BACK TO BASICS

One of the most important lessons that I think we’ve all learnt from the dramatic and worrying economic scenario that has enveloped the whole world is the basic truth that if it’s too good to be true or too clever by half it risks undermining the honest endeavour that actually makes economies work and gives human beings real satisfaction.

The ‘masters of the universe’ are in full retreat and we’ve seen their style of operations in all businesses, including unfortunately our own.

I’m looking forward to the presentation at the DTC next week with regard to the advertising plans for the season, because I’m sure the plans will be focussing on the human relationships that bind us and the powerful symbolism that diamonds represent in relation to the basic values that give our lives meaning, empathy and love.

One of the things that I have most admired in all the years that I have been a broker working closely with the DTC is the wonderful human and emotional values that have underpinned the most effective and creative of all their advertising, and no other producer has shown even the slightest signs of capturing that creative spirit and genius.

Surely it is not too late for the DTC to look at themselves in relation to whether they have lived up to the relationships with some of their existing clients and ex-clients who have served them well in the past and could have been treated with more consideration and generosity, in the interests of themselves as well as the clients.

Are we worried about the situation? Yes, of course. Will things get better? Yes, of course. Are we being realistic? We certainly hope so. What is realistic? Not sure at present, but who is. However, if Obama is elected next week I wouldn’t be too amazed to see stock markets surge throughout the world and a mood that will lighten the gloom and doom even though the damage to the real world economy won’t be so easily repaired.