A monthly newsletter wrapping up what's going on in branding, business and bands.
Brand Extra!
What's going on in the world of branding?
“Extra! Extra! Read all about it” was initially used to signal the publishing of an extra edition of a newspaper to report on important news that happened after the original publishing deadline. It died off in the 1930s as people got the latest news from the radio.
How do you like to get your news?
- Read the paper daily (a few of us still do!).
- Watch/listen to the news daily (it’s unavoidable).
- Scroll social daily (it’s called doom scrolling for a reason).
- Do something else (create your own news vacuum and stay sane).
I read the paper daily. The Guardian. Print edition. It feeds my brain. Going deeper and gaining wider opinions stimulates fresh ideas. I also listen to the radio (BBC 5 Live; sport and news, Scala Radio, classical music for modern life).
Like a 24 hours news cycle, news constantly evolving.
The oldest national newspaper printed its final edition last month (Austria’s Wiener Zeitung has gone online after 320 years in print). I never read it.
But things come back in fashion.
The NME (New Musical Express), is coming back in print as a ‘bi-monthly bible for music and pop culture’ (5 years after printing its final edition). I used to read it obsessively. And will definitely subscribe when it becomes available. Register to find out when it's available.
We live in a world of breaking bulletins, app notifications, X and Threads offering constant streams of news, views, opinions, misinformation, and fake news generated by powerful people and AI. Extra! Extra! Extra!
However, this digital deluge has its downsides, with concerns about misinformation and the overwhelming nature of the 24/7 news cycle. I like others love traditional print media, others prefer the convenience and immediacy of digital sources (I get irritated by the videos, interrupting my music listening).
We’ve been told that AI will set the agenda for next year’s elections around the globe.
Is this news?
Misinformation. Disinformation. Manipulation.
Reporting. Debating. Challenging.
Profusion. Confusion. Illusion.
Fiction. Fake. Artificial.
Fact. Truth. Reality.
What can you learn?
Insight; make your brand relevant
Staying informed lies in a balance between traditional methods and digital sources. (Don’t rely on ChatGPT and never just copy and paste).
Story; make your brand unique
Bite-sized, curated content reflects a desire for streamlined information. (It’s not lazy, it’s being efficient).
Engage; make your brand memorable
Don’t be afraid of traditional methods and media if you want to stand out. (Sometimes physical connection can make the difference).
Business Extra!
What's going on in my business?
After spending several months developing a course containing everything I know about branding and working through the process with several business owners. I’ve decided to give away all the content, videos, and worksheets.
Why make everything available for free?
Because I want to help as many business owners as possible to understand more about branding and developing their own brands.
Sign-up to gain access now
I’ll be adding more tools, useful links, and sites to help you with your business and brand.
Band Extra!
What's going on my turntable?
A playlist for this month, listen on Spotify News of The World
- Kraftwerk, News; Wir bringen die Nachrichten
- The Jam, News of the World; Check before you spread.
- Sex Pistols, Anarchy In the UK; I use the N.M.E. I use anarchy.
- Lady Gaga, Paparazzi; It's so magical. We'd be so fantastical.
- MIA, Paper Planes; All I wanna do is-And a-And take your money.
- Duran Duran, Paper Gods; Bow to the paper gods. In a world that is paper thin.
- Gorillaz, The Tired Influencer; But nothing real anymore.
- Michael Jackson, Leave Me Alone; Just stop doggin' me around.
- Adam Ant, Goody Too Shoes; Make sure they get your good side, good side.
- Cosmic Roughriders, Have You Heard the News Today? I've seen the world through the eyes of TV.
- White Denim, Good News; I keep my bad news. To myself too late.
- Public Image Ltd, Public Image; Two sides to every story.
- Blur, Strange News From Another Star; They'll shoot the death star down.
- Beatles, Day In The Life; I read the news today, oh boy
🤘 Keep on listening.
🍩 Keep on branding.
Nigel
