• Purpose Platitudes vs. Brand Activism

    Purpose Platitudes vs. Brand Activism

    Earlier, I posted about the much-hyped topic of brand “Purpose”, and called on marketers to go beyond platonic statements of intent to embrace full-on activism in pursuit of their brand beliefs. In this article, we’ll explore two related examples of brand purpose, one done with absolute conviction and good intent and the other with, perhaps,…

  • Activism over Purpose

    Activism over Purpose

    There’s a lot of buzz in marketing and PR circles about the importance of businesses having “Purpose”, usually with a capital P. Generally speaking, this leads companies to identify ways they can be seen to stand for something more useful to society than simply making vast amounts of profit. At best, this translates into organisations…

  • How to Book a Professional Speaker

    How to Book a Professional Speaker

    Here’s a short video I just filmed to share some tips on how to book a professional speaker for an event or conference. I distilled my advice into 10 easy, fool-proof steps. Hope you find this helpful 🙂

  • Lessons from Seven Years of Good Old-Fashioned Hard Work

    Lessons from Seven Years of Good Old-Fashioned Hard Work

    Seven years ago I left Microsoft to start a crazy experiment, to start my own company and help others achieve more in our digital world. As I look back on all that’s happened since April 2012, I wanted to share a few words of advice for others thinking of branching out on their own. Thanks…

  • Keynote Talk Topics – New Video Guide

    Keynote Talk Topics – New Video Guide

    I’ve just put together a one-page summary of some of the hottest keynote talk topics I’m often asked to cover. If you’re trying to decide which speaker topics to include in your next conference or event, this is a good place to start. Each of the images links to a short YouTube video where I…

  • In Conversation with Roger Edwards

    In Conversation with Roger Edwards

    I recently chatted to Roger Edwards on his Marketing & Finance podcast where we talked about the sorry demise of marketing strategy, the flaws of the efficiency bubble, and how to do content marketing well. You can listen to our conversation in the player below, or read more and subscribe to Roger’s podcast here. Enjoy!

  • Being a Good Influence(r)

    Being a Good Influence(r)

    I’m often asked what the rules are governing promotional activities carried out by influencers, whether a hired-in celebrity or members of staff or partner firms. Until recently the guidance has been quite vague, but some recent publications from the ASA and CMA have clarified things a bit, at least here in the UK. Back in…

  • Thank you

    Thank you

    Wherever possible I love to collect feedback from clients to help us understand how to improve. Last week we updated some sections of our website and refreshed a few dozen of the testimonials dotted across the site. Reading through so many kind words was a humbling experience. I was really touched by the gratitude expressed…

  • Being A Digital Optimist

    Being A Digital Optimist

    I’ve long held the view that digital progress, however destabilising in the short-term, will lead to long-term benefits for humankind and Planet Earth. That’s why I label myself a Digital Optimist. But, until quite recently, it’s never felt like a minority opinion. With the global media and the public now scrutinising the activities of leading…

  • The Misery of Multiple Messages

    The Misery of Multiple Messages

    It’s often the most long-in-the-tooth marketing principles that are the most misused or ignored. Who’s got time these days for old-style thinking? It’s the digital era, grandad! Surely fresh, breakthrough approaches are needed, not methods built on decades of wisdom and experience? A quick glance at any email inbox will illustrate how so many marketers…