WHEN “PICK AN INDUSTRY” IS BAD ADVICE
"Pick a lane" usually means "pick an industry". But for four kinds of company, industry isn't your axis. Here's what to focus on instead.
BUT WE DO SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT: the simplification trap
The most common sentence from technical founders: "but we do so much more than that". They're right. That's exactly the problem.
GOOD PRODUCT, BAD SALES? It’s all positioning
Even the best products can fail if they’re not framed the right way. Here I explore how understanding your audience and repositioning your message can transform a struggling product into a household name—using real-world examples like Marlboro, Pedialyte, and Febreze.
SPEAKING THEIR LANGUAGE: How Brands Win with Group Lingo
What do you call a man who’s nearly home?
Hamish.
If you’re grinning right now, you’re probably Scottish.
And if you’re not, let me explain—because this wee joke actually says a lot about connecting with audiences...
POWER IN THREES: Crafting impactful slogans
Leonardo da Vinci is often credited with the phrase, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. In public relations, this couldn’t be more true. Crafting a concise message that sticks in the mind with just a few words is often far more impactful than a lengthy pitch. Three well-chosen words can convey a brand’s identity, values, and promise all at once.
IMPERFECTLY AUTHENTIC: Why honesty wins in the impact game
Don’t be overcome by fear—acknowledging imperfection is a powerful way to bring the public along on a shared mission to improve our world.
GPT (Generic People-Pleasing Text): The AI ‘yes man’
Ever heard of the ‘yes man’?
The phenomenon where individuals avoid challenging authority or dominant voices, even when doing so would be constructive. This can manifest in any system where power imbalances exist – from corporate boardrooms to political offices – and leads to bad decision making and unchecked errors. Today in the digital age, I’m beginning to fear it creeping into artificial intelligence.