An insight treasure trove (that all strategists should read)

Top news. The 2017 APG awards book is out. Reading it is one of the best “strategy workouts” that a planner can do. So, that’s what i am going to do – and i am going to use it illuminate what we mean by that much used word – “Insight”- and how it helps unlock greatContinue reading “An insight treasure trove (that all strategists should read)”

What’s not going to change

Here is my counter-blast against the (much promoted) idea that everything in marketing is changing. It is just published in the new issue of Market Leader – the strategic marketing journal for business leader. It is reproduced with their permission. Subscribe at http://www.warc.com/bookstore Saunders final  

Bad leaders and their impact

Was the theme exposed and discussed in a new style seminar (called Bad leader) that has been launched by the Marketing Society’ new CEO, Gemma Greaves. 50 or so society members sat in the round in a session moderated by leadership expert and coach Steve Radcliffe. Two people shared stories of being on the receivingContinue reading “Bad leaders and their impact”

Predictions you can make with confidence (1st of a series)

  We will be eating a lot of fruit and veg in the next 10 years  The forces that will make even more of us “demi-veg” (or even vegetarian) are a powerful combination of the personal, environmental and economic. Plus, anything that Jamie Oliver champions is likely to go mainstream. “I’m going vegetarian 3 timesContinue reading “Predictions you can make with confidence (1st of a series)”

“Knowing what’s important”

Was how Charles Handy defined “wisdom” at a recent event- it has stayed with me It is particularly needed at the moment – as many in marketing are transfixed by new technologies and have persuaded themselves of two things a) change is pervasive and b) change getting quicker. This second statement has been taken axiomaticContinue reading ““Knowing what’s important””

What’s wrong with Programmatic advertising ? (PA)

Everyone is hot for it – so what could possibly go wrong? A few things: My prediction- by the end of the year the trade press will be talking about a backlash against programmatic? Here’s why:- People intuit that they are just “target audiences” (and let’s not pretend otherwise) PA something that is done toContinue reading “What’s wrong with Programmatic advertising ? (PA)”

My favourite Christmas campaign is not John Lewis

The Columbian govt used Christmas trees to persuade FARC guerrillas to give up the fight.Nine 75-foot trees along paths the insurgents used were decorated them with Christmas lights and a message encouraging them to come home. The operation was deemed a success; 331 guerrillas demobilized while the campaign was active, a 30% increase from theContinue reading “My favourite Christmas campaign is not John Lewis”

Louise Bougeois at Tate modern

London is full of free art shows. The artist rooms at The Tate dedicated to Louise Bourgeois are a great way to spent a free hour. You can also see where the likes of Sarah Lucas and Tracey Emin got their ideas from. Her work is visceral, and sensual – unmistakably the work of aContinue reading “Louise Bougeois at Tate modern”