Saturday 28 February 2015

Standing up for creativity

It's just occurred to me that most of us are at our most creative when standing. For most musicians and artists, standing is obligatory (drummers and pianists excepted).

So why do I have to sit when writing?

Turns out I don't, and a standing desk is a very real option now. Just have to take the plunge and ditch the old one to make space for it.

I want to focus on being more creative and it certainly feels as if that means standing up, rather than sitting down. I often find myself walking around when talking to people on the phone - it helps focus on what we're discussing. The trouble is, it's harder to dip down and take notes.

Time for a change, methinks.

Friday 27 February 2015

More than a little star-struck

Friday 27 Feb 2015 - met one of the coolest people on the planet. Really.

I know a couple of Grammy award-winners and several people who've had Top 20 singles or albums (or both).

I even know a couple of popular and successful novelists and biographers.

But this person is definitely up there in the cool stakes. They won't ever remember meeting me, but it was a definite moment for me.

Thursday 26 February 2015

Awards - why bother?

I'm part of a team about the leave for a glitzy night of award presentations. Why bother?

I've never entered any of my work for awards, but others have, and sometimes it's done pretty well. I've had to scamper on stage for the necessary team photo a few times. And it felt good.

This anticipation is quite exciting. In around three hours, my team will know whether we've won a CIPR #insidestory award for Wow magazine (which has already won several other awards) or been named Agency of the Year.

I guess you enter awards for the marketing value, the team building opportunities and for building credibility. But you're only ever measured against the other people who've chosen to enter the award. There are lots of others, doing the job well, who never bother.

So, is it worth entering for awards? Putting yourself through the stress of submitting an entry, awaiting news of the shortlist and then the event itself. I'm still not convinced. Ask me later this evening when we've won. Or not.

Sunday 15 February 2015

My parents and I have definitely swapped responsibility. I found my 83-year-old Dad on a step ladder (carried up from Poole specifically for the purpose) to look over a wall at the new development of flats opposite my home.

He was completely unaware of the potential danger. The fact that friends his have regular sessions on avoiding trips and falls seemed to pass him by. What can you do?

Wednesday 11 February 2015

Collaboration, collaboration, collaboration

Sometimes you work with people who inspire and motivate you to be the best you.

That is certainly true of Dawn-Louise Kerr. This week, we presented our collaboration to our Women In Business Networking group in Stevenage.

Between us, we offer a range of services for businesses to market themselves and it's great to work together, whether we're launching ships or new businesses. Collaboration really is the key.

Monday 9 February 2015

Does the environment promote a positive meeting?

I met an inspirational man at Hanbury Manor this afternoon.

Whether it was the location, the green tea or simply his story, I don't know. Truth me known, I came away inspired and motivated.

Not a bad start to the week.

Saturday 7 February 2015

Thursday 5 February 2015

Broken can be beautiful

I cannot believe how busy this week has become, and all I can do is find the beauty in strange places. This is in the cemetery at the bottom of Bermondsey Street. A haven of tranquillity.

Monday 2 February 2015

Mugs, pens and key-rings - worth it?

Tempted by offers, I purchased a number of branded merchandise alongside my business cards recently. It'll be a lucky customer who receives one!

So, were they worth it?

Funnily enough, I think they were, simply because they're helping me focus on my brand. If nothing else, they're serving to remind me that this is what I do. I like my new design (thanks again, Andy!) and am proud of how it looks. There seems to be something I can take seriously.

Even if I drink my green tea out of it.