Tuff decision...

Thanks for participating in my poll...seems I should get a part-time job...and focus more on the photography biz...

So I have been looking for part-time work, but I haven't found anything that makes sense...nothing.  I'm mean, I have an opportunity to keep working for the school board as a Truancy Officer (could you see me doing that???)...but it's still 5 days a week - 9am-2pm=$18,000 salary...I might as well work the extra 3 hours and make way more than that!

So, for right now, I'm staying put...especially b/c I might have to pick-up a car payment - Rana's car is old...and is temperamental...additionally, my dryer recently broke and I had to dish out a little bit of $ to replace it...

The plan is kind of crazy...but as long as I'm working full-time, I'm going to pay the minimal into my debt...stash some extra $ aside to repair the house...to prepare it for the market...also the extra funds will be a buffer when we move...yes...move.  Wifey wants really bad to relocate...I too, but could be content here if I could travel to the max.  Regardless, wife wants to move, so good husband obliges...and Oregon is awesome!  (But b/c I move doesn't mean I won't continue doing stuff in Jax...trust me, I'll still comeback to shoot your wedding!)  Anyway, that could be a year or so from now...selling a house right now isn't easy.

By the way, I have 0% interest on my Credit Card...so paying minimal won't kill me...plus, from saving that extra cash on the side...if at the end of the year, we have plenty left over, I'll knock out that debt!  

Ok..so I'm just babbling...so we have a loose plan for right now...but I do have a date in my mind that I would like to leave my job...but I won't share it yet...if I had 10 weddings booked within a 6 months period, I'm done!  So help me book some weddings!!!

Peace,

freewiser ezra

Sunset over Ashland, Oregon...taken in 12.07  w/ my D40 & one mean graudated Cokin Filter!

Change of events...

Ups & Downs...and Curve Balls.
Alright...two posts ago, I announced my last day at my 9-5 would be July 31st. Let me give you a little background info. See, if you work for the School Board as a teacher, and you don't have a degree in Education, you have to become certified as a teacher. If you're a Social Worker, doing Social Work, you have to become certified as a teacher too. It makes no sense. Teacher certification for a Business degreed individual makes sense - they need to show they can teach. Teacher certification for a Social Worker doing Social Work...doesnt' make sense.

So in order to keep my job, I had up to July 31st to pass the test. The test is on teaching theory. Anyway, I took it twice...and did not pass. I scheduled a 3rd time to take it (today) but had decided in my mind, that it wasn't worth the trouble to study (I don't even like my job, so why am I going to fight to keep it). Well, I took the test today and passed it...and I'm not excited. My fate was decided...now it's not...now I have a choice. Rana and I will discuss our many options...but one definite option is to sell our house...anyone interested?

Oh, by the way (from previous post), I finished all 431 foto edits yesterday (this morning)...

- freewiser ezra

Lots of obstacles!

Ok...so my last post I declared my soon dependency on photography...now starts the ups and downs...

The last two days have been super frustrating...even worthy of me crying.  After two weeks of working on my new website, it reverted back to week 1.  All my work was lost...I nearly fell apart. Instead I stayed up until 2:3oam and finished my website.

Today, I just finished 431 edits...it's taken like 4 days to edit them....I went to review the pictures...not one of the edits actually occurred.  See, the action I created, for some reason was sending the fotos to a file that never existed...

So what do I do...I stay up late again...so far 100 photos edited...

This is really discouraging and very disheartening...it definitely plants little seeds of doubt when you experience these obstacles over and over again.  It's as if someone doesn't want me to follow through with this.  But I won't quit...b/c the other alternative is by far worse....9-5...40 hours a week...rush hour traffic...and more tragic stories...no thank you!

Let me get back to editing...

-freewiser ezra

freewiser resurrects...

Ok...I've been gone for so long that I almost forgot the password.  I was thinking about shutting down freewisers, but on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th thought I decided to try to keep it rolling...

The purpose of the freewiser blog is to document our experiences as an entreprenuer.  

So here we go.  As most of you know, as I have made mention before, I'm a Social Worker...and I currently work for Duval County Public Schools...this is my main source of income...and my unhappiness!  So as of August 1st, my main source of income will be photography.  Yup, I decided to cut the cord...but not because I'm booking enough gigs...or because my wife got a raise at her job and we can now afford to live off of her income (because if you know me well enough, my wife stays at home raising the little ones...I'm the only source of income...).  It's not because I was frugal enough to save 6 months worth of living costs...God no...I wish.  It's because I can't stand my job anymore...I am miserable at work...and in my field (Social Work) you can't afford to feel that way...too many people are depending on you.  So instead of making myself more miserable...and eventually letting that misery affect my clients, co-workers, and my health (which has already taken it's toll) I'm calling it quits...I'm walking away!  

And this is why FREEWISER has resurrected...to document this journey...to document the economic uncertainties...to document the fear of losing it all...to document triumph and relief...

So join along...and please root for me!

- freewiser ezra

Runnin' Down The Repeat Offenders: Episode #2

In episode #2, Eric and I get set up for a great morning of music downtown at Hemming Plaza for the Friday Farmer's Market; Also, The Repeat Offenders enjoy a night at the Florida Yacht Club... on the tennis court and contemplate TV shows and premium cables channels. Performances of "I Shot the Sheriff" and "Slide".

Branding is not for cows...

ezra:

I've been reading two books at the same time about branding. If you haven't noticed in your own day to day life, branding is real important to businesses...it creates their identity. Think Gap or Wal-Mart...McDonald's or Native Sun...branding is crucial for these companies.

The second I decided to start my photography business, I knew I had to create a brand - this was even before I knew that every super successful photographer had a brand. A brand creates hope...or a lack of...hence, why it's even more important to create your own brand, b/c if you don't others will...and it won't be favorable...b/c we humans brand everything...it's something we do...it's how we make judgements...think about it.

Here's a few quotes that really stuck with me from the two books I'm reading...just wanted to share....

"Real marketers know that brand building is not about celebrating your own iconoclastic spirit..." - "Brand Warfare", written by David D'Alessandro

"Humility lets us absorb common sense and embrace the fact that what's in the customer's mind is far more important than what's in our mind..." - "Why can't Johnny Brand", Bill Schley

"Branding and positioning require decisive commitment to a single path, and that means risk. - "Why can't Johnny Brand", Bill Schley

The images I choose to you use on my blog are a part of my branding...hence, I'm careful in choosing what images go on the blog...you won't see me post a formal foto on my blog...that's not why people hire me...they want something a little bit more outside the box...I hope.

Juggling...

ezra:

A career change is not easy...you have to be a professional juggler. I've said this before...I'm a father of 2 children, a husband, a Social Worker, and a Photographer. Any given Monday - Friday looks like this: 7:30-4:30 @ work...5pm to 6pm is dinner and hang-out time with my kids...by 6pm I'm on the computer answering e-mails, making orders, editing pictures, burning discs, making slideshows, trying to stay current on Facebook & Twitter...and working-out in between uploads and downloads...oh, Fridays I have rehearsals to go to...I'm always looking at photos for new concepts...and currently I'm reading two books on branding at the same time. This is insane...and I haven't mentioned the weekends...and I won't.

But I have to do all of this...it's not healthy, but neither is remaining in a field of work that has nearly drained all the "happys" out of me. To me, this sacrifice is worth the reward. I have been in the Social Work field for nearly 9 years...and if you throw my internships in there, then it's been 10! I have worked in a domestic violence shelter, did in-home parenting, ran the programs at a Boys Girls Club, and am currently an Intake Specialists. In any given year, with my current job, I listen to 170-200 parents tell me about their latest problems. After 10 years, I have heard way too many problems...not 1 too many....like 1000 way too many! The latest trends has been mothers who have committed suicide...a recent incest...we always have the "cutters" or suicidal kids (they just keep getting younger)...the drug cases, domestic violence, divorce, murders...if it's bad, I've heard it...

So this is not any healthier. I always say God didn't create humans to listen to 200 problems in a year...no way. So my quest is to be a full-time photographer...but I have to transition...and that's the hard part. I have been to the Promise Land - just about every weekend I visit there, with my cameras and awesome people willing to stand in front of them...and I never want to leave...Photography, to me, is the opposite of Social Work (at the least the feelings it brings).

So that's why I'm pressing so hard in this photography business...I'm trying to learn as much as possible about every aspect of photography; especially the business part. In mid May, I'm making a trip to Chicago to meet with Fred Egan...I'm always talking to other photographers, and I'm reading a lot. This is the investment that has to be made.

If you are considering a career change, I warn you that it's not easy nor for the weak-hearted...but if you survive "crunch", then I expect the reward to be great...more on this in the future.

Slacker me!

Ok...so I have been slacking on this blog...but the truth is, I can barely keep up with my personal blog...anyway...here's a little video for all to enjoy...hope you learn something?


Truck Break in after Emily & Mike's Wedding! from ezra ayala on Vimeo.

It's All a Process

Ron:

“It’s pretty sickening.”

I laughed when I heard Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich make that statement in an interview. He was describing the scene backstage at one of their shows and not in the way you might think. The band once dubbed “Alcohollica” now enjoys tea and lattes before shows and the level of civility and the irony of it, was enough to make Lars laugh. It made me laugh because I thought about the arc of my own life and found a commonality that rang true.


Arrrr matie! - Lars Ulrich (R), here with Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett, doing his best pirate impersonation.


I started to think about the number of famous musicians who share that same story, who have been through the process of redemption. Countless musicians who've lived in excess and found salvation, including myself and others I know personally. We share this same experience. Apparently, it doesn’t really matter what level of success you’re on because it’s part of the human condition.

At some point, the excess falls away and you boil it down to two things… being the best musician you can be and playing gigs. Pretty cool.

The last time I blogged I wrote about a new song that I had been working on…. more hard rock sounding and different than what I had done before. It is still in the writing process, believe it or not. Or at least I can’t. This has been my greatest written musical challenge to date. The working title is called “Elevated” and has been in the works since 2004, officially.

At one point, it already had lyrics and was called “Haunting Things”. (Click here and scroll down if you'd like to read the lyrics to "Haunting Things") Then it lived as a different song in an original band and was called “Amends”. In its many different incarnations, I never felt like the melody of the lyrics worked with the music. I also never felt like the music was given its due. But now, I think I’m getting the song where it deserves to be.

In the process, it’s making me grow as a songwriter which makes it even sweeter. Songwriting is definitely a “feel” thing for me. An idea works when it “feels” right. It also helps to have an open mind about trying different ideas especially if you want to grow in your songwriting.



"Elevated"?!?!?!


Speaking of trying different things, I wrote a new song this past week that started with a poem that my wife Melissa wrote years ago. The poem spoke to me the first time she shared it. Usually, I write the music first and the lyrics kind of fill the spaces in between the music. This time it was the lyrics and the vocal melody that came first.

I started humming a melody and found the first chord and then the song just started writing itself. It was cool. I like to create new ideas when I write music… a cool riff or turn-around or something that’s new to me. But for this, there was no need to be clever or cute, just good. The "magic" is in the dynamic of the vocal melody over the chord progression but you'll have to be the judge of that. The song is entitled “Her”. I’m hoping to get a demo version up on my myspace page very soon.

"Her"

Lyrics by Melissa Rodriguez & Ron Rodriguez

Music by Ron Rodriguez

This side of her you are looking for

Hides deep down inside

As long as she blinks back the tears

You’ll never know she cries

Keep looking for her

Keep wasting your time

You’ll never find her

No matter how hard you try

She’s hiding from the world

Set apart for the time

Her eyes are closed

Her face relaxed

Her smile is posed

She feels that no one else exists

Except her… only her.

This side of her you are looking for

Is crying to be free

Her heart is longing for deeper love

A place she wants to be

So live in love today

Live in love today

She cries for love

(instrumental, solo)

She’s searching further

She’s taking her time

You’ll never find her

No matter how hard you try

She’s hiding from the world

Set apart for the time

Her eyes are closed

Her face relaxed

Her smile is posed

She finds a deeper love… in her.

Wow!

ezra:

I'm reading this book by Dane Sanders called "Fast Track Photographer."  Within this book, Dane describes creating your business with you as the center and not your fotos.  So he asked a series of questions that would help the reader possibly define themselves as a PERSON.  One of the questions he asks is, "What do you honestly think will make you happy?"  I thought of money, living in a super cool place, and even traveling...but all those don't necessarily make you happy...and I know that.  So I thought about it for another 1/10000000th of a second, and my TRUE answer is CONNECTING with other PEOPLE and HELPING PEOPLE.  Well isn't that what I do everyday as a Social Worker?  Well, if I do, it doesn't make me happy.  So I mentioned this to my wife and I came to realize something very important.  

Social Work is a Synthetic form of this natural, Holy, and righteous "thing" called LOVE!

This may offend some of my colleagues, but if they are so intrigued by repetitive paperwork and appointments by the hour, so be it.  I prefer to help people outside of those boxes! 

And a picture for Ron.  Lay off the Pork...this guy will appreciate it.

Runnin' Down The Repeat Offenders: Episode #1

Ron:

Clips from this past weeks gigs @ Mellow Mushroom, TGIFriday's and Boston's Gourmet Pizza.... Ezra and I contemplate the benefits of a gig at Hooters; Steve and I discuss how an acoustic trio can rack up so many noise complaints; Dan shows up on the internet... AGAIN and Stephen serves up some ham at Bostons.

Everyday Inspiration

Kaci:

Just a few random examples of Everyday Inspiration:

1. Refreshing Perspective:
It's been a while since my last post (sorry!). The last one I did hinted on my text topic- find inspiration in everything. I think now more than ever that is a very useful mindset amidst all the "doom and gloom" about the economy that is heavily broadcast on the news. Honestly, I know we are experiencing some economic downturns (I have many close friends who have lost their jobs and are looking for work) but it is nowhere near as bad as it is portrayed to be. When I go out I do not see empty parking lots, stores or restaurants. I still have to stand in a line at the grocery store, etc... but what I do see is everyone being smarter with their money and really evaluating the product or service they are considering. And that is a good thing! I see more people being more responsible and becoming more "givers" than "takers" and not having the mindset of having the biggest and the best toys.

Through this, I have seen more families discovering more economic ways to spend family time; activities that do not always involve spending an arm and a leg at an amusement park, etc. Instead they are going to parks, picnics, local museums, zoo, etc.

2. Open Your Eyes:
This weekend was a whirlwind. Wedding Rehearsal on Friday, Wedding on Saturday and a sunrise Engagement Shoot on Sunday. I tend to stay focused on the specific event and people that I am shooting and do not always stop to appreciate the real serene beauty of my natural surroundings because I do not want to miss any action of the event. But this weekend, Ezra took some amazing shots of the sunset at the reception over the marsh that were just breathtaking. Inspired, I have began to open my eyes beyond just the subjects and events I am shooting and really take notice of the environment around...here's a couple shots at Fort Clinch that I may not have normally taken and I am so glad I took the time to notice and capture them!

3. Kid at Heart:
Just yesterday I took the boys outside to play. I usually take my notebook or computer to make notes, process pictures, check email, etc. But yesterday I decided to just enjoy the sunshine and watch the boys play. My face hurt from smiling and laughing so much! They had such a great imagination and were so carefree! It reminded me to slow down, my work is not going anywhere and these two little boys are actually the reason I work so hard, so my "work" should not take me away (all the time). I got more hugs and kisses yesterday afternoon than ever and I really, really enjoyed just watching the kids...I think I have a new habit now!

"My Hero" (Foo Fighters cover)

ezra:


I have this lens...17-50...3rd party lens...
Take note aspiring photographers...3rd party lenses are 3rd party lenses...purchase with caution...even fear.
I bought this lens b/c it received great reviews. The reviews said this lens was comparable the Nikons 17-55 2.8...the differences were hardly noticeable and not worth the $800 difference. So I decided to go with this 3rd party lens to save a buck and get awesome performance.


Instead, I think I got a lemon. Within a few months I had problems. I sent the lens to the company. They repaired it free of charge. And then a couple of weeks ago, the lens starting having problems - which is unacceptable for a wedding photographer.


So what do I do? My warranty is up...so sending this lens to be fixed is out of the question...especially when you consider the fact that the lens will start acting faulty sooner or later!
Buying the Nikon 17-55 for $1200 is not likely either...also, I think these all-purpose lenses are quite overrated!


So I figured I'd buy a prime lens (something I wanted to do b/c primes are the best!) So I start looking at the 20mm, 24mm, & 28mm lens...Nikon, of course. So I start doing some research and find out that none of these lenses comes in a 1.8 or lower aperture. (Take note aspiring photographer...you want the lowest number possible for your aperture...this permits a lot light it when you are shooting in low light...hence, you don't have to use your flash...hence, your fotos look better). I have a 50mm 1.8 and it is super awesome capturing light...significantly different than my 2.8 lenses...so I really want a 1.8 or lower!


Ok...so Nikon doesn't have a prime wide angle lens that is less than a 2.8 aperture. What do I do...I start looking at 3rd party lenses? Sigma sells a 30mm 1.4 lens...and a 24 1.8 lens. The 24mm gets pretty bad reviews...the 30mm gets respectable reviews...


So the 30mm looks good...sort of...but what's the difference between 30mm and 50mm...how many feet...is 30mm wide enough for me...not sure. So I plan to rent this lens for my next wedding. (Note aspiring photographer - rent a lens to test it out...especially if you are not sure how it will perform or if it is a lens you could really use.)


See, the real problem here is Nikon. They are making a mistake...they are not providing a wide range of lenses for Nikon users to use. A lot of Nikon users use 3rd party lenses b/c Nikon lacks the diversity of lenses that Canon offers. Wake-up Nikon!


Next blog, I will post the pros of using Nikon!

They L.I.V.E

Rayshawn:

Being an 'adult' college student has been an amazing experience for me. I'm probably the same age or a few years younger than three out of my five professors. Most of my classmates can't even get into bars. Seriously. These kids are so fashionable! They all want to dress like Kanye West. I suppose I was similar to these kids (not in fashion sense) but in regards to being so preoccupied with everything but education. Like Lauren Hill said, "It's funny how money changes situations." Paying for college, out of your own pocket, you tend to take it pretty seriously.

I don't know why I waited so long to go to art school. Knowing thine self will save you a lot of time and money. Anyhow, I finished mid-terms last week. I chewed bubble gum and kicked ass.



You better act like you know.

Peace to my blog-mates. It's uplifting to be journaling/journeying with such brilliant people!

keep pushing people

R

Business Note: #4 - You never know...

Ok...this past weekend I hosted another shoot-out.  I booked 6 shoots.  I took my neighbor...18 year old who graduated from high school last year...played b-ball and averaged 12 points a game...3rd in the county in 3 point percentage...a 2.5 GPA...and a basketball coach who didn't help him go to a Division 2 school...???  So neighbor is looking for something to do and he's never had anyone to discuss his future with...so I decide to take him and pay him...and be his sounding board.

Back to the shoot: I did this shoot ridiculously inexpensively!   I did this in response to my Valentine's Day shoot which was similar, except for the V-Day shoot was solely for couples. Some missed out on the V-Day thing...or they didn't have a significant other...so I offered another shoot-out this past weekend for those who couldn't partake in the first one.  I also like these shoots b/c they open me up to new clientele. 

So that's the background info...now fast forward a bit...
On Friday, the day before the shoot, I had a cancellation. Now I have 5 shoots scheduled. While shooting on Saturday, I discovered I had another cancellation...now I have 4 shoots scheduled...but wait, my 3pm appointment no showed...so then all I have was 3 shoots...

So my shoots were at these times: 11am, 1pm, 6pm...
After I realized my 3pm wasn't going to show up, I decided to go back home and drop off my helper....I paid him a miserable amount - yet more than he would have made at Winn Dixie.

I hang-out at home...rest-up...and then I think of calling my 6pm and canceling...up to this point, I was totally bummed...and the money thing didn't even make any sense! Look at this...one of my clients paid me a week and half in advance...so that $ was gone to American Express...I paid my helper with the same $ my 2pm paid me...so literally I had nothing in my wallet to show for today's work...if anything, I was losing money on gas and food...

Regress...I think about calling my 6pm to cancel...b/c I'm totally bummed and not in the spirit of shooting...vibes were down...my self-esteem crushed.......but my conscience would not permit me to cancel...

So I drive back to the location...meet the couple and shoot some of these totally awesome photos:

You know what...they're getting married 9.5.09...and mom wants to talk to me about shooting their wedding...and the couple seemed excited about working with me too!

I conclude with - YOU NEVER KNOW!  

If, in fact, I shoot their wedding, Saturday's self-esteem crusher will have totally paid off...$$$...but more importantly, I had the opportunity to meet the sweetest most pure couple on the face of the earth...and it was an honor to work with them...they made my day, regardless if I shoot their wedding or not!

(Side note:  All my clients that canceled or no showed had good reasons...one was stuck in a lay over in Miami...another, her son had a track meet...and my 3pm that no showed, texted me to tell me she couldn't make it b/c her debit card was missing and someone was out spending her $$$...and by the way, don't text me...I block that feature on my cellular....).

10 Weekly Wonders (week of 3/9)

Ron

10. I wonder if Speaker of the House Nancy Pilosi can get me a good deal on a flight to Vegas?

9. Is it desperate when aging, former sex symbols still expose their breasts in public? (Ehmm, Pamela Anderson & Sharon Stone)


The question is "Who hasn't seen 'em?" Sheesh!



8. So you’re saying a 200 pound chimpanzee DOESN’T make a good house pet?

7. If you double your debt, is that really being fiscally responsible Mr. President?

6. Have you found our music on iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody or Amazon MP3 yet? (More shamelessness, I know)

5. Is it lame that my wife and I send each other Star Wars figures over Facebook?


As a kid, I had a great collection going til at some point,
they all got thrown out?!?!?!?


4. Really Rihanna? You what…? Really?

3. Maybe it’s me, but does a 150 year prison sentence seem a little "light" for Bernie Madoff?

2. Is the jury still out (at least it is for me) on the new U2 CD?

1. Really? People are STILL watching “The Bachelor”?


What's AMAZING is that this show is still on the air.

Friendship...

In this business world, it's super important to be professional...but it's also more important to be personable (unless you're a bill collector)...

Sometime ago...this past summer...I met with Melissa & Ron to discuss their wedding...we met at Starbucks?....in St. John's Town Center...we talked about 30-45 minutes about their wedding and my photography...and the other hour, we talked...joked...and mostly laughed...

Thankfully, they booked me for their wedding...which was a total blast!  By the time I shot their wedding, I had already did  2 shoots with Melissa and one for Ron...so I felt like we were pretty good friends...and the wedding was like that...I was like a groomsmen with a camera...taking pictures of everything...

Again...in this business world, it's important to be professional...and personable...

The greatest reward of booking Melissa and Ron's wedding is their friendship...here's a few pics from today's shoot with them in downtown...

Ron...I want a rematch in Madden!

YOU are your BRAND...

Kaci:
Last night Ezra and I shot Erin's wedding. It went like most weddings do...fast paced, creative ideas on the fly and always fun! I drove to save gas $$ and to brainstorm with Ezra about the game plan for the wedding. When I picked him up he was decked out from head to toe in his new "wedding clothes" and man, I was impressed! When we got into the truck I told him that I liked his new ensemble...a preppy look that only Ezra can still pull off as cool and relaxed. We talked a little bit about a few things and then he said something that really caught my attention...as we discussed the dreaded "all black" dress code mentality he said...as photographers "you are your own brand" not just the images you produce.

I agreed, I have never been able to separate business from personal and always preferred more of a relationship marketing approach (treat my clients like friends and family). I never try to sell myself or my services. I simply let my work speak for itself and let my clients get to know me- the true me at meetings, consultations and shoots. If I am what they are looking for in a photographer then great, if not...well, then that's ok too. I do not have a switch that goes into "professional photographer mode" all I can be is me.

But for some reason those words seemed to really hit home with me last night...it made me realize that it is not just my clients who watch or form an opinion of me, it is everyone that I come into contact with...future clients, friends, neighbors and the people next in line to me at the grocery store. My first thought was..."geeezzz, I have to always be 'on'!" ...But then I thought, I’m always on :)

One reason this hit home with me was that I had actually met Erin (the bride) in the shoe department at Target. Something that I had not thought about in a while and when Ezra said those words, it made me realize that no matter where you are at, who you meet, how you present and carry yourself (whether you speak a word or not) there is someone who forms an opinion about you and "judges" you (yes, it's true...just accept it, people do judge books by their cover). It all goes back to the 10 second first impression rule...you know the one, a person has already formed an opinion of you within the first 10 seconds of seeing you before you even speak a word...

So, what do your clothes, hair, car, accessories, etc. say about you...think about it, look in the mirror and step out of your own mind for a few minutes. Are you a walking GQ ad, approachable, high maintenance, intimidating, etc...? But go beyond looks, are you conducting yourself in a way that is positive for you personally and professionally... body language, opinions, outlook on life...Whatever it is, make sure it is the message that you want out there. You are a walking billboard that is always flashing "OPEN"...

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying be something besides yourself. Instead, find ways to be the best "you"! Everyone has to evaluate their "marketing strategy" (connecting with/gaining attention/creating demand for "your product"). Some people are looking for work, others for love, friendship, etc. No matter what you are looking for just be sure you have your best foot forward when you find it- or even better...when IT finds you!

...Thanks, Ez! You didn't know your one little comment would evoke this much philosophy...
but I'll save that for next time: "Find Inspiration in Everything"...to be continued.