Ego (I’m a Leo, click the image for my view on astrology)

However despite that egotistical viewpoint, I am not very comfortable talking/typing about moments when I have exhibited genuine kindness, I suppose it is because I am or at least I try to be kind to people all the time, every single day. I smile at strangers, I tell strangers that their hair looks nice, that they look fantastic in that outfit and I am more than friendly and appreciative to those that serve me whether it be in a shop, at a restaurant or during a stay in a hotel, the service always know that they are appreciated by me, no matter where that service occurs.

So to talk about a genuine act of kindness, for me, means to talk about something above and beyond what I do every day. And I am not happy to do that, that seems to be more than having a healthy self-appreciation or an ego that keeps me going when times are hard or when those negative voices inside my head or from those people that surround us all get too loud (unfortunately, we all have some of those people in our lives, don’t we?).

I’ve earned my bragging rights

That feels more like boasting, bragging, totally self-absorbed and not a healthy thing to be saying out loud, let alone to start believing.

But there is one thing I do regularly that is a genuine act of kindness (although doing it does make me feel good too, so it is not totally altruistic) and that is to play my part in attempts to reclaim anonymous back from all the pathetic haters that troll the internet. Every time I see a horrible negative anonymous message sent to someone, I reply (also anonymously) apologising for being mean and say something nice to them instead. It not only sends a nice anonymous message to someone it also undermines the original anonymous message sender.

Nasty Anonymous

You should do it too, come on, let’s claim anonymous back.

I’m following a couple of brilliant bloggers (Lori at She’s Awake & Chrissa at A Little Wicked) who are undertaking a blog challenge to write 50 lists that will lift your spirits. I love lists, I like having something to blog about and I love them, so I’ve decided to join in.

Did you know?

I bet you checked LOL.

iPod Classic 80GB currently with 15,827 songs on it always played on random shuffle.

So here goes, reset, play:

She got a male friend of hers to come over and tell me that his friends were really appreciating my hair and in particular the young lady that had walked over with him, who he then introduced me to.

I was struck dumb, struck mute, I didn’t even ask her name! She was the most incredible looking creature I have seen in real life for a long time and I had spotted her earlier across the courtyard and thought how stunning she was but we hadn’t exchanged a glance or eye contact or anything, so this was completely left field, unexpected, so much so, I am writing about it!!

Well it probably was a joke anyway and so I probably handled the situation perfectly, also I am very much taken, so she didn’t stand a chance but it was still very flattering.

This was taken just before I went out for the night, I am calling this version of my hair the ‘Nohican’ and it was the nohican that seemed to be getting the attention if I’m honest.

The Nohican

*NB I was with two absolutely gorgeous young ladies (and a very attractive young man) at the time but they are my friends so they were obviously not included when I say the whole pub!

I am quite happy with the powers I already have, if I can make a difference, positive or negative then I quite often try to do so, if I can’t, I don’t really worry about it, if it is beyond my ability to change then I tend to, not necessarily accept it but I, bide my time until I am in a position to make a difference.

So subsequently I haven’t ever thought before what I would do if I had the power of invisibility and I am finding it quite difficult to get my mind out of the gutter, maybe it is because it is a super power but it feels like my teenage brain has engaged more than normal at the moment. Give me a moment to think, a mature drink to drink and then I’ll try again.

Okay, if I had the power of invisibility I would make myself invisible to fight crime. That is the only right thing to do. Power corrupts and an invisible power corrupts invisibly. Can you imagine how good an undercover investigator I would be?

Super powers are for super heroes and I would definitely be more Watchman than Avengers but a super hero I would be.

Secret Service X-Wide P

Can I have a cape?

I’m following a couple of brilliant bloggers (Lori at She’s Awake & Chrissa at A Little Wicked) who are undertaking a blog challenge to write 50 lists that will lift your spirits. I love lists, I like having something to blog about and I love them, so I’ve decided to join in.

Insomnia

#insomniacsunite @LadyJE @FanofRob @Twitter

Business in Turkey can be vibrant & dynamic

Turkey has a land mass three times the size of the UK; a population exceeding 63 million of whom half are less than 25 years of age. It has a vibrant and dynamic economy and the British government regards Turkey as a priority export market, which merits support for targeted trade, and export campaigns.

More than 250 British companies have already established branches or affiliates in Turkey operating in sectors which range from, oil, gas and electric power supplies through aeronautical engineering, chemical production, pharmaceutical manufacture, health services, tourism, transportation and retail chain stores.

Turkey

Aptitudes and Attitudes

The typical Turkish businessperson is hardworking, straightforward, and committed to the achievement of clear-cut targets and objectives based on well founded market research and long-term strategic planning.

They are well educated and fully up to date with e-commerce which they are developing at an exponential rate in order to gain access to a wider market of 200 million Turkish speaking citizens of the former Soviet Union who are settled in various republics across central Asia up to the borders of China.

There are 22 national television stations broadcasting throughout Turkey and there are 36 Nation-wide radio stations, hence everyone is well informed.

The “locomotive” for Turkey’s economic success is the textile industry with other industries also being developed at startling speed, particularly electrical machinery, that have already gained significant market share throughout Europe.

The earthquakes of 1999 were a great tragedy for Turkey but the aftermath of aid and support provided from neighbouring countries particularly Greece has done much to facilitate political and cultural bridges with the European Union. In December 1999 at Helsinki the EU formally accepted Turkey’s candidacy for membership. Customs harmonisation already exists and for most goods and services there is effectively free trade within Europe.

Do not be deterred by the fact that all Turks enjoy the banter of the Bazaar and expect their supplier to be adept and skilful in response. In the final analysis they want long-term reliable partnerships with suppliers they can trust to deliver quality products on time and in line with their needs.

This means you have to get to know your customers on a personal as well as a business basis. They may invite you to their homes. They will certainly invite you to restaurants. Reciprocal hospitality will be appreciated. Turkish people regard business as a part of life. Family requirements and dependent communities have the highest priority.

Turks enjoy being sociable and some tips for a good night out are – dress smartly, smile frequently, do not mix the national drink Raki (87¥ proof) with anything other than water. Say ‘Serefe’ (cheers) from time to time and eat everything put before you.

Language is not a barrier to business since most senior executives speak English (and probably two or three other languages as well,) but it is appreciated if the visitor uses a few courtesy greetings and phrases ‘Merhaba’ (hello) ‘Nasalsiniz’ (how are you?) ‘Tesekkur ederim’ (Thank you).

It is very easy for women to travel and conduct business in the main cities of Turkey and it is perfectly normal to meet Turkish women in senior management positions.

The constitution of Turkey is secular and the Turks tolerate and respect the faith and beliefs of others so that religion is never an issue when making contacts or friends.

Turkey

The Future

Investment in Turkey is positively encouraged. A massive programme of privatisation is rolling forward covering telecommunications, petrochemicals, air transportation and many other industrial sectors.

Turkey is the hub nation and distribution centre between Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East.

Turkey is a worthwhile trading partner with an impressive economy in which the majority of enterprises are receptive to innovative products and ideas and welcome opportunities to collaborate with external companies in order to develop, supply sources, partnerships, technology transfers, and long-term business relations.

Author: Martin Byrne was a DTI Export Promoter for 2 years and is the principal of an export orientated marketing and business development consultancy. He is a regular speaker at Farnham Castle. Published May 2002

• Farnham Castle is acknowledged as one of the world’s leading providers of Intercultural Business Training and Global Mobility Programmes.

St George Shakespeare X-Wide P

Today is St George’s Day and the anniversary of William Shakepseare’s Birth and Death – It is 448 years since Shakespeare was born and 396 years since he died, St George was last seen alive 1,709 years ago.

Today is also the 30th anniversary of the ZX Spectrum Sinclair Computer (my very first computer) celebrated by Google as an 8bit doodle.

St George ZX Spectrum Style

I Love Charts (The Book)

…on Amazon when I spotted this on the credits page….

I Love Charts (The Book) Credits

Not one, but two credits to my name!! I can not wait to see the book, click through to get a sneak peek of I Love Charts: The Book, which will hit bookshelves on May 1st.