I'm Back!

It feels like an eternity since my last blog. A combination of moving house and being extremely busy have meant that unfortunately my blog has not been a priority. However, an email the other day from an old work colleague who had read my blog with positive effects has re-ignited my passion to pick up the baton and continue my exploration into social media.

In the last two months my focus has ranged from consulting on a new intranet, to managing the delivery of a conference in Budapest, to visiting India again too see some of our new clients, look at the new studio we have acquired and visit some prospects.

I won't ponder too long on another trip to India but it continues to stimulate me on each visit. For the first time we had half a day to explore. This resulted in a visit to both a Hare Krishna and a Hindu temple. It took a while but I think I get the concept now, I don't think I will be converting to either but at least I don't feel quite so culturally naive now! We also managed a walk off the beaten track and into shanty territory, it puts your own life into total perspective. Live to eat, not eat to live - it says it all really.

My trip to Budapest was part of a contract we have recently been awarded to deliver a series of global clinical investigator meetings for Astra Zeneca. Photolink have successfully created an 'event in a box' that will be transported to many different countries to consistently deliver a brand and supporting messages, starting in Budapest. As with all sectors, pharmaceutical is tightening it's belt and although Astra Zeneca are one of the world's leading organisations they too must follow suit, mainly to keep the shareholders happy. I am glad that our solution has allowed us to demonstrate how costs can be saved but quality can be retained.

As our creative and events team reach maximum capacity for the coming months my focus will now turn to photography. Having been the core of Photolink's offer for 30 years the age of digital is dramatically changing processes and most importantly costs. Still life images that were taken for £70 two years ago are now being forced down to £15. We even went to one meeting in India where there was a requirement for a significant number of shots, but they were prepared to pay £1 per shot. I hope with our current portfolio and enviable infrastructure we will be able to secure additional business from some of the UK's leading retailers.

Finally, I am pleased that my wife has launched her own business as a beauty therapist. I've launched an initial internet page but there's lots to do. It's a good chance to personally test everything I have learned in the world of social media and website optimisation, without relying on the teams at Photolink to support me. So visit www.thebeautysanctuary.com and book in to make yourself beautiful on the outside as well as the inside.