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Kick-starting the flywheel.

How often have we thought kids are somehow already pre-programmed. Sometimes this manifests as musical or artistic ability. More easily recognised, we call this the gift. Study, rehearsal, practising one's art builds skill and experience. Simple interaction or just seeing and listening, contributes to this, as life brushes past, adding energy to our talent flywheel, learning happens seemingly by itself. Evidence this my experience as a painter. At times prolific, circumstances dictate that I have long periods of apparent artistic abstinence. Yet every time I paint I am (I think) a better artist. Self-deception? - The paint flows more smoothly, colour is more intuitive, subtle or intense, and the results even more startling. Like a friendship that relies not on time spend together, it remains, it grows. When I see this same development in those around me, it's magical. There is no doubt that hours of rehearsal can take one to an entirely different place. On arrival at this five-...
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Don Jack builds a time machine.

With some regularity, we had been attending those lavish buffets where you can easily lump on two stones in weight. Company wrap-up celebrations where the talk was how "John sold out for millions", "Dave's been taken over", or "I wanted you to be the first to know, we're retiring early". My first thought: brilliant, good for him he deserves it, worked hard, made it big. My esteemed clients would recount how we first met when all they had was a desk and a phone or just one tiny part of a market they would go  on to dominate. For my part, in those days, I guess I thought I was selling design, creativity, raw talent and enthusiasm. As it turns out, that wasn't the case after all. You ask anyone where they want to be in 5 years (as I regularly do), we can predict the likely answers. After all, what honest person doesn't want to increase their personal wealth, build a collection of fancy toys, extend their portfolio of fabulous properties, win...
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Don Jack finding celebrity status.

I was thinking about the best way to engage you, dear reader, on the exciting subject of celebrity endorsement that I touched on in last month's blog when I received some exciting news. I'd been working with a particular client for some time. In that time his personal brand has grown from a reasonably well-known figure to that of probably the most highly recognisable names in his field in the UK. Anyway, he got a call. Word of his is expertise had spread to one of the most influential dynasties in the world. In turn, they introduced him to a line of celebrities, professionals and athletes all hoping he would grace them with some of his genii. The media buzz had now morphed into a bankable business advantage. With substantial rewards on the horizon, he had become the latest A-list must-have accessory. Wasn't that always the plan? Today we received news that his expertise had been sought by one of the world's most extensive media and management companies keen to fix a ...
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Don Jack, Paul Daniels and other magicians.

Does your brand image align your business, product or service with your most profitable market? Does it speak to that market in their terms? It better. I happen to count the entertainer: Paul Daniels as one of my acquaintances. Paul made worldwide headlines with his top-rated television shows and great live performances.  Good fortune acquired through magic. In 2003 he staged a one-man show as a tribute to Max Malini, a legendary performer of the early 20th century who travelled the world performing in hotels and theatres as well as giving command performances to many of the world's leaders. Paul told me the secret behind Malini's success, beyond his prestidigitation skills. He targeted his market: the upper-classes, landed gentry, politicians, noblemen and Kings, those of influence and wealth. Malini made sure that he was considered worthy. He learned to speak like them, dress like them, act like them. Of course, he was mysterious and entertaining; people wanted to be aroun...
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