Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

Hard Work? There Is No App For That

Shane Hodge • May 9, 2022

Persistence overcomes resistance. It's not just about talent, it's about hard work. I heard that a lot as I was growing up. I heard it even more along the way. It was usually the answer I would find when studying the reason for success. I read about people like Colonel Sanders (brag I met him twice) of KFC fame starting at 65, door to door trying to sell his fried chicken dream, Ray Croc (I met him once) being not so super at 52 and then boom working hard on the golden arches and making it big with Hamburgers. Yes, many old school stories like that we have heard at every motivational conference, but in this digital age with zillionaires created from apps, influencers on Youtube, crypto kings, reality TV super stars, does hard work still pay?

“There's no talent here, this is hard work. This is an obsession. Talent does not exist, we are all equals as human beings. You could be anyone if you put in the time. You will reach the top, and that's that. I am not talented. I am obsessed.” – Conor McGregor Former UFC Double Belt Champion, $200 Million Businessman

Ok, so Conor spoke those words this past couple of years. It was not from “way back in the day”, in 2012 he was worth 50k, in ten years it was 200 million. He was a plumber, no MBA, and he earned it by hard work, by getting smacked in the mouth on Saturday nights after training two times a day, seven days a week. Along the way (yes, a little naughty) he used his personality, ring savvy, made some great moves, worked hard, and became a truly bankable brand. Proper Twelve Whiskey (his brand) in one year went from zero to one of the highest sellers in the world and he recently sold the brand for 600 Million.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has two great quotes.

“In 1995 I had $7 bucks in my pocket and knew two things: I’m broke as hell and one day I won’t be.” – Dwayne Johnson

“Success isn’t always about ‘Greatness’, it’s about consistency. Consistent hard work gains success. Greatness will come.” – Dwayne Johnson

In 1995 he had $7, in 2022 with a lot of hard work and consistency? His personal net worth is close to 400 Million. His Teramana Tequila is the fastest selling tequila in history and his sports drink Zoa Energy went from nothing to taking massive market share from the biggies like red bull and monster in less than a year.

You can see I don't mention social media owners, rappers, or influencers, as frankly I have zero time for them. I love the long time blood sweat and tears style of success. The Rock (brag he sent me a personal message once) and Conor’s words lift me up (hey so does Ray Croc and The Colonel).

The problem is that in today's world the “Hard Work” school of thinking is a hard one to push. Not a lot of people want to prescribe it. It's easier to sell the influencer, crypto, app, get rich instant, just add water story than it is the hard work struggle no sleep kind.

If I look at TheCamel.co? It's been a long hard tough 9 years. We didn't start with $7 like The Rock, but it was close. And many times along the way we got closer again to that number when it was time to pay the bills. We didn't get belted in the Octagon on a Saturday night like Conor to earn our dollars, but wow we got a lot of kicks in the guts disappointments along the way.

But with hard work and persistence, we made it. We are not fully there yet but we are on our way. I mean, we just got the honor of becoming a branded Solutions Partner with duda, there are only five of those in the world and we did it. A lot of hard work and persistence to get to that point, we have the bruises to prove it, and the lack of sleep to honor it.

So my friends, after all the preaching inspirational words of failure to success, rags to riches, we come to the fork in the road point, “what’s my point in this blog?”

My point is? Never give up.

Yep, in our case along the way there were many times where it was all way too hard, the days were long, and the rewards were few. But deep down in my gut, I truly believed that if we just get up, if we just take another deep breath, we can make it another round.

This past few years, Covid has pounded us all, the war in Ukraine hit us just when we all thought the rain had cleared, we look at the road ahead, and there is yet another hill to climb. You may be thinking, “Enough, not again” let's throw in the towel.

Well folks, let me cover that thought with another famous quote and I will take a little credit for this one, “Don't give up, get obsessed. If it was easy? Everyone would do it”

Welcome to the minority, the view when you get to the top of the mountain is awesome, I will be the first to welcome you there.

Success? There is no app for that.

Hugs to all

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

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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