Nov 07 2008
Experimenting For Fun and Profit
Published by Tom Volkar under Money | 
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Sometimes the best way to stimulate a cash stream is to shake things up and play. Money is attracted to confidence. Confidence is a natural occurrence that seldom visits when we are tight and resistant. The best way to transcend resistance is playfulness. 
Ever feel like you’re holding the reins of your business too tightly? Boldly and playfully experimenting could be just what you need in order to make a business breakthrough.
Remember how imaginative and carefree you were as a kid? Do you recall how authentic you were when you frequently lost yourself in play?
More and more I’m seeing a connection between experimentation, community, playfulness, confidence and authenticity. Soon I intend to give this topic the depth it deserves.
But for now how often do you break out in song in the midst of your workday? Essentially do you whistle while you work? Here’s a little whistle wetter.
Often in my small business coaching practice, I make agreements with clients, just so they’ll lighten up. Lots of stuff has been written about the benefits of play to enhance creativity. But it’s even more powerful than that.
Something happens in our minds and emotions when we fearlessly experiment. It shakes something up in a good way. Like my buddy Bill, a marketing expert says. “You got to try shit to find out about shit.”
Barbara Swafford at Blogging Without a Blog, interviewed me today about a recent experiment. Read about it on her blog here.
One key to successfully launching a small business startup is to define and win the inner game. It’s not so much the outside challenges that throw us off but the tricks and mind games we play on ourselves within. Most budding entrepreneurs need to lighten up and play a game that they can win.
Sometimes that means putting your heart on your sleeve for all to see. Liz Strauss at Successful Blog, is launching an authentic experiment right now. I’ll be playing over there, perhaps you’d enjoy it too.
How about you? When was the last time you just tried something bold and new, just for the hell of it?
Do you ever make your work a game you can win?
Think you might need to lighten up? Give it a shot - you may amaze yourself.
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“You gotta try shit to find out shit”
I love that!
I’ve been working through the Artist’s Way for several weeks now. It requires an “artist date” each week to learn how to play more.
I hadn’t applied this yet to my business concept though. Have to think on that one.
all the best!
deb
debs last blog post..managing change launches (sort of - it’s available now anyway)
I love this article, Tom! I just recently launched a couple of new initiatives in my intuitive training program. I’ll freely admit I’m not quite sure WHAT I’m doing … but I’m figuring it out as I go, and having fun along the way!
It’s so interesting what new doors open - just when we do something different. Do what you’ve always done … etc. Right?
Blessings,
Andrea
Hi Tom - I like how you put that, “It’s not so much the outside challenges that throw us off but the tricks and mind games we play on ourselves within”. Our minds are so powerful. If we think we’re defeated, we are. I also find when I have an idea and talk to others about it, if they start getting negative on me, I begin to question myself. Knowing that, now when I have what I believe is a solid idea, I act on it and ask questions later.
BTW: I’ve enjoyed your participation in the interview, and I know my readers appreciate you taking time to address their challenges. Thanks for the mention.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Tom Volkar - Life Work Coach - Answers My Questions And Yours
I always laugh when people talk about being light hearted as a child *laughs*. I was such a serious, up-tight kid. I was 30 before I really learned to be light hearted and to play. It’s also when I started being able to explore my creativity.
I try not to make anything I do seem like a contest, because I can be very competitive, and then it turns into a stressful thing. But that’s just my personality type.
I have to admit, though, that I get a real kick out of figuring out the best way to do things, the best way to get my database to work, to get that report to function, or to automate that mailing I’m working on. I give myself figurative high-fives and tell myself how great I am *laughs*. It makes me feel good.
Deb - Many moons ago I listened to Cameron’s recordings and they were outstanding! Perhaps the best on community I have ever heard. Give it a shot - play in your business; it’s so attractive!
Andrea - I’ve always admired your sense of adventure and discovery. We’ll have to hook up and play again soon. Those new doors always open - don’t they?
Barbara - Thank you it’s been a blast! It’s good to hear someone recommend following their own gut. Others are a very poor indicators of what will work for you. Keep your own counsel - wise words indeed.
Jodith - Welcome to Delightful Work. I’m glad you’ve lighten up by now and you can still be a big kid if you want to. High fives or breaking out in song, we all need to be our own biggest fans!
Bold and new — I think I do this in my daily work. And it’s usually “stuff” that affects the whole company - so sometimes I’m putting my neck on the line (and usually it works, but sometimes I fail). Even though it affects many people - it’s still easy there (at a job I have where I’m earning a paycheck because I’m employed there) than in what I’m trying to do outside of work - as I move toward self-employment. I think it’s much harder for me in this realm because it really feels more like I’m putting my own neck on the line. Hmm…what does this say about me Tom? I think it says that in an environment where I feel safe to do bold and new (within reason) - and there is a level of expectation from my employer that not all these bold move will work out - that this safety net makes bold and new much easier. Easier than if I’m really putting my own neck on the line… I guess this is an issue for me… and something I need to work on…
I get to have fun and play all the time. As a teacher the more exited and energized I am about the subject, the more my students get into to it too.
I just finished a conference today where I promoted my new business to teachers and admin from all over the state. I had a ton of fun talking to people in my booth. I also gave a class where I taught these teachers like I would teach the kids when I take my canyon to their school. I got to get into the flow and let go!!! When I was finished, they actually applauded my class!!! I got all wonderful feedback. One person said if she got nothing else from the conference, my class made it worth coming! I am so pumped. I am looking forward to all the business that this brings!!!!!!!!!!! Big Smile!
Hi Tom - I agree - your work should be fun. And if you don’t allow yourself to have fun and experiment, you’ll never come up with great ideas for your business.
I like coming up with fun marketing ideas and new ways to get PR. You have a lot of fun doing it and it can bring in great results. Folk have sometimes told me not to try something, because it won’t work. But you don’t know until you try.
I love this because it is so very true! You have to be able to have some fun when you own a business and that does mean letting lose of the reins a little. Doing so with confidence is a plus, you are correct when you say money is attracted to confidence! Some times I just like to try new things for the sake of shaking things up a little. When I get to make things up on the spot I love it, it is one of the few things I have left that gives me butterflies in the belly
You also tapped into one of my favorite “shit” sayings: Sometimes you just have to throw shit at the wall and see what sticks LOL
xoxo~
My comment did not get through the first time round…sigh!! Here it goes again…
I like the idea of injecting fun into the things I do. Recently, I tried experimenting with writing light-hearted posts. At first, I was concerned about what readers may think. If I recall correctly, you even thought that I was going to go bawdy in one of my posts!
But I had a lot of fun in the process! I learned to just follow my intuition, go with the flow and be Myself!! It’s great to let my playful side out of the closet! What’s also wonderful is that my site is attracting more readers!
Tom-
I can relate to this post because I am always just “trying something bold and new for the hell of it”! For an example, creating a blog with NO experience and a few pointers from a GREAT coach!! That was definitely challenging and exciting (at times frustrating), but all the while worth it!
Thinking back on it, the “kid in me playing” came out when my boyfriend caught me doing little dances or quirky gestures when I figured out how to do something while designing my blog. (smiles)
You have to embrace that kid feeling again when pursuing something new, because that is when you were most imaginative and carefree. No stress, no worries and everything was so FUN!
As a kid, learning and exploring the unknown was fun, why shouldn’t it be that way as an adult? The only difference is we are wiser!
As I was reading your post I realized that I equate “playing” with “dabbling” as in “He’s only playing at being an entrepreneur.”
But you’re right. I plan on playing more now and seeing where it goes.
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndromes last blog post..Happiness or Money: What I Did in an Either/Or Situation
Lance - You are only thinking that it’s harder because you’ll be putting your own neck on the line. That’s the key - as an employee you are doing it because you perceive little risk. What if as a self-employed person you stuck your neck out and it worked wonderfully? You don’t know that because you are only thinking not yet doing. Pick a small project and get started. Quit talking about it! Get into action. You didn’t meet all of your physical fitness challenges by thinking about it - you went for it!
Laurie - Play is such a natural fit for your business and it works so well in earning environments. I admit, I was thinking of you when I wrote this.
Cath - I’m glad that you both experiment and love to do so. If we can’t just give it a whirl every once in a while life wouldn’t be such a gas. Just for kicks is reason enough.
Miss Matchmaker - I’m glad you mentioned the butterflies in the belly. I love that sensation because it alerts me to the confluence of risk, intuition an the unknown. How delightful!
Evelyn - Yes I remember that post and my comment. I’ll bet some of those new readers have come because you hint at bawdy, deliver fun and still have great content. You are a wise woman.
Kristy - I’m so glad to hear about your lighter side and how you express it. Little burst of joy make life sweet. Keep smiling and dancing it suits you.
Alex - You are already and entrepreneur anyone who has made the leap gets that distinction if they are creating anything a all! Lighten up - people want to see what your quirky side will create. It pays! Good title in your comment luv. I’ll bet I know what you chose.
What a great reminder for me Tom! Perfect timing too
Having fun with what I am doing really keeps my stress level in control. I always try to remember that. And I am much more effective and successful that way…to me having fun seems to be a prerequisite!
I am strolling all around blogworld reading your interviews
….am trying to learn more about you after all that learning you did about me through the course last week!
Mayas last blog post..Slideshow: Dogs Lessons for Life and Work
Hi Tom,
In retrospect, most of what I’ve been successful at has been the result of a fun experiment. When I try too hard to make things work, I inevitably fail. Your post is a great reminder to all of us that we need to just loosen up and shake things up a bit. Great post!
Steve C @ MyWifeQuitHerJob.coms last blog post..When Getting Good Grades And Entrepreneurship Don’t Mix
Hi Tom: I think self-confidence and having fun are key ingredients in getting what you want in life. We should always be conducting experiments
I created the bold and new Life Balance Group Writing Project and will be publishing an eBook as a result of this experiment. Next on my list needs to be a bold and new experiment that shows me the money.
Stacey / Create a Balances last blog post..And the Winner Is…..
Maya - You raise a good point. It’s impossible for us to create stress when we are having fun. Stress is generally created when we place ourselves in some future situation. No one in their right mind would ever seek to leave the present when they are having fun!
Steve - Exactly! That’s why I love to play games so much and to make certain business tasks a game. We are also more open to seeing and making adjustments when we aren’t pressing so much.
Marelisa - Yep. Bold confidence while having a good time is an unbeatable combination!
Stacey - That’s a wonderful intention. Since you’re experimenting do it ion an area where the result could create great value for others then the money will come.
I have always played while I work. I’m just such a kid at heart it’s hard for me to be all work and no play. It is starting to rub off on my team and this month they honored me by telling me how much fun I have made our conference calls and emails. For instance whenever someone closes a deal we always send an email to the group, well instead of the usual “high five” or “great job” reply I started sending them back goofy emoticons equating to the number of offices they sold in the deal.
Last month it was pumpkins. So on the 2nd of this month someone emailed me and asked if I could send turkeys this month. They are now looking forward to getting their silly emails from me! It’s such a great feeling
My #1 tip? Dance at your desk. Put on some tunes and bust-a-move right there in your chair. It’s good for the circulation and great for your mood!!
Melissas last blog post..Hidden Beliefs & The Accidental Reality - The Podcast
Melissa - Look like you didn’t need me to tell you to lighten up. You sound like a joy to work with. I’ll keep breaking out into song though. My boogie needs some work.
I have a book for you on play. It’s called “Playing by Heart: The Vision and Practice of Belonging” by O. Fred Donaldson, Ph.D.
This is bringing to the surface unwitting beliefs about monetary abundance that have very likely been passed down through generations and generations. I’m looking forward to the opportunities I will have to become more aware of these beliefs, so that I may consciously choose to play with new ones.
Thanks for the blog. Maybe we’ll meet in person one of these days!
Much love,
Susannah
Susannah Azzaros last blog post..The Quality of Your Consiousness at This Moment