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Summer is winding down, guys! Weeeep! I’m taking an entire week off for family stuff, splashing along the north shore of Lake Superior, and doing some ‘bigger picture’ ‘long term’ ‘business visioning.’ (Meaning I’m thinking about how I can make a million dollars on some sort of cat-related app.)

Anyway, I’ve gathered up the best, most helpful things about self-employment, creativity, productivity and general internet awesomery! Just for you!

What happens when you’re ‘famous’ on social media? 
The truth is, our technological leaders have built these tools in a way that explicitly promotes the idea that one’s follower count is the score we keep, the metric that matters.

I’ll be working my way through these when I get back from the lake! 20 epic blog hacks in less than 20 minutes!

I’m co-signed on all of these: 10 simple ways to prioritize what you love. (I particularly like/struggle with number five.)

I loved Hillary’s unwritten rules for ‘making it’ as a freelance digitial creative. Good reminders for all of us.
Make friendly, specific requests of the heroes or colleagues you admire. Tell them what you like about them, and ask what their skill development/support/book recommendations might be. If you’re feeling ballsy, you can also offer your services to support them and get closer to their work.

I really appreciate it when online people are transparent about how they make money (here’s how I make money and here’s why I post what I post). I liked Bri’s honest breakdown of how she and the Design Lovefest team earn their keep.

Useful. 15 Smart Things To Say That Will Reassure People That You’re A True Professional.

I’ve been there, girl. How to schedule your week when you work fulltime AND freelance.

Equal parts terrifying and beneficial: Why you need to clean your list and dump the people who aren’t reading.

Do you want your packages to sell out? (Dur. Yes.) Here’s how to package them so they do that!

Gaaaaah! It happens to the best of us. What to do when a professional relationship falls apart.
Some judgment reveals more about the speaker than the recipient, but if you’ve heard the same critique from several people, maybe it’s time to be honest with yourself. If multiple people have commented on your tardiness or typos, think about how you can right your ship and do better in the future.

If you’re thinking of hiring a VA, read this first.

Hope you’re enjoying the end of your summer, guys!