Germany crush the Argentines

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Posted on 3rd July 2010 by Tony in Random

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Chancellor Angela Merkel leaps for joy as Germany Wins!

Let me be honest, I’m not a football/soccer fan. I’ve grown up on Rugby, braaivleis and chevrolet. I’m a true-blooded white South African – but this World Cup 2010 has really sparked a feeling of awesomesauce. I can’t believe how amazing soccer has been to totally unite South Africa – first in our global mission to build the infrastructure in time (even the Aussies were telling FIFA they’re a ready backup plan) and then we all got behind Bafana Bafana … and finally BaGhana BaGhana, the Black Stars.

There’s something amazing about being an African – something the Americans and Europeans don’t “get” about us. We’re not normal. Even us whities … we all stick to our tribal roots but at the same time have an incredible spirit of nationhood.

So, from my father’s heritage, my tribe is Ze Germans. I have a huge German Flag flying from the house and even bought German Mirror-Socks for my Audi. (to my staff’s great dismay!) So tonight’s game was absolutely AWESOME. I loved the team work and the precision of the Germans. There were no individuals on the field – only 1 united team with a single purpose. And the outcome – certain victory!

Makes me think about how I run my team at the office! If we want to win in the Work-place, let’s think like the Germans did today!

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FIFA does it again …

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Posted on 19th March 2010 by Tony in Random

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When I see anything to do with marketing in the press I pay attention … mainly because marketing is my bread-and-butter. It’s yours too, if you haven’t figured that out yet.

FIFA is coming to South Africa in a few short weeks and the country is getting ready. Of course there are the opportunists out there who have hiked up their prices for ridiculous reasons. British Airways (my favourite airline) has more than tripled it’s rates during the World Cup.

And so, as a challenge, Kulula.com had been marketing itself as an airline that won’t abuse the situation. Of course, they had to be very careful about how they market themselves because FIFA has very strict rules for marketing (even for people who have nothing to do with the World Cup).

According to IOL.CO.ZA Kulula.com was forced to withdraw it’s advertising campaign for the use of words like “South Africa” and depicting a Vuvuzela and the Cape Town stadium.

Personally I find it distasteful that anyone can tell me how to market my business. As long as it’s ethical, moral and legal … I should be allowed to do it. What pains me is that FIFA has forced our democratically elected government to pass laws making kulula.com’s marketing illegal.

It smacks of thuggery. FIFA isn’t a World Sports Body … it’s now moved into the realm of Mafia-stype business.

What are your thoughts?

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