Creative founders often mistake boredom for failure

Creative business owner simplifying multiple marketing ideas into a clear 90-day business and marketing strategy.

Creative minds are full of brilliant ideas. The challenge isn’t coming up with another one. It’s knowing which one to focus on. If your marketing feels messy, inconsistent or like you’re constantly starting again, this article explores why getting the foundations right and sticking with them might be the breakthrough you’re looking for.

AI is speeding everything up. So why does everything take longer?

Anna Short networking at a SAM Networking. Photograph by the brilliant John Steel.

Is it just me, or are we all drowning in AI-generated dross?

From automated phone systems and chatbot conversations to generic emails and sales messages, it often feels like technology is making simple things harder. Here’s why I believe trust, relationships and genuinely helpful customer experiences matter more than ever.

Think you’ve got a marketing problem? Think again

Anna Short sitting on a dry stone wall overlooking the Saddleworth countryside in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

Many business owners assume they have a marketing problem when growth slows down. Inspired by a question from Mary Portas, this article explores why the real issue is often demand, focus, customer needs or business priorities instead.