Possible? Surely probable!

A report from Birmingham Chamber in Business Insider today cites a double-dip recession as possible.  I did have to do a double-take at this particular adjective.  My thoughts are that 'nigh on unstoppable' would be more the case. 

With other news items this morning including the construction sector once more going into freefall with the collapse of the Building Schools for the Future programme and a quagmire of confusion over what's happening with LEPs, I think 'possible' is a tad too optimistic.

Mary Queen of Shops tells it like it is

Having just downloaded one of my favourite programmes, Mary Queen of Shops, it never ceases to amaze me that people can go so very wrong in business. 

Fronted by retail guru, Mary Portas, this particular programme, Under the Moon, was a classic. 

A likeable, yet misguided, pair of hippies (Dazzle and Dennie), couldn't understand why their outdated, unattractive, Glasto house gear wasn't selling in uber-wealthy Kingston-upon-Thames.  The added attraction being Dennie's son, who worked in the shop clad in D&G (not the designer apparel, but a DRESSING GOWN!  And we're not talking a Noel Coward version either).

Profitably provide what people want.  It really is that simple.

likemind

I'm a semi-regular attender of likemind, the St. Paul's monthly coffee get together for creatives in the city. Organised by the lovely Katie Parry of ubercool Supercool, it's a great opportunity to meet people working in the creative sector. If you get chance, pop in next time. It's always friendly and a great reminder of the talent the city offers.

Confused?  You will be.

Is it just me, or are other people confused by the latest 'media war' happening in Birmingham? The Birmingham Post was a daily print title. Then it went online too (fair enough). Then it went weekly and online and with extra blog posts and tweets. Now, in response to Bullivant media launching a competitor title (a brave or foolish move depending upon your view) it's all of those things - including a new weekly PRINT title.

Melodic marketing strikes right note

Went to see jazz talent, Melody Gardot, last night at Symphony Hall. She did what all good marketers do – created a striking first impression that set her apart from her competition. Instead of the normal 'sit down at the piano' intro, she used 'percussion' literally, leaning into the piano plucking strings with abandon. Smoky, sensual and a real crowd pleaser. Catch her if you can.