What’s happened to this blog?

Hey all, just incase you are wondering why I haven’t updated this blog in a while, I thought I’d drop a note to explain. I’m currently working on finishing and editing my novel, and juggling London life. It’s all very exciting, but unfortunately to do one thing well I have made the decision to focus on my new website and creative hub www.leannemacduff.com. Please do come say hello, and check out my blog and work. I do check in here from time to time, so don’t hesitate to leave a comment on any of my posts and let me know your thoughts, recommendations on thought leadership and building a successful life.

Much love

Lee

How many does it take to change a light bulb?

In the light of a new season, where one leader leaves us, and many more are faced with the challenge to rise up; I write to share the thought that it is possible for anyone to be a world changer.

No matter your race, colour, or creed. Wherever life may find you today, at whatever station you may find yourself; and even if you feel like the world is crumbling under your feet and that you don’t feel adequate enough. Yes… even then. It is possible.

As the world comes together in memory of this great leader, notice how Richard Branson, Oprah and many other history makers are found in one place, in one picture, at the same time; and yet each individual has brought something unique, special and of their own mark to the place we like to call, Earth. As important as it is for us to stand up in a room and shine bright the light that each of us has within, it is equally important that we can stand together united as one that we may see and BE the change in this world for this generation, and the generations to come.

To live only for ourself, our company, or money and self gain is, in my opinion, to live shortsighted in life; but to use the gifts, talents, and diverse skills that each of us have is to accomplish the dream in our hearts – is to do something great. I pray that our dreams don’t just fulfil something for our sake. Instead, I pray that they are attached to something bigger than ourselves, and full of purpose. If we only help one life in some small way, then let it be with the best of our efforts.

I believe we are all born with lights on the inside of us that are bursting to light up the world. When we feel happy and fulfilled we are a beacon to those around us. Some have lost their light along the seemingly tough journey of life. Many feel broken, hurt, and without strength to get back up. We can be that strength for someone today. No matter how insignificant it may seem to you, a warm smile can go a long way. It may take more than a smile to change someones life. It may take many smiles, and time spent chatting, or practically meeting a need somehow…but It only takes one person to change a light bulb, and it only takes one light bulb to light a room.

The element of risk

Nothing is ever gained without an element of risk. If we wait for the perfect conditions they may never come.

Ponder, and plan

I am so excited about the future; as we bring 2013 to a close and push into a new year, I’m already thinking about what kind of things I would like to see in my life, in 2014. I wonder if you’ve started thinking about next year, or if you are currently focussed on the current project, or moment in time. Whilst it’s good to be able to live in the present, I also believe it’s good to have one eye on your dream, and be working daily towards achieving success in both. 

There is so much opportunity, but living in London it’s easy to become consumed with ‘chasing ones tail’ so to speak, and filling time with everything and anything. I’m now learning to spot the trend and excuses that have kept me from fulfilling some of my goals, and I’m glad to be sharing this thought with you today that will hopefully help you avoid similar pitt holes. 

1. Never dwell on the past – simply learn from your mistakes, and make the adjustments. If you’ve taken something on that has overwhelmed you, or hasn’t turned out quite as you expected, then see it as a learning curve and move on. 

The greatest failure is the one who experiences a fall, but never gets back up. 

2. Live with your purpose in mind – It’s way too easy to become consumed by all kinds of useless facts. Living with your dream, or vision in mind, I believe, is the key to achieving.

“A man without a vision is a man without a future. A man without a future will always return to his past.”

3. Value time – This links in with the previous to points, but I find that I need to be reminded of this often. We have enough time to do what we need to do, but we also have ample opportunity to get distracted and to waste the time that we have. It’s important to take time to think about what we’re spending our time on, who with, and where it’s leading us. 

Time is a currency that we can’t exchange, so spend it wisely.

Dare you to move

Need some encouragement to pursue a dream, or to keep on going when it looks like it’s not happening? This is one of my all time favs. Dug it out this morning, and now I’m sharing with you. I dare you to move, and click play!! #letsmaketodaycount

We could have been anything that we wanted to be; and still can!

Some cheesy inspiration from an old classic. If you read any of my posts you will know that I like to challenge us to think big. In light of my recent relocation I am reminded by this wonderful clip that we can be anything we want to be, and that we will be remembered for the things that we say and do. What do you want to be remembered as, and what do you want to be remembered for?

Don’t feel like you fit? Good. Be yourself.

When you are a misfit, like me, working in social media and the marketing industry is perfect. I’ve wrote a novel on this exact subject, so I feel that I can write a blog post about it now too. As I prepare myself for an amazing opportunity this week, I just thought I’d share my very own prep talk as it could apply to you, your team, or your business. You never know…

Thought(s) to self;

• My role is in essence to be the ears and the eyes of the company

• To carry the voice and heart of the company through-out social media platforms

• To create, express and increase interest through the written word

• To monitor, adapt and change according to the needs of the community within company policy.

• To touch the heart, and engage the minds of the community that already exists, whilst inspiring others to join.

That’s what a good community manager does; It just came to me like a bolt out of the sky. We are called to be use our very own personalities, which usually have some social capacity, drive, and an understanding of how business and communication work together. I love how one creative agency described the use of their business as a new way to tell a story and make your brand known. They highlighted the very real prospect that brands are no longer seen as icons, but as the corporation behind them. They also illustrated why it’s better to have a fan than a consumer, “because a fan will click like.” I couldn’t agree more if I tried! Well, I did try… It inspired me to write this post.

At the end of the day, when it all boils down to it why wouldn’t you want to get creative, and make your business/brand social?

Oh and FYI, when I say business I’m not just talking about the big giant superstore down at the bottom of your street. I’m talking about you. Whether you work for yourself, or someone else, you are in business!

I have the coolest job in the world!