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An Intimate Moment

Shane Hodge • April 7, 2021

I remember standing next to my dad, looking way above the countertop and seeing this distinguished looking man, perfect hair with a sprinkle of grey, freshly starched white coat and even a tie. He had that movie star look, I tell you, and 55 years ago it was true, could have been a Charlton Heston type (Ben Hur, Ten Commandments). 

His name was Mr. Keyte and he wasn't an actor, he was our local pharmacist. He called my dad Lindsay and my dad called him Mr. Keyte. Back in the day, Mr. Keyte was like that, as was Dr. Spangaro (our local doctor) and Mr. Humpries, the local newsagent, and Mrs. Barnes, who owned the local milk bar and created the most awesome milkshakes for 5 cents. 

All had wonderful hair and all wore starched white coats and all called you by name when you went to the pharmacy, the doctors, the newsagent, the milk bar, the dress shop, hairdresser or barbers, it was local, and it was intimate.

Fast forward to 2020 and wow what a difference, t-shirt and converse with no starch, hair all over the shop, tattoos and nose rings maybe, no first name potentially, you're just a number. Chains stores, and 7/11, and a milkshake? Well, the only intimate part of that is when you screw off the top of the plastic container. Yep, it's about as intimate. Well, I could drop lots of examples but this is a family blog so I will behave.

But then, (thunder clap, organ music in the background) something happened (more thunder claps with choirs singing ahhhhhhhh music) yes early 2020 Covid hit and things changed. No more visiting the 7/11 for that plastic moment, no more swiping the credit card at the mall as you purchased the latest and greatest Nike shoes from the t-shirt and denim body piercing right to life behind the register. Yep, all that joy gone in the blink of an eye, and then it was just you, your credit card, online and Uber Eats!

A few months past, we all got used to being stuck inside, we became addicted to Netflix. After getting sick of ordering online, we dragged the pots and pans out of storage and dusted off the cookbooks and started to (more choirs singing) cook for ourselves and the family and another strange phenomenon occurred, we started to communicate with each other across the dining table and not by text.

Yes, folks can you see the trend starting to form? Can you see the build up to what this blog is all about? Well hold on to your hats there is a mighty moment coming.

Time went by and the gates were slightly open and we could venture outside, travel down the street and at last do what we all need to do, SHOP. But this Covid moment has changed us. We are no longer looking for the ultimate in Mega Malls. The thought of brushing bodies with other humans, standing in lines dreading the sound of a sneeze or a cough has changed us. Yes folks Covid has taken us back in time and we are now searching for something we all thought was lost.

We want to shop local again. It's safer. we need to talk to people again as we miss it, we need to have an intimate moment again. (Orchestra and choir rise to deafening Hallelujah moment) 

The times have changed, even those that used to jump on the big bird with passport and luggage on wheels for the international experience are now looking local and what sites and sounds they can feel. Local tourism, local shopping, is seeing an interest that they thought was lost. Covid? Has changed us.

That intimate moment has returned, but are you ready for it? Is your business ready for it, is your website, your social media ready for it?

You may have given up in early 2020, after years of trying hard you may have thought those days are gone, nobody cares about the little guys and gals anymore. You may have posted on Facebook Business every month or so, you may have had a yearly anniversary update of a picture or two on your website. Well folks it's time to join the revolution.

Get local with your website, with your social media. Start posting new and exciting stories and pictures about what's going on in your local business. Now is the time to start treating that website like a shopfront that local people walk past everyday, stop to see what's in the window, wave at you or pop in for a chat.

Now is the time, now it's local. And now? It's time to get intimate. 

Enjoy the moment as it will be around for a while.

Hugs to all.

By Shane Hodge December 3, 2024
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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
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