RISE, A Modern Guide for the Purpose Driven Woman Spring 2014 | Page 28

“A MIRACULOUS THING
HAPPENS WHEN YOU
BELIEVE YOU CAN
HAVE THE LIFE YOU
WERE BORN TO HAVE!”
One of my most basic outlooks on business (and most
certainly it is true in life) is
that not all profit is monetary,
especially when you’re starting out. Of course I am not
suggesting you give your work
away, rather consider the
benefits a project could bring
in the way of exposure, experiences, business connections,
creative inspirations, etc. In
addition, seek opportunities to
trade your services for outside
services that would help your
business grow.
During the first two years in
business, I consistently reevaluated my presence in
the marketplace. I looked
at the areas I felt my business was lacking and actively
pursued relationships with
other professionals who not
only challenged, motivated,
and inspired my growth and
reflection, but traded services
with me (For example, I traded
services with a web designer
while my company repaired
his roof).
This is a great way to build
relationships and expedite a
service without depleting the
company budget. It’s a winwin!
VOLUNTEER AND GIVE
Nothing brings forth more
profit per hour like giving! I’ve
never been sorry for the time
I’ve given away, even in the

DON’T QUIT YOUR
DAYDREAM
beginning. The benefits far
outweigh the perceivable cost
to give. So much so that
20% of our yearly business is
dedicated to pro-bono work,
which is actually written into
our business plan. Currently,
FOUR POINT actively supports
such non-profit organizations
as Step Up on Second, MEND,
Beyond Shelter, IDCC, and
World Vision.
GET INVOLVED
As soon as you can, get involved with professional associations and organizations
that will challenge, connect,
and encourage the networking
within your particular industry. Nothing has brought me
more encouragement, growth,
and business than being a
part of organizations such as
ASID, IIDA, and AIA.
RITUALS AND ORDER
Part of my ritual for creating a
balanced and energized workplace is to encourage everyone
to begin their work week with
a clean desk. I truly believe
that it promotes self and team
respect, order, and creative focus. I also believe that a team
that shares a work/social
space becomes a more cohesive, thoughtful, and generous
team.
Weekly mandatory team
strategy meetings fortify the
business and give everyone a
chance to connect, share, and
support each other as well as
plan and prep for the week
ahead.

One of my favorite creative
business strategies is implemented at the end of each
weekly mandatory team meeting when we spend the last
twenty minutes on what I call
the “if money were no object”
segment. It’s my way of encouraging what I call “dream
discipline” within the company. Never allow your team
to become complacent. Inside
each team member is greatness. As the company’s team
leader it is my commitment
and responsibility to create
an environment where unique
and individual greatness is
encouraged, promoted and
celebrated. Always encourage your X[H