I start exams this week, so time management has been on my mind. Fortunately, my sister sent me a useful article, “Do it now” by Steve Pavlina. He did a double degree in three semesters, had a full-time programming job, and was awarded the top student award – while still having time to exercise and have a social life. Okay – the last part actually goes without saying, because I don’t think he’d be able to achieve all that without excercise and friends to ease some of the pressure.
That’s one thing I’ve learned about time management: It doesn’t work in the long run if you have to sacrifice your relaxation and play time.
In his article called “The Abolition of Work“, Bob Black calls for a ludic (fun) revolution – a move towards a more playful approach to productivity. It’s been a while since an article affected me so profoundly. In a nutshell the author convinced me that work is harmful and that we should rather spend our time playing. I agree, so as I write this I’m sipping a beer at the office, playing my favourite music and joking around with a couple of colleagues – something which would have been unthinkable to me a couple of weeks ago. Surprisingly though my productivity is at an all-time high. Thanks to Mike Scott, creator of Bru & Boegie – the kiffest cartoon in the world, for that link.
I hope that some of this more playful approach comes through in my writing.
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Brand You
Tom Peters, one of my favourite business gurus, wrote an important article: “The Brand Called You“.
It was written in 1997, and has spawned a whole micro-industry of “Brand You Consultants”. It is one of the most important articles you could possibly read if you agree with me that we’re working and playing in an “Attention Economy“.
Basically, “The Brand Called You” article says that if we want to get ahead then we should apply Marketing and promotion to ourselves in the same way that Nike or Coca Cola does with their products.
This is the reason that I have a personal website/blog: Its one of the ways that I’m building my personal brand. It’s not easy though, I gotta tell you. Great brands evolve and develop – and they usually take time… I’ve been writing on this blog for about three months now, and I’m much happier with my writing but I still don’t think that I’ve found a voice that resonates with who I really am, and with what you (precious Reader) love to read about regularly…. But I’m getting there:-) (i.e. audience is growing by the week!)
One of the best reasons for having my own blog is that I can “put my best foot forward” when potential clients, employers, business partners, and even old friends search for me online.
(Previous to doing this blog, I think the top hit for my name on Yahoo was this article about a deal that went sour a couple of years ago – c’mon, that’s not cool!)
Checkout the “Useful Tools” page on this site for free blogging sites. You don’t need any technical knowledge to do it, and it can reap great returns.
Art of the week
Title: Grace
Artist: Max Kaizen
Price: R8 000
Comment: This is one of those pieces that needs to be seen “in real life” to be fully appreciated… Firstly, it’s large. Then, it is multilayered and intricately textured with an arabesque script and delicate gold leaf beneath the landscape. It has a magical, soulful quality that transfixes me. In a word, it’s “Grace”.
Contact me if you’d like more info on this painting.
Have a great week 20 2006!
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Sadly my friend, Kim Peterson, passed away on Tuesday. I met Kim at Lacoza Restaurant when I used to do events there. Kim invited me to get involved with Party with a Purpose Productions – an NPO that I’m now deeply involved with. She added nothing but good vibes and happiness to my life, and she will be sorely missed.
I was having dinner with some of Kim’s best friends for the first time in months when the news came through… So we were all together to deal with it and share a bit of the pain.
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We are going to be doing three parties in May at Zula (Long Street) in Kim’s memory. Friday 12th, 19th and 26th… So far we’ve confirmed the following artists to perform:Godessa, Zubs (JHB), Jitsvinger, D’low, Black Betty, Keeno Lee and Vicky (Kwezi Malaika), and Dj’s Baron X, Chyna and Graeme. We’re also going to screen Ongeriewe by Tristam Atkins, which was selected for this years Cannes Film Festival.
Cover charge will be R30. (Profits will go towards PPP’s upcoming Women’s Day programme)
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