My committed goal to my action partner yesterday was to complete the design and printing of a mailing label off my MacBook. I just bought a new printer for the job as my HP All-in-One rejects my mailing labels. I unpacked the printer, read through the instructions (the short form, not the manual), did a mail merge with my Pages app on the Mac and Address Book and pushed print.
Nothing happened. Aarghh. This is when I really wish there were a cubicle next to my home office where I could simply ask Mr. or Ms. IT, “What am I doing wrong?” But, no. No wonder isolation is one of the top complaints of home-based business owners. So, I did the next best thing and called the help line. Eventually it worked. I felt inordinately pleased with myself over this accomplishment. So happy in fact, I decided to take on yet one more technology learning–how to work the timer on my digital camera. The motivation was that I wanted to show you with my printed label. Having a compelling motivator made learning this trick quick business.
In my new edition of Soul Proprietor I devote an entire chapter to gaining an edge on technology. When I wrote the first edition, back in 2001, I was using email and not much else. Now, many of my conversations at networking events revolve around technology. I met someone yesterday who is a computer instructor. Before long we were deep into a discussion of the Parallels program for getting PC programs running on Macs. You can learn a lot about a person through the topic of computers.
(To pre-order your copy of the New Edition of Soul Proprietor, click on the link above.)
And what a stunning label it is indeed!!!
I already ordered a copy of your new edition of Soul Proprietor, and as a fellow frustrated with printers entrepreneur, I promise to appreciate the mailing label as well as your wonderful book.
Scarlett
@Scarlett,
I just completed another lesson at the Apple store so that I could group all the labels from orders I received yesterday, starting with yours! Many thanks!
Jane,
Congrats on your technological victory! I too, wish the IT department was next door, but alas, it’s my son’s room who is not a techie! Just had to comment when I saw the photo. It struck me as so funny that your desk faces an exhaust fan. Don’t know why, but I thought, “Now, there’s a good way to release negative thoughts or energy if you’re stuck on a project”. I have to open a window next to my desk to get fresh air, but you’re ahead of the curve and can press a button (or pull a switch). : )
@Janet
I’ll just bet you’re the only one who made that connection! The fan was installed during my egg-decorating days when I was using toxic substances to fill the eggs and coat them. I love the analogy you drew from seeing it. Thanks!