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Are We There Yet?

Shane Hodge • June 2, 2020
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A road trip with the kids can be a parent's nightmare. Potty stops, fighting in the back seat, God help you if you lose internet signal, and then once all forms of entertainment have expired (with modern-day kids this can be 5 minutes) you will hear from the back seat the dreaded cry of "Are we there yet?". And, it will get louder and louder until you're there or you park on the side of the road, throw your wallet in the back seat, and walk away into the wilderness.

This whole COVID thing has got a lot of us screaming, "are we there yet?" Like hello, it's been for some of us 10 weeks locked up, some of us have gotten fat, a lot have gone broke, we have gotten rid of some old habits, picked up some new ones, our sanity has been pushed to the limits and we all pray that soon? We will be there.

The question is? Where will we be?

It's being labeled as the "new normal". Well folks, if this is normal I don't want it, but I suppose no choice huh. From the rubble of economic Armageddon, we must all rise. Wow, that was poetic LOL.

The next question on all your lips will most likely be, "Well, old wise one, how?" Haha fooled you, I have no idea.

You think I'm joking? I mean really, there is nothing new in rebuilding from ground zero. People have written books about it, given speeches about it and YouTube is full of how-to videos on how to rebuild after a train wreck, bad marriage, storm damage, bankruptcy, bad hair day. But show me the book or video, find me the master motivator that can show us all how to get over a script that reads like the book of revelation?

Yes, my little stormtroopers, this good old COVID was a one time performer but wow did it bring the house down. But that's the way it is. Okay there you go, the cold hard truth of the matter, it is what it is and now we have to deal with it. Yes, we have arrived at our destination kids. So giddy up, hi ho silver, grab hold of your shoelaces, drag that extra 5kg off the sofa, it's time to get busy.

The good old days are gone and we have to forget the way we did it and we have to learn a whole new way to play the business game. Walk in traffic, face to face, to name a couple of oldies but goodies are gone. Get used to and master E-commerce, online ordering, home and office delivery, Zoom meetings and presentations, social media, call to action, website pop-ups, first web always changing impressions , online video demonstrations – these are the new words and these are the new skills of New Normal Business 101.

I know it looks gloomy, and yes it will be tough, but let me give you two quotes to use to rise. First up, yep it's a catastrophe, but we are all far from defeated, as the great kung fu master Bruce Lee said "Defeat is a state of mind; no one is very defeated until defeat has been accepted as a reality." So folks, we will not accept it, it's not our reality.

Next, from the Grammy Award Winning Song of 1999 by Jefferson Starship, remember these Lyrics: "We built this city on rock and roll"

So, put on your best tunes, tie up those laces, move that extra 5kg, start singing and get to work and rebuild your city.

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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