organization

I found out that when this monster will grow I could be consumed by the files, papers, information, etc that it will generate. I asked my friend Johana to help me out on that; we even talked on me having her as an intern, not yet I think. But soon I will need one. We realized that I have to start creating a system that can grow easily. Although at the beginning I started creating excel files and reports, utilizing my knowledge on this non-designer-oriented software, and it was ok, but for my budgets, written proposals, clients' time and meetings, it wasnt enough. There are 2 programs that I will try: ACT! and Maximizer 9. Let's see how they go. Both of them synchronize with Outlook mail, contacts and calendar, so that's a big help. Both are compatible with my cellphone that is a Motorola i930, with pocket windows, So I keep my calendar and contact info with me wherever I go. And also thanks to technology I can send emails since I already configured POP3 on it. Apart from the fact that I can radio (is that a verb??) my family and friends back in Peru for free.

I will let you guys know how it goes, and remember, wherever you go, bring your business cards with you, talk about your work to people you think can become clients, and LISTEN to them, so you can find their needs, then you can offer your help and solutions...

There is this very useful book called The E-Myth, and site (www.e-myth.com), that really helps you on lose that fear of creating your own company. Also, as designers I think we should be inspired, although sometimes our work becomes not so inspiring, you can't let down the inspiration fire that you have inside. Sketch, play around, collect information/images. Another great source is the podcast The Accidental Creative with its site (www.accidentalcreative.com). There are more, everywhere, is a matter to look, not to pay for a magazine all the time.

Now I have to make a proposal for a plants store I went to get some plants the other day, I talked to the co-owner and he needed a website, I needed clients.. so tomorrow will have that done and hopefully we'll do business. of course everything started with me asking if they had a site or they needed some design... just ask.. the worst that can happen is a "sorry, no thanks" for answer. Oh, like it happened to the massages place I use to go, to my friend Tony the owner. I asked him if he needed a website, (because if you think, in NYC right after work, somebody is tired and need a massage, will go online before leaving work to find a massage place near their job; and they will go where they find it). He said NO, he doesnt think he needed one.... he actually said he doesnt want to pay for one. He will rather give me $10 referral for every hour somebody I send requests. If he cant see the benefits of that, it's ok. Keep trying, keep meeting people... ok that will be another posting. that's all for now.