A pre-Christmas thought or two...

It's getting closer to Christmas. Thank goodness. I feel a tad worn out by this year's continual assault on the senses from the forces of economic darkness, e.g. the responsibility-evading bankers all of whom remained steadfastly silent, their political acolytes, the ratings agencies, corporates evading, oops sorry, avoiding taxes, the relentless attack on the public sector as if anyone in it pays no tax or creates nothing good (ever heard of 'social goods' anyone in the Cabinet?), corrupt MP's and press and so on. It's been an unremitting year if you believe in socia, ethical justice, or any kind of justice really! Some did get their 'collars felt,' others have that yet to come - and roll-on when it does happen. Many will continue to evade their just desserts.


Time to rest just a little, as I decide whether to pursue a career as a mobile cycle repair technician or re-energise myself for another tilt at executive coaching, public service advice and interim executive work.After all, why get qualified as an executive coach and leadership mentor if I'm not going to use the fantastic learning from the programme I particpated in. There is though quite a  difference between the intent and desire to use learning and the opportunity to use that learning. 


Hope though springs eternal though and I guess I will return in 2012 with great colleagues and associates at Optimum Interventions and The Open Channel to try and do good works in those organisations and communities keen to learn, develop and grow appreciatively. 


So, I see Edge online has a light-hearted piece on strategy, particularly marketing strategies. Here's a short sample:


"When Coca-Cola first launched in China, its name was ‘Ke-kou-ke-la’, which meant ‘bite the wax tadpole’ or ‘female horse stuffed with wax’, depending on the dialect. Luckily, Coke quickly came up with ‘Ko-kou-ko-le’, which translated into ‘happiness in the mouth’. Pepsi wasn’t immune, either; its ‘Come Alive with the Pepsi Generation’ slogan translated into Chinese as ‘Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave’."


The article makes some simple points, perhaps most trenchantly about what the author of the piece charges when positioning himself as a 'marketing consultant' versus a 'strategic marketing consultant.' Quite a good deal of financial difference, actually!

Check it out here:

http://www.i-l-m.com/edge/humour_strategic_headache.aspx?utm_campaign=Edge+20+December+1+Trial&utm_source=ILM