James Doan - Just Minding My Own Business

Recently, an editor told me that their magazine's format had changed. They had to edit the article I had written after the initial go-ahead to fit two facing pages. The editor informed me they had cut five paragraphs without losing the impact of the article. Around the same time, friend returned a chapter I had given him for feedback. He red-penciled out every fourth word or so. Rather than upsetting me, I conceded that the changes improved the quality. These were two of the most valuable and consequential learning experiences for my writing career. In both instances, it forced my ego to admit the justification of the word slashing.

Many people worry about their prospective new offering. They are unsure if it will launch into the marketplace only to fail. There is a way to calm suchuncertainty. Look for comparable products or services in other locations or for other audiences. You could contemplate an online course for graphic designers. Take time to research online courses for interior decorators and web developers. What you find might contain valuable clues on pricing, packaging, pitching and so on. What you don't find is also informative. Run a low-risk trial version of your idea. Make it simpler, shorter, cheaper or less in-depth than what you plan to do.

Do you find yourself busy and unhappy about the commitments to which you said "yes?" You need to free up time and energy by saying "no" more often. Yes, that can be hard.  To make it easier, here are effective ways to communicate a "no." * Pause.  Count to three before saying anything. Wait until the other person rushes to fill the void with "Oh, never mind." * Say "OK, but what should I deprioritize?"  That last is a work word, of course.  Outside the office, put it as "Hmm, I can if I quit my exercise class and the Sunday School class I teach every week."

It is not true that everyone decides about buying based on pricing. I recently read about research conducted by Google. It provides a more subtle exploration of people's thinking. Google's Head of Research Justin De Graaf lists these attitudes for online searchers: -Help me -Reassure me -Educate me -Surprise me -Impress me -Thrill me