You better recognize
As readers of this newsletter probably know, I talk about how cool my boss is...a lot. You might even get sick of hearing how awesome she is (she never does). It occurred to me that there are other people at this fine institution that also deserve some accolades. I mean, the boss can't get all the credit, right? In most cases, the people who work under someone are the real heroes of an organization. And too often the boss just takes the credit and leaves their employees in the dust. Well, not this boss.
Give it up for the employee of the month
This boss decided that fair is fair and it was time to give credit where credit is due. It's time to acknowledge that the boss can't do it all. She's surrounded by amazing people who help her shine. And one of those people is officially the More Than Words Employee of the Month for October.
Ok, ok, you caught me
So, it's me. I'm the employee of the month. You can gasp in shock now.
First of all, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the amazing Brian Schmidt, in my Case of the Mondays group for inspiring this post (he was his own self-proclaimed employee of the month as well), and an even huger debt to the talented Fenton Joseph, of Olive Branch Digital, for creating the visual to accompany it.
So a lot of you have been asking...
People often ask me where I get the ideas for this newsletter. Do I have an editorial calendar where I plot them out ahead of time? (I should and I make my clients do this, but alas...do as I say, not as I do.)
Typically I'm in a meeting, or listening to something and I hear a germ of an idea and write it down. It's always inspired by real life. Because what I do is all about communication as a human, I listen for how humans communicate. I got a zinger the other day that I can't wait to share!
More about me
But back to celebrating myself. The truth is, like most solopreneurs, I do so much more than just typical "boss" stuff. And while I'm fortunate to have support from my virtual assistant, bookkeepers, and designer, I'm wearing all the other hats.
Business development. Account management. Creative. Accounting. Project Management. Marketing. Reception. Catering. (A lot of catering. These people never stop eating!)
Of course, I'm always employee of the month, even when I suck (as if that ever happens). And I need to be recognized and praised (by my boss) for all I do. In other words, if you're a solopreneur or small business owner, when was the last time you celebrated yourself as employee of the month? Chances are you haven't. And that needs to change. You do so much more than anyone will ever notice. So if you're not acknowledging it, who will?
Bragtown: Population you
I'm a huge proponent of patting yourself on the back. Whether you have your own business or work for someone else, you need, and should have, a brag folder where you collect all the praise clients, colleagues and managers have heaped on you. You can label that folder Bragtown, Feel Good, Praise, I'm Awesome, you get the idea.
Recording our accomplishments isn't just to stroke our egos (though there's nothing wrong with a reminder when you're having a shitty day), it's about being able to track your impact. For employees, this is what you bring to your performance review and for owners, this can be testimonials for the website, in your marketing materials or anytime you want to showcase how your product or service has helped someone.
It's a great reminder of why you do what you do. And that's always something to celebrate. As always, if you need help creating those raving fans and want people to sing your praises...
A Kick-Ass Gift
If you've made it to the bottom, congrats! And if you attended my Creative Mornings Field Trip the other day, welcome! Your comments in the chat and thoughtful questions really made my morning, day and week!
So, in order to thank you, and because so many of you expressed interest in getting more help writing your About page or LinkedIn bio, I have a special offer for you.
I'm saving you a spot in my next hands-on Kick Ass About Page workshop (taking place in December), and have a discount code just for you. Get the full details and secure your spot on the waiting list. Once I announce the new dates, you'll be first in line and get 10% off with code: FieldTrip.
Cocktails & Content Creation
What's better than talking about content creation? Doing it with cocktails!
And while sadly this podcast episode was recorded in the morning, so my cocktail was coffee (womp womp), I had a fantastic chat with Kate and Jessie about how to write a kick-ass about page (and why you need one!). Please listen responsibly wherever you get your podcasts. :)
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