I received the following from a good friend of mine who runs a great marketing company ( www.rwpgroup.com ). I was so impressed with the message I thought I'd reproduce it in full. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did;
May I take this opportunity to thank you for your custom in 2008 and may I wish you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas. As yet another year has come to an end it gives us all a time to reflect on how well we have performed both as individuals and as a business. There is nothing like smaller budgets, job insecurities, increased competition and a shrinking market to focus the mind. For me, one of the high points of 2008 was (apart from getting married!) the election of Barack Obama. This must be one of the most amazing elections in American history. A year ago what odds would you have given to a black man with the middle name Hussein, a first generation immigrant, of winning the 2008 US presidential campaign? How about zero? Yet he did it... and he did it through superior messaging and organising. It is funny how often the 'secret' to these things is communication. He had no rich family money like John Kennedy or George Bush to help pave the way. He raised his own finances. He managed to get a whole nation to buy into his brand and support his vision. Whatever you think about his politics, it's an accomplishment of epic proportions. My hat's off to the man. So how did he do that? Well, I am no expert on American politics but he found new 'markets', those people that had felt over looked and unmotivated. He communicated with people in a tone and manner they could understand and he connected. More than 120 million voted, and Obama won more votes than anyone else in U.S. history. Obama won 54% of Catholics, 66% of Latinos, 68% of new voters — a multicultural, multigenerational group that never before had been persuaded to vote in such numbers.So what can we learn from this. Communication is king. Sure, you need an excellent proposition but if no one hears you, you are not going very far. Keep your current customers. Remember if you are not talking to them your competitors usually are. Use different marketing channels. Barack Obama used everything available to him, advertising, web, e-mails, texting, word of mouth, member get member schemes, PR, direct mail, sales promotions and the Barack brand'. Know what your company stands for and let people know the benefits. Remember this is a time when all things are possible. Have a great Christmas. Best Wishes,John
Wednesday 24 December 2008
Friday 31 October 2008
I’m not really a card player; other than snap and Uno with the children, even then I always seem to loss! However, playing the other day I was contemplating the deck and in particular the suites. It occurred to me that the suites and the Kings in particular could represent the four elements of sound business.
King of Hearts: If you are passionate about your work it drives you to constantly want to do better. I was at an IT conference recently and a speaker talked inspiring about her passion and why she worked for a charity. She broke the word down to represent Patience, Action, Selflessness, Status Quo or rather not accepting it, Inspiration, Oration and Network. I could not have agreed more. I would add that patience and action are not mutually opposed. You have to be able to channel both so that you can find the logical, rational arguments, deliver them with a cool head and use your commitment to influence others. Above all you must be prepared to be different.
King of Diamond: the phrase “Cash is King” sums it up. If your business dose not have enough money to operate it dose not matter how great a product or idea you have you just are out of business. The ability to maintain a positive cash flow is closely linked to my next suite, Spades.
King of Spades: represents good old fashioned hard work. Another phrase that is often used in business is “fail to plan, plan to fail”. Planning at the strategic and operational levels is vital. Of course you can’t plan for every eventuality but you can minimise risk and maximise by planning. You can also put your self in the position of being able to take advantage of the unexpected opportunities when they arise.
King of Hearts: If you are passionate about your work it drives you to constantly want to do better. I was at an IT conference recently and a speaker talked inspiring about her passion and why she worked for a charity. She broke the word down to represent Patience, Action, Selflessness, Status Quo or rather not accepting it, Inspiration, Oration and Network. I could not have agreed more. I would add that patience and action are not mutually opposed. You have to be able to channel both so that you can find the logical, rational arguments, deliver them with a cool head and use your commitment to influence others. Above all you must be prepared to be different.
King of Diamond: the phrase “Cash is King” sums it up. If your business dose not have enough money to operate it dose not matter how great a product or idea you have you just are out of business. The ability to maintain a positive cash flow is closely linked to my next suite, Spades. 
King of Spades: represents good old fashioned hard work. Another phrase that is often used in business is “fail to plan, plan to fail”. Planning at the strategic and operational levels is vital. Of course you can’t plan for every eventuality but you can minimise risk and maximise by planning. You can also put your self in the position of being able to take advantage of the unexpected opportunities when they arise.
King of Clubs: sticking with clichés, after all they are clichés for a reason; “In business it is not what you know but who you know that counts” My last suite is all about commitment and the over worked “Networking”. Although the expression irks me, it's so cynical. The insinuation is that you can be the smartest, wisest, most educated being this side of next Tuesday and you still won't succeed unless you schmooze. Networking isn't a new concept, though sales gurus and executive trainers would have you believe otherwise. Truth is, it takes people to help people in both profit and non-profit settings. One of the main problems with popular networking advice is it's based solely on numbers - with no nod to humanity. Sure, the more people you know, the more people will know about what you want to promote. However, it's also true that people can sense when they're being used. So, how does a person with ethics and a healthy sense of kindness work the networking angle without feeling like a total hypocrite? Here are some pointers I've picked up over the years:
- You can network anywhere. You never know when you might find someone who wants to help you or whom you'll want to help. The same is true in cyberspace. Opportunities abound. You can make meaningful contacts almost anywhere provided you truly believe in helping others. So, don't limit yourself to networking only in professional settings.
- Go where you feel comfortable. Sure, there are professional networking groups. But don't go to places because you feel that that is the place to go networking. Instead of being strategic to the exclusion of your feelings, pay attention to them. Go to meetings, lunches or social events precisely because you enjoy them. You'll be more natural in those environments and will be able to make truly useful connections.
- Don't over market. We've all met the bore who won't stop talking about his or her accomplishments. Well, that same bore exists in the business world and in my experiance it is normally hot air. When you're talking with someone, make sure the conversation is truly two-way.
- Elevator speeches sound exactly what they are; prepared pitches. Never sell a fake you. One of the tricks to networking is honesty. Of course, you should prepare some good talking points about your product (and you). But if you stick to a script you're bound to sound insincere.
- Try to follow up. This isn't as easy as it sounds. Most of us don't have all the time in the world to send personal, hand-written notes to everyone we've met and with whom we felt a connection. At the very least, send hand-written notes to a few people with whom you really clicked. I firmly believe that's more effective than any kind of mass thank-you.
- Keep in touch. Newsletters, emails, phone calls, dates, lunches, walks, and for some a round of golf . . there are many, many ways to keep yourself top-of-mind with other people. But the key here is to do something that you will both enjoy.
Remember: underlying all of these pointers is an assumption of activity. You can't network in a vacuum.
Wednesday 8 October 2008
Guilt or commitment?
I just watched a documentary on BB1 about British Fashion Genius which I wanted to share with you because it really reflected my believe that charities are doing themselves and the sector a disservice by ‘guilting’ people in to sponsoring them.
On the programme, Jane Shepperton, the former brand director for Topshop who is credited with the store’s image and financial success is quoted as follows:
“If you buy a t-shirt for £2 obviously you are not paying for it but somebody is... the person who made that t shirt is clearly being paid an extremely low wage and probably not a living wage in order to make it.
But nobody likes to be driven by guilt, we need to make people feel good about what they are buying. What is sad at the moment is that consumers are not being offered exciting, interesting, well designed fair trade or ethically produced product and that’s a real shame. That’s where the industry needs to pull it socks up and put better design in.
It’s not enough to say “you should buy this because the people who made it are now being treated well, I know it looks like a sack but honestly, it will make you feel good” because it won’t!
To address this Shepperton, in collaboration with Oxfam, has begun an ethical fashion awareness campaign. Enlisting the help of the best of young British design talent (including Jonathon Saunders and Christopher Kane) Jane Shepperton and Oxfam are attempting to show how recycling and re-fashioning second hand clothes could provide a stylish and ethical alternative to fast fashion.
On the programme, Jane Shepperton, the former brand director for Topshop who is credited with the store’s image and financial success is quoted as follows:
“If you buy a t-shirt for £2 obviously you are not paying for it but somebody is... the person who made that t shirt is clearly being paid an extremely low wage and probably not a living wage in order to make it.
But nobody likes to be driven by guilt, we need to make people feel good about what they are buying. What is sad at the moment is that consumers are not being offered exciting, interesting, well designed fair trade or ethically produced product and that’s a real shame. That’s where the industry needs to pull it socks up and put better design in.
It’s not enough to say “you should buy this because the people who made it are now being treated well, I know it looks like a sack but honestly, it will make you feel good” because it won’t!
To address this Shepperton, in collaboration with Oxfam, has begun an ethical fashion awareness campaign. Enlisting the help of the best of young British design talent (including Jonathon Saunders and Christopher Kane) Jane Shepperton and Oxfam are attempting to show how recycling and re-fashioning second hand clothes could provide a stylish and ethical alternative to fast fashion.
Wednesday 1 October 2008
Progress So Far
Living up to the health heart rescue has got off to a slow start but I’m pleased to say that now I’m underway it is more pleasurable than I thought it was going to be.
I’ve been up to LA Fitness in Southampton, who have kindly donated five membership places to people who are willing to have their progress monitored, just like me. Well, maybe not just like me! I’ve given myself a couple of achievement goals. One to bring my BMI within the acceptable range and the other is to be fit enough to not only compete in but enjoy a fundraising challenge in 2009. So far I’ve managed to reduce the time it takes me to walk to work from the railway station, a little over 2 miles. My visits to LA Fitness are not yet regular enough to be considered habit but I’m certainly getting there. I’ve already reduced my weight to 14st 13lbs.
I’ve been up to LA Fitness in Southampton, who have kindly donated five membership places to people who are willing to have their progress monitored, just like me. Well, maybe not just like me! I’ve given myself a couple of achievement goals. One to bring my BMI within the acceptable range and the other is to be fit enough to not only compete in but enjoy a fundraising challenge in 2009. So far I’ve managed to reduce the time it takes me to walk to work from the railway station, a little over 2 miles. My visits to LA Fitness are not yet regular enough to be considered habit but I’m certainly getting there. I’ve already reduced my weight to 14st 13lbs.
Thursday 24 July 2008
Governance and Trust
There is a lot in the press about charities and public trust and after all THE BEST WAY to get attention in the charity world is to say something controversial about public trust. So here we go!
5 years ago public trust was mentioned 6 times a week now 17 times a day in the Guardian and Observer. NCVO Research
If you follow one survey trust is up another is down and yet a third is somewhere in the middle. A few weeks ago Joe Saxton, fundraising guru and boss of think-tank nfpSynergy, hit the charity headlines by proclaiming a haemorrhaging of trust in the voluntary sector. Yet just the other week Third Sector devoted over a page of analysis to a survey which showed the opposite result. According to data released by the Charity Commission, trust has actually increased since 2005. For balance the YouGov poll from 2007 showed trust declining at an alarming rate, but levelling-off at a higher level than the nfpSynergy research!
All very confusing but what can I do about it? I suppose making the principals of governance easier to understand would be one thing. Another would be simple steps to sound governance. Well, to this aim I’ve collected together good practice and guidance in the form of a Knol. A Knol is meant to be an authoritative article about a specific topic. More importantly its also a place where knowledge can be gathered from other people so the collective is greater than the sum of its parts. Here is a link to my Knol, don’t forget to add your knowledge to it!
https://knol.google.com/k/darcy-myers/charity-governance/156fvhcgke2b/3
5 years ago public trust was mentioned 6 times a week now 17 times a day in the Guardian and Observer. NCVO Research
If you follow one survey trust is up another is down and yet a third is somewhere in the middle. A few weeks ago Joe Saxton, fundraising guru and boss of think-tank nfpSynergy, hit the charity headlines by proclaiming a haemorrhaging of trust in the voluntary sector. Yet just the other week Third Sector devoted over a page of analysis to a survey which showed the opposite result. According to data released by the Charity Commission, trust has actually increased since 2005. For balance the YouGov poll from 2007 showed trust declining at an alarming rate, but levelling-off at a higher level than the nfpSynergy research!
All very confusing but what can I do about it? I suppose making the principals of governance easier to understand would be one thing. Another would be simple steps to sound governance. Well, to this aim I’ve collected together good practice and guidance in the form of a Knol. A Knol is meant to be an authoritative article about a specific topic. More importantly its also a place where knowledge can be gathered from other people so the collective is greater than the sum of its parts. Here is a link to my Knol, don’t forget to add your knowledge to it!
https://knol.google.com/k/darcy-myers/charity-governance/156fvhcgke2b/3
Your Healthy Heart beats into life
I’m delighted to see that the initiative has got underway with such a great fanfare from the Southampton Echo. My commitment to address my BMI is now in print as well as being virtual. I have found the walk up from the station, which is just over two miles, much easier than I had thought it would be. Once I start combining it with a few trips to LA Fitness we should see some real results!
Tuesday 22 July 2008
D’Arcy Celebrates His BNI High-Five!
I have spent the majority of my career in the First Sector and am chuffed to been officially recognised by the most successful business referral organisation in the world.
As a member of the Chichester BNI chapter, I have received the BNI Notable Networker Award “in recognition of outstanding performance.”
This is the fifth time in seven years of membership that I have been presented with the accolade, which acknowledges business mentoring, bringing visitors to the chapter and generating business for existing members.
I am delighted to have received this for the fifth time. My role within Wessex Heartbeat brings me into contact with many different people from all sections of the community including the business world. I feel I am able to make introductions and contacts for other members and they are able to reciprocate – living out the BNI mantra “Givers Gain”
As a member of the Chichester BNI chapter, I have received the BNI Notable Networker Award “in recognition of outstanding performance.”
This is the fifth time in seven years of membership that I have been presented with the accolade, which acknowledges business mentoring, bringing visitors to the chapter and generating business for existing members.
I am delighted to have received this for the fifth time. My role within Wessex Heartbeat brings me into contact with many different people from all sections of the community including the business world. I feel I am able to make introductions and contacts for other members and they are able to reciprocate – living out the BNI mantra “Givers Gain”
First not Third
Collectively know as the Third Sector, Not-For-Profit Sector or Charity Sector in my view all these are damming with faint praise. Third rate, unprofessional, begging! More accurately I think we should be referred to as the First Sector. After all the 190,000 charities in England and Wales contribute £32 billion each year and employ around 608,000 people. The work we do underpins society and could be seen as an ever more important key stone for government. Should charities provide services previously funded by government? Do we really know what constitues a charity? How do we know which charity to support?Friday 18 July 2008
A penny for your thoughts
This is a little trick I sometimes use to check out my deep feelings about a tricky choice. If you have to make a decision between two options which are pretty much equal, take a penny and give heads to one option and tails to the other. Toss the coin and catch it hidden under your hand. When you look at the coin what is your emotional reaction? In the first split second were you pleased that it was say heads or disappointed? I’m not suggesting that you use the result to decide which course of action to take, rather to see which one you truly desire to follow!
Monday 14 July 2008
Where are all the CEOs?
To communicate effectively, leaders require great strategy, implementation and ideas. Communication defines your image and image is everything, not just what you say, but the way in which you say it. Image is only half the battle, images get you noticed and make people listen to you but it is substance that holds their attention.
The key attributes of great leaders are;
· Belief in oneself. They are known for their position and respected for their stance.
· They are decisive with an ability to transcend risks through sound judgement.
· They are also skilled communicators, which is essential to inform and enthuse in a simple, consistent way.
· Being responsible the buck stops with them. Leaders don’t blame their followers for their failings.
· They are intuitive, with an instinctive grasp of their follower’s moods and ability to predict and pre-empt future events.
· They are one step ahead, not two!
So, why does the public not know the names of more CEOs of voluntary organisations? Why are not more CEOs of voluntary organisations sitting in the House of Lords? Why are not more CEOs of voluntary organisations non-executive directors of private sector organisations? And why do we so rarely hear or see CEOs of voluntary organisations interviewed on the news?
The key attributes of great leaders are;
· Belief in oneself. They are known for their position and respected for their stance.
· They are decisive with an ability to transcend risks through sound judgement.
· They are also skilled communicators, which is essential to inform and enthuse in a simple, consistent way.
· Being responsible the buck stops with them. Leaders don’t blame their followers for their failings.
· They are intuitive, with an instinctive grasp of their follower’s moods and ability to predict and pre-empt future events.
· They are one step ahead, not two!
So, why does the public not know the names of more CEOs of voluntary organisations? Why are not more CEOs of voluntary organisations sitting in the House of Lords? Why are not more CEOs of voluntary organisations non-executive directors of private sector organisations? And why do we so rarely hear or see CEOs of voluntary organisations interviewed on the news?
Friday 11 July 2008
Leaders have impact
Communication, like charity, must begin at home. All communication should flow uninterrupted around an organisation, like blood through the body. If the flow is blocked, damage soon occurs. CEOs today must lead through more personal and direct communication to harness both internal and external support and turn their vision into reality.
I think it is necessary to radically rethink how the CEO educates and enthuses their organisation with their vision. The CEO must remember that leaders empower their followers, that everyone of their employees is their ambassador. They must also be aware that their reputation can make or break the reputation of their organisation and that there is usually a gap between perceptions and reality!
For me these quotes sum it all up;
“It is hard to look up to a leader who just keeps his ear to the ground”
“Leaders have a vision of a better future, they feel strongly about the need to go there”
“There go my people. I must find out where they are going, so that I can lead them there”.
This all revolves around the basic belief that companies must put their people, not their customers, first. Leadership is doing the right things and management is doing things right!
Leadership is about impact and impact can only be achieved by communicating effectively and by moulding a positive image. In my view good communication is about;
· Shaping and influencing opinion
· Sharing information and views
· Inspiring and re-assuring stakeholders
· Being honest and transparent
· Building trust and co-operation
· Listening, listening and listening…
I think it is necessary to radically rethink how the CEO educates and enthuses their organisation with their vision. The CEO must remember that leaders empower their followers, that everyone of their employees is their ambassador. They must also be aware that their reputation can make or break the reputation of their organisation and that there is usually a gap between perceptions and reality!
For me these quotes sum it all up;
“It is hard to look up to a leader who just keeps his ear to the ground”
“Leaders have a vision of a better future, they feel strongly about the need to go there”
“There go my people. I must find out where they are going, so that I can lead them there”.
This all revolves around the basic belief that companies must put their people, not their customers, first. Leadership is doing the right things and management is doing things right!
Leadership is about impact and impact can only be achieved by communicating effectively and by moulding a positive image. In my view good communication is about;
· Shaping and influencing opinion
· Sharing information and views
· Inspiring and re-assuring stakeholders
· Being honest and transparent
· Building trust and co-operation
· Listening, listening and listening…
Wednesday 9 July 2008
Award winners are Ambassadors
I see a lot of opportunity in the charity world to be clapped on the back for your achievements. Throughout the year there are a number of award ceremonies accompanied by expensive dinners. The larger charities “invest” donor money to attend and reap the reward of a gong or two. The smaller charities are disenfranchised by not being able to afford to attend and the socially aware stay away. I can not think that there are many donors who would be happy if they knew that their donation was used to fund a night out! Sadly these awards seem to be focused on celebration rather than developing a better sector.
When someone receives an award, for say a well run lobbying campaign, there should be some commitment to share their knowledge and experience. Rather than just stand up once to collect the shinny peace of Perspex they should commit to stand up a number of times throughout the coming year and pass on why they where chosen for the award. I would like to see an award ceremony change the way they do things to include this ambassadorial role. I’m sure that some people will then turn down the award but then we will know who are only after self engrandesment!
When someone receives an award, for say a well run lobbying campaign, there should be some commitment to share their knowledge and experience. Rather than just stand up once to collect the shinny peace of Perspex they should commit to stand up a number of times throughout the coming year and pass on why they where chosen for the award. I would like to see an award ceremony change the way they do things to include this ambassadorial role. I’m sure that some people will then turn down the award but then we will know who are only after self engrandesment!
Monday 7 July 2008
Communication and the CEO
We live today in a sophisticated multi-media society where the number of global communications networks has exploded in recent years. This has made it even more important to have effective communication, “the right word at the right time”.
Looking back at a brief history of communication we start with the first consumer brand, Wedgwood, in 1760, followed by the first newspapers in the 1800’s. With the development of the understanding of psychology, Pavlov and his slavering dogs (1920), the advertising world took off in the 60’s and 70’s. The mid 90’s had the www.com chaos and the last decade has left us reeling from stimulus, response and endless feedback. So is the 21st century is the age of conversation?
An organisation’s reputation is increasingly based on how others see the CEO and how others talk about you. Those favourable perceptions are dependant upon the CEO's visibility and the consistency of thier behaviour. The communication skills of CEOs are important in shaping public perception, after all in today’s business world CEOs are the celebrities! In a world of suits, their human face helps to differentiate the brand, inspire confidence and deliver results. In the voluntary sector this is equally true but many CEOs are reluctant to take the risks of being in the goldfish bowl of public life.
Looking back at a brief history of communication we start with the first consumer brand, Wedgwood, in 1760, followed by the first newspapers in the 1800’s. With the development of the understanding of psychology, Pavlov and his slavering dogs (1920), the advertising world took off in the 60’s and 70’s. The mid 90’s had the www.com chaos and the last decade has left us reeling from stimulus, response and endless feedback. So is the 21st century is the age of conversation?
An organisation’s reputation is increasingly based on how others see the CEO and how others talk about you. Those favourable perceptions are dependant upon the CEO's visibility and the consistency of thier behaviour. The communication skills of CEOs are important in shaping public perception, after all in today’s business world CEOs are the celebrities! In a world of suits, their human face helps to differentiate the brand, inspire confidence and deliver results. In the voluntary sector this is equally true but many CEOs are reluctant to take the risks of being in the goldfish bowl of public life.
Tuesday 24 June 2008
The Cycle Scheme
I’ve been investigating the Cycle Scheme further with the help of Sarah of ChainReaction in Bognor Regis, http://www.chainreactionbikes.co.uk/ , and it all seems straight forward. Either as an employer or as an employee you just follow the links on the Schemes website, http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/ For me this ad from Transport for London say it all.
Step by Step
I've come down from the high of my results from last Thursday and realise that I still have to address the BMI reading. Wessex Heartbeat kindly sell pedometers (£4) so I can encourage myself with a nice high step count. The recommendation is 10,000 steps a day. I have had a pedometer for almost a week now and the results are not too good. Over the weekend I clocked up 34,545 steps but the rest of the week has been fairly abysmal. I have only managed around 4,000 steps per day. It is surprising how easy it is to go from home to car, car to office and then sit all day at the desk. When I took the train yesterday I managed to clock up 8,184 steps but took bus!I have already talked about cycling but what can I do through the course of the day? Any suggestions?
Friday 20 June 2008
Thursday 19 June 2008
Small Charities Coalition
I have been asked to expand on my profile. In it I made mention that I am part of the Small Charities Coalition and some people are unsure what it stands for.
Well to begin with what is a small charity. The SCC has defined it as a charity defined by its income as having less than £1million income per year.
The core objective of the SCC is to seek out the problems small charities face and find the best solutions via innovation, inspiration and leadership. This is based on the simple value so well defined by the Samaritan effect: “Don’t pass someone who is struggling”
The SCC is empowering small charities to enable them to unleash their full potential whiles building a bridge between large and small charities. With a vision that "No small charity should struggle in providing social change".
Our aim is to be the one loud and clear voice for small charities. With a goal to inspire innovation and provide leadership. We are building a sustainable framework of support that small charities use to help them achieve their aims. This includes speaking up for small charities, seeking out the problems they face and finding innovative solutions. By encouraging best practice we can promote small charities, provide advice, guidance, support, inspiration and praise and demand change if needed.”
Well to begin with what is a small charity. The SCC has defined it as a charity defined by its income as having less than £1million income per year.
The core objective of the SCC is to seek out the problems small charities face and find the best solutions via innovation, inspiration and leadership. This is based on the simple value so well defined by the Samaritan effect: “Don’t pass someone who is struggling”
The SCC is empowering small charities to enable them to unleash their full potential whiles building a bridge between large and small charities. With a vision that "No small charity should struggle in providing social change".
Our aim is to be the one loud and clear voice for small charities. With a goal to inspire innovation and provide leadership. We are building a sustainable framework of support that small charities use to help them achieve their aims. This includes speaking up for small charities, seeking out the problems they face and finding innovative solutions. By encouraging best practice we can promote small charities, provide advice, guidance, support, inspiration and praise and demand change if needed.”
My first session
I’ve had my session with the Cardiac Rehab Sisters and I’m relieved by the results. I already know that I am over weight and have to do something about it. What I suspected or rather dreaded was that either my blood pressure or cholesterol would be high. Both of these as silent killers so the initiative by Wessex Heartbeat is vital, as it helps identify, early, the warning signs. Well both my blood pressure and cholesterol are fine and so is my blood glucose.
My Reading
Blood Pressure 117/70 mmHg
Cholesterol 4.16 mmol/L
Body Mass Index 27
Glucose 6.7 mmol/L
Target Readings
Blood Pressure Below 140/90 mmHg
Cholesterol Total under 5 mmol/L
Body Mass Index 19 – 25 ( Healthy )
Glucose Less than 10 mmol/L
Dose this mean I can take a big sigh and relax? No! I can enjoy the sigh or relief but have now to focus on the weight loss.
Through Chain Reaction in Bognor Regis ( see the links ) I’ve discovered that there is a government scheme call creatively “The Cycle Scheme”. It allows you to purchase a bike through your work cheaper. You can buy any style of bike and normally up to a value of £1,000. The savings made through the scheme are around 45% depending on your tax code. You can also select £50 worth of safety accessories under the scheme, including helmets, lights, locks and reflective clothing. I’m now going to find out how I can offer this to my team so we cal all get on our bikes!
My Reading
Blood Pressure 117/70 mmHg
Cholesterol 4.16 mmol/L
Body Mass Index 27
Glucose 6.7 mmol/L
Target Readings
Blood Pressure Below 140/90 mmHg
Cholesterol Total under 5 mmol/L
Body Mass Index 19 – 25 ( Healthy )
Glucose Less than 10 mmol/L
Dose this mean I can take a big sigh and relax? No! I can enjoy the sigh or relief but have now to focus on the weight loss.
Through Chain Reaction in Bognor Regis ( see the links ) I’ve discovered that there is a government scheme call creatively “The Cycle Scheme”. It allows you to purchase a bike through your work cheaper. You can buy any style of bike and normally up to a value of £1,000. The savings made through the scheme are around 45% depending on your tax code. You can also select £50 worth of safety accessories under the scheme, including helmets, lights, locks and reflective clothing. I’m now going to find out how I can offer this to my team so we cal all get on our bikes!
Tuesday 10 June 2008
On your bike
I am going to have my session with the Cardiac Sister soon. So in preparation I thought I'd see what proactive things I could do to impress them! I think my office is about two and a half miles from the train station and I currently drive the 44 miles to work. If I took the train and got one of those little folding bikes I could cycle up from the station. It's an idea and would be great for my carbon footprint.
That got me thinking; what is my carbon footprint? I've just gone onto the government website to calculate my footprint. http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk/index.html It was fun to do until I got the result. Although my home and appliance use was below national average my transport burden was way up. I rated at 7.55 tonnes of CO2 per year as apposed to 4.48. As I don't fly this is all down to those road miles. Aspirationaly I'd like to see my footprint drop by 20%.
That got me thinking; what is my carbon footprint? I've just gone onto the government website to calculate my footprint. http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk/index.html It was fun to do until I got the result. Although my home and appliance use was below national average my transport burden was way up. I rated at 7.55 tonnes of CO2 per year as apposed to 4.48. As I don't fly this is all down to those road miles. Aspirationaly I'd like to see my footprint drop by 20%.
Sunday 8 June 2008
Opening the challenge
I've been the CEO of Wessex Heartbeat since the beginning of January and have gone through an interesting learning curve. One area that I am keen to see the charity grow is in our support of the community. With this in mind we have launched a project called "Your Healthy Heart". We are offering an advisory consultation with a Cardiac Sister in the hope that we help people identify early how their life style choices are affecting their long term health.
As this is quite a challenge I thought I should be the first to step up to it. So what is my blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index and what should they be? Well I know I weight 14stone 10.5lbs! Oh dear that sounds rather heavy. I'm off for a chat with the Sister and will let you know how it goes and what, if anything, I need to do about it.
As this is quite a challenge I thought I should be the first to step up to it. So what is my blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index and what should they be? Well I know I weight 14stone 10.5lbs! Oh dear that sounds rather heavy. I'm off for a chat with the Sister and will let you know how it goes and what, if anything, I need to do about it.
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