Got the next few weeks PR mapped out

Sort of got the direction of PR for Q1 defined

Discussed the copywriting requirements for the next few case studies

Discussed a second – more technical – blog with the researching being outsourced

Taken on a virtual PA

Agreed the framework for the CRM system and discussed required outputs

Chased up the opening of a sole trader bank account

Been able to have an unpaid PMI claim looked at by an expert in the area

and I’m knackered. Cannot imagine why! Climaxed too early in the day I’m afraid. Oh – and since getting back – explained to a client how to reduce their income tax bills by reference to how we think their profits will look like this time next year. Ten minute phone call and £10,000 not being unnecessarily paid to HMRC for a year – much better in their bank account I have to say. Mind you – a couple of hours thinking and computer modelling and redoing the returns so it won’t be free but I’m sure they will think it is money well spent. Fascinating (unresolved) conversation this morning regarding how long into the new year you go before stopping wishing a Happy New Year to people. So I find myself starting the blog at lunchtime rather than mid-afternoon as my head feels it’s done enough complicated thinking for a few hours and streams of consciousness feels like a much simpler state of mind… A bizarre little episode earlier when I put the kettle on for the lunchtime drink with my brain thinking it ought to be elevenses and my body clock saying it felt more like time for afternoon tea. Most peculiar and not a little unsettling but a bite to eat and everything is much nearer the same time. Normally I try and get a walk in before the afternoon session to clear the brain and get the blood flowing a little around my body but it’s been bucketing down and I’m vacillating about whether to go or not. Not an easy call – the damp clothing consideration doesn’t matter too much when the office is in the house but walking in weather like this is definitely tedious. Oh what the !*!*, let’s go get wet! … Okay – didn’t enjoy getting wet, did appreciate the walk. And the chat with a neighbour regarding a Town Council matter. Did I mention I’m a Town Councillor? Can’t remember. Just another part of giving something back to the local community, with or without the just. And on returning, soaked, musing on the difference between American English and the real thing. Wandering around the house without pants gives rise to somewhat different connotations depending which side of the “pond” you’re based. Too much information maybe? No sign of the severe weather with or without snow in this area. Solid 7C temperature most of the day so far. Massively overcast with continual rain but no gusting winds to speak, in fact pretty much no winds at all! Maybe it’s different where you are? One of the myriad advantages of being based at home is the power nap. Still frowned upon IMHO in too much of the working environment but a fantastic tool in managing energy levels (or lack thereof). You have to be disciplined though – all too easy to have an hour or more but try not to exceed 15-30 minutes. Enough to recharge the batteries but not so much to overdo it. I read somewhere a suggestion that drinking a tea or coffee beforehand can help you regulate it as the caffeine kicks in in approximately the right time frame. Think that will do for this week… Coda, two hours later. 0C and a blizzard out there, spoke too soon. ]]>