cherry pick your clients!

In a day job, there may be times when you don’t always get along with every single supervisor, coworker or client that comes into the office.

One of the benefits of being a freelancer is that you get to pick & choose your clients. (Sure, sometimes money is tight and you don’t have the luxury to be incredibly picky).

You will be speaking to this person on a regular basis, so make sure you consult first with a face-to-face over coffee. Are they on the other side of the country? Enjoy a continental cup o’ joe over skype. The point is, get a feel for the client personally before moving on to any sort of proposal. Read more…

(a tribute to the movie premiere that has me bubbling with excitement like a fresh brew of butterbeer.)

JK really knew what she was doing.

Don’t worry, I am not talking about turning my home office into Hogwarts or anything, but there are a few tricks up my freelance sleeve that I can attribute to my four-eyed friend.

Modesty is underrated. Think about it. When Harry was a small, insecure orphan and he found out his powers were indeed, magic, he did not go around lifting up his bangs, Bieber-style, pointing out his lighting scar. Everybody else talked him up, gushing about his legacy and foreshadowing his importance. Even when he first demonstrated telltale acts of bravery, he did not inflate his accomplishments. Only when he gets cocky for a chapter or two does it backfire on him. Moral: Let your actions speak for themselves. Don’t just tell a prospective client what you will do for them – do it. Give them an example of two of the types of ideas you can bring to the table.

It’s okay to acknowledge and say the name of your “evil enemy.”
Initially, everyone in the Wizarding World would gasp in horror if they heard the name “Voldemort” escape someone’s lips. Harry learned to defy this concept later on in the series, realizing that just saying the name wouldn’t bring destruction. It would, however, let your enemy know you are still a formidable opponent, and force their hand, putting the proverbial Quiddich ball in their court. Read more…

Refreshing and Infectious

“Pura vida!,” The most commonly used phrase in Costa Rica, literally means “Pure life,” but the saying goes beyond its simple translation: it symbolizes the idea of simply enjoying life and being happy.

As the Urban Dictionary states, it’s a synonym of “hakuna matata” and reflects the relaxed, blissfully simplistic lifestyle of Costa Ricans. Everything is organic and natural – even the personalities of the wait staff are warm, friendly and unassuming.

My husband and I recently went there on our honeymoon and were truly amazed by the country. From the lush vegetation and breathtaking volcano views to the easy-in, easy-out hospital care provided, we were incredibly happy with our vacation selection. But one thing that stood out the most was the people. They completely make you feel at ease by treating you as a new “amigo.” One hot springs bar even had an honors system for how many drinks you had – can you imagine that working in America? No way, Josué! (Name of our favorite waiter at our hotel.) =)

Our trip back to the states felt like an unexpected cold shower after a nice, soothing Jacuzzi. Our harsh jolt into reality started with snippety airline workers, pushy passengers and gum-chewing, eye-rolling coffee baristas who acted like it was pure torture to pour coffee. I could have let it get to me. I could have dreaded going back to work and returning to my bed with no origami animal towels or rose petal-filled pathways…but, I didn’t. Read more…

bachelorette should use her work skills when weeding through the candidates!

The social media-savvy Bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky should follow her brain as well as her heart when weeding through the potential husband candidates. The way I look at it, it’s a similar process as finding the perfect new employee or client.

You have to force yourself be keenly judgmental, observant, and analytical, but above all, be true to yourself and your instincts.

Read more…

So, I didn't update for a while...stick a pin in it.

I haven’t updated my blog in months. And you know what? It feels amazing.

Heavy, dark dread used to seep through my veins when I missed a week or two of blog updates. The feeling was reminiscent of coming in past curfew and stepping on a creaky wooden staircase.

Now, I don’t feel the least bit dirty or guilty because I’ve learned to love my blog for who she is… Read more…