The Best Thing To Do For Yourself- Ask For Help

If you're like me (and a lot of other people!) you may find yourself wanting to learn/do/improve your life & business on your own. It took me a long time to really admit I needed more than myself to create the career I desired. And since I decided to let others help me on my journey my life has improved drastically. Not just in business but in my personal life as well!

If you're at a point where you're frustrated, unenthused or even ashamed of your creative career thus far, then take a deep look at where you've been denying yourself help. Maybe you need a total overhaul or maybe it's as simple as putting in the time to ask someone about your marketing, your pricing or your customer etiquette. 

Once I dove into my own mission of finding mentors, guides and creative business buddies I've expanded not only my knowledge but my network. I've gained friends in the process who inspire and support my big creative dreams. And I've learned from others who've created businesses I admire and gotten an inside look at what it will take to get mine to my ideal level. 

And the most important part of what I learned when I asked for help- is that the most successful people get a lot of help!! High-achieving and inspirational people are able to be that way because of the help they've received, and continue to receive. It's not only opened my eyes to the positive force of a community you trust but also that no one is a "one woman show" in reality. 

So I challenge you to ask for help, and lots of it! Let go of the idea you can and should be able to do everything on your own. You and whoever you work with will be SO much better off when you go beyond yourself and let others in to help. 

Peace, love & pixels,

Sonya

The Timeline of Success

Hi my friends :) I was just doing some yoga to end my night- but got a kick of inspiration and so I'm back at the computer! Almost got away with unplugging, sigh. 

I want to talk about the timeline of success. There's a feeling, especially when you're starting out, that "success" is this magic finish line that you'll someday run through and everything will be capital G-R-E-A-T! The truth is, success is not an end point. There's no "I made it!" medal, no alternate reality where problems all vanish. Your vision of success will vary from other people's, but if it doesn't include on-going learning, improvement, and new goals then you're going to miss out. You'll miss out on finding your complete happiness and highest potential.  

Picturing "success" as an infinite road, and those never ending goals in mind, the question of "But when do I get to stop and celebrate?" may come up. This is up to you, this is your chance to REALLY enjoy the journey! Don't forget that every step is a lesson. And do remember to appreciate and acknowledge the big and small goals you hit along the way. If your whole life becomes the journey, without one final "success" point, suddenly there is a WHOLE lot of room to enjoy yourself. So don't rush, there is only more time to come, bringing more lessons and adventures. 

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Wishing you never ending success,

Sonya

Keep Calm and Internship On

It is pretty much a given these days that you’ll end up in an internship or two while in school and even after you’ve graduated. Internships can provide eye-opening looks into the possible career of your future. But they can also be really boring, frustrating and not in your best interest. The key is to ask a lot of questions and do your research on all possible internships before you dive into one. I made the mistake a couple of times of not thoroughly finding out what I’d be doing or how it would really be an effective and positive experience for myself. No one wants their time wasted- and even as a student you have the right to use your own time wisely while working for others. One thing I didn’t realize as a student looking for internships, is that not only should I provide value to the employer BUT they should provide value to me. That is true whether you are working for free or payment of any kind.

Things to keep in mind when searching for internships:

1. What kind of business is it and who runs it? Is it a new start up/gallery/company still figuring out workspace and roles, or a well oiled machine with lots of rules set in place? What internet presence do they have and what do others say about them? Are you working with a boss one-on-one, or with other interns/assistants/employees?  I had experiences where I was mostly working alone but really enjoyed the work and had real responsibility, as well as times I was sitting next to the employer and barely learned a thing and was bored as hell. And had to walk her dog…love dogs, but not what I was looking for!

2. How much time can you commit? Decide upfront how many hours/weeks/months you’ll be there. Even if things change it is helpful to have expectations voiced at the beginning. If receiving payment make sure you understand how and when you’ll be paid. Also, always ask if payment is available! It may not be, but sometimes even a small stipend is a great motivator and reward for work well done.

3. Decide to learn as much as possible and make sure they know what you’re interested in learning. I know from running a business it is easy to forget what wasn’t always general knowledge or that explaining how systems came to be, can be really helpful to those not familiar with the business. Don’t be afraid to ask questions- but do take note of when the appropriate times are to do so. (Like not in front of clients.)

4. Reach out to businesses or individuals you’d like to work with. THIS IS HUGE! Some of my best internships came from asking for the opportunity, not because there was any advertisement that they were hiring. Look in your area for places you admire and think you could learn from, let them know you’re interested and available.

Internships can be fantastic opportunities to see the inner workings of various jobs and companies.  They are also great for making connections in the “real world” and beginning to network with those you may one day work with. Always look for relationships that will be symbiotic, stand up for what’s right for you, and if on the off chance it all goes to shit- smile and walk away gracefully!

Peace, love & pixels- Sonya