Latest posts and podcasts

  • Tips for using mind maps in brainstormingTips 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 ...
  • Guide to running an effective eventGuide 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. ...
  • Book review – Start with WHY– how great leaders inspire actionBook 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 zealous man on a noble mission. A mission to inspire as many people and businesses to do what inspires them, and ...
  • How to recognise creative burnoutHow 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?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#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-upTips 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 home11 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 goal5 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 marketingHow 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#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 moraleHow 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?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#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 ideasOur intern writes - How I develop ideas
    How do you develop ideas? Our intern Momina Salam shares her inspiration.
  • UNVEILING Arts Festival 2015UNVEILING 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? #ClarityChatWhy 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#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#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#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 RabbitsTaking 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 ideasHow 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#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 SensesBuild 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?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#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 hopeHow 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#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#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#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#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 ReviewReverbLive2014 - 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#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#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#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 2014CH 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#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#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#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 back5 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 ...
  • #42: Sidestepping the music#42: Sidestepping the music
    In our forty second episode Richard is joined once by Ian Christie to discuss running side projects.
  • Khartomb and back againKhartomb 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#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 2014CH Live! London July 2014
    Review of our fifth Creatives Hub Live! event held on Tuesday July 29th 2014.
  • #41: Collaboration not Competition#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#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#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#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#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#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#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#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#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 2014CH 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#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 FearPushing 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#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#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#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#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#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?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 Productivity4 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#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 2014CH 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#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#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 Ivanovic3 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 2014How 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#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 unstuckTop 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#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#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 businessThree 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?
    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 autumn5 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?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 KickstarterMini-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#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 worldCHLive 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 2013CH 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 procrastinationOvercoming 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 groupFive 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 yourselfDon'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.
  • #11: The responsibility is your own
    In our eleventh episode Claire and Richard help to demystify the area of websites for creatives.
  • #8 Gaining confidence with Ken Hettiarachi from Freedom Works UK
    In Episode #8 we chat to Ken Hettiarachi from Freedom Works UK about overcoming self-esteem and confidence issues to get things done.
  • #10: A sprinkling of group types
    In our tenth episode Claire and Richard discuss being connected yet more alone and Claire apologises to the lentil and bean community.
  • So you’ve got an idea …now what?So you’ve got an idea …now what?
    So you’ve got an idea. Now how do you take it forwards? How do you make it happen? Here’s some top tips.
  • #9: Two pronged attack for the berries
    In our ninth episode Claire and Richard discuss living a healthy lifestyle; what works for them might work for you.
  • Why I care less about the economy, but more about creativityWhy I care less about the economy, but more about creativity
    Too many people and companies are constantly concerned about how the economy is performing or not performing.
  • #8: I dont think you need to be rich to not go to Argos
    In our eighth Episode Claire and Richard discuss what makes them laugh; the link between comedy and creativity and Argos.
  • #7: ‘Doing a Hitchcock’
    In our seventh Episode Claire and Richard discuss the merits of distractions and review some practical guides to getting things done.
  • #7 Harping on. Adventures in Brazil with Susannah Evans
    In Episode #7 we chat to professional harpist and mini-hub member Susannah Evans on her current adventures in Brazil.
  • #6: Inspirational People
    In our sixth Episode Claire and Richard discuss creatively inspirational people and provide more tools to get things done.
  • #5: You always have a choice
    In our fifth Episode Claire and Richard discuss death (sort of…), the choices we make in life and they get competitive with brain training games.
  • #4: Six degrees of separation
    In our fourth Episode Claire and Richard discuss being alone as a creative and chat to Deborah Henry-Pollard about collaboration, coaching and the Argentine Tango!
  • Being alone (or meeting the checkout girl at Morrison’s was the highlight of my week)Being alone (or meeting the checkout girl at Morrison’s was the highlight of my week)
    Its not good to be alone. Don’t make the checkout staff at your local supermarket your only regular human contact -as wonderful as they may be. Keep meeting new people.
  • 5 Ways Travel Can Improve Your Creativity and Thinking5 Ways Travel Can Improve Your Creativity and Thinking
    Travel. An excuse to get away from it all, sometimes even run away. But travel can be so much more that just a break or a rest, it can reignite your creativity and passion, here’s how it’s helped me.
  • #3: Making the invisible visible
    In our third Episode Claire and Richard discuss having lots of interests but still making things happen and they interview London based photographer and arts facilitator Adele Watts.
  • Being curious – tips to improve your networkingBeing curious - tips to improve your networking
    Being curious about other people is what networking is about. Being interested and listening to everyone around you not just those at an official networking event.
  • #2: Innovation happens at the intersection
    In our second Episode Claire and Richard discuss the difficulties of knowing what you want to do post university or midway through your career and we interview Emilie Wapnick from Puttylike.com -a home for multipotentialites.
  • #1: Don’t swear at kids
    In our first Episode Claire and Richard discuss what Creatives Hub is about, what ‘Hatch’ means, how mini-hubs work and why playing games on your phone is an ineffective use of your time – according to Claire.
  • Four top tips to boost creativity in dark January daysFour top tips to boost creativity in dark January days
    Its still pretty dark outside in the morning and evening. The weather is miserable. Right now its as I write this, it’s pouring down and despite being 2pm, it looks like its 8pm. It’s that dark. Its not exactly the most inspiring time to get creative. So what can you do ...
  • #6 Writing Copy with Ian Christie
    In Episode 6 we chat to Ian Christie who runs his own business, I.C.Works about copywriting, self-employment, accessible documents and technology. Show Notes: Over to you Have you ever wanted to get into copywriting?
  • Six places to work from in London & WatfordSix places to work from in London & Watford
    I work in a variety of places including cafés, bars, pubs and public spaces. I get asked from time to time as to which are my regular hangouts, so here is my top 6 (fairly) regular hangouts over the last year or so. The Volunteer Bar Location: Baker Street, London, NW1 6XE Wi-Fi: Yes. ...
  • #5 Speaking with Michael MacMahon
    In Episode 5 we interview Michael MacMahon a public speaker, author, actor, coach, voice over artist and unsurprisingly a scanner.   Show Notes: Pearson Professional ...
  • Sometimes we all need a slap in the faceSometimes we all need a slap in the face
    How many hours per week are you un-productive? How about per day? How much time is spent trawling Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or the BBC website? When you add it all up it can work out to be a significant amount of time, oh, and you will never get back. Add to that the ...
  • Taking Action versus Strategic ThinkingTaking Action versus Strategic Thinking
    How do we know what to do, how do we approach a challenge when we want to reach our goal, change something in our lives or take on a new venture? Do we jump up and ‘do something’? Do we take action because that gives us the momentum to propel us ...
  • #4 Scanning or Diving? – On being a Scanner with Claire Meredith
    In Episode 4 we interview Claire Meredith an advocate of ‘scanners’ who lets us have the low down on this important personality type.   Show Notes: Key Players Screw Work Lets Play ...
  • #3 Flip The Script – Book Publishing with Kingsley Davis#3 Flip The Script - Book Publishing with Kingsley Davis
    In Episode 3 we chat with Kingsley Davis about the launch of his book Flip The Script and how he went about self publishing.   Show Notes: Flip The Script is available from Amazon and other stores priced at £9.99 for limited edition paperback and £29.99 for the hardback and ebook. You can ...
  • How being part of the Paralympics inspired me and could help you tooHow being part of the Paralympics inspired me and could help you too
    Editors note: This is a guest blog post by Susannah Evans. I had the privilege of dancing in the closing ceremony for the Paralympics, which was viewed by 7.7 million people around the world. It was an amazing experience and one that can’t be fully described in words, an evening I will ...
  • How can you sell services abroad?How can you sell services abroad?
    In the last six months I have had requests for work from the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Mexico, Qatar, Spain and USA (Florida, Oregon, LA, Ohio). Some of requests have now turned into clients of whom, hopefully, I will be working with for a long time to come. Others are a ...
  • Are you highly effective at being mediocre?Are you highly effective at being mediocre?
    Most of us want to achieve greatness. Most of us assume that’s the best thing. Is it? This article by James Altucher on TechCrunch questions that by looking at The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Mediocre Entrepreneurs. The article is a very refreshing look at mediocrity, as we’re often told to aspire ...
  • #2 A Snapshot of Jonny Back Photography
    In Episode 2 we interview Jonny Back a London based photographer and find out what its like to start a business in a recession. Show Notes: Google ...
  • 29 Ways to Stay Creative29 Ways to Stay Creative
    This video from TO-FU is great inspiration for your creativity. Its the antidote to Ways to Kill Creativity. Which ones are your favourites? Have a look and let me know in the comments.
  • Creativity of Olympic ProportionsCreativity of Olympic Proportions
    And so it ended just as it had begun with a cacophony of sound emanating from the Olympic Stadium, the cauldron of dreams. A light fest to brighten up the London sky to announce ‘we did it!’. Although the closing ceremony didn’t have anywhere near the impact of Danny Boyle’s opener ...
  • CAPTCHA-ring books one word at a timeCAPTCHA-ring books one word at a time
    You know those annoying CAPTCHA codes – You know, the ones we have on our forms on this site and no doubt you’ve seen on many other sites? Well I only just found out why they were created. No, i’m not talking about the obvious reason to stop spam -of which ...
  • Ways to kill creativityWays to kill creativity
    I love this from Psychology Today which sums up just how natural it is to kill creativity. So much so that we don’t even notice we’re doing it. I especially like: ‘Don’t ask questions. When you ask questions, you are displaying your lack of knowledge and understanding. You will lose credibility ...
  • The Magic of CreativityThe Magic of Creativity
    Someone sent me a link to Andrew & Gaia Grants book ‘Who Killed Creativity?‘ which is now on my reading list along with many others! I then came across this brilliant video which illustrates the magic of creativity and thinking outside the box. Too much of the time, this level of ...
  • Pulling it all together
    Since I realised I was a scanner, I have been working through pulling all my interests together, really trying to assess what it is I like about certain activities with the aim of discovering an overarching theme with which I can then brand myself. Without an overarching theme it can be ...
  • #1 Design for life at Peter Magnus Design
    In this first episode we interview John Williamson, graphic designer and founder of PeterMagnus Design in Abbots Langley, Watford, UK. Show Notes: Over to you What’s been your experience of starting your business?
  • Common mistakes when you build a websiteCommon mistakes when you build a website
    Some of the most common mistakes people make when building websites revolves around forgetting its being made for other people not just themselves and search engines. Here are some of those mistakes with some solutions. Not realising you’re making the website for other human beings Who visits website? Dogs? Cats? Robots? Ok, ...
  • How you break free from a time sapping clientHow you break free from a time sapping client
    Breaking up with a client is not something that should happen regularly. If it does, you should be asking whether you’re in the right job. But occasionally it does happen. There comes a time when relationships break down, communication evaporates and resentment builds between both parties. You find yourself being sent ...
  • How to make sure you get paid on timeHow to make sure you get paid on time
    When I started out running my own business back in 1997 (actually it was a joint venture with my brother) one of the biggest struggles we had -after acquiring clients was getting them to pay on time. Depending on the size of business, most would take over 30 days to pay -which were the standard ...
  • Hello. I’m Richard and I’m a Scanner. You?Hello. I'm Richard and I'm a Scanner. You?
    What I learnt that night changed my concept of work forever. The place was buzzing. It was filled with mainly people in their 20’s and 30s sharing a drink and discussing everything from their new business startup to the compatibility of christianity and hypnotherapy! I kid you not. The place was The Wine ...
  • Have you changed your passwords recently?Have you changed your passwords recently?
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