- 5 star thinking -

One of the things that I love most about being a freelance photographer is all the amazing people I get to met - from all walks of life and different perspectives. From major product distribution centres, to lone operator, single product companies that sell for example tongue scrapers; from fancy resorts to someone that wants to kick start their acting career; from future self parties to pre-loved clothes; the assignments have been as varied as the weather. Just the other day, I was at a warehouse and totally fascinated by the "heart" of the distribution centre, and the technology that they are using to increase productivity and efficiencies at least ten fold. And today was no exception as I returned to a client site - a hotel in the heart of the city, to do some more photos for their website.

I met the General Manager of the hotel at the end of last year and absolutely enjoyed his company. Over a half day shoot today, I got to spend time with Harry and his assistant Stefanos who did a great job at being photography assistants, but also passed the time in engaging conversation. Harry is a rare breed of business manager. I feel as though I got more value out of the time I spent listening to him than he will probably get from my photos. His business principles are impeccable and here are some things that I took out of his conversations today that definitely give me food for thought as to running my own business. These are my observations from watching and listening to Harry today.

1. Align your life and business philosophies. When both are in tune and attuned to each other, you bring to your business a sense of authenticity and credibility. (You also will be guaranteed to enjoy the hard work of running a business, even on the bad days)

2. Allow your limited resources to become your greatest and unique asset, that will make you stand out in the crowd.

3. Be creative in solving problems (recycle, re-use, re-invent). Even if you are ranked as a 3.5 star, creatively use your available resources to deliver a 5 star experience that even the 5 star is unable to match.

4. Openly share the passion you have for your business, bring significance to all you do (even the little or symbolic things), and do everything for a purpose. Live it. Breathe it.

5. In all business dealings, be a gracious host .... naturally we ended the photoshoot with afternoon tea and chocolate sponge cake!

Sometimes the best coaches are those that we meet along the way, by people that are willing to share their knowledge and wisdom of experience. So I close today with gratitude that there are still people like Harry in the world.

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Flying Solo Tip 028365 : Even with limited resources, apply 5 star thinking to create a unique business model.

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couch therapy

A friend dropped by unexpectedly this evening, and I realised how much cheaper and more satisfying it is to have some couch therapy with a friend than to go to a therapist. With a friend you are guaranteed a free flowing conversation and at least a three hour session, not the 50 minute hour session with a psychoanalyst - and besides you get to talk about literature, travel to foreign lands, the little funny things that happen in the day.

It was such a welcome distraction having been in front of the screen all day.

Now I better wrangle myself out of this couch before it turns into my real bed for the night!

Thank you everyone who takes the time to read these postings, your support is so much appreciated.

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Flying Solo Tip 027365 : Even the most solo of flyers appreciate a bit of couch therapy with a friend.

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... todays treats ....

Wow .. what an unbelievable day. It might be winter according to the calendar but today was not like a winter's day with 20+ degrees C. On Friday it actually reached 27 degrees. Crazy right, but I am not complaining!

Although busy as a bee, today has been full of treats and as I write this, this evening I am devouring a bowl of chicken on a bed of chickpeas, quinoa toubbouleh, apricots, goji berries and spinach. For all my healthy foodie followers, I hope I am hitting some of the super foods here to match this super feeling.

One of the pitfalls when flying solo, at least for me, is that food goes by the wayside. I am not exactly sure why and I do want to improve my relationship with food. Funnily enough, I love to cook large feasts for other people, or when my son comes home allocate time to food preparation and serve him a hearty meal. However, the weeks that I am alone, the fridge does tend to look a bit barren and the cupboards forlorn.

I think that one of the issues is that I become very passionate about what I am doing, taking the time to prepare meals just for myself feels like a distraction from where my energy is flowing. My metabolism is not what it used to be, and devouring chocolate as I did back in the "good ole' corporate days" just doesn't work anymore. The price I pay is not having clothes to wear! (which can be a little embarrassing when going to a photoshoot!)

So for tonight, salute! To beautiful weather, fascinating work assignments, and a fabulous tasty dinner.

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I think I am going to be greedy and go an enjoy some more treats tonight ... maybe a candle lit bath to get the kinks out of these muscles and then off to a nice warm bed with a cup of ginger tea spiced with honey!

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Flying Solo 026365: Remember to treat yourself to the simple things in life.

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