My best friend yelled at me last week, a little. She spoke the truth about some of my actions; about my breakneck life pace and some of my recent decisions. I am not mad at her — I expect that from her, and I love her for it. She was angry with me and for me because she is one of the holders of my stories and secrets — a true and trusted friend.
I sit here thinking about those actions and decisions, and I’m angry (at myself).
Our heroes are a reflection of our best selves. We model what we see in all our media, especially in our stories of might, good defeating evil, justice, joy, and even everyday life, where we all work to be the best humans we can be. Superheroes, comics, and tales of our shared history all reflect the full diversity of the human experience. Igniting more conversations, storytelling, and sharing what new developments make us all feel not so alone in the world, driving and inspiring us to be our most authentic selves. I couldn’t be more excited to continue the conversation from last year’s social justice, diversity, intersectionality, and belonging panel with this year’s fantastic group of artists.
As a lover of comic books, graphic novels, artists, superheroes movies and TV series I’m giddy about being involved with this project. Who hasn’t spun around like Wonder Woman as a young girl or maybe, um, yesterday? To see her and so many other brilliant superheroes in print, in cool TV series and on the big screen bringing justice to the world makes my heart sing.
Thrilled to announce that I’m moderating my first education/how to panel at this year’s San Diego Comic Con with an amazing group of panelists.
Toxicity, harassment and bullying have no place in our world, by anyone, anywhere at any time. Our world continues to change, evolve and grow. How we behave matters, “just because that’s the way it has always been” doesn’t work anymore. How we all show up every day, how companies show up is important and something that we as consumers consider when we buy and something I deeply contemplate as a marketer and a human.
#MSIgnite 2018 will be the third Microsoft Ignite I’ve attended (my first TechEds were Barcelonaand Dallas, TX in 2003). Microsoft Ignite is Microsoft’s largest ITPro/Dev event of the year featuring hundreds of technical sessions and hands-on workshops, a massive expo floor, tons of parties and, something I am very proud to be a part of, a whole track devoted to learning about and fostering Diversity and Inclusion.
As an Event Maven who used to produce these events for Microsoft, I know a few ins and outs to get the most knowledge, networking, and fun out of it.
Here are some tips & tricks to help you create a productive and memorable Microsoft Ignite experience.
We are adults, right? You would think doing your job would be enough.
You would think all the hours you spend on work and meetings to deliver a project would be enough.
You would think the verbal status report you give in your weekly meetings would be enough.
Sadly, in our “if it isn’t in writing it didn’t happen” culture, often that just doesn’t cut it.
Will we ever see a time when we no longer need the infamous CYA (Cover Your Ass) email?
1. Quotes, meetings, invoices, taxes and collecting payments are over half the job.
2. Read your contracts, NDAs and get them signed, religiously.
3. Your customers and clients are the heroes, you are the guide and problem solver.
4. Never start a project without a contract.
5. Charge 50% or more up front every time.
6. Even your best friend or favorite client will not pay you on time, sometimes.
7. 30 min is more than enough for “can I run something by you.”
8. Be your own project manager.
9. Always be learning, growing and evolving.
10. Never promise something the next day.
11. Run your brand like you run a client project.
12. Your brand is your calling card - dress, speak, act appropriately and be on time.
13. Get a lawyer and have them know you and your business.
14. Learn and know how to handle your finances and cash flow.
15. Ask for the raise, ask for more than you think you are worth.
16. Don’t expect anyone else to work as hard as you do, even when paid well.
17. Build your alliances and allies fiercely.
18. Don’t let anyone push you to quit when you deserve to be there.
19. Never shit where you eat.
20. That cool name was probably thought of by someone else, do your research.
21. Focus on helping people, not the money.
22. Build relationships — one person at a time.
23. Automate, optimize and hire people smarter than you for the things you don’t like doing.
24. Know your exit strategy.
25. Define your passion and go for it, redefine as needed.
Bonus round: its not work if you love what you do.
If you like this share it with your friends and hold that clap button down — hard.
The first part of waking up is something I find extremely interesting. That moment upon waking when you choose how you start your day. Do you immediately grab your phone? Is there a child/pet in your face? Gonna have some morning sex? Toss on the clothes and hit the gym? Rush to your laptop? Mediation? The list is vast and deep.
Routine.
Sometimes thought of as the mundane, the ordinary. Repita, por favor.
To learn The Hustle, yes the dance, it’s not one and done. As a kid at the YMCA in Anderson, Indiana I watched my parents glide across the dance floor with the other adults for dance class. Disco fabulous. I learned a version of it along with them on the sidelines, finger pointing in the air, channeling my inner Travolta.
