Purple Wren

Blogging in Person in Fairfield, Iowa

Recently we had a chance to blog in person. Mike Sansone (business partner) and I took a road trip to Fairfield, Iowa to visit fellow bloggers, Zane Safrit and his wife, Dawn.  Zane is CEO of Conference Calls Unlimited where you'll find him blogging, as well as at Business Life at Duct Tape Marketing. Dawn is just getting started blogging and as soon as she is set up and says the word, I'll link to the site.

A highlight of the day was coffee (tea for me) at Zane's favorite coffee spot - Cafe Paradiso. It's housed in a converted industrial space with a stage for live music. When you're in Fairfield, don't miss it. We happened to be there just before Halloween (has time passed this quickly?) and got a first-hand look at their unique decorations. If the barista has a break in the line, she can stir up a design in your latte cup, too. Where have I been? Didn't know there was coffee art. I need to get out more.

Anyway, it was a great trip. Blogging is a great way to create community.

How many new friends have you met because of blogging?

Where's your favorite place to meet?

Blogging in Person

I didn't know it, but this year I joined millions of others who work in a "third space" which is not home or office. It's estimated that 30 million Americans are flocking to coffee shops and libraries with WiFi access. They have already been dubbed "Kinko's generation" and "rootless army." See the articles below:

• USA Today: Working out of a 'third place'
  
• Mercer Human Resource Consulting: Millions leave office, home for "third space"

I love being able to work from home, but there are times when I feel isolated. It's the energy I miss - collaborating with others, networking, the spontaneous conversations (blogging in person).

That's when I head to Panera Bread, the bookstore or the library. The coffee/tea is always hot and the food is great. (Just remember to pace yourself with the caffeine - it's caused me to stay up late many nights.)

And sometimes I like the peace and quiet of home. Most of all, I like the flexibility to choose where to work.

What's your favorite work place? Do you frequent a "third space"?

Photo by Fred Mertz for USA TODAY

Does Multi-Tasking Reduce Productivity?

I took the opportunity to join a casual session with other local businesswomen this afternoon, hosted by the Central Iowa Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). There were about twelve of us who met at Java G's Coffee in West Des Moines to network and share tips and resources with each other. What a great community builder.

Even though there were a variety of business types and sizes represented, we found common ground when discussing time management (focus and multi-tasking were both mentioned). 

Multi-tasking has been getting a lot of negative press lately with claims that it actually reduces productivity. After working that way for years, I tend to agree with them. Mostly I just feel scattered and like nothing is ever finished. I can get a lot more accomplished if I concentrate on one activity at a time. Our discussion today was a good reminder for me to remember to "chunk" my time.

Do you have any thoughts on multi-tasking or hints to share about time management?

Photo by khedberg on flickr