WHY DIFFERENT IS AMAZING

This past weekend I took two whole days off on Saturday and Sunday. Besides my five weeks of winter travel where I was writing and filming, I can not remember the last time I gave myself a two solid day break to clear my head of emailing, editing, or brainstorming new projects. I wanted to have a weekend where I looked at things a little differently and of course brought my camera along to chronicle.

When I was lounging around Saturday, I sat on the opposite couch I normally do. I looked out a different window pane. I photographed the sky from a different angle.

Sunday was time for a walk and I could't stop thinking about how lucky we are to have a Conservation Foundation which keeps Nantucket so special. 

For me, the constant regularity in life can feel a bit mundane. I'm not your home owner white picket fence three kids and with a 9-5 kinda girl. If I had to leave tomorrow, everything I own would fit in my little Hyundai Elantra, although my car might not actually make it off the island. Life for me is all about surprise and the difference in day to day. Over the next few months, I will be putting aside some of my favorites in search of discovering some new ones and getting a little lost. So I encourage YOU to...

Look up, Look Around and most of all don't forget to look at things a little differently this weekend.

We would love you to share your experiences with us. Send your photos along with a little bit about what you did to kristen@borderfreeproductions.com, tweet us @BorderFreeProd using #BorderFree or post them on our Facebook.

FOR GREAT TRAVEL + BUSINESS TIPS & LIFES LITTLE INSPIRATIONS, GET ON BOARD WITH OUR NEWSLETTER HERE.

LIVE THE LIFE YOU DREAM ABOUT

Monday is for Manifesting

If you're sitting in a chair this Monday Morning at work and reading this, you might be wishing you were somewhere else. If that is you, go ahead and DO something about it. Here are a few tips on how to make your dream life come true.

IMAGINE IT. See yourself mentally where ever it is you want to be. Once you have the BRIGHT IDEA, sit down and hash it out. Do lots of research on wherever it is you want to go and come up with a game plan to FIND YOUR NICHE. Don't fit in. Stand out. Do something different and find the gap. There's always more than one. Most importantly, make sure whatever you are doing is something that betters peoples lives. LISTEN, but only to those who want to offer their help in finding your success. Find that someone to bounce ideas off of who finds it exciting to listen to what you're up to. Pull someone into your life who has the life experiences and wants to offer up their valuable advice. KEEP ON TRUCKIN. You might find setbacks along your route, but just keep pushing. Finally, when you become successful, don't apologize for it. Be Confident in everything you do. Within all of this is a whole lot of hard work. Dive in, don't let a single negative 'I don't think I can do this' thought enter your brain! You've got it. Once you get there, you'll inspire so many others to live their dream life too. What are you waiting for? It's all rainbows and sunshine from here.

For great ideas on how to ESCAPE this winter and other outstanding business and travel tips, join my BORDER FREE newsletter here.

To new things… ONWARD!

Here are 6 new things I'm happy to have tried in the last 2 months...

I found new beaches to walk on. I did this on vacation in Costa Rica, Santa Marta and Cartagena. And I'm looking forward to finding some when I return to Nantucket today. If you live near a beach, walk on it. This is always my '6 steps to happiness plan'. Six steps in a row on a beach.

I learned how to use an intervelometer and capture time-lapse through my Canon 6d. Knowledge is empowering and there's nothing like the feeling you get when you nailed something new- no matter how small it may be. Since I began editing films 3 years ago, I have learned so much about being patient. Something always ends up going wrong, but instead of getting upset, I look at it as an opportunity to learn a new problem solving technique, rather than wanting to throw the computer out the window.

I went zip lining in Costa Rica. Being a former gymnast and cheerleader, I thought this would be a piece of cake. The older I get, the more afraid of climbing high in the air freaks me. I ended up LOVING it! Such an awesome adrenaline experience.

I booked a trip and didn't research before I went. With the world now overflowing with travel information, it's sometimes hard to find a good start to what fits with your particular travel mindset. I remember backpacking through Europe with my Lonely Planet and everyone I met along the way had that same Lonely Planet. So I ditched a guide book on my last three trips and discovered a whole slew of cool places and people I would't have otherwise.

I galloped on a horse in Colombia! See the video here...





I started writing again. One thing I've really missed in the last two years was writing more often. I was too focused on film and didn't find a good balance. Excited to say that after working on Border Free Travels over the last few months, I feel like I'm getting back into my groove.

I'm working on a few new projects and heading into whole new areas of unknown territory.

What will you new things have you tried or will you be trying in the coming months? We'd love to know! Tweet us @BorderFreeProd or leave us a message on our Facebook: Border Free Productions

For great ideas on how to ESCAPE this winter and other outstanding business and travel tips, join my BORDER FREE newsletter here.

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS: 8 E's to prepare yourself to increase cash flow + feel good about 2014

Here are a few good habits I have adapted into my own life as a business owner that will help you with yours. Add these into your life and they'll take you to new heights.

ESCAPE: Become and escape artist and go on a winter getaway (or two or three) for a minimum of 10 days. Everyone needs some time to distance themselves from the handwork they've put in all year long. Put it in your yearly budget and allot yourself some time for somewhere else in the world. Your brain power will be so much more creative when you return. Whether it's skiing the slopes, exploring a city you've never set foot in or finding some far away island to sink your toes into, you must escape.

ENDORPHINS: Get into a regular exercise routine that works for you. Hitting the gym or exercising outdoors not only make you look good, you'll mentally feel that difference too. My winter routine consists of a mix of yoga, spinning and a little bit of lifting. Classes are also a great option for going that extra mile.

ELIMINATE: Say so long to negativity! Only surround yourself with those who bring positivity into your life.

EXPERIMENT: Try new things. It's great to be known for one thing that you do, but make sure you are trying new things as well. Sticking with just one thing may have you stuck in a rut. You never know what might be the next best business thing until you give it a shot. Don't worry if it does't work out. Not everything will, but you'll probably be surprised at what you find.

ESTABLISH: Set new goals. Write out what your intentions are for this new year. A group goal planning workshop with likeminded individuals who have their eyes set on the prize is a great start. Think Big but be realistic. In these goals, make sure to include a kick ass marketing strategy!

EMPLOY: If you're hiring, make sure the people who work for you love your business and whatever you are selling just as much as you do. Don't hire a person just to fill the space. You want your business to be and extension of you, therefore you must carefully select those involved. In interviewing, it is wise to ask candidates about their own life goals rather than just their life experiences thus far.

ENRICH: Make sure you invest some time in continuing education. There is always something new to learn and- NEWSFLASH-it doesn't have to cost you a ton of money. There are a million ways to learn by just researching on the internet and reading articles in and about your field. Finding a mentor who you can trust and wants to see you succeed is also an important key to your future successes. 

ENCOURAGE: Get your friends and family on board with you. Do it all together and share your experiences with one another over a glass of wine and a night out of course.

For great ideas on how to ESCAPE this winter and other outstanding business and travel tips, join my BORDER FREE newsletter here.

2014 Nantucket Season: It's almost here!

Nantucket spring is sneaking right up on us! Before you know it, that winter frost will have melted away and the season will be in full swing.

I've been off exploring and adventuring in Costa Rica and Colombia for the past 5 weeks. While traveling and diving into the launch of Border Free Travels, a new part of the Border Free Brand, I've also working really hard on some new fun film things for the Nantucket season. The island has been my home for the last 5 years now and is quickly approaching the 6th! It's my anchor. I love the vibrant energy and that small community feel.

As spring approaches, we often start to think about cleaning out our homes and wardrobes to get ready for the new. Spring cleaning does't just mean your house, but also freshening up your business image.

I couldn't enjoy being a small business owner more and I love helping other small businesses get that extra edge by telling their story in a unique and compelling way. From pre-production, filming and editing, to helping you implement a social strategy with your film catered specifically to you, 2014 is all about telling your story in motion.

Since I started Border Free Productions two summers ago, I have produced commercials for a variety of local businesses with different goals and use them in a variety of ways.

The Copley Group recently launched their Nantucket Website for vacation rentals. I created a series of unique lifestyle films to give each home a personality to stand out in the Island Rental Market.

Miacomet Golf had a goal to really show the behind the scenes of the tedious work which goes into making their grounds so fabulous. Miacomet Golf Course was named New Englands Course of the Year. This film helped create an image which took make them to the final 4 for best course of the year for the NGCOA. Beyond the film, I worked on a P.R. and social strategy to implement the best results possible.

I spent many days at The Westmoor Club this summer and winter working on a comprehensive film of the club to be used internally among members. I could't be more happy with the outcome of this one.

My very first project was working with the farm. Bartlett's was looking to create a series of short videos to tell their visual story throughout their website.

I worked with Category 5 Boatshoes to craft their kickstarter campaign. We got to travel to Cape Cod to shoot this production and my friend Nathan Coe photographed all of their still images. They reached their goal of raising $15,000 in less than half of their allotted campaign time to launch their women's line!

These are just a few ways film and video can be used to give you and your business that extra edge.
And not to worry if you're not on Nantucket! I love to travel and look forward to working in new off island locations.

ONE LAST THING...

Sound the Alarms! We're also introducing something new and innovative to the island for businesses this summer. For more information about what we've been working on this winter and how you can get involved email kristen@borderfreeproductions.com

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I'm beyond thrilled to be entering my third year in business and looking forward to helping so many others in the 2014 season.

Cheers!

Kristen

Cyber Monday Sale!

We're offering 20% off our services by booking today or tomorrow!

Did you know we do more than just film?

We cater to small business with other solo services by creating unique personal packages.

Not on Nantucket? NO PROBLEM! We also do Cyber Consulting via SKYPE.

Some examples we've recently worked on with clients…

*Consulting

          Learning iMovie to edit a home video.
          How to make short films when traveling.

          One-On-One: Understanding & implementing Social Media.

*Freshen Up: Crafting the words that appear on your website.

*Small Business Marketing + Press Plan: How to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to a game plan on how to get the word out about your product or service. We also offer implementation as an add on!

Check out our website, films + don't forget to sign up for our newsletter for helpful hints and travel related adventures coming soon!

Border Free Productions

Cheers!

Kristen

Coming Soon!

We've been working hard on something exciting. And it's coming soon! Keep us on your radar and wait for the reveal in late December… Until then, enjoy one of our many our short films!