You may have seen the headline announced recently that Playboy has opted to no longer publish pictures of naked women in it’s magazine. Imagine that? In the 1970s it was reported that 25% of all male college students were purchasing…
FOOTBALL & VALUES
My friend John Hughes and I used to talk about those posters you’d see in business premises proudly proclaiming ‘new’ corporate values. You know the sort of thing: bright colourful things aimed at arousing people with concepts such as ‘team…
MYSTERY FANS REQUIRED!
Are you interested in attending football / rugby matches and reporting back on your experiences in exchange for full expenses? We have 4 different projects (most beginning very soon) where we need your help. In return for completing and emailing…
FROM ‘CHRONICLE’ CRAIC TO NON-STOP CONSUMPTION (FC BUSINESS ARTICLE)
I had a paper round when I was a kid. I used to deliver copies of the Evening Chronicle to homes in tough streets named after whimsical poets in East Stanley, County Durham. I think I earned what literary tradition…
MAKING NON LEAGUE DAY HAPPEN EVERY SATURDAY
On Saturday October 10th we celebrate Non League Day: an opportunity for to promote the huge community contribution made by small, often volunteer-run local community clubs and a chance for supporters of ‘higher league’ professional clubs to re-engage with football…
WHAT FOOTBALL CAN LEARN FROM RYANAIR
It’s funny how some companies provoke strong associations when you mention them. I name companies like Apple, Pret, First Direct, Disney or Virgin Atlantic and most people (including many who have never used them) will glow with admiration. Mention most…
FOOTBALL’S MOMENTS OF TRUTH
Football has only recently become acquainted with the concept of ‘touch points’. It sounds like a term encountered by someone pursuing their coaching badges, but is, in actual fact, one of the areas on which customer-facing businesses outside of sport…
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
There’s nothing quite like the sense of anticipation that fills the air before the first fixture of the season. Will the 1-1 draw in the pre-season friendly at Rhyl signal a remarkable away record that will see the boys promoted…
IAMSTUPID
Today my 9-year-old daughter leaped out of the car with a new found passion for school. As she approached her colleagues, she began to shout. ‘My Dad’s cool now. He’s got an iPhone. He’s, like, street!’ she said, while her…
CONSCIENTIOUS HECKLERS REQUIRED
Some years ago I was asked to compere a big business dinner in Yorkshire. As I stood before the guests, I confided that sometimes I wasn’t sure what to do with my hands when I was ‘on stage’. Then came…