In Your Spare Time...

It is easy to fall into a routine way of living ~ school, work, weekend, repeat. Being busy does not necessarily mean being productive. We are all so diligent, but still able to spend an hour or two on facebook every night. I suggest making the most of that spare hour by learning another language. Not only will it help you in your professional career, but trips to your country of choice can be a great reward once partially fluent. Resources are pretty inexpensive, you can take a class at a community college or use a do it yourself program like Rosetta Stone. Either way, you can never go wrong with a second language! 

Into the Cloud

This week I came across two different articles emphasizing the technological changes that will be taking place within the next decade, particularly "the cloud." This term is loosely used to describe how popular applications and operating systems will be no longer computer based - but internet based. Software content will begin to migrate to the "cloud," making internet access vital at all times. Information will soon convert to real time, and the speed in which decision makers can react to a change in the business environment will accelerate dramatically. Businesses as well as consumers will be internet based, blurring the lines between the two. We will need to be connected to the internet 24/7 for both work and pleasure. 

Talk about putting all your eggs in one basket :/ 

Own It

In today's world, branding yourself is difficult task. Competition is fierce and we must all find ways to stand out as individuals. Our name is our reputation - built by every social encounter. It is crucial that we decide who we aspire to be, and market that image in every way possible. You can start branding yourself by owning your name. No you don't need to spend thousands trademarking your name, but instead purchase your domain name online. If you plan to build a huge empire like myself, It is a great way to start planning for your future. You can hold on to your domain for future use, or create a customized website marketing your skill sets, resume qualifications, and aspirations. Securing your domain name is incredibly cheap, ranging from $.99 - $12.00 a year. I am familiar with www.godaddy.com, but their are many other sites in which you can purchase a web address.

Your Daily Motivation

"The most courageous act is to think for yourself. ALOUD."

~Coco Chanel

Need vs. Want

I came across this article today on Yahoo titled "21 Things We're Learning to Live Without." So true, I have crossed at least half of these luxuries off my list of priorities this year. These little insightful articles are great for determining current market trends, especially if you are a future entrepreneur , being that you need to keep current on failing and thriving industries. Trends mentioned include cash over credit, moving back in with parents or acquiring roommates, cutting extra calories by spending less on food, and the loss of a home phone line. You can find the link to the article below:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/21-Things-Were-Learning-to-usnews-3382196417.html?x=0&.v=1

The Right Mindset

"I am not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it."

~Niccolo Machiavelli

Success Through Delegation

We are all guilty of using the phrase "I wish I could pay someone to do this" at one point or another. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and we are all programmed to excel in different areas. Example -  While starting my own clothing line, I realized I can write a business plan, but can't make a pattern to save my life! Problem meet solution - Odesk and Elance - websites that allow you to hire out your work. Type in a task or profession and you instantly have access to profiles that include the freelancer's location, qualifications, schooling, rate of pay, and feedback received. Delegating work has never been easier!

www.odesk.com

 www.elance.com