Where and when are you at your most creative?

As "number-crunchers", it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that what we do is not creative. However, to do our jobs well, we need to regularly come up with new approaches to doing things and creative solutions to business or financial challenges - whether that be a creative spreadsheet solution or an innovative structure for an acquisition.

I often find that my best moments of creative inspiration happen when I am out of the work environment altogether. I have had many a flash of genius while lying in the bath!

Recently I have taken to an early morning walk before work that takes in a quiet hillside not far from my house (I took this photo just the other morning). I find that the combination of the quiet (apart from the birds singing), the beautiful views and the exercise really help me to put whatever challenges I might have into perspective and allow me to come at them from a different angle.

I'd love to hear where and when you feel at your most creative.


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Rules for creating a great spreadsheet

Found a great list of rules for creating better spreadsheets on Chandoo's blog, you can even download a free poster with the 12 rules on it.

One item I would add to this list is my OAP rule, which I have elaborated on in an earlier post.

You can see the original 12 rules by clicking the link below:

12 Rules for Making Better Spreadsheets

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Please let me know what you think of the new look

It's been a busy month here and I have neglected my blog posting duties, however I am now starting to get back on track, starting with a brand new look.

I have tried to stop the blog looking as busy as it did, as well as making it clearer what services I can offer readers - they are all now available in one box at the top left of the new layout.

I would really appreciate any comments below (good and bad) on the new look.


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Ease your World Cup woes and finish June on a positive note

As most of my readers and clients are in England and the USA, this weekend was not a good one for us from a football (or soccer if you prefer) perspective. The USA put up a brave fight against Ghana on Saturday night which is more than can be said for England yesterday against Germany.

I can't take away all of the pain but I will do what I can to ensure that June has not been wasted. To this end, I am offering a 20% discount on almost all of Feechan Consulting's services if paid for before the end of June.

That's:

• 20% off any existing quotes you have from Spreadsheets by Email - Simply click the link in your quote to pay by debit/credit card or PayPal before close of play on 30th June 2010 and the 20% discount will be refunded to your card/PayPal account;
• 20% off all new Spreadsheets by Email jobs paid for before the end of the month - Just submit your requirement at http://www.spreadsheetsbyemail.biz, we will provide your fixed price quote and you can claim your discount as above;
• 20% off Excel Advice by Email annual subscriptions - Purchase the Annual subscription for £75 before 30th June from http://www.spreadsheetsbyemail.biz/excel-advice/ and £15 will be refunded to your card/PayPal Account;
• 20% off the Introduction to Pivot Tables On-line Video Training course - Purchase for £19.50 before 30th June from http://www.pivot-tables.biz and £3.90 will be refunded to you card/PayPal Account;
• 20% off any consultancy booked and paid for from Feechan Consulting before 30th June - Please call on 0845 6439693 or email enquiries@feechan.co.uk to discuss your requirements.

There's still time to ensure that you remember June for something positive.


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