Gabby's WORD 22 May 2012
On Friday I flew back from NYC to London. It's not the longest flight but this time around, I didn’t manage any rest. A very sweet and pretty little girl’s ears could not adjust to the pressure change and, much to her parents’ agony, no amount of lollipops, juice cartons, bottles, or warm compresses could spare her the discomfort. She whimpered and thrashed in pain throughout the flight. Clearly, it was not ideal for anyone but it was made all the worse by the unsympathetic few who rolled their eyes, ‘tutted’, and issued complaint after complaint to the in-flight staff. I am happy to report that the vast majority of the passengers were supportive and sympathetic and one brave voice finally piped up urging the moaners to “shut up and grow up!”
Why do I think that this story is relevant for Gabby's WORD? Well, it reminds me of what Little Black Book is trying to achieve and create - a group of people who support one another and that are positive, even in the most trying of times. Who wants to spend time with people that moan and bleat on about everything? From the hours and pay to the quality of work and the lack of risk-taking? Who wants to listen to people who constantly criticise the work of others or make catty remarks about other professionals? Who wants to be among the 20% of people who cannot show respect and who others feel the need to tell to 'shut up and grow up'.
While in NYC, one of the things that everyone said they loved about Little Black Book is that we are positive about the industry. People want to be able to feel proud and to celebrate the industry that they work within. They want the one stop shop we provide, where they can stay in touch with one another, hear about each other’s work, read good content and keep abreast on advertising, as a whole - without the whingers. I was rather proud to be able to enthusiastically and honestly say 'that's us'.
Aside from the site, Little Black Book also wants to help grow the community and as such, we have a couple of fun events coming up. The first is our Battle of The Bands here in London. Starting this Wednesday, we have bands from agencies, production companies and post houses that will shake their hot stuff, strum and sing their hearts out to showcase their secret talents. To find out more and to come and join us, click here: http://on.fb.me/JKQCtj.
Continuing with the theme of happy occasions where folk can come together, this year at Cannes we once again have our 'La Plage Courage' aka The Little Black Book Beach. Over a four day period, we invite you to come and hang out on our beach. Be it to hold a meeting, see who’s about, have five minutes to yourself, or hide; we have the sun, sea and sand to fulfil your needs. Check out the link to find out more details: http://bit.ly/K634nj.
Someone once said to me that in an apocalypse I'd be f***ed; that I wouldn't survive. I asked them why? I'm rather good at building rafts, quite good at extreme sports and aside from snakes, not very squeamish. They said that I'd spend so long getting everyone else into the life raft that I'd lose my own place. I don't think they realised it or meant it as such, but that is possibly the best compliment I've ever received.
Hope to see you this week to support the London ad folk as they sing their hearts out and, fingers crossed, in-between meetings and presentations, I'll be able to meet and catch up with many of you at the Little Black Book beach.
