Having just come back from one of the practice days at The Open I can’t help feel disappointed that many of us won’t be able to watch it live on TV. For those that are interested but don’t have Sky we have to settle for a compilation of highlights late in the evening. Why have those that are supposed to be guardians of the sport hidden it away? Continue reading “Game, set, MUG – and where’s The Open!!!”
Category: Thoughts
Competing for audiences
Hey, did you see the cycling World Cup a few weeks ago? It was great to watch Britain continue to take gold medals: five in total. Even more exciting to witness the stars of tomorrow, such as the 21-year-old Emily Kay, stepping into the lime light, while some of our Olympians were taking a well-earned rest.
But to me there was something else to take note of. The sport’s governing body was experimenting with new race formats specifically design to excite the audience. Their objective, no doubt, to fire up potential new entrants to the sport. A much-needed task for the golf industry.
Continue reading “Competing for audiences”
Merchandising, Facebook and a tidy shop
I spend quite a lot of times in shops. In our line of business it’s a good thing to do.
Some people ask me what makes a good store. While there is no silver bullet I do think a good store makes the target customer want to buy (and makes a profit). To some that might sound like a bit of a cop out but the reality is that should be exactly what every retailer is trying to achieve. How they achieve that will be very different from target customer to target customer but it often comes down to the merchandising.
Continue reading “Merchandising, Facebook and a tidy shop”
Did President Elect, Mr Trump win by identifying his target customer?
Well its been an interesting few months and non more so with the US Presidential election. Most of the pundits were expecting the status quo to be maintained with the second tranche of the Clinton dynasty. However Mr Trump had different ideas, kicking in the White house door and shaking up the whole US political landscape.
Continue reading “Did President Elect, Mr Trump win by identifying his target customer?”
Don’t be rubbish. Be awesome.
I don’t like the term ‘rubbish’ because it’s very negative – but it’s one of those words that are easy to say and there isn’t any doubt about its meaning. It’s very easy to be rubbish at something. Most people can be very good at it without lifting a finger. In fact, for many people not doing anything makes you really rubbish at something!
A friend of mines favourite expression is there is only one failure in life – the failure to participate. I think it’s a great expression and one that’s very true.
Continue reading “Don’t be rubbish. Be awesome.”
The Ryder Cup and retail
Well the dust has settled on what was an entertaining – if ultimately disappointing (from a European point of view) – Ryder Cup. Some great golf played by some of the worlds best players in a tense and noisy atmosphere. There were some stand-up performances from players on both teams, contrasted with a disappointing time for a few. It’s a shame the whole event was distracted by some unnecessary comments from one of the players brother. His ego ultimately getting in the way of supporting his brother’s debut appearance.
Continue reading “The Ryder Cup and retail”
Brexit: what should I do now?
It’s been a busy time as the dust settles following the vote several weeks ago. What was considered by most as an unexpected result has had a big impact on the UK already – a new Prime minister, a new cabinet and a tumbling currency has left most most people scratching their heads as to what it all means.
Across the globe it has created endless news pieces, on thousands of TV channels as everyone recovers from the shock. Commentators in France, Germany, the USA, Hong Kong and China to mention but a few have all been hard at it, chewing the fat. Lots to talk about but no real understanding as to what happens next.
The Olympics – What can we learn?
Wow what a great Olympics. I was glued to the TV whenever I could grab some time. It’s already been said by many but I will say it again “what a spectacular performance put on by the GB team”. But I will also add – “what can they teach us”?
Solving the Retail Cube
The Rubics cube and retail – more similar than you might think. Have you ever attempted to complete the Rubics cube?
First post – being brave
Feeling a bit scared. Sitting here hovering over my keyboard trying to work out what to write. What the heck am I doing trying to write a blog? “I hate writing don’t I?”. Why bother? There are squillions of blogs out there, what could I possibly add?
Don’t do it, don’t give yourself the stress, don’t create yourself problems or feedback or other stuff to do – stay safe.
But safe is dull, safe is boring. No one likes boring. Where’s the fun going to be had, where’s the excitement?
Be brave – that stops you being scared, that gets things done, makes things happen. That’s not boring. So I will scare myself on a regular basis and then be brave and write some stuff. Hopefully I can make something that someone out there will want to read. Numbers, thoughts and ideas.
And if not – who cares – nothing to be scared of.
So let’s be brave!
Phil Barnard 