Hangouts.

Google+ hangouts may be the solution to the nostalgia I’ve been feeling around the fact that chat rooms have fallen out of vogue. Tonight, I watched a broadcast of an interview Lynette Young hosted with Adrienne Graham, Forbes.com contributor and author of the new book, No, You Can’t Pick My Brain, It Costs Too Much. I hadn’t tested out any aspect of hangouts prior to this because I haven’t hooked up my webcam yet, though I think I can hang out on my iPhone and just hadn’t yet felt the need to try.

At any rate, I really enjoyed what I caught of the broadcast and was inspired by the ideas these fine entrepreneurs were discussing; earlier this month I’d read (through Lynette) Adrienne’s article that prompted the book, and found myself thinking, “Wait, right! Most people pay someone for this stuff!” and, as a result, feel more comfortable accepting payment for my own work for friends and family. On a day when I really wanted to throw both computers, the modem, the router, and every peripheral in the house out a window, you’d think the last thing I’d be motivated to do is add another gadget to the mix. But the idea of collaborating with people in real-time has always appealed to me, and I really love how g+ has introduced me to so many opportunities to brainstorm with (not pick the brains of!) people who are not only knowledgeable and experienced in their areas of expertise, but also kinda quirky and fun and ready to combine social networking with webcams and wine.

Now, I’m going to go unplug and replug 72 pieces of computer equipment in the hopes that I’ll actually be able to post this sometime tonight, and get back to work. Cuz it’s this femme’s workin’ witching hour, when the real magic happens :)

Kirsten

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3 Responses

  1. Hangouts are fantastic for this very reason! You get to see many other views and meet new people that there is no way you would have met any other way. I’ve met CEOs, fantastic photographers, some crazy artists, had a private show from an up-and-coming band that lives three states away… the limits are set by the users.

    I am going to have to read Lynette Adrienne’s article though, I know I run into issues (and some friends do too) when it comes to paying for a service they provide. Typically we get in the mind set of “oh, James made that one guy’s website.. I bet he can make mine too!” and because you are family/close friend you think you get it free but really you stealing from them if that is their lively hood. It takes a lot to get to the point when you feel more comfortable charging friends/family for work like this.

    • Do read Adrienne’s article; it’s no-nonsense and makes you really think about why it’s okay to expect compensation for your work. Even if that’s in trade, which I am all for – I’m currently working with a local graphic designer on logo creation and will happily offer comparable writing/editing hours. It comes down to value: if someone values your skills, they will recognize that what you have to offer is separate from what you offer to them as a friend, family member, partner, etc.
      What has been helpful is that my first “client” is also a friend I consider family – but she was the one to insist on compensating me for my time. She searched for comparably skilled professionals and found their sales pitches – which are a writer’s first “writing sample” offered to a potential new client – to be lackluster and uninspiring. She knew that, working with me, she would not only get top-notch end results, but personal communication throughout the process.

  2. My only contribution to this is I wish I could hang out in real time with you because Melissa sounds wicked cool.

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