OK, so I'm a softie. I don't have a feminine side, just a tender masculine side. So the video below really affected me.
What do you think?
I'm not an exciting person, but anything that crosses my mind that I care to share with the rest of the world will appear here.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Sick stuff
Not for the weak of heart... see what happens when a PETA member is duped into doing a work stint at a lab that does animal testing. It's sick stuff!
Not for the weak of heart... see what happens when a PETA member is duped into doing a work stint at a lab that does animal testing. It's sick stuff!
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Corporate car
My new small business needs to be advertised. Ever since the smart car was released by Mercedes Benz, I've loved its geek chic look, and its undeniably low cost of ownership. So, I was very impressed when I saw this...
If I needed another reason to consider this as my next vehicle, that definitely was the deciding factor!
My new small business needs to be advertised. Ever since the smart car was released by Mercedes Benz, I've loved its geek chic look, and its undeniably low cost of ownership. So, I was very impressed when I saw this...
If I needed another reason to consider this as my next vehicle, that definitely was the deciding factor!
Friday, January 27, 2006
Week 2 finished - things heating up
The classes have been invaluable. Things I thought I had to do to be successful may not be needed. Simple things I hadn't considered might be critical. I've seen a lawyer, an accountant, a marketing guru, a business coach, and a graphic designer. All have lots of tips they're prepared to share - completely free of charge - because I'm part of this program. I can't imagine how much this could have helped me the first time I started a business... but that's ancient history.
I'm working on setting up my accounting system, creating ideas for marketing proposals, business card designs, web site text, and promoting strategic alliances as part of the preparation work for a concerted introductory campaign. I'm also trying to put together a press release that I'm hoping the local media will pick up on. I'll keep you all posted.
The classes have been invaluable. Things I thought I had to do to be successful may not be needed. Simple things I hadn't considered might be critical. I've seen a lawyer, an accountant, a marketing guru, a business coach, and a graphic designer. All have lots of tips they're prepared to share - completely free of charge - because I'm part of this program. I can't imagine how much this could have helped me the first time I started a business... but that's ancient history.
I'm working on setting up my accounting system, creating ideas for marketing proposals, business card designs, web site text, and promoting strategic alliances as part of the preparation work for a concerted introductory campaign. I'm also trying to put together a press release that I'm hoping the local media will pick up on. I'll keep you all posted.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Week 1 completed - three more to go
I'm chomping at the bit. They're telling us not to print business cards yet, since we get free use of a professional graphic designer at the end of the second week of training. The question now seems to be "What do I give to my business contacts?".
I've had a modest number of service requests this week - all coming without the benefit of advertising. Some of my friends know that I'm now in business, and I've been getting gigs from that group. Thanks, guys!
I'm chomping at the bit. They're telling us not to print business cards yet, since we get free use of a professional graphic designer at the end of the second week of training. The question now seems to be "What do I give to my business contacts?".
I've had a modest number of service requests this week - all coming without the benefit of advertising. Some of my friends know that I'm now in business, and I've been getting gigs from that group. Thanks, guys!
Monday, January 16, 2006
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Employment update
Turns out that second interview didn't go well. I knew it had gone strangely, but I found out Monday that I hadn't gotten the job. In a way, that was a relief, because that last minute job potential had been distracting me from creating a business proposal to put before the Self-Employment Assistance program. The Canadian government provides the opportunity for unemployed people to seek self-employment, and the government is sometimes willing to extend unemployment benefits; providing you can put forth a business proposal that makes sense.
During the first week in January, I had attended a three-day course to learn how to prepare a business plan. Normally, when the government puts on this course, it runs from Monday through Wednesday, then you have an entire day to work on the plan before attending a question-period appointment. Because of the New Year falling on a weekend, the first Monday in January was a statutory holiday. The course was presented from Tuesday through Thursday, with no extra preparation day before the Friday question period. And it was during this period that I was also attending the job interview.
Anyway, I worked through the weekend on the proposal and presented it to my advisor on Tuesday. I was told that a decision would be made on Thursday, but was also informed that my conservative sales projections might work against me during the Thursday meeting.
About 1/2 hour ago, I got word that my proposal had been conditionally accepted. The program will monitor me closely to see whether I am achieving my revenue targets, and if not, they could still decide to withdraw their support after a three month trial period. But for the moment, the decision has been made to fund my efforts, and I'll be starting a four-week preparation seminar next Monday.
Here we go!
Turns out that second interview didn't go well. I knew it had gone strangely, but I found out Monday that I hadn't gotten the job. In a way, that was a relief, because that last minute job potential had been distracting me from creating a business proposal to put before the Self-Employment Assistance program. The Canadian government provides the opportunity for unemployed people to seek self-employment, and the government is sometimes willing to extend unemployment benefits; providing you can put forth a business proposal that makes sense.
During the first week in January, I had attended a three-day course to learn how to prepare a business plan. Normally, when the government puts on this course, it runs from Monday through Wednesday, then you have an entire day to work on the plan before attending a question-period appointment. Because of the New Year falling on a weekend, the first Monday in January was a statutory holiday. The course was presented from Tuesday through Thursday, with no extra preparation day before the Friday question period. And it was during this period that I was also attending the job interview.
Anyway, I worked through the weekend on the proposal and presented it to my advisor on Tuesday. I was told that a decision would be made on Thursday, but was also informed that my conservative sales projections might work against me during the Thursday meeting.
About 1/2 hour ago, I got word that my proposal had been conditionally accepted. The program will monitor me closely to see whether I am achieving my revenue targets, and if not, they could still decide to withdraw their support after a three month trial period. But for the moment, the decision has been made to fund my efforts, and I'll be starting a four-week preparation seminar next Monday.
Here we go!
Friday, January 06, 2006
Second interview
I had a second interview yesterday. It was strange on so many levels, with very little, and very much being accomplished in a span of merely 10 minutes. I walked out not having a clue what was going to come of it all. Nevertheless, I do have other opportunities brewing, and I'll give that my full concentration for the moment.
I had a second interview yesterday. It was strange on so many levels, with very little, and very much being accomplished in a span of merely 10 minutes. I walked out not having a clue what was going to come of it all. Nevertheless, I do have other opportunities brewing, and I'll give that my full concentration for the moment.
Monday, January 02, 2006
It was bound to happen
The courts, in their "wisdom" have made it clear that marriage should not be restrictively defined as between a man and a woman. So, this really doesn't surprise me!
The courts, in their "wisdom" have made it clear that marriage should not be restrictively defined as between a man and a woman. So, this really doesn't surprise me!