Wednesday, 5 December 2007
Make-up is better for business
'Woman who wear make-up do better in business'. Yes! After a few years at University being one of the few make-up addicts, I now feel vindicated!
Friday, 30 November 2007
Lateness
Lateness. I've been thinking about it a lot recently, but it all came to head this morning.
I arrived for a meeting at an agency, which shall remain nameless, on time and raring to go. I was greeted hospitably and offered a drink. I said, "yes please, a cup of tea would be lovely". Quarter of an hour later, I was beginning to get restless and thirsty. Half an hour later, I was rapidly sinking into a bad mood and extremely thirsty.
After three quarters of an hour (and numerous discussions with the receptionist), I was finally ushered into a small room and the meeting began.
"So, you are X from Leeds".
"No" I said.
Cue all looking extremely confused.
"Actually, I'm Y, from the IPA".
Cue red faces from the agency and a hasty dash to grab the right set of papers. I spent the next hour trying to look cheerful and contribute interesting ideas, all the while thinking what an absolute shambles they were.
The cup of tea never arrived either!
I arrived for a meeting at an agency, which shall remain nameless, on time and raring to go. I was greeted hospitably and offered a drink. I said, "yes please, a cup of tea would be lovely". Quarter of an hour later, I was beginning to get restless and thirsty. Half an hour later, I was rapidly sinking into a bad mood and extremely thirsty.
After three quarters of an hour (and numerous discussions with the receptionist), I was finally ushered into a small room and the meeting began.
"So, you are X from Leeds".
"No" I said.
Cue all looking extremely confused.
"Actually, I'm Y, from the IPA".
Cue red faces from the agency and a hasty dash to grab the right set of papers. I spent the next hour trying to look cheerful and contribute interesting ideas, all the while thinking what an absolute shambles they were.
The cup of tea never arrived either!
Friday, 23 November 2007
Fostering Creativity and Diversity
It has been one of those weeks when I have learnt a lot. A nice week. I went to a seminar at The Work Foundation about fostering creativity and diversity with Herman Gyr. It was excellent.
I thought I'd share one of the particularly interesting things I learnt. The content is not new, but I really liked the new way of approaching it.
To cope with the future, companies need to think about their audience and consumers. There are four types of personality, or parts of personality.
Ana Analogue wants to be enriched, is passive and reflective. To fulfill her needs a company needs to provide quality content. Andi is enabled and wants to interact and be playful. A company needs to provide him with interactive experiences and choice. DJ Digital is empowered, creative and wants to make an impact, therefore he needs tools to engage with content. Finally, Syndi Synthesised wants to connect, participate and be part of a community therefore she needs an interactive platform.
I think this model to think about consumer wants and needs now and in the future is helpful. My personal opinion is that we all have elements of each of those personalities within us, but the younger we are, the more we move away from Ana and towards Syndi.
I thought I'd share one of the particularly interesting things I learnt. The content is not new, but I really liked the new way of approaching it.
To cope with the future, companies need to think about their audience and consumers. There are four types of personality, or parts of personality.
Ana Analogue wants to be enriched, is passive and reflective. To fulfill her needs a company needs to provide quality content. Andi is enabled and wants to interact and be playful. A company needs to provide him with interactive experiences and choice. DJ Digital is empowered, creative and wants to make an impact, therefore he needs tools to engage with content. Finally, Syndi Synthesised wants to connect, participate and be part of a community therefore she needs an interactive platform.
I think this model to think about consumer wants and needs now and in the future is helpful. My personal opinion is that we all have elements of each of those personalities within us, but the younger we are, the more we move away from Ana and towards Syndi.
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Marketing Society Conference
I went to The Marketing Society Conference yesterday and really enjoyed myself. It was held at the Royal Opera House, which was a beautiful venue. Even the continual rain pouring onto the roof of the Floral Hall could not dampen my spirits as I listened to some really interesting speeches.
The first public appearance of Blake Chandlee as Commercial Director of Facebook UK was informative in itself, but a talk on private equity by David Mansfield was also surprisingly enjoyable.
I often leave conferences feeling sleepy (no natural light) and none the wiser. Yesterday, however, I felt that I had learnt a lot. The mini apple and pear crumbles at lunchtime were also scrumptious!
The first public appearance of Blake Chandlee as Commercial Director of Facebook UK was informative in itself, but a talk on private equity by David Mansfield was also surprisingly enjoyable.
I often leave conferences feeling sleepy (no natural light) and none the wiser. Yesterday, however, I felt that I had learnt a lot. The mini apple and pear crumbles at lunchtime were also scrumptious!
Friday, 16 November 2007
IPA Effectiveness Awards 2007
MCBD and MediaCom won the IPA Grand Prix for Trident, the Metropolitan Police operation to curb black community gun crime in London. The campaign, which also won a Gold Award, lead to an 86% rise in calls providing intelligence on gun crime, and a reduction of 15% on actual gun crime.
Unfortunately, this morning there was another headline about gun crime and death. A 17 year old footballer shot in Stoke Newington. In the last year, there have been three or four shootings in the area and streets where I live. It never ceases to shock and scare me. It is so incomprehensible.
Unfortunately, this morning there was another headline about gun crime and death. A 17 year old footballer shot in Stoke Newington. In the last year, there have been three or four shootings in the area and streets where I live. It never ceases to shock and scare me. It is so incomprehensible.
Tuesday, 13 November 2007
The Truth
In the course of researching foreign advertising, there were some real howlers. However, there were also some gems. Here is one of them:
However, while watching it, I found it difficult to stop wondering why it was in English; isn't Argentina a Spanish speaking country? Is it therefore genuine? I don't know, but I still think it is very powerful.
However, while watching it, I found it difficult to stop wondering why it was in English; isn't Argentina a Spanish speaking country? Is it therefore genuine? I don't know, but I still think it is very powerful.
Thursday, 8 November 2007
London
London is often a lonely and mean spirited place, but I was pleasantly surprised last night.
I squeezed onto the bus on my way home, but it set off with such a jerk that I, and several other people, went flying. This trip proved too much for my book bag (my advice is to be suspicious of IPA carrier bags!) and the bottom split, my books flying everywhere.
The next five minutes proved quite interesting. The bus pitched and tossed while I scrabbled around on the floor to retrieve everything. Finally, all poise completely lost, I sat down.
After examining my pile of belongings and my useless bag in dismay, I looked up to find a stranger opposite offering me a spare bag, having rearranged her shopping to do so. How lovely!
Small, everyday events like that really make me happy.
I squeezed onto the bus on my way home, but it set off with such a jerk that I, and several other people, went flying. This trip proved too much for my book bag (my advice is to be suspicious of IPA carrier bags!) and the bottom split, my books flying everywhere.
The next five minutes proved quite interesting. The bus pitched and tossed while I scrabbled around on the floor to retrieve everything. Finally, all poise completely lost, I sat down.
After examining my pile of belongings and my useless bag in dismay, I looked up to find a stranger opposite offering me a spare bag, having rearranged her shopping to do so. How lovely!
Small, everyday events like that really make me happy.
Thursday, 1 November 2007
Heather Mills McCartney
Headlines like 'Heather Mills McCartney's GMTV meltdown' were all over the papers this morning. Ouch.
Regardless of the rights and wrongs, the truths and the lies of the situation, I really do think this woman is her own worst enemy. The media is not the forum to protest about media intrusion, it just makes you look, at best, silly.
Regardless of the rights and wrongs, the truths and the lies of the situation, I really do think this woman is her own worst enemy. The media is not the forum to protest about media intrusion, it just makes you look, at best, silly.
Tuesday, 30 October 2007
Cheerleaders
If the way you dress, the way you speak and the way you act are all part of your personal brand, just what are cheerleaders thinking?
Watching the NFL game, played at Wembley on Sunday, I was quite horrified to see these doll-like females waving their pom poms. Frankly, I found it embarrassing that supposedly intelligent, independent, athletic women could be satisfied wearing very little and looking pretty whilst the men get on with the real game.
Maybe it is because I grew up as part of the Spice Girl/Girl Power generation, or maybe I don't understand American culture, but cheerleaders really should set their sights higher than just being decorations on the sidelines of a 'man's sport'.
Thursday, 25 October 2007
The Cult of the Amateur
Andrew Keen’s book ‘The Cult of the Amateur’, about the growth of blogging and social networking, claims that ‘the democratisation of the digital world is destroying our economy, our culture and our values’. I would argue against these opinions strongly.
First, the internet is actually stimulating our economy in a hugely exciting way. This Christmas will be a record year for spending online, with £13.6bn predicted to be spent online between October 1st and Christmas Day (The Forrester Report). The UK is now the largest market in Europe for online shopping. Online businesses are being set up every day. The online revolution is actively contributing to our economy. Keen uses the example of the music industry’s decline to support his argument. In fact, the music industry's reticence in embracing the digital age and new business models was the cause of its downfall. Experiments such as Radiohead’s ‘honesty box’ approach for downloading their new album seem to be paying off, music industry executives were just too short sighted to see it.
Secondly, the internet is adding to our culture, not detracting from it. Keen argues the lack of control over the internet is allowing our culture to be diluted by mediocre amateurs. Culture is not like fruit squash, it cannot be diluted. The most successful blogs are a phenomenon and add to our culture, by allowing publishing companies to discover new talent cheaply e.g. ‘Wife in the North’.
Finally, Keen argues our values are being compromised. He says the internet is undermining truth. Truth has always been a slippery concept and traditional media are no less immune to accusations of lies and deceit than the internet. The internet gives people choices; the choice to form their own opinions, to contribute to the debate and to criticise. This is not undermining our values in anyway, just exploring them.
First, the internet is actually stimulating our economy in a hugely exciting way. This Christmas will be a record year for spending online, with £13.6bn predicted to be spent online between October 1st and Christmas Day (The Forrester Report). The UK is now the largest market in Europe for online shopping. Online businesses are being set up every day. The online revolution is actively contributing to our economy. Keen uses the example of the music industry’s decline to support his argument. In fact, the music industry's reticence in embracing the digital age and new business models was the cause of its downfall. Experiments such as Radiohead’s ‘honesty box’ approach for downloading their new album seem to be paying off, music industry executives were just too short sighted to see it.
Secondly, the internet is adding to our culture, not detracting from it. Keen argues the lack of control over the internet is allowing our culture to be diluted by mediocre amateurs. Culture is not like fruit squash, it cannot be diluted. The most successful blogs are a phenomenon and add to our culture, by allowing publishing companies to discover new talent cheaply e.g. ‘Wife in the North’.
Finally, Keen argues our values are being compromised. He says the internet is undermining truth. Truth has always been a slippery concept and traditional media are no less immune to accusations of lies and deceit than the internet. The internet gives people choices; the choice to form their own opinions, to contribute to the debate and to criticise. This is not undermining our values in anyway, just exploring them.
Friday, 12 October 2007
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
Black Sheep
One uncanny coincidence that I kept thinking about while at BBH was their logo and my upbringing.
Black Sheep Beer was a large part of my childhood. Not in the drinking it sense, I hasten to add (I will never like beer I'm afraid), but in a brand sense. It was the local brewery. I went to school with members of the family. All the men in my family drink nothing else. The thing that has always particularly interested me though is the story behind the name.
Paul Theakston, part of the Theakston brewing dynasty, disagreed with his family over the selling of Theakston's in the early 1990s to Scottish and Newcastle. He left the fold to set up a rival brewery, in the same town. Awkward. Originally called 'Sheep', Paul's wife suggested, 'Black Sheep' as an appropriate name, given the tension and disagreements within the family.
It could be a Catherine Cookson plot...
So when I marched up to the Black Sheep above the door of BBH, I felt curiously at home. A familiar landmark in a way. I've just got to remember that, when everyone else zigs, to make sure I zag. Very Black Sheep.
Black Sheep Beer was a large part of my childhood. Not in the drinking it sense, I hasten to add (I will never like beer I'm afraid), but in a brand sense. It was the local brewery. I went to school with members of the family. All the men in my family drink nothing else. The thing that has always particularly interested me though is the story behind the name.
Paul Theakston, part of the Theakston brewing dynasty, disagreed with his family over the selling of Theakston's in the early 1990s to Scottish and Newcastle. He left the fold to set up a rival brewery, in the same town. Awkward. Originally called 'Sheep', Paul's wife suggested, 'Black Sheep' as an appropriate name, given the tension and disagreements within the family.
It could be a Catherine Cookson plot...
So when I marched up to the Black Sheep above the door of BBH, I felt curiously at home. A familiar landmark in a way. I've just got to remember that, when everyone else zigs, to make sure I zag. Very Black Sheep.
Bartle Bogle Hegarty
I have returned to the IPA after my week at BBH. I had a fantastic, if slightly exhausting, time. It was a real insight into agency life, planning in particular. Unlike most work experience placements I have done, I felt I was being vaguely useful! Funnily enough, pages 12, 17 and 29 of Marketing this week have shown me that the project I was working on was even more topical than I suspected. I'm resisting the temptation to email the articles over - it would just be too keen.
Overall, the agency were incredibly kind to me, although, unfortunately, I did not meet Sir John Hegarty, but his PA and office were very nice when I walked past!
I had a very steep learning curve while I was there, but it really confirmed that 'plannerish' ambitions are the right kind of ambition to have, for me anyway.
Overall, the agency were incredibly kind to me, although, unfortunately, I did not meet Sir John Hegarty, but his PA and office were very nice when I walked past!
I had a very steep learning curve while I was there, but it really confirmed that 'plannerish' ambitions are the right kind of ambition to have, for me anyway.
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
Pictures and Publishers
I (and the excellent Claire and Martin) have been gathering images for Hamish's book for the last year now. We have a large stock pile of ads from 'Persil Washes Whiter' and 'Smash Martians' to 'Skoda Fabia - Bakers'.
Initial instructions were for 'high resolution' images, 300 dpi. So, for the last year, we have been asking for exactly that from agencies and clients.
Last week, I received an e mail from our otherwise excellent publishers explaining that they actually needed black and white images at 600 dpi resolution. Oh dear. So this week, I have had the unenviable task of writing to the 50+ people who kindly supplied us with images in the first place, asking for an ultra high resolution image. It became increasingly clear that most images are just not stored at that quality, nor have any need to be.
So the result is that I now have about three images which, amazingly, are the required resolution, and a lot more that are not. The one thing I just don't understand is why, when 300 dpi is good enough for A3 ads, is it not good enough for a 100mm by 80mm book plate?
Initial instructions were for 'high resolution' images, 300 dpi. So, for the last year, we have been asking for exactly that from agencies and clients.
Last week, I received an e mail from our otherwise excellent publishers explaining that they actually needed black and white images at 600 dpi resolution. Oh dear. So this week, I have had the unenviable task of writing to the 50+ people who kindly supplied us with images in the first place, asking for an ultra high resolution image. It became increasingly clear that most images are just not stored at that quality, nor have any need to be.
So the result is that I now have about three images which, amazingly, are the required resolution, and a lot more that are not. The one thing I just don't understand is why, when 300 dpi is good enough for A3 ads, is it not good enough for a 100mm by 80mm book plate?
Friday, 21 September 2007
Networks
I've been thinking a lot about networks over the past week. Reading the trade press, you would think networks were a terribly new thing, invented circa 2004 and called Facebook.
Actually, networks have been part of the human condition for a long, long time. I imagine stories, tales and sagas were passed on from person to person through networks, long before the written word. Footpaths and roads have always existed, latticing the country in a network.
I think, given the current topicality of digital networks, it is important to remember that the word 'network' has a wider meaning that just Bebo, My Space and Facebook. The really interesting thing is not that digital networks exist, but how they differ (or otherwise) from more traditional networks.
Actually, networks have been part of the human condition for a long, long time. I imagine stories, tales and sagas were passed on from person to person through networks, long before the written word. Footpaths and roads have always existed, latticing the country in a network.
I think, given the current topicality of digital networks, it is important to remember that the word 'network' has a wider meaning that just Bebo, My Space and Facebook. The really interesting thing is not that digital networks exist, but how they differ (or otherwise) from more traditional networks.
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
Atonement
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My visit to see Atonement was quite eventful. We settled down into our seats at Odeon Tottenham Court Road, just as the film was starting. The room was completely quiet. Too completely quiet, it soon became clear. There was no sound for the first 20 minutes. The whole cinema revolted, led by a fabulous Australian girl. The manager was apologetic, but no, he couldn't start the film again. He explained this was because of the digital technology. I would like to believe him, but my cynical side suspects it may have been more to do with the fact they didn't want to spoil their schedule. To make a long story shorter, we eventually got our money back and some complimentary tickets; which I felt was the only appropriate course of action for the manager after our Friday night had been a bit of a disaster.
On Sunday, we decided to try again. We also decided that, as we had guest passes, we would go to the huge Odeon in Leicester Square. We got fabulous seats and the film was fantastic in my humble opinion (although it would seem Cosmo from The Times is a harder man to please). Keira Knightly's acting was much better and the cinematography was stunning. Odeon made amends for Friday night's fiasco; their brand equity is now higher in my eyes!
Friday, 7 September 2007
The Battle of Big Thinking
I have a flyer for the 3rd Annual Branded Content Forum on my desk. It looks really interesting. So I am going to go.
In my time at the IPA, I've been lucky enough to go to loads of interesting conferences and seminars. Not only have they helped me do my present job, but have filled my head with all sorts of random facts and ideas, which will hopefully be useful in the future.
The one conference which I'd love to go to is 'The Battle of Big Thinking'. I've heard it was great last year, but I haven't managed to get hold of a ticket for it yet ...to go there will be one of my New Year 2008 resolutions, I think.
In my time at the IPA, I've been lucky enough to go to loads of interesting conferences and seminars. Not only have they helped me do my present job, but have filled my head with all sorts of random facts and ideas, which will hopefully be useful in the future.
The one conference which I'd love to go to is 'The Battle of Big Thinking'. I've heard it was great last year, but I haven't managed to get hold of a ticket for it yet ...to go there will be one of my New Year 2008 resolutions, I think.
Thursday, 6 September 2007
Planning Books
I love books. I am regarded as bizarre by my friends as I probably read more than I watch T.V.
One of my many favourite books is Atonement by Ian McEwan. This is mainly because it is stunningly, beautifully written. I like the plot as well, but if I could ever frame a sentence as perfectly as Ian McEwan, I would be a very happy girl.
When discussing the film and Ian McEwan generally in the office, it became increasingly clear that not everyone shares my high opinion. 'Pretentious b******!' was one of the more extreme responses. I am sure he probably is; great writers are not known for being likable human beings in general, but I'm still going to wax lyrical about Atonement.
I am going to see the film tomorrow, which I am quite intrigued by. I usually find Keira Knightly wooden, so I hope she raises her game.
On the subject of books, I have decided to read a few about planning, in preparation for my secondment at BBH. I've already read a few, but manged to miss 'Truth, Lies and Advertising', which is apparently essential reading. I will be curling up with that tonight.
One of my many favourite books is Atonement by Ian McEwan. This is mainly because it is stunningly, beautifully written. I like the plot as well, but if I could ever frame a sentence as perfectly as Ian McEwan, I would be a very happy girl.
When discussing the film and Ian McEwan generally in the office, it became increasingly clear that not everyone shares my high opinion. 'Pretentious b******!' was one of the more extreme responses. I am sure he probably is; great writers are not known for being likable human beings in general, but I'm still going to wax lyrical about Atonement.
I am going to see the film tomorrow, which I am quite intrigued by. I usually find Keira Knightly wooden, so I hope she raises her game.
On the subject of books, I have decided to read a few about planning, in preparation for my secondment at BBH. I've already read a few, but manged to miss 'Truth, Lies and Advertising', which is apparently essential reading. I will be curling up with that tonight.
Thursday, 30 August 2007
Everyone loves a story
"Everyone hates ads, everyone loves a story."
This quote is from someone we interviewed for Hamish's book.
This opinion is also popular outside marketing and in advertsing.
Perhaps agencies need to be hiring journalists and storytellers, copywriters should go on creative writing courses and planners should find the story, rather than (or as well as) the insight?
This quote is from someone we interviewed for Hamish's book.
This opinion is also popular outside marketing and in advertsing.
Perhaps agencies need to be hiring journalists and storytellers, copywriters should go on creative writing courses and planners should find the story, rather than (or as well as) the insight?
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