Sometimes it seems that the world is trying to tell you something. I finally got around to seeing the DVD An Inconvenient Truth startling and depressing. Polar bears with no where to go as the ice caps melt, cities underwater and dramatic climate changes. Even though Australia is one of only two nations who did not sign the Kyoto agreement ? we only represent 1.1% of the world’s problem according to Al Gore. The question I was left with is…
Monthly Archives: June 2007
My Ten Stress busting tips.
I have learned that stress is a self-induced phenomenon. As such given that no one imposes it on you, then I have had a good look at what I do to keep myself balanced (some might argue I have not succeeded). Here are some of the ways that I reduce the ‘stress’ in my life. 1. Eat properly. Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. (I simply cannot sleep if I have a large…
Sydney now safer because of a great experience
I have had my license for twenty five years. It does not mean that I have been driving for a quarter of a century though ? in fact I did my bit for the environment about eight years ago and sold my car. Yet earlier this year we purchased a company van for shared use. So from time to time I’d take to the road in the RedBalloon Van. Some of my team members made some not so subtle suggestions…
What not to do..
We have had our heads down over several weeks, working out what next years plan is going to look like. There are many ideas, lot’s of opportunities and things that we have not yet finished from this year. But we must choose what goes in and what is not going to make it into the plan this time. Especially in a fast growing business it is important to have a solid planning process. Exploring lots of ideas is important but…
Blatant Promotion.
Dymocks and other great book stores are all now stocking my recently released book ‘I want what she is having’. It is not an autobiography… It’s probably more than anything a marketing book. What I have learned – what worked and didn’t work. Also it looks at the inextricable link between marketing and the employees of an organisation. Brands are built by People. The other question that I am asked – is “when did you find time to write a…
Back to basics
One of my entrepreneur friends said to me recently: “If it was easy running a business, wouldn’t everybody do it?” I have been having a good long look at not only where I add the greatest value to my business, but what I enjoy doing the most. What I love the most is meeting with customers, hearing about their businesses and then discovering ways that we can support them in their endeavors. I’ve worked out that I am better “out”…
Imagine running a business based on fun - that's what I decided to try when I left a very serious corporate career in marketing to set up RedBalloon...
Sharing spoils of great idea
From Page 34 Daily Telegraph 27 June 2007. By Andrew Carswell, Photograph Justin Lloyd. ‘SUCCESS is all the more satisfying when it is shared, Sydney entrepreneur Naomi Simson believes. And there are plenty celebrating her success. Thanks to her flourishing gift-giving company RedBalloon Days, Ms Simson has effectively empowered 900 small businesses in Australia and New Zealand. The firm, which sells adventure and experience oriented gift vouchers, is now one of 22 finalists for the 2007 Telstra NSW Business Awards…