How the Manual sees me!

This is what I look like when studying the manual of Filemaker. Sometimes I think "What the hell am I doing studying this?" But then I remember that moving out into new fields of expertise is Vital for Growth. Just wish I did not always look so confused!

Mining the Talk

I am half way though "Mining the Talk - unlocking the Business Value in Unstructured Information" by Scott Spangler and Jeffreu Kreulen.

It is a technical read, but completely fascinating. Data in our business world is everywhere, but how do we access it, categorize it and then meaningfully use it?

Understanding and using data will be the difference between Success and Destruction.

Cheese Stealing

Pics of my daughter Stealing cheese.

Evernote

Using an AWESOME new tool.

www.evernote.com

Notes between notebook and mobile.
sync's beautifully.
LOVE IT!

And I'm not being paid to promote it.

Data Dreams

I wrote this text the other day and it appears on my Database interface.

"We live in the information Age.
So Live.
And to Live means to be in control.

To Act, To Steer, To Direct.

Control the information...
Don’t merely live in it.

Understand it and use it!

This is what will separate the average
from
the Massively Successful!

And Yes...of Course it is difficult...

If it is was easy...everybody would do it."

They say this is the information age

Yes, that is what they say, and yet how many of us act like we are truly living in the age of information.

How do you collect data?
How you group data?
How do you mine data?
How do you use data?

I ask myself these questions all the time!

So much is out there...and so few of us take the time and trouble to....
collect, group, mine, regroup, understand and use the information.

This is what will separate the Massively successful from the average.

Creative Print World In Big Mag

Terry from Big Mag: You are Awesome!

Databases

The power of a great Database is intelligent design, and then fanatical attention to detail. I am currently developing a database for the Catholic Institutions I do work for.

We have clocked 100's of hours already on development and capture. But we are loving the good things that will come of it.

We're in a Huge 8 Page Article in the "Big" Mag

Yes - We are featured in a Massive 8 Page spread in the Industry Leading Print Magazine in South Africa.

Must be honest and say we are very proud of the attention.  

Photos to be posted shortly.  Big Thank you to Terry Owen, the Owner of the Mag for his time.


Check out BIG MAG.
- the industries leading Print Magazine in South africa

Knee Operation

My knee operation went very well. Surgeon worked on my knee for 1 hour 43 mins and fixed everything . I am at home but still taking calls and online. I am rather sore though, a bit more than I thought I would be. Doc said 2 weeks off, but I'll definitely be back on Monday!

Fantastic Resources Site

Here is an awesome site for all of us in the Graphics, Advertising and Printing world.

http://oreilly.com/

I've also subscribed to the Safari library there! AWESOME!

Knowledge is such power and those who choose you obtain more always do better in life!

Obi Wan Kenobi Photo

How far does far does your marketing and product go?

My 5 year old son loves StarWars....and ok, so do I.

We/he has :
StarWars books, 2 Lego computer games, StarWars Lego pieces, Starwars Chess, 2 other StarWars Computer games, Figurines, Models, posters, Stickers, Sticker books.....just to name a few things.

We play StarWars all the time. We are obsessed....a 34 year and a 5 year old.

I delivered some print work to Sibya Casino and what did I see? StarWars Slot machines!!!!
This made me think.....How far can products penetrate into our world? How many diverse areas can we sell the same thing?

I'm looking at my business with new eyes, looking for new landscapes of Capitalism.

Oh yes...here is a photo of me that Ethan took of me after we had dressed up like StarWars. I am Obi Wan Kenobi. Are people fanatical about your business or product?

Tough Times

We might be in for some "belt tightening times" here in South Africa, so all the more reason to make each buck work its' best for you.

Customers are loving the fact that our new press offers fantastic prices for smaller quantities without compromising on quality......but....I want you all to remember that marketing only begins once the pamphlets are printed. EFFECTIVE DISTRIBUTION is critical!

Make sure you put some money aside for first class distribution!!!!!

Last week I saw three shocking examples of poorly distributed pamphlets.

Think about how your customer receives your pamphlet:
How was the pamphlet given to them?
Did the pamphlet distributor "flick it" at them or positively and politely hand it to them.

What did the pamphlet distributor look like?
Where they in a "marketing" uniform?

Where they chatting to someone else as they handed out the pamphlet?

Did they know much about the "product/service" advertised on the pamphlet?
(I was given a property development pamphlet, I asked the guy where it was and he said he had no idea. Nice hey, especially when property is taking such a financial knock!)

Person to person distributors are ambassadors for your company. Think about it.

Our New Tru Press and Exciting Ad Agencies

Our Tru press has nearly been in and running for one month and we can report that it TRUely has exceeded our expectations. Work is turned around at an incredibly fast rate with untouchable quality.

in the meantime...

I have been spending my time meeting new ad agencies and other printers, and I must say that Durban is really spoilt for choice in when considering agencies. I feel there are some tough financial times ahead for the South African Business world. Businesses are going to have to advertise passionately and effectively in order to win the work out there and subsequently stay in business and grow. Ad agencies are really worth considering for all businesses, no matter how small that business is. An Ad agency will bring a great deal to the table, and if you are going to spend money on advertising don't you want to make sure you money is well spent?

I know that it many peoples' mind and ad agency is a snobby, elitist organization catering to only wealth big businesses. This is not true! They are passionate, creative forces that ultimately can help you say what you want to say...but better.

If you think you would like some professional help but not sure who to choose, give me a call and I will recommend the right agency for you.

Our TRUPRESS is here

Here it is.....
Our Awesome Brand new Full colour, TRUPRESS.

Got to love what you do!.....and some great reads

We've just had 2 weeks leave and are looking forward to getting back to work.

I've been enjoying the chill out time and have managed to read some great books.

1. Meatball Sundae by Seth Godin. (My favourite Business Author)
2. Firms of Endearment by Rajendra S. Sisodia, David B. Wolfe, and Jagdish N. Sheth
3. Small Giants - Companies that Choose to be great instead of Big. by Bo Burlingham
4. Future shock by Alvin Toffler (so impressive considering it was written in 1971....3 years before I was born...and it is so spot onish)
5. Animal Farm by George Orwell (Why not reread a great classic?)
6. Blue Ocean Strategies by W.Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne

I feel that when you want to be the best you need to read the best minds.

Anyway.....the TRUPRESS is on the way and due for installation in the first week of Feb 2008.