Consumer trends report (free) by Mintel

Famed market research company, Mintel, published a very interesting report outlining what they see as the five key consumer trends most likely to impact the market (and marketing), in 2016. Here is a brief summary of the key trends discussed in the report. Water shortages across the world will impact on the availability and … Continue reading Consumer trends report (free) by Mintel

February 2016 round-up

I am writing this post from Malta, where I am visiting as part of my post as Chair in Digital Marketing. It is the perfect ending to what was a very convoluted month, in the sense that it is bringing my mind back to research and, in particular, the impact of digitalisation on marketing. I … Continue reading February 2016 round-up

Should marketers create gender targeted products?

I saw the question in the title of this blog post on a professional discussion forum. Here is my reply. As a marketer, the obvious answer is to give your customers what they want. If they want differentiated products, differentiate. If they don’t, then offer gender neutral products. For instance, due to social conventions, … Continue reading Should marketers create gender targeted products?

Umberto Eco’s advice to young writers

Umberto Eco died last Friday (Feb 19th 2016). You may know him as the author of great fiction books, such as 'The Name of the Rose' or 'Foucault’s Pendulum'. However, Eco described himself as primarily a ‘university professor who has found a nice way to spend his weekends’. His academic work has been … Continue reading Umberto Eco’s advice to young writers

What do Facebook and Youtube have in common with 19th century cameras?

Many of us may worry that less than flattering images about ourselves will find their way to Facebook or Youtube. I know I do. After all, most people have a camera on them, all the time (their phones). And it only takes a few clicks to post a picture or video online. So, it … Continue reading What do Facebook and Youtube have in common with 19th century cameras?

January 2016 round-up

January was busy / interesting / crazy. 2016 has certainly started with a bang, and a very big mix of positives and negatives (I am looking at you, parking attendant!). I am starting the new month – and the new semester – quite tired, already, which is less than ideal. But, hey, onwards and upwards … Continue reading January 2016 round-up

Why do women pay extra for products?

In the UK, as in the US, women routinely pay more for the same, or identical, products marketed at men. The difference, which is sometimes referred to as the pink tax, can range from a few percentage points, to twice as much. Sometimes, the only difference is that the product is pink; other times, not … Continue reading Why do women pay extra for products?

6 questions to ask yourself before starting a PhD

One of the most popular posts on this blog is a piece that I wrote, back in July 2010, with some advice for people considering a PhD. I decided to revisit it, and write an updated post with my top tips of questions to ask yourself before you start your PhD (because, as someone said, … Continue reading 6 questions to ask yourself before starting a PhD

December 2015 round-up

December was a busy month, though not as productive as November (specially on the writing and research front). I think that AcWriMo really helped to motivate me to write every day, and that in turn helped me move on with various writing projects. December was also the last month of my #5pmproject, and these … Continue reading December 2015 round-up