Projects Schmojects ... Getting work done!

You have an awesome idea and want to make it happen.

Your business plan is complete and you are in the process of putting you plan into action... and whether it is a product or service you want to launch there is no possible way that you can or should do everything alone...for obvious reasons.


 
So from graphic designers, copywriting, public relations and marketing, fundraising and web design there will be a multitude of tasks that you should outsource to professionals who actually know what they are doing .... making sure you have the proper team should not be an issue.

Websites like Craigslist allow you to post classifieds online for everyone to see.  I myself, use Craigslist at times for apartment searches and maybe to laugh at random personal ads (don't judge me).  But the problem with Craigslist, other than the killer, is that there's no exclusivity, there's no way of knowing if people you meet are honest and skilled, and, it's just plain creepy sometimes. 

For large projects I prefer to use notable gig-posting sites like Elance.com to post items that you need to get done pertaining to your business.

Elance.com makes sure that all of its freelancers take prerequisite "exams" to ensure they have the proper skillset needed to complete jobs they apply for.

And for all of my Freelance friends out there, Elance.com assists you in making sure you get paid for the work that you do ... those days of waiting until your clients reach success to get paid, no more bounced checks or late payments.

Check it out, tell me what you think of the process and Get Work Done!

Its Your Fault!

I know a few people.  People who have their own businesses.  People who have gotten advanced degrees.  People who have lost it all and those that have risen from the ashes.  In every instance there were some sort factor that worked against them, some team of forces that, whether it was their responsibility or not, tried to police their progression.

A few years ago while riding on a train in Chicago I met a young author, Kirby Jones who wrote a book titled "Silence the Naysayers" - a great title.  Now I'm not about to sit here and lead you to believe that I read the entire book, I got through a few chapters when I had my lightbulb moment.  There are always going to be haters.  However, hard work and determination aren't always in the equation, for some random reason.

Stay with me, this is gonna get good.

Most recently at church on Sunday morning the reverend spoke of how King David (yup, the same one that fought Goliath) had an instance where his people threatened to stone him to death after a rebel army kidnapped the women and children of Israel.  David's family was also taken.  A true moment of adversity.

A young musician contacted me on Twitter a few days ago and on Sunday morning (before service) we conversed about a plethora of topics.  At first he asked for marketing advice for his newest mixtape.  I sort of reprimanded him for guerrilla tweeting (honestly, what is the purpose of sending the same message a thousand times to different people, I mean isn't that what twitter does automatically anyway?)  It wasn't until her made a remark concerning his job, and how hard he was trying to keep it that I really sat down and got completely interested in the issue.  This guy, who had two jobs, one as a musical talent and the other punching a clock somewhere.  He knew that both gigs were dually important and guided his ability to work the other.  But it was something holding him back ... a co-worker trying to get him fired, a lack of enthusiasm in his work, his inability to break directly into the music industry ... there were somethings there that were holding him back.

My advice to this man was to change his mindset, push forward, gain an understanding  of what it is that you control.

In every instance where steps were taken toward advancement whether it be gaining new freedoms or rights, getting a new job, or just growing up ... something has to give ... and it doesn't have to be you.

Back at church, the reverend has made a good point, don't let your current situation define your long term decisions.  It will never be profitable.  Instead, think ahead and make your decisions for now, accordingly.

This decision will always include making it your mission to work harder, not just maintain, but transcend ... grow your skill, reach your goals, improve upon your work ethic and your environment.

-David did it with prayer, which led him to seeking solice for himself and his people in the nation of his former enemy
-Women in American banded together to show their power during the industrial revolution and wars
-Black Americans marched for equal rights and better treatment, all the while making strides in medicine, technology and politics.

In all the cases, they battle didn't end with altering an entire universe.  On the contrary, it ended with just altering themselves ... you.  You can't get rid of racism, but instead you can change peoples opinion of you by revamping how you act, work, talk, and get along.  This is a determination of sorts, when singularly or communally it is announced that
 -I want "them" to see me as a leader
 -I want "them" to see me as able
 -I want "them" to see me as smart ... equal ... or, human.

Just a thought ... what are you looking to get passed or over?  How do you plan to change your situation.