I'm delighted to introduce you to Russell Davies.
Principally because of his delightful ability to present you with great ideas, but also because he connects you with other very, very clever people.
Check out his interview with the grandpappy of planning Jon Steel. Listen to the recording realted to his book Perfect Pitch
His realm is advertising account planning. A dreadful, meaningless term.
Step beyond the description and you will revel in the reality.
The essence of planning (as I understand it) is INSIGHT and understanding how people behave - in order to serve them well.
Of course that is my take on the topic and not Mr Davies'.
Visit his blog.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Jack Yan - The smartest guy I've never met
I've known Jack Yan since the late 90's when I was filled with the joys of the Internet Spring. I'd launched a men's magazine online that grew a substantial audience but never made a bean.
The experience was invaluable in many ways. One: I learned about building an audience on the web. Two: That the audience likes quality and something different and Three: that Jack Yan must never go to sleep.
Jack was publishing Lucire magazine online and offered a great deal of encouragement at times when I wondered why I was bothering. His own online publication was a huge success and, importantly unlike anything else I had seen on the web.
He has subsequently turned the magazine into, well, a magazine and has launched editions all over the world. He's a pioneer, not just of the web, but also as a media entrepreneur. He's also something of an outsider in the New Zealand business environment from where we both operate.
Lesser figures are offered breathless column centimetres and yet Jack is almost ignored. Too bad for the ignorant I say. His thought provoking insights are worth RSSing, or even simply bookmarking.
I've just discovered his blog and give it an 'A'. Not only for his insights and quality of writing, but also because it has Jack wriiten all over it. Blogs should be personal.
Inspite of the long association I've never met him in person. You've gotta love the web.
The experience was invaluable in many ways. One: I learned about building an audience on the web. Two: That the audience likes quality and something different and Three: that Jack Yan must never go to sleep.
Jack was publishing Lucire magazine online and offered a great deal of encouragement at times when I wondered why I was bothering. His own online publication was a huge success and, importantly unlike anything else I had seen on the web.
He has subsequently turned the magazine into, well, a magazine and has launched editions all over the world. He's a pioneer, not just of the web, but also as a media entrepreneur. He's also something of an outsider in the New Zealand business environment from where we both operate.
Lesser figures are offered breathless column centimetres and yet Jack is almost ignored. Too bad for the ignorant I say. His thought provoking insights are worth RSSing, or even simply bookmarking.
I've just discovered his blog and give it an 'A'. Not only for his insights and quality of writing, but also because it has Jack wriiten all over it. Blogs should be personal.
Inspite of the long association I've never met him in person. You've gotta love the web.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
How to promote your blog.
I had heard of Guy Kawasaki but didn't really ever know what he was about. Stumbled across his blog by following a link on another blog - you know how it goes. Before long the afternoon is gone, the beds aren't made and the dishes remain undone (so to speak).
I thoroughly enjoyed his speech, The Art of the Start. It is filled with insight and, as they say in advertising, it has cut-through. Watch the video here.
I liked it so much I showed it to the marketing communications class I teach at Massey University. I was nervous that the student's wouldn't see the relevance. But they got it.
Kawasaki's engaging style and obvious enthusiasm makes the difference. Easy to understand how he went from being a jeweller to being an evangelist for Apple Computer.
Among the posts on his blog I recommend is The 120 Day Wonder - How to evangelise a blog. It makes for essential reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed his speech, The Art of the Start. It is filled with insight and, as they say in advertising, it has cut-through. Watch the video here.
I liked it so much I showed it to the marketing communications class I teach at Massey University. I was nervous that the student's wouldn't see the relevance. But they got it.
Kawasaki's engaging style and obvious enthusiasm makes the difference. Easy to understand how he went from being a jeweller to being an evangelist for Apple Computer.
Among the posts on his blog I recommend is The 120 Day Wonder - How to evangelise a blog. It makes for essential reading.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Idealog Blogs
The Idealog blogs haven't quite clicked as a conversation with the magazine's growing audience (people in the creative economy). Mostly it is a notice board. Worth checking out though.
I should add that I contribute to the Idealog blog (expression of interest).
I have begun to read this book about blogs, full review to follow.
Naked onversations
Here are some of the key points from the book:
Talk, don’t sell – You lose credibility if you are trying to sell on your blog.
Post often and be interesting – Easier said than done I know, but if you post once a day at the minimum you will have nearly 365 post in a year. Being interesting is the tougher of the two mentioned in this success tip. Be creative and interest should follow.
Write on issues you know and care about – Be the authority on something you love and are passionate about.
Blogging saves money but costs time – You can save advertising dollars by blogging…but you will pay for it in time spent generating compelling content so be ready for the time investment.
You get smarter by listening to what people tell you – Blogging is not a one way communication but a many to many communication. So allow your readers to respond and listen to what they have to say. You will be rewarded while opening your mind to new thought streams.
I should add that I contribute to the Idealog blog (expression of interest).
I have begun to read this book about blogs, full review to follow.
Naked onversations
Here are some of the key points from the book:
Talk, don’t sell – You lose credibility if you are trying to sell on your blog.
Post often and be interesting – Easier said than done I know, but if you post once a day at the minimum you will have nearly 365 post in a year. Being interesting is the tougher of the two mentioned in this success tip. Be creative and interest should follow.
Write on issues you know and care about – Be the authority on something you love and are passionate about.
Blogging saves money but costs time – You can save advertising dollars by blogging…but you will pay for it in time spent generating compelling content so be ready for the time investment.
You get smarter by listening to what people tell you – Blogging is not a one way communication but a many to many communication. So allow your readers to respond and listen to what they have to say. You will be rewarded while opening your mind to new thought streams.
Monday, August 07, 2006
English Cut
This was one of the first blogs I became aware of. It's curious that the topic is bespoke tailoring from the tradition steeped world of Saville Row in London, England.
The blog is very personal and written with an easy candour. I returned recently and see that it has obviously been a very successful business decision for its author. (below)
Thoroughly recommended
EnglishCut.com
The blog is very personal and written with an easy candour. I returned recently and see that it has obviously been a very successful business decision for its author. (below)
Thoroughly recommended
EnglishCut.com
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Maiden Voyage
The first stop on this little journey through the blogosphere is the weblog of Dave Gray Communication Nation, the guy who started X-Plane, the graphics company famous for deconstructing processes and ideas in a way that makes the complex simple.
I first encountered their work when it was a consistent feature of the magazine Business 2.0 (which, like Fast Company magazine was a stalwart of the 'New Economy' before the bubble burst in 2002 - remember those jumbo editions?....)
I've just dipped into this blog, but I can immediately tell that it will be a favourite.
I first encountered their work when it was a consistent feature of the magazine Business 2.0 (which, like Fast Company magazine was a stalwart of the 'New Economy' before the bubble burst in 2002 - remember those jumbo editions?....)
I've just dipped into this blog, but I can immediately tell that it will be a favourite.
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