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Coming Out of Covid Hibernation

Shane Hodge • December 22, 2021
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Yesssssss! At last, the vaccine numbers are up, yes, people still get sick but not as bad, death numbers are going down, and ladies and gentleman, I am happy to announce that the world? Is starting to open up again. Let's put on the blue face makeup, and in our best Scottish Accents, do I hear a cry of “freeeedommmmm”.

I was thinking about my blog today and to me it's like, “Wow, we are coming out of hibernation”. You know how animals go to sleep during the winter when it's all snow and no fun, then sometimes seven months later they wake up to sunshine, fun times, beach, and BBQ’s (Yeh, I know animals don't have BBQ but they eat the leftovers so it counts LOL)

So I thought I would quickly study hibernation so I can get all clever and relate it to this blog. Good old google gave me this.

During hibernation an animal lowers its body temperature, slows its breathing rate, heart rate, and metabolic rate - the rate its body uses energy. Waking takes time and uses up an animal's energy reserve. Many animals once thought to hibernate, including bears, really only enter a lighter sleep-state called torpor.

To prepare for this big sleep, animals will eat, eat, and eat so they store lots of body fat to make it through months and months with no food. If we look at a bear as an example? In preparation for hibernation, bears may eat more than 40kg (90 lbs) of food per day before laying down to rest. The top performers may bulk up by a staggering 450–550kg (1000lb-1200lbs), effectively doubling their body weight, in other words they stack it on.

So, if we compare this Covid Hibernation to an Animal Hibernation? Well, bad idea, we can't LOL. You see, it's like the opposite. We all got stuck at home and became Zoom and Netflix junkies. We also went from Trim and Slim to little Baby Bears as we all ate so much and our idea of exercise was picking up and pressing the remote!

But, checking further, hibernation in the dictionary means an extended period of remaining inactive or indoors. So, I’m good, it works. But, we can look at what the animals do when they finally wake up and how they get ready for the sand and sea, good times of summer brings.

So, the animals will wake up, they will do the old bend and stretch, scratch their backsides, put on their sunglasses, and take a walk outside to see what's up. Then? They will start to think about food as they have lost all that weight they put on, do some exercise to get all those muscles working, find a boyfriend, and make babies (I think a lot of babies were made during the Covid Hibernation), and the whole circle of life starts all over again.

For business? Coming out of the Covid hibernation and an animal's long winter sleep have a lot in common.

We have all been locked up for almost a year and a half. Our business went in 99% of cases totally online. Employees, if you have them? Well, they all stayed home, grew hair and beards, wore shorts but put on a shirt and tie or hair and makeup for zoom calls. Customers did the same and all became professional online shoppers, order-makers and zoom-takers. And btw? We all got fat doing it.

But now? We are about to wake from our slumber, bend and stretch, and get back to normal business. And whilst the animals start to potter around, see how things are, look for some food and make baby bears, we have to start to get back into the swing of things.

We have to take the covers off, open the doors, sweep the floors, polish the silverware, vacuum the dust, clean that sign and open up for business. More than that, we have to let our customers know we are back. Check and change our website, update our social media, get out a newsletter, maybe even get all the marketing brains in a huddle to think of new offers and services to offer, “Rise and Shine” to our customers as they also wake from their slumber.

Yes, dear readers of TheCamel good news, it's timeeeeee (Love UFC) and let's get excited. Let's get a hustle in our step and get ready to stock up those cupboards and replenish those bank accounts after this Covid Winter.

And the other good news? You will be so busy you might even lose some of that winter weight you are so unhappy to be carrying around!

Like Captain America waking up after his sleep in the icy waters, grab that shield, open up the doors, and say, “I can do this all day”.

Hugs to all.

Out of Covid Hibernation Checklist
  • Take a good look at your Website, might not need a total change but at least give it a bit of a spring clean.
  • Think about a Newsletter and Social Media Posts that make announcements that you're back and open and excited for business.
  • Join a Gym to help with that Hibernation weight loss (Optional)
  • Smile and Be Excited that you made it through the Covid Winter and enjoy the good times ahead.

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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