Matthew A. Hawkins is available for creative design in all things media.

PHONE: 604.316.4404 EMAIL: matt@filmads.ca

Category: Lessons Learned

My Summer

Posted on August 23, 2011

Well it’s been an interesting summer to say the least.
I wish I could post photos of the things I’ve done/been up to, but truth be told I don’t have many, if any at all.

Since I left my previous job just over a year ago, excuse me, since I was asked strongly to leave my previous job and instead to work on contract for McDonalds pay for Keg style work, I have had a crazy year. New daughter, new opportunities, new insight into who I am and what I can accomplish, new vision, etc, etc. It’s been a year of ups and downs, but one I will remember for a long time. So glad I left when I did.

I’ve been making a number of contacts all across BC and into Alberta this summer. I’ll be sharing more of those links this week.
It’s been interesting getting a sense of what business is like across Western Canada. Up in some places, down in others, but overall a bright picture.
Business has been good and is only going to get better. We’re making some exciting expansions I can’t wait to share with you.

Aside from those exciting things, I’ve taken on a challenge for myself to living life a bit more.
1. I started playing hockey again. I joined an adult league and began playing with a team in which I knew no one. Intimidating and fun. We lose a lot but we’ve got heart and I’m rolling into a full season with them now. Some great guys and a lot of fun and exercise. I’m hoping this sparks the desire to play hockey in my kids now too.

2. I took up fishing. I have always wanted to fish and kept waiting on others to teach me. I finally had enough waiting and went out and bought a rod & reel for me and my kids. My wife is next.
Fishing has taught me a lot about myself and let me find a place to get away from the noise of the world. I’d even say it’s a spiritual place for me where I really enjoy this world we live in.

3. I’ve auditioned for and got a part in a play. I’m playing a small role in the upcoming play “Witness for the Prosecution” put on by the Chilliwack Player’s Guild in October. Again, I’ve always wanted to try live theatre but I just was too intimated. I finally set off to do it and loving it so far.

What I’ve learned from all this, is that there is so much of life waiting to be explored that is right in front of you. You just have to be willing to work for it. You have to be willing to make mistakes (I don’t know how many times I’ve tangled my fishing lines or lost lures) and go with it. Don’t wait for someone to ask you, go out and do it. You don’t need someone to give you permission, you already have it.

Cheers,
Matthew A. Hawkins

Posted in Lessons Learned, On My Desk Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,

My Future Shop Story: #1

Posted on May 22, 2011

I shop a lot at Future Shop. Correction, I shop TOO MUCH at Future Shop.

I’ve learned a lot about their policies and procedures. Mostly to save myself some money.
The biggest thing I have learned is that no matter what it is that you’re buying there, there is ALWAYS room for a discount.

My latest story:
I was checking out our local Future Shop with my boys, a frequent thing we do to check out the 3D TVs and Video Games, we tested out the Wii game of the week which was Mario Sports Mix. The boys loved playing the game and seeing that Mario & friends were playing HOCKEY I was kind of keen on the idea of getting the game for the boys.

The price at Future Shop was $59.99. The boys persisted on buying it, but for that price I just couldn’t swallow it. Having the Internet in my pocket I decided to check out the price on Amazon.ca. (When I did this a few weeks ago Amazon.ca had their price at $36.99 but it’s gone up a couple bucks since). I showed the sales associate the price on Amazon and he gave me the party line, “Oh we can’t compete with online companies” BULL.

I persisted further with the guy and he just said he’d add a couple bucks for shipping, but it came to $42 total. I was impressed. We bought the game and I learned that no matter what it is at Future Shop, they have room to move on the price. ANYTHING. You just have to do some research and then ask and persist.

I have more Future Shop stories coming up, but what stories do you have?

Matt

Posted in Lessons Learned, Promotional, rant Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

Some of What I’ve Learned

Posted on May 19, 2011

I’ve been in business for myself for just about 5 years now. I started out in a training position and within 6 months I was owner and operator.
I’ve been told a number of different things, I’ve learned a few other things. Some of what I’ve been told and some of what I’ve learned don’t match up. I want to share those things with you.

It will start with what I’ve been told and then what I’ve learned.

*By no way or means is this a comprehensive list. I’ll probably add more in another post down the road.
**My lessons learned have been from my experiences in production & media, they may not carry over to you, but the principles might.

1.  What I was told: “Work hard at this job and you might do all right.”
1a. What I learned: Work hard enough ANYWHERE and you’ll do all right. Hard work pays off… at some point. Just work hard.

2. What I was told: “I can make some connections for you if you show me how hard you work for me.”
2a. What I learned: Make your own connections. Meet people. Phone people. Talk to people. I had two people, in particular, who told me they’d make connections for me and what I got was one client that brought in $200 over 2 years. No one person knows everyone. Make your own connections. It just takes work.

3. What I was told: “Work 9-5 and enjoy life after that.”
3a. What I learned: Enjoy life. Work is a part of life, it doesn’t mean it has to come between 9 and 5.

4. What I was told: “You don’t produce enough. We expect more.”
4a. What I learned: I quit. When people put unrealistic expectations on you and demand more, you will never succeed there. Find something else where you can excel and forget what you’ve heard.

Obviously there is more I’ve learned in the last 5 years. Obviously 4 quick notes don’t sum up everything, but they are just a few jewels along the way.

Are you in business for yourself?
What are some things you’ve been told but learned differently?

Share.

Matt

 

Posted in Lessons Learned, rant Tagged with: , , , , ,

When They Say No

Posted on February 25, 2011

Has anyone ever said NO to you? Chances are they have.
I’m not just talking about Sally in the 4th grade when she wouldn’t let you play 4 Square with her.
I’m talking about those big asks.
What about that time you tried convincing your parents about your new found career?
That loan you asked the bank for and they turned you down?
That job you applied for but they said you didn’t have the education or enough experience?

I’ve had people that were considered ‘respectful’ and ‘honest’ tell me I would never make it in the world of business.
I’ve had people fire me because of my principles.
I’ve had people tell me I won’t amount to much of anything.
I’ve had people tell me to get a real job. Stop dreaming and move on.
Next week some big news will roll out, you won’t want to miss it.

Someone close to my family had his high school teacher tell him it was okay to just be a labourer in life, “Nothing wrong just working hard in a ditch for someone else”. That same high school teacher was eating his words when the man he talked down to saved his life in the back of an ambulance.

Chris Medina was voted off American Idol. He was told NO.
What did he do?
Went out and made it happen anyways.
Why aren’t you making it happen? Just because someone said NO, is a pretty sad excuse.

{You may need to go to my actual blog if you’re reading this on the RSS Feed}

Posted in Lessons Learned, rant

Learning to Learn

Posted on February 7, 2011

I find I’m a very different learner. I don’t do well sitting and listening to someone talk on and on about any subject. I’ll give you 5 minutes to get my attention, if you do that I’ll give you another 10 to inform me on your topic/issue and if you still have me, I’ll give you 5 more minutes to wrap it up and challenge me. If you can’t say it in 20 minutes you’re probably suffering from verbal diarrhoea or you just enjoy hearing yourself speak too much. I say most public speakers go 30 minutes or so and 10 of those minutes could easily be trimmed off (I know this from experience – experience listening & speaking).

I’ve been learning about learning lately and coming across some very interesting conversations being had about education. With kids of my own entering into the school system I’m beginning to wonder how effective our kids are being taught. I’m not an expert in this area, just a discoverer. I’m simply sharing my thoughts. I know my 5 year old is sure enjoying his class and he’s coming home excited about learning so I think his teacher is doing a great job, BUT I still wonder about the long haul.

How does the social aspect play in? Do teachers give up on certain students? Are teachers willing to try new things or just follow the book? Is the school system effective past a certain point? Does it matter if you have a college degree? A Masters? When does experience out weigh education? And so on.

Here’s one thing I’ve found on the topic that I really enjoyed!

ht: Jamie Billingham

Posted in Lessons Learned Tagged with: , , , , , , , ,