Tips for using mind maps in brainstorming
Mind maps are brilliant ways to untangle our minds and get thoughts and ideas onto paper in a format that is simple and engaging. They can be used for tasks at home or for business projects, no matter the size of the organisation, and work by encouraging participants to unleash their thoughts in a creative way. Read on for great tips on using mind maps as a brainstorming method.
Guide to running an effective event
Whether you are considering to throw a music event, conference, company celebration or exhibition, you will need a great deal of resources and planning. Given that events are so wide ranging and can be customised to fit any need, the best practices for effective event planning also vary widely. Guest blogger Susan Roan shares some tricks and tips to ensure your next event has a long-lasting buzz!
Book review – Start with WHY– how great leaders inspire action
Editors note: New guest blogger and minihub member Fola Ekundayo reviews Simon Sinek’s latest book. Some really good advice – don’t lose sight of your WHY!
Simon Sinek is a...
How to recognise creative burnout
Are you staring at a blank screen finding inspiration has upped and left? You may well have reached creative burnout. Here are 7 ways to recognise it.
Are happy people more productive?
If you’re happy, are you likely to be more productive, or is the reality of being happy that you’re more inclined to skip work and indulge in extracurricular activities?
#47: The Importance of Networks
In our forty sixth episode Richard is joined by regular contributor Deborah Henry-Pollard to discuss making ideas happen.
Tips for launching a creative start-up
How do you stay productive as freelancer working from home? Susan Roan shares 11 top productivity tips.
11 productivity tips for freelancers working from home
How do you stay productive as freelancer working from home? Susan Roan shares 11 top productivity tips.
5 reasons you might not be achieving your goal
There are many reasons you may be missing your goal. Claire Meredith shares five of them with us and what we can do to turn it around.
How not to waste money on social media marketing
How do you know which social media channels you should be devoting your time and hard earned money to? Guest blogger Susan Roan, shares all.
#46: Making ideas happen
In our forty sixth episode Richard is joined by regular contributor Deborah Henry-Pollard to discuss making ideas happen.
How to maintain your morale
This is our first guest blog post from new minihub member Fola Ekundayo. Some really good advice on how to maintain your morale. See what you think.
What’s it like to be a Marketing Intern at Creatives Hub?
This is Momina’s final post as our Summer 2015 Marketing Intern. We’re sad to see her leave, but grateful for the time she shared with us.
#19 Translating IT with Douglas Reynolds
In Episode #19 we chat to Douglas Reynolds about IT Translation, running small businesses, and how to deal with Leech bites…
Our intern writes – How I develop ideas
How do you develop ideas? Our intern Momina Salam shares her inspiration.
UNVEILING Arts Festival 2015
The UNVEILING Arts Festival was conceived in The Living Room during the summer of 2014 by Iko-ei-Ojo Akoh. So how did it go? Iko tells all.
Why do you do what you do? #ClarityChat
Our first #ClarityChat asked Why do you do what you do? – what is it that keeps you turning up to your creative work day after day, week after week?
#ClarityChat launching 10th August – Clarity for Creatives
Creatives Hub are hosting a Clarity for Creatives Twitter Chat, launching on 10th August 2015 under the hashtag #ClarityChat. Join us Monday evenings from 7pm-8pm to get clarity on your creative direction.
#9 – USA Independence
In episode #9 Iko Akoh and Richard Lalchan discuss USA independence – the US perspective on life as an independent artist. This episode also features two great tracks by Nathan Earl and Rachel Joy.
#8 – Spreading the word
In episode #8 Iko Akoh and Richard Lalchan discuss the importance and practice of marketing and branding. Featuring two evocative tracks by Ben Thomas Brown.
Taking the Leap: From Ideas to Rabbits
It can be daunting taking the leap into doing what you want to do. Zoë Chan encourages us into take a deep breath and go for it!
How to get clarity on your ideas
Don’t jump into having a logo or website developed for your latest idea without spending time to really assess it. Richard explains why you need clarity.
#45: The Italian Adventure
In our forty fifth episode Richard is joined by original Hatch host Claire Meredith to discuss her Italian adventure.
Build Your Brand using your 5 Senses
Your brand is what you stand for and is one of your strongest assets. Here’s how you can build your brand using your five senses.
24 hours to go. Have you got your ticket yet?
CHLive – space for creatives to connect, be inspired and take action. We’d love to see you there!
#7 – We’re better together
In episode #7 Iko Akoh and Richard Lalchan discuss the emergence of creative communities bringing artists together and the advantages they offer for independent artists. This episode also features two impressive tracks by HipHop artist Baliva.
How routine can provide hope
Routine can give us hope. Consistently performing little tasks you have decided to do can help improve your future life. Richard Lalchan shares how.
#44: Mental Energy & Decision Fatigue
In our forty fourth episode Richard is joined by Andrew Hall to discuss Mental Energy and Decision Fatigue.
#6 – The Under-appreciated Artist
In episode #6 Iko Akoh and Richard Lalchan discuss whether the under-appreciated artist and the issues this raises in making a living from music. This episode also features a couple of stupendous tracks by Light Falls Forward.
#43: Scanning, not focusing
In our forty third episode Richard is joined by Jessica Smith to discuss scanners and the beauty of not focussing.
#5 – The Cost of Streaming for Independent Artists
In #5 Iko and Richard discuss issues independent artists face when so much music is available free or low cost via streaming. Kat Deal is our featured artist.
ReverbLive2014 – The Review
Jessie Smith reviews our ReverbLive2014 Podcast event which took place on December 5th at Ziferblat London featuring Hanna Willow, Nadine and My Northern Sky.
#18 A message from… Jade Armitage
In Episode #18 we chat to Jade Armitage about ‘A Message From…’ her bespoke Disney inspired video message service for children.
#4 – Reverb Live – Living Room Gigs
In episode #4 Iko and Richard record live from Ziferblat featuring music from Hanna Willow, Nadine and MyNorthernSky and discuss living room gigs.
#17 HandSteady with Christopher Peacock
In Episode #17 we chat to Christopher Peacock about being an inventor, starting his handSteady business, developing a product, patents and lots more.
CH Live! London October 2014
Review of our sixth CH Live! event held on Wednesday 29th October 2014 in London, UK. Key speaker was Anthony O-Thomas CEO of GoodFruit crowd funding.
#16 Crowd Funding with Anthony O-Thomas
In Episode #16 we chat to Anthony Ogunbowale-Thomas about his crowd funding platform GoodFruit, how it differs from others and what it would be like if the Suffragettes had had a crowd funding platform.
#3 – The big break
In Episode #3 Iko Akoh and Richard Lalchan discuss platforms to assist independent artists in ‘breaking out’ and we take a listen to two beautiful tracks by Matshidiso Mohajane.
#15 A Natural Progression with Dan Dexter
In Episode #15 we chat to Daniel Dexter about setting up and managing a business in the audio visual and events industry.
5 ways to get your spark back
Have you ever wondered where your creativity, well, went?
I used to be the same. Now I know when I’m missing my spark, I take action and, as I now work for myself, I have found this knowledge immensely useful!
Here’s five ways to get your spark back when it’s gone away
#42: Sidestepping the music
In our forty second episode Richard is joined once by Ian Christie to discuss running side projects.
Khartomb and back again
A John Peel Session, a minor cult single and a few gigs later in 86 the dream fizzled out. But how did Ian Christie get his side project back on the road?
#14 Those water cooler moments with Emma de Polnay
In Episode #14 we chat to Emma De Polnay about setting up and managing a business whilst being an artist.
CH Live! London July 2014
Review of our fifth Creatives Hub Live! event held on Tuesday July 29th 2014.
#41: Collaboration not Competition
In our fortieth episode Richard is joined once again by Lucy Beaumont to discuss promoting arts events.
#40: Art in Alternative Places
In our fortieth episode Richard is joined by Lucy Beaumont to discuss running arts events.
#13 I learned that from the Internet with Yen Ooi
In Episode #13 we chat to ‘Creator, thinker, do-er’ Yen Ooi and discuss her process of writing, creating and managing creativity and cats…
#39: A twenty minute cat nap
In our thirty nine episode Richard is joined once again by Iris Louwerens to discuss how to thrive once you’ve quit your job.
#38: Pie in the Sky Idealism
In our thirty eighth episode Richard is joined by Iris Louwerens to discuss quitting your job. Is it ever a good thing or just pie in the sky idealism?
#12 Finding Arun with Marisha Pink
In Episode #12 we chat to author and entrepreneur Marisha Pink her process of writing Finding Arun, travel, best places to work for freelancers and more.
#37: All on my tod
In our thirty seventh episode Richard is all on his own and decides to chat about Creatives Hub Live, community manager and stuff.
#36: A whole web of connections
In our thirty sixth episode Richard is again joined by Adam Dickens in his car in a random field near St Albans, UK to discuss working for charities.
#11 Farmers & Sailors with Addictive Daughter
In Episode #11 we chat to Joey & Persia from Addictive Daughter about the inspiration behind Addictive Daughter, oh and farmers and sailors….
CH Live! London April 2014
Review of our fourth Creatives Hub Live! event held on Tuesday April 29th 2014 in London, UK.
#35: Hatch in a hatchback
In our thirty fifth episode Richard joins Adam Dickens in his car in a random field near St Albans, UK to discuss working globally.
Pushing Through the Fear
So often we let irrational fears prevent us from accepting opportunities. Why? We don’t have to and can push through as Richard Lalchan shares in this post.
#34: An Attitude of Gratitude
In our thirty fourth episode Richard is joined once again by last years co-host Claire Meredith to discuss money and creatives.
#33: Risk Taking Envy
In our thirty third episode Richard is joined once again by last years co-host Claire Meredith to discuss relationships –family and creativity.
#32: Its bigger than you
In our thirty second episode Richard is joined by Deborah Henry-Pollard from Catching Fireworks to discuss how to maintain your creativity.
#31: My two favourite things
In our thirty first episode Richard is joined by Deborah Henry-Pollard from Catching Fireworks to discuss how to start getting started.
#30: Flying by the seat of your pants
In our thirtieth episode Richard is joined by Ian Christie from I.C.Works to discuss website content strategy.
Can you find 15 minutes a day?
We make all manner of excuses to convince ourselves we can’t do what we love. One of them is ‘I don’t have enough time’. I’m telling you that’s not true.
4 Ways to Turbocharge your Daily Creativity and Productivity
Julian Wills, Web Developer at Hallway Studios shares with us 4 ways to turbocharge your daily creativity and productivity.
#29: The Write Words
In our twenty ninth episode Richard is joined by Rachel Goldberg from MySpecialPA to discuss using the write words -especially in emails.
CH Live! London January 2014
January 2014, our third CHLive! took place, and it was a corker! Creatives from different disciplines joined together to kickstart their creative lives. Read on for more.
#2 – The daddy of them all
In Episode #2 Iko Akoh and Richard Lalchan discuss social media and crowdfunding and we take a listen to two beautiful tracks by Nadine.
#28: Make it happen
In our twenty eighth episode Richard is joined by Iko Akoh to discuss planning and getting projects off the ground.
3 things to learn from Ana Ivanovic
Ana Ivanovic beat Serena Williams in the fourth round of the Australian Open 2014. There’s a lot we can learn from her to encourage and inspire us.
#27: Why do we fall
In our twenty seventh episode Richard is joined by Iko Akoh to discuss New Years resolutions and stuff.
How to Raise Your Game in 2014
Is it time for you to step up, to get serious about your business or side-project? Read on for how to raise your game in 2014.
#26: It’s goodbye from her
In our twenty sixth episode Richard and Claire review the year. Oh, and its Claire’s last episode.
Top 5 tips for getting unstuck
Ever just feel stuck? Yes, we have too. But don’t worry. You can do something about it. Here are our top 5 tips for getting unstuck.
#25: I laugh at my own absurdity
In our twenty fifth episode Richard and Claire discuss ‘change’ and how we cope with it.
#24: Its not the French, its the English
In our twenty fourth episode Richard and Claire discuss the idea of competition. Is it good? Is it bad?
Three principles to build a thriving business
Iris Louwerens, founder of Dig Mondays shows us three principles to build a thriving business. Editors note: This is a guest blog post.
#23: There’s no whip
In our twenty third episode Richard and Claire discuss the benefits of mini-hubs and small group accountability
#22: I see it like an onion
In our twenty second episode Richard and Claire discuss coaching and assess the value of it
What’s it like to be a side-setter?
What’s it like to be a side-setter? This is a guest blog post by Charlie Stamp, co-founder or Toursome, his pet project to simplify the world of sightseeing.
5 reasons to declutter this autumn
5 reasons why I think its crucial to declutter to bring more inspiration to your creative life.
#21: Too much talking and not enough dancing
In our twenty first episode Richard and Claire discuss why its important to know your audience. Are you a break-a-wayer, solopreneur or a side-setter?
What’s it really like being a solopreneur?
The term solopreneur is often used for those who work on their own but have no desire to build a large empire. But what’s it really like being one?
Mini-hub member successfully funded on Kickstarter
I interviewed Adele Watts in February. She had just started a project working with people affected by homelessness. We grabbed her again for an update.
#20: Its like school at work
In our twentieth episode Richard and Claire discuss the merits of accountability and how it can help you to get stuff done.
#19: You are pukka if you’re saying you’re pukka
In our nineteenth episode Richard and Claire discuss why we look at news and what else we could do with our time in the last in our series on de-cluttering.
#18: The Digital Distraction
In our eighteenth episode Richard and Claire discuss digital distraction and information overload in the second of our series of de-cluttering.
#17: Tidy desk. Tidy mind
In our seventeenth episode Richard, on his own discusses the link between decluttering and productivity.
#16: The Evernote Edition
In our sixteenth episode Claire and Richard discuss the joys of managing your life with Evernote, and a few other apps.
#10 Freelance Research Consulting with Sarah Salisbury
In Episode #10 of Insight Podcast we chat to Sarah Salisbury about what its like to be a freelance research consultant and left brain/right brain thinking.
#1 – Pilot episode of Reverb Podcast
In Episode #1 Iko Akoh and Richard Lalchan introduce the Reverb concept, discuss the role of the promoter and play tunes from the delightful Hanna Willow.
CHLive talk: Its not an ideal world
This post is taken from the talk I gave at CHLive! London on 16th July 2013.
#15: Assistants for everyone
In our fifteenth episode Claire and Richard discuss managing your time and look at outsourcing for efficiency.
CH Live! London July 2013
July 16th, in a very hot and sticky bar near St. Paul’s London we held the first of our quarterly Creatives Hub Live! events.
#14: Its just like dating
In our fourteenth episode Claire and Richard discuss Ideas and the merits of sharing them and their mutual dislike for NDA’s.
Overcoming procrastination
You’ve made a plan and know what to do, so you just have to get on and do it. Except you’re stuck. What’s happening when we procrastinate, and how do we overcome it?
Five reasons to get yourself an acccountability group
If you’ve watched TED talks about starting something new and changing the world, you will have heard people talk about not trying to do it all by yourself.
#13: A creatives’ processing plant
In our thirteenth episode Claire and Richard discuss money. How to go about setting your rates and charging for your work.
Don’t keep your ideas to yourself
Don’t keep your ideas to yourself. Sharing your ideas can transform them from thoughts to making them real. Here’s how.
#12: You can unfollow or follow at will
In our twelfth episode Claire and Richard discuss the trials and tribulations of Social Media. The good the bad and the indifferent.
#9 Leaving Work Behind with Tom Ewer
In Episode #9 we chat to Tom Ewer from Leaving Work Behind about going it alone, blogging and publishing his income online.