Peter Drucker is attributed with saying: “….but the aim of marketing is to make selling superfluous.” If he’s correct, then could it be that the cost of sales is actually a charge marketing should incur, and if so, then what if that investment was rechanneled into marketing communications in the first place? In other words, […]

I was borderline obsessed with Thunderbirds when I was a kid. I had Thunderbird curtains in my bedroom, Thunderbird PJs, and my toy box was crammed with everything from Thunderbird magazines to plastic models. Recently, Thunderbirds have returned to my life via social media (and probably posting this will boost even more reels!), and I’ve noticed […]

I’m seeing a specialist physiotherapist for treatment to my left hand. You see, I had a trapped nerve, and this has led to losing over 80% of my strength in my hand with my little finger having almost no feeling at all. It took less than 3 months for one nerve to significantly disable one […]

Innovation has often been treated as something to do when the existing model begins to falter, or when markets dry up. This approach is no longer appropriate, indeed if it ever was. In conversation with Ian Preston, co-founder of Greenhouse OS, we identified that in order for this new CRM/Business Operating System to succeed, innovation […]

“And an astronomer said, Master, what of Time? And he answered: You would measure time the measureless and the immeasurable. You would adjust your conduct and even direct the course of your spirit according to hours and seasons. Of time you would make a stream upon whose bank you would sit and watch it’s flowing. […]

Last week, Seth Godin talked about ‘Hobson’s Choice’ – I wasn’t previously aware of the origin of this term, which dates back to the 16th century. Thomas Hobson was a hostler who owned a livery stable in Cambridge. Whilst giving the impression of having an extensive choice of forty or more, Hobson would only allow […]

Here’s a selection of reasons I’ve heard as to why people missed their goals this year: War in Ukraine War in Palestine/Israel Aftermath of Truss mini-budget Lingering effects of Brexit Cost of living (“crisis”) Energy prices House prices Inflation Politics (instability, incompetence, etc.) “Crazy” competitor tactics Supply chain holdups Lack of talent (Please feel free […]

You can definitely conclude that former Royal Engineers officer Nick Francis has had a diverse career. He was awarded the “Operational Engineering Award” for his design and construction of emergency Ebola hospitals in Sierra Leone, and his innovative designs for emergency flood defences saved the town of Romsey from catastrophic flooding. As a specialist in […]

In his bestselling book ‘Purple Cow’, Seth Godin makes a point every leader would do well to properly consider: “If you can’t state your position in eight words, you don’t have a position.” Of course, brevity isn’t the only thing required, these eight words must do three things: Be relevant to the audience Be different […]

Grab a piece of paper and create four columns. In the first column write down every reason why a client should select you. Make sure you include the way you deliver the service as well as the products/services. Include price, payment terms, warranties and anything else financial. Add the personal touches, the things your people […]