There’s more to life than browsing!

I admit it, I have been spending far too much time surfing the web recently, and not enough time in the real world!  It’s just too tempting, when the wind is gusting against the windows, to escape off into the endless exciting possibilities offered by the internet.  Shall I book a holiday somewhere warm and exotic?  After a few hours browsing, I suddenly remember that I’ve got a partner with no holiday left, two small children with far busier social calendars than mine, no money, Christmas and two birthdays to plan and a business to launch.  That’ll be a ‘no’ then!  Okay, so shall I buy a few more bits and pieces to put in the little ones’ stockings?  After a few hours browsing, I suddenly remember that we can’t see the carpet for toys anyway, and more to the point I’d intended to go all zen minimalist this year and avoid the crazy consumerism that is dragging this planet and everyone on it down the pan.  That’ll be another ‘no’ then!  Okay, so perhaps some constructive personal development for the New Year?  Better, but still another few hours’ browsing rather than getting on with what I’m meant to be doing.  I am my own worst enemy.

Having said that, I did discover some interesting stuff whilst being distracted.  For example, I’ve finally been invited to join the beta test of the new social network for social entrepreneurs: UnLtdWorld.  Tried it out this morning and within ten minutes had downloaded a really useful toolkit for sustainable social businesses, invited myself to an event run by Ogunte Global Tribal Network and joined a couple of great-sounding groups.

In addition, I signed up for some free workshops being run by Business Link London, one on marketing with a small budget and one on PR.  As I’ve only got a very small budget for marketing, I suspect I’ll be pinning my hopes on PR, so with any luck they’ll have lots of tips to help.

And last but not least, on a highly superficial note, I also came across (purely by chance, you understand) a photo of David Beckham in the latest advert for Armani underpants.  Now that really was a moment of pure escapism!

Anyway, so much for all that.  My early New Year’s Resolution is to FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS.  I will concentrate on my real priorities and steer clear of distractions.  Not even a bare-chested Becks will lure me away from my ‘To do’ list … unless, of course, he’s on it!

PS.  Please excuse this one girlie weakness.  Just put it down to the festive spirit going straight to my head!

Think I’ve just microwaved my brain!

My mobile ‘phone is hot hot hot, and so is the side of my face! Over two hours talking to the web designer and I’m feeling seriously fried! Shame I haven’t yet managed to set up my new Parrot Minikit speaker thingummyjiggy so that I can chat hands-free. All this new technology is proving to be a project in itself.

Anyway, have now been through all the various design templates for the website with a fine toothcomb and so hopefully, by tomorrow, they’ll be on their way to the techie people to start the build. It’s gradually gradually taking shape … and I have to admit I’m starting to get excited. I even wake up at night and wish I could get up and work!

But the main reason for writing this right now is because I’ve just discovered two great new websites. The first is going to cost me a fortune because it’s chockablock with things my little ones would LOVE for Christmas! Have a look at Tish Tash Toys and you’ll see what I mean. And, if you’re a mum looking for flexible family-friendly work, you might want to consider becoming one of their agents? The second is really interesting because it’s the social networking site for social entrepreneurs - UnLtdWorld. You can only access the tour at the moment as it’s in closed beta testing, but you can sign up to go on the waiting list!

Must go now as I’ve got jammie dodgers waiting to sustain me through this afternoon’s activity - drafting all the automated responses for the website. Bought three packets for a pound this morning, and think I’m going to need them …