Archive for the ‘Motivation’ category

Adding Workplace Art

July 12th, 2007

Larger companies have learned that collecting art adds something special to its overall corporate image. An art collection may include art on display in waiting, or general areas. Larger collections may focus on education programs for the employees of the company and partnerships with area museums or art spaces. Unfortunately the kind of art programs and collections afforded by multi-billion dollar companies, are not usually within reach for companies without an extensive art budget, if it’s even considered at all. However, if you are ready to use some creative thinking you can create an art program, add new art to your workspace, and increase employee satisfaction. If you’re interested, keep reading and get started with Artistic Lifestyling? at work.

As business owners, one of the first design decisions we make are for our business cards. They are your client’s very first impression of your company. A well-designed card should convey both a text message and a feeling. People really do pick up and collect business cards they are attracted to – even if they don’t need the services right away. If you take the time to have the card designed by a true artist, chances are you will be pleasantly surprised by the results. I prefer designers rather than mass-produced templates for many reasons, but primarily because I don’t want to see my ‘logo’ on someone else’s card. The image conveyed on your business cards, should match your work environment in terms of appearance and energy. A modest art program at work can help to unify your corporate image for your clients and employees.

Even if your company already has an art collection, it often doesn’t include art for personal workspaces. People spend so much time at work that it is important to encourage them to create a sense of individuality with personal art that appeals to them. Shared or open spaces might be perfect for a small water feature to help keep competing noises down. It’s best not to be too extreme in choices of art on these walls, but a couple of modest pieces, a collection of small art postcards or even a small sculpture can bring instant interest to a workspace. Because selecting art can be a bit tricky, guidelines or policies created for the company help people keep their art selections appropriate for the workspace.

If you are lucky enough to have room in your workplace for public art, you can use the space for rotating art shows by artists from across the country. You can also commission murals, sculpture or faux finishes to add creative and artistic touches to your space. Remember there is no need to over do it at work, but do consider the feeling you want to express. If you are in a hectic work environment choose art that makes you feel instantly calm in the midst of chaos.

There are so many ways to artistically enhance your workspace. Hold some after-hours art classes or host an exhibit that features art created by your employees. It’s a modest investment that gives back over and over again, and also helps support local arts in your community. Use your imagination and put together a great arts program at work that will encourage employee creativity, interest in your company, and add to your overall company image.

Are You In It For The Long Haul?

July 4th, 2007

Do you own a home business? Now I’m not talking about the twice yearly yard sale. I am talking about a legitimate home based business. It doesn’t matter what type of business you are running affiliate marketing, ecommerce website, ebay auctions, etc.). The question remains the same: Are you in it for the long haul?

What exactly is the “long haul” you may ask? I consider the long haul sticking with something long enough to truly determine if it is something that is going to work for you.

I’ve got you thinking now, huh?

Well if you are like me, you know some one that has tried their hand at everything. Now don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with checking out different ways to have a home based business. Owning your own business is a GREAT thing.

What I am talking about here is that person that gets into something for a few weeks or months, quits or drops out, then starts something new just to find that this new thing is not what they are looking for either. On top of this, a lot of times this person will tell everyone they know that none of these programs or businesses are any good.

Now as I said, there is nothing wrong with “kicking the tires” to see what is out there. The big thing is when you find something, give it an HONEST effort.

How long this honest effort may take can only be determined by you and the program you are promoting or the business you are starting. Go into it with an open mind. (TIP: There are NO “Sit back and do nothing and get rich overnight” opportunities).

Understand what you are getting involved with and determine your goals. Once you have these goals in place, HONESTLY work your business. If you fail to reach your set goals, step back and look at where you are. This will give you a good idea if this business is going to get you where you want to be.

Don’t get me wrong. I am by no means telling you to stick with something that is OBVIOUSLY not working. None of us are in business to lose money. Just remember that building a STRONG home business can take a lot of work and a lot of time. It is not something to be taken lightly.

In closing let me say that if you are a “tire kicker” and jump from one “sure thing” to the next, do us all a favor. If you don’t give the program or business an HONEST effort and enough time to truly determine what you have, don’t go around spreading “how bad this or that program” is. Let others make up their own minds. What may not have worked for you, may be that “sure thing” for some one else.