I’m interested in why things work. What decisions, systems, and incentives produced this outcome, and what would have to change for it to produce a different one?
That question has followed me through twenty years of working in marketing.
It’s why I ended up inside a mountain in Scotland. Why I find housing policy interesting (the incentives are a disaster). Why I co-own a supporter-run football club in Devon (and why it’s also madness). Why I love big, intimidating concrete buildings (?!).
There are patterns. There is chaos.
Smart people do things that don’t work, and things that do. Often, they don’t understand the difference. Systems produce outcomes nobody wanted. Incentives cause havoc.
The gap between what people say they do and what they actually do when nobody’s watching is where all the interesting stuff happens.
“If you are going to invite yourself into someone’s living room, you have a duty not to bore them. On the other hand, if you are a charming guest and you entertain them or amuse them or tell them something interesting, then they may like you a bit better and then they may be more inclined to buy your brand.”
Martin Boase
Professionally, I lead Marketing at RevLifter, where we help retailers replace reactive discounting with an intelligent promotional strategy.
I host the Browse Basket Buy podcast, which covers eCommerce for people past the basics.
I’m a trustee at The Bond Board, a housing charity in Rochdale and Bolton, because housing is infrastructure, and infrastructure failures are everyone’s problem in the end.
I have acted and directed theatre because nothing teaches communication like performing under pressure, in front of people, with no undo button.
“…what compulsions drive a man, what instincts dominate his action?”
Bill Bernbach
Jam2nd is where I think out loud about it all.
Sometimes it’s a marketing observation. Sometimes it’s why Brutalist architecture divides opinion. Sometimes it’s a Soviet factory manager from the 1960s who accidentally illuminates modern retail strategy.
Occasionally, I find a useful connection. Occasionally, a dead end.
If that sounds like your sort of thing, you’re in the right place. Also, hi!
“Oh, when no ones yet explained to me exactly what’s so great,
From Photosynthesis by Frank Turner
About slaving 50 years away on something that you hate.”
Let’s connect
I write about marketing, business, and occasional philosophical wanderings at Jam2nd. I share quick thoughts on LinkedIn. I speak on podcasts and at events when asked nicely or not at all nicely.
You can connect with me on LinkedIn.
If you’re interested in anything I do or talk about or want to collaborate on something interesting drop me a line. The best conversations start with curiosity.
