My first book review is on ‘Getting Real‘ by 37signals who develop some fantastic software including Basecamp which I use as my preferred project management tool.

In 37signals’ words, “Getting real is all about being able to change on the fly”.

The book is specifically written for people wanting to build smart web applications, but with most businesses needing web presence these days, I think its advice is relevant to all who want to be successful at business in the 21st century.

It’s an easy, quick and enjoyable read with directness and potentially hard hitting statements. I like its frankness and willingness to share lessons learnt. You can tell its a book written by a team who aren’t afraid to be open, admit mistakes and grab the bull by its horns.

So what does it teach us about business in the web 2.0 world?

If you’re not a techie, then make sure you read the book with the thought, ‘How could this apply to my business?’ in the back of your mind.

Here are four themes I pulled out of the book and how I think they relate to entrepreneurism and business startups.

My ‘getting real’ notes… Read more…

Photolate is my main project to empower me and others to become better photographers.

www.photolate.com = expert photo retouching for everyday photos. Here’s my pitch…

Photolate takes your photos beyond the basic photo editing techniques, give them the airbrush treatment that celebrity photos receive, and gets you feeling fabulous about your image.

By employing real people to do the retouching, Photolate leaves the guessing game out of perfecting your image and your memories. It’s a hassle free service: you require no software, only 48 hours and a special photo that needs rescuing.

Photolate is a business with a social conscious.

To me that means helping everyone create studio quality photos and opening up the photo retouching process to all, whatever the make or size of their purse.

I believe that photo retouching is a photographic process ideal for treasured photos which have been spoilt by camera equipment, photographic inexperience or a ‘bad hair’ day.

I want to raise awareness around photo retouching and actively contribute to the debate on the use of photo retouching in today’s society.

Last month I took my summer holiday. Alone.

So I had some time to make some notes and think about tips for those that are contemplating holidaying alone. After 7 holidays going alone I feel quite an expert!

5 Top Tips For Being A Single Traveller

• Pick your holiday wisely. Make sure you choose a holiday that will keep you active and will easily give you opportunities to meet new people. Activity holidays such as those offered by Mark Warner or Club Med are great for giving you the chance to try something new and exciting in a safe environment with like minded individuals. Read more…

…but not just any other…now it’s Natalie’s turn at blogging!

Having careered through web metrics at CSFB, secondary school ICT teaching at Peckham Academy, travelling with Intrepid, volunteering with old people at Haro Park, social enterprise consultancy at Eastside, here I am in the throws of being a business owner with Photolate.

If there are two things you could do to help this journey, it would be to check out www.photolate.com and add the RSS feed of this blog to your reader. I’ll keep you posted!