New Year, New Challenges

It's 4th January 2007 and after going through my 100+ emails, returning phone calls left over the holiday and doing a general catch up on 2nd and 3rd, I am now in a position to embark on a new challenge - a blog!

In my appraisal just before Christmas I was charged with the task of writing articles for the press. I must admit this came as a bit of a shock and so I have taken a couple of weeks whilst nursing a cold to think about it.

It certainly makes sense. In my capacity as Regional Director for The Chartered Institute of Marketing in the North of England, the more PR we get the better.

But what to write about?

I bought myself a book for Christmas called '52 Weeks to Change your World' by Allan Shephard and Caroline Oakley. The opening line is "52 Weeks is a primer for the planet - pick it up and sort out your priorities..." It is basically saying do your bit for the environment.

This is a hot topic for marketers, a key challenge - for businesses to address environmental responsibility, social awareness and economic profitability, or what some people are calling The Triple Bottom Line.
The Chartered Institute of Marketing is currently exploring this in detail at www.cim.co.uk/shapetheagenda

And so, armed with my book and a clear direction, join me as I endeavour to change my world and write about it!