Planet Angel - Live an Ordinary Life in an Extraordinary Way

It's been way too long since I posted a Planet Angel update...!

So, firstly, I'm currently working outside of Planet Angel 3 days a week.  This is because about a year ago Pete and I took a good hard look at things and although there are lots of exciting plans for the future we realised we'd need to boost Planet Angel's income before we could start the projects we had planned…

So, just as Pete had done in the past I'm out in the world of accounts contract work when I'm not working at Planet Angel!  The contract fees go through Planet Angel so it's really helping to add the financial stability we planned for in 2006...

It's been odd for me because I've had to step back from a lot of the day to day stuff that keeps my baby ticking over!   I've finally settled into the swing of my new schedule though and even managed to fit in a few festies and breaks away thanks to Pete holding the fort...  He's been brilliant, taking on loads of work that has previously been handled by my skillset... It's sometimes a bit of a mishmash of input from us both which has been confusing on occasions with the occasional hiccup, but as time goes by we're getting a lot better at working together from different places!

Meanwhile Heather is working with me to coordinate all the artists and activities and I have to say I'm really impressed Heather, you're freeing me up loads and you're a top quality organiser, the artists are now being looked after Planet Angel stylee which is really important!

Pete has also been taking responsibility for several projects that are really important for Planet Angel's development such as the IT project.  With the help of Ali, Graham, Daf, Keni and Jason we've set up a new pc & network, switched email hosts, and most importantly, set up microsoft exchange so that i can work on the move using the PDA Keni sourced for me...  All those intense meetings, emails and calls were totally worth it guys, mission accomplished - I am writing this on the pda and train journeys and lunchbreaks when i'm away from Planet Angel Headquarters are now a whole load more productive for me now that I can respond to emails, manage my diary & tasks, it's great!  

All this means i can continue with my contract work for a bit longer without stuff falling apart and that is a very good position for Planet Angel to be in.

An unexpected side-effect of my external work is i'm being offered more contracts implementing accounts systems & procedures for small/ medium sized companies, so I'm thinking of maybe looking for someone interested in training up to manage the books for several companies who might be interested in working with me (get in touch if you're interested!).

Having Lauren working with us is really helping, she's with us 1 day a week and helps Pete and I with all sorts including getting ready for the party, tying up afterwards, stuff like the crew weekender and of course our fabulous up and coming New Years Eve Party. You're a switched on lady Lauren, thanks for all your help!

I think we all agree Sam is really developing the shop, keeping things evolving and interesting...  the fans have been very well received and I know she has lots of stuff in the pipeline... A proper do-er, nice one Sam!  Especially pleased with the new Planet Angel Bottle clips we've just had made, they rock!

Andi has the party production in good shape as production coordinator which is a blessing, thanks Andi, and Peter Poole is getting more involved in the whole a/v end of things, repairing light fittings, feeding back on how things could be improved and Luke has saved the day many a time!...  John is taking on more and more as a very capable event manager and freeing me up more and more on the night which is invaluable!

So all in all I think Pete & I have managed to do a fair bit of delegation to some pretty shit-hot peeps, and as a crew we're working together really well too!  We're on the lookout for a couple more people to join our merry throng of crew to cover those that have stepped back recently, and as always we're spreading the word about the caretaker roles – get in touch if you're interested!

So now it's all about New Year's Eve! Last week Pete & I got to show  a good few crew around the venue for the first time which was very exciting, everyone had loads of brilliant ideas and input and we all enjoyed a good load of tapas and chinwagging afterwards... We can't wait, this is going to be the biggest event we've ever hosted and the vibe out there is just brilliant... Man I love my job  :o)

Over & out, Angel xx