Dispatch from an advertising future #124

https://www.adweek.com/agencies/havas-launches-customer-experience-network/

The “people formerly known as customers” have always been at the heart of our work for clients. In The Before, we prided ourselves on not just knowing them through data, but really understanding them. Things have changed. People have changed. Home Space Blur; Circuitbreak Compression; Stop-Start socialising;  Lockdown Syndrome have all had their effects. Today we are announcing the New Normal Network – a cross-business initiative to consolidate our understanding and maximise opportunities. The new public-facing helpline not only builds our Purpose but gives TripleN the insights we need to help our clients capitalise on the potential of the New Normal.

Dispatch from an advertising future #123

https://www.ft.com/content/b50d22ec-db98-4891-86da-af34f06d1cb1

I need to update our About Us page. New pictures. I feel we need to appear younger, but somehow more serious. We’re trying to position ourselves as a business service. We’re not the scrappy disruptor any more. We’re not a big team – although I might consider adding a couple of new faces. Our clients want to know we’re reliable. We want a bit more gravitas. I’m not talking suits. It’s more the expression in the pictures. I’m not wanting “somber”, let alone “humourless”, more “experienced”, “trustworthy”. I’ll start with the eyes. Just a little upward gaze. Future-facing. Better. Now, diversity?..

Dispatch from an advertising future #122

https://www.engadget.com/google-ar-cloud-anchors-shared-experiences-153257346.html

Welcome. We may be distributed but we’re first and foremost a team. Back in The Before – when I joined – all new recruits met for a Community Action day. We went out into our community and picked up what was called “litter” or scrubbed out graffiti. Well, we’re re-inventing that tradition. Today, wherever you are, we want you to get up, go outside and make your community better. Your band will alert you to Persistent Augmented Graffiti that targets our brands. Just blast that PAG! Get out there. Have fun. Compete with your team-mates and let’s make our spaces brand safe.

Dispatch from an advertising future #121

https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/shoppers-adapting-miss-retail/

The doors opened and she felt the familiar rush, the endless possibilities of a teen spending Saturdays hanging out, mixed with the adult feeling she could remake her world again with just a bit of spending. It was partly looking in different shops and displays – the retail gaze, shopophilia. But it was also the chance to meet friends, to share that gaze or simply to wander and dream together. She messaged Chris. They arranged to meet on the top floor so they could “work their way down”. Just then the door rang. She closed her display and took the delivery.

Dispatch from an advertising future #120

https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/10/07/1009499/telepath-wants-to-enforce-kindness-can-that-ever-work/

The doctor had prescribed it after the last ‘episode’. His band had alerted his employer who had passed it on. When he was called in, he was ‘offered’ it. They said it was better than drugs, but he knew it was a money thing. He didn’t have a choice so he joined. He had to admit, since then, things had been – how did they say it? “Kinder positive”. There hadn’t been any more ‘episodes’. HIs metrics had been within the zone. As he walked past the demo, the shouts and anger washed over him. He checked his feed and smiled.

Dispatch from an advertising future #119

https://www.vox.com/the-goods/21459677/tiktok-house-la-hype-sway-girls-in-the-valley

Dear Mum. Don’t worry, I’m here. I told you it would be OK. I was right about this place. It’s amazing. The decorations are crazy, they look so good on camera. There’s mad furniture, a gym and I get to pick how my room looks and they just sort it. And the equipment? There’s stuff here even I don’t know what it does – but you should see the results – of course you can! You do follow me don’t you (tee hee!). The other guys are great. We all help each other. And Mr Fagin is soooo nice. Love you! T.