The NAKED Marketing Company

Last week, my broadband connection went AWOL, leaving me without email, internet or any of the associated information and communication technology that’s essential for running a business these days.

At first, this was nothing more than a minor inconvenience, a small setback that was overcome by taking the laptop to a coffee shop with free WiFi. However, there’s a limit to how much latte one can drink and, having caught up on my emails  and phone calls, I returned to the office to complete as much off-line work as I could think of.

In the end, I was reduced to updating files and straightening shelves – not especially productive, I admit, but quite therapeutic – until eventually, there was no escaping the awful truth: I had nothing else to do. Try as I might, I couldn’t think of anything more that needed doing and I was faced with the unfamiliar prospect of an afternoon of enforced idleness.

And it was great! I read, listened to music, had a long soak in the bath, scoffed cookies, watched some daytime TV, enjoyed a glass of wine. I was completely cut off from my business physically, emotionally and mentally. It was an afternoon of relaxation and quiet self-indulgence and I don’t remember the last time I had the time to take time away from the business and give it to Me.

The experience made me realise that all this technology we employ to save time has in fact stolen time from us because it’s enslaved us into believing that we must use it to be doing something – anything – every second of every day. Look around you at all the people on their mobiles – they can’t even take the time to cross a road, stand in a queue or buy groceries at the supermarket without sending or receiving conversations, emails, text, games, music and the rest, It’s like they’re addicted to and enslaved by the technology that’s meant to liberate them by giving them time to do other stuff.

From experience, it’s a story that’s repeated in just about every office in the country where good, conscientious people feel they need to “plug themselves in” to their PCs for more hours per day than is good for them.

My friends, it’s time to start weaning ourselves off our dependence. We don’t HAVE to be constantly doing something – anything. The machines are supposed to be our servants and helpers, not our masters. So, starting today, starting NOW, let’s switch off our computers and phones, even if it’s only for five minutes, and give some attention and some quality time to something REALLY matters– ourselves.

1. David Robinson says:

   February 3, 2012 at 8:35 am

   David Robinson, Development Manager, Sustainable Energy Division, Aqua-Interiors, Huddersfield:
   Quite agree, only recently I bought a new mobile phone, not a smart phone, just a basic Nokia mobile phone that only the select few have the number. This is for the very reason you state above, the constant ping of emails text etc that never seem to stop. Just need that time for me and my family to enjoy each other, it can wait, surely, it used to before we all went mad with must be on line 24/7.
2. Chris Wilson says:

   February 3, 2012 at 8:36 am

   Chris Wilson, Exec. Director (CEO) at manufacturer of unique fishing (angling) products, Bradford:
   My most productive time is while away for a short break!
   Although I wear many hats, my main job is in product design/innovation requiring 100% effort and concentration, but its very difficult to immerse oneself wholeheartedly with all the daily distraction. I suppose its a bit like writers cramp if you know what I mean?
   Seriously, just to get away for a few days relaxation from the daily grind allows me to concentrate and quickly get into my stride without all the distraction of routine.
   After a day or two away my productivity rate soars at least ten fold, totally relaxed with no internet, phone switched off sat in the hotel lounge with a sketch pad, pen and a whiskey… why not give it a try sometime?
3. admin says:

   February 3, 2012 at 10:59 am

   David Emslie, Networking and Marketing, and using LinkedIn as a marketing channel, Leeds:
   Absolutely right.
   (Can I admit I’m reading and responding to this at 10pm ……..)
   OK, OK I’ll turn it off now.
4. It's the second time when i've seen your site says:

   February 24, 2012 at 2:59 am

   It’s the second time when i’ve seen your site. I can understand a lot of hard work has gone in to it. It’s actually good….

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