Successful Blog

4 Ways the Public Library Can Support Your Small Business

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A few days ago I went to the library. You know — one of my local public libraries. I went there to borrow some books that I had placed a hold on. For research. As in — business research. That’s right. I went to the local library to borrow books to support research I was doing for a client project.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve come to realize that the public library system is actually a great resource for my small business. Over the years, I’ve used library services across the Metro Vancouver area for a multitude of business reasons. Here’s 4 ways I have found that local public libraries support small business:

  • They often provide great access to affordable meeting spaces for small (or large) group gatherings.
  • There’s usually quiet (in some cases — virtually silent) and comfortable areas to read, work or conduct research.
  • Most libraries provide free access to good quality,  wireless high-speed internet. This can be especially handy when I’m traveling and don’t want to spend a ton of  time working in noisy coffee shops.
  • And, most importantly, there are all the books and resources that libraries have to offer. Over the last while, I’ve found myself ordering more and more physical books to read and review for various client projects, for business research and for general planning purposes. Of course, many libraries also offer e-book borrowing as well. All in all — libraries are a super affordable way to access a huge range of resources, reading materials and reference items.

So, as you can see there are lots of ways that the local library system plays a role in supporting the work I do through my small business here in Canada.

As an entrepreneur, I’m just one of the many different types of people that public libraries serve. In reality, today’s libraries are busy offering programs and services to an absolute multitude of people! For example, on any given day 50,000 people come through the doors of the Toronto (Canada) Public Library’s 100 branches, while 85,000 make an online visit.  And — just in case you thought Starbucks had cornered the market on access to free high-speed internet in the United States, think again. According to American Library Association there are more public libraries than Starbucks in the U.S.—a total of 17,566 including branches. Nearly 100% of public libraries provide Wi-Fi and have no-fee access to computers. Plus, many libraries have local coffee shops located very close to them. Some libraries even sell coffee right inside the library.

Isn’t that amazing? Wow.

With respect to business and careers, I came across this other bit of interesting information from the American Library Association. Did you know that libraries actually strengthen local economies? For example in the U.S. –

  • 73% of public libraries assist patrons with job applications and interviewing skills;
  • 68% help patrons use databases to find career openings;
  • 48% provide access to and assist entrepreneurs with online business information resources;
  • More than 36% offer work space for mobile workers.

And while we almost all turn to Google Search for the answers to a great many things, the reality is that many people also still relay on reference librarians in the public and academic libraries across the U.S. Did you know that collectively reference librarians answer nearly 6.6 million questions weekly in the nations libraries!

That’s another wow!

Here’s a few super helpful library websites that have been developed to support small business owners.

The Berkley Public Library offers a comprehensive listing of resources, events and research links to support small business as well as jobs and career planning.

The New York Public Library provides a great Small Business Resource Center that is packed with local, state and national links and information.

The Vancouver Public Library offers a super listing of recommended books for entrepreneurs to read as well as links to many different websites to help small business owners with planning, operations and much more.

So — the next time you are in need of some support for your small business, you need to do some research for the development of a new product or are trying to find the answer to that impossible business question — head to your local library. You might just be amazed by how much your local library has to offer! If you need help finding the public library service in your community check out this great listing of libraries around the world.

About the Author: Jane Boyd is an educator, writer and artist who is guided by generosity and intention. She is CEO of 45 Conversations Media & Education Ltd. and is also a Partner in . You can find her on Twitter as @boydjane

Wondering How to Start Living Your Life?

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Be part of the GeniusShared Retreat in 2018

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November 2017 Update

Thanks for stopping by this post about the 2018 GeniusShared Retreat! In an effort to keep everything on the same page, I’m doing some updates within the same post, since it’s already been shared a lot online. I want to be sure everyone gets the most current information about what we are planning!

First of all — YES — the GeniusShared Reflect & Recharge Retreat will be held October 18 to 21, 2018 in the Metro Vancouver area (yes – Canada!)

The GeniusShared Retreat will happen in the historic Cammidge House, which is located in Tsawwassen, BC. It’s located in Metro Vancouver’s Boundary Bay Park. The address is 498 Boundary Bay Road, Delta, BC and is located within 30 minutes of the Vancouver International Airport. The Cammidge House is a beautiful, historic house that is accessible on the main floor level. The main presentations of each day will be held in the downstairs of the house but then groups will be free to move throughout the house to conduct mastermind sessions together. And — in an effort to help folks really connect, reflect and recharge — there is NO high speed internet! (Though most cell phones get good cell coverage in this areas.) Here’s the thing — I’ve chosen this disconnected spot  — so people can really connect and be present with each other. It’s that connection that truly makes amazing things happen! As many have said — it’s really all about the relationships that we build and the work that we do together.

If you were EVER part of a SOBCon or GeniusShared event then you know about “the magic” that we hope to carry forward into this new GeniusShared 2018 retreat. You see — it’s that magic — plus the trust that exists within the community — that has collectively touched so very many people over the years. It’s what has helped us to build relationships, opportunities and businesses in ways that are truly quite astounding. To me that’s the “what was” that I believe we can bring to the “what is” as we move forward with GeniusShared. Between now and the 2018 retreat — as a community — we will be working on ways to reignite and grow the essence of GeniusShared so that it can begin to go to some new places. And those places truly are all about supporting one another’s goals, dreams businesses and lives. Individual, connected and collective success — on many levels.

So what’s going to happen at the 2018 retreat? Who will be speaking? What’s it all about?

Well — here’s how a few members of the GeniusShared community are describing it —

It’s is an event facilitated and organized to help individuals develop long-term relationships with a focus on growth and action (regardless of the stage of your life or your business). It is part inspiration and part mastermind exercises to get you there. While working together in small teams, people help each other to solve the problems in their business, from idea generation, to moving your personal goals forward. This one in Vancouver is special because it’s limited to 40, not 100 or 200 people. Think back to early stage conferences that were small and intimate before they scaled to much larger venues. This is not about SOBCon or Genius Shared; it is about you. I would not have had the guts or the support system to create what I do today without attending my first SOBCon 8-10 years ago. ~ Marti Konstant,  Agile Careerist Project

Connecting with the SOBCon group in 2008 literally changed my life. From that Community that Liz built, WWDF was born. Revisiting a model that works, Jane Boyd has joined forces with Liz to create the Genius Squared community. Part recharge, part mastermind brainstorming weekend, you’ll meet intensely kind change makers at this intentionally-concentrated brain trust. ~ Molly Cantrell-Kraig, Founder, Women With Drive Foundation

It will be 3 days of working in a room with brilliant people who want to make big impact and change the world, coupled with fantastic masterminds and real world problem solving AND accountability groups to help you reach your goal(s). Such wonderful people in the room. It’s truly the product of Jane + Liz, with a lot of other collective genius added in…shaken not stirred. ~ Gigi Peterkin , The Brand Matchmaker

Perhaps all you really need to know is that a very special group of super smart, absolutely generous and ultra connected people are going to gather in a historic house, steps away from the Pacific Ocean in 2018. And while together, they’ll work on the the projects, businesses and lifelong personal and professional goals that matter the very most to each of them.

There will be 4-6 carefully designed presentation, model and mastermind sessions, some group/panel discussions and a few surprises too. We are also planning a GeniusShared Give Back Day for the Sunday morning with specially selected and invited local community based organizations. All this — plus healthy meals choices for breakfast, lunch and breaks. We’ll are planning an evening gathering on Friday, October 19, 2018 plus some sort of group meal on Saturday, October 20, 2018. Several other suggestions have come forward in recent weeks  — including going for walks close to the beach, having some art built into the retreat,  and possibly even flying kites! Plus — the concept of a collective 2018 GeniusShared project such as video or something has also been suggested.

And if you’re wondering where Liz Strauss is related to the 2018 event? Well — she’s with me — but to be clear I’m the one running with this — with her blessing and absolute encouragement. And as always, she’s adding in her brilliance and helping me test my thinking along the way. I do believe that we might just see her in Vancouver for this.

Interested?

There are ONLY 40 (less than that now) spots for this event — so — if you want to be part of this — block the dates and register now. Your early support will help make this event come together with ease and energy — plus it will guarantee you the opportunity to be in the room. The registration fee is affordable and can be paid in full or over multiple payments. Plus it’s in Canadian funds;  which currently offers a nice discount to our US friends due to the exchange rate.

We will be booking a block of hotel rooms at a group rate that I expect will price out at about $140 -$150 Canadian a night but there are other options in the area too. I’ll update more on this as soon as possible.

Share Your Genius With Us and Others

Jane Boyd, CMO GeniusShared

Feel free to PM me – Jane Boyd – on Facebook with any thoughts or feedback you have about this event. And please consider inviting a friend to be part of this retreat too — as much as we need a core group of GeniusShared and SOBCon people in the room, we also need some new friends to be part of the magic that 2018 will be.

I SO hope you will be part of this. Come to Vancouver and share your genius with us in 2018.

 

Having a hard time finding focus?

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Finding focus

It can be hard to find focus sometimes.

A few months ago, I was talking with a colleague who was having a hard time finding focus in their work. They spoke of feeling pulled in multiple directions and of many obligations — both at work and with their family. As I listened, I could hear how frustrated they were feeling. It was obvious that a few things needed to shift for them. They needed to create a path that would get them moving forward in a more focused way. A path that was achievable and that would help to reduce the level of distractions they were experiencing. They needed to find a way to feel a true sense of control over their life.

Working together, we set out to make a list of ideas and strategies that, when practiced, had the potential to really assist them. Here’s a few key things we put on that list . . .

  • Reduce interruptions when focus is needed! This meant finding the least distracting spot to work, eliminating the constant notifications on their computer and smart phone and planning ahead to maximize productivity during the quietest moments of the day.
  • Stop working. Really! This was critical — often my colleague would keep working long into the night — when they were overtired and actually not productive at all. Instead of pushing themselves to keep on going we agreed that they would set a regular time to stop their work. This would support them to move on in their day and to be sure they were enjoying time with family and friends more frequently.
  • Look after self. These were simple self care ideas — but they mattered. Going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. Finding moments in the day to breathe more deeply, calming busy thoughts in their mind and being more mindful throughout the day. It also included eating more real food and less junk food – and — actually remembering to eat. Oh – and getting their body moving. Going for walks or for a swim several times a week.

Today, things have improved. My colleague tells me they feel more focused and less distracted. These improvements show in the projects they are working on and in how they are generally feeling. They seem more at ease. They are also more aware of what works and doesn’t related to maintaining ongoing focus and eliminating distractions.

Finding your way to focus can be difficult. Sometimes the more we try to achieve focus the more distracted we become. It can be good to get out of your own head and discuss your thinking with another person. You’d be amazed just how many other people also struggle with distractions and maintaining focus. Other people can offer you solid ideas and suggestions that can make a real difference.

Do the things you need to do — so you can reduce the distractions in your life and improve your overall focus. Finding focus will make everything so much easier, faster and more rewarding.

Put Your Mind to It

The next time you find yourself having difficulty with focus or you feel distracted from your work — take note. Ask yourself what is happening that is causing you to feel that way? Consider what you can change up in your life. Talk about it with a close colleague or friend and get their input.

More from Successful-Blog on Focus

The Most Important Thing You Can Focus On Today

Distraction or Opportunity?

Sometimes We Outgrow Our Stories

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Sometimes we outgrow our stories.
Sometimes we outgrow our stories.

The other day I was having a conversation with a friend. We were sharing stories from days gone by about each of our lives. We hopped from one story to the next — based on what each of us were sharing. It was really an incredible discussion as we were each learning from the other through the power of the stories we were telling.

Over the last few years I’ve been much more aware of the way I share my own personal stories with others. Of what it is that I’m putting out into the world. And of how the stories I tell impact others as well as myself. It’s become somewhat of an acquired skill — being truly aware of exactly what my stories are and how I share them. Of what they mean to me. I suppose you could say I have a new level of self awareness when it comes to the stories I tell myself and others.

Anyway, there my friend and I were sharing stories. Funny stories, sad stories and stories that make you think — that cause you to question your perspective on things. We reached a point in the discussion, where it seemed like the right moment for me to share a story that I often tell. One from my past that has always brought to mind a series of mixed thoughts and emotions. I told the story just as I always have. And the response was the same as it often is — one of interest and engagement. Yet, as I was telling the story I realized something. I wasn’t feeling the same way I usually did about this particular story. In fact, the further I got into the story the more I realized that I might just have outgrown the story. That perhaps it was actually no longer as relevant to my life or the person I am today. By the time I was finished the story, it was as though I knew the story wouldn’t be sitting on the same bookshelf of stories in my life any longer. It truly was a story from my past — and it no longer represented who I am today.

It’s important to remember that we decide the stories that decide our lives. And that sometimes we outgrow our stories — because we change, move on or let go of things that once held onto us. Learning to recognize when it’s time to retire a story so you can move on to write new stories in your life is essential. It’s the difference between building your future vs living in the past.

Put Your Mind to It

The next time you find yourself sharing stories about who you are, your life and you past — take a moment to reflect. Are they really the stories you want to tell about yourself? Do they align with the person you are today?

More from Successful-Blog . . .

What are the four elements of human freedom?

Five ways to attack the hard things in your business

What is GeniusShared?

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In this week’s episode of Keeping Curious, Jane and Gigi have a conversation that is everything GeniusShared. In the Put Your Mind To It section of the podcast, Jane offers ways you can reach out and support the people around you.

Episode Highlights

1:50 – How GeniusShared came to be.

6:30 – Gigi asks about the connection that exists between Jane and Liz as business partners.

11:00 – What Jane would say to people who might feel intimidated to join the GeniusShared community.

14:00 – Jane gives a shout out to Molly Cantrell-Kraig, Founder of the Women With Drive Foundation.

15:35 – Gigi describes what it’s like to be a part of the GeniusShared community.

17:29 – Jane talks about how a high trust environment is created during a GeniusShared environment and the good that can come from it.

25:00 – Gigi asks Jane about her quest to find her voice and how it has changed things for her.

31:45 – Gigi asks Jane what she would like to see next for GeniusShared.

36:44 – Jane and Gigi discuss Rosemary O’Neill and the role that she has played in relation to Successful-Blog.

39:27 – What you can Put Your Mind To this week.

About this Podcast

Keeping Curious, the GeniusShared Podcast where each week Liz Strauss or Jane Boyd meets with Gigi Peterkin to discuss business, life & all things GeniusShared.