Author: Charlie Fern

Charlie Fern Ink, LLC, is a strategic communications consultancy that provides services including public relations and publicity, tour and media management, strategic message development and deployment, media relations and media training, executive coaching, speech writing and public speaking coaching, event planning, social media strategy; cross-platform branding, and professional writing and editing with areas of expertise that include international relations, business, and diplomacy; government, education, non-profit/advocacy, music and entertainment, healthcare, biotech, technology, social media, entrepreneurial/startup and general professional communications.

People movers: Three ideas and an animated film about what motivates us humans

August 24, 2010 /

So are you wondering what motivates people? According to this video, it’s not money that motivates us. It’s three other things:

1. We want to be self-directed
2. We want to get better at stuff
3. We want to make a contribution – to make the world a better place, essentially

I believe it. Why? About seven years ago I left a high-paying job in corporate America to start my own public relations and communications consulting business, and while the money hasn’t always been good, I’ve had an enormous sense of satisfaction about my work….more than I’ve ever had… FOR THE SAME THREE REASONS.

1. I like being self-directed.

2. I like learning new things and getting better at stuff. (Over the past 7 years as a business owner I’ve learned a hell of a lot more about fundamental business principles, government and economics than I learned in twice as many years working for someone else.)

3. I like making a contribution — and having the freedom to do so as a business owner means I actually DO SO, even during those times when I have less money coming in and less free time to go out and make the world a better place.

Most serial entrepreneurs feel the same way. They dread having to go back to a work environment that robs them of these three fundamental motivators.

What about you? What motivates you?

Here’s the video – if you don’t like the speaker, you might like the cartoons that illustrate his points.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc?fs=1]

Big voice; pretty little horses – Scotland’s Grant Campbell

July 1, 2010 /

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxjdOUkJv_Y]

I believe this is the voice of Scottish singer-songwriter Grant Campbell. From his web site – background/bio/discography:

Campbell’s third & most recent long player ‘Expecting Great Things’ was recorded at home over one sunny afternoon. He decided to experiment with a ‘pan effect’ which has lead to remarkable results; his ghostly baritone voice resonates in one speaker with his enchanting guitar technique in the other, placing the listener centre stage for yet another poignant & crafted sonic treasure. Released in April of this year it is already being touted as one of 2009 finest.

Campbell is a formidable live act, grabbing hearts and bagging admirers every which way along his travels. As well as a string of headline solo shows he has also supported some greats including; Odetta, John Hammond, Michael Hurley, Gary Louris (Jayhawks), Mary Gauthier, The Handsome Family, Howe Gelb (Giant Sand), Alison Moorer, James Blood Ulmer, Micah P Hinson, Califone, Mindy Smith, Alela Diane, Johnny Dowd & Diana Jones.

Other recent work has included a collaboration with leading independent film studio ‘Lionsgate’ to record & produce a cover version of “All the Pretty Little Horses” for the movie ‘The Burrowers’ which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2008.

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