Struggling for new ideas? Get out of the office!

I had an eureka moment a few weeks ago. I realised just why working with the teams I do, in the way I do is so rich, so creative and so productive. I realised why I never seem to run out of fresh ideas. I realised why my enthusiasm and my drive can seem endless. I realised what satisfies me and how I have made a success of my life... and it's all down to the the magic that happens when ideas have sex! 

It was a video talk by Matt Ridley (When Ideas Have Sex) that, for me, clarified just why I have found such inspiration in looking outside whatever organisation I'm in. Why I've sought to find out more; see new things, meet new people, hear new experiences. Why I never feel I know enough, and constantly feel like I can learn from others. And why that has enabled me to achieve more.

It's how I have always run my professional life and how I run my business.

Using the best people
Some five years ago I moved from a salaried position, to working as a sub-contractor. It was a daunting prospect, but once I started thinking in a new way, the possibilities opened up. First I could tailor people's jobs far better than I'd been able to before. I wasn't stuck with a certain team for everything I wanted to do. I could use the best people for the things they were best suited to. If a member of my team wasn't so good at one task that needed doing, well then I could use someone else, instead of having to use them simply because they were on the payroll.

Un-used talent
There was another bonus: I could tap into talent that was being unused, parents who were at home looking after children. I didn't mind when they did their hours, it gave me access to some very skilled people who were delighted to have a position that they could work around their childcare needs. I got highly experienced and dedicated people that proved a real asset. My team was stronger. No longer was I stuck with appointing someone willing to work in a particular location, I could simply find the best people, regardless of where they lived.

And so the team was built... where you might have four full time staff, I had seven, all working part time. I had a wider team of freelance writers and photographers as well - again, rather than filling the hours of a core team with things that didn't suit their skills, I would use them for the bits that suited them.

The input of new ideas
As much as we worked as a team, we all worked on other projects, and this proved to be an added bonus, the true value of which took me a few years to appreciate.

Because we were all working with other clients, on other publications, other websites, or writing or taking photographs in other areas, we were all learning. Coming across new systems, different ways of organising things. Our experience working on the magazine together fed into our approach with those new projects, but in turn the new experiences fed fresh ideas back. New systems for communicating, for running meetings, for handling content. Ideas, ideas, ideas. We were in different parts of the country, working on other projects with different teams, and when we came back together, these experiences went into the pot, helping us to improve on what we were doing.

We were stronger for the time spent apart, fresher, and whenever we met up again, our new ideas met as well, joined together, interacted with one another, and produced new ideas of their own, resulting in improvements in the way we were doing things as well as injecting a fresh shot of inspiration.

It's when ideas meet in this way that your work, your business, your life moves forwards. Shut yourself away in your office, with the same people, the same processes, the same way of doing things and you'll stand still... get out there, harness the diverse ideas and input of others, and your business will move forwards, faster. You can become more efficient and better at what you do. I've valued the input of others for years... now I have a better understanding of just why it's so valuable.

The attraction of solo racing

I interviewed Mike Golding recently for a feature, and as we chatted aboard Gamesa... his steed for the 2012-13 Vendee Globe Race, his passion for sailing, and solo ocean racing in particular was evident. He spoke with the enthusiasm of a child as his eyes gleamed at the prospect of 90 days of racing in some of the world's most remote oceans... while I couldn't think of anything worse! I like my home comforts; after a day's racing I like good, freshly cooked food, plenty of chit-chat with friends and a warm bed... not sleep grabbed in 15-minute catnaps between jumping up to get cold and wet changing a sail in the middle of the night, ready meals and the sat phone for company.

But then there was a gleam of understanding. I love my sailing. I love the way you can completely escape from the world in a way not other sport can seem to manage.

Gamesa powering upwind - photo Mark Turner/Gamesa

‘I think of it as three-dimensional chess,’ said Mike. ‘You can win on the top board or the middle board or the bottom board or you can win diagonally. It’s a crazy, crazy game and it involves so much. When you get immersed in something like that you’re living it so you feel a windshift you instantly are processing what that means for you in relation to the rest of the fleet… you’re fully immersed.’

For most of us that immersion is for a few hours, not 90 days, but that complete escape is invaluable. Why does sailing achieve this? I think it's due to its demanding, complex and varied nature. It’s such an escape because of its many different layers, including tactics, wind, waves, tide, other boats, the course, sail trim, boat trim... not to mention manoeuvres. You are totally occupied physically and mentally. There is no space for the worries of the world. Imagine doing that for 90 days… okay maybe I can see the attraction!

Should sailing be an Olympic sport?

As the debate gathered momentum amongst a group of colleagues, I felt the tigger within rise to fight a cause I feel sooo passionately about.

Sailing. The sport I love so much is, in my view, one of the best things that can happen to anyone. If you have seen, as I have its power to transform lives, enable youngsters to realise their potential, and give happiness, peace and delight to so many then it's hard not to care about the sport's visibility, and let's face it, events like the Olympics give it the sort of visibility it needs - not the high end glossy big boat side of sailing, but the grassroots, £100-Laser-dinghy sport that is perfect for all the family.

The Olympics inspires so many youngsters to give sports a try - and if you have seen what sailing does to turn around some of our wayward youth, then you would wish that everyone could get the chance to try it. It's NOT EXPENSIVE and there are plenty of opportunities for youngsters to get involved - if they can be inspired to give it a go.

My dad taught himself to sail at the age of 30 when we moved to the coast. He bought a converted 'Optimist' for peanuts and my brother and I shared it. I say 'Optimist' as it was a home built version with no buoyancy, a bowsprit and a jib! And no buoyancy... we learn to sail on that and our family dinghy - a wooden Dutch scow he also bought for less money than a bicycle (it was cheaper than a secondhand Mirror dinghy so that says a lot!).

I've seen sailing cure depression, ease grieving, help those battling illness, give deprived young people a sense of pride and control over their own lives... it is an amazing sport. In my view, if more people took part in it, the world would be a better place!

Train travel, doggie style: top tips for taking dogs on trains

'You're taking your dog? On a train?!' the incredulity the first time I told one of my friends I was taking Basil on a 600-odd mile journey by public transport did make me question my sanity slightly...

Basil sleeping on my half-packed bag before a trip!

Basil is a seven-year-old cocker spaniel. He has all the usual crazy cocker tendencies, and he is a rescue dog - so his obedience training was a bit late in life. He has more energy than the Duracell bunny, will eat anything he can get his paws on and gets a bit barky when anxious. Not, perhaps, the best 'model' or 'perfectly behaved'  candidate to try doggie train travel with.

I really didn't want to drive to Scotland... he can't fly, and yet I didn't want to leave him behind either. That said, I did think carefully about what I was doing, but decided it was worth a try.

The first time I took him was just before New Year. My boyfriend and I had booked a cottage near Dunoon - the plan was to do plenty of walking... It would be a real doggy heaven. The only problem was getting him there.

The timing of my trip meant it was mid-way through the Christmas break. It would be quiet. The biggest problem as far as I could see was my route took me through London. On the way home there seemed to be good connections to travel cross country, but on the outward journey it seemed that I needed to go via London. Figuring it would be quiet I sort of decided 'in for a penny...'

Basil on the underground

It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Although it was a bit stressful - especially navigating the tube with bag and dog in tow - he was amazingly well behaved and people were sooo helpful. From fellow passengers to the ticket inspectors and tube staff. On the train, the soothing motion was similar to the car and he soon fell asleep. He needed some distraction when the doors kept opening and closing on the tube, but otherwise he was fine.

Since his trip to Glasgow, Basil has been to Inverness and Aberdeen on the train and we even travelled by bus from Inverness to Aberdeen when we missed a train. He loves it, so many new smells, people and places - he always sleeps particularly soundly after travelling, which is a bonus if you want a lie in the next morning! The shared experience helped us to bond even further and I'm much more confident about taking him to places. It has meant he's been able to enjoy some fabulous places around the UK and meet lots of people. It's definitely worth the effort!

Basil and I up in the hills near Dunoon on New Year's Day - a fabulous walk which he couldn't have enjoyed if I hadn't taken the plunge and tried doggie train travel for myself!

Top tips for doggie train travel

Basil asleep while I work on a trip to Inverness

1. Book seats where you can - you can do this very easily if you buy your tickets online at the time of purchase. If you're not sure of your return time, most operators will let you book seats for your return even after you've bought your ticket - you'll have to ring up and it's a bit of a pain, but worth it. The best seats are window seats - avoid a table seat as your dog will spread out under the table and this can be awkward on busy trains unless those sharing your table are dog-friendly. If you have a dog people will often choose to sit elsewhere to give you a bit more room if there are spare seats.

2. Take a rug or blanket that you can put on the floor to encourage your dog to sleep on the floor- remember although it is free to take them, they aren't entitled to a seat and it's very useful if you can train your dog to sleep happily at your feet- it makes coach/ bus travel an option as well.

3. Try to exhaust your dog with a massive run or walk the morning of your journey - even if this means getting up even earlier - the bonus is he will sleep on the train and so can you!

4. Be aware of his need for comfort breaks. Amazingly Basil has never had any accidents on trains - peeing in a station concourse is probably the most embarrassing danger as you can't exactly pick it up!!! But he always seems to prefer the street so as soon as we get somewhere I get him out on to the street and walk with him until he does something in the toilet department. On the longer hitches I also took him out briefly when we stopped at a quieter station- although he generally preferred to wait.

5. Have plenty of poo bags in every pocket - remember even if he is good and doesn't do anything too embarrassing, you are juggling luggage as well - Basil chose one of the walkways between the tube trains once, very embarrassing and the faster you can react the minimal the embarrassment!

Basil with one of his favourite toys

6. Take plenty of treats and a water bowl - make sure you have food if there is the slightest danger you might be delayed beyond mealtime (our train to Inverness was two hours late and didn't arrive until 10pm!). A folding bowl is brilliant and if you have a bottle of water handy you can always ensure he gets a drink when he needs it. I usually take a rawhide bone and a couple of his toys as well, both for his final destination and for the journey.

7. Take care getting on and off trains - widths vary between train and platform and sometimes over-eagerness to get on or off can mean your pet misjudges the distance.

8. A flexi length lead is very useful giving you more options - I found setting it to the right length and the wedging it between the two seats was an ideal solution on the train.

9. Stay calm... if you are nervous, your dog will pick up on it. Remember there are lots of people around more than willing to help you out take advantage of their kindness at every opportunity to fit in your own toilet breaks or grab some food.

10. Enjoy! It's much more fun travelling with a dog, you'll meet many more people and find it strengthens your relationship with your pet.

Why paying on time makes good business sense

Goodwill is worth its weight in gold

My parents ran a small business - in fact they still do. Growing up with that made you very aware of the importance of goodwill in any business. If you look after someone, generally they will reward you with loyalty and when the chips are down, they will go out of their way to help you out when it's needed.

When you are working with long term suppliers or partners, looking after others when you can goes a long way. Keeping that 'goodwill bank' well in credit will enable you to run your business more effectively, more efficiently and deliver the highest quality of service because it means the people you have involved actually care about what they are doing and care about you, because you have shown, consistently, that you care about them.

If you pay someone late, you are saying you don't value them, or the service they have given you. If someone has done a good job, reward them by paying early and next time you will get as good a job, if not better. If you are known to be a consistent, timely payer, and you don't need to be chased to pay an invoice, most people will value and appreciate it. Then when you need to hit a deadline and they have two jobs on their desk, which one are they going to prioritise? If something needs a fast turnaround and they need to work late, or cancel a night out, they are far more likely to go out of their way for you if they feel like you have looked after them.

I have also found, time and time again, that economically this makes sense too. If you have a good client that treats you well, you are more likely to throw in some of the small extras you may have done along the way, or go out of your way to point out an error, or even a more efficient way of doing things. Wasted time and effort is in no-one's interest - efficiently run businesses are more successful and more profitable, which in the long run is better for everyone involved, be they a supplier of materials or labour. Suppliers and businesses can and do help one another where the relationships are strong, and all are stronger and more successful and secure as a result.

So, every chance you get, pay early. If you pay late, make sure you apologise and pay immediately. We are all human, we all forget a holiday, find a clash of deadlines or staff sickness means we perhaps miss paying a bill, but then it's about fixing it as soon as you can and if it's not the norm, people will be all the more understanding. If you have a cash flow issue, let people know their payment will be a bit late before the due date, and make an extra effort to pay the next bill early - letting them know you have done that to show you appreciate their understanding.

A little bit of goodwill goes a long, long way and you never know when you will need it.

Self doubt: the biggest fight

I hadn't realised that getting my black belt in karate would be such an emotional journey... 

Doing a kata competition as a green belt

I was so nervous I could barely get the words out... I finally responded as my name was called and held my breath. 'Shodan,' the examiner announced. One simple word that meant so much. It felt unreal. Shodan - 1st Dan Black Belt...

My journey had begun when I first started karate at university. After a 15-year break, I returned to training in earnest. I had a goal in my mind; black belt by 40. It was a tough, but not an unrealistic goal. At times I had felt on track, at others I thought I would never get there. One month I would feel I was really getting somewhere, then another I'd feel you have taken a giant step backwards. Looking back one of the biggest challenges was to get through those low points.

My first real glimmer of hope that my goal was reachable was 18 months earlier. I was paired up with someone going for a higher grade than me... suddenly I was being asked to do a freestyle fight. I landed a punch. One punch that gave me so much hope. Right on target, but with complete control to lightly touch my opponent's chin. It surprised me. Wow, I could actually do this! I stored that moment away and at numerous low points over the following 18 months I drew on that memory to give myself the boost I needed - it's something I've frequently used in the sport that remains my first love - sailing.

There was one more session before the big day. 'You're very calm,' commented one of the senior black belts. I was striving to be cool about it, but just how close my nerves were to the surface was evident when my movement in my kumite was commented on. It threw me, I felt I couldn't do it, felt I couldn't do what was being asked of me. But I battled with my self doubt, and remembered my Sensei's words from earlier in the week to just keep doing what I was doing.

My grading was set for June... At a black and brown belt course in Plymouth. I tried not to get too concerned about the grading itself... I had done the training, my instructor felt I was ready, and if I failed then, well, there was always the next course.

The day itself went by in a flash. I didn't hold back during the training session beforehand, having the faith that I was fit enough and prepared enough to give my all right through. By the end of the training session my gi was wet through - it was a brilliant but challenging session and I actually enjoyed it, taking the opportunity of letting the training push thoughts of the grading out of my mind.

I changed into a fresh gi and then my nerves started to build a bit. Breakfast seemed a long way away but I couldn't eat anything. I was very grateful for the bottles of energy drink I'd filled my bag with.It seemed like forever before we were called in for our grading... There were five of us, three up for their Nidan (Second Dan) and two of us for Shodan (First Dan). I was the only girl - which led to my first disaster. Assuming the guys had already gone in, I managed to walk in while the grading Senseis were getting changed! Red-faced I retreated quickly - but it didn't help my nerves!

The grading went by in a blur. I have no idea how I passed, I seemed to make so many mistakes but I just kept on going. Throughout I kept saying to myself, 'I want it!' When my hip delivered a jarring pain, when my calf cramped up, when I felt my body yelling exhaustion, I pushed it out of my mind and refused to listen.

Putting on my black belt for the first time

When it came to jiu ippon (a regimented one-on-one combat sequence) and I found myself gazing up at my seven foot opponent (I know, I know, he was probably only six foot), who was very good, but approaching it more with a competition style, rather that the intended aim of showing off his skill and mine. I almost let myself get psyched out by this, especially when he threw a mean kick at me. I remember thinking 'Oi! I didn't do that to you, I made my attacks very clear and made things easy for you. Now you're trying to make me look bad. I'm not having that! My next counter attack was more forceful, my shout louder. I felt my determination growing when it could have withered. I think that was the turning point.

To be honest I thought I'd already messed up, but told myself I had nothing to lose. That's what took me through to pass. I refused to let my mistakes bother me. Fought back against the nerves that had my hands shaking and had led to some silly mistakes. Fought against my self-doubt, any niggling thoughts that others were so much better than me and I wasn't worthy of the grade.

I walked back to the changing room and wanted to burst into tears. Part of me was convinced I'd failed, but I shouted back at that voice, 'Don't give up!' I had given everything. I hadn't delivered my best performance, but I had delivered the best I could on the day. I had no more to give. If it wasn't enough, well then I would be back to retake... I steeled myself for disappointment, but then came those magic words I'd waited so long to hear.

In the car on the way home, with my grading book freshly signed in the box labeled 'Shodan', I didn't feel elated, I just felt drained physically and emotionally. I had fought myself and won. Oscar Wild once said 'Be yourself, everyone else is taken.' I had needed those words to stand my ground. I was worth it!