Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

We Are Here to Help

Shane Hodge • January 13, 2023

Here we go its 2023, New Year, out with Old in with the New, Clean Slate, Fresh Start ahhh the list of exciting motivation could go and on, I actually love the start of a New Year, to me it's just a whole new Mountain to Climb or a chance to have another go at the summit after slipping down the ice in the last few months of the year before LOL.

At TheCamel.co every New Year we do the same thing, we set two themes, one theme is for the team and one is for the Company. We use that theme to set the stage of what we want to achieve for the year. We have had lots, always a statement we put on t-shirts and always a matching song which becomes like an anthem.

Over the Years we have have had some awesome themes, “This is the Moment” “United We Stand Divided We Fall” “Nothing's gonna stop us now” “This is Me”

I get so excited when we do our theme launch at our yearly get together party at the start of the year (TheCamel was born in January so good time to celebrate) Nothing beats a super introduction speech (humbly delivered by me) and then boom the theme song blasts in the background and will then spend the next year lifting, motivation, inspiring our team to go above and beyond in greatness, well that's the plan LOL.

So, what's the plan for 2023? Glad you asked.

My Goal for 2023 was to really “UP” the service and support game, my belief is the world is getting so deep into automation, Ai, a major “Differentiator” will be service and support. Everybody and his dog (I apologize if I offend any puppies who read my blog) are into faster, quicker, cheaper. I do not want to jump on that train. I want to make sure yes we do all that but move over Disneyland, “The Happiest place on Earth”, will be doing business with TheCamel.

BUT? I need a song, and a theme.

It was just before the Christmas break and that thought was running through my mind and all of a sudden out of the blue like a bolt of lighting I was hit by this song, “Help” Not the Beatles version (yes it was the original) but this version https://youtu.be/dv54giOSRKs sung by the awesome aussie talent John Farnham.

When he belts out the line, “Help me if you can I’m feeling down, and I do appreciate you being round” wow the hairs on my arms stood up and then, “ And I do appreciate you being round” OMG I felt like the support angels had opened up in the heavens, trumpets were sound, rays of sunlight breaking through the clouds yes folks it was a spiritual uplifting moment which ended when he sang, “Won't you please, please help me” I felt a need to answer the call.

I imagined poor suffering souls being on the end of a call with somebody form a strange land pretending to be from another country, I visioned frustrated consumers chatting with a BOT, trying to find the answer to how to stop a light from blinking and get the new TV working, OMG yes we are all trying to make things faster, leaner meaner but in the end? It boils down to the desperate pleas of? “Won't you please please please help me” Thank you Whispering Jack (John Fnarnhams nickname)

At last, my theme for TheCamel team in 2023 was sent by the gods of support, at last I have a tune that can drive the team to greatness, but I need one more thing, I need a tagline to put on tshirts.

The song is great, but it needs a simple phrase that ties it all up, that links the mammoth anthem of service, that the mere mention of that phrase will be a call to action for the team. So my beloved audience let me share what will be the phrase that will drive us at TheCamel to make sure that in 2023 you will not be begging, “please please please help me”

We will say from the moment you call or text, drum roll please.

“We are here to help” and that is what we will do. In 2023? TheCamel? Will Help you.

The team theme? That's the next blog.

Hugs to 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