Jeremy Cowarts PDF: Absorb

Recently, I mentioned 3 Free PDF’s that I found and said that I’d be reviewing each one in more depth.

Jeremy Cowart is a photographer known for working with celebrities.  I saw a tweet from someone else that he had released a PDF and that we shouldn’t miss it.  He shares with you what his network of friends do to stay inspired.  Click here to get this PDF.

Can I be real honest?

I’m not impressed.  Jeremy started out as a designer and then turned photographer and has made a name for himself shooting major celebrities.  His photography style is amazing and so polished.

I loved the concept of the PDF.  Sharing points of inspiration from other artists, but I expected a lot more from Jeremy on the design side.  It seems like he quickly threw this together.

The PDF is black background with white text.  Isn’t that a big design no no?  The white text on black background along with the small text size makes it difficult to read.  Now that I think about it, I bought his book Hope In The Dark in 2006 and seem to remember some of the pages were black background and white text, so maybe that’s his style.

I honestly didn’t read any of the content.  The text was not easily scannable.

It almost felt like he was releasing a PDF because other people are doing it.  Obviously I don’t know his reasons for doing it, but it seemed like a hurried project.  He says on the blog that he spent two weeks doing it.

Reading this was a good reminder to me that I have to continue to put in the hard work of making things readable, scannable and attractive if I want people like myself to read it.  I also need to not just do things because others are.  Personal investment in projects show!

My honest recommendation on the PDF?  Skip it.  But do go check out his amazing portrait photography!

Did you download it?  Do you have other free resources you would suggest?  Let us know in the comments.

5 Things Your Website Should Include

Last Friday I mentioned 3 Free PDF’s that I found and said that I’d be reviewing each one in more depth.

My initial observation about this PDF is Donald Miller is a great author.  He’s encouraging people to have stories as a part of their brand.  These 5 steps were super helpful, I’m not sure I have any of these 5 on my website.  Click here to check out the storyline.com website.  Plug your e-mail into the right hand column second ad to receive this free PDF.

I’ve really resonated with a lot of Don’s books.  I just finished Scary Close: Dropping The Act And Finding True Intimacy.  I’ve read his books at pivotal points in my life and they have always served as sort of a guide.

Donald has started a company called storyline where he helps companies tell their story better.

I found this PDF very helpful and need to implement all of these things on our websites.

• Your website should include an easy to understand tagline.
• Your website should include an obvious call to action
• Your website should visually display the success your client will experience if they use your product of service
• Your website should break down your products and services into bite-sized categories
• Your website should be a clear communication of your BrandScript

Brandscript is a tool that Donald and his team have developed to help your company tell your story better.  I took some time and put some of the ideas in my head through the brand script.  The brandscript helped me clarify exactly WHAT I’m trying to do.  When I know what I’m trying to do, I can communicate that better to others.

It’s hard to have an easy to understand tagline, when you don’t really know what you’re trying to accomplish.  This PDF helped bring CLARITY to blurry areas of my life and seperate the overlap.  Taking the time to do this helped me articulate each of my ideas better.

I won’t spoil what the brandscript is I’ll let you go download the PDF and find out for yourself.

Did you download it?  Do you have other free resources you would suggest?  Let us know in the comments.

Shave 10 Hours Off Your Work Week

Last Friday I mentioned 3 Free PDF’s that I found and said that I’d be reviewing each one in more depth.

My initial observation about this PDF is in typical Michael Hyatt fashion, he produces a beautiful PDF that helps you prioritize your time with practical advice.  Click here to check out his website and plug in your name and e-mail at the top to get this free PDF.

Michael Hyatt is seriously a master communicator.  I think I started following his blog in 2009.

The subtitle of this PDF is: 4 proven strategies to create more margin for the things that matter most.

At first glance the PDF is beautifully designed.  I’m not sure how involved Michael is in the design process, I assume he hires and works with a designer, but this PDF looks top notch.

I did Michael Hyatt’s life plan back in 2010 when my wife and I had just moved back into my parents house and were trying to figure out what I was doing with my life.  Clearly articulating and putting on paper my VALUES and PRIORITIES was huge.

We use this tool on the missions trips we lead.

Just like the subtitle for this PDF says his goal is to create more margin for the things that matter most.

I don’t know if busyness has been a problem since the beginning of time, but when I look around I see people running at paces that are unsustainable.  There are a million things vying for our attention and our resources and for some reason we can’t seem to say no.

Here’s a summary of highlights that jumped out to me.

• Michael builds a case for healthy living.  He encourages GOOD sleep, taking naps, not neglecting diet and exercise and maintaining a positive attitude.
• He suggests guarding your time by living intentionally.  To have a daily plan, to use the quadrant chart, to plan your week, plan alone time, and have a “waiting on list” so you know what actions you’re waiting for from someone else.  He also suggests triaging your calendar and eliminating non-essentials.
• He then goes on to talk about sharpening your focus, encouraging you to disconnect, and talks about how multitasking is not a real thing.  This is something I’m trying this morning.  I woke up, had my quiet time, responded to a bunch of e-mails and then closed all of my social media and e-mail windows and am just going to focus on writing for the morning.
• He talks about using e-mail signatures as responses to e-mails, something I’ve started implementing.  I’ve heard it said once that if you do something more than once you should automate it.
• He continues with encouraging you to flex your NO muscle.  He builds a case saying that saying no allows you to give a good yes.
• He tells us to practice the art of quitting.  Something I needed to hear.  He reminds us that you don’t have to finish every book you start, you don’t need to complete every project you begin, and you don’t need to continue habits that no longer serve you.  Right after reading this I told a friend I wasn’t going to continue reading a book with him, it had been months since we started and we could never actually connect to discuss it and I didn’t find the book enjoyable.  I gained emotional freedom because I no longer had something hanging over my head that I didn’t want to do.
• He went on to say that we need to fix or quit terrible meetings.  All I can say to that is AMEN.

All in all, this PDF is FREE and full of beautifully designed, quality content.  It’s worth your download.  Spend some time reading it, take notes and then create actionable steps to take!

Did you download it?  Do you have other free resources you would suggest?  Let us know in the comments.

 

The other day I had a phone conversation with my friend Howard Ki.

10 years ago we got mistaken for each other at a YWAM conference in the south east because we were the only two Asian people there.  We were leading worship on two different worship teams but I was only playing guitar or bass not singing.  Multiple people came up to me and said they liked my voice.  We really don’t look that similar.  I think at the time we dressed a lot a like.  I dunno, maybe we did look similar, because a lot of people said I reminded them of Howard.  Nah…

I remember standing in the middle of big room in Taledega and Howard pointed to me and said this guy is single, and he will make beautiful babies like this and held up his kid.  Haha.

Anyway, Howard has released a podcast called The Truth About Muslims for the Zwemer Center so I felt like I should get in contact with him and ask him what he was learning since he’s a few months ahead of me.  I had him listen to an episode of my podcast and I listened to one of his.  His had MUCH higher production quality.  They also are funded which makes a bit of a difference.

One of my take aways from that phone call was to ask questions that prompt those being interviewed to TELL STORIES.

My pastor has been saying the same thing to me about my preaching.  TELL STORIES.

I’m glad God speaks the same message through a lot of different people because I must have a hard head or something.  God help me to be a better story teller.

What story are you telling?  What’s your life’s story saying?  Who’s your favorite story teller?  What’s the best story you’ve ever heard?  Let us know in the comments.

Over the course of a few days I found and downloaded some free materials by people I respect.  Here’s the list.  In upcoming blog posts I will review each one with more detail .

In the meantime you can download each one for free in exchange of your e-mail address.  You can give them a junk e-mail address or unsubscribe from their e-mails when you get them after you get the PDF.  I actually have stayed on Donald Miller’s e-mail list because I found them useful.

Michael Hyatt – Shave 10 hours off your work week

In typical Michael Hyatt fashion, he produces a beautiful PDF that helps you prioritize your time with practical advice.  Click here to check out his website and plug in your name and e-mail at the top to get this free PDF.

Donald Miller – 5 Things Your Website Should Include

Donald Miller is a great author.  He’s encouraging people to have stories as a part of their brand.  These 5 steps were super helpful, I’m not sure I have any of these 5 on my website.  Click here to check out the storyline.com website.  Plug your e-mail into the right hand column second ad to receive this free PDF.

Jeremy Cowart – Absorb

Jeremy Cowart is a photographer known for working with celebrities.  I saw a tweet that he had released a PDF and that we shouldn’t miss it.  He shares with you what his network of friends do to stay inspired.  Click here to get this PDF.

Do you know of any FREE resources that have inspired you?  OR did you check any of these out?  Let us know what you think.  Please share with us in the comments.

Kevin Stum shared this video a while ago on his facebook and it blew me away.  It made me want a piano in my home.  Amazing talent and excellence!

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American Medical Association Announces New Mandatory Vaccine Policy –> http://bit.ly/1B2KUzA (thanks to Dennis Fahringer @fotofah for sharing this article!)

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If you haven’t already check out this weeks episode of Doing Ministry Well!  This week we interview John Geissler from Sidney Ohio.  John shares about feeding 19,000 people a year with 7,000 pounds of free groceries a day!  If you haven’t yet PLEASE rate, comment and subscribe on Itunes to keep up with the most recent episodes!

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5 Steps to Getting Unstuck – Ron Edmondson –> http://bit.ly/1INCahu

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7 Unfair Criticisms or Generalizations of Large or Growing Churches – Ron Edmondson –> http://bit.ly/1JVBUOu

Are you liking Wednesday links?  Did you find any of these links useful?  Share with us some of the links you’ve been finding interesting this week!  Let us know in the comments!

Happy Monday everyone!  I NEED inspiration in my life.  I feel at my best when I’m inspired.  I’m blessed to know a lot of inspiring people.  So from time to time on Monday’s I’m going to highlight someone I know that inspires me and interview them!

I met Natalie in Nashville TN in 2003.  We recently got reconnected on facebook and I’ve been following her as she continues to pursue her passion of jewelry making!  I love creativity and small business and have been inspired by watching Natalie consistently to pursue her craft.

If you want to connect with Natalie or check out some more of her work I’ve included links to her facebook and her ETSY shop!

www.facebook.com/peculiarsentiments

www.etsy.com/shop/peculiarsentiments

 

Natalie! Tell me what do you do?

I am a small business owner of a mobile boutique. I design leather jewelry that features repurposed, remade and “re-loved” items such as vintage jewelry, antique pocket watches, keys, and even hinges, door and drawer hardware!! 

That’s awesome!  How’d you get started in that?

 I’ve been making jewelry since I was about 8, and I’ve always loved vintage pieces. When I was little, my grandmother gave me a box of her old costumer jewelry to use for “dress-up”. As an adult, once she passed away, I wanted to find a way to use it and wear it. I went to school for Interior Design and worked for a firm that did custom furniture. They had TONS of leather sample swatches, and once they were discontinued, they were thrown away!! The crafter in me protested!! I started taking home discontinued samples and started playing with the idea of leather cuff bracelets, using my Nana’s old jewelry. I made a few cuffs for myself and for friends, but it was just a hobby. 

Two weeks after my son was born, my husband left. Finding myself as the sole provider for a three year old daughter, and a newborn son, I was determined to remain a “stay at home mom”. I began selling my jewelry at antique shows, upscale flea markets, artists markets, and online. 

Wow, I’m so glad that you’ve found something you enjoy that allows you to live the lifestyle you want to live even amidst difficult circumstances.  Tell me what the most amazing thing you’ve seen is ?

Hmmm..That’s a difficult question- there are a LOT of pretty amazing artists out there… Probably one of the most recent things I’ve seen is this lady who makes AMAZING yard art out of old soup cans. She burns them somehow so they change colors and cuts and sculpts them into these intricate designs.. 

What is the most heart warming thing you’ve seen?

Anytime I see vendors helping other vendors, it makes my heart happy. Most small business owners have a story- and many that I’ve met have been through difficult times, endured loss in some form or another. The spirit of community and family always takes me by surprise and makes me feel part of something precious.

Yay for community!  What is the craziest thing you’ve ever seen?

Driving to and from shows, you see all kinds of things- including other vendors on their way to set up. There’s one guy who insists on loading his trailer to overflowing- full of metal yard art. I don’t know how he does’t lose stuff on the road- nothing is roped down or secured- just piled about ten feet high in his trailer, pulled by a rickety old pickup truck. 

Haha, I can imagine that scene in my head quite clearly.  What is the most encouraging thing anyone has ever said/done to you?

Someone once told me they could sense my heart in my artwork. That made my day- it’s what I try to convey through each piece I make- a sense of love, passion and uniqueness. 

What has been your biggest mistake?

I don’t know if I have one I would consider my “biggest” mistake- I’m constantly making mistakes and figuring things out. There’s no manual or guide, so every day is trial and error. I think one of my biggest mistakes would be just giving things away instead of selling them- I love to design, to create- I am NOT a sales person. If someone loves something I’ve made, I would just as soon give it to them. But I am in business. I have a family to support. 

Yeah I think pricing is one of the hardest parts about small business.  What’s your biggest struggle and how did you overcome it?

Finances are probably the most difficult and the most frequent struggle. I started my business with no loans, lines of credit, or borrowing. I had to be incredibly meticulous about how every penny was spent, reinvestment, put aside, etc. Honestly, God has provided in ways far above and beyond anything I could have expected. 

That’s awesome that you’ve been able to start your business like that!  What keeps you inspired to keep going/creating/working?

My kids. Knowing that I am doing this so I can stay home with them, homeschool them, raise them to love Jesus and serve Him and become “arrows for the Kingdom”… that’s what keeps me going. 

That’s awesome, you sound like a great mom!  Who or what resource has been inspiring you lately?

I’ve been reading Madeleine L’Engle’s book “Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art”. While I don’t agree with all of her theology, she has some amazing insights to what it means to be a Christian artist. 

What gear have you been using that you are loving?

I’ve been playing with this stuff called Ice Resin- it’s a really versatile resin for jewelry making and mixed media projects. I have a weakness when it comes to trying out new craft and art products. 

What disciplines in life do you depend on to be consistent?

Perseverance is huge; having your own business takes a lot of guts, sacrifices, and hard work. It’s all trial and error. Using mistakes and slip ups to learn and grow instead of being discouraged and down trodden is key. 

Perseverance is huge!  I wish they taught that in school haha.  What does your average day look like?

The average day always starts with coffee. I try to get in a little bit of gardening and housework first thing in the morning, and then jump into “work”- answering emails, ordering supplies.. most of my creative bursts happen late at night— when that happens, it’s the wee hours of the morning before I can fall asleep.  

I think coffee and inspiration go hand in hand.  Any encouragement for people wanting to get into a career like you are in?

Owning your own business is amazing, but it is HARD work. There is no set-in-stone way of doing things- it is trial and error. My advice would be this: Treat it as a full time job. Get up, get dressed, have your coffee, and start work. When you are working for yourself, it is ALL about what you put into it. Have a schedule, set goals- both short term and long term. I like to tackle my least favorite tasks first- that way, I look forward to getting on with the part I love, which for me, is design. 

Natalie, If you had a million dollars what would you do with it?

Travel. I would go all over the world and buy unique vintage pieces, come back to states and open a little boutique attached to a Bed and Breakfast.

What’s your most recent go to favorite food/restaurant?

I’m almost ashamed to admit it.. but right now, my go-to is Torchy’s Tacos. I’m a sucker for spicy food. 

Haha, that’s awesome.   Whats music have you been listening to lately?

I’ve been listing to a lot of “Broods” and “Daughter”. 

What tv show have you been watching?

I love almost any BBC drama. I’m catching up on the BBC series “Sherlock” on Netflix right now. 

My wife loved Sherlock.  What’s the latest movie that inspired you?

I don’t remember the last “grown up” movie I’ve seen. Most of the movies in my life consist of talking vegetables and cartoon fish. 

No inspiration from veggie tales and nemo?  Share with us something most people don’t know about you?

I’m a bookworm. So far with year, I’ve read 38 books. It’s my favorite way to unwind at the end of the day.  

WOW.  That’s amazing.  I’ve heard it said that leaders read and readers lead.  What have you been doing for fun?  A current hobby?

I’ve always loved writing. I journal and write some poetry- no one sees it, but it’s a nice outlet. I’m also trying to improve my photography skills. 

Awesome!  Natalie thanks so much for taking the time to be interviewed.  We wish you the best in your creative business!

 

Here’s a few more pics of Peculiar Sentiments work!

Please connect with Natalie and support local creative business!

www.facebook.com/peculiarsentiments

www.etsy.com/shop/peculiarsentiments

Do you like Inspired Mondays?  Love Natalie’s work?  Comment and let us know!

Someone sent me a message recently asking me why I was on facebook so much and said that I should get off and do other things.

Then someone in person said man, I’ve seen you a lot on facebook lately.

So I figured since two people have said it there’s others that are thinking it too.

I’m at a coffee shop right now.  Thursday mornings Pastor RK and I meet at Blue Tree Cafe and drink coffee and work.  This is something that Dave Heiliger and I did at Panera in Columbia that I think is a great idea.  “Office hours.”  Getting together with someone and making a coffee shop your office and getting some work done.

Anyway, I’m online and I’ve spent the past hour and a half editing blog posts, scheduling blog posts and writing blog posts.  Facebook is a tab on my browser that’s open.

Feeling a bit insecure since two people had mentioned my facebook usage, I asked my friend in person at a camp fire that we were having if I was on facebook to much.  He said no, he didn’t mean it like that, and pointed out that at least I use facebook relationally and actually respond and have conversations with people.  I’m glad he noticed that.  Thats part of the reason I am on facebook so much is to be intentional with relationships.  Facebook is where people are.

Remember Monday’s post?  This is part of the resistance I feel.  Facebook and blogging seems like a leisurely waste of time or at best a hobby to most.  But to me I see it as an actual aspect of my work.  I hope I’m adding value to peoples lives through it.  It sounds strange saying that, and I want to shy away from it, because I’m afraid someone is going to tell me that it’s stupid and I should get a “real job.”   Maybe that is what you are thinking as you read this.  That’s another aspect of resistance for me.  Not believing that where I choose to invest my time on is of any “real” benefit to others.

You might see me on facebook more often than the average joe because I schedule my blog posts to share at certain times throughout the week.

Also, facebook’s newsfeed isn’t chronological either.  If a post from 5 years ago suddenly gets commented on a lot and liked a lot, it’s deemed “popular” and resurfaces in peoples news feeds.

Since we live in Hawaii and a lot of our readers are on the East coast and we have other friends around the world I schedule my blog post links to schedule at various times.

I use hoot suite and bufferapp for scheduling.  I post blog posts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and share them at 630am Eastern Time and 900pm Eastern time.  630am eastern time is 1230pm the day before in Hawaii, I’m sleeping as that posts.  I also schedule each of those posts to post the next day at 3pm eastern time.

Tuesdays and Thursdays I schedule a blog post that I’ve found useful to post at 3pm eastern time.  This is all done in advance.

So that’s 10 posts a week that I’m intentionally posting scheduled.  The other times I’m interacting with people on facebook.  Trying out some tweets that I’ve written and thought of that usually end up as a full blog post.  And trying to be intentional about encouraging, connecting and conversation.

Facebook is a great place for me to flesh out ideas in my head see how those ideas will be responded to.

So that’s why I’m on facebook a lot.  

The other day I spent 3 hours just writing and intentionally turned off facebook and e-mail and it was super productive.  However today… facebook is back on and I’m having a hard time getting in any kind of productive groove so we’ll see what happens.  When we move to TN we won’t have internet at our new house so it will naturally lead to less time online.

Questions?  Comments?  Clarification needed?  How much time do you spend on facebook?  Let us know!