Inspired to go big or go home?
A wonderful talk by Olga Polizzi at the end of February inspired me. We were at the Star in Alfriston, East Sussex for a couple of nights away and were excited to hear about Olga’s Life in Design. My dad was an enthusiastic fan of the Forte brand and particularly admired Lord Forte’s business acumen. Maybe it was because my dad (a world war 2 army cook) aspired to own his own café one day, although in reality followed his training as an electrician. He worked for Hoover, first repairing vacuum cleaners and then selling them. And that’s how his career in sales began.
Dad loved that an eager and ambitious ice cream seller from modest Italian roots built a successful empire. A businessperson who set up a chain of milk bars and went on to buy the Café Royal in Regent Street in the early 50s. Later adding the Waldorf Hotel (late 50s) and many more successful businesses to his portfolio. Dad never realised his catering dream, although he followed the rise and fall of Forte success, as well as the launch of Rocco Forte Hotels. His extremely modest shareholding meant that he could attend shareholder meetings at some of London’s finest hotels, which he loved. I learned a lot from my dad, Herbie.
Inspired by Olga’s talk and her great advice that small spaces need big pieces, I’ve been “unframing” pictures and prints today (bank holiday Monday). Over the past 26 years, Mr. Watt and I have bought some fun pieces to adorn our walls. Most of them inexpensive (that’s a relative term) although all adding something unique to our eclectic collection. Affordability played a big part in our choices and although a number of limited-edition prints came via the London Academy Summer Exhibition, they were small.
Yes, you’ve guessed, Olga got me thinking. I’ve concluded we’ve got to go big! We need to make a statement. Just as Ikea challenged us to throw out our chintz, I’m discarding the itsy-bitsy pics. In the spirit of sentimentality, it’s the frames which needed to go. It’s so much easier to hang on to small pieces in their mounts without the frames (far too much sliding around for my liking). And then I had the bright idea to reframe three Tim Bulmer prints into one larger frame. Genius eh?
Last week I wrote about the benefits (and costs of decluttering) our spaces. I encouraged you to think about usefulness and helpfulness above original cost and investment. I still have a way to go. Oh, so long ago (November 2020) I wrote about a few of my purchases which were clearly over-specified and under-utilized. My 2018 Fast Slow Pro (bought with those “priceless” JLP loyalty vouchers) is still notching up a sole use, although it’s now at peace in the garage in readiness for new adventures. Put simply, I need the space (and not the constant reminder of a reckless purchase).
No matter how significant the investment there’s nothing more demoralizing than a product which takes up space, limits progress and is a constant reminder of poor decision-making. But it’s the organisational perspective which has got me excited today. Multiple disjointed (yet costly) systems (or processes) inadequately specified and preventing organisational success. Surely more businesses should seek out a holistic approach?
We’ve got to go big or go home. Just like our collection of small, affordable prints. Over the years this is a big investment, but they’re no longer fit for purpose in our tiny home. It’s time for a few statement pieces (as Olga advised). And it’s so much easier to store the sentimental relics without their frames in a memory box. Oh yes, I’ve watched too many television programmes, but what’s the point of watching if you’re not learning?
Transformation programmes often aspire to take everyone on the essential journey with them, but today I’m wondering whether that’s sufficiently radical. To what extent will we be held back by the doubters and the “old” regime (that picture’s always hung in the loo)? It seems that some programmes falter because they’re not brave enough and give in to popular resistance, rather than stick to their original aspirations to go big. It seems that this afternoon, I’m not a fan of incremental change. A few things to think about:
· What’s the need for transformation
· Consider all options
· List the likely benefits
· Research the market
· What’s the available investment
· Resist the temptation to purchase
· Clarify your expectations
· Consider your audience (customers)
· Seek informed advice
· Enjoy the challenge
Surely, we need to consider the whole scheme before tinkering with minor changes (my small, affordable prints). What’s the space available and how do we want to use it? We won’t all agree although let’s at least have the conversation. Let’s chat.
