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Thinking of rebranding? Listen to this first!

Thinking of rebranding? Listen to this first!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been discussing one of the most interesting (and, let’s be honest, slightly random) rebrands I’ve encountered—Twitter’s transformation into X. Elon Musk, the man behind this rebrand, is an impressive entrepreneur with an amazing record, but I was keen to get under the skin of this one and thought what better way than on the podcast… let’s go…

Twitter’s Rebrand to X

There are a few points to this podcast- the key talking points you’ll hear are around…

A rebranding overview: Twitter’s change to X breaks conventional rebranding rules, making it a particularly interesting case study. We’ll explore the strategy behind this move and what it means for the platform’s future.

The vision: It would seem that Elon is looking to evolve and develop Twitter into something much more expansive than just a social media platform. We’ll discuss his potential ambitions and what this could mean for users.

Why rebrand?: Companies rebrand for various reasons, including evolution, development, and sometimes to distance from past negative reputations. We’ll explore these motivations in depth.

What do you need to think about before you rebrand?: Before jumping into a rebrand, it’s crucial to understand why you’re doing it and ensure it’s not just out of boredom. A successful rebrand requires clear objectives and a solid plan to communicate these changes to your audience.

What makes a successful or unsuccessful rebrand?: We’ll look at examples of both successful and less successful rebrands. Factors that contribute to success include maintaining some consistent elements from the old brand to help with recognition and continuity.

What are consistent elements of a brand and why do these matter in a rebrand?: Brands like Apple have managed to evolve while keeping core elements intact, ensuring brand recognition remains high.

Tips for a Successful Rebrand

1. Why are you doing it?: Clearly define the reason for your rebrand. Whether it’s to modernise, shift direction, or target a new audience, knowing why you’re doing it will guide the entire process.
2. Consistency is key: Keep some elements of the old brand to ensure recognition. This can be the colour palette, fonts, or logo elements.
3. Communication really does matter: Ensure your audience understands the reasons behind the rebrand and how it benefits them. Buy-in from your customers and stakeholders is crucial in the success of a rebrand.

Rebrands are complex but necessary for growth and adaptation in a changing market. By understanding the reasons behind them and maintaining some consistency, businesses can navigate rebrands successfully. It’s going to be really interesting to see how Twitter/X’s rebrand goes, and the potential impact it will have on the brand.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Small and Supercharged Podcast. If you have any questions or want to discuss this further, join our community or Mastermind Group!

Small & Supercharged Book

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Let’s talk about BETA International

Let’s talk about BETA International

BETA International is the UK’s trade show for equestrian and country businesses. It takes place in September, is held at Stoneleigh, and is a great place to network, see new products, and speak to the people behind the best known brands in the equestrian and country community. On this episode of the podcast, I caught up with Claire Williams, Executive Director of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), the association that owns BETA International, to find out what the 2023 event has in store for anyone attending.

BETA International Claire Williams

BETA International- the equestrian industry’s UK trade show

Did you know that BETA International has been running for over 40 years?! No, I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t either. Claire shares lots about the trade show in this episode of the podcast, so let’s dive in, shall we…


Background of the Trade Show:

BETA International is a real staple of the equestrian and country trade sector, being the only one of its type in the UK. We talk about the evolution of the show over the last 40 years, and why and how the trade show moved and adapted during Covid-19.

Transition to Stoneleigh Venue:

BETA International used to be at the NEC, but moved to the NAEC at Stoneleigh a few years ago. We talk about why Stoneleigh works so well for exhibitors and visitors alike, and how it’s a familiar venue for equestrians and country folk due to the other shows, societies and more that are based there.

Importance of Networking:

Networking is a crucial aspect of any trade show, and we talk about the amount of opportunities to connect with industry peers and stay updated on developments that BETA International provides. We also talk about the relaxed atmosphere at Stoneleigh and how this continues to create really great interactions with visitors and exhibitors alike.

Understanding the Trade Show:

The role of BETA International, in fact, any trade show, has evolved as time has passed. Now, it serves as a platform for suppliers to showcase their products to retailers and industry professionals, to network and consolidate relationships, rather than to solely gather forward orders for the next season. For attendees, they can explore new launches, innovations, and participate in educational seminars. It’s not just about placing orders.

It’s all about the exhibitors

Exhibitors and their stands make up a key part of the show and offer insights into new products and innovations, sharing best sellers, and catching up with their customers. Claire also talked about some memorable stands from past events as well as innovative equestrian products.

Role of Sponsors:

BETA International is sponsored by Neue Schule, and we talk about how sponsors support and benefit from association with the show. We look at things like alignment and why sponsorship should be mutually beneficial to ensure maximum value for all concerned.

Horse & Rider New Product Showcase:

The New Product Showcase, sponsored by Horse and Rider magazine, showcases innovative products and technologies and is a real hub of the event. New products are placed into relevant categories and then are judged by retailers and industry experts for their market potential. The designated area also means that visitors can come and see what’s new up close and read about it before heading over to the relevant stand for more information.

CPD Opportunities:

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) seminars offer attendees opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge and are part of BETA International’s programme that attendees can enjoy for free. Speakers cover a range of topics relevant to equestrian retailers, providing valuable insights. Every year, the schedule is carefully planned to deliver variety and value, so there’s something (well, many things!) for everyone. And it’s all absolutely free!

If you’re an equestrian, country or pet business, make sure BETA International is firmly in your calendar. I’m lucky enough to work with this fab organisation, so I am a bit biased, but it’s THE place to be this September- you won’t regret it…

To find out more about BETA International- look into getting a stand, register to attend, to anything else, make sure you check out the website here.

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Starting Mount St John, rethinking breeding and more with Emma Blundell

Starting Mount St John, rethinking breeding and more with Emma Blundell

Mount St John Emma Blundell

I’ve followed Mount St John’s story forever, and it’s a real joy to be joined by founder Emma Blundell, the founder of Mount St John on the podcast.

Emma wasn’t from a horse family but, from a very young age, was crazy about all animals. At seven, she started riding which then progressed into competing in showing classes, and as they say the rest is history!

The art of breeding

Emma is a complete wealth on knowledge on everything to do with horse breeding and we talk about linear scoring in stallions and how she uses this as an analysis tool to support her breeding decisions and pairings between mares and stallions. That said, her depth of knowledge also plays a huge part in the choices she makes. It’s also possible to do linear scoring on mares, and although Emma has done this on some, she’s now been involved in breeding for so long that it’s almost hardwired. She talks about how she assesses strengths and weaknesses and what needs to be improved from the mare side, and then looks at the stallion’s traits to see if they complement the mare, and also the heritability factor. This is the chance of the stallion or mare passing on a trait to its offspring.

Where the idea for Mount St John began

Emma’s knowledge in this specific area started at university where she studied it and then, through her dissertation, saw the possibility to make this into a business. Emma had a mare she was trying to do embryo transfer with and then started to look at the possibility to really niche in on that, because there was no one in the market doing this. Breeding was traditionally connected to older people and also stallions rather than mares.

One of the interesting points that Emma zeroed in on what that with an embryo transfer system in place, the mares at Mount St John could continue their competitive careers without taking a year off for traditional breeding.

Making Mount St John commercial

Emma discussed the commercial aspect of her approach, highlighting the importance of efficiency in the breeding process. By starting the embryo transfer once the mares reach a productive age, she optimises the breeding cycle and maintains a steady flow of potential superstars. This not only streamlines the process but also contributes to the commercial success of Mount St John.

Navigating the Lows

Every business has its share of challenges, and Emma was open about the lows she has faced. From financial setbacks to the heart-wrenching loss of horses, she acknowledged the difficulties that come with the territory. One particular low was the traumatic experience of losing a mare and foal during a difficult birth. Emma stressed the importance of learning from such experiences and maintaining a positive outlook.

Strategies for Success

Emma shared her optimistic perspective on business, pointing out that setbacks are part of the learning curve, and as long as one learns from them and seeks improvement, success is attainable. Having a supportive team of experts, including vets and farriers, has been crucial for analysing challenges and implementing effective solutions.

But there have been many highs

As any equestrian fan will know, Mount St John has had some incredible highs from winning national titles to achieving impressive scores in debut Grand Prix performances, and Emma expressed the joy that comes with seeing homebred horses succeed. Emma stressed the importance of relishing these victories, especially during challenging times.

What would Emma advise for others looking to grow an equestrian business?

Emma shares plenty of valuable advice in the podcast, sharing the importance of gaining hands-on experience, learning from others, and seeking mentorship. Having a reliable team and being open to making necessary changes were also crucial aspects she highlighted.

Mount St John has changed the face of horse breeding and I can’t wait to watch the stud, and its horses, go from strength to strength.

To find out more about Mount St John, see the website here.

 

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When should you work for free?

When should you work for free? Navigating the Work-for-Free Landscape

Have you ever been asked to work for free? For exposure? For reach? Most people have, and there are some good reasons why working for free can pay, as I discuss in today’s episode. I talk about seven reasons why you might want to consider working for free and seven reasons why you should run for the hills. This is a blog of the podcast- as always, there’s a lot more detail in the podcast (you can listen below or anywhere else you listen to podcasts or below!), but the blog below provides a summary.

Seven reasons to work for free

1. Building Your Portfolio: We all start somewhere, and if you’re embarking on a new journey or career, you might lack experience. Doing some free or low-paid work can help you build a robust portfolio, showcasing your skills and capabilities.

2. Gaining Experience You Lack:  Sometimes, you need evidence of your abilities in a specific area. Working for free allows you to gain valuable experience, whether it’s in photography, public speaking, or any other skill you’re looking to develop.

3. Opening doors you can’t see: Free work can open unexpected doors. You might make valuable connections, get offered courses or training, or receive invitations to events that wouldn’t be on your radar otherwise.

4. Charity support: If it’s for a cause that is close to your heart, offering your services for free can be a way to make a charitable contribution.

5. Payment in Kind: In certain situations, receiving a higher-value item in exchange for your services might be worth considering. If the item/service aligns with your needs or interests, it can be a win-win.

6. Using It as a Stepping Stone: Sometimes, doing free work can serve as a stepping stone, opening doors to future opportunities or enabling you to qualify for something you aspire to do.

7. Passion: If a project or opportunity genuinely excites you and brings you joy, that alone can be a good reason to offer your services for free.

This is not an exhaustive list- at the end of the day it’s your time, and you can use it as you like!

Seven reasons not to work for free

1. Guilt Trips: If someone tries to manipulate you into working for free by playing on your emotions or making you feel guilty, it’s a red flag. Healthy discussions are fine; guilt trips, not so much.

2. Lack of Value: If a project offers no value to you, either in terms of brand promotion, personal development, or genuine interest, it might not be worth your time.

3. Extra Pressure: Taking on free work shouldn’t add excessive pressure to your already busy life. If it starts negatively impacting your well-being or other commitments, it might be time to reconsider.

4. Feeling Exploited: If you sense that someone is taking advantage of your skills and time without offering fair compensation or acknowledgment, it’s a clear sign to reassess the situation.

5. Effort vs. Payback: If the effort you’re putting into a project significantly outweighs the payback, whether in positive feelings or tangible benefits, it might not be a sustainable or wise endeavour.

6. Damaging Your Brand: If a project, whether paid or free, has the potential to harm your personal brand or professional reputation, strongly consider moving away from it (at speed!)

7. Your Gut Says No: Trust your instincts. If your gut feeling is telling you that something isn’t right or doesn’t align with your values and objectives, it’s perfectly acceptable to decline the opportunity.

In the end, the decision to work for free is yours and will be different to anyone else. It will probably depend on various factors such as your goals, values, and the specific circumstances of each opportunity. It’s crucial to know your worth, be open to discussions and, most importantly, be comfortable with the decisions you make regarding your time and energy.

Shameless plug- I wrote a book, called Small & Supercharged: Small Steps to Supercharged Your Brand on a Budget. If you’re in need of a good read to help you grow and scale your business, it’s highly recommended (by others who aren’t me!) See the Amazon reviews here!

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Keep on running – the London Marathon with Ruth Chappell Pt 2

Keep on running – the London Marathon with Ruth Chappell Pt 2

ruth chappell london marathon tower bridge

If you haven’t listened to part one of Ruth’s London Marathon journey yet, you’re going to want to listen/read about that here first!

How it started…

The start of the marathon, Ruth explained, was not as glamorous as you might think. The weather was drizzly, and the vibe was a mix of nerves and excitement. Yet, the support from the crowds, even in the rain, was overwhelming. The encouragement from strangers, calling out her name from the sidelines, created a sense of community.

London landmarks

Part of the marathon experience is being able to take in some of London’s landmarks along the 26.2 mile route. Ruth chatted about the first sight of the Cutty Sark, running over Tower Bridge (the half way point), and how each landmark and the accompanying crowd helped to drive her on. In fact, she said that they really were the most enormous help, particularly as exhaustion set in.

Finish line in sight

There were many challenging moments, like hitting a wall around mile 17, but the crowds, her determination and her will to complete kept her going. She also knew her mum, dad and husband were waiting for her at the finish line. The sight of Buckingham Palace signalled that the marathon is ending, she saw the sign marking the last 385 yards, pushed on, and was met by her family on the finish line.

The tech

I’d downloaded the app (as instructed) so I could track Ruth’s progress, but I was honestly blown away but how clever the app was – it was working across thousands of people and still provided me with her location throughout the route, split times, pace per mile, and even an estimate of when she might finish. It was like having a front-row seat to her marathon adventure!

The technology behind the marathon experience fascinated me even more when Ruth mentioned the chip in her number bib. At specific points along the course, the chip sent information to a strip on the ground, which then transmitted data to the app. So clever and so useful for people on course as well as people following at long at home.

What advice would Ruth give?

I asked Ruth, as a London Marathon completer (if that’s even a word!), what advice she’d give to other people thinking of running a marathon. And despite recording this very soon after the marathon, she said to just do it! To start somewhere, to get a training buddy or join a running club, and work on your mindset as it really will make a significant difference.

As mentioned in part 1, Ruth was running for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, supporting the the incredible work they do in raising awareness about lung cancer symptoms and providing support. Find out more about them here.

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Completing the London Marathon with Ruth Chappell – Pt 1

Completing the London Marathon with Ruth Chappell – Pt 1

Ruth chappell london marathon

For this blog (and the podcast it’s written about!), I’m chatting to my marathon-completing friend, Ruth Chappell. Ruth isn’t just a marathon trier; she’s a marathon-completing superstar! She’s a friend to the podcast, my little guardian angel, and the brains behind Dressage Anywhere. And yes, she just completed the London Marathon!

The medal!

As I recorded this podcast on Zoom, Ruth was wearing her marathon medal- and I would have too. Completing a marathon is huge, but Ruth really is extra special as this marathon has been a goal for a long time and the completion of it meant a lot.

The journey started with Couch to 5k

Ruth hasn’t always been a runner. In fact, she started jogging via the Couch to 5k app a while ago after feeling really inspired by people running around her during the pandemic. Ruth and I did the programme together (but remotely, and she was always ahead), and it wasn’t easy. When I did the last 5k run, I was rather pleased to throw in the towel. But not Ruth. She went to the next level.

Ruth gradually increased her running distances from 5K races to park runs and half marathons. Her determination was awe inspiring. This might seem like plain sailing (if you listen to the podcast, you’ll know it wasn’t!), but it was far from it, and issues with her back meant she had to steady up for quite a while too.

Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation

The dream of running the London Marathon became a reality when Ruth decided to apply for a charity place. This wasn’t a walk in the park either! Marathon spaces are in short supply, whether this is through the general ballot or via a charity. Inspired by her mother’s battle with lung cancer, Ruth chose to run for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. This organisation holds a special place in her heart, as it provided invaluable support to her mother during challenging times. When the email landed to say that she’d made the cut, there was definitely a mixture if excitement and ‘oh my God, what did I do?!’.

Another bump in the road

Just as the marathon was in sight, Ruth hit COVID-19 shaped bump in the road. Just 31 days before the race, she tested positive, and this led to missing a really important long run. But that didn’t stop her! She recovered and cracked on. It was too important and meant too much not to.

Marathon day arrived

Finally, marathon day arrived. Ruth, adorned with her Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation colours (including matching nails!), joined thousands of runners on the London Marathon route. Not only was it a test of strength, it was also a showcase of what people can achieve, how people overcome adversity, kindness and so so much.

Next week, we carry on the marathon story- I hope you loved this episode as much as I did. She really is a superstar and I’m very lucky to call her a friend.

Have you subscribed to the Small & Supercharged Podcast yet? You can get it on Apple through this link! 

 

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Connecting the rural world with podcasting with Ben Eagle

Connecting the rural world with podcasting with Ben Eagle

ben Eagle ruralpodmedia

Podcasting continues to grow in popularity, and today I’m joined by someone who has not one, but two podcasts- Ben Eagle from RuralPodmedia. Ben is known for hosting two fantastic podcasts, “Meet the Farmers” and “Rural Business Focus”, and today we’re going to find out all about Ben, his journey, his podcasts and more.

Ben’s farming roots

Ben’s roots are deeply embedded in farming. Having grown up on a dairy farm, Ben’s childhood was intertwined with the cows and farming life, but a challenging period in the 1990s led to significant changes, including selling the cows and transitioning to an arable farm.

What happened next?

Ben’s varied interests and desire to explore different avenues led him to travel, to brewing beer as his first business, working as an assistant at a school in Norfolk, and eventually pursuing a degree in environmental history at Bristol University. But the farming bug never left, and during his university years, Ben spent his summers working on farms, delving into his farming roots. Simultaneously, he volunteered with conservation organisations like the National Trust and Avon Wildlife Trust, gaining practical knowledge and experience. In fact, his first paid job after university was with the Essex Wildlife Trust.

What about farming?

Despite his background, Ben actively avoided farming for a while, encouraged by his dad to explore other possibilities. However, his interest in agriculture persisted, leading him to pursue an agriculture course at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester. This marked the beginning of his deeper involvement in farming.

During this time, Ben started the “Meet the Farmers” podcast, initially focused on sharing farming stories with a conservation audience. He realised the importance of listening to farmers and reshaped his own perspective on agriculture.

A pivotal point

During 2017, Ben’s own challenges saw him returning to the family farm, which turned out to be a pivotal moment in his life. He also bought into a friend’s sheep flock, deepening his connection with the farm and gaining a renewed sense of purpose. This led to further business and community based ventures, based at the farm, with community being something that has been important from the podcasting point of view too.

Focus, the birth of his second podcast, and the start of RuralPodMedia

Rural Business Focus came about when Ben realised the power of finding focus, really zeroing in on what he wanted to do in his life. He looked at where he felt he could give the most value, and make the most difference. There was the seed of an idea that was around communications work, podcasting, and with lockdown and the surge in podcasting, people started reaching out to Ben for help. And so RuralPodMedia was born.

To find out more about Ben, follow him on Instagram.

To listen to ‘Meet The Farmers’ – listen on Apple

To listen to ‘Rural Business Focus’- listen on Apple

(The podcasts are also available on other podcasting platforms)

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What are your tribe doing to you? How your circle impacts your life

What are your tribe doing to you? How your circle impacts your life

Have you ever thought about how the people you hang out with, people in your tribe, have a profound effect on so many aspects of your life? This could be your personal development, your business, your motivation and even your mental health. Surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial, and I want to delve into that today, drawing from my own experiences. This is the blog version of the podcast below. There’s a LOT more in there- listen here or subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and anywhere else you listen to podcasts.

Does our tribe influence us?

I’ve encountered this theme many times in my life, and it continues to be a significant aspect of my journey. When facing challenges like a lack of motivation or feelings of pessimism, it’s essential to look at ourselves and what we can do/are doing, but we must also consider the impact of the people around us. The way our tribe feels and behaves directly influences us, and the ripple effect of this can be huge- whether that’s positive or negative.

One popular thought, often attributed to Jim Rohn, suggests that we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with. However, I believe that the influence extends beyond just five individuals. In Seth Godin’s book, called Tribes, he explains how these groups, vital for survival in the past, now represent the supportive people around us who lift us up and support our journeys.

Mastermind is a great example of the positives of a good tribe

Thinking about this, I thoughts about my experiences with Mastermind, my membership group, which is a tribe I’m incredibly proud to be a part of. This community shows, day in day out, the positive impact of a tribe. The supportive community within Mastermind facilitates learning, sharing, and overcoming challenges. Being surrounded by individuals striving for growth significantly impacts on the motivation of others. It’s magical to see. But when you see it and understand the power that the community/communities you’re involved with has, it’s a bit of a game changer.

Another example is connected to a qualification I’m working on.  I’m currently pursuing my ILM Level 7 in senior and executive business coaching and mentoring—a challenging journey (it’s the equivalent of a Masters in nine months) made better by the supportive cohort. Here, everyone brings something to the table, the vibe on our training calls is brilliant, and the Whatsapp group chat carries this on beyond the sessions too.

As we navigate through life, sharing our highs and lows with our immediate circle, we must observe how their responses affect us. If our tribe is supportive and genuinely excited for us, it positively influences our motivation and energy levels. Conversely, a negative or pessimistic tribe can weigh us down, even affecting our pursuit of ambitious goals.

Tribes extend to social media too

Expanding this concept to social media, the content we consume and the people we follow contribute significantly to our mindset. Being mindful of the impact of online connections is crucial. If our feeds are filled with negativity, it can seep into the way we feel and think. And this isn’t OK.

The people we surround ourselves with, both in-person and online, influence our mindset and, consequently, our success and happiness. It’s crucial to assess the impact of our tribe and, when possible, curate a positive and supportive circle that aligns with our goals.

Shameless plug alert! I mentioned Small & Supercharged Mastermind earlier, but it really is an incredible place to learn, develop and grow your business. Find out more here.

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The making of Mochara with Tara Keoshgarian

The making of Mochara with Tara Keoshgarian

Mochara with Tara Keoshgarian

You may know Mochara for its cosy base layers, sweatshirts and other equestrian athleisure pieces, but do you know the story behind the brand and its plans for the future? Well, on today’s podcast (or blog, depending on whether you’re here to read this or listen below!), we’re going into all the detail…

Introducing Tara and Mochara

Tara launched Mochara in June 2019 when she was just 20. The brand, named after her horse Buddy (meaning “my friend” in Gaelic), originated from Tara’s desire to design versatile clothes that could transition seamlessly from the stable to everyday activities. As a university student studying equestrian sports science at Hartpury, Tara identified a gap in the market for equestrian clothing that wasn’t overly branded, allowing riders to effortlessly move from the yard to lectures or the gym without changing outfits.

Where did the idea for Mochara come from?

While in her final year at university, Tara observed the inconvenience of changing clothes between various activities, especially as a busy student with horses. The idea for Mochara emerged from her wish to create stylish, multifunctional clothing that riders could wear beyond the equestrian setting. Tara aimed to fill the gap with clothing that didn’t scream “equestrian” and could be worn casually without drawing unwanted attention.

What did COVID do to Mochara?

Despite the challenges, Tara highlights the positives of COVID-19 on the business, such as increased online visibility and the continued support of customers who were still active in caring for their horses and sought comfortable and stylish activewear. COVID was such a strange time for so many businesses, and although the rollercoaster of business still continues, the way that the landscape changed overnight was something we’d never experienced before (and, hopefully, won’t again).

Building a community 

Mochara’s success is not only attributed to its products but also to the sense of community and relatability Tara has cultivated. By using real riders, non-professional models, and involving customers in decision making processes, Mochara has created an authentic brand experience that resonates with its audience.

Working with influencers and brand ambassadors

Tara shares insights into working with influencers and brand ambassadors. She emphasises the importance of collaboration with individuals who genuinely appreciate the brand and its products, as opposed to those seeking free products.

What’s next for Mochara?

Looking ahead, Tara discusses Mochara’s plans for the future, including exploring investment opportunities to fuel the brand’s global expansion. With a focus on product design, inventory, and team expansion, Mochara aims to strengthen its presence in both the UK and the US.

To find out more about Tara and the brilliant Mochara brand, find them on…

Instagram

The Mochara website

Facebook

Have you subscribed to the podcast yet? Add Small & Supercharged to your subscriptions now!

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Is it all bad? In praise of social media…

 

in praise of social media

Is it all bad? In praise of social media…

Have you noticed? Every time social media is mentioned in the news lately, it’s for something bad, isn’t it? This publicity then increases people’s fear around its use- and I get it- but we need to remember that the issues that make the news are in the minority, that social media will continue to be a part of our lives… and that burying our heads in the sand won’t solve anything… and that’s what this podcast is all about.

The main issue for me is that it’s not the platform’s fault. It’s like blaming paper for what journalists write, the car for the drunk driver… it’s the conduit for the badness. The badness comes from people who use it. They are the problem.

I do understand the fear, particularly when we look at the younger generation and their use of it moving forward, but deciding to ban something that can be so beneficial isn’t the answer. Or, at least, I don’t think it is.

I do have concerns about the next generation and their use of social media, but perhaps not for the reasons you may think. I worry that there’s not enough education in schools about it and how many parents don’t educate themselves about it so they don’t understand the platforms when the times comes that they need to. In my opinion, schools should be teaching social media (and the associated skills such as photography, videography, caption writing, online networking, safety) because it’s not going away, it can be a hugely valuable tool in supporting a happier life and better prospects, and pretending it’s not ‘a thing’ and will go away is just silly.

Anyway… I recorded a podcast about all of this! I hope you find it useful…

Small & Supercharged Book

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