Folks
I have migrated to wordpress - jonathanhirst.wordpress.com - all new posts will be on there
Many thanks
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
PR Graduates in a Recession http://tinyurl.com/dd8b62
Having read Jed Hallams latest entry to his blog (http://www.rock-star-pr.com/ - read it - you might like it!) I am concerned he is giving a distorted picture to these eager graduates just about to embark on an exciting career. Graduates should be seriously worried about their prospects of getting a job and what it will involve.
There are two main reasons I say this, both of them taking in to account the current economic climate.
Firstly, many graduates (if not most), do not have the necessary basic skills clients are looking for. Simple grammar and spelling can be a real challenge for most graduates - just look at the blog entries for new entrants in the market - differentiating between "your" and "you're" for example...am I just old fashioned in thinking these things are important? Blogging as if you are sending a text? WTF? OMG? - Extreme examples I know but just take a look at some of the blogs of the junior staff in the leading social media PR agencies - is this acceptable? Are these posts a chat between friends or a professional statement on behalf of a commercial entity. Don't get me wrong, we all make mistakes but fundamental grammar and spelling has to be right.
The second is work ethic.
What do graduates think happens when you go to work? Is it all fun and games, long lunches, early finishes, working out on the grass when it's sunny, jotting a few notes on a blog and getting a hefty salary? Afraid not. (I digress slightly but did anyone else see the recruitment consultant on BBC breakfast on Tuesday morning at about 7:15am discussing entry level salaries for graduates suggesting £25k was the least they should be considering...I despair!) It's about hard work and often, mundane tasks that then, if you're lucky, lead to some really interesting work.
Jed makes a good point that social media is a growing area (and I am equally passionate about it) but it is still incredibly small in comparison to any mainstream marketing disciplines and therefore to the overall job market. Social media will need to show ROI to the client and for many at the moment it's still an interesting concept that businesses are trying but it hasn't got the empirical evidence to prove it works for everyone. One of the biggest pulls for most clients at the moment is that it is cheap - however, you often get what you pay for...
Good luck to all new graduates looking for challenging and interesting first step on the career ladder - it's going to be tough but if you're (your?) really good there will be something out there for you.
There are two main reasons I say this, both of them taking in to account the current economic climate.
Firstly, many graduates (if not most), do not have the necessary basic skills clients are looking for. Simple grammar and spelling can be a real challenge for most graduates - just look at the blog entries for new entrants in the market - differentiating between "your" and "you're" for example...am I just old fashioned in thinking these things are important? Blogging as if you are sending a text? WTF? OMG? - Extreme examples I know but just take a look at some of the blogs of the junior staff in the leading social media PR agencies - is this acceptable? Are these posts a chat between friends or a professional statement on behalf of a commercial entity. Don't get me wrong, we all make mistakes but fundamental grammar and spelling has to be right.
The second is work ethic.
What do graduates think happens when you go to work? Is it all fun and games, long lunches, early finishes, working out on the grass when it's sunny, jotting a few notes on a blog and getting a hefty salary? Afraid not. (I digress slightly but did anyone else see the recruitment consultant on BBC breakfast on Tuesday morning at about 7:15am discussing entry level salaries for graduates suggesting £25k was the least they should be considering...I despair!) It's about hard work and often, mundane tasks that then, if you're lucky, lead to some really interesting work.
Jed makes a good point that social media is a growing area (and I am equally passionate about it) but it is still incredibly small in comparison to any mainstream marketing disciplines and therefore to the overall job market. Social media will need to show ROI to the client and for many at the moment it's still an interesting concept that businesses are trying but it hasn't got the empirical evidence to prove it works for everyone. One of the biggest pulls for most clients at the moment is that it is cheap - however, you often get what you pay for...
Good luck to all new graduates looking for challenging and interesting first step on the career ladder - it's going to be tough but if you're (your?) really good there will be something out there for you.
Thursday, 9 April 2009
Annoying Spam
I don't want to actively publicise this company however I will have to in order to demonstrate this most annoying point.
What on earth is a publication like The Drum (not that I hold them in very high regard) doing selling the names of subscribers (not even live ones) to a software company who then spam everyone with a dubious email offering a freely downloadable white paper. You try to download it and the form you have to fill in is reminiscent of applying for a UK passport.
Guys - you are spamming me and now you want even more of my personal/business data!
Sorry - no way.
And you purport to be working in the PR industry...granted software for that industry.
Something's not right here. Just calling the Information Commissioner...
http://tinyurl.com/c8jr3k
Your views?
What on earth is a publication like The Drum (not that I hold them in very high regard) doing selling the names of subscribers (not even live ones) to a software company who then spam everyone with a dubious email offering a freely downloadable white paper. You try to download it and the form you have to fill in is reminiscent of applying for a UK passport.
Guys - you are spamming me and now you want even more of my personal/business data!
Sorry - no way.
And you purport to be working in the PR industry...granted software for that industry.
Something's not right here. Just calling the Information Commissioner...
http://tinyurl.com/c8jr3k
Your views?
Friday, 3 April 2009
My Review of Maintenance Kit for Roomba® 500 Series
Maintenance Kit for Roomba 500 Series includes replacement bristle brush with end caps and bearings, flexible beater brush with bearings, side brush with screw, three reusable filters and a brush cleaning tool. Compatible with all Roomba 500 Series models
Roomba 500 Series and Maintenance kit
Jonathan Hirst North Yorkshire, UK 4/3/2009
Pros: Extends Functionality, Easy To Use, Easy To Install, Increases Performance
Best Uses: Smaller Rooms
Describe Yourself: Busy household, Pet Owner
OK - Roomba is like a member of the family - he's not perfect but then none of us are. He comes out regularly and picks up the nmajority of dust/dog/cat fur around the ground floor of our house that is stone tiled with a large rug in the kitchen/diner.
When he goes from floor to rug he can leave dust on the edge of the rug but that can be picked up. He has got lost very occassionally and sometimes gets himself locked in a room when he closes the door as he's cleaning then can't open it again.
He's more of an interim - keep the pace neat - type of robot than a full clean.
The replacement brushes were a breeze to replace and have massively improved his cleaning abilities - he seems much happier now.
Hope this helps!
Thursday, 2 April 2009
Digital Recruitment Sheds Light on Lazy Headhunters
Just read a blog posting by Will Hawkins - http://ow.ly/1Ss2 so - as a 'headhunter/recruitment consultant (don't ask me what the difference is - pleeeeasse!) I thought appropriate to respond.
It's hard not to become defensive when reading articles about recruitment consultancy - on the whole they are emotive pieces usually written by people who have had a bad experience and want to get things off their chest. Another reason you often see these articles would be because a PR hasn't got anything else to write about and wants to ruffle a few tail feathers and make the headlines.
Thankfully with Will's article it seems to be much more balanced. I can't quite understand in a blanket 'not using headhunters to recruit new staff' - there are good reasons why companies use recruitment businesses and perhaps the engagement between recruiter and client hasn't been the best in this instance - it's impossible to say who is at fault. However he makes a very good point about the use of social networks to source/attract new staff. As recruitment consultants we have been doing this for some time and, if done sensitively, can produce good results. The likes of LinkedIn, Plaxo and now twitter have enhanced the way we target potential candidates for our clients. However, this is not the be all and end all, merely just another channel.
Most decent recruitment business (and I'm not going to drop our name now just to demonstrate we are one of these - decide for yourself...) have a number of sources from where to attract candidates. They'll be advertising across a wide variety of job boards, not just the Monsters and Jobsites of the world. They may even still be engaging in some press based activity. There's likely to be an SEO strategy or ongoing PPC campaign which will drive awareness and some form of social media strategy although strategising in something that is changing so fast is difficult! They may have engaged a PR agency to raise awareness - call it a traditional TTL marketing campaign if you will.
In addition they should have a relational database that is kept up to date and accurate - most don't. They will have built up a team of consultants with 2+ years of service each who have built relationships with candidates and clients – most don’t. These relationships are the difference. The knowledge, empathy, interest and enthusiasm generated by dealing with someone over a period of time or acting as a candidates' career manager goes far beyond the traditional perception of recruitment consultants that they are just in it for the money. I have been in recruitment for the past 15 years. It’s never been about the money – that followed the enjoyment of the job and success that it brought.
Finally (do I hear you sigh with relief) remember that recruitment businesses are agencies - as are design, digital, advertising, PR, travel and estate agencies. As individuals, we could do all of these things ourselves - we could book our own holidays, sell our own houses, design our own adverts - but, we don't. We leave it to experts who do it for a living. Pick the right one and you will get added value.
It's hard not to become defensive when reading articles about recruitment consultancy - on the whole they are emotive pieces usually written by people who have had a bad experience and want to get things off their chest. Another reason you often see these articles would be because a PR hasn't got anything else to write about and wants to ruffle a few tail feathers and make the headlines.
Thankfully with Will's article it seems to be much more balanced. I can't quite understand in a blanket 'not using headhunters to recruit new staff' - there are good reasons why companies use recruitment businesses and perhaps the engagement between recruiter and client hasn't been the best in this instance - it's impossible to say who is at fault. However he makes a very good point about the use of social networks to source/attract new staff. As recruitment consultants we have been doing this for some time and, if done sensitively, can produce good results. The likes of LinkedIn, Plaxo and now twitter have enhanced the way we target potential candidates for our clients. However, this is not the be all and end all, merely just another channel.
Most decent recruitment business (and I'm not going to drop our name now just to demonstrate we are one of these - decide for yourself...) have a number of sources from where to attract candidates. They'll be advertising across a wide variety of job boards, not just the Monsters and Jobsites of the world. They may even still be engaging in some press based activity. There's likely to be an SEO strategy or ongoing PPC campaign which will drive awareness and some form of social media strategy although strategising in something that is changing so fast is difficult! They may have engaged a PR agency to raise awareness - call it a traditional TTL marketing campaign if you will.
In addition they should have a relational database that is kept up to date and accurate - most don't. They will have built up a team of consultants with 2+ years of service each who have built relationships with candidates and clients – most don’t. These relationships are the difference. The knowledge, empathy, interest and enthusiasm generated by dealing with someone over a period of time or acting as a candidates' career manager goes far beyond the traditional perception of recruitment consultants that they are just in it for the money. I have been in recruitment for the past 15 years. It’s never been about the money – that followed the enjoyment of the job and success that it brought.
Finally (do I hear you sigh with relief) remember that recruitment businesses are agencies - as are design, digital, advertising, PR, travel and estate agencies. As individuals, we could do all of these things ourselves - we could book our own holidays, sell our own houses, design our own adverts - but, we don't. We leave it to experts who do it for a living. Pick the right one and you will get added value.
Monday, 23 March 2009
Wetherby RUFC Juniors Tour
Everyone had a wonderful time on the Wetherby Juniors U7 - U10 tour this weekend. The venue was Bridlington and we arrived at our home for the weekend at about 7:30. All the boys were very excited and were rushing around. The parents seemed to be focussed on checking out the bar.
We played Bridlington over 3 games on the Saturday - we won 1 and they won 2, a pretty decent team. We then had a bit of lunch and went to Waterworld and then on to the log slide and dodgems!
After that it was perfectly timed for a few pints in the bar watching 6 nations and Irelands win and then Karaoke in the function room where Marcus Little dressed up as Elvis.
Sunday took us to Driffield and we drew 1 - 1 with them - they were a set of big lads!
Back home at 4pm and off to la Locanda for a nice meal.
Much fun was had by all - well done to Paul for organising it all.
We played Bridlington over 3 games on the Saturday - we won 1 and they won 2, a pretty decent team. We then had a bit of lunch and went to Waterworld and then on to the log slide and dodgems!
After that it was perfectly timed for a few pints in the bar watching 6 nations and Irelands win and then Karaoke in the function room where Marcus Little dressed up as Elvis.
Sunday took us to Driffield and we drew 1 - 1 with them - they were a set of big lads!
Back home at 4pm and off to la Locanda for a nice meal.
Much fun was had by all - well done to Paul for organising it all.
Friday, 20 March 2009
www.twitterjobs.com
Firstly I hope our competitors aren't reading this...or perhaps they should be! We (N etwork marketing) are now on twitterjobsearch.com - it's brand new and I think we're getting the hang of it. There are inevitably going to be problems as the service gets bigger and bigger however it's a great way of people getting information straight to their desktops via tweetdeck or something similar. Twitter really can be a great business tool as well as personal.
Check us out on www.twitterjobsearch.com and look for marketingjobs09.
Cheers
Check us out on www.twitterjobsearch.com and look for marketingjobs09.
Cheers
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Came back from a lengthy meeting of the REC this morning - thsi is the professional body for the recruitment industry - they are promising massive changes and better support for businesses - hoping they deliver! www.rec.uk.com
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
The Student Book Awards 2009 - Judging
The official judging for The Student Book Awards took place at our offices this afternoon. The judges, Rick Ward, Pete Camponi (www.gratterpalm.co.uk) and Al Wightman (www.awadigital.com) commented that the standard of work was high and they have short-listed 4 campaigns which now need to be executed before a final decision is made. A big thanks to the judges who took time out from their busy schedules to attend.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday 2nd April.
We will be putting what work we can up on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=47960532167&ref=mf
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday 2nd April.
We will be putting what work we can up on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=47960532167&ref=mf
The 2009 Student Book Awards
As the title would suggest...on an annual basis The Book recruitment www.thebook.uk.com work with Leeds College of Art and Design to set up an awards ceremony for the degree level students. The Students are asked to put together creative concepts to a specific brief and then they present to a panel of judges.
On the panel this year are Rik Ward and Pete Camponi (Gratterpalm) and Al Wightman (AWA Digital).
Two years ago all students had their work rejected as not strong enough and had to resubmit - we hope that's not going to be the case this year!!
Will update on how it went!
On the panel this year are Rik Ward and Pete Camponi (Gratterpalm) and Al Wightman (AWA Digital).
Two years ago all students had their work rejected as not strong enough and had to resubmit - we hope that's not going to be the case this year!!
Will update on how it went!
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Well - the U-Talk Marketing 'Definitive Guide to Social Media' didn't quite hit the 'definitive' mark. The seminar was a bit of a re-run of Groundswell, Dell were supposed to bethere (but weren't which was disappointing as they have potentially the most interesting story), the 'will it blend' by Blendtec was amusing but hardly insightful and most of the people presenting seemed to be 'mates' of the U-Talk Marketing Mktg Dir.
Having said all of that I am sure it would be useful for many - particularly those that hadn't seen the Tiger Woods walk on water or the Grand Central freeze virals - where have you been??
I think overall it gets a 6 out of 10 from my perspective - not enough indepth discussion about really using social media and not enough insights over and above what spending £9.99 on Groundswell would give you. Not sure it was worth £200 per head...
Having said all of that I am sure it would be useful for many - particularly those that hadn't seen the Tiger Woods walk on water or the Grand Central freeze virals - where have you been??
I think overall it gets a 6 out of 10 from my perspective - not enough indepth discussion about really using social media and not enough insights over and above what spending £9.99 on Groundswell would give you. Not sure it was worth £200 per head...
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
off to a U-talk marketing seminar on social media tomorrow in London - looks like it will be really interesting although it seems much of it is referencing stuff that is in the Groundswell book that I am nearly finished reading.
Sorry for the lack of posts - have been on holiday!
Will update when I have been on the seminar!
Sorry for the lack of posts - have been on holiday!
Will update when I have been on the seminar!
Friday, 20 February 2009
Engaging Brand
Found the blog for engagingbrands through twitter - really inspiring stuff on this blog and insightful - take a look
http://theengagingbrand.typepad.com
http://theengagingbrand.typepad.com
Sunday, 15 February 2009
social media conference
Booked on to a social media conference in London on the 26th - Dell will be there discussing their use of SM as a marketing tool - really looking for ward to it - but not the 5:30am start!
J
J
Friday, 13 February 2009
Charlene Li
Everyone knows Charlene Li right? How come IBM have adverts on her LinkedIn page.......who says social media marketing doesn't work?????
Check it out for yourself!
Check it out for yourself!
Simon Richardson, Network Integration - at last on the blogosphere!
My business partner (who incidentally is one of the best network/security/storage consultants you'll ever meet) has at last given in to peer pressure and set up a blog - nice one Simon - check him out at
simonrichardson.blogspot.com
this guy knows his stuff.
simonrichardson.blogspot.com
this guy knows his stuff.
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Sony - Piece of s***t
Copied flagrantly from Michie's Blog - had to share this - it's properly funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AyVh1_vWYQ
enjoy Sony!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AyVh1_vWYQ
enjoy Sony!!
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Typepad
This is a minefield - asking me to edit code for goodness sake!! Anyway - after messing it up first time it seems to be working - hopefully this will help me work more efficiently!!! What else is Typepad for?
When you're blogging do you spend most of your time signing up and registering with new things???
When you're blogging do you spend most of your time signing up and registering with new things???
Monday, 9 February 2009
Extreme video
I'vedone some pretty extreme mountaineering in the past but never seen anything like this
http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1778399&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1
http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1778399&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1
Saturday, 7 February 2009
Inept Management
I was amazed to see on the BBC website that we failed to sign a new striker in the transfer window as we got the paperwork tothe FA 15 minutes after the deadline! Shaun Harvey was quoted as saying "It is disappointing that the football league stuck strictly tothe deadline".
Mr Harvey - it is even more disappointing that the sorry lot running Leeds United couldn't get their paperwork in on time!!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/7868062.stm
Mr Harvey - it is even more disappointing that the sorry lot running Leeds United couldn't get their paperwork in on time!!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/7868062.stm
Friday, 6 February 2009
Anna friel
Jonathan Ross Programme
So - Anna Friel, is she really sexy or just average girl? poll now!!
pause
really sexy......
So - Anna Friel, is she really sexy or just average girl? poll now!!
pause
really sexy......
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Digg
Reading more about Digg and its function in Groundswell and thought it would be good to have a Digg button on my Blog - how on earth do you do that?
Any help out there would be gratefully received!
J
Any help out there would be gratefully received!
J
Power of the crunch!
I just love this ad - saw it on the marketing blog - what do you think?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DZao4kN73M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DZao4kN73M
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Groundswell
On the advice of a really nice guy - Jonathan Rippon - I have bought the book Groundswell. From reading the first few pages it sounds like exactly the sort of book anyone in my position should read. I am sure it is a well known text in the digital/social media world however much of it, I am sure, will be new to me!
.....and now - I am off to read (well maybe when I get home!)
.....and now - I am off to read (well maybe when I get home!)
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Ogilvy Brainz
Saw this on Rory Sutherlands blog - sounds like a great concept - creative ideas for free!!!
www.ogilvybrainz.com
www.ogilvybrainz.com
Monday, 26 January 2009
Good Game : Good Game!
Good game :Good Game!
Now either these guys have too much time on their hands in the current economic uncertainty or it's a bit of marketing genius - you can't beat the good old (ad)space invaders - no matter what spin you put on it!
http://www.allresponsemedia.com/newsletter/acquirer/Adspace-Invaders
Enjoy!
Now either these guys have too much time on their hands in the current economic uncertainty or it's a bit of marketing genius - you can't beat the good old (ad)space invaders - no matter what spin you put on it!
http://www.allresponsemedia.com/newsletter/acquirer/Adspace-Invaders
Enjoy!
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Why should I use a blog for business?
Good article that I liked for new businesses - http://www.winningtheweb.com/blog-perfect-launching-pad.php
Internet Marketing Strategies > Articles, Blogging, Internet Marketing > 3, 2, 1… A Blog is the Perfect Launching Pad to Blast Off Your Online Business
3, 2, 1… A Blog is the Perfect Launching Pad to Blast Off Your Online Business
January 14, 2009 - Written by Gyutae Park
A few days ago I wrote that blogging for ads is dead and that you sell yourself short by doing so. There are so many better and more effective ways to monetize your blog and selling ads becomes rubbish once you realize them. Be sure to read that post if you haven’t already.
Today I want to expand on the topic and talk more specifically about building a business starting with your blog. In fact, a blog is an amazing tool and offers the perfect launching pad to blast off your business.
What do I mean?
Say that you’re looking to start a new online business in a niche that you’re passionate about. You have the knowledge and you have the skills, but you have absolutely no idea what kind of site you want to create and how you’ll make money from it. If this kind of mindset is holding you back, you’re severely limiting your potential. What makes you think the perfect business idea will suddenly come to you? Without action it most likely won’t.
Even if you don’t have a clear business idea, start off with a blog covering the topic you’re interested in. Utilizing this strategy comes with a lot of benefits that will help you to jump start your business. Later in this post, I’ll go into more detail about why this is the case and how you can best use blogging to launch your venture.
With improving technology, blogs are becoming extremely easy to set up and maintain. Simply download the free WordPress software and you’ll be up and running in as little as 5 minutes. Large corporations are using blogs as marketing tools to communicate with customers and to complement their businesses. Why not start off with one and reap the benefits?
Don’t wait to get started in Internet marketing or to start your new online business. Every rocket needs a launching pad and a blog is the perfect one for you.
Internet Marketing Strategies > Articles, Blogging, Internet Marketing > 3, 2, 1… A Blog is the Perfect Launching Pad to Blast Off Your Online Business
3, 2, 1… A Blog is the Perfect Launching Pad to Blast Off Your Online Business
January 14, 2009 - Written by Gyutae Park
A few days ago I wrote that blogging for ads is dead and that you sell yourself short by doing so. There are so many better and more effective ways to monetize your blog and selling ads becomes rubbish once you realize them. Be sure to read that post if you haven’t already.
Today I want to expand on the topic and talk more specifically about building a business starting with your blog. In fact, a blog is an amazing tool and offers the perfect launching pad to blast off your business.
What do I mean?
Say that you’re looking to start a new online business in a niche that you’re passionate about. You have the knowledge and you have the skills, but you have absolutely no idea what kind of site you want to create and how you’ll make money from it. If this kind of mindset is holding you back, you’re severely limiting your potential. What makes you think the perfect business idea will suddenly come to you? Without action it most likely won’t.
Even if you don’t have a clear business idea, start off with a blog covering the topic you’re interested in. Utilizing this strategy comes with a lot of benefits that will help you to jump start your business. Later in this post, I’ll go into more detail about why this is the case and how you can best use blogging to launch your venture.
With improving technology, blogs are becoming extremely easy to set up and maintain. Simply download the free WordPress software and you’ll be up and running in as little as 5 minutes. Large corporations are using blogs as marketing tools to communicate with customers and to complement their businesses. Why not start off with one and reap the benefits?
Don’t wait to get started in Internet marketing or to start your new online business. Every rocket needs a launching pad and a blog is the perfect one for you.
Friday, 16 January 2009
T-Mobile Advert Channel 4 16th Jan
Man - this was amazing - one of the best ads I have seen - not on youtube yet but sure it will be by Monday morning - take a look at the following link for 'the making of.."
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw215gE6r2k
Is this publicis? phenomenal!!
Watch out for the viral's
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw215gE6r2k
Is this publicis? phenomenal!!
Watch out for the viral's
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Cloud Computing
Folks
I am particularly interested in this as we are migrating to a citrix based cloud solution. Anyone got any experience of this?
Cloud computing - what impact will it have on marketers in 2009? Technology For Marketing & Advertising, Keynote session,Tuesday 24th February 11.45 - 12.30 http://www.t-f-m.co.uk/ Cloud computing From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cloud computing is Internet-based ("cloud") development and use of computer technology ("computing"). The cloud is a metaphor for the Internet, based on how it is depicted in computer network diagrams, and is an abstraction for the complex infrastructure it conceals.[1] It is a style of computing in which IT-related capabilities are provided “as a service”,[2] allowing users to access technology-enabled services from the Internet ("in the cloud")[3] without knowledge of, expertise with, or control over the technology infrastructure that supports them.[4] "Cloud Computing is a paradigm in which information is permanently stored in servers on the Internet and cached temporarily on clients that include desktops, entertainment centers, tablet computers, notebooks, wall computers, handhelds, sensors, monitors, etc."[5] Cloud computing is a general concept that incorporates software as a service (SaaS), Web 2.0 and other recent, well-known technology trends, in which the common theme is reliance on the Internet for satisfying the computing needs of the users. For example, Google Apps provides common business applications online that are accessed from a web browser, while the software and data are stored on the servers.
I am particularly interested in this as we are migrating to a citrix based cloud solution. Anyone got any experience of this?
Cloud computing - what impact will it have on marketers in 2009? Technology For Marketing & Advertising, Keynote session,Tuesday 24th February 11.45 - 12.30 http://www.t-f-m.co.uk/ Cloud computing From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cloud computing is Internet-based ("cloud") development and use of computer technology ("computing"). The cloud is a metaphor for the Internet, based on how it is depicted in computer network diagrams, and is an abstraction for the complex infrastructure it conceals.[1] It is a style of computing in which IT-related capabilities are provided “as a service”,[2] allowing users to access technology-enabled services from the Internet ("in the cloud")[3] without knowledge of, expertise with, or control over the technology infrastructure that supports them.[4] "Cloud Computing is a paradigm in which information is permanently stored in servers on the Internet and cached temporarily on clients that include desktops, entertainment centers, tablet computers, notebooks, wall computers, handhelds, sensors, monitors, etc."[5] Cloud computing is a general concept that incorporates software as a service (SaaS), Web 2.0 and other recent, well-known technology trends, in which the common theme is reliance on the Internet for satisfying the computing needs of the users. For example, Google Apps provides common business applications online that are accessed from a web browser, while the software and data are stored on the servers.
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Reasons to be cheerful (part 3)
This wisdom should be attributed to Tim Watts, Chairman of Network Group Holdings - however I agree with it all so thought I'd share it.
REASONS TO BE OPTIMISTIC
Much has been made of the current economic climate downturns, crunches, recessions, depressions, deflations etc. but in truth having been through four economic downturns previously, the portents are really quite optimal. I think the next six months will be difficult followed by a fairly quick turn around and my reasons are:-
1. Inflation has dropped like a stone and will give a real boost to disposable income.
2. The fall in Sterling caused by the dramatic drop in interest rates will have a very positive impact in the second half of the year, boosting gross domestic product by nearly 2%.
3. The rebalancing was inevitable after 62 quarters of uninterrupted growth - twice as long as any other period in economic history. Following the correction we can return to a sustained growth path and a much better future.
4. Despite the best efforts of our European cousins, we have retained our flexible labour market, which will enable us to adapt to the forces of change much quicker than any of our neighbours.
5. Despite the derogatory comments in the Press, we actually have a world class university system , producing more academics per head of population than anywhere else in the world. The reason the European Research Council stated that was that Britain had the largest share of "excellence based" companies and accompanying awards than any other European competitor; twice as far in front as the second place country, which was France.
6. The fall in the equity market makes current valuations look very attractive for medium and long term investment, which is what the recovery needs.
7. Massive infrastructure project commitments have been announced and a 20 year programme for energy regeneration approaching a trillion on renewal of our nuclear fleet, massive investment in the transport infrastructure as well as schools and public projects - a commitment to change to low carbon economy should provide a massive (future debt to our children) kick start to the economy.
8. The new U.S. President has a strong mandate committed to pro-growth policies and a trillion dollar short term injection.
9. The recent meeting of the G20 nations all committed themselves not to make the same mistake of protectionism that turned the 1929 recession into the 1930's depression (i.e. we appear to have learnt by our previous mistakes).
10. There is a general election coming and the Government economic policies will be invariably "loose" to stimulate growth and ensure that the economy has re-started for the second six months of 2009.
The darkest hour is always before the dawn and I know that there will be some considerable pain to go through before the patient can recover. We all must look after each other, help each other and be committed to exceeding our customers' expectations of ourselves. My sincerest best wishes for the New Year and we are all in this together.
Kind regards
TIM
REASONS TO BE OPTIMISTIC
Much has been made of the current economic climate downturns, crunches, recessions, depressions, deflations etc. but in truth having been through four economic downturns previously, the portents are really quite optimal. I think the next six months will be difficult followed by a fairly quick turn around and my reasons are:-
1. Inflation has dropped like a stone and will give a real boost to disposable income.
2. The fall in Sterling caused by the dramatic drop in interest rates will have a very positive impact in the second half of the year, boosting gross domestic product by nearly 2%.
3. The rebalancing was inevitable after 62 quarters of uninterrupted growth - twice as long as any other period in economic history. Following the correction we can return to a sustained growth path and a much better future.
4. Despite the best efforts of our European cousins, we have retained our flexible labour market, which will enable us to adapt to the forces of change much quicker than any of our neighbours.
5. Despite the derogatory comments in the Press, we actually have a world class university system , producing more academics per head of population than anywhere else in the world. The reason the European Research Council stated that was that Britain had the largest share of "excellence based" companies and accompanying awards than any other European competitor; twice as far in front as the second place country, which was France.
6. The fall in the equity market makes current valuations look very attractive for medium and long term investment, which is what the recovery needs.
7. Massive infrastructure project commitments have been announced and a 20 year programme for energy regeneration approaching a trillion on renewal of our nuclear fleet, massive investment in the transport infrastructure as well as schools and public projects - a commitment to change to low carbon economy should provide a massive (future debt to our children) kick start to the economy.
8. The new U.S. President has a strong mandate committed to pro-growth policies and a trillion dollar short term injection.
9. The recent meeting of the G20 nations all committed themselves not to make the same mistake of protectionism that turned the 1929 recession into the 1930's depression (i.e. we appear to have learnt by our previous mistakes).
10. There is a general election coming and the Government economic policies will be invariably "loose" to stimulate growth and ensure that the economy has re-started for the second six months of 2009.
The darkest hour is always before the dawn and I know that there will be some considerable pain to go through before the patient can recover. We all must look after each other, help each other and be committed to exceeding our customers' expectations of ourselves. My sincerest best wishes for the New Year and we are all in this together.
Kind regards
TIM
everyscape.com
What an amazing idea - walk in to people's shops in another part of the world, navigate down their streets!
How do these guys do it?
When is this coming to the UK????
How do these guys do it?
When is this coming to the UK????
Social Marketing - an explanation
I am not claiming any credit for these words of wisdom - I can't actually remember where they came from however, as a simple explanation to people not internet savvy I think it does the trick!
We are natural villagers. For most of mankind's history we have lived in very small communities in which we knew everybody and everybody knew us. But gradually there grew to be far too many of us, and our communities became too large and disparate for us to be able to feel a part of them, and our technologies were unequal to the task of drawing us together. But that is changing."
More quickly than anyone really imagined, humankind is rediscovering, via its digital technology, the ability to reconnect with itself. it is this phenomenon that is at the heart of the connected world.
To put the concept in context. within my village 250 years ago you would have known the business of most people. You'd have known who was sleeping with who, who brewed the best beer, which baker added sawdust to their bread and who slacked off at harvest time.
What digital technology has done is recreate this world, or at least, recreate the mechanics of it.
For 250 years, as we've burned hydrocarbons and industrialized, the importance of these connections was downplayed, even considered "dated". Instead we learned to rely on 3rd parties - businesses we had no personal connection to - to inform us as to who was brewing the best beer. We even got to the stage where our sense of self became caught up in these messages. We'd lost a personal connection with "the brewer", we became "alienated".
As people thinking about how to engage other people in the digital world, this concept, that we are "natural villagers" needs to be at the heart of our thinking. Only by recreating and harnessing the inbuilt desire to connect can we be effective.
We are natural villagers. For most of mankind's history we have lived in very small communities in which we knew everybody and everybody knew us. But gradually there grew to be far too many of us, and our communities became too large and disparate for us to be able to feel a part of them, and our technologies were unequal to the task of drawing us together. But that is changing."
More quickly than anyone really imagined, humankind is rediscovering, via its digital technology, the ability to reconnect with itself. it is this phenomenon that is at the heart of the connected world.
To put the concept in context. within my village 250 years ago you would have known the business of most people. You'd have known who was sleeping with who, who brewed the best beer, which baker added sawdust to their bread and who slacked off at harvest time.
What digital technology has done is recreate this world, or at least, recreate the mechanics of it.
For 250 years, as we've burned hydrocarbons and industrialized, the importance of these connections was downplayed, even considered "dated". Instead we learned to rely on 3rd parties - businesses we had no personal connection to - to inform us as to who was brewing the best beer. We even got to the stage where our sense of self became caught up in these messages. We'd lost a personal connection with "the brewer", we became "alienated".
As people thinking about how to engage other people in the digital world, this concept, that we are "natural villagers" needs to be at the heart of our thinking. Only by recreating and harnessing the inbuilt desire to connect can we be effective.
Compare the Meerkat
I love this idea - adverts over the weekend followed up by an email marketing campaign yesterday - fun meerkat website - this has real standout and surely loads of opportunity for virals. Good work comparethemarket.com.
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Tiger Woods Walks on Water
I have to credit this to a guy called Mark Bjornsgaard who works at a favourite agency of mine called Dig For Fire - it was on his blog and I have nicked it as it is so good....
Have a look at his blog http://strategicdigitalthinking.blogspot.com/
the Tiger Woods EA Sports PR2 article is what I am talking about!
Have a look at his blog http://strategicdigitalthinking.blogspot.com/
the Tiger Woods EA Sports PR2 article is what I am talking about!
Meltdown or Economic Cycle
Listening to Radio 4 this morning both heads of Marks & Spencer and Next, although publishing slightly disappointing results said that there was no need for panic and that actually they felt their businesses were doing pretty well. I appreciate that they have a vested interest in saying that however the negative press and media really is getting too much.
The business report on BBC1 this morning had a KPMG/REC survey that showed absolute doom and gloom. Yes, things are tough however get used to it and adapt.
What both Next and M&S said was that the strong would get stronger and the weak would struggle to survive.
I run a recruitment business among other things and can see by the general profile of the candidates who are comingthrough who have been made redundant, they are coming from smaller companies that often we haven't heard of. There are few decent, well run companies that are making any redundancies at all! M&S, they are closing 25 of their Simply Food stores, not the main ones in city centres such as Leeds. This is because the model of that size store in the location they chose was wrong - not because of some freefall of their business. Look at the size of their profits! They have also made some people at their head office redundant - who wouldn't do that given the opportunity to cut costs when arguably they have been overstaffed for some time.
I really think it's time for the media to take a long hard look at themselves and start to pick out some more positive things to cover in the economy....or am I just being naive that anyone wants to listen to positive news stories!!!
The business report on BBC1 this morning had a KPMG/REC survey that showed absolute doom and gloom. Yes, things are tough however get used to it and adapt.
What both Next and M&S said was that the strong would get stronger and the weak would struggle to survive.
I run a recruitment business among other things and can see by the general profile of the candidates who are comingthrough who have been made redundant, they are coming from smaller companies that often we haven't heard of. There are few decent, well run companies that are making any redundancies at all! M&S, they are closing 25 of their Simply Food stores, not the main ones in city centres such as Leeds. This is because the model of that size store in the location they chose was wrong - not because of some freefall of their business. Look at the size of their profits! They have also made some people at their head office redundant - who wouldn't do that given the opportunity to cut costs when arguably they have been overstaffed for some time.
I really think it's time for the media to take a long hard look at themselves and start to pick out some more positive things to cover in the economy....or am I just being naive that anyone wants to listen to positive news stories!!!
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