Today's The Drum website is being handed over to Neil Gow, brand manager for WD-40.

 I have no formal marketing qualifications but have worked hard, learnt an immense amount and have applied a lot of common sense and passion in what I do. Prior to WD-40 I worked as own brand marketing manager at the UK’s largest builders merchant Travis Perkins (TP) and was pivotal to turning around and increasing the focus of some of their own brand/own label products.

During my time at TP it was so important that we spoke to people whether that be users of the products or the branch managers responsible for selling the product. I believe that is key, taking a consultative approach to marketing rather than dictating. That is what we are doing at WD-40 and our users are driving the focus of our business.

Outside of work I am married to Lynne and have two beautiful little girls who keep me occupied, oh and a Springer Spaniel who we all enjoy walking (well as far as the local village pub anyway!). I would like to thank ‘The Drum’ for allowing me to be guest editor of the site today and I hope you enjoy my take on marketing. All the best for 2011!