I'm careful not to confuse excellence with perfection.
Excellence I can reach for, perfection is God's business.
Michael J. Fox

by Skip Cohen

​​It's Wednesday, Hump Day, and if you think about it, there really is no middle of the workweek any longer. The expression started in the 50s when Saturday was a coast day, and no businesses were open on Sunday. Turning back the clock to when this old fart was a kid, NOTHING was open on Sundays - no gas, no banks (there were no ATMs), not even a supermarket was open. Today, especially this time of year, retailers run 7 days a week, and the Internet never closes!

If you're a wedding and event photographer working Friday - Sunday, there is no "coasting" into the weekend. You might not be shooting during the week, but that's when you do all your "prep" work for previous orders. Capturing memories is no easy task, and it requires your constant attention to keep the momentum for your creative genes going all the time.

In 2009, I decided to see if I could walk the talk and be an entrepreneur like so many of you whom I admire. I started my own business. It was one of the best things I've ever done. Like so many people who make significant changes in their lives, I made the usual post-change comment: "I wish I had done it years ago!"

Change doesn't come easy for most of us, and big changes are always slow, depending on the risk involved. In business, especially, there's a lot to consider. But one of my greatest lessons leading up to my career change was to stop chasing perfection! I wanted my business survival to be guaranteed, and although I thought about it for years, I always convinced myself that the timing wasn't right!

One of my favorite quotes, thanks to Zig Ziglar, is: "If you wait for all the lights to turn green, you'll never get started on your journey!"

The challenge so many of us have is finally taking that leap of faith to make a change. Whether it's big or small, we procrastinate too much throughout the process. We're looking for perfection - exactly the right change with perfect timing.

There's my point - stop chasing perfection, but don't slow down on continuing to set high goals. Whether it's running your business, working with clients, raising the bar on your skill set, or simply recognizing what it takes to make you smile every day, all you can do is your best.

​And if something is slowing you down, then just like a garden, it might be time to do a little pruning!

by Skip Cohen

It's "Hump Day," and I brought this topic back from the archives because, at this time of year, even though business is ramping up and in full swing through seasonality, it's a time when everyone starts to get a little reflective. We're closing out one year and heading into a new one, and it's a time when so many of us ponder our "why?"

We're looking at everything we do and often wondering if it's time for a change. Is it time to change direction, expand into other areas of expertise, and the BIG question, are we happy in what we're doing? It's an endless process, but a necessity to help avoid complacency and stimulate creativity.

But finding our "why" isn't exclusive to our careers. There's the importance of sharing our "why" with the people we're trying to attract. As photographers, your target audience needs to understand your "why?".  They don't care what awards you've won, what gear you have, or how your grandfather gave you your first camera. They want to know "why?" you love being a photographer and if you can be trusted to capture the kinds of images they want. 

Too many of you write your bios without considering your audience. When it's time to open your heart, you submerge yourself in meaningless factoids about your skills. If they're reading your bio, they're already interested in getting to know you better - don't bury them in your list of print competition awards, gear details, and the history of your business. Tell them why you love imaging. Share why your clients trust you to capture what's in their hearts.

It's the "why" that makes us all more interesting. It's the "why" that makes my story different from yours. It's the "why" that takes millions of stories from people worldwide and gives them color, emotion, and commitment.  

In terms of my "why," I simply love imaging and the business of helping more people understand its importance. Even in my volunteer work in support of the fight against Alzheimer's, imaging plays a special role with the interaction between patients dealing with the disease and the memories old photographs bring back.

Stop worrying about "what" you do and start sharing with people "why" you do it. The "what" comes from your left brain and is a series of cut-and-dry statements; the "why" comes from your right brain and is all about your personality, passion, and emotion. Plus, your "why" is unique, while your "what" is often the same as everybody else's.

Happy Hump Day!

You can't just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream.
You've got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.
Diana Ross

by Skip Cohen

​Based on the way the "kids" are behaving in the government these days, I have a list of responses I'd like to share. It's just for my personal therapy and I need to vent a little. Like most of you, I can't believe what's going on...in fact, every day there's one more thing I catch in the news that's simply embarrassing. 

• Like the Republican party, we've decided to redistrict our residence, making the majority of our home a non-profit and limiting our tax exposure.
• I've declared the numbers reported by Florida Power and Light, which determine our monthly bill, are rigged. 
• The numbers used to determine our property taxes are also incorrect, and we've demanded that the county tax assessor be fired.
• Since we live on the Gulf, I'm declaring the area within a mile of our residence the Gulf of Skip & Sheila.
• Belle, one of our two pups, is a Havanese, and technically, her parents were immigrants with an ancestral line going back to Cuba. Therefore, we've changed her breed to be a Boston Terrier, so she's not deported.
• We've established a tariff for emotional stress on all incoming calls, mostly telemarketers, and will be requiring a purchase order confirmation before speaking with the caller.
• The corner of our yard reserved for the small butterfly garden is currently filled with flowers and butterflies. However, to follow suit with Washington, the garden will be filled in with concrete and renamed after my wife, Sheila.

And there you have it...a few minutes of sarcasm connected to all the nonsense that's in the news. Every day, it becomes increasingly unbelievable. 

​Happy Hump Day!

I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done.
Lucille Ball

The death rate for people who play it safe and for people who live boldly is the same: 100%
Patti Dighi

Seriousness is overrated. If you want to achieve more without runing your life,
​the first step is to approach your work with a sense of play.
Ali Abdaaf

by Skip Cohen

It's Hump Day, and whatever I post, I like to keep it short. I ran across the two quotes above this morning, and they hit on a topic I've tried to live by for most of my adult life. Remember, I'm still a work in progress, so I haven't always gotten it right.

When I look back on different aspects of my career, the most significant and rewarding jobs/projects have always had an element of work-hard-play-hard. From those jobs have come incredible friendships and a network build on trust with some amazing people. The only thing I'll add to the sentiment of the two quotes today, is that there are so many of you whom I've met and talked with who are simply over-focused on the challenges in life.  As I've written before, you can't create images that tug at people's heartstrings if your own heart isn't totally in it!

I'm not suggesting you take anything too lightly - but now and then, ease up a little and focus on what YOU need. What puts a smile on your face and makes your heart soar, even just a little bit? Who are the people in your life you wish you connected with more often? Who gets those eleven-second hugs I always write about on Sundays?

Happy Hump Day...and here's one more thought that ties in with today's theme...

You were born an original. Don't die a copy.
John Mason

Never forget how to take care of yourself because others won't forget how to use you.
Unknown

by Skip Cohen

​It's Hump Day, and I try it keep it relatively light, but depending on your state of mind, today's topic could be just a quiet reminder or a critical point to help you focus.

Now and then, I share a point from Lou Mitchell's book, Mastering Positive Thinking. A few days ago, he shared the quote above and then went on to write:

Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. In a world where demands and expectations are constant, and burnout is one of the most prevalent illnesses, it's easy to prioritize others' needs over our own. However, neglecting self-care can leave us vulnerable to being taken advantage of, as people often remember how to use our strengths and resources for their benefit. Learning to say no to preserve yourself is key.

The world is nuts right now. From pissing off Mother Nature to the economy to the political arena, we're flooded with fake news from all sides. On any given day, most of us are fighting off some level of anxiety over the future. With the exception of the weather report, we don't know what to believe. 

At the same time, it's so easy to forget about self-care and help friends and worthy causes, putting our own needs on the back burner. I'm not suggesting anybody become selfish, but being just a little self-centered isn't a bad thing. Caregivers for family members with Alzheimer's learn early on that they can't take care of their loved one if they're not taking care of themselves first. It's no different than a flight attendant speech reminding you that if you're flying with a child, put on your oxygen mask before putting on your kid's.

Lou Mitchell went on to write: Are you taking adequate care of yourself, or are you constantly catering to others' needs? What boundaries can you set to ensure you prioritize your well-being? How can you integrate self-care practices into your daily routine to maintain a healthy balance?

And there's my point - you need to set some boundaries. For me, one area that needs my attention is what I read. I've stopped scrolling through all the bullshit on Facebook. There's one post after another that's fake news, and it's from all sides, as more and more people think their opinion is the only one. Sheila and I have even developed our own technique for watching the news - we pre-record and can get through Lester Holt and David Muir, both 30-minute news broadcasts, in less than 15 minutes!

This doesn't mean we accept the craziness in the world; it's just that our own sanity comes before allowing us to get upset over reports that are yet to be proven true! So, whether it's more sleep, exercise, eating better, setting boundaries on input to your life, or just taking time to smell the roses - you know how to hold focus with you camera, but what about YOU?

Wishing everybody a day when you can focus on what you need most!

​Happy Hump Day!

“It’s income tax time again, Americans: time to gather up those receipts, get out those tax forms,
sharpen up that pencil, and stab yourself in the aorta.”
Dave Barry

by Skip Cohen

​It's Hump Day, and while it might be considered by most to be the slow season in photography, it's not the slow season for the operating side of your business. NOW is the time to start the scavenger hunt for everything you spent money on in 2024. DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!

I'm always amazed at how many small business owners, especially photographers, don't take the time to review all the costs involved in running their business. I am not an accountant, but here's a list of things you should review so you don't miss anything when you're doing your taxes!

No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy,
if you're playing a solo game, you'll always lose out to a team!
​Reid Hoffman

by Skip Cohen

​I've written a lot over the years about partnerships, but there are still so many of you who believe marketing is a DIY sport. You insist on flying solo, believing it gives you maximum control over success. Sadly, being a "one-man band" limits your reach, creativity, success, and often reaction time.

Partnerships give you an edge because you can draw from each other's creativity, databases, brand awareness, and skill set. Plus, each partner becomes an ambassador for the different companies involved. You're pooling your resources and expanding your reach dramatically; and in the process, either saving money or increasing your exposure to levels unaffordable as a solo act.

Here's a list of potential partners that I've shared in previous posts over the years:

Boudoir Photographers: Get together with a lingerie boutique and a spa, makeup artist, or salon. Also, because a beautiful boudoir image is very often intended to be a gift with a little romance attached, an intimate restaurant in your community might also be a great partner.

Pet Photographers: Talk with the manager at your local supermarket or pet shop to find out who the rep is for some of the big-brand pet foods. You've also got animal shelters, pet boutiques, veterinarians, and doggy daycare facilities.

Children's Photographers: Toy stores, summer camps, playgrounds, kids' clothing boutiques, and restaurants geared toward kids make great partners. You might even find a pediatrician or pediatric dentist interested in getting involved with something creative.

Family Photographers: You're looking for any company that targets families. Family restaurants, decorators, parks, and special events targeting families all have potential. Years ago, on a Hasselblad program in Cleveland, a photographer told me about a landscaper who built him a backyard shooting area in exchange for promoting their services. The logic was that anybody who was paying for a family sitting more than likely had an interest/need in landscaping.

Commercial Photographers: This one's a little more challenging, but think about what a client is looking for. This doesn't work if you're targeting Fortune 500 companies. However, a program to target small business owners in a community could tie in a local magazine/publication, a printer, and a courier service, for example. The promotional offer might target people who need a new headshot.

Wedding Photographers: Wedding photographers are always the easiest because there are so many different business entities involved: florists, wedding planners, bakeries, salons, bridal shops, limo companies, musicians, tux shops, travel agents, venues, and the list goes on and on.

Last on the list for every specialty - don't forget other photographers! There's only so much time in a week for you to shoot. Bringing in competitors who compliment your style helps build strength and brand recognition in the category. Sooner or later, you're going to send another photographer a referral, so why not build the relationship now?

Right now, everyone is dealing with the same challenges - trying to wrap up as much business as possible before the year ends. With the holidays and the spirit of seasonality, it's the perfect time to start planting seeds for 2025 and consider some strategic partners to grow your business and in turn, success!

The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.
Phil Jackson

Greatness happens when the person with the wild imagination
collaborates with the person who knows how to get things done.
Unknown Author

Today's post is out of the SCU archives. I'm sharing it, not because I didn't want to write something new today, but because the topic seems even more relevant. As the industry changes, it's taking more and more creativity to make your work stand out. Yet the basics for success NEVER change.
​

by Skip Cohen
​
A few times over the years, I've referred to myself as one of the luckiest guys in the industry. One example is having the privilege of working with all four of the icons above. Don Blair and I wrote our first book together. I have dozens of Monte stories from so many different workshops and programs. Avedon made me lunch once in the flat above his studio, and Scavullo's dog tried to take a piece out of my leg on a couple of different visits.

I chose these four because I had the privilege of spending time with them, and there are so many of you who never got to see them in action. There are so many other artists for each of us to remember, along with contemporary icons active in the industry right now.  The common denominators between all of them are the traits below.

Kicking off the last quarter of the year, it's the perfect time for all of us to remember the ingredients that made those four above iconic, along with the traits of so many younger contemporary artists we admire today.

Image Quality:  They NEVER compromise on the quality of an image. Exposure, composition, expression and impact are as consistent as the sun coming up every morning. 

Lifestyle Quality:  They maintain a lifestyle of giving back and a strong sense of family and friendships. They have integrity, they have poise and they follow through on their promises.  They also surround themselves with people with similar commitments.

Loyalty:  Whether it's to the vendors they work with or their friends, their loyalty is rarely questioned.  Everyone watches each others backs and the mutual respect and admiration, at least from my perspective, is pretty much unmatched in comparison to most other industries.

Humor:  They don't take themselves too seriously. Think about any program you've attended that you loved and learned something - I'm willing to bet you laughed...a lot.  Today's photography icons are comfortable with admitting when they do something stupid, have fun with a client or completely screw up a job and live to tell about it.

Humility: Not everyone has it, but even those few we might consider a little arrogant - if they knew how they were being perceived they'd be upset and ready to work on a different persona.  So, I'm not sure if the quality I'm trying to describe is humility or a willingness to listen, but they've got it.

Confidence:  They believe in their abilities, their willingness to learn new skills and they understand their camera gear and photography cold - there's no second guessing and no "chimping."  Even when they talk about a new idea or technology, you'll pick up a unique tone in their voice, almost as if they've been shooting that way for years.

Diverse Skills: It goes with confidence, but there's nothing they can't shoot.  We might know them as a portrait photographer and then we'll see work that's fine art, landscape or architectural - they refuse to be type-cast into any one skill set. They may have a signature specialty, but none of them are one-trick ponies. They're always experimenting with new technologies and growing their skillset. 

Passion: It's the last word on the list, but it drives everything they do!  It's not just about photography, but about life in general - they simply never stop loving the craft, their lives, their friends, families - you name it and passion is what drives them to succeed.

Here's the bottom line - how do you stack up against the ingredients? Or more importantly, how do your customers feel you stack up?

Happy Hump Day!

Life is short, break the rules. Forgive quickly, kiss slowly.
Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that makes you smile.
Mark Twain

by Skip Cohen

Ever get sad news that pushed you into a period of reflection?

Here's the short backstory: A friend from high school, Art Healan, passed away this week, and while it was a surprise to us, news like this is coming more frequently as we get older. Art sent me an IM on Facebook wishing me a Happy Birthday back in May. Getting the email this morning about his passing hit me hard.

When I lived in Ohio, Art and I would catch up for lunch now and then. He was a great guy—easygoing—and we kept in touch sporadically over the years. 

Thinking about being surprised that Art had passed away got me thinking about the challenges we all face in living life to its fullest. I went searching for a few great quotes to share. 

There'll be two dates on your tombstone and all your friends will read 'em,
​but all that's gonna matter is that little dash between 'em!
Kevin Welch

Here's my point, life is simply too short and none of us can stop time. But as you get older, time seems to go by faster and faster. If you're unhappy with some aspect of your life, then start working to change it. Whatever dreams you have, figure out what you need to do to turn them into reality.

And to Art -  You will be missed buddy...we didn't keep in touch that often but thanks to social media, we kept the friendship going for a whole lot of years. "You have left some wonderful memories that will never fade from my heart."

by Skip Cohen

This is that strange time of year when it's quiet from the consumer side of life and in limbo for many small business owners. It's the perfect time to hit the reset button and clear your head. But before you kick back it's also time to tie up loose ends from 2023 and do a little prep work for the new year. 

From loose ends to preparing for the year ahead, here are some quick ideas:

• IUSA: If you're headed to IUSA at the end of this month, NOW is the time to think about meals. Everyone's schedule fills up very fast once they're in show mode. So, think about who you want to catch up with at the convention and start making plans for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Remember. NEVER EAT A MEAL ALONE! Grabbing a meal together is the perfect way to catch up with old friends, associates, and vendors. 
• Cleaning up 2023: It's not a perfect world, and shi** happens. If you've got orders and promises that weren't completed in time for the holidays - don't let them sit beyond today. And don't be afraid to contact an upset customer with a solution to whatever the dilemma. If you're stuck for an opening line on a phone call, try this: "I can't blame you for being upset. Well, the buck stops here; how can I help?" The key is establishing empathy right at the beginning of the conversation.
• Partnerships take time to develop. While things are relatively quiet, are there companies you'd like to work with on the local level for the new year? From florists to caterers to event planners - this is the time to plant a few seeds for projects and corss-promotions in the new year.
• How's your skillset? What do you need to expand your business and keep building your reputation as the best in the community? What courses are you signed up for at IUSA or other conferences coming up?
• Need more gear? Now is a great time to pick up new gear, but take your time thinking you need the latest model of whatever it is you're looking to buy. While sometimes the latest models of cameras, lenses, printers, etc., have significant improvements, the changes are often just marketing, not technology. Just take your time.​

Here's my point - yes, we're at the start of the "slow season," but that doesn't mean it's slow for you as a business owner. This time of year is always a balance between things you need to do ASAP to wrap up last year and the need to kick back for a few days and clear your head. As I wrote recently, now is the time to do a little dreaming...with your eyes open.

by Skip Cohen

It's "Hump Day," and I do my best to keep it relatively short but still relevant. The "why" we do things is at the top of my mind this morning.

As a photographer, your target audience doesn't care what awards you've won, what gear you have, or how your grandfather gave you your first camera. All they want to know is "why" you love being a photographer and if you can be trusted to capture the kinds of images they want. 

Too many of you write your bios, forgetting about your audience. When it's time to open your heart, you submerse yourself in meaningless factoids about your skills. If they're reading your bio, they're already interested in getting to know you better - don't bury them in your list of print competition awards, gear details, and the history of your business. Tell they why you love imaging. Share why your clients trust you to capture what's in their hearts.

It's the "why" that makes us all more interesting. It's the "why" that makes my story different from yours. It's the "why" that takes millions of stories from people worldwide and gives them color, emotion, and commitment.  

In terms of my "why" - I simply love photography and the business of helping more people understand its importance. I love working with so many of you to help you see your potential, and in turn, you help me see mine. I feel a special rush walking into any photography convention, conference, or trade show.

And it's not just conferences and conventions - In a few minutes, I need to head up to Clearwater (near Tampa) to catch up to a whole bunch of great friends on Scott Kelby's The Grid. Eddie Tapp is in town and a guest, along with Larry T. (founder/inventor of Platypod), Larry Becker, Judy Host, and the whole Kelby Media team. It's that energy of being together with great friends that confirms I love this industry.

Stop worrying about "what" you do and start sharing with people "why" you do it. The "what" is from your left brain and a series of cut-and-dry statements; the "why" is the right brain and is all about your personality, passion, and emotion. Plus, your "why" is unique, while your "what" is often the same as everybody else's.

Happy Hump Day!

by Skip Cohen

​Last year, right about this same time, I was running a series called "Sound Advice." Looking back through my archives, I ran across this post on diversity in your skill set. It's only a four-minute sound bite, but it's relevant to so many of you.

I'm hoping most of you are starting to fulfill holiday orders – but that doesn't mean you can't still think about your immediate future from a "what if?" perspective. When business is bad, life becomes a lifeboat drill. We examine all our costs, procedures, etc. Often, the things we change and cut back on are issues that should have been addressed long before the crisis.
 
So, think back to the height of the pandemic – when events were all canceled, people were paranoid about virtually everything – and we all hunkered down. Now, think about your plans if another crisis were to happen, even the most local event that forced you to change your business model.

Do you have the skill set to tackle something else, or are you strictly a one trick pony? What's your backup plan?

It's a short sound bite from last year, and while references to 2022 aren't valid, the concept of diversity couldn't be more important and worth considering. With IUSA coming up in January and more conferences and workshops on the horizon, whether LIVE or online, what will you do to expand your skill set?

by Skip Cohen
​
Hump Day thoughts are short ideas to help raise the bar on your success, especially during this upcoming holiday season.

Most of you, at one time or another, have been involved in a brainstorming exercise. Most often for me, it happened in marketing meetings in my Polaroid days and later at Hasselblad USA. The whole idea is based on a small group of people doing a brain dump of ideas/solutions related to some aspect of business. 

There were no rules - just talking slow enough for somebody to write down the ideas - back then on a whiteboard. There was no such thing as a bad idea. The fun began once the ideas were compiled - how to enhance, combine, or boil them down into an actionable program.

Here's my point - if you're stuck for promotional ideas for this holiday season or ways to kick off the new year, take the time and start writing down ideas. Don't think anything through initially - just write them down. Give yourself an hour or two in an environment without interruptions. 

And if you need a little help, bring in a family member, associate, or friend who knows a little about your business. You might be surprised by what comes out of a bit of brainstorming! All it takes is one idea to grow into something to impact your business.

Two heads are definitely better than one and by brainstorming as a team and sourcing ideas from each other,
you have a better chance of coming up with a strategy
that will allow your business to overcome a setback or challenge.
Richard Branson

by Skip Cohen
​
​Over the years, I've written and talked a lot about establishing a networking luncheon meeting in your community. It's the perfect way to build relationships with other vendors and, in turn, create more business. This is relationship building at its very best.

Let's use a wedding photographer as an example, simply because it's so easy to understand the other vendors.

• Find a small restaurant with a private room and an inexpensive luncheon menu. It's nothing fancy, just a good space for privacy and a lunch at $10-20. We're not out to set a culinary standard; just have lunch.
• Invite vendors in the community who share the same target audience. Who you invite is up to you, but think about the power around the table if suddenly you get to know a baker or two, travel agent, bridal salon, wedding planner, florist, spa, salon, tux shop, music promoter, limo service, etc. And remember venues and caterers. Over time and building the relationship, you might even get a venue or caterer to provide lunch. 
• Everybody pays for their own lunch. You can work it out in advance with the restaurant so you're covered on the final check.  
• The agenda is simple – introduce yourself and thank them for coming. Then, go around the room and let everybody take 3-5 minutes to introduce themselves and their products/services.
• State your purpose – by getting to know each other, there might be opportunities to work together, share the cost of direct mail campaigns, cross-promotions at holiday time, or sponsorship of something in the community. 

​
All of you have the same target audience: bridal clients. Getting to know each other and building relationships is vital to building your brand and, in turn, a more robust business.

Speaking of relationship-building - pick up a copy of Scott Stratten's book Unmarketing. It's an easy read and outstanding for planting the seeds of ideas to help you build a stronger business. The subtitle says it all... "Stop Marketing, Start Engaging."

Nothing will help build a stronger business better than relationship building. And as I've written in the past, partnerships also reduce your cost and expand your reach. A networking luncheon, pulled together by you, supports the leadership position you want to establish and is almost unlimited in the potential for new ideas to work together in your community.

​Happy Hump Day!

by Skip Cohen
​
It's Hump Day, and here's a suggestion to keep in mind as you put together future promotions. I've heard so many stories from photographers over the years who put together what they considered a great promotion, but it failed with minimal response. Most often, it was because the perceived value of the promotion wasn't as strong as they thought it would be. Whatever you offer, it has to have VALUE.
 
Value-added marketing is defined as delivering more than your customers are expecting through content and experiences. https://blog.duda.co/

For example, if you've put together a promotion for free goods when a specific service or product is purchased, you've got to make sure your target audience understands the true value of the promotion. We all know when a company pitches us for something they're giving away that has a $299 retail value, you can buy the product for half that through regular retail.

Years ago, my daughter, as a fifth grader, wound up on a kid's TV gameshow and won $2000 in prizes, which were taxable at that amount. But the real value was, at best, around $800! It didn't change the fun or the value of the experience, but it does make a point about value.

Your challenge is to establish promotional value that exceeds customer expectations. They need to understand the offer, what the product or service does, and how it fulfills a need they have. This is why I love cross-promotions between non-competing companies.

A promotion between a wedding photographer and a florist, for example, both have products the client needs. They also have money to spend with both companies. Last but not least, the consumer understands both the florist's and photographer's product line and has a need for both.

Hey, it's Hump Day, and these posts are always meant to be short and easy to think about - and if you're stuck for promotional ideas, you know where to find me if I can help.

Happy Hump Day!

by Skip Cohen

​We've all grown up knowing the importance of a good breakfast, but we rarely think about feeding our minds daily. Sheila and I have a couple of motivational books we read each morning. And yes, we read these short pieces out loud to each other and talk about what we just read. While to some of you, it might seem a little hokey - it helps us both focus and know what we each have on our plate for the day ahead.

My reading this morning was perfect for this topic:

by Emily Silva, Sunrise Gratitude - Before you begin your day, take some time to plan the way you want your day to go. Allow your mind to focus on this intention and visualize how you can incorporate it today. See yourself as you want to act, respond, and communicate. As your day progresses, remind yourself of your intention. An intention can be a guidepost for each day. If you feel off course, remember your vision and act, respond, or communicate from the guidepost.
 
Happy Hump Day!