Advice

I have taken on many new roles in my life.  Wife, Mother, Business Owner.  With each new chapter in my life I have received buckets of advice from friends, family and colleagues and have read countless self help books.   Here are the greatest hits:  (I’ve left out the stupid advice, it wasn’t worth typing - you’re welcome)

ADVICE ON MARRIAGE

~ The engagement ring.  Never take it off, ever.  OK, maybe if you work on an assembly line, but otherwise it stays on.  Yes, even when washing your hands, making meatloaf and putting on hand lotion.  Leave it on.  It is much easier to clean the ring than to replace it.
~ The wedding.  Enjoy the moment, every moment.   Spend time enjoying the events with your new spouse.  The cake, flowers, DJ, fourth cousins twice removed and freaky limo guy don’t need your constant attention and management. In 20 years will you remember what time the cake was served or the joy of eating it with your husband?
~ The disagreements.  Go to bed angry.  I know! - most people say ‘never’ go to bed angry. But let’s be frank…  Are you really going to solve your disagreement at 2am after a few drinks?  Let it go for the evening and if it is still worth revisiting in the morning hash it out then.  Chances are you won’t care so much about the $2.00 parking ticket the next morning AND you got a good nights sleep.

ADVICE ON MOTHERHOOD

~ The late nights.   During the early months when you and hubby are in high negotiations trying to decide whose turn it is to get up with the baby: neither party is responsible for anything said between the hours of midnight and 6am.  It’s the sleep deprivation talking.
~ The kids.  Ignore all advice you receive on childbirth, raising kids and to-be or not-to-be a working mother.  Do it your way, love your kids and life will be fine.

ADVICE ON BUSINESS

~ The team.  Hire slow, fire fast.   Interview every candidate at least three times.  Have your partner interview them a fourth time. This may seem grueling but finding the best people takes time and is worth the investment.  On the flip side, if you feel you need to cut bait - then cut bait - prolonging the inevitable isn’t helping anyone - especially your bottom line.
~ The money. If your business is a professional services company don’t be afraid to ask for half down.  Big project or small you can’t recoup time once you’ve used it.  Before you start work require a deposit - this shows not only a financial commitment by your new client but a commitment to the project as well.  Hold strong to this policy. 
~ The work.  Seek new business from brands you have a passion for.  Working on a project you love isn’t so much like work.  This one is self explanatory.

LIFE IN GENERAL

~ The hard fast rule.  Don’t cry over anything that can’t cry over you.  This is the best advice I can offer you.  All the rest is a crap shoot.