! You can start with simply two-minutes each day - see where you end up. The program has expanded to many schools and includes prep during September and October along with "Now What" in January and February to learn more about the publishing process. 

Many budding authors start the editing process in November and seek assistance with editing and proofreading with the new year. Some instead use the writing opportunity to simply make a habit of journaling. All it takes is the Two-Minute Rule to get started! 

Maybe your Two-Minutes are adding up to getting your business venture started and you need a hand brainstorming or with the pieces in process - Let's Chat!  

Whether it's NaNoWriMo for you or you're simply ready for another set of eyes on your written words, I'd be honored to assist you - Let's Chat! ​

What IS Project Management
The Association for Project Management defines it as "the application of processes, methods, skills, knowledge and experience to achieve specific project objectives according to the project acceptance criteria within agreed parameters."

Do I NEED Projects Managed?
Maybe! "It depends" is the best answer. Where are your strengths and weaknesses to achieve what you're after? What can you do vs what do you need a hand with? You may be a BIG thinker, an idea person, but need a hand with the nitty-gritty details to help your vision come to life. Everyone has their special talents. I wouldn't call myself an idea generator, but I'm amazing at process analysis of most ideas and can see the steps needed to achieve a goal or vision. I'm also a whiz with details which can bore some folks to tears. 

Let's Bring Your Vision to Life
I would be happy to work on filling in gaps you may have in your project plans. We can work on single-issue items or more extended, ongoing projects. Maybe you need some strategy input - someone to bounce ideas off of. I offer a variety of services based on years of nonprofit work and my own personal training, anything from proofreading/editing to writing to website development and even event management. 

Any Examples?
Thanks for asking! I recently assisted Pioneers' Cemetery Association with their marketing and donation drive plans to improve a gravesite of a local historic legend, Jacob Waltz, the Lost Dutchman (video). Such projects require meetings to gather thoughts of a group together, delineate roles of team members, and do the things that I may add to the team. 

Bet That's Expensive!
Not necessarily. Let's review your budget and what services you may need. I recently learned of a great project pricing strategy from a friend of mine, Brooke Shovelin, that makes sense for longer term projects, be it project or event management, newsletter creation (let's review frequency and extent of creativity needed), website or blog post editing, or regular proofreading of projects you develop. Everyone (including proofreaders!) need an extra set of eyes. Happy to be yours!

What project do you have in mind? Are you stepping up your content marketing and need a hand? Need a hand with the tech side to make your dream a reality? Let's Chat!