Here Is The N-E-W-S...

Did you know that the word news doesn’t just relate to the ‘current’ in current affairs?
It’s actually an acronym representing the four compass points.
This is because it was originally coined to represent a gathering of information from every direction.
When it comes to approaching a new client, you need to demonstrate that you have a point of view on what they are up to.
With time a luxury that no-one can afford, it’s easy to take short cuts when it comes to looking for information.
But it’s important to remember that breadth is just as important as depth.
How can we do that quickly ....and cheaply?
I always think of my N-E-W-S compass points
(Once a boy scout, always a boy scout).
Who do you now in the client organisation that’ll help you on the QT.
What about friends in other agencies or your own agency network?
What’s out there on the internet that will give you some quick insights, and what do you already know that you can put to good use?
A few smart assumptions are always good.
No-one inside any organisation expects you to be an expert when you are on the outside looking in.
Show passion, enthusiasm and creative thinking.
Show the breadth of your understanding on their issues.

Rather than your company’s (great as it is I’m sure) history.
It’s far more relevant and entertaining.

It's A Funny Old Game...

The World Cup qualifiers have got me thinking
Footballers are a funny bunch.
Just watch next time a goal’s scored and you can bet on some classic behaviour.
They’ll drop to their knees, they’ll embrace their team-mates, they’ll yell at the crowds and some will kiss the badge on their shirt
Listen to them interviewed and they’ll talk about how they’ve always wanted to play for their team, it’s a dream come true.
Stop.
They don’t play for the badge; they play for a man ...the manager.
If you don’t believe me look at the teams that are playing badly, on the verge of not qualifying, change of manager and they don’t lose a game.
Same players, same “badge” different man at the top.
It’s the same in corporate life.
We pledge our commitment to a company, but in fact, we work for a person.
There’s someone in your business that is the reason you strive to be your best.
I’d like to think that in most cases, it’s your boss.
But even if it’s not, make sure you understand what it is that this person gives you, and what you can offer them in return.
After all, they’re the reason you’re there.

Be Silly...

If someone calls you ‘silly’, it’s likely that your first instinct would either be to take offence, or assume that they’re three years old.
Over time, misuse of the word has led us to assume that it’s a dismissive putdown that insinuates a lack of sense.
In fact, the word “silly” comes from the old English word “selig”.
Its literal definition is “to be blessed, happy, healthy and prosperous.”
Which doesn’t seem nearly so bad, does it?
So I implore you, on this Monday morning, to be silly, and enjoy every moment.

Agencies Are From Mars, Clients Are From Venus

With apologies to John Gray Ph.D.
In the mid-nineties, the publishing industry enjoyed something of a boon, as desperate couples turned to bookshops for the answers to their dysfunctional relationships.
The book that kicked all this off was John Gray’s bestseller ‘Men are from Mars, Woman are from Venus’.
Now I’m not here to advocate for generalised gender observations, but the overall approach Gray took was a valid one.
You see, Gray understood that we all need each other.
We may share common goals and aspirations, but we start from different places and go about accomplishing them in different ways.
In that sense, it’s a lot like the relationships between agencies and clients.
We may want the same thing, but start from different perspectives and we’ll go about it differently.
We agency people need to look beyond the brief.
Clients need more understanding.
What are the hard business issues behind the brief?
You’ll get to a much more balanced relationship
Also an occasional hug wouldn’t kill you, would it?

Blast From The Past...

We all have someone in our address book that we want to call.
But for whatever reason, we put it off.
Occasionally we reach for the phone and find our hand hovers in space as we recall the argument, the botched job or the bitter exchange that’s the reason we haven’t kept in touch.
The funny thing is, they’re probably doing the same thing.
And they’re hoping that you’ll pluck up the courage first because they’re embarrassed too.
Whatever that insurmountable obstacle was, it’s gone.
They’ll be as happy to hear from you as you will be to speak to them.
So forget about age-old issues and go for it.
Friends, clients and colleagues are the important thing.
Everything else is water under the bridge.

Hear My Voice

Have you ever sat in a meeting and listened to someone edging towards a disastrous idea, and done nothing to stop it?
Maybe you felt shy, or too junior to speak up, despite the fact that you knew you were in the right.
We’ve all done it.
But speaking up is part of our job.
If you’ve been invited to a meeting or a brainstorm, you’re there for a reason, not just to warm a seat.
So if you can see a mistake being made, or something being overlooked, make yourself heard.
No-one will think badly of you.
They may even be thinking the same thing but are also too intimidated to pipe up.
So seize your opportunity – tell the crowds that the King isn’t wearing any clothes.
You’ll be glad you did.

Get Out Of The Way...

Self-help books are full of the power of positive thinking.
The simple point about it is that if you don’t believe that you deserve something, you won’t get it.
If you can’t convince yourself, how can you possibly expect to convince anyone else?
Being positive might not be enough to make you win, but getting in your own way is certainly enough to make you lose.
There’s a great quote by Marianne Williams:
“Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome talented and fabulous.
Actually who are you not to be?”
You have to believe it in order to do it.
When Roger Bannister broke the 4 minute mile, on the 6th May 1954, a big part of his “training” was to convince himself he could do it, he ran the race over and over in his head.
Once Roger broke the record, others could see it was possible and 24 other broke the record within a few years
Now it’s no really target at all