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Happy Friday! Today I wanted to share links to some more Free-and-Business-related posts… illustrated with some beauty shots from Cabo.
First, I was so excited to do a guest post over on Crafting an MBA this week. Megan does an excellent job presenting thoughtful business resources that go way beyond the nuts-and-bolts stuff you see everywhere else.
In my post, I talk about Free has created abundance in our craft community – and how this abundance can make it hard to grow a small business. However, behind every abundance lies a scarcity – and in that scarcity, there are great business opportunities.
I’d love it if you’d give the post a read, and leave a comment if you like it.
Then, I talked more about Free, creative businesses, and the web in this interview on EmptyEasel. I was kinda “in the zone” when I answered Alyice’s questions, so I got very specific about ways to manage Free so it’s sustainable and leads toward business opportunities.
(Notice, I didn’t say “TO business opportunities,” but TOWARD them. You still have to be deeply involved in making them happen.)
Now, let’s move on to the subject of Value, which is, of course, closely related to Free. Megan has a great post on Crafting an MBA about how video is an under-utilized marketing tool. I love her take on this! I think video is becoming increasingly important in the internet stream. There’s an immediacy of connection we form to people and stories on-screen. I love Megan’s take on using video to give your audience glimpses into your creative process and products in development.
…And this Chris Brogan post is worth a read if you’re trying to increase the value of your blog. It offers a little method of evaluating your last 15 blog posts, and using your findings to help you kick your next 15 up a notch.
Now, this may seem totally ironic in a post where I recommend you read a whole bunch of stuff on the internet, but I’ve been enjoying the comment-discussion on this post I did for Make & Meaning. We’re talking about all the input in our lives – most of it, let’s face it, internet-driven. We’re exploring ways to manage all this inflow of information and entertainment so it doesn’t drown our creativity.
I’d love to hear your take on this subject! And you might like Charlie Gilkey’s Two-Tab Rule as one method of staying focused online.
Okay, that’s plenty of weekend reading for you, my friends! Have a splendid one – and if your local farmer’s market is up and running, score me some early strawberries, willya?
Hi Diane, I'm catching up after our looooooong Easter break. I'm loving all your Crafty cruise photos – definitely my kind of cruise! Couldn't Kathy cruise to England?! Though something tells me it probably wouldn't be the same without the margaritas :)
I'm so glad people are thinking about the amount of info they take in each day. I am an avid web surfer but I somehow missed the boat on getting into feeds. Although I don't subscribe to any blogs, I've got a hellacious list of bookmarks and folders! I just check in wherever the mood strikes me. I often worry that I spend so much time taking in information that I don't have enough energy to produce anything. It's a delicate balance.
Hi Diane, I think I have finally, and thoroughly, checked out all of the links in your post (and then some, with all of the links to check out within the links). So much good stuff to learn from and appreciate. This was such an excellent post and loved reading your interview at EmptyEasel.
Speaking of appreciation, I value your comments on our blog so much. I have to admit though, I think it’s because I get such a kick out your Blogger avatar every time I see it.
Thank you so much, Dale! I really enjoy your blog and its unique creative vision. And BOY, do I need to update my Blogger profile picture. It was about six ipod versions and 15 pounds ago. :-)
Hey, Sister Diane: I've been a lurking listener for some time. I adore your podcast, both for its stimulating content and for its high-quality production values.
I read an article in the NY Times Sunday magazine that I thought would interest you. It's called “Valuing $0: Measuring Creative Gifts, from Worthless to Priceless.”
Here's the link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/16/magazine/16fo…
HI, Elizabeth – thank you so much for the link and the comment! I love Rob Walker's work – I'm so glad not to have missed this piece. And many thanks for your kind words about the podcast!