Do business leaders need to be likeable to succeed? September 29, 2016 In a pivotal debate during the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries, Hillary Clinton was told that, unlike her opponent Barack Obama, she was “not likeable”. Obama couldn’t resist a cheeky retort. “You’re likeable… enough”, he said. And the rest is history. Eight years on and little has changed – Clinton still has a likeability problem. She is [...]
Under the influence with The 7th Chamber September 26, 2016 EVER heard of PewDiePie? How about Zoella? Between them these so-called “influencers” command over 100m subscribers across myriad social media platforms. It was never going to be long before advertisers and marketers saw the potential to use the organic reach of social media sensations to promote their customers’ products. Now exists an industry dedicated to [...]
Brand Britain: How will Brexit affect our image abroad? September 23, 2016 WE’RE used to the echo chamber of post-referendum woes from the worlds of business and politics, but what does Brexit mean for marketing Brand Britain abroad? The drop in sterling has been great news for UK exporters. Figures out last week show that foreign demand for British vehicles has boomed for example, producing the best [...]
Back to school: How to prepare for an MBA September 22, 2016 For those in the world of business, finance and management looking for a change of career – or even just a change of direction – an MBA can be a necessity. Data out this week from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) shows that globally, 57 per cent of larger MBA programmes have experienced a [...]
Tips from business, suppliers and buyers on getting your product noticed September 22, 2016 If there's one thing we’ve learned since Brexit, it’s that the UK’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) always have big ambitions. No one ever said it was easy. Some of Britain’s largest and most influential businesses started out with nothing but an idea. Often, the most successful had very little initial investment, but made up [...]
Junck(er) mail: The EU Digital Single Market copyright proposals could be bad news for advertisers September 19, 2016 The EU Commission’s Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy promises to “tear down regulatory walls” and “make the EU’s Single Market fit for the digital age”. But its current wording looks like a bum-deal for advertisers. Launched last week to coincide with Jean-Claude Juncker’s state of the union address, the latest raft of proposals aim to [...]
What do fast-growth firms think about pivoting? September 13, 2016 Most of the Leap 100 have faced personal and professional challenges in getting to where they are today, with over half changing their business model in some way since starting up. “A clear business plan is useful, but often re-written down the line. Clear and well thought-through operating frameworks and processes are often key to [...]
Paws for thought: Should you be allowed pets in your office? September 13, 2016 How would you feel about a colleague bringing their pet to your workplace? Maybe you’re having a ruff time, feline a bit down, and a furry friend would brighten up your day. Perhaps a yapping mutt would be a cat-astrophic distraction, leaving you fur-ious by the end of the day. Following Brexit, last week our politicians [...]
The six rules of successfully socialising after work September 8, 2016 Following two drug-related deaths, the nightclub Fabric has closed its doors, leaving London with one less sticky floor to dance on when your team finishes work for the week. Maybe a nightclub isn’t an ideal place to take colleagues anyway. Or maybe you’re a disciple of Jeremy Corbyn, who wouldn’t do something so sexist as [...]
Why we’re backing Britain’s resilient and optimistic small businesses September 8, 2016 In the run up to June’s referendum vote, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) became a focal point for both Leave and Remain camps, with each side claiming the support of small business owners for their different visions of Britain’s future. This focus on SMEs was unsurprising – these businesses are the nuts and bolts of British [...]
