Back on 1st December last year (doesn’t that seem like a long time ago now?!) on the Thursday afternoon show, we ran the pilot edition of ‘The Brand Doctor’ with Ivan Newman of Living Inside The Brand. On that occasion, I – or rather my new brand, was the patient.
We had another patient lined up to see the Doc in January, but unfortunately, she was ill at the last minute. Yes, I know, ‘to ill to go to the Doctor’ – ironic, isn’t it?; but true.
So, in the tradition of live radio, we thought on our feet, turned on a sixpence – and employed every other cliché we cold think of – and decided to take a general lok at what makes a strong, healthy brand.
All my training and instincts tell me that good shows need preparation; careful planning – but just occasionally, something which you pull together at the last minute really works. It has a spontaneity about it. You wonder how the hell it all comes together so quickly – but it does – and it’s a great feeling! A lot of it, I have to say, is down to having a guest who really knows their stuff.
The conversation Ivan and I had (which we’d only planned in very general terms, in reception before going on air – yes, really!), ranged from baby buggies to the link between Cocacola and Santa Claus! I won’t tell you any more because I’m aiming to get the show online asap. I’ll let you know when that happens.
This afternoon, I start another new, occasional series: ‘Where do I start?’, with Paul Smalley of Startup Revolution.
As always, you can catch the show at 3PM on Gateway 97.8 if you’re in the area, or listen anywhere at gateway978.com – and if you have any feedback, or any ideas for possible one-off shows or a series, get in touch.