Last week was a painful week at Photolink. Over the last three years we have seen a dramatic change in the photographic side of our business. With the evolution of digital cameras (everyone now thinks they can take a professional shot) and reduced margins for retailers we have seen our rates dramatically slashed, with our larger clients using their weight to drive down costs. This has been so dramatic that unfortunately some of our major competitors have been forced into liquidation. Whilst we have maintained healthy profits right across the Group, our still life department has struggled to trade with significant profitability. After much deliberation we agreed to completely re-structure the department to ensure we maintain our competitive lead, this resulted in the departure of a few employees. Not an easy decision but it now future proofs this department and allows us to compete with even the smallest agencies for business. I wish the guys who have departed all the best as they worked extremely hard for the cause and were part of the Photolink family.
Across the rest of the business we are producing some of the best creative I have seen since my arrival at Photolink five years ago. This was echoed in our digital team being awarded a special commendation in the Northwest's Best Digital Agency category at the recent How Do awards. As you might guess Code won the overall award and thoroughly deserved it was. As a dedicated online agency they are the one of the leading agencies outside of London. Their proposition differs greatly to our multi-channel approach which suits our group structure, so our paths don't often cross. More than anything it's nice to see agencies in the north taking on the south and winning. We have also been shortlisted in the Big Chip awards for Best Public Sector Website for www.manchesterconferences.com Fingers crossed.
I have just finished reading yet another book, the autobiography of Ricky Tomlinson. This was a gift to my wife a few years ago but surfaced again during the move. With nothing new to read after Holy Cow I thought I would give it a go. What an amazing life 'Hobo Rick' has led including prison, failed businesses and of course, the Royal family. It's well worth a read and gives you hope that all good things do come to those who wait.
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Friday, 25 April 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Budgets
After a tiring few days we have successfully moved into our new house. I am sure the stresses of the last few months in the build up to the move will be soon forgotten when I get a chance to stage my first BBQ and sip a glass of Chardonnay on the patio.
I have started to write this blog from a cold but beautiful Scotland after a successful visit to Harper Collins. We are starting to build a great relationship where I think we can really help them to define their digital proposition. I'm tempted to start finding the most obscure locations to share my life experiences through my blog, from my laptop. I'm off to Wigan this afternoon, maybe not the most picturesque location, but it's a start.
My challenge of the last few days has been budgeting for new projects. For agencies it's the age old problem, if you cost every project based on the actual hours that are spent then budgets would be extortionate and we would never win any work. If however, you provide an up front estimate it is then a really struggle to maximise margin. Our preferred method of working is to identify a budget for scoping with a view to presenting a final project cost once the requirements are agreed. This is a more difficult sell as decision makers want budget numbers but I think it's the most realistic route of progression.
I have started to write this blog from a cold but beautiful Scotland after a successful visit to Harper Collins. We are starting to build a great relationship where I think we can really help them to define their digital proposition. I'm tempted to start finding the most obscure locations to share my life experiences through my blog, from my laptop. I'm off to Wigan this afternoon, maybe not the most picturesque location, but it's a start.
My challenge of the last few days has been budgeting for new projects. For agencies it's the age old problem, if you cost every project based on the actual hours that are spent then budgets would be extortionate and we would never win any work. If however, you provide an up front estimate it is then a really struggle to maximise margin. Our preferred method of working is to identify a budget for scoping with a view to presenting a final project cost once the requirements are agreed. This is a more difficult sell as decision makers want budget numbers but I think it's the most realistic route of progression.
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
Changing Rooms
I'm officially off work now as I prepare for one of life's most stressful events, moving house. If only people had the ability to communicate better then I think the whole process would be far more workable. In my working capacity I would find it disgraceful if my clients or suppliers failed to communicate in the way that both solicitors and house builders have treated us over the last three months, but it's almost acceptable when purchasing a new property which is very disappointing.
Yesterday brought yet another train journey across the UK but this time travelling West to East to North Yorkshire County Council on the Transpennine Express. Express isn't quite the word, crawl is probably more apt, but this did give me time to digest the amazing scenary.
It's fascinating to work for both public and private sector clients as they operate poles apart. The retail sector with sales always in mind focusses on campaigns, consumers and cash. The public sector by comparison focusses on strategy, sustainability and systems. From the outside in the retail sector appears far more exciting but if you suffer the long haul with public sector then the results can be far more rewarding. Take for example the new Intranet we are developing for North Yorkshire County Council. Here we have the opportunity to create a primary communication channel that will re-engineer the way that more than 20,000 employees communicate with each other. Not only will this bring improved personal benefits to individuals but the combined efficiency gains will mean improved service levels from the council to it's residents. The only problem is that in retail, individuals can make decisions, in the public sector EVERYTHING is discussed and approved by committee in meetings that cannot be completed in less than 3 hours.
It was interesting yesterday when as we consumed our council buffet I explained my new blog that I was writing to understand social media. I recited my previous days log entry about the use of Facebook in Local Government. With eyes positively illuminated the team explained that they too considered this a major issue and didn't know how to deal with it. Perhaps it was me that was out of place at the SOCITM meeting and perhaps delegates took a lot more out of the Social Media plenary than I did.
I'd love to think that if I ever took a position in Local Government that I could drive significant change, but then I can't help thinking that after a period of time my enthusiasm would be quashed by the bureaucracy and systems.
Yesterday brought yet another train journey across the UK but this time travelling West to East to North Yorkshire County Council on the Transpennine Express. Express isn't quite the word, crawl is probably more apt, but this did give me time to digest the amazing scenary.
It's fascinating to work for both public and private sector clients as they operate poles apart. The retail sector with sales always in mind focusses on campaigns, consumers and cash. The public sector by comparison focusses on strategy, sustainability and systems. From the outside in the retail sector appears far more exciting but if you suffer the long haul with public sector then the results can be far more rewarding. Take for example the new Intranet we are developing for North Yorkshire County Council. Here we have the opportunity to create a primary communication channel that will re-engineer the way that more than 20,000 employees communicate with each other. Not only will this bring improved personal benefits to individuals but the combined efficiency gains will mean improved service levels from the council to it's residents. The only problem is that in retail, individuals can make decisions, in the public sector EVERYTHING is discussed and approved by committee in meetings that cannot be completed in less than 3 hours.
It was interesting yesterday when as we consumed our council buffet I explained my new blog that I was writing to understand social media. I recited my previous days log entry about the use of Facebook in Local Government. With eyes positively illuminated the team explained that they too considered this a major issue and didn't know how to deal with it. Perhaps it was me that was out of place at the SOCITM meeting and perhaps delegates took a lot more out of the Social Media plenary than I did.
I'd love to think that if I ever took a position in Local Government that I could drive significant change, but then I can't help thinking that after a period of time my enthusiasm would be quashed by the bureaucracy and systems.
Monday, 25 February 2008
Getting to grips with Web 2.0
Web 2.0 is like buzzword bingo. After hearing much about it I went to the Local Government SOCTIM conference in October and with interest attended a seminar on Web 2.0. 'Listen to the experts and further define your online strategy where you can embrace Web 2.0 and social media'. At this time the cry from our clients was intense to find successful case studies, so what perfect timing for an insight from the experts. The plenary started with a five minute presentation on what Web 2.0 meant and then predictably the floor was given to the delegates to share their experiences. Tumbleweed quickly led into a pointless discussion on the use of Facebook by employees within Local Government.
Now, after many meetings with retail, public and pharmaceutical sectors I still have yet to find one that has fully embraced the power of Web 2.0. It's easy to see the use of Web 2.0 when viewing social networking sites and on-line communities and there are endless examples, but it's much harder to find good commercial application, where revenue can be generated through sharing content and exchanging views. I am more confident that a successful application can be found when users can define customer centric experiences, prioritising the content they wish to view. We have taken the first steps when building the new Lookers website to some effect but I am hoping that the new site we are developing for Harper Collins will allow us to truly test the latest internet evolution.
A great example I have found as part of my research is the new Beta site for the BBC www.bbc.co.uk/home/beta The site that always seems to get it right has gone one better by allowing me to prioritise the content that most interests me. It's only a matter of time before more sites incorporate the functionality that Google have pioneered with iGoogle, I hope the digital part of our business can make our contribution in the grand scheme of things.
I really felt quite naive the other day when a radio presenter announced that the name Google actually came about from the term 'go ogle'. Not one to let it lie I have consulted Wikipedia to find out that the term actually came about from an incorrect spelling of 'googol' which refers to the number represented by a 1 followed by one-hundred zeros. I don't feel quite so bad now.
Aparently Web 3.0 is just about to arrive, so for those of you still figuring out Web 1.0 get a move on.
Now, after many meetings with retail, public and pharmaceutical sectors I still have yet to find one that has fully embraced the power of Web 2.0. It's easy to see the use of Web 2.0 when viewing social networking sites and on-line communities and there are endless examples, but it's much harder to find good commercial application, where revenue can be generated through sharing content and exchanging views. I am more confident that a successful application can be found when users can define customer centric experiences, prioritising the content they wish to view. We have taken the first steps when building the new Lookers website to some effect but I am hoping that the new site we are developing for Harper Collins will allow us to truly test the latest internet evolution.
A great example I have found as part of my research is the new Beta site for the BBC www.bbc.co.uk/home/beta The site that always seems to get it right has gone one better by allowing me to prioritise the content that most interests me. It's only a matter of time before more sites incorporate the functionality that Google have pioneered with iGoogle, I hope the digital part of our business can make our contribution in the grand scheme of things.
I really felt quite naive the other day when a radio presenter announced that the name Google actually came about from the term 'go ogle'. Not one to let it lie I have consulted Wikipedia to find out that the term actually came about from an incorrect spelling of 'googol' which refers to the number represented by a 1 followed by one-hundred zeros. I don't feel quite so bad now.
Aparently Web 3.0 is just about to arrive, so for those of you still figuring out Web 1.0 get a move on.
Thursday, 21 February 2008
Moving People
I took another trip to London today on Virgins finest. It continues to amaze me the amount of people who are always moving. Someone told me on my last trip to Mumbai that on any given day more than four times the recognised population pass through the city. I'm sure London can't be too far away from this statistic. Without being deemed a crazyman I would have loved to approach people in my carriage to ask where they were going to gain a better insight. Although we all normally have a purpose to travel I can't help thinking there's some small part in our genetic make-up to explore, probably born out of out of our ancestral role of hunter gatherers. All I do know is that when the exploring or meetings in my case are done you can't beat that feeling when you pull out of Euston and head for home.
On my return journey I attempted to digest the final slice of Holy Cow but it proved to be a challenge. Firstly, the bottom half of my body slowly roasted for two hours as the cleverly positioned carriage radiators blasted continuous heat directly onto my left leg. Secondly, the ever present stench that eminates from the toilet made me feel nauseous as the train tilted from side to side to save precious minutes and thirdly, the stranger sat next to me was watching the BAFTA award winning The Last King of Scotland on her laptop. Whilst she enjoyed the film with audio through headphones I was enticed to watch the screen - in the same way you can't help reading the paper of the person stood next to you on the underground - only I was forced to lip read. The end result led to a complete mental scramble. My mind attempted to digest a real life insight into India interspersed with a coup in a small Scottish village. Next time I'll stick to doing the crossword.
As my quest for knowledge in the world of social media continues I am encouraged by the feedback I have received from the people whose judgment I trust. I feel the more I write my blog, the more I am defining a style that I am comfortable with and I am glad that my thoughts when shared are being met with humour and enthusiasm. I think for readers sake I am going to have to pursue further where birds do go to die. Now I've figured out how to exist in Technorati http://www.technorati.com/, I've added my blog link to my on-line sites and I'm going to add it to my email footer, watch out world here I come.
On the Photolink front we claimed another success yesterday to create a new site for Harper Collins. It's great to see a traditional international brand embracing the internet and expanding their services to meet the requirements of the 'net' generation.
Oh, no this means a four hour train journey to Scotland, where's my crossword.
On my return journey I attempted to digest the final slice of Holy Cow but it proved to be a challenge. Firstly, the bottom half of my body slowly roasted for two hours as the cleverly positioned carriage radiators blasted continuous heat directly onto my left leg. Secondly, the ever present stench that eminates from the toilet made me feel nauseous as the train tilted from side to side to save precious minutes and thirdly, the stranger sat next to me was watching the BAFTA award winning The Last King of Scotland on her laptop. Whilst she enjoyed the film with audio through headphones I was enticed to watch the screen - in the same way you can't help reading the paper of the person stood next to you on the underground - only I was forced to lip read. The end result led to a complete mental scramble. My mind attempted to digest a real life insight into India interspersed with a coup in a small Scottish village. Next time I'll stick to doing the crossword.
As my quest for knowledge in the world of social media continues I am encouraged by the feedback I have received from the people whose judgment I trust. I feel the more I write my blog, the more I am defining a style that I am comfortable with and I am glad that my thoughts when shared are being met with humour and enthusiasm. I think for readers sake I am going to have to pursue further where birds do go to die. Now I've figured out how to exist in Technorati http://www.technorati.com/, I've added my blog link to my on-line sites and I'm going to add it to my email footer, watch out world here I come.
On the Photolink front we claimed another success yesterday to create a new site for Harper Collins. It's great to see a traditional international brand embracing the internet and expanding their services to meet the requirements of the 'net' generation.
Oh, no this means a four hour train journey to Scotland, where's my crossword.
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
Quintessentially British
A guided tour of Photolink this week for new employees illustrated to me the growth we have been going through over the last 12 months. No fewer than ten or twelve strange faces wandered into our room like a flock of frightened sheep, guided by shepherd Alison, our head receptionist. I'm sure as I gave the five minute induction to the many different facets of our business, some of them wondered what the hell they had got into. How could a company that takes photographs, also do Design and PR and Events and New Media and have a studio in India? Then I told them that we have a license for the north of England for Quintessentially, the world's largest concierge and lifestyle business. At that point I'm sure they thought I was having a laugh and just wanted to go back to their new found team mates to seek the truth.
Quintessentially is probably the most parculiar of our services, but we believe the opportunity to network with some of the countries highest earners, combined with the fit of our Pr and Events team provides a quirky but exciting additional string to our bow. We've even gone one step further and partnered on the launch of a new model agency, Quintessentially Models. The official unveiling of the company is next week but feel free to have a look at the site we have just launched www.quintessentiallymodels.com Quintessentially models is the world's first ethical model agency due to its anti-size zero stance.
Our experience with Quintessentially has been invaluable to me this week as I have been preparing a strategy to work with one of the UK's leading Quintessentially British fashion brands. As we focus upon re-launching their global online proposition I have been researching social media (the reason I started this blog) and whether this method of communication is of any use to the rich and famous, who are particularly cash rich and time poor. I have managed to join a perceived high wealth network of www.asmallworld.net but my first opinions are maybe this is an environment for wannabes and not the real mccoy. For this particular project I need to find the social media playground of the 911 turbo crowd not the boxster boys. The hunt continues....
Quintessentially is probably the most parculiar of our services, but we believe the opportunity to network with some of the countries highest earners, combined with the fit of our Pr and Events team provides a quirky but exciting additional string to our bow. We've even gone one step further and partnered on the launch of a new model agency, Quintessentially Models. The official unveiling of the company is next week but feel free to have a look at the site we have just launched www.quintessentiallymodels.com Quintessentially models is the world's first ethical model agency due to its anti-size zero stance.
Our experience with Quintessentially has been invaluable to me this week as I have been preparing a strategy to work with one of the UK's leading Quintessentially British fashion brands. As we focus upon re-launching their global online proposition I have been researching social media (the reason I started this blog) and whether this method of communication is of any use to the rich and famous, who are particularly cash rich and time poor. I have managed to join a perceived high wealth network of www.asmallworld.net but my first opinions are maybe this is an environment for wannabes and not the real mccoy. For this particular project I need to find the social media playground of the 911 turbo crowd not the boxster boys. The hunt continues....
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