Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

Evolution Every Business Needs One

Shane Hodge • January 5, 2022

Every business has four phases of life. First, you have the start up. If you make it through that, as sorry to say a lot don't, then you have the growth stage to go through. I must admit when you go through the growth stage, sometimes, you wish you stayed in the start up phase, I tell you. All going well, you make it through growth? Then boom, you're into the crossroads, renewal/rebirth, or decline.

Yes Folks after years of a hard slog maybe you're still struggling or have seen fame and fortune but as the saying goes, “What got you where you are today is not good enough to keep you there”. What was working may no longer work, customers might find the grass greener on the other side, you will be faced with reinventing yourself or? Buying a padlock and looking at help wanted.

At TheCamel? We have a word we use for this time and we have done it several times over the past 8 years, we call it an “Evolution”.

I’m not talking about evolution as in creating the world from scratch, no need to throw out the bath water. What I’m talking about is taking a real good look at what's working and what's not, what square pegs are in round holes. Standing in the background and asking yourself, your team, even your customers some serious questions and then, planning and executing an evolution.

But folks, standing in the background and asking serious questions? It's not easy and many avoid it. Nothing worse than looking in the mirror without makeup and seeing wrinkles and lines. What about those extra pounds around the waste line? We as humans don't like to see or hear not so good things, we much prefer to have our ego’s stroked, we also don't like to make waves, we are a happy lot when we keep the “Status Quo'' and don't upset the apple cart.

Well, thrillseekers (as you have to be one to enjoy an evolution), trust me on this, if you don't like a little pain and suffering, upsetting some of the natives, I suggest you go and grab the remote control and watch Netflix and don't read any further. Your evolution mission, once you decide to accept it? Will not be an easy one.

Our mission impossible moment started around six months ago. We looked around, and in all honesty, things were starting to get a little “comfortable”. The days seem to roll into each other, the process procedure although working well? Really just went through the motions. Our website? Was like a collection of old and new, all over the shop. One customer said, “It’s easier to do a google search to find what we need from TheCamel than navigate its website”. Harsh, but when I checked, they were right.

Our Social Media pages were good, but pictures of puppies and jokes were starting to appear more than good exciting content worth reading, as it was easier. Yes, we got a lot of thumbs up likes but little to none participation.

Complacency, not innovation, had really started to set in. The evolution shake was needed.

So, I set up a meeting with all the team leaders and we had a proper sit down. We took a good look at our website, social media pages, and then we took it even further as there was a lot of dust and cobwebs, and that had to go. PDF”s, product information pages, products themselves, the list was huge.

What was next? A plan and a date. We had to avoid the “It’s working, why change” mentality. We needed to get some fire back in the belly, excitement in the wings, that awesome start up phase of a new business, that energy, that's what I wanted this evolution to be like, to make a massive difference.

The date was set to January 1st, 2022. Let's bring in the New Year with a bang. Let our evolution be the fireworks of TheCamel.

The team was put in place, we delegated, and we went to work. And the result? Is awesome. Not just in the revamped look and feel of all that changed and improved, but the best feeling is the new renewed energy of the team and our customers. It was well worth the pain and suffering.

So my advice? If you’re years into the startup phase, you have made it through the growth stage, and now you're at the crossroads of “what’s next”? Maybe, now is the time as the great fashion designer Karl Langerfirld said, “ Evolution is the key, for the next step”

So, grab the team, shake the tree a little, turn the boxes upside down, clean out the cupboards, make a great plan, don't be shy, put a completion date to everything and enjoy the evolution. Enjoy the rebirth and renewal rather than the misery of decline.

Big Hugs form 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

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