Connecting with new customers

Posted by Ross on Apr 29, 2008 in Communication | 0 comments

“if you wish in this world to advance
And your merits you’re bound to enhance.
You must stir it and sump it,
And blow your trumpet,
Or trust me, you haven’t a chance.”
Gilbert & Sullivan.

I read this quote today that made me think… and although I have always found it crass to blow your own trumpet, why not get others to blow it for you! Now that is something I am more comfortable with.

I see the fine line between confidence and arrogance, between a show off and a reserved professional. I have always believed in the quiet soft approach to business. I have never sold, never gone for the deal… never pushed an opportunity. I guess that’s because I love doing what I do and measuring success for me is not just about pound notes. Is this the best way to build a business though? I was comfortable with sitting back and empowering the customer to buy.

Should we be more aggressive in a competitive market?

In the last 6 months I have recognised the power of others talking for you, on your behalf, a good testimonial positions the trumpet – great stuff. So I will stay who I am and surround myself with good people who are damn good trumpeters and prepare for advance…

Blog You Hound! Blog I Tell You!

Posted by jamie on Apr 28, 2008 in In the office | 0 comments

Why hello again! It’s your friend and mine… me, with Blog 2.0 (Which requires either Windows XP Service Pack 6,091, or Mac OSX 10.5.6.9.4.5 (v2)).

Today I’m going to have a light float and a PoolBlog (©). I have my lilo ready and i hope yours is too! Hop in, the water’s good…

<SPLASH>
- Adobe… Photoshop Express. Good show, well done. But you remain unforgiven about the slice palette!
- Accuradio.com – ideal net radio for the summer – and various other moods and season(ing)s
</SPLASH>

Sorry i left my Slush Puppy on the side by the BBQ.

<SPLASH>
- Hmm. Apple, I love you as if you were a fruit that i had raised from a pip! But your super mouse! It has a ball. I thought Planet Earth agreed that balls in mice were cheese! Although i did find an extremely interesting “how to take apart to clean (whilst invalidating your warranty)” tutorial. So thanks for that.
- Ahem. Don’t like “social”? Don’t Facebook? There’s always Web 6.6.6(!) in the form of http://www.hatebook.org
</SPLASH>

I think next time maybe we can go on a HuntingBlog (©) – if you’re good.

Thanks for consuming, see you at the edge of the tree line next for Blog Combat!

J

Now, hand me the towel before anyone notices that my trunks have floated off!

What is a brand?

Posted by Ross on Apr 28, 2008 in Branding | 0 comments

We use this word at least a dozen times a day… Now with everything on Earth being referred to as a BRAND from David Beckham to Dove soap let me help you with the following exerts from the Oxford Dictionary.

The Oxford Dictionary (1980) contains the following definition:

Brand (noun): a trade mark, goods of a particular make: a mark of identification made with a hot iron, the iron used for this: a piece of burning or charred wood, (verb): to mark with a hot iron, or to label with a trade mark.

Similarly, The Pocket Oxford Dictionary of Current English (1934) says:

Brand. 1. n. Piece of burning or smouldering wood, torch, (literary); sword (poet.); iron stamp used
red-hot to leave an indelible mark, mark left by it, stigma, trade-mark, particular kind of goods (all of
the best bb.). 2. v.t. Stamp (mark, object, skin), with b., impress indelibly (is branded on my memory)

These two entries, show how, over 50 years, the primary use of the word “brand” now has a real commercial application. However, the definitions also underline a common origin. Almost irrespective of how the word is used today, it has always meant, in its passive form, the object by which an impression is formed, and in its active form the process of forming this impression.

That’s where we come in… we form impressions, from the psychology of colour, to the simplicity of form, each shape and mark leaves you with a gut feeling, let that be a positive one with action to change the behaviour.

The 5 step brand lifecycle

Posted by Steve on Apr 27, 2008 in Branding, Tips | 0 comments

Just substitute your brand:

1 Who is Keira Knightley?

2 Get me Keira Knightley!

3 Get me someone like Keira Knightley, but cheaper!

4 Get me a newer version of Keira Knightley!

5 Who is Keira Knightley?

The trick is working out where you are and how your message changes.

E-mailitis

Posted by Steve on Apr 24, 2008 in Communication, Just for fun, News | 0 comments

Have you become addicted to email, does it manage your time in the office?

Some organisations have banned email internally to encourage better communication between their people.

True, bad things can happen because of email, but good things also happen because of email, what’s in no doubt in the 21st century is that just about everything happens by email. But should it? There are still many instances when it’s better to telephone, fax, text or even meet!

It is doubtful that any email ever added to a relationship, but I bet it’s spoiled a few! Think before you click!