Writing Cross-pollinate ideas. Ranjani, July 20, 2020June 10, 2023 As writers, the world around us is inspiration. Every little thing — even if ah-mayzingly irritating — is good fodder for something else in the future. Keeping an eye out is the first step to finding inspiration. Continue Reading
Ask Ranjani Anything What is the best way to show a maternity break on one’s CV? Ranjani, July 19, 2020June 10, 2023 I’m just emerging from a maternity break and starting to look for projects again but don’t want to scare people off with an unexplained yearlong gap. I’d really appreciate any suggestions you may have. Continue Reading
Writing The one thing about writing that trips me up: Tenses Ranjani, July 17, 2020June 10, 2023 In your profession, have you spent years getting good at something, but always trip over that one little mole? Continue Reading
Workplace behaviour Are meetings real work? Ranjani, July 16, 2020June 10, 2023 Today alone, I have six scheduled meetings as well as a couple of calls I need to return that I haven’t put on the calendar. Now, you’d understand why I’m asking the question, “are meetings real work?” Continue Reading
Workplace behaviour Exclamation marks — how many is too many in an email? Ranjani, July 14, 2020June 10, 2023 A friend of mine wrote to me recently saying that her husband was called out by a colleague in another country for using “too many exclamation marks”. What is the etiquette on this, she asked. Continue Reading
Ask Ranjani Anything I have been working 14 hours everyday since Covid out of pressure and guilt. How to come out of this game? Ranjani, July 12, 2020June 10, 2023 From what I’m hearing, this is becoming scarily common. At the outset, let me tell you that this is unfair and exploitative. Continue Reading
Workplace behaviour You cannot run a business without having difficult conversations. Ranjani, July 11, 2020June 10, 2023 Last week, I was whining to my husband about how I don’t want to work with a client because of clash of values, but don’t want to talk to them because they’ll further persuade me. And he went, “you cannot run a business without having difficult conversations.” Continue Reading
Freelancing Start with the end in mind. Ranjani, July 10, 2020June 10, 2023 Freelancing, by its nature, is work by ‘individual contributors’. So it helps immensely to learn to see the big picture before you put pen to paper. Continue Reading
Freelancing Be visible. Ranjani, July 9, 2020June 10, 2023 Have you ever received a message from someone that said, “do you know anyone who does [insert specific thing]?” Let’s say a film reviewer, for instance. Who would you refer? Continue Reading
Workplace behaviour How many decisions can you make in a day? Ranjani, July 8, 2020June 10, 2023 On a regular basis, you are making hundreds of little decisions each day and it can be exhausting. Decision fatigue is a real thing. Continue Reading