Being able to outlast and survive is a key entrepreneurial quality. But this doesn’t mean you need to stick to your guns no matter what, ignore advice, take no note of what works and what doesn’t and in general make like the Captain of the Titanic. You also have to … Read More
It goes like this: Sit down at your computer, with your note book. Clear your mind. Take a deep breath. Now, think about what you’re going to write about today. Write down the first sentence or idea that pops into your head. Read it twice. Now, start writing about that … Read More
So far in this series of blogs I’ve mainly talked about practical things… actions, strategies and the like. But the truth is, you need to cultivate a specific state of mind and an emotional stance in order to thrive and survive in any self-employed arena. The first essential quality that … Read More
Inspiration often hits me at the most awkward times… like in the shower or when I am out for a run. Times when it is next to impossible to record those thoughts and ideas save repeating them over and over and over until they are burned deep into my memory. … Read More
As a self-employed person your biggest enemy is COMPLACENCY. It’s a bit like working in IT: things change really fast and if you don’t remain flexible and alert, things will change around you and leave you behind. Have a quick think about your business now. Do you recognise any of … Read More
I am often surprised to meet writers who do not read a lot. It confuses me on a few levels. Firstly, if you don’t read, who do you think is going to read what you WRITE? Secondly, if you don’t read, how do you know anything about writing? And thirdly, … Read More
Do you know you can survive going self-employed? Short answer: You don’t know. But here’s the thing: you can find out. BUT you need to really have your eyes wide open and understand what you are getting into. Also, if you have the luxury of being able to test an … Read More
One of the other great myths of writing is that all writers can just sit down and start a novel and write it through to its conclusion. And while I have to concede that this has been done, it has only ever been done by genii of such a rare … Read More
Following up from Myths I thought I’d tease out some specific examples of how people TALK about being self-employed versus the reality of it. I don’t know why people lie about what its really like… maybe because so many employed people make so many jokes about how useless and lazy … Read More
Are you a professional working in Amsterdam? Do you need to conduct interviews or presentations in English? Or are you applying for an international company and your job interview is in English? I offer a select, customised coaching service to professionals to help you prepare yourself and your materials properly … Read More