Crepe-tastic – Branding the experience and little details
This morning I was ahead of schedule for a brand presentation to one of our technology clients in Westborne and I thought I would find a little coffee shop to have a quick drink before going in. I found a little place called crepes farm at the top end of Westborne. Very unassuming from the outside, but once in I was treated with a very pleasant surprise, a smile, well designed decor, menus and many little details that continued to surprise.
I ordered a green tea and got a fab yogi tea in a wicked tea pot (giraffe styled see my pic) and I couldn’t resist one of their crepes. It is nice to see a small company get things right, the way it should be, it is obvious that the couple who own and run this business truly care. All the ingredients are natural and organic, gluten free flour, and most ingredients are locally sourced from Dorset.
They create the crepes in full view and the chef was precise, clean and organised, just what i like to see in a kitchen! Plus they have free wifi, so a winner all round.
I am a big fan of specialist niche businesses who offer something different, something deeper than the coat of paint or menu selection. If you are ever in Westborne do drop in and take a look, you will be pleased you did!
Well done to a business that has only been open for a month.
I look forward to seeing their website go live soon I hope…
Read MoreThe worst presentation I have endured in my entire life…
University festival of design, last night I went to the open evening and I wanted to share my experience!
I arrived a little late to a packed lecture theatre with a still atmosphere as the first keynote speaker was introduced. He was a design engineer from mobile phone manufacturer, a 30 something who had been at the company since his first job as a tester, which he got whilst studying. During the following hour the audience were subjected to the most dry, boring and drab journey of this uninspiring, un-engaging individual. I often refrain from criticising others, especially when they are qualified individuals, respected within their profession.
This chap had all the qualifications, had some great experiences over his career and holds an influential role, but I have to tell you this was the worst presentation I have endured in my entire life. What was the point to the keynote… Your guess is as good as mine, I learn’t some trivial information about his early years, about where his office was, how many cars he has and all of his qualifications. Maybe I had missed the point, but speaking to everyone after it was a widely shared opinion that is was truly terrible. Had it not been for the second keynote speaker who totally got it I would have been asking for my time back! He showed passion, energy, told an engaging story and awakened an audience who had been left in a coma from the first guy.
This made me realise that despite good qualifications, experiences… and before you are fighting this mans battle he said he was an accomplished presenter around the world to teams and schools, this was a ‘keynote’ for this there are no excuses. He was unable to read or engage the audience, prepare a good presentation and deliver with any zest what so ever. To top it off, the most awful PowerPoint slides made this a memorable event for all the wrong reasons. This becomes even funnier as the event was about celebrating design innovation! Shocking.
So, I was hoping that the student’s work would make up for this… I was drawn to the sustainable graphics and packaging course grads, in a small room was a dozen or so people from another Uni, and a mix of standards. Some good concepts and ideas with poor execution, and vice-versa.
Now sat in the gardens waiting before my next meeting I remember two individuals; One, a young chap who’s work was already at a commercial level, he talked with a clear drive and an understanding of the subject. I have no doubt he will find work and will be an asset to whom he joins. The other was a mature student, an ex designer in an advertising agency who had created an interesting concept, a working retreat for designers to escape. An environment to learn, reflect and design in a harmonious way. Aptly named ‘The tree house’. I would love to see this concept become a reality, so I can take my team for some ‘time out’ whilst still producing project work. I am compelled to help connect her to a few contacts that I think can help her pull this off.
It’s a great idea, and I am sure many design teams would love to spend a day or two to re ignite their passion for their craft, which is often lost in the hubbub of the working environment. The 4 hour event soon flew by and had filled me with excitement, knowing there is good talent coming through. With the lasting bonus, experiencing how not to present! Something I hope I will never be responsible for inflicting to an audience in the future! Sorry Mobile phone man, but please, please, ‘step it up’ or stop presenting!
Read MoreiSS TV branded genius by Guru
Heat 4 of this year’s e-Den event was once again won by the audiences favourite, Ruth Collier-Large of
www.me-mo.co.uk. But some of the highest praise of the evening was reserved for Stephanie Penrose of iSS TV, her online local TV station was branded “genius” by e-Den’s digital media guru, Spencer Gallagher. You can see my interview with Stephaine in our own video report from Bournemouth University at www.iscreensouth.com. All four candidates are now in place for the final on 18th September 2008. Get your tckets early for what’s bound to be a sell-out at www.bowshot.org/shop.
e-Den 2 Heat 3
The third heat of this year’s e-Den proved to be the first where the highly knowledgeable audience agreed with the judges’ verdict. Both chose John Davies from TDSi who is determined to use his web as part of a strategy to talk to his customers’, customers.
e-Den 2 Heat 2
Another great event at Bournemouth University sponsored by RT. Watch our report on the evening’s
proceedings which featured our colleague, Richard Mack and his new website, www.rtprmotions.co.uk. All candidates received a wide variety of opinions from the panel and audience.
Whilst everyone expects to get feedback some of the criticism can be difficult to accept, however well intentioned. As Richard said to me when reflecting on his mauling in the dragon’s den, “it’s their opinion I asked for it, but I have my opinion; I accept what they say, get over it and move on. I’ve got so much out of this evening and would recommend it to anyone who really wants to grow their business online.”
Laura McHarrie, from Business Link Wessex, on e-Den 2: “Highly recommended for any business looking to improve it’s online presence. Practical advice.”
Read MorePresent in style – e-Den.2
Yes it really is me in front of the camera. Don’t worry I wont give up my day job.
e-Den.2 – Heat 1. Filmed by isstv.tv
