Self Management - Staying Focused with Free Music Online

February 7, 2008 | Self Management, Small Business | Leave a Comment

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Photo: Al- Fassam

Music holds a kind of magic over human beings. Not only does it make Friday nights at noisy bars more interesting, it can make your work day better too. Listening to the right kind of music can keep you sharp and focused on work much longer than usual. Cultivating and maintaining mad-hot creative flow is easier than ever with the sources for free music over the internet.

In the following article we’ll explore not only where to find music online, but also how to avoid some of the common pitfalls that turn music into a productivity killer. So plug in those headphones or turn up those speakers, and let’s get this show on the road.

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Small Business - To use an I or a We?

February 6, 2008 | Small Business | Leave a Comment

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Photo: CFAGELNYC

The following post is a follow up to an original entry returning to the question “should single employee small business owners refer to the company’s work as an I or a we?”

I before We, except after…

Alright. You’ve decided to jump into the world of small business ownership. Whether you’re a C-Corporation, S-Corporation, Limited Liability Company, or just a sole proprietorship, if you’re the sole employee you’re going to have to face a tough question: is the work my company does the work of an I or a we?

At first glance this question may be simple, and borderline preposterous. After all, if the work is a collaboration, then it’s a we. Otherwise its an I. Right?

Unfortunately, the more you start to think about it, the murkier the water becomes: what if part of the work was subcontracted? What if you’re looking to expand in the future, start with a we now or later? What if the company doesn’t carry your name, will it confuse clients to use an I?

Ultimately there isn’t a one-size-fits all answer. But in the following article I’ll outline some of the important considerations for both, from a few different perspectives. So read on, and let’s start clearing things up.

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Finnish?

January 4, 2008 | Small Business, Web Design | Leave a Comment

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Photo: ahisgett

It’s done. I’ve officially stopped testing the waters and dived straight into starting a career as a Freelance Web Designer and owner of my own small business. Chris Laskey Design is corporation with a dashing young president (well, pending the paperwork going through).

That’s right baby, my days of freelance work are over before they ever started. I’m a corporate man now. It’s all powersuits from here on out. I’ve tasted the sweet nectar of upper management and I’m hooked.

Okay, okay, I’m kidding. Kind of.

Let’s start from the beginning. When I graduated from college in the spring of 2007 I had two degrees and no idea what direction to take my life. How’d I get into web design? Glad you asked.

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