Ideas day, new training shoes. Lynne and Morgan.
Away day yesterday looking at finding new ideas to drive Echo sales. All regional newspapers have had a tough time of it in recent years as free newspapers and multi media have taken bites out of their traditional market.
The Echo has fared better than most but it's a struggle and the need for constant innovation is overpowering.
Good day. Took a meeting room overlooking the pitch at Anfield and a dozen of us put towels over our heads (not literally) and tried to think of ways of turning the trends on their heads.
After warm-up sessions and some fun it boiled down to two angles of attack: How do we make the Echo easier to get and how do we make it more of a must-have product.
From the wild, the wacky, the been-there-tried it, and the sounds-good-but..we emerged with eight solid propositions which we'll be refining into projects.
Key points: brainstorming works best when people are relaxed and enjoying themselves. And it works best out of the office away from the day-to-day slog.
Dashed across Merseyside to buy new training shoes at Runners Sports in New Ferry. Superb customer service considering I arrived minutes before closing time. Really knowlegeable assistant.
She looked at my old trainers with some dismay. 'Inferior' was the nicest thing she could say. I thought they were rather splendid.
Bought great new pair and did six miles when I got home. Could feel a huge difference.
After that couple of hours work then then bed.
Only 10 days to Thailand. Had the jabs. Lynne up and down but seemed better yesterday. I think she is worrying herself sick about the journey. I'm still unsure whether she's well enough, but neither of us want to pull out at this stage.
Morgan off school with cough, cold, temperature. She's furious. 'I want to go to school,' she yelled. Harry speechless at her attitude.
Chris Brereton wrote...
Alistair, three things really. Firstly, I have posted before as an ex-Echo work experiencee ( 2004-2005) so please say hi to all those on the news desk esp. Alison, Jon, Joe Riley, Greg o Keefe, Kate Mansey, Andy Kelly and Nick Coligan. I am now freelancing in Melbourne Australia and let them now all is well!
Secondly, having come to Oz from Thailand I can tell you Ko Samui will blow you away.
However, although the island is absolutely sensational, the neighbouring island of Ko Phang Nan (one of many spellings you will find) is less disturbed, less touristy and in my opinion a fraction better.
I don't know if the logistics are possible but I would suggest trying to get across there for a few nights - its a 30 minute ferry ride from the Big Buddha pier in northern Ko Samui and I promise you it will be worth it. Real paradise postcard stuff. The port at Thong Sala is great for food and to experience Thai living.
In fact the seafood restaurant directly to the right of the pier is worth the ferry crossing in itself! ( Big outdoor style restaurant painted yellow and directly on the beach side if that helps!)
Saying all that though, Ko Samui is still sublime and a great time is guaranteed.
Thirdly, the half marathon. I did the Great North Run in October after previously never going further than about 7 miles. The key is great trainers ( which you appear to have covered) and to start slow and then get even slower!
Find a pace, stick to it and the miles just evaporate.
I also guarantee you, and I really do guarantee, that if you eat your own body weight in pasta, porridge, jam and flapjacks in the 48 hours before the race you will cruise it.
The actual day is so much easier than the training because of the adrenaline and the crowds.
The buzz down the last 500 metres is incredible and all the months of exceptionally tedious torture will be well worth the feeling of satisfaction!!!
Enjoy the holiday.
Posted by: Chris Brereton | January 29, 2007 8:16 AM