Michael Broley

The Professional and Personal Benefits of a Dedicated Office Space

After years of blending my living space with my workspace, the decision to move my office out of my house has had a surprisingly profound impact on my life. This transition, driven by a desire for a clearer separation between personal and professional life, has led to significant changes in my daily routine, happiness, and overall productivity.

One of the most immediate changes I noticed was an increase in my overall happiness. The physical separation of work and living spaces has allowed me to mentally compartmentalize my responsibilities, reducing stress and increasing satisfaction in both domains. This clear delineation helps me leave work at work, preserving my home as a sanctuary for relaxation and personal pursuits. The establishment of a separate office space has greatly contributed to a healthier work-life balance. My personal life is no longer overshadowed by the constant presence of work. Interestingly, this separation has made my interactions with technology more intentional; I use my PC for work and my Mac for personal life, which has minimized the overlap and enhanced my focus in both areas.

Not only has my productivity seen a resurgence, but the state of my home and the quality of my relationships have also improved. With fewer distractions and a dedicated focus on work during office hours, I find my home to be tidier and more peaceful. My wife enjoys her alone time fully, and our time together is more quality-driven, grounded in the present and free from the subtle intrusion of work.

Returning to a level of productivity I hadn't experienced in years has been one of the most rewarding outcomes of this transition. The structured environment of the office, alongside the mental shift that occurs when I step into this space, has sharpened my focus and efficiency. It's a reminder of how physical and mental spaces can profoundly impact our ability to concentrate and achieve our goals.

This move has taught me the invaluable lesson that sometimes, to move forward, we need to step back and reassess the foundations of our daily routines. The establishment of a separate office space has not only benefited my work but has also enriched my personal life, offering a clearer perspective on what truly matters. The experience has been a testament to the power of structure and the importance of nurturing spaces that allow us to flourish both personally and professionally. While this transition may not directly correlate with every aspect of my work in web development and branding, it underscores the universal need for balance and well-being in our pursuit of success and fulfillment.

by Michael Broley

Timepiece or Tech Piece? Reevaluating the Apple Watch Experience

As a seasoned adventurer in the vast expanse of the Apple ecosystem, embarking on a journey after a decade-long hiatus felt like returning to a familiar harbor. My sails were set, and the winds of innovation whispered tales of marvels like the iPhone and MacBook Air, devices that seamlessly wove themselves into the fabric of my daily life. Ah, but then came the Apple Watch, a beacon of promise on my wrist, destined, I believed, to chart new territories of convenience and connection.

In the initial swirl of excitement, the Apple Watch was a marvel, a sleek testament to technology's prowess, dangling not just from my wrist but from the precipice of potential. Notifications, those tiny pings of existence, made their way from the ether of the digital realm to the tangible reality of my wrist. Yet, as the days unfurled like the pages of a novel whose plot thickens with unexpected twists, a revelation dawned upon me: this constant digital murmuring was more an intrusion than an aide-mémoire. Was there a missive so urgent that it necessitated a buzz on my wrist, pulling me from the moments I inhabited? The jury in my mind deliberated and found the verdict leaning towards distraction.

Then came the night, and with it, the watch's promise to unveil the mysteries of my slumber. Cool, I thought, a window into the nocturnal odysseys of my own making. Yet, as nights passed into weeks, the allure of numbers and patterns tracing my journey to the land of dreams waned. It was interesting, no doubt, but the excitement of this digital lullaby soon faded into the background hum of my routine.

Amidst these reflections, there were moments of whimsy—the moon phase display, a tide chart that whispered of distant shores and the eternal dance between the earth and its celestial partners. These features, though enchanting, were stars in a sky already mapped by my phone. The realization that these tidbits of information, while lovely, were not necessities, cast a shadow of doubt over my wrist-bound companion.

And so, two months have passed. My Apple Watch, once a beacon of technological integration, now finds itself in a limbo of utility. It's not that I disdain it—far from it. There's a certain charm in having the cosmos strapped to your wrist, a testament to human ingenuity. But in this era of constant connectivity, I find myself yearning for simplicity, for moments unencumbered by the incessant buzz of notifications, for the joy of discovering the moon's phase not because my watch tells me, but because I looked up at the night sky.

This tale isn't one of disillusionment but of discovery. In my quest to simplify web development and branding for small businesses, I've learned the value of tools that truly enhance our lives and work. The Apple Watch, with its suite of features, is a marvel of technology, but it's also a reminder that not every innovation aligns with the rhythms of our individual lives.

In the grand tapestry of the digital age, I'm reminded of the importance of choosing our companions wisely, be they of silicon or flesh. And so, as I continue to weave the narratives of small businesses into the digital realm, I carry with me the lesson of the Apple Watch—a beacon not of necessity but of the luxury of choice in how we engage with the world around us.

So here's to the whimsy of technology and the quest for meaningful connection, both online and off. May we all find the tools that resonate with our spirits and elevate our daily journeys through this wondrous digital age.

Edit - April 21, 2024: I sold the Apple Watch. I just, didn't enjoy it and really missed wearing my collection of traditional watches. This is my third smart watch. The original Samsung Galaxy Watch, The Galaxy Watch 3 and now the Apple Watch 9. I'm done with them... they don't bring me joy.

by Michael Broley

"There is no good / bad news in business. There is just news." aka Lessons from Dad #1

Growing up in the shadow of a business-oriented family, especially when your employer is your father, presents a unique set of challenges and learnings. My Dad passed away in 2021 but one of the most profound lessons I learned from him still rings on in my head every day when I communicate with clients, partners & colleagues. "There is no good / bad news in business. There is just news." This principle, simple yet profound, has not only shaped my approach towards business but has also been a cornerstone of my success in the various roles that I've encountered in my professional life so far.

As a child and young adult, communicating with my dad about the business was often fraught with anxiety, especially when it came to delivering news that I perceived as negative. Similarly, I found myself embellishing what I thought was positive news, in a bid to win his approval or avoid disappointment. However, the constant emphasis on viewing news as neutral information rather than categorizing it as good or bad gradually instilled in me a sense of objectivity and resilience that proved invaluable in my professional life.

In high-pressure environments like sales, the ability to remain unemotional and focused on solutions rather than getting bogged down by the perceived quality of news is critical. Adopting a neutral stance towards business developments allows for a clearer assessment of situations, fostering a problem-solving mindset that is essential for success. This approach enabled me to excel in my sales career, where the ups and downs are part and parcel of the job. By focusing on the task at hand and looking for ways to navigate through challenges, I was able to consistently meet and exceed targets, proving that success lies in action and adaptation, not in emotional reactions to every piece of news.

For small business owners, this lesson is particularly pertinent. In the tumultuous sea of business, where changes and challenges are constant, adopting a neutral perspective on news can be the difference between sinking and steering the ship through rough waters. It encourages leaders to focus on what can be controlled and to use every piece of information, regardless of its initial perception, as a tool for navigation and decision-making.

This mindset is also crucial when building a team. Encouraging employees to adopt a similar stance towards business developments can foster a culture of resilience and innovation. When the team views every situation as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a hurdle to fear, the business is better positioned to adapt and thrive in the face of change.

The lesson my dad instilled in me, that there is no good or bad news, only news, has been a guiding principle not only in my life and plays a pivotal role in the myriad of projects I find myself taking on today. This principle has enabled me to navigate the complexities of business with a clear head and a steady hand, always looking for solutions and opportunities rather than getting caught up in emotional responses to the ever-changing landscape of business news.

To fellow business owners, embracing this perspective can transform challenges into stepping stones for success. By viewing news as neutral information, we equip ourselves with the clarity and objectivity needed to make informed decisions, adapt to change, and steer our businesses towards growth and success.

by Michael Broley

From Busy to Productive: How Small Businesses Can Work Smarter, Not Harder

The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. Between setting up a new office, upgrading to lightning-fast fiber internet, rebooting all my tech, and driving several key projects across the finish line, it’s been a marathon of sorts. But not the kind that leaves you gasping for air at the end. Instead, it's the kind that fills you with a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration—the good kind, where you look back and see how far you've come in such a short time. This stretch, marked by significant progress and the start of promising new partnerships, wasn’t just about ticking boxes off a checklist. It was a powerful reminder of the impact of dedicated work, the importance of setting the stage for the future, and a harbinger of hope for 2024. Let me share why this experience holds valuable lessons for small business owners everywhere.

First off, it’s crucial to say that non-stop work isn’t something I’d usually advocate for. The idea that ‘hustling’ round the clock is the only path to success is not only unsustainable but can be downright harmful. However, there are times in the life of a small business owner when the stars align—projects culminate, opportunities knock, and your presence is in high demand. These moments require a short-term sprint that, while challenging, can also be incredibly rewarding.

For me, these past weeks have underscored the essence of purposeful hard work. Moving to a new office space wasn’t just a logistical challenge; it was a step towards creating an environment that mirrors our ambitions and values. Upgrading our internet wasn’t just a technical task; it was about removing barriers to our team’s productivity and creativity. Closing projects and welcoming new clients weren’t just wins; they were affirmations of our commitment to delivering excellence.

This experience, intense as it was, distilled a few key lessons that I believe are crucial for every small business owner:

• Strategic Planning is Key: Every sprint must have a clear purpose and end goal. Whether it's launching a new service, scaling up operations, or entering a new market, having a strategic plan helps channel your efforts effectively.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: The ability to pivot and adapt to new challenges is invaluable. This might mean upgrading your tech to stay competitive, or reshaping your services to meet evolving customer needs.
• The Power of Delegation: No one can do it all alone. Delegating tasks not only helps manage your workload but also empowers your team to take ownership and grow.
• Building and Nurturing Relationships: The connections made with clients, partners, and even competitors are invaluable. These relationships can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

As we look towards 2024, filled with hope and determination, it’s essential to remember that success isn’t just about working hard; it’s about working smart. This means making strategic decisions that optimize your time and resources, focusing on what truly moves the needle for your business, and always keeping an eye on the well-being of yourself and your team. The past few weeks have been a testament to what can be achieved with focus, dedication, and a bit of elbow grease. But more importantly, they’ve set the stage for a smarter approach to work and growth in 2024. For small business owners, the journey ahead is about finding that sweet spot between ambition and well-being, strategy and flexibility, hard work and smart decisions.

As we gear up for the new year, let’s take these lessons to heart. Let’s strive to build businesses that aren’t just successful, but are also resilient, adaptable, and grounded in a commitment to making a positive impact. Here’s to a 2024 where we achieve our goals by working smarter, embracing change, and never losing sight of what truly matters.

If you've read this far. Here is the real highlight (of my life). My lil' Lucy visiting. Look at the smile on her face!

by Michael Broley

Navigating the New Reality: Sora's Impact on Visual Content

by Michael Broley