Found Us

Good Search Marketing from Peter Cobley and searchup

It is November and we have two months left of Q4 and 2023. Thoughts are likely to be turning to Christmas sales, especially if eCommerce driven. What would they have been like in normal circumstances, let alone current trading conditions facing the UK and global economy; what with declining consumer confidence?

Such challenges can be exacerbated for the smaller growing business that does not have in-house resource for targeted Search Marketing, or its Digital Advertising Agency is not delivering a cost effective return on Search Marketing.

search up, the Search Marketing agency that I advise through found us, may be your solution.

  • The agency specialises in Search Marketing for smaller to medium sized businesses who cannot necessarily cover the Search Channel internally, or are not receiving return via their Advertising Agency.

  • searchup already works with, and delivers return for national eCommerce businesses.

  • The agency prides itself on its unique approach to PPC Search Marketing (also including Social Media), and importantly SEO.

  • Its approach is Data driven across Channels, but crucially works with and harnesses Client Sales Data and Management Information to achieve results.

  • I’ve seen many Search Marketing Agencies since my early days of Goto/Overture back in 2002, and decided to work with searchup based on their approach, results, ethics, and how they treat people. I was tired of “typical” Search Agencies. (I consult for searchup via my business - found us.)

  • Working with searchup we have achieved excellent Client results and have a look at searchup Case Studies

  • Don’t hesitate to get in touch for a chat, to find out more, or for advice. We are friendly, happy to help, and won’t just stick an invoice under your nose.

  • I can be contacted on peter@searchup.co.uk or 07876 684899.

    After all it's nearly Christmas and maybe you deserve that Present you’ve always wanted! - Peter Cobley

Monday 18th October. Fight, Flight, or Freeze?

Well it is Monday 18th October, and it commences. What commences? Erm, life. And danger. Fight, flight, or freeze?

Danger. (With homage to Bill Watterson)

I think sometimes we can crave for security and avoid risk. Perfectly natural for humans, with quite a bit of their chimp ancestor in them struggling to survive in the jungle of life. And let us face facts, life today can be a bit of a jungle. Is it better to leg it and climb a tree than get into a scrape? And what is a scrape? A roller coaster, to a frightening presentation, to a challenging person or situation. The list is quite endless.

The standard approach of this evolved mammal is fight, flight, freeze. But I think we all know this. Well I hope so. I myself have never been much of a fighter and sit in the flight or freeze categories. Well I used to but have been lucky to have learnt a lot over the last few months which has really helped me to cope with stress, anxiety, or plain daft challenging people, or life situations, oh and the occasional animal.

I am soon to finish off The Chimp Paradox, which I have been meaning to read for a while. But never had the time and was, if honest, a bit loathe thinking it one of “those” books. But in hindsight, with 30 pages to go, it has been an informative read and quite a useful perspective on controlling one’s behaviour. Helping greatly with understanding stress, anxiety, fear, and how to cope with challenges fronted by people, places, and things.

Worth a read.

I have a strong belief when it comes to reading this type of book. I am trying to avoid the term “self-help” as I find that quite a patronising title. Your average human these days can read and write, and mostly find their way home. I think you can take what you need from what you learn and experience, and this also includes reading. We all have volition and can figure things out for the most part, aided by an internal moral compass and a few brain cells.

The premise of the book is to divide the brain into Chimp, Human, and Computer. One is the emotional primate, the other the moral and logical reasoning entity, the last the hardwired element that provides instructions for behaviour in situations.

What I learnt, well reinforced what I already know, in a nice and easy to consume fashion was that we have an emotional element to our brains that can override what makes us human, namely logic and community; being part of a community versus the self. And I can relate to this.

In a stressful situation such as running a head hunting business, living life, being married, owning a Terrier it can be hard and the Chimp in me can take control and the result negative outcomes. Mainly the fight element, or more better put as behaving like an arse with others or in situations. It manifests in selfishness, aggression, territorial dominance, across to hurting people. In real life this is me being nasty, not coping, getting stressed with people, the wife, business associates, the dog. I see myself put me first in a dominant resentful way, eyeballing fellow Chimps who I think are asserting their dominance over me. The Chimp reveals itself before the “human” can interject and assess the situation using pre-ordained and programmed logic from the “Computer” or memory, as developed by thinking and learning.

For example let us say I am dealing with a demanding candidate over a senior head hunting brief when running found us, my head hunting and consultancy business. The candidate is pestering me and not following process and interfering with my time and control of the brief. The Chimp in me becomes resentful, angry, frustrated, and this can lead to taking a chunk out of the candidate’s Chimp or worse. This does not endear itself to interpersonal relations which is key to head hunting. And it does not bode well for life in general. Do we all know two Chimps having a verbal scrap between man and wife? How we have felt afterward and the outcome? And regrets that we did not handle it better (the Human utilising the stored Computer information)?

So, how does one feed the Chimp bananas?

Really easily if you read the book, and it all makes sense. It is about keeping your internal Chimp calm and thus outsider’s Chimps calm.

The trick is to press “pause” on the Chimp behaviour thus giving enough time for the Human to take control of the brain processing of what to do next in a stressful, anxious, or challenging situation. The Human in the aforementioned example can say to themselves “pause” and “change”. Prof Peters recommends this, and guess what? It works. Two simple words. One to pause the Chimp and remind you of it and possible poor consequences. The second word to remind you that you can change how you handle this situation. A situation you undoubtable have witnessed before - someone trying to control you.

The Human can take charge and use logic to firstly understand the situation and secondly decide on a plan of action. You could for example arrange a call or Zoom with the candidate to explain the process involved for the brief and that you are acting diligently on their behalf, so calming their probably demanding Chimp. You can use prior learning from the Computer to handle the situation, knowing that getting Chimp angry will only anger their Chimp and it will more than likely go “Pete Tongue”.

Another method similar to the above is to use the 3 R’s.

Retreat - detach from the situation, take a breath, count to ten, walk around the block.

Re-Think - have a think about the situation, and don’t just observe you initial thought or behaviour. For example in the above, I might be initially inclined to view the candidate as an asshole or get angry. Letting the Human think assuages the first thought, with the second thought process asking and drawing on Computer experience; what is the best approach? And what is likely to happen if I get angry?

Respond - note the word, and not react. This is about taking calm logical morally driven action and behaviour. In my example I have explained the situation and importantly my position to the candidate. After all this is about my well being.

Have a read of the book to AVOID CHIMP CHAOS. Which we are all capable of.

Don’t be a Chimp (in public)

(With homage to Bill Watterson)

Do you really want to be a "Personality"?

Mulling over media and it’s creation of personalities, or people who try to create a personality.

I do understand the fact that in any business promotion of the business, and your role is important for raising awareness amongst the industry community you work in, including clients. However I personally try and draw a line at self promotion to the detriment of the business that employs you (conflict of interest) and to the detriment of you the person, and your integrity.

For example I have begun to notice that LinkedIn is getting hammered with self promotion and it does concern me that older, more experienced individuals are setting the example or the height of the bar for the younger ones coming into the business. Do we want an advertising industry staffed by vacuous persons, only interested in self? I also do wonder if people read such posts, or to be frank can be bothered, have time; or if reading a post wonder if they obtained something of benefit, depending on what you define as benefit.

Is this a mid life crisis I ask? Is self promotion taking away from growing and teaching the new talent coming into the business, something I bemoan. Or maybe I am a 49 year old dinosaur? But that is how I was brought up at the start of my career when I started off in August 1994 in London in national press. And it is also what I have learnt out of the business through thankfully having bosses who acted as mentors and taught me that if you grow people, they grow you, the business. If you give, you get back. I discovered helping people in their career (and not view them as a threat) gives pleasure and where respect occurs it ultimately aids you if in a senior role with loyal and hard working staff.

“Our awesome responsibility to ourselves, to our children, and to the future is to create ourselves in the image of goodness, because the future depends on the nobility of our imaginings.” Barbara Grizzuti Harrison

It is not about going toe to toe with a youngster, it is about growing people, and thus you grow yourself and lead by example, and word will be spread in a humble and honest way by others about you. Awareness not by your words, your interpretation of yourself. You become unique, not another wrapped in self promotion on LinkedIn and other forms of social media. Do you really want to appear full of narcissism, full of self importance, full of your own belief and opinion instead of helping others? Instead of letting your peers judge you, which can and is a brave thing to do?

I am not against shouting out about yourself to your fellows in this industry, especially when seeking to make people aware of services, skills you offer, or you have something interesting to say. After all we work in advertising.

In finishing, do I watch the many videos I see on LinkedIn? No.



A post as we approach Christmas

Whilst “things” are settling into a semblance of “normality”, it is still turbulent waters we find ourselves in. I thought I’d waffle as to my thoughts on this. It may help people find still and calm waters.

Wessenden Reservoir - Sunday 6th December 2020

Last year saw Brexit causing angst, this year a truculent US election, Covid 19, with Brexit rearing it’s ugly head; and we have Christmas coming up which can be a stressful time. I (and Claire my wife) decided to furlough myself in April until it became sensible and viable to work fully. Running a head hunting and consultancy business in the circumstances would have involved banging one’s head against a brick wall. Taking time off is what I did, and it may help people assess their own actions, or for that matter what they do next. But everyone’s journey is their own.

I used the time off to learn about myself, read and learn, and also spent time in the campervan with Claire on a trip around Scotland. The point being my business was still there, financially we were okay, ticking things over. I lived in the moment, not casting my eyes back or forward (this did not mean I cannot plan) and constantly asked myself, “what is the worse that can happen?” and “do I have problem now, not back then, or what may happen?” You cannot change what has happened, nor can you change what will come to pass. But you can enjoy the now. And that’s what I did.

One thing that I learnt was by how much I could reduce business and personal expenditure. Whilst also not panicking. Sometimes you just go with the flow. It always surprises me just how little you can live on.

  • Examine your personal and business expenses. Ask yourself, do I really need to pay for this? Is it a necessity or a luxury?

  • Don’t be afraid to cancel commitments like serviced offices across to subscriptions. You can always reinstate them.

  • Start to put money aside, even if minimal. It creates reassurance and gives you a buffer.

Accept that all of us are playing a “time” game. So, ask yourself the following:

  • Does my business work?

  • Does this job work? Am I happy, working well in this role?

  • Is my personal life a happy one considering the above?

If the answers to the questions posed sit in the positive then you have the ingredients for success, and can accept that you have to sit it out, and use your time constructively.

If the answers are negative, then maybe current events are nature’s way of bringing to a close one chapter of your life, or nudging you into making a change. Have a think about it? Believe it or not in times of flux, opportunities outside of your comfort zone can and do manifest themselves.

Waterfall and weir at Wessenden Moor - Sunday 6th December 2020

What is the worse that can happen?

Yes, yes I know, it is a cliched phrase. But it holds validity. When all about you is a maelstrom, just stop and ask yourself the question. Because when you do so, you reduce the anxiety and the catastrophising to neutral. And you also realise that there is always a solution, or acceptance of the situation. And this does not prevent you from holding a sense of calmness or equanimity about you, or living in the present. Take each hour, each day as they come.

Some useful reading

  • The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Now I don’t agree with all in the book, but for the most part this book teaches you how to live and enjoy the now, not being shackled by the past nor the future. It creates self awareness of one’s own focus in life.

  • The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. A fascinating book that shows how we all work to routine and habit, and of how an understanding of this allows us to harness behaviours to achieve goals/plans, and personal fulfilment.

  • Why we Sleep by Matthew Walker. An absolutely fascinating book looking into sleep. Why would you want to read this? All I can say is it gives a valuable insight into the importance of sleep, how the mind works, and of how your looking after sleep and the mind reflects on your life.

Brun Clough Reservoir looking toward Diggle - Sunday 6th December 2020

So where do I find myself?

In all honesty, the time off suited me for a variety of reasons. And I never personally created the business to chase money, being more a question of enjoying life and helping others.

I now see myself ramping up the business in a sensible, soft, and considerate way. Being cognisant of the turmoil and hardship people are feeling and suffering.

I have sat it out and been patient and am still patient now. Things will improve and we will see changes. But out of adversity comes opportunity for change, and maybe you need a change?









in the early hours... thinking about the recruitment market.

Well it is quarter past four on Monday morning, 26th October 2020. I’m in Hamilton with Claire’s parents, wide awake, decided to come downstairs to work on the computer with a brew as I could not sleep.

Bracklinn Falls above Callander.

So, yesterday was a good day that involved a family walk with Claire and her parents around Bracklinn Falls, which are stunning, with part of the walk giving a great view of the mighty Stuc a Chronin (a Munro we’ve run up before.) It was a bit wet, well Scottish moist as I like to call it, but all were happy, especially when having food, wine, and brews in Minty the Campervan whilst looking at the hills.

Now I find myself wide awake, and I’ve been so since 3am, but I am relaxed and happy; chilled in fact. It is not the first, nor will it be the last time. I often wake up in the early hours and potter down to the kitchen for a brew, a read, a think. I learnt to do this a long while ago rather than rolling about in bed restless and worrying at not sleeping. I am able to get away with the lack of sleep, and have a suspicion this nocturnal part of me was grown out of living in a pub in Macclesfield for 20 years. I’ll probably drift back to bed and put some music on from Insight Timer by way of relaxing. Or will stay up. What will happen will happen.

What will happen will happen

This neatly brings me to my thoughts at this early hour listening to Radio 1’s Chill Mix on iPlayer. It’s okay, but more dance than ambient, which I prefer, so going to use Spotify to create me a radio play list around Radiohead, and here’s to hoping its not friggin’ depressing. (It wasn’t.)

Recruitment, job, role, employment, career, work and so this list goes on. It is about putting bread on the table, not worrying, and being able to have a good time, so I suppose pretty fundamental for most people. It’s also part of my business, head hunting, so worthy of some grey matter being allocated to it.

Found Us is ticking along nicely in the current environment, which to be frank is the equivalent of being Donald Trump’s hair stylist; a tall order. Many businesses are finding it tough as are individuals. I realise this from my own situation, talking to people, talking to business people. I must admit to having given a lot of advice over recent times to the best of my ability and experience.

My thoughts for people, those recruiting and those seeking to be hired, are below. It’s a bit of a brain dump, not in order and may help, and if so great. Feel free to drop me a message if you want a natter without having an invoice shoved under your nose. I presently have time to chat to people.

INTERLUDE: The Boss (the wife) came down and made me go to bed.

Back at it and it is 8.40am, about to have coffee and listening to Radio 6.

  • Jobs are out there as the economy has to roll on, and some companies are Covid robust. It is a question of realising this and not giving up hope, or becoming reliant on your current employer, furlough, or a redundancy payment - this is dangerous territory and can encourage boredom, loneliness, fatigue, sadness, and becoming stymied.

  • I notice that people struggle. They have in one sense become institutionalised in their career and are afraid to change to the point of financial pain, even where necessity dictates this. MONEY is still the same colour, the same thing, no matter how you earn it. So don’t be afraid to get a job of any kind. Why?

  • Well for starters you earn money, you have routine, you have company, you have self esteem, and worry dissipates. This is important to mental and physical well being.

  • I remember at one point in my life being a security guard in Boots in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, and at times chasing people around the gardens. For me when I look back it was a life making experience, not just monetary. with some hilarious moments.

  • There is light at the end of the tunnel. There are jobs in this this top 10 economy even if you cannot get the role you want in advertising.

  • And you can always head back into advertising and have a story to tell, one of initiative and resourcefulness, and probably some funny and sad stories.

  • You also have to look at yourself in the mirror and if you are on a high horse as to money, status, title, role, then GET off that high horse. You are fellow human being like all and sundry and need to be humble and be thankful for what you have; there are people out there in much worse situations. If you chase the aforementioned in the current climate you will reach a dead end, as you have to adapt. The “Glory Days” are over - have a listen to song and read the lyrics.

  • Now is about helping people and in return you’ll be helped back. It may not happen immediately, but life has its own way of saying thanks. I am not religious, but I do believe in Karma.

  • Try not to worry or panic. What will happen will happen. The recruitment market is in flux as people are loathe to move from roles, and there has been a decrease in some roles. You can expend a lot of time ruminating over factors you have no control over.

  • So, take control of those things that you can. You can search for roles, people, different industries, look at you financial budgeting for example.

  • We have to bear in mind that Covid is not just going to disappear and improvement is likely not to be seen until well into 2021, we have a hard fought US election in two weeks, Christmas, and the elephant in the room called Brexit. Remember, these are factors that are macro and out of your control, so let them roll on, and focus on your macro - and this also includes your mental well being and time for yourself, your family.

  • Do get out of the house, do go for walks, exercise, or take a coffee in town and walk there. Change physically will engender change mentally.

  • Lastly, wave the white flag if struggling, ask for help. Don’t be British and hide it away with a façade. Being honest wins you friends, help, and respect.

    Some photos of a walk yesterday around Bracklinn Falls above Callander in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park - I really hope it encourages people to get out.

Minty and camper_versions

As an aside I’d like to mention, well promote camper_versions who kindly supplied and kitted out our VW T6 campervan. “Minty Tours” has seen many adventures.

Brora and “Minty”

Based in historic Darwen, their website is well worth visiting to see the latest campervans for sale, or to give you an idea for getting your own conversion. For us they sourced a long wheel base VW Transporter 6 registered December 2017. We wanted a LWB to give us more room to the rear for storage if we were on a big tour and wanted swimming, running, and cycling gear etc. onboard. We chose a short wheel base fit to give us the required storage to the rear (2 feet horizontal and 5 feet vertical) whilst including cooker, fridge, M1 bed (rock and roll bed), higher bed, leisure battery, and heater.

Crucial to to fit out by camperversion was the advice they gave to us for fell running and other outdoor shenanigans we normally get up to, and our desire to wild camp in Scotland when up there. They recommended a leisure battery and Eberspacher heater. Both have turned out to be vital. We can camp without electrical hook up using the battery, and thus wild camp. The heater is a hidden gem and runs off the diesel tank providing hot and cold air conditioning, vital when getting in from a cold run, such as our running in the Howgills on Saturday just gone when we returned wet and cold.

A friendly and ever so helpful and safety conscious team at camper_versions did a great conversion, all safety compliant, e.g. gas, with 3 year warranty. Highly recommended.

And what does “Minty” (as we called her) give us? It gives us a second home on wheels taking us to places we never thought we’d see or exist…

Beinn a'Bhuird is the eleventh highest mountain in Britain, a vast high plateau in the eastern Cairngorms.


Life in a "Minty" when locked down.

It is now September and July saw the last post, in the depth of lockdown. Lockdown? Perhaps gone, apart from localised areas and close to home are Oldham and Kirklees. So what is happening?

Grinning at National Trust Great Langdale campsite after big run

Grinning at National Trust Great Langdale campsite after big run

It has been a trying time for people. Why?

  • Covid 19 - some people have suffered from it, lost loved ones, or seen people suffer.

  • Covid 19 - collateral damage. Widely seen economically with business downturn and uncertainty leading to furloughing of people across to job loses, and the resultant financial trauma and stress.

  • Covid 19 - health. People I suspect, well believe, are suffering mentally from all that is happening. New conditions develop, latent ones re-unleashed. Relationships become strained. Physically people seem to be piling the pounds on, with upset routine upsetting exercise, and over indulgence in alcohol and the like prevalent; also core factors in mental and physical wellbeing.

I have always been a big believer in adversity creating opportunity, but I honestly feel that as we enter Q4 of 2020 we will see more uncertainty to the detriment of opportunity. Why?

  • Furlough money will cease in October, this will compound cash flow issues for firms and it is likely postponed staff decisions will have to be brought to a head. People will be realised via redundancy sadly. People will more likely focus on work especially with children back at school.

  • Trading conditions are not great and it is likely to be a tough retail Q4, which affects many trades including mine for example: advertising.

  • We have a USA election in November which will divide a country and be closely watched by the World. Its implications have a global impact economically, militarily (and thus economically.)

  • Brexit has not been solved or delivered. There is a deadline of 31st December 2020. The implications for economics are huge.

A SOLUTION - A WAY OF LIFE - BEING HAPPY - GIVING

But in light of the above, do we really know what will happen? Are we able to gaze into the future? Should we?

My personal viewpoint to the prior questions is “no”. Life is about living in the moment, the present, enjoying what we have and asking a crucial question of oneself: “what is my problem at this moment?” Not what has happened, it is past, not what may come. I’d strongly suggest reading THE POWER OF NOW by Eckhart Tolle as I learnt a lot from it. Like all books take from it what you need. The important thing is “living in the now”. If you live in the past you regret past actions and upset the now, if you live in the future you make yourself dissatisfied with now.

The same thinking applies to the Covid, USA election, and Brexit (not to mention life generally) situations. Live in the now, taking each hour, second as they come and ask if you must, “what is my problem now?” And if you do not have one, then life is good. Just deal with it as it comes along, not matter what it is. You have precious time on the planet and use it wisely, for you and for others. Remember you receive as you give. And if something does crop up?

R - recognise there is a problem.

A - accept there is a problem.

D - detach from the problem.

A - ask for help if needed.

R - respond to the problem.

RADAR.

With life you do need to consider goals and plans, if you are that way inclined. I would strongly suggest learning about goals and plans via Businessballs - https://www.businessballs.com/. Whilst a business orientated site, it does focus on the person. After all, is your life more important than work? You ought to focus on happiness and giving, and then all else fits into place.

SO WHERE DOES MINTY COME INTO IT?

Get a Minty, and get one from camper_versions of Darwen where we got our VW T6 from. Run away and escape the routine drudgery of life; or hire one. The laboured and cheeky point I make is getting out of the routine you are in. I am by no means suggesting that you go out and buy a campervan or that your life is drudgery. Routine is healthy for giving reason to life and achieving your way through life, but disjointed routine resulting from Covid 19 or never ending routine that is not examined lead to stasis and a lack of change. Breaking routine allows you to examine, but don’t overthink it, where you are with your life and what you want. Are you happy? Is it all about work, career, money? Are you giving back to society?

All of these I pondered when we headed off in August for a month of touring in The Lakes, and Scotland. The point I make is have some “break” time, especially now when you may feel you ought to work hard or take advantage of furlough. Sometimes you cannot see the “wood for the trees” when in a work or non-work routine, or for that matter no routine. I class myself as fortunate to be able to live life, even with its challenges.

Lastly, what do you want from life? Have you tried living on less money and being happy? If you have a roof over your head and food on the table, then how lucky a person are you?




Break, Change, Stasis, Fells, Election...

It has been a while since I have had a chance to post on my beloved Blog, but sometimes we have to take time out from things for a variety of reasons. And a break can be a good thing, to thus also introduce and allow for change, and also allow for the fact you cannot be in all places at once, or be available for all people.

Just finished my leg of the Lee Mill Fell Relay.

My last blog entry related to the Langdale Horseshoe in October, roughly two months ago from this point in time. And a lot has happened since then. Politics wise we have a majority Conservative led government as of yesterday. This is change certainly and will lead to the exit from the European Union. For many this brings change and potential uncertainty. But irrespective of your political views, change can create opportunity, and at least we have direction (though you may not agree with that direction.)

For me, on the business side of Found Us, it has been a tough trading year as the uncertainty has plagued decision making by both candidates and clients, even at senior level. Despite all of this, it’s still been a successful year in its own right. But with your head held high in times of adversity sticking to your principles is a crucial thing I have learnt from 2019, and you deal with this adversity while focusing on what change brings. That way you do not deviate from what, who, and how you are. You ascribe to your personal brand values, and I think when you work closely with people as I do you maintain a sense of integrity and honesty; all so vital for people when they are making a crucial decision to their career and for that matter their life. I think it has been a worrying time for a lot of people and when you have a family and home to maintain, more so.

  • Uncertainty is part of progressing through life and should be embraced and welcomed.

  • Welcomed? It can stimulate you to take action, to make change.

  • But you do not always have to make change, sometimes it can be good to be swept along by changing times, and take a break from it all - as has happened to me over the last two months, which for myself has created an alternate perspective on life.

  • The maelstrom of change from my October Blog entry has show me HOW we can come together as a “people” and look after each other, and roles, jobs, careers - whatever you want to call them - become insignificant in the universe. It is about looking and finding the best in people and showing them what proverbially lies on their own doorstep. “Empowering their humanity” so they are themselves happy in what they do, growing themselves and others. Sadly, not all see this.

  • I learnt that Found Us is about Advising, Matching, Giving - so bringing out the best in me, and the people I meet. It’s hard at times, but works for me as an approach.

  • It is also an approach I take to life in general.

  • And alternatives, like change, enliven us, stimulate us, grow us.

A trip to Scotland and Arisaig

After the Langdale Horseshoe we headed off for half term to Arisaig with Claire’s parents (whilst being visited by other relatives) to stay at a lovely and large holiday home we have used before. Whilst I had to work, it was relaxing, and allowed for good company and some wonderful running in what is known as “The Rough Bounds

One highly recommended run (or walk) is to the ruins of Peanmeanach on a remote peninsular; deserted as a result of the infamous Clearances:

https://www.strava.com/activities/2805530145

NOW onto some notable fell running in the last two months since the Langdale Horseshoe

Penmaenmawr Fell Race - November 2019

A number of the motley warriors from the Saddleworth Runners made their way to Capelulo Village in Wales on a damp and dreary Saturday 16th November. Some of us, including Claire my wife and myself, had driven from the Outdoor Alternative centre at Rhoscolyn where a posse of us from the Saddleworth Runners were staying for the weekend. As the weather deteriorated we set off to eventually run into some quality clag after the initial 1,000 or so feet of climb. Navigation was “pants” after the first checkpoint and a number of leading runners managed to mis-navigate across a barren and wild moor heading for checkpoint two - me included. Despite this navigational wobble I continued on at quite a respectable pace in poor conditions via the various checkpoints to make it back in sodden fashion to the finish in the village.

As ever a wonderful race with great hospitality and organisation.

Descending to the finish.

The “Saddleworth Fellas” Team.

Another winter classic in the fell running calendar for the following reasons:

  • You run a 6.5 mile course on the moors above Bacup.

  • It is November and the weather can be brutal at times.

  • You run in a team four trying to achieve the fastest team time.

  • The race attracts some damn fine fell runners.

I was running with Des Thorpe, Kevin Jones, and Nick Haynes. All of us, apart from Des veterans of this course. Thankfully the weather was just right for running on the moors. Clear visibility, little cold, damp. We were all apprehensive but excited at the extravaganza to befall us… All in all it was and is a great relay race with the usual long tough initial climb to the highest point (Trig Point at Top of Leach above the Rossendale Valley) followed by the exhilarating speedy downhill run over what can be treacherous bog to beneath the disused Britannia Quarry with a gut wrenching climb out to run alongside the quarry before a speedy descent to the finish. Highly recommended.

Flickr PHOTOS: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJAkqGk

STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/activities/2889314021

Race SITE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/718298341534924/

The Five Trigs with Sam and Jon

Alphin Pike Trig Point. Nearly finished.

Sunday 1st December saw Sam and Jon run the 5 Trigs challenge with myself. It’s a club challenge that the Saddleworth Runners have been doing for yonks it seems. I’d run it a few years back with Des Thorpe and thoroughly enjoyed it, so suggested it as a Sunday run with two people choosing to join me. No pressure then on the navigation. There are five Trig Points that we strove to get under 5 hours. This is the route we chose but you can run it in reverse. You start and finish at The Clarence pub in Greenfield at the bottom of the Holmfirth Road. So there we were “bright as buttons” ready to go.

  1. Broad Stone Trig.

  2. West Nab Trig.

  3. Black Hill Trig.

  4. Featherbed Moss Trig.

  5. Alphin Pike Trig.

And we were off by roughly 8.30am taking a route up to Broad Stone via Tunstead Lane. It was quite cold and as we climbed into the hills we saw just how frosty and stunning the scenery was.

Pano shot looking toward Greenfield and Uppermill.

It is a great little local challenge at 20 miles with roughly 3,200 feet of cumulative climb across a variety of terrain and taking in part of the Pennine Way.

One of the highlights was the 360 degree vista we received at the summit of West Nab that sits close to the Holmfirth Road and Pennine Way.

Flickr PHOTOS: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJK9DR4

STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/activities/2904130338

Final Thoughts…

All in all a varied two months that saw Arisaig across to the Saddleworth Moors to a General Election and in that time I had not posted to my blog. Interestingly in looking back to what had happened previously I was stunned to realise I had missed out the half term trip with Claire and her parents to Arisaig which I have now entered into the Blog entry earlier. I’d actually forgotten.

This brings me to stasis. No matter what happens, no matter when you feel you are going nowhere or have forgotten where you have been, you are actually moving through life, and life is moving through you. Don’t forget that. It is natural, and you will be surprised at where you have been when you look back. Hence my thought as to “break” not actually being a “break” - we are very changing, and change is normal. We are “creatures of change and flux.” That’s why we should all keep at it when it comes to life.









A Leading Lady.

Last week, Wednesday 27th March, I enjoyed a morning MPA session “Insider Stories” with this particular one being delivered by Nicky Unsworth of BJL, hosted by Andy Johnson.

Nicky Unsworth, Andy Johnson, and Cindy Simmons (MPA)

I have known, in a business sense, Nicky for years and she has always been welcoming and open to chats; business obviously, running and I’m a fell runner, across to her new dog, well not so new now.

I have found her helpful, relaxed, and level headed when dealing with her on business, but this morning it was not strictly business, which made it a welcome change to sit back, proverbially relax and listen to Andy ask her questions about her career and life.

It was interesting to hear from Nicky in the context of BJL having been sold to Denstu Aegis Network North. What came out this, that despite a sale there is a clear passion for the industry, the business she joined those years ago, and for the staff who make it what it is. Nicky can clearly see a match made in heaven as she spoke highly of the innovation, and entrepreneurial drive from Dentsu Aegis in Manchester, but importantly to her is the cultural fit. That said the commercial acumen of Nicky revealed itself as she explained it is a “honeymoon” period with bedding in required.

It was clear she’d had a well grounded life via her father and personal circumstances. He a well respected and much loved and missed figure in the game of rugby league and teaching. For details see a warm piece written by Phil Clarke of Sky Sports. To have had a father like that must have both reassuring and inspirational.

But it was also clear that her life in St Helens and early work experience was important in shaping her and her attitude to life. From her early days at what was Pilkington Glass and time in Germany across to a horrendous 2008. The compassion and emotion came through when talking about 2008 and what this involved. It was not just business.

What shone through is the care for staff and keeping good people in an age when not enough emphasis is put on this, and I’ve seen that when I’ve popped into the BJL office.

She believes in an inclusive way of life, in offering and driving this for people, so they feel a part of something. People need to feel “settled” as she put it, and something clearly important to her.

Reality is an important element to her and over the years had learned that you should always ask the question, “what’s the worse that can happen?” “Has anyone died?” The point she made was that it is work and people come first, laudable in what can be a toxic business in the current climate.

She reminded people to pay attention to their mental health, and that we all have a life outside of work and one the ought to lead.

Peter Cobley and Found Us - A quick guide to recruitment Brexit.

Well it’s T-minus less than a month towards the end of the world as we know it. Erm, Brexit for those who don’t read the news…

Returning from Stuc a Chroin October 2017

It’s been an interesting state of affairs in the recruitment marketplace when you look at the last few months. For that matter it’s been an interesting few months on a political level with continuous bickering. A chess game whilst drunk could be a description, with niceties out of the window: the two phrases of herding cats across to walking the plank spring to mind.

A level of vagueness blended with Brexit scaremongering has led to uncertainty that permeates the marketplace. Advertising is a very reactive and reflective business, self centred as well, and in one sense mirrors the bear and bull of the financial marketplace. And this can cause opportunities or chaos for people, depending on how they deal with it all. Point being that it comes down to how one mentally addresses the scenario.

At the moment the advice I give to people, those looking and those hiring, is don’t try to predict the unpredictable and it’s business as usual. But do we adopt the Blitz mentality? Well no not really; that borders on naive or plain daft. One should always have the Ace up the sleeve or alternate plans. And yes you can plan even when I say you cannot predict. There are always generalities even where we don’t know the specifics.

So, having trained in Law and a fan of empirical evidence and Sherlock Holmes:

“When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” 

Let us look to the impossible whilst paying homage to the Sleuth.

Is the UK and all those who sail in her going to be cast adrift? No, that won’t happen. So from a macro point of view UK Limited won’t be going down the toilet, nor will you lose your job.

Will the advertising world sail off the edge of a flat world? NO. Advertising is more than linear and straddles borders with messaging that is human orientated not State led.

Do I need to look for a alternate job or colleague? Well, my answer to that is the same as usual for senior people. You should move when you have the right reasons, and the same applies for hiring someone. And being British is like the weather, there is never a good or bad time. I sometimes say to people that they use a SWOT analysis blended with a bit of common sense. And I don’t want to resort to management speak or acronyms. You can pay people for that. It comes down to common sense as mentioned.

For someone looking

Have your LinkedIn up to date, as well as the CV. The beauty of LinkedIn is you can cross refer to speeches you may have given as well as your interests. It makes you think about you, and that’s important. You’ll gain a realisation of who you are, where you have been, are, and are going. You may want to alter what is to come, or change some of your thinking and behaviour. Don’t change who you are. LinkedIn and a CV won’t get you a job, please be aware of that, just use them as a “me” exercise as well as an “introduction” for people. Don’t get hung up on them, too many people do.

Play with a SWOT analysis of yourself and be holistic, don’t just look from a work perspective, ask some other questions, for example: What do I like? What do I not like? What am I good at? What am I bad at? And so forth. Try and also put some timelines in there, e.g. short term one year, medium two to three years, and five years plus for longer term. Be selfish and think about what you want even if that excludes family. Give back and don’t be a taker, and from that you will grow as a person, be happy, and rewards naturally follow. I know this sounds straight out of a management book, but I strongly feel that in doing what actually makes you happy you will achieve what you want. That happiness rubs off and can also be offered to people, it is a thing, a rare thing. Sadly only a few get this.

Running a business

You run a business and you need to replace someone, or plain hire someone. So you write a job description, advertise, find the person. Blah, blah, blah. But did YOU feel fulfilled, not just the candidate? We all look to the specifics of a role, but do we honestly look to the person, the person who we should really empathise with? Maybe try and write down or picture before anything happens what it would be like if you applied for the job. This helps form an idea of what you would be as a person in that role, or for that matter ought to be. What should be their moral compass? Can you have a drink with them when it’s all going wrong? If you’ve done your research correctly they can do a job, question is who are they? We are all individuals - corporeal; companies are incorporeal.

Catastrophising

What is frustrating is the contraction of people moving and people hiring based on fear. We all make decisions based on risk and maybes. So why change that now? My advice ultimately is to keep growing your business and your career. In times of uncertainty there is one certainty, the opportunity to fill gaps, niches and exploit the marketplace. I refer directly to BREXIT, but also expand this to encompass living life per se. There is never a bad time to do something, only ever good times as you have the ability to exercise volition.

A good example is Saturday just gone when running the Haworth Hobble, a 32 mile ultra fell race starting and finishing at Bronte’s Haworth, with 6,000 feet of climb across the moors. We all started the race in blistering rain coming in horizontally accompanied by gusting wind. Horrible. Just awful. By this point I considered giving up, but stuck at it. I was panicking, worried, thinking the worse. And here is the rub. We all do this and it is normal and correct. Point is you don’t give up. You plod on like a fell race, as your thinking does improve, as does the weather, and you get into a pace. You get used to it. And that can be your career, life, whatever. Just keep at it. Being miserable at times is normal and builds character.


Alongside Walshaw Dean Reservoir.

Why not just say f**k it and do something different?

Has your business thought about attracting that much needed staff member, or of creating a business division? As a person, have you thought of offering your services to fill that gap, create something as against slavishly apply for the identikit job description?

Be a bit wild.

Donut eating at the last checkpoint before finishing the 32 mile Haworth Hobble fell race in March 2019… Be wild.




Five years later... Found Us.

Five years ago yesterday Peter Cobley Recruitment Ltd, trading as Found Us was incorporated as a limited company.

It has been a successful ride along the way, and it’s had it’s challenges like any new business has. Onwards and upwards to use an old phrase.

There have been many supporters along the way, and too many to mention but you know who you are. And thank you. Two people I will single out is my lovely wife Claire who has been a cheerleader from day one, and has had to put up with me - love you loads. Xxx. The other? A marvellous character called Mike Pegg, look him up!

(Found Us? It is a business about people, an area I have excelled in both work wise and personally. The consultancy revolves around supporting people in their work and personal life with the following: head hunting centric to the advertsing industry, consultancy services, and mentoring/training. Generally speaking the business focuses on senior people. What is senior? Well they don’t have to be old farts, it is about experience, growth, where people are in life. Work and personally. It is about encouraging people going somewhere to maybe go somewhere else. Yes head hunting is recruitment, but so what? You do not have to treat people as a commodity or clients, or chuck CVs all over show. I distill a lot of advice with over 20 years of working in the business blended with worldly advice. I am known to be a bit fluffy and always try and do what is right, and I am probably the world’s worst recruiter because I care, and tell people what they need to hear, and this telling people to stay where they are. I love workrking for free with up and coming young things who are referred to me. It is not about the money for me. Not any more. What is YOUR picture of success? It does not have to be money and status. It can be giving back and not taking. Thanks to Mike Pegg )

(I very rarely put roles up, so if you visit Found Us website don’t expect to see any! I prefer to chat to people, as is norm with senior people, and NO RIFF RAFF.)

Basil's gourmet night doesn't get off to a great start when he's introduced to Colonel and Mrs Hall.


Lancaster Management School, Mentoring, Orange Chocolate Pudding.

Today saw me drive up a rain lashed M6 to my alma mater, i.e. Lancaster University, to offer advice to the very clever Arienne, one of the Management School students who I am mentoring as part of working with the Management School.

It is a leading establishment for MBAs (Wikipedia) and well respected. Doubt I’d get in, despite having got a degree in Law from the university eons ago…

Lancaster House Hotel, Lancaster University

Lancaster House Hotel, Lancaster University

Point 1. It stopped raining by the time I got here.

Point 2. Good chat with Arienne as she seeks a third year industry placement in marketing/advertising.

Point 3. I have tried to explain to Arienne that she ought to run for the hills rather than get a career in my business; look at me for example. She smiled politely.

Point 4. It is nice to give something back and get a fuzzy warm feeling.

On a more serious note, I play an important role in helping out at the Management School and really enjoy it. I genuinely do. It is nice to help people with advice and years of experience having worked in offline and online media; and for people who want to listen and learn, with their enthusiasm rubbing off one me. One thing though… why do they all look so young? Sigh…

(Please note, I did enjoy the chocolate and orange pudding, with chocolate orange custard in the hotel.)

Found Us after the Half Term Break, and The Highlands.

Well it back in the driving seat after a break in Arisaig in The Highlands. Team Found Us enjoyed the spell away; Claire, Ted, and myself crammed in a mixture of work and pleasure. So, there were calls and e-mails blended with fell running, beach wandering, exploring, eating and drinking. All of which under the gaze of wonderfully unique, and remote scenery.

Chairman Ted of Found Us

Moving into Christmas we are focusing on client side roles and client side candidates, one of the specialist areas in media and advertising we work in. It is an area we are successful in possessing strong experience of offline and online media.

We are also cultivating our expertise in sales and commercial work as consultants with our looking to expand on work with clients to enhance their sales practice and results.

The mentoring and senior training side continues apace working with our partners.

Recruitment is and shall always be a funny old game, but this is what we like - the challenge of working with people, helping them, taking the rough with the smooth, and we still keep going after four and a half years of business.

The website? We work in senior search and selection and don’t post all our roles or candidates, so it is always worth contacting us to find out more. The approach we take is one to one and so can’t be encapsulated in a website.

So, if you fancy giving us a try, then please don’t hesitate to contact Peter Cobley. We work with Sales and Marketing Directors across to Heads of PPC.

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Sat in Bill's on John Dalton Street

Bill's 15th Nov 2017.jpg

Bill's Manchester

It is with many thanks to Nicola Marsh that I have been introduced to Bill's on John Dalton Street. A new hidey hole for me when in Manchester. Lovely coffee with lovely food, and has allowed me to get a number of items, both personal and business done. Just awaiting Dan McDevitt for a coffee, which I'm looking forward to as I've not seen him for a while and keen to hear the latest on The Advantage Machine.

The week has been good thus far and yesterday was productive as I saw Lou and Jon of Kuvalab to chat about the re-brand of the Found Us website to be reflective of my shift into consultancy around people. I want Found Us to be a "People Consultancy" and I like that phrase; it sums up my being there for people whilst earning a little bit of money.