Dyana Valentine » projects

Get lusty for your work

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:16:30 +0000

Think back (or forward) to a new, passionate, relationship. Feel the sizzle, remember the smell and hear the music you listened to at the time. Really get into it. Are you feeling it? Good!

Like the first weeks of a lusty relationship, I want you to imagine your project knocking on your door and you have goosebumps. You aren’t even sure where to start: offer a drink, sit down or just get right to it? What if this was your energy around your current project? Do you think I’m kidding? I’m serious as the first week of love, committed and thinking about it non-stop. I want you to get hot for your work.

We DECIDE to go for it in new relationships. And yes, like our projects, we lose that initial verve. “things” get old, routine, dry. What do you do in your best relationships to fuel the fantasy fire? How do you get it up when the endorphins wear off?

Do you have a stalled project right now (you know the one)? The one project that has changed five times in the last 18 months. it keeps morphing, shifting, changing names, but it ALWAYS comes back. Take a moment right now and evaluate it like you would a lover, very close friend or even a child. Make your project someone, an important someone. Consider a few project-relationship concepts:

LOYALTY: is the project true to you? Does it reflect your values? Are you loyal to it, or divided–and why?
PASSION: where’s the spark? Is it still there? Do you have that spark in you about it? If not, is it truly gone or does it just need a blast of the bellows?

Okay. Let’s stop here and fantasize that you check-checked the top two and you know your project is loyal and you are true to her. Your passion is there, but just a bit distracted or dulled by time and the reality that plodding through certain parts of a project can put a damper on your woody. Now, ask:

3. CONNECTION: are you connected to the meaning of your work or project? Is there a way that you could improve the connection–both to the task(s) at hand and your role in the project (and perhaps with other humans on the task as well)?
4. PURPOSE: is the current purpose of your work relevant? There’s always a purpose, but is it your original? Even if it still resonates to how you felt when you started–does it serve now?

Now, how’s your lust factor? Did I just add frustration to your day or did something shake loose? Are you staying with the project, or is it a time for an amendment, date-night or a break up? Let me know in the comments.

Photo by See-ming Lee 李思明 SML used with permission under a Creative Commons license.

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Twitterview with HOW Magazine: 9/3/09, 1130a, Pacific

admin — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 05:04:58 +0000

For all you twitterfiends–and design-o-philes:
drop on by www.twitter.com and play in the stream with me and Bryn Mooth, Editor in Chief of the brilliant HOW Magazine.

Bring a topic, be a voyeur, chikky check us out! We’ll be talking about next week’s inHOWse Conference, among other juicy things.

Tweet you there.
UPDATE, 9/3, 1240pm: check out the summary on the HOW Blog.

Client Tell: Brownie Blockade, Part 4

admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:55:34 +0000

Client Tell is a guest-post series from clients who have worked with me and want to share their process. The first series is a 5-part story from Alison Turner, Brownie Boss of Signature Bites, a small-batch, handmade and all natural gourmet brownie company. Let us know what you think of her story–and her brownies!

Brownies Blazing Forward
By Alison Turner

I think it’s safe to say I’ve broken through the brownie blockade – helped by Dyana!
There was a tipping point during the past few weeks, and Dyana’s unwavering enthusiasm was like a good luck charm on my shoulder. Knowing that I would report back to her on my progress was a small, but instrumental action point to keep me moving forward. Plus, the every-growing “to do” list kept my controlling nature in check and allowed my practical personality to just get it done!
I had sent Dyana a link to my website for review before I published. Her feedback was detailed and helped me adjust a few things before launching it upon the world. I wasn’t able to incorporate all of her recommendations, largely because the template I used to build the site wasn’t flexible enough to do all the things Dyana, and even myself, wanted it to do. It’s an “informational” site – a first iteration. It will evolve and improve in functionality (allowing online purchasing and payments) and style (more photos and more pages). However, with finances low I need to grow volume before investing in a designer to program a better site.

Once the website launched, I confess I procrastinated on sending out an email blast to my already built list of friends and contacts. Yet again I placed a brick wall, a STOP sign, in front of my own potential success. Why? I was back to those thoughts that I might not be able to do this.

“Did you ever attempt something at work and fail,” a friend from my Business Buddies group asked during one or our weekly meetings.

“No,” I had replied.

“Then what’s the problem? If you figured out how to do something in that environment, then why not with your business?” she added.
She was right. A few days later, I sent out my email blast announcing the launch of my website and ability to start taking orders. I received half a dozen by the end of the day, not to mention countless emails expressing support, delight and congratulations for taking the plunge. It was uplifting and I stopped to give myself a pat on the back. If Dyana had been there, I’m sure she would have given me successive pats on the back.

“Keep your eye on the prize,” Dyana said when we touched base a week later. We talked about my meetings with local women entrepreneurs who were so helpful in lending advice and tips for developing my business. One of them put me in touch with an upcoming event that I’ll be participating in next month – The Great American Bake Sale – at a local mall. It’s going to be labor intensive, but the ROI will be worth it – it always garners local media coverage and will be wonderful, charitable forum for people to taste my brownies and know that my company exists.

I recently sent out another email blast about Mother’s Day – and more orders have flooded in. Plus, I nearly got exposure on the Good Morning America show – nearly, but not quite. In the end, the producers of the segment on affordable Mother’s Day gifts wanted gifts for Mom’s made by Mom’s – and well, I’m not a Mom yet.

I’ve been so busy that I’m even beginning to let go of the anxiety of finding a “real” job. I will keep looking, but now that I’ve broken through the blockade and am following a new path, I feel a sense of focus that I didn’t have before.

Connecting with Dyana has most certainly been a positive development in my life and the future of my business. I wonder if I would be at the point I am today without her involvement and I’m confident the answer is “no”. She really is a healthy dose of optimism and creativity that I had not anticipated – and combined with other forces at play in my life during recent weeks, it all combined to bring me to this point today.

Give Alison some feedback, add your own story and add your own blockades or blockade-busters below.

Find out more about Alison and order some brownies!

Client Tell: Brownie Blockade, Part 3

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:12:42 +0000

Brownie Brazenness!
By Alison Turner

“I am capable of brazenness,” Dyana encouraged me to tell myself during our second phone consultation. “We need to activate you being brazen,” she explained. “We want to evoke it, because it’s in you!”

Me? Brazen? OK, I can go with that.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, my second call with Dyana was a little delayed – giving me more time to do my homework and collect my thoughts. Since we last spoke, I was 95% done with my website, had received my printed business cards, had put together a direct marketing email list and set up some informational meetings with local, successful female entrepreneurs in the baking business.

Dyana was wonderfully supportive of my progress and excited to hear what my next steps were for the week. On the agenda is getting my website “live”, developing a promotional campaign to publicize the site’s launch and that I’m here and ready to take orders.

From our discussion, it became clear that I need to manage this venture like I managed my corporate jobs. That’s especially challenging when my “cubicle” is my paper-strewn kitchen counter. Further, while attempting to realize this dream, I’m riddled with guilt over not focusing on a “real” full-time job hunt. I was laid off at the end of February. There’s severance money – but it will run out eventually. My brain cannot fully grasp the concept yet that that my brownie business can support my life in the same way that a full-time job working for some multinational organization could.

Dyana can tell that I’m somewhat frantic about having everything set up and ready to go, and that integrity is very important to me. She wants to steer me toward re-framing my business, moving away from seeing it as a pastime towards a fully operational “brownies are being made while you’re at the beach” type operation. The issue of scaling the business is very important, and it’s frustrating to my controlling nature that I don’t have all the answers. A meeting with a successful local entrepreneur (her company’s cakes were featured on Oprah’s favorite things episode a few years ago…) this week will help me on this front I think.

We also talked through some of the logistics I’m dealing with, and I followed up on Dyana’s recommendation to get a separate phone number for the business to put on the website. Another friend suggested using Skype to do this – it’s far more cost-effective than a separate cell phone line. We also brainstormed some email campaign themes, and Dyana’s non-stop enthusiasm had me wake up the next morning with yummy, chocolate thoughts prodding me forward all day.

Give Alison some feedback, add your own story and add your own blockades or blockade-busters below.

Find out more about Alison and order some brownies!

Client Tell: Brownie Blockade, Part 2

admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:06:05 +0000

Signature Bites, by Alison Tucker

First step to breaking through the “brownie blockade”
- By Alison Turner

I approached my first phone session with Dyana with a good deal of trepidation. I was fearful of sounding like a “corporate snob”, of not appearing committed enough to my brownie cause, of coming across as “too knowing” about the ins-and-outs of starting a business when I’ve no proven track record.

Thankfully though, my desire to connect with someone who could help me break through my “brownie blockade” was more powerful – and so while it occurred to me to worm my way out of our initial conversation and put forth another self-imposed STOP sign, I forged ahead and made the call.

Dyana was brilliant at getting to the heart of things very quickly, and very painlessly! Her probing questions promptly validated my self-diagnosis for throwing out one excuse after another for not having developed my business as far as I proclaim I have wanted to. “It’s not a lack of self confidence,” she said, “It’s about shaking the anxiety loose and growing in a controlled fashion.”

Ah, control. That word comes up in my personal life too. My ever-supportive fiancé commented on my control issues this past weekend in an entirely different context, so I shouldn’t be surprised that this spills into my business persona as well. But what to do about it? When does too much control become a bad thing? How do I control my control problems?

Dyana was also quick to identify my very practical nature and approach to life, and encouraged me to start segregating the practical side of my brain from my brownie plans and aspirations. It’s almost as if my practical mind has a choke-hold on my ambitions, circumventing development because I’m trying to control the outcome of next steps instead of just moving forward.

I was also very encouraged to have Dyana explore my work-style preferences. I’m a social person, and historically, I’ve really enjoyed the corporate office atmosphere and working in teams with smart people. I fear my quest for entrepreneurship will leave me lonely and bereft of social interaction.

I wasn’t quite sure where all of this was heading, and how we would work through it. So when “homework” was assigned, I smiled to myself and like the good student I always was, I wrote down my assignments:

1.    Come up with a brownie vision – how to take it from a one-woman collective to something much bigger and doesn’t have me as a lonely baker!
2.    Map out my collective ambition and develop an organization chart. Define the ideal business model – is it Patagonia-style or Vermont Country Store?
3.    Develop a target list of buyers, both “sure bets”, “maybe’s” and “fantasy” buyers.

But I think my most enjoyable, and easiest homework assignment – what Dyana called my “bonus” task – will be listing all those STOP signs I have no problem coming up with – just watch me fill up an entire sheet of paper with those!

Give Alison some feedback, add your own story and add your own blockades or blockade-busters below.

Find out more about Alison and order some brownies!

Client Tell: Brownie Blockade, Part 1

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:18:41 +0000

The “brownie blockade”
– by Alison Turner

I have been baking decadent, delicious brownie “bites” since 2003 – and since those first batches came out of the oven, friends and family have urged me to start a business selling them.

But as good as I am at baking, cooking, and taking care of myself both financially and mentally, I am even better at coming up with self-imposed road blocks for not starting my brownie business. As each Thanksgiving and Christmas merged into Valentine’s Day I would declare, “That’s it, next year I’m going to be in operation and taking orders.” But it hasn’t happened. I am at an impasse – a brownie blockade.

I consider myself a smart woman, accomplished even. I put myself through college, earned a MBA from a leading English university, have lived in countries on both sides of the Atlantic, am debt free, have worked for global corporations, and have an extensive and valued network of friends. My first career was as a business journalist – I’ve interviewed hundreds of small business owners as well as CEO’s of huge companies. I’ve studied business management, and even entrepreneurship. I know the scary facts. Added to that, I spent my second corporate career in the marketing, advertising /branding and communications arena. I know how to promote.

I turned 40 a few months ago –and I think my best years are still in front of me. I’m confident I have a handle on what does and does not contribute to success. I’m ready.

So why do I return to my “this time next year…” speech? Why does each year close and my countless batches have only gone as far as my workplace, friends, or family functions? While others around me search for an idea, a concept they can be passionate about and turn into a business, I have something laying at my feet, but I can’t bend down and pick it up.

One of my dearest friends, Cat, has listened to my brownie banter for quite a few years now. I tortured her recently when trying to select a company name for my brownies – and then finalize the branding color scheme. Cat is very much like me, and also completely nothing like me. However, one of our commonalities is that we are active “connectors” – putting people in touch with each other when we feel or see that they can help each other in some small or big way. That’s how I met Dyana – Cat connected me to her – as they both worked together some years ago and have remained friends.

As soon as I read Dyana’s tag-line on her LinkedIn page: “Helping self-starters learn to self-finish: one project at a time.” – I could identify! I was immediately hopeful that someone was out there that could decipher my subconscious inability to turn my ‘bites’ into a viable business – one that operated outside of my mind!

Dyana considers herself an instigator – I consider Dyana my business therapist. I am looking for and expecting analysis of my reservations, my hang-ups, my preconceptions about having one’s own business, plus a lot more! But most importantly, I’m open to her help – I am here to embrace it.

I want my business to launch and to succeed. I want to break free of the confines and security blanket of my former ‘Corporate America’ jobs. I want as many people out there as possible to experience the joy of eating my creation. I am at my brownie breaking point.

Give Alison some feedback, add your own story and add your own blockades or blockade-busters below.

Find out more about Alison and order some brownies!

How-To: Get a Project GOING!

admin — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:38:52 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Last week, I had the pleasure of recording a tele-seminar with Dallas Travers and her Thriving Artist Circle. Five brave volunteers completed a Project Assessment, detailing what project they were working on and what help they needed. We then worked with them to help them combine their personal strengths with their struggles to come up with unique project solutions to move them forward. This one hour recording gives you a great example of how I help self-starters learn to be self-finishers. Remember: if you focus on even ONE of the 5-steps to self-finishing, you WILL make progress!
1. Start where you are: be nice to yourself! Just because you aren’t an expert now, trust that you’ll get there.

2. Accept invitations: even unlikely ones.

3. Ask for feedback: be clear about what you need and when.

4. Focus on what DOES work: be positive and be brave enough to re-evaluate your goals.

5. Make a small decision and TRY it: nothing is permanent, you can always try something else.

6. GET ACCOUNTABLE: when you are in the moment of choosing to watch tv on hulu.com; call a friend and be SPECIFIC about what you are doing—endcap it with a call to report what you did accomplish. Here’s an Accountability Check In Sheet to help you start your own accountability process.

Dallas and I invite you to download and listen to the tele-seminar: Dallas Travers & Dyana Valentine: Finish What You Start! (you may wish to complete the Project Assessment first), and enjoy the process. Write your questions, suggestions and ideas in the comments. Let me know how I can help you finish what you start!

DIY: Accountability!

admin — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 01:49:22 +0000

Get Going and Keep Going: accountability partners

These Accountability tips were included in Monique Hodgkinson’s blog, A Stable Solution. Check her out–she is putting some great ideas out there for newbies to small business.

I am more accountable to others than to myself. Seriously. Yes, I’m a coach, advisor and all-around whip cracker. But I need help keeping my projects going while I help you with yours. SO, about 5 years ago, a few friends started an Accountability Group. We met weekly and shared ideas for, success stories about and roadblocks to our projects and goals. Over the years, I have taught many groups, organizations and pairs how to use the Accountability Process. It has worked tremendously for me, my clients and I trust will for you, too.

My intention here is to encourage folks to be accountable to their own projects with others who help us stay honest, on track and in motion. The goal of an accountability partner or group is not only to get feedback (if you want it), share resources and ideas but mostly to give you an opportunity to report your progress, celebrate accomplishments and set (and KEEP) realistic goals for yourself.

Here’s a brief how-to get started with a partner or a group (if you get it are ready to skip right to the worksheet, click here).

1. Be choosy about your partners.

This may be a no-brainer, so bear with me. You may be friends, but may not be ideal accountability partners. Does the person you are considering show up? Do what they say they will do? Have a critical (constructive) eye? Will they give you honest feedback? Are they a positive person?

2. Communicate early and often.

Ever notice how you may start a group or partner with someone, then it fizzles out with no warning? It’s critical with an accountability process that it works for you and all involved. Check in periodically with the group or your partner and ask: how’s this working for you? Are you getting what you need? Do you need to re-evaluate when/where you are checking in? is one person hosting all the time? Is the hour of the meeting still working for everyone?

3. Use a clear process:

It can be as simple as a 15-minute phone or quick email check in at the end of a day or on a deadline. Agree on when you’ll check in with your partner or meet with your group. Show up on time and be clear: what did you intend to get done? Did you do it? Do you want feedback or support (be specific about what you want from others)? And clearly state the next step or deadline. The process can change over time and each person may put their own twist on it—don’t get stuck in a process that isn’t serving everyone involved.

Get going! Click here for your Accountabilty Check-In Sheet. Use it, change it, make it work for you. Let me know if you adapt it and how so I can share it here. Big thanks to Elektra Grant, who hosted the first Accountability Group, developed the original check in worksheet and has championed me as I continue to pursue my passion of helping YOU help yourself.

So…how do you stay accountable? Who helps keep you accountable? Let me know in the comments.