Thoughts and Ideas from Japan

I have been out and about over the last couple of weeks and part of my travels included some time in Japan. Aside form supporting Australia at the Australia vs. Japan World Cup qualifier, it was a good opportunity to spend some time in a country that is quite different from Australia.

In this issue of the Next Marketing E newsletter, I thought I would share with you some insights from the trip and how you could apply these to your own business circumstances. Keep reading!

P.S – this picture was taken at the Todaiji Temple in the historic Japanese town of Nara. The deers wonder freely throughout the parks around the temple and are said to be messengers from God. Not a good idea to try and eat lunch around them though!

Marketing Puzzle - 10 March 09

The Marketing Puzzle event is drawing closer and aside from the networking and marketing insights, we will also be offering all participants

• Opportunity to win
  • Door prizes from Wines by Design and Kikko
  • $300 worth of 1-1 Marketing support from Next Marketing
• Premium wine from Food and Wine travel
• Sneak preview of the next Marketing Puzzle event

Look forward See you there. HURRY register now!

Last event sold out! – to register for this event click here .

Japan insight - One size does not fit all.

There are a number of visible and prominent international brands in Japan which include McDonalds, KFC, Starbucks, Gap (I am pictured here leaving a Gap Store!), Zara etc…. Each brand though has been tailored to suit the local economy. For example, McDonald’s has a McPork burger and the clothes in Gap and much smaller than they are in other international markets. These local initiatives clearly show that it is important to modify a product/marketing offer to the local target market.

This is no different from small business owners who may only operate in one market (Melbourne for example) but offer products/services to different target audience groups. To keep reading about this, click here.

Japan initiative - Carbon Footprint label

An initiative that was announced recently in Japan is a new system of eco labeling whereby product manufactures will be required to display a logo that highlights the carbon footprint of that particular product in relation to its production, distribution and disposal costs. The article indicates that companies who are already in the program have been able to use the new system to reduce their environmental impact and reduce bottom line costs. If you are a product manufacturer in Australia, I will recommend reading this article. Drop me a line if you would like a copy.

Next Marketing article published in VECCI Magazine

I am a strong believer and supporter of business networking and are pleased to announce that I will have an article published in the March 2009 edition of the VECCI magazine. The piece covers tips on how to Network more effectively. For a sneak preview of the article, click here.

Featured Client Event: lunch & cooking class for $15.00

Maree Porra from See Change PT is hosting an Autumn cooking class and lunch in Fairfield (VIC) on Saturday, 14th March from 11:30am to 1:00pm. I will be attending. If you would like to come along, click here for further details.