Tag: travel

For the past week I have been in Sydney with two of my colleagues. It is an away trip for all of us, as we embark on working in one of our most central offices. Travelling with colleagues can be testing, just like any relationship. There is no truer saying than "it can make or break you".

89 days, 16 countries, 6 different languages and a lifetime experience. It's safe to say these past three months were nothing short of an absolute blast, but travelling was honestly more than that, it was an incredible lifetime opportunity filled with lessons and one of kind experiences one can only imagine.  

I'm a Queenslander through and through. Well, kind of. I am from an immigrant family who settled in Queensland, and even though I haven't lived there for 15 years, it is still a place I call home.

Marketing Eye began its journey about 13 years ago, and since then, we have built the business, as a team, into different States and Countries, which has been incredibly exciting. Who doesn't want to fly to New York for a business trip, or to Amsterdam? Even places like Atlanta and Los Angeles have their benefits. I certainly have a few perks up my sleeve from the many miles I travel, but it's not all glamour - and that is something most frequent travellers can attest to. In fact, there is little glamour other than what you see on Instagram and Facebook, and a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. A reality few of us a willing to admit let alone share.

While I could do a flat lay of what I travel with, today, I won't, simply because I am a tad exhausted.

I arrived in Australia yesterday and as I get older, if I don't follow my own travel rules, I tend to get 'jet lag' and yes, I broke the rules and it is my own fault.

There are a few things I do that ensures that I never get jet lag:

When you spend years soul searching, trying to figure out why God put you on this planet and what you are meant to do with your time, you can falter in a lack of understanding.

Mostly, the lack of understanding is of who you really are, and what is your purpose. Many people espouse to know what their purpose is, but how many of those same people can put their hand on their hearts and say, that this is why they were put on earth, and follow through with that mission until the very end?

When you have travelled the world as much as me, there is one thing that you know is always going to be a given – that hotels are a must.

Now, if you must stay in a hotel, then you usually either want your normal comforts or you look for something different to what you already have at home. Something better, sometimes something just different.

A week of discovery in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Argentina, has led to a new discovery of my own: that the world is full of surprises.

Caught up in the hustle and bustle of a city that boasts more than 14 million people, Buenos Aires is the hub for the world’s best polo players, Malbec wine, salsa dancers and beef.

You cannot live by normal rules if you travel to Buenos Aires, because the city simply won’t let you.

From the availability of buying the Argentine peso at a rate that is not less than half of what you would get buying it on the street, to the ability to eat at a reasonable hour – Buenos Aires asks you to take a risk, and that’s what the 400 entrepreneurs who graced an EO conference at Alvear Palace do every single day.

"If you believe you can, you probably can. If you believe you won't, you most assuredly won't. Belief is the ignition switch that gets you off the launching pad." Denis Waitley

It's been a big 2 weeks for me. I have travelled to Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Munich, throughout Italy, Monaco and St Tropez - all without drawing breathe!

I am now safely home in Melbourne, jet lagged and in a good need of some routine. But the truth of the matter is that that is never going to happen. I am, after all, an entrepreneur with one very big dream.

I am days late in finalising a document that is necessary for Monday's meeting, yet I still find time to share my thoughts on this marketing blog. Why? Because our priorities cannot always be what others want them to be. Quite simply, I am tired and I cannot think of anything better than downloading my thoughts on this marketing blog for the world to see.

Firstly, I have spent time with some amazing people.

In LA, I spent time with a venture capitalist: I learnt from him that in the US you have to be aggressive and say exactly what you want, otherwise you won't get anywhere. He also taught me to be aware of sharks and that sometimes working with trusted advisors is a better solution than working with a big brand.

I met up with a client: He reminded me that relationships are everything. We have known each other for at least 12 years and have a mutual respect but have only started working together this year. He also gave me insight into how others may perceive me in the business world and personally which was good food for thought.

I drove down to Orange County and spent time with two of my friends who are awesome: They taught me that friendships are important and sharing your experiences, goals and ideas with your friends is not only rewarding, it also gives you a second perspective that you may not have received elsewhere. They also taught me that the best ideas may come up over a glass of wine at 1am in the morning - but be sure to write it down.

In Atlanta, I met with candidates for a Marketing Managers position at Marketing Eye: They taught me so much! A different perspective on opening in the US from a cultural point of view. They each taught me something about the type of person we would like to employ and what the market is like in the US today. They encouraged me that Marketing Eye is going to be very successful in the US and is an exciting company for people to work for.

I met up with a couple that I adore: They reminded me that you should never settle for less than you deserve. Always aim high and never compromise your beliefs and ethics to get what you want. True love and partnership is the most rewarding relationship you will ever have.

I then flew to Munich: I met up with a friend who I travelled with for a few days. He is awesome! A true German James Bond. Fun to hang out with, great to talk business with and an enjoyable travel partner. That is it. Sometimes a male/female relationship needs to be nothing more. I treasure my relationships with males that are just friends because it allows me to see how the other sex thinks. His perspective on me was interesting and again the whole "masculine" thing came up. Not sure about that, but it is something I need to be aware of and learn to turn on my femininity a bit more often. I also made a friend for life.

St Tropez: Well, what can I say. I was inspired, grateful, relieved and completely mesmerized by the sheer beauty that surrounded me. I spent time with someone that I admire and look up to and to be honest, as weird as this sounds, I could spend days just watching him interact with people. I am sure that by following him around, there is so much to learn about how to treat people, inspire those around you and overall, be a good person. I read one of my blogs at the dinner table which created a lot of banter.

Travelling and meeting up with people can change your life. It can make or break you. It shows your true character because at times you will get tired and perhaps sick and you still have to push through.

What do you learn when you travel?

When you work hard, it's important to make sure you reward yourself.

People reward themselves in many different ways like buying a new dress, a watch, a new car or a holiday.

My favourite travel company, Cedar Jet Travel has just launched its new website to help customers book their travel online. 

I still love giving Alen a call at Cedar Jet Travel because he really is incredibly helpful and friendly – and always knows the best deals.