Nicholas Bate

Pencil + Paper Fitness

You need:
1. sheet of paper (the back of a used envelope would be perfect);
2. a pencil.

Take any exercise. A short jog. Some press-ups. Skipping.
Do some, but stop while you still feel comfortable, even if that is just one press-up or three minutes jogging.
Write down what you did. Decide a modest percentage improvement you will aim for tomorrow. Write it down.
Do it tomorrow.
Continue the process.
You will get fitter.
You will get fit. You just need some paper and a pencil.

More pencil + paper here.

Want to improve your story-telling...

...in your presentations? Start following this blog.

5 Ways to Boost Your Children's Imagination

Can there be anything more powerful, more amazing than human imagination? It's easy for it to get dulled, though. Too much screen time. Not enough time to reflect. Lack of alternative viewpoints.
Help your kids by:
1. Reading to them from the earliest age to encourage a love of books. Have books around the place. Show that you read. Get them using the library. Consider an exclusive book purchase allowance.
2. Manage screen (TV/DVD/computer) time carefully when they are very young.
3. Avoid micro-scheduling their time. 'Being bored' is OK.
4. Introduce to art, music, museums, carpentry, cooking...whatever. Be relaxed about negative comments. Just introduce the topic and see where it goes...Get some physical stuff in there, too.
5. Be supportive of their ideas.

You've looked forward to this day...

...for a long time. You've dreamed. You've fantasised. You've chatted to your chums in the bar about it at length. So now you are finally resigning and you are going to tell your boss what you really think about him. Just before you do, read this.

Improve your CV

David Seah has a nice post on how to improve the presentation of your CV. It's well worth reading the comments for lots of helpful tips. How about the tip in comment 13; love it!

How To Think Like: The Celebrity (to the photographer and reporter)

1. This is a gross infringement of my privacy.
2. I'm simply trying to have a quiet evening out with friends.
3. My drinking habits are my own business.
4. No. Talk to my agent.
5. No. Talk to my agent. You people are like leeches.
6. Which magazine did you say you represented?
7. Do you think this angle looks good in this light?

You Will Feel Better For (21 of 30)...

..collecting up all those coins (euros/cents/5p pieces and those funny ones from Japan) and taking them to the bank for their charity box. More shelf space, more tidy and good cause helped. Yep, you'll feel a lot better.

Thanks to CulturalOffering...

...for this.

5 Tips for Boosting Sales in a Downturn

1. Reward loyalty. It can be tempting if money is tight and you are trying to keep costs down to simply 'accept' any regular business you might get. Careful-your competitors are hungry and they are out 'a-wooing'. Reward your current clients with the best service, love and attention you can provide.
2. Spend time. Caculating not assuming where your profit is really made. Innovation is essential but not at the cost of what simply works and sells.
3. Lead not just manage. You are under pressure. Your people are under pressure. Inspire them, don't just 'task' them.
4. Cold telephone calls find new business. No, it isn't fun. But nor is having insufficeint business in the pipe line. The more calls you make the better you'll get. After 50 it'll be OK; after 150 you'll be damn good and after 1500 you'll be awesome and turning down business.
5. Make your evenings and week-ends your own.

50 Word Saga?

If you enjoy the 100 word story format, you may well enjoy this manifesto.