Black Marketing
Nice, but VERY naughty.
Last month a pub taught me a lesson.
Their new customer loyalty program is inspired.
Unfortunately, it’s also illegal.
That aside, this story flags a wellspring of ideas from which we can draw.
Beer O’Clock
It was a cold, huddle-at-home night that required just a couple more beers.
I braved the rain to the only place open [...]
Law of the Letter
Another gym membership down the drain.
What is it with gym memberships?!
Like napalm, they cling and burn no matter what you do.
I was pleased to see the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission agreed with our assessment of that Gold Coin to Join ‘deal’.
Alas, I’ve had less success at my local pool.
Technically, they’re correct.
Morally, I feel [...]
Solar Flare
For once, the sun will set on Empire.
You may recall my enthusiastic bid to switch Empire House to solar power.
Alas, this initiative has failed, but not without imparting valuable lessons.
Perhaps you’ll make a better fist of it than I.
Price Crash
As a long-time fan of Origin Energy’s green credentials, I jumped at their offer to buy [...]
Cross Cultural
This week we welcome another contribution from Adam Finlay. Thank you Adam! :-)
Last week you sold me on working for myself.
This week I’d like to discuss something far more practical.
I recently attended a cross-cultural awareness workshop, and enjoyed it so much that I thought I’d share.
Dr Fiona Swee-Lin Price specialises in cultural diversity management. She’s written [...]
Cheesy Grin
Here’s a good-news story.
The other week I had lunch at my Dad’s.
On removing one of a trio of cheeses, I spotted a card in the bottom of the box.
It had a nice look, a classically grabby headline, a friendly tone and a sense of humour.
It told a winning, honest, educational and unusual story.
Call
I was much [...]
Indebted
Do not collect $200.
Naomi asked how my end of financial year (EOFY) was going.
I reflected that it was rather less cheery than the current crop of pay TV ads.
The source of my ennui is a large sum of money which I’ve earned, but not received.
For the first time in Empire history, I’m thinking debt collection.
I [...]
Out There
Long-distance communication is hard.
Love triangulation is even worse.
A few weeks ago my bank called.
Well, not really my bank.
They wanted my feedback.
Well, not really my feedback.
At a time that suited me.
Well not really …
Get the idea?
Here’s what really happened.
Backchat
My phone did ring: that much is true.
But instead of my bank, it was an [...]
Magic Fauxments
Is it him, or me?
From age nine, I was called a miserable cow, so-and-so, ratbag etc.
These appellations stuck and, as a mature businessman, I’m never sure if my world view is jaded or accurate.
So I’ve prepared a simple test.
You be the judge.
Half-Yearly Jubilance
Christmas in July is nearly here! (or is it Christmas in [...]
eBay Learnings
A man dug up these trees and took them away in his truck.
He saved me 4 hours, 2 vertebrae and $140.
And he paid me!
I used to think eBay was just about car parts, beanie babies and signed Gilligan’s Island photos.
Lately, however, I’ve found business uses for this medium.
Some of these may help [...]
No means YES!
Truth is best. And good guys can finish first.
For ten years I never said ‘no’ to a client or prospect.
The other day, I did.
Contrary to my deep fears, the consequences have been wonderful.
I can’t wait to naysay again.
No dice
I was really busy with a big job for a fabulous new client.
This unusual combo saw [...]
