Saturday 21 December 2013

Blue Police Balloons - fun Christmas campaign

Imagine you pop out to the shops, go to work, etc and upon returning to your home you find a blue balloon in the house (shock), with a messages from the police attached. (curious)



Well, UK police is doing just that: putting balloons and messages in people's unsecured property such as homes, sheds, and cars. If they can get in, they leave a warning behind.


Now all you need is an opportunistic burglar (and aren't they all are), to follow in the police's footsteps and look for the balloon. Genius.

Still, brilliant initiative from the South Cambridgeshire police force. Modern, fun, and inventive. It's also getting some PR, which can't hurt. Good positioning, positive message, great brand campaign. Way to go.

Friday 20 December 2013

Recognise the moment you need to capture

Mmmm - Nicholas Bate

Read it daily. For clarity, inspiration and drive.

The worst CEOs of 2013 - bbc

As the year's end is inching closer, it's time for some rankings and lists to reflect on the year that was.

BBC compiled a list of the worst CEO's. The qualifying questions were:
- Did the CEO’s company suffer,
- Was the CEO culpable,
- And finally, did the CEO’s actions, or inactions, provide evidence of a significant breach in corporate governance or strategic leadership?

And the list goes... 5) Steve Ballmer, 4) Eddie Lampert, 3) Thorsten Heins, 2) Ron Johnson, and topping the list is the infamous Brazilian, Eike Batista, who lost almost his entire fortune during the last twelve months.

Great reading: BBC - Capital - The worst CEOs of 2013

Tuesday 17 December 2013

The end of Apple as we know it? by BBC - Capital

"The iPad was also a revolutionary product. It even started a new product category that customers didn’t know existed. A company that breaks the rules, changes the world, and does it all with panache and coolness is a tough act to beat.

That is, until it starts cutting prices."

More at The end of Apple as we know it?

HBR: How an Auction Can Identify Your Best Talent

Great article on how an open marketplace can set prices and generate innovation.

I have worked at many different organisations, and saw that some companies are more agile than others. I Redefining/ creating departmental purpose and some healthy competition, could energise teams.

Tuesday 3 December 2013

Quote of the day

'With autonomy comes accountability.'
Matt Hennessy, Head of Distribution Sales, BlueScope