Sage Blog

A musical heritage

Here at Sage we have a strong heritage of supporting great music. We’re proud to be one of the founding patrons of the Sage Gateshead, one of the UK’s most prestigious venues, which is currently celebrating its fifth birthday.

Ewan, without his headphones in (a rarity)

My friends and colleagues will agree that I’m something of a music obsessive. When I’m not working on our websites I write for a North East music magazine called Narc which showcases some of the most innovative music nationally and internationally. I’ve been lucky enough over the years to interview some of the acts who I love, including Spiritualized, Mercury Rev and Richard Hawley. I’ve also reviewed hundreds of great gigs and CDs, which means that I’ve been exposed to lots and lots of music.

Musically insipired business software

I find music is one of my key inspirations to help me think and focus on my work at Sage. I know that some people find it difficult to focus with music on, but I’m the exact opposite. Mind you, it needs to be the right music, and over the years I’ve learnt to differentiate between the music that inspires me and the music that I find distracting. That’s why online services like Spotify are great. They allow you to build up a collection of songs that are just right to keep you inspired and focussed.

Check out my spotify playlist 

Ewan's spotify list

I think it’s fair to say that my taste in music may not be to everyone’s liking, so why don’t you pull together your own playlist and share it with us?

Happy listening!

Check out my playlist at Music to work by.

Written by Ewan McIntyre, Sage Digital Implementation Manager

One of your most inspirational places!

 

It seems most of you prefer to take your thinking time out of office hours, with mornings, evening and weekends highlighted as key times for creative thinking. Being relaxed is important too, with many of you saying you do your best thinking in the bath, shower or, for a truly luxurious experience, taking a dip in the hot tub. Others prefer a more active approach, walking the dogs, doing a spot of gardening or working out at the gym. A glass of wine seems to loosen up the thinking muscles too.

Away from the phones, the computer screen and the chatter of colleagues, many of you choose to take time out alone, including one person honest enough to admit that the smallest room is where they do their best thinking. Certainly a lack of other distractions seems to focus the mind.

But creative thinking doesn’t have to be an anti-social activity. In fact many of you say you enjoy bouncing ideas around with friends and colleagues. For some simply chatting things through over a cup of coffee or a pint in the pub is the way to develop great ideas. But it’s encouraging to see that thinking time can be part of ‘work time’ too. Many of you say that regular structured meetings in the office or away days are helping you develop plans for the future.

However, wherever and whenever you choose to do your thinking, it’s important not to neglect it. Take some time out from the day-to-day and your next bright business idea could be the one that really makes the difference.

So, where do you get your best business ideas?