Thursday, January 28, 2010

My plea to the White House: 2 Creative Solutions for REAL Middle Class Boost.


Yep, to say the least, I am pretty charged up now. Even though I was absolutely mesmerized by our President's incredible gift to move people like he did last night, I can only dream that he would utilize his gift to consider explaining to Americans that "Yes, we CAN work for ourselves right now...since many of us are currently unemployed, or dissatisfied with our jobs, let's really BE the INNOVATION NATION," rather than just waiting around for jobs. I can't think of a better person to present such a message than Barack Obama. Just even help people embrace the notion that this time of adversity may be their time to re-invent themselves, discover their true passions, their goals in life. Just "be" themselves, which involves tapping into that creative spirit within, that neglected right-brain, creative thinking that my poll is already showing was stifled in our schools and upbringings.

ANYWAY...my husband of nearly 15 years knows me well, I get worked up: so, here's the letter I submitted to the White House. I pray the team there passes this on to our President so he can use his creative gift of motivation to inspire.

SO, HERE IS MY LETTER TO THE WHITE HOUSE. Submitted 01/27/2010

2 IMMEDIATE SOLUTIONS FOR “REAL” MIDDLE CLASS BOOST
Please accept my urgent plea to re-think the assistance proposed to help the middle class. As a self-employed entrepreneur full time for 9 years, I can tell you the tax breaks hire is simply NOT FEASIBLE, nor is an immediate solution. I implore you to think creatively, and not forget that we are a NATION OF INNOVATORS. None of my design clients (all small business owners who are the very heartbeat of our economy) can afford at this time to hire anyone, nor dare make long-term commitments. Most hire out the self-employed. This is a window of opportunity to get people to work NOW. My husband and I have worked together side by side designing brands and websites for small businesses all over the country. We see and experience what is going on first-hand. If the administration really wants America to win, and renew trust by the small business sector – here are 2 steps that may help:

1. ENCOURAGE INNOVATION and ENTREPRENEURSHIP by giving all self-employed making less than $200,000 per year a break for at least 2009 (and perhaps 2010) on the huge self-employment tax – simply waive it. It’s bold, but will thrust immediate hope and help to existing self-employed, and inspire the unemployed to begin the journey of taking charge of their futures, rather than waiting around for jobs to come.

2. INVIGORATE CREATIVITY and HELP AMERICANS re-invent themselves by DIRECTLY rewarding those who make the leap to either start their own business, or begin to re-invent their careers for the new-age. Provide grants for those with a viable business plan, provide vouchers for taking on a new trade, online certifications, or learn technology and new-age marketing . Bring qualified, hi-tech instructors into existing Workplace Solutions. Also, as a former high school teacher, I recommend we send teachers to summer school to learn how to teach creative thinking, and get up to speed with technology.

I guarantee these steps are at least a start in getting back to being the NATION OF INNOVATION. I pray you will heed my suggestions and renew the trust of this sector of America. We are in South Florida if you want to drop by and see us, we’re easy to find because we work from home. Learn about me at www.linkedin.com/pamhoke, or www.invisionbp.com, or, http://TheCreativeAge.Blogspot.com. Thank you from a middle-class entrepreneur, artist, philanthropist, mother and wife.


IF YOU LIKE THESE IDEAS, PLEASE PASS THIS ON, or send me your comments! I am curious to know your perspective. -pH "Let's balance business with creativity!"

WOW...Creativity stifled in school poll - 41% say yes, 35% sort of.


Just what I thought! Already, my poll, "Do you feel your creativity was stifled in school?" is showing clear results as to what our educational system is missing - creative thinking! ESPECIALLY now, during this time where creativity in business is essential. 45% answer "yes", 35% answer "sort of", and 25% say not at all.

In my opinion, 25% is simply not enough considering what separates us as humans is our right-brain capacity: emotions, solving problems, creating.

Anyway - just wanted to share this with everyone. Also, THANK YOU to all who responded so far! I have been receiving some incredible stories on multiple LinkedIn groups, and sadly, most are sharing how they could have been so much more..and, so much more SATISFIED had their innate creativity been encouraged more in school. This brings me to my excitement about Daniel Pink's latest book: "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, his provocative and persuasive new book. The secret to high performance and satisfaction—at work, at school, and at home—is the deeply human need to direct our own lives, to learn and create new things, and to do better by ourselves and our world." Please check this out if you are feeling empty or what I like to call "creatively-starved."

Remember, your life is your canvas...so just paint it! PH

Monday, January 18, 2010

Wow - talk about a canvas for creative expression! I was so busy creating brands and writing for others, I never took time to do this. Look out-I'm mobile!

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity | Video on TED.com

Here is how we can truly begin a Creative Age.

Changing the mindset and approach of our educational systems. Sir Ken Robinson has devoted years of research and has spoken and written extensively on this subject. Being a former art teacher, I wholeheartedly stand behind this philosophy, and pray that this new mindset is adopted immediately. There were just too many creatively stifled students that I personally came across who should have been encouraged for being different - yet were punished, put in a box, or worse, put on pharmaceuticals.

This video is nearly 20 minutes, yet it is well worth it - even if you just watch some of it, you may find it changes your view of what is really happening to our society, and that this is where change is needed most!

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity | Video on TED.com

Creative Age 101 - 3 videos that can help

As my primary websites are being re-built, and CreativeAge101.org comes to fruition, I feel the dire need to share what is happening, or what I stumble across as I stumble across it.

I have always believed that ideas are like balloons, and can float away within minutes if not at least held, captured at least while it's there.

So, my first post, after engaging in multiple networks just this morning, was to simply collect the 3 videos that best sum up what "Creative Age" really means.

#1: Back in '07: Seth Godin nailed it - as he always does in a superior "wrap-up" talk on TEDtalks.com. If you ever wanted to understand the magic behind standing out in our new digital marketing landscape - here is your crash course:

(if you would like to see full view in YouTube, simply double-click on the video box)


#2: Socialnomics, by Erik Qualman, is a powerful book that challenges all marketers, and best shares what is happening in today's digital revolution of social media. More importantly, like Seth Godin, makes the point that we can all do it, as long as we are CREATIVE and GENUINE. Heed the quote by Alex Bogusky (Co-Chairman, Crispin, Porter + Bogusky) "You can't buy attention anymore. Having a huge budget doesn't mean anything in Social Media. The OLD media paradigm was PAY to PLAY. Now you get back to be willing to PLAY to PLAY." What does this really mean? ANYONE CAN PLAY, and WIN!

(you can double-click to see full view of video in YouTube)



#3: Alexis Ohanian (co-founder of REDDIT): How to make a splash on Social Media. A delightful, yet informative 4-minutes about the power of social media. The story of "Mr. Splashy Pants" is innovative thinking being embraced, and having fun! His biggest points: it's a level playing field out there now, just be genuine, and be willing to not be in total control...let the people drive for you.

(double-click to see full view of video in YouTube)