My Story of ADHD Self-Discovery
Phil Gee
The Late Diagnosis: Phil Gee's Story of Self-Discovery
Where do you even begin to unravel a lifetime of feeling… different? For me, Phil Gee, that journey of understanding started surprisingly late, at the age of 53. For years, a nagging voice in the back of my head had whispered insidious lies – that I was slow, a bit thick, just not quite with it. Little did I know, the reality was far more nuanced, and ultimately, empowering.
My early school years were… breezy, to say the least. I sailed through, not exactly excelling academically, but certainly making my presence known. The annual school reports painted a familiar picture: “chats too much,” “needs to focus more,” “easily distracted.” Sound familiar to anyone?
My mum, a force of nature in her own right, had a unique perspective on education. The daughter of a fiercely independent, if somewhat unconventional, Polish man who believed life was the best teacher, she wasn’t one for pushing traditional academics.
He, unable to read or write English himself, refused to send her to school and instead took her daily to The Kardomah coffee shop on Lord Street in Southport, imparting his wisdom over cups of tea.
Considering she went on to juggle single motherhood and run multiple businesses single-handedly well into her seventies, perhaps there was something to his unconventional curriculum!
(See? There I go again, off on a tangent! It’s a recurring theme, you’ll learn.)
So, at 16, qualifications were the furthest thing from my mind. I didn’t even bother turning up for the exams. The allure of an underground den, painstakingly crafted with my mates in the Southport sand dunes, proved far more compelling than the sweaty confines of the school sports hall where our peers were diligently filling in answer sheets. Priorities, eh?
My entry into the world of work, a story I’ll delve into with more ADHD-related detail later in the book, began in retail. I joined Marks & Spencer on a Youth Training Scheme (YTS – a blast from the past for some of you!). Despite my lack of formal education, within four years, I’d become the first male supervisor in the branch. Who needs those pesky qualifications, I thought with the naive confidence of youth!
That confidence took a slight knock when I set my sights on management. The brick wall of “degree holders only” slammed down pretty hard. Without even an O’Level to my name, that ambition was swiftly curtailed.
The next fifteen years saw me navigating the fast-paced world of high street fashion, managing multiple branches for brands like The Gap and, most notably, River Island, where I was entrusted with overseeing a staggering eighteen stores! Again, not too shabby for a lad who’d prioritised sand dunes over syllabuses.
Then came GOSH, my own venture – a women’s and children’s shoe shop that blossomed into four thriving locations across Merseyside. By this point, however, the novelty of retail had worn thin, and the daily contemplation of women’s bunions was starting to lose its appeal.
Serendipitously, I was having a website built for the shoe shops and, like a moth to a digital flame, I fell head over heels in love with the internet. This was 2007 – the Wild West of the online world, pre-social media saturation, before smartphones and tablets became ubiquitous. Seventeen years later, that initial spark still burns bright, and the digital realm remains my professional playground.
This digital journey eventually led me to a significant life change – a move from my beloved Liverpool to the bustling metropolis of London. My wonderful daughter, Olivia, was now 25 and forging her own path. I was single, and a restless energy, was pushing me towards a new horizon.
Underlying this desire for change was a growing unease. My mum had recently been diagnosed with dementia, and as I reflected on my own quirks and behaviours, a terrifying thought began to take root: was I experiencing the early signs myself? In typical Phil fashion, rather than facing this fear head-on, I did what I’d always done – buried my head in the sand and ran. Two hundred miles south, to be precise!!
I booked a short, one-month let in a room in a shared house, a toe-dip into the London waters. Little did I know, that single month would alter the course of my life irrevocably.
On my very first day, one of the other tenants casually mentioned, amongst other things, that she had ADHD. At the time, the term conjured up a vague image of hyperactive children bouncing off the walls. It meant little more to me than that.
However, on my last evening in the shared house, she dropped a bombshell. “You know, Phil,” she said with a knowing giggle, “I think you might have ADHD too.”
My immediate reaction wasn’t offense, but genuine curiosity. “Why on earth would you say that?” I asked, genuinely perplexed. Her response was a cascade of observations, delivered with the blunt honesty of someone who recognised the signs.
“Well,” she began, “for starters, there was the porridge incident. Six times in one month, you put your ‘two-minute porridge’ in the microwave, only to get completely sidetracked and end up going out for breakfast!”
The absurdity of it struck me – a potent cocktail of impatience for those agonizing two minutes and a complete, almost immediate, forgetting that the breakfast was already in progress. She continued, pointing out my constant chirpiness, how seamlessly I’d integrated with the five housemates as if I’d been there for years (a classic masking strategy, I’d later learn), and my almost compulsive tidying of the communal areas. Apparently, these were all “tell-tale signs.”
I wasn’t upset; I was… intrigued. I promised her I’d look into it when I returned to Liverpool the following week. Her parting advice was to listen to a book called Faster Than Normal by Peter Shankman. “You won’t have the patience to read it,” she’d accurately predicted.
The moment I started my four-hour drive back north, I downloaded the audiobook and pressed play. Peter Shankman’s words hit me like a lightning bolt. The book was nearly six hours long, and I found myself extending my journey into North Wales just so I could finish it. It was that good.
Suddenly, so many things clicked into place. The “slowness,” the “thickness,” the feeling of being perpetually “stupid” or just “getting old” – all of it could potentially be attributed to this thing called ADHD.
Wow. Just… wow.
And that, in a nutshell, is how I stumbled upon the realisation that had been lurking beneath the surface for over five decades. A chance encounter, a perceptive observation, and a life-changing audiobook. The journey to understanding myself had finally begun
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Running your own business is a whirlwind, isn't it? You're juggling everything from serving your customers to balancing the books. And then there's social media… that never-ending to-do list of posts, updates, and trying to figure out what on earth to say. If the thought of another week glued to your phone, trying to keep up with Facebook, Instagram, and all the rest makes you groan, you're definitely not on your own. Many small business owners in places like Southport (and all across the UK, to be honest!) feel exactly the same. It can feel like a massive time sink, and sometimes you wonder if it's even worth the effort. But what if there was a way to make social media less of a chore and more of a helpful tool – without needing a degree in rocket science or spending a fortune on fancy tech? Enter AI: Your New Social Media Mate Now, we know what you might be thinking. "AI? Isn't that all robots and complicated computer stuff?" Well, yes, some of it is. But the good news is that there are now some really clever (but surprisingly simple) AI tools out there that can take a big chunk of the social media burden off your shoulders. Think of AI in this context as your new, super-efficient assistant. It can help you with tasks that used to eat up your precious time, leaving you free to focus on what you do best – running your business and serving your lovely customers right here in Southport (or wherever you are!). How Can AI Actually Help My Social Media? You might be surprised at just how many ways AI can lend a hand: Coming Up with Ideas: Staring at a blank screen wondering what to post? Some AI tools can help you brainstorm ideas based on your business, what's popular, and what your audience might like. No more creative block! Writing Your Posts: Not a natural wordsmith? AI can help you draft social media posts, making sure they sound engaging and get your message across clearly. You can then tweak them to sound just like you. Finding the Best Times to Post: Ever wondered when most of your customers are actually online? AI can analyse your audience and suggest the best times to share your content, meaning more people will actually see it. Scheduling Your Posts: Instead of having to manually post every single day, AI-powered tools can schedule your content in advance. You can sit down once a week, plan your posts, and let the AI take care of the rest. Imagine those extra hours! Keeping an Eye on Things: Some AI can even help you monitor what people are saying about your business online, so you can quickly respond to comments or questions. No Tech Head Required! The best part is that you don't need to be a tech whizz to use these tools. Most of them are designed to be really user-friendly, with clear instructions and simple interfaces. It's often as easy as typing in a few details about your business and letting the AI do its magic. Reclaim Your Time and Focus on What Matters Social media doesn't have to be a constant drain on your time and energy. By embracing some of these clever AI tools, you can: Save hours every week: Think about what you could do with that extra time – maybe focus on a new product, chat with more customers, or even just have a proper tea break! Be more consistent: Regularly posting engaging content helps you stay top-of-mind with your customers. Potentially reach more people: By posting at the right times and with engaging content, you're more likely to get noticed. Reduce stress: Take the pressure off trying to come up with content on the fly. Ready to Dip Your Toe in the AI Water? If you're a small business owner in Southport (or anywhere else in the UK!) who's feeling overwhelmed by social media, now might be the perfect time to explore how AI can help. It's not about robots taking over your business; it's about using smart tools to make your life a little bit easier and your marketing more effective. At Social Media Academy, we're passionate about helping small businesses understand and use these tools without the jargon. Keep an eye out for our upcoming resources and training on how to harness the power of AI for your social media – you might just be surprised at how much time you can save!
It seems like every business is talking about their AI strategy these days. But let's be honest, a lot of it is just fancy talk. They buy a shiny new AI tool, cross their fingers, and hope it magically transforms their social media. The truth is, AI on its own won't fix your marketing. What will make a difference is having a solid system in place, with AI working as a powerful tool within that system. The Problem with "Vibes-Based" AI We're seeing it all the time: businesses investing in AI writing tools, or AI analytics platforms, without any real idea how to use them effectively. There's no proper training for staff, no integration into their existing workflow, and no clear goals. They end up wasting money on software they don't understand, and their social media results stay stubbornly the same. AI Needs a System to Shine Think of AI as a turbocharger for your car. It can give you a massive boost, but it's useless without an engine, wheels, and a driver who knows where they're going. In social media, your engine is your overall marketing plan. This includes things like: Knowing your target audience inside out Having clear goals for your social media activity Creating a consistent flow of valuable content Engaging with your followers regularly Our Social Media Training: AI Integrated That's why our social media training course is different. We don't just throw AI tools at you and wish you luck. We provide a comprehensive framework – a 3-month marketing plan – that puts AI in its proper place. You'll learn: How to build a robust social media strategy from the ground up Which AI tools are genuinely useful for specific tasks How to integrate those tools seamlessly into your daily workflow How to measure your results and refine your approach over time Get Real Results, Not Just Hype We're focused on getting you tangible results: more engagement, a bigger following, and ultimately, more customers. It's about using AI strategically, not just for the sake of it. #MemeingfulMarketing What next?: Want to see how AI can really transform your social media? Book a free consultation to see how AI can change the way you work forever
In today's fast-paced digital world, social media is a crucial tool for businesses of all sizes. But managing it effectively can be time-consuming and overwhelming. What if you could achieve better results with less effort? That's where AI comes in. AI (Artificial Intelligence) is revolutionising how we approach social media marketing, offering powerful tools to automate tasks, analyze data, and create engaging content. At Social Media Academy, we offer specialised AI training to help you harness the power of AI and transform your social media strategy. Whether you prefer in-person workshops or the flexibility of Zoom sessions, our training will equip you with the knowledge and skills to thrive. Our Proven AI Training Process We've developed a simple yet highly effective 3-step process to guide you through the world of AI-powered social media management: 1. Smart Social Check-Up The first step in our AI training is to understand where you are now. We'll conduct a thorough Smart Social Check-Up of your existing social media presence. This involves using cutting-edge AI tools to analyse your accounts, identify what's working well, and pinpoint areas for improvement. We'll uncover hidden gems in your data – successful posts you can replicate, optimal posting times you might be missing – and also highlight missed opportunities, such as untapped audiences or underperforming content. This data-driven approach ensures that our AI training is tailored to your specific needs and goals. 2. Putting AI to Work Next, we'll dive into the practical application of AI tools. This is where the magic happens! Our AI training will show you how to put AI to work for your business in meaningful ways. You'll learn how to: Create better content: Discover AI tools that can help you generate engaging captions, suggest relevant hashtags, and even design stunning visuals, saving you time and boosting your content's impact. Chat with followers automatically: Implement AI-powered chatbots to provide instant responses to customer inquiries, answer frequently asked questions, and build stronger relationships with your audience – all without sounding robotic or impersonal. Build systems that learn: Leverage AI algorithms that analyze your social media data to identify patterns and trends, allowing you to refine your strategy over time and continuously improve your results. We'll focus on practical, actionable strategies that you can implement immediately, regardless of your technical expertise. Our AI training emphasizes ethical and responsible AI use, ensuring you maintain a genuine connection with your audience. 3. Watch Everything Improve The ultimate goal of our AI training is to help you achieve tangible results. By implementing the strategies and AI tools you learn, you'll watch everything improve. You can expect to: See your follower numbers climb: Attract a larger and more engaged audience with AI-optimised content and strategies. Watch engagement rates soar: Increase likes, comments, and shares by delivering content that resonates with your target audience. Spend less time managing social accounts: Automate repetitive tasks and streamline your workflow, freeing up valuable time to focus on other aspects of your business. Our AI training empowers you to work smarter, not harder, and achieve sustainable social media success. Training Options: In-Person or Zoom We understand that businesses have different needs and preferences. That's why we offer our comprehensive AI training in two convenient formats: In-Person Training: We come to you, at your business premises so that all your tools are close by and we can discuss how AI tools can help you to achieve your goals Zoom Training Sessions: Enjoy the flexibility of learning from the comfort of your own office, with live instruction, Q&A sessions, and engaging virtual activities. What to do next?: Ready to transform your social media strategy with the power of AI? Contact us today or book a free consultation to learn more about our AI training programs and how we can help your business thrive.
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Hi everyone, I'm always looking for ways to help you streamline your business and free up your time. AI (Artificial Intelligence) might sound like something from a science fiction film, but it's actually becoming incredibly useful for small businesses like ours. There are now some amazing tools that can automate tasks, boost your marketing, and generally make life a lot easier. I've been doing some digging, and I want to share 10 of the most promising AI tools I've found. These are all designed to be helpful even if you're not a tech whizz, so don't worry if you're not particularly confident with computers! Tool 1: HeyGen Description: First up is HeyGen. In simple terms, HeyGen lets you create videos using AI avatars – those are like computer-generated people. Instead of having to film yourself or hire actors, you just type in what you want the avatar to say, and HeyGen turns it into a video. This is a really clever way to make training videos, marketing clips, or even just quick updates for your customers, without needing fancy equipment or any filming skills. Key Features: You can choose from a range of different AI avatars. It's really easy to turn text into a video – you just type, and the avatar speaks. Some versions let you create an avatar that looks like you (if that's something you're interested in!). It can speak in different languages, which is brilliant if you have customers overseas. Use Cases: Imagine creating a welcome video for new customers that feels really personal, without you having to be in front of the camera every time. If you need to explain a product or service, HeyGen can help you make a clear and engaging explainer video. It's also great for creating quick social media adverts. Pricing: It's worth having a go with the free trial to see if it's right for you. They have different monthly plans, depending on how many videos you need to make. The cost goes up as you need more videos or extra features. Personal Thoughts : I can see this being a big time-saver for creating those 'how-to' videos that so many of you need for your websites. I'm still getting my head around how realistic the avatars are! It's quite impressive, but it's important to use it in a way that still feels genuine to your brand. For small businesses on a budget, HeyGen could be a really cost-effective way to get professional-looking videos. Tool 2: ElevenLabs Description: Next up is ElevenLabs, which is all about creating realistic voices with AI. You can type in any text, and ElevenLabs will read it aloud in a very natural-sounding voice. What's even more amazing is that it can create an AI version of your own voice, or any other voice you want, which opens up some very interesting possibilities. Key Features: The voices sound incredibly lifelike – much better than the old computer voices we're used to. You can adjust things like the speed and tone of the voice. The voice cloning is the standout feature – it's a bit like making a digital copy of someone's voice. It works in lots of different languages. Use Cases: If you're creating audio versions of your website content for people who prefer to listen, ElevenLabs is ideal. For those of you creating online courses, this could save you hours of recording time. Imagine creating personalised audio messages for your customers using your own AI voice! Pricing: There's a free option to try it out, which is always good. The paid plans charge you based on how much speech you generate each month. Personal Thoughts: I'm really excited about the potential for this to make online learning more accessible. The voice cloning is where it gets really interesting, but we do need to think carefully about the ethics of using this technology responsibly. For small businesses, ElevenLabs could be a quick and affordable way to add professional audio to your marketing or training materials. Tool 3: Gemini Description: Now, I'm sure you've all heard of Gemini! It's Google's latest AI model, and it's designed to be incredibly versatile. Think of it as a super-smart assistant that can help with all sorts of tasks – from writing emails to brainstorming ideas. What sets Gemini apart is its ability to understand and work with different types of information, like text, code, images, and more. This makes it really powerful for a wide range of business needs. Key Features: Gemini can generate text, translate languages, write different kinds of creative content, and answer your questions in an informative way. It's designed to be very responsive and helpful, almost like having a conversation with a knowledgeable colleague. It's constantly being updated and improved, so it's only going to get better over time. Use Cases: Need help drafting a social media post? Gemini can do that for you. Stuck on what to write in an email to a difficult client? Gemini can help you find the right words. Want to brainstorm some new marketing ideas? Gemini can be your sounding board. It can even help you understand complex data or create reports. Pricing: Access to Gemini varies depending on how you want to use it. Some features are integrated into existing Google products, while others might be accessed through APIs or other platforms. It's best to check the latest Google AI announcements for the most up-to-date information on pricing and availability. Personal Thoughts: I'm really excited about the potential of Gemini to help small businesses with their marketing. It could be a game-changer for creating content and engaging with customers. What I love about it is how easy it is to use. You can just ask it a question in plain English, and it understands what you mean. For those of you who struggle with writing, Gemini could be a real lifesaver. Tool 4: AnswerThePublic Description: AnswerThePublic is a brilliant tool for understanding what your customers are really asking about. It basically shows you all the questions people are typing into search engines related to a particular topic. This is incredibly valuable for your marketing, as it helps you create content that actually answers your customers' needs and questions. Key Features: It generates visual 'search clouds' that show you questions, prepositions, comparisons, and related searches. It organises the data in a clear and easy-to-understand way. It helps you identify trends and patterns in what people are searching for. Use Cases: If you're writing blog posts for your website, AnswerThePublic can give you a wealth of ideas for topics to cover. It's great for planning your social media content – you can create posts that directly address your customers' questions. It can also help you optimise your website content to rank higher in search engines. Pricing: There's a free version that gives you a limited number of searches per day, which is a good way to try it out. The paid versions offer more searches and extra features. Personal Thoughts: I use this tool all the time! It's amazing for getting into the minds of your customers and understanding what they're struggling with. It's so much better than just guessing what people want to know – it gives you concrete data. For small businesses on a tight budget, the free version is a great starting point. Tool 5: Google Alerts Description: Google Alerts is a free tool from Google that sends you email notifications whenever new content about a specific topic appears online. It's a really simple but powerful way to stay updated on your industry, your competitors, or even mentions of your own business. Key Features: You can set up alerts for any keyword or phrase. You can choose how often you receive alerts (e.g., daily, weekly, or as it happens). You can specify the sources you want to monitor (e.g., news, blogs, web). Use Cases: Keep track of what people are saying about your brand online. Monitor your competitors' activities and marketing campaigns. Stay informed about the latest trends and news in your industry. Find new content to share with your social media followers. Pricing: Google Alerts is completely free to use. Personal Thoughts: I recommend setting up Google Alerts for your business name, your key products or services, and your main competitors. It's a really easy way to keep your finger on the pulse. It's amazing how much information is out there, and Google Alerts helps you filter out the noise and focus on what's important. For small businesses, this is a fantastic free tool that can provide valuable insights. Tool 6: ScribeHow Description: ScribeHow is a tool that automatically creates step-by-step guides and documentation. It records your screen as you perform a task and instantly turns it into a clear, visual guide with screenshots and instructions. Key Features: Automatic screenshot capture. Step-by-step instructions generated from your actions. Easy editing and customization of guides. Options to share or embed guides. Use Cases: Create training materials for new employees. Document your business processes and procedures. Provide customer support by showing people how to use your products or services. Generate how-to guides for your website or knowledge base. Pricing: ScribeHow typically offers a free trial or a free version with limited features. Paid plans usually offer more advanced features and unlimited guide creation. (You'll need to check their site for the specifics) Personal Thoughts: This tool is a game-changer for creating training documentation! It saves so much time compared to manually writing out instructions and taking screenshots. If you're always answering the same questions from customers or employees, ScribeHow can help you create clear guides that everyone can refer to. I think this would be particularly useful for businesses with remote teams, as it makes it easy to share knowledge and processes. Tool 7: Suno Description: Suno is an AI tool that allows you to create music with vocals. You can generate songs in various styles and genres just by providing text prompts. It simplifies the music creation process, making it accessible to those without musical expertise. Key Features: Text-to-music generation. Ability to create songs with lyrics. Support for various music styles and genres. User-friendly interface. Use Cases: Creating background music for videos or presentations. Generating unique jingles or theme songs for your brand. Producing personalised songs for social media content. Exploring musical ideas without needing instruments or recording equipment. Pricing: Suno may offer a free trial or a free tier with limitations. Paid subscriptions likely provide more song generation credits or advanced features. (It's best to check their website for the most current pricing details.) Personal Thoughts: This is a really fun and creative tool! It could be a great way to add a unique touch to your marketing materials. While it might not replace professional musicians for high-quality recordings, it's excellent for quick and easy music creation. For small businesses looking to create engaging content on a budget, Suno offers an interesting option to explore. Tool 8: NiceJob Description: NiceJob is a reputation management platform that helps businesses collect and showcase positive customer reviews. It automates the process of gathering reviews from various platforms and helps you use those reviews in your marketing to attract more customers. Key Features: Automated review collection from multiple sites. Tools to share reviews on social media and your website. Features to monitor your online reputation and track your progress. Use Cases: Building trust and credibility with potential customers. Improving your online reputation and search engine rankings. Saving time on manually collecting and sharing reviews. Pricing: Look for different plans based on the number of locations or the features you need. They often have trials or demos available. Personal Thoughts: For local businesses, online reviews are absolutely essential. NiceJob seems like a great way to make the most of those positive customer experiences. I like that it helps you not only collect reviews but also use them actively in your marketing.If you're struggling to get enough reviews or want to improve your online reputation, NiceJob is worth checking out. Tool 9: Synthesia Description: Synthesia is an AI video generation platform that allows you to create videos with AI avatars. Similar to HeyGen, it simplifies video creation by enabling you to generate videos from text, using digital avatars as presenters. Key Features: A variety of AI avatars to choose from. Text-to-video conversion in multiple languages. Custom avatar creation (possibly, confirm on the website). Easy video editing and sharing. Use Cases: Creating training videos and tutorials. Developing marketing and sales videos. Personalizing video messages for customers. Pricing: Look for free trials or subscription plans with varying video lengths or features. Personal Thoughts: AI video generation is becoming more and more impressive. Synthesia could be a cost-effective way to produce professional-looking videos without expensive equipment. It's important to consider when using AI avatars is appropriate for your brand. Sometimes a real person is still more effective. For businesses that need to create a lot of video content regularly, Synthesia could save significant time and money. Tool 10: BigVu Description: BigVu is a teleprompter and video creation app that helps you record professional-quality videos with your smartphone. It combines a teleprompter to help you read your script with features to edit, add captions, and share your videos. Key Features: Teleprompter functionality that scrolls your script. Automatic captions to make your videos more accessible. Video editing tools to trim, add music, and brand your videos. Easy sharing to social media platforms. Use Cases: Creating engaging videos for social media marketing. Recording presentations and training videos. Producing video updates for your team or clients. Pricing: They often have a free version with basic features and paid plans for more advanced functionality. Personal Thoughts: I've always struggled with looking natural on camera, so a teleprompter app like BigVu is very appealing! The automatic captions are a great feature for making videos more accessible to everyone. For small businesses that want to create professional-looking videos on a budget, BigVu is a handy tool. CONCLUSION So, there you have it – my top 10 AI tools to help you supercharge your business! We've covered a lot of ground, from automating tasks and creating engaging content to managing your reputation and streamlining communication. Remember, AI is a powerful tool, but it's not about replacing you. It's about empowering you to work smarter, not harder. By exploring these tools and finding the right fit for your needs, you can free up time, improve your efficiency, and ultimately achieve your business goals faster. I encourage you to take the next step and try out a few of these tools. Most offer free trials or free versions, so you can experiment without any risk. I'm really keen to hear what you think! Which of these tools are you most excited about? Have you used any other AI tools that have been a game-changer for your business? Please share your thoughts with me – let's learn from each other! *Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through them. **Double-check the details and pricing on each website, as this information can change.
Right, let's have a proper honest chat, shall we? Looking back at my romantic history, it's fair to say it reads a bit like a comedy of errors – albeit one that probably wasn't all that funny for the leading ladies involved. Two marriages, three other long-term girlfriends… a fair few notches on the relationship bedpost, you might say!! But if I'm truly honest with myself (and with you lot), the trail of bewildered and likely exasperated exes behind me might just have a common denominator: my good old friend, ADHD. It wasn't until later in life that the penny finally dropped, that the whirlwind of my brain had a name. But looking back through the lens of this newfound understanding, so many of my less-than-stellar relationship habits suddenly click into place. Take the forgetfulness, for instance. It wasn't a conscious decision to blank on birthdays or anniversaries; my brain simply didn't flag them as the red-letter days they are. The mental clutter, the lack of organisation that spills out into every aspect of life? That probably didn't scream "stable and reliable partner" either. And my timekeeping? Let's just say "fashionably late" was less of a choice and more of a default setting, a constant source of frustration, I'm sure. Then there's the memory. Or rather, the sieve I seem to have where memories should be. Important dates vanished into the ether, details of conversations evaporated like morning mist. I can only imagine how that felt to someone who expected me to remember the little things, the things that signify care and attention. It wasn't all bad, mind you. I like to think I brought a fair bit to the table. I'm generally easy-going, love a good laugh (and making others laugh), and I genuinely care deeply about the people in my life. When the stars aligned and my brain cooperated, I could even pull off a romantic gesture or two! I'm also a giving person, often putting others' needs before my own – perhaps even to a fault, in my eagerness to please and avoid confrontation. Ah, the people-pleasing. That's another delightful ADHD trait that probably did me no favours in the long run. The desire to avoid conflict, to keep the peace at all costs, often meant I wouldn't address underlying issues, letting them fester until they inevitably blew up. And then there's my relentless obsession with ambition and work. That hyperfocus, that all-consuming drive to succeed professionally? It often came at the expense of nurturing my relationships, leaving partners feeling like they were playing second fiddle to my career. But let's be fair, it wasn't all me, was it? Relationships are a two-way street, and no one is perfect. But as I navigate this stage of life, the allure of solo living has become increasingly strong. The thought of constantly having to navigate the complexities of a long-term relationship, the potential for misunderstandings fueled by my ADHD quirks, the need for constant communication and compromise… well, the quiet comfort of my own company often seems a far more appealing prospect these days. Perhaps it's a form of self-preservation. Perhaps it's simply an acceptance of who I am and what I find easier. Either way, looking back, it's hard not to wonder if my wonderfully wired brain, with all its quirks and foibles, played a significant role in the romantic rollercoaster I've experienced. Maybe understanding this now is the first step towards a different kind of relationship – the one I have with myself, in the peaceful solitude of my own company. And honestly? Right now, that feels pretty good.
In the busy environment of a healthcare practice, efficiency and effective communication are paramount. Leveraging the right digital tools can not only save your team valuable time but also enhance patient experience and streamline your online presence. Here are some simple digital tools to consider for your local medical practice: Make Booking Easy: Online Appointment Scheduling Software: Implementing a user-friendly online appointment scheduling system can significantly improve patient convenience and reduce administrative burden. Patients can easily book appointments at their convenience, and your front desk staff can spend less time on the phone. Many systems can also send automated reminders, reducing no-shows. Communicate Securely and Efficiently: Secure Communication Platforms (If Applicable and Compliant): For certain types of practices where follow-up communication is necessary, exploring secure and HIPAA/GDPR-compliant communication platforms can streamline interactions with patients while ensuring data privacy. Manage Your Reputation Proactively: Online Review Platforms and Monitoring Tools: Online reviews are increasingly influential in healthcare decisions. Make it easy for satisfied local patients to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or specialized healthcare review sites. Use monitoring tools to stay informed about your online reputation and respond professionally and promptly to both positive and negative feedback. Stay Connected and Share Information: Basic Email Marketing Platforms: Building an email list allows you to share important practice updates, health information relevant to your local community, and appointment reminders (with consent). Simple email marketing platforms make it easy to create professional-looking newsletters and stay in touch with your patient base. Want to simplify your online management and enhance your practice efficiency? Book a free 30-minute consultation call with us to discuss digital tools tailored to the specific needs of your local medical practice.
Hashtags act as vital links, connecting your practice with local individuals actively seeking healthcare information and services online. By strategically using a mix of general and, crucially, local hashtags, you can ensure your valuable content reaches the right people in your community when they need it most. Here's how to navigate the hashtag landscape for your local medical practice: Pinpoint Your Location: Local Service Tags are Essential: Be specific about your location. Use hashtags like #[YourTown]Dentist, #SouthportOptician, #[YourNeighbourhood]Physio. This helps people in your immediate vicinity find your services when they search online. Specify Your Services: Condition and Treatment Tags: Use hashtags that accurately describe the conditions you treat or the services you offer (e.g., #DentalImplants, #EyeExam, #SportsPhysio, #AcupunctureForPain). Combine these with your local tags for highly targeted reach. Engage Your Community: Local Health and Wellbeing Tags: Look for and participate in broader local hashtags related to health and wellbeing in your area (e.g., #[YourTown]Health, #LocalWellbeing, #Healthy[YourRegion]). This can connect you with individuals interested in health topics, even if they aren't immediately seeking your specific service. Learn from Others (Ethically): Observe the social media presence of other reputable healthcare providers in your local area (without directly copying their content). Note the hashtags they use that seem to be generating engagement within the local community. Balance Broad and Specific: Use a mix of broader health-related hashtags and very specific local ones to maximise your reach to both general health enthusiasts and those actively looking for your particular services nearby. Ready to effectively use local hashtags to connect with more patients in your community? CONTACT US HERE
In the healthcare sector, while professionalism and trust are key, engaging visual content can help you connect with your local community on a more human level and make important health information more accessible. Here's how to use visuals effectively for your local medical practice: Create a Welcoming First Impression: Practice Photos and Videos: Showcase a clean, modern, and welcoming environment within your practice. High-quality photos and short video tours can help potential patients feel more comfortable and familiar with your space before their first appointment. Highlight the patient waiting areas, consultation rooms (without showing sensitive information), and the overall atmosphere of care. Simplify Complex Information: Infographics and Visual Explanations: Healthcare information can sometimes be complex. Use simple, well-designed infographics to visually explain common health conditions, treatment processes, or preventative care tips. These are easily shareable and can make important information more digestible for your local audience. Introduce Your Expertise: "Meet the Practitioner" Short Videos: Short, professional videos introducing your practitioners and their areas of expertise can build confidence. These videos can be informal yet informative, allowing your team to share their passion for their work and their commitment to patient care in the local community. Show the Human Side (Non-Clinical and Ethical): While maintaining professionalism, consider sharing carefully chosen behind-the-scenes glimpses that highlight the human side of your practice. This could be photos of your team participating in local community health events or celebrating a team achievement (always ensuring patient privacy is maintained). Want to create compelling and trustworthy visuals for your local medical practice? CONTACT US FOR A CHAT HERE
For medical locations like yours – whether you're a dental surgery in Birkdale, an optician in Southport, a physiotherapy clinic in London, or a complementary therapy centre across the region – building and maintaining the trust of your local community is absolutely paramount. In healthcare, people are making important decisions about their well-being, and your online presence plays a vital role in establishing confidence. Here are three key ways social media, when used thoughtfully, can strengthen that trust with potential and existing patients in your local area: Share Informative and Reliable Health Tips: Position Yourself as a Knowledgeable Local Resource: Instead of just promotional posts, make it a regular practice to share clear, concise, and evidence-based health information relevant to your specialisation and the common concerns of your local community. For a dental practice, this might be tips on maintaining oral hygiene or understanding different treatments. For an optician, it could be advice on choosing the right eyewear or recognising signs of eye conditions. By consistently providing valuable, easy-to-understand information, you position your practice as a knowledgeable and reliable resource, building trust before a patient even walks through your door. Remember to always adhere to ethical guidelines and avoid giving specific medical advice online. Introduce Your Caring and Qualified Team: Building Personal Connections within Your Community: Healthcare is a deeply personal matter, and patients want to feel comfortable and confident in the people who will be caring for them. Regularly introduce your team members through photos and short, friendly posts. Highlight their qualifications, their areas of expertise, and perhaps even a little about their connection to the local community. This humanises your practice, making it feel more approachable and less intimidating. When people see the friendly faces behind the services, it fosters a sense of familiarity and trust. Share Patient Experiences (Ethically and Anonymised/Consented): Positive feedback from other local patients can be incredibly powerful in building trust. With strict adherence to patient confidentiality and obtaining explicit consent, share anonymised testimonials or general positive feedback about the care and service your practice provides. Hearing about positive experiences from others in their local area can reassure potential patients that they will be in good hands. Focus on the positive outcomes and the caring nature of your team. Ready to build a stronger connection and greater trust with your local patients online? Contact us for a chat here