View 112

Today is Wednesday May 24th and welcome to the 15th Episode of the View 112 Podcast. I am Jeanita Morris. Today I am going to build the case for reading. Last year I read a quote about reading. In the book, 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do by Amy Morin. It says: “If you’re reading this book, it means you’re more fortunate than the nearly one billion people in the world who can’t read, many of whom will be stuck in a life of poverty” p.28. That really got me thinking of where would I be if I couldn’t read or didn’t have such a love of reading.  There are a few ways reading has made an impact on my life.  Hopefully this inspires you to pick up a book.  Like TODAY!

1. As a young girl: I grew up in a home filled with books and magazines. Parents who are listening, I cannot stress this enough. We had magazines filled with images of beautiful, accomplished black people in Essence, Ebony, Black Enterprise, etc. We had books from Maya Angelou, Malcolm X, Richard Wright, Toni Morrison, etc. Thinking back, I had images of success and beautiful works all around me. How how I got into reading is actually funny. My grandmother, my mother’s mom, Grandma Clyde we called her, was a big time reader. She read a lot of romance novels. Yes those trashy romance novels, lol. I didn’t understand what she was reading at the time, but I always saw her with books and she had loads of books in her bedroom, in her hand bag, in her car-everywhere. She would go to the book store often and she always went to the library. My dad and grandmother always took us to the library, especially in the summer. There was a summer reading program and for every 10 books you read, you would get a gift certificate for a free pizza. I was about that life! I started reading a lot of books to get that free pizza. When I was about 9 or 10 in like the 4th or 5th grade, I found and started reading The Babysitter’s Club. The Babysitter’s Club was a new book series that started off with 4 books. The books were about these 4 girls who started a babysitting business and they had a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Reading these 4 books at that age changed me. I think it was the first time I understood the concept of making money, working and that kids could do this! The book series grew quite popular for girls may age. It grew from a 4 book series to hundreds of books. I could not get enough of this series. I would be so pressed for a new one to be released. While I was waiting, I got into other series like Sweet Valley High. I started to mirror my grandmother and had books with me all the time. I would read way past my bed time. I was the kid reading in my room under the covers with a night light so my mom wouldn’t catch me. Seeing my grand mother and reading that series is how I got hooked. I then loved to read anything! I read teen hip hop magazines like Word Up! YSB (Young Sisters and Brothers). My mom worked at the Washington Post for a few years and of course we had a subscription. I always loved when we would go to her job. She was in the HR department, but I got to see the printing room and where reporters worked. I think seeing how people were writing or typing and then it being printed and delivered to our door made me want to be a writer. I wanted to start making what I loved so much to consume. I am much like that today, I have books with me everywhere. I read way past my bed time, and I still love to read mostly about business. Reading has fueled the writer in me.

2. As a professional: Many of the leaders I looked up to in business read. When I got my first job out of college many of the leaders at that company would recommend books. Mostly back then I read recommended books about making more money like Rich Dad, Poor Dad. I also read loads of books about sales like How to Become a Rainmaker. At this time, I was about 22-23 years old and I started practicing things I would read in these books and they worked! From then on, I’ve loved reading books about sales, leadership, entrepreneurship, company profiles etc. Reading business books has changed my life. I was an English major without a college degree and no business, sales or leadership experience. I developed myself into the professional I am today with hundreds of books and experience. I think back to that quote about the 1 billion people who cannot read mostly living a life of poverty and am humbled and grateful I can read, learn things and constantly improve the quality of my life. I’ve developed so many skills from reading and those skilled helped me earn a living. Landing clients, negotiating skills, asking for the sale, writing proposals, creating presentations, presentation skills, being a new leader, recruiting, hiring, interview skills, middle management, managing profit and loss, balancing a budget, cutting costs, starting a business…I could go on and on about the things I’ve learned from business books that I’ve been able to successfully apply through experience.

3. As a writer: Much like when I was a child, reading has rekindled the writer in me. Words are such a powerful tool to create, transform, and inspire. After spending years of consuming so much, I feel the importance of creating content and sharing. To me, that’s the magic in all of this. You can’t just take it all in. You have to give it back. Part of me being a writer and content creator is very selfish. I am so full of thoughts, ideas, emotions, lessons. It is therapeutic for me to let it all go and share. It is an on-going process. When I share things here, on social media, on my blog, in person, it actually motivates and inspires me TOO! Now when I read, I have content creation on my mind. I actually read with a writer’s mind. I pay closer attention to the layout of books and articles. I highlight main points and try to see how the author ties in the message.I question the writer’s intent for me as a reader. I love to read how stories unfold. I notice the tone and writing style. All of these things I learned studying English are actually helpful today. Working on my writing has provided another lane for me to pursue my passion, earn additional income, and connect with others which is something I need to thrive.

I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to connect with you via the View 112 podcast and blog. This is yet another great gift reading has given to me. Right now I have about 10 or 12 books laying around my desk that I have yet to read. The vision of them inspires me to read more, write more, do more just like when I was younger. My favorite books to read are memoirs and business books. The reading of business books inspired me to start the View 112 Summer of Business Reading Challenge. I want to connect with people about books. I want to gain the perspective of other people that are reading. I’ve never hosted or been in a book club before. But I have plenty of ideas and thoughts. I posted a photo of my with the June selection on Instagram: The Spark and the Grind by Erik Wahl. On Instagram Erik Wahl commented that he is looking forward to our discussion on his book! How exciting to have another amazing way to connect.  The View 112 Summer of Business Books Challenge officially kicks off on June 1st. Sign up and join me today.  

I think I’ve made a compelling case for reading today. I’m curious to know from you who are avid readers, how reading has changed your life. For those of you who don’t read as much, what’s holding you back? I truly believe the extra money you seek, the problem you’re trying to solve, the connection you need is all on the other side of reading. Talk to you next time.

This year for my 39th birthday, I made a decision to pursue my life long dream of becoming a writer. A paid writer to be exact. I love my day job and have often viewed writing as a creative outlet/hobby. While I’ve created blogs in the past, I never aggressively pursued the idea of actually making money as a writer. Once I decided, I needed to figure out how to actually build a writing business. Here are a few things I’m trying out:

1. I’m building a platform. Guys-no one knows me. Once I decided to side hustle as a freelance writer, I launched my blog View 112. Since I do not have much experience as a paid, published writer, I figured I should create a space to showcase my work. Hosting View 112 has helped me develop skills like such as editing and content creation. In the past I’ve only blogged on Wordpress. Hosting View 112 using SquareSpace has given me a different set of skills as it relates to design and SEO engagement. Now when I apply for writing jobs, I can direct people to a place where they can see what I’ve built and view my work. Another big step in building my platform was launching the View 112 Podcast. I know I have years of experience in business and can offer sound advice. But again guys-no one knows me. So telling my story and sharing my ideas via the View 112 Podcast helps me connect with people who would not otherwise know about me, my experience, or what I can do. I have objectives for creating the View 112 Podcast include: 1. Sharpen and showcase my written and verbal communication skills. 2. Establish my voice as an experienced professional capable of offering sound business and career advice by sharing my perspective. 3. Share lessons, failures, and experiences I uncover while trying to figure out how to be a paid, published freelance writer. So often we hear from people or notice people when they are successful. We hear about the grind when they tell the story of their come up but we don’t always actually see the come up. No one shares the mistakes made. Again we know there are mistakes but like what? When you got a rejection letter, what did it say? When you under priced yourself on a project, how and why? etc. I need details. I want to provide details. Making mistakes is embarrassing but I don’t want to put on a show like I am this expert that has it all together. I’ll give an example. Getting on Apple Podcasts is a big deal and I’m very excited. The process was so easy though. I think people listen to these amazing podcasts and think they will not be able to do it. I want to show people how accessible it is to do what ever you desire to do. It might take some work but it can be done. In fact that’s my biggest purpose with all of this. I desperately want to inspire people to see and know how simple it is use the God given talents you have, the passion you are born with and then…just do…and keep doing…until you get there.

2. Applying for writing jobs. I’ve experimented many ways to get the word out that I am looking for writing work. I have applied for jobs on Indeed.com. I’ve also created a profile on UpWork and applied for jobs there. I purchased Writer’s Market and targeted different publications in which I would like to submit query letters. I’ve been reading about how to write a good query letter (and also preparing myself for the rejection that everyone says comes with submitting said letters). I’ve had some luck with being invited out to cover events as a blogger which has given me more great experience. I am learning what brands are looking for when working with a blogger. I also am in negotiations with my first paid writing job: to ghostwrite a book. Super stoked about that and I’ve learned a lot in this process. Once I land the deal (positive vibes here ) I will share some of my lessons learned.

3. Looking for other ways to monetize my words. So one cool way I am thinking of doing this is starting an apparel line. For those who don’t know, my first business venture about 8 years ago was Endorse Apparel Company. Endorse Apparel Company was a sports clothing line created out a void in the market for fashionable sports apparel for women. I had bags and t shirts with sports related slogans cheering on the team. I would write little sports related sayings and we would stitch them on bags and shirts. I loved that company. So I am exploring this is a new space with a new vendor based around business, writing, reading, and entrepreneurship.

Thanks for listening.  I'd love to connect with you and get your feedback.  If you are listening on Apple Podcasts, please rate the podcast and leave me a review.  Feel free to email me questions or feedback at [email protected].  I am also on Twitter @jeanitasmorris and Instagram @jeanitamorris

Welcome to this special Mother's Day edition of the View 112 Podcast. Today I've invited my sister, Deaven Taylor to chat. In the 90's, our mother open and operated her own quilt/quilt supply shop in our hometown. For many years before and even today, my mom freelances around her passion. Deaven and I discuss the highs and lows we witnessed as impressionable young ladies. Thank you mom for showing your two girls the guts, grit, sweat equity, and sacrifice it takes to be a small business owner and freelancer. We were paying attention.

Deaven works in the hotel industry. We discuss her experience as a working mom and I love the example she wants show her boys. Deaven and I talk candidly about why some of our previous business ventures failed. In the end, I think we both agree we can take those lessons and build again.  I know I think so...

Finally, we discuss my Summer of Business Books Challenge. The June selection is The Spark and the Grind by Erik Wahl.  I truly believe this book challenge will make us all better in our professional pursuits.  Learn more about the Summer of Business Books Challenge and sign up to join the challenge here.  

Two weeks ago, I launched the View 112 Podcast on iTunes!  I am thrilled by the engagement.  Thank you all so much.  If you have not had a chance to check it out, search View 112 in iTunes or on the Podcast app.  If you are enjoying the podcast, please give it a rating and leave me a little feedback.  

On this 12th Episode of the View 112 Podcast, I share 4 of many ways to advance at work and business.  I share a few stories: how I landed my first account, about a pet peeve, a mistake I've made, and what I learned from my first business mentor. 

1.    You have to do the work others aren’t willing to do

2.    You have to be a problem solver. 

3.    You have to have some staying power.  

4.    You have to connect with people on THAT level.  

I want to address the myth that all freelancers or entrepreneurs hate their day job. All too often when I read about freelancing, side hustling, and entrepreneurship, the content is about how to plan your exist strategy from your day job. Not all side hustles are born from lack of job satisfaction. What about those side hustlers that are simply looking to turn a profit from their passion while keeping their rewarding career? Here are a few tips to thrive at work while building your freelance business:

1. Free time is Freelance time. Yes there are going to be sacrifices: happy hour, tv time, maybe even sleep or exercise time depending on the deadline or assignment. Building out a schedule and mapping the work is important to achieve all of the things you want in a day. I read this book called Writer with a Day Job. In the book the author and writing coach Aine Greaney shares all of the times one has to write: lunch time, on the commute to work, even under the hair dryer. I am a big believer that you have time to do whatever it is you choose to do. When people ask me how I found time to read 112 books in a year, my answer was simple. I found the time because completing the challenge was important to me. I was always prepared to read. Now I have my computer or iPad or iPhone wth me all the time and I’m always prepared to write when I have free time. I prepared the notes for this podcast at 7am in the morning, after my 6am run and I have to be to work at 9am today. We all have 24 hours in a day. 8-10 of those hours (on average) belong to you employer. NO employer is going to understand why you are freelancing on their dime .Trust me, you have plenty of time before and after work to handle your own business. Which brings me to the topic of productivity.

2. Finding and sticking to the workflow that is best for you. I am obsessed with workflow and productivity tools. Whenever people start talking about big ideas or a vision, I go straight to the “how” something is going to get accomplished. I love reading about and listening to podcasts on the subject of productivity. Right now, my favorite method is the “Getting Things Done Method” by. and I use Omni Focus which is a productivity software usable across Mac, iOS, and Apple Watch. I set the tasks of my life in there: work, freelance work, school work, workouts, everything in that app. In that app, I can also set times for when things are due. I have learned to set proper expectations for clients regarding deadlines and when I can respond to emails and such that are freelance related. Since I am a student, its also important that I maximize time in between semesters. I set up work and projects the will hopefully be profitable and ongoing when I resume school for the summer semester. I go “fishing” in between semesters.

3. Kill. It. At. Work. I can not stress this enough. A professional, high performer is something every leader wants on their team. If you are underperforming at work, the jig is up. I’ve worked places I hated (banking) and places I loved. My passion totally shows in my work. I go hard all the time. I can say with confidence there is not a single boss I’ve had that would not give me glowing reviews for my work ethic and focus at work. I’m proud of that reputation and I want to keep it.

This week is Small Business Week.  Visit sba.gov for resources as well as national/state/local events.

Good morning today is Thursday April 27th. Welcome to Episode 10 of the View 112 Podcast!  Ya girl is officially up on iTunes and I could not be more excited. Allow me to introduce myself if this is your first time listening to the View 112 Podcast. I am Jeanita Morris. I am a 39 year old business professional with 17 years of experience living and working in the Washington, DC area. I am a person who loves to create and pursue personal challenges for myself and this year I’ve decided to challenge myself and pursue my life long dream of being a writer. The View 112 Podcast is another outlet and platform for my writing. I talk about being a business professional while building a writing business. Other passions of mine such as football, travel, and exercise are bound to pop up on here as well. I enjoy meeting other business professionals and entrepreneurs while finding out their keys to success.  

For this 10th Episode, I’m going to discuss keys to being an eager rookie. I found this cool definition for the word rookie: “A rookie is a person in his or her first year of a sport, or someone who is new to a profession, training or activity”. I thought of this as tonight is the NFL draft and as a big time NFL fan, I’m excited to see what moves will be made tonight during the NFL draft. As fans we celebrate these college players as they join the realm of professional sports and officially became rookies. Well paid rookies at that. It got me thinking that rarely any other time do we celebrate rookies. When you call someone a rookie it is typically not the most glowing term. But we all start off as rookies somewhere and in something. For me, its this space. While I am a veteran professional in sales and leadership and have a few years or blogging experience, I am a true rookie at podcasting and content creation as a side hustle. Being rookie doesn’t have to be all about making mistakes and hard lessons (though they are bound to show up). There are some enjoyable aspects to the learning and growing process. Here are my tips to survive rookie season: 

1. Do your homework and be prepared. It is already understood that rookies have a learning curve and mistakes are to be expected. Minimize mistakes by be being thorough and prepared. At work, show up to meetings knowing your numbers and product. Have some great ideas and questions. In my rookie freelance world, before I jump out and ask for help, I ensure I have tapped into all the resources available to me on my own first. I don't want to waste anyone’s time by not being prepared and ready. Always be ready. When meeting with your boss or a mentor show up with all the information you can possibly have, anticipate needs and show up with solutions.

2. Remember, you’re in the room for a reason. I recall the first business meeting I attended as a Sales Manager. Like a good rookie, I was prepared to present and had done my homework on all areas of the business. During that first meeting, I listened to everyone else in the room and only spoke up when asked a question regarding my specific department. I had a ton of ideas and thoughts, but offered no insight or ideas as I was too intimidated to speak. I sat quietly diligently taking notes. After the meeting I typed up an email to send our VP with some ideas and thoughts based on my notes from the meeting and sent it to my mentor (who was in the meeting) for her thoughts. Thank God for mentors. She called me immediately and asked why did I not share these thoughts during the meeting. She reminded me that I was hired and in that meeting as a contributor for a reason, and that reason was not to simply take notes on the minutes of the meeting. Furthermore she pointed out that sharing this email with my VP would accomplish two things: 1. make me look like a sneaky brown nose that went straight to our boss instead of building relationships with our peers and 2. waste time and productivity compiling this email when I could have just simply mentioned these things during the meeting. Her final words really stung my ego. She said: “Aren’t you the Sales Manager? Why aren’t you out here selling making money instead of wasting time?” Needless to say I didn’t send the email and I’ve never forgotten: you’re in the room for a reason.

3. Sit Down, Be Humble. (shout out to Kendrick Lamar) I’m here for acknowledging progress and the little wins. Especially when its a big first: first big fish account, first completed presentation, first episode up on iTunes (hey!) 👋. When you’re a rookie, these little accomplishments are great confidence builders and help build momentum. But don’t get out here and start thinking you are better than you actually are. As a Sales Manager, I was famous to throw on a quick Jay Z song and rap my heart out one my way from closing one deal and heading to my next sales call. Soon as I pulled up to the next spot, I quickly remembered this is a new deal not closed yet so time to turn the Jay Z off. If I didn’t close a deal, I would ride in silence to my next sales call. Jay Z when you win, silence when you lose. No one likes to deal with an out of control ego…not your peers, not your clients, and certainly not the team of people that report to you. Remember they are a big part of executing everything setting you up for success. Even if you’re an individual contributor, someone probably helped you prep for that presentation, or listened to you practice that speech, or fact checked your report. Remember that and thank them.

None of us do things alone. I’m grateful to each and everyone of you listening to this podcast or reading it on view112.com. Often I run my ideas, post, or podcast by someone before posting.  I appreciate all the advice and support. To all my NFL fans out there, my Washington Redskins have the17th pick in the draft and I have no clue what they will do. It seems like we need a lot of help. I hope this rookie class is stellar for my squad.  

Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and give your girl a review.  I’d love some feedback!  You can check out my work on jeanitamorris.com, connect with me socially on Instagram @jeanitasmorris as well as Twitter @jeanitasmorris. 

A hot topic in business and entrepreneurship is personal branding. To me personal branding is first knowing who you are and for what you stand. Once you understand this for yourself, people or circumstances won’t be able to define it for you. It took me a few years to understand who I am as a business woman, and even longer to always stand behind that brand regardless of the circumstances. I’ve never won trying to be someone I’m not. That being said, I’m not above feedback, growth, and evolving. All of those things have a place in my professional development.  Still, at my core when I remain honest with myself, I know who I am and for what I stand. As a leader, I am a passionate, direct, competitive, energetic mover and shaker. I like being on top, out front, having fun and laughing loudly. I get the job done. People can count on me to deliver. 

There have been times I have allowed people and situations (MISTAKES) to convince me I don’t know myself. One of these situations is entering a new career like freelance writing. Part of this platform is to help me find my voice as a writer and shape this platform as I stake my place as a thought leader. But a thought leader on what? That’s the thing. So as I find my voice as a writer, I’m going to use the same process I used to understand my brand as a business professional.  

1. Ask myself some questions.

• What kind of work gets me out of bed in the morning?

• What topics am I passionate about?

• What have been my proudest accomplishments?

• What do I want to be know for?

• What type of mentorship do I need in this space to thrive?

• What can I read to help me close knowledge gaps? (My favorite question)

2. Go for what you know.

I am confident I can write about anything that interests me. However, while applying for writing jobs, I need to establish myself as an authority figure with something to offer. (At least I think so). Things I will argue you under the table about include: football, amazing things to read, business, and leadership. I always have a well formed opinion on those topics. So I’m going to focus more energy writing on these topics. I am also going to pitch to the publications in these industries. Taking this approach will certainly help me build my confidence. I have not experienced true writer’s block (knock on wood).  Should I ever experience it, thinking about different angles on topics that I feel most comfortable will help me get over the hump. 

3. Seek support

In business, the support is on going and from many sources. Friends, colleagues, leaders, and people I lead all have some perspective that help me become better and sharpen as a professional. Next to continue working on my voice and brand, I need to start actively seeking out people who are doing well in this space. So far I have been going at this alone. Sure, I get support from family and friends because they read my work and give me feedback. Still I need support from a community of writers. Iron sharpens iron. I need to be sharpened as a writer.  

4. Keep doing the work

In this case, keep writing. On this blog, I’ve been pretty consistent at delivering 2 posts per week.  I’ve written double that as somethings just haven’t made the cut. I don’t have a daily writing habit.  I could say its because I am busy (i.e. work, school, life, etc). The truth is I don’t have a daily writing habit because I haven’t planned a daily writing habit. I write when I feel like it. I need to force it a bit more and become more disciplined about writing. This is the only way I’m going to produce more work and better work. I have tons of books on writing exercises. I’ve been putting them to use and I need to do it even more.  

Overall my approach to entering the market of freelance writing is my approach as a business professional. I have to jump right in and just learn as I go. How about you? Do you know your brand as a professional? Could you articulate it with confidence in an interview or when asked?  If not, let me know if some of my questions help.  

Hi and welcome to Episode 8 of the View 112 Podcast.  Between those of you who listen to the podcast on line at View112.com or those of you who read the show notes, I appreciate the support!  Today is Saturday April 1st!  We are officially done with 1 quarter of 2017. The topic for today's podcast is 2017 Q1 Review.

This year, I took a different approach to my New Year's Resolutions and planning. I did set goals for the year, but I also mapped out a quarterly plan. I changed my approach because I noticed at the end of 2016, there were some goals I set for myself that I didn't accomplish or had not even thought about doing, mostly because I didn't have a plan. I spent the last quarter of the year trying to see if I could hit the target on some of the goals I set way back in the beginning of the year.  I didn't feel good trying to play catch up so I decided to make a change.  For the most part, setting quarterly goals has been a hit.  I set high level goals like: write more, keep in shape, complete school, improve finances, and take care of my health.  I mapped out Quarter 1 with a list of to-dos and ideas.                 

January: Register for school, complete whole 30, book all medical appointments (eye, dentist, physical, gyn, therapist), file divorce paperwork, complete 1 blog post per week for 112Books.com, and 112 Book Drive?

February: Prep for big move at work, stay strong in class work with discussion boards, yoga/beach body/run/bike (wellness challenge at work), complete 1 blog post per week, consider home buying options and lower car payment, build professional network, consider Paleo.

March: Keep focused with school work, prep for lenten season, game plan summer semester, 1-2 blog posts per week.  Running plan/bike plan/yoga, decide if moving (lease is up), sharpen writing skills (maybe a class), and Women's History Month (consider advocacy and literacy activities)

Some highlights to note:  1. I did not really picture View 112 (blog or podcast) being a thing so this has been quite the experience.  Through it all I have posted 2 times a week, for which I am very proud.  This and my school work has helped sharpen my writing skills a bit. Still, I do need to work on more professional development in this area.  2. I did improve my financial outlook by slightly lowering my car payment, getting out of a bad loan, and getting a new car in the process.  I also negotiated and renewed my lease for one more year, 3.  I have maintained my physical fitness with spinning yoga, and started a new running plan a couple of weeks ago, and 4. I am wrapping up 2 classes toward my degree: Human Resource Management, and Entrepreneur Venture Planning.  In the past, I have often registered for classes and then mid semester when things get crazy at work, I drop the classes.  Not this time.  Ya girl has been, not just hanging in there, but thriving.  Trending for As in both classes. 

Obviously there are some things that didn't get done.  I will incorporate them into my Q2 Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams for Spring: 1.  I didn't take care of all of my medical appointments. I did go to the eye doctor and the dentist in March.  I still need to get my annual physical and GYN exam.  Which leads me to 2. My eating habits are kind of a problem.  Sloppy.  Still working out fairly regularly, but my diet is a mess.  Whole 30 was an epic fail in January.  I didn't make it past my birthday. 3.  I would not say I've built my professional network though I am pleased with some of the advances I've made professionally.  I need to join a writing group, conference, MeetUp or something in this space as a freelancer. You know, just be around other people who do this.  Plus View 112 is totally different than 112 Books and I need to upgrade my plans and goals to match the expectations I have for this new platform.  At work, I'll be celebrating 5 years (2 in my current role) in May and haven't expanded my network to collaborate or work with anyone new in at least a year. 4.  About that divorce paperwork...yeah I need to get to it.  

Looking back like this helps me see my progress but also identify what I need to do in Q2.  At this pace I will accomplish a lot more in 2017 than I did in 2016.  

So how about you? Where are you with your 2017 resolutions, goals, plans?  Would you benefit from a quarterly strategy and review?  Here's what it looked like when I mapped it out in late December.  I'm working on that Q2/Q3 update now:

First Draft of 2017 Quarterly Plan...

For those unfamiliar, I am taking classes toward my undergraduate degree in Management Studies.  One of the classes I am taking is Entrepreneurship and New Venture Planning.  For this class I had an assignment to interview an entrepreneur and I interviewed DJ Lady B.  Bee Wood hails from Nashville, TN and was inspired to DJ at very young age.  DJ Lady B also created the beat to the into of the View112 podcast.  Bee and I discuss freelancing and entrepreneurship through the following questions:

How did you get started in Deejaying?

How did you find the confidence to enter a male dominated arena?

What has been the biggest obstacle as a freelancer/entrepreneur?

Do you use any productivity tools or apps for time management?

How do you attract clients?

What advice do you have for negotiating contracts?

What advice do you have for someone scared to pursue entrepreneurship?

A few reasons we (yes, we) don’t go and pursue our dreams: 1. fear of not getting it right 2. timing and 3. concerned we are going to make a mistake and people are going to judge us.  Well I have news.

We will make mistakes and people will judge. 

Now that we’ve acknowledged that, how can we fail and then move forward?

You will learn from the mistake and the judgement. The criticism will help you be better. I want to share a story with you.  The day I dreaded the most in college was Wednesday.  Wednesday was the day in my creative writing class in which we were forced to share our assignments to the class.  As a sophomore, taking this class with mostly juniors and seniors, I was intimidated by my talented classmates.  These same talented people whose work I admired would be providing me feedback on my work.  All the feedback made my pieces better for sure.  Still the day before critique days would keep me up at night. My professor suggested I attend and participate in the local open mic night.  Her theory was to build stronger tolerance to feedback and judgement.  The additional element of judgement from strangers instead of my classmates was unnerving.  I went from participating in open mic night my sophomore year, to hosting open mic night my junior year. The process made me not only comfortable receiving criticism, but craving the feedback to get better.  Sure, there were harsh comments and times I felt misunderstood. Those feelings were significantly outweighed by the times I got so much help and support.  Thinking back, I was such a stronger writer in college thanks to the repetition of writing and then facing the regular critique of my work. Its a process I am trying to reproduce here to rebuild that muscle.  Publicly learning a new skill set like podcasting and blogging surely will attract judgement and criticism. 

I’ve been thinking a lot about that bright 19 year old girl in college and how I’m a bit different today.  I’ve allowed some setbacks and failures over the last 20 years to dim that light just a bit.  I’ve lost some of that 19 year old bravery that propels you to be risky without regard of failure and then the rewards that come from that.  I think about how many times I’ve hesitated to try something out of fear of making a mistake and the judgement that will follow.  Going forward I will draw from 19 year old me.  The 19 year old that was fearless. I want to be the kind of person and writer that would amaze her.  

What’s holding you back from what you need to do today?