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Tips and stories to add value to you and your organisation

Crow Does… Giving

29 May 2011

Caw it’s me! Crow! Richard has page proofs to read for his new book, called How To Keep Your Job, and has retreated to the study, leaving me in charge for two weeks. And me with my beak only just recovered from all the typing last time! But I’m a trouper so I will carry on and won’t mention my pain again. I mean when you have to put up with pigeons, a sore beak is nothing!

Now, here’s a question for you: When did you last help a business colleague for free?

I’m asking because I was recently invited to help a sparrow who was setting up a little boutique, called LBJ’s (Little Brown Jobs, to you and me, that’s bird slang for the hedgerow hoppers) and who just couldn’t afford my rates. Normally, I charge for my time, but remembering that Richard has had my time for free (I taught him all he knows) I thought that it would be public spirited to waive my fees for the greater good of society.

Life has been tough in the tree and even harder for some of the hedgerow types, so it feels right to be magnanimous and offer support to a fellow of the feathered fraternity. And I know that when you put something into the world it tends to repay you.

Ooh ow ow, need to rest for a minute…

…Back now…where was I? Oh yes, giving to receive. Well, it turns out that the sparrow knows a robin, who knows a talented tit who has offered me some free tap dancing lessons! Caw! How cool is that!

I could be the next big winner on Strictly Come Birding! Last year’s winner was a very smooth heron, who could tango like a genius. And when I win…I’m off! And Richard will have to find another bird to carry his bags for him.

But I digress… the point is that sometimes it can pay handsomely to give your expertise as a gift.*

Now…I’m off to LBJ’s to get measured up for some spangly trousers for my dancing! Riverdance here I come! Caw caw! See you next week!

 

*But not to pigeons. They’re too silly to waste any time on. They still think cheese-cloth is cool. Caw!

Tags: Crow, giving

Crow Does… Asking

2 May 2011

Hello again! Caw! It’s me, Crow, back for a second week. Richard has asked me to ‘deputise’ for him. What a cheek! I’m the real power behind the throne…as we all know…

And what a lovely sunny week we’ve had and with that wedding too. I must admit that I had to wipe away a tear or two.

The bride looked lovely, the groom smiled all day and his bonkers relations behaved themselves, so it all worked out well for Katrina and Wally – two of my favourite sparrows.

We’ve only just taken down the bunting from the tree and tidied up the place, so it’s been a fun weekend for everyone. And when one of the silly pigeons sniped that Kat’s just a common house sparrow, I gave him a piece of my bird brain:

“Background doesn’t matter,” I said, “she’s a lovely bird, they’re marrying for love and Wally had to ask for her wing. She didn’t just give it.”

Which reminds me, if there’s something you would like then go ahead and ask for it. Whether it’s an order confirmation, a kiss, or breakfast in bed – you can assert yourself and get your needs met.

Now, I need to go and ask the pigeons to cough up towards the wedding present we all chipped in for: A fabulous en-suite bird bath. A perfect addition to any nest.

Caw! Thanks for reading this and see you soon. Bye!

Tags: asking, Crow