I’m learning how to work effectively on the go.  I spend a lot of time in my car going from class to appointment to an event. My hours get sketchy based on my schedule but the in between work still needs to be done. My in between work includes everything from checking emails,  recording expenses, returning calls, following up on leads or looking for creative spaces to host my classes. I’m actually writing this while sitting in traffic.

I’m a fan of 90s hip hop and I never fully understood the concept of selling CDs out the trunk until now.  This was an artistic way of describing the life of a mobile entrepreneur.  These entrepreneurs had to travel to be heard.  They couldn’t wait for an opportunity to show up at their door.  They had to go out and find opportunity. Their vehicle became their office or an extension of their workspace. Symbolically your car is a natural extension of who you are at the moment.  It is a reflection of how you get from place to place. Metaphorically not only does it reveal how you are moving through life but it also reveals the direction you are taking.  Ironically I like my car I feel like it represents agility, strength, and power. I started to put in the car everything I would essentially need to run my business from behind the wheel.  I have yoga supplies, extra heels, suit jackets, workout clothes, car snacks, water, extra phone chargers, plenty of books, pens, and paper. There is nothing worse than getting across town and realizing you have to head back before intended. Also, some appointments end early or get canceled but it might not be feasible to travel from the area if you have other appointments in that same vicinity.  It’s easier just to park somewhere and work on what you can from where you are. My car is not only my workspace but also my central access point. I can unplug from the world and take a few moments to meditate.

What I learned is your workplace is where ever you are.  Working in my car is no different than working from the office or working remotely. I find my solace in my mini office. My life can exist from the trunk of my car.  I create my life where I need to. I am a mobile entrepreneur.

Peace and Blessings

I attended a series of events on Day 7.  The first was the Atlanta Women’s Expo and the second was Quiet Thoughts on a Canvas.  The expo was a big event with rows and rows of vendors.  I wasn’t a fan of the crowd. Everyone seemed to be walking on top of each other.  The overall flow of the event was ok but half of the vendors seemed disengaged and just sat at stared back into the crowds. It took about an hour to get from one end to the next. I didn’t spend much time checking in with myself I was mainly trying to get from one end to the other to get a feel for if this could be a potential avenue for me to use at a later date.  The only thing I could think to say when asked was that it was clean. Needless to say I probably won’t be back to the event.  It didn’t leave any kind of impression for me to reflect on.

The second event was a mental health awareness event which I thought was a great topic.  This was a live painting event where five local artist created a canvas in reference to a mental health issue many people face today.  The artists focused on a specific topic and worked to create their version of it on canvas. The topics ranged from depression to schizophrenia.  I honestly thought it would be a great event to network at because there are a series of mindfulness techniques that deal with depression, anxiety and stress reduction. What I teach is definitely not meant to replace anyone’s medical needs but rather to enhance and complement. There was also a live singer and vendors.  The vibration of the room was very laid back.  There seemed to be a little cloud and not everyone looked upbeat.  The hostess was great, she walked around consistently to chat with people.  However, the actual attendees seemed a lot more reserved and just kind of there. I loved the concept but just couldn’t get a good feel for the room so I left within the first hour.

What I learned was that a great concept means nothing if the crowd isn’t that into it. I struggle with critiquing other people’s ideas and events because I never want to be that person.  I feel like people get enough negative responses in everyday life so I’d like to be the one to bring a little light to the subject or find the good in the experience. I think it takes a lot of courage to create and host these events so to flip things around in the coming weeks I’ll be asking organizers and host for feedback on their events.  I think this will give a little more insight into how it works on the other side.

Peace and Blessings