Andrew Stark Marketing Consultant and Coach

Learn to let go. (aka; “Shikita ga nai”)

I’m sure a lot of people now know the term “Ikigai” – life purpose.It’s often used in coaching and personal development with regards to defining your personal meaning of life – taking into account your talents, passions and profession. Get this right, and your job isn’t really a job. This is something I totally get …

Andrew Stark Marketing Consultant and Coach

Lead with purpose.

There’s lots already said about finding your niche and authenticity in marketing, and it’s something I really get behind. But is that enough? I find that taking a confident position in your market – and leading it with a true sense of purpose cannot be overlooked. There are of course boundaries to this – tearing …

The marketing power of whisky tasting.

It’s been a while since I’ve done whisky tasting, but last night was a welcome return. Arranged by my client, The Wright Wine Company Limited and presented by Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd‘s Mariella Ramano, it was a fantastic evening.But as this isn’t Facebook, I’m putting my marketing head on with the following… Why was it so good? …

What happens when you try to please too many people?

There’s lots of talk of ‘finding your niche’ in my work, and it’s something that many people struggle with. Parts of your brain tell you to appeal to more people in more ways – and therefore sell more. (“A supermarket”) However, to charge true value and present yourself as an expert – you can’t be …

Aren’t all wines vegan?

Wine – it’s made from fermented grape juice, so it’s vegan, right? Unfortunately, it’s not quite so simple. Many winemakers use animal products in the “fining” process and have done for decades. All young wines are hazy and contain tiny molecules such as proteins, tartrates, tannins and phenolics. These are all natural, and in no …

Andrew Stark Marketing York

The Discovery Sessions #2 – Aurora Spirits, Norway

Aurora Spirit is the world’s northernmost Whisky distillery – situated deep within the Arctic Circle in northern Norway. Tor Petter W. Christensen is Founder and CEO and explains how he left a successful business career, to a successful and pioneering distillery owner. Part 1:  You and your distillery / whisky / brand  Andrew Stark: Hi …

Why You Should Stop Marketing, Now!

Small businesses, growing businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs. Stop. NOW.It may seem a bit negative (from a marketer) and possibly controversial to some, but hear me out; You could well be wasting your time and money chasing customers who either don’t exist or aren’t interested. There, I’ve said it. But why so negative? I’m not intentionally …

Personal Branding Andrew Stark Marketing York

Personal branding. What’s your thoughts?

I’ve always avoided such things to be honest – “I’m no instagram influencer or model” I thought. But it makes perfect sense. Of course it does. I *could* tell people I ‘do’ social media or websites or “stuff like that”. But that’s not about value is it?Alternatively, I could tell people about me, and what …