29 Apr Don’t pivot. Don’t panic. Just react.
Everyone's telling you to pivot. Change direction, rethink your business or career. I'm saying 'don't' ...
19 Feb What Gordon Ramsay taught me about copywriting
I love cooking. I find it very therapeutic. Producing something that gets immediate feedback (usually positive). Very different from my day job… I’ve taught myself to cook. Mainly from TV programs: Ready Steady Cook (loved that show). Masterchef (the UK one. Still the best, I...
10 Feb Why I swapped my MX5 for a station wagon
I loved my MX5. Bright red. Bose speakers in the headrest. One of the first mobile phones in Australia to be installed into a convertible. Separate hard top, as well as soft. Polished within an inch of its life. Why would I swap it for...
04 Feb My life as a removalist (sorry: copywriter)
I moved house recently. Those of you who know me will be slightly shocked. For seven years, I’ve lived on an island. A very small, scruffy, no-shops, no-water, no-sewerage type of island. It’s called Scotland Island. A magical place. Amazing community. Wonderful wildlife. I’ve raved...
04 Feb Don’t start your writing by writing: the homework
Here’s a strange piece of advice. When you have to start writing, the last thing you need to do is write. By which I mean the last part of the writing process is putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). No. There’s homework to...
25 Jan Instant ideas: 30 concepts in 30 minutes
This is something I do in my workshops. Just before lunch, when everyone’s tired. ‘C’mon,’ I say, looking at their bleary, wary eyes. ‘Let’s come up with 30 ideas in 30 minutes.’ You can imagine their surprise (and lack of enthusiasm). And that’s the point....