This morning I didn't want to get out of bed. It's cold, my bed's warm and the TV was on.
Eventually after my alarm bell rang for the 9th time, I hopped out of my snuggly bed and headed for the shower as I do 7 mornings a week.
I am one of those people who likes to take long hot scaulding showers. I often use this time to think about the day ahead, what I have and haven't done, about life and on the odd occasion, about clients.
Being naked and thinking about clients probably doesn't put a good image in one's mind, but if you forget the fact that I am naked which isn't a great site I might add, and focus on free flowing thoughts, quite often a pearler does comes to mind.
I am a strong believer that when you are relaxed and least expect it, you can come up with some of the most brilliant ideas.
I once listened to Bryce Courteney talk at an event and he told the story of how he came up with one of the most famous television commercials in history.
50 years ago Bryce Courtenay was desperately trying to avoid the sack, actor Ross Higgins was battling to earn a quid and the boss of Mortein, was ready to dump his ad agency because his fly spray wasn't selling.
After hopping into a cab to attend an urgent meeting, Courtenay was told to arrive with an idea. In the short ride to the ad agency he composed a rough jingle to be sung by an animated fly named after the cab driver Louie.
The boss of Mortein, Graham, bought it and Louie the Fly was born, going "straight from rubbish tip" to become possibly the longest continuously running television advertising campaign.
This morning, an idea for a client that sells a craft beer in Victoria was born. They have a brilliant, character brand name that takes away from the new metro male versions that are now flooding the market. It has attitude, charisma and above all, an ability to bring the brand name alive in the mindset of the target audience, like no other brand I have seen in years.
I must admit, I have always been in love with the old VB commercials from 1984 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wfgi9hGx1) "a hard earned thirst, needs a big cold beer, and the best cold beer is Vic, Vic Bitter...." so I would say it's hard to beat... but there is one that everyone needs to watch.
Great marketing ideas don't need to be forced. The best ideas come from free flowing thoughts and occasion from people you least expect.
Getting hung up on trying to come up with a great idea and ending up with something 'that will do' isn't a good option.
www.marketingeye.com.au
Monday, July 6, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Time for a new brand?
Time for a new brand?
Believe it or not, brand makeovers are not simply a response to businesses in a downward spiral. Successful companies revamp their brands just as much as ones that have experienced a downturn in their fortunes.
When companies are thinking about rebranding, quite often they only consider what is obvious to them and that’s a new logo.
Branding is not just a logo identity. It is everything that your business stands for from the way you treat your customers to answering of telephones and the quality and experience you leave with your customers when they buy your products or services.
Your logo is however very important and the way the logo communicates your business is critical and all adds to the customer experience. It’s the ‘short-hand’ representation of your brand.
Creating a strong and sustainable brand image for your business has definite advantages.
The brands association with key messages, slogans, what people think of the brand and what a business stands for is imperative to building the brand.
Where should a business begin when thinking about re-branding?
There are rule of thumbs - but beware. Like most things in marketing, not everything is for everyone.
If your business turns over $100,000 or less, we recommend that you look at a low cost option of around $1,000-$1,500. If your business turns over $500,000 or less, then consider $5,000 - $10,000 as an investment for a new logo identity, and so on.
Of course, if you are a startup, then you need to invest in your brand according to what you believe your likely turnover in the first one to two years of business is going to be. It’s all relative. Whilst a National Australia Bank might spend millions on a re-branding there are many alternative ways in which to communicate a new brand and particularly with the current economic climate and the mass retrenchments in the creative fields, there is talent pool waiting to work on your next re-branding exercise.
What are the brand image expectations and how is that going to effect the overall brand development?
A brand image has to communicate not only a level of quality and professionalism, but also an idea for the buyer or consumer of what they should expect.
When developing the brand, think of the whole business not just who is leading it. Quite often when an individual founder has put their heart and soul into their business, people begin to think that the brand is in fact that person.
Steer away from making the brand a person and focus on the brand image being the entire company otherwise it will affect your overall brand development.
Where to go for brand development?
Graphic designers that don’t have knowledge and experience with understanding what needs to be represented in the brand may only focus on what looks good rather than what is good.
At the other end, many branding people have just done a course or have learnt how to talk the talk, but understanding in depth what you are actually trying to achieve, might be out of their grasp and you may end up being sold something that doesn’t identify or align itself with what you are actually trying to communicate.
Find out from others who they have used and whether they believe their brand represents who they are and what they do.
Alternatively, look for companies with experience of 10+ branding campaigns and find out how they came up with individual brands for companies that they have worked with.
Re-branding is a big deal. It’s an investment that in this day and age has to be considered in depth before jumping into.
www.marketingeye.com.au
Believe it or not, brand makeovers are not simply a response to businesses in a downward spiral. Successful companies revamp their brands just as much as ones that have experienced a downturn in their fortunes.
When companies are thinking about rebranding, quite often they only consider what is obvious to them and that’s a new logo.
Branding is not just a logo identity. It is everything that your business stands for from the way you treat your customers to answering of telephones and the quality and experience you leave with your customers when they buy your products or services.
Your logo is however very important and the way the logo communicates your business is critical and all adds to the customer experience. It’s the ‘short-hand’ representation of your brand.
Creating a strong and sustainable brand image for your business has definite advantages.
The brands association with key messages, slogans, what people think of the brand and what a business stands for is imperative to building the brand.
Where should a business begin when thinking about re-branding?
There are rule of thumbs - but beware. Like most things in marketing, not everything is for everyone.
If your business turns over $100,000 or less, we recommend that you look at a low cost option of around $1,000-$1,500. If your business turns over $500,000 or less, then consider $5,000 - $10,000 as an investment for a new logo identity, and so on.
Of course, if you are a startup, then you need to invest in your brand according to what you believe your likely turnover in the first one to two years of business is going to be. It’s all relative. Whilst a National Australia Bank might spend millions on a re-branding there are many alternative ways in which to communicate a new brand and particularly with the current economic climate and the mass retrenchments in the creative fields, there is talent pool waiting to work on your next re-branding exercise.
What are the brand image expectations and how is that going to effect the overall brand development?
A brand image has to communicate not only a level of quality and professionalism, but also an idea for the buyer or consumer of what they should expect.
When developing the brand, think of the whole business not just who is leading it. Quite often when an individual founder has put their heart and soul into their business, people begin to think that the brand is in fact that person.
Steer away from making the brand a person and focus on the brand image being the entire company otherwise it will affect your overall brand development.
Where to go for brand development?
Graphic designers that don’t have knowledge and experience with understanding what needs to be represented in the brand may only focus on what looks good rather than what is good.
At the other end, many branding people have just done a course or have learnt how to talk the talk, but understanding in depth what you are actually trying to achieve, might be out of their grasp and you may end up being sold something that doesn’t identify or align itself with what you are actually trying to communicate.
Find out from others who they have used and whether they believe their brand represents who they are and what they do.
Alternatively, look for companies with experience of 10+ branding campaigns and find out how they came up with individual brands for companies that they have worked with.
Re-branding is a big deal. It’s an investment that in this day and age has to be considered in depth before jumping into.
Think about what you want to achieve out of your rebranding and work with a partner that understands you and your branding requirements.
Ensure you have a firm quote, not one that can move according to how long someone chooses to spend on your logo identity.
Find out more 1300 300 080.
www.marketingeye.com.au
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Accountants Do The Numbers!
They are the people we entrust with our finances. All day, every day they tap numbers into their calculators reducing our taxes, finding ways to maximise our financial futures and giving us valuable advice on our financial situation.
They are a trusted advisor.
Other than the top 10 Accounting practices, many of us do not know who to go to other than who our parents use or perhaps a practice in your local area.
Today, there are many Accounting and financial advisory firms that are tailored to different demographics like individuals that earn less than $100k, over $100k, small business, large corporates, family businesses etc.
Having worked with accounting firms over the past 10 years in my business, I have had the opportunity to see all different sized firms operate in a number of different ways.
Typically they are focused on ensuring they have a logo and a website, letterheads and perhaps the odd newsletter.
The 2009/10 financial year is going to be very different to what anyone has seen before.
A number of small to mid-tiered firms have emerged and are marketing their way into the mindset of individuals and companies looking for a change, a new approach or a more consolidated effort.
Their fresh approach is capturing the market who over the past 20 years have been more receptive to areas such as financial planning and wealth creation.
Some marketing activities that the 'new look' accounting firms are undertaking include;
- Public relations - gaining media exposure in the newspaper, key trade editorials and magazines. Even Kerri-ann Kennerly's Morning Show features an Accountant.
- Re-freshing brands to re-engage the market
- New and innovative websites that are informative and tackle the issues in which people are interested in knowing about
- Web 2.0 - Twitter, facebook, linked in, youtube - you name it - Accountants are now on it for a number of reasons - brand building, recruitment, lead generation etc
- Customer relationship management - interacting with customers more frequently and in more ways than ever before.
- Customer events and seminars - allowing customers to be better informed on their finances and other areas such as superannuation and insurances.
- Alliance partnerships with other companies that have synergies and similar brand values
Accounting firms that choose to not re-engage their clients or fail to communicate more frequently on multiple levels will fail to keep clients who are actively being marketed to by other firms.
The new financial year is a new fresh start for many Accountants and Financial Planners. It gives every company an opportunity to look at their brands in an objective way, undertake surveys amongst their clients and market to see what people are looking for in a service provider and create better connectivity to clients on multiple levels.
Boutique Accounting firms that are leading the way include mutualtrust.com.au, sabergroup.com.au and thirdviewfinancial.com.au.
Watch this space. 1300 300 080
They are a trusted advisor.
Other than the top 10 Accounting practices, many of us do not know who to go to other than who our parents use or perhaps a practice in your local area.
Today, there are many Accounting and financial advisory firms that are tailored to different demographics like individuals that earn less than $100k, over $100k, small business, large corporates, family businesses etc.
Having worked with accounting firms over the past 10 years in my business, I have had the opportunity to see all different sized firms operate in a number of different ways.
Typically they are focused on ensuring they have a logo and a website, letterheads and perhaps the odd newsletter.
The 2009/10 financial year is going to be very different to what anyone has seen before.
A number of small to mid-tiered firms have emerged and are marketing their way into the mindset of individuals and companies looking for a change, a new approach or a more consolidated effort.
Their fresh approach is capturing the market who over the past 20 years have been more receptive to areas such as financial planning and wealth creation.
Some marketing activities that the 'new look' accounting firms are undertaking include;
- Public relations - gaining media exposure in the newspaper, key trade editorials and magazines. Even Kerri-ann Kennerly's Morning Show features an Accountant.
- Re-freshing brands to re-engage the market
- New and innovative websites that are informative and tackle the issues in which people are interested in knowing about
- Web 2.0 - Twitter, facebook, linked in, youtube - you name it - Accountants are now on it for a number of reasons - brand building, recruitment, lead generation etc
- Customer relationship management - interacting with customers more frequently and in more ways than ever before.
- Customer events and seminars - allowing customers to be better informed on their finances and other areas such as superannuation and insurances.
- Alliance partnerships with other companies that have synergies and similar brand values
Accounting firms that choose to not re-engage their clients or fail to communicate more frequently on multiple levels will fail to keep clients who are actively being marketed to by other firms.
The new financial year is a new fresh start for many Accountants and Financial Planners. It gives every company an opportunity to look at their brands in an objective way, undertake surveys amongst their clients and market to see what people are looking for in a service provider and create better connectivity to clients on multiple levels.
Boutique Accounting firms that are leading the way include mutualtrust.com.au, sabergroup.com.au and thirdviewfinancial.com.au.
Watch this space. 1300 300 080
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Marketing a startup business
Having been in business for 10 years and totally absorbed by the businesses I already own and operate, I have had little time to think of anything else.
But like a well oiled chain, most of my businesses operate fairly efficiently and effectively without my daily input. These days I am more a problem solver than a day-to-day runner of the business.
Of course, like any business, if sales are down I am the first to roll up my sleeves and get to work and given the state of the economy that has happened a few times over the past 12 months.
When reviewing new business ideas and I have many, I always think about how much work I have to do and what outcome I am looking for. Like any serial entrepreneur, I am always writing business plans on new business ideas and working out whether I think they are viable based on the current market opportunities.
It's an exciting ride when you come up with an idea that you think is going to be big and when I get stuck on a great idea I tend to hide away from the world and explore my creative juices.
Locking myself in my apartment, I spend hours and hours into the night and early morning pondering how this idea can evolve and hopefully explode.
On a flight on Sunday night back from Sydney, I dreamt I had an online sporting business. Now I won't let too many secrets go here because in the short amount of time since Sunday, the idea has gone from idea stage through to business planning and execution - but is currently not live.
Normally I would not have gotten this far so quick, but I realised after the first day that this would end up like many of my great ideas I have had over the years if I was not proactive about it. In the back of the filing cabinet waiting for some attention!
We all know I own a marketing company and web development company so unlike most people I have the resources to 'make it happen' when it comes to developing an online brand.
Naming the company, strategically exploring market potential, building a brand identity, developing a website, creating content and selling advertising and distribution rights are all things that we can do inhouse.
The problem I have is that my staff are always busy. When I give them something to do for myself, they always put it to the backburner and eventually after nagging them continually, I give up and throw it in the bin.
Well, not this time! This idea combines a great love of mine and a commercially viable business. I cannot let this idea go to waste and I have to do it right here, right now.
So, I did what I have never done before. I hired my own company to develop the idea. I have 4 people working on developing the identity, content, media kits, website and looking at alliance partnerships.
In theory, hiring your own company sounds stupid but the reality is at the end of the day, I have a silent partner and why should they pay for my 'great ideas' if they fail. Secondly, I need to make this happen and the only way to do it is to become a client.
It's like a mechanic that needs to fix his car. He never gets around to it. I am pretty much the same. Our company website has taken 1 year to not get started. Yes we have a website, but it needs to be updated, refreshed and clearly express what we do now that we didn't do before.
We seem to continually put this on the backburner because lets face it, paying clients are more important. They keep us in a job and the business alive.
If you can resonate with this reasoning, then think again on how you choose to execute your next great idea and how long it takes you to get it off the ground.
In my case, I am paying $7,000 for a website and $500 per week to have a Marketing Eye run the marketing for the new business.
You never know, it may take off and k-boom! I may need several Marketing Eye's and everyone would be happy.
I can't wait to get this new business off the ground and it's going to be sooner rather than later. I am thrilled to have a new project and really believe that it's going to be one of the best online sites for its field available. Furthermore, the sooner I get it up, the quicker it will be that I make some money.
Happy Startup Businesses!!!!
www.marketingeye.com.au
But like a well oiled chain, most of my businesses operate fairly efficiently and effectively without my daily input. These days I am more a problem solver than a day-to-day runner of the business.
Of course, like any business, if sales are down I am the first to roll up my sleeves and get to work and given the state of the economy that has happened a few times over the past 12 months.
When reviewing new business ideas and I have many, I always think about how much work I have to do and what outcome I am looking for. Like any serial entrepreneur, I am always writing business plans on new business ideas and working out whether I think they are viable based on the current market opportunities.
It's an exciting ride when you come up with an idea that you think is going to be big and when I get stuck on a great idea I tend to hide away from the world and explore my creative juices.
Locking myself in my apartment, I spend hours and hours into the night and early morning pondering how this idea can evolve and hopefully explode.
On a flight on Sunday night back from Sydney, I dreamt I had an online sporting business. Now I won't let too many secrets go here because in the short amount of time since Sunday, the idea has gone from idea stage through to business planning and execution - but is currently not live.
Normally I would not have gotten this far so quick, but I realised after the first day that this would end up like many of my great ideas I have had over the years if I was not proactive about it. In the back of the filing cabinet waiting for some attention!
We all know I own a marketing company and web development company so unlike most people I have the resources to 'make it happen' when it comes to developing an online brand.
Naming the company, strategically exploring market potential, building a brand identity, developing a website, creating content and selling advertising and distribution rights are all things that we can do inhouse.
The problem I have is that my staff are always busy. When I give them something to do for myself, they always put it to the backburner and eventually after nagging them continually, I give up and throw it in the bin.
Well, not this time! This idea combines a great love of mine and a commercially viable business. I cannot let this idea go to waste and I have to do it right here, right now.
So, I did what I have never done before. I hired my own company to develop the idea. I have 4 people working on developing the identity, content, media kits, website and looking at alliance partnerships.
In theory, hiring your own company sounds stupid but the reality is at the end of the day, I have a silent partner and why should they pay for my 'great ideas' if they fail. Secondly, I need to make this happen and the only way to do it is to become a client.
It's like a mechanic that needs to fix his car. He never gets around to it. I am pretty much the same. Our company website has taken 1 year to not get started. Yes we have a website, but it needs to be updated, refreshed and clearly express what we do now that we didn't do before.
We seem to continually put this on the backburner because lets face it, paying clients are more important. They keep us in a job and the business alive.
If you can resonate with this reasoning, then think again on how you choose to execute your next great idea and how long it takes you to get it off the ground.
In my case, I am paying $7,000 for a website and $500 per week to have a Marketing Eye run the marketing for the new business.
You never know, it may take off and k-boom! I may need several Marketing Eye's and everyone would be happy.
I can't wait to get this new business off the ground and it's going to be sooner rather than later. I am thrilled to have a new project and really believe that it's going to be one of the best online sites for its field available. Furthermore, the sooner I get it up, the quicker it will be that I make some money.
Happy Startup Businesses!!!!
www.marketingeye.com.au
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Truth About SME's Right Now
Yesterday I was asked the question about what are the concerns of small to medium sized businesses when it comes to marketing right now.
The truth is only they know, however I have a good gauge having spoken with more than 100 small to medium sized businesses in the last month.
Their real concern is what if the sales don't come in, how are they going to pay wages. It's as simple as that.
This fear that has been ignited in small business that if what we read and hear is right and it is all doom and gloom for a long time coming, then how are we going to be able to pay wages.
Whilst I harbour the same concerns, I have fortunately had an increase in revenue over the past 12 months of over 20% but the profits are nowhere to be found. Why? We now give more to our clients than ever before so they can get through this tough time. They need every chance to succeed. Whether this proves to be a good strategy or not it is anyone's guess.
Which leads to the issue of profits. Should we all be more relaxed when it comes to profits in a downturn and focus on streamlining our business and giving better service?
When it comes to SME's right now, and I am one, the light flickers on and it flickers off each month and we all don't know whether or not it will stay on or eventually go out.
If you don't have a marketing team or an agency who helps you out, search the Internet and find ways in which you can market your company at no cost. Start a blog (www.blogger.com is free) and drive customer back to your website.
Use public relations as a vehicle. There are hundreds of websites telling you how to write a press release and the best way in which to distribute it. Ring up a journalist and tell them the compelling reasons why your business is newsworthy.
There are so many ways and I am happy to share them with anyone. Give me a call as at the end of the day, we are all in it together.
Tough times brings people and business closer together.
www.marketingeye.com.au
The truth is only they know, however I have a good gauge having spoken with more than 100 small to medium sized businesses in the last month.
Their real concern is what if the sales don't come in, how are they going to pay wages. It's as simple as that.
This fear that has been ignited in small business that if what we read and hear is right and it is all doom and gloom for a long time coming, then how are we going to be able to pay wages.
Whilst I harbour the same concerns, I have fortunately had an increase in revenue over the past 12 months of over 20% but the profits are nowhere to be found. Why? We now give more to our clients than ever before so they can get through this tough time. They need every chance to succeed. Whether this proves to be a good strategy or not it is anyone's guess.
Which leads to the issue of profits. Should we all be more relaxed when it comes to profits in a downturn and focus on streamlining our business and giving better service?
When it comes to SME's right now, and I am one, the light flickers on and it flickers off each month and we all don't know whether or not it will stay on or eventually go out.
If you don't have a marketing team or an agency who helps you out, search the Internet and find ways in which you can market your company at no cost. Start a blog (www.blogger.com is free) and drive customer back to your website.
Use public relations as a vehicle. There are hundreds of websites telling you how to write a press release and the best way in which to distribute it. Ring up a journalist and tell them the compelling reasons why your business is newsworthy.
There are so many ways and I am happy to share them with anyone. Give me a call as at the end of the day, we are all in it together.
Tough times brings people and business closer together.
www.marketingeye.com.au
Monday, June 1, 2009
Every Child Deserves The Chance To Shine
A couple of years ago, I was invited to be an Ambassador for Ozchild (www.ozchild.org.au).
Ozchild has a history of helping children from underprivileged environments since 1851 and now has a group of 500 volunteers and around 170 staff.
Yesterday I had the privilege of being invited to participate in a new program to mentor children from the Ozchild program.
As a strong believer that children deserve the best opportunities in life and we should all help to ensure that all Australian children have the basics of a roof over their heads, a hot meal every day and the love and support of people around them, I proudly hosted the event at YVE for the group.
As a group of 20 people participating in the pilot program arrived, I was astounded at how enthusiastic these bright children were and their attitude towards participating in a program whereby they are mentored by entrepreneurs and business leaders.
I chatted freely with the children and many of whom found that they would do anything to have a job, let alone be mentored, made me realise how easy it is to help those around you just by giving them your time.
A few wanted to be in IT, some in business and the young girl that I will be mentoring, a model or administration worker. Careers that have futures, that are in demand and that are very achievable.
Bec, the young, bright and enthusiastic 16 year old who had travelled an hour to meet me, was more than I expected. She asked me questions about myself and how I had achieved what I have. Where did I start, how did I get there, do I travel, have I been on a plane... the questions just rolled in. She was as interested in me as I was in her.
I felt privileged to be able to have the opportunity to spend time with this delightful young girl who just wants a chance and a little bit of experience. She opened up about her dreams and desires, her set-backs (we all have these!) and how motivated she is to make the most of this unique opportunity.
I really hope I don't fail her in giving her the right experience and inspiration to achieve her dreams.
In two weeks time I will commence the first two-week period of having Bec come and work with me at Marketing Eye. Her voice is clear and confident, so she will probably answer the phone, do some typing, filing and get an overview of what we do as Marketing Managers for our clients.
From the model front, I am not quite sure what to do because its not really my field. I know a few models and of course I hire them for commercials and various media promotions we do, so hopefully I can connect her to someone in the industry that can tell her more about a career in this area.
Being an Ozchild Mentor is about giving up 2 hours a month and having a child come and work with you for a period of 4 weeks in total. Not much if you can change someone's life and give them an opportunity.
I am excited and hopefully there is something in Bec's work experience that will set her off in the right direction for success. I think this young lady has the right attitude and I can see success in her eyes. She sparkles when talking about her dreams and how hard she is prepared to work to achieve them. Something inside me says that in a few years time, I am going to be hearing about this girl and what she has achieved in the newspapers. She just beems enthusiasm and is looking for a bit of guidance and an opportunity.
I am sure I will learn as much from her as she will from me - and that's what it is all about. This journey is as much for me as it is for her. I always had mentors and they inspired me in so many different ways that to be able to give back to someone like Bec is awesome.
www.marketingeye.com.au
Ozchild has a history of helping children from underprivileged environments since 1851 and now has a group of 500 volunteers and around 170 staff.
Yesterday I had the privilege of being invited to participate in a new program to mentor children from the Ozchild program.
As a strong believer that children deserve the best opportunities in life and we should all help to ensure that all Australian children have the basics of a roof over their heads, a hot meal every day and the love and support of people around them, I proudly hosted the event at YVE for the group.
As a group of 20 people participating in the pilot program arrived, I was astounded at how enthusiastic these bright children were and their attitude towards participating in a program whereby they are mentored by entrepreneurs and business leaders.
I chatted freely with the children and many of whom found that they would do anything to have a job, let alone be mentored, made me realise how easy it is to help those around you just by giving them your time.
A few wanted to be in IT, some in business and the young girl that I will be mentoring, a model or administration worker. Careers that have futures, that are in demand and that are very achievable.
Bec, the young, bright and enthusiastic 16 year old who had travelled an hour to meet me, was more than I expected. She asked me questions about myself and how I had achieved what I have. Where did I start, how did I get there, do I travel, have I been on a plane... the questions just rolled in. She was as interested in me as I was in her.
I felt privileged to be able to have the opportunity to spend time with this delightful young girl who just wants a chance and a little bit of experience. She opened up about her dreams and desires, her set-backs (we all have these!) and how motivated she is to make the most of this unique opportunity.
I really hope I don't fail her in giving her the right experience and inspiration to achieve her dreams.
In two weeks time I will commence the first two-week period of having Bec come and work with me at Marketing Eye. Her voice is clear and confident, so she will probably answer the phone, do some typing, filing and get an overview of what we do as Marketing Managers for our clients.
From the model front, I am not quite sure what to do because its not really my field. I know a few models and of course I hire them for commercials and various media promotions we do, so hopefully I can connect her to someone in the industry that can tell her more about a career in this area.
Being an Ozchild Mentor is about giving up 2 hours a month and having a child come and work with you for a period of 4 weeks in total. Not much if you can change someone's life and give them an opportunity.
I am excited and hopefully there is something in Bec's work experience that will set her off in the right direction for success. I think this young lady has the right attitude and I can see success in her eyes. She sparkles when talking about her dreams and how hard she is prepared to work to achieve them. Something inside me says that in a few years time, I am going to be hearing about this girl and what she has achieved in the newspapers. She just beems enthusiasm and is looking for a bit of guidance and an opportunity.
I am sure I will learn as much from her as she will from me - and that's what it is all about. This journey is as much for me as it is for her. I always had mentors and they inspired me in so many different ways that to be able to give back to someone like Bec is awesome.
www.marketingeye.com.au
Monday, May 18, 2009
Television, the big motivator.
Some people turn on the television to laugh, others to be entertain... me... to be motivated.
I rarely watch a show that doesn't have some relevance to my life. Yes, I was addicted to Sex In The City, then came Lipstick Jungle and on the weekend, the DVD for Cashmere Mafia.
These girls are successful, maybe not in love, but certainly in their perspective careers. They are corporate high-fliers, fashion designers with billionaire boyfriends and movie producers. How glamorous and exciting!
They dress well, eat at exclusive and expensive restaurants, get invited to the best parties in town and live in interior designed apartments.
In the boardroom, the ones that make it this far, are sexy, smart and seductive. They know how to be hard when they have to and when to let go. They make deals happen and risk it all for a pair of Jimmy Choos. Well, not quite, but you get the drift.
As I watched episode after episode, I was seduced by the glamour and the art and performance of a good deal. It made me think about my job as the CEO of a marketing firm and how I communicate with clients, staff and in general the people around me. How do they see me? Do I install the feeling of trust that these people do on the show? Do they think I know what I am doing? I hope so, 18 years of a marketing career has to account for something, surely.
I left my weekend as a couch potato and dived straight into the boardroom for my Monday morning staff meeting and I communicated to my audience, showed a brave and encouraging face to the current economic climate, created opportunities for my leadership team and left knowing I did a good job.
Next, I rung 5 clients to ask what more I could do for them. How can I improve the service we give you? What is going to make you get more sales and bigger profits? Don't know the answer, well lucky then that I had a few good ideas up my sleeve and I was not only ready to show them but very enthusiastic. I believe.
The hunger to succeed, to be the best marketer I can be and to make a difference to my clients and employees lives is all I can think about this week.
All because of a television show.
Some people get it from books, others get it from inspirational leaders and public speakers. I get it from the television. My big motivator.
Sometimes that is all you need to give you a push when all you hear about is how bad it is out there. All I can hear this week is how good it is and how many opportunities are ready for the take.
Find your source of inspiration and take it into the boardroom. Believe in yourself, your brand and what you have to offer the market and make sure everyone knows.
www.marketingeye.com.au
I rarely watch a show that doesn't have some relevance to my life. Yes, I was addicted to Sex In The City, then came Lipstick Jungle and on the weekend, the DVD for Cashmere Mafia.
These girls are successful, maybe not in love, but certainly in their perspective careers. They are corporate high-fliers, fashion designers with billionaire boyfriends and movie producers. How glamorous and exciting!
They dress well, eat at exclusive and expensive restaurants, get invited to the best parties in town and live in interior designed apartments.
In the boardroom, the ones that make it this far, are sexy, smart and seductive. They know how to be hard when they have to and when to let go. They make deals happen and risk it all for a pair of Jimmy Choos. Well, not quite, but you get the drift.
As I watched episode after episode, I was seduced by the glamour and the art and performance of a good deal. It made me think about my job as the CEO of a marketing firm and how I communicate with clients, staff and in general the people around me. How do they see me? Do I install the feeling of trust that these people do on the show? Do they think I know what I am doing? I hope so, 18 years of a marketing career has to account for something, surely.
I left my weekend as a couch potato and dived straight into the boardroom for my Monday morning staff meeting and I communicated to my audience, showed a brave and encouraging face to the current economic climate, created opportunities for my leadership team and left knowing I did a good job.
Next, I rung 5 clients to ask what more I could do for them. How can I improve the service we give you? What is going to make you get more sales and bigger profits? Don't know the answer, well lucky then that I had a few good ideas up my sleeve and I was not only ready to show them but very enthusiastic. I believe.
The hunger to succeed, to be the best marketer I can be and to make a difference to my clients and employees lives is all I can think about this week.
All because of a television show.
Some people get it from books, others get it from inspirational leaders and public speakers. I get it from the television. My big motivator.
Sometimes that is all you need to give you a push when all you hear about is how bad it is out there. All I can hear this week is how good it is and how many opportunities are ready for the take.
Find your source of inspiration and take it into the boardroom. Believe in yourself, your brand and what you have to offer the market and make sure everyone knows.
www.marketingeye.com.au
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