Drayton Bird's 'last hurrah' in Whanganui

Direct marketing expert Drayton Bird will share his expertise in Whanganui next month.

International marketing legend Drayton Bird is having his "last hurrah" in Whanganui on November 30.

Long-time friend Henry Newrick, now living back in his hometown Whanganui after many years abroad, has enticed the direct marketing guru to visit the provinces after an event in Wellington in November.

Now aged 81, this is likely to be the British expert's last trip down under. As well as a quick tour around the lower North Island with Mr Newrick, Mr Bird will share his marketing expertise at events in Whanganui on November 30 and Havelock North on November 28.

"Drayton is a witty and entertaining speaker and knows his stuff," Mr Newrick said.

"He'll be sharing lessons learned in marketing over the years and there'll be at least 30 minutes for questions from the audience, then a chance to meet Drayton after the talk.

"The primary target for this event is business owners and managers and marketing managers. I wanted to do something for businesspeople in the provinces. There are very profitable businesses here that slip beneath the radar.

"Drayton can give businesses a boost if they're looking for an edge or want to know how to take on the world. He shows you, with example after example, how these secrets are hidden in full view. You just need to blow away the corporate bull****, see through the latest fad for what it is and grab the basics by the scruff of the neck."

As well as Mr Bird's talk, Cocktails with Drayton will include drinks, hors d'oeuvres and free eBooks. Tickets cost $147 and numbers are limited. For event details and bookings, visit www.draytonslasthurrah.info or contact Henry Newrick on 027 471 2242 or email henry@teamgroupuk.com for more information.

Who is Drayton Bird?

Drayton Bird is one of the world's foremost direct marketers. He is the author of numerous books including the best-selling Commonsense Direct and Digital Marketing, published in 17 languages, which has been the UK's best seller on the subject every year since 1982.

He hasn't always been such a high-flyer. In 1974, when he first came to the southern hemisphere, he was stony broke, trying (and failing) to sell fake Chagall paintings and swimming pool franchises. He has been so broke he had to live under a false name for seven years. He did his first speaking tour in 1984, attracting hundreds of people all over Australia, and has been coming to Australia and New Zealand ever since.