by Thabang Leshilo (@Thabang_Leshilo) It’s a dark and gloomy future that has been painted for Millennials, who are said to have high hopes and low prospects. I disagree. We — I’m a Millennial — have characters traits that will see us through.
Author archives: Simone Puterman
Motive: Bards of the brands
by Robyn Daly (@robyndaly) Brand narratives are the buzzword of today, so content marketing is on the up-and-up. But who’s telling the stories… and is it really such a new thing, after all?
Influencers: Internal advocacy
by Jason Stewart (@HaveYouHeard_SA) When it comes to word-of-mouth and advocacy marketing, are we forgetting to use one of the most powerful tools at our disposal? One that can be easily controlled and set to work at any time? And at very little cost?
The Sell: Going back to basic retail-selling principles
by Mimi Nicklin (@MimiNicklin) While much in retail has changed since 1920(!), when it comes to selling our wares in 2014, so many of the principles they were innovating with at the original Selfridges store should still form the basis of our retail innovation today.
The Word: The customer is the story
by Mongezi Mtati (@Mongezi) Increasingly, smart brands are encouraging their followers, fans and evangelists to share their own stories. More brands are setting up themselves up as platforms for customer stories that are worth sharing, rather than placing themselves as the headline act, ahead of the customer.
Brand Politics: Fighting to get noticed
In a hyper-sensitive market such as ours, the consequences of offending people are enormous. But the consequences of being bland are just as damaging for long-term brand growth. How can marketers get their brands noticed without getting them hated?
Heroes & Zeros: Porsche SA & Chevrolet — best & worst brands of the week
Andy Rice (@ricecommaandy) talks about his best and worst brands of the week — Porsche South Africa and Chevrolet — during The Ad Feature on Talk Radio 702.
MagLove: In memory of MH17
by MediaSlut (@MediaSlut) My choice of the best international magazine covers this week: Popular Mechanics, Thursday Magazine, Vrij Nederland and Wallpaper* (Handmade Issue).
#Top40TVratings: Commonwealth Games pique SA’s interest
by SAARF & MarkLives (@marklives) During the week of 28 July–3 August 2014, the Games jumped to no. 9 from 23rd and 26th on our SAARF/MarkLives #Top40TVratings national chart — and made it to no. 3 on our DStv chart, way up from 26th!
Shelf Life: Bolt-on app for Instagram for SA
Louise Marsland (@Louise_Marsland)’s weekly pick of recent product, packaging and design launches: Two Oceans wine rebrands; the Nespresso ‘boutique’ retail concept expands; and a new phone app enables instant pix and video.