tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13092784863063890862024-03-05T17:55:16.279+11:00sam hicksBusiness Development | Marketing | Photography |www.samhicks.com.ausam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-49943822126626041302020-04-25T15:40:00.000+10:002020-04-25T15:40:25.499+10:00FREE Business Resilience program - MENTORING WITH SAM HICKS<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhPxJkzW30zsaTU61-4ZejVTMzbCSCWu_pYA_U5unUGO2gtoe-PkXhIKqReaFyfrBM71V5WW396UmzhrLJuUjMnu0rnotn2CG7tgNHw7WJi2k9a3mF4I4mz338fbfxX8XUglK1hpokUhA/s1600/Facebook+Tile+-+BRP.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="512" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhPxJkzW30zsaTU61-4ZejVTMzbCSCWu_pYA_U5unUGO2gtoe-PkXhIKqReaFyfrBM71V5WW396UmzhrLJuUjMnu0rnotn2CG7tgNHw7WJi2k9a3mF4I4mz338fbfxX8XUglK1hpokUhA/s320/Facebook+Tile+-+BRP.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Melbourne Innovation Centre has just launched a FREE
Business Resilience program.. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The program is specifically designed to assist
small businesses suffering the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Support includes free access to virtual mentoring, online
workshops, and resources.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The mentoring part is four hours...great value.. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The discussion is guided by your needs, so it might involve
developing a crisis management plan, transitioning your business to selling
online, identifying new directions and income streams, or marketing and
communicating with your customers with empathy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To be eligible for free mentoring through this program, you
must be a Victorian business with an active ABN, less than 20 employees, and be
for-profit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's FREE as its funded...and it is available now...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To check out the program: <a href="https://www.melbourneinnovation.com.au/business-resilience-program">https://www.melbourneinnovation.com.au/business-resilience-program</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those who I have met in the past…. You can book direct
with me; <a href="http://samhicks.com.au/business-resilience-covid-19-mentoring/">http://samhicks.com.au/business-resilience-covid-19-mentoring/</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816246288670557657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-82002827489031343682020-03-21T15:09:00.002+11:002020-03-21T19:54:44.491+11:00Risk and planning in small business.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnAL8_GyTKUdTK7q4llicBRSmJP0wa96Mx3Nu-2WQhxW-jIqrFrqypvy6-hloiR50CHVUSQfAAReU8l42Xb25JyCkikkRFdJQb2QxDxapdAZK2GifaBmix-MCRhy5SGm9s7vmoetg3qNe/s1600/blog+sh+Risk+%2526+planning+in+small+biz..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnAL8_GyTKUdTK7q4llicBRSmJP0wa96Mx3Nu-2WQhxW-jIqrFrqypvy6-hloiR50CHVUSQfAAReU8l42Xb25JyCkikkRFdJQb2QxDxapdAZK2GifaBmix-MCRhy5SGm9s7vmoetg3qNe/s320/blog+sh+Risk+%2526+planning+in+small+biz..png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Someone asked me the other day in relation to a not for
profit project I was working on, what is your perceived risk?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I thought about all sorts of risk, in relation to staffing,
economic times and community needs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Little did I know that nearly 2 weeks later whammo it would
have an entirely different scenario.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do we ever plan for pandemics? Do we ever plan for an entire
change in the way we do things?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hello no.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did we plan for the 2009 bushfires? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Not one bit even our emergency teams, governments, and local groups were not up for a disaster of that
magnitude. But we learned so much and hindsight and a royal commission identified what we could have done better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So are businesses planning now? Are they looking forward
enough to consider many options>?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if the first plan a does not work, will they be that tired that
plan B isn’t going to get up off the paper and or out of their heads.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Some businesses it seems are giving up... why? Maybe they didn't have a backup plan.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of my all-time favorite sayings is <b><i>fail to plan - plan
to fail.</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The biggest risk is not to have a backup plan, and in these uncertain times with a pandemic virus and the uncertainty that comes with business...we all worry about a possible recession but governments around the world are trying to ensure it does not happen with stimulus packages to boost the economies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So business owners need tricks up their sleeve to stay in the game
- to have that competitive advantage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Micheal Porters generic strategies of cost leadership, differentiation
and focus strategies need to be the basis of a goal to get through a TOUGH
time..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once objectives are outlaid its time to integrate marketing
planning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Usually, in tough times, marketing departments get their budgets
slashed or the entire department gets wiped out or if you are in small business all marketing activities are STOPPED.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's much more manageable to wind back, put activities on
hold, reassess what the new options may be and regroup.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So its review time…if your business is losing its market
share and or if the environment has changed that much like today's current
crisis ....it’s time to look at ensuring you maintain and or can retrieve
that market share in the coming months<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how do you do this? Take a step back…breathe and conduct
an honest PESTEL<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to the professor’s academy and most academic marketing
books PESTEL is an analysis tool used by marketers to evaluate the large-scale-environmental
factors in relation to the external marketing environment. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is what is having an impact on a business at the time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over time it's been expanding on to include other variables
but if you are a small business this will get you thinking about political, economic,
social, technological, environmental and legal factors.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Need to see it in the flesh? <br />
You can read up on each of
those six headings…check out; <a href="https://blog.oxfordcollegeofmarketing.com/2016/06/30/pestel-analysis/">https://blog.oxfordcollegeofmarketing.com/2016/06/30/pestel-analysis/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So back to PESTEL – once you have completed it – the results
can be used to identify threats and weaknesses which are used in a SWOT analysis.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So - the difference?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A PESTEL can be external considerations and a SWOT can be
both internal with strengths and weaknesses and opportunities and threats can
be the external.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SWOT – in its actual true form it’s a strategic analysis and
once completed it allows future decisions to be factually based and the way
forward can be decided based on knowledge gained through the process.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So really why a SWOT? It can assist in</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>understanding your business better.</li>
<li>addressing weaknesses.</li>
<li>discourage threats.</li>
<li>capitalising on opportunities.</li>
<li>taking advantage of your business's strengths and...</li>
<li>developing business goals and strategies for achieving them</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUx-nxP80sRDRiM0A1hqmrDSlqGb0Yx23E7TzSKHvyTj_Q3pN34GWg8DKGPLuJGrGAxhogNuFAEQgrBauG2J_jWDcShvy1Vo0KhyphenhyphenQ_v7DsLniBo-lzsj4hSkcXgwhIIoMYE6sGCheLwfW/s1600/Swots+with+Sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUx-nxP80sRDRiM0A1hqmrDSlqGb0Yx23E7TzSKHvyTj_Q3pN34GWg8DKGPLuJGrGAxhogNuFAEQgrBauG2J_jWDcShvy1Vo0KhyphenhyphenQ_v7DsLniBo-lzsj4hSkcXgwhIIoMYE6sGCheLwfW/s400/Swots+with+Sam.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="O0" style="language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: .38in; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: -.38in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="O0" style="language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: .38in; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: -.38in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, get swotting….be honest with it…get the team to provide
feedback too…holistic marketing and planning will be more effective.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once completed be open to the new opportunities, understand your risk and threats and embrace your weaknesses.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seek out strategic alliances, new income streams, diversify and above all be positive. Check out the government stimulus packages there may be something in it for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seek out groups online, chat with other business owners, ensure your local government councilors, CEO and local members, understand the effect this pandemic is having on small businesses. The need to understand the economic roll-on effect this will have, not just in the next month but in the coming months and years.<br />
<br />
With business sometimes you have to take risks... you have to also take a chance on a fast decision making......but with a small amount of reflection, insight, and evidence you can make an informed decision... and be better for it in the long run.<br />
<br />
<i>Nothing ventured nothing gained.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh and by the way, once you have completed your PESTEL and SWOT reward yourself…we all need a
pat on the back..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Need help brainstorming in these difficult times? Need to
PESTEL or SWOT ?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Or need help with marketing?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
sam@samhicksc.com.au<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816246288670557657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-73117609404455625872020-03-16T09:06:00.002+11:002020-03-16T09:16:50.259+11:00Ideas for businesses and how to support local<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmI7ssGHmf4-Fyv-RCKS7x4F0_R42VS1z9lN-rsGxgArwKbPIPvZKQ9VCr-P9z5DXLt2W2An7Iw_uQn65u-RVyFUDA4FkA5MOMl5Wqt2Oh8DQ5Ae10PAhzGneqlcGAa_o9yxPf1o9hjeE/s1600/ideas+for+business+and+how+to+SUPPORT+local.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmI7ssGHmf4-Fyv-RCKS7x4F0_R42VS1z9lN-rsGxgArwKbPIPvZKQ9VCr-P9z5DXLt2W2An7Iw_uQn65u-RVyFUDA4FkA5MOMl5Wqt2Oh8DQ5Ae10PAhzGneqlcGAa_o9yxPf1o9hjeE/s400/ideas+for+business+and+how+to+SUPPORT+local.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">How to
help businesses now?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Consider
buying a gift certificate from your favourite restaurant or accommodation
provider that you can use after the pandemic passes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br />
Assists a business NOW and encourages sustainability long term.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Shop local,
learn who your local producers are, follow your local food and wine group on
social media, they won’t run out like the supermarkets short term but need your
support, go back to basics, embrace seasonality.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Not for
profit groups? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Planning a
meeting why not host a virtual meeting, skype, zoon etc can help you do this.. What’s App (uses your internet) you can do Facetime (as does messenger) we have a huge variety
of tech at our disposal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Use it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Social isolation
will save lives, but we still need that interaction and good grief our communities
still need to grow and develop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">How businesses
can be proactive?<br />
</span></b><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br />
Deliveries – at home and to front doors? Is this something you can offer?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Take advanced
bookings for summer and next year offer an incentive for clients not to cancel
just postpone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Reduce a
table or a few chairs to increase that 1-metre range for diners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Develop COVID
19 polices – get your team to work with you on this.....seek outside medial advice if you can.<br />Clients usually come to you? What about going to them? diversify - get creative.<br />Encourage your staff to buy local...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Don't give up...our local economies depend on vibrancy.. and income..</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">So, you are
in lockdown for two weeks…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Boredom may
set in…but there is so much to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">For a businessperson
this is a great time to PLAN – business, marketing and explore diversification.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Build COVID
19 policies develop ways to instill confidence in your customers and remember once
its done - COMMUNICATE what you are doing to keep everyone safe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Reach out
to clients, see if they are ok.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Take up an online
course and work from home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Invest in
your staff…..upskill staff – encourage them:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">to work from home, <br />
take on a course …those gaps that you identified can be worked upon at home in
their own time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Stay in touch see how they are going.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Staff are your BIGGEST ASSET.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">If you have
a premise…shut the doors for a few weeks and do that urgent maintenance! Paint
freshen up displays and wash walls. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Anything to make a difference and feel in
control of your patch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Give early holidays
and encourage staff to swap their holidays for now instead of the busy times
ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Overall..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Don’t sit
still…. business doesn’t stop just because this MASSIVE challenge has come our
way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">And finally…
be optimistic, we all need to work together and support local businesses and
our community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Need help planning? need help marketing? - reach out sam@samhicks.com.au</span></div>
<br />sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816246288670557657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-9578035961041009852020-03-10T11:49:00.001+11:002020-03-10T11:50:38.861+11:00<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHS0A5q6uix7ymt2PKks70yYsIVDsT93qKD6NsGg_LnOYf6fvkHOra-cQ6spIkA-Qe8yt2zYvWxS_94TG7_0rAuDssVEjvh9BtzNYeakmQpCxVXlBqaOydaYs-HyNO8LTYDqjUGLnvXBah/s1600/TP+2020.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHS0A5q6uix7ymt2PKks70yYsIVDsT93qKD6NsGg_LnOYf6fvkHOra-cQ6spIkA-Qe8yt2zYvWxS_94TG7_0rAuDssVEjvh9BtzNYeakmQpCxVXlBqaOydaYs-HyNO8LTYDqjUGLnvXBah/s320/TP+2020.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">So here we
are in 2020, and the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is surpassing 100,00
infected cases… the WHO team is traveling to country after country to
supports so many countries and their responses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">And what
does the public do here in Australia?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Buy Toilet
paper..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">According
to media outlets…the public panic-buying is putting pressure on Australian
factories to operate 24 hours a day to keep up with demand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Supermarkets
are imposing quantity limits on toilet paper packs to ensure more customers
have access.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">It seems online
delivery services are out of stock as well with Who gives a crap Co-founder
Simon who reported an 800% boost in sales in early March ..( twitter tweet March
3 2020 ) and there are many groups of Aussies vulnerable who can’t afford to
buy in bulk affected by the lack of toilet tissue on the shelves..</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">some reports
of older people going to four supermarkets before kind-hearted neighbours
helping them out via social media groups. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">(</span><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8085673/Sydney-man-generously-offers-neighbours-extra-toilet-paper-supermarket-shelves-left-bare.html"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8085673/Sydney-man-generously-offers-neighbours-extra-toilet-paper-supermarket-shelves-left-bare.html</span></a><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"> )<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">But what
has been happening online is very interesting in the number of memes and jokes
that have been created.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Many are
calling it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>#toiletpapergate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">From hiked
up costs per roll, to everything being used as a mask, to creative DIY options
to minimise risk and or exposure mentions in advertising to motivate people to
wash hands-on TikTok, and even a new way of shaking hands using your feet…so it
seems TP and cleaning your hands are being used together possibly to showcase
the stupidity of the panic buying.<br />
<br />
Some of the memes have been pure gold and have stirred up both sides of the for
and against using humour to get messages out including prevention of spreading
the virus and or to be part of the disparaging joking that is going on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Many are
questioning the blackness of the humour, is it too soon? From the people are
dying - this is serious crew to the individuals who keep on making jokes and
memes to somehow appease the rising anxiety of it all and encourage that whole distortion
that occurs when people don’t fact check.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Global Brands
like Virgin (</span><a href="https://www.airlineratings.com/news/toilet-paper-available-virgin-australia-flights/"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">https://www.airlineratings.com/news/toilet-paper-available-virgin-australia-flights/</span></a><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"> ) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and local brands like the Brighton Savoy (</span><a href="https://www.5why.com.au/toiletpaperemergency-is-trending-on-twitter-and-now-the-world-knows-how-stupid-we-are/"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">https://www.5why.com.au/toiletpaperemergency-is-trending-on-twitter-and-now-the-world-knows-how-stupid-we-are/</span></a><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"> )<br />
and GAP (</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GreyhoundAdoptionProgramVIC/"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">https://www.facebook.com/GreyhoundAdoptionProgramVIC/</span></a><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"> ) on March 4 have used it to their
advantage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br />Giveaways with usually saleable items now enhanced with a freeroll. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Talk about leveraging a social happening that is currently topical.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">In the back
ground other brands like WIRED are questing it, <br />
( </span><a href="https://www.wired.com/story/coronavirus-memes-humor/"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">https://www.wired.com/story/coronavirus-memes-humor/</span></a><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"> )<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>is it ok to use a virus to ensure you are in front of mind with your
clients and or followers?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">So if you are
going to do it….do it with great humor and respect…. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Social Media Examiner
suggests “ If you don’t think a meme you’ve created is funny, interesting, or
insightful, your customers probably won’t either. <br />“ ( </span><a href="https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-use-memes-guide-for-marketers/"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-use-memes-guide-for-marketers/</span></a><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"> )<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Funny
enough I don’t see many giving away hand sanitiser or any memes for that… ill
guess I’ll just wait.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Need assistance with your marketing - sam@samhicks.com.au</span> </div>
<br />sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816246288670557657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-82513178450569126692019-11-23T13:00:00.002+11:002019-11-23T13:08:53.565+11:00Content Marketing - the online challenge...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRx8JIMpC-13I3k4rmXa6AQPBhTtiLQiOMEoVfFlkXZyZapT4Pxf5IjDl3kAgg_8J9Kz6GnzeEQI2w_So5uohbQnxzmejyE3DPRvKeiRo1F7KRabJ6trpqupv60SQK80W46xBPPUXauPpf/s1600/Content+Marketing+-+the+online+Challenge....png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRx8JIMpC-13I3k4rmXa6AQPBhTtiLQiOMEoVfFlkXZyZapT4Pxf5IjDl3kAgg_8J9Kz6GnzeEQI2w_So5uohbQnxzmejyE3DPRvKeiRo1F7KRabJ6trpqupv60SQK80W46xBPPUXauPpf/s640/Content+Marketing+-+the+online+Challenge....png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>What is Content Marketing...and why it is so challenging?</b><br />
<br />
This is the most popular question I get asked in mentoring sessions and at workshops. <br />
Business owners often query if this is a new term or is it something they should be doing.<br />
<br />
According to research '<i>content marketing is a form of marketing focused on creating, publishing, and distributing content for a targeted audience online</i>' which includes social media, blogs, vlogs (video logs) or videos.<br />
<br />
There are many claims on the internet that Blogging was the foundation of Content Marketing and blog articles pioneered content marketing and become commonplace in the business world, as well as day to day society. <br />
<br />
<i>I started my first blog in 2009 it was a basic site via Blogger and for the audience, I was trying to attract for our regional food and wine group it allowed people to access authentic information on businesses and events for free.</i><br />
<br />
<b>But Content Marketing is just marketing, right?</b><br />
<br />
Well, it’s much more than marketing, traditional marketing was a one-way street, these days it’s a dual two - way process and therefore more engagement is required.<br />
<br />
So, business owners need to view it from a strategic viewpoint, it's about brand awareness - attracting and retaining an audience that you can interact with and convert – meaning you are able to drive a sale if you are front of mind for potential customers.<br />
<br />
It is building up that relationship and creating friendships that lead to sales. Today it is about being customer focussed and driven.<br />
<br />
Content Marketing is still marketing but it’s on steroids now…being online is one major touchpoint of your business. It builds credibility in your chosen industry you can be perceived as being a thought leader if you blog.<br />
<br />
So back to content marketing…. let's create and post…simple right?<br />
<br />
No….<br />
<br />
Stop right now!<br />
<br />
This is making a HUGE assumption that you the business owner know your target audience and or your customers well enough to do so…..<br />
Do you know what are they looking for?<br />
<br />
Do they require knowledge, advice, or entertainment? Is the online channel chosen in a consumable format? For example, are your clients enjoying one online channel more than others?<br />
<br />
Ah, the favorite word of mine..tracking…some of my clients prefer Facebook others prefer Instagram most will read a blog but they are time-poor and will do so at night or early in the morning.<br />
<br />
Refer to insights and data to give you that evidence or better still ask a few clients direct and see how they are interacting and or following you?<br />
<br />
You can be creating blog articles, videos, podcasts, posting online, emailing creating webinars designing Infographics, creating cartoons and quizzes – but this will take up precious hours especially if you are not getting any engagement.<br />
<br />
<b><i>So the first item - is a plan!</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
What needs to be in the plan?<br />
<br />
Content + structure + design = deliver the intended meaning needs to be considered first.<br />
<br />
<b>Content </b><br />
You need to showcase your business values and provide value in your offering.<br />
Think about the content you will offer. What are your business values? What can you offer of value?<br />
Planning and delivery also make up the content as well as governance - what are the boundaries and who is doing what role?<br />
<br />
<b>Structure </b><br />
How will the content be prioritised, organized, and accessed?<br />
It must be aligned with your marketing plan, events make take priority over information on your services or individual products.<br />
Choose the appropriate channel, gather your tools to help, research and utilise apps, learn to schedule and research sharing apps.<br />
<br />
<b>Design</b><br />
This is primarily about how your followers will interact with the content based on the contents behavior ie humor, informative. Is the content able to address the needs of a diverse range of followers? <br />
<br />
Do you need to post a range of designed content to reach a bigger range of consumers? Possibly... but this gets back to creating content that your clients gain a benefit from and tracking those engagements.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
The next BIG question…..<b>why post, why create content? </b><br />
What do the academics and experts think?<br />
<br />
After reading a few documents, researching marketing textbooks it seems content can benefit as an engagement with your consumers and may increase consumer quality perceptions, satisfaction, trust, and consumer retention for each business.<br />
<br />
Sometimes it may be a simple as a referral from your readers to a potential client.<br />
<br />
But again, they emphasise <i><b>knowledge of understanding your customer’s needs</b>.</i><br />
<br />
Many businesses make the common mistake of not taking the time to understand their customers/clients personas, what makes them tick, what are their purchase persuasions and what are they are looking to purchase?<br />
<br />
Remember those marketing terms wants vs needs and being able to fix consumers' problems.<br />
<br />
It goes deeper than demographics you need to work out are they 1; A follower or a 2. A consumer?<br />
<br />
<i>I have some clients who started following me on social media then engaged me to do work for their businesses. They often comment on how they have enjoyed my informative posts. </i><i>So, I know they fall into the two categories listed above.</i><br />
<br />
Two things to consider once you have worked out who your followers are:<br />
<br />
1. Ensure you have value in the posts and don't forget;<br />
2. a call to action – what do you want people to do?<br />
<br />
So common asked questions from clients -<br />
<br />
<b>“ oh this does my head in…how do I come up with content all the time?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Think about what you want to convey – so plan – post - review - change and post again.<br />
<br />
Sounds easy but it is not. Planning is the key as then its as simple as choosing a topic and creating content.<br />
<br />
Some businesses use an online template and adapt to their industry and business.<br />
<br />
It can be a simple as print out a calendar with a new note on it or a reminder set up in your phone or via google docs (google sheet – add ons – add reminder – set up or edit )<br />
<br />
Topics to get you thinking;<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Behind the scenes ( BTS ) </li>
<li>MTT meet the team, </li>
<li>FBF #flashbackfriday </li>
<li>FAQ</li>
<li>Did you know Fact</li>
</ol>
<br />
Consider an inspirational quote, a beautiful image with a thought, testimonial – see where I am going here?<br />
<br />
Search for apps that will assist you to get your plans happening…<br />
<br />
<b>“ How do I know what to post?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Start small – a business intro, a meet the team post, a bit about you, something humorous regarding your industry or a current social theme.<br />
<br />
Reminders about your services and a small spiel or a photo of you working, highlight a local business that is doing well.<br />
<br />
Consider user-generated content. This usually is sharing something that relates, but don’t share the for the heck of it, add a little text and a call to action (CTA)<br />
<br />
Overall be authentic..be you, be your brand.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>“ I don’t want to be laughed at for a silly post?</b><br />
<br />
So, think about who is seeing this, one suggestion is it fit for your parents to see, will you upset minority groups and or is it offensive?<br />
<br />
Is it in line with your brand? If you are relying on your brand being positive and upbeat and with values of integrity and trust and then you post something offensive? The result could be followers quickly unfollowing your social media account and there will be no engagement with your business.<br />
<br />
Even worse they will share the post and call you out. <i>This equals brand damage.</i><br />
<br />
<b>“Do I need to post every day?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
No 2-3 times per week or even once a week is fine, a few times with small items such as testimonial, a video or a feature of your business you want to highlight such as an event or local happening.<br />
<br />
Some of the best and more engaging posts are ones that are quality over quantity – well researched, insightful, meaningful and that show vulnerability or talk passionately about a cause close to the business and or the team's heart.<br />
<br />
I see many accounts posting up to 6 times a day it becomes boring especially if it’s a similar theme.<br />
<br />
Remember people are time-poor.<br />
<br />
So take the time to plan - have fun doing so you won't regret it.<br />
<br />
<i>Need a review of your plans, or just need someone to look over your plans and help you streamline or cement those ideas?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Drop me an email ; <a href="mailto:sam@samhicks.com.au">sam@samhicks.com.au</a><br />
<br />
Follow me on Facebook or Instasam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816246288670557657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-62365543499922879732019-10-14T15:12:00.001+11:002019-10-15T20:30:29.979+11:00To Meme or not to Meme that is the promotional question..<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh the love of a great meme, sometimes it’s the snippet of fun that will get you into a happy motivated mood if your mood is a bit like...a Monday morning….a tad slow.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to the internet, it’s “an idea a behavior, or style that spreads from person to person within a culture—often with the aim of conveying a phenomenon, theme, or meaning represented by the meme.”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, its art imitating life or is it life imitating art……the internet also mentions that a Meme is an abbreviated form of the Greek word "mimeme," which means "something imitated."</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, when did we get all the first meme? Remember the dancing baby? Baby Cha-Cha-Cha in 1996 to which showed the world the new CGI software by Kinetix Character Studio… we were all captivated.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">British scientist Richard Dawkins defended his new word ‘ Meme ‘ in stating it’s "a unit of cultural transmission and that was way back in1976 in a book he wrote titled The Selfish Gene.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But as humor transcends any culture or any civilisation we ran with it.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emerald Catron in March 2018 gathered up the top 30 or so Memes</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://bestlifeonline.com/funniest-memes-all-time/">https://bestlifeonline.com/funniest-memes-all-time/</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> As with all things popular on the internet, animals feature well as pop-cultural famous people. But no mention of the popular minions or superheroes – old-style batman that we see so many of.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, should we use them in business...?</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKo818jemtb1ydmFSfRjJBY24ozON4qAthCGEIseNiumOLvwPoh3cnJWja-BNyaJdAm7Z6xQt8ShZD252mdCHDkEMEZx54EPsyI7-AdkzSypKKCuInMYL0TQqjFunyoYJaSuZVEuHXmo5/s1600/meme+or+not+to+meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1260" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKo818jemtb1ydmFSfRjJBY24ozON4qAthCGEIseNiumOLvwPoh3cnJWja-BNyaJdAm7Z6xQt8ShZD252mdCHDkEMEZx54EPsyI7-AdkzSypKKCuInMYL0TQqjFunyoYJaSuZVEuHXmo5/s320/meme+or+not+to+meme.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"> https://imgflip.com/i/3d8u9d</span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">According to G.E Belch and M.A. Belch; An integrated marketing approach perspective,
2018 published by Mcgraw – Hill, humor is
one of the appeals that are best remembered in any promotional activity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Feeling positive after having or
seeing a great funny advert can be uplifting and memorable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some critics say it a distraction from the brand,
that if viewed too often it can lead to wear out or it may become annoying if
consumers are overexposed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Modern marketers may introduce 'pool outs' or many versions of the same theme,
but one must have the budget to allow this.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Humour being only of the popular and common types of message appeals including comparative advertising or fear can get lost due to the clutter in mass media.<br /><br />You only have to see your facebook feed to understand the mass of memes.<br /><br />As Meme generation is really inexpensive content as explained by social media examiner <a href="https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-use-memes-guide-for-marketers/">https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-use-memes-guide-for-marketers/</a> they actually suggest you can use existing media by adding a new caption that is a twist on your sector or industry.<br /><br />They suggest that “If you can make your audience laugh, you’ll attract followers and help viewers relate to your brand.”<br /><br />They also suggest being authentic to your brand, use your knowledge of your preferred market and its persona. Target their likes and dislikes, entertain and identify their concerns. In saying all of this you must be socially aware of what is trending and or what your niche market is interested in.<br /><br />To create look at other memes in your industry Google them and see what is popular and then either create your own original memes or use a template from a meme creator.<br /><br /> At the end of the day, have fun and if you can engage, motivate and create content that your audience enjoys your social media channels will do well and it will be a great ROI.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-AU" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#memes #marketing #samhickscomau</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-AU" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Need assistance with your marketing? </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get in touch; www.samhicks.com.au</span></span>sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816246288670557657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-18652632713308713622019-07-13T10:30:00.000+10:002019-07-13T10:34:51.347+10:00A good book by the fire on a wet day !<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5d2921edb2ab77722067502" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">
<div style="display: block; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 6px;">
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dM8vezuzBPWM-ycgvMsi9ZAIhsiKkZEa8tba6YKtv181MBHmO3WjUbydlgjhrPwmwsLZRlHBJdl94y9oGWBZLWPyJELjBdjeAXGDiw1y1adnLeJENJkv1eDbP75-BOY76lyLiQ0rivVN/s1600/66754507_491628874940361_3706772929267105792_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dM8vezuzBPWM-ycgvMsi9ZAIhsiKkZEa8tba6YKtv181MBHmO3WjUbydlgjhrPwmwsLZRlHBJdl94y9oGWBZLWPyJELjBdjeAXGDiw1y1adnLeJENJkv1eDbP75-BOY76lyLiQ0rivVN/s400/66754507_491628874940361_3706772929267105792_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>“<b>Welcome to the age of emotion – how to attract and connect with customers using video”</b></i><b> </b></div>
<div style="display: block; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 6px;">
a new book by M<span style="font-family: inherit;">ichael Langdon, 2018, McPhersons, Australia., </span></div>
<div style="display: block; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 6px;">
This is a book I received in the mail as a <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=165134183511845&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARAzitS5rVmWZ63HRISjrg-xtoAu9eR18_aHomB1_dEqcyoWTlzHf0Ytb9QcXsxKl4JMLA1cx2gTqqgR%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/marketingmag.com.au/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARAzitS5rVmWZ63HRISjrg-xtoAu9eR18_aHomB1_dEqcyoWTlzHf0Ytb9QcXsxKl4JMLA1cx2gTqqgR&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBX8EOQmb4di438iDNwV4VXJyarjZzMXQJH27mCZJzI80ADE-0mck1mj2vsdiaeRbSvV28hkPBlCnNLf8Woo2_Aaeu_w8eM7HK7lhMHr0z1EVl-EmAdl7Ts32EcBLeGkEeXfGXNIdDXqD6lSOWTB7j_CIy4WPNmxcdERnPvoohdVQwUY-i_W5GK7PHUZprCyzhwBeoE3xMMnF63EFBFJ6ULqRiORz7H1bpAOmFZar2jVQQI45KAjO4kNmvFnbpe-oJNuwBRYEQd-SoPqJ2lSkrb_-hquQwhqBQR7b1dFu9Es41_7RU9Kj3eYoot9DteF4_R1mgDjSy4RV2jECecuGMong" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Marketing magazine</a> subscriber.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
I thought oh here is a free book ??This may be interesting.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="display: block; font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
I was surprised, it actually was a great read and timey given the need for research for clients and study.</div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 6px;">
Plus it was a perfect day for reading..</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 6px;">
<br />
So with hot coffee and a roaring fire alongside me I read about the opportunities that come with video and the benefits to business.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
We all know that video is a higher viewed medium than an image. Just look at UTube, noted as the biggest search engine by Langdon in his book.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
<br />
Or even check out your insights behind your Facebook or Instagram accounts to see how video performs in posts compared to a link or an image.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
The author, <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=123484454977436&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARCzL8HvhYnnqZOiVZdNe2-muLw-zO2uTAUdIptX0AOi5aXtLhyU0bIANPyf1SmpncEOmDftfimhO6Xl%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/IamMLangdon/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARCzL8HvhYnnqZOiVZdNe2-muLw-zO2uTAUdIptX0AOi5aXtLhyU0bIANPyf1SmpncEOmDftfimhO6Xl&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBX8EOQmb4di438iDNwV4VXJyarjZzMXQJH27mCZJzI80ADE-0mck1mj2vsdiaeRbSvV28hkPBlCnNLf8Woo2_Aaeu_w8eM7HK7lhMHr0z1EVl-EmAdl7Ts32EcBLeGkEeXfGXNIdDXqD6lSOWTB7j_CIy4WPNmxcdERnPvoohdVQwUY-i_W5GK7PHUZprCyzhwBeoE3xMMnF63EFBFJ6ULqRiORz7H1bpAOmFZar2jVQQI45KAjO4kNmvFnbpe-oJNuwBRYEQd-SoPqJ2lSkrb_-hquQwhqBQR7b1dFu9Es41_7RU9Kj3eYoot9DteF4_R1mgDjSy4RV2jECecuGMong" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Michael Langdon</a> has a wealth of experience in video and selling emotion on the screen. He is candid through the book about his on job education, people who have given him valuable experiences and the book is a journey of his achievements and learnings as a video creator.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
Michael Langdon opens the book with a situation that could go wrong and I was thinking there for a moment oh good grief this is going to end in tears. </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
<br />
But it doesn’t and he explains how to consider emotion in your video message.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
Langton speaks about the importance of storytelling and making sure your video work for your business is relatable to everyday experiences and conveys benefits.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
He emphases connecting the emotive influences of video to target and attract prospects and turn them into devoted clients or followers of your business.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
Langdon identifies 14 types of videos including Vlogging, promotion, livestreams and testimonials and provides valuable insights into the benefits and roles of each.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
He takes you through production basics such as lighting and perspectives to video approaches, the importance of great sound, editing and which platforms to use.... almost a one stop shop for the business owner who wants to increase their connection with their consumers.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
An added bonus was how video can give back to your business with valuable hours utilising video.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
Overall the take homes for me?</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
<br />
• Humanisation on video is the face of the brand.,<br />
• Emotions are what drives us.,<br />
• Video is a huge marketing tool if planning, strategy, tracking and your return on investment is monitored.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
Langtons book is available through Angus Robertson online, Amazon etc...and well worth it !</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
Thanks Michael!! <span class="_47e3 _5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;" title="heart emoticon"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/ted/2/16/2764.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span aria-hidden="true" class="_7oe" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;"><3</span></span> for sharing your valuable knowledge and thanks to Marketing Mag for posting it to me!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMJC9KzAysYufcydh-OmehQXw-L-cZ8dTBjrdqDYv8cKlm9teG1I2ev1ZdgcfrCVq4xL9HsPzPbiPEkLOoWbchubzkSY00fV04ljQTgR6DHy_k1yKUnb37icr-_MVbMA4g-FzLZRpfut0/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMJC9KzAysYufcydh-OmehQXw-L-cZ8dTBjrdqDYv8cKlm9teG1I2ev1ZdgcfrCVq4xL9HsPzPbiPEkLOoWbchubzkSY00fV04ljQTgR6DHy_k1yKUnb37icr-_MVbMA4g-FzLZRpfut0/s1600/download.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://www.angusrobertson.com.au/books/welcome-to-the-age-of-emotion-michael-langdon/p/9781925648782?zsrc=go-nons&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImLDnjqWv4wIV1SMrCh2ZTwgfEAYYAiABEgLv8fD_BwE">https://www.angusrobertson.com.au/books/welcome-to-the-age-of-emotion-michael-langdon/p/9781925648782?zsrc=go-nons&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImLDnjqWv4wIV1SMrCh2ZTwgfEAYYAiABEgLv8fD_BwE</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 6px 0px;">
<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/investmentinlearning?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBX8EOQmb4di438iDNwV4VXJyarjZzMXQJH27mCZJzI80ADE-0mck1mj2vsdiaeRbSvV28hkPBlCnNLf8Woo2_Aaeu_w8eM7HK7lhMHr0z1EVl-EmAdl7Ts32EcBLeGkEeXfGXNIdDXqD6lSOWTB7j_CIy4WPNmxcdERnPvoohdVQwUY-i_W5GK7PHUZprCyzhwBeoE3xMMnF63EFBFJ6ULqRiORz7H1bpAOmFZar2jVQQI45KAjO4kNmvFnbpe-oJNuwBRYEQd-SoPqJ2lSkrb_-hquQwhqBQR7b1dFu9Es41_7RU9Kj3eYoot9DteF4_R1mgDjSy4RV2jECecuGMong&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">investmentinlearning</span></span></a><br />
<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/welcometotheageofemotion?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBX8EOQmb4di438iDNwV4VXJyarjZzMXQJH27mCZJzI80ADE-0mck1mj2vsdiaeRbSvV28hkPBlCnNLf8Woo2_Aaeu_w8eM7HK7lhMHr0z1EVl-EmAdl7Ts32EcBLeGkEeXfGXNIdDXqD6lSOWTB7j_CIy4WPNmxcdERnPvoohdVQwUY-i_W5GK7PHUZprCyzhwBeoE3xMMnF63EFBFJ6ULqRiORz7H1bpAOmFZar2jVQQI45KAjO4kNmvFnbpe-oJNuwBRYEQd-SoPqJ2lSkrb_-hquQwhqBQR7b1dFu9Es41_7RU9Kj3eYoot9DteF4_R1mgDjSy4RV2jECecuGMong&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">welcometotheageofemotion</span></span></a><br />
<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/marketingmagcomau?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBX8EOQmb4di438iDNwV4VXJyarjZzMXQJH27mCZJzI80ADE-0mck1mj2vsdiaeRbSvV28hkPBlCnNLf8Woo2_Aaeu_w8eM7HK7lhMHr0z1EVl-EmAdl7Ts32EcBLeGkEeXfGXNIdDXqD6lSOWTB7j_CIy4WPNmxcdERnPvoohdVQwUY-i_W5GK7PHUZprCyzhwBeoE3xMMnF63EFBFJ6ULqRiORz7H1bpAOmFZar2jVQQI45KAjO4kNmvFnbpe-oJNuwBRYEQd-SoPqJ2lSkrb_-hquQwhqBQR7b1dFu9Es41_7RU9Kj3eYoot9DteF4_R1mgDjSy4RV2jECecuGMong&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">marketingmagcomau</span></span></a><br />
<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/agreatbookunder30bucks?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBX8EOQmb4di438iDNwV4VXJyarjZzMXQJH27mCZJzI80ADE-0mck1mj2vsdiaeRbSvV28hkPBlCnNLf8Woo2_Aaeu_w8eM7HK7lhMHr0z1EVl-EmAdl7Ts32EcBLeGkEeXfGXNIdDXqD6lSOWTB7j_CIy4WPNmxcdERnPvoohdVQwUY-i_W5GK7PHUZprCyzhwBeoE3xMMnF63EFBFJ6ULqRiORz7H1bpAOmFZar2jVQQI45KAjO4kNmvFnbpe-oJNuwBRYEQd-SoPqJ2lSkrb_-hquQwhqBQR7b1dFu9Es41_7RU9Kj3eYoot9DteF4_R1mgDjSy4RV2jECecuGMong&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">agreatbookunder30bucks</span></span></a><br />
<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bookreview?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBX8EOQmb4di438iDNwV4VXJyarjZzMXQJH27mCZJzI80ADE-0mck1mj2vsdiaeRbSvV28hkPBlCnNLf8Woo2_Aaeu_w8eM7HK7lhMHr0z1EVl-EmAdl7Ts32EcBLeGkEeXfGXNIdDXqD6lSOWTB7j_CIy4WPNmxcdERnPvoohdVQwUY-i_W5GK7PHUZprCyzhwBeoE3xMMnF63EFBFJ6ULqRiORz7H1bpAOmFZar2jVQQI45KAjO4kNmvFnbpe-oJNuwBRYEQd-SoPqJ2lSkrb_-hquQwhqBQR7b1dFu9Es41_7RU9Kj3eYoot9DteF4_R1mgDjSy4RV2jECecuGMong&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">bookreview</span></span></a><br />
<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/straighttothebookcase?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBX8EOQmb4di438iDNwV4VXJyarjZzMXQJH27mCZJzI80ADE-0mck1mj2vsdiaeRbSvV28hkPBlCnNLf8Woo2_Aaeu_w8eM7HK7lhMHr0z1EVl-EmAdl7Ts32EcBLeGkEeXfGXNIdDXqD6lSOWTB7j_CIy4WPNmxcdERnPvoohdVQwUY-i_W5GK7PHUZprCyzhwBeoE3xMMnF63EFBFJ6ULqRiORz7H1bpAOmFZar2jVQQI45KAjO4kNmvFnbpe-oJNuwBRYEQd-SoPqJ2lSkrb_-hquQwhqBQR7b1dFu9Es41_7RU9Kj3eYoot9DteF4_R1mgDjSy4RV2jECecuGMong&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">straighttothebookcase</span></span></a><br />
<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/resource?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBX8EOQmb4di438iDNwV4VXJyarjZzMXQJH27mCZJzI80ADE-0mck1mj2vsdiaeRbSvV28hkPBlCnNLf8Woo2_Aaeu_w8eM7HK7lhMHr0z1EVl-EmAdl7Ts32EcBLeGkEeXfGXNIdDXqD6lSOWTB7j_CIy4WPNmxcdERnPvoohdVQwUY-i_W5GK7PHUZprCyzhwBeoE3xMMnF63EFBFJ6ULqRiORz7H1bpAOmFZar2jVQQI45KAjO4kNmvFnbpe-oJNuwBRYEQd-SoPqJ2lSkrb_-hquQwhqBQR7b1dFu9Es41_7RU9Kj3eYoot9DteF4_R1mgDjSy4RV2jECecuGMong&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">resource</span></span></a><br />
<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/marketing?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBX8EOQmb4di438iDNwV4VXJyarjZzMXQJH27mCZJzI80ADE-0mck1mj2vsdiaeRbSvV28hkPBlCnNLf8Woo2_Aaeu_w8eM7HK7lhMHr0z1EVl-EmAdl7Ts32EcBLeGkEeXfGXNIdDXqD6lSOWTB7j_CIy4WPNmxcdERnPvoohdVQwUY-i_W5GK7PHUZprCyzhwBeoE3xMMnF63EFBFJ6ULqRiORz7H1bpAOmFZar2jVQQI45KAjO4kNmvFnbpe-oJNuwBRYEQd-SoPqJ2lSkrb_-hquQwhqBQR7b1dFu9Es41_7RU9Kj3eYoot9DteF4_R1mgDjSy4RV2jECecuGMong&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">marketing</span></span></a><br />
<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/samhicksmarketing?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBX8EOQmb4di438iDNwV4VXJyarjZzMXQJH27mCZJzI80ADE-0mck1mj2vsdiaeRbSvV28hkPBlCnNLf8Woo2_Aaeu_w8eM7HK7lhMHr0z1EVl-EmAdl7Ts32EcBLeGkEeXfGXNIdDXqD6lSOWTB7j_CIy4WPNmxcdERnPvoohdVQwUY-i_W5GK7PHUZprCyzhwBeoE3xMMnF63EFBFJ6ULqRiORz7H1bpAOmFZar2jVQQI45KAjO4kNmvFnbpe-oJNuwBRYEQd-SoPqJ2lSkrb_-hquQwhqBQR7b1dFu9Es41_7RU9Kj3eYoot9DteF4_R1mgDjSy4RV2jECecuGMong&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">samhicksmarketing</span></span></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="_3x-2" data-ft="{"tn":"H"}" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div data-ft="{"tn":"H"}" style="font-family: inherit;">
<div class="mtm" style="font-family: inherit; margin-top: 10px;">
<div class="_2a2q _65sr" style="font-family: inherit; height: 474px; margin-left: -12px; margin-right: -12px; overflow: hidden; position: relative; width: 474px;">
<a ajaxify="/SamHicksMarketing/photos/pcb.1388960811243378/1388947454578047/?type=3&__tn__=HH-R&eid=ARADTLJx41gXpHEFbyLJN_tf7eAE-8tut-d6UTa-N_5bqXkfeGnqLW9VciumKwAD6W_zoGTIpZmb_-kX&size=189%2C267&fbid=1388947454578047&source=13&player_origin=unknown&referrer_profile_id=422083151264487&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBX8EOQmb4di438iDNwV4VXJyarjZzMXQJH27mCZJzI80ADE-0mck1mj2vsdiaeRbSvV28hkPBlCnNLf8Woo2_Aaeu_w8eM7HK7lhMHr0z1EVl-EmAdl7Ts32EcBLeGkEeXfGXNIdDXqD6lSOWTB7j_CIy4WPNmxcdERnPvoohdVQwUY-i_W5GK7PHUZprCyzhwBeoE3xMMnF63EFBFJ6ULqRiORz7H1bpAOmFZar2jVQQI45KAjO4kNmvFnbpe-oJNuwBRYEQd-SoPqJ2lSkrb_-hquQwhqBQR7b1dFu9Es41_7RU9Kj3eYoot9DteF4_R1mgDjSy4RV2jECecuGMong" class="_5dec _xcx" data-ploi="https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/62407115_1388947457911380_5267889461420621824_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_oc=AQmYXITvnQWFGdKjxnQSvCQTsOiTLNdV622RamSumTT7S5rJS9-YbkWprKoTgHfRuN0&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=ad3fa6cfbc3902c0a091e1a853110836&oe=5DBB0CA7" data-referrerid="422083151264487" data-render-location="homepage_stream" href="https://www.facebook.com/SamHicksMarketing/photos/pcb.1388960811243378/1388947454578047/?type=3&__tn__=HH-R&eid=ARADTLJx41gXpHEFbyLJN_tf7eAE-8tut-d6UTa-N_5bqXkfeGnqLW9VciumKwAD6W_zoGTIpZmb_-kX&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBX8EOQmb4di438iDNwV4VXJyarjZzMXQJH27mCZJzI80ADE-0mck1mj2vsdiaeRbSvV28hkPBlCnNLf8Woo2_Aaeu_w8eM7HK7lhMHr0z1EVl-EmAdl7Ts32EcBLeGkEeXfGXNIdDXqD6lSOWTB7j_CIy4WPNmxcdERnPvoohdVQwUY-i_W5GK7PHUZprCyzhwBeoE3xMMnF63EFBFJ6ULqRiORz7H1bpAOmFZar2jVQQI45KAjO4kNmvFnbpe-oJNuwBRYEQd-SoPqJ2lSkrb_-hquQwhqBQR7b1dFu9Es41_7RU9Kj3eYoot9DteF4_R1mgDjSy4RV2jECecuGMong" id="u_69_5" rel="theater" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-family: inherit; height: 474px; left: 0px; position: absolute; text-decoration: none; top: 0px; width: 236px;"></a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-testid="post_message" id="js_32k" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 6px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 135.1pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 135.1pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816246288670557657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-55196812072304909342019-05-30T21:13:00.000+10:002019-05-30T21:13:30.722+10:00Sam Hicks - Marketing<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuU-zKXPjAYlfuB0Wv4ZNtExcXEf5Rrgmn6fw1NYa8bXDhyphenhyphen1GQtmonR7ZDAdRDNdkUh21G69FXjdYPfwX0RMwD1US1TAHYY50IsG7vhLVj61qM7qhGiQh091rw4qEf1nPTokKIN8NY1CG/s1600/Sam-Hicks-MARKETING+COVER+PIC+2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1600" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuU-zKXPjAYlfuB0Wv4ZNtExcXEf5Rrgmn6fw1NYa8bXDhyphenhyphen1GQtmonR7ZDAdRDNdkUh21G69FXjdYPfwX0RMwD1US1TAHYY50IsG7vhLVj61qM7qhGiQh091rw4qEf1nPTokKIN8NY1CG/s640/Sam-Hicks-MARKETING+COVER+PIC+2019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marketing...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love or hate it is a major part of any business...in a
nutshell it's about finding and meeting human and social needs...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether it be
goods and services, events, experiences, people, places, properties, organisations
and groups, information and or ideas.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I do is assist clients to establish a set of processes
for them to achieve their goals in creating, communicating and delivering value
to their customers…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marketing management is the fun stuff, choosing target
markets, obtaining, maintaining and growing customers…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But how do we do this?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By understanding your target market…gathering insights, working
on plans to ensure you can connect with clients, building a strong brand,
shaping your market offerings, communicating and delivering value and ensuring
long terms of sustainable growth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sounds like you need more information on what I do?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I offer<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. a free 1:1 session to understand if I can help?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. a work plan with costings so you know exactly what to
expect and when.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. easy weekly, fortnightly or monthly targets<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The value in what I offer;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Integrity and the ability to confidentially work with you.</li>
<li>Small intimate sessions either in person, via phone or
skype.</li>
<li>Hourly rates on a sliding scale depending on the work
required.</li>
<li>Ongoing back up if needed.</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Am I qualified?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hold qualifications in workplace training, business
management, event management, community development, and marketing management.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the years I have worked in a volunteer arena of Adult
Education, Community Banking, Crown Reserve Management, Food, and Wine business
groups.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I like to think based on comments from past and current clients
that my range of skills is unique and diverse.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Need some marketing assistance?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Check out further information on <a href="http://www.samhicks.com.au/">www.samhicks.com.au</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
or find me on Insta or Facebook</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
@samhicksmarketing</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08816246288670557657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-23730797004556270452019-02-28T13:46:00.002+11:002019-02-28T13:46:37.293+11:00The noun integrity in business and life..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpNIxdpwUZo44OswZHboRIQYkamCawx5Ms7o9hor_fvlaif43bXGOLgoS1Oyd-T33TYig3Pf9MGP-L7P-54JYiUozfKWTumGYweewVWwwvNdGsyyvV7LZoI2x2QjGN9UTN4QGCPPcY2k/s1600/SH2_5696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpNIxdpwUZo44OswZHboRIQYkamCawx5Ms7o9hor_fvlaif43bXGOLgoS1Oyd-T33TYig3Pf9MGP-L7P-54JYiUozfKWTumGYweewVWwwvNdGsyyvV7LZoI2x2QjGN9UTN4QGCPPcY2k/s640/SH2_5696.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to the office Cambridge dictionary, Google and Wikipedia the word integrity is <i>“the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For me, this covers so much more…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It covers personal and business life values. It is a value that everyone should consider, seek out, strive for or even better; live by.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the things I learned very early in life was a saying <i>integrity above self " .</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Google shows me that as a synonym: it includes words such as - <i>"honour, honourableness, upstandingness, good character, principle(s), ethics, morals, righteousness, morality, nobility, high-mindedness, right-mindedness, noble-mindedness, virtue, decency, fairness, scrupulousness, sincerity, truthfulness, trustworthiness."</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Integrity in Business to Business (B2B) and indeed your private life is paramount…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, if we constantly live by this in our own B2B lives… what happens when we meet people or businesses who don’t stand by this? It becomes tricky, we either call them out, run or make excuses to move on. It is hasn't harmed you can often move on, learn or grow from the situation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have had a past client who worked well with us but many years later was discredited, arrested for fraud and jailed as a business providing fraudulent services to others. To say we felt ill for a few days was an understatement. We felt bad for all those people that past client had wronged. By mere association, once we read about this in the Melbourne papers, we questioned our selves, did we suspect? Could we have done more? <br />But we were at arm's length from this client, totally unaware and upon reflection and hindsight, it was the best and safest positon. <br /><i>And yet at the time both the female and male icky tummies came in to play...another lesson learned. Follow gut instinct is a another gem of of advice.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the last 20-30 years we have had a great track record, we (both of us are self-employed) have a huge amount of businesses and individuals we liaise with on a daily, weekly and monthly basis that we enjoy working with and who we are hugely protective of in any information they share with us pertaining to their private lives or business information.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being a business consultant, I often joke that I should write a book, but so many names, businesses, and situations would have to change as I could not divulge and lie in bed straight otherwise. So not a favorable choice for my retirement years but it is fun to joke about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you are dealing with people’s businesses you are dealing with their Intellectual property (IP) and out of respect to them you should NOT divulge information. Many clients ask me to sign a document to keep things in house and I have never said no, the first document I signed like this was back in 1993.. its not that hard for either party.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So moral of the story well this blog post? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Treat people how you would like to be treated. Use that inner moral compass we all have. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Integrity should be a core value of your business and of yourself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Need to know more about Sam Hicks? check out www.samhicks.com.au</div>
sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-51505513077817215912018-10-22T14:27:00.002+11:002018-10-22T14:27:57.001+11:00Australian Mantids - love bites<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apparently, Australia has an estimated 160 species of praying mantises, I am not sure how many we get here at home.</span><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But we see them, everywhere, brown and green, long and short.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Usually, the only time we see them at night is around hay season. In our region that runs from October to December.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And why do we see them?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are out hunting and exploring as we are shedding hay bales.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We often joke if we see a female " stay away from that one could be a female" as they usually bite their mates heads off and use their bodies as the next meal....#lovesucks #lovebites #nextmeal</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As kids, we called them stick insects..they are known to eat small frogs and lizards and some reports have them with being able to turn their heads 180 degrees.....creepy little buggers.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the first capture I got of one with its wings extended.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">both images: #18-200Nikon F5.6 iso 400 1/30sec clarity adjustment in Ps</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZ1Qqp9nOODKVdMy5xs736jNFQRgX5rIxfPNDmOC4IIAojM3E0cRw19j1iOk1SEa31qPG67lN1vbVjzz5PVl5rQfPtu5wI3G3kDctR9gufaxQA6mp3dpZ6_T1ki1PoIIPaBFPQVFipOs/s1600/SH2_0120lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1600" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZ1Qqp9nOODKVdMy5xs736jNFQRgX5rIxfPNDmOC4IIAojM3E0cRw19j1iOk1SEa31qPG67lN1vbVjzz5PVl5rQfPtu5wI3G3kDctR9gufaxQA6mp3dpZ6_T1ki1PoIIPaBFPQVFipOs/s640/SH2_0120lr.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkw1LzB3HNPGLW7xEAdfKoG6cxCi8M-2iNclarc_ytxf26uM_ElKVwJHQZXd9O499KWVQFGrAHJxcsDbOw0ZSOXRnxy89o8IZnR01ab13t1B-9FxErccUaOxCqUX9NrkQleTju4F93Og/s1600/SH2_0136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1282" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkw1LzB3HNPGLW7xEAdfKoG6cxCi8M-2iNclarc_ytxf26uM_ElKVwJHQZXd9O499KWVQFGrAHJxcsDbOw0ZSOXRnxy89o8IZnR01ab13t1B-9FxErccUaOxCqUX9NrkQleTju4F93Og/s640/SH2_0136.jpg" width="512" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#</span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">australianpraying</span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">mantis #mantids #photosbysamhickscomau</span></span></div>
</span>sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-31338375363986731392018-08-30T10:47:00.000+10:002018-08-30T10:47:47.073+10:00Bloody Birds they see me approaching<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2WPlYlLOJNmtUiAYiVz24J8JTybxG9ohXvVkxUeDIYKbv8UvtgiL_BVdVWPsKsVZXu9xCHTb_31AggXqqbOZqeXs3x7M7g5oMiVPjCvTJ501RYP28ZWw-xPeSFPUYq12m5-pp2aWAi8/s1600/SHN_8799+LR+%2528c%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2WPlYlLOJNmtUiAYiVz24J8JTybxG9ohXvVkxUeDIYKbv8UvtgiL_BVdVWPsKsVZXu9xCHTb_31AggXqqbOZqeXs3x7M7g5oMiVPjCvTJ501RYP28ZWw-xPeSFPUYq12m5-pp2aWAi8/s640/SHN_8799+LR+%2528c%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Birds are plentiful here in Murrindindi.<br />
So what is the issue?<br />
They see me coming and disappear!<br />
<br />
I have many friends who love taking photos of birds, some have very impressive images taken regularly of the feathered variety.<br />
<br />
But for me?<br />
<br />
Nupe....they see me and fly off.... see the Kookaburra above..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So when I get a shot there is a happy dance!<br />
<br />
Over the years I have bought bigger lenses, have used tripods, have sat quietly, have thought about dressing in camo gear<br />
<br />
Enjoy these 2...and remember there are years between these shots..lol<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHP72MQF_IyHlqE4zPa7AZytI3nwNHvo5vPbdpBn7f5L23jZXyAD_WNAtreY_MEfFYLKTZqYWpHY5Dog0yBfDUhvc7rhhyetzW0dRumZSWjZ3GVportbX3IBWVAOi0bKNtS-1-sdnXAZA/s1600/SH2_3721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHP72MQF_IyHlqE4zPa7AZytI3nwNHvo5vPbdpBn7f5L23jZXyAD_WNAtreY_MEfFYLKTZqYWpHY5Dog0yBfDUhvc7rhhyetzW0dRumZSWjZ3GVportbX3IBWVAOi0bKNtS-1-sdnXAZA/s640/SH2_3721.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-27200369520381512018-08-19T13:16:00.000+10:002018-08-19T13:17:37.480+10:00Community Development or getting $h!t done<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="337" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeJroYoI8cd7lzxY6eOmAPqkDSufjtPbYz30aM6WGuZTBuYwfMCCAGmPIRHHRpmBaXLlKPk66pLxv_YoIoXKfxhl5ru2UA7IDk6jm4d3FrFB2_jcRq8QnZCPPCodA4DpoZ52hui30jbs/s200/download.png" width="200" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
In our region, people just get stuff done...we invest very heavily in social capital.<br />
<br />
Why is that?<br />
Why can't we just all sit back and let Local, State and Federal Government get on with the job?<br />
<br />
We at grass root level are working on what our immediate community needs and in many instances are just getting on with it...<br />
With the rise of social media the community networking is on the increase when we used to meet at the pub and talk about things...now we are keyboard warriors, messaging each other encouraging each other to make changes.<br />
<br />
Some would argue many of us still meet up at forums, over coffee or at local functions.<br />
<br />
In the old days in our region, I have heard such stories about getting $h!t done.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite stories is about a businessman a well-known giant of the timber industry who happened to ask why a certain visitor information centre hadn't been built.<br />
The response was along the lines we don't have much money for materials.<br />
<br />
Ongoing home and speaking to his lovely wife he made a few phone calls.<br />
Several days later on the empty site, the community noticed large trucks delivering copious amounts of timber ready for building.<br />
<br />
" No excuses now... just get on with it ", he was heard saying.<br />
I have heard of wonderous stories similar to this one over regional Victoria.<br />
<br />
One is a little closer to home.<br />
<br />
So many years ago a local swim teacher Linda, was heavily invested in traveling around our shire and to neighboring shires teaching young children to swim. This was her passion and the children loved her easy teaching style.<br />
<br />
In 2014 Linda was running a learn to swim project running locally where 140 families attended from across the Murrindindi region.<br />
<br />
When that facility became unavailable the local families came together in a community meeting to work out what needed to be done....in a nutshell parents requested a new pool be found...it had to researched, found and or built.<br />
<br />
After years of research, the group decided to build on that program started by Linda. The result is to build an above ground pool with a deck and to be more inclusive of all ages and abilities.<br />
<br />
So they intend installing an all-access lift so that any persons who may be recovering from surgery, are wheelchair bound or in need of rehabilitation will have access to the pool with dignity.<br />
<br />
The indoor heated pool will be open to the general public (spanning the entire Murrindindi Shire) via fee for service sessions for all ages in the areas of water safety, structured fitness and therapy classes.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So today where is the project at?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well for the first time, a very innovative; your choice - your community style round of grant funding has been rolled out this year. <br />
Some are calling it the lotto of grants or selective community choice grants.<br />
<br />
Personally, I think its reflective on communities now, its a newer empowering process, along with the line of local government areas and their community planning rollouts.<br />
These newer programs are more inclusive and more responsive as residents get to choose how their towns develop. As with anything new, only time will tell.<br />
<br />
So the grant program is Pick my Project. There are 30 nominated projects in our immediate area, which is excellent given the tierney of distance, population and diverse needs of each community.<br />
<br />
Here are the 11 near Alexandra.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alexandra Indoor Heated Pop Up Pool</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alexandra Youth Innovation Lab Pilot Project</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alexandra Youth Recreational Precinct </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alexandra Beasties</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Secret agents society Program for children with ASD</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alexandra Share shed - a library of things</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Community Cinema</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Scout and Community Shed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Soft Grass court to hard court</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
fully activating our community open space - innovative lighting project</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From little things, big things grow! Food Van.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How diverse are these? Clever people with clever ideas.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#lovewhereilive #loveit</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So check out Pick my project in your local area and vote. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Its free and you get to pick 3!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pickmyproject.vic.gov.au/">https://pickmyproject.vic.gov.au/</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-44245923696418933552018-08-10T09:42:00.002+10:002018-08-10T09:53:51.877+10:00The D word and inspirational queens<div class="MsoNormal">
This country is built on arid planes, built on indigenous and first peoples; a land rich of mixed imported culture, busy cities, urban sprawl, slow internet (don’t get me started) a rule - a bylaw and process for nearly everything we do in our daily lives….but there are so many things we cannot control.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">It doesn’t matter how much education you have; how much you listen to the older members of your village, how in tuned to are to your environment or how you interpret the signs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nupe nothing</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">We cannot control the weather.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">The elephant in the room for so many on the land is DROUGHT.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">It is the D word...we all hate..</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is vicious, unrelenting and unpredictable. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">It doesn’t discriminate it affects large landowners and small landowners…its’ cycles test friendships, personal resolve, the creditors, the stock, the families and their communities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">It is affecting most of our country and all the predictions and strategic plans etc won’t understand nor prepare what it is like to be at the grassroots level or dust level in a drought cycle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Our hearts are breaking for our farmers, being on the land ourselves its an insight we wish we didn’t have…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Would it make it any better? Not knowing firsthand what drought is like, it was our first introduction about 3 years into our wonderful region.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Heartbreaking. Debilitating, costly on so many levels…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">For me, the worst nightmare is hearing the cows cry. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Well, its more of a low moan and they do this when they are hungry and bored.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">If there is no grass to eat what do you do in a paddock for 24 hours, 7 days per week for months on end until it rains….then there is mud, then there is sunshine and eventually, grass begins to shoot. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">But it takes forever. and truckloads of hay, hay suddenly goes from $60 a round bale to $180 and beyond, transport becomes an issue, there are delays and the truckies bless em drive 7 days per week... there is no break from it...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">You can’t sell stock as they are in the bottom of the market and farmers don’t like to give their stock away for nothing, it does not pay the bills nor the huge fodder bills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">So…. we feel helpless as if we could turn on the rain for those north of us we would in an instant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Now to an amazing local queenly story.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">This week I was approached by a local woman. </span>Well respected, quiet and unassuming who in her words “ I woke up Friday with an idea for everyone in our community to dress up in a flanny and donate to the farmers."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">I was in the local supermarket when I was asked to whip up a flyer…. and I thought oh my god! This queen is going to rally the troops with this idea.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">We all need to support local initiatives like this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">More importantly, we need to rally behind those in our community who feel that motivated to not only think about the situation but to engage others and step up to providing a way for people to assist those going through a rough time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I whipped up a poster and a tin wrap and Janet was off and running.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCg1cAtZzA1oEuZKekdDdRXSxYi-7gkeJPcSVAgDpjeE3oYN_L9vCmUsQniMdIA6vzHKrliHSuyo-393zptRd9SRvZZ3mMtO_bUBW1aeK1uz0NwUpppsv1yqMP4X2PU_DUmYHtfP5Hvk/s1600/flanny+for+the+farmers+poster+TINS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="560" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCg1cAtZzA1oEuZKekdDdRXSxYi-7gkeJPcSVAgDpjeE3oYN_L9vCmUsQniMdIA6vzHKrliHSuyo-393zptRd9SRvZZ3mMtO_bUBW1aeK1uz0NwUpppsv1yqMP4X2PU_DUmYHtfP5Hvk/s320/flanny+for+the+farmers+poster+TINS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What struck me the most was a comment that Janet said a day or so later </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"> " </span><i>Gotta do something don’t we ... after all the rest of Australia got on board when the fires came</i> "</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">At last count schools, well over 40 local businesses and individuals have taken up the challenge to assist! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">From advertising to taking a tin and a poster, to encouraging their staff teams to dress up for the day and our local schools encouraging their students to dress up and donate. </span>Even the ones without shop fronts are stepping up in their flannys.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span>And now it is spreading to other parts of the shire, the whole community the whole region is getting their flannys ready!<br />
<br />
Even the MOTH was looking for one in the bottom draw this morning...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Inspirational indeed! </span><br />
<b>13<sup>th</sup> of August 2018</b></div>
Everyone in town will be wearing their flannys…<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love where I live and so proud of the locals. 👑</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Janet, you are a QUEEN!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">#flanny4thefarmers </span>#janet #queen #legends #lovewhereilive #murrindindi</div>
sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-91693750715450404912018-08-06T08:30:00.000+10:002018-08-06T08:30:19.523+10:00Advanced Marketing Workshop in Alexandra September 2018<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
On the 10<sup>th</sup> of September at CEACA Inc in Downey Street, Alexandra attendees as part of the Doing Business Better workshop series will learn about Advanced Marketing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This workshop is aimed at the advanced Social Media user.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are a business owner and have been using Facebook or Instagram for business but want to get a little more strategic and or get a return on your Investment, then this session is for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Learn about effective leveraging, creative engagement, storytelling, adverts, and partnerships.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Understand Analytics, form a basic strategy and learn about the tools available to make the job easy for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Sam (that's me) from Sam Hicks Business Development | Marketing | Photography is a local consultant has been involved in marketing for 20+ years, is a qualified trainer currently completing an MBA majoring in Marketing, will guide you through what works online for local industry.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The course is just $30 and starts at 6pm. Book online: http://murrindindiinc.com.au/industry-events/<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or phone bookings: 0488 998 338 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For further information, you can contact via email: info@murrindindiinc.com.au or visit facebook.com/murrindindiinc<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
#marketing #workshop #alexandra #doingbusinessbetter #murrindindiinc</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1CmOcju1ey4oUMZb_rViN-p_7sYFstWK_WXbuwKYzBI9Boa0Fv2RMQmZXNG1ycm_jWM5soME2sqZps4EOZcVl1Zz2AZcIJNjZNQtV3Xo_LSGu86bvRTBOTOPOZun74PIaw-5Q_xK04Q/s1600/marketing+workshop+flyer+ADV+MARKETING+MI+2018+Alexandra+10+09+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1132" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1CmOcju1ey4oUMZb_rViN-p_7sYFstWK_WXbuwKYzBI9Boa0Fv2RMQmZXNG1ycm_jWM5soME2sqZps4EOZcVl1Zz2AZcIJNjZNQtV3Xo_LSGu86bvRTBOTOPOZun74PIaw-5Q_xK04Q/s320/marketing+workshop+flyer+ADV+MARKETING+MI+2018+Alexandra+10+09+2018.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-4245730528362769212018-08-01T09:53:00.000+10:002018-08-04T13:05:35.810+10:00When a wedding isn'tRecently I was invited to be part of a Mock wedding.<br />
<br />
From the outset, I do not photograph weddings, not my thing and I am the first one to cringe when I see a wedding with all attendees with a device trying to get the shot.<br />
<br />
The poor togs are trying to get their photos to ensure their clients the bride and groom have wonderful take home memories and are competing against great aunt Marree who is snapping away on the mobile or the tablet...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
( facepalm )<br />
<br />
But... there is always a but!!<br />
<br />
Lyn from Harvesting the Feast approached me to take some photos of wedding banquets at Fawcett Hall for a wedding.<br />
I originally started to back up at a fast rate of knots until she said, there are no people attending.... its a mock wedding.<br />
<br />
Ok, I thought this can work..<br />
<br />
Collaborative Marketing, according to Forbes ( June 18, 2013 ) in a nutshell, is the process of sharing resources to increase leads, brand, and influence.<br />
Back then they were claiming it was going to be the next big thing….<br />
<br />
In fact, for our region, it has been going on for some time…especially in the tourism and business arenas.<br />
You only have to look at Offical Visitor Guides (OVG's) that have been produced in our region since the 1920's.<br />
<div>
<div>
Back then the highlight ( or the drawcard for visitors ) was electric light in guesthouses and or running water and or the ultimate hot showers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Today businesses can come together and work collectively, they just need someone to drive it, to curate it and to encourage participation.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There has to be an identified end goal, a common interest, benefits, leveraging opportunities and a flow-on effect for this to work for all parties that come together for a project such as this.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In this case for Lyn, it was the up and coming wedding season and future advertising opportunities....having that fresh approach and new images..</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lyn wanted to promote firstly her mobile catering business with gorgeous food options, Fawcett Hall as a venue for unique boutique weddings, and local businesses who cater to the wedding industry.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She needed; flowers, jewellery for the "bride", the "bride", beautiful local model who donated her time as well, needed nails and hair done, a wedding cake, candle beads to make candles for the table and photos of the day.....( see how I was brought in to help tie it all together? )<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
So seven businesses were approached and all came on board!<br />
<h2 style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=118428184972152&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/FlowersByNiciThompson/?fref=mentions" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; text-decoration-line: none;">Flowers by Nici Thompson</a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=289487314524229&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/sarahsimpsonjewellery/?fref=mentions" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Sarah Simpson Jewellery</a></div>
<div style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;">
<a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=619207495123330&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/infinitebeautybyfinn/?fref=mentions" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Infinite Beauty by Finn</a></div>
<div style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;">
<a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=1437237503155918&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/beautyandblinghairdressing/?fref=mentions" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Beauty & Bling Hairdressing Eildon</a></div>
<div style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;">
<a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=1736434523281225&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/mintandjam/?fref=mentions" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Mint and Jam</a></div>
<div style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;">
<a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=150348125026201&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/litandbeyond/?fref=mentions" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Lit & Beyond</a></div>
<div style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;">
<a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=165923233418479&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/SamHicksBusinessDevelopmentMarketingandphotography/?fref=mentions" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"></a><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=165923233418479&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/SamHicksBusinessDevelopmentMarketingandphotography/?fref=mentions" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Sam Hicks - Business Development, Marketing & Photography</a></div>
</span></h2>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
<br /></div>
The results speak for themselves, now armed with a fresh group of photos Lyn can advertise and spread the word on who to approach for businesses keen to help a bride and groom get the most out of their special day in our region.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Eash business will also receive some images that they may choose to use as well.</div>
<div>
Or simply to keep as their recognition of being part of a collaborative business project.</div>
<div>
The flow on is yet to be evaluated but the message has certainly got out there online.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Congratulations to all involved.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Hope you enjoy the images as much as I enjoyed capturing them. </div>
<div>
Truly blessed in our region with some very talented and creative people!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVWYSQgue7-KinsbFoY4Zx1Bcue7tgOniefQMKzN3meKid47ndE2-XFVIKUYJmZdpMpUX_gYI4CNVaxNp_JFS6lP-Vih77wtEHd401O4_XhHNdj7Hm3QsAFZ-ZTagVbfhxCrPC2t-qcY/s1600/_SH34687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVWYSQgue7-KinsbFoY4Zx1Bcue7tgOniefQMKzN3meKid47ndE2-XFVIKUYJmZdpMpUX_gYI4CNVaxNp_JFS6lP-Vih77wtEHd401O4_XhHNdj7Hm3QsAFZ-ZTagVbfhxCrPC2t-qcY/s320/_SH34687.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EzFrwv8EnEKfeJrRIkKxbJk7LSK5XwUN_hGq6zUHWSXG2-WItyHNRyeqwC8urCQByR3uypkl58so9WzGOUc6l4ViPCrwFKH9xC55HzRrNrO6NrfcYmJp-B-rZJidOHtE0C9ErAIKKOs/s1600/_SH34761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EzFrwv8EnEKfeJrRIkKxbJk7LSK5XwUN_hGq6zUHWSXG2-WItyHNRyeqwC8urCQByR3uypkl58so9WzGOUc6l4ViPCrwFKH9xC55HzRrNrO6NrfcYmJp-B-rZJidOHtE0C9ErAIKKOs/s320/_SH34761.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3K5AdtzsG0O557VwiimIC4Sj1jXJ8Mf8f2m6peDMBRkhtsJOzvOA7BQJbjuy-JH9krCMYNBJu16f5YCXlhI_zL_qpkKtA8dHzk_71PjjU3yxHR6hZqfjRKL6wrQB4a_BghvHi0MPsWBc/s1600/_SH34792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3K5AdtzsG0O557VwiimIC4Sj1jXJ8Mf8f2m6peDMBRkhtsJOzvOA7BQJbjuy-JH9krCMYNBJu16f5YCXlhI_zL_qpkKtA8dHzk_71PjjU3yxHR6hZqfjRKL6wrQB4a_BghvHi0MPsWBc/s320/_SH34792.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFr5PK9fRjZ_aFR6UKXpkvm15GhURi0fNhe4F92zB57bsYkJZfmq4XFbNVoCf5Iiol3VLxRnFB4F_wftyvMS1d5w7UcPVWKcpdjN4a0KMi6BcSOsWeaicTQSHmdPO6ja_KcpbApL1PRs/s1600/SH2_2948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFr5PK9fRjZ_aFR6UKXpkvm15GhURi0fNhe4F92zB57bsYkJZfmq4XFbNVoCf5Iiol3VLxRnFB4F_wftyvMS1d5w7UcPVWKcpdjN4a0KMi6BcSOsWeaicTQSHmdPO6ja_KcpbApL1PRs/s320/SH2_2948.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1sdmG5eOne3wOu9vTsCyejj9dSOlQHAgwJENlELlpn1Wgy0g9wU1e9UYuoMPKAKQrTARB-ezwoZxP0LFcVWz44OnckrhEn0Lsck-tbrosXeRAxmqUDEqjHyGoGMLoiGv-2ofPy56ar4/s1600/SH2_2979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1sdmG5eOne3wOu9vTsCyejj9dSOlQHAgwJENlELlpn1Wgy0g9wU1e9UYuoMPKAKQrTARB-ezwoZxP0LFcVWz44OnckrhEn0Lsck-tbrosXeRAxmqUDEqjHyGoGMLoiGv-2ofPy56ar4/s320/SH2_2979.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFqhxWl1bqG0_2_uLjNJskdIJ9b6pO-tt_qs8vdeLd2tkqUfizjHM5pxVMpKRwayHybyhqYr5E4pIulSYvju2OcxrD8Q5VEB1Wr2hh3GXQ1CrP7SgO0hXpy99jOhaleIfWoS_b0HZXb0/s1600/SH2_3179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFqhxWl1bqG0_2_uLjNJskdIJ9b6pO-tt_qs8vdeLd2tkqUfizjHM5pxVMpKRwayHybyhqYr5E4pIulSYvju2OcxrD8Q5VEB1Wr2hh3GXQ1CrP7SgO0hXpy99jOhaleIfWoS_b0HZXb0/s320/SH2_3179.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAVwPfHX99wpM9runTrk7xu1hrgS3ifc1ft2hI5yLGDNMctNMw1W1GCgmT3VtQ8RaL6XX666q4EqSOioypteiuHvU9euYE2rjWJ2hIWJb7fsdlwLuQ6VpeMNCw7aq56B6Gc1lN-UxWCY/s1600/SH2_3280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAVwPfHX99wpM9runTrk7xu1hrgS3ifc1ft2hI5yLGDNMctNMw1W1GCgmT3VtQ8RaL6XX666q4EqSOioypteiuHvU9euYE2rjWJ2hIWJb7fsdlwLuQ6VpeMNCw7aq56B6Gc1lN-UxWCY/s320/SH2_3280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60t8I-1QhNZBGyaHf4Ek0smqW8PA9JWbTAuyp8UVsl52vOZVMP41qhOmSel_gqu1n1MbgQMn18dbjvbrNKVADcVQe-qsrx___RuKhiciVcTqQVCQr_W4lOZWEQV85RO_ETuTr2WTiiTc/s1600/SH2_3288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60t8I-1QhNZBGyaHf4Ek0smqW8PA9JWbTAuyp8UVsl52vOZVMP41qhOmSel_gqu1n1MbgQMn18dbjvbrNKVADcVQe-qsrx___RuKhiciVcTqQVCQr_W4lOZWEQV85RO_ETuTr2WTiiTc/s320/SH2_3288.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92B6ex7aaZMr5WIbiyxn5xSJ63OaJ6LD-JRI9lsxTAO7pq8GluTIKiFdlrNXapCpFDNJT8eo7KoS68ROMTYwWN0vt6jkTvv3h70XHElgz_Qk42sU3IKpjoGoWH_PsOf0AAkR9PHFBqyg/s1600/SHN_0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92B6ex7aaZMr5WIbiyxn5xSJ63OaJ6LD-JRI9lsxTAO7pq8GluTIKiFdlrNXapCpFDNJT8eo7KoS68ROMTYwWN0vt6jkTvv3h70XHElgz_Qk42sU3IKpjoGoWH_PsOf0AAkR9PHFBqyg/s320/SHN_0086.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9K006aKWga00oYSD9o4T72r6q4SoYkvpQr4zbqJRFA1KFyhP-9D53jBCc1m3dONGsKEissKwCrn_97tj-loq6XoC7W0KTnN1r2XDIqKiHqA_jWacvvRJBQu37lAMnqqnJ90fvCqiLM4/s1600/SHN_0110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9K006aKWga00oYSD9o4T72r6q4SoYkvpQr4zbqJRFA1KFyhP-9D53jBCc1m3dONGsKEissKwCrn_97tj-loq6XoC7W0KTnN1r2XDIqKiHqA_jWacvvRJBQu37lAMnqqnJ90fvCqiLM4/s320/SHN_0110.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
#Flowers by Nici Thompson #Sarah Simpson Jewellery #InfiniteBeautybyFinn #BeautyandBlingHairdressingEildon #MintandJam #Lit&Beyond #HarvestingtheFeast #FawcettHall #photosbysamhickscomau</div>
</div>
sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-60075004656897670342018-07-28T09:00:00.000+10:002018-07-28T09:00:13.636+10:00Blooming 2...studio shots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes when the weather gets too wild, I take my flower subjects inside...that way I get to capture them without all the wind and the rain that forced me inside to find shelter...the added bonus is you get to enjoy them inside for a bit longer than if left to the elements.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I get to play with light, reflections and try to get that look I'm wanting (or just happy with) without having to combat mother nature...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Using a continuous studio lighting ie a softbox, a lightbox for those illuminating shots from underneath, a LED spotter for back lighting (can use a LED torch) and black perspex...a simple set up.... I can position the flower/s up and just move the camera around to get the angles... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />I like the shadows and the color depth you get with a studio set up...learning through play is what some experts say... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think I am grown up enough to say learning through experimenting...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjXJmT71usbUdGOm24dBFOLvCjUkWq1Ihw84e6ghT4fyX-lGE-SSHu4LQpLFRv9NnGt0QSUoge0LIrSXHJFNVVZkT9xUYbVwyWZEVuK2tgp3lZN2Xl-737KGp3n4_8JgMMsORapY8cx8/s1600/_SH32674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1600" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjXJmT71usbUdGOm24dBFOLvCjUkWq1Ihw84e6ghT4fyX-lGE-SSHu4LQpLFRv9NnGt0QSUoge0LIrSXHJFNVVZkT9xUYbVwyWZEVuK2tgp3lZN2Xl-737KGp3n4_8JgMMsORapY8cx8/s640/_SH32674.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIjw_fycVkL4aC1UVB2qyc3ZQURzHflQ9HU1Z3u2OnYqha9BhhZZ0lVOD1NDCrRhGHP-r9adhq3P1vMaUJiDQADMKybeoZpYsDKbV8Agg2DXHe_JPUPPVA6yBmL7pgmPOmzBPQjUVZ7A/s1600/_SH32307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIjw_fycVkL4aC1UVB2qyc3ZQURzHflQ9HU1Z3u2OnYqha9BhhZZ0lVOD1NDCrRhGHP-r9adhq3P1vMaUJiDQADMKybeoZpYsDKbV8Agg2DXHe_JPUPPVA6yBmL7pgmPOmzBPQjUVZ7A/s640/_SH32307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN226TpF9Mvqbdpp7oNg1fwfFnOSD6CCASFVsXPKAyfaIUp8j9FQh_z6oL1md_v5Otk9spVxhA9QdCDUB6ga_fWjTTHj9XkbJtSk2kzqgfK03QQeDka4MumZvKIKlzG83QbuBUtCr-lh4/s1600/_SH32667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN226TpF9Mvqbdpp7oNg1fwfFnOSD6CCASFVsXPKAyfaIUp8j9FQh_z6oL1md_v5Otk9spVxhA9QdCDUB6ga_fWjTTHj9XkbJtSk2kzqgfK03QQeDka4MumZvKIKlzG83QbuBUtCr-lh4/s640/_SH32667.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-75143777483827866462018-07-24T12:22:00.003+10:002018-07-24T12:22:42.026+10:00Blooming .....One of the things I miss through winter is having flowers in my country garden to photograph, we have had mornings of minus 3 and most mornings when it's under 5 degrees it feels like minus 3.<br />
<br />
So to console myself over a cuppa I look through my database of images that I have collected and always come to the flower file..<br />
<br />
As subjects they are handy, they don't move unless its mid-afternoon and the wind is playing with them and really all I have to worry about is composition and lighting...<br />
<br />
I use a macro lens, I use the trusty 18- 200 and the 200 - 500 depending on the look I want to achieve.. but overall I just enjoy the garden...<br />
<br />
Sometimes I wish I was a better brown thumb so I have more variety to photograph but sometimes you have to be happy with your lot. <br /><br />Happy Tuesday!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkO5zqhcXhkU8Sd-_aQSf8NM0qCtA68XctPfiWOprU-tguc-ug6p4NVb-XjEkTF6M-Vet_5ut_mwlS_2FeMjVw-P7miLXXHVe8ekhiWQGr3HuUCItJiM-8bLar8JNG31QEaJV8S0Rl7Y/s1600/SHN_8917+lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkO5zqhcXhkU8Sd-_aQSf8NM0qCtA68XctPfiWOprU-tguc-ug6p4NVb-XjEkTF6M-Vet_5ut_mwlS_2FeMjVw-P7miLXXHVe8ekhiWQGr3HuUCItJiM-8bLar8JNG31QEaJV8S0Rl7Y/s320/SHN_8917+lr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZ9yCbFQiXhh7fROQ-kSz8TB9HG9fpNaUyuEhkIZwEimrm-pi-vb3bn1CIoQNT-M2qzHvqnl20eBUSQubq-zxXHE3Gu94YSzAKQhnG0YbNLZJFaAM4OH_xo_Z021gd1KBxQBEnWblJTE/s1600/SHN_8943LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZ9yCbFQiXhh7fROQ-kSz8TB9HG9fpNaUyuEhkIZwEimrm-pi-vb3bn1CIoQNT-M2qzHvqnl20eBUSQubq-zxXHE3Gu94YSzAKQhnG0YbNLZJFaAM4OH_xo_Z021gd1KBxQBEnWblJTE/s320/SHN_8943LR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeKXLD3RU4TqwpR8nc4WsjgGwWlgY-5ARJSwcYqoGXJ1XLm9crUiCruHPZeSrMVCeFQFsvFKLki_WN33PDoNsFw9pZRBjnAjQZJ9OKc6K2oODAXllJU4L-9V72Z7JyadSxsquk0CDAV4/s1600/SH2_7806+lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeKXLD3RU4TqwpR8nc4WsjgGwWlgY-5ARJSwcYqoGXJ1XLm9crUiCruHPZeSrMVCeFQFsvFKLki_WN33PDoNsFw9pZRBjnAjQZJ9OKc6K2oODAXllJU4L-9V72Z7JyadSxsquk0CDAV4/s320/SH2_7806+lr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCXbTfJzX9sjqPbD2Y19mOBCssMwgZuZEggK-AsyxoSACAMCBpKAHhcGdzxRJT7WkgE1rtsZGd_poN215EYcON1tw0M_h3-O01NihA9_eCVILCI0P_H-QyPs5tTn6uOkYSdkhh-8iF5M/s1600/SH2_7738+LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCXbTfJzX9sjqPbD2Y19mOBCssMwgZuZEggK-AsyxoSACAMCBpKAHhcGdzxRJT7WkgE1rtsZGd_poN215EYcON1tw0M_h3-O01NihA9_eCVILCI0P_H-QyPs5tTn6uOkYSdkhh-8iF5M/s320/SH2_7738+LR.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-7799280706305647562018-06-20T09:00:00.000+10:002018-06-20T09:00:13.276+10:00Paysage, Landschaft, the bush...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeQ3CWCAAMg6jHl7aFMmpv7KFwgvahsNOpFVaLLs2cW1c91touuQEJmy4NdjIQKvDDheZtTfNEEwtxSF8uW94I7OCJn9o8ChjaWwq4XkEEli7vvR8N-_lgjasqTzIckBSHr5-dX2wBks/s1600/SH2_1631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeQ3CWCAAMg6jHl7aFMmpv7KFwgvahsNOpFVaLLs2cW1c91touuQEJmy4NdjIQKvDDheZtTfNEEwtxSF8uW94I7OCJn9o8ChjaWwq4XkEEli7vvR8N-_lgjasqTzIckBSHr5-dX2wBks/s640/SH2_1631.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Landscapes....we are surrounded by them they interact with us in many different ways, seascapes, landscapes, cityscapes.. bushscapes...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnoV6oZ7QRQ5dWkvkzi4z5ThAtgOqf0bzjZZLGk9e6DXdGtNjfjacvA6QTo7WK85fKo0HKqOcIIxTOX7sYavqr5ZRZbUGXnZzcf2PbTz2zbQd06CLXby6ShI2aNTNXY7pCotv35F5jVg/s1600/SH2_1645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnoV6oZ7QRQ5dWkvkzi4z5ThAtgOqf0bzjZZLGk9e6DXdGtNjfjacvA6QTo7WK85fKo0HKqOcIIxTOX7sYavqr5ZRZbUGXnZzcf2PbTz2zbQd06CLXby6ShI2aNTNXY7pCotv35F5jVg/s640/SH2_1645.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have been fascinated by them especially about rural landscapes, those typically Australian wide open, vast spaces I have known since I was a kid.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweI4NirYFgCxOcLfpVzeAVuLgcPhUCl3jXb03Gp8idwCNlXQsm1-laMlv48cS6HXraBxpasG3n8fxbpvpd5LmyfKR1m0S6rmCKL92X6N5vTcMMmxhr4t8qJtVE8HsLV05oXtm8MWppRo/s1600/IMG_4483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweI4NirYFgCxOcLfpVzeAVuLgcPhUCl3jXb03Gp8idwCNlXQsm1-laMlv48cS6HXraBxpasG3n8fxbpvpd5LmyfKR1m0S6rmCKL92X6N5vTcMMmxhr4t8qJtVE8HsLV05oXtm8MWppRo/s400/IMG_4483.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Sunsets, sunrises, fogs, mists, bushfires, burnoffs, all produce different views.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyb1MEkAymORdiFowdZaxzQ-oyJj0cMJsAAzPMfZIfttYMf3McT9gjfZWS4t2SP4P8PlHEsD9n0OhbvHkdQ8EljGLLVBYNkTaGjGoi5mZxIdkPDwv0JaQWrplN2_Qzuk7p9Y0FZKveOc/s1600/SH2_1661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyb1MEkAymORdiFowdZaxzQ-oyJj0cMJsAAzPMfZIfttYMf3McT9gjfZWS4t2SP4P8PlHEsD9n0OhbvHkdQ8EljGLLVBYNkTaGjGoi5mZxIdkPDwv0JaQWrplN2_Qzuk7p9Y0FZKveOc/s640/SH2_1661.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then there are the landscapes that interact with buildings old and new...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ro3-cV-2gtLbomxJKi7pV3iTK6UPTCMZXYc5XaCw4uGcuBxr4p918-XrsY7srO4mrDqtKyXZCeAotuyDi9BjSA39xLCftDmW54wPWRzdF3OK5iMSyqp9wsqdnL7b26Ae2xygH9qFlY0/s1600/SHN_8970LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ro3-cV-2gtLbomxJKi7pV3iTK6UPTCMZXYc5XaCw4uGcuBxr4p918-XrsY7srO4mrDqtKyXZCeAotuyDi9BjSA39xLCftDmW54wPWRzdF3OK5iMSyqp9wsqdnL7b26Ae2xygH9qFlY0/s640/SHN_8970LR.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Just so damn lucky to love our region and where I live...so many photographic subjects...<br />
<br />
#Landscapes #nature_lovers #ilovenature #ruralshots #ruralpics #pocket_world #ig_landscape #dream_spots #visual_heaven #landscapephoto #landscape_lover #natgeoadventure #earthexperience #mthrworld #majestic_earth #igworldglobal #ilovenature #ig_divineshots #earthofficial #earth_shotz #marvelshots #theworldshotz #discoverglobe #landscapelover #landscapehunter #igbest_shotz #natgeoyourshot #natgeotravelpic #epic_captures #awesomeglobe #splendid_earth #earth_portrait #natureperfection #beautyofnature #places_wow #nakedplanet #theglobewanderer #roamtheplanet #fantastic_earth #awesome_earthpix #earthfocus #colors_of_day #visualambassadors #nature_wizards #ig_countryside #fiftyshades_of_nature #stunning_shots #igersmood #adventurethatislife #nature_brilliance #keepitwild #nature_sultans #master_shots #ourplanetdaily #stayandwander #photobysamhickscomausam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-27098440998100561692018-06-18T08:30:00.000+10:002018-06-18T08:30:02.239+10:00Jo and the Mules <span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In March, I had the privilege to capture the love between some gorgeous mules and one of their owners Jo. </span><br />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On social media, this was one of my most viewed posts, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I think in part because Jo and John are beautiful people and the relationship they have with their animals is awe inspriing.</span><br />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span>
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I learned so much about these beautiful calming animals.</span><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A mule is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse and did you know, unlike a horse they don't kick?</span><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jo has been busy catering in her new busy Rustic Flavors business, in Narbethong which is complementing their other passion pack saddling.</span><br />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pack Saddling Australia run by Jo and John offers a unique Aussie experience with fully catered glamping retreats for up to 4 people. </span><br />
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.749019607843137); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Fira Sans, Ubuntu, Oxygen, Oxygen Sans, Cantarell, Droid Sans, Apple Color Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Symbol, Lucida Grande, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Basically, you hike into a secluded campsite, arrive at your camp, it has been fully set up.....then all you have to do is - sit, relax and unwind.</span><br />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Repeat after me...SIT, RELAX and UNWIND... how good is that thought!</span><br />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Check out their FB page, their trips and workshops etc on @PackSaddlingAustralia </span><br /><br />
<br />
<a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="update_hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/content/?keywords=%23packsaddlingaustralia&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" id="ember7307" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0084bf; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_self">#packsaddlingaustralia</a><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="update_hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/content/?keywords=%23rusticflavours&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" id="ember7310" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0084bf; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_self">#rusticflavours</a><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="update_hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/content/?keywords=%23camp&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" id="ember7313" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0084bf; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_self">#camp</a><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="update_hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/content/?keywords=%23horses&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" id="ember7316" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0084bf; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_self">#horses</a><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="update_hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/content/?keywords=%23business&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" id="ember7319" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0084bf; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_self">#business</a><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="update_hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/content/?keywords=%23catering&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" id="ember7322" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0084bf; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_self">#catering</a><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="update_hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/content/?keywords=%23hiking&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" id="ember7325" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0084bf; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_self">#hiking</a><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="update_hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/content/?keywords=%23uniqueness&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" id="ember7328" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #0084bf; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_self">#uniqueness</a><span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX144NlDWc5cj8gEVFS1clwXzMAilqQTsDzTR_vutSyWwW8g39vMgKMx9adNhbcJV5hWkWOgJaeIqw3JLVajV_wF6SzSh-DlioGcLSFPkFLFH_mXuJq-Gzpnd09nWLRUIkmluIaR3IHTU/s1600/_SH34181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1427" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX144NlDWc5cj8gEVFS1clwXzMAilqQTsDzTR_vutSyWwW8g39vMgKMx9adNhbcJV5hWkWOgJaeIqw3JLVajV_wF6SzSh-DlioGcLSFPkFLFH_mXuJq-Gzpnd09nWLRUIkmluIaR3IHTU/s640/_SH34181.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTf9jKfE1pDc5ls4768Vpz-dqx8tZoD_oUwEMshct_YducJuo4btE8E6Q0L7CMTjmVYAE03KbWaorEsmkMAe9gG3TkjjbJUIjJ9CBJVdoTFuf4n_7AZ7Wpq6PoS0mWjXkD3hPe1oLlm4/s1600/SH2_0155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="1427" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTf9jKfE1pDc5ls4768Vpz-dqx8tZoD_oUwEMshct_YducJuo4btE8E6Q0L7CMTjmVYAE03KbWaorEsmkMAe9gG3TkjjbJUIjJ9CBJVdoTFuf4n_7AZ7Wpq6PoS0mWjXkD3hPe1oLlm4/s640/SH2_0155.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjmpQtW0JiDzjQFxpYHZ82paxUVOLTgjgjb4R9Pmtnuoj2Qc7FuBFSOCr0r5RPVd-ghnvsDA1R-WA2kWPFrRjlZiy9DgakGphLnAU7JL9WCarVBQhTsIg0VmOo1fUH99BD1ce9WQDcDI/s1600/SH2_0366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjmpQtW0JiDzjQFxpYHZ82paxUVOLTgjgjb4R9Pmtnuoj2Qc7FuBFSOCr0r5RPVd-ghnvsDA1R-WA2kWPFrRjlZiy9DgakGphLnAU7JL9WCarVBQhTsIg0VmOo1fUH99BD1ce9WQDcDI/s640/SH2_0366.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-59980178630149262122018-06-15T09:00:00.000+10:002018-06-15T09:00:05.588+10:00Food glorious FoodFood Photography... I just love it...<br />
<br />
Food tragics we are, people take photos of everyday food, gourmet food, food events, food utensils, even food ingredients......something about food that brings people together whether at home in a restaurant and or abroad...and we have to capture it like it's our last meal...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGAgUST15kTmV48wMbbLf6oRv0Q3mK6W-IL6ZWdVTiroWaA9hLehaPTJZel8_PtkBRgGscD0c6aQkobsvqUoCzLfryKbfvYbEq4MPypRjHjT5OUvYnsGQ-pDZLpsmVYzq4B-Ugvb1I4k/s1600/SH2_9505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGAgUST15kTmV48wMbbLf6oRv0Q3mK6W-IL6ZWdVTiroWaA9hLehaPTJZel8_PtkBRgGscD0c6aQkobsvqUoCzLfryKbfvYbEq4MPypRjHjT5OUvYnsGQ-pDZLpsmVYzq4B-Ugvb1I4k/s640/SH2_9505.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In an article "Anthony Bourdain’s Theory of the Foodie Revolution<br />
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
where the chef and author weighed in on Americans’ late-arrival to the glorious delights of food culture"</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
"<i>Chefs bitch about it when it’s going on in their restaurants,” Bourdain says, “yet when they go out to dinner, they’re taking pictures of everything. And any notion that that’s sharing? It’s bullshit. It’s about making other people feel bad about what they’re eating. And a certain knowledge that what you’re eating is more interesting.” </i></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(CREDIT - https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/anthony-bourdains-theory-foodie-revolution-180951848/)</span></b></i></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
Oh, Anthony, you nailed it...well..cooked it up beautifully...</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QC5Iy5_Upx8z1Nu5hYhPBbJZdPSyK1Foy81ShwPIArbUBxD81jQU7ljNTkXi5uyG36SpLjH4F8K2MXy9s1WLKuKmIvvR0BTBKApZXdldC4g4NFMSvyXpCNl0m7W4Hy2lHLNolunoQrQ/s1600/SH2_7014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1600" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QC5Iy5_Upx8z1Nu5hYhPBbJZdPSyK1Foy81ShwPIArbUBxD81jQU7ljNTkXi5uyG36SpLjH4F8K2MXy9s1WLKuKmIvvR0BTBKApZXdldC4g4NFMSvyXpCNl0m7W4Hy2lHLNolunoQrQ/s640/SH2_7014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
So just in case, you are not seeing this on your plates. Here is some #foodporn, I have had the privilege of photographing some amazing food over the years. </div>
<br />
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
I have seen chefs photograph their food and everyone else's too....makes me feel not so bad...like we are all kindred spirits of the food we enjoy, celebrate and hope one day to be able to present ourselves..</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsrSoFbNq1GzQDnqQvmt_LuYyKmdYbcjZHDZgxPOGMqDkgUwcKeHjbzgjY9gkq2plz9WAS1UdHubfXnJHL18Y-M6LbcdcasrG71UsX5VuEBJerB5A536JJQRlZlsLzw9tOB5cwfbdq0Y/s1600/SHN_4270lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1600" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsrSoFbNq1GzQDnqQvmt_LuYyKmdYbcjZHDZgxPOGMqDkgUwcKeHjbzgjY9gkq2plz9WAS1UdHubfXnJHL18Y-M6LbcdcasrG71UsX5VuEBJerB5A536JJQRlZlsLzw9tOB5cwfbdq0Y/s640/SHN_4270lr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WdSnL7xhlTU5XRLZMhCZ0nl_VzdkOZFGm5sWpHpna_MwKEY54Bkggt8ozHChIGfLnG5Zh5r-kNXOBDvAYLMRR_lMlM_asU6yeDFI62C36XFm8FsZf0noCe9VQ6vQSvstBMmbX3fNq7g/s1600/SH2_1810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WdSnL7xhlTU5XRLZMhCZ0nl_VzdkOZFGm5sWpHpna_MwKEY54Bkggt8ozHChIGfLnG5Zh5r-kNXOBDvAYLMRR_lMlM_asU6yeDFI62C36XFm8FsZf0noCe9VQ6vQSvstBMmbX3fNq7g/s640/SH2_1810.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
#ripAnthonyBourdain </div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
#foodporn #foodgloriousfood #photobysamhickscomau</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
#foodbeast #eattheworld #foodiegram #foodielife #buzzfeast #foodiesofinstagram #eater #forklife #dailyfoodfeed #eastfamous #liveauthentic #foodography</div>
<br />
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-top: 0em;">
<br /></div>
<br />sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-80864534383294211632018-06-13T09:00:00.000+10:002018-06-13T09:00:10.706+10:00leave us....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Sr-0Lmthi9k3yrO1yqtaKRbKSavohMtM1ZYQfqyFFqqYoNLIw5KfnBxLznZgWCUlMQGysVeToZBOUHuAYmVEynX29SZEQttQIWslVK0LGZYNNfr1HjLRxkZVGyeAy7-dSobHqAykPAw/s1600/SH2_1717+LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1600" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Sr-0Lmthi9k3yrO1yqtaKRbKSavohMtM1ZYQfqyFFqqYoNLIw5KfnBxLznZgWCUlMQGysVeToZBOUHuAYmVEynX29SZEQttQIWslVK0LGZYNNfr1HjLRxkZVGyeAy7-dSobHqAykPAw/s640/SH2_1717+LR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is something about capturing leaves, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Autumn is over but I still look for that last touch of colour... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that one leaf that is sticking out...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then it rains and I am like OMG, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where is the camera...where are the droplets on the leaves?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
overcast light - perfect, if not a #Fstopdown or a #Fstopup</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
..nothing is safe..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#nikon #18-200 #iso200</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#lastleavesofautumn</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#nature #leaves #autumn #nature_lover</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#nikkor</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#DLSR</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#photosbysamhickscomau</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
@samhickscomau</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwb_zELIf6nVo43NLjQYp5-pyo7CGiqeqUFtjsgatjjNVq5ENcynuIfXMIVTZqCGdBgu8weNmyhWzTh2DZjW_0tm1nvCfItr9I8SzlddR0Xs2vh1aUjFbXa8JqGBqM2937pnMzecVvv3w/s1600/SH2_1707+LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwb_zELIf6nVo43NLjQYp5-pyo7CGiqeqUFtjsgatjjNVq5ENcynuIfXMIVTZqCGdBgu8weNmyhWzTh2DZjW_0tm1nvCfItr9I8SzlddR0Xs2vh1aUjFbXa8JqGBqM2937pnMzecVvv3w/s640/SH2_1707+LR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-6903347171495315802018-06-11T09:00:00.000+10:002018-06-11T09:00:05.402+10:00I have the ball...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic83os_E0eJ-P6dTb5S5jkLx2z7GdTZ_aJ4rQqpqqkvlfJ1U6Y9MRp0KcbNe3Ngm9NQPWK_sKCfpgIWusaNXTKvZaSettAjStsSkOXiIjYQ764vLRFrIe4VfmH5E086CrUq-PLWJnVR5s/s1600/SH2_1752+LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1600" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic83os_E0eJ-P6dTb5S5jkLx2z7GdTZ_aJ4rQqpqqkvlfJ1U6Y9MRp0KcbNe3Ngm9NQPWK_sKCfpgIWusaNXTKvZaSettAjStsSkOXiIjYQ764vLRFrIe4VfmH5E086CrUq-PLWJnVR5s/s640/SH2_1752+LR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Boxers are incredibly funny, they do not understand personal space, are highly protective, and are ball mad... Well, ours are.<br />
<br />
Teenagers on four legs.., mad as (an old Aussie saying ) a cut snake, did I mention snorting, slobbering, farting, drooling with bubbles?<br />
<br />
They say you should never work with kids or animals, try taking images of them. Dogs don't sit still and get distracted by everything and anything...<br />
<br />
But they make the best companions, the best family members and are always happy to see you....especially if you have a treat!<br />
<br />
<i>If you look closely below the white boxer can be seen in the brindles eye, waiting for him to drop the ball....ain't gonna happen...but he waits...</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbi7RXDIsQ7vRSecYLhYEnU5aGuPh1juVtRkiVytwquuSPIIkVvH85boRwLpqXUW3BwzxH4RP55Ch6goryybWix77zPrjPmKPDtEGFcyN_3ujtohX_HW7CZui02iNhdl6pIkN1jzcfRI/s1600/SHN_8947LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbi7RXDIsQ7vRSecYLhYEnU5aGuPh1juVtRkiVytwquuSPIIkVvH85boRwLpqXUW3BwzxH4RP55Ch6goryybWix77zPrjPmKPDtEGFcyN_3ujtohX_HW7CZui02iNhdl6pIkN1jzcfRI/s640/SHN_8947LR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
5 Tips on taking images of your pets...<br />
#No1 - Get down to their level, look for the eyes, keep em sharp.<br />
#No2 - Relax, you may not get the shot.<br />
#No3 - Get into their space follow them around for a while.<br />
#No4 - Where possible use natural light.<br />
#No5 - Move slowly in and around them, ignore them to a certain extent as they will relax.<br />
<br />
Overall enjoy it and don't forget a reward, throw the ball and or give a treat!<br />
<br />
#pets #petphotography #photosbysamhickscomau #dogs #boxers #boxerdogs #slobber<br />
<br />sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-37041334514045673262018-06-08T21:21:00.001+10:002018-06-08T21:24:56.441+10:00I like it better behind the camera...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45-U0ljdgEe_xVR-KzEC8P4x4mI9Hjr8nJAMzUHogRNatKgj7LUAUEArExuxGtco2PKkYAF4irWft7sUAHIxutZc9EBlInCnFxpgRNipXt3INJXxzpkCYpyvvya0eciDjTDlS2Er80Dk/s1600/_SH32700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45-U0ljdgEe_xVR-KzEC8P4x4mI9Hjr8nJAMzUHogRNatKgj7LUAUEArExuxGtco2PKkYAF4irWft7sUAHIxutZc9EBlInCnFxpgRNipXt3INJXxzpkCYpyvvya0eciDjTDlS2Er80Dk/s640/_SH32700.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
According to https://www.scancorner.com.au/history-of-the-cameras-timeline/<br />
the first camera ever invested was a pinhole camera...thanks to Ibn Al-Haytham.<br />
<br />
Thanks to him I get to play with cameras every day in some form or another.<br />
<br />
My favorites are the ones from 1930 those and polaroids in 1948...something about being able to instantly print an image.....oh and wetback Reise's...ok ill just stop now.<br />
<br />
Everyone now has the ability to capture a moment in time, memories in an instant, some never get printed, some never get shared...<br />
<br />
Back in the old days, a lot more thought went into the composition of each image as it was a lot of effort to produce an image.<br />
<br />
Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in about the mid-1820's produced the first image in France with the daguerreotype by Louis Jacques Mandé Daguerre in 1839 also in Paris.. The French had great art, wine and cameras.....<br />
<br />
I feel things didn't get really interesting until 1851, according to Harvard library, " the wet plate collodion process was introduced by Frederick Scott Archer...this process provided a greater level of detail and clarity. It remained the dominant glass negative process in the United States until it was replaced by the gelatin dry plate process in the 1880s."<br />
<br />
Tintype again by those Americans came in to being in mid-1850's and was patented.. a truly beautiful era.<br />
<br />
Ah...a... different time and beautiful old techniques...we were all headng to the same outcome, having a camera on us at all times....capturing those precious moments.<br />
<br />
Next time you snap a shot with your camera phone only about 20 years old now.. think back to the old days where you had to lug several kilos of the camera around and every shot didn't come out perfectly unless you were highly skilled.<br />
<br />
#cameras #historyof #thankgoodnessfordevelopment #somethingromantic #oldcameras<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-8598045354873452842018-06-07T05:37:00.000+10:002018-06-07T05:37:58.235+10:00Advanced Marketing Workshop - 19 June Marysville<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvrO8Bs-lBUjNjd3rdIhNBWt3XRb_S6mL4A0ohzYPgsA2dPJv6Hr-xDPlCfgkwVKMXYJ2YLAm6Pg_nY3TsyGb0qcBWulDKHs6-_KuoHuO1O2MRUyC2jVn-PCpnSVd28nhTLqz34fc7nQ/s1600/marketing+workshop+flyer+ADV+MARKETING+MI+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1132" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvrO8Bs-lBUjNjd3rdIhNBWt3XRb_S6mL4A0ohzYPgsA2dPJv6Hr-xDPlCfgkwVKMXYJ2YLAm6Pg_nY3TsyGb0qcBWulDKHs6-_KuoHuO1O2MRUyC2jVn-PCpnSVd28nhTLqz34fc7nQ/s640/marketing+workshop+flyer+ADV+MARKETING+MI+2018.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>
<br />
I am very pleased to be part of the Doing Business Better Workshop Series Program for Murrindindi again.<br />
<br />
Last year it was customer service this year it is Advanced Marketing.<br />
<br />
My passion is Marketing, the understanding your customer, being able to reach them and getting a Return on your Investment.<br />
<br />
This workshop covers Social Media, Analytics, Strategy, and Tools. Attendees will enjoy a 2 hour 2-hours aimed at the advanced Social Media user.<br />
<br />
If you have been using Facebook or Instagram for business but want to get a little more strategic and or get a return on your Investment then this session is for you.<br />
<br />
Learn about effective leveraging, creative engagement, story telling, adverts and partnerships.<br />
<br />
Hope to see you there!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Book online:<br />
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/advanced-marketing-tickets-46283774014<br />
<br />
phone bookings: 0488 998 338 <br />
<br />
e: info@murrindindiinc.com.au <br />
<br />
facebook.com/murrindindiinc<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1309278486306389086.post-35819224923752715882018-06-03T16:49:00.002+10:002018-06-03T16:49:48.039+10:00Ahhh a new website<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsHpDbcNxBh5IOrmTid78uqzOoWnHQFXnq_ucPrBCMkPxUiI67jXUAZWJyMG9YJvkRsGSupER3jLMlVxGnwiWu8-BIAgh3Mtfx4BKFJQFI24YA6le2E8hgIfSro2EPQ1tcL_5poLY7HU/s1600/SHN_0429+%25281%2529+FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsHpDbcNxBh5IOrmTid78uqzOoWnHQFXnq_ucPrBCMkPxUiI67jXUAZWJyMG9YJvkRsGSupER3jLMlVxGnwiWu8-BIAgh3Mtfx4BKFJQFI24YA6le2E8hgIfSro2EPQ1tcL_5poLY7HU/s640/SHN_0429+%25281%2529+FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last month I decided I needed to align my marketing and online presence more.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">So, after 16 years of having the rossparkwoolshed.com.au website, it was time for a change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">It was one thing to be consulting B2B and explaining the advantages of being consistent with your messages, aligning emails and domains and not showcasing it yourself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">So, with the new design, I have selected a Word Press based flat style site. Simplistic, elegant and easy to navigate. I utilised my website designers who I have worked with for 16 years now, to build many many beautiful sites for my clients, to build this one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">The reason I used a designer is that they can work with your brand and work in partnership with the features of your site to drive proposed behaviour.I’m very pleased with the results and all in 10 days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.samhcks.com.au/"><span style="color: white;">www.samhcks.com.au</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">One of the advantages of paying for a website to be done through a company who has been building them for nearly 20 years is consistency in their process, the durability of their platform (they have integrated the WP site on to their own specifically developed platform and systems) and delivery within the 10 days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">So many businesses I have seen have had their website development dragged out for months due to many reasons…. not being able to access images, get the content decided upon or gain access to domain names. Or worse older sites after years with the same designer or company their current website is pulled down, not maintained due to non-contact, there has been a change of ownership, even relocated to another company… my personal favourite lost sign in details…all extremely frustrating to business owners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">In that time, they have had also to suffer simple changes costing the earth or worse taking weeks to get done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Other horrible stories I can share are unrealistic timeframes by designers, blow out of costs of between $2500 - $10K for a customised website and transient website builders. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">The next kind of statement just gives me the shudders; “oh, my great uncle's cousin builds websites - he will do it for nothing” the old age adage is you get what you pay for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">While the uncle is fitting the website in and around life and other paying clients the weeks and months fly by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Mine, on the other hand from inception, the creation of the website brief including competitor analysis and pre-payment it was only 10 days till it was set to live.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">As a client of mine, you have the choice of a 3-level website buy in, a simple process to build a brief (we work together to round up all the components; – content, images external links etc and finally we review competitors) and once that is signed off within 10 days your website is set to live. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Easy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Due to the relationship I have with eknowhow, the website builders, they pass a discount DIRECTLY to my clients. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">A win-win really.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Added bonus, if you need me to assist with a website for you as, like mine, you have a few more options.… if you want to manage the website yourself once it’s up you can as it’s a content management-based site, if you want me to manage or train you to use it I can or… I can just be on back up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">The choice is yours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Need a new responsive (mobile friendly) website that fits within your brand? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">It would be no obligation quote.<br />Reach out. Ping me a message or email.<span style="color: white;"> <a href="mailto:sam@samhicks.com.au"><span style="color: white;">sam@samhicks.com.au</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">#websites #proventrackrecord #customised #simple #stylish #CMS #shineynewwebsite<o:p></o:p></span></div>
sam hickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10629784485545324901noreply@blogger.com