Action Precedes Clarity: The Awesomeness that was Edgeware’s Upload Camp
Today I write my Edgware Upload camp wrap-up.
The past weekend I’ll admit has been one of sleep catch-up and moping around the flat because I felt the magic was gone. Silly me! I’d just spent the past week feeling that “today is the first day of the rest of your life” and was so hyped up that when Saturday came around I was distraught I’d missed it in favour of eighteen hours sleep!
If anything the business planning of this week took a backseat to the personal development side, which just shows how entwined these two aspects of an entrepreneur’s* life are.
I started off quiet, but most do when thrust into a new environment with strange people. This was evident immediately when our godfather for the week, Michael Doneman, pronounced us all “weirdos.” The Eco-lodge was gorgeous and even the wasps were bearable for the week. Our kitchen was in a train carriage and I slept in a church loft with a wonderful view.
The general timetable of the camp was for Michael to start us off with some business strategies and planning content, then a guest speaker would present and answer our questions. After a presenter or two (snack breaks in between) we’d have a bit of free time in the afternoon or social activities before dinner. Usually fun activities in the evening and the food was always of the best quality mastered by Ludmila Doneman and Nat Duncan. Oh, except that dinner the 15-odd Edgies devised too.
Monday – Scott McKay of Wolfbyte
Scott visited and was a great start to the camp.
Theatre sports in the evening set a nervous yet hilarious tone for the group’s dynamics. Miming and guessing games were just too good of ice-breakers to pass up in the program I guess.
Tuesday – Edward Harran & Elliott Bledsoe
Social media, Creative Commons licencing, swimming at the dam, discussing the Johnny Bunko manga business book. I worked a fair bit on developing my business idea and putting into use the matrix tools Michael had given us earlier that morning in deciding on niche markets. Bit of clarity here.
Wednesday – Esther Cole of Frollop & Ben Johnston of Joseph Mark
I think I gained a fair bit of inspiration on starting my own business from these two, more than on other days of the camp. Both being alumni Edgies, Esther & Ben both had a creative and individual flair which made the day (much like Tuesday) an entertaining one in the least.
The day ended with Japanese taiko drumming by a bonfire. There’s nothing left for it. I MUST resume my drumming. I loved it just too much. I was on fire. I WAS that fire. The blisters on my hands are badges of honour and reminding me that by Friday of this week I will have cleaned off my own drumkit in the garage for a bash; the first since late-2007.
Thursday – Karen Woolley of Proscribe
Thursday we worked on our physical representations of our business plans. We had until 6.30 to create them from all sorts of scrap material and craft supplies.
My epiphany came when I was about to hit ’send’ on a reply confirming my ideas for Brisbane Twestival, having just been approached to work on the event. The Event Buzz had hit me for the first time during a week of confusion and vagueness over what I wanted to do. Now I know! Event management and social media is where it’s at. I love these worlds and I will make a mix of these my bag.
The exhibition of our sculptures was on during the evening. Mine was pretty awesome but I’ll have to explain it further.
Friday – no special guests
The day to say goodbye. This was the most intense day of reflection that, yes, there were tears. There were poems, stories, hugs, games and even tree-planting.
We started the day presenting our business plans with ten minutes per presentation plus seven minutes to fill out feedback forms on each. I still am yet to look through the majority of my received feedback forms as I want to look over them when I feel the motivation fading away. Also, I finaly realised that what I’d been told all along was true: action DOES come before clarity.
The drive back to Brisbane with fellow Edgies reminded me how alike we all are. Burning for the future and each with our own individual strengths and weaknesses, all agreeing that screaming the chorus to “Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon is the greatest after a few drinks yet you have to be in the right mood for John Butler Trio.
Things I am Accountable for
- 1 hour drumming each week
- 6 hours on business plan each week
- 6 hours blogging each week for TechWiredAu
- 10 jobs applied for each week
- Learning sign language
(traditional media picked up on the story and fellow Edgie Mike Boyd’s blog on Upload is here)
*I have since learned that “entrepreneur” is not a dirty word afterall!
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:43 am
Really good, succinct and inspiring summary, Nicky. I like the balance between objective reportage and personal reflection, which resonates with the interconnectedness (as you note) between the personal and the professional journeys into self-employment and small business. I can’t wait to see what you do with this! You’re an inspiration.
January 28th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Great wrap-up Nikki!
I love the way you write, like Michael said so succinct and to the point but still conveys an accurate story. The week was amazing and I’m still trying to channel all that energy into the many thoughts, ideas and opportunities that have come out of it.
I have also just discovered the power of “Action Precedes Clarity” in the past week which has helped me greatly in letting go of stresses and just giving things a good go!
Enjoy your drumming and good luck with the sign language! I’m tremendously envious of the skill that is required to keep up with signing for the deaf.
GO GET ‘EM!