NEW WAYS IN MARKETING

14 August 2024

Here, I want to look at new patterns in information consumption and focus a little on Gen Z, after all they are making the future. I will take VisualEconomik as an example of a company working this scene.

At first listen, VisualEconomik is an interesting channel for communicating economic history and trends and explaining thus in a social context. It is clean but fast diction, appealing but fast photography, professional but slick communication....the presenter, Josh, is a marketing guy who makes a great front-man for the socio-economists behind this channel.

VisualEconomik EN

"Where Data Meets Design"

(See my profile on VisualEconomik below.)

Gen Z (1997 - 2010) is VisualEconomik's target audience. Gen Z workers in business communication positions. Gen Z workers on the way up.  Gen Z workers looking to adapt to new ways to market their companies.

(See my profile on Gen Z below.)

Gen Z prefers visual content, like videos and memes, and tends to have shorter attention spans due to the constant influx of information online. They are entrepreneurial, many seeking alternative career paths through freelance, startups, online platforms....like Josh here. 

Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have dramatically transformed the way we communicate. We’re seeing a rapid rise in visual content overall, particularly in data visualisation within businesses.

Businesses are about money, economics, but rapid change means you need to see the social / marketing context, understand the demands and consequences, use innovative technology to adapt to evolving expectations and needs in how we send our messages.

So VisualEconomik offers to bridge a company's marketing dept, to its public, to the new generation entering their marketing/sales funnel ... at least that is how I read their offer.

This series on macroeconomics sets the context in which economies and companies function and thus opens a path for VisualEconomik to its target audience companies, on a "shtick" that says they can help their target audience adapt its marketing to new patterns in information consumption - "Where Data Meets Design" says it all.

That is my understanding, but what do you think?

https://youtu.be/oYd7_HIi6a8?si=CMwat8Ndx2qdbmDd

https://youtu.be/JUFRnhtWnNY?si=VDT_rLErfWGtGS4V

Profile of VisualEconomik

Tagline: "Where Data Meets Design"

About VisualEconomik

VisualEconomik is a forward-thinking company that specialises in transforming complex economic data into visually engaging, easily digestible content. The company leverages cutting-edge design tools and data visualisation techniques to help businesses, policymakers, and educators present information in a way that is both impactful and accessible. 

In the era of the visual economy, where attention spans are short, and the demand for visual content is high, VisualEconomik stands out by bridging the gap between data analysis and visual communication - or to put it in more commercial terms, if we focus on the needs of gen Z, VisualEconomik helps put what the marketing department wants to say into a format its younger public can best understand. But of course its speciality is turning numbers into pictures and words, and this applies across all communication needs.

The company’s offerings include interactive dashboards, infographics, and multimedia presentations, all designed to convey key insights quickly and clearly. 

"Whether you’re a business needing to present data to stakeholders or a teacher looking to make economic concepts more relatable, VisualEconomik provides the tools and expertise to make your message resonate visually."

Profile of Gen Z

Gen Z Characteristics

Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2010, is the first generation to grow up with the internet and smartphones, making them digital natives. They are highly tech-savvy and comfortable with a wide range of digital platforms, from social media to online learning tools. 

This generation values authenticity and transparency, favouring brands that are socially responsible and align with their values. To understand Gen Z, look at thoe values - they are more likely to support causes related to the environment, social justice, and diversity. 

Gen Z prefers visual content, like videos and memes, and tends to have shorter attention spans due to the constant influx of information online. They are also entrepreneurial, with many seeking alternative career paths through startups or online platforms.

Mental health is a significant concern for Gen Z, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance and personal well-being. They are pragmatic, financially cautious, and often sceptical of traditional institutions, including government and large corporations.

In summary, Gen Z is a digitally driven, socially conscious, and pragmatic generation with the values you'd expect of youth across all generations: authenticity, transparency, diversity.... As a digitally-savvy generation, they are reshaping the way we think about work, communication, and social responsibility.

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AMERICA'S FOREIGN POLICY

13 August 2024

When America looks out onto the world, it sees Europe and especially Germany, it sees Russia and it sees China.

America's idea is to break the link between Europe and Russia - and especially between Germany and Russia.

Then to weaken Russia, ideally regime change and even break it up into smaller ethnic regions.

Before finally turning its attention to China.

While America has succeeded in making vassals of us in Europe (and fools of our leaders), and has cut off our access to cheap energy - our main competitive advantage, mark you;

It has driven Russia - who would be our ally against a Rising China - into the arms of China instead!

And destroyed poor little Ukraine - already it was the poorest country in Europe (and the stupidest leadership, unfortunately for its brave menfolk).

America's plan is laid out in that 350 page booklet from the Rand*. The booklet does draw attention to the risks of such a strategy and unfortunately for America those risks are coming home to roost. 

I would not be taken in too much by Ukraine's brave and plucky incursion into Russia proper, Kursk, as it is doomed ... but maybe things will turn out favorably for Ukraine, we will have to see what happens over the next week or two....

* RAND_3063 pdf - anyone can find it, it's published on the internet.

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BEATINGS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL RIOTING STOPS

7 August 2024

It seems this all started with abuse towards black football players, then came BLM.

I get why the authorities are concerned - they need to maintain public order. However, they’re also to blame for this mess. Why did they allow two cultures to compete in the same space for the same resources? It's asking for trouble. Minorities are no longer just symbols for liberal causes, they have grown in number and are now seen as a threat to the majority native public, especially to those who are struggling financially.

Here is a point of view where the native British population are in fact barbarous white supremacists - it's very well explained, but up to you as to whether you agree with it or not.

https://youtu.be/c_lXXeldRDk?si=VkKA-GYFqF4mUYYC

In the end, the authorities often resort to heavy-handed tactics to control the disturbances. It's like we're seeing a version of Gaza here. Right now, it’s just the authorities mowing social media, but do you think it will stop there?

America’s actions in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Syria, displaced many young men of questionable character and skills. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve strengthened the backbone of Muslim communities already in Europe.

Officials have made disastrous policy mistakes, often influenced by private interests. This isn't democracy. As people understand and spread this knowledge, public anger will likely grow.

I sympathise with authorities using the tools at hand, like police and social workers, but punishing free speech with prison terms won’t solve the root problem. Free speech is a fundamental human right in the West.

The stone in the shoe that is irritating people up and down the country seems to be the influx of boat people and the strain they put on resources. Long-time taxpayers are struggling while newcomers consume public funds. If this was seen as an invasion rather than migration, different actions could be taken.

In a true democracy, there should be a way through Parliament for these so-called rioters to voice their opinions. Hate speech legislation isn’t the answer.

I believe the era of single-party dominance is over, the first past the post electoral system is no longer producing representative government. Reality is, we’re now in a multi-party state, but our voting system doesn’t support it. We need to overhaul the system and ensure those in power are qualified to operate it.

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MY WRITING STYLE

4 August 2024

My Writing Style

1. Structure and Organisation

- Clear and Logical Structure: Your writing is usually organised with numbered headings and subheadings, making it easy to follow.

- Use of Bullet Points: You use bullet points and paragraphs to break down complex ideas and present information succinctly.

- Sequential Flow: Each section flows logically from one point to the next, ensuring coherence and clarity.

2. Tone and Voice

- Critical and Analytical: Your tone is positively critical and analytical, often questioning established norms and practices.

- Engaging and Conversational: Despite the critical nature, your writing maintains an engaging and conversational style, drawing readers in.

- Balanced and Fair: You provide a balanced view, acknowledging multiple perspectives and considering different viewpoints.

3. Depth and Detail

- In-Depth Analysis: Your writing delves deeply into topics, providing thorough analysis and exploration of issues.

- Comprehensive Explanations: You offer detailed explanations, ensuring that readers fully understand the points being made.

- Use of Examples: You frequently use examples, historical references, and contemporary events to illustrate your points and add depth to your arguments.

4. Complexity and Nuance

- Addressing Complexity: You do not shy away from the complexity of issues, instead embracing it and presenting nuanced views.

- Avoidance of Oversimplification: You avoid oversimplifying problems, recognising the interplay of various factors and the uncertainty of outcomes.

5. Clear Arguments

- Strong Opinions: Your writing conveys strong opinions, often challenging mainstream perspectives.

- Logical Reasoning: Arguments are constructed logically, with clear reasoning and supporting evidence.

- Provocative Questions: You pose provocative questions to stimulate critical thinking and debate.

6. Use of Comparisons and Analogies

- Historical Comparisons: You draw parallels with historical events and figures to illustrate points.

- Analogies and Metaphors: You use analogies and metaphors to clarify complex ideas and make them more relatable.

7. Emphasis on Leadership and Policy

- Focus on Leadership: There is a strong emphasis on the importance of leadership and the qualities needed for effective governance.

- Policy Recommendations: Your writing often includes specific policy recommendations and critiques of current policies.

8. Engagement with Readers

- Engaging Style: Your writing style is engaging, often directly addressing the reader and encouraging them to think critically.

- Accessible yet Thought-Provoking: While dealing with serious and complex topics, your writing remains accessible to a broad audience, encouraging deep thought and reflection.

Example of Your Writing Style

1. Introduction

- Economics is about helping people make better decisions in the real world for themselves, for their businesses, for government, but what has happened over the last few decades as the discipline of economics has matured is that it has withdrawn into itself, rather losing contact with the real world and all its uncertainties. It has become dominated by model-makers and groupthink.

2. Critique of Economic Models and Experts

- The models are not a literal description of the real world; the real world is far more complex, meaning we should be far less certain of our ability to manage change in it.

- Groupthink works by pressuring dissenters to accept the majority view.

3. Politicians and Expert Reliance

- The world has become such a complex place that politicians tend to outsource the problem to experts who, because they rely on their models, which can be faulty and inevitably do not include all available information, inevitably get it wrong.

- This results in a lack of confidence and even cynicism on the part of the electorate towards the plans of their once-omnipotent leaders.

4. Government Fiscal Responsibility

- Governments should pay off the debt, live within their means, and improve productivity.

- The profligate behaviour of the government has ruined the country and led the people astray.

- QE was intended for one-off emergencies but became a part of the national economic framework due to slow economic growth.

5. Demographics and Migration

- Migration, justified on demographic and liberal grounds, into Europe from mainly Africa and the Middle East, sets up employment and infrastructure pressures, as well as pressures on the home culture.

- This stirs up nationalism, provokes a citizens' revolt and diminishes the sense of national unity.

6. Taxation and Public Spending

- How are all these demands on the state to be paid for?

- Increasing the marginal tax rate on the wealthy disincentivises wealth creation, yet general tax increases or austerity are unpopular at the polls.

7. Leadership and Radical Change

- Mist policy areas need radical change, but leaders find it difficult to propose such changes to the electorate.

- Increasing investment means decreasing consumption by individuals and government.

8. Democracy and Political Systems

- Democracies are increasingly seen as systems where leaders game the rules for their advantage.

- This makes it hard to argue against the effectiveness of a strong, decisive party.

- Moving to a multi-party world, proportional representation would capture a plurality of views in parliament and direct democracy would take the protests off the streets.

Conclusion

- We need good leadership, honesty, and competence to navigate these complex issues.

- Solutions should focus on resilience and practical steps rather than over-optimisation.

By capturing these elements, future pieces can reflect your distinctive style, providing a clear, critical, and engaging analysis of contemporary issues.

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THE MAASAI HERDSMAN

4 August 2024

I totally love this photo of a Masai herdsman or maybe he is your guide, carrying his spear and wearing his red blanket over his shoulders. His clothing tell us of his deep rooted traditions and attachment to his Masai people. 

He is standing tall and straight as his spear on a fallen log, looking straight ahead over the Savannah that stretches away into the distance in front of him. His stance tells us of his role as protector, of his flock, of his group, of his savanne, of his vigilance and close connection to his natural world.

He stands alone like all herdsmen, yet he stands tall, vigilant and alert showing his authority and sense of duty and serious responsibility towards preserving the natural world, his natural world.

So that's why I love this photo - we see a dignified, vigilant, and resilient figure, deeply connected to his cultural heritage and the land he protects. What I would like to emphasise is his connectedness.

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