Understanding the tech industry in the region is a new challenge for me. For various reasons, including out of personal interest, I have been grappling with this as a problem over the last few months. You would think that information about businesses, markets and turnover would be readily available. Perhaps it is but so far … Continue reading Defining a problem
We need Euogle
‘Don’t be evil.’ That’s what Google’s Corporate Code of Conduct used to say until it was amended recently. Apparently it now says ‘Do the right thing.’ Is there a difference? Perhaps. Being evil is a more profound statement which permeates through everything that someone could do. It has an almost religious quality. The new slogan … Continue reading We need Euogle
Entrepreneurial opportunities
I’ve given a few lectures to students now. It is nice to be asked and I am always keen to oblige yet they can be a difficult audience, especially early in the morning. My latest attempt to enthuse the next generation was at Northumbria University where I gave a talk on ‘Entrepreneurial opportunities in the … Continue reading Entrepreneurial opportunities
Be a role model
Everyone has the role to be a role model. What a great quote. I heard it at the update of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership's Economic Plan. It was so good that I had to tweet it and unfortunately forget who said it. It’s an age thing. The point though is that we all … Continue reading Be a role model
Why passwords are important
Passwords, ain’t you sick of them! They are so inconvenient. You have so many to remember and you are forced to change them at the most inopportune moment. They are getting longer and more sophisticated, with different characters and capital letters in the wrong place. Password1 is no longer enough. We all know that we … Continue reading Why passwords are important
Guerrilla Working and avoiding fraud
I have been getting a fair bit of traction with Guerrilla Working over the last few weeks, even though it is several years since I wrote the book. Perhaps it was a bit ahead of its time or the things I cover in its pages are becoming more relevant. Who knows? My thoughts turned to … Continue reading Guerrilla Working and avoiding fraud
Value your business
Whenever I think about entering into a relationship with a new supplier I always ask, expect where it is obvious, how they make their money. The ability to make money is essential to any business. Without it it will not be able to survive and that will be no good for me and the business … Continue reading Value your business
The IT group
If your business uses digital technology in anyway then you should have some sort of forum or group that comes together to talk about it. I always recommend this to any business that I work with as it makes such a difference to the understanding and direction that the company is taking. There is a … Continue reading The IT group
Contracts can be fun
I never thought I would say this but reading contracts can be fun. OK, perhaps not fun but certainly interesting. They contain all sorts of mysterious things. When you enter into a new arrangement with a company, especially over the supply of services it is normal (and good) practice to enter into some sort of … Continue reading Contracts can be fun
Disloyalty card
I’ve been going to Dave’s in Morpeth to get my hair cut ever since I moved to the town. That was nearly thirty years ago. Dave reminded me that I was one of his first customers when he had his first shop on the main road North. He’s seen me go from black to grey … Continue reading Disloyalty card
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 