Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

After The Rain Has Stopped

Shane Hodge • November 9, 2022

Last month we wrote about the nasty tsunami and what if it ripped through Google and we had to find other creative ways to promote our business. I know that a lot of people went into a cold sweat needed a drink at the mere mention of the fact and start screaming “Oh NO”.

I mean, think about have you seen the videos on YouTube on what happens to the average teenager when you take their smartphone off them just to eat the family dinner? They hyperventilate, have panic attacks, start to pace the floors, they are like chocolate addicts that have not had a fix in days and like that is just after 2 minutes.

The average millenial has not known life without the internet and smartphone, so to them it's like you're taking away the very air that they breathe. For those that are in business that have not known life without Google, apps, automation, and the like, the thought of a Google tsunami? Pretty much brings up fear of rehab and withdrawals, and a guaranteed scream of “Life is over” or a bunch of blank looks from a room full of marketing gurus.

In reality? People in 2023 are really not equipped, but thrillseekers we gotta stick to script, so sorry, Google lights out, tsunami has passed, we have to grab the mop and buckets, start cleaning up the mess, we have to then get on with business or else we are all going to starve.

So, the next question? What do we do now?

Glad you asked, coz the author of this thought provoking literary masterpiece (and so humble) just happened to have lived through “the good old days” of monthly celebrations, happy hours, freedom of speech, no woke or pronouns, business lunches (that went all day) and my training consisted of being thrown the phonebook or a street directory as they were both full of leads! Ah, yes the good old days and can I also add I did a lot of jobs that paid commission only, and the body needs food and water to keep knocking on doors, so sales? Was a must.

I could probably end this now by just saying, “Work Hard” but we have to have more than 450 words so let's keep going.

The number one answer from all the brilliant people I have spoken to and asked this Google tsunami question is most likely the best advice I can give. What do they almost unanimously advise as the number one thing to do? Networking.

Yes, folks put on some comfortable shoes, brush those pearly whites, wear clean underwear (my mum's advice) and start spreading the gospel of “Your Business” and your infectious personality.

The great part about networking? It's free, just shoe leather and perspiration. First up? Go to places where people meet and chat - a pub, a church, a networking breakfast club, a free seminar, anywhere there are people mingling. Just start to say hi and hand out business cards, swap stories, and then phone numbers.

The second answer? An undiscovered, rarely worked gold mine. Referrals, go back over all the customers you have had in the past, before the Noah's Ark tsunami moment, and say hi, how you doing, how is life, and just ask the question, “ Hey, whilst I’m at it, you seem to be happy (pray they are) with service, work, support, product that you’re happy with that I gave to you, could you recommend a friend or family member I could give a call that might enjoy the same type of service, work, support, product that you're happy with?”

Just those two simple actions alone will get the business mop cleaning up the tsunami leftover sludge and get you back in the game again.

Yes, there is a lot more but hello we need to write a new blog every month so I need to keep the ideas in my stash.

So there you go folks, is a google tsunami the end of your world? Nope, it can actually be a lot of fun, getting out, chatting to people, life is awesome and you might just sell a few things as well.

Big hugs to all.

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The Secret to Great Customer Service: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Success

By Shane Hodge • December 3, 2024

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When Your Get Up and Go Has Got Up and Gone

By Shane Hodge • November 1, 2024

Ah, the digital agency dream! The freedom to set your own hours, the thrill of building something from scratch, and the joy of staying in bed all day because your motivation decided to take a vacation. We've all been there. One moment you're ready to conquer the world, and the next, you're contemplating if you can run your business from under the covers. Fear not, fellow business warriors! Here’s a guide to reigniting that spark when your get up and go has got up and gone. 1. The Snooze Button Tango First things first, let's address the elephant in the room: the snooze button. It's tempting, isn't it? Just one more tap and you can dream a little longer about that tropical island getaway. But here's a tip: place your alarm clock across the room. This way, you'll have to physically get out of bed to turn it off. By the time you've stumbled across the room, you're halfway to being a functioning human. Plus, it's a great way to practice your morning dance moves! 2. Coffee: The Elixir of Life If motivation had a flavor, it would undoubtedly be coffee. There's something magical about that first sip that transforms you from a groggy zombie into a semi-alert human. So, brew yourself a cup of your favorite blend and let the caffeine work its wonders. If you're not a coffee person, tea or a refreshing smoothie can do the trick too. The key is to find your personal elixir that kickstarts your day. 3. Dress for Success (Even if No One Will See You) Working from home has its perks, like wearing pajamas all day. But sometimes, a lack of motivation stems from feeling too comfortable. Try dressing up as if you're heading to an important meeting. It might sound silly, but putting on your "power outfit" can boost your confidence and productivity. Plus, you never know when an impromptu video call might happen! 4. The To-Do List: Your New Best Friend When you're feeling overwhelmed, a to-do list can be your savior. Start with small, manageable tasks and gradually work your way up to the big ones. There's nothing more satisfying than crossing items off your list. It's like a mini celebration each time you do it. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, add "make a to-do list" to your list just so you can cross it off immediately. Instant success! 5. Dance Like Nobody's Watching Sometimes, all you need is a little music to lift your spirits. Create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs and have a dance party in your living room. Not only will it boost your mood, but it's also a fun way to get some exercise. Remember, the goal is to have fun, so let loose and dance like nobody's watching (because they probably aren't). 6. Phone a Friend When motivation is low, reach out to a fellow entrepreneur or a friend who understands the struggle. A quick chat can provide a fresh perspective and remind you that you're not alone. Plus, sharing a laugh or two can work wonders for your mood. Just make sure the conversation doesn't turn into a marathon gossip session! 7. Reward Yourself Set small goals throughout the day and reward yourself when you achieve them. Whether it's a piece of chocolate, a short walk outside, or a few minutes of scrolling through your favorite social media, having something to look forward to can keep you motivated. Just be careful not to let the rewards overshadow the work! 8. Watch TheCamel.co Live Stream Replays Shameless Promotion, LOL, at least you can have a laugh rather than be miserable. In conclusion, when your get up and go has got up and gone, remember that it's perfectly normal to have off days. The key is to find what works for you and embrace the journey with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best motivator. So, get up, get moving, and show the world what you're made of! Hugs from TheCamel

Why Humans Are Still the Picasso of Graphic Design in the Age of AI

By Shane Hodge • September 27, 2024

Yes we have to pay humans (How dare they ask for money some ask) But Folks In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing, it's easy to imagine a future where robots are designing our logos, creating our advertisements, and even picking out the perfect shade of blue for our websites. But before we hand over our graphic design tools to our silicon-based friends, let's take a moment to appreciate why humans are still the reigning champions of creativity in the design world. Spoiler alert: it’s not just because we can appreciate a good cup of coffee while working! The Human Touch : More Than Just Opposable Thumbs AI might be able to churn out designs faster than you can say "Helvetica," but it lacks the human touch. There's something about the way a human designer can capture emotion, tell a story, and connect with an audience that AI just can't replicate. It's like comparing a hand-knitted sweater from grandma to a mass-produced one from a factory. Sure, they both keep you warm, but only one comes with a side of love and a hint of mothballs. Creativity : The Unpredictable Muse AI is great at following patterns and algorithms, but creativity often thrives on breaking the rules. Human designers have the ability to think outside the box, color outside the lines, and occasionally spill coffee on the canvas, creating a masterpiece by accident. AI, on the other hand, would probably just short-circuit at the sight of a coffee stain. Humor : The Secret Ingredient Let's face it, AI doesn't have a sense of humor. It might be able to generate a pun or two, but it doesn't understand the nuances of wit and sarcasm. Human designers can infuse humor into their work, making it relatable and memorable. After all, who doesn't love a good visual pun? Just imagine an AI trying to design a funny cat meme—it would probably end up with a picture of a toaster. Empathy : Designing with Heart Graphic design is not just about making things look pretty; it's about understanding the audience and designing with empathy. Humans have the ability to put themselves in others' shoes (or flip-flops, if that's your thing) and create designs that resonate on a deeper level. AI might be able to analyze data, but it can't feel the joy of a child seeing their favorite cartoon character or the nostalgia of a retro design. The Happy Accidents Some of the best designs come from happy accidents—those unexpected moments of brilliance that occur when a designer is experimenting and playing around. AI is programmed to avoid mistakes, but humans know that sometimes, a little chaos can lead to something extraordinary. It's like the time you accidentally added too much chili to your soup and discovered a new favorite dish. The Human Connection At the end of the day, design is about connecting with people. Human designers have the ability to build relationships, understand client needs, and collaborate in ways that AI simply can't. Plus, humans are much better at handling client feedback without overheating or needing a reboot. In conclusion, while AI is a fantastic tool that can assist in the design process, it lacks the creativity, empathy, and humor that make human designers truly exceptional. So, the next time you're admiring a beautifully crafted logo or a cleverly designed ad, remember to thank the human behind the screen. After all, we're the ones who can appreciate the finer things in life—like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee and a well-timed joke. Love & Hugs from TheCamel