Thought provoking talk on sex in business gets first hearing in Cambridge
Members of a local networking group were first to hear a controversial new talk on sex at an Inspired Event last night near Cambridge.
Business author, conference speaker and social entrepreneur Robert Ashton delivered a thought provoking talk on The Role of Sex in Success to a packed audience at Cook’s Barn, near Bottisham as part of a series organised by The Inspired Group.
The talk was part of a series examining the work of journalist Napoleon Hill highlighting his viewpoint that we create success by using the power of our minds. This point was ably illustrated by Robert who explained how sex could be used to motivate and drive us to be more creative and determined in a business context.
He said: “Sex is all around us, and you often have to use the same methods in business that you do to win a life partner and keep them. It’s the same process - appealing to others, courting them, getting on and even splitting up amicably further down the line without damaging your business.”
He continued: “We all enjoy innuendo and if something makes you smile you often remember it well. Stiff Nipples Air Conditioning Service is a classic example and it also suggests benefit as well as being memorable. It can work the other way though and businesses need to think carefully about their branding. When Pen Island set up a domain name without using any hyphens or underscores it may have confused a few people.”
Ann Hawkins said: “Robert used metaphor, and strong images to illustrate his points and it was an interesting insight into how basis human instincts can be used to commercial advantage.”
Robert also emphasised how important it is to look after clients and give them something a little unexpected now and again. “In relationships you’d send a Valentine’s card, but in business it’s also a great idea to show a customer how much you value them. I’m not suggesting you send your customers Valentine cards every year but think about what would be of value to them as an added extra to keep them onside.”
Robert was also one of the first to be interviewed by Ian McKendrick as part of the launch of The Business Hub at markandian.com, an interactive site full of content, information and discussion forums which works in collaboration with Star Radio’s business radio show on Sundays.
Ian said: “It was another amazing talk from Robert and although the topic was controversial he dealt with it humorously and had the audience in fits of laughter.”