Need I say anything more?

LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!

No thanks... I've had enough now!

Treacherous roads, panic buying at supermarkets, untreated pavements, empty grit bins, frozen car doors and locks etc, etc.

But it could be worse as you can see by these wintry pictures!

Why I love Brucie And Elton.

Oh dear, I think I'm going to regret this posting, and ruin my somewhat intellectual reputation (I have published blogs about poetry and my intense love for Classic FM, honest), but here we go.............I actually enjoyed the finals of Strictly Come Dancing and the X Factor (oh God what have I done?), but for very different reasons.

Ok, Brucie is tending to jabber on now, but he is pivotal in retaining the sense of old style variety/music hall show culture. But the show is an "honest" one, where actual people have to demonstrate their ability; there's no miming, there's no orchestrated politics, it is what it is, pure physical commitment played out" live" on stage with a fantastic "live" house band! And when the results are announced, all the participants are honourable and celebrate their win or loss positively. No back stabbing, no jealousy and poisonous rhetoric. You're left with a sense of admiration for all of them (and those dresses!)

Whereas the X Factor, well where do I start? I really admire Simon's professional entrepreneurial spirit, and the fact that the show gives normal hopeful people a chance to go on TV and onto potential fame, and I enjoy watching the spectrum of ability (the early stages are hysterical!) but that's where my admiration stops.

I watched a beautiful excerpt at the weekend of Elton John singing live his first hit "Your Song". Pure genius talent, an amalgamation of tender lyrics and a beautiful melody. His future success and reputation have been based on his musical ability to work hard and to create fantastic masterpieces. He wasn't hustled onto a" boot-camp" and made to sing someone else's hits in front of 4 talentless, meaningless so called "personalities", He wasn't exploited by the media and put under so much pressure for the first month of exposure that he had flu and fits. He got to where is his because of his "honest"talent.

The X Factor is an orchestrated media circus acted out on the back of hideous and made up stories. Have you seen the Cowellesque manouvered headlines about some of his already vulnerable contestants, "*******'s grandmother mother is a prostitute" just to raise audience figures? Lovely.

"Nice to see you, to see you, nice" any day.

Tinsel and tantrums. It’s got to be the Reception Nativity play

I have been to watch my 4 year old son’s nativity play this week. Not just once, but twice dear reader. You needed two viewings to fully grasp the plot, as Nativity plays ain’t what they used to be; no longer your standard M&J in stable with baby J, angel G and a few wise men popping by on the way to the pub to say hi. Oh no (or should that be ‘Lo’) they’re much more complicated than that. This years was all from the animals’ perspective; kind of Dr Doolittle meets the holy birth with 10 tons of tinsel thrown in for good measure. The seemingly endless succession of animals kept receiving apparently from no-where a frankly random selection of gifts including leg warmers for the sheep, a bow tie for the cockerel and a silky ribbon for the pigs' tails - genius.

Nativity plays are just about my favourite type of show, Christmas or otherwise, and this one didn’t disappoint. We had a piglet throwing a tantrum and refusing to either speak or sing for the entire play (might have had something to do with the fact that his mum had put him in pink tights and ballet pumps if you ask me), a shouty shepherd, a winking sheep, a saucy angel who kept pulling down her dress and enough tinsel to reopen Woolworths.

As for my son (top left of the picture), he had been given the very important role of "twinkling star in the night sky no 12 of 20". His teacher in an eminently sensible move in my opinion (he can be somewhat of a wriggler at these sort of gigs) put him at the back away from the main action. True to form he spent the majority of the time counting things he saw on the ceiling, yawning and every now and again letting his tinsel headband slip over his eyes superhero visor style and then looking from side to side, no doubt zapping imaginary baddies as he did it. Occasionally he’d join in with a heartfelt ‘cockadoodle do’ and he was to be fair very good in the action songs. In other words he was absolutely perfect.

Happy nearly Christmas everyone

Work Christmas Parties (ii)

Oh what a night...

A champagne fuelled sleigh ride from Tunbridge Wells to an alpine apres ski party in Val de B' Attersea.

Slick and highly professional event management from start to finish: 8.00pm on the dot giant bells project onto the side wall of the bar area and begin to chime; the whole side wall rises up to reveal a massive dining area with walls and ceiling covered in twinkling, ever changing colour, lights. 1500-2000 people at tables around a central stage/dance floor area.

Fantastically choreographed dancing, acrobatics and performances before we eat and between courses. How do those girls lift their legs quite so high - and can men do it too? How did that guy get up the pole and hang there? Beautifully cooked food for that number of people served impeccably to each of us on the table with perfect timing. Great mix of music for everyone's tastes. Plus dodgem cars, casino and ice bar if you wanted it. And of course the great entertainment to be had from people watching. Enough alcohol to sink a battleship but no trouble - low key, but ever present, security guys gently diffusing any slightly over-enthusiastic punters with a lightness of touch.

And then driven to our doors by a minibus driver called James.

'Home James and don't spare the horses'.

Work Christmas Parties

I love work Christmas parties! Everyone is in good spirits and we all have more time for each other. The buzz and excitement of dressing up and playing games fills the building and everyone is wearing a smile. Lots of food, drink and laughter awaits us all and this year we have the thrill of fire eaters, dodgems and a casino to entertain us.

The only down side to the party is the journey home. Too much alcohol on a mini bus from London to Tunbridge Wells could be painful. A word of caution to myself as I don't travel too well, "Drink too much and you'll be sick."

Oops

Now there really is no excuse for this awful lack of sense checking courtesy of the Daily Mail website last week.......

It's extraordinary that in an industry where proofing and accuracy is so important that such a fundamental error has slipped through the net.

Just goes to show stepping back and taking a bit of time to actually observe what you are creating is time very well spent!

Natural inspiration

People have been turning to nature for inspiration to help them solve problems for millions of years. From buildings and bridges to materials, medicine, transport, etc the list goes on and on.

Examining the design of nature has aided in the development of almost every aspect of our lives, and most of us – often without realizing – benefit from these inspired revelations several times a day. This design concept is most commonly known as biomimicry.

Designers, scientist, and engineers continue to study the complex structures found in nature to create greener and more efficient products and processes for our homes and lives.

Alternatively you can just take a stroll through your local woodland or countryside and lose yourself in the wonderful shapes, colours and textures that mother nature has created.

A week less ordinary

Greek philosopher Epictetus said “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

It’s a real personal mantra of mine.

Take this week for example. Monday morning saw me shivering at Tunbridge Wells train station at 7am waiting to catch a train up to London for an IPA workshop. “You do know there’s a tube strike love” said the ticket lady, whose only source of information seemed to be the news on the radio that morning, so alas could offer no more help or advice (brilliant joined up transport communications...not). Reassessing my journey options, it seemed the only option was to get off at Charing Cross and walk the mile and a half or so I needed to get to my destination.

As we approached Charing Cross station the sun had risen and a beautiful crisp autumn cusp of winter day beckoned. I headed down the Mall on foot towards Buckingham Palace, obligatory Café Nero regular skinny cappuccino in one hand, blackberry with map app open in the other. As I went I realised how very lovely this walk was going to be, taking in the morning buzz of London getting its way to work on a tube strike day. London was in its full splendid glory; statues and monuments glistening in the sunshine, leaves crunching underfoot, the architecture solid and proud steeped in history. I was even treated to the Queen’s guards, cavalry and horses on some sort of official ceremonial duty, the tourists all clamouring to get a glimpse at stuff we all (ex) Londoners seem to take for granted. Bugger the tube strike, this was the very best way to start the day. I felt I had freedom to observe and think as opposed enduring the horrible claustrophobia of the tube. It was truly inspiring and set me up perfectly for the challenges of the 3 hour IPA training session that followed.

Radio 4 - Today

If I was asked to recommend a primer for young wannabe account handlers entering our industry I'd say listen to Today on Radio 4. Forget breakfast TV and Chris Moyles. A quick blast of Today on your way to work or while you're having your breakfast. For those who have it at home before they get to work that is - now that's a whole new blog in it's own right. But to digress a moment when did people stop having breakfast at home and start eating cereal and toast in their offices? At Woodreed we've a whole Sainsbury's fixture of breakfast cereals, bread, muffins, jams, spreads.... When did this trend begin and why? Why do people prefer to eat at work than in the comfort of their own home? My preference is for Chris Evans and cereal at home, John Humphreys and Today in the car on the way to work or client meetings. Perfect.

Back to topic... a quick blast of Today a few times a week will give you the opinions, the general knowledge, the wider awareness of current and past affairs and enough of an insight into such a breadth of topics that you'll be able to hold your own in any client meeting or social situation. You'll absorb it all without even trying and it will give you a whole stack of useful stuff which you can draw on in any number of situations.

One of my favourites a couple of weeks ago was an interview with designer Karl Lagerfeld, creative director for Chanel, talking about how designers usually took more risks during challenging periods.

"Very often in difficult times fashion is more interesting than in times when everything is too cool, too safe, in a bad moment change is the best thing that can happen."

It was a fascinating piece but the bit I really noted was when he said he had no plans to retire, saying he was continuing to come up with new ideas and made this lovely point...

"The brain is a muscle and you have to work out," he said. "The French say you get hungry when you are eating, and you get ideas when you are thinking."

Inspirational.

DULCE ET DECORUM EST

I studied war poetry at school and this poem affected me. Maybe it will have the same impact on you.

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, 


Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge, 


Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs 


And towards our distant rest began to trudge. 


Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots but limped on, blood-shod.

All went lame; all blind; drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots 


Of tired, outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind.


Gas! Gas! Quick, boys! – An ecstasy of fumbling, 


Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time; 


But someone still was yelling out and stumbling, 


And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime. . . 


Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light, 


As under a green sea, I saw him drowning. 


In all my dreams, before my helpless sight, 


He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning. 


If in some smothering dreams you too could pace 


Behind the wagon that we flung him in, 


And watch the white eyes writhing in his face, 


His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin; 


If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud 


Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, 


My friend, you would not tell with such high zest

To children ardent for some desperate glory, 


The old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori.

Wilfred Owen
8 October 1917 – March, 1918

Tough. Beautiful. Polo.

I think that this new Polo advert is inspiring. It doesn't feature a car, driving or even a road, but merely two people dancing beautifully and the single line at the end: Tough. Beautiful. Polo. How clever, simple and incredibly captivating....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8enXlJeJ2LI

A lost art

This is going to make me feel and sound a lot older than I am. But, I think the majority of people have forgotten, or if you are younger, never been taught how to write a letter. Correctly. Where to pop your name, your address, the recipients name and address - and heavens above, how to sign it off! Now it's all Best Regards and the likes....what happened to faithfully and sincerely?
The reason I bring this up now is that I received a letter today from a chap who was keen to get into 'advertising' Nothing too odd there, but it was the style and content of this letter that left me feeling rather let down. When I was trying to get my first job, and on direction was asked to write in I made sure it was eye-catching, relevant and left them wanting to at least invite me in.
I think nowadays, people have become lazier (symptomatic of the advances in technology) and because everything is available (and expected) instantly less time and thought goes into some very important communications.
I'm glad I don't have to worry about ruler widths and blotting paper, but no matter what you write, it has got to have had some thought go into it - otherwise, it'll invariably disappear into my waste bin, as quickly as it arrived.

What's the first brand you can ever remember?

I remember walking to the village post office holding my mums hand, when I couldn't have been more than 5 years old. It was freezing and getting dark, the post office was called Wilkinsons and it was owned by a mutant with buck teeth called Frank.

Why I remember this journey so distinctly is that right beside this shop was a garage flanked by a giant advertisement hoarding/poster site, and there, almost spotlighted by the garage lights against the twilight sky was the biggest bar of chocolate I had ever seen in my young life (on a giant full colour poster)!. I remember saying to my mum (and I swear this true), "Can I have that (that being the size) chocolate bar to eat?". The name of the chocolate bar was Cadburys "Extra". I have never forgotten that moment.

Another time was seeing a picture of myself in a lovely bright

yellow short sleeved shirt, which had step and repeated worldwide airline logos all over it. (that would be really trendy now. it couldn't have been trendy then because my father who bought it donned a leather trilby hat 24 hours a day), but all I remember was picking my favourite logo (motif in those days) on the shirt which was "Sabena".

There you have it then, the first 2 brands that made me notice. Cadburys and Sabena.

Does anyone else remember their earliest brand experience?

Eight arms are better than two (apparently)

Now, many blogs ago our esteemed creative director argued that sometimes ideas are ok without insight and planning. I argued vehemently for the opposing view. I believe that all ideas must be based on research, understanding and insight - the key that opens the door to the opportunity for your brand to connect with your audience.

You only need to take a look at last weeks Apprentice to see how right I am. Last week was my favourite episode of the series – the one where they make the rubbish ads. The task – to design a new brand of cleaning product and create an ad for TV and radio to launch it.

Bring forth exhibit A – “Octi-clean”, because apparently women genuinely wish they had 8 arms (perhaps only to punch each member of team Synergy in the face with for creating an ad that was so desperately partronising it made Michael Winner look like a campaigner for women’s rights in comparison) . Plus call me a crazy rational fool (indeed an oxymoron – perhaps a better name for their product), but surely if you call a product Octi-clean then it needs to erm, like clean 8 ways or clean 8 different surfaces or something vaguely ‘oct’

Now for Exhibit B – the insane ‘Germinator’; the entire strategy cooked up (with added gravy) based on a strapline and the vague notion of wanting to do something “different” in the cleaning product market. Backwards, mad and wrong wrong wrong Plus note to ‘tomorrow’s captains of industry’ (yeah right) the product promised to get rid of germs, the ad was about getting rid of stubborn stains, the bottle looked like B&Q’s own brand of sink unblocker and to top it all the ad contravened all the rules of the ASA by using a child in the ad. Bloody marvellous shout-at-the-telly telly though and you’ve got to love it.

Anyway back to my initial viewpoint - I rest my case: The best ideas in advertising can only come through insight.

Music and adverts

I don't know about everyone else but I just love it when, in my opinion, a really good song is used - it just makes the advert. My music tastes are really quite broad now as I've got older but I'm just loving some of the adverts that are being shown at the moment.

Just some of my favourites currently are : -

M&S - Don't put a foot wrong this Christmas - The Bee Gees - You should be dancing

Virgin Atlantic - Got it - Muse's cover version of Nina Simone's - Feeling Good (A previous blog of mine)

Confused.com -Cara sings - Cover version of Queen's - Somebody to love

Ikea -Kitchen Party - Jona Lewis - You'll always find me in the kitchen at parties

John Lewis -Christmas 2010 - Ellie Goulding's cover of Elton John's - My Song

Not only are the songs good to listen to, but the adverts are also worth a watch......

http://www.tvadmusic.co.uk/

P.S. Jodie - I know how much you love the Yeo Advert that's being shown during the X-Factor breaks - people are campaigning to get it to No 1 for Xmas!!!

Things are not always what they seem

These are all examples of Rex Whistler's trompe l'oeil. I was inspired by his trompe l'oeil tent when I visited Port Lymne over half-term. It was just like being inside a wonderful striped canvas tent but the room was actually just a plain rectangle. Quite amazing how the eye can be so perfectly fooled by this incredibly skillful artist.

None of these rooms are really vaulted or corniced like this - it is all just a trick of the eye created by paintwork.

For examples of trompe l'oeil nearer home visit the Hotel du Vin restaurant and especially the snooker room which is just like being inside a Cuban cigar box - complete with fake bullet holes.

Bonfire Night

A dazzling spectacle of both madness and fun is what awaited me on November 5th.

Lewes town have seven societies who come together to celebrate the ancient tradition of Bonfire.

Dressed in colourful costumes and holding flaming torches the societies parade through the streets to beating drums and screams from the spectators. Through the smoke filled air you can see children hanging out of windows and the ear-splitting bangers that go off at your feet would usually summon a health and safety visit. But for some reason no one can stop this town from its chaotic celebration – some have tried! United for one night the societies draw in thousands to give us a performance like no other. A great example of teamwork.

This inspirational and entertaining evening must be seen. If you decide to go don’t forget your ear defenders!

Please hold the line...

Call me boring but one thing which really bugs me with the amazing technological developments we have today is the amazing creation that is... the call centre.

As helpful as they (apparently) are, I dread phoning any 0845 number or similar, for fear of the frustrating kind of conversation which may lie ahead.

We are deeply immersed in the cyborg era; where human and machine are combined as one. Those who eventually answer these phone calls (after patiently waiting on hold for half an hour) have been literally programmed to answer any query we have with a badly predicted script which - more often than not - does not actually answer the original question at all. We as customers, get nowhere in finding the answer to our query 55 minutes down the line. It is time-consuming, frustrating and impersonal.

By using a script I understand that companies may think they are promoting continuity of their brand, but do these companies not want to hear feedback outside of this restricted format rather than limiting the calls and reading the same scripted line for the 5th time before routing the caller for the 14th time to another person who is 'far more specialised in your query, madam... please hold the line'. I spoke to 7 different people in the space of 25 minutes the other day and got nowhere. Can these employees not be trained to care about the customer and be given the confidence and trust to be able to help customers using their own freedom of speech?

O2 and Natwest have got it right. No matter when I call them or from where I call (for example, on holiday this year when I had my purse stolen) they were more than happy to help, I had a real conversation with them and they even asked if I was okay. It was effective. Why can it not always be this easy?

Just have a little Patience..

Being a Take That fan has many plus points – catchy tunes to listen to, entertaining videos to watch and of course handsome men to look at. However trying to buy tour tickets is not one of them. Nevertheless it must be endured, with a strong will and grim determination.

4 of my friends and I set ourselves up, internet at the ready and mobiles on hand to text each other when we got our hands on some tickets, surely it would be relatively straightforward. However, things didn’t quite pan out the way we had hoped. By 8.45am (tickets went on sale at 9pm) all of the major ticket sites had crashed, unable to cope with the ‘unprecedented’ amount of demand. Unfortunately this remained the case for the next 5 hours. By this time we had all lost the will to live, at which point I saw via Facebook that another friend of mine had managed to get hold of some. After a quick little message to said friend he told me to get to Ticketmaster Ireland. Within 2 mins I had secured 4 tickets and the battle had been won. Hoorah.

This got me thinking about how new technology, specifically the internet can within the space of one morning make you want to bash your head against the wall and then within an instant can provide the solution to your problem – it really is a remarkable beast which many of us now just take for granted. So next time my emails stop working or I can’t connect to an FTP sever to upload some artwork I shall take a second and remember to be thankful for the fact that at least it eventually got me into Wembley to see TT. Yeah right.

Morning brain!

I've never been one for being too sycophantic about things, but I have to say I'm a great fan and believer of our Monday morning Woodreed Workouts. All sounds a bit twee, but if ever there was a time and place, that's it.
The brain and body are feeling slightly sleepy from the weekend, so what better way to kick start the grey-matter than with some stimulating thought and suggestions.
The premise is simple - get the whole agency in a room at 9am, get someone to head the session, spend no longer than 15 mins on it, and you're ready to start the day.
A topic for example; Which 4 celebrities would you invite to dinner (living or dead)? Sounds easy, but when you have Hitler and Oscar Wilde sharing lamb shanks, and Shakespeare and a Dalek fighting over the creme brulee you know Monday morning will never be the same again. There is a serious purpose to it as well though, we talk brand, we talk our own values, we talk about how we feel and act to things. We talk. We think. We share. It's not that often that agencies get the chance to do this all together, and I for one am a fan.

Christmas?

Often you hear people complain about Christmas. The most popular statements are that we have forgotten the original meaning of Christmas or the cost of Christmas overpowers the enjoyment of the occasion. I always find this really depressing, why should we celebrate something when no-one really wants too? In today’s world people vary in what makes them happy. We live side by side with the highest variation of beliefs then ever before. Celebrating Jesus’s birth may not suit everyone’s point of view either but one thing we all have in common at the end of December is the pleasure of seeing a hard year almost finish. Many people have had a difficult year in their own way and some more then others. We have had a year or three of hard work so why not take a moment to reflect and say goodbye. Lets forget the pressure of Christmas and give ourselves the pleasure of the spirit that December brings. Have a coffee in town and watch the people come running in with red noses and thick coats relieved to find the heat. Watch the shop assistants gathering decorations, stalls that only come around at this time of year. You have to smile when you see a new couple discretely pointing out things they would like. Let this Christmas be your Christmas., do what you want to do, we only have the perfect excuse to get together and have a laugh once a year.

When cars were cars, not brands.

When I was in Brighton yesterday, a sound editing chap couldn't wait to show me his newly acquired Mazda RX 8 sports car. He was giggling with excitement, almost wetting his pants as he glibly pointed to it. To say I was underwhelmed is an understatement. As my eyes scrolled over the predictable Japanese curves and bumps, my mind was taken back to small local vintage car show that I visited last year. In amongst a pageant of beauties, there was a car that I still consider one of the most beautiful and sexy British cars ever produced - the E type Jaguar. When my eyes settled on this masterful and unique design, I nearly wept.

These days, all cars are starting to look like each other, BMWs look like Lexuxs, Audis look like Vauxhalls! What happened to brave designs like the E type that I love and adore?

Mad Men Blog

Brilliant blog on Mad Men for anyone who's interested. No plotline spoilers in this one.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2010/nov/03/mad-men-season-four-episode-nine

Having a little bit of it all

I read in Campaign this week about how hard it continues to be for women to combine a career in our industry and have kids. I felt cross and let down by our industry for not doing enough about it (I wonder how far we've come since Mad Men).. It then made me grateful for how lucky I am to be able to combine a career I love with raising my children I adore.

This is mostly down to 2 things, well not things, ladies actually - a brilliant mother who’s there to pick up the slack when needed and a brilliant boss whose belief in working mothers (she’s one herself) means she goes out of her way to make the work/life balance possible for her staff who have kids.

I think that being able to enjoy a career without the guilt that I shortchange my kids (I don’t – I work part time around them) is wonderful and makes me come over all Spice Girl (I am not going to suggest which one) with a big girl power salute at how us ladies (my friends and my fellow mama colleagues) find creative ways of combining work and mothering. That being said I have had some funny moments when work and mothering are just a tad too cozy: house at full noisy pelt, supper overdoing in the oven, 4 year old son in major protest mode clinging to my foot like an angry blond fluffy haired slipper, fielding questions from my 6 year old girl about the history of the British monarchy (watches too much ‘Horrible Histories’ on CBBC if you ask me) while sending emails of great strategic importance to clients. Would I change it? No way and here's why.

It's about...

• Still having my own bank account ( I was shocked to learn some of my married stay at home friends only have joint accounts)
• Relating to point one, being able to spend a ridiculous amount on a pair of shoes without needing to justify it to anyone, (ie husband who thinks shoes should be bought on a needs not wants basis, oh so very wrong)
• When we’re at a dinner party or other such social event, being able to talk about what I do for work.
• Work banter – couldn't be without it. (still chuckling at the account handling team's elegant simile to describe the new layout of mine and Jo's office)
• Men! The world of the stay at home mama is a frightfully lady-based land. Don’t get me wrong, I love my girlfriends, but I also like hanging with the chaps too.
• The fact that having to think for a living just about keeps my brain this side of mush.
• Getting dressed up. Only the really super yummy mummies look hot 24/7. Coming to work gives me the perfect excuse to put on the heels, makeup and a dress 2 days a week
• Because it proves that women can go a little way to having it all (although of course this will never really be totally possible)
• Setting a positive role model for my daughter that woman can have careers just as much as men. My daughter’s current career aspirations are as follows: Scientists / pop star during the week, Magician on Saturday, Sunday off. You go girl!

Countdown to Christmas

I'm sure this is not going to be a popular one but oh well!

I am one of the few people who do like an extended run up to Christmas. December 1st just doesn't leave enough time! For me, clocks going back and the start of early evenings marks the start of an acceptable run up period.

To celebrate, I had my first "Christmas special" sandwich of the season and will be keeping my eye out for the all important Coca-Cola Christmas TV ad which always marks the real start of Christmas for me. I'm sure I'll have seen it before the week is out.

Everything seems just more Christmassy now and I love it! So sorry all of you "it just gets earlier and earlier" lot, as far as I'm concerned the countdown starts now!

The best ever Customer Service excuse I've ever heard....

As many of you know I choose to use public transport as my main way of getting work.

My first blog was about getting the bus (which I don't catch very often) and how for some reason people are more approachable when they catch the bus than when we catch the dreaded train....

You will be pleased to know that I have found a fellow traveller who I can chat to about all sorts of things and brighten up the journey home. I met my fellow traveller when all trains had been delayed or just cancelled one evening - no announcements had been made before I had entered the platform but once I was there on the platform all details of any train times had vanished from the television screens and I think all staff had hidden away in their office as nobody could be seen anywhere!!!!! After finally tracking someone down we knew we were in for a bit of a wait...time passed quite quickly having a few people to chat to and we were soon on our way. Happy Days :-)

Last week though, was just classic "customer service" .........

Got to the station, met up with my new train companion and the train arrived on time. All good so far.....Sitting on the train ready to leave and thinking about what edible delight I could rustle up quickly when I had got home and then we realised.....the train hadn't left the station and it was now 5 minutes late.....what could be the problem we wondered.....couldn't see any member of staff (nothing new there then) and then there was the announcement we were waiting for..."THIS TRAIN IS NOW CANCELLED!!!" the excuse? "THE GUARD COULDN'T BE BOTHERED TO TURN UP FOR WORK!" and those were the actual words used - they had a driver but no guard as the original one had got of the train and must have clocked off!!!-How lovely for him (the member of staff) and how frustrating for us (the customer).

So we all got off and had a bit of a giggle (at least we'd actually got an announcement this time) and waited for the next train to turn up.....

Unfortunately I can't choose my train provider and I think they were probably just trying to be honest as to why the train couldn't run but I think they were a bit too honest this time. I so can't wait for more delightful excuses - there's bound to be quite a few shortly, as we are entering the season of leaves, rain, ice and snow....watch this space and I'll keep you posted.....

To Autumn

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness!

Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;

Conspiring with him how to load and bless

With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eaves run;

To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,

And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;

To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells

With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,

And still more, later flowers for the bees,

Until they think warm days will never cease,

For Summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.

I couldn't begin to match Keats for his poetry so I won't even try. But imagine how dull it would be to live in a country with no seasons? Autumn touches every one of my senses - the wonderful richness of the colours, the unbelievable sweetness of the pears scrumped from the orchard, the faint smell of woodsmoke in the air, the touch of the rough skinned russet (and when did you last see one of them in the supermarket?) and the crunch of leaves underfoot. Truly inspiring.

Gym Membership

I've been working hard at the gym for over a year. Not only does it clear my head and help me to relax, it has, on more than one occasion helped me to discover the 'big idea.' More importantly I'm loving my body right now, which is why I'm up for doing a 'Peggy' from Mad Men. I wonder just how effective a brainstorming session would be without clothes on...

Join a gym, the benefits are endless.

X-Fact-or Fiction?

As with most recent Monday mornings, the conversation topic between the girls at Woodreed this week turned to the almighty reality show that is the X-Factor. Yes we are all totally hooked by it once again, and who could blame us?! Who isn't? However, this week it wasn't all completely positive; did Mr Bublé or even Cheryl actually sing or were they miming and WHY is the group performance COMPLETELY mimed each week without fail? Is this not meant to be a talent show, in which we are supposed to judge their actual talent rather than one which is enhanced? Were they hoping we wouldn't notice? Well, we did.
But this is not the only show or indeed form of media which plays on tricking the audience. Even the beauty adverts in the X-Factor ad-breaks are rammed full of enhanced beautiful people, projecting idealised women which we all aspire to be like. We forget that these people are not actually like this in real life; they are portraying a false reality to the audience, but one which we stupidly believe in. Bearing this in mind, can we really blame the X-Factor for their awful attempts of miming and dubbing or are they just keeping up-to-date with the idealistic times?

What do you get when you cross live comedy with social media?

Nope? I’m not sure either, and I was there. Adam Hills uses the audience as his source of content (as we are far more interesting than celebs…hmmm). Whilst parts of the show were quite funny, with the occasional numpty being ridiculed, watching ‘our Adam’ tweeting to get responses to his set took it too far. If I had wanted to watch someone on their phone I’d have sat in carphone warehouse – although I’d still not have escaped being ridiculed no doubt!

The point made here is that there’s a time and a place for tweets – and this wasn’t it, for as one sharp witted soul exclaimed ‘why don’t you just ask us? A great point, since we’d all paid £25 for the honour and felt rather short changed. At least we all clubbed towards his phone bill for the duration of his tour.

Tim, don't do it!

If you fancy a good cringe keep your eyes out for the new Giovanni Rana pasta ad featuring a certain Mr Tim Lovejoy. I was actually recoiling in horror and embarrassment as the ad played out before my eyes – is this supposed to be a joke….oh dear god no, it’s completely serious. Not only is the set up completely unrealistic and squirm inducing, neither Tim or ‘Sophia’ can act to save their lives – you’d think someone would have told them. It just screams of insincerity and well general lameness – stick to presenting Tim, or at least go to a few acting classes.

I dare you to watch this without feeling a little queasy, especially as Tim cockily declares ‘she’s here’ to Sophia’s ‘what time is she coming?’ yuk yuk yuk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2bGsl-xIcU&feature=player_embedded#!

Notes from a small island

Well what a rollercoaster of a few days we have had; the privilege of being able to share our passion for the joined up brand, the giggliest client dinner probably of our careers and the chance to rub shoulders, share ideas and talk about our business with some really rather influential people.

What inspired us:

The knowledge that standing up on stage and presenting a masterclass is not only not scary, but a fantastic, exhilarating experience. Our audience were really buying into our message and we had tons of positive feedback. We felt especially proud that we could draw on all our examples of what we do at Woodreed to practise what we preach. Bring on the next one.

The presentation style of Leo Johnson (the far less daft, better looking version of Boris and, yes, I did tell him that!) plus his obvious passion and knowledge on the issue of sustainability.

The warmth and hospitality, sense of humour and general all round gorgeousness of our ABTA clients.

The chance to sit in summer clothes for one final day of 2010 while England begins to wrap up in coats and gloves (we’ll be feeling your pain tomorrow!)

Being thanked by Virgin Atlantic who came to our masterclass to tell us to tell us how delighted they were we had featured their brand.

Managing not to have a hangover before our presentation, despite enjoying a 4 course 4 hour dinner the night before (alas, so grown up)

A sense of zeitgeist in our proposition, evidenced by learning that in the travel industry building brand cultures internally is becoming increasingly important, as service becomes the only differentiator.

What we thought was dire:

That gender is STILL an issue in business as evidenced by a panel discussion ironically based on 'Loose Women' comprising 5 men and one token female and the female MD not given the chance to discuss anything much except for what it’s like to be a woman in business. But that's it really, everything else rocked.

So bad it's good ?!?

Had it not been for the fact that a friend works on the show I would probably never have tuned in to the launch of The Only Way Is Essex (who am I trying to kid, of course I would!)

After putting in the initial hour I already feel like it's got me for the long haul. But at the end of each episode I am left with the same thought - is this just insultingly BAD or is it so bad it's good. It's certainly got people talking! Even their catchphrases (Shu'uup!) are finding their way in to everyday conversation.

So yes, everyone is talking about it and no, not much of that talk is positive but don't they say no publicity is bad publicity? Was that the idea perhaps- to make something so bad you can be sure it will be talked about? Who knows, but I for one will be tuning in to see what those glittery, orange wonders get up to next!

And for those who, like me, are already hooked - my man on the inside tells me episode 5 is a cracker!

Please don't interrupt me!!!!

I'm getting so fed up and cross with the abundance of unwanted pop up windows now appearing on the internet.

When I'm accessing a chosen website, I am now interrupted by the appearance of an anonymous pop up window which usually compromises of some ridiculous and inappropriate advertisement.

Now given that already I'm cross because I'm reading something that I don't want to, I then have spend time looking for a little cross or cancel button to get rid of it!

But it gets worse. Now we have pop up windows with no crosses on at all, so there's now the added frustration of never being able to see the original website.

And whilst I scramble round trying to find the appropriate cancel mechanism in a state of complete panic, I accidentally cancel the website I was trying to access!

But guess what? The pop up is still there!

I feel I must be getting old and need to join the.........

Grumpy Old Women!!!!!!

Please can somebody explain to me why is it that on a Weekend, at the moment, there are always lots and lots of cyclists on the roads ??? Not just the one cyclist dotted about (of which I have no problem with) but it appears that they are on mass at the moment - both male and female groups of them - everywhere!!!!!

I understand they are just trying to enjoy the last of our good weather before winter finally sets in, but when you are met with a wall of them across the road and mainly men with their Tour De France gear on complete with the sunglasses effect (not sure why they were all wearing them this weekend as there wasn't much of that warm yellow object in the sky) maybe that was their excuse as to why they didn't appear to realise that there is other traffic on our roads and Sundays are not just about cyclists. They can't seem to be able to move over to let you past, they just carry on chatting away to each other oblivious to the world around them or maybe they're all so engrossed discussing the previous night's episode of X-Factor and who they will be voting off when they get in....

Anyway if anyone reading this, recognises themselves in the above description (well maybe not the X-Factor part) please remember all of the other road users who are out and about, because the rain will be coming soon and I may not happen to see that rather large puddle that has formed across the road I'm driving along.................

HAPPY CYCLING

The cure for the common blog

So I guess first of all, welcome to our new audience. Up until this week we've blogged for our eyes only. So now it's my turn again - but this time with the eyes of the cyber world upon me. It's the difference between singing your heart out in the shower or behind the wheel in the fast lane and taking centre stage at the karaoke bar.

Now our Woodreed blog is open to the outside world will it change the way we blog and what we blog about?

Can I, for example, talk about the sublime scene in this week's Mad Men where Peggy called the bluff of her abrasive new art director and they found themselves stark naked brainstorming new creative concepts for Vicks? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdKSDqo9FaU Can I ponder whether that approach would ever see the light of day at Woodreed - Jodie and Dave any thoughts? Or would I be venturing perilously close to employee litigation? On second thoughts......

Or could I dare comment upon the wannabee creative from the same episode who'd hopefully recycled one tired and hackneyed line across endless ads in his book: The cure for the common bank, the cure for the common chair, the cure for the common beer ... What agency would ever do such a thing?

Or should I be more business like and simply muse about how I'll be feeling this time next week? Once Charlotte and I have presented our masterclass on the power of brand as a tool for employee engagement to 200 delegates at The Travel Convention in Malta? What's really excited me putting that together with Charlotte has been the power of our presentation. It really is the culmination of so much great insight and experience - so will we inspire or will we be ....?

I'll let you know next week.

A pack of lies

I haven't felt the need to offload my frustrations on this blog until now! I'm going to make this quick otherwise my blood will boil and I'll work myself up into a frenzy, which will result in giving my Creative Director palpitations. Bless him!

Ready? Products that don't work.

GGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. False promises and big claims lead to disappointment, and me, going out with a very large spot on my face, so big it has its own personality! There are so many spot treatments on the shelves that promise to rapidly reduce swelling which is a blatant lie. Read the oxy promise on its packaging. It clearly states 'vanishing' which in my opinion is misleading. But we still buy these products. Why? Can someone please enlighten me?

Just do it....

It’s lovely when you spot a campaign that is so in tune with a brand’s essence. It’s lovely for it not to be awash with product, product, product. It’s lovely seeing it executed so simply (we’ll overlook the heavy retouching), yet for it to still evoke the very essence of the brand and the reaction it’s begging for…makes me want to get my trainers on and just head East (well nearly…)

Speaking the right language

Now there’s not a lot of things that can make me burst out into hysterical laughter on a Monday night but the genius and utterly brilliant Inbetweeners on E4 is one of them. For those who don’t know the show revolves around 4 boys enduring the angst, embarrassment and awkwardness that are the latter teenage years. From Will’s witty retorts to every gruelling put down, Neil’s perpetual dimness, Simon’s complete inadequacy at everything and Jay’s barrage of exaggerations, lies and apparent nymphomania, it really is pure gold.

I believe its utter brilliance is borne out of the fact that it is, well, spot on. My husband and friends love it, the buzz around facebook before and after each episode says it all – it strikes a cord with all of us. Though sure, a bit exaggerated at times, it does depict the way the guys I went to school/college talk, behaved and communicated. The constant put downs, vulgar innuendos and never ending teasing about each others mums, it’s perfectly observed. They’ve nailed their target audience and consequently landed themselves a winner. A brilliant example of how understanding and engaging with your audience can establish a loyal, enthusiastic and devoted fan-base.

I can bet though that my mum, nan and many other people I know just wouldn’t get it and would think it was most probably ghastly, disgusting and nothing but darn right rude. Indeed you may be one of them. But that’s the joy of it.

When Ads ring true.

It is rare that I see an ad that rings true. When I first saw the Foster ad ‘Good Call’ I laughed out load. A short while later I realised how true it is. I was at a party one weekend which was fueled with good spirits and nice fluorescent makeup due to having been at Gay Pride all day! Like most parties there were a few unknown appearances. I soon found myself cornered with a genuinely nice guy who was a ‘space invader’. I started to get more annoyed as I backed away so much that I ran out of floor space and found the wall against my back! There was no immediate rescue for me as I looked around the room for a friend to read my eye signals to come and take me away. I then suddenly remembered the advert and started laugh. A truly good advert is one you can actually relate and bring it into really social situation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMgIJuzvH24

Looking into the eyes of souls

Being the utter romantic I am, I treated my better half to a day of enlightening culture a couple of Saturdays ago, by taking her up to London as a treat for her birthday .

The trip involved a spectrum of creative visits including the awe-inspiring Applestore in Regent Street, Libertys (and other out of our price range retail venues), sandwiches in Trafalgar Square, an afternoon visit to the National Portrait Gallery, a nostalgic visit to our one time favourite restaurant in Soho when we were courting called Ketners (previously owned by Ronnie Scott's but now sadly a Pizza Express), and then finally to see the stage play of Rosemary's favourite book "Birdsong".

"The highlight of the day you ask?"

The National Portrait Gallery.

It wasn't just the fact that there was, in one place, an amazing collection of portraits from the early Tudor times right to up to the modern day, or the wide range of medium used (there was oils, watercolors, silk screen printing, photography, etching, pencil and ink amongst many others), but it was the sheer brilliance of how all the artists manage to capture the personality of each of their subject matter, so much so that when I actually looked into the eyes of some of them, I was overwhelmed with a sense of actually recognizing their character and sprit. Frightening.

Looking into the eyes of William Pitt, I was immediately aware of his arrogance, his autocratic (management) style , his sense of power, where as with Sir Francis Bacon I instantly recognized a vulnerable, helpless but belligerent soul. I almost felt sorry for him.

The power of pictures, the power of art, I'm so proud to be part of an industry where this is so important!

If you love "people watching", take a visit to the NPG, you will undoubtably be mesmerized for hours on end.

Brand of brothers

Is it just me or is politics super exciting these days?

It’s like a brilliantly cast soap opera with all the complexity of characterisation and glimpses into the human condition and foibles that you could ask for.

We began with the gripping expenses scandal that rocked the H’s of P, followed closely by the edge of your seat election results and the will he won’t he drama of Brown’s resignation. Even Queeny’s been on the scene and she only usually gets unfurled at Christmas these days. Just when I thought I couldn’t get enough of witnessing the burgeoning love affair between the double C’s (Cammy and Cleggy) along come the battle of the Millibands – joy joy joy. Oh what a brave new world we are in.

With my marketing head on, I have been equally as fascinated with how the two parties of the coalition have had to reposition themselves, adjust their messages and try to work out what they say and how to the electorate. Never been that bothered about door step campaigners until recently when a chirpy Lib Dem chappy came a knocking. All he wanted to do was canvas (pot holes, street light etc), all I wanted to do was to ask him how he was grappling with the new (sub?) brand that is LibCon / ConLib and if he thought Florence Cameron looked more like Dave or Sam (that bit was a joke)

Also, now Ed is in (was Ed David’s David or David’s Goliath? Hmm) how is he going to position himself and his party? Embrace brands and work the media a la Blair with an Alistair Campbell side kick in place like a media savvy Robin or eschew comme Brown and pay the price? What brand will he become and who will help him position it and what model will New new old Labour use? Ooooh just too exciting.

It's all about teamwork!

So, it was that time of year again - G-day (aka Glastonbury tickets are on sale day)! Determined that I was not going to be beaten by the "your request has been placed in a queue" torment again I got in early. I was on the laptop hubby on phones.

8.50am and I was ready to go! Up came the "click here to place your deposit" page (10 minutes ahead of schedule). I couldn't believe my luck, "this is going to be a breeze" I thought. Turns out I wasn't the only one getting a head start.

1 hour later and I was STILL on the "oops! we cannot display this site" page from hell. I knew (although I wouldn't admit it out loud) that things were not looking good! About another hour in a call from my bro gave me a little ray of hope. They had a whole booking syndicate going so we got on board!

Nearly 4 hours after I first "clicked here", now armed with 5 strangers' registration details, I was back in a queue and going nowhere. But even with the remaining count dropping by the second I felt a million times better than I did that first hour. I knew I wasn't in it alone now. Then I got the call, a friend of a friend of my brother had confirmed our deposits!


So long story short, I'll be back at Worthy Farm in June but not without a good reminder of the power of teamwork! So it will be all hands on deck come the re-sale in June!

Your airline's either got it or it hasn't!!!

Has anyone seen the new Virgin Airline advert? I saw it last night and knew straight away it was for Virgin and I love it!!!! - The music used - Muse's version of "Feeling Good" fits the advert really well. It is said to be inspired by James Bond title themes and it sure does, men in tuxes, cocktails, cheeky dancing going through the body scanner and the winking golden eye was cleverly used. There is so much I could talk about and either what I was watching last night was either quite mundane or the Agency have done their job as I can recall so much information from the advert and would love to try out the experience with Virgin!!!! Was it worth the reported £6 million check it out and see what you think. I know who I'm going to fly with next time......... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbib-A6NpW8

Laura Ashley on acid

Am I the only female in the south-east of England who cannot stand Cath Kidston? Truly?

I just don't get it.

It's twee, indulgent, soppy, wet, slushy, nauseatingly smug and just too simperingly girly for words. It's formulaic, unimaginative, derivative and girls you're being played for fools. Get some edge about you and have some individuality.

It's Laura Ashley on acid. And I hated that too, but I didn't have an outlet to rant on.

Do me a favour all you fans, dress yourselves from head to toe in CK, including the obligatory apron and wellies of course, take hold of the hands of your over-indulged, spoilt little fashion appendages (that's the offspring by the way) step into your CK wallpapered and accessorised kitchen and, bingo, with a bit of luck disappear from my view forever.

The old man and the sea

To cut a long story short I had a restless weekend and found myself bored by everything around me. I desperately needed stimulating.

I took a stroll into town and went into Waterstones. By accident my eyes fixed on the author, ‘Ernest Hemingway’. I’ve never read his work, but I understand that he is one of the most respected writers. I selected one of his books, ‘The old man and the sea’ and decided that I was going to buy it without reading the synopsis on the back. I didn’t want to be discouraged in anyway from his writing.

I took the book home and spent the next two hours reading it.

The book captured my imagination, which to be honest surprised me because although the book is described rather poetically as, “an epic battle of wills between an old, experienced fisherman and a giant marlin said to be the largest catch of his life”, cut short, by little old me, it’s about fishing.

I have no interest in fishing whatsoever; I’m clueless about the entire subject. However, the book was so descriptive and engaging that I found myself excited and openly deliberating in front of my bewildered boyfriend, whether this old man would triumph over the fish!

Isn’t it incredible the power that words have on us, even when we find the subject a little dull? Words can manipulate your mind, take you into another world and often in my case, reduce you to tears!

It's good to talk...

Another day and another few million emails are exchanged through the Woodies' inboxes. Emails are great: a speedy and effective way to instantly communicate with other people who could even be on the other side of the world. It always baffles me the degree to which we rely on emails and the internet for business nowadays and this reliancy is only ever going to grow with time. I cannot imagine how business in fact worked before the days of the web or even computers. I can only assume that the important messages to clients must have been sent by flocks of carrier pigion to get delivered on time. It really does baffle me.

Emails are becoming so much a part of our lives that they are even affecting our lives outside of work too. Is this a good thing or has it affected us too much; emailing rather than speaking to a friend or relative for a good old catch up. Is this making our attitudes to relationships and friendship lazy? I for one am amongst those to blame for not speaking to my friends as often as hoped and think a little mid-week text will make do for the moment. But the tone of an email or text message can so easily be misread or unappreciated. There are only really so many 'emoticoms' you can use at one time to emphasise levels of emotion. Does it really harm to make the time and pick up the phone and actually have a chat? Why don't we do this more? I know I don't do this often enough but I really think it is important otherwise could speaking be at risk of extintion...?

I love it when a plan comes together...

There can rarely be anything more satisfying than when the whole pitch process works, and works properly. There are always last minute hitches, disagreements, changes of mind - but that's because we want and need to get it right.

There is nothing better than discovering a fantastic solution to the Client puzzle - and a proper live one at that, with people to impress and budgets to plan - and one where all concerned treat it with the respect and value it deserves. I'm glad I don't have to pander to selling ideas that are only developed to adorn portfolios and massage egos.....

I lie, actually there is something better - when you bare the result of your work and not only does the Client listen, they nod with approval, and join in the discussion, actively being enthused with what you've lain in front of them.

It's the satisfaction you get when you've made a cracking meal, and the plates are left clean.....you want to do it all over again!

Madmen – probably the best television show in the world

The 4th series of madmen has started and, as usual I am already hooked.

This blog is a blatant plug for what is, in my opinion, one of the best television series ever made. How lucky am I? Not only is it the best show ever (have I said that enough yet?) but it is also about the industry I love so much.

For the uninitiated (and not to watch it means you are either mad, man, without a TV or have a social life to rival Paris Hilton thus are not in on a Wednesday night.), Madmen follows the lives and loves of the men and women of Madison Avenue ad land in the 1960’s. The characterisation is beyond perfect, the script from heaven and the attention to detail unparalleled. For example, if they are shooting a scene on a particular day, thanksgiving for example, they look back at historical weather data and dress the characters accordingly. They even make sure they have the right sort of ice cubes for the whiskey that is seemingly drunk from morning to night along with the cigarettes that punctuate every waking moment of their lives (aah for the return of guilt free smoking). It deals with all the major issues of its day – politics, racism, homophobia, sexism at work, unwanted pregnancy, all with such aplomb it makes me go quite giddy just reflecting on it now. It's even had the power to reignite the 'size 0' debate.

It has the ability to make you laugh (for fans – remember when the account exec ran over the client’s foot with a John Deer tractor at the office party?) and cry (See Don’s beautiful ‘carousel’ pitch?). I implore you to see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suRDUFpsHus

Despite having moved on somewhat in agency lala land since then (although I have definitely indulged in some all night parting which included passing out in the agency at some point in my sometimes not so distinguished career, although stopping short of severing the limbs’ of clients!), the day to day highs and lows, the tensions between suits and creatives, the clients you adore, and those you don’t, the agency personnel’s love of a drink remain constant.

Finally, I love it because it reminds me of why I love my industry so much and how lucky I was to have stumbled upon it in the first place. I am inspired nearly every day by what we do. How lucky I am to have a job that I actually love to do.

oooh, PS, I have just found joy of joys a Mad Men blog. Check out http://www.lippsisters.com/