Blog Layout

Circle

Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

dots
laptop
Circle

As the Clock Winds Down

Shane Hodge • December 22, 2021
change

Wow, just like that, boom, we head to December! Can you believe it? It was only a minute or two ago we were singing auld lang syne, lighting the fireworks, telling each other lies about New Year's Resolutions, and boom, here we are at the end of the 2021 line. And what a year it has been. Starting off with good old Covid still in full swing, no planes, trains, and automobiles, still all masked up, and it's only been the past couple of months we have seen a change in that.

Now? Yep, we are allowed out and about. Most of us have been jabbed, a few can start to fly, we get to visit family and friends. But, we are still looking over our shoulder, CNN and all the other doom and gloomers make sure we still live on the edge between optimism and panic. 

Yes, I have hated being stuck inside. I'm a lover of trees and fresh air, motorbike rides, dates with my wife, and little itty bitty places off the beaten track, and boy of boy, do I miss travelling. But 2022? I'm an optimist and I think with all the wonder drugs coming out of the woodwork, more people vaccinated, sooner than later, Covid will just become a thing we have to be careful of but will not rule our lives (CNN will remind us) and we can start to really rebuild. Yes folks, 2022 will be a chance to change.

Have you gone through some changes in 2021? I know, of course, like most of us, you have added a few pounds to the waistline, the hair got a little unruly, you and uber eats became first name basis, and all the delivery guys know where you live. You maybe had a different relationship with your partner in life, the kids, or you drove each other mad LOL. Guarantee, you have watched all and repeated everything on Netflix. Well folks, as the song goes, like it or not? “The times they are changin”. And December? Is a good time to get ready for those times.

I can guarantee you that when you were making those promises to yourself, January 1, 2021 motivation was high, excitement was in the air, but as the months rolled on, well, “Let’s Gooooo” become more like, “Let’s Goooo, Tomorrow”. Well, here we go again.

But this time? It's different, there is a different smell in the air, a spring in the step. Yep, 2022 is not going to be like 2021. It's going to go from zero to 100 faster than a Bugatti, I tell you. So, what are your plans? 2021 may have been a time of treading water, but no more young Skywalkers. Now, it's time to really start paddling.

And to be honest? It will need more than a spring clean. Yes, we can give the website a little makeover, maybe change that Facebook banner. All of that is good, but what is really needed? A real change.

You have four week kids. So, take a good look at your products and services, what you're offering and how you offer. Review all those PDF’s, take a good look at your reviews, your blogs. If your first web impression is your showcase? You need to change that mannequin in the front window and it needs to be a real change.

What about you personally? A makeover, a new hairdo, upgrade the t-shirts, trim the beard, get yourself ready for what will be. I guarantee an exciting time and no chance to play catch up. You have to hit the change road up and running from January 1st, 2022.

So as the clock winds down? Grab that clock, open up a brand new Eveready AAA, plug her in and turn that slow clock of life into the Energiser Bunny and get ready. Start singing, “I can see clearly now... Look all around, there's nothing but blue skies. Look straight ahead, there's nothing but blue skies.”

Put away the umbrella, you wont need it.

Big Hugs form TheCamel.Co®

By Shane Hodge December 3, 2024
This is a subtitle for your new post
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
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
VIEW MORE
Share by: