Writer Bio

From Underachiever to Covert Operations

My early school days were far from successful. I struggled academically, leaving with only a budding interest in electronics and an insatiable curiosity about how things functioned (or often, how they disassembled and didn’t quite reassemble). Nevertheless, this curiosity has been a powerful tool in my life.

Networking Matters More Than Knowledge

My fascination with technology opened doors when a family friend set up a job interview for me with a senior technician who worked for the Metropolitan Police in London (UK). I presented my knowledge of electronics during the interview and was accepted into a group of eleven, proudly dubbed ‘Wireless Mechanics.’

A Thrilling Learning Experience

Over the next six years, I accelerated my learning and found myself immersed in covert communications, security, and surveillance. It felt like I was part of a thrilling movie, somewhere between James Bond and Mission Impossible. I wish I could share more details, but, well, you know...

I was involved in significant events like the Iranian Embassy siege in London and was present on a rooftop during the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, providing video support for Scotland Yard.

A Shift in Career Path

Like many great stories, a love interest redirected my life, leading me to the print industry. This transition sparked my passion for typography, design, layout, and both lithographic and digital printing. I quickly adapted to the emerging online world, mastering modems that initially transferred data at a blistering 28kbps, soon reaching 128kbps in just 18 months. Some may recall those early days with a smile.

By 2006, after eight years of web development, I decided to start my own web technology firm in Surrey (UK). Over its decade-long operation, I worked with a diverse array of clients worldwide, providing services from graphic design to marketing.

Embracing New Opportunities

My newfound passion for marketing evolved as I worked closely with clients to enhance their businesses, ultimately leading to a role as Head of UK Marketing for a national property security firm in 2016. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, my marketing efforts generated over £5 million in revenue during my tenure.

In November 2021, driven by a desire to reconnect with my own clients, I founded Clive Wilson Marketing, which later transformed into The Marketing Alliance.

Writing for Enjoyment

For the past two decades, I’ve crafted web content, blogs, and newsletters, yet I hadn’t explored writing that allowed me to express my thoughts and insights. I joined Medium in October 2018, but it wasn’t until January 2021 that I began to take writing more seriously.

Finding my voice was challenging, but I found immense support within the ILLUMINATION community, thanks to individuals like Terry L. Cooper, Tree Langdon, and Dr. Mehmet Yildiz. This encouragement felt liberating, akin to being set free.

I resonate with Ralph Ellison’s quote: “When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.” This realization unfolded gradually, one day, one relationship, and one article at a time.

Contributing to the Community

I observed that many new writers struggle with basic language and formatting skills. Seizing the opportunity to assist, I began drafting a simple tips article. However, as I wrote, my brief piece expanded into a seven-part series totaling around 11,500 words.

So Much to Say, So Little Time

I utilize Trello to organize my thoughts across various topics, from business development and marketing to personal growth. Daily, I find inspiration from conversations, news, and my own reflections, often sparked by questions like, “I wonder why...?” or “Is that really how it is...?” There's an abundance of topics to explore.

I particularly enjoy discussing business development and marketing, having recently penned articles such as:

• The Beautiful Game: Football, Marketing and the Art of Manipulation

  Marketing and manipulation share many commonalities, albeit unintentionally.

• Nobody Reads Advertising

  Crafting quality content that captivates readers is essential in advertising and blogging.

• Why It's Good to Give Away Your Intellectual Property

  Many entrepreneurs cling tightly to their IP, but sharing it can showcase your expertise.

• Is It Really Possible to Measure Customer Loyalty?

  The Net Promoter Score system is widely regarded as the benchmark for loyalty measurement, but does it truly reflect loyalty?

As many faced changes due to the global pandemic, I felt compelled to share my reflections during the UK’s third national lockdown amid a frigid winter:

• Keeping My Spirits Up

  How Snow Has Helped Me.

I also contemplated life lessons inspired by the series Game of Thrones:

• Can a Pseudo-Medieval Fantasy Help Make Us Better People?

  Sometimes, we all need a reminder.

On a more personal note, I’m still exploring deep questions about identity and mental health, which has opened intriguing avenues for future writing. Stay tuned!

Let’s Connect

I truly enjoy writing for Medium and welcome new connections. Feel free to reach out on Medium, LinkedIn, or Instagram—whichever platform suits you best.

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