Barefoot Business News from Robert Ashton
| December 2011
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I blame it all on Jess!
Jess is my assistant here at Turnpike Farm. She has the eye for detail that I lack, runs my diary and manages my website and makes sure that those renting offices from me don't run out of loo paper.
But as well as all of these very useful functions, Jess also challenges me. She may be just 21, but that doesn't hold her back. This month she's suggested I try adding video to this ezine. When asked why, she reminded me that more and more now, people want video not text on websites. She's right so here is the first of what will be many. I just know many of you will watch it and some will offer constructive criticism. A few will simply be rude. I'm bracing myself. Here goes...
 | | Robert's first ezine video! |
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| Why not put me under your Christmas tree? | |
Not all of me, naturally, but some of my words. Christmas shopping is such a scramble and if you're like me, you do everything on line. It means you avoid the queues, the parking problems, the grumpy shop staff and the inevitable discovery that the size you want is out of stock.
I bought an espresso machine so that I can shop at home and not miss the coffee and cake I'd have on a shopping trip.
But that's enough; click on this link and you're sorted. Low prices, signed copies and we'll post them by return so you get them in time. Happy reading.
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| Do you know any real grassroots community activists? |
I'm researching my next book. It'll be based around the real life stories of some 50 or so angry people. They won't be famous, nor will they have been elected or appointed. Instead they'll all be people who saw that something needed doing and felt moved enough to go and do it.
We've all met people like this. Here's a blog I wrote last month about Terry, a very good example of what I mean. Maverick, individual, personable and willing to gently push to get what they know is the right solution.
If you know someone who fits the bill, introduce us and if I choose them to feature in the book I'll send you a free copy of one of my books by way of thanks. I'll also invite you and those featured to the book launch in Norwich on 11 September 2012.
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A no spliff festival!
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So why launch a book on what they call 9/11 in the US? Simple, it's the date that my friends at Disability Works CIC and I have booked the finest venue in Norwich, the Forum, to stage the 2012 Festival of Social Enterprise. There'll be a stunning programme of speakers, some national names, to inspire, encourage and help folk discover the joy of social enterprise.
There'll be stacks of publicity, a huge exhibition and I hope lots and lots of visitors. Book the date in your new 2012 diary and give me a shout if you want to be involved.
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| Christmas crackers | |
Here are some of the more embarrassing and amusing things I've done and said already this month!
- Asked after someone's partner forgetting they split up a year ago;
- Realised halfway through a meeting that my flies were undone;
- Got told to 'shhh' in a library having made my friend who works there laugh a little too loudly;
- Tried to out Tweet a s*x shop owner in an innuendo contest and failed miserably;
- Wrecked my PC by downloading some nasty worm thing from the internet (and this is in no way connected to the previous revelation)
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| And finally a plea | |
I watched Kevin McCloud's new programme about his efforts to improve the quality and environmental performance of affordable housing last night. I saw an opportunity, penned a well written email to the guy running McCloud's company and by 10am he'd replied asking to know more.
So - wherever you are and whatever you're doing, if you see an opportunity go for it. Don't assume you'll be ignored, overlooked or ripped off. Just be sure you can get your elevator pitch into 150 words and get in there. Remember, confidence can get you almost anywhere, providing that is you try!
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Quote of the month
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'I'm going to tell people if I think that what they're saying is crap. I will be me and nobody else!'
Robert Ashton
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Diary dates
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6th, 7th and 8th March 2012 at the Hilton Brighton Metropole
Chartered Institute of Housing South East Conference and Exhibition 2012
www.cihseconference.co.uk
Catch my session on Localism: Community assets at a local level.
Download more information here.
11th September 2012 at The Forum, Norwich
Festival of Social Enterprise & Book Launch
Website coming soon
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I send out a monthly ezine to everyone who finds it useful. If you'd like to receive a copy, you need do nothing. If you'd rather not, please click on the link below to unsubscribe.
Sincerely,
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