It’s Not Just a Job day 1: Be proud of your identity!

Posted on 10. Apr, 2012 by Princess Lasertron.

This week I'm sharing lessons every day designed to help readers who are "waiting it out" in jobs they don't love for the right opportunity to start their own ventures. Whether you're biding your time or well on your way to living your passion, I hope to inspire or re-inspire you to leverage your talents, your resources, and the power of your community to blow up your business!

Hello dear readers!

It’s a great feeling to love the work that we do. Doing work you enjoy gives you energy, it gives you enthusiasm every day, and your confidence grows with every small accomplishment and problem solved. And as you start to enjoy what you do more and more, people will start to notice.

And that’s when people will start to say…”Who is this person!?”

I know that “transparency” and “authenticity” are huge buzzwords right now, which has created a market for people to come around and tell you how to be yourself and help you figure out who you should be online. As a child of the 90s who has literally always had a computer in her house, and as an adult now immersed in this crazy fast-paced tech and entrepreneurship culture, the thought of constructing a “business persona” or a “personal brand” is funny to me, because I have been basically “performing identity” my whole life. Between the physical world and the online world, the line is completely blurred. So don’t talk about who you’re going to be “as a business person.” Instead, think about how your personality can drive your business.

Showing my quirks, my interests, and even my weaknesses authentically both online and offline, I believe, has greatly increased the value and quality of my relationships with my friends, mentors, and customers. I don’t have to switch from “work mode” to “friend mode.” People know that what they see is what they get, and I don’t have anxiety about living up to others’ false expectations of me.

There is always a question of how much info is too much–especially when you are associated with your employer–so that’s a line you have to draw for yourself personally. For myself, I don’t say anything online that I (a) wouldn’t want everyone in the entire world to know and read and gossip about, or (b) would come back to haunt me if I ran for president. And, I mean, I tweet anything from fart jokes to my deepest fears so obviously my line is pretty broad. I’m also self-employed and I don’t have to feel liable for as much as the controversial content I produce, but I have also capitalized on my candidness and leveraged my reputation as an opinionated person and I’ve found that there are lots of customers who love to work with a company headed by a strong personality. Just be honest and be polite and use good judgment. That is owning your identity and being proud of it.

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Who is this person?

…Candace Kalasky of Lovestruck Social Events and event planner extraordinaire

Q: What is your passion?
A: I’m passionate about designing events around my clients’ personality, style, and love stories, so their weddings feel intimate and special. Every bride and groom deserves a wedding that celebrates their love and the most important people in their lives.

Q: What is an average day for you? How do you choose to divide your time?
A: I wake up at 6:00 am and run 4-6 miles. I then shower, blow dry my hair while scanning my Google Reader feeds, and throw my hair up in a top knot. I work at my part-time job as a web developer from 8:00 am until noon. I usually run errands as I drive back to my house where I start working on Lovestru.ck projects. I break for dinner around 6:00 (the hubbs is an amazing vegetarian cook). After we’ve finished dinner and our daily crossword puzzle, I get back to client work. I climb into bed around 1:00 – 2:00 am.

Q: How do you manage the challenge between having a day job to pay the bills, and pursuing your dream of becoming a celebrated event planner?
A: Juggling my part-time job and my own business is a challenge to say the least. I don’t get a lot of sleep, but I am motivated by my love for what I do and by the clients I work for. As you know, running your own business takes a lot of self-discipline and drive, but I’m empowered by my ability to fuel my creativity as well as my love for logistics and organization. I also team up with some incredibly talented wedding professionals in the midwest and finding people who share your passion is energizing.

Q: What was the smartest decision you made in starting or growing Lovestru.ck?
A: I am the daughter of two educators, so I have always valued the stability/job security my parents have as teachers. With my husband’s encouragement, I was able to muster up the courage to go part-time, and it is one of the smartest decisions I have made.

My second best decision was downloading Insight.ly, my Customer Relationship Management tool. I would highly recommend this tool to any small business that works with multiple customers at one time. Insight.ly allows me to customize my workflow, group jobs/opportunities, and manage my day-to-day tasks for each client.

Q: How do you get the word out about your business? (What have you done to grow the business or reach more people?)
A: A lot of my business is generated by referrals from friends, family, and other Nebraska wedding vendors. My blog is also a great tool to connect to other businesses, reach out to perspective clients, and beef up my SEO.

Q: How did you know that Lovestru.ck was going to be a success?
A: There wasn’t a specific “Aha” moment, but I remember putting together my first few designs for clients and feeling enthusiastic and optimistic about what I could provide couples in the midwest. Everything just felt right. I can only describe the feeling as a crazy mixture of calm with a momentous amount of energy. I have these “pinch me” moments on a weekly basis, and I have a good feeling they’ll never go away.

Q: How do you feel your identity separates you from your competitors?
A: I think I present a consistent brand through my blog/online communication, face-to-face client meetings, and print collateral. Design is obviously very important to me, so I like to make sure I’m presenting not only a consistent but attractive brand/package to everyone that encounters Lovestru.ck. My programming background also helps me keep my website up-to-date and utilize different social media platforms to attract potential clients.

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If you don’t have a job where you can perform your true identity both online and offline, I’ve gotta speak as an entrepreneur and say it’s time to either propose a social media plan to your team developers, or move onto more modern pastures. Even if you’re going to work for a boss at Acme Cool Stuff Co. forever, you’ve gotta start using the tools and resources out there to represent yourself and your work or you are sorely selling yourself short. Your tweets show the world what you like, why you’re relevant, and what you represent. If you lost your job today, you’d have social capital built up around your identity and you’d have a community to support you as you moved into better things. You use the content you create online to make sure people understand who you are personally and professionally–and you can use that whether you’re working in a cubicle or a coffee shop.

xo
meg

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It’s not just a job: Using the power of social to build your best life.

Posted on 09. Apr, 2012 by Princess Lasertron.

I’ve been doing a lot of talks lately here locally–I just spoke to the Omaha Business Women’s Network, at the Midwest Entrepreneurship Conference, this week I’m doing a session for Omaha Fashion Week about how to pitch, and next week I’m leading a networking session at Infotec and speaking to a classroom at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Phew! I really enjoy it–I like feeling energy from a crowd, and I like learning about the projects others are working on. I like to hear from the audience about what is challenging them, what they really want to do. It’s also kind of a fun way to use my experience BEFORE Princess Lasertron–before sewing–when I worked as a public speaking coach with my communication degree.

One common theme I’ve noticed in each talk I do–whether it’s to college students or 45-year-old businesswomen–is that there’s always a portion of the audience that is biding their time in a comfortable job waiting for the perfect time to finally do whatever they’d rather be doing. Just waiting. I’ve heard so many people say things like “It’s just a job. Once I’m doing what I really want to do, I’ll be unstoppable.” My message is that it’s not just a job–it’s not a rehearsal for a cool life you’re gonna earn later. Which is why I put together a business series for this week called…It’s Not Just a Job!

Maybe you feel like you’re biding your time too, or maybe you have a job you love love love, but you need help forming a strategy to really start killing it in your position. Or maybe you want to inspire other people in your office to work as hard as you do so your team can be more successful.

The whole idea is that you can channel your passion in the right ways–relevant, productive ways–to have more professional happiness. Waiting for your life to start is bullshit–just because you are working for someone else for now doesn’t mean your actions, attitude, and relationships aren’t important. The lessons I’m sharing this week in this series will help you prepare wisely and start your new venture with an advantage, and they’ll also help you leave your current job with great relationships and a great reputation when you’re finally ready to put your two weeks in.

So here’s the schedule of topics…
Tuesday: Be proud of your identity. (Because it’s your key to the party!)
Wednesday: Work smart and work hard.
Thursday: Put your content on the right platforms.
Friday: Care about quality and experience. (Don’t gross people out.)

See you tomorrow! Bring your best attitude!
xo
meg

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questions from you: business and bidness and biznazz

Posted on 15. Mar, 2012 by Princess Lasertron.

I’ve received some great questions from you in the last few weeks via Twitter and e-mail and I’m finally getting a chance to sit down and answer them all. Besides through social media and e-mail, I’m always available through Clarity, and all the proceeds from my consulting calls to go GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network.

Q: What’s the idea behind CAMP? How is CAMP doing and what kind of growth have you seen with it? (From Adam)

A: CAMP has evolved a lot and the picture we have of what coworking looks like in Omaha is very different from when we first began. What I have learned is that as different businesses come and go through a coworking space, the culture and atmosphere can change–and that’s what makes coworking fun. Over the last year, the word about what I’m trying to do here has spread and I’m seeing more and more variety in the types of workers we are getting. Some become members and use desks for their businesses, but most drop in throughout the day and just benefit from the community we’ve developed here. My purpose with CAMP is to give Omaha’s freelancing and entrepreneurial community what it was lacking, and over the last year we’ve come to a much better understanding of what that is.

Q: What trends are you noticing right now in the wedding industry? (From Lori)

A: What I have noticed from what my customers are ordering is that we may be seeing more “lean” weddings in the coming season, with brides and grooms refocusing their priorities for their big day. I think we will be seeing more socially responsible decisions in wedding planning–green stationers, more DIY, a focus on reusable favors and repurposed centerpieces, for example. That trend toward understated, elegant simplicity can also definitely be seen in wedding fashion trends. This month I did two weddings where the bridesmaids wore simple cotton dresses and the groomsmen wore dress shirts, slacks, and suspenders or bow ties. It’s almost like a look back into the past, not for a literal vintage look, but with a focus on the values of a simpler time.

Q: I miss your “What I’m Really Into Right Now” posts. What are you into now, Megan? (From Jason)

A: Glacier Freeze G2 Gatorade, using a tiny flat-iron on my bangs, lean startup philosophy, the colors coral, mint, and navy, Alice’s daily new words.

Q: From before I was engaged I knew I would be a very nontraditional bride, but now as my wedding day is approaching I’m not sure what that “looks” like for me. I don’t want to look like someone I’m not, but I want to do a better version of myself I guess? I think that’s something you did really well in your wedding and I wanted to ask your advice. (From Brianna)

A: You’re right about taking cues from your own interests and wardrobe choices when you choose clothing and accessories for your wedding day. What are your favorite accessories or trademarks of your own signature style–big belts? Sequins? Polka dots or stripes? A slicked-back ponytail? Pay attention to the trends that you like most, that already represent you, and just turn up the volume for the big day. Add a little more magic and splurge on a bag in your favorite color, or a beautiful hairpiece to spruce up your signature hairdo. Your intuition is totally right–your wedding is the perfect excuse to express your own style at its best. Knowing who you are and feeling confident in your dress and accessories–not just what others say you should wear–is what will make you feel like a rock star as everyone’s eyes are on you.

Q: You seem very proactive and far from falling into procrastination. Any tips? (via Formspring)

A:  I really don’t like to feel like I’m wasting my time. Wasting your time is wasting your life. I love to relax, but I have a lot more fun relaxing when it’s intentional and I know I’m not stealing time from another responsibility. Here are a few tips I have.

• We all have the same amount of time in each day. The reason some people are kicking more ass with their time than you are is because they are using it very deliberately. Audit your time and figure out where you are losing minutes and hours–watching tv, going to bed at 10, reloading Facebook–and take responsibility for that lost time. Don’t allow yourself to have an excuse, because this is your only life. We only get one bat at this.
• If something’s not working, it’s okay to give up. You won’t get a trophy for breaking your back trying to finish a doomed project. Recognize when you’ve crossed the point of the hours being worth the effort, re-evaluate, and change your focus to something more successful.
• When working in a group, insist that everyone produce something and lead by example by being a doer. Lots of “leaders” will delay productivity and results by getting bogged down in assigning tasks, double-checking, finding consensus, etc. Surround yourself with people who break out of that pattern and you will be amazed by how contagious the motivation is.
• If you don’t look forward to your work every day, figure out what you can do to make it better. Rock your own boat.

I do procrastinate a lot and I notice that I tend to use the excuse of being busy with other things. For example, I’ll be working on packaging orders or sewing while I avoid returning a phone call or answering email. Communication is my weak point, which really sucks.

Q: Are you planning to have any more children? (via Formspring)

A: I think so, but I wish Dave could carry the next one. We want to live with Alice in Berlin for a year when she is five, so we’re trying to decide if bringing a baby is a good idea or if we should wait a bit longer! I’m okay with waiting. And I guess you never know what will happen.

Q: How did you get featured in all those magazines shown on your website? Do you actively pursue PR opportunities? What’s your strategy? (From Heather)

A: I’m thinking about a website redesign–it’s been three years–and the “featured in” section probably needs to look different now. I’d love it to be more interactive so you can go into all of those resources and articles. Just having the tile on there is kinda 90s.

My entire marketing plan is unforgettable customer experience–hopefully in a positive way, of course. I don’t mean “customer is always right” stuff, I mean thinking creatively to find a way to bring joy and delight to each customer in a meaningful way for them. For example, when you order something from ModCloth, the unboxing process is always a thrill and it’s always different. Sometimes you get confetti, sometimes the inside of the box is printed with a brilliant pattern. It’s a delight. When you order something from Net-a-Porter, you receive a measuring tape and a sizing card in case you need to exchange what you bought. When you call Zappos customer service, you can ask them anything–including the best place to order a pizza. With my businesses, I’ve learned that it’s so important to just give a shit about what it’s like to order something from me. To get an e-mail from me. To come to my website and read a post. As a two-person operation here, it can be a lot to handle during busier times but it’s what’s grown my business and brought me more opportunity than any ad I ever bought. I admit that I overdo it, I over-engage, but I also over-work and over-execute. It’s a balance.

I’m available through social media–Facebook and Twitter especially–to talk and answer questions and engage all the time, which both customers and press take advantage of. And I try to offer a transparent and open look into my life and my business here on my website. There is a lot of opportunity in the business world when you engage through social media and become part of all the micro-conversations going on. Talk about what you’ve learned. Ask about what you want to learn. Share opinions, have a backbone, know what you represent–that’s how you attract superfans. A devoted fan will bring you more value than any advertising could. These tactics are great because they’re free, but also because you put yourself in a position to authentically represent your business–your passion–in a space where your customers already are. Make it easy for them to learn about you, to share your news, and to interact with what you’re actually selling. I’m learning a lot about that lately.

Thanks again for all of your great questions.
xo
meg

Photo by Anthony Licari

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Big Omaha: Blowing your conference expectations out of the water

Posted on 25. Feb, 2012 by Princess Lasertron.

The Big Omaha 2012 website (designed by Oxide) launched today and I was so excited to see this promotional video. It brought back all of the excitement and butterflies from past years, and also renewed my commitment to my passions by reminding me of the feeling of pure “belonging” when you’re in a room among hundreds of other people who are fighting and scrapping and soaring and succeeding with their own projects. The feeling of being understood, and the feeling that each speaker is speaking right to you, and the feeling that you’re cool enough and good enough and smart enough to pull an idea together, make a plan, and live the damn dream.

Peep dat vid:

Big Omaha 2012 from Silicon Prairie News on Vimeo.

Tickets for Big Omaha go on sale on March 21st, and it’s worth the trip in. Watch the website for updates and a speaker list.

On a similar note, Less Conference 2012 just wrapped up in Atlanta and I’ve already bought my ticket for next year’s event there as well. So I’ll see you in Atlanta in Spring 2013!

xo
meg

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Photos from my Meet the Pros talk

Posted on 17. Feb, 2012 by Princess Lasertron.

Yesterday I shared the text and slides from my talk about collaboration in design at Meet the Pros last Monday. I just got done editing the photos and here are some of the good ones.

Some great idea were born out of that session and I’ve even had several students follow up with me in email with their progress. What are you working on right now?
xo
meg

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