Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

Welcome To The Hotel California

Shane Hodge • November 1, 2016

“You can check out anytime you like but you can never leave”. What an awesome song, and would you believe it was recorded by The Eagles 40 years ago? Like hello you can go to any b ar anywhere in the world and once the karaoke is on you can be guaranteed you will hear some Chinese, Indian, African, German, Italian you name it nationality belting that song out and playing Air Guitar when the lead break arrives.

Is this blog about international singing and drinking? No, but the theme behind this month’s blog is that one line in that awesome song, “You can check out anytime you like but you can never leave” Yes that one line sums it up and an issue in the business world of today, something that has become almost an addiction to all those that have hung up a shingle and printed business cards.

Yes, if a new song was written maybe the verse would relate to the Hotel Google, and once you check in, once you get addicted to the holy grail called "Front Page" and the never-ending quest to find it, you can never leave.

Yep, you’re stuck in that Hotel and you will never visit another as that quest for Front Page, the belief that has been driven by the 'You need that Front page, it’s all that matters' of many an enticing SEO Email from some obscure place in India or some place that ends in STAN, tells you no way can check out baby. Yes, it doesn’t matter what else you do it’s that front page that is going to make you a gold card holding success story ready to sign up for the corporate jet!

But you know what? I think there is another song we need to start playing, we need to start humming the tune to another Eagles song when opening those emails, we need to sing along to “Lying Eyes”

Yes, folks, I think we have been sold the biggest lemon story of all time, there is more to life than just spending all our hard-earned cash chasing that front-page position, there are other ways to get those customers pounding on the front door, getting that phone to ring off the hook, get those tables reserved, sell those awesome clothes, get people dancing in those new shoes, it’s an age-old system that was around way before Larry Page and Sergey Bin went through puberty (Google Founders).

That system? Promotion driven by another lost art called Imagination all wrapped up in good old fashioned hard work.

But let me make it simple, Promotion? Tell people you’re in business. Yep, hand out business cards, blast it on Facebook, use your website, change it often. Tell people you have great offers, write them on the back of business cards, post them on Facebook have them as popups on your website and get them to tell others and reward them for doing so. Yes, repeat business, referral business will do awesome things for your business and it’s a lot cheaper than what the friendly Indian or Uzbekistan SEO hero is going to charge.

So, consider those “Lying Eyes” and “Check out of that Hotel”, get creative with your website and your promotions and I guarantee you that soon you will be drinking those “Tequila Sunrise” as you enjoy “Life in the fast Lane” (Wow I got four eagles Songs into the ending LOL)

Big Hugs from T heCamel.co™

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The Secret to Great Customer Service: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Success

By Shane Hodge • December 3, 2024

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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