Rise + Shine

My dear friend and collaborator with the grocery shopping portfolios, Allisa Jacobs, has written her first e-book! I asked her to share a bit with you today.

My book aims to help creative entrepreneurs create an online shop that is distinctly and authentically their
own. With bits of my own experience and tips learned from hours of research, I share information to help
others turn their talents into a successful shop. Additionally, I’ve included fantastic insights from shining
stars in the creative world (like Bridgett!) on various topics like identifying a core concept, developing a
cohesive brand, telling your story, and growing your business. I am extremely proud of this book; it is a
culmination of many hours and drafts over a period of several months. I really hope that it inspires others
to shine in the creative world!

Today, I’d like to share some tips on tackling big projects I learned while writing this book. And I’d also
love to offer a limited time discount for Perideau Designs readers! Until November 14, 2011, you can purchase
my book for 40% off the regular price with this code UX99B.

Tips on Tackling Big Projects

Tell People About It: Whether you intend to redecorate the living room, head back to school, or start a
creative business, telling people about your goal establishes it as an official project. Plus, once you start
talking about it, it becomes easier to actually fulfill it. Early on, I told friends, family, and my blog readers
about my big idea. This not only kept me accountable, but it also provided a lot of support and motivation
along the way.

Be Firm: Switch your mindset from thinking, “this is something I’d like to do” to something more
permanent: “this is something I will achieve.” Give yourself concrete deadlines and a structured plan like
a specific to-do list or goal tracker sheet. Once I made up my mind that a book, in some form, would be
produced, it made the path getting there so much clearer.

Be Flexible: As much as we need to be firm, we also need to be flexible when tackling big projects.
While writing the book I had to adapt several times to address other aspects of life: my pregnancy,
business priorities, family needs, and life with baby! It would’ve been easy to stress about these
demands, but the process would not have been very enjoyable…or successful.

Celebrate: Bask in the rewards of all your hard work! Give yourself permission to really soak it all in and
enjoy the moment. I also suggest celebrating all the little milestones and steps along the way because the
process is part of the product. For me, this meant a little treat after printing off my very first draft – it was
very rough, but it was a draft…it was a start!

Many thanks again to Bridgett for contributing her valuable insights for my book and having me here to
share all about it!