Synergy Creative - empowering entrepreneurs through creative collaboration

Tim Ferris 4 Hour Lifestyle

A Quote For Today...

I usually post on subjects that I think will interest my student readers such as how to be a better designer or (for my clients) things I believe will help them run your business more efficiently and successfully. But today I am going to be starting a new series of quotes and recommended reading. These are things that I believe most people focused on being successful think about and would enjoy hearing more about. Let me know what you think...

"When we get out of the glass bottle of our ego, and when we escape like squirrels in the cage of our personality and get in the forest again, we shall shiver with cold and fright. But things will happen to us so that we don't know ourselves. Cool, unlying life rush in, and passion will make our bodies taut with power. We shall laugh, and institutions will curl up like burnt paper." - D.H.Lawrence, "Escape"

How Shopify Helps College Students Learn About Opening A Business

I recently opened a shop on shopify for my handcrafted jewelry. While learning the interface I discovered a lot of useful information that I can apply to my classes. One of the projects that we have done in the past involves finding a client with a product to sell and then creating an online brand presence for that client. Last time we did it the student used Wix, but I think Shopify is a great resource because it is all about eCommerce.

It turns out I am not the only Professor that thought this is a good idea. I read this blog post on shopify:

"Matt Hill is a CEGEP business professor at John Abbott College in Montreal, Canada, and he's using Shopify in a very unique way. He and many others would argue that you learn the most about running a business by actually doing it. Textbooks and case studies can teach you great lessons about startups, marketing, and accounting, but nothing can prepare you for the real world like taking a chance and turning your great idea into reality." Read the entire article by clicking this link.

It is good to know that other professors think the way I do. I recommend that anyone opening a online eCommerce site visit Shopify and look at some of the case studies and resources that are available.

John Maeda Speaks In Detail About Simplicity

I recently posted an article about Tim Ferriss and his eye-opening book the Four Hour Work Week. I am in the middle of reading the book so I will reserve reviewing it until I finish but I do recommend that you click on this link and view his blog regarding the four hour work week.

In the same vein, I also came across this video by John Maeda on the subject of simplicity, he did a talk at the TED conference and he wrote a free book that he discusses in the video. The book ws fone a couple of years ago but it tiesin with his theories presented in the video. In my opinion, it actually proves that we humans are obsessed with complexity rather than simplicity, but it is both entertaining and informative and I recommend watching below.