Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

Disney Level Service

Shane Hodge • January 6, 2021

Care Like Mickey and Tinker Bell

I have a great mate of mine, John Dwyer or JD to his mates. He is an Aussie from the Gold Coast, superstar Marketing Advisor to the stars www.theinstituteofwow.com and when asked about customer service, his favourite quote (and he has a few) “You have to aim for Disney Level Service”.

What is Disney Level Service? A great quote from the Disney organisation is "We aim to deliver WAY BEYOND good customer service.......after all, everyone EXPECTS good customer service. We aim to deliver EXTRAORDINARY CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES!"

Back to JD, his quotes like most of his jokes, over the years I just nodded my head, rolled my eyes every time I heard him say that about service, but it wasn't until a couple of years back that I really got smacked right between the eyes and totally understood what the old fella was on about. And would you believe it, it actually happened at when-you-wish-upon-a-star Disneyland, itself. And not just any Disneyland, I am talking about the one and only original Anaheim USA Disneyland.

And it was a moment I will never forget.

I t was 2018, and we had a business trip to the USA planned, a lot of people to see, and meetings to have, but seeing as we were travelling all the way we thought we might also fit a little site seeing into the trip.

As luck would have it, a month before we were set to leave, this stormtrooper was attacked by one of Asia’s finest tummy bugs, star performer it was, will spare you the gory details but my once former Greek Adonis frame was transformed into one that was modeled on the guy they kick sand in his face on the beach. Rapid weight loss and on top of that, I ended up acquiring lactose intolerance. So, I looked and felt like a shriveled up old man, rather than the GQ poster boy I was used to.

I was not a happy chappy, had to fight off comments from family members such as, “I don't mean to pry, but is there something you’re not telling us about your health”. It was miserable, but being the Trojan I am and having paid for the ticket, hi ho Silver, jumped on Philippines Airlines finest and Home of the Brave, Land of the Free we were headed.

Yes, we had great meetings, met some awesome people, but it was freezing cold (us tropical people don't do cold well). I was feeling off, not looking great, overall? I was not at my gold medal winning performance self.

The thought of lining up at Disneyland for hours to get on a bunch of rides that threw me upside down and sideways, was not high on the excitement list, but unless I wanted to face an even worse thing called divorce? It was giddy up, bad luck Mickey, Goofy, Minnie here we come.

Disneyland is pretty incredible, good old Walt had the right idea. It does look pretty awesome when you arrive, but hello, from the moment you get in its wall to wall to wall, people and everywhere you turn? There are things to buy, buy, buy. I was in major whinge mode, all I kept saying? OMG how commercial is this place, where is the fun in that?

Next thing, we are in a line to have a picture taken with the famous Tinker Bell. Not happy but I’m doing it. One by one people cozy up next to the little blonde-haired, super white teeth gal in green, big SMILE and like a production line, next, then next, and finally, it’s our turn.

Tinker Bell asked me how my day is and can you believe it? I am whinging to Tinker Bell at how commercial Disneyland is, it's all about money, money, money. Like hello, it’s Tinker Bell.

Now, the key to this? All the characters at Disneyland are in character. So the gal playing Tinker Bell for the day? Is Tinker Bell, and Snow White, the Evil Queen, Minnie, Mickey, they are totally in character. They answer questions with Disneyland speak.

Tinker Bell was a real fairy, and she listened to my whining and just looked at me and said, “All you need to feel better? Is have faith, trust, and a little Pixie Dust” and all the fairies here need you to believe what I just said, coz every time people say, “I don't believe in fairies, there's a fairy someplace out there that falls down dead” And you don't want that do you?

OMG, I was converted, I hugged Tinker Bell, shouted: “I believe”. I was like a new convert to Christianity or Amway, I tell you, I walked like I was floating on Pixie Dust, it was awesome.

And then, there was Mickey.

We spotted Mickey and Minnie surrounded by people all vying for the selfie shot so we joined the queue and whilst we were moving forward a strange thing happened to me. It was like I was transported back in time, all of a sudden I was like 5 years old. It was a Sunday night and the family were sitting around the black and white telly, all excited as we were about to watch the weekly episode of Disneyland, and as the clock ticked over to 6 pm the magic would start and so would my Dad’s singing.

Like clockwork, dad would start in harmony with the TV singing, “When you wish upon a star'' which was the theme song played at the beginning of all Disney TV shows. It stuck with me that memory and no matter how old, no matter where I was in the world, anytime I heard that song I thought and still think of my dad RIP.

Oops back to the story, all of a sudden, we were at the front of the line, Mickey outstretched his arms and I fell into them and this 60-year-old stormtrooper became a 5-year-old kid. All the pressures of business and the health issues went out the door and I was in the arms of Mickey just sobbing but feeling so safe and secure.

Memories of my dad, my childhood all just hit me, but Mickey knew and gave me a nod as I had to let go and make way for the next selfie player.

But it wasn't over folks.

Mickey and Minnie were done with the 30-minute photo op and were ready to make their way back inside to have a cup of tea or maybe cheese and biscuits as Mice do. I was talking to my wife about how special that moment was, what it really meant to me and how glad we had come, I was using all the Kleenex, and I felt a tap on my shoulder, it was Mickey and he opened those big arms again and gave me another hug like he knew I needed more than just a selfie.

A Disney moment, I will never forget, a truly Extraordinary Customer Experience.

Mickey, Tinker Bell? They really worked on the principle of people. Customers don't really know how much you know? Until they know how much you care.

And that kids, is today’s blog message, and a good one for 2021. What is your plan to deliver awesome service, to really focus on showing your customers how much they mean to you?

This COVID year has been so tough on us all, I am sure so many of you reading this right now would love a little pixie dust from Tinker Bell or a comforting hug from Mickey.

I can’t arrange that, but what I can do is leave you with a reminder and ask you to take a walk outside tonight, close your eyes and hum this.
“When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are... when you wish upon a star, your dreams come true”

Enjoy the wish, and your dreams, be in the moment and make sure that 2021 is your year of delivering Extraordinary Customer Experience.
Hugs from TheCamel.Co® !

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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

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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