Why we all use Google for everything

I can't sleep, so I thought I'd blog. In my tired but wide awake state, I suddenly realised why I use Google for pretty much everything, other than my Twittering. Yes it is because it has the best search results, but how much search do I do any more? Yes it's easy to use as well but that's not the reason either.

I use it because it's easy to get to. Simple as that.

Google is set as my home page on IE8. I have Google Toolbar so that means there are already three buttons directly on my browser so I can instantly get to all my Google applications. These simple facts have meant that as every new tool arrives from them I have instant access.

Not rocket science I grant you, but a nice marketing lesson. Make it easy to use if you want it to spread. If you want to reach a niche audience however, maybe making it difficult is the best way?

Buying locally is great for you

Not that I work from home I'm very lucky that I can go shopping locally at lunch time. Where I live in Roundhay in Leeds I'm very lucky. We have a great butchers R P Sethcfield which if you read the reviews is said to be one of the best in Leeds if not the whole of Yorkshire. The queue outside at Christmas is testament to the quality of the meat and the service they give.

I'm also lucky to have a great little grocers who sells lovely fresh local fruit and veg. They even have speciality stuff like wild mushrooms and fresh beetroot, sorry can't remember the name, but they're on Street Lane in Roundhay.

The great think is that all the food is top class as well as being great value for money and you get the feeling that you're giving something back to the local community at the same time.

Being snowed in

Being snowed in, which I'm technically not (but that car's not going anywhere til the snow's gone) makes you think a lot. I ventured out earlier for a walk in the snow to see just how deep it was.

I've not seen snow like this since I was a kid. Makes me think back to times I don't remember to clearly and wonder what happened to me to make me the way I am. None of my family are remotely interested in business and have no idea what I do.

I used to try and explain what I do as a marketer but because my mum thinks it's sales and I call people all day I give up and tell them I work in advertising, which I don't.

So just what did make me the way I am? Not really got any answers don't think I ever will, but if your family and upbringing shape your life then something must have kicked in and looking back now I'm grateful for whatever it was.

Time to give something back in 2010

I've been thinking that this year I should give something back. I've been working for just over 20 years now, and ever since that first day on my YTS scheme at a publishers in Sheffield (25 quid a week, slavery thanks Mrs Thatcher (little bit of politics)) I've been learning things.

Well now I've come to the conclusion that I should give something back. So I've decided that I'd like to mentor someone in their marketing career, that's if they'll have me. I've a long background in most aspects from Direct Marketing through to online and social media. I won't go into it all here, you can take a look at my Linkedin Profile for all the details.

I'd like to help just one person, I only have so much time. Ideally you'd be in Leeds as well. I don't want any pay for this, just the thought that I'm helping in a small way.

If you'd like me to help you out then please add a comment to this post on why you are the person I should help. You need to be willing to learn and willing to teach me too. I want to work with someone who's eager and ultimately a bit special.

If that's you let me know.