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Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

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Keep Dancing

Shane Hodge • August 3, 2020
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Hey fellow stormtroopers, and yes, we are all stormtroopers, waking up each and everyday constantly challenged by the COVID storm, battering down the hatches, constantly thinking, NEXT.

Next, as in next idea, next move, next plan. It's a bit like Musical Chairs. You know that game? A bunch of people in a room, not enough chairs for all, music starts, people dance around, and without warning, BOOM, the music stops and you all rush rush trying to find a spare chair. No chair? No more dancing, you're outta there, and to make matters worse they keep taking chairs away, people keep fading away until there is only one chair and two people. Round and round, music playing, hearts pounding, and then no more music and only one player remains.

Now the thing about Musical Chairs, you watch everyone and when the music is playing, there are those that never move far from a chair, Harry or Harriet, they just shuffle shuffle, tap dance in the same place, all they think of is the anticipation of the music stopping, no way do they want to miss that chair. They play it safe and secure, but if the music stops and they miss a chair? They walk away, feeling a little devastated at their loss, and maybe the rest of the night will not be as good, they didn't enjoy the game at all.

Then there are the others, George or Georgina. They feel the music, the moment, they laugh and enjoy. They are dancing, having fun, and when the music stops? Well, they are excited if a chair is there, but if not, wow they have had fun, hug and laugh with a few people, grab another drink and think about how to enjoy the rest of the party, and are up and attem, ready for the next game.

The winner? The final one sitting on the last chair? Well, they have more of a sense of relief that they made it, sit down on that chair, and work hard at getting the pulse rate down. They are usually the standing tap dance don't move far from the chair, Harry and Harriet types, so fun was less than focus. But who cares when the last song played? They still had a chair.

So, my fellow stormtroopers, what is this "Old Oracle of Inspiration" advising today in his words of wisdom?

Well, these business times can be a little like Musical Chairs. Each and everyday is offering a new tune to dance around the chair with rules and regulations, up and down COVID numbers, customers coming and going, doors opening and closing and opening again, masks on masks off. Ahhhh, it can drive you crazy.

You can choose to just stick close to the chair, just shuffle, don't make any sudden moves or changes, just focus on the fact the music is sooner or later going to stop and you will have the safety of being close to the chair and sitting down to take a breather.

Or, you can start singing, "Stayin' Alive" disco beat in your head, do your best John Travolta impersonation, show some "moves", enjoy the show, smile, be happy, and if you miss the chair? Hey, let's have a drink and get on with another game.

Yes folks, you can sit back and just do what you have done, just shuffle along, don't make any dangerous moves, don't venture far away from the safety of the chair, sooner or later, all will be right with the world.

Or? You should be dancingggggg. Yeah, get those mailouts going, calling customers, making offers, chasing new business, updating your website, have a go at becoming a YouTube sensation and vlog your way into your customers new and old hearts, post on social media like a teenager with the latest selfies or things they have bought on eBay, show off your latest websites or exciting news.

My advice? Be like George and Georgina. Keep dancing.

Next Song Mr. DJ!

Hugs to all from TheCamel.Co®.

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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