The biggest struggles I and many of my clients have had are around setting and navigating boundaries in business. The client that asks for extras--and you feel queasy inside as you say "Ok...I guess that wouldn't be that big of a deal". The person who wants to trade with you and you say yes...even though you don't really … [Read more...]
Using Mistakes to Create Connection
I was at Fred Meyer today getting some storage bins and three of the lids slipped off the shelf and clattered to the floor in three different directions. I halfheartedly tried to catch one, but for the most part I just let them fall. I said "D'oh!" under my breath and looked sheepishly at a fellow shopper nearby and started … [Read more...]
Making Work Trades Worth It
When I first started doing web design, I accepted trades eagerly. It sounds great, doesn't it? I'll work for you, you work for me, it's all very equitable and communistic. In theory. However, I noticed that my projects that were paid for in trade didn't always go the way I had hoped. They would take a lot longer than … [Read more...]
Choosing Who You Play With
What happens when your business partner or employee is also your friend...but they aren't good for your business? Sometimes you don't realize right away. You want to give them a chance, so you let things slide that you wouldn't if they were anyone else. Perhaps they used to do a good job but lately things never get … [Read more...]
Codependency in Business
What is Codependency? Robert Subby defines codependency as “An emotional, psychological, and behavioral condition that develops as a result of an individual’s prolonged exposure to, and practice of, a set of oppressive rules.” The term comes out of treating alcoholics and their loved ones, who developed codependent … [Read more...]
Is doing lots of pro-bono work a sign of low self-worth?
A reader writes... Hi Emma. As an aspiring web designer, I have a dilemma, and it brings up a deeper spiritual question. Many people are asking me to design/develop their web site for free or almost-free with the possibility of future job opportunities or income. For example a professor friend of mine asked me to … [Read more...]