ag-creative

I’ve decided it’s time to take my skills to a higher level! As I continue to be “tech savvy” and great on the design side, I keep feeling the urge to explore the strategic marketing area. Since I work full time as Marketing and Communications Coordinator and as the owner and operator of ag-creative | Design & Communication it’s important for me to be diverse and knowledgeable in all areas of the industry. Therefore, I’ve enrolled in a Marketing course through distance education for this Fall with Algonquin College, Ottawa. Having more education under my belt can’t hurt, can it?

It’s extremely important in todays market that you pay close attention to what your “next job” may be. Taking courses and any other types of training is building you up for that. This is exactly what I plan for and look forward to. Since I essentially work two jobs; going back to school is probably crazy to most people. But for me it’s another check on my list of “career planning” activities. Plus, I really do thrive off of stress…it keeps me on my feet.

Here’s my advice to you, think about what your next jobs qualifications are going to be and what types of skills employers will be looking for. Regardless of being comfortable in your current job, remember to look forward. So while your working your buns off day in and day out think of the opportunities that lay not far from your reach. You might surprise yourself, and end up the CEO of your own company making six figures a year!

It’s happened…I swear!

Happy 2010!

It’s been quite sometime since I have posted to my blog – you know how life gets sometimes, busy. Although, being busy is good. A couple of months ago, I read this quote “Stop complaining about how busy you are, and be thankful you’re busy”. It really made me think – I like things that make me think.

Since my last post was in November, here’s what I have been up to:

• Launched ag-creative | Design and Communication website – Its been an huge accomplishment and lots of positive feedback has been received. Since I launched in November 2009, I have had over 365 visits and the average time spent on the site has been 2 mins and 34 seconds. I haven’t done much advertising and most of these hits have been direct.
• An official member of the Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce – Huge networking opportunity for local businesses and a great way to stay connected to the community.
• An active participant in the Woman in Business Networking Group – This is a really fun group geared towards woman in business in the Deep River, Ontario area. I enjoy the networking piece; it’s nice to meet other empowering woman in the small business world.
• You can find ag-creative | Design & Communication (me) on Yellow Pages – Ya for real! Search Graphic Designers in the Pembroke, ON area.
• A provisional R.G.D. member of The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario – The association represents more than 3,000 graphic designers, managers, educators and students across Ontario. Currently I am a provisional member, however in another 3 years I will be able to complete my exam and officially be a Registered Graphic Designer in Ontario.

I’ve been inspired…
Lately I have been inspired by motivational speakers, authors, poets etc. – people that thrive on making you feel great! The stories that leave you feeling completely empowered after you hear/read them. I read this book and I felt so uplifted after I read it – it’s my favorite book. The book is called “It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be” by Paul Arden. This book was amazing. It really is (as they say in there descriptor) “a pocket ‘bible’ for the talented and timid to make the unthinkable thinkable and the impossible possible”.

Sincerely,

Ashley Gadd
Owner, ag-creative | Design & Communication