For many solopreneurs, the idea of building a business team is anathema. Creative control is one of the driving forces behind the decision to go solo. Freelance writers, designers, producers, and marketing consultants—I’m looking at you. I’m also looking at me. And I’m looking at me looking at you. Meaning I speak from experience. For most of my career, I’ve been a solopreneur. First, I was a freelance graphic designer […]
When you spend as much time as I have on studying relationships, you notice a lot of patterns and there is one pattern that I see time and again whenever a relationship goes south. Someone says something that does significant harm in a moment of passion. In some cases this has led to deals falling through, friendships crumbling, or just general frustration on both sides and in other cases it […]
How to Use Storytelling to Create Trust and Build an Authentic Network for the Shy, Introverted, and Sleaze-Averse As a shy child I dreaded any activity that required an introductory game. Birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, and youth group mixers were attended with the resignation that the first half hour would involve enduring some sadistic adult’s idea of fun. I would do my best to disappear against the wall or attempt […]
“I need a place and I need a team.” This is what I would say during my last few years as a full time consultant, with escalating urgency and to anyone who would listen. It was clear at the beginning that I wouldn’t last long as a solopreneur working from home. New York City was not conducive to coffee shop meetings, and my apartment lobby was a medical office waiting […]
The purpose of life is a life of purpose. —Robert Byrne How do we keep going in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds? How do we overcome the dark forces of self-doubt and self-criticism which can sometimes cripple our ability to create our best, most purposeful lives? How do we rise above the sometimes ungenerous, unkind stories we tell ourselves as we go about our lives? Sitting around the table at […]
At the Pregame Clubhouse, a recurring topic of discussion in our huddles is how we balance our communication and interaction with the world. Since most of us are self-employed or business owners, we have the “freedom” to be alone and shut out the world whenever we wish. Of course, it’s a mixed blessing. Thanks to our phones and computers, even if we’re huddled up at home working or writing, we’re always connected… […]
An excerpt from Game Plan: Achieve Your Goals in Life, Career, and Business. Download the ebook edition for free when you subscribe to the Pregame Magazine email list. Did you know you have an Advisory Board? Everyone does. Your Advisory Board can be conscious – your business mentors, networking group, or even a formal organizational board. But your Board isn’t limited to the people you actively ask for advice. It is […]
As a strategist working with entrepreneurs, I get a request like this at least once a week: Hey Ciara! I have a launch/event/campaign coming up and I want to pick your brain on how to market it/get press/do everything. Can I take you out for coffee/lunch/a drink (on me!!!!!!) next week? xoxoxoxo – Person Ciara Met Once At Some Conference Three Years Ago “What a nice-sounding person!” you’re thinking. “I’m […]
Back in December of 2012 I hosted the first ConnectorCon while I was still working in business development at an educational technology start up. I had been to a conference earlier that year that I was not impressed with and I thought it would be cool to try and do something better. So on November 5th of 2012, I posted this blog, created a page for people to buy tickets, […]
After the past decade of working with people to create a Game Plan for achieving their personal and professional goals, I’m excited to launch the first Pregame Clubhouse this August in Portland, Oregon. Our Pregame PDX Clubhouse is a space dedicated to giving you the guidance, support, and connections you need to move forward. It’s your headquarters away from the hustle, where you can learn, formulate, prep, connect, rework, relax. Swing by any day of the […]