Embracing Marketing Mistakes

Wellness initiatives in the workplace often sound ideal, but what happens when they demand more than businesses can give? In this Campaign Crunch mini-episode, we’re joined by guest Sadie Straw to unpack Joe Wicks’ Movement Hour campaign, which encouraged employers to give staff an extra hour off each day for physical activity. Despite 10,000 companies applying for a personal visit from Wicks, only 600 committed to the pledge. We explore why this well-intentioned campaign struggled to gain traction and whether it asked too much, too soon.Sadie shares her insights on what could have made the campaign stronger, from better timing to a more realistic approach and stronger use of storytelling. She also shares a memorable marketing mistake of her own involving a very awkward email mix-up between two clients with the same name. It’s a candid and insightful conversation about campaign ambition, real-world results, and the small errors that keep us humble. Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Back when Apple was rumoured to be about to launch the iPad, BBC presenter Spencer Kelly was already on air confidently predicting that the rumours were nonsense, because tablets were a stupid idea. Just six hours later, Steve Jobs proved him spectacularly wrong. In this episode, Spencer reflects on the mistake, the lessons it taught him about spotting genuine innovation, and why even the experts get it wrong.Spencer is no stranger to high stakes. As host of the BBC’s Click for 20 years and 1,000 episodes, he introduced audiences worldwide to AI, virtual reality, and emerging tech before they became everyday conversation. His presenting skills and ability to turn complex ideas into stories people understand have made him a trusted voice in technology.We also dive into failed PR promises, a £2,000 drone crash, and what marketers can learn about separating hype from reality. Packed with insights and entertaining stories, this episode is a must for every marketer.Follow Spencer on LinkedIn here and X here. Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

For Sarah Clay, that nightmare became her big break. Pre-pandemic, she was running a social media agency for hospitality brands. Then lockdown hit, and in the space of a week her market evaporated.Instead of wallowing, she made a bold pivot into LinkedIn training. That’s when she spotted the goldmine nobody was talking about: employee advocacy. Get your people talking about your brand on their own profiles, and you’ll see up to 561% more engagement than a company page ever gets (LinkedIn’s own stat, not mine).From ditching law school, to producing TV ads, to mastering LinkedIn, Sarah’s career says one thing loud and clear: LinkedIn isn’t social media, it’s a networking machine. And if you’re still treating it like Facebook in a suit, you’re doing it wrong.Is this a smart move or a marketing mistake? Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Tired of marketing campaigns that miss the mark? Richard Shotton, bestselling author of "The Choice Factory" and "The Illusion of Choice," reveals why understanding human psychology is the secret sauce behind effective marketing.The gap between what consumers say influences them and what actually drives their behavior creates a golden opportunity for marketers who master behavioral science principles. Shotton demystifies these concepts, proving they're not just for academics with psychology doctorates but practical tools any marketer can deploy immediately.Want to raise prices without losing customers? Frame increases as "pennies per day" rather than larger monthly sums and clearly explain your reasoning. Struggling with website conversions? Change "out of stock" to "sold out" for a 15% reduction in customer irritation. These small, cost-free interventions leverage how our brains actually work rather than how we think they work.The most overlooked principle, according to Shotton, is surprisingly simple: "make it easy." Both Nobel Prize winners Daniel Kahneman and Richard Thaler identify this as their single most important insight. Removing small friction points has an outsized effect on behavior change – something marketers consistently underestimate while overemphasizing motivation.Testing these principles is crucial, but Shotton warns against directly asking consumers if they'd be influenced. "People do not have full introspective insight into their own motivations," he explains. Instead, use monadic testing – showing different groups only one version of your messaging and measuring their responses. This oblique approach reveals the true impact of psychological nudges that consumers would otherwise deny affect them.Whether you're managing seven-figure campaigns or launching your first marketing efforts, these evidence-based techniques can dramatically improve results without increasing your budget. Listen now to unlock the behavioral science secrets behind the world's most successful brands – and learn how to apply them to your next campaign. Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Our host, Chris Norton, reveals his biggest career mistake when he joined a new PR agency as an account manager. What started as enthusiasm to impress his new employers quickly descended into a PR disaster when he prematurely distributed a press release about a new bar opening without client approval.• Background as a PR professional with experience in London before moving to Leeds• Eagerly took on a project for an alcohol brand launching a new bar• Misinterpreted "good to go" from London office as permission to distribute the press release• Sent the release to media outlets without client approval• Discovered his mistake when the story triggered local controversy on the evening news• Feared being fired on his first weekend in the new job"To everybody out there I apologise for sending a release out too early. I was just keen to get going, but luckily I survived and I'm here to do this podcast with you today." Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What does it take to market an iconic British agricultural product in today's digital world? Graham Clark, Director of Marketing at British Wool, pulls back the curtain on the fascinating journey of promoting this sustainable fiber to modern consumers.British Wool stands as the last remaining farmers' cooperative in the UK, representing approximately 30,000 sheep farmers across the nation. Unlike conventional businesses, this unique organization returns all profits directly to farmers, supporting rural communities while championing sustainability. Graham shares how they've navigated the complex challenge of communicating their distinctive identity to consumers who often don't understand the difference between "wool" and "British wool."The conversation takes us through British wool's remarkable versatility beyond just clothing. Did you know the iconic upholstery on London Underground seating is made from British wool in Yorkshire? Or that wool bedding naturally regulates your body temperature while you sleep? These practical applications highlight wool's superiority over synthetic alternatives, which Graham pointedly reminds us are essentially plastic.We explore how British Wool has built brand awareness through innovative campaigns, including collaborations with Love Island's Farmer Will and Shaun the Sheep. Their marketing strategy balances traditional channels like radio with contemporary digital approaches, resulting in measurable success brand recognition has increased 7% in recent years, with nearly a third of consumers now recognizing their iconic "crook mark" logo.The episode also delivers honest reflections on marketing mishaps, from printing 50,000 high-quality brochures with the wrong phone number to mail merge disasters that sent customers competitors' information. These candid stories remind us that even seasoned marketers make mistakes, it's how we respond and learn that matters.Listen now to discover how this legacy brand is fighting fast fashion while supporting local farmers. Whether you're a marketing professional seeking inspiration or simply curious about sustainable consumer choices, this episode offers valuable insights into how traditional industries can thrive in the modern marketplace.Subscribe today and join the conversation about bringing sustainability to the forefront of consumer consciousness! Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Exploring professional mishaps in the world of media training, our guest expert media trainer, Guy Clapperton, shares candid stories from 20 years of journalism experience that reveal how technical difficulties, difficult clients, and embarrassing moments become valuable learning experiences.• A particularly memorable mishap involved conducting interviews from an unflattering camera angle focused on the "left man boob"• Managing difficult clients presents unique challenges, especially when company directors intimidate their staff during practice interviews• Clear expectations must be established before training begins to avoid conflict between stakeholders• The most challenging trainees are those who don't believe they need training and are just there to show off their existing abilities Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

When a high-profile fashion brand stumbles at launch, how do they rebuild customer trust? This fascinating episode dives into Molly Mae's clothing brand "Maybe" and their clever reputation recovery strategy following a quality control disaster that left customers disappointed.Our marketing experts Lauren and Becca unpack how the brand leveraged International Women's Day to reconnect with their core audience of young female professionals through a perfectly targeted coffee and sweet treats pop-up in Manchester. The genius of this activation wasn't just free goodies – it was the thoughtful alignment with their audience's lifestyle, featuring collaborations with female-led businesses like Sage Coffee Machines and North Star Coffee Roasteries, plus Molly's personal involvement serving customers and creating genuine connections.The results speak volumes about effective community engagement: minimal press coverage but explosive user-generated content across social platforms. As the team notes, "Everything Molly touches turns to gold," but even celebrity-backed brands need strong reputation management after missteps. The episode offers valuable insights on authenticity in crisis recovery and understanding your audience on a deeper level.In a hilarious turn, Lauren shares her own marketing mishap when booking a venue for a sports nutrition brand photoshoot, only to be asked if they were filming adult content! It's a reminder that clear communication is essential in all aspects of marketing.Have you experienced your own marketing blunder? We'd love to feature it on a future episode! Email us at podcast@prohibitionpr.co.uk to share your story – anonymous submissions welcome. Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Neville Hobson, a former Vice President of Corporate Communications, shares a near career-ending mistake when he accidentally published financial results for a public company 12 hours early by hitting "publish" instead of "schedule." Quick thinking and a lot of panic led him to unpublish the content, reschedule it correctly, and immediately report the incident to the stock exchange, which fortunately responded with understanding.• Preparing financial results publication using FrontPage software• Potentially illegal early disclosure of financial results for a public company• Learning the critical importance of attention to detail• Modern publishing risks are even greater with multiple access points• First public disclosure of this corporate communications fuck up Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What happens when you mix two decades of digital comms experience with a brain wired for analytics, SEO and AI? You get friend of the show Andrew Bruce Smith. He’s the founder of Escherman, a CIPR Fellow, and Chair of the AI in PR panel, not to mention a certified Google Partner who’s trained over 3,000 organisations. From global brands to government departments, he’s helped them all wrap their heads around data, strategy and the tech shaping modern PR.We dive deep into the rapidly evolving world of AI for marketers with expert Andrew Bruce Smith, exploring how reasoning models, research capabilities, and AI avatars are transforming the marketing landscape at breathtaking speed.• Reasoning models like ChatGPT-4o spend more time thinking through complex problems, delivering better quality responses for marketing plans and strategy • Deep research functionality allows marketers to generate comprehensive market analyses in minutes that previously took weeks and cost thousands • Understanding when to use different AI models is crucial, reasoning models for complex tasks, standard models for simpler requests • AI avatars through tools like HeyGen and Syntesia can create promotional videos and may soon represent you in meetings • The rise of agentic AI allows for autonomous systems that can execute complex workflows with minimal human intervention • Marketers need to rethink where they add value as AI handles more tasks, potentially moving from time-based to value-based billing • AI isn't replacing jobs but tasks, freeing humans to focus on strategic thinking and creativityThe best place to find Andrew is on LinkedIn (there's only one Andrew Bruce Smith) or at his website escherman.com. Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube