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Marketing Eye Blog Articles
Australian and American Companies Doing Business Through Linkedin
Nov 06, 2012 Written by Mellissah Smith
This blog has been spurred by the many challenges in growing an international business leveraging economies of scale and opportunities that are simply too good to pass by.
In the past week, I have been thinking alot about Linkedin. It has been the topic of many conversations and all for the right reasons. Daily I am asked about what social media mediums are best for b2b organizations and of course, there is no one answer because it depends entirely on a companies specific demographic, time constraints, strategy and of course, budget.
I wrote a blog on the value of Linkedin for small businesses and have spent quite a bit of time on this social media platform over past couple of days. It's interesting to see how people interact and reach out to each other. It is equally fascinating to see some people's comments that are purely self-serving or a bit over the top negative for no apparent reason.
In the past week, I have been thinking alot about Linkedin. It has been the topic of many conversations and all for the right reasons. Daily I am asked about what social media mediums are best for b2b organizations and of course, there is no one answer because it depends entirely on a companies specific demographic, time constraints, strategy and of course, budget.
I wrote a blog on the value of Linkedin for small businesses and have spent quite a bit of time on this social media platform over past couple of days. It's interesting to see how people interact and reach out to each other. It is equally fascinating to see some people's comments that are purely self-serving or a bit over the top negative for no apparent reason.
Published in Small Business Marketing
Each day I speak to more than a dozen entrepreneurs at a bare minimum. My job is to connect with entrepreneurs and understand their businesses, challenges and what they are trying to achieve.
Yesterday, I call came through from a man wanting some help with a marketing strategy. He had just started an online business and it wasn't doing so well. He needed a strategy but could do all the work in-house if we told him what to do.
Yesterday, I call came through from a man wanting some help with a marketing strategy. He had just started an online business and it wasn't doing so well. He needed a strategy but could do all the work in-house if we told him what to do.
Published in Marketing
Finding time to spend on social media networks is getting more difficult. There are so many to choose from, that at times, small businesses don't know where to start.
From time to time, re-evaluating which social media networks work best for your company and re-defining your strategy according to changes in features and functionality, can either leverage your business to new heights or create havoc with your sales cycle.
As a firm believer that "you cannot be everything to everyone", it makes perfect sense to spend time looking at the various analytics relating to social media, the demographics of each platform and how it applies to your target audience, brand authenticity and collaborations with clients and partners.
When it comes to b2b marketing, the decision on what social media networks to use and invest in becomes significantly easier.
From time to time, re-evaluating which social media networks work best for your company and re-defining your strategy according to changes in features and functionality, can either leverage your business to new heights or create havoc with your sales cycle.
As a firm believer that "you cannot be everything to everyone", it makes perfect sense to spend time looking at the various analytics relating to social media, the demographics of each platform and how it applies to your target audience, brand authenticity and collaborations with clients and partners.
When it comes to b2b marketing, the decision on what social media networks to use and invest in becomes significantly easier.
Published in Small Business Marketing
Want a marketing consultant in the US? Atlanta? New York? Los Angeles? BEWARE!
Oct 31, 2012 Written by Mellissah Smith
A marketing consultant is not necessarily a marketing consultant.
From one to another, they are completely different. Some have great skills in strategy, others in tactical development and execution of marketing plans. Some are great at communicating but not fully across social media or what role advertising plays in the digital age.
In the past year, I have travelled the world talking to marketers and each one has something different to offer. They all have honed their skills in one area or another.
I first started my involvement in the marketing industry 21 years ago at an advertising agency in Queensland. I remember watching the owner of the business operate and being completely fascinated by his skills and creativity. He had started his career as a window dresser for a large retailer and way back in the early nineties was making more than a million dollars profit out of 5-man agency. Incredible.
From one to another, they are completely different. Some have great skills in strategy, others in tactical development and execution of marketing plans. Some are great at communicating but not fully across social media or what role advertising plays in the digital age.
In the past year, I have travelled the world talking to marketers and each one has something different to offer. They all have honed their skills in one area or another.
I first started my involvement in the marketing industry 21 years ago at an advertising agency in Queensland. I remember watching the owner of the business operate and being completely fascinated by his skills and creativity. He had started his career as a window dresser for a large retailer and way back in the early nineties was making more than a million dollars profit out of 5-man agency. Incredible.
Published in Small Business Marketing
How to keep your old books in one piece : a must read for entrepreneurs
Oct 28, 2012 Written by Mellissah Smith
Walking along the canals in Amsterdam this morning, I came across this piece of art. A park bench made out of old books.
It is a piece of art and each book has a story that it wishes to tell. Each book was put together by people who loved what is inside and wanted to share it with others. Each page is full of dialogue from authors all over the world, wanting to explore their inner most thoughts, passion, and view on something that they believe is meant not just for themselves but for others around them.
We each have a story to be told - don't we? As I sat in a coffee shop with my friend Huib today, we discussed some interesting life stories that people have shared with us in public forums. What we believed was a good story and some that we thought could be told in a different way, or perhaps should not be told at all.
It is a piece of art and each book has a story that it wishes to tell. Each book was put together by people who loved what is inside and wanted to share it with others. Each page is full of dialogue from authors all over the world, wanting to explore their inner most thoughts, passion, and view on something that they believe is meant not just for themselves but for others around them.
We each have a story to be told - don't we? As I sat in a coffee shop with my friend Huib today, we discussed some interesting life stories that people have shared with us in public forums. What we believed was a good story and some that we thought could be told in a different way, or perhaps should not be told at all.
Published in Small Business Marketing
The Food Stalker, LA Magazine Food and Wine Festival and More
Oct 23, 2012 Written by Mellissah Smith
What a crazy day to arrive in LA!!! I hopped off the plane in Los Angeles, headed straight for the Mondrian Hotel, changed then had a meeting with a businessman from Houston (www.mycityrocks.com), then met up with some other friends to head to LA Magazine's Wine and Food Festival at Saddlerock Ranch.
What a day! First we arrive in what is clearly the most exciting ranch I have ever seen. Not only do they have Zebra's and Camels, they have acres of vineyards with some of California's finest grapes.
I spent the day enjoying the exquisite view, good wine and delicious food, while meeting the wine makers and other successful business people who attended the function.
One of my good friends, The Food Stalkers very own Sandie Ward, covered the LA Magazine event, videoing the many eateries showcasing their food and the wineries who had their beste wines on display.
We talked about social media and the importance of offline and online marketing in any marketing strategy. The Food Stalker is one of my favourite blogs. Sandie brings alot of her personality into the blogs and really has a knack as a world-class entertainer whom I frequently liken to a nicer version of Gordon Ramsay.
Los Angeles is full of small business owners and a great destination for any Australian company to set up if they are looking to expand into the US. There is a certain vibrance when you talk to business people in LA, but be careful to do a background check - afterall, it is Hollywood!
What a day! First we arrive in what is clearly the most exciting ranch I have ever seen. Not only do they have Zebra's and Camels, they have acres of vineyards with some of California's finest grapes.
I spent the day enjoying the exquisite view, good wine and delicious food, while meeting the wine makers and other successful business people who attended the function.
One of my good friends, The Food Stalkers very own Sandie Ward, covered the LA Magazine event, videoing the many eateries showcasing their food and the wineries who had their beste wines on display.
We talked about social media and the importance of offline and online marketing in any marketing strategy. The Food Stalker is one of my favourite blogs. Sandie brings alot of her personality into the blogs and really has a knack as a world-class entertainer whom I frequently liken to a nicer version of Gordon Ramsay.
Los Angeles is full of small business owners and a great destination for any Australian company to set up if they are looking to expand into the US. There is a certain vibrance when you talk to business people in LA, but be careful to do a background check - afterall, it is Hollywood!
Published in Small Business Marketing
My Mother has always said to me that I should appreciate what I have got, not what I have not.
Today, as I ready myself for the journey ahead, to the US and Europe for work, I had a moment. You know the one. When you sit back and you start complaining to yourself about your life, your work and how many dreams you have had that haven't become a reality.
Don't get me wrong. I am usually an optimist but even the most optimistic person, has moments of self-doubt.
Today, as I ready myself for the journey ahead, to the US and Europe for work, I had a moment. You know the one. When you sit back and you start complaining to yourself about your life, your work and how many dreams you have had that haven't become a reality.
Don't get me wrong. I am usually an optimist but even the most optimistic person, has moments of self-doubt.
Published in Mellissah Smith
I work in a very busy marketing agency.
Like mechanics who never fix their cars, we as marketers, are the last to market ourselves. As the owner and founder of Marketing Eye, I am the only person who makes time to ensure that our brand is somewhat visible and I do this in the most time efficient way possible.
Like mechanics who never fix their cars, we as marketers, are the last to market ourselves. As the owner and founder of Marketing Eye, I am the only person who makes time to ensure that our brand is somewhat visible and I do this in the most time efficient way possible.
Published in Website Development
In the background, my television was screening the news. I was half listening while typing away on my keyboard a hundred words per minute trying to finalize some last minute communications with my team.
Then I heard a voice. It was familiar. Manly. Strong. Thoughtful. Original.
I looked up.
Then I heard a voice. It was familiar. Manly. Strong. Thoughtful. Original.
I looked up.
Published in Marketing
How to develop a killer content marketing strategy and outperform your competitors
Oct 13, 2012 Written by Mellissah Smith We have all stumbled upon a myriad of marketing and social media latest phases and without hesitation either jumped in and had a go, or stood back and watched what our competitors have achieved before investing valuable cash and resources to the latest, hottest marketing platform.
There has been one consistent marketing platform that has been more central to a marketing strategy in the past couple of years, than any other marketing activity bar social media.
There has been one consistent marketing platform that has been more central to a marketing strategy in the past couple of years, than any other marketing activity bar social media.
Content Marketing
If you have been hearing this buzz word for some time, and haven't done anything about it, then you are in a minority. Unlike the phases of social media platforms and apps popping up into our strategies then quickly falling to the way-side, content marketing underpins all online marketing strategies, whether we like it or not. Published in Small Business Marketing
Happy people are more successful, just ask Shawn Achor, the author of The Happiness Advantage.
"People who cultivate a positive mind-set perform better in the face of a challenge and in every area of your business, you will show improvement if your brain is positive" said Achor at a recent speech to 800 global entrepreneurs.
In fact, sales people who were happy outsell their less positive colleagues by more than 37 per cent and positive people in organisations are not only happier, they perform better and live longer, healthier lives.
"People who cultivate a positive mind-set perform better in the face of a challenge and in every area of your business, you will show improvement if your brain is positive" said Achor at a recent speech to 800 global entrepreneurs.
In fact, sales people who were happy outsell their less positive colleagues by more than 37 per cent and positive people in organisations are not only happier, they perform better and live longer, healthier lives.
Published in Management
As an ex-journalist, interviewing people of all backgrounds and walks of life is second nature to me. I've interviewed police officers, politicians and met the Prime Minister, but have never been asked to have a sit-down interview with my former news organisation's owner (who would be Rupert Murdoch himself - eep!).
Today, I'm on day two in the marketing industry and have been given the chance to pick the brain of Marketing Eye founder, Mellissah Smith – it’s a slightly daunting ask, especially when you consider that she was little older than I was when she first branched out and went solo in her first agency.
“I’ve been in marketing for 20-odd years and was 25 when I started my first agency – what inspired me to start was an account opportunity falling in my lap,” Mellissah said.
Today, I'm on day two in the marketing industry and have been given the chance to pick the brain of Marketing Eye founder, Mellissah Smith – it’s a slightly daunting ask, especially when you consider that she was little older than I was when she first branched out and went solo in her first agency.
“I’ve been in marketing for 20-odd years and was 25 when I started my first agency – what inspired me to start was an account opportunity falling in my lap,” Mellissah said.
Published in Marketing
It's been a very long relationship. One that I have enjoyed immensely particularly when I have been to the beach and there is sand everywhere, surf boards to fit into the car, towels, dogs, bags and left over rubbish. You have been very reliable and you always come up shiny and new when you are washed.
But... it's over. I am calling it a day.
And here is why...
But... it's over. I am calling it a day.
And here is why...
Published in Mellissah Smith
What can women entrepreneurs learn from their male counterparts?
Oct 06, 2012 Written by Mellissah Smith
Every day I meet with male and female entrepreneurs. In some ways, I would love to use these meetings in a study about human gender based entrepreneurial behaviour because it continues to fascinate me the inherent differences between men and women entrepreneurs.
As a woman entrepreneur, there has been many advantages:
1. If you are half decent looking, people of both sexes want to do business with you. After all, how many people really want an unattractive PR chick or marketer?
2. If you are young and female, better still. Everyone wants to help you. Men over 40 want to father you and help you be successful. Men your own age want to assist because they are proud that you are having a go.
3. When things are not going your way, it's easy to put on the female charm.
4. You can dress to impress or dress down when need be.
5. You can see the human side in every situation.
6. You know why people are making decisions like they do because you are interested in how people think and feel.
7. You have more compassion and empathy for those around you.
8. You don't necessarily have to be the richest. Instead, being the best will do.
9. It's very easy to blame irrational decisions or behaviour that was momentary on PMT.
10. There is no such thing as failure. Worse case, you can get married and have children.
As a woman entrepreneur, there has been many advantages:
1. If you are half decent looking, people of both sexes want to do business with you. After all, how many people really want an unattractive PR chick or marketer?
2. If you are young and female, better still. Everyone wants to help you. Men over 40 want to father you and help you be successful. Men your own age want to assist because they are proud that you are having a go.
3. When things are not going your way, it's easy to put on the female charm.
4. You can dress to impress or dress down when need be.
5. You can see the human side in every situation.
6. You know why people are making decisions like they do because you are interested in how people think and feel.
7. You have more compassion and empathy for those around you.
8. You don't necessarily have to be the richest. Instead, being the best will do.
9. It's very easy to blame irrational decisions or behaviour that was momentary on PMT.
10. There is no such thing as failure. Worse case, you can get married and have children.
Published in Small Business Marketing
1 Billion Users. Now that is a really big number. HUGE!
If you think about the fact that there are only 7 billion people reportedly on the planet, Facebook has a staggering 14% as friends.
In July 2010, they had half that. 500 million registered users to be precise. So, how in 26 months have they increased to double that size excluding China, because its banned there?
If you think about the fact that there are only 7 billion people reportedly on the planet, Facebook has a staggering 14% as friends.
In July 2010, they had half that. 500 million registered users to be precise. So, how in 26 months have they increased to double that size excluding China, because its banned there?
Published in Small Business Marketing
