(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…

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…

At a risk of sounding like a straight-to-DVD Nancy Drew movie title, I often wonder what the deal is with the famous sub shop and its fickle apostrophe. Read more…

Creative minds are always going a mile a minute, stumbling over good ideas in the pressure to race to the finish line. Intensity of deadlines, a boss’s looming glare, and awards trophy season on the horizon can all contribute to the surmounting stress that comes with a creative title in the workplace.

Everyone has a ‘final straw’ moment: mine was when I rushed to check my bombarded e-mail, spilled coffee on my desk, and nearly drenched a pile of papers that had been eagerly anticipating some highlighter and red pen action all week. Poor papers – they weren’t getting action that day, either.

Strong organizational skills take time, practice, and unfortunately do not come easily for many right-brainers. Even though they tend to need it the most, with certain traits (supposedly) linked to Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). 

Everyone tackles daily tasks in their own unique way; however, there may be some tactics to help channel your creativity and organize your workflow.  Read more…

Multitask, schmultitask.

Our attention is completely and utterly divided these days.

thanks ikea, for awesome pic

If you are married or in a relationship, face it.

Some days you spend more time with your laptop/phone/twitter whale/TV remote/ [insert other technological device] then you do with your significant other.

We read while we eat, we write while we listen to music, and we even talk while we drive (unfortunately). In fact, right at this very moment while I am writing this, I am also paying my bills online and chatting away online.

A.D.D.? Maybe. Isn’t there another word for it, though? Hmm…What was it…?

It actually used to be a “plus” on resumés and proudly announced in interviews along with its other buzz word pals, “team player” and “fast learner.” A glorious, responsible-sounding four-syllable word. Read more…