What Works: What Do You Do? Whatever It Takes


Ahhh… the quintessential question: “what do you do?” Some people can still provide a single title answer to that response. I’m a lawyer. I’m a doctor. I’m in retail. I’m a stay at home mom. Yet, in the new economy, the question isn’t so much “what do you do” it’s about doing what it takes.

I came upon this realization while attending a get together for one of my projects. I am a Happy Giver for a startup app that makes general emotional support available to everyone. Happy will launch for iPhone in December 2016 and Android around March 2017. Happy is one of my many projects. My business follows the new employment model. It's one where I piece a living together out of the most joyous aspects of life.

My client, Allyson Lambert, does this. She works at a creative studio as a writer, writing and managing writers. She also does commercial acting on the side. No. She’s not in Los Angeles. She executed her career change right here in Carson City and now lives in Reno. As a millennial, she works the may many millennials do. It’s not for a pension, retirement, or the big pay out. She follows her heart and her living works itself out.

The key component to doing this is passion. To do whatever it takes requires heaps of it. It also requires courage to ask for what you want. Allyson asked her employer for the flexibility to do acting projects and got it. Thus, she has the stability of a regular paycheck. And she has the benefit of being able to work on her passion projects.

Before you shake your head and say, “that way of thinking is for kids,” think again. How many times have you done a little something on the side for money? Us older generations called it moonlighting back in the day. Today, a large segment of workers follow the moon full time.

Dana Lee Freund, another client of mine, lives in Carson City. She is in the more experienced generation and does the same thing. I am always amazed with I speak to Dana as she speaks with passion about her projects. She is the founder of the American Tea Mistresses. She is also an EMT instructor, a photographer, videographer, writer, and journalist.

What’s the key to not scattering your brain and life all over the place with this  model of making a living? Follow the path of the 2 Fs. Focus and Flow.

Writing + Acting = Passion for Creativity
Teaching + Coaching + Happy Giving = Passion for Mentorship

See how that works?

J Kyle Horvath is another inspiration to me. He is the creator of Blinky Man. He does local event promotions, like Artistically Inklined. He works with the Visitors Bureau. He leads the board at the Brewery Arts Center. He’s also a dad, a mountain bike rider, and a passionate figure in the community. The list goes on.

Events + Tourism + Arts = Passion for Community Engagement

What’s your formula to do what it takes?

This week’s assignment: What is your passion? Even if you aren’t doing many things to make a living, you work in the 9 to 5, what would you do if you could do anything at all? Make a list and star what you are already doing. Circle what you would like to do. Then, find the common theme. How do you do what it takes? Post below in the comments.

What Works Coaching
Diane Dye Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, a business coaching and marketing services firm based in Carson City. She has 20 years of experience working with top corporations, growing businesses, motivated entrepreneurs, and individuals hungry for a fresh start. Diane holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Marketing from Cal State San Bernardino. She is also a candidate for a Master’s degree in Communications Management from the University of Southern California. Her column appears every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, in Carson Now.