Storytelling needs to be at the heart of what you do
At KISS we’re firm believers in the power of engaging with audiences and doing this through emotional brand storytelling. We host workshops with clients to help them tell their own brand story, however a couple of weeks ago we had the pleasure of being participants in one – rather than the facilitators – and it was very refreshing!
Declutter your brand
I recently read another piece on decluttering your home, as espoused by clear-out guru Marie Kondo. This got me thinking about how powerful it is when you declutter a brand.
Social credit is starting to bite
YouTube bristles with ‘Black Mirror’ reviews, some deciding which of its dystopian views of tech gone wrong is nearest to coming true. Surprisingly not all include Series 3’s ‘Nosedive’ where ‘likes’ are lifeblood – people give and receive ratings for all interactions. Characters’ entire lives are determined by their rating and a bad score from one place sticks around. But it’s closer…
Time Out and brand extensions
Recent experience in the first-ever Time Out Market in Lisbon got me thinking. Why a food hall, why now, and what can marketers and Boards learn?
Don’t ditch the media training!
I’ve lost count of how many times in my (very lengthy!) PR career I have recommended to clients that they should be media trained, only to be told that ‘the marketing budget won’t stretch to it’ or ‘we don’t think we need it’.
Growing buildings? Three ways this tech story got me hooked
I was blown away by this article about advanced UK research into growing buildings – yes, buildings that are actually alive! Despite being really busy at work it got me scanning the article and thinking about innovation – why we need dreamers and pragmatists, and (as a confirmed pragmatist) what makes great communication that dispels tech’s negative image and gets readers doing what you…
The power of communications to change behaviour
We live in busy times and are bombarded with messages, but I have had a few reminders lately of the power of communications – especially images – to change behaviour, sometimes even globally.
Insight from a very soggy Cereals 2019
It’s now a month on from Cereals 2019 – the arable industry’s leading technical event which brings together farmers, agronomists and others working in agriculture from all over the country. Key issues facing the industry are addressed by leading speakers in sponsored stages, and technological innovations are unveiled at the hundreds of stands that are neatly lined up in the huge field…
The overused label of the disruptor
The term disruptor is overused, partly thanks to Donald Trump.
Key insights from the 2019 Internet Trends Report
Back again for 2019 is Mary Meeker’s internet trends report. First issued in 1995 it still has enormous relevance, packed with everything you need to know about what trends will dominate the market and have an impact on businesses and tech. Here’s what I found most interesting but if you’re keen to know more then have a read here. Although be warned, there are 333 slides!
KISS is raving about Forest Bathing
As the erratic summer weather continues even the hardcore wild swimmers at KISS might not be in the River Cam all week.
KISS - part of PROI Worldwide closing in on US$ one billion in revenue
Cambridge based, integrated creative agency KISS is proud to be a member of PROI Worldwide, which has just announced it has increased its 2018 net fee income by 10% to almost US$ one billion.
KISS strengthens sector expertise with appointment of new Account Director
Integrated marketing agency KISS has appointed Kathryn Sparrow as Account Director as part of its ongoing growth plan to meet new business requirements across the tech and science sectors.
Lessons from Jacinda Ardern – a strong voice and vision in action
Sarah Reakes, Managing Director at KISS, writes:I’ve been lucky enough to live in New Zealand, and I’ve followed and admired Jacinda Ardern since she became Prime Minister there in late 2017. Even before the tragic Christchurch shootings I admired her work, her words and her evident humanity.
The real power of a purpose
Sarah Reakes, Managing Director at KISS, writes: Recently we have needed to access many different parts of the NHS and every member of staff we came across was so incredibly dedicated and helpful.
Don’t fail at the final hurdle – why hashtags matter
Jane Kroese, Account Director at KISS, writes: I recently attended a global tech event and at each stand I visited I was bombarded with a bundle of marketing info, some great freebies and some even savvier sales talk. But, as I was tweeting my way round, I was surprised at the lack of ‘on stand’ awareness of twitter handles or campaign hashtags.
Lessons from a humble bike shop
Hugh Massam Senior PR Associate at KISS, says: I’m lucky to live in a cycling city, with one of the country’s highest bike-shop counts per head. The independents often barely squeak by, and all bike retailers are impacted by online competition.
Spring trend watch – look outside your industry for fresh insights
When Facebook launched in 2004, your profile page offered two options under ‘gender’ – now there are about 60 ‘custom’ choices.
Have courage – avoid being overwhelmed by sticking with the right kind of data
Now, more than ever, it’s critical to focus and simplify the challenges that we face to deliver communications with real impact, says Sarah Reakes, Managing Director at KISS.
A disastrously successful campaign
Usually, an advertising campaign is applauded when it produces rapid, tangible changes in audience behaviour. Especially when that campaign raises awareness about critical health issues.
The Rising Festival makes a mark on International Women’s Day
Last Saturday saw a team from KISS head down to The Rising Festival to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Boardroom monoculture means missed opportunities
Today, International Women’s Day, Sarah Reakes, Managing Director at KISS, says we still have a long way to go to achieve equal rights for women.
CES2019: KISS Account Executive Daniel gives a technology recap ahead of MWC19
Every year, tech updates at CES are becoming less about showing off a single product and more about showing the assimilation of multiple products – rather than multiple products that serve a single purpose we now have single products that serve multiple purposes. This year there was also a lot of talk about 5G and more focus on our ever-connected lives becoming even more connected.
What's a student worth?
Hugh Massam, Senior PR Associate at KISS, writes: The longest relationship in your life is with your siblings – luckily my brother and I are quite close. There aren’t many other relationships that last decades, especially with a brand: but one that does is with your university.