Google 20% time

[SomethingGood]

I recently read about Google's 20% time policy, where staff members are allowed 1 day a week to work on personal projects. The idea is that the freedom and creativity will bring about new products for Google.

I decided not to employ this method exactly, but to employ the mindset that if I work on things I really want to work on I can introduce new ideas into the business and increase my own enjoyment of my job.

So far I'm having quite a lot of success. For a long time I've wanted to start a blog but been restricted by server problems and the lack of know-how in setting up databases. However, applying the free time mindset I settled down and really focussed on overcoming the problems. I ended up figuring out how to set up a mysql dabatase and creating a Wordpress blog on a subdomain, which turned out to be easier than I thought. Since then I've started growing our social network too, which I think will have a great effect on our SEO in the medium term.

Before reading about Google's 20% time I thought I had to knuckle down to dull stuff all the time, but by introducing the idea than I can solve problems and create new things I feel like I've breathed new life into my job.

I definitely recommend taking on the 20% mindset even if you don't actually put 20% of your time aside for doing what you want (20% is afterall quite a lot!). If your job allows for it then give it a go!

[thebizkidd]

Hey thanks for that great post. I definitely agree. The first two years I began internet marketing I was a freakin workaholic. I got burned out often because I was only letting myself work on the most profitable parts of my business, but not necessarily the most enjoyable. Now I only work on what feels good at the time, and I am a whole lot more energetic and enthusiastic about my work, and that leads to more creativity. The funny thing is that now I enjoy working on the profitable parts of my business when it is time to do so, and have become more efficient with all my duties.

Travis Winn-"The Biz Kidd"
Internet Home Business Millionaire
The Wealthy Internet Entrepreneur
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Biz Kidd Online Business Blog

[generationy]

The 20% time is amazing because finally a company realizes the importance of its employees. When companies begin to tap into their creativity, innovation and passion pool (aka employees) then there is no limit to success. Take Google and Zappos and two fine examples. Hopefully other companies will realize this too and create fruitful environments to foster growth and innovation. Good luck!