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How can I find work I love if I don’t feel passionate about anything?
If you don’t love your work now, but want to find a career that is energizing and fulfilling you probably fall into one of the four following camps: You already know what you really want to do and are working on transitioning from where you are to where you want to be. You know what you are passionate about, but aren’t sure about how you could actually make a... -
The Link Between Procrastination and Purpose
Admit it. You procrastinate. We all do it sometimes. (Dont’ believe me? Check out this vintage Ellen DeGeneres take on the art of procrastination. Sound familiar?) But what is the purpose of procrastination? As a regular columnist for several online and offline magazines over the years, I have come to realize that, like Ellen illustrates, procrastination is often a necessary part of the creative process. When the words just aren’t... -
Celebrate Canada Career Week with Kyosei
Are you passionate about your career? Do you feel like your work energizes and inspires you? Does it allow you the balance and freedom to spend time with friends and family and pursue your other passions? Today marks the first day of Canada Career Week 2015. This year’s theme is “Decent Work, Healthy Lives.” While decent work is important (and not enough people have it), we set our sights... -
Conscious Entrepreneurs Beat the Odds with Strategic Planning
In a previous post, we covered how impatience is a leading cause of failure for new entrepreneurs. Here, we’ll talk about annual strategic planning, a key practice successful conscious entrepreneurs use to avoid the pitfalls of impatience. Planning can be like putting on clothing to go out. A certain amount – maybe a little bit more than you need – is usually best (you can always take off layers you... -
3 Tips to Boost Your Energy for Life and Work.
During my five-year stint in Japan, one of my favorite (and most used) Japanese words was genki. Part of the reason for this is that, in Japan, o genki desu ka is used as a common greeting akin to “How are you?” The accepted response, genki desu is the equivalent of “I am fine.” But the reason that this word was co-opted into everyday vernacular by myself and so many other of my English-speaking friends is... -
Are You an Impatient Entrepreneur?
New entrepreneurs are usually excited and impatient to get going, so they often slap up a website, print business cards and begin promoting their business before they have a solid understanding of their business concept and offering. While there is value in just getting started and having something out there to begin interacting with your customers and finding out what they want, this approach has big risks. It can easily... -
3 Tips for Conquering Your Fear of Networking
Many entrepreneurs and job-seekers hate networking. As a result they hide behind their computers, feeling productive and hoping that their websites, social media, and e-mail will make those essential connections – and sales – for them. For many types of businesses, however, networking is still an essential element of your marketing plan. Colleen DeBaise from Entrepreneur Magazine offers a few tricks to make going to those meetings a bit less... -
Becoming You: How staying true to yourself is the key to success.
This is a story about how I found that staying true to yourself is key to success, regardless of gender. Something unexpected happened just as I was getting ready to leave Japan after five fulfilling years of cultivating my business and my spirit there – I was offered a job. Having been an entrepreneur since my early twenties, jobs don’t normally tempt me, but this one was different. It... -
10 Questions to Ask Before You Start a Business
Are you really ready to jump ship and start a business? The transition from employee to potential employer can be quite a leap. It can be as hectic and intimidating as it is rewarding both financially and personally. LISA GIRARD offers 10 great questions to think about before you decide to go for it. 1. Is this going to make me happier? 2. Is the timing right? 3.... -
5 Tips for a Better Business Plan
A business plan should be more than just spreadsheets and rules, it should outline how your company lives and breathes. Ideally it conveys your personality and culture, not just your business model. The team at Small business BC teaches us five ways to keep it lean and in shape. 1. Don’t use jargon. Write clearly and concisely and use visual aids where possible. Avoiding jargon is important if you are using it...
