Hello!

Champions of curiosity!

Here we are, back at it again, and I've got to say, your consistency? Absolutely electric.

Whenever you open this email, it's a testament to your genuine interest in what's unfolding worldwide. And me? I'm just here, thrilled to be your go-to read. A massive shoutout for cracking open Edition 4 of 'A Five Minute Read'.

Your readership isn't just appreciated; it's the heartbeat of this endeavour. So, grab that cup of coffee (or tea, I don't judge), get comfy, and let's embark on another enlightening journey together. Ready for another deep dive? Let's roll.🚀

My Musings

Drowning in Notifications? Dive Deeper, Not Wider!

In our hyper-connected digital age, we're drowning in a sea of information, constantly bombarded by pings, notifications, and updates. But what if the real currency of our era isn't information but attention? Think about it.

In the vast ocean of data, the ability to focus, to truly immerse oneself in a single task or thought, is becoming a rare art. The breadth of multitasking is overshadowing the depth of understanding the richness of single-tasking. But at what cost? As we skim the surface, are we missing the profound depths beneath? It's time we reevaluate.

Maybe, just maybe, in our quest to know a little about everything, we risk understanding nothing deeply. Dive deep into the waters of focus, and you might just discover treasures of insight that surface skimming can never reveal.

Fresh Off the Digital Press

The Game of Thrones - Smartphone Edition

Let's break it down: Google's back with its shiny new toys, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The big reveal?

A whopping seven years of Android updates, making even the iPhone's update game look a tad pale. But here's a fact to ponder: even with solid specs and a promise of longevity, Google's still the underdog in the smartphone arena.

Their market share? A mere blip compared to the behemoths like Apple and Samsung. In North America, they shipped a modest 2.6 million phones in the first half of 2023, while Apple? A staggering 35 million iPhones. But let's be real: Google's not sweating it. Their bread and butter? Advertising, which rakes in a cool 80% of Alphabet's revenue.

iPhones might be Apple's golden goose, but for Google, it's all about those ads. 📱 vs. 💰. Who's winning?

Read More on Statista - Google Remains Niche in Smartphone Markets 

The Rise of Data-Driven CMOs

Booking dot com's CMO, Arjan Dijk, is dropping some truth bombs on the marketing world. The guy's been around the block, from Google to Unilever, and he's got a clear message:

Today's CMOs? They better be number-crunchers. Forget just "thinking in pictures." If you can't quantify your impact, maybe stick to being a brand manager. Dijk's mantra? Prove your worth with cold, hard data. Show the ROI. And if you're not ready to launch, hold the brakes—even if it means giving back some budget.

At Booking dot com, it's all about synergy. Dijk's monthly pow-wows with product managers ensure everyone's on the same page. His obsession? Conversions and making that mobile app shine. The takeaway? Break those silos, think business growth, and always, always back it up with numbers. Marketing's evolving, folks. Keep up or step aside. 📊🚀

Read more on Drum - The new non-negotiable marketing skills

Your Weekly Dose of Action

How Strong is Your Email Game?

When drafting that next email, especially for someone higher up the food chain, lead with the ask. No fluff, no 3-paragraph backstory.

Start with what you want or need. Why? Because execs and busy folks skim. They're drowning in emails. By the time they hit paragraph three, they're already thinking about their next Zoom call. So, hit them with your main point right out of the gate.

It's like dating: Be interesting, or be gone. And remember, brevity is the soul of not just wit but also getting a reply. Keep that ship steady, champ.