Chris Bullick’s Post

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Director, Brand Strategy @ PULL

What an odd feeling. When you think you are a lonely voice on a cause and find someone already owns the subject, has done for a while, and then writes the definitive book on it. But that’s what Nick Asbury has done. When Byron Sharp describes your book as “. . .measured, grown up, and very well written”, you hardly need my endorsement. But here goes anyway. Firstly it is the book I wish I had written, but now I can’t even try. It is the book I would have written – If I could write as well as Nick. And think about these things as thoroughly and penetratingly as Nick has. And was as polite as Nick. . . The Road to Hell is such a tour de force of the subject that it should be obligatory reading for students of marketing and indeed anyone working in the ad industry in particular. It is hugely well researched, well organised and as you would expect from a master copywriter – brilliantly written and so easy to read. There Is no meaningful pro-purpose argument that Nick doesn’t skillfully fillet. I am waiting for the serious counter arguments to this magnificent opus to appear. But so far – tumbleweed. Goodbye brand purpose – you fooled some of the people – for a while. There is one thing though that I think is missing from The Road to Hell. Read my review and find out what. Steve Harrison – I think you might have a view on this 😀. Link in the comments. #brandpurpose

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Really appreciate this, Chris – thank you. And it's an interesting point you make about the 'W' word. I deliberately tried to avoid it in the book because I think it turns a lot of people off from the outset. But I agree there's more to be said about the particular forms of progressive politics that purpose embraces – you don't find many brands whose purpose is to raise corporate taxes, close offshore tax havens, raise the minimum wage, empower unions, get big money out of politics, increase worker representation on boards... yet these are all causes that would be considered progressive.

James Methven

Brand shaper | Effective growth strategies and better solutions for brand owners | Leader and Equity builder | #str8Talking

1mo

I haven’t read the book. But hopefully Nick also fillets the point that brand purpose (outside of a mandatory product purpose), is not a marketing play.

Byron Sharp

Research Professor (Marketing Science), Director Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, Adelaide University of South Australia.

1mo

Well said. I reckon it’s the book many wish they had written.

Bob Gower

Managing Director, Org Effectiveness @ changeforce

1mo

I'm excited to read this book. I've been writing an essay about how toxic "purpose" can be for awhile but it keeps getting longer. Maybe I can just leave it be and share this book with clients instead. As a cult survivor and graduate of a masters program in sustainable business who has worked for many non-profits and purpose-driven organizations I can say that more often than not an inspiring purpose rarely leads to an ethical business.

Aarron Spinley

Fellow at the Field Bell Institute

1mo

Brilliant. Thank you, Chris! It’s on my list, Nick. (You might enjoy this one Graham Hill (Dr G) )

Dominic Myers

An Experienced CEO | School Chair | Trustee | NED Talks about #Governance # Strategy #Leadership # Bookshops # Not for Profit

1mo

Can we please commission you Chris to write book rebukes for The Bookery, Crediton ? Great review , really intrigued to learn more …..

Vani Gupta Dandia

Marketing Consultant I Visiting faculty at Ashoka University I Sr Advisor KPMG. I Ex Mkt Dir PepsiCo I BT 40 under 40

1mo

Oh. My. Goodness. Ordering now!!!!

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