New Project - Step 1 - Create

I'm sitting in my local coffee shop, it's amazing how a couple of coffees, a writing pad, pen and a hour or two can create your next special project. I get away from the computer to begin any new project - I like to draw a lot when coming up with ideas.

After nearly ten years of writing most days I find it takes 2-3 pages and about 45 minutes of just dumping down all those random thoughts on your mind before whatever idea is in your head finally comes to the surface.

Turning those ideas into something real takes a hell of a lot longer.

Over the years there have been many experiences and books consumed which have helped mold the creative process.

It was a gift of Julie Cameron's "Right to Write" years ago that gave me confidence to just let the information flow. If people like your stuff they'll embrace - let it flow, be yourself and edit later.  Very Zen.

In terms of marketing then Seth Godin's "Purple Cow" and his incredible daily insights which has had the most influence - be remarkable.

I'm also a fan of Garr Reynold's "Presentation Zen". Keep it simple.

Our experiences and ideas morph into our own unique ways of doing things - from initial brainstorming and conceptualisation, through project planning, management, creatiion, delivery and engagement.

I suppose that's one of the challenges - "information overload" and how to incorporate all these thoughts, models and processes into your own unique style.

At times you have to wonder what the return on investment is - isn't it much easier to just consume, comment or share?

I suppose the answer to that question is the final product or service that is delivered and your measurement of success - sales, subscribers, personal feeling of satisfaction, seeing other people smile, engage or learn?

Now onto "The Project" and to research some online project collaboration tools.

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Quality Rises to the Top

Last month we mentioned a great video from a Sony/BMG conference in Rome 2008 about the exponential develop of technology - the articles also showed a 1957 RAND computer promotional video, the key point the core messages about technology growth are the same.  

Anyway, the old link was broken but happily the video reappeared today via a viral email - such is the fundamental principle that quality content and production tends to rise to the top - by that I mean it engages with the audience (builds brand), informs (WIIFM for the viewer/ consumer) and motivates action (ie Seth's megaphone/ Forresters Technographics - to consume to create).

If it was Sony that put the video out into cyberspace then well done - this is clever thought leader branding.  

I should point out that the raw content is based on a slide show called Shift Happens

Some points

• China will soon be the #1 English speaking nation in the world
• Todays learner will have 10-14 jobs....but the age of 38!
• The top 10 in demand jobs did not exist in 2004
• There are over 2.7B searches on Google each month
• There are more then 3,000 new books published every day
• The amount of new technical information is doubling every two years
• By 2010 it is expected to double every 72 hours
• By 2049 a $1,000 computer will exceed the computation capabilities of the entire human species  (note: see creative economy) 

The facts are we adapt, the Y gens of today will be considered the dinosours of their grand children and so on.  One thing that stays constant in the world of change is the human connection - friendship, wisdom, trust and creativity.

A quick update since my last post – things have moved forward a bit faster than planned (smiles)

The Maxys website has now been updated with Australian video content featuring yours truly….

The acting performance is a bit rough (smiles) but certainly good enough to quickly demonstrate our new, very cool, Australian internet video production and technology capabilities (this could very easily be you!)

Hopefully the video adds a bit more personality and character to the site (smiles) which is what we are all about "personalising the web" to enhance your internet marketing, public relations and online customer engagement.

Very interested in your feedback and comments?

Anyway, with all the technology now sorted we are READY TO SHOOT YOUR VIDEO NOW

We have limited times available this Thursday and Friday 17th and 18th July at the RidgeFilms Studio (Taren Point) for pilot/ demo/ early adopter productions (ie 1/2 price).

The two most important elements of the productions are the Scripts and Talent.

• Scripts – about 75 words for 30 seconds.
  • If you don’t have a script writer may I suggest Fran Molloy at Ultraverse http://www.ultraverse.com.au/ . Fran is a very savvy tech journo (freelance for the SMH and ABC) , mum of four, and a great writer. We’ve used Fran on a number of jobs in the past with great success. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Talent – yourself or someone as your website representative.
  • Bring three outfits (the Ridge guys will provide more information on confirmed bookings).
  • We are allowing ½ hour production per 30 second script
• Booking and pricing estimator http://www.maxys.com.au/Personalise-the-Web-PTM/get-started-price-estimate.html.

If you can please let me know if you want to book in a time so we can get the process started.

For more information please click here

Video encoding and software (just two lines of code for your website) can all be ready to be implemented within seven days.

Any questions please give us a call or send a note.