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Recently I had the opportunity to visit Dogpatch Labs while in New York City. Dogpatch Labs is a creation of Polaris Venture Partners, a leading venture capital firm that provides an incredible free environment where startups can get support, and work alongside others.
Think big; Polaris Venture Partners has provided $190 million in funding through Dogpatch Labs companies since 2009. The beautiful second floor old brick office loft was buzzing with energy and excitement, along with the smell of delicious food being prepared in the fully equipped kitchen to keep the business creators nourished on a cold fall day.
How refreshing to witness complete enthusiasm about work. Think creation and invention.
When was the last time you feel enthused about your work? And when was the last time you felt excited about your income? I hope the answer is today. If it’s not, here are a few questions that will lead you to rekindle that flame since “work” is a huge part of our lives!
- Do you like what you are doing? Is your work using any part of your highest and best self? How much is it using and how much is being left untapped? Is your highest potential being capitalized upon?
- On a more practical note, have you calculated your monetary value? This can be done by taking the results you get for your employer or customers, assigning an estimated value to those results, and then working from there. Some immeasurable things are priceless, right? While other results have a very clear and defined return. Know what you deliver, and know what its worth.
- Ask yourself if there are any ways that you can increase the value of the results that you deliver for others. For example, would education or a certification in a particular new area that you could incorporate into your existing work improve results? In today’s rapidly changing technology oriented world, if you’re not moving ahead, then there’s a good chance that you’re moving backward. Don’t have the time or money for education? Many top universities now offer free online or low cost courses.
- Choose how much money you want to make next year. Compare this amount to your current salary. If you charge clients hourly, calculate the desired amount on a simple hourly basis using the numbers of hours you actually work. Be sure to include all time that’s allotted to your business, such as networking and management. Are you making the amount that you want? If not, ask what’s possible to get to that income level. A few examples are adding a consulting income stream, more delegation, or improving your business strategy, depending on the type of work that you do.
These are powerful yet simple strategies to create the life you want while also reaching your financial goals. Be real about your current life; then ask questions to catapult your current situation.
Every person was at Dogpatch Labs because they acted boldly upon an idea. This is such a basic fundamental principle that creates results in any area of work or life. It’s almost 2013. Commit now to make it the year that your work AND your income are exciting!
P.S. If you like this topic, you’ll definitely want to register for my free Smart & Savvy Income Webinar December 11 where I’ll share 4 tools to get you started creating more income fast without spending a lot. Click here to register before all the spots are filled.