What Are We Really Selling?

What Are We Really Selling? A coffee shop sells coffee. Or does it? Of course, there is coffee involved but  people also buy a pause between meetings. A familiar face behind the counter. A place to sit alone without feeling lonely, a reason to leave the house. The beauty industry sells products and treatments. Yet…

Super Communicators

In Supercommunicators, Charles Duhigg argues that many conversations happen on different levels. Sometimes we’re having a practical conversation, trying to exchange information or solve a problem. Sometimes it’s emotional, where the real need is to feel heard, understood or supported. Other times it’s social, exploring identity, values or belonging. Communication often falters when people are…

The Return Of Old Things

The Return of Old Things “In times of economic, geopolitical and general uncertainty, consumers are drawn to nostalgia because it’s easy to romanticize the past as ‘safer’ or ‘happier’ when the future is uncertain.” Alice Crossley, The Future Laboratory If that quote is true, it might explain quite a lot about what’s happening in the…

Do You Like That?

A hairdresser explained why highlights don’t cost £60 anymore. Not because of the cost of living. Not because salons have suddenly become more expensive to run but because no one is asking just for highlights anymore. They’re asking for something that sounds simple – but isn’t. Effortless colour Soft blends. Something that grows out naturally.…