Jailbreaking

Aug 6, 2010 // by Dan // Uncategorized // No Comments

I am loving the term ‘jailbreaking’ it perhaps sounds much cooler that what it actually is, but hey i’ll go with it.

The website JailbreakMe.com is now providing easy freeing of your iPhone from the App Store prison. Reports state that the process isn’t completely perfect, but it is incredibly easy, just a slide, a couple of minutes wait and voila! You’re unlocked!

There are of course always problems, and the JailbreakMe.com website has alerted security experts to the possibility that such a process could be used as a blueprint by hackers to find ways to exploit Apple users through their device’s web browser, according to the Telegraph.

The flaw can allow a hacker to remotely control an Apple device, including iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices, with a little bit of trickery by deceiving a user into opening a PDF file loaded with a malicious code – so keep an eye out for this devious document, and if you see it, you know, don’t open it.

Apple is releasing a software update in an attempt to solve this problem but have not let users know when the update will actually be available to them…we are waiting on tenterhooks!

The 3D Momentum

Aug 4, 2010 // by Dan // Uncategorized // No Comments

Attempts to rival the iPhone are becoming ever increasingly dramatic with Sharp continuing down the 3D theme with their new Smartphone, launching later this year.

Not a big surprise, but quite a cool gadget. The really exciting part is the inclusion of a 3D camera in Sharp’s new design and the 3D panel technology will alleviate the need for 3D specs – so no opportunity to laugh at people there.

I have to question the usefulness of this kind of technology, I feel that cinema is still coming to terms with it (insert some sort of Avatar debate here), but I guess this technological development is going to rapidly increase regardless, it is, after all, the next big thing. The Smartphone will do everything else other phones do, so still useful for work, but the pointless elements of this design are obviously its best features and what I imagine will sell this product tremendously. And why not? Technology is supposed to be fun too isn’t it?

The only problem is I just feel that this would be that much cooler if it had a little apple on it.

Social Media Secrets – 29th October

Oct 12, 2009 // by Dan // Uncategorized // 2 Comments

Tweetface my Bebospace. What does Social Media do for you really?

If you’re using Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Tumblr etc but still don’t really get why or how, then this is the session for you…….

Steve and Luke from Web Matters and Social Tech follow up our last session with some juicy tidbits for your savoury pleasure

* 29th October

* Adam St

* 1230-1330

* Free

* 30 Spaces ONLY (12 at TOP)

Call or email to RSVP

Dan

08456 447758

dan@theengineroom.co.uk

Video from a previous session

Pecha Kucha – Peer Group Learning in Pictures! Oct 29th

Oct 12, 2009 // by Dan // Uncategorized // No Comments

On the 29th October we are hosting 8 top speakers who will share as many of their dirty little secrets (Top Tips) as they can in 7 minutes, with pictures only!

Video from a similar event

Pecha Kucha means chit chat in Japanese. It inspired a high octane speaker format for designers to share their ideas with 20 seconds per slide over 20 slides. We’ve twisted it to our own design and have premium speakers to share their small biz knowledge.

The Rules – Speakers have 7 mins and CANNOT SELL. They can ONLY TELL/SHARE/LOVE with PICTURES only

Speakers

Paul Clarke – “Buidling Communities” – Public Services Strategist & Designer
Stuart Daniel – “The POWER of Design” – Echoic Design
Victoria Atherstone – “Ethical Entrepreneurs” – Urbanites and Scooters
Susanna Simpson – “Why PR” – Limelight PR
Lisa Bailey – “Minding Money” – Able Stoke
Luke Williams – “The Future of Social Media” – Social Tech
Andrew Ferdinando – “Future Office – How and Where We’ll work” – Hub Working
Tom Ball – “Cereal Entrepreneurship” – Cognac

When and Where

* Adam St

* 29th October

* 0930-1030 with networking after in the bar

* 30 Spaces ONLY (15 at TOP)

You MUST RSVP via email, or call me

Pic from the last Pecha Kucha

PechaKuchaRoom

Will be fun, energising & educational. Can’t wait!

Dan

08456 447758

dan@theengineroom.co.uk

Business Skills Workshop – 29th October

Oct 12, 2009 // by Dan // Uncategorized // No Comments

On Thursday 29th October we are hosting a free Business Skills Workshop.

Peter Harford & Les Hercules Kalas from Navitas and Shirlaws Coaching will be getting our business brain juices going by running some exercises based around 3 of their 20 frameworks.

Want to know some background? Darren Shirlaw explains more about their unique IP here.

Here is a video from the last session (Run by Les)

I personally use this time to reflect on the basics in my business. Bit like reading a good business book. Massively useful thinking time.

Afterwards there is an opportunity to network, share knowledge and have a social.

When and where?

Adam St

Thursday 29th October

1430-1600

You must RSVP via phone (08456 447758), email or Meetup.com.

Limited to 16 spaces (It’s free but only RSVP if you CAN make it please)

Who is running it?

Peter Harford & Les Hercules Kalas . Both founding partners at Shirlaws. They turn over $18m, have an international footprint and work with all types and size of business.

Why are we doing this?

Shirlaws help businesses work smarter. They coach big corporates such as O2, Sony & Credit Suisse but also love working with Startups, businesses stuck at a growth stage (like us) or those looking for ways to innovate through the downturn (also us). I am there as an example, to learn, reinforce the frameworks in my business and support friends, colleagues and clients with material I have found to be extremely powerful. It is also a great opportunity to network & build relationships within a community of likeminded people.

How much will it cost?

These sessions are free. There are Master Classes in specific subjects and 1 to 1 options geared for smaller businesses, all of which consider small biz budgets. I will blog about these as they come up.

Who should come

Owners/Managers of smaller businesses (1-100) who want to learn, grow, share, collaborate and thrive.

Expectations

You will learn useful concepts within one session that you can take back, discuss with the team and perhaps implement. Each ‘Taster’ session is different so you can come to more than 1 if you find it’s for you.

I appreciate that business coaching can be a dirty word to some, misunderstood by many and it is not a magic bullet. Personally I have struggled with it in the past, the people and delivery methods.

However, come and see what YOU think….

What previous attendees have said:

“They say you can’t bottle inspiration. But it does seem that an afternoon spent with Les and Dan uncorks the ideas and enthusiasm to take a business over its next hurdle. Les asks the right questions, builds confidence and provides key strategic guidance. For a small business every hour is precious. The time spent in last Thursday’s coaching was an excellent investment in my business’s future.” - Lucy George, Wordville Limited

“I’ve been to two sessions with Les now, and each time I come out energised and full of new ideas that I actually can, and do, implement. He helps simplify business planning, slicing it into manageable chunks and making it so clear what needs to be done, you wonder why you didn’t think of it before! The best bit for me is that he pushes you to question your own limitations, facilitating fresh thinking that can only make for a better company.” - Jan Bates, Involve

“I’m looking forward to learning more about the Shirlaws frameworks and I’d strongly advise anyone in business that they would get value from the sessions you run. Perspective + frameworks = clarity” – Luke Williams, Social tech

“Les was impressive and clearly knows his stuff (very different from the last coach I worked with). The purpose of my visit was to assess if I want to work with Shirlaws. I came away wanting to take it to the next stage.” - Stu MacArthur, Green Oak Living

“Great to have an opportunity to discuss issues in an open environment. I think the venue worked brilliantly for post event networking which was very valuable for me. This demonstrates that Dan has a great network. Thank you” – Alyson Pellowe, People Vision HR

“Thought provoking & challenging” – Catherine Bayfield, Shout! Communications

”The ‘Taster’ session was an effective introduction to business coaching which I was sceptical of. While aware of my own business and personal situation, these free ‘taster’ coaching sessions could prove a catalyst for change, encouraging a commitment to action and the development of lasting growth.” – Victoria Millar, Hy Smith & Assoc

“Stimulating. Great to take a step back and re-think” - Ian Sime, Sime Design

“Simple, concise and very effective” – Geoff Sewell, Incognito Artists

“Powerful frameworks, thank you so much for sharing” – Paul Shafer, Sony Distribution

PS An interesting article here from Shirlaws on the challenges in play for SME’s in the next 5 years http://www.shirlawsonline.com/downloads/sme-report.pdf

Dan

Call or email me to RSVP. Or Sign up here (Other events, workshops and parties here too)

08456 447758

dan@theengineroom.co.uk

Business Master Class – New Channels to Market – 20th Oct

Oct 12, 2009 // by Dan // Uncategorized // No Comments

Channels to Market – A Master Class

* Tuesday October 20th

* 1430-1730

* @ The Engine Room

* 6 Spaces Only

* What will you get? We all need different channels to market as we shift through the economic cycles. If you do not have enough revenue coming through during a recession then it is clear that whatever channels to market you were using pre-recession were either a) not well enough established or b) not the correct ones to see the business through all parts of a cycle. PS Don’t take too long to establish new channels to market in the next growth cycle or you will miss a large chunk of readily available uplift.

We are hosting a range of Business Master Classes like the above that we would like to share with you. There are 5 in total:

Innovation (Product & Packaging) (In the morning), Capability (Tooling up the team), Distribution (Channels to market), Functionality (Right people doing the right jobs) & Succession Planning (Light at the end of the tunnel!). All delivered by Peter Harford & Les Kalas, our Coach and Mentor & Co-Founder of Shirlaws.

We normally charge £295+VAT per session but pay what you think is fair as we also want to build a strong community of likeminded people. Join in if it feels right & pay what you think it’s worth. Anything between £50 and £295 is fine and don’t be English about it!

Call Dan on 08456 447758 or email dan@theengineroom.co.uk to book in or to find out more

Feedback from previous sessions:

“They say you can’t bottle inspiration. But it does seem that an afternoon spent with Les and Dan uncorks the ideas and enthusiasm to take a business over its next hurdle. Les asks the right questions, builds confidence and provides key strategic guidance. For a small business every hour is precious. The time spent in last Thursday’s coaching was an excellent investment in my business’s future.” - Lucy George, Wordville

“I’ve been to two sessions with Les now, and each time I come out energised and full of new ideas that I actually can, and do, implement. He helps simplify business planning, slicing it into manageable chunks and making it so clear what needs to be done, you wonder why you didn’t think of it before! The best bit for me is that he pushes you to question your own limitations, facilitating fresh thinking that can only make for a better company.” - Jan Bates, Involve

“I’m looking forward to learning more about the Shirlaws frameworks and I’d strongly advise anyone in business that they would get value from the sessions you run. Perspective + frameworks = clarity” – Luke Williams, Social tech

“Powerful frameworks, thank you so much for sharing” – Paul Shafer, Sony Distribution

Business Master Class – Innovation – 20th Oct

Oct 12, 2009 // by Dan // Uncategorized // 1 Comment

Innovation Master Class

* Tuesday October 20th

* 930-1230

* Here @ The Engine Room

* 6 Spaces Only

* What will you get? Learn simple & elegant frameworks to innovate your product (or service), know when to introduce the ‘recession product’ and when to dump it in favour of the innovated growth product. Businesses that innovate their product during a downturn always do well during the next boom.

Is the recession over? Who knows, but I would guess quantitative easing and bank bailouts have merely pushed the next dip into the next decade at the expense of public spending, interest rate hikes and inflation. So it’s time to get tooled up! For most of our customers there has been some respite from the doom and gloom at the beginning of the year. Cash is starting to flow again and outright panic seems to have subsided. A great time to remove the blinkers and learn some simple tools to manage your strategy.

To this end we are hosting a range of Business Master Classes we would like to share with you. There are 5 in total:

Innovation (Product & Packaging), Capability (Tooling up the team), Distribution (Channels to market), Functionality (Right people doing the right jobs) & Succession Planning (Light at the end of the tunnel!). All delivered by Peter Harford & Les Kalas, our Coach and Mentor & Co-Founder of Shirlaws.

We normally charge £295+VAT per session but pay what you think fair as we also want to build a strong community of likeminded people. SO, join in if it feels right & pay what you think it’s worth. Anything between £50 and £295 is fine and don’t be English about it! No judgement, no drama

Call Dan on 08456 447758 or email dan@theengineroom.co.uk to book in.

Feedback from previous sessions:

“They say you can’t bottle inspiration. But it does seem that an afternoon spent with Les and Dan uncorks the ideas and enthusiasm to take a business over its next hurdle. Les asks the right questions, builds confidence and provides key strategic guidance. For a small business every hour is precious. The time spent in last Thursday’s coaching was an excellent investment in my business’s future.” - Lucy George, Wordville

“I’ve been to two sessions with Les now, and each time I come out energised and full of new ideas that I actually can, and do, implement. He helps simplify business planning, slicing it into manageable chunks and making it so clear what needs to be done, you wonder why you didn’t think of it before! The best bit for me is that he pushes you to question your own limitations, facilitating fresh thinking that can only make for a better company.” - Jan Bates, Involve

“I’m looking forward to learning more about the Shirlaws frameworks and I’d strongly advise anyone in business that they would get value from the sessions you run. Perspective + frameworks = clarity” – Luke Williams, Social tech

“Powerful frameworks, thank you so much for sharing” – Paul Shafer, Sony Distribution

Business Skills Workshop – 24th September

Sep 16, 2009 // by Dan // Uncategorized // 1 Comment

On Thursday 24th September we are hosting a free business skills workshop.

Peter Harford from Navitas and Shirlaws Coaching will be running some exercises based around 3 of their 20 frameworks. Darren Shirlaw explains more about their unique IP here.

Here is a video from the last session (Run by Les Hercules Kalas from Shirlaws)

I personally use this time to reflect on the basics in my business. Massively useful thinking time. Afterwards there is an opportunity to network, share knowledge and have a social.

When and where?

Adam St

Thursday 24th September

1430-1600

You must RSVP via phone (08456 447758), email or Meetup.com.

Limited to 16 spaces (It’s free but only RSVP if you CAN make it)

Who is running it?

Peter Harford. He is a founding partner at Shirlaws. They turn over $18m, have an international footprint and work with all types and size of business.

Why are we doing this?

Shirlaws help businesses work smarter. They coach big corporates such as O2, Sony & Credit Suisse but also love working with Startups, businesses stuck at a growth stage (like us) or those looking for ways to innovate through the downturn (also us). I am there as an example, to learn, reinforce the frameworks in my business and support friends, colleagues and clients with material I have found to be extremely powerful. It is also a great opportunity to network & build relationships within a community of likeminded people.

How much will it cost?

These sessions are free. There are Master Classes in specific subjects and 1 to 1 options geared for smaller businesses, all of which consider ‘Credit Crunched’ budgets. I will blog about these as they come up.