A few years ago I was watching television with my then eight year old daughter when an advertisement for “Free to Air” TV was broadcast.

In 1964 a man walked into the office of The Victorian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (VSPCC) and was asked by a staff member

“Just a nurse”

Caitlin Brassington, a St Vincent’s Private Hospital nurse has helped bring babies into this world who needed assistance taking their first breath.

I recently saw the movie Hacksaw Ridge. The movie is based on a true story about Desmond Doss, a committed Seventh Day Adventist and pacifist who served as a medic at the horrendous battle for Okinawa towards the end of the Second World War. He saved 75 lives on the field of battle without ever lifting a weapon, and remains only one of three conscientious objectors to have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The sad thing is I don’t even have to finish the sentence and 90% of you will know what I am referring to.

Just like when you buy an expensive piece of clothing and it looks gorgeous, it only takes one quick rip and it is ruined. You can potentially mend it but it will take time and effort and never quite be the same. This does not mean it won’t ever look great again.

I recently attended a wonderful charity evening. The room was filled with those who donated their time and money to programs that supported disadvantaged people within a particular community group. Ranging from the long term unemployed to sufferers of domestic abuse, hearing the stories and knowing this is happening around the corner from many of us was beyond a humbling experience.

Human concentration has decreased from 12 seconds to 8 since the year 2000.

According to a Canadian study commissioned by Microsoft this is thought to be shorter than that of a goldfish which sits at 9 seconds.

After 17 years of being a member at the same gym I decided it was time to move on.

When I called to cancel, the Customer Service operator went above and beyond to retain me as a member. I was offered a month of free personal training sessions, reduced monthly fees and a “bring a friend free” card. The offers continued.

Many topics.

Many lives.

Thank you to all who have shared my blogs and remained loyal readers. I do not take this for granted.

“Relax”

“Don’t think like that”

Having people tell you to relax or think differently is almost as frustrating as trying to get the plastic wrap off the newspapers in the morning.

A few months back I had to wake up at 5.30am to catch a flight. Even with the knowledge I had an early start, I couldn’t help but watch the Erin Brockovich movie for the fifth time keeping me up until 2am that morning.

Last week I enjoyed one of the most uplifting and incredible days of my life. I attended GoodPitch2 Australia.

 I don’t think so.

So why would you send a bland email or a sample wrapped in plain brown paper when pitching for a large piece of business. Think of these acts as representing you or your company in a pair of PJ’s.

Close your eyes and imagine everyone in your family throwing their leftovers and rotten food from the fridge into your back garden for a week. Imagine this happening 52 weeks a year. Now picture your back yard with a years’ worth of food strewn across it.

“Hello Dolly….. well, hello DollyIt’s so nice to have you back where you belong”.

If you could sing these words out loud, you are most likely of a certain age and demographic.

There are thousands of events held across Australia each year. Just by Googling Australian Events you will discover how many opportunities lie in wait. Waiting for you to give away samples at one of the festivals, events or conferences listed.

You put on your suit. Coiffeur or gel your hair. Step out the front door looking fabulous ready to take on the day.

But something isn’t right.

A couple of months ago I was speaking at a company’s annual conference when I learned that one of their valued representatives, Shaun, accepted his position after reading a good news story on their company website.

Imagine standing in front of an audience of 500 people for an hour selling the products or services that you or your company offer.

Isn’t it beautiful when everything works as it should?

You call your internet provider and they fix the problem on the spot.

Your telco answers the phone within two minutes and can resolve your issue without passing you to three other managers.