Gladstone’s Library – a place to retreat and write?
The UK’s only residential, and apparently its only Prime Ministerial, library, Gladstone’s Library in North Wales looks idyllic. Hat tip to Cultural Offering for posting a cosy picture earlier in January. I have to confess I hadn’t heard of it before. Now I want to go. And stay. And sleep with books. […]
Being Indispensable – Nicholas Bate
Another essential list from Nicholas Bate: Being Indispensable 7: 1. Know your client. … What do they really want? 2. Make sure they get it. 6. Increase the value you offer day by day, week by week, quarter by quarter. Important insight for an employee, critical for a sovereign professional. Read the full list, here, and ponder. […]
10 things that all creators must know – @chasejarvis #writing
A great post and podcast from Chase Jarvis. Essential insights include: “2. Clients cannot tell you what they need. 4. Big challenges create the best work. 9. A-Gamers work with A-Gamers Read (or listen to) the rest, here. Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash
The Basics: Confidence – Nicholas Bate
Another in Nicholas Bate’s series of the Basic 7s. This one is interesting. Working independently as a freelancer, portfolio worker, sovereign professional or even as an individual contributor within a large organisation, it’s easy to have lapses in confidence. Here are seven basic steps to follow: “2. Read about those who inspire you and copy their […]
The work will fall back to meet you – @execupundit
Sage words from Execupundit’s Michael Wade: “I find that I get more work done by slowing down…” The rest, here. Click slowly.
The Gig Economy in retreat?
With recent rulings against Uber and Pimlico Plumbers, it would be tempting to conclude that the Gig Economy is in retreat. There are other cases in the pipeline, including Deliveroo and CitySprint. In reality, these should just be teething troubles. Back in 1937, Ronald Coase (in The Nature of the Firm) showed why firms exist in the first […]
Echoes through time: Rising for the work of man
“At day’s first light have in readiness, against disinclination to leave your bed, the thought that “I am rising for the work of man”. Marcus Aurelius (121 – 180), Meditations (Book 5)
If your mood is low – Nicholas Bate
He has something for every occasion. Here, Nicholas Bate has the cure for those occasional, but inevitable, low moments: 2. A walk would be good. Long. Rain or shine. And your dog would love it to. 4. Escape into a novel. Read the rest, here.
Make great coffee, and 21 other ways to build your personal brand – Nicholas Bate
22 simple but powerful tips from Nicholas Bate. I would argue they work equally well for a sovereign professional as for someone in a large organisation. Including: 13. Remember names, birthdays and catch people doing things right. 14. Find out what humility is and develop it. 15. Never ever, ever, ever be sarcastic. 16. Own your career path. […]
The artist as entrepreneur #writing
Just an important reminder from Steven Pressfield: “Step One, it seems to me, is to recognize that all of us–writers, artists, filmmakers, actors, musicians–are entrepreneurs. We don’t work for the Man. We work for ourselves. These are two completely different modes of operating in the world and of thinking about ourselves. … No one guarantees […]