I suffered a mild disappointment but I am not bitter at the brewers of ‘The Worlds Best Ale’ (WBA2009).

Yorkshire Life mailed me a welcome Pub Guide and the main advertiser was Frederic Robinson who it transpires have no pubs in Yorkshire! Still it got them this name check.

Naming their world cup beer ‘4:4:2′ they spoil it by proudly announcing they use Hallertau Mittlefrüher German and Saaz Czech hops.

An own goal or two on these promotions.

I must have missed something and Red Tractors in particular.

The Red Tractor logo now features on annual retail sales of £10 billion food and drink products. To celebrate this achievement and 10 years of Great Food and Great Farming under the logo, a Red Tractor Week long campaign has just finished.

However it could be the start of a relaunch with Caroline Spelman Environment Secretary behind our British farmers.

UK debt is a hot topic in Economic circles and amongst academics. The blogging industry, never one to miss an opportunity, has latched on to this with a regular feature on Economics Help.

If I keep reading this I might begin to understand the size of the ‘Chancellors Challenge 2010′.

In the meantime I am reminded of Walt Disney ‘We owe, we owe, so its off to work we go’!

What is going down the throats of many beer drinkers in preference to Budweiser? – It is the Bavaria beer promoted by the orange clad ambush marketeers in South Africa.

Smart thinking and a bit of chutzpa has created a marketing coup. Watch out for copy cats at the Olympic Games 2010. Stay the right side of the law if you are contemplating an ‘ambush’ inside a stadium with protected sponsors rights.

Note
Prosciutto grows on trees. Yes surprising but it is found on ‘ambushes.

What’s this ‘ere? These ‘ere thing in my ears! Ewe should know!

Two tags have to be worn by sheep over 12 months old and new EID tags are to become compulsory. Traceability from farm to shop is part of the intellectual assets designed to help control the spread of Foot & Mouth disease in future outbreaks.

Do you need to use electronic identification systems in your business?

The comedians who redesigned BP’s logo for the Logomyway.com competition are giving us a laugh.

If you are a slick BP shareholder it is no laughing matter but then again!

It seems the PR of BP is as bad as the equipment owners is good.

Only a few patches of grass and seats called stands yet Wimbledon is a World Class Brand.
It often rains, people are locked out or knocked out yet Wimbledon is a World Class Brand.

In the days of Fred Perry there may not have been much financial reward for the players but his clothing brand has earned a fortune since. All because Wimbledon is a World Class Brand.

For young businesses part of the brand are the awards and prizes you have won along the way.

CMI have 11 National Management and Leadership Awards where you can nominate yourself or a colleague.

Even your local  awards, training and trade memberships may add value to your personal or business brand.

Davison is an invention and ideas development company. Inventors and small companies often find it hard to understand the innovation process. If that is your situation you could do worse than see how this American company performs. It starts with a confidentiality agreement.

Ideas are 10 a penny or should it be cent. Experience getting to market via retailers or licensing is worth lots more than a penny.
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CRM

Your customers are your best asset so it makes sense to manage the relationship (CRM).   Do not over-manage.

Databases are important but listings on a spreadsheet are seldom valuable unless you have thought through your customers needs and desires. From this knowledge you can design and create your service & support with an appropriate contact strategy.

The more you know about your customers and prospects the better you can react.