The 'Post-Office' Movement - More Than Just 'Working from Home'

The beauty of working from home is that I don't have to worry about getting up in the morning.

Now. You may be thinking that I am the laziest person in the world for making that statement, but it's not what you think.

Mondays Never Felt So Good!

I get up early in the morning to go rowing, and I am back home, showered and ready to work at the same time that most people arrive at the office. The only thing that's different is that I don't worry about getting up in the morning. I look forward to it! I love rowing, which kick-starts my day, and I really enjoy building up my small business.

If I work late into the night, I still wake up early and energised, full of enthusiasm the next morning because I love what i do and where I do it!

Travaille Sans Frontières (Work Without Borders)

The other great thing about working from home is that I can actually work from anywhere! I can work in any room of the house, or I can go rogue and work from a café, library, or anywhere that will have me! Before I moved from Warwick, a friend let me use one of the empty rooms in his office building in Leamington Spa whenever I needed a change of scenery. It was great!

'Post-Office'... Not a Post Office

There's a hilarious sketch on the Tracey Ullman show about this guy, an app developer, and he works from his local coffeeshop - although you'd think he owned the joint from the way he tries to monopolise the space and the staff! He has regular meetings in the coffeeshop where he pitches potential investors. In one of the sketches he says that he's 'Post-Office', which is quite confusing, seeing as his app has nothing to do with snail mail. When he's met with a bemused look from the potential investor, he clarifies that he is not a Post Office, but he's not confined to an office, therefore he is 'Post Office'.

I doubt this phrase will take off, but it is a good way of describing the situation for many people who say they work from home, but actually work from anywhere.

An Office Away From the Office...?

One of the main reasons that people like working from home is that it's different to working in an office. Yet they set up their home office to look exactly like the cubicle they were fleeing in the first place! Why create an office away from the office? The beauty of working from home is that you can work differently. I have a desk, but I rarely use it. My stationery, printer and files are in different places throughout my home, so it encourages me to walk about, and be spontaneous! I'm essentially hot-desking in my own home! I produce so much more now than I did when I used to spend 10 hours in an office everyday; because I am free to move around without worrying what my colleagues will think when they see me away from my desk so often; because I can have a two-hour lunch break when I feel like it; because I don't have to be political when I all I want is to do a great job.

Distraction Central

Dealing with distractions and interruptions is a problem whether you work from home or in an office. The way I deal with them at home is not for everyone.

I don't watch TV

In fact, I don't have a TV. I watch catch-up TV online if I hear about a great show that I want to check out. That way I am still completely in control of my time.

I say no to invitations

I am quite rigid about my time. If I already have plans, I am not changing them for anyone. If I have a goal that I want to achieve for that day, or that hour, then nothing will get in my way. But if I am available, I will only give my time to things that I am whole-heartedly interested in. Time is precious and I will not let anyone waste mine.

I put my phone on silent when I don't want to be disturbed

I will check my voicemails, emails and text messages at set times.

Make Yourself At Home

It's a fact well documented that many tech companies have great offices with slides, playrooms and nap-pods (which remind me of my days at Primary School). They're nothing like traditional offices. They make you feel comfortable, relaxed and 'at home'.

The new way of working is pretty much trying to recreate the home and leisure environment. So, embrace your home-working environment, and make yourself at home!

One Way Conversation? 8 Types of Twitter DM's Reviewed

When I follow some accounts on twitter, I often receive a Direct Message (DM) shortly afterwards. The messages I've received so far fall into one (or more) of the following categories:

1. Hello and thank you for following
2. Check out our website
3. Check out our app
4. Please answer this quick question
5. Feel free to connect
6. Check out my Facebook page / LinkedIn profile / other Social Media Profile
7. Invitation to collaborate
8. Motivational quote

Sometimes the sender makes it clear that the message is automated, other times it's a bit ambiguous, but sometimes the message has a distinctly personal touch and invites interaction.

But what is the etiquette regarding DM's? Or is there any?

For any brands out there who would like to improve their interaction with followers, here's a brief insight (for what it's worth) into how I deal with DM's.

1. Hello and thank you for following

I assume that it's an automated message and move on with my day. It doesn't leave a lasting impression.

2. Check out our website

Sometimes I click on the link, sometimes I don't. I also assume that these types of DM's are automated.

3. Check out our app

Again, I assume that the DM is automated. I usually click on the link and decide whether or not I need it in my life. The chances are, I followed you because your app sounds interesting, and I may have already clicked your link; so I will pay more attention to the DM in that case.

4. Please answer this quick question

I may or may not respond to these DM's. These ones tend to be worded in a way that is quite ambiguous in terms of whether or not they are automated or human. If I do respond, I will probably ask a relevant question of my own and await an answer. I do this partly to understand how much importance the brand places on engagement. If they respond, I don't know what I will do because this is yet to happen...

5. Feel free to connect

I assume that these are automated. Thoughtful, and good to know. Thanks.

6. Check out my Facebook page / LinkedIn profile / other Social Media Profile

Automated. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.

7. Invitation to collaborate

These tend to have a specific call to action, and I assume that they are automated. Sometimes they are clearly personalised, and I will investigate further / respond.

8. Motivational quote

Please and thank you. I will motivate right back!

Put that in your pipe and smoke it

So, that was a small (and probably useless) insight into my DM experiences. If you have any questions, ask away! :)

Time to Celebrate! An Update on my JavaScript Journey

Back in December 2015, I set myself the challenge to Complete the Codecademy JavaScript course in one month (AND to code a binary search algorithm). When I finished the final lesson at 11pm on New Year's Eve it was brilliant! What better way to celebrate than by seeing in the new year! But I feel like I need to do something specifically to celebrate my achievement.

Rewards don't have to be synonymous with escapism

I could have a facial, or go out for a meal, but what has that got to do with programming? I feel like I should celebrate by using my new-found knowledge to create something.

A reward can be (and arguably should be) the furthering of a goal, so I have embarked on another challenge! It's taken me a month to figure out what to do (nothing like a bit of delayed gratification)! But now I have it! I've set myself another challenge: To create five JavaScript apps in five months! Wish me luck! :)

From Pop Psychology to Pop Management. The Lesser of Two Evils?

You've heard of Pop Psychology, but Pop Management is just as harmful. The unqualified and inexperienced shouldn't be trusted with either!

Promoted vs Supported

Management is a very important role, and one that people are often promoted into, rather than supported into. Being good at your job does not necessarily mean that you will be a good manager. Promotion and Management are not part of a natural progression. Becoming management can often lead to an erosion of existing skills, an increased feeling of being out of one's depth, and it can also lead to a feeling of isolation from the very team you are supposed to manage.

Fake it 'til you Make it!

If people are not given the training and support they need in order to step into a challenging management role, they will be under pressure to act the part, because they don't really know what they should be doing.

Management Jargon and Despair!

The management manuals are skimmed through, without truly grasping the concepts behind them, and the management jargon starts flowing - often with little substance to back it up.

In that respect, being promoted to management is kind of like becoming a first time parent, but a single parent. New managers will be under constant scrutiny, but get very little support.

Pop Culture

If you want a bunch of pop-managers to run your business, then go ahead. Promote them and watch them sink or swim whilst you stand by the side-lines and judge. But if you want good solid managers to further your vision for the company and to foster strong teams, then give them the necessary training and support. You get out what you put in. There's a bit of pop psychology for you!

How I got more hits on my blog

These three simple steps are my personal account of trial and error. Enjoy!

1. Twitter analytics  I practically live on twitter and I tweet regularly about my blog posts. But when I was getting started with my blog, just tweeting alone was not translating into the number of hits that I wanted. Using twitter analytics, I noticed that although my number of twitter followers was only growing relatively gradually, I was actually getting a high number of profile views per day. I wanted to capitalise on that, so I designed a really simple banner for my twitter profile, which showcased my blog url as the heading. Bingo! My hits went up substantially from day one! And even on days that I don't post any new content, I'm getting a steady (and increasing) flow of visitors to my blog, thanks to my profile views on twitter.
2. Google plus  It doesn't have the image enjoyed by twitter and Facebook, but it is a useful tool none the less! When I set up my blog on Google blogger, I also set up a gmail account, and Google+ seemed to come as part of the package. So, I tailored my Google profile and promptly forgot all about it. After a couple of months, however, I checked on my profile and found that I'd had thousands of hits! This was an unexpected result with practically zero effort! So, I started sharing my blog posts via G+ and found that it was generating consistent views, although not yet on par with those from twitter.
3. Networking  I am quite a sociable person and I have built up a professional network using old-fashioned face-to-face methods. I tell people what I'm working on and I share it with them. If they like it, they share it with their contacts. That way, they know the story behind who I am and what I do, and they buy into that story. The value of real-world interactions and connections cannot be underestimated.

This is of course not an exhaustive list, and what it reveals is that you should use your strengths to your advantage. Keep an eye on the data and work with it to grow your brand!

Women: New World, New Technology. Own it!

Following on from the article, 7 Steps to Making Informed & Successful Career Choices, this piece is aimed at women in developing countries, but it could really apply to anyone who finds themselves at an economic disadvantage wherever they are. People who are looking for new ways to take control of their lives and their careers.

Local Conditions Matter - Especially if You Are a Woman!

If a woman in a developing country is poor, she will have to shoulder the majority of the domestic duties, whilst also having to contribute to the family income by doing menial jobs or trade and barter. She may have the same access to education as boys do at a young age, but she is more likely to drop out earlier on, due to domestic demands. She will have to face insurmountable odds to achieve the same things that I take for granted every day.

Men in developing nations may also have limited access to education, but they are able to go out to work, and not expected to help with domestic tasks. The types of jobs available to them - although still relatively menial - are wider, and being out of the home exposes them to wider networks, and wider career opportunities.

I have spoken to many women over the years who have shared their stories with me - their struggles, failures and successes - and the stories of others who were not so fortunate. Their stories highlight the importance of making wise and informed career choices, when as a woman it can be so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of domestic duties and lose sight of the bigger picture - especially when no one sees your potential for greatness.

Your Choices Count More Than Ever When Faced With Limited Career Opportunities

There are very few skills and professions that international companies / organisations are likely to seek out beyond their own borders. There would have to be a distinct skills shortage in their domestic market for them to head-hunt abroad.

If a European or American company wants lawyers, doctors or accountants, they need not look any further than their domestic talent pool. Those roles, and others like them, are the 'prestige' careers that wealthy or middle class children pursue in order to add to their sense of achievement or their value to society. Ultimately, they are not faced with the hard realities and day-to-day struggles of financially challenged people in developing countries, so they can play the long game.

Pastures New

Poorer people in developing countries who aspire to those prestige professions may be missing the point. It may not be the ticket out of poverty that they were hoping for, and even if it is, they will not be able to stay in education long enough to make that dream a reality due to domestic demands and financial realities (unless they catch the eye of a rich relative, a charitable organisation or government scholarship).

The same goes for people in the West from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. You could join the clamour for the prestige jobs, but unless you are exceptional, you will find yourself up against people who have been groomed for those careers from birth. The key is to beat a new path and carve out a niche.

Skills Beyond Borders

There are some skills, that are widely sought out by international organisations. They reward skill and natural ability, regardless of socio-economic or educational background. Sport can be one such ticket out of poverty, and into the extreme wealth that people dream of.

If you are a gifted young (male) footballer in a developing country, and you get into a football academy, you could find yourself playing for the likes of Man United or Arsenal one day. The key, it seems, for poor and uneducated people, is to choose a niche skill and be brilliant at it! The chances of success are a lot higher.

The only problem with the sport route, is that it favours men over women. Women are still not making the same amount of money as men from Football in Europe or baseball in America. The golden ticket that sport could offer is not an option for women. There are no scouts going to Brazil looking for female footballers.

Without education, women in developing countries, who want to make it big, have to find more creative ways to provide for their families.

Technology is a Great Leveller!

This is where technology comes in. Technology and programming skills are the key to a better life for many women (and men) around the world, and it is a realistic goal to pursue! Mobile phone usage in the developing world is high because of the lack of infrastructure, and internet access is also common - although people may have to go to an internet cafe to get it. So the barriers to entry are low.

The obvious routes out of poverty, that have had limited success for a limited few, no longer apply; but if you can master technology, and produce things of local or even international significance, you can name your price! Even if you just master programming skills without creating the next big app, there are so many companies in the UK that are actively encouraging applications from abroad! You only have to search the online jobs boards to see the opportunities available!

Take Control of Your Career

You don't need to be in a desperate situation to take control of your career. If you find that your prospects or your goals have stagnated, then do something about it. Don't be at the mercy of circumstances!

Technology is NOT the future!

It's here TODAY, and you can make it work for you!

The Next Steps

Learn programming and build your portfolio as you progress.

Online tutorials:

Codehance
Khan Academy
Codecademy

Why Your Employees Should Be Better Than You

Have you heard of 'Undercover Bosses'? It's a great show! The bosses go undercover and shadow their employees for a few days. The big wigs get to see, first hand, how the little wigs live.

It's a great format because it cuts out the selective reporting of middle managers, and the bosses get to see what nobody wants them to see. There's no hiding from truth.

Some of the bosses may start the process thinking they have nothing to learn, however, at the end of the process they all emerge having learned and developed in ways that they could not have foreseen.

There's no substitute for Experience

The saying, 'do not judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes' comes to mind. The bosses may have walked that mile at some point when the business was being set up - or in a previous life - but memories fade, a sense of self-assurance kicks in, and the comfort zone gets more and more comfortable.

When bosses are so far removed from the front line of business they can benefit greatly from the first hand experience of their staff. Going along to observe / participate is a great way to learn, but it's only the first step. Watching an operation does not make you a surgeon!

Missing a trick?

If the bosses can learn how to improve things by observing the front-line, they can also learn a thing or two by bringing the front-liners into HQ and getting their perspectives.

The face of your company is your biggest asset!

If you are happy for those employees to be the face of your company, to represent you to the outside world, that should be a reflection of how much you believe in them, right? They are the best people to represent your brand. Just as good as, if not better, than you! And if not, why did you hire them?

The employees who interact with your customers and your suppliers on a daily basis are best placed to tell you what your customers and suppliers want. It really is that simple! So, put your money where your mouth is and listen to them!

Listening is a Culture

Listening is not something that happens by accident. Listening is a choice. We tend to listen to those whose opinions we value. Do you value your employees?

No matter how great you are at your job, or how brilliant your company is, you don't know everything. It's just not possible. We can all learn something, no matter how big or small, if we just listen.

Culture and Scalability

When you start a business, it can be so easy to get caught up in the day to day and to forget that the culture of the business today will scale with the business into the future.

It is very hard to get rid of a negative company culture retrospectively

It is so vital to be mindful and make decisions about what you want the culture of the business to be; to make plans to ensure that the culture is nurtured and becomes a mature and integral part of the business. If you don't factor company culture into your business plans and processes, it will take root regardless and grow like a weed.

Two-way communication is key

Listening to your employees (having two-way communication) is vital to positive working relationships. Being actively listened to makes us feel valued and motivated. Even if every suggestion doesn't make the final cut, it is heartening when we see the feedback of other colleagues being actioned and we can see that we are being listened to.

The benefits of an empowered workforce in terms of the increased productivity alone of are surely reason enough to start listening to your front line staff.

Heading in the right direction

Taking part in Undercover Bosses in the first place is definitely a positive sign that the bosses are willing to learn and change. It's admirable, and a great step in the right direction. But the real test will be if they can accept a challenge on their own turf. Are they willing to listen? How far are they willing to go to change? How much are they willing to reveal about budgets and strategy? That will really put the culture of any organisation to the test.

Do you listen to your employees?

If you believe that the first hand experience of your front-line employees is worth something, then start today by listening to them!

Are You Doing a Job or Running a Business? What's the Difference? And Does it Matter?

Starting a business is about more than doing a job and earning money. If you're going to be staying in the same area of work, the nature of the job won't fundamentally change just because you're working for yourself. An accountant still has the same role and responsibilities regardless of whether they are an employee or self-employed.

Why start your own business?

It's easy to look at successful business people and see the finished product - the perks and the benefits - but that's not the whole picture. How did they get there?

It is possible to make a decent living as a one-man-band, but rather than having a business as such, you are the business. The moment you take a holiday or you can't work for any reason, the business will not survive.

How many one-man-band multi-millionaires or billionaires are there?

I can hazard a guess that it's a big fat zero! The multi-million or billion pound (or dollar) business may have started as the idea of one person, but they ALL needed a team to make it work. They all needed some help to get there. Even businesses that are more modest in comparison all have staff, business partners or contractors.

Shared Responsibility - Shared Burden

Starting off on your own is fine - it may even be necessary or the only option at first - but if you want to scale, you must have a plan! Otherwise you will end up with your head down, doing a job, losing sight of the bigger picture. And instead of disliking your boss or the company (as you may have done when you were employed), you could end up disliking your customers. They will become the reason that you have to work all hours with no breaks.

Going back to being employed will start to look very attractive if you don't have a plan for your business!

Why do YOU want to start your own business?

As we've mentioned before, it can be easy to see the upsides to business when you're constantly bombarded with success stories, but what's wrong with where you are now?

What limitations are you trying to overcome? And how do you propose to overcome those limitations by going into business? Notice I said 'how do YOU propose to overcome those limitations?' Going into business will not solve your problems by magic. You must do that by design.

What is your plan?

7 Steps to #Career #Success. Adrenaline, #Dreams & #Emotions will only get you so far! https://t.co/igc1aHMVB2 pic.twitter.com/SJr1DCrmYt

— Danielle Curio (@DanielleCurio) December 31, 2015