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Marketing Eye Blog Articles
If you have ever marketed even one of your products or services, you’d know what they say about Direct Marketing (DM). There are so many different views about DM amongst the marketers today that it’s difficult to understand whether it’s worth all the time and effort at all. It’s confused, abused and misused by several marketers.
That’s right: there are the haters and then there are the DM lovers. Some are the in-betweeners (no reference to the teen TV show). Whatever it is, as a small business you need to know where DM stands in the digital age of 2011.
In his book, The Complete Guide to Direct Marketing, Chet Meisner refers to an Orlando newspaper which ran a hateful story about direct marketers. The headline was “Spammers, Telemarketers Share Secrets in Orlando”. According to the story, direct marketers were “making way too much money to stop the suppertime phone calls and endless emails.”
That’s right: there are the haters and then there are the DM lovers. Some are the in-betweeners (no reference to the teen TV show). Whatever it is, as a small business you need to know where DM stands in the digital age of 2011.
In his book, The Complete Guide to Direct Marketing, Chet Meisner refers to an Orlando newspaper which ran a hateful story about direct marketers. The headline was “Spammers, Telemarketers Share Secrets in Orlando”. According to the story, direct marketers were “making way too much money to stop the suppertime phone calls and endless emails.”
Published in Small Business Marketing
It's time for celebration, or is it? It's Google's 14th Birthday and while one part of me wants to celebrate how much Google has made my life easier, the other part wants to pull back the curtain and see how I can control this addiction.
And addiction it is. Think about how long you can go without 'Googling' something or saying the world "Google". Try going a week. I have. It's impossible!
It's hard to imagine what life was like without Google?
And addiction it is. Think about how long you can go without 'Googling' something or saying the world "Google". Try going a week. I have. It's impossible!
It's hard to imagine what life was like without Google?
Published in Small Business Marketing
It's been a quiet few weeks. Readers of this blog may have been surprised that after reading blogs daily, that there has been nothing. Zip.
What is the reason you may ask? Simple. Time out to learn and grow with other like-minded entrepreneurs. 7 days in fact. Doors shut, screens down and 100% focus on life, business and health while sharing experiences and ideas with other like minded entrepreneurs around the globe.
It has been life changing.
When you open up your browser to google maps, you first need to know where you want to go, but to do that, you also need to kow where you are right now. In business and in life, it is no different.
In business, you need to understand where your business is sitting today - the good, the bad and the ugly. Then you need to know where you want to go and then you can find the resources to help you get there.
Life is harder. Gosh, don't I know that. Coincidentially, this particular conference gave me greater clarity than ever before. I had a major shift in the way I view the world and people in it. I had the pleasure of spending time with people that inspire me and that have had experiences I can also learn and grow from.
Some take home value I got was:
- Life on earth is limited - don't waste time
- Prioritize things and people that are most important in life
- Positivity creates and impression in your subconscious mind
- It's important to visualize what you want
- Spend time with yourself every day
- Work with yourself from the inside out
- Change comes from within
- Devote enough time to the things you love in life
- Resolve all differences before going to bed
- Budget your energy and be thoughtful where your energy is going everyday
- Where energy goes, energy flows.
And for the men out there, a tip from a former monk "Give her everything she needs and everything she wants, and the loving wife never asks for anything that the man cannot provide.
After listening to Shawn Achor speak, about Happiness, it became increasingly clear how important it is to be happy and the effect that it has on your life and business. Creating a happy work environment and life for yourself will lead to prosperity and riches beyond anything you have ever dreamed of.
Imagine if every single one of your employees was happy. They loved their lives and loved their jobs. What happens? They have a great life and they come to work completely present and 100% focused on what they are doing.
"It's not necessarily that reality shapes our world - it's the lens that we use to shape our world."
What is the reason you may ask? Simple. Time out to learn and grow with other like-minded entrepreneurs. 7 days in fact. Doors shut, screens down and 100% focus on life, business and health while sharing experiences and ideas with other like minded entrepreneurs around the globe.
It has been life changing.
When you open up your browser to google maps, you first need to know where you want to go, but to do that, you also need to kow where you are right now. In business and in life, it is no different.
In business, you need to understand where your business is sitting today - the good, the bad and the ugly. Then you need to know where you want to go and then you can find the resources to help you get there.
Life is harder. Gosh, don't I know that. Coincidentially, this particular conference gave me greater clarity than ever before. I had a major shift in the way I view the world and people in it. I had the pleasure of spending time with people that inspire me and that have had experiences I can also learn and grow from.
Some take home value I got was:
- Life on earth is limited - don't waste time
- Prioritize things and people that are most important in life
- Positivity creates and impression in your subconscious mind
- It's important to visualize what you want
- Spend time with yourself every day
- Work with yourself from the inside out
- Change comes from within
- Devote enough time to the things you love in life
- Resolve all differences before going to bed
- Budget your energy and be thoughtful where your energy is going everyday
- Where energy goes, energy flows.
And for the men out there, a tip from a former monk "Give her everything she needs and everything she wants, and the loving wife never asks for anything that the man cannot provide.
After listening to Shawn Achor speak, about Happiness, it became increasingly clear how important it is to be happy and the effect that it has on your life and business. Creating a happy work environment and life for yourself will lead to prosperity and riches beyond anything you have ever dreamed of.
Imagine if every single one of your employees was happy. They loved their lives and loved their jobs. What happens? They have a great life and they come to work completely present and 100% focused on what they are doing.
"It's not necessarily that reality shapes our world - it's the lens that we use to shape our world."
Published in Small Business Marketing
If you are finding it hard to keep up to the latest in marketing techniques, you are not alone.
Most marketers, let alone small business owners, are struggling to keep abreast of the new developments in technology, buzz words, Google algorithm changes, content trends and more. Why? Innovation has been put on steriods and every technology guru is hoping to become the next Mark Zuckerberg and bank a few billion or at the very least, get their faces on the cover of Forbes.
Most marketers, let alone small business owners, are struggling to keep abreast of the new developments in technology, buzz words, Google algorithm changes, content trends and more. Why? Innovation has been put on steriods and every technology guru is hoping to become the next Mark Zuckerberg and bank a few billion or at the very least, get their faces on the cover of Forbes.
Published in Small Business Marketing
Social media strategies that are content driven don't only work, they rock!
Sep 09, 2012 Written by Mellissah SmithSocial media has hit a new high. It no longer is something that businesses can think about including as part of their marketing strategy. It now is something NO BUSINESS can afford to not include.
During the week, I had a conversation with another provider for one of our clients. They are basically graphic designers who have done the odd website development. From my conversations with them, I am almost certain that the website developer is either a freelancer or a graphic designer who has learned to use Wordpress. There are some things that are really obvious in the work they have just completed.
Published in Small Business Marketing
As I hustled for my spot in line for a delayed flight, I became slightly overwhelmed by the crowd that had gathered around vying to get their place in line after waiting for hours for the flight to be called.
People were pushing each other and bumping their bags and briefcases into the person beside them, concerned that they would lose their position in line. You know how it is when everyone wants to get to the front of a line, and there is always some person who rudely is pushing their way to the top with no regard to anyone else.
People were pushing each other and bumping their bags and briefcases into the person beside them, concerned that they would lose their position in line. You know how it is when everyone wants to get to the front of a line, and there is always some person who rudely is pushing their way to the top with no regard to anyone else.
Published in Mellissah Smith
Social networks are exciting. There is no mistaking their worth when it comes to promoting a brand to a wider audience just by a few clicks of the button.
Sales representatives are gushing with feverish enthusiasm for social networks with an influx of inquiries and direct contact with people that they may have had to in the past beg the reception to put them through.
Now, they can make the fastest sale of their careers, just by connecting with someone on linkedin and sharing a slideshare of what they have to offer followed by a link for ordering.
It's as simple as that.
CEO's of big organisations can be directly tweeted to and engaged with in a matter of seconds. Say something worthwhile and all of a sudden, you have a relationship with who you want to do business with.
Having said this, its the younger generation that has taken up using social media to connect that has left their older, more mature counterparts for dead.
While their are risks with being 'out there' for the world to see, the reward is far greater.
Understanding why and how to engage with today's social business environment starts with recognizing the changes in buyers' behavior. With social networks now accounting for 15% of internet visits (Source: Experian Marketing Services) in the US and Twitter joining the over 100 million user mark, 55% of buyers turn to social media when they're searching for information.
Social media is here to stay and sales teams are the big winners along with the pockets of business owners. It's more cost effective, efficient and meaningful than any other platform other than real life relationship. So get tweeting and starting connecting.
Sales representatives are gushing with feverish enthusiasm for social networks with an influx of inquiries and direct contact with people that they may have had to in the past beg the reception to put them through.
Now, they can make the fastest sale of their careers, just by connecting with someone on linkedin and sharing a slideshare of what they have to offer followed by a link for ordering.
It's as simple as that.
CEO's of big organisations can be directly tweeted to and engaged with in a matter of seconds. Say something worthwhile and all of a sudden, you have a relationship with who you want to do business with.
Having said this, its the younger generation that has taken up using social media to connect that has left their older, more mature counterparts for dead.
While their are risks with being 'out there' for the world to see, the reward is far greater.
Understanding why and how to engage with today's social business environment starts with recognizing the changes in buyers' behavior. With social networks now accounting for 15% of internet visits (Source: Experian Marketing Services) in the US and Twitter joining the over 100 million user mark, 55% of buyers turn to social media when they're searching for information.
Social media is here to stay and sales teams are the big winners along with the pockets of business owners. It's more cost effective, efficient and meaningful than any other platform other than real life relationship. So get tweeting and starting connecting.
Published in Small Business Marketing
Today is my birthday. I have finally turned 39, a number that I have been using for quite some time, just to get use to it.
I woke up unexpectantly at 3am and have stayed awake ever since. Instead of going back to sleep, I looked out my window and soaked up the view of the parkland. I don't think I have ever seen it at 3am before. It was beautiful, peaceful and the perfect setting to the start of a new year in my life.
I woke up unexpectantly at 3am and have stayed awake ever since. Instead of going back to sleep, I looked out my window and soaked up the view of the parkland. I don't think I have ever seen it at 3am before. It was beautiful, peaceful and the perfect setting to the start of a new year in my life.
Published in Mellissah Smith
It's a number that interests me. Not because it is large, nor because it says that we are not average. 126 is average according to Twitter, and we have certainly surpassed that - I think in the first day of joining.
The reason it interests me is because there are 14,090 tweeters to talk to - if I feel compelled to do so. That is a lot of people. Sure it is not like the millions our celebrity friends have nor is it like the supposed "guru's" with 50k plus, but it is a number that signifies a positioning that has allowed Marketing Eye to gain traction online and have real "conversations" with people who have or may become clients and/or friends.
Two weeks ago, we made $79,000 worth of sales derived from connections made via Twitter.
The reason it interests me is because there are 14,090 tweeters to talk to - if I feel compelled to do so. That is a lot of people. Sure it is not like the millions our celebrity friends have nor is it like the supposed "guru's" with 50k plus, but it is a number that signifies a positioning that has allowed Marketing Eye to gain traction online and have real "conversations" with people who have or may become clients and/or friends.
Two weeks ago, we made $79,000 worth of sales derived from connections made via Twitter.
Published in Small Business Marketing
The first rule for a service provider is to provide a solution to a clients "problem". Right?
When a small business owner finds the need to "outsource" any area of their business, they tend to consult with their friends, employees, other service providers and in general key influencers, as to who that new service provider should be. Then they interview them, and if the connection is right, they hire them.
When a small business owner finds the need to "outsource" any area of their business, they tend to consult with their friends, employees, other service providers and in general key influencers, as to who that new service provider should be. Then they interview them, and if the connection is right, they hire them.
Published in Small Business Marketing
What small business owners can learn from the young guns in the office
Aug 24, 2012 Written by Mellissah Smith
I have spent a few hours sitting around the boardroom table with three of our finest young creatives and writers. It's Friday afternoon and everyone is getting a bit restless. The week has been exhausting, action packed and high creative. I think everyone is ready to head home and relax for the weekend.
I get so much from the young men and women that work for Marketing Eye. They each have an individual story that is unique and they all have travelled so far to get to where they are today. Not just geographically, but emotionally and spiritually.
So, I posed the question: Tell me something that I don't know about you:
Rin, our crazy, fashionista who originates from Thailand and is the fastest, most creative graphic designer I have known:
"I grew up in Bangkok and I am an only child. I moved here when I was 16 years old by myself and I have always been on my own. I picked up English from my friends at school and am still today, trying to improve my speech."
What inspires you: interior design.
Manel, our cute as a button, illustrator/artist/graphic designer, who always brings with him a delicious lunch:
"I have a gigantic family. On my mother's side she has 10 brothers and sisters. Father's side four brothers and sisters. I am close to all of our extended families. Our family is scattered all over the globe, Philippines, Amsterdam, Germany and America. Every Xmas we each do a performance with every member of the family getting up and performing. I get up and dance or intimitate a celebrity with a skit. It's funny and entertaining."
Chloe, our Brisbane Marketing Eye, is cheeky and is always picking up after me:
"I love to rock climb and have gone done 10 canyons already. I also went to eight different high schools and still passed!"
What inspires you: street art
I get so much from the young men and women that work for Marketing Eye. They each have an individual story that is unique and they all have travelled so far to get to where they are today. Not just geographically, but emotionally and spiritually.
So, I posed the question: Tell me something that I don't know about you:
Rin, our crazy, fashionista who originates from Thailand and is the fastest, most creative graphic designer I have known:
"I grew up in Bangkok and I am an only child. I moved here when I was 16 years old by myself and I have always been on my own. I picked up English from my friends at school and am still today, trying to improve my speech."
What inspires you: interior design.
Manel, our cute as a button, illustrator/artist/graphic designer, who always brings with him a delicious lunch:
"I have a gigantic family. On my mother's side she has 10 brothers and sisters. Father's side four brothers and sisters. I am close to all of our extended families. Our family is scattered all over the globe, Philippines, Amsterdam, Germany and America. Every Xmas we each do a performance with every member of the family getting up and performing. I get up and dance or intimitate a celebrity with a skit. It's funny and entertaining."
Chloe, our Brisbane Marketing Eye, is cheeky and is always picking up after me:
"I love to rock climb and have gone done 10 canyons already. I also went to eight different high schools and still passed!"
What inspires you: street art
Published in Small Business Marketing
What small business owners can learn from the young guns in the office
Aug 24, 2012 Written by Mellissah Smith
I have spent the past few hours sitting around the boardroom table with three of our finest young creatives and writers. It's Friday afternoon and everyone is getting a bit restless. The week has been exhausting, action packed and highly creative. I think everyone is ready to head home and relax for the weekend.
Published in Small Business Marketing
I am not sure about today. You know, when you wake up and your sleep wasn't particularly restful, then you go to work and for a second, you have to remember why you are actually there.
Published in Mellissah Smith
A company has a problem. They don't like their accountant. Their financial planner just got hit by a bus. The business just got a lot bigger and now they need some HR advice. They don't have a marketing person per se and the owner knows that they are not going anywhere without someone focusing on the company's brand and lead generation campaigns to support their sales team.
The problem has been identified. It now needs a solution. So, what's next? They look for one.
So, remember next time you go to write on your twitter account that you went out and got totally trashed, but the next day want to be the consumate professional accountant who is looking for new business opportunities that your lifestyle choices may not be what your clients are looking for in a service provider.
The problem has been identified. It now needs a solution. So, what's next? They look for one.
How?
First, they think about who they know. It use to be a case of people they have met or friends of friends, but now there is a not so new revolution to add to the equation. Social media.Social Media
In the past two weeks we have made almost $200,000 from our social media accounts. It's because companies that we may not have met face to face, but know us through social media and in particular, twitter, linkedin and the company blog, have a problem and the first person they have made contact with is the person they "know" online. You know the one. The person that continually reinforces their expertise in a particular field through showcasing their knowledge, case studies, influence and opinions.
Social media is likened to the old-fashion term "farming" because it takes time, but the investment is worth it in the end if you do all the right things. Farming makes it easier for clients to find you and relate to you and your business. Social media has provided a short-cut in the farming process but be assured that "farming" is not "prospecting". It is relationship building and you have to be willing to give more than you get.So, remember next time you go to write on your twitter account that you went out and got totally trashed, but the next day want to be the consumate professional accountant who is looking for new business opportunities that your lifestyle choices may not be what your clients are looking for in a service provider.
Published in Small Business Marketing
Qantas is running an international campaign "you are the reason we fly" and I am quite impressed by their agency's work on this campaign.
Published in Marketing
