Mar
08
Michael / Box of Crayons Video
The other night, I went out for dinner with Michael Bungay Stanier, author of Do More Great Work. (Totally not an affiliate link because the Amazon affiliate program is balls.) I have hung out with Michael on several occasions and every time I think he can’t get any cooler, sure enough, he does. So when he said he was going to be in London for the day, I snatched up the chance to hang out with him.
(When you read my memoirs, you will be able to hear the full and juicy details of the conversation I had with Jamie leading up to this meeting, but I’ll give you the highlights here:
Me: Yes, I know I’m asking you to drive me to another man’s hotel room. And I know I haven’t shaved my legs in four years and I’m doing it tonight, right before you drive me to another man’s hotel room. I also know that there’s a very good chance I’m going to come home drunk off my head like the last time I met up with Michael. But you can still give me a ride, right?
Jamie: Whatever. Are you ready?
In my memoirs, I will make this much more salacious than it really was.)
Anyway, among other extremely cool shit – including but not limited to the sexy new concept of workweek vegetarianism, his numerous piercings, and the fact that he tries to be as bad an influence as possible on his siblings’ children – we talked about Great Work as it applies to ittybiz owners. You should probably just drop the fifteen bucks and buy his book, but in the meantime, he made a little video just for you.
Therefore, I unveil:
Great Work For IttyBiz Owners: The Shit You Gotta Know
(Thanks, Michael. It was a damn blast.)
As a vego I’m curious what workweek vegetarianism is – can you let me in on it? :)
Week day vegetarian. Got the idea from the TED conference this year from the founder of TreeHugger.com. Vegetarian Mon-Fri. Option to eat things with a face Sat and Sun.
Bottom line is — spend your time doing what is important to your business, and avoid doing work that is not important. Excellent advice.
I love the idea of having a separate space for your “great” work vs. your “good” work. I never thought of it that way, but may have to rethink how I lay out my small office.
Right now, I actually segment “great” work out by separating it on my weekly/monthly time plan. 7-9 every morning (and sometimes starting at home as early as 5:30AM) is my time to do brainstorming, writing, and creating content for my blog…videos…and future training programs I’m putting together. I find that this is my most creative, most energetic time of the day.
Then, I have 9-3:30 for the “good” work…which is doing the actual client work and having meetings or doing networking either locally or online.
Thanks for the great post. Looks like a wonderful book!
I totally agree with you! Once my work is organized in my office under strict categories, the space around me explodes.
Great, good, and pending!
Michael’s suggestion about having 2 separate workspaces is very interesting – one for good work and another for great work. I’m having one workspace for all my personal/good work/great work, and I can see how it can be distracting sometimes.
Also, having emotional support from others is crucial and I believe it could make or break the success of an Ittybiz. Eating out with others could be a good way to get back that social feelings and know that you are not alone.
Great video!
Thanks for the fabulous video Michael.
I love all of the tips. Seriously solid stuff there.
I was glad to hear the have two places to work part. Because that’s what I’ve been doing for awhile. And some people told me it’s a crazy idea.
I do all of my good work on my desktop. And I really only use my laptop for great work kind of stuff. I have them on different parts of my desk. Or I’ll take the laptop to another room or to a coffee shop somewhere.
It’s been really helpful for me because I get that when I move to the laptop I’m switching gears. I’m shifting from answering emails and checking calendars and hanging out on Twitter to doing the really creative stuff that I love the most.
Thanks again for the video. And for your book. I have it on the bookshelf where I keeps books I reach for frequently. I find myself pulling it off the shelf at least once a week. It’s just that awesome.
The video was great – thanks for posting this! These are definitely some helpful tips, and I will be incorporating some of them into my work days. :)
Awww! That was such an awesome video, and honestly I think it’s so cool that you got to hang out together. It speaks to the power of community that we can all help each other do more great work.
I love the idea of having 2 work stations. I see myself having a pen and paper for my great work more than a computer. I also play different music when I’m doing great work as opposed to “good work”. You’ve totally got me intrigued about workweek vegetarianism! Another video or blog post… or even paid course? :)
Video later. I’ve seen Michael’s site and I’m sure it’s worth watching, he’s a creative guy.
Key message now: Happy Birthday, Naomi! Have a marvelous year, and a huge thank you for all the “Aha!” moments and smiles from the last one. You’ve been truly inspirational.
Great video and great advice. Especially good is that reminder to reach out to the great people. I keep forgetting that, and as he said, I feel often like who am I to talk to them. But, every time I do reach out, the folks have been great and receptive.
Thanks for posting the video and kicking me in the butt!!
I’m noticing Naomi totally failed to mention her leg-warmers, which were in fact the highpoint of the night
Learning to say “yes” more slowly. Ya know, “no” is a tough word for women to learn, except when it comes to guys we don’t want to date and, even then, a lot of us hate to say “no” flat out. (“I’m seeing someone.” “I’m moving to Panama.” “Why, yes, that beer can pull tab around my ring finger is an engagement ring.” )
Still, we have to keep in mind that “no” may shut one door but it leaves the option open for other things in life. Thanks, Michael and Naomi.
Love the idea of two work stations — I kind of have that going and didn’t realize it — I am going to make a conscious effort of this over the next couple months. — awesome video post.
I note most commenters liked the two workstation approach, but the final point about the coach really resonated with me.
Michael, thank you for being humble and honest enough to admit you have one, not just for the “business-y” aspects but for the encouragement. I am about to embark on a similar arrangement for the very reasons you cited, even though some people around me questioned the wisdom of doing so.
I am encouraged!
(And thanks, Naomi, for posting)
Love the two workstations idea – as a Feng Shui consultant this fits right in. I know I don’t do my best work in my office – usually go to the sea or somewhere else to do that but I can see if I could incorporate a space for great work every day that would be very cool.
Thanks for the great ideas – and bet those legwarmers are very cool – so to speak!
So – how we we get our photo appearing with our posts??
Funny story…I have the book but haven’t read it yet.
I’m a vegetarian, so your mention of “workweek vegetarianism” intrigued me. I Googled…this post was #1…
Guess I’ll watch the video :)
Great stuff. Nothing like reinforcement of what you’re learning. I started working with a business coach — finally – after 20+ years working for myself. I find her brilliant and insightful and much of what she’s shared and has me working on is exactly what you’re talking about.
I’ve been paying more attention to my ‘radar’ – I know what to say YES to and when to say NO. I just don’t always do it. I find the ideas that present themselves that are definite NOs, are the ones that make me feel instantly tired or overwhelmed. I’m not that great at (or fond of) saying NO to people when I know I could get something done easily, but doing so has freed up time and stress, making me more productive, and dare I say it: happier with my days. Thanks for your insights, going to buy your book right now.
Naomi: You’re freakin’ awesome and effin’ hilarious!
Michael: GREAT book! Lovin’ it…
Thank you, Naomi, for hosting Michael’s lovely piece.
As a broad who’s seen it all and done most of it (business-wise) it’s a refreshing surprise to hear/learn ideas+actions that resonate as “new” but feel utterly organic, as if from inside my own brain. I’ve been reading Michael’s fun BoxOfCrayons, but hadn’t seen (or felt) him live (Hi there!) yet. This post & video was the touch that’s sending me to buy the book.
This visit was just marvy,
much appreciated, thank you both.
~GirlPie
Okay, Michael totally needs to have an audio version of his books because he has an amazingly soothing voice. Wow. The advice is good too – I’m passing it on to my stress-o-rama spouse so that maybe he can start enjoying his career again.
The video was very interesting. their are definitely some tips worth looking into more..