Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

Jingle Bell Rock, Wow So Fast

Shane Hodge • December 8, 2022

Can you believe it, my fellow reindeer lovers? Like hello, what happened to Happpyyyyy New Yearrrrr? Boom, all of a sudden we are “deck the halls” with bells of holly and let's whack that credit card till it needs CPR time.

Like where did the year go? And let's add to the mix, only less than twelve months ago, we were all locked up, masked up, miserable and depressed, addicted to Netflix, many pounds heavier, relationships pushed to the limits, zooming with everyone including our therapist? And now, Covid who?

It's been the craziest of years, with more ups and downs, twists and turns, ins and outs than riding the Kinda Ka at Six Flags. (That's the world's best roller coaster BTW)

But guess what? We made it.

Yes, folks despite all the doom and gloom, the stock markets didn't crash, Covid did not kill us all, people are still working, we are all still buying and life has gone on.

But I must admit, your most likely like me, you're a little tired and will be super excited when the 23rd of December rolls around for most of us and we get a chance to take off the saddle, kick off the boots, and rest our weary little bodies for a spell (plus eat like little piggies went to market with all that food, a little wine, and a few songs with the kin folk).

However, not to be the deliverer of bad news or joy killer, BUT, sooner than you can be dashing through the snow? Auld Lang Syne will arrive, Xmas trees will become firewood and we will all be back at it again.

My question for you all my super readers, are you going to start the awesome opportunity of 2023 same old same old? Or are you thinking about adding a little sugar and spice to your business life?

Ok, maybe I was a little too cryptic there. “Get to the point oh Blog Guru” I hear you say. Are you going to open up the doors to your humble business with the same look and feel that you left with? Same website, same marketing, same social media, same words to describe your academy award-winning customer performance? I’m so excited you said NO.

Am I saying let's dump it all? NOOOOOO, what I am saying is at a minimum “Let’s sexy it up”.

Let’s agree to take a look at the first web impression customers get of your website. Let's replace those pictures of you with wide collars and flared pants with new and exciting options. Let's change the color from fluoro to something warm and friendly. Let's get rid of that Wikipedia content that nobody reads anyway and get straight to content that excites people to book and buy, and? Let's make it awesome on mobile.

Next step? Let's take a good look at all the content we have on that customer attraction program (website to mere mortals) and start to make sure you have “keywords”. Yep, the words that mention the company, the brand, the location, the product and the services, so Google can find you blindfolded.

Last but not least, let's take a good look at our social media. Let's sexy up the banner, add some new posts, do a quick video for Tik Tok, add lots of pictures of products and happy customers to Instagram, and post those awesome reviews.

Wow, I'm excited just writing it. So, how good will you feel doing it and most importantly? How great will your customers feel when they see it? Change is such a wonderful thing.

And that, children, will do us for 2022. It's been a pleasure sharing all this fun and frivolity, and the occasional piece of marketing brilliance (I say that humbly of course). I pray you all have a safe and sensational holiday break, and let's bring on more fun and games (and lots of money) in 2023.

Hugs to you all.

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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