The Do lectures are all about getting a handful of speakers together in one place, in the hope that they may inspire you to go Do something. To give you the tools and the desire to change the things you care about.

It’ll be hard work but I’m a great fan of DO and so excited to be part of it. To find out more and watch last year’s talks visit the site. Maybe see you there in September!

It gives you a guide to the core elements of your ‘web shadow’ or online presence. As well as how to protect yourself or loved ones from the more negative aspects of being online, it shows you how you can use the internet to create connections, visibility and opportunities.

Broken down into chapters that are easy to dip in and out of, it includes practical guides to blogging and using social networks, including the big three: Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

I’d lend you my copy but not done with it so you’ll have to go here if you want one. Or visit the author’s site http://www.antonymayfield.com/webshadows/ for more info.

N.B. Should mention, I know and like the author Antony Mayfield (having worked together in a previous life) but promise no cash or cake has been exchanged for a positive review. If I hadn’t liked the book I just wouldn’t have told anyone about it. Except maybe Antony. From across a room.

• Turning: The tale of Robert who receives three beautiful broken old birds in his mother’s sitting room on his 6th birthday. ’ A memory of an afternoon with tea and cake, lace pink slips and a tale of an emperor with no skin. ’ Visually stunning, creative and charmingly eccentric, I rather liked this story of the world through the eyes of an imaginative small boy. (Dir: Karni & Saul)
• Wish 143: Fifteen year old David only has months to live so is offered a wish from the Dreamscape Charity. He doesn’t want to meet a footballer or go to Disneyland; what David wants is to lose his virginity.  Outstanding performances by lead Samual Holland and Jim Carter make this a truly moving short that feels much longer, in a good way! Poignant and funny and heartbreaking and joyous. I loved this film. (Dir: Ian Barnes)
• Munro: A disastrous father & son camping trip in the Scottish Highlands spirals as hidden secrets start to surface. Stunning landscapes and an outstanding final line makes this a rugged gem. (Dir: Michael Keillor)
• Conversation Piece: Starring Celia Imrie and John Henshaw this delightfully quirky 5 minute piece is set to the music of jazz cornetist Rex Stewart as Jean tries to discover how a cherished vase gets a chip in it. (Dir: Joe Tunmer)

Without turning into some gushing luvee, we all know I have it in me, I was truly taken aback by the level of talent on display. I got to be there as a trustee of Lighthouse but ultimately I thoroughly enjoyed the experience as a viewer.

The films will be shown at various festivals and will go on to the BBC Film Network site so keep an eye out.

I was a little late. And a little muddy (big bounding whopper of a dog decided to make friends as I crossed Preston Park on route. Did explain to him that was meeting the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party but he didn’t seem fussed). It took place in the unfussy surrounds of the Unison building and I joined a room of bubbly animated women, teapots and Victoria sponge.  And a Channel 4 news crew.

As a media type I accept that I will always be a little more ‘aware’ (cynical?) of these type of events being about gaining exposure and securing votes but I also hoped it would be a genuine desire of an MP to listen to the people they represent.  I also couldn’t help the odd ‘In the Thick of It’ moment (those familiar with the show will be impressed I resisted saying ‘f**kitybye’ upon leaving).

There were a range of women, predominantly working in various vital roles  to support communities within our city. I had the great pleasure of meeting Marian who delivers some amazing work with Surestart out of the Moulsecombe Children’s Centre, and also spend more time with Nina Ross from The Young Parents Project, supporting teenage mums through knowledge and skills development in nutrition.

So, Harriet Harman. It was an informal set up and she came round and chatted to us in groups. Myself, Nina & Marian told her about the kind of work we’re doing and the issues that concerned us, and she, well, didn’t really say anything. I’ve often heard politicians interviewed where they seem to have mastered the art of speaking without actually saying anything but never before seen it face to face. Slightly bizarely she did say she’ll follow me on Twitter which struck me as a fundamental misunderstanding of the power of social media for politicians to engage and listen; she didn’t appear to be listening to me when she was just a few feet away.  Don’t get me wrong, she was perfectly pleasant but I came away none the wiser.

Nancy was different.  She was happy to discuss the issues, honest when it was an area where she wasn’t familiar with all the facts and showed a genuine energy and passion. I declined a Vote Labour poster but I did like her and wish her luck. I just hope if she does get in Westminster doesn’t spoil her.

So, Ive realised a few things:
Firstly with modern fangled technology you can blog on the go. Im writing this on the train using the free Word Press app I downloaded on my iPhone. Ooh! Get me!

Secondly, and admittedly this is something I knew before but naughtily hadnt applied to myself, blog posts dont need to be perfectly crafted tomes that youve spent hours drafting.

As long as youve said something of interest to someone somewhere stop agonising get it out there!

I work with Teens and Toddlers, a youth development charity that delivers a teenage pregnancy prevention programme to vulnerable young people. I only started working with them last month and already we have gained national interest. By taking a very topical issue we secured national broadcast coverage yesterday on the BBC and it is already opening doors with Local Authorities and potential funders.

BBC News — Teenage Pregnancy Rate Drops

Good marketing is all about using all the tools available to get the right messages, to the right people, at the right time. Simples.

Lighthouse is an arts agency in that supports, commissions and showcases new work by artists and filmmakers. It supports them to develop their work, whilst providing opportunities for the public to take part in and experience digital art and film.

They do some great stuff and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in. Plus I’m promised biscuits at the next board meeting!

Boutique started life as a ‘traditional’ PR agency nearly six years ago. We worked predominantly with business owner/managers and an interesting thing happened. We were brought in as they had identified a need for PR but once we worked together traditional media relations formed a tiny percentage of the work we would end up doing with them.

This is because I believe PR is everything that you do. This isn’t a hollow claim in a bid to get all your marketing budget as a PR but a deep seated belief that no amount of press releases will help you if your product or service doesn’t deliver.  Likewise the wrong messages to the wrong people, a failure to nurture existing client relationships as you’re too busy chasing new ones, or not communicating effectively to attract the right staff are all going to effect the success of your business.

As a communications consultant I work with my clients to establish how they should be communicating across the board, identify appropriate strategies and tactics, then equip them to implement them.  In a nutshell I come in look at what’s working, see what needs fixing and focus your efforts on the right things to help you grow. I can provide ongoing support as long as you need me and then like a modern day Mary Poppins I’ll fly away on my magical umbrella*.

*Disclaimer: I do not actually own a magical umbrella, or carpet bag. But secretly wish I did.