If We Were Having A Glass Of Wine…

  I would tell you I had a good week but I’m feeling drained right now. I work at a co-working space called Orange Coworking! It is a wonderful place for me to meet people and get a lot of work done. They celebrated their six-month birthday with cake and prizes.

  I started off the week with our Monday Morning meetup at Orange. It is a group of entrepreneurs who discuss and brainstorm ideas or issues brought to the table. It is a great way to start the week. 

If we were having a glass of wine I would tell you that I’m balancing two businesses. It’s hard but I don’t have to return to a job I would not enjoy. I like controlling my day and being free to work the way I choose. So I’m not complaining just have to figure out my down time because I’m always working or thinking about work.

  
If we were having a glass of wine I would tell you I attended a E-Women Network Wisdoms Circle. I was a bit nervous at first because I didn’t know what to expect. But I learned a lot and I left with tools I can use to grow my business. The women were great and we were able to connect in the fact we all had one challenge we could get ideas to help us move ahead. What I like is you present the challenge then the other women give you ideas. You cannot speak during this time. You then take those ideas and use them as you see fit. I’ve got some work to do! But it’s all good.

  

If we were having a glass of wine I would tell you I think I’m finally relaxing on the radio show I do every Friday morning. It’s called the Breakfast Club. I have been a co-host for about at least four years but it takes me a while to feel comfortable in order to show my personality. I have to trust others and my surroundings. I live “on guard” all the time.

  
Well, I think I have drunk at least half of the bottle so I will see you next week. Have a great weekend!

@damitaslife #ifwewerehavingaglassofwine @lifemusicatx @paigeturna @meintheatx @marylinnen #wisdomcircle #meetup #networking #wine #coworking @orangecoworking

Photo: Google

mudpreacher.com

Be Creative Everyday

Damita

Leaving The Isolation At Home

Photo Credit: faredzedulot.blogspot.
com

When I started my business six years ago, I worked three days a week at a coffee shop. It was the perfect setting for me to have coffee and muffins and interact with people. I loved it. I didn’t’ even mind driving across town because it was such a great place. When the owner had to shut the shop down, I was really sad. I then got the opportunity to lease some office space. I stayed in the office space for two years. I gave it up because I was going back to coffee shops to meet with people and I stopped going daily to the office. That was a waste of money.

I have since been working in my home office. It’s nice. My desk sits in front of a big window that I can look out onto the street. But after sitting in there day in and day out I go a bit stir crazy. I love my dogs but they don’t talk to me. 🙂 The isolation interferes with my focus and my ability to get my work done. I have started looking for ways to be around people and get back to working at a coffee shop.

I have known about Co-working for a while. At the time, I looked into it, the ones available in my area had a cost, which I was not willing to pay. But I have recently come across a co-working meet-up in my area I have joined. I haven’t attended yet, but I plan to in the coming weeks. I will tell you about my experience but it is at a coffee shop and I get to meet new business owners.

Just in case you are asking what are the benefits of being a part of a Co-working program or meet up? I found a great article that will give you some insight. I hope it helps and let me know your experience with co-working and if you found it to be helpful. I know it will help me not feel so isolated and alone.

Link: 5 Benefits To Coworking by Laura Neiser

Austin Co-Working Meet-up: http://www.meetup.com/South-Austin-Coworking/events/218910389/

Video: CBS News Coworking Space Trend

@ujimamagazine, #coworking, #beingaentrepreneur, #noisolation, #focus, #creativity, #productivity, @mlinnen, #vitalityoptimizer, @paigeturna, #meetup, @lauraneiser

Damita Miller-Shanklin

Damita@Ujimamagazine.com

My First Twitter Chat- Hashtag Bizfocus

I participated in my first Twitter Chat this past Sunday evening. I want to thank @callherdonna and @KoKoa Magazine for hosting. I was anxious at first but I got over it quickly because the conversation flowed and all the participants were very open and shared valuable tips on how to manage our goals.. The hashtag was #bizfocus.

This was my take away for what I need to do in order to grow my business, as a business owner.

1. I need to have a back up plan for when my original plan does not work out the way I envisioned. As I mentioned to the group, I always make changes depending on what needs to happen, but I need to make sure it is a concrete plan that I can take into immediate action.

2. I will continue to write my goals down and make a plan to achieve them. And for me, follow through is a issue so I have to find a way to ensure I follow through and achieve the goal. I have to stay focused and make things happen.

3. My biggest take away was I have to celebrate completing my goals. This can be a cup of coffee to buying myself something special. But I have to celebrate my achievements.

4. I will complete as many of my 2014 goals so that I can start fresh in 2015. Most of the participants would be starting with new goals. I plan to do that as well.

5. One great idea that was shared was keep a goal board on Pinterest as well as a physical board. I really like the Pinterest idea.

So I have some work to do, but I always do. Having a business requires flexibility, focus and networking. It also helps to have a group of supportive women, like #bizfocus, to move ahead and be successful. I can’t wait until next Sunday.
Damita Miller-Shanklin
Ujima Magazine
damita@ujimamagazine.com