Shaa's World

European School Of Management

The other night I found myself giving a talk at the European School of Management on the topic of uploading on behalf of Bebo ... now I have to be honest, when I first started to think about it, I couldn't really understand how you could produce a whole seminar on uploading. I mean uploading ...

But then I got to think about it and I realised just how much this concept has changed all of our lives. If one word represents Web 2.0, uploading is it ... In fact, the reason that you are reading this now is down to uploading.

Pictures, videos, films, music, books, content, profiles, experiences, opinions ...Uploading rules!

Where Have I Been?!?!

Just back from a very well deserved holiday to Florida ... Ohmigod, it was so beautiful.

Here's the house we always stay in:

Where shall I start?

The food ... let's just say I think I need to go on a post-Holiday diet!! I was nearly back into those size 10 jeans, but that god damn Mexican food was just too good ...

Weather was amazing ... save the odd thunder storm and even then it was that beautiful warm rain.

Cape Coral was gorgeous as ever - as was the house we stayed in. Jett just loved the pool as you can see!

So, Goal One: Buy a house in Cape Coral for next summer. Goal Two: Try to have a holiday without actually working? :) Yep, you guessed it, I was working throughout the holiday, at least a couple of hours a day, but then it was worth it. When you're doing things you really love, it doesn't feel like work. The fact that I could just run back outside and jump in the pool after my conference calls helped too!

Shaa X

Bob Proctor

I had the absolute pleasure today of interviewing Bob Proctor, for those of you who don't know him, you have to check out his site  www.bobproctor.com - he is truly wonderful.

Now, if you are reading this in the US, you undoubtedly will have heard of Bob, but for those of you in the UK, you may not have been fortunate enough to have read any of his material. You should, its life changing!

What a dignified, warm and compelling man. Someone whom I would love to do more work with in the future.

A Little Thank You

OK, a BIG one really.

To Chris, my wonderful friend and web designer! He was feeling a little bit left out .... so I'm going to make up for it now!

Over the years, Chris has designed many web projects for me, the most recent of which www.shaa.co.uk 
I think the site looks fab and Chris always manages to deal with my lastminute, want it yesterday demands!

Yo Sushi / Simon Woodruffe

Ooh, I feel like a real celebrity now!

Had a car come to collect me at 8.30am (you know, a proper car with driver, shades, bottled water and everything!) to Simon Woodruffe's houseboat where he was interviewing me for RadioYo!

Simon was interviewing me alongside Michael Smith, founder of  www.firebox.com who I have been a fan of since I founded www.mykindaplace.com.

It was a really enjoyable session, most notably for spending time with such like minded people. There really is a Entrepreneurial fire going round and I'm happy to be playing my part in fanning the flames.

Mum's Rule The World!

Wow, I have such admiration for single Mum's. Bearing in mind that I was brought up my Mum alone, I should have known what hard work it could be, but being the kid, I guess I took it for granted!

Steve has been in Birmingham this week sorting out some of his rental properties and I was left home alone ... and Jett decided to start teething at the same time! Oh my God, I had no idea what havoc teething could bring with it ... you name it, I've seen it ... urgh! It's also meant that he hasn't been sleeping so I've been surviving on 2-3 hours sleep a night AND trying to work.

To Blog or Not To Blog ...

Today was a real blogging day ... first off the lovely guys from Shiny Media www.shoewawa.com etc ... what they don't know about blogging, well, just isn't worth knowing about!

Then lunch with Ewan who made me start blogging in the first place! And ... wait for it ... he bought lunch -  yes, he is a Scot! :) We went to Terminus where he had a Terminus burger (much better than his normal Wimpy I'm sure!) and I had a crayfish salad of some kind ... and of course we both shared some chips ... with dashings of ketchup.

I did feel a bit guilty afterwards; I'm desperate to get back into my old Earl jeans ... I'm nearly there, but if I keep up that chip malarky it ain't gonna happen.

Voiceovers ...

Spent the day on Tuesday doing voiceovers for the TV show and it was the first time I had really watched the whole series ...

Well, considering it was my first ever presenting gig, I have to say I'm quite impressed; but then again, my glass is always half full isn't it?

It was certainly obvious, at least to me that I got better as the series went on. Filming on the first day was horrendous; they made me do PTC's (pieces to camera) going up the escalator at Birmingham New Street Station in rush hour ... Ohmigod, it was awful ... no wonder it got left on the cutting room floor!

So Where Have I Been Lately?

I know, I kinda disappeared ... I think it might be slow burnout ... or just trying to juggle everything on limited sleep!

So, what have been the highlights of the last week ...

1. My 3 phone - it is so FABULOUS that it needs it's own blog ... I'll get one out this week.

2. Presented a fantastic course with Jonathan Jay of The Coaching Academy on Saturday with about 75 people ... How To Be An Entrepreneur And Start A Home Based Business. It was the first time I had presented a seminar and I thought I might have been a bit daunted, but the audience were so warm that I instantly felt at home. In fact, it was such good fun we're going to do another one!

3. Jett's going for his 8 month check up today (me being me, he's now 9 months and I was erm ... a little late!)

So back on track and let's get cooking!

De Ja Vu ...

Last day filming today and really excited. Gemma has already had nearly 25,000 people listen to her music through Bebo. Her confidence has sky-rocketed!

Now I know I'm a South Londoner and I've never been a fan of Hampstead, but that might have just changed! Filmed in the most amazing pub today - The Freemason's Arms in Hampstead ...if you've never been there ... book a table NOW. The Garden is gorgeous so get in quick before winter sets upon us!

Afterwards, we went to The Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane and it brought back such amazing memories. When I was working with Chris Eubank, it was like his second home, so it naturally became mine. He treated it as his London home / office, so I was there on a nearly daily basis. It just made me realise what an incredible experience I had ... How many 21 year olds could eat at Nico's on an expense budget everyday or have their car valet parked or go for a run at lunchtime in The Grosvenor House gym ... no wonder I got a taste for the good life so early!

Tube Journey

I never find tube journey's the best way to start the day, but this morning I actually managed to get a seat.

Just as I sat down a woman walked on who was either very pregnant or very overweight - and I really couldn't tell which one. I was stuck - do I offer her a seat only to find that she's a lifelong member of Weight Watchers or do I just sit there and let a potentially 8 month pregnant woman stand on a crowded tube? I tried to weigh up what would be the biggest mistake - and decided if she really was pregnant would ask if she needed a seat. Right or Wrong?

The journey ended on a brighter note ... the man sitting next to me saw that I was reading over his shoulder and very kindly waited until I had finished before turning the page! :)

If I Were A Builder

OK, maybe not a builder, but a 'Designer Developer' ... I'd be Millwood Designer Homes. They are the Ipod of New Homes ... affordable luxury. Check out their beautiful homes here: http://www.millwood-designer-homes.co.uk

I spent the afternoon with their founder and MD, John Elliott. He took me on a personal tour of their developments in Westgate On Sea and Cliff's End (Kent). I am truly astounded by both the finish and design of their homes and whilst they come at a premium, that premium is not exorbitant.

It sounds like 2007 will be a very interesting year for them. I know I'm looking to move into one of their new homes next year (don't worry, you'll all be invited to the house warming!).

I just wish I could find them a plot to build on in Blackheath ...

kNOMO - The Best Bags In The Business

First 'Advisory' meeting with Knomo this afternoon and I was pleased to be joined by such a seasoned and successful group of people around the table. Without their permission, it would be improper to list them, but suffice to say, they have the experience to fast-track Knomo's success, both here and abroad.

For those of you who don't know KNOMO - you should! Check out www.knomo.com - they make laptop bags that are simply to die for. Now you know what I'm like about shoes and bags ... so that MUST be saying something. They do both men's and women's and are so beautifully designed that you don't need to be ashamed of carrying a laptop bag anymore. Be proud of your laptop ... buy a KNOMO.

I never leave home without one!

Bebo's Back In Town

Michael and Xochi (founders of Bebo) are back in town for a few days. Met up with them and the rest of team last night for a wonderful (if brief) dinner at Hush. I was exhausted ... didn't get back to London until nearly 9pm, so by 10.15, I was ready to go home. I'm sure they all think I'm a lightweight!

It was really nice to catch up properly, rather than over IM or Skype - yes, I KNOW how great technology is, but really nothing is like seeing someone in person.

Bebo has some interesting things in the pipeline (which contrary to popular belief don't include being sold to BT OR Viacom!) and it's exciting to be making that happen.

Super Gran

I know we all think that we have the best Nan's in the world, but I truly do. OK, I am a bit biased, but all of you who know her can vouch for me.

We are without a nanny at the moment (the one that you pay for) as she's on holiday for two weeks. I got the whole nanny thing a bit back to front; she booked her holidays at a time that totally doesn't work for us as it's too hot to take Jett anywhere; so we're left to fend for ourselves for the next 2 weeks.

Now I wouldn't mind that, but given all the work I've got going on at the moment, I can't just disappear off the radar for the next 2 weeks. So in steps Super Gran ...

She's 81 and lives in Ware, Hertfordshire. It takes her over 2 hours to get here. She gets on a train to Liverpool Street, then a tube to Bank, then changes to London Bridge, then a train to Blackheath. I even have a fight to pick her up at the station - she wants to get the bus.

She's come up for 2 nights to help look after Jett so I can work and oh does Jett love his Nanny (well great Nanny really). We used to call her Nanny Shush Shush as when he was really young she used to shush him to sleep. In fact she would come up and stay for at least a night every week so we could have one night a week with uniterupted sleep. She'd sleep in his room and get up and feed him in the night - no wonder he loves her. We all do. There's be something wrong with you if you didn't!

She has the energy of someone half her age. She's truly one in a million. She helps absolutely everyone. She hasn't got a bad bone in her body. She comes and looks after Jett, cooks the best food, entertains everyone and is just the most all round wonderful person you could ever meet. For her, I am truly blessed.

If I can live up to being half the person she is, I will be proud.

3 (free!) is good

Had a lovely meeting with Chris Cook from Lexis PR who handle the account for 3 Mobile. They want me to 'trial' the new 3 Mobile Email (i.e. Blackberry alternative). Now I have to admit to being a little sceptical; 3 isn't renowned for the best coverage is it?

But then a funny thing happened, a PR changed my mind! Can you believe it? Me, a seasoned pro?

He even convinced me that 3 has great reception in the 'provinces' (my phrase, not his). Then I came to think about it ... I don't even know anyone who has a 3 phone, so where on earth did I get the idea that their reception was poor? I can't even remember any specific article that I read. It just goes to show you how we are all subjected to subliminal messages all day long - and at some point they become embedded into our brain and we start believing them to be true.

Well, I look forward to trying out the phone ... from a completely unbiased perspective. I will, of course keep you all updated. Maybe I should have negotiated an affiliate deal?

On that note, I'm in the middle of negotiating a publishing deal, which is well, quite honestly brilliant for everyone involved - a real 'win win'. I wish I could just tell you all about it, but of course if I did that, it might just fall at the last hurdle, so fingers crossed I should be able to announce something in the next 2 weeks.

Oh and more bizarre goings on with one of my 'clients' on the Channel 4 show ... all is definitely NOT what it seems.

Hooray!!!

My God, I can't tell you how excited I am ... my email shaa (at let's keep the spam away).co.uk is finally working!

The amazing Mr MacLeod www.interactiveenergy.co.uk has worked out my online 'strategy' and put my house in order ... if only I had met him earlier. So, now you can all email me at a very easy to remember address and it will all come through to me in one place (well actually many - the office PC, the laptop, the Blackberry ... yes, I know I'm a techno addict). And before you say it, I did try to register shaa.com, but it was registered years ago by an American finance company of some description. However, it doesn't seem to be used at the moment, maybe I should investigate?

Went for a swim - outdoors no less - in the gorgeous pool at David Lloyd gym in Sidcup. It takes me 20 minutes just to get there, but it's so worth it. I find swimming very meditative; I can completely zone out and just relax. Some of the best ideas have come to me whilst swimming ... which is why I'm so keen to get that house in Cape Coral. For those of you who want to see where you're coming to visit me next summer click on this link and follow the virtual tour:

http://www.aubuchonhomes.com/models/grand_mariner/index.html

OK, it might not be this exact one (at least not next year), but you get the drift ...

I love it when a plan comes together!

Started the morning with a fab breakfast at the Covent Garden Hotel ... the best (and healthiest) breakfasts in London if you ask me.

On way back to the tube found amazing stationary shop on one of the little cross streets opposite Leicester Square station. If you want to be organised AND have everything look good - you HAVE to go to this shop (trying to find the receipt so that I can give you all the name, but surprise, surprise, the receipt seems to have 'disappeared'). Bought a beautiful NAVA folder. Yes, I know it was an impulse purchase, but it was on sale and it does look nice and it is for work, so hey presto, it's a tax write off!

Took the train from Waterloo to Surrey for my next meeting and I just have to commend South West Trains. For those of you who have never travelled on them, you won't believe this ... they have clean seats, fresh paint and wait for it - AIR CONDITIONING! I kid you not; it was the best train journey I have taken. Whoever owns them should try to monopolise the rest of the lines - it's almost worth moving to Surrey for.

Spent the afternoon brainstorming at the new Entrepreneur Channel which is going to be launched in September. I cannot tell you all how much I am looking forward to this. Being a Californian at heart, I took to the whole Personal Development world at a very young age - 18. Whilst I don't believe you should follow anyone or anything as a doctrine - you should pick and choose the bits that work for you and leave behind the rest. I do believe that all of our lives could be so much better if we only knew what we were all really capable of.

It's been a lifelong ambition to bring positive change to people's lives. It's why I jumped at the opportunity to present the Channel 4 show. Some of you make think this is slightly incongruous with my 'corporate side', but I don't agree. Nothing is more important than helping another human being realise the power they have within them to live the life they truly desire. OK, maybe it does sound a bit corny, but I genuinely believe that. And I'm working hard on a new seminar and audio program that I hope will do just that. I'll keep you all posted.

Why is there no cure for Hayfever?

So this is a short one. Why? I feel like I've been hit over the head with a sledge hammer. All day.

You would think by now that with all the innovations out there, someone would have come up with a cure for hayfever? Or is it that the drug companies just make so much money out of us each year that it's far more viable to just keep us hostage? I figure the simple cure is a house by the water ... a miracle no less. Put me in Cape Coral and Hayfever disappears. Maybe it's a sign? If the online world truly is without boundaries, surely I can work from the pool?

So what's in store tomorrow?

Well, it's my last filming day (Channel 4, "The Day I Got Sacked") with Owen (the one who looks like a young Liam Gallagher) ... thankfully he seems to have gotten on much better at his second work placement than his first (that's a whole other story). I think he's finally decided to go into business with his Dad. I have to say his restored Mini is a work of art ... more "Asprey My Ride" than "Pimp My Ride" ... no it's not jewel encrusted, just very classy.

Off to Royston at 9.30 am, so here's hoping the hayfever clears up by the morning.

If anyone has any cures ... open to all offers.

Fear of Flying ....

Well, it's not how I had thought I would spend my Sunday, but I guess it just shows that it's worth making some 'snap' decisions sometimes.

Steve, Jett and I were all set to have lunch with the wonderful Al Gosling of Extreme http://www.extrememediagroup.com/  ... we were going to get into the safe Volvo 4x4 and head off to the beautiful countryside for a very civilised lunch ... then Al called.

"Just had a thought, why dont you and Steve drive over to North Weald and park the car , get in the plane and we can head off to Mum's from there"

"OK, great" I said ... without even skipping a beat. What was I thinking?! I had sworn I would never get in a light aircraft again ( a long story, but a business associate had a fatal accident last year and well, it put me of - and there's not many things I can say that about.)

I told Steve and he thought it was a great idea ... he's always wanted to get his pilot's license (er, not me).

So we drove to North Weald and got in the plane, baby and all. Al had no idea of the thoughts running through my head (like was my will up to date?), but he was so calm, he put me at ease straight away (I'm sure the 800 flying hours helped!). He ran through every detail of the take off and gave a running commentary throughout the 15 minute flight ... which included checking on Jett, who unlike his mother laughed the whole flight. For once, I was lost for words.

When we landed, I filled Al in on my secret paranoia ... he was impressed that I had got on the plane, but not half as much as I was! It goes to show, sometimes you've got to just push your comfort zones a bit.

The rest of the afternoon couldn't have been more of an anti-dote to the previous stress fuelled 15 minutes ... Al's Mum is an amazing host who made us feel like part of the family... Al's friends were a hoot and Jett could have stayed in the pool all night. Alas we had to go home ... and the flight back was the most serene experience ever. It was like floating. And it made me realise just what a beautiful country we live in.

So Al, thankyou. Fear of light aircrafts over - at least with you as the pilot :)  Just not applying for that pilot's license ... yet!