If the objective of a newspaper headline is to make you read the article, it certainly worked with me when I opened the local paper just yesterday, but only after the fire brigade had hosed me down to ensure the medicos could treat me for a massive attack of hysterical laughter. After the little men in yellow and half the regional ambo. service had left and the valium had kicked in did I start on the article itself.
Explore our historical blog articles for nuggets of wisdom (and random musings) from our crew.
So everyone is banding around the ‘R’ word at the moment and with good reason mind you but what are the real effects. Economist’s predictions, bank rates and government policy is all you really hear about. The curbing on consumer expenditure and how ‘Ma and Pa Kettle’ can no longer afford their home. But what about business? What impact does the current economic state really have on your organisation? And why is it, that marketing is always the first budget cut when times get tough?
My Mother, Grand Mother and umteen aunts were all knitters. What confused me wasn’t the great speed with which their nimble fingers worked but what they did with all the pieces when they finally were finished. Bits shaped like a baby seal. Long skinny pieces that always seemed to be longer than anyone’s arms. Scarf like slices which could wrap up a refrigerator, all turned into a warm sweater with those grotesque patterns that brought great amusement to the local lads. Yep! Thems was the days my friend.
Many businesses have little appreciation or understanding of PR and often leave it in the too-hard basket. It involves a lot of planning, the ominous task of making contact regularly and often in person, and can frequently result in disappointment. But when executed correctly and with the advice of a professional, it can be one of the most cost effective and successful marketing tools out there.
In part one of this series I discussed the art of planning as a life jacket to triumphing in a melt down. As a preface to that I think I need to add that it is very helpful to possess the right attitude when it comes to taking advantage of the challenge. You’ve heard it all before of course, “Think Positive and Win”; “Be a ‘Can do’ Man”; “Believe in yourself etc.”. I’ve been around a while and I’ve learned not to be sceptical about belief systems and looking forward, not back.
Versatility. User friendly. Self management. Easy to use. I’m sure you’ve heard all these terms bandied around within the advertising world many times before. And although all of these aptly describe a Content Management System (CMS), I’m going to avoid using them….hopefully!
I am not the world’s most active person. I enjoy good food, fine wine and lazing about on a Sunday afternoon with a interesting book and a tasty snack. It’s not that I don’t exercise – I do – but my dedication to gym visits could definitely do with a little (okay, large) bolster now and then. There is one form of exercise I enjoy, actually I enjoy it so much I don’t really see it as exercise, and that is riding my bike.