Do future marketers really need a degree?
Portia McNamaraLast week was either heartbreak or rapture for many teenagers with 300,000 A Level students discovering their fate.
Sharp, though legal, practice is eroding consumer trust
Portia McNamaraI was not the slightest bit surprised to see the Advertising Standards Authority censure Tesco last month for misleading consumers in a price promotion on beer.
The recession’s impact on marketing is permanent
Portia McNamaraWith the announcement that both the French and German economies have contracted in the past quarter and the Bank of England has halved its predictions for wage rises in the UK, it is pertinent to reflect on just how fragile the market is at present.
Teenagers can provide some surprising media learnings
Portia McNamaraBeing the summer, I have had more time to chat with my teenage kids. As they have got older, they have become (a little) more interested in what I do for a living – perhaps as it starts to dawn on them that one day they too will have to enter the deep dark world of employment, and it would be wise to avoid the jobs that their parents do, as it seems like hard work.
Marketers need to flood the senses
Portia McNamaraEarlier this week I went to see Dawn of the Planet of the Apes film in 3D. Although it was quite a good film, the 3D effects were formulaic – either that, or I have become much more demanding – expecting my senses to be wowed each time I go to the cinema.
First impressions count – even the quality of biscuits
Portia McNamaraA few years ago, I felt my role was not developing the way that I wanted it to, so I responded to a headhunter’s call, who put me forward to meet the HR director of a brand that was looking for someone “just like me”.
Marketers can sharpen their skills with extra-curricular challenges
Portia McNamaraQuite an eventful week with three tough meetings – none to do with my day job.
Brands shouldn’t be stingy on “little luxuries”
Portia McNamaraI had an interesting text from my mobile phone provider this week – that I had not used my full data allowance this month – and I could be a little more adventurous when out and about.
Are you on brand when appearing on camera?
Portia McNamaraMy boss has a new office. By that I mean his room has been redecorated, in the corner of the floor on which he and his entourage sit.
Is your brand dark, handsome and riding a motorcycle?
Portia McNamaraI read a very interesting article this week about preparing for job interviews – not for me, of course (!) but the author made a very interesting comment.
Arrogant agencies need to do their client research
Portia McNamaraImagine the scene. You have been plucking up courage to get a date with the man/woman of your dreams. Finally you do it, they agree, and you sit down together and after small-talk, they ask you to talk about yourself.
High street retailers are making themselves obsolete
Portia McNamaraI was disappointed to read last week that WH Smith has been once again voted the UK’s worst high street retailer by Which? magazine.
What defines a global brand?
Portia McNamaraFollowing the abortive Pfizer/AstraZeneca takeover a couple of months ago, there’s been a lot of coverage in the media about multinational brands and what it means to be ‘global’.