Reach for the Sky (Plus)

Here in the UK we have a PVR (personal video recorder)called Sky+ (similar to a TiVO for those who know that model). It is immensely popular partly because of its functionality, but equally because of its 'user interface'. People who could never work out how to record on their old (tape-based) video recorders have been liberated and empowered, freed from the technology by the technology to be able to use the technology.

Remember, its not just what you do but how you do it that's important!

Stop ... think ... and learn

I'm in Amsterdam ... en route for Leeds ... and home! I'll be at home for a few weeks. I need the time. I've been so busy doing things, I haven't had time to process all I've seen and heard ... which means I haven't yet learnt all the lessons I need to learn.

It is important to build in time for thought, reflection and learning ... and time to consolidate things done, changes made.

Continuous change and continuous improvement are fine in theory but occasionally we need to stop.... think ... and learn!

Weather forecast

Continuing the theme of the weather ... here in Toronto, the climate is like the current business climate - very chilly .... with little likelihood of a temperature rise anytime soon. The only thing to do (assumng you can't move to warmer climes) is to wrap up warm and sit out the big freeze..... hopefully surviving until the thaw.

Next stop - Toronto

Back from Poland ... and on (tomorrow) to Toronto - exchanging the cold for the cold! Of course if you travel to cold climes, you take warm clothes.

In business too, you should always keep an eye on the 'weather' (the emerging business environment) and make sure you are prepared.

I saw a comment recently that the current ('credit crunch') financial situation is like the tide going out ... leaving many companies exposed like bathers with no swimwear.

So, look to the future and make sure you are 'dressed' appropriately.

Polish lesson

I'm in Poznan .... in Poland. Yesterday I got taken for a meal and tried a new - honey-based - beer ... which was excellent. You have to try new flavours if you want to expand your tastes. You have to keep trying new things.

Otherwise, you always taste what you've always tasted ... and in business, if you always do what you've always done, you'll aways get what you've always got!

Try something new.