Welcome to the MarketingMog Blog
The MarketingMog puts the cat amongst the pigeons.
Sex only sells sex. Let’s hope the tide is turning in Cannes
Many years ago, I was driving through Rome, admiring the scenery, when I was suddenly confronted by the enormous billboard image of a naked, reclining woman. Perched proudly on her tanned bottom was… Let’s [...]
Disruptive. But not always in a good way.
The ‘on demand economy’ and the 'disruptive' brands that are creating and supporting it is the current buzz in the marketing world. In the last week, I’ve attended two presentations where the likes of Uber, [...]
Licensed to spam?
Last week, I wrote a piece about how poor digital marketing practice is damaging our industry. At the heart of this is not just how brands are failing to build meaningful relationships with their [...]
“If it doesn’t sell, it isn’t creative”
Call me King Canute if you like, but I think the digital tide may be turning. There’s definitely a groundswell of considered opinion that marketing’s pre-occupation with their shiny new toy might have been a [...]
A recipe for marketing failure?
Poor, beleaguered BBC. Only our Eton Mess of a Government would think it needs bringing down a peg or two. The rest of us (and much of the world) think it’s a bloody amazing institution [...]
Marketing’s not just dumbed down, it’s in need of some tough love
Great minds think alike. Mark Ritson’s article decrying the dumbing down of our discipline arrived in my inbox just as I was writing this piece. He’s absolutely right. The basics of good [...]
Tipping point?
Back in December 2014, I wrote a blog about the archaic and confusing practice of tipping serving staff in restaurants. I suggested it was time to end the frequent ‘bill shock’ and the lottery [...]
Did the Labour Party deliberately hire an interim?
Since his election, hundreds of articles have been written about Jeremy Corbyn's electability and whether he even wants the top job. But I wonder if the Labour Party, understanding the need for dramatic change after [...]
Deep Fried Crickets and Beetroot Yogurt, Anyone?
One of the things I love most about working with the hospitality sector is their constant drive to innovate. Bars and restaurants are always on the hunt for the Next Big Thing, and even those [...]
To Tip Or Not To Tip? That Is The Question…
A recent survey claimed almost two thirds of Britons were “unwilling” to pay a service charge and many are confused about tipping etiquette. There’s worse news for bartenders, as 98% would never tip for a [...]
Who’s Menu Is It Anyway?
We’re all creatures of habit, apparently, regularly ordering the same coffee, lunchtime sandwich or even dinner at a smart restaurant. But how annoyed would you be if your favourite item wasn’t available anymore? Would you [...]
PR and Marketing. Time to Bury the Hatchet.
The November issue of Business MK featured a piece by the owner of a PR firm which was entitled “Good Cop, Bad Cop: Why PR and Marketing Must be Kept Distinct”. It so exasperated me, [...]