What a fun, busy and productive week it has been! Life is crazy and beautiful. I have more projects going on than I can possibly handle, which is a good thing, and lots more on the way. Have a baby on the way in June and a gallery to plan for in July. Our house addition is in full swing with my new studio in the works. I have made great new connections in the social networking world and have gotten the opportunity to work with a variety of new clients. Business is growing as word of mouth is spreading. Yes, things are chaotic with deadlines looming and new ones added everyday. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

In the coming week I hope to complete the Stromple puppet. Expect a big update on that tomorrow. I also hope to produce a dummy book for “Moo-Pig.” I’m still debating submitting it for publication.

With everything so busy and with final having the satisfaction of a tiny bit of success, I would like to share with you a secret that has helped me more than any other in the business world. It is a very simple thing that is often forgotten but just as simple things often are, it is a powerful tool: Kindness.

Being kind is one of the greatest qualities a person/company can posses and it’s a simple thing to accomplish. Here are simple ideas I recommend to do to be “kind” in business:

• If someone contacts you, contact them back.
• Care about the job, not the money. I have found that when I put a job first, the rest takes care of itself.
• Be flexible.
• My policy is advice is always free.
• Be honest, be yourself.
• Don’t ”nickel and dime.” Give a price and stick to it, be upfront and don’t add hidden charges.
• Go to bat if needed.
• Respect everyone.
• Listen.
• Love what you do. 
• Follow the golden rule.
• Be Humble.

Adding kindness to your business structure will go a long way in selling your self and services via word of mouth. It will also go a long way in being happy in what you do. Kindness is highly infectious. Go out an contaminate the world.