Posted on Mon, Jul 27, 2009
Hugh MacLeod’s book Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity is a great business (and summer) read. The book offers advice on how to increase your creativity in business and life. While it is a quick read, it is a book you can turn to over and over again. In addition to his meaningful advice, MacLeod showcases some of his fantastic art on a business card, which has been on display, along with his witty and meaningful advice at www.gapingvoid.com for a few years.
Ignore Everybody offers concise, meaningful wisdom that will resonate with anyone who has pondered an idea, wanted to go out on their own or create their own business. It also provides a breath of fresh air for those who have no reason to go anywhere. We can all benefit from changing our approach, or simply, looking at what we are doing with a critical eye.
One example from the book:
You are responsible for your own experience. Nobody can tell you if what you’re doing is good, meaningful or worthwhile. The more compelling the path, the more lonely it is.
Read this book when you feel like the odds are stacked against you, or if you feel like your way of doing things just might work because it is so different. This book should be required reading for anyone in business, and the best part is that you will actually enjoy every minute of it. MacLeod takes a very pragmatic approach to the business of being creative. Even his writing style seems so easy. You feel like you are sitting with a wise, old shaman learning that there is no secret ingredient (sorry, still completely in love with Kung Fu Panda). You realize that you don’t have to sit in a Paris café to write your one true sentence like Hemingway, or suffer for the sake of art to get ahead.
This book gives advice I wish I had when I was just starting out, even though I might not have been brave enough to take on the world at such a young age. At any age, MacLeod instills confidence in the reader and many “ooh and ahh” moments can be expected. I spent most of the book blushing, laughing and saying one too many times, “he’s so right” and “ugh, I do that too!” Although, I must admit, I’ve been friends with budding rock stars, writers, painters, welders and craftsmen for many years, and most all of them gladly suffer for their art…but most of them are still suffering, and sadly, not all of them are creating art.
Get the book. It is worth every penny. Happy reading!
Posted on Fri, Jul 24, 2009
by Sully
We scheduled the act for July’s Night of Music and Merriment at J.J. Foley’s South End: Matthew James. Matthew is an up and coming star in the Newport, RI, area and he is gracing J.J. Foley’s blossoming monthly music scene with acoustic covers and originals on Thursday, July 30.
Starting at 7 p.m., patrons can belly up to the bar for half-priced appetizers while listening to some sweet, sweet tunes from local musicians.
Haven’t had a chance to check out Foley’s on a music night, yet? Or, maybe you come every month and you would love to relive the fun times? Check out the below video for some highlights from our past music nights.
Thank you to all of our wonderfully talented musicians. See you all on July 30.
PS - Do you know anyone that should headline at our next night of Music and Merriment? Email us and let us know: katie.sullivan@metiscomm.com.
Posted on Thu, Jul 23, 2009
Here I am, wrapping up my vacation by sitting on the porch, drinking a beer and starting to sort through hundreds of emails in my Inbox. Where do I start? I’ll tell you: Catching up on what Penelope Trunk has been saying while I’ve been gone. I missed her!
I have been reading Penelope Trunk for years. To be more specific, I have loved her blog for years. Penelope fearlessly shares intimate, personal details while smartly handing out free career advice, and somehow it works. She doesn’t fake it. She doesn’t hide her imperfections. Penelope puts it all out there, blurring personal and professional lines in an utterly honest and oftentimes humorous fashion. I don’t always agree with her advice or opinions. Sometimes Cathy and I read lines aloud to each other because we can’t believe she really said something. But, I can’t help but follow her.
I respect her for refusing to hold back. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that I envy her. Sometimes, I hold back. For example, you have no idea how long I will hem and haw about admitting I am drinking a beer on my front porch while catching up on email. I mean, will people admire me for working on my vacation and appreciate the fact that I am sipping on a cold beer as I do? Or, will people think I have a drinking problem? Will people not even give it a second thought? Does it even matter? Is anyone even reading this?… And so on.
Penelope wouldn’t care. She wouldn’t even think about it. It is what it is. Fearless. We’d make her a Maverick without a doubt. But, for now, we’ll settle on giving her our first official shout out on our “We’re Not Worthy” list.
(For the record: Reading Penelope’s blog first in my Inbox was a great move as I begin the re-entry process from vacation to the real world. It is about self-discipline. After my fun in the sun, I needed a reminder and a bit of inspiration. Thanks, Penelope!)
Posted on Thu, Jul 16, 2009
One of the best things about living in Boston is access to fresh seafood. You can get fresh fish and chips year round and dollar oysters on the half-shell. There is NO excuse for eating bisque or chowder out of a can. After all, nearly every restaurant has its own take on the New England recipe.
For the past 28 years, Fourth of July weekend has meant three things: fireworks, sunburns and Chowderfest! Eight Boston-area restaurants competed this year, serving up hot chowder during one of the first sunny and warm weekends of summer. The Yankee Lobster Fish Market’s mascot donned a bright red lobster costume, complete with oversized claws, while handing out coupons to patrons. Maxi dresses, boat shoes and fanny packs stood in line to try each restaurant’s offerings. Even children scampered around looking for their own taste of chowder.
Much to my dismay, the samples were similarly “child-like” and not given out by the bread bowl. One of my best friends from Maryland came in town and was excited until she saw the lines. Actually, the $10 cover did not even buy a full bowl of chowder since the samples were given out in two or four ounce cups. You could, however, taste your samples with all the hot sauce and oyster crackers you wanted. Chowder tasters made comments about the spices, the consistency of the base and the potato-to-clam ratio, and voted as they exited the event. Our favorite was from the Algonquin Club, who sadly, did not even make the top three. They were the only offering with bacon! We weren’t alone in our feelings of disappointment. Several comments were made via Twitter about the event.
@Cavecibum shared our love for bacon and disappointment with some of the showings, “Thoroughly enjoyed Chowderfest, even though most of the samples were not great http://bit.ly/nXigY
@Hot_in_Boston said, “If you like crowds, tourists & waiting in lines for little cups of chowder then DEFINITELY go to Chowderfest.”
@Munchmylunch said, “I feel robbed that Ned Devine’s won Chowderfest (http://bit.ly/W5ZiL). Yankee Lobster Co. was the best hands down!”
That’s right, the final count awarded Ned Devine’s Irish Pub the first place title. Ned Devine’s also won first place in 2004 and 2005, earning them a place in the Chowderfest “Hall of Fame,” which means they are no longer eligible to compete.
Do you have a favorite place to eat chowder? Nominate them for Chowderfest 2010 by emailing festival@bostonharborfest.com!
Posted on Mon, Jul 13, 2009
by Sully
Congratulations are in order to our clients ActionBase, Clarizen and Confidela, all of whom were recently recognized as leading startups or emerging companies by TechCrunch and TWS2009. On Friday, Clarizen and ActionBase were listed on the TechCrunch Europe Top 100 listing, which is a constantly updated index of the most innovative European tech companies. This list is based on information from thousands of online sources including internet traffic, media, financing, blogs and other key factors.
Confidela was one of 10 companies chosen to present in front of over 700 industry executives at TWS2009, an event that showcases Israeli startups and innovation. TechCrunch is covering the event here.
More exciting events and activities are on the horizon so stay tuned for more news.