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A Simple Equation

admin — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:11:40 +0000

So, for businesses, large or small, I have a simple equation for you:

Good management + Good working environment = Happy employees and more productivity

It is not hard is it? Yet some businesses (read most) get it so, so wrong. A manager has a HUGE responsibility to the people he or she manage. They should be supportive, listen, attentive, encouraging and respectful.

Bad managers are impatient, intimidating, bullying, short-tempered and uncaring. Ok, they often have a load of other things they should be doing, and in most instances the company / organisation give them far too many other tasks to do, with no thought about how much time they should be spending with their reports and team.

This is where the wheels fall off the wagon and it all goes pear-shaped. Why?

Because their people, their team is their most vital and important asset.

Neglect them, bully them, ignore them, make them fearful of your reaction, then you are failing badly. If you make your team, your people your fans, then your job will be easier, you will be more successful.

You must give your team time and support. You don’t need to be their best mate, but treat them well, and you will thrive and be respected back.

If you have a manager who has no time for you, then tell them - make it VERY clear to them that they are failing you.

People should never feel unhappy and nervous at work - if they do, then something is VERY wrong. Bullying and unprofessional behaviour in the work environment should never, ever be tolerated. Don’t let these people get away with it. They often do because people don’t speak up. Make sure you do.

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proofHQ

admin — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:32:54 +0000

Basecamp from 37signals is a web-based project management application which quite a few people know about (I’ve spoken about them a number of times before). Ok, nothing new here then you might say.

Well, hold your horses - there is, and it is pretty darn good.

proofHQ is a webapp I heard of a few months ago and didn’t actually think much of it. However, having had a good look at it and the fact it integrates with Basecamp, means that I am now very interested.

ProofHQ is a smarter, easier way to manage review and approval of designs, artwork and documents. It is an online collaboration, proofing and approval tool built specifically for brands, agencies, designers, print and production.

I’ve been looking at a way of proofing materials with clients, and this looks like an impressive solution. Check out the video below:

Pretty nifty eh? I’m going to sign up and have a look, but if you are already using it, I would welcome your thoughts and experiences so far. Thanks!

UPDATE: I’ve just signed up for the free account to test it out, and I am VERY impressed. Simple sign up process and a simple set up. Some other highlights:

Simple, simple simple to link to my Basecamp account - this then gives an option to post proof to any of my Basecamp projects - brilliant

Great instructional videos - clear and well produced

The UI for proofing is slicktastic - very easy to understand

One thing I think they could add is a big, visible link to go back to the dashboard from the proofing page. Apart from that, I’m going to start using this immediately and may upgrade to a paid account. Well done guys on a top job!
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Ubiquity for Firefox - impressive

admin — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:49:29 +0000

If you watch one thing today, watch the video below. Mozilla labs have just released the alpha of Ubiquity for Firefox. It looks like a major advance in web browsing / web interface. It is almost like a short cut app on steriods but has the potential to really take off - it is that impressive.

It reminds me a little of Quicksilver - an application which is loved by some and not quite understood by others (I’m in the latter camp). Anyway, check the video out below…v cool

Ubiquity for Firefox from Aza Raskin on Vimeo.
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Dexter Series 3

admin — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:31:33 +0000

Dexter is one of my all time favourite series on TV. I don’t watch much TV to be honest - most of it is total rubbish. Dexter stands out - great storyline, characters and really well produced.

It’s going to be appearing on US TV at the end of Sept, but soon appears online for download if you know where to look Here’s the trailer!

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Boris Johnson’s Famous Ping Pong Speech

admin — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:39:59 +0000

Slightly OT, but I had to post this - just brilliant! I’m certain that Boris sometimes shocks people, because he tells it how it is and has a load of charisma and personality. People are shocked because 99% of other politicians have zero charisma or personality. We are just not used it.

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Is this the new MacBookPro?!

admin — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:06:19 +0000

I wish it was, but it isn’t, but you never know! It is in fact a very nice mock up from someone over on MacRumours.

I’m going to be in the market for a new Apple laptop in the next 6 months. My first gen MBP is pretty slow now, has AWFUL battery life (and that is even with a supposed extra capacity battery), and is going to be used to show photos off at weddings (so risking people touching the screen)

I must say that this mock up looks superb - but I am still lusting after the Air, as long as it has a +2.0 chip.

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What are Your Favourite Blogs?

admin — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:21:30 +0000

I’ve just been reading a fascinating post over on the SEOmoz blog, all about the world’s top blogs. It looks at their niche, are they .com or .co.uk, who are they owned by and some more great info. I recommend you have a look - well worth a few minutes of your time

It got me thinking about blogs. I love reading blogs - it is easily my biggest source of information right now and will be for the foreseeable future.

From your 54 subscriptions, over the last 30 days you read 2,380 items, starred 697 items, shared 933 items, and emailed 72 items.

So, I subscribe to 54 blogs at the moment, and I try and whittle them down every week or so, but usually fail miserably. Hey ho. There are always ones I really look forward to reading, my faves, and I thought I would share a few with you:

thedieline - the leading package design blog - this is just superb. I am increasingly inspired by great packaging - it is SO important for a product.

twitturly - ok, not a blog, but I subscribe to it, and it provides tracking of all the urls being twittered around the web, which in turn gives me some great material and info

signal vs noise - from the 37signals boys, all about design and usability

Seth’s blog - a great read from Seth Godin, a marketing master

Amnesia Blog - from a big marketing agency in Oz - just started reading this one and it seems to have some good stuff

These are a few of my faves at the moment. Now, let me know what you are currently finding essential reading / subscribing please! Hit up the comments now!

Finally, linking on blog stats, have a look at which websites are used more heavily in the US - makes fascinating reading!
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Learn About Coffee

admin — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:30:32 +0000

Coffee is one of my favourite things in the whole world….

The smell, the whole process of grinding the fresh beans, the taste and the social nature of it. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, and apart from gadgets / Apple gear / nicely designed things, it is my only vice

There is so much to learn about coffee - the history, where it came from, the different beans, how to make a proper cup of coffee, roasting, the list goes on. There are a few good resources online, but how about having a lesson on coffee delivered every day to your inbox? For free!?

All you need to do is have a look at coffee101.co.uk

This has been set up by my good friend and client Steve, from Hasbean. He is one of the leading coffee experts in the UK, and travels around the world looking for the best coffee. The good bit is that he pays way above market price for the coffee, direct to the farmers, so he plays an important part in supporting local communities in South America and Africa.

coffee101 comprises of 10 lessons giving a HUGE amount of information about the subject of coffee. I would not tell you about it unless I thought it was good, and it is. Steve has spent a lot of time writing all about coffee, and he has even put in a few special little bonuses.

So, click on over to coffee101 and sign up for the free course!
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Tim Ferriss Confirmed for the Do Lectures

admin — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:24:52 +0000

OK, I admit it. I’m slightly star struck. Ever since I found out that Tim Ferriss was speaking at the do lectures, I have been smiling. A lot. And dipping into the 4HWW. HIs details have just gone up on the do lectures website.

I need to get some decent questions to ask him now!
PS Anyone else attending this amazing event? I’ve had a good search online and can find no one!
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Awesome View of the Olympic Water Cube

admin — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:39:17 +0000

Panoramas don’t get much better than this. Just superb. Click here to go to the NYTimes’ page and then make sure you click full screen!

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