Yesterday Warren Cottis from Australia asked me what I study nowadays and I mentioned some books. I love history, and read a while ago an excellent book about Alexander Pope, who wrote some 300 years ago that “The proper study …
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Folly exposed: the most important piece I have seen in years – from the New York Times
Most people have it all wrong.Every time someone comes to me for advice – as a young American did last week – I give the same dull, unexciting advice. Study. I said, “If you go into a room confident that …
Read MoreHow hard is it to get people to tick boxes? BT’s infinity of boastful incompetence – with a relevant comment from Jeff Bezos
When they lower me into my grave, will I still be waiting for BT broadband? It looks a bit like that. Over the last few weeks, the normally serene Carol in my office has been nigh on rendered insane by …
Read MoreHow to make friends and influence people – or not, as the case may be
I have always – naively perhaps – believed good marketers should make it easy for you to do whatever you want and whenever possible appear welcoming and helpful. So I was intrigued to read what happened when a friend wanted …
Read MoreIf this is how they invest their money, I’d hate them anywhere near mine
Not long ago a credit card firm called Mint whose card I have not used for two years sent me a letter and statement. The statement said I owed them nothing, adding that if I didn’t want to keep using …
Read MoreIs this the biggest advertising lie?
Nobody knows or cares more about your business than you. But sometimes an outsider sees what you don’t. That is why some clients pay me to take their copy and comment or edit it. Adrian Teale of Oceanvillas is running …
Read MoreI’m a fan of this ludicrously underpriced artist – maybe you will be too. Here’s an (also ludicrously underpriced) opportunity
If you love good music and art, and would enjoy an evening that combines both, keep reading. You will never get better value for £10. Since the mid ‘70’s I have followed and collected not nearly enough of the work …
Read MoreBut can I call you a deeply unpleasant, grasping bully and shit, “Sir” Fred? Plus an interview with someone who really does understand money
Former Royal Bank of Scotland chief executive “Sir” Fred Goodwin has obtained a superinjunction to stop him being identified as a banker. He is the man whose arrogance and incompetence, together with that of the Bloated McToad and his sidekick …
Read MoreA minor orgy of self-congratulation, a mystery explained – and what the hell do I do all day?
Yesterday I went to see a new client who sells something highly technical I barely understand. I was there to comment on their marketing, which doesn’t do anything like justice to their product – which has 85% of a multi-billion …
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