Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

The "N" Word

Shane Hodge • January 5, 2016

You have done all the work, had a many a sleepless night, times are a little tough, you have given the presentation of your life, you really need this deal and the next word that comes out of the potential customers' mouth starts with…N. Yep the N word is tough. So what is the N word? NO.

We can hear lots of words that can send shivers up our spine but the NO word has a way of ruining your day, especially if what you need your family, your staff, your investors, suppliers in fact all links in the food chained to hear the word yes.

I don’t really think it’s a word that just gets to us when we have our own business, I don’t think anybody really enjoys hearing the word NO. The thing about NO is that its associated with a lot of pain and suffering from the “Get GO” of life and usually hearing that word meant we were about to lose a chance at not having fun.

As a toddler you would always be reaching for something that was great fun to play with but Mum thought otherwise, and quickly Mum would come out with that NO word. As teenagers when offered the chance to go to some sensational party at the house of the person your Parents always warned you about, NO would quickly change your mood to, “You have no idea how embarrassed I am” NO doesn’t sit well when told the lawn needs mowing rather than sitting with your mates having a beer screaming at the weekends footy match.

So you see “NO” is a word we are conditioned with over the years to associate with, “NO” more fun. So of course when you hear NO as a big grown up its going to have the same effect, the only difference is you not going to kick and scream throw soft toys around a Clients office, slam the door on your way and threaten to “Never speak to you again”

Yes, are all grown up now, so we have to treat the word NO with a little bit more professionalism? So what is my feeling about the word NO.? We’ll let me say three things. 1.Get used to it, not afraid of it.
2.Every person has the right to use two words, Yes and NO.
3.Have an attitude of they may not be saying NO to everything you are presenting.

Think back in time to the moments NO had such an impact on you, I am sure that in a lot of cases with a little bit of negotiating you could get to play with another toy that could do you any harm. That party? Unless it offered the chance of absolute mayhem with a little give and take, agreeing on some terms and conditions often you would get to go. As for the Lawns? I can bet you did them on a Sunday nursing a hangover and a grin from watching your team win the game.

Making a bid, doing a presentation, offering your service in an essence have the same criteria as stuff we were asking permission do when we were kids, and just as it was back then NO can be the first word that will pop out of the parent sorry customers mouth. The secret? Just like back in the day if you really wanted to play with that toy, if you really wanted to go to that party and if the game was a matter of life and death? You had a plan B for that first NO.

So, when the old N word comes along, think of how many times over the years you have turned that into a YES and enjoy the negotiation and if it doesn’t work out? Hey at least you don’t have to go to your room without dinner and you want be banned from playing Xbox! One thing for sure, even though today may have a disappointment, New chances? Like the sun will shine the next day.

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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

Why Humans Are Still the Picasso of Graphic Design in the Age of AI

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