What are your plans for 2009?

Yes, it appears that most people are now back to work in 2009 for another year of business. I started back last Monday and thought I would have a week of finalising my 2009 plan before most people got back to work but I was wrong, it seems quite a few people also returned last week as well. What are you plans for 2009? I am writing mine into a one-page document divided into four quarters. It seems like a quick and manageable way to stay on track. I would recommend setting your business plans and goals at the start of the year before you get tied down with the usual day to day work demands.  I find that it helps me to determine how I spend my time, resources and energies in the coming year.

Also, if there are any topics that you would like me to cover in future e newsletter editions, send me your suggestions and I will be sure to include in a future edition!

Marketing Puzzle Event

The Marketing Puzzle event has already started 2009 with strong momentum and we are pleased to announce that we have already received bookings! With 3 presentations from industry experts on marketing, design and networking plus a hosted speed networking section, we welcome you to join us at this event as a great way to pick up some new ideas, make contacts and enjoy a glass of wine and a bite to eat.

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

"Go Away, Please" Report

I read an interesting report released in December from the Australia Institute regarding the social and economic impact of intrusive marketing. The report suggests that the value of time wasted on unsolicited telemarketing calls across Australia is estimated to be $1.58 billion per year. Furthermore, 63% of people interviewed for the survey said that telemarketing should not be permitted in Australia. What the report doesn’t segment is telemarketing used for direct Business-to-Business selling or Business to Consumer selling. It is an interesting read and certainly has some points to consider if you have telemarketing as part of your marketing program. If you would like a copy of the report, I can email it to you.

Press Release Tips

Are you thinking about working on getting some free PR for your business this year? If yes, here is a list of tips to consider when writing a press release for media distribution.

1. Make sure the press release is newsworthy
2. Ensure the title is bold, centered and catchy
3. Be concise and grammatically correct
4. Start the first paragraph with a date
5. Ensure that correct contact name and phone number are displayed for further media enquiries
6. Include a website address about the product/company where possible
7. Make sure the press release is short and punchy, don’t try to include everything

If you would like assistance formulating a PR strategy into your overall marketing plan for 2009, drop me a line.

Magazine Circulation Meltdown

I read with interest the latest Audit Bureau of Circulations (CAB) statistics that indicated that weekly magazine titles were dropping significantly in circulation. For example, Famous Magazine dropped 18.4% in the July to September quarter. Whilst not all magazine titles are suffering the same fate, I would encourage anyone who is spending money advertising in magazines to check that the latest ‘CAB’ audit figures have shown before you commit to any spend this year.