Elizabeth, Author at Yellow Dog Consulting

Where Does Your Business Come From?

12.16.2015 by Elizabeth // Leave a Comment

Earlier this week I was challenged to make a list of all my clients in 2015 and identify the referral source for them.

It was a GREAT exercise that I don’t know why I haven’t done before, or with regularity! I included clients I’ve been working with for a few years, not just ones acquired this year. I knew exactly where each client came from. Networking, referrals, and my newsletter were my major sources.

And, now as I move into 2016 I know where to focus my marketing efforts. I’ll continue to attend those networking events that are bringing me business, I’ll continue to work with those referral partners who send me new business and will refer back to them as well. And that monthly newsletter will continue to be monthly.

In this last month of the year, it’s a great time to take 15 minutes and make a list of all your clients from this past year, and where they came from. You may be surprised at the lead sources, you may not be. But making the list and seeing just how much business someone gives you is a pretty good gift to give yourself this time of year.

I’d be a Terrible Investment Banker

12.09.2015 by Elizabeth // Leave a Comment

On Sunday my husband and I walked up to get coffee. It was a nice cold clear morning, and a good walk. While at the coffee shop I got a text from a colleague confirming I had received the 2 emails sent on Saturday. I responded “yup, I don’t work weekends, will get to them tomorrow!”

My husband then said “you’d make a terrible investment banker.” Besides all the OBVIOUS reasons – he’s right. Although investment bankers make a TON of money, they’re never home to enjoy their toys because they work 24/7. My husband mentioned how a colleague emailed an investment banker at midnight (Pacific) and got a response 5 minutes later (so, 3:05 AM in New York).

No, I will not be available 24/7 for you.

I don’t care how much you want to pay me. My evenings and weekends are MINE, you can’t have them.

Feel free to work whenever you want to work, that’s just fine. I don’t mind getting email responses at 2 am from someone, I keep my phone on do not disturb while I sleep, do what you need to do. But make sure you know not every one operates the way you do.

My clients all know that I’m not a morning person so we don’t schedule calls before 10 AM, it’s safer for everyone. I communicate with my clients – when I’ll be out of town or busy or unavailable – expectations are set up front. And the clients who want 24/7 access? I’m happy to make a referral to someone who’d do that for you.

November Pop Culture Roundup!

11.30.2015 by Elizabeth // Leave a Comment

Winter is here and that means more time in front of the TV and less time outside. It also means reading more finally and errand running which means more podcasts to listen to. Here’s what I’ve been up to this month pop culture wise – please share your new favorites in the comments!

Reading

I finally got caught up on my comics the other day – just in time for a new slew around the holiday’s! Time to get some more reading done – hopefully these cold winter days will encourage me to pick up a book instead of the remote! Here’s a few things I read…

Paper Girls – I picked up the first two issues of this comic and they were okay, but not enough for me to continue reading it. I’m not a big alien invasion person, but if you are, you’d like it!

Ms Marvel – continues to make me happy. If there’s a teenage girl (or woman) in your life who wants to get into comics – this is the one. The series is so well done, and smart, plus they use proper Muslim terms which I like learning. Maybe Trump should give it a read…

The Walking Dead – I finally caught up on the comics and I like where it’s heading! The new big bad is a crazy scary woman – and her group is nuts. Good twists and turns along the way – I continue to love this comic. The show however…

Watching

The Walking Dead – I couldn’t be more annoyed that (SPOILER) Glenn is alive. That was ridiculous. There’s a big bad guy coming at the end of the season so I think I’ll push through this season to see if it picks up, but besides the awesome (but poorly timed) Morgan episode a few weeks ago, it’s been further and further down my must watch list.

The Leftovers – This show is SO much better this season than last. I am really enjoying that each episode moves the story along but is also focused on one character for the most part. These past two weeks with Kevin have been incredible – especially the Trained Assassin episode (which makes sense if you watch the show I swear…)

Homeland – A show that may be better marathoned – this season started off good, Carrie went nuts, and now things are heating up. I like the Allison story line and the new location and cyber security stuff.

Fargo – If you aren’t watching this show you’re dead to me. Okay, that’s not true, but some of the best acting is going on with this show, and some incredible story telling. It’s been renewed for Season 3 I hope it’s an all Nick Offerman season – he’s doing an amazing job on this show (and also as Holt’s ex on Brooklyn 99 the other night!)

SNL – I watch every episode of SNL – and it’s a great season! The Trump episode was pretty awful – except for the ex-porn stars sketch, which I think most people had tuned out by. Matthew McConaughey did a good job and the Adele as the great Thanksgiving uniter was AWESOME. Elizabeth Banks may finally be the every woman that fits well into any SNL sketch (like Bradley Cooper I always thought has). I can’t WAIT for the Christmas episode with my two favorite ladies – Tina & Amy!

Listening

The Watch – One of my favorite podcasts was the Hollywood Prospectus on Grantland. Last month ESPN killed the blog and podcast network. And luckily Bill Simmons was there to pick up the pieces of his creation. The Watch is two friends who talk about TV mostly but occasionally music and books and movies – and I always learn a thing or two.

Fresh Air – they had two great interviews lately – Shonda Rhimes just wrote a book so they interviewed her. One of my favorite things was she talked about her email autoresponder is set after 7 pm and on the weekends and says she’s not working or checking email, and if you work for her, you are encouraged to do the same. Pretty cool that she’s set such clear boundaries – something I strive to do. Michael Che and Colin Jost were on the pod after the Trump episode of SNL talking about Weekend Update. It was great to hear them chat about working together and SNL and that specific (and terrible) episode of SNL. If you’re an SNL nerd like me – get on it.

WTF – Marc finally interviewed his white whale: Lorne Michaels. It was a good interview (maybe not great), when Lorne talks, it’s always worth a listen – and I think it gave Marc the closure he’s needed about why he didn’t make the show. And it gave some good intel into how Lorne thinks about potential comics on the show. Also- the WTF with Michaela Watkins was fantastic and talked a lot about her time at SNL as well. She’s even cooler than I thought!