Business and economics |

Investment and Return

Being a part of WordCamp Dallas was something I especially looked forward to — it’s always fun to be part of a conference where folks are deeply committed, even more to be part of one right before I’ve got one of my own about to launch in a few weeks. It’s an opportunity to learn, to connect, and to improve.

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Last week, while talking during Open Comments Night, Rick Cockrum brought up some brilliant insights regarding what were the most important things he learned when starting his business. I was so taken by them I asked him on the spot if he might write a guest post about them. I’m thrilled to say he agreed! So here it is.

Nine Things I’ve Learned While Running a Business by Rick Cockrum

I usually write at Shards of Consciousness on personal growth topics, but my wife and I also own a bricks and mortar business, the Ambridge Family Theatre, one of the few independent movie theatres in left in western Pennsylvania. At one of Liz’s regular Open Comments night, Becky McCray of Small Biz Survival was talking about a series of posts she’s doing on starting a small business. I piped up about some of the things my wife and I spent a lot of time researching before we bought the theatre, and things we’re still learning.

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More from Deb Ng, who showed us yesterday how to be firm but not tough.

What I Learned from Freelancing – Part 3 – Good Habits Rock by Deb Ng

When I left my job to write on a freelance basis, I thought I had it all figured out – work in my pajamas, choose my own schedule, and basically do what I want. Then I learned without rules comes anarchy and anarchy for a freelancer isn’t necessarily a good thing.

Though it felt good to be lazy, I soon realized I wasn’t being very productive. Instead I picked up a few good habits. I:

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