4 Fuks Saké

Clarks Give The Rest A Shoeing

(Clarks and others brands in less 'meaningful' use). 

The 2013 edition of Havas Meaningful Brands is out today. It operates on a simple premise. Brands that make things better, lives easier, give you a bit of fun, or make your Mum happier will sell more stuff. Here is a shit load of smart methodology and research that proves it.

In the UK Clarks are in at number one, and an eyebrow raising ASDA at 3. (If you will set your stall out to drive prices as low as you can go, then expect to be popular).

Tuck in to the global and UK lists, plus a hub on The Guardian.

Into The Confectionery Stall And Out Again

I lost both my grandfathers by the age of seven. Today I formally request that Richie Benaud takes on the role. There is nobody out there in the aged 80+ bracket that I would rather turn to for professional, personal or spiritual advice.

If you have a job that requires you to communicate, I recommend listening to BBC’s Voices Of Summer now on iPlayer. In it, Richie explains how he goes about television cricket commentary.  If you have to carry a room of people with you to get something done, then the advice is equally valid.

Typically, he delivers his advice from the perspective of what he has learned from others. Professional, understated, but utterly in command of his craft.

If you’re not interested; “Welcome to the highlights,” as Richie would say.

- “Use as few words as possible. The best supply a caption to a picture. ”

- “Never ask a statement. Too many times I hear a statement that ends with ‘isn’t it?’ or ‘doesn’t it?’”

- "Never use the phrase 'Of course.'"

- “Always remember the value of the pause,” (taught to him by Australian PM Bob Menzies).

- “Never talk down to people.”

- “Don’t take yourself too seriously.”

- “Always have fun.”

Marvellous.