Work Smarter Not Harder: Nicole Regan

A wise person knows there is something to be learned from everyone.

If you are new to Cedar & Rush, Work Smarter, Not Harder (WSNH) is a weekly column showcasing Chicago’s leading ladies – think CEO’s, entrepreneurs, and everyday women making a difference – and how they work smarter, not harder. I decided upon Monday so we can kick off the week as productive and as motivated as possible. If you love a particular piece of advice or have any tips of your own, please share by tagging #WSNH2015 on Instagram and Twitter.

A little switch up today! After receiving several requests, I am featuring little ‘ol me for today’s Work Smarter, Not Harder series. I hope you enjoy my story and personal life hacks. If there is a pressing question, need some advice,  just ask! Xoxo

Please explain your job and any other networks, projects, etc. you participate in on a regular basis. I am a social media consultant and the blogger behind Cedar & Rush.

How did you get to your current position: I worked in the insurance industry for seven years. Long story short – I hated my career choice. I felt so depressed in this compartment of my life, it hurt my heart sometimes. “This can not be it!” I thought. I tried to get out so many times too. I applied for marketing positions, event planning opportunities, the works. But companies wouldn’t give me the time of day due to my lack of experience. I thought I was stuck in insurance forever and would never get out. Trust me, it is NEVER too late to be happy, even when you have no hope.

Little did I know the blog I started 3 years out of school (for a creative outlet) would be my ticket out. But it took SEVEN years of hard work to get me to where I am today. After I gained a little following, networked my tush off and upped my content, companies began reaching out to me for projects and collaborations. It was at this point I realized I could be paid for doing what I love.

Last year I received a three-month freelance opportunity through an acquaintance, that happened to fall in my lap. Although not a full-time position, I decided to take a leap of faith and just go for it. After several discussions with my husband, I quit my corporate job and went full steam ahead. It has been a tough ride but I am so lucky to be here!

What time do you typically get up in the morning? I am NOT a morning person. I typically get up at 8:00/8:30 AM but sometimes schedule morning workout classes to get me out bed earlier!

How do you take your coffee and what do you typically eat for breakfast? Cappuccino baby. And always whole milk. I am all about the foam and the real stuff makes the best froth. If we make coffee at home, I have a milk frothier which adds a nice fluffy topper to my cup of jo.

Quickly walk us through your morning routine: I check Instagram and emails in bed. It gets my juices flowing. Then my husband and I walk our dog, Larry, to Starbucks. You know it’s bad when your dog knows where Starbucks is. Once we get back home (Sean works from home too!) I begin answering and sending out emails. These are both social media and blog related. Meetings, coffee dates, photo shoots and events vary throughout the week, so I have to plan ahead accordingly.

What is the best way to get your foot in the door of your dream job? Doing something I love without knowing where it would take me is how I did it. But there are many paths that can lead you to the same place. If you love something, submerge yourself in it. Go to events, meet people with similar interests or in that field, connect with people and become an expert on your own. I cannot tell you where it will lead you, but I promise you will figure it out with patience and consistency. It took me SEVEN years to get here. There are no shortcuts in life.

What resources do you use to stay organized and remember tasks?

1. Emily Ley Simplified Planner: This planner has changed my life. Its more of a lifestyle, rather than the planner. It’s so pretty and I love how Emily shows you how to use your planner in the beginning of the book. They sell out online but I found mine at Magnificent Milestones in Chicago.
2. Drugstore.com: I am terrible at remembering to purchase toothpaste, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies and other home goods. These little things can set you back significantly (laundry mountains, late night runs to the grocery store, nothing to wear, etc.). To conquer this set back, I setup an automatic monthly shipment to be delivered right to my door step. Life saver for me!
3. My iPhone and MacBook Air are the other two things I cannot live without. I also set electronic reminders and calendar invites with these too.

What mistake do you see people constantly make that they should be aware of? People aren’t curious enough. Ask questions people! Every person and every place has a fascinating story. You just have to dig. I have found unlikely opportunities, connections and fascinating tidbits by asking how, why and when. Even with people I know quite well! Try it. It opens doors right in front of your face.

How do you conquer your inbox? The below three actions have been game changers for me this year:

1. Automatic responder: Unfortunately I cannot and will not get to every email. I think this should be a last resort but it works for me. Saying I won’t get back with people upfront eliminates expectation and disappointment. Feel free to send me a blank email at cedarandrush@gmail.com to see what mine says!
2. Unroll.Me: Unsubscribe from all email distribution lists in one click of a button. An AWESOME way to de-clutter and significantly decrease your email volume. You will be surprised how many emails you are subscribed to!
3. Canned responses. If you find yourself writing the same thing over and over again, save it! I use Gmail and this trick saves me hours of response time. Even for personal emails! {Ex. “I would love to but I have plans that day” or “thanks for reaching out, let me get back with you”}.

How do you format your emails? I always reference something specific going on in that person’s life – this could be something I saw on Instagram or a subject we chatted about last time we were together. It helps show people you are genuine and as a result, they are more likely to remember you. Then I get to the point immediately. No one reads long emails – the shorter the better. Something I still need to work on but I have been getting better!

How do you make time for working out and staying healthy. I have a lot of room for improvement in this department! Classpass though. It keeps me interested, given the variety of studios and workouts available. I also cut out a great deal of events, which are filled with unhealthy food, cocktails and result in late nights.

What are your favorite tips for keeping an organized workspace?  Strategically keep things you use everyday out in the open. The once in a blue moon items should be tucked away to make for a clutter free space.

What other pieces of advice/tips can you share? Network, network, network. Meeting new people and asking them questions help you grow. No need to learn the hard way when you can ask the experts. If you don’t know anyone (like I did), go out there and meet people. Get uncomfortable. It will be awkward but get over it. Introduce others. Email a compliment or write a thank you note. Like I said, you will find opportunities or advice in the unlikeliest of places. If done genuinely, it’s an effective way to differentiate yourself.

Also, every Sunday I look at my Emily Ley planner and see what I have the upcoming week. It helps me prioritize my time and wrap my arms around my to do list. It’s the best way to make the most of your time and get some shut eye. Sunday night sleeps are the worst!

Favorites:
* Favorite Apps: Snapchat, Snapseed and VSCO cam {for editing photos} and Classpass.
* Favorite Resources: drugstore.com; The Well, the B Bar blog; I also belong to a private Facebook group, Savvy Business Owners, where entrepreneurs can freely and openly ask questions or seek advice. It’s awesome and anyone can join!
* Favorite Books: The Four Hour Work Week and The Happiness Project.
* Favorite Programs: Blogstomp. Saves me hours of time for formatting and re-naming photos!
* Favorite Websites: Influential Gal (went live today!), Corals and Cognacs, Cup of Jo, Google Analytics and ShopBop.
* Favorite Gadget: All my Apple gear! The fact that they all sync up makes me whistle a happy tune.

Also, my friend Lauren, launched her new site, Influential Gal, today! It’s a new resource to inspire millennial women personally and professionally. She has some incredible stuff in store (I got a peek under the hood), so I highly recommend bookmarking this new kid on the block. Awesome stuff ladies.

Also, thank you for listening to my career journey today! I cannot wait to see where it takes me. Feel free to email me if you want to know more or have any questions! xoxo.

Want more? You can find all Work Smarter Not Harder posts right here.