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Announcing My Latest Book: “IT’S (NOT) THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS: Reflections of a Marketer on Selfish Altruism”

I am thrilled to announce the release of my latest book,

IT’S (NOT) THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS

Reflections of a Marketer on Selfish Altruism

This business essay, written in the form of a personal reflection, delves deep into the intriguing concept of altruism and its place in both human behavior and the world of marketing.

Exploring Altruism: Does It Really Exist?
At the heart of my book lies a profound question: Does altruism truly exist? Throughout history, scholars, philosophers, and psychologists have debated whether acts of kindness and generosity are driven by pure selflessness or hidden self-interest. In my reflections, I explore various perspectives on this timeless debate, offering insights into how altruism manifests in our daily lives and interactions.

Altruism as an Explanation for Human Behavior
Can altruism serve as a lens through which we understand human behavior? This question is pivotal to my exploration. By examining real-life examples and theoretical frameworks, I argue that altruism, or at least the appearance of it, plays a significant role in shaping our actions and decisions. Whether it’s helping a stranger or supporting a friend, the motivations behind our actions are often more complex than they seem.

Altruism in Marketing: Is There Room for It?
In the realm of marketing, the concept of altruism might seem out of place. However, my book challenges this notion by investigating how altruistic principles can be integrated into marketing strategies. Can brands genuinely care about their customers and communities while still achieving their business goals? I believe they can, and I provide a roadmap for marketers to balance profit with purpose.

Altruism and Self-Interest: Mutually Exclusive or Coexisting?
One of the core themes of my book is the relationship between altruism and self-interest. Are these two concepts inherently at odds, or can they coexist harmoniously? Through a series of reflections and case studies, I demonstrate that self-interest and altruism are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they often intersect in ways that benefit both individuals and society at large.

The Concept of Selfish Altruism
Finally, I introduce the concept of selfish altruism—a term that may seem contradictory at first glance. Selfish altruism posits that individuals can engage in altruistic acts with the awareness that these actions ultimately serve their own interests. This pragmatic approach to altruism recognizes the complexity of human motivations and suggests that doing good can be a strategic choice, not just a moral one.

“IT’S (NOT) THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS: Reflections of a Marketer on Selfish Altruism” is a journey into the multifaceted nature of altruism. It is a book for marketers, business leaders, and anyone interested in understanding the deeper motivations behind human behavior. Through personal anecdotes, theoretical analysis, and practical insights, I hope to inspire readers to rethink the role of altruism in both their personal and professional lives.

I invite you to join me on this exploration of selfish altruism and discover how embracing this concept can lead to more meaningful and effective marketing practices. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the book!

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Celebrating a Milestone: My “Ghanaian Night” Featured in Artist Closeup Magazine

I am thrilled and deeply honored to share that my photography has been showcased in the prestigious pages of Artist Closeup Magazine. Among the stunning array of artistic talent, my selected piece, “Ghanaian Night,” has found its place, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this recognition.

“Ghanaian Night” is more than just a photograph; it’s a reflection of my profound admiration for the Ghanaian landscape and my unwavering dedication to capturing its essence. In this particular image, hues of blues and greens dance together in perfect harmony, encapsulating the serene beauty of a Ghanaian night sky. The tranquil atmosphere depicted in the photo evokes a sense of peace and wonder, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the enchanting allure of the scenery.

To experience “Ghanaian Night” and explore the incredible artworks featured in Artist Closeup Magazine, I invite you to visit the magazine’s website here. Join me in celebrating the magic of art and the transformative power it holds to inspire, evoke emotions, and bring joy to our lives.
View it here, Pg. 57: https://www.artistcloseup.com/magazine

 

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Honored to be Featured in Photographize’s “100 Best Photographers 2021” Book!

I’m excited to share some incredible news – I’ve been listed in Photographize’s annual book honoring the top 100 photographers of 2021! Titled “Photographize Best Selected 2021,” this book celebrates the work of visionary artists who have truly pushed the boundaries of creativity.

In this second edition of the book, Photographize has curated a collection of inspiring artworks that reflect the resilience and innovation of artists during challenging times. It’s a testament to the power of art to connect us and uplift our spirits, even in the midst of uncertainty.

Being included in this esteemed publication is truly a humbling experience. To know that my work has been recognized alongside so many talented photographers is incredibly gratifying.

If you’re curious to see the digital version or even purchase a copy of the volume, you can do so by clicking here. And if you happen to pick up a copy, you’ll find me on page 81!

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Photographize for this incredible opportunity, and to everyone who has supported and encouraged me on my artistic journey. Here’s to continued inspiration and creativity in the year ahead!

To view the digital version or buy the volume, please click here: https://www.photographize.co/book/vol2/

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FEATURED ON FRACTION MAGAZINE!

In the ever-evolving landscape of photography, online platforms play a crucial role in connecting artists and showcasing their work to a global audience. Fraction Magazine stands out as one such venue dedicated to curating thoughtful photographic projects from around the world.

This year, as Fraction Magazine marked its 13th anniversary, they chose to celebrate by hosting a special online group exhibition. Featuring 40 artists from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, this exhibition served as a testament to the richness and diversity of contemporary photography.

I’m thrilled to share that I had the honor of being one of the photographers selected for this prestigious showcase. It’s incredibly gratifying to have my work recognized alongside that of so many talented individuals from across the globe.

If you’re curious to explore the exhibition and discover the captivating projects on display, you can do so by visiting the Fraction Magazine website at www.fractionmagazine.com/13th-anniversary-group-exhibition. I invite you to immerse yourself in the diverse range of artistic expressions and perhaps find inspiration in the unique visions captured by each artist.

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Fraction Magazine for this wonderful opportunity and to everyone who has supported and encouraged me on my photographic journey. Here’s to continued creativity and connection in the world of photography!

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VENETIAN VISIONS: MY NEW PHOTOBOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE

Experimental photography of Venice through the lens of a Venetian artist, Victoria Schaal.

Book available in Italian and English.

 

My camera and I have travelled all around the world. We experienced the Asian megacities, tasted the charm of Africa, spent light-hearted summers in the Dolomites, climbed some of the most notorious volcanoes, but the greatest challenge has always been photographing Venice.

Perhaps when you love a place and are accustomed to it, it is harder to grasp its deepest soul…

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Proudly Recognized: Featured in Capsules Book “Leaders in Contemporary Art 2020”

It’s with immense pride and gratitude that I announce my inclusion in Capsules Book’s latest release, “Curatorial Volume 2: Leaders in Contemporary Art 2020.” This prestigious publication, curated by a renowned Australian publisher, celebrates the work of today’s leading contemporary artists, and I am honored to be among them.

“Curatorial Volume 2” offers a rare glimpse into the lives and creative processes of artists from around the world, showcasing their current artwork of the highest caliber. It’s a captivating documentation that provides invaluable insight for marketing and design teams, interior decorators, art buyers, and creative practitioners alike.

To be recognized as a leader in today’s art world by Capsules is a privilege beyond measure. It’s a testament to the dedication and passion that drives my artistic endeavors, and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to share my work with a global audience.

If you’re curious to explore my selected portfolio and discover the diverse array of artists featured in the book, you can do so by following this link: Capsules Book Portfolios – Victoria Schaal.

For those interested in owning a copy of “Curatorial Volume 2,” you can purchase it on Capsules’ website. It’s not just a book; it’s a contribution to a meaningful cause, as all proceeds from book sales will be donated to Book Aid International, supporting literacy and education initiatives worldwide.

I extend my sincere thanks to Capsules Book for this incredible honor and to everyone who has supported me on my artistic journey. Here’s to the power of art to inspire, connect, and make a positive impact on the world.

 

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”How Do You Like It?” A dissertation on customer services

HOW DO YOU LIKE IT?  

Customer Services: Personalisation or Standardisation?

Abstract: This research faces two practical questions, which have arisen in the past decades and have not found a concrete solution yet: how do individuals expect customer services to be delivered and which is the most effective approach to retain customers.

The importance of customer retention is now widely recognised and the vital role of customer services in it has been agreed. Yet, the bridge that links customer services and customer retention is a field still mined by discussions and arguments.

Scholars depict two main approaches in order to retain consumers: standardisation and customisation. Although academics have produced extensive studies on these approaches and have evaluated both, none has gathered primary data on the matter in order to reach a more realistic, reliable and applicable conclusion.

This dissertation explores the numerous academic works, but also attempts to obtain results through the production of an inductive qualitative research aiming at interviewing consumers in order to discover concretely what are their preferences and the reasons behind their reactions and behaviours.

The results of the research provide concrete answers to this dissertation’s questions: they indicate the exact expectations customers’ have in relation to how customer services agents should serve them and illustrate how individuals’ favourite approach changes depending on subjective factors. Furthermore, this dissertation can serve as a basis for future studies on the topic, as well as represent a priceless starting point on which organisations may train their customer services. Based on academic theory and the research’s findings, it attempts to provide guidelines to create a successful training program for businesses aiming at customer services improvement and consumer retention.