A friend of mine recently commented: "I guess you don't check Facebook..." No I don't. But I knew my dear friends birthday party was coming months ago. In fact, I'm getting ready for it right now, I simply couldn't wait. It reminded me of all the instances when friends and family tell me: "Why didn't you check Facebook?," or "Didn't you get my poke?"
I seem to miss events almost entirely since I'm not glued to FB. I guess it must be an office cubicle thing. Since I've escaped that lot, I seem to be missing out.
Now, this isn't a rant at those who do use Facebook. Instead, I'd like to comment on its usage and how it seems we view communication. In the age of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, WAYN etc. I think the way we communicate with one another is changing. However I don't necessarily believe that its changing for the better. Perhaps its just all a bit unnecessary.
Now I've often been accused of being a skeptic and also being all to often ready to play the devils advocate for this or that. But I absolutely dislike using Facebook! At this time you may gasp and tell me all the wonderful benefits and neat features it has to offer, or how it lets you keep in touch with your friends and know what they're doing. To this I reply. How about ask? How about call? To me, nothing beats a quick phone call to see how people are doing, whats going on and the next time we can hook up for a coffee. Perhaps its me, but I wonder whats the purpose of a poke? I simply gave up that poke warfare after spending more than 5 minutes poking back all the people who did poke me.
I think Entrepeneurs should really take note of what will help and what will hinder them. No matter how many FB pokes, messages you write, or" snowballs" you throw at another persons profile, nothing beats a networking,meeting, drink, coffee and above all connecting with another human being. That means the good old face-to-face meeting. Nothing separates the wheat from the chaff than your ability to say "Hi. I'm Rolo. I'd like to help/work with you. Tell me about you." Scary eh? I think the lack of genuine connection in our communication these days bears a closer look. If I join WAYN I don't think it will bring me closer to anyone. Though I would want to continue to do so.
Sometimes though technology can help.
I do admit that the features of LinkedIn allowed me to do the one thing I enjoy, which is recommend really great people to other people for all to read. That to me is a joy, but it is still secondary to telling a client or friend in need, "hey I know this great person..."
On a whim I joined another eProposal website that is supposed to list your services to clients. There are hundreds if not thousands of businesses listed on it. Not a single tender for proposal or client seeking services has popped up in the two weeks since I signed up for it. Its as barren as a parking lot after the mall closes. Thank god I'm not paying for it.
...
Perhaps the techno-connection glut has to get worse before it gets better.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Past Events: Louisa's Jack n' Jill
Here we have one of our earlier events for a private client, completed in the late summer of 2007. Our client was on a tight budget and was looking for an intimate yet affordable venue to hold her Jack n' Jill in conjunction with the couples Going-Away party to another part of Canada. As a result, she was looking for a place nearby, easily accessible by transit and cozy!
(From top left to to bottom right: Intimate affair at a local cafe, floral arrangements by Carly W., J at the bar, Linda on the go, Smoked Salmon Canape's, Experiencing a votive, and mini creme-brulee's - Copyright Simplicity (C) 2009)
The venue of choice was a trendy local coffee shop, (sadly its no longer under the same management - and has since changed greatly) and as such added a very eclectic feel as well as having all the amenities needed for on-site catering! Not only does this give local business a boost, but its a great way to have an intimate and informal event at an affordable cost!
One of the greatest achievements of this event was that when all was said and done, the event was a true testament what Simplicity can do. Over 80% of the materials used in the event were either, properly recycled or composted, or could be reused again! even the parting gifts of potted violets were carefully chosen from a local Toronto-based nursery, minimizing carbon emissions all the while spreading a little life and love on behalf of the celebrants. Even more fantastic was that no food went to waste, with the un-plated trays going straight to Second Harvest.
Special Thanks goes out to Ruthie and Ross and all the staff for this event. It was a very humid night, but awesome fun!
(All photo's copyright Simplicity (c) 2007)
(From top left to to bottom right: Intimate affair at a local cafe, floral arrangements by Carly W., J at the bar, Linda on the go, Smoked Salmon Canape's, Experiencing a votive, and mini creme-brulee's - Copyright Simplicity (C) 2009)
The venue of choice was a trendy local coffee shop, (sadly its no longer under the same management - and has since changed greatly) and as such added a very eclectic feel as well as having all the amenities needed for on-site catering! Not only does this give local business a boost, but its a great way to have an intimate and informal event at an affordable cost!
One of the greatest achievements of this event was that when all was said and done, the event was a true testament what Simplicity can do. Over 80% of the materials used in the event were either, properly recycled or composted, or could be reused again! even the parting gifts of potted violets were carefully chosen from a local Toronto-based nursery, minimizing carbon emissions all the while spreading a little life and love on behalf of the celebrants. Even more fantastic was that no food went to waste, with the un-plated trays going straight to Second Harvest.
Special Thanks goes out to Ruthie and Ross and all the staff for this event. It was a very humid night, but awesome fun!
(All photo's copyright Simplicity (c) 2007)
Monday, August 31, 2009
Summer Update No.3
One of the more recent events we did was to cater Business Connection Exchange (BCX) Mississauga Chapter's Meet and Greet, held at the Maple Buffet. (More on the BCX in a follow-up)
Despite the pouring rain and my GO train adventure in finding the location, there was a fantastic turn out and I had the opportunity to work again with our chef extraordinaire Rexy and meet a diverse array of other small business owners.
I highly recommend hooking up with the BCX and or others similar small business associations in your area. Its a fantastic way to keep in the "know" about your business community, connect with other entrepreneurs, practice/polish your marketing approach and get valuable tips and advice.
Here are a few photo's from the event. (Excuse the grainy nature!)
In my humble opinion, schmoozing and connecting with other small business people is so much easier when you have hearty appetizers and a great environment!
Special thanks goes out to Adrian, Inez and Cheryl for helping make it happen!
Despite the pouring rain and my GO train adventure in finding the location, there was a fantastic turn out and I had the opportunity to work again with our chef extraordinaire Rexy and meet a diverse array of other small business owners.
I highly recommend hooking up with the BCX and or others similar small business associations in your area. Its a fantastic way to keep in the "know" about your business community, connect with other entrepreneurs, practice/polish your marketing approach and get valuable tips and advice.
Here are a few photo's from the event. (Excuse the grainy nature!)
In my humble opinion, schmoozing and connecting with other small business people is so much easier when you have hearty appetizers and a great environment!Special thanks goes out to Adrian, Inez and Cheryl for helping make it happen!
Summer Update No.2
Hello all!
Oh my, oh my, this summer has indeed be quite busy! It has been one of both highs and lows this summer especially on the entrepreneur field but the one sure thing is we're even more resolved to help Simplicity thrive.
On a personal note, I realize I've had to batten down the hatches and close off my personal borders to survive this summer. I'm not quite sure friends, family and clients may understand it but in hindsight it was a decision I made instinctively as I turned inward in reflection on the future. Professor Randy Pausch came to mind recently, in particular his words about walls, "walls are meant to challenge us and to get us to think of how badly do we want whats on the other side."
Perhaps in this case it showed me how badly I need friends, family and clients as support in what we do and that not for a second should we forget where we are and others are in the grand scheme of things.
Nothing can do this quicker than taking a few moments to call people who are important to me and say "What can I do for you to be at your best? To get you where you want to go?" Perhaps in that way too, helping them get over their walls I find the impetus to launch over mine.
-Rolo
Oh my, oh my, this summer has indeed be quite busy! It has been one of both highs and lows this summer especially on the entrepreneur field but the one sure thing is we're even more resolved to help Simplicity thrive.
On a personal note, I realize I've had to batten down the hatches and close off my personal borders to survive this summer. I'm not quite sure friends, family and clients may understand it but in hindsight it was a decision I made instinctively as I turned inward in reflection on the future. Professor Randy Pausch came to mind recently, in particular his words about walls, "walls are meant to challenge us and to get us to think of how badly do we want whats on the other side."
Perhaps in this case it showed me how badly I need friends, family and clients as support in what we do and that not for a second should we forget where we are and others are in the grand scheme of things.
Nothing can do this quicker than taking a few moments to call people who are important to me and say "What can I do for you to be at your best? To get you where you want to go?" Perhaps in that way too, helping them get over their walls I find the impetus to launch over mine.
-Rolo
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Summer Update No.1
Its been a ridiculously busy summer for us at Simplicity!
Earlier this summer we started it off right by volunteering to help Alpha 2 Alternative School by helping organize and cater its Class of 2009 Grade 8 Graduation hosted by Lula Lounge. The awesome news is that we provided all the catering for the 60 student and parent event at cost!
It was a hot time for a graduation and we managed to provide a great selection of light and vegetarian friendly dishes for the health conscious students and family. Special thanks goes out to Tracy of the Lula Lounge for being on-site and helping make the event truly a success!
In continuing our theme of volunteering with the community and supporting education we also went along and helped supervise with their end of the year summer car-camping trip to Stouffville. It was a great windy time, plenty of sun and wildlife, followed by evenings of smores, stargazing and playing "manhunt" in the dark!
(Special thanks to Lance for taking such awesome photos and letting Steve use his camera!)
Earlier this summer we started it off right by volunteering to help Alpha 2 Alternative School by helping organize and cater its Class of 2009 Grade 8 Graduation hosted by Lula Lounge. The awesome news is that we provided all the catering for the 60 student and parent event at cost!
It was a hot time for a graduation and we managed to provide a great selection of light and vegetarian friendly dishes for the health conscious students and family. Special thanks goes out to Tracy of the Lula Lounge for being on-site and helping make the event truly a success!
In continuing our theme of volunteering with the community and supporting education we also went along and helped supervise with their end of the year summer car-camping trip to Stouffville. It was a great windy time, plenty of sun and wildlife, followed by evenings of smores, stargazing and playing "manhunt" in the dark!
(Special thanks to Lance for taking such awesome photos and letting Steve use his camera!)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
GO LOCAL: Go USA!? Eh?
Okay so here is a quick little post that to this day, sticks in my craw.
(possible RANT ALERT)
About two weeks ago we decided to go to the local Market that is THE location in our area for organic/special dietary needs supermarket cooperative. The goal was to restock the household with as much organic goodies as possible.
(Digression)
Now to be fair I've always been pretty skeptical of organic food, and beg to differ that there is a very fine difference between saying something is Organic, and a piece of produce that truly is. What really changed my mind was a video called: Uh. I can't remember. (No really I can't.)
Thought for Food: How far do we have to go for Organic food when we're next door to the Horseshoe Valley?
But it was by the National Film Board (linky link). and I think it was either called "The Fight for True Farming" or "The Genetic Takeover or Mutant Food". Either way my skepticism was overwhelmed by a very decent documentary that really opened my eyes to what Organic farming is. It certainly shed a lot of light on the problems that Maple Syrup farmers face, as well as Genetically Modified wheat.
I highly recommend anyone check it out if you have doubts about organic food.
(End of Digression)
Anyhow, what annoyed the snot out of me was that we really wanted to get as much healthy produce as possible. Our ONE caveat is that it MUST be from Ontario!!! (RAWR!) The kicker: 90% (YES NINETY) percent of the stuff offered by Organic food central supermarket was from the US! The only things offered were a few Radishes, Lettuce and Asparagus from Ontario! When we went to the checkout cashier directly across from us was artwork done my the local elementary school saying "BUY LOCAL". I CAN'T, the primary supermarket that is supposedly "Thee place" for buying organic, earth friendly produce and products only provides 90% it from a neighbouring country. The stuff was probably shipped more than 100 km's away, not to mention using a whole lot of transport, gas, emissions, labour, energy. Why not use the blinking local farms that are not more than 2 hours away? Sigh.
WTHBBQPEWPEW?!
I don't get it. This only solidifies my zeal for channeling Simplicity as a means for supporting the Local Organic Farming industry. [To Do: Must visit the local farm that Alpha II goes to!]
Perhaps its a little thing, but as J pointed out: "I am not rich enough to eat cheap food."
-Rolo
(possible RANT ALERT)
About two weeks ago we decided to go to the local Market that is THE location in our area for organic/special dietary needs supermarket cooperative. The goal was to restock the household with as much organic goodies as possible.(Digression)
Now to be fair I've always been pretty skeptical of organic food, and beg to differ that there is a very fine difference between saying something is Organic, and a piece of produce that truly is. What really changed my mind was a video called: Uh. I can't remember. (No really I can't.)
Thought for Food: How far do we have to go for Organic food when we're next door to the Horseshoe Valley?
But it was by the National Film Board (linky link). and I think it was either called "The Fight for True Farming" or "The Genetic Takeover or Mutant Food". Either way my skepticism was overwhelmed by a very decent documentary that really opened my eyes to what Organic farming is. It certainly shed a lot of light on the problems that Maple Syrup farmers face, as well as Genetically Modified wheat.
I highly recommend anyone check it out if you have doubts about organic food.
(End of Digression)
Anyhow, what annoyed the snot out of me was that we really wanted to get as much healthy produce as possible. Our ONE caveat is that it MUST be from Ontario!!! (RAWR!) The kicker: 90% (YES NINETY) percent of the stuff offered by Organic food central supermarket was from the US! The only things offered were a few Radishes, Lettuce and Asparagus from Ontario! When we went to the checkout cashier directly across from us was artwork done my the local elementary school saying "BUY LOCAL". I CAN'T, the primary supermarket that is supposedly "Thee place" for buying organic, earth friendly produce and products only provides 90% it from a neighbouring country. The stuff was probably shipped more than 100 km's away, not to mention using a whole lot of transport, gas, emissions, labour, energy. Why not use the blinking local farms that are not more than 2 hours away? Sigh.
WTHBBQPEWPEW?!
I don't get it. This only solidifies my zeal for channeling Simplicity as a means for supporting the Local Organic Farming industry. [To Do: Must visit the local farm that Alpha II goes to!]
Perhaps its a little thing, but as J pointed out: "I am not rich enough to eat cheap food."
-Rolo
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Out of the Box Art: Salina Kwan
Okay so I've been meaning to write about a fantastic person I'm helping.
Salina is a new friend of mine who's artistic streak is channeled in quite a unique way and I'm thrilled to help brainstorm with her on developing her truly unique talent into a business.
Here are some of her works and I look forward to recommending clients to her.
These would be utterly fantastic for unique and personal menu's for private dinner parties, one of kind gifts to clients or personalized keepsakes for wedding guests!
(All artwork , photography concept copyright of SalinaKwan Design 2009 (C) )
Salina is a new friend of mine who's artistic streak is channeled in quite a unique way and I'm thrilled to help brainstorm with her on developing her truly unique talent into a business.
Here are some of her works and I look forward to recommending clients to her.
These would be utterly fantastic for unique and personal menu's for private dinner parties, one of kind gifts to clients or personalized keepsakes for wedding guests!
(All artwork , photography concept copyright of SalinaKwan Design 2009 (C) )
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