Tag: branding - Page 13

There is one question that is on every marketers lips. While traditional marketers who are focused on outbound marketing place their faith in creativity and understanding customers' wants and needs, the sneaky inbound marketers are finally having their day in the sunshine.

There is no doubt still a place for outbound marketing, but for any company that really cares about their customers and are open to ensuring that they have the ultimate customer experience, inbound marketing is really the only way forward.

Companies put in place inside sales models to excelerate sales performance. The problem with this is that when it actually occurs, you need to be prepared. That means having all the systems and processes in place to take on new clients and onboard them in a manner that keeps them engaged long after signing the contract.

Marketing Eye has a well-documented strategy. We work with a flat organizational structure with no defined hierarchy, just a team of self starters and people capable of making a difference to the businesses in which they work.

We collaborate our efforts and always work using a team approach preferring to hire all fulltime employees rather than bring teams of people together that are not able to collaborate at the same level as an internal team may be able to do so.

Last week, I was sitting at the airport awaiting my flight. In the US, you can travel with your dog, so Pippa, my trusted companion, accompanied me to the lounge. As we took our seats there were two young women sitting to our right. They both smiled and I did my usual uneasy smirk and quickly avoided eye contact. It's something that I always do although I know that I shouldn't.

I decided to go and get some water and after much fussing from the staff, who were incredibly dog-friendly, I felt that Pippa would be okay while I walked away. She sat patiently watching my every move and while people were trying to get her attention, her stare remained fixed.

Finally when I arrived back, and she was suitably relieved, one of the young women asked about Pippa and gave her a pat... and then more pats. Pippa couldn't be happier and that opened the door for conversation. 

We discussed where we were from, what we do and all the normal things airport conversations conjure up. 

The young woman was Ellie Goulding. She was travelling with her school friend and personal assistant Hannah, who was equally delightful. 

Design is one of the most important facets of any marketing campaign. Although it isn’t something we think about too much when we are looking at an ad, logo or a brochure, the fact is if the design isn’t attractive we just won’t read what is on offer.

Earlier this year Business Insider ran a piece on The 15 Worst Corporate Logo Fails. Topping the list was the London 2012 logo, which some mistook for a Nazi logo and others for Lisa Simpson being a very naughty girl. 

When Michael Reed first came to me with his idea, it was before its time. He enthusiastically shared his desire to build an online platform where consumers and businesses can get all of their logistics needs at a click of the button, and for the most competitive price.

Not too indifferent to when Expedia launched onto the marketplace, Michael wanted a transparent platform - where people could move everything from their dog, through to their house, a container of furniture, through to bulk handling products. A place where it all can be done, with full visibility of the competitive landscape.

By now, the majority of the Western world has seen that video of Anna Wintour being doused in a bucket of iced water. But this was not the handiwork of an anti-fur campaigner.  Wintour’s water attack is part of the viral campaign that netted a charity over $50 million.

A few years ago, I began travelling internationally once a month. While the jet lag had me struggling to keep awake in meetings, it was only secondary to my concern of swollen ankles which eventually extended right up my leg. It would take days to go down and I started experiencing pain that wouldn't go away.

I had a problem.

Landed in Atlanta, and within minutes and I am getting the run-down on what's going on in the office. Clients are happy, new brands are being launched, marketing campaigns executed, clients acquired in January have been on-boarded, moved to a new office within our building because of our continued fast growth and a new employee has started.

It's no secret that our Atlanta team is the highest performing marketing team I have ever worked with. As a team, they are game-changers. They see things that other's don't and communicate creatively and insightfully our clients brands in a way that resonates with their target market.

Winning is part of the culture. Each member doesn't know how to lose. They push each other to perform at a level that blows my mind and are forward thinkers. I never have to ask if something has been done - because it was finished yesterday.

Last week, I received a tender document for some marketing services for the Charters Towers City Council. It's not normally something we would put in a tender for, simply because the scope of works is too tight and minimal, but I can't help myself.

It was placed on my desk by our Victorian State Manager, who thought that normally we wouldn't do it but maybe I may be interested in it because I come from Charters Towers. The sentimental value of doing something for a town that you love and have had the opportunity to grow up in, is just too much to refuse.

We hit the road running in Atlanta and haven't looked back since.

In just six short months, we have embarked on changing the mindsets of many small businesses in Atlanta, that have been pressured by the Global Financial Crisis and are reluctant to ease their way out and invest in marketing.

As we know, many companies that increased their investment in marketing during this period grew significantly. It's just like when everyone is walking one way and you are walking the other. You all of a sudden stand out and people take notice of you. If they like what they see, then you make connections.

The past few months, we have been working with one of the most impressive companies in the US - Accretive Solutions. They provide consulting, staffing and outsourcing solutions to companies and have 11 offices throughout the country.

What impresses me most about Accretive Solutions is their people. If you ask any of their clients, they all say that it's their people that set Accretive Solutions apart from competitors. They don't hire juniors, and instead invest in people with experience and passion for doing challenging, interesting work.