Today, it’s this one’s birthday.
Her seventeenth.
Or, in cat years, her 84th.
And while she’s definitely showing her age in her speed, she still has her Singaporean street cat, street smarts.
Not just in terms of being a cranky, demanding, wonderful asshole. But also knowing how to get us to do whatever she wants and requires. From coming downstairs to help her get under the covers of our bed … to feeding her the Friskies she has adored all her life to not being pissed at her she still darts out the front door when she wants the sense of freedom. [Though that’s also because she only has the energy to then sit under our car rather than run away]
I love this cat.
I love her moods, her quirks, her ways.
I love that she has lived literally all around the World – in 7 countries to be exact – so now takes everything in her stride … to the point she’s not bothered – or tempted – by all the birds that fly around our house in the trees or even the bird that lives in our house. Even when Sky is out of her cage and dive-bombing her in her bed.
I know 17 is a ripe old age for a cat, but frankly, that’s something I try not to think about.
The reality is she has given us a lot more than we’ve given her [and we’ve given her a fuck-ton] so I don’t want to think that one day that may stop.
Though the reality is even when she’s gone, she’ll still be with us.
In our hearts. In our memories and in how she has shaped, influenced and brain-washed our behaviour.
Which would be the thing she would be happiest about the most.
But – thankfully – we’re not there yet. In fact, the vet thought she was waaaaaaaay younger than she actually is, such is the quality of her general health … so we will celebrate her Royal Highness Catness’ special, special day with Friskies and hugs … even though we accept we will only get the hugs because of the Friskies.
Happy birthday Rosie. You’re fucking great. [Even when you’re not]
Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, Asia, Attitude & Aptitude, China, Comment, Context, Culture
A few weeks ago, I had the most bonkers week of my life.
MY. ENTIRE. LIFE.
Of course, it involved China – where bonkers is a beautiful way of life – but it was at a level I could never imagine, let alone imagine I’d ever get to experience.
But it happened and it is something I will treasure and remember for the rest of my days.
But this post is not actually about any of that, it’s about this …
And this ….
I know … I know … it’s a photo of a man cutting a hedge and an empty road which sounds especially boring given this post started with ‘the most bonkers week of my life’.
But the thing is, of all the bonkers stuff that happened [taster: dinner-for-2 with a global superstar in LA, dinner with editors of GQ and Vogue China, asked to bring another global superstar to China, conversations with the head designers of some of the hottest street culture and luxury brands on the planet] those were 2 of the moments that made the biggest impression on me.
It was on my first morning in Beijing.
I woke up very early because of the time zone change.
And because I’m on a health kick, I got up to go out for a walk.
It was light as it’s summer there and as I left the hotel, I saw the guy cutting the hedge and it kind of stopped me in my tracks.
I know that sounds dramatic and over-the-top but it is true …
Part of it was because it triggered Sunday morning memories, where I would hear Dad – or one of the neighbours – cutting the grass. A sonic symbol of family, safety and happiness. A guarantee that whatever happened later in the day, it was starting in a good way.
But it was more than that …
It was the joy of seeing a city literally prepare itself for the day ahead.
And not just any city, but one that is crazy in terms of scale and volume.
Bustling with kinetic energy and possibility.
There was something exciting and reassuring seeing the city actively create the conditions for people to experience and live up to.
All bathed in the warm golden glow of a summer sun, rising to bake us all in its intense heat within an hour or two.
And yet it would be so easy to do none of it.
Let’s be honest, each day tens – if not hundreds – of thousands of people pass through this area and I’m pretty sure few ever notice it.
And yet they do it.
Every day.
OK, so the area I was in was ‘posh’ – full of luxury brands and retailers – so there is an ‘image’ to maintain, but it felt a real gift to be there at that moment.
To experience pride in a job well done and calm before the story.
To welcome the day rather than fear it.
To see the people who make it possible rather than the people who take it for granted.
And while I appreciate you may be fearing for my sanity at this point … the thing is, for a country that cops so much shit for what it ‘does wrong’ from people/media/politicians who often have never even been to the country, they understand the importance of the environment we live and work in far more than many of the places that like to present themselves as having all their shit together.
I know China has a lot wrong with it.
So does every other nation.
But while there’s a lot they can – and need – to do a lot better in, there’s some things, they do miles better than the so called ‘first world nations’.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tomorrow we have the day off to celebrate Matariki.
It’s a very important day in New Zealand and if you want to know why, click here.
See you Monday.
Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, Advertising, Attitude & Aptitude, Brand Suicide, Brands, Business, Comment, Context, Corporate Evil, Creativity, Culture, Differentiation, Distinction, Honesty, Innovation, Management, Marketing, Marketing Fail
I saw these 2 brilliant cats starring each other down when I was in Utrecht a few months ago.
Look at them.
Focused. Determined. Pissed off.
Trying desperately to intimidate each other while obviously being scared of each other.
Maybe not in terms of size … or beauty … but in terms of one being able to pull off something better, quicker or smarter than the other.
Trapped in an endless cycle of statue paralysis or trying to micro ‘one up’ the other.
The cat cold-war so to speak.
And what is funny is this is often how many brands behave.
Looking sideways rather than ahead.
So lost in what one other brand is doing – or could be doing – they ignore what’s going on around them.
What others are achieving without them.
Sometimes this is not simply driven by a competition, but greed.
A desire to make sure nothing is left on the table.
Hoovering up every scrap.
Believing they are in control and in power so nothing can challenge or take them.
So lost in their self-belief that they fail to see they’re being left behind.
Blinkered by ego.
We saw it with Nokia when Apple launched the iPhone.
We saw it with Listerine when Wrigley’s positioned chewing gum as dental care.
We saw it with Kodak when they chose to protect their photo processing profits rather than launch their digital camera.
We have seen it over and over again.
And while sometimes, having a focused enemy can push you to greater heights than you would be able to achieve on your own … driving you to make things better, rather than to look for things never done before [because often, those things are stupid or self-indulgent] like most things in life, the key is knowing when this approach starts to be counter productive.
When the focus is pulling you back than pushing you forward.
Blinkering your view rather than opening your perspective.
Losing your edge rather than fuelling your ambition.
But sadly, too many brands act like those two cats in Utrecht.
Unable to look away but without the looks to make others still want to come to them.
Which is why as much as there’s a lot to be said for exploiting and optimising the failings and learnings of your numero uno foe, there’s also a lot to be said for remembering to keep looking up and out from your blinkered bubble.
Or said another way …
When you ensure you’re focused on where culture is heading, you don’t get lost following where your competition is staying.
Filed under: A Bit Of Inspiration, Advertising, Age, Brand, Brand Suicide, Comment, Content, Context, Crap Campaigns In History, Creativity, Empathy, Marketing, Marketing Fail, Mediocrity, Resonance
Growing old is a fascinating experience because of the multitude of ways it impacts you.
And while a lot of the narrative around it is negative, it’s not entirely the case.
You give less of a fuck about things that used to bother you because you realise they don’t really matter. And you feel more confident to speak up about issues that do bother you, because you are less nervous about expressing how you feel.
Sure, that can lead to all sorts of problematic behaviour and attitudes, but as long as you’re not a myopic, prejudiced dick … it’s generally good.
But without doubt there’s things that do mess with you.
Parts of you hurt you didn’t even know was a part that could hurt.
You are made very aware that your relevance to society is less important.
And when you look in the mirror, you don’t recognise the old bastard staring back at you.
There’s a lot of money in trying to delay the signs of ages.
Or should I say, the physical signs.
And while I could make this a post about the unfair, unjust and unrealistic expectations [and judgement] that society places on looks – and aging – especially towards women, that’s not the point of this post.
You see I recently passed a cosmetic beauty shop/spa/clinic whose promise to ‘help you counter the realities of growing old’ seemed to miss the point of what potential customers actually are looking for.
Or at least it did to me, because their ad said this …
Now maybe I’m wrong, but surely one of the main points in seeking anti-aging treatment is so you DON’T age your way.
That, if anything, you age someone else’s way.
Preferably someone much younger than you.
And hotter.
OK, with hindsight, I get that’s what they maybe meant.
That they were trying to say their treatment allows you to control how you age, as opposed to leaving it to nature. And if that’s the case, then it’s probably closer to being the right proposition [albeit flawed, generic and contrived as hell] with some of the worst writing.
But then I hate that whole ‘YOUR RULES, YOUR WAY’ ad narrative that appears so often.
Communication that’s devoid of any sort of definitive or differentiated idea, other than utterly preposterous suggestion their product/service empowers you to conquer and counter all the rules, realities and science of the World that relates to your particular situation or need.
The imbecilic idea that people will believe this company/brand has the knowledge/technology/magic to achieve what no other organisation or individual can achieve.
ON THE PLANET.
Jesus Christ, it’s so lazy and unimaginative.
Sure, I get this approach works … but the whole business strategy appears to be ‘get a bit of the same pie everyone is eating’ rather than develop a point of view that will get you more of the pie.
But as bad as that is, I realise there’s something even worse than that
It’s all of the above generic shit … but with a headline that doesn’t even convey it with clarity.
Which is the real ugly side of beauty.
Filed under: Attitude & Aptitude, Authenticity, Brand Suicide, Comment, Communication Strategy, Embarrassing Moments, Fake Attitude, Marketing Fail
We all love recognition.
Whether a compliment from a colleague or an award from your industry … recognition is a wonderful reward for your efforts.
Not that it is always done with that objective or intent, but if feels good and – in certain circumstances – can lead to a whole host of opportunities, from relationships to promotions.
But there are occasions where recognition sucks.
I don’t mean that in terms of the type of recognition Liz Truss achieved when she became the shortest serving [and economy destroying] Prime Minister in the history of the UK, I mean in terms of this …
‘The Most Innovative Leaders Transforming The Future of Energy in 2024’ …
What the fuck???
I’m not saying that simply because of their attempt to associate me with it, I’m saying that because it’s ego-filled bullshit.
“Innovative”.
“Transforming”.
“Future”.
My god … are they trying to play corporate buzzword bingo???
But that aside, why am I getting sent this email?
Yes, I worked with FFI – where we did our Rick and Morty collab – and yes, they are very innovative, but they don’t mention them in the email so I can only assume they have decided to specifically and deliberately ‘target’ me.
But what is even more hilarious is how they’re desperately trying to insinuate I’m connected to ‘the most innovative leaders transforming the future of energy in 2024’ … when in reality, all they’re trying to do is get me to advertise in their magazine.
Except there’s 2 problems.
1. I know I’d never be nominated to be in that group, because …
2. I don’t work in the industry of that group.
Which suggests either their database of information is more flawed than a Tory Politician or they’re just utterly stupid.
And here’s the thing …
While pandering to ego – either overtly or suggestively – can work, you better make sure you have your facts and context right because otherwise the bubble of delusion you’re trying to get people inside will pop and ne replaced with a great big spotlight that shines bright on the bullshit of it all.
Given Sam – the author of the email – has failed to recognise this fact from my continued disregard for his email, I’ve replied to his email with a link to this post.
So Sam … if you’re reading this, 10/10 for persistence. 1/10 for believability.