ladybird familySo here I am (at last), 9 months since the birth of the Janice & John blog and 42 ‘posts’ later (see I’ve got the terminology right already, a natural!) it’s finally my turn to blog. Brian Spinks, head of sales & marketing, officially a guest blogger.

Now the pressure’s on, the writer’s block has descended, the deadline is fast approaching – not many more train journeys between Norwich and London left to compose and Oh No……I’m in my last week of work, no sorry last four days of work, before I take my wife Jenifer and kids off for a quick break before the school term starts again.

I work for Janice, for those of you interested in the order of things but order and the usual run of things have not been high on the agenda of my life of late. In fact it’s all been a bit surreal and has included meeting a swarm of ladybirds, conversations about sonic mnemonics (I’ve had conversations about Sonic the Hedgehog with my 7 year old son, Tom before but that didn’t help), the level and use of prosthetic make-up, as well as my first experience of being a casting director – and yes I was sitting on a couch (we don’t do stereotypes at Aviva – its really not us!)

So let me try to explain. It all started on a quiet Sunday in Norfolk and the family were all packed up and ready early for a trip to the coast (had to be up early to beat the hordes of stay in UK BBQ summer types!). The sun was actually splitting the sky, so with picnic blanket and picnic ready, cricket bat and rugby ball packed, windbreak (essential item on the North Norfolk coast) in the boot we set off to the seaside. However, on arrival not all was quite how it should be. The whole coast had recently become the home to millions (no exaggeration) of ladybirds and other such bugs and all of them seemed rather attracted to the windbreak, the picnic blanket, the picnic and more amusingly the mother-in-law! Bright clothing particularly yellow or white were not the order of the day. A strange start to my week indeed.

Next came work and I was faced with the exciting prospect, after months of hard work and preparation, of  getting to the business-end of producing the TV advert for brokers.[ As a quick update we’ll be filming the broker advert in the first week in September]

“So Brian, we’ve developed this sonic mnemonic for your broker business insurance TV advert, what do you think?” ……said the Producer of the advert

“Sonic what?” said I

“Now for hair and prosthetic make-up… “

“Pathetic what?” said I…..clearly this advertising game is tricky

“Now if we can move on to item 14 on the agenda – casting the extras” – says the Producer…..

I’m faced with a series of pictures of models – sorry actors, sorry extras – Equity and all that have different levels I’m told – “Which ones do you think Brian?”

“Never mind what I think – what will the rest of Janice’s management team think when they find out I’m spending time casting extras, discussing sonics and choosing the right level of make-up”  – I exclaim!

“Do you not know we’re in a recession, trading can be tough out there, brokers are toughing it out but it’s hard. And I’m here doing hair and make-up!”
……….. Silence

I sip my Chai Latte (I’m at a top London creative agency so excuse my drink choice) and compose myself…my mind turns to an editor’s comment in a certain trade press magazine this month (sorry Tom – not yours). And the quotes come flooding back….

Aviva “is putting its money where its mouth is for the sector” – for the sector I chant!

“now its (Aviva) swing back to brokers looks like a real and thoroughly considered strategy……the campaign will underline the main messages the industry has so far failed to say…that expert and individual advice from a regulated local broker is essential if you run a commercial enterprise…..the insurers move has to be applauded”. Has to be applauded I chant!

Suddenly, hair and make-up plus the right choice of sonic and extras seems not too frivolous an activity for the working week but instead a really important piece of work. An activity to support brokers in these difficult times, an activity that is ground-breaking and promotes the whole industry, but also an activity educating businesses across the UK about making the right choice when it comes to insurance.

And based on those thoughts I hope to have many more surreal weeks to come…just without the bugs!

Brian