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Are we in a state of ‘learned helplessness’?

Learned helplessness is a state described in psychology. In traditional psychological studies, it was demonstrated in animals but then quickly extrapolated to apply to humans. Learned helplessness occurs when a person (or animal) has repeatedly experienced a stressful situation and then comes to believe that they are unable to control or change that situation. Even […]

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What happens when all of this is over?

Since the official lock down in the UK began at the end of March, I’ve been getting used to new ways of living and working. Since then, I’ve worked exclusively from home and ‘attend’ regular meetings via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. I think I’ve taken part in more conference calls and webinars in the past […]

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Communicate, but communicate well

Before the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, my daily routine included listening to the Today programme on Radio 4. The radio went on first thing in the morning and continued in the car on my way to work. I like to keep myself informed of current affairs. It’s important for my work and I’ve always had an […]

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In with the new … but not necessarily out with the old

I’ve been working in marketing and PR for more than 20 years. So much has changed over this time – particularly in the field of technology. It’s difficult to imagine what the next 20 years will look like as we already seem to have all the technology that we need! An issue that concerns me, […]

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This year I resolve to …..

Have you made a New Year’s Resolution this year? According to researchers, around 60% of us do so. Of these, only 20% stick to them for a whole year. The most popular resolutions centre around losing weight, doing more exercise and eating more healthily. Others promise to take up a new hobby, save more money […]

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Christmas thoughts and wishes

It’s only a week to go until ‘the big day’. Having just returned from a shopping expedition in Hereford City, I admit to feeling just a little hollow about the whole shabang. Is this due to my age, I wonder, or are you feeling the same? There’s just so much tat associated with Christmas nowadays. […]

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Don’t eat that banana – it may be worth a fortune!

You may have heard in Sunday’s news bulletins about the piece of ‘art’ worth in the region of £100,000 that was destroyed by a gallery visitor. The piece of art in question, entitled ‘Comedian’, was created by Maurizio Cattelan and comprised a ripe banana affixed to the wall of an art gallery by a piece […]

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Freelancers need juggling skills!

Of the many skills I thought I would need when I set up my freelance business 12 months’ ago, juggling wasn’t one of them. But at any one time, I have so many ‘balls’ in the air, without these skills my freelance world would come tumbling down. Of course, I don’t mean juggling balls in […]

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To charge or not to charge? That is the question.

A positive outcome from my marketing activities is to be asked to meet with a prospective client. It’s always good to have a face-to-face meeting rather than email or telephone contact. It’s so important for me to develop a good rapport with my clients. And, of course, vice-versa. I’m usually asked after these meetings to […]

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Substance is just as important as style

The other day, I bought a coffee and piece of cake from a local cafe. The assistant carefully placed a serviette on the plate and then topped it with the cake and fork. What is the point of this? The serviette became greasy and crumb-laden which is obviously not what you want when wiping your […]

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