I spent a thoroughly enjoyable two days in Leeds at the SEDA Autumn Conference. Many thanks to all! Here are the slides from my workshop on ‘Developing authentic learning experiences through a three-way partnership between students, staff and a professional body’ delivered on Thursday:
Marketing as a Linear Process
How often have you undertaken a marketing activity and followed a linear process? Many of the marketing concepts we use today are linear processes. The marketing research process: Definition of the research problem, objective setting, research design, data collection, data analysis and presentation of research findings. Step-by-step, you continue with the process right through to […]
Why Bother With “Turbo Charged Platinum Mach5” Razor Brands?
Do you own a “speed and strength” named razor brand? Today I finally ditched my “Turbo Charged Platinum Mach5” razor brand for something more modest – a set of disposable razors. Why? Well, partly to do with price. My ten disposable razors were a third of the price of eight premium blades. But also to […]
Why Are So Many Tech Brands Named After Fruit?
Another social sharing app. Another fruit. This month’s launch of the new social messaging app “Peach” is causing a stir on social media. Founded by Dom Hofmann, creator of Vine video app, Peach’s USP compared to other messaging apps is it lets users use “magic words” to send interactive content. What’s also interesting about Peach […]
3 Top Chinese Brands to Follow on Twitter
Do you follow brands on Twitter? A study conducted by Nielsen Research found that 59% of UK users follow brands on the social media platform. Reasons include: Competitions, information on new products and interesting content. In fact, 34% follow brands because they regularly create interesting and entertaining content. Many leading Western brands such as Coca Cola […]
What Do You Expect When Making A Customer Complaint On Twitter?

Have you ever tweeted a company to complain about their product or service? Did you receive a satisfactory outcome? A few years ago, the main way of complaining to a company was via telephone or letter. But, increasingly, social platforms such as Twitter are being used by customers to vent their grievances. Many companies now […]
21 Brands Capitalizing On Star Wars Mania

This week sees the much anticipated release of the next Star Wars film – The Force Awakens. Star Wars is a ubiquitous brand. Merchandising includes everything from pets clothing to spoons. The next instalment already looks like being a guaranteed box office hit. No wonder plenty of brands are eager to associate their products with […]
5 Reasons “Spare the Act” Is My Favourite Christmas Ad Of 2015

Do you have a favourite Christmas ad of 2015? There’s certainly been some memorable Christmas ads this year. John Lewis’ #ManOnTheMoon campaign is generating an unprecedented level of social media attention. The retailer’s festive ads are now something of a tradition. Although not yet on a par with the likes of mince pies and Christmas […]
The Brand Name That’s All About Laughter

What’s your favourite funny brand name? I have my own collection of amusing personal favourites. This hilarity is usually a result of the brand name having a different meaning in another language. Earlier this week a new funny brand name made the news – The Indian Sportswear range called “Spunk”. Not a problematic name in markets outside the UK. […]
26 Interesting Facts About Chinese Brands

How much do you know about Chinese brands? According to research conducted by Millward Brown, only 6% of US consumers and 14% of British ones can name a Chinese brand. Millward Brown’s research took place in 2013. Some of China’s leading brands have made huge strides since then. However, I’ve asked the “Can you name a Chinese […]