The other day I wore a black button-down shirt and before I got out of the parking lot at the office where I work, I slid on a pair of dark sunglasses, then took a photo of myself. Interestingly enough after posting this photo, I received very positive  and definitive reactions. Needless to say, I felt great and confident, but most of all, I was reminded that I can choose my attitude.

We often think of black as a color of mystique, darkness, depression, evilness and sin, but it’s also a color of definition and boldness–and that is the picture I want to present.

Just as documents are printed with black ink, black is also used in photo-editing to make the photo look better and less washed-out. This can be done several ways, but the black brings out clarity and definition.

Over the past year, I have been told I have done very well considering the circumstances in my life (separation, business downturn, and debt issues).   When faced with a decision of how to react to life’s changes, I could do one of two things:  (1) Cower in fear and depression while retreating  from everyone or, (2) Take the course of becoming more sociable, organized, and confrontational of my fears, as well as the challenges before me. I have chosen to take the latter path, and in doing so have been thinking about what it means for me to be a real “Man in Black”.  This would be a man who seeks to be bold and good-looking (as far as my presentation and self-pride), who faces fear squarely, and finally who lives simply and debt-free, or “in the black“.

Any man can be a MIB if  you:

(1) Clearly Define who you are.  Know your strengths and weaknesses. Resist the temptation to be a “jack-of-all-trades, but master of none”. Clients want to know you are a specialist in your work.                                                                                                      (2) Be Bold – Stand up for what you believe in. Don’t let others run over you , and don’t be quick to accept rejection. You can always say, “Next…” 
(3) Look Good- Dress sharp and with confidence. Even if your clothes change you can always wear a bold cloak of confidence. Nobody is a perfect specimen and we can only work with what God has given us.
(4) Confront fears – Afraid to make that phone call? Or give blood? Speak in public?  Be a warrior and face those battles, whatever they may be with honor!
(5) Live Simply – How much stuff do you need? Do you have books, movies, etc. that you don’t even use? Sell or give it away to those who really need it. Doing these first five  items will help you reach your goal for number six:
(6) Become Debt Free – Debt is literally being a slave to another entity because they are exercising power over you.  Be a real man and conquer the debt monster one day at a time. Note:   This article also can be applied to all WIB’s (Women-In-Black).

Currently, this business is a part-time venture while I do some other part-time work during the week. The schedule for SpinningSilk Multimedia is all day Monday, Wednesday mornings, and all day Fridays. 

Some of our challenges range from miscellaneous small items to larger goals. Here is a list and if you can help either by donating equipment; referring clients, or bartering services (yes our funds are low and we have quite a few financial obligations), we’d welcome  it.   Here is a list if you are so inclined to help in the restart of this business:

• New or barely used MacBook Pro
• Drobo for increased data storage needs
• New Clients
• Former Client referrals who can use help with the content on their web sites

I am very excited about the new focused direction of SpinningSilk Multimedia. Web design and Development is a service we will be referring to our clients to other providers based on their needs. Depending on the project, we still may help you get setup, but if you need a web-designer or developer for specific custom needs, we feel we can serve you better by referring you to some of our  trusted providers in the industry as we focus on your specific content.

• I think in expanding ideas
• Items are not given priority over another at this stage – that may be fine for later but not for brainstorming
• It helps one see the relationship between items in idea levels
• It’s easier to think of possibilities and options than using a traditional list layout.
    

Do you use the mind map concept in your work and person life? What is your experience?

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The morning I was very inspired by a fellow local business man and friend, Kamran Popkin who published a blog post this morning called, What’s in a Title? Kamran recently started his own business, Swag Club, Kamran sells but most importantly advises his clients on the best promotional products for their business. I first meet Kamran a while back as one of the first people who told me he was an avid reader of this blog and he has been there since to listen over lunch and to share ideas and thoughts with fellow business people at some of the local business networking events, GSATC to name one and one I am actively involved with working thanks to another great encourager, Phil Yanov. I could write more about how I was inspired by the above blog post but instead I encourage to read it for yourself and also read what fellow bloggers, Olivier Blanchard and Jim O’Donnell had to say.

I was inspired and reminded of my inner strengths and what I am passionate about in my work. I’m going to seriously think about what I read on the three links blog posts above and how I can take better charge of my skills, business and life direction in 2010. What are your thoughts?

Fear List

1.) Calling people (I do this but it puts a knot in my stomach – Thankfully I have been working with someone who handles this very well and is a great encouragement!)

2.) Folding clothes (not afraid just hate the tediousness) (I am getting used to doing this! Got a pretty good system as a matter of fact!)

3.) Plumbing

4.) the chance of having my own children (I really repent of this fear, If God wants me to be a dad then he will give me the strength)

5.) Not being able to do a job well

6.) Being seen as too mean (If you know me I do seem the shy and easygoing type which is why I rarely act as aggressive when I need to)

7.) my car breaking down

8.) Driving a long distance

9.) Changing the oil (definitely not afraid of putting in oil but the changing part is what I need to learn)

10.) fixing a flat (No really afraid but I admit I am often unprepared)

11.) riding a bike

12.) Singing ( I want my wife to teach me – I admire her talent and patience)

13.) Playing an instrument (Piano) – ( I want my wife to teach me – I admire her talent and patience)

14.) Listening

15.) Witnessing to others about my faith in God (I do this some and I know I am not alone in this fear. Maybe I have seen too many bad examples)

16.) Comforting people who are grieving

17.) Visiting nursing homes and hospitals (I have have been working on visiting more regularly)

18.) Giving Blood (I have done this since I wrote this and planning on doing it on a regular basis when I am eligible – BTW I am A-)

19.) Confronting family about tough issues – politics, religion, other relationships (This is extremely hard but I realize if I give the impression I agree with people when I don’t then I’m just lying to them and myself)

20.) learning the rules of sports (I have never been a sports fan because some reason I had a hard time wanting to learn the rules of games like Football in particular)

21.) Fear of serving in a dangerous environment – (the military would have been good for me but I never even attempted to join because I was afraid I would get killed and go to war.)

22.) Fear of letting those I care about fail. Am I trying to spoil friends and family back? I need to realize that love means being there for someone as they try to live their best and not try to control them.

23.) Visiting a cemetery (One of these occasions is where I had my first major panic attack)

24.) Selling

25.) Forsaking pride to do what it takes to earn a living. (This may be tied into the selling and calling people fear)

26.) Charging what I am really worth instead of worry people will not want to pay me ( I have been way to humble and fearful in this area)

27.) Swimming in deep water

Now, the question is – Do you have your own “Fear List”? What are you doing about it? How can you help me become Patrick 2.0 ? How can I help you become “You 2.0″? Are your fears keeping you from excelling in business and your personal life? Are a lot of you fears irrational?

Recently I had the chance to observe some friends who have gotten into the habit of using and organizing coupons to the fullest while grocery shopping. My friends not only saved money but was able to get so many groceries that they have had to give items away. A few times they even “made money” on a few items. For them it was an act of necessity when it came to feeding a family and having some income challenges. One thing that opened my eyes was how organized they were to the point of carrying folders with coupons organized not only by the type of item but also by the price and how quickly they could calculate savings without a computer (other than their own brains). I even observed some parallel processing as they cut multiple coupons out at once.

I myself have been challenged with having to do a great many tasks I haven’t done before. I would be overwhelmed by the stacks of papers on my desk, household projects and juggling work projects to the point these tasks seemed impossible for one man. Often I have been afraid of taking on certain tasks and either differed them or dumped them on others. The whole list of irrational fears I have had is enough for another post but I’m working on clearing out those “bugs and memory leaks” in my own life.

Some of these “brain applications” I am working one include ideas and principles found in the book, “The 4-Hour Workweek,” Getting Things Done and the 43 Folders Concept and finally I recently discovered that a technique I have been using to help me focus on my work actually has a name and is called, The Pomodoro Technique (working on a task in a short amount of time with rests built in). Yes, you will find these disciplines have software tools designed for them but those are just tools and will not be used unless there is the commitment and mindset.

What are some of your favorite “brain applications?” What are the menus items and icons in front of you in terms of physical objects, reminders, etc. That keep you on track and disciplined? This business is focused on creating multimedia content for your web site but what tools and disciplines do you use or think about using to help you be consistent and creative? Are creativity exercises one of your brain applications? Don’t feel like you are the creative type? Try this, use ideas in a book like Thinkertoys and combine them with the time focused discipline of the Pomodoro Technique. You will be amazed.

• Administrative help so I can focus on the technicalities of my work – I can’t afford and employee but someone looking for experience and a reference would be ideal or maybe you are another business person who excels in that area and would be willing to barter work.
• Used Electronic Equipment – How many of you have upgraded to new digital cameras (both still and video) and the old stuff is just sitting around collecting dust? Would you be willing to barter for some multimedia editing expertise or would you just like to help get a business jump started? How about old computers? A business can often use one for testing or obtain the hard drives for extra storage needs.
• Office space – Does your company have office space that is not being used? Just sitting there empty? Have you ever considered giving a self-employed person some space to use in exchange for occasional services?
• Gifting a subscription to an Internet service they could use to profit from – I would love a subscription to smugmug, extending my Flickr Pro account and Apple Mobile Me account, Squarespace account, etc.
• Use of technology you own but don’t use frequently why not let a trusted business person use it an become a greater expert.
• Food! Yes, often a self-employed person will “work for food.” Talk business and get a tax write off but also enjoy the conversation and get to know the person or small business better.
• Got a paid conference or seminar? Invite fellow business people who may be in financial stress to either give a presentation, provide a service like setting up, recording the event, etc. as payment of for food, etc.
• Trade training – perhaps the two of you need help and guidance in different areas.
• Books, got books just collecting dust? Think your small business friend could use them?

I know my biggest needs right now are not funding for the next big idea but rather support so I can do what I excel at. Sometimes I have had to turn down work not because I didn’t have the skills to do it but lacked equipment, storage space or the time. While I am asking for help myself how many of you have similar needs? Could I help you. We have all heard about “stimulating the economy” by buying stuff but in tough time some of our businesses have a hard time producing stuff and providing service. How much more can our economy be stimulated by encouraging and empowering the self-employed and small business owners? Consider helping us achieve our goals faster and maybe we can start hiring sooner than later.

1. Dapper Dan Pomade
2. Cosmo Kramer’s Coffee Table book about coffee tables that turns into a little coffee table.
3. A sonic screwdriver – the versitile tool The Doctor uses on Doctor Who
4. Dharma Branded Food Products – As seem on Lost (They seem to have a long shelf life)
5. Telephones that know who you are calling without dialing (I know you have seen someone in a movie or TV show just pick up the phone and just start talking!)

What fictional products would you buy if made available? They would have to work and be real none of this replica stuff or “homage to”.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the second in a series of “tasting” organized by Orange Coat, a local web design company. The event was held at a local restaurant, The Lazy Goat. On the surface you may be wondering why a web design company is hosting “tasting” seminars but their mission is one to help people get over saying the following statement, “I don’t know what I like but I will when I see it.” or as the case may be, taste it.

The previous tasting event was held at the headquarters of a local coffee company, Liquid Highway. In both events I learned how to describe the taste of various forms of the same thing. Coffee and Tomatoes so far.

What’s the point? An exercise in communication for one thing. I noticed at both events the majority of attendees were fellow creative professionals, most in the web/new media field. It’s often a challenge to communicate with clients and for clients to communicate with creative professionals on the precise nature of their content or design of a web site, print project, video or audio production.

Yesterday I tasted about 6 different tomatoes and was amazed at the difference. One was lightly fruity like a melon, another tasted smokey/beefy, and yet another almost like a lime. A great exercise in being descriptive as possible and also slowing down to really know that you just can’t say a tomato tastes like a tomato.

How is your business or product unique? To people just see or taste a “tomato” or can you describe what you do or provide in a more unique way?

1.) The Yellow pages – Have not received a single call or sale. Money continues to flow out for no good reason

2.) Advertising in magazines and newspapers – looking over my receipts probably wasted over $1000 on ads that did not generate any revenue. Not saying it’s bad to advertise in print but I admit the drive to advertise was more of a matter of pride, trying to keep up with the joneses, etc.

3.) Overdoing the food bill at coffee shops and resteraunts I went to for lunch meeting. I admit it I was shocked at how much I spent at coffee shops for “fancy coffee” I could have done just fine with $2.00 regular cup of coffee but instead spent more on a special cup or an extra snack. although I have less of an issue spending a little extra at a coffee shop where I get free wireless and work than I do going to a networking meeting and to put it bluntly making my stomach happier than my sales goals. I should have just order water and salad a lot more. You may think I am being overfrugal but over time those receipts can add up.

4.) Unfocused Networking – Networking is one the best ways for a small business person to spread the word but without a plan you can end up speaking to the same people over and over again, paying for memberships that don’t produce results. Neither of these things are bad byt you have to have a plan and focus.

5.) Trying to be all things to all people – A have learned that not only did I dump a lot of stress on myself with these “new ideas” but also those I worked with. It’s just plain foolish for a two person business to act like a 20+ employee company.

I am sharing all these things to let others know I am learning from my mistakes as I revaluate both my personal and business decisions. I also have a heart for seeing other businesses and individuals succeed and not make the same mistakes. What have you learned?