Entrepreneurship...post iii: Get Good At Making Money

I happened to read the following article while at the auto shop waiting for my car to get it's oil changed.  It's amusing to me how good things come to you in strange places.  I thought this topic would be appropriate for the final post in my Entrepreneurship series - after all, if you want to start your own business, you probably want to make some money doing it.  What really interested me was Jason Fried's point about bootstrapping (page 3). 

"From Day One, a bootstrapped business has no choice but to make money. There's no cushion in the bank and not much in the pockets. It's make money or go home. To a bootstrapped business, money is air.....Anyone can spend money. Making it is the hard part, and being forced to do it early is one of the best ways to get better at it later.", Jason Fried

How To Get Good At Making Money

Hopefully this series has been helpful, inspiring, or, at the very least, amusing to read.  Let me know your thoughts - post a comment.

Entrepreneurship...post ii: Create Your Own Dream Job

One of my readers suggested I take a look at the blog, zenhabits.net.  The article below was my first read, and I have to say that I'm hooked.  I like the simple, yet deep, writing style of Leo Babauta.  Breaking old and creating new habits is difficult, but Mr Babauta gives us a good starting point for where to begin.  

In part two of my Entrepreneurship series, I give you his zen habit on how to create your own dream job - it's a great read.  I hope you enjoy!

"If you’re out of a job or stuck in a lousy job, I feel for you. But look at your horrible situation as a wonderful opportunity to change your life and do something great. It could be the best thing you’ve ever done.", Leo Babauta.

Can't Find a Dream Job? Create Your Own

Entrepreneurship...a three post series

My first blog "series"...so exciting! I digress...

As most of my readers are all keenly aware, the architectural and interior design community has suffered great losses during this awful, yucky, economic recession. I'm part of that community so I can say from experience that it has been especially yucky.

According to an article on MSNBC.com , Architect was the #1 occupation for job losses in 2009. Unemployment jumped 17.8% in 2009 for that profession. They go on to say that it won't be until 2018 that architects and engineers see a 10% growth in their occupation. Sick to your stomach yet?

On a brighter note... Entrepreneurship in the USA jumped almost 6% in 2010. I believe it... I don't know what the percentage of new business owners are Architects, but I do know I've seen a lot of them branch out on their own and they are succeeding. The path to entrepreneurship can be by choice or by necessity, as the USA article below suggests. Click on the link to read more...

"Recession inspires people to start own business"

If you are one of the new entrepreneurs, please post a comment and share your journey. If you are thinking about starting your own company, stay tuned to future posts for inspiration on how to take that leap.

Mark your calendars! June 24th is "Take Your Dog To Work" Day

Milzy and Hammers

I'm sure you winter-weather-weary folks are looking forward to summer.  We are getting a glimpse of it here in the West - 80 degrees this weekend!

I discovered that June 24th is "Take Your Dog to Work" day and thought it might be something fun for you to plan for your office.

One of the perks of working from a home office is that my dogs, Hamilton and Milhouse, come to work with me every day.  Their main responsibility is to alert me when the UPS man is making a delivery, which is typically every other day.  Sometimes the delivers are made in the mornings, but most often it's right in the middle of nap time....for my kids, not me!  If only Hammers and Milzy could pull samples, return emails, or sweep up after themselves....

If you or your coworkers love your dogs as much as I do, convince them to celebrate the annual "Take Your Dog to Work Day" this summer.  See the website link below for more info about this great organization - while there, enter a photo for their contest! 

Take Your Dog To Work - June 24, 2011

Start getting your pooch ready for the event with the following tips, which can be found on their website:

Tips for Dog Day Success

• Dogs should be kept on a leash, unless in the employee's office or cubicle.
• Employees should use a baby gate to prevent dogs from leaving their office unsupervised.
• Specific areas, such as bathrooms or employee dining halls, can be designated as dog-free.
• Have a back up plan for taking the dog home if he is not comfortable in the work environment.
• Find a local pet sitter at petsit.com/locate to provide midday walks to employees' dogs.

The "dog days of summer" will be here before we know it, ...but probably not before some weird Easter blizzard for you folks in the Midwest...hang in there!