Chris Smith Associates

What is it all about ?

I started this blog on the basis that my business is complex. If I were a full time widget maker, my site would be a display of my latest widgets with an on line purchase button. However, I have a range of marketable skills which I sell. Podcasting is what I have been passionate about for the last wee while. There are a number of examples of the current projects and clients here on this site. However, there are a significant number where, particularly for Corporate clients, anonymity is the order of the day.

The purpose of this site is to give a flavour of skills I have to offer. I have taken the pictures, edited the video and audio, built the website, and done the clever Web 2.0 things behind it. If you think I could help; contact me.

Finally, I hate po-faced websites. But, I hope, you've already guessed that.

Cheers

Chris Smith

Habitat for Humanity

'Leave your comfortable office. Travel to Africa. Work on a construction site and build a house.' A simple challenge which 15 Scots met in May. I caught up with Grant Ager from the Fairfield Housing Association and Alan Hobbet of the Dunfermline Building Society and asked them about their visit.
Bearing in mind, these are both experienced business people; I expected a low key response. However, as you will hear, the trip was a real eye opener for both.

Download and listen to Grant and Alan

Community groups and practical action

Like a lot of people, we have a garden. We have fruit trees and every year the Buddha gets clobbered by the falling apples. I would like to know a lot more about looking after the trees, pruning and what I can do with the avalanche of apples and plums we can reasonably expect annually. Having spoken to Ellen at Wecan ; she helpfully pointed me at a local group; the Newburgh Orchard Group. So I went along to meet the Chair Caroline Guthrie to find out more. Naturally, I took the trusty recorder along for you to hear the conversation.

Download and listen to Caroline Guthrie.

Great application

I rarely come across applications that do anything for me. But I came across a little gem that is small and helps a keen photographer like myself. Go over to PicLens and see what you think. Thanks again to Leo and the Twitters for another great piece of advice.

Simple images...powerful story

I came across a very impressive multimedia piece from Reuters which demonstrates everything that is excellent about "rich media". A slight health warning at this point, it is about the Iraq war and contains content which reflects the reality of war reportage and is best not viewed on a full stomach or before meals. Having said that; tight writing, clear editing and outstanding images make this piece so watchable.

Brilliant idea...why didn't I think of it

My wife came back from Iceland and gave me this Buff headwear which I favour. They are always appreciated as the tokens of true love from a wife who knows what to buy for a husband who thinks he has everything. It's part of the Icelandic collection and features a print of Gullfoss, a spectacular waterfall. This company has a superb product range and this is a great example. I couldn't find the Scottish collection but I am guess the Saltire would be a good fit, no pun intended. However, there were already some Buffs that were aimed firmly at the 08 Mountain Bike Championships in Fort William. Great example of taking a solid product and really pushing it.

Clive Gillman speaks...

Clive Gillman is the Director of the DCA. He is an interesting guy with a challenging view of the arts in Dundee. If you thought the DCA was just a coffee bar with a cinema that showed movies with subtitles; you are wrong. The DCA is a whole lot more and Clive is the man to tell you why. In this interview, Clive is pretty clear about the role the arts can play in Dundee and it will take a lot of people by surprise.

Surprising but true.

I love Dundee and its sense of humour. This pub sign illustrates it well. Of course, Scotland can't lose; we didn't make it to Euro 2008. Half the battle mentoring and working with small start ups is to engender that 'we can't lose' attitude. A pitch to funders, prospective investors or clients is just that; a pitch. It is not the 'do or die' moment for the idea or the company. I blame the Dragon's Den. It is a little known fact that the unsuccessful pitchers are not subject to capital punishment on the programme. They go home, have tea with their loved ones and the world keeps turning. Most take positives from the experience and reshape some of their thinking. They didn't lose; they just got some valuable feedback. Rather like Scotland.

An interesting community project

It is great to find a community project that is a bit different. I was recently introduced to someone who was leading a local project which sounded like being right on the money, as it were. And being the audio nut I am - I recorded a short interview. I learnt a lot. Listen to the interview and check out the web site for more details.

Download the Ellen McCance Interview.

 

MSPs ...Mac or otherwise

The other week, I met Mike Russell who is the Environment Minister. Good guy and complete Mac head. However, what was most surprising was his grasp of computer technology and its ability to shape the world we are in today.In my travels, my general impression is most members of our elected assemblies, from local to national to international, struggle with the concept of binary. The whole internet webby thing is waved away as being too complicated and being for 'young people' anyway. If you find 'new' difficult or too dynamic; it's a clue. Don't go into politics.

Social media explained in 3 minutes or less

Social Media in Plain English from leelefever on Vimeo.