I was having a chat with someone with decades more agency experience behind them than me yesterday about integrated agencies and their evolving role. His take was that the problem was that an integrated model required Specialist account managers (DM, Advertising, PR etc.) but Generalist account directors who could advise their clients across multiple disciplines/specialisms/channels. The snag … Continue reading Generalist or Specialist? Whose responsibility?
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Integration – your time has come (again)
I honestly think that big integrated agencies are coming round again (this obviously has absolutely nothing do with the fact that I work for one). Client's budgets and the size of their in-house teams are being squeezed and increasingly they're asking my lot to become an extension of the marketing team - even to the extent of … Continue reading Integration – your time has come (again)
Exactly what is ‘a fair days work’?
In an effort to clear my desk following a hectic week I was one of the last out of the office on Friday night - but that is quite unusual for me. There are always going to be the workaholics who are the first ones to arrive in the morning and the last to get kicked … Continue reading Exactly what is ‘a fair days work’?
toolbox – the gift that keeps on giving
One of the most valuable gifts I've ever been given at work was from the retiring planning guru, who bequeathed me a powerpoint document containing every chart he'd ever used. I don't think I realised at the time just how useful it would turn out to be, both for those 'how do I show this insight in … Continue reading toolbox – the gift that keeps on giving
Don’t just think Pink #2
A new report from Saatchi & Saatchi (perhaps following up on Trendwatching's female fever report) reveals that women feel ‘patronised’ and ‘offended’ by the abundance of pink technology products aimed at women and that only 9% of those questioned felt it was important that gadgets look feminine. But how does that explain why Woolworths say … Continue reading Don’t just think Pink #2
work where you work best
It struck me, as I was having an in-depth discussion on media strategy in the ladies' loos this morning, that some of my most productive meetings have taken place in the most unlikely locations. I'm not talking about the 'fourth floor meeting room at 10am' kind of meetings (which in my experience rarely produce the … Continue reading work where you work best
new D&AD annual
I've been flicking through the new D&AD annual this morning. Feel a bit like I've eaten a whole box of chocolates in one go - too much good stuff at once is a bit overwhelming.
paddling like mad to stay in the right direction
People are a bit like swans. However calm and organised we may appear to be on the surface, beneath the water we are paddling like mad to stay afloat and in the right direction as we lurch from crisis to crisis. Which is a bit like companies (and therefore their brands) really. Everything might seem ordered, … Continue reading paddling like mad to stay in the right direction
Time for some brand new creative?
I noticed that Nationwide have moved their 'jobsworth employee' ("brand new customers only") campaign into press. The thing is, I'm starting to associate Nationwide rather than their competitors with poor customer service and inflexible offers. Which probably means that what was once a great way of demonstrating difference has now become so ubiquitous that the … Continue reading Time for some brand new creative?
nine things I didn’t know last year
One of the coolest things about being a Planner has to be the opportunity to become semi-expert about a new subject very quickly. Nine things I didn't know last year: Aloe vera can help bolster the immune system of puppies If small, cream coloured maggots with brown heads have eaten the roots of your shrubs, … Continue reading nine things I didn’t know last year