Are You Serious

In his recent book What Makes Us Tick author Hugh Mackay states that the one human desire most easily forgotten is the desire to be taken seriously. Mackay added "this is the deepest need everyone has - to be acknowledged, valued and listened to." Every leader of every business, organisation or family unit needs to understand this. We shut down the creative ideas of people and companies simply because we don't show them the respect of taking them seriously. Every day in boardrooms, kitchens, cubicles and off-sites ideas die. Ideas die and they will never see the light of day because the leader or the person most responsible for drawing out those great ideas didn't acknowledge, appreciate, notice, value or listen to someone who had in fact something to share. Parents should take heed of this also, as it is a valuable lesson to learn in raising our children. How often do we brush children off because our Android or iPhone's seem to be far more important and this sends the message to our children that they are not being taken seriously. How often do you acknowledge them, appreciate them, notice them, value them, or listen to them? Don't let your employees, work mates or children's ideas die, or allow their Mojo to be stolen. 

Friends With Insurance

There is a growing push from service industries across the world to innovate their efforts to keep up with the changing trends of social media, interaction, marketing and communication. German company Friendsurance  is hoping to create communities of up to 15 people who can help cover your insurance claim in case you have an accident. Here's how it works. You organise a group of 14 to 15 people from your Facebook account and if they agree and become a member they then need to provide between 30 and 50 euro's to help cover a fellow members claim should they need to claim. Should the claimed amount exceed the amount the group can provide, then Friendsurance covers the balance of the claim. The social insurance model means that many small claims that would normally go through your insurance company (which increases your premium) can now be handled by you and a bunch of your friends. In addition to cheaper premiums (because the smaller claims are funded by your friends) it also seems that fraud is reduced because people don't like to rip off their friends. An interesting model but it remains to be seen as to how well it works . It does however demonstrate how financial services, insurance companies, accountancy firms and so on are innovating to find new and interesting ways of engaging people. Is there no end to the openings that Facebook has created?

The Red Tardis

When we came across this one we thought it would it have to be one of the best ideas we have seen in ages. With libraries across the UK closing down due to the lack of funds, UK based Phoneboox has converted leftover phone-boxes into informal book exchanges for the community. Over a single weekend British media consultant James Econs made some very rudimentary changes to a nearby phone-box in Surry and before long had turned it into a very fundamental library which seems to be working. After scrounging around for some books and placing them onto shelves lined with tape that were inscribed with 'you are welcome to take me, but please make sure you replace me...enjoy' . These Phoneboox have been a huge hit, with some people even putting in a fresh supply of books. What we loved the most was his explanation behind the idea. Econ said "I guess you don't have to be anything to make things happen. I'm not a designer, I am not a bookworm and I'm not a carpenter. I just had an idea and without really caring whether it would be a success or not....but more out of just wanting to see what would happen". It just goes to show that you don't need a lot of cash to have a great idea. 

In Ghandi's Footsteps

We don't often list websites or videos for you to check out but on this occasion it's hard to tell the story without you actually seeing the evidence (see the link below). The IOU Project is a stunning business which utilises the amazing artisans in India who create unique customised fabrics for you to buy directly online. What we love about this brand is it incorporates so many great pieces of marketing that are currently so important when building a business. There is an amazing story of how it all started with Muhatma Ghandi . The products you buy are customised to be unique to you. The business has a respect for the environment capitalising on the trend of being green and helping us to create a better world. We also love the fact that the whole story and vibe of the brand is summarised in a three minute video at the front of their website. It really says it all. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication and this website has got a lot going for it. Check out The IOU Project and then take a minute of silence to think about how you can apply this to your own business or personal world. 

Click Here for IOU PROJECT Clip