No 10 - Togetherness

My last newsletter was posted just before the war in Ukraine started. Ever since I have felt a sense of sadness and helplessness. I know that I am not alone in feeling like this, many people I have spoken to have said the same. So, it didn’t feel right to post a newsletter last week even though I’d all but finished it.

So, whilst life does go on, I’m going to try and deliver a balanced newsletter that tries to be sympathetic. The internet is currently awash with ways to help and donate. Also, some beautiful human moments amongst all the darkness.

So, no team photos of people looking happy on Pancake Day (while the world was on fire) that seemed to “flood” my social feeds last week. Though, props to those employees that did more than angle an empty pan or mixing bowl. I’m not being mean, it’s hard to find the right balance.

All that said, the Condescending Corporate Brand Page (which I'd forgotten about) took a very cynical swipe at some of the brands supporting Ukraine that might be taking advantage to raise their own profile. I truly hope that this is not happening.

For those of you who are interested in what the tech industry is doing to support Ukraine. Then this list by Tech Funding News is the best I've come across. Plus, I was extremely impressed by Chili Piper for their almost immediate response.

Also, a big shout out to SEO entrepreneur Olesia Korobka who has created two Google Sheets of Ukrainians with PPC, SEO and Digital skills who are looking for work. Read the Search Engine Land article for the links. ?

Today is International Women’s Day, so please spare a thought for all the women on the frontline (20% of the Ukrainian army is made up of women), those that have fled their homes, and those who have stayed behind. Women will no doubt play a hugely significant role in rebuilding Ukraine.

The woman who is always my go to on international women’s day is my mum. She brought up her two sons as judge, jury, and executioner. We turned out pretty well, if I do say so myself. Which is why it broke my heart when my mum was scammed by someone last week, a person who pretended to be her son (not me, the other one). She might be getting on, but she’s vigilant, and very aware of what to do and not to do. Proof, that it can happen to anyone. Thankfully, her quick actions meant that she managed to get her money back from her bank. She knows how luck she is, but it was traumatic, and she’d kill me if she knew I was talking about it so publicly. A huge thank you to the women who paid (under protest) for my mum’s coffee and cake when her card was declined, the moment she realised what had happened.

On the subject of #IWD2022

The Gender Pay Gap Bot is currently being indiscriminate in its approach to the gender pay gap. Posting how much lower the median pay is for women than men at different organisations which are posting about IWD. A very interesting way of using public data and technology to highlight the issue. ?As they say, be careful what you wish for, the amount of deleted tweets is telling.

Another skilful use of public data comes from Safe & the City whose technology helps to keep women safe across the UK. They have been mapping #StandWithUkraine protests across the UK using their i3 intelligence platform. Read about it here.

A bad use of technology, or at least naming comes in the form of the 5G Barman at MWC. As former co-worker Evan pointed out, "It's 2022. Why not Barperson or Barthing?" Though Carrie should clearly be doing their marketing with her suggestion of simply. "Barbot".

There's been so much progress, but the world still has a long way to go it seems. Thankfully there are some things to celebrate as Robert Collings shows that Flux has a 50/50 senior management gender split using a doughnut graph. Which is kinda adapt as they have hit some very tasty user numbers recently.

One amazing story was shared by Jessica-Jane Williamson who I hired during my time at Expend. It's no surprise that she's doing so well and now heads up the customer success there. She doesn't post often, but when she does it's normally rather good. In Jessica's post she mentions the Maiden Factor and Tracey Edwards MBE. There's even a Netflix documentary about what they are doing to empower girls through education and the sea. It's now on my list. Thanks for the tip, Jess.

In the Martech world, LinkedIn have purchased Oribi to help marketers and recruiters with attribution insights and as part of the deal opened their first office in Israel. No more “It came from LinkedIn innit gov” (hopefully) Read my thoughts and more about the acquisition via my article on Martech Alliance.

If you’re interested in privacy and online advertising and want to understand the trade-offs, the insightful as ever Ben Johnson who has revisited his blog from 12 months ago and what has changed since then.

Whilst many western brands have decided to close up shop in Russia, Amazon has decided to announce the closure of ALL 68 of their physical Bookshops, Popups and Amazon 4-star stores across the US and UK. I’ve been to one of their Amazon 4-star stores in Westfield and it was a pleasant experience. Out of the four times I’ve been there, I’ve bought something once and perhaps, that’s the problem. This smorgasbord of 4-star amazon products is constantly changing and you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get. Their plan now is to now refocus on its grocery and fashion stores.

If you are in the market for something new, in particular something to improve the sound of your home theatre setup. You should read my review of the Majority Sierra Plus Dolby Atmos soundbar. An excellent soundbar for the money and makes Dolby Atmos more accessible to the masses. They are UK based and have a clear purpose. Planting trees for each product purchased. ??

My favourite band this week is The Ukrainians after a recent interview with BBC 5 Live. I’ve really enjoyed their take on classic western songs and fusion with Ukrainian folk. This isn’t some new tribute band; they have been going for 30 years. Plus, their sold-out gigs have raised over ￡10,000 for refugees. I wish I was there. Take my money anyway.

And that is where I’m going to leave you this week. Stay safe and be nice to each other. The war in Ukraine though awful and heart breaking, it has reminded me how lucky I am and to not to sweat the small stuff. So, to play us out this week, you guessed it, The Ukrainians.