This year, I’ve been thinking often about the famous Henry Heinz quote, “Do the common things uncommonly well.â€
In a world where we’re pressured to do more and cram as much into each day as possible, what would happen if we pushed back and simplified?
Let’s instead choose to focus on accomplishing each task we already have on our plates to the best of our ability before piling on more. To me, that sounds refreshing for a change. -Shauna
Over the weekend, I finalized my teaching outline for the upcoming Yellow Co. retreat in New Mexico and it feels good to finally cross a big item off my list after spending most of last year in-flux during the big PS move.
I’ll be joining Yellow as a coach for a long weekend dedicated to creative solopreneurs. Learn more and sign up for the Solopreneur Retreat here.
Whether you’re in the beginning stages of formulating a plan for your self-run venture, a freelancer making extra income on the side or looking to up-level your current business, my goal is to make sure you leave the long weekend with a really firm understanding of what it takes to run a business in a way that aligns with your personal goals and values.
The modules will be fast-paced and full of applicable, real-world advice. I’ve also sprinkled in plenty of stories about the ups and downs of running a small business and will be sharing the documents we personally use at my design studio to onboard new clients.
The following topics will be covered during our time together:
• Getting Started
• Pricing For Success
• Attracting Dream Clients
• Processes That Work
• Money, Money, Money
• Defining Growth + Success
• Managing Staff + Clients
• Marketing Yourself
• Self-Care
• Avoiding The Rut
• Creative Resources
I’d love to see you in New Mexico! -Shauna
This week, I’m putting the finishing touches on my Yellow Co. teaching outline for our upcoming New Mexico retreat (you’re welcome to come along — I’d love to see you there!) and want to make sure it’s as applicable as possible to those of you who freelance / run a small business or are dreaming of stepping out on your own.
There’s enough fluff out there and and part of the reason I took a few year break from teaching is that I wanted to dive head-on into my own small business and grow from some serious hands-on experience. My goal is to filter those experiences into content that really creates the shift so many of you are seeking, allowing you to grow your business and in turn, shape your life on your own terms.
At the same time, I realize that we’re often too close to our own content and in an effort to avoid overlooking obvious areas, I’d love to hear what you feel is missing from the small business / freelancer conversation.
What do you really want to know?
What do you wish was talked about more openly?
Are there any struggles you’re personally having?
There’s so much we can learn from one another and adding your voice to the mix can really make a difference. -Shauna
On September 7, 2018, I said goodbye to my daily life in Portland. As I packed up my house and handed over my office keys, it was both bittersweet and electrifying as big changes tend to be.
After years of planning and plotting, Joey and I finally made the move to Palm Springs with our pets. It’s been one of the best decisions of our lives but it’s also taken some serious time to adjust to new surroundings and routines.
Dreams do come true but only with a lot of work — we’d been planning a move for years but kept hitting roadblocks with multiple offers falling through along the way. What I’ve learned is that if you really want something to happen, it may not work out the first, second or even third time. That doesn’t mean it’s not right, it probably just means it’s not the right time. Don’t give up!
Selling our Portland house at the same time we were buying another house in a different state, nearly sight unseen was really stressful and nothing quite lined up so we called an Air bnb home for a few weeks. When we finally moved into our new home, it was small and cozy with a beautiful pool and landscaping but the inside needed a mind boggling amount of work. I ran my business out of a spare bedroom for a few weeks until my temporary studio was up and running. Five months in, we’re finally feeling settled and the house now feels livable.
This year has been off to a great start so far — I’m getting back into teaching after a few year break and I’m both nervous and excited about it but that’s where growth happens.
Here’s to following through with your dreams…even if it takes a few tries. —Shauna
Photo: Kristin Cofer