We did a quick shoot yesterday with Andreas, in the park around the corner from our offices....
Little bit chilly and the sun was quickly fading, but just went through all the pics and they're looking good!
Sean.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
this week
we're redesigning the aB website, it really is a group effort: here's a pic of me, Nevan and Annabel working on the design...
exciting times: would love to hear your thoughts (& thanks to those who have already started sending in comments, feedback &and ideas!!)
Sean.
Sean.
Friday, June 18, 2010
questions....
I was just wondering whether there was anything in particular you would like to discuss - or for me to post about?
Also, any other thoughts about the blog etc?;)
Sean.
Also, any other thoughts about the blog etc?;)
Sean.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
it's time to talk Sean.
There was a time when going for an interview for a job was something I absolutely hated. When I went for jobs it was like buying a lotto ticket, thinking about all the things I would buy with the money I'd eventually make, and then on the night the results came out the dream would remain even though the reality was different... I grew accustomed to accepting this reality, embracing that my name is Sean Ashby and these kind of amazing things just don't happen to me...
A good example is when I was young I played a team sport and at the award presentation night at the end of the season I sat and watched all the medals being handed out and to my surprise I was awarded the 'Best & Fairest'.
I knew this was not true even as excited as I was to just win the award. In the end, my instincts were right, as after being presented with the award everyone around told me they must have made a mistake. How good did I feel? Now... In no way am I looking for pity as I have come to realize that in life, it is those kinds of events that stick in the memory and go on to shape a person like myself... Other people's doubts and criticism just make me want the success even more to prove people wrong, where in the same situation, another person would just give up...
This leads me into my current reality, which I have kinda been avoiding... The 'speaking circuit'....
For me, it is hard as I am absolutely passionate about what I am doing but at the same time, at the back of my mind is... 'I hope they don't discover what a silly idea it was to have me talk about what I think.'
What I find the most frustrating is that I believe I have something positive I can contribute, and if only I was able to nail the correct way to present it I could feel a great sense of that was relevant for both parties...
I do realize, however, being such a passionate person and yes having a slight chip on my shoulder from my humble beginnings I can only pray my energy and enthusiasm in sharing my thrust does not have everyone putting ear plugs in their ears (what a brilliant cross reference to my last post hehehe).
In the context of 2010 dominated by two major topics (social media and mobile/global social media) I have to speak about at these separate events. For 'Creative Sydney' I think it's more about 'social media in Australia,' and for a major marketing conference it's more about the 'global social media situation, as well as its' evolving relationship with traditional media which in the current climate is changing everyday...
And finally for another convention is the story of how I became an Aussie Bum. All interesting in their own way & what I am most excited about is that; for many, they will not know that I actually have a pretty solid background in marketing... Before aussieBum, I held various positions like National Marketing Manager for Warner Music. Sales and Marketing Director for a major publishing company. I even produced children's T.V shows.
The strange part for me now is all this experience is nothing really but life experience that I kind of have to let go of, and the tools I learned along the way amounted to nothing more than tools for then (i.e traditional marketing). There is no formula for success, because what has worked once, won't necessarily work again...
... and so... today, like before I find myself having to redefine my skills-set and role, and sometimes it seems that fact the remains - people half my age have the ability to do successfully what I can do. Like Bill Gates' said when asked which competitors he was most worried about, and he replied the kids sitting in a garage working on an insightful product that revolutionizes the internet, something like 6 months later Google went public...
hmmmm..... the winds of change are a blowing....
Sean.
A good example is when I was young I played a team sport and at the award presentation night at the end of the season I sat and watched all the medals being handed out and to my surprise I was awarded the 'Best & Fairest'.
I knew this was not true even as excited as I was to just win the award. In the end, my instincts were right, as after being presented with the award everyone around told me they must have made a mistake. How good did I feel? Now... In no way am I looking for pity as I have come to realize that in life, it is those kinds of events that stick in the memory and go on to shape a person like myself... Other people's doubts and criticism just make me want the success even more to prove people wrong, where in the same situation, another person would just give up...
This leads me into my current reality, which I have kinda been avoiding... The 'speaking circuit'....
For me, it is hard as I am absolutely passionate about what I am doing but at the same time, at the back of my mind is... 'I hope they don't discover what a silly idea it was to have me talk about what I think.'
What I find the most frustrating is that I believe I have something positive I can contribute, and if only I was able to nail the correct way to present it I could feel a great sense of that was relevant for both parties...
I do realize, however, being such a passionate person and yes having a slight chip on my shoulder from my humble beginnings I can only pray my energy and enthusiasm in sharing my thrust does not have everyone putting ear plugs in their ears (what a brilliant cross reference to my last post hehehe).
In the context of 2010 dominated by two major topics (social media and mobile/global social media) I have to speak about at these separate events. For 'Creative Sydney' I think it's more about 'social media in Australia,' and for a major marketing conference it's more about the 'global social media situation, as well as its' evolving relationship with traditional media which in the current climate is changing everyday...
And finally for another convention is the story of how I became an Aussie Bum. All interesting in their own way & what I am most excited about is that; for many, they will not know that I actually have a pretty solid background in marketing... Before aussieBum, I held various positions like National Marketing Manager for Warner Music. Sales and Marketing Director for a major publishing company. I even produced children's T.V shows.
The strange part for me now is all this experience is nothing really but life experience that I kind of have to let go of, and the tools I learned along the way amounted to nothing more than tools for then (i.e traditional marketing). There is no formula for success, because what has worked once, won't necessarily work again...
... and so... today, like before I find myself having to redefine my skills-set and role, and sometimes it seems that fact the remains - people half my age have the ability to do successfully what I can do. Like Bill Gates' said when asked which competitors he was most worried about, and he replied the kids sitting in a garage working on an insightful product that revolutionizes the internet, something like 6 months later Google went public...
hmmmm..... the winds of change are a blowing....
Sean.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.
I have been travelling, so apologies for the delay between now and my previos post... So.. This week's post... I'll let you see for yourself;)
About 8 years ago I met with the general manager of one of Australia's largest apparel brands. At that time I was young, hungry for success and naive to the what I was doing and even where I was heading the company we had just started. The company was based from my kitchen (formally known as the boardroom). I did the graphic design and built the internet site in my bedroom. Distribution / operations was in the lounge room. It was at this stage I think I started to stop listening to what people were telling me. I found it easier to do what I knew needed to be done. I didn't handle criticism and rejection too well so in part I think that's how I started selling on the internet. In those days it really was a one way conversation. Fear also played a very big part in how the company made it through the earlier days.
One of my early customers was also the senior manager of a major Australian underwear company. At first I was quite surprised why someone of this stature would be buying my garments. I was quite proud of myself thinking their interest was purely because they liked the garments I made. Eventually a meeting was organized and my curiosity to know why landed me in a pub in Sydney. If it wasn't for my naivety and learning not to listen I think I would have left the meeting quite upset and believing what I was going to do could never be done. The most significant point they made that has stuck in my mind purely for motivation was the point they made that eventually I would run out of energy and get to a point where I realized just how out of my depth I was in what I was trying to achieve. For some strange reason I strive on the thought of failure and also those who believe I am nothing more than a 'bum'. I have what you could call 'Pandoras' box. So when I got home I tucked all the comments made into this box for safe keeping. On I went again, with my heart in one hand and ear plugs in the other. So many mistakes I made, and in retrospective I'm glad I made, though it did make some of the more simple tasks very difficult to complete.
A short time ago I participated in a television program called 'Secret Millionaire'. The idea of the show is to have a millionaire live a lifestyle the same as those people they intend to help financially. To do this, I had to listen to peoples stories and connect with people in a way I actually had forgotten to do. I'll never forget Brooke (the series Producer) spending time to teach me how to listen again. Let's just say it was one of the toughest lessons I have had to learn in a long time. When I eventually discovered my ears again - wow. What an amazing experience. i realize this sounds stupid and as I type this I still can't believe I lost such a basic skill. The way I do business is my using all my senses including my gut - which has alway been the strength of my convictions and beliefs. Weeks have now passed and I have just returned from another world trip meeting buyers and media partners for a variety of reasons. On this trip I noticed a huge significant difference in the way I conducted the meetings but also what I achieved. Typically at the end of each meeting you shake hands, talk about something lame and exit on cue. This time for me, I was laughing and hugging and kissing the people I met, as the connection I made with them was far more significant. And even better sometimes it did not involve alcohol (which I always find appealing when jet lag has kicked in). Who would have thought listening could create the strongest relationships and even more significant both parties walk away feeling they have achieved something significant. I can imagine many readers would be thinking how the hell could someone have a company like this and not listen to those around. I did listen however not with my ears. For the first many years most of my time was telling people about the company and what my company will achieve and what it can deliver for them. This type of conversation is typically one sided so me having to listen to myself was really not that necessary.
Today I still catch myself not listening in some instances, however now in the majority of times I am listening. I do find it harder because I have to think even faster. In my role its all about how many 'plates' I can spin and at what speed. The bigger the company, the more plates and the faster it all seems to spin. Listening on top of this is proving a challenge, however I think I'm starting to enjoy it.
For those of you who know me, now realize why I seldom use the telephone. Texting is far more productive for a person like myself.
So in the early days, listening is not really the most important asset you need to become successful. I believe naivety is a real winner; well for myself anyway. The one that still shadows my thoughts every now and then is the comment that I would eventually run out of energy and soon I will fail. As I type this I do have a rather cheeky smirk on my face, because this person who made those statements is no longer employed by this company. The company is basically bankrupt with the banks having the controlling interest in how it is being run. And this person. Well, I have a lot to thank them for. Without their words of wisdom I possibly would not have the company I have today. And thankfully at this time, not listening was a major factor in our companies success.
Sean.
About 8 years ago I met with the general manager of one of Australia's largest apparel brands. At that time I was young, hungry for success and naive to the what I was doing and even where I was heading the company we had just started. The company was based from my kitchen (formally known as the boardroom). I did the graphic design and built the internet site in my bedroom. Distribution / operations was in the lounge room. It was at this stage I think I started to stop listening to what people were telling me. I found it easier to do what I knew needed to be done. I didn't handle criticism and rejection too well so in part I think that's how I started selling on the internet. In those days it really was a one way conversation. Fear also played a very big part in how the company made it through the earlier days.
One of my early customers was also the senior manager of a major Australian underwear company. At first I was quite surprised why someone of this stature would be buying my garments. I was quite proud of myself thinking their interest was purely because they liked the garments I made. Eventually a meeting was organized and my curiosity to know why landed me in a pub in Sydney. If it wasn't for my naivety and learning not to listen I think I would have left the meeting quite upset and believing what I was going to do could never be done. The most significant point they made that has stuck in my mind purely for motivation was the point they made that eventually I would run out of energy and get to a point where I realized just how out of my depth I was in what I was trying to achieve. For some strange reason I strive on the thought of failure and also those who believe I am nothing more than a 'bum'. I have what you could call 'Pandoras' box. So when I got home I tucked all the comments made into this box for safe keeping. On I went again, with my heart in one hand and ear plugs in the other. So many mistakes I made, and in retrospective I'm glad I made, though it did make some of the more simple tasks very difficult to complete.
A short time ago I participated in a television program called 'Secret Millionaire'. The idea of the show is to have a millionaire live a lifestyle the same as those people they intend to help financially. To do this, I had to listen to peoples stories and connect with people in a way I actually had forgotten to do. I'll never forget Brooke (the series Producer) spending time to teach me how to listen again. Let's just say it was one of the toughest lessons I have had to learn in a long time. When I eventually discovered my ears again - wow. What an amazing experience. i realize this sounds stupid and as I type this I still can't believe I lost such a basic skill. The way I do business is my using all my senses including my gut - which has alway been the strength of my convictions and beliefs. Weeks have now passed and I have just returned from another world trip meeting buyers and media partners for a variety of reasons. On this trip I noticed a huge significant difference in the way I conducted the meetings but also what I achieved. Typically at the end of each meeting you shake hands, talk about something lame and exit on cue. This time for me, I was laughing and hugging and kissing the people I met, as the connection I made with them was far more significant. And even better sometimes it did not involve alcohol (which I always find appealing when jet lag has kicked in). Who would have thought listening could create the strongest relationships and even more significant both parties walk away feeling they have achieved something significant. I can imagine many readers would be thinking how the hell could someone have a company like this and not listen to those around. I did listen however not with my ears. For the first many years most of my time was telling people about the company and what my company will achieve and what it can deliver for them. This type of conversation is typically one sided so me having to listen to myself was really not that necessary.
Today I still catch myself not listening in some instances, however now in the majority of times I am listening. I do find it harder because I have to think even faster. In my role its all about how many 'plates' I can spin and at what speed. The bigger the company, the more plates and the faster it all seems to spin. Listening on top of this is proving a challenge, however I think I'm starting to enjoy it.
For those of you who know me, now realize why I seldom use the telephone. Texting is far more productive for a person like myself.
So in the early days, listening is not really the most important asset you need to become successful. I believe naivety is a real winner; well for myself anyway. The one that still shadows my thoughts every now and then is the comment that I would eventually run out of energy and soon I will fail. As I type this I do have a rather cheeky smirk on my face, because this person who made those statements is no longer employed by this company. The company is basically bankrupt with the banks having the controlling interest in how it is being run. And this person. Well, I have a lot to thank them for. Without their words of wisdom I possibly would not have the company I have today. And thankfully at this time, not listening was a major factor in our companies success.
Sean.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Travelling Through Life
In my position in life I think it’s important for me to be honest about the fact that I am not perfect and sometimes I make the wrong decision… I live my life with my gut and at the end of the day that’s only way it’s possible to continue to evolve and stay motivated. In life, however, a lot of control is in other people’s hands, and learning to negotiate your day can be a lesson in patience and negotiation especially when you’re stressed… I truly think that being reasonable is an important characteristic to develop, because as human beings we find it hard to see outside our own context or frame of mind….
This week I’m thinking about the challenges of running a company the size of aussieBum – completely unexpectedly, whilst still having to deal with the day to day obstacles that are common to all human beings, some more than others… I never expected the company to become what it has today – I honestly just wanted to make enough money to pay my basic bills so I could hang out- stress free – at the beach…. As funny as this may sound, I have had to deal with some of the consequences of the company’s success – like having less time to spend with friends and family, or even at the beach… Don’t get me wrong, when I go down that thought path I kick myself because I love my life and everyday of what I am doing…I have embraced it completely and am so grateful and excited about everything that’s happened, but taking a step back, I can tell you, we’re all human and individually I have passions and interests that keep me motivated and keep me excited about life, the same as everyone else, and last week was one where I did have to deal with being human – just like we all do….
So… This is what happened… I was running late for a flight to Melbourne on a Friday – which is not a good day to be running late to the airport, as the traffic is horrendous and flights packed full of grumpy corporate types… On top of that I was under a lot of pressure with work as I’m leaving next week for two weeks in the United States, and I had to be at the airport for a family matter – my dad wasn’t well.
Now I’ve realized that especially in stressful situations I will always get a particular kind of cab driver… I also realize that this is because I am bad with directions and don’t know the names of streets or anything else for that matter…Also I’m a person that when I go to a restaurant, I can never decide what I want to eat – because I have options, and I suppose when I’m trying to explain directions I can be confusing for that very reason – I have options which make sense to me….
My challenge in this case was that all the control was in this guys hands and he wanted to know the names of every street, and was not fussed about the fact that I was in a rush, and if I stressed him out he would go slower… I had twenty minutes and even though after every instruction I apologized for having to give the instruction – he was still going slower than the national speed limit by at least 20km/h… Deep breaths Sean… DEEP breaths…
Now – my dad’s in hospital, and I just really want to get there and do the right thing. So as we get stuck in another traffic jam, just in front of the airport, I thank the poor taxi driver – give him a $10 tip – jump out the car with my bag and run through the traffic in what I imagined to an impressive Chariots of Fire move. Blasting into the airport finally, (I do have the perk of skipping the line because of my position and some of the success I have had) however, I try and explain to the lady at the front of the line that my plane was just about to leave without me and would she mind if I quickly checked in… Mistake – of course she thought she was also running late as her flight was leaving soon (an hour and a half later)… I didn’t even have the strength to argue, I just showed the person checking everyone in that my flight was literally leaving then and there and with another look of: ‘and it’s not my problem’ later and I was running down the airport corridor to my flight (which was of course leaving from the terminal farthest away)….
After all this, (running through the airport ducking and diving in my torn jeans, t-shirt and trainers, through all the corporate suits) I arrive at the departure counter, out of breath and sweat pouring off me, only to find a lovely flight attendant who politely jingles ‘welcome to Qantas….’ Simply all I could think of to say was – FUCK (just out of being at a complete loss for words, without the presence of mind to say my name or hand in my ticket)… Thankfully, which I found so endearing, it turned out she was the nicest person of them all… When I was at my worst, couldn’t think to say what my name was or find my ticket and wallet – sweat pouring off me, looking like I’d just arrived after being chased by the police, she was the type of person who could empathize with being stressed and human – I didn’t look more or less important than anyone else and without thinking she just tried to help me out… I don’t think anyone can put a price on those kinds of moments and were it some one else they might have told me to change my tone of voice and rudely ushered me onto the plane or called security and removed me from the premises…
…Getting onto a plane last can be awkward especially if the plane has been delayed because you’re the passenger running late… Best of all (not) was that I got the window seat in row two, having to squeeze past a very serious older business man who didn’t look very impressed… after apologizing again and again we finally took off and the rest is history, and even though maybe I sound like I’m trying to make excuses for the fact that I was running late, I am not, and I don’t even think I was in the right necessarily!!! I just think some days we’re just human – running late and we say the wrong thing, and unintentionally annoy people etc I take this back with me to work and dealing with people on a daily basis – each with their individual lives and stories, I try can keep these things in mind… …. ;)
Sean.
This week I’m thinking about the challenges of running a company the size of aussieBum – completely unexpectedly, whilst still having to deal with the day to day obstacles that are common to all human beings, some more than others… I never expected the company to become what it has today – I honestly just wanted to make enough money to pay my basic bills so I could hang out- stress free – at the beach…. As funny as this may sound, I have had to deal with some of the consequences of the company’s success – like having less time to spend with friends and family, or even at the beach… Don’t get me wrong, when I go down that thought path I kick myself because I love my life and everyday of what I am doing…I have embraced it completely and am so grateful and excited about everything that’s happened, but taking a step back, I can tell you, we’re all human and individually I have passions and interests that keep me motivated and keep me excited about life, the same as everyone else, and last week was one where I did have to deal with being human – just like we all do….
So… This is what happened… I was running late for a flight to Melbourne on a Friday – which is not a good day to be running late to the airport, as the traffic is horrendous and flights packed full of grumpy corporate types… On top of that I was under a lot of pressure with work as I’m leaving next week for two weeks in the United States, and I had to be at the airport for a family matter – my dad wasn’t well.
Now I’ve realized that especially in stressful situations I will always get a particular kind of cab driver… I also realize that this is because I am bad with directions and don’t know the names of streets or anything else for that matter…Also I’m a person that when I go to a restaurant, I can never decide what I want to eat – because I have options, and I suppose when I’m trying to explain directions I can be confusing for that very reason – I have options which make sense to me….
My challenge in this case was that all the control was in this guys hands and he wanted to know the names of every street, and was not fussed about the fact that I was in a rush, and if I stressed him out he would go slower… I had twenty minutes and even though after every instruction I apologized for having to give the instruction – he was still going slower than the national speed limit by at least 20km/h… Deep breaths Sean… DEEP breaths…
Now – my dad’s in hospital, and I just really want to get there and do the right thing. So as we get stuck in another traffic jam, just in front of the airport, I thank the poor taxi driver – give him a $10 tip – jump out the car with my bag and run through the traffic in what I imagined to an impressive Chariots of Fire move. Blasting into the airport finally, (I do have the perk of skipping the line because of my position and some of the success I have had) however, I try and explain to the lady at the front of the line that my plane was just about to leave without me and would she mind if I quickly checked in… Mistake – of course she thought she was also running late as her flight was leaving soon (an hour and a half later)… I didn’t even have the strength to argue, I just showed the person checking everyone in that my flight was literally leaving then and there and with another look of: ‘and it’s not my problem’ later and I was running down the airport corridor to my flight (which was of course leaving from the terminal farthest away)….
After all this, (running through the airport ducking and diving in my torn jeans, t-shirt and trainers, through all the corporate suits) I arrive at the departure counter, out of breath and sweat pouring off me, only to find a lovely flight attendant who politely jingles ‘welcome to Qantas….’ Simply all I could think of to say was – FUCK (just out of being at a complete loss for words, without the presence of mind to say my name or hand in my ticket)… Thankfully, which I found so endearing, it turned out she was the nicest person of them all… When I was at my worst, couldn’t think to say what my name was or find my ticket and wallet – sweat pouring off me, looking like I’d just arrived after being chased by the police, she was the type of person who could empathize with being stressed and human – I didn’t look more or less important than anyone else and without thinking she just tried to help me out… I don’t think anyone can put a price on those kinds of moments and were it some one else they might have told me to change my tone of voice and rudely ushered me onto the plane or called security and removed me from the premises…
…Getting onto a plane last can be awkward especially if the plane has been delayed because you’re the passenger running late… Best of all (not) was that I got the window seat in row two, having to squeeze past a very serious older business man who didn’t look very impressed… after apologizing again and again we finally took off and the rest is history, and even though maybe I sound like I’m trying to make excuses for the fact that I was running late, I am not, and I don’t even think I was in the right necessarily!!! I just think some days we’re just human – running late and we say the wrong thing, and unintentionally annoy people etc I take this back with me to work and dealing with people on a daily basis – each with their individual lives and stories, I try can keep these things in mind… …. ;)
Sean.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
welcome to my world (part 1)
my life feels like starting mid-sentence at the moment as i pick up where i left off, after getting distracted and busy with other things for a period of time... i think the reason for this is running aussieBum the way I do, requires that I switch roles ten times a day, going from marketing co-ordination to business consulting in the space of half an hour often getting back to where I began only to start all over again -
some how things get done and most importantly all of the company maintains its' individual character, is always coming up with new ideas and innovations.... at times - running a company geared toward creative flexibility, can also make dealing with people a challenge, as often I only have time for 1 minute conversations that involve complicated issues and situations, and often ideas get lost in translation... luckily i do have a great team who take their own initiative and who understand the creative process themselves... i guess what i am trying to say is that; I find the 'not' enough hours in a day' part of the job hard, as i am by nature quite informal and like getting to know people and hearing their stories etc... striking the right balance is, where my head is at right now - between creating the new and developing and building on strong foundations... this is the part of working at aussieBum that I have grown to love as it's all about people and relationships - watching others go from strength to strength is really quite a satisfying thing....
although i love the creative side of aussieBum, photo-shoots etc the demands of running a successful company requires involvement and attention to detail on every level and in every way and this can be a challenging learning curve. don't get me wrong i love everyday of what i do, but as always in life - who would ever have imagined i would be doing this?
everyone who knows me, knows that i have high standards for myself and the people i work with, which is a good but frustrating aspect of my personality... and especially since i stress that i am not perfect, i am still learning and for those people that get angry with me when they don't get the answer they were looking for or because I have high expectations of them, I always say that if I have to live with these kinds of expectations every second, maybe having them on you every now and then isn't so bad.... if you love what you do, you'll always will be good at it - younger generations trying to define who they are and what they want to do with their lives just need to be honest with themselves otherwise the real world will be quite a shock.
sean.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
'something like knowing.'
the 'journey' range we recently released is a defining one for myself, as aB nears its' 10th anniversary since starting on my dining room table...
honestly - most people did not think the company would last 10 minutes, let alone 10 years, but here we are, still as passionate and driven as ever...
Traditionally, this is around the time a lot of 'fashion' brands run out of ideas and go bust, this I think is because a lot of other companies do not have core values or they forget to stick to them when the company gets successful - becoming solely focussed on the pursuit of financial success...
Even though financial stability has to be at the core of any business - I strongly believe that if one becomes solely driven by the 'almighty dollar' - long term success and creativity will be impossible...
...anyway -back to the point about journey;) strangely, until our trip to Queensland where we were going to shoot a different concept and range, I had not really reflected on my own personal or the brand's 'journey' too much, besides being extremely excited and grateful for everything that has happened - i've been too busy for anything else really;)
I guess on the drive up the coast i just began to get that feeling, the one that is very difficult to put into words - something like 'knowing....' and so in that moment, i told everyone that the concept and shoot had to be changed, and explained the 'journey' range that everyone can now buy on the website... This is also an important part of the philosophy I use at aB - yes we plan and work towards our own kind of perfection, but we also have the flexibility to change in the moment - in this way - everything we do has a spontaneous element that often blows up in our faces, but also allows us to take quantum leaps in regards to creativity and innovation...
Now as i think about it - it must have been something of a sense of how far we have come in the past ten years, but also a sense of excitement in that 'this is just the beginning..' at last we have found our feet, and have a platform to truly produce the best ranges we can possibly produce - raising the bar once again for ourselves, and indeed all other companies...
The underwear which is now the 'journey' range embodies this, as it is our most mature range yet - simply 'one for the ride' - comfortable and long lasting without having to have a huge statement, it just had a classic feel from the very beginning - a life of its' own;)!
sean.
honestly - most people did not think the company would last 10 minutes, let alone 10 years, but here we are, still as passionate and driven as ever...
Traditionally, this is around the time a lot of 'fashion' brands run out of ideas and go bust, this I think is because a lot of other companies do not have core values or they forget to stick to them when the company gets successful - becoming solely focussed on the pursuit of financial success...
Even though financial stability has to be at the core of any business - I strongly believe that if one becomes solely driven by the 'almighty dollar' - long term success and creativity will be impossible...
...anyway -back to the point about journey;) strangely, until our trip to Queensland where we were going to shoot a different concept and range, I had not really reflected on my own personal or the brand's 'journey' too much, besides being extremely excited and grateful for everything that has happened - i've been too busy for anything else really;)
I guess on the drive up the coast i just began to get that feeling, the one that is very difficult to put into words - something like 'knowing....' and so in that moment, i told everyone that the concept and shoot had to be changed, and explained the 'journey' range that everyone can now buy on the website... This is also an important part of the philosophy I use at aB - yes we plan and work towards our own kind of perfection, but we also have the flexibility to change in the moment - in this way - everything we do has a spontaneous element that often blows up in our faces, but also allows us to take quantum leaps in regards to creativity and innovation...
Now as i think about it - it must have been something of a sense of how far we have come in the past ten years, but also a sense of excitement in that 'this is just the beginning..' at last we have found our feet, and have a platform to truly produce the best ranges we can possibly produce - raising the bar once again for ourselves, and indeed all other companies...
The underwear which is now the 'journey' range embodies this, as it is our most mature range yet - simply 'one for the ride' - comfortable and long lasting without having to have a huge statement, it just had a classic feel from the very beginning - a life of its' own;)!
sean.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
living imagination. seeing what is not there... yet
wow - time has run away with me... we have been so so so busy, not that I am complaining....
a lot of people have been writing in to enquire as to why we have not opened a flag ship store?
In answer to this- I think it is important to consider the history of the company - in that because all the big department stores in Australia shunned us in the beginning - we became one of the first companies to invest in eCommerce, which we love... The result is that we have become a global brand, and so the question arises - if we were to open a store, where would we do it?
The most obvious answer would seem to be Sydney - where we are based... This being said however, only 15% of our sales come from Australia, the irony of aussieBum is that Australians did not catch onto the brand as quickly as the rest of the world, and although we love Australia - we feel like the store is going to be so much more than your everyday retail experience, as
aussieBum has become more than a brand - it has become a cultural icon and experience...
Australians have subsequently embraced the brand, and we are not ruling out opening a store in Sydney, or anywhere else for that matter, for now though - we are concentrating on investing in our team and apparel to ensure the aussieBum experience excedes expectations...
we have never been a company to follow the pack, but we also embrace our customers' comments and requests, soooo.... watch this space - and if you have creative ideas please feel free to get in touch!!
I will be writing again soon - just have to sort out ... blah blah blah;)
Sean.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
world trip
I am on a world trip at the moment - that is why my posts have been few and far between - when i get back i'll tell you all about it;) for now... here are some photos!!
Hope I find you all well...
Sean.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
answers to questions always asked.
Is aussieBum a gay brand?
This is an interesting question, one I get asked a lot! Firstly, I think any men's underwear or swimwear brand initially is labelled as gay, especially if, like us - the images are overtly sexually explicit.... It just comes with the territory. This being said, we do not classify ourselves according to any specific group, we cater to men who are confident in themselves and their sexuality. In the beginning when aussieBum was rejected by 'main stream' department stores, we found that, as always - gay men adapt to the new a lot faster, setting the trend of things to come, which then enters main stream consciousness as trend setting... and so if gay = trend setter then...
To clarify, as a brand we will never forget where we came from, I stress this to everyone I meet, and every reporter that asks me this question... as i think that companies' that forget their beginnings soon meet their ends... and who supported us from the beginning? One of our company values is to communicate directly with our loyal customer base to make sure we are keeping it real and staying true to our original and loyal supporters, these values run through every campaign we do...
I guess in some way we also hope to play a role in allowing or creating the space for every man to embrace his masculinity, and in doing this personifying the fact that a masculine man can feel and look sexy. A lot of other men's fashion brands tone down a man's masculinity to give the look of fashionista, at aussieBum we combine masculinity and sexiness, and as we say 'if you doubt yourself, wear something else.'
Sean.
To everyone else.
I have been asked to speak about success a lot, and I never know exactly what to say - To everyone except myself, it seemed that I was doomed for no where but failure... Today I laugh, because I have not changed much and I suppose those people are still looking at me wondering how I manage to tie my shoe laces let alone run a company..
...Well maybe not all as I think ideas about how to be successful are changing, especially since the financial crisis- a moment in time when the previous companies' and leaders that were so called pillars of safety in society, came tumbling down as they were of another era and had not evolved. In some ways I think this has made room for the new, and hopefully more equitable and creative companies' and people to try new ways of dealing with the world and all its' glory;)
At the end of the day - everyone goes through adversity, and has their own journey with struggles and successes, and in no way do I think I was some how 'special' nor do I think that financial success is the most important part of life, in fact I do not like the 'success' part of anything, and usually I don't go to awards ceremonies or anything like that.
When it comes to aussieBum I still work as hard as I did when starting the company, and that's because I dug a little deeper and struck the thing I was always supposed to do with my life - and in doing it I have joined forces with the people I work with, and indeed the rest of the world to evolve and create a culture around the apparel that inspires people around the world... Before aussieBum, however, things were a little different...TBC
For now I'm putting the question to you readers! What do you struggle with when it comes to fulfilling your dreams?
When it comes to aussieBum I still work as hard as I did when starting the company, and that's because I dug a little deeper and struck the thing I was always supposed to do with my life - and in doing it I have joined forces with the people I work with, and indeed the rest of the world to evolve and create a culture around the apparel that inspires people around the world... Before aussieBum, however, things were a little different...TBC
For now I'm putting the question to you readers! What do you struggle with when it comes to fulfilling your dreams?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
if you make sense all the time - generally you're boring
I get asked a lot of questions about success, failure, business etc - I don't have the answers, or I do - at least sometimes and even then I'm bound to change my mind. So I say to you- there is a grain of truth in every story - even though sometimes this truth cannot be told in the actual words of the story, rather it is conveyed through some other unconscious channel;) In the same sense this is true for everyone that is trying to convey things past or things to come - and these outbursts of random thought attempt to develop my story - an explanation of how I see the development of aussieBum, yes I was there, but these things have a funny way of taking on a life of their own...
My main areas of interest have always been in anything creative - making something out of nothing, even when it seemed there was no chance in hell of making it half worth while. I sometimes think I was born to see what most people miss or don't take interest in, not in an arrogant way, as I know there are a lot of things I cannot do, not that I mind about them very much as this is my passion and everyday I enjoy what I do- but creative people tend to notice things in a strange way, and a lot of people miss the value in this.
I think when you start a company, and that company starts to grow - people form an image of you and that company which can get confused with who you are, and what the company can be at its' full potential. That's why it is hard to start anything new - there is no track record to use as a crutch, either you're good, or you're not, and it is hard!! That being said, it is also hard once you have a track record, as nothing stays the same in this world, and if you as a person start to fear change you've lost touch with what you started out trying to achieve, which hopefully is something with inherent value and originality..
When success comes- if you do not have that kind of grounding, I think- basically you're f**ked... and when it comes, usually it comes quickly...
I'm going on a world trip soon and it's one of the weird facts of life, that the better known you or your business become - the more you find yourself having to explain things like, who you are? or what you have done in the past to prove you can do it again? I always wonder what happens if people don't like it the second time? I change everyday;)
If you've started a business, you have to develop a 6th sense- something like 'timing,' there really is no word for it- it's like knowing when you just have to get on with it, and hope for the best, stop preparing and start getting out there - and other times you have to know when to slow down, take a step back and talk or communicate with people around you, see the impact of what you have done- this can be both fun and daunting...
I guess, aussieBum is a company that was built on these kind of idiosyncratic drives and thoughts - in other words, a passion or drive to ensure that our creative efforts come to fruition - at the end of the day - how this happens? no one knows, least of all me, maybe because today it's one thing and tomorrow another, you just have to keep your eyes and ears open, and have similar or people that balance you around...
There is a simple reason I keep aussieBum organic - less business like, and more like organised chaos, we're like 'Faulty Towers' if you need a reference point;)... is that I would bore myself to death faster than I could any of the staff if everything was systematised, strict or inflexible :) Even though I joke about it, I truly think a lot of companies and individuals lose their way - in fact sadly some never truly find it in the first place, and as a result they don't have the ability to come up with innovative, quality and creative products every time there is no formula...
hmm sorry about the philosophical babbling again - maybe get serious next post;)
Sean
Sunday, January 3, 2010
ever wonder where returned or unused aB stuff goes?
Hi there - just a short post to mention some work we are doing with an amazing not for profit organization:
It all started as my sister lives in the area of Melbourne that was damaged by the horrible fires that destroyed people's homes, and left many without the basic resources to lead 'normal' lives. It struck me that a lot of these people have been abandoned, having to rebuild without much support-
This is why aB is giving all returned and excess gear to this not for profit charity that support people, who would otherwise be forgotten. - Like the numerous families who suffered and who still are suffering from the tough times that have been brought on by the global financial crisis...
Check it out -
Sean.
It all started as my sister lives in the area of Melbourne that was damaged by the horrible fires that destroyed people's homes, and left many without the basic resources to lead 'normal' lives. It struck me that a lot of these people have been abandoned, having to rebuild without much support-
This is why aB is giving all returned and excess gear to this not for profit charity that support people, who would otherwise be forgotten. - Like the numerous families who suffered and who still are suffering from the tough times that have been brought on by the global financial crisis...
Check it out -
Sean.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
aussieBum is growing up - teething, identity, labels, confidence... etc:
o.k so Christmas and everything in between has come and gone, and I have lost my train of thought since the last post – apologies… I can be a very excitable person, and you will begin to notice as you continue reading that I easily stray from one idea to the next and get lost for a couple of days, don't worry I will come back to everything I miss;) This Blog is more an honest look at how I think and things that engage me today and the ones that have influenced me over the years….
Since I've had some time to reflect- i.e. Christmas with the family in Melbourne - today I'm going to explore aussieBum as a culture - and the nature and values of the brand that I believe in so strongly...
What strikes me most about being in business in general is that it seems a lot of companies strive towards a kind of perfection that negates their humanity – almost as though they are superior to the average person, and even the people who work at the company. I obviously do not believe that this is a sustainable business model…
I’ve worked for a lot of people in a lot of jobs before aussieBum, where I saw how detrimental the effects of this attitude can be – and I think it is the case no matter what company you work for- in that if people and products are not nurtured they will not be the best quality nor will they produce their best work… Maybe I am more sensitive to this as I left home at 15 and I see the people I work with as part of the aussieBum team even family – everyone contributing to the company’s success.
Anyways back to the 15 year old me, while going to school during the day, I worked in a pub nights. I do not know how I managed to talk my way into that job, but I do know- that this is where I really got my education and built strong value system(yes it sounds strange;), But- as anyone who has worked in a pub knows- there are many many different types of people all with their own set of life situations that do not fit neatly into the categories of success and failure that society at large projects, and I learned a lot about people and life quickly…
I guess that because I left home and worked at a pub, this is when the label of ‘failure’ began to stick to me, and I think it was around this time that I decided that I was going to change my destiny, and even though it took a little bit of time to do this – I still go back to that feeling of defiance- which it turns out is the feeling that has driven me to succeed and push myslef to grow everyday, which actually is kind of exciting now, and I don’t think this will ever change…
From an early age I knew I was different and did not fit into my surroundings of suburban Melbourne, where the big news was; 'who was renovating their house, or who was in detention this week??' pfff;) (even though I can see how that life makes so many content).
and even though I joke about these experiences today – they shaped my values and outlook on life – I was the under dog and in many ways still am – as is Australia in world markets… I think this is why staying to true to ones beginnings is a huge part of aussieBum’s value system, I never started aussieBum with the intention of getting rich. The company is driven by survival and sustainability - I remember what it feels like to be powerless, and broke – it was not fun and not fair, but we have to get on with it and that’s life… It is - however - never impossible to change your life in a meaningful way, once you have established a core value system that is based on passion and integrity...
Sean.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
here it is... facebook riddle...
HERE IS THE RIDDLE: a line of 200 people waits to get into the theater with 200 seats. Each person has an assigned seat- except for the person at the front of the line, who is a VIP and can sit anywhere he wants. Any person with an assigned seat who finds that his or her seat is taken will pick another seat at random. What is the likelihood that the last person will get his assigned seat?
pls suggest how you came to your conclusion?;)
good luck...
Sunday, December 20, 2009
meat pies.... and success.
I think I am the kind of person who will fly Singapore airlines from Australia- every time - with the only reason being that they have meat pies, the best meat pies of any airline - I think anyways;)
This seems random, but I write it to illustrate aspects of my personality and my decision making process- in that, I strongly believe that companies that diversify detail with skill and clear focus are successful companies. It is not an easy thing- to make someone feel at home when flying across the world at uncomfortable altitudes...
The irony of aB is that initially we were not successful in Australia- our home... And - when I am in public talking about aussieBum- which is still a young, relatively small and growing company- I often get asked why hasn't the company opened a flagship store in Australia? Or otherwise why we don't sell through David Jones and Myer (the big Australian department stores)?
This issue has been touched on a lot in the press, and so I will speak about it briefly, but explain succinctly how I see these developments as they have been important for my own and indeed the company's development.
To begin with, I started aussieBum to my meet my basic needs- rent and food, there were no grandiose dreams of porches and penthouses. The company is my passion, and I know that there is nowhere else I would rather be, and that is why I say I am one of the luckiest people around. When I started out, I sold to my friends- who loved the products and suggested that I start selling through department stores. It turned out I had to try, as I had run out of money, which had all gone into the products...
Don't get me wrong I love Australia and Australians, however, when I approached Myer, I didn't even get an interview or a phone call, and David Jones told me I was out-dated, and would never be successful. I have subsequently heard, that these stores usually give new brands a chance, as it is not much extra cost for them... For some reason, however, they took a particular dislike to the aussieBum product..
It was then and there that I realized that- in Australia - if a small company doesn't get the backing of one of the established/traditional corporations- they basically don't stand a chance. There is very little in the way of options, as the population is so small and certain companies are just to big to compete with... Because of this I see aB as a win for the small guy, and now I support small businesses around Australia, in places like 'Broken Hill' by supplying small companies with aB products that they sell to tourists who know it as the exclusive brand it is- overseas.
I laugh now as these developments have been fundamental to the longevity of our success, but at the time- we went online and overseas- because we had no other choice- England not Australia was where I got my first big break... which I will chat about tomorrow - as I have to run (Kiah is calling)- need to look at the video we will release in the next couple of days for the new range 'Double Take.'
Sean.
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