PR and marketing

Media Release: Aprimo Marketing Studio On Demand to manage ABC Commercial VIP Program

Catriona Pollard - Thursday, December 16, 2010
Leading global provider of marketing software and services Aprimo® Inc. have partnered with ABC Commercial to enable its ABC Shop ‘VIP’ Loyalty Program activities. 

This partnership will allow ABC Commercial to manage the VIP program in-house, and generate rich customer communication based on their ABC preferences, profile and activity history. 

The ABC will specifically be using Aprimo Marketing Studio On Demand integrated software and will incorporate both direct email and SMS messaging services. 

ABC VIP is a customer loyalty program run by ABC Commercial, the ABC division responsible for the management of a range of media businesses delivering products and services to the global marketplace.    

Regional Director of Aprimo, Dermot McCutcheon said, “Aprimo Marketing Studio On Demand is an effective tool to help the ABC realise the full value of the VIP Loyalty Program and we are looking forward to helping them achieve this.”

“This strategic decision will allow the ABC to benefit from a comprehensive marketing platform that optimises performance on marketing investments as well as improving go-to market- execution and will help generate more revenue.”

“The solution enables the ABC to generate relevant and rich communication with the customer, based on preferences, profile and activities,” said Mr McCutcheon. 

ABC Loyalty Program customers will now have the opportunity to log on to the ABC Commercial sites using a secure ID and password. They will also be able to update their preferences and profile and make purchases from the site. 

Aprimo Marketing Studio On Demand provides modular marketing solutions that allows marketers to capture their target audience, engage them in more relevant and meaningful dialogue, convert them to customers and cultivate the lifetime value of each customer relationship. 

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Aprimo is a leading global provider of marketing software and services that enhance the productivity and performance of marketing organisations. The company’s integrated marketing software enables marketers to take control of budget and spends, eliminating internal silos with streamlined workflows, and executing innovative multi-channel campaigns to drive measureable ROI. Founded in 1998, Aprimo is headquartered in Indianapolis with offices worldwide.


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Disruptive Trends in B2B Marketing: Interview with Aprimo CMO Lisa Arthur

Catriona Pollard - Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Disruptive Trends in B2B Marketing: Interview with Aprimo CMO Lisa Arthur
Key findings about the emerging business models that are transforming marketing
Sydney (December 15, 2010) –Aprimo® Inc., a global leader in integrated, on-demand marketing software solutions for both B2B and B2C companies, is providing online access to Gartner’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Perspectives interview with its CMO, Lisa Arthur. The interview explores disruptive trends in B2B marketing, across social media, mobile and digital marketing, that will further define integrated marketing management (IMM) in the coming decade. 
“This is an exciting time to be a CMO because art and science are converging before our eyes,” says Lisa Arthur. “From social media to digital and mobile marketing, we are profoundly changing how brands engage with customers. We’re finally at a point where the linkage between what we do and its actual contribution to revenue is knowable and, equally important, liberating.” 
Gartner’s Jennifer Beck extracts several key findings from her interview with Lisa Arthur and offers actionable recommendations. Notable insights analyzed within the report include:
Many senior marketing managers are making the mistake of adopting social media as a tactic rather than an integrated part of their media mix
The “collaborative community” is potentially the next most-disruptive trend across marketing functions
A brand is empty, if it doesn't communicate a clear and expressed value to an audience.
CIOs and CMOs must collectively own the customer experience
Gartner’s CMO Perspectives is a series of interviews with strategic thinkers that celebrates their successes and assesses their impact on business and the industry.
To learn more about these insights and other key findings and recommendations from the report, please download Marketing Essentials: CMO Perspectives, Lisa Arthur here.  Lisa’s blog will also explore many of these topics in more detail, beginning with the concept of “collaborative communities,” which is available now by visiting Aprimo’s community blog (1).  You may also follow Lisa Arthur on Twitter, @lisaarthur.  
(1) Lisa Arthur’s Blog: http://blogs.marketingstudio.aprimo.com/blog/cmo/0/0/let-marketing-leads-find-you 
About Aprimo
Aprimo is a leading global provider of marketing software and services that enhance the productivity and performance of marketing organizations. The company’s integrated marketing software, AprimoMarketingStudio® forB2C and AprimoMarketingStudio® forB2B, enables marketers to navigate the changing role of marketing, by taking control of budget and spends, eliminating internal silos with streamlined workflows, and executing innovative multi-channel campaigns to drive measurable return on investment.  Founded in 1998, Aprimo is headquartered in Indianapolis with offices worldwide.  For more information call +1.317.803.4300 or visit http://www.aprimo.com.
Disruptive Trends in B2B Marketing: Interview with Aprimo CMO Lisa Arthur
Key findings about the emerging business models that are transforming marketing
Sydney (December 15, 2010) –Aprimo® Inc., a global leader in integrated, on-demand marketing software solutions for both B2B and B2C companies, is providing online access to Gartner’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Perspectives interview with its CMO, Lisa Arthur. The interview explores disruptive trends in B2B marketing, across social media, mobile and digital marketing, that will further define integrated marketing management (IMM) in the coming decade. 
“This is an exciting time to be a CMO because art and science are converging before our eyes,” says Lisa Arthur. “From social media to digital and mobile marketing, we are profoundly changing how brands engage with customers. We’re finally at a point where the linkage between what we do and its actual contribution to revenue is knowable and, equally important, liberating.” 
Gartner’s Jennifer Beck extracts several key findings from her interview with Lisa Arthur and offers actionable recommendations. Notable insights analyzed within the report include:
Many senior marketing managers are making the mistake of adopting social media as a tactic rather than an integrated part of their media mix
The “collaborative community” is potentially the next most-disruptive trend across marketing functions
A brand is empty, if it doesn't communicate a clear and expressed value to an audience.
CIOs and CMOs must collectively own the customer experience
Gartner’s CMO Perspectives is a series of interviews with strategic thinkers that celebrates their successes and assesses their impact on business and the industry.
To learn more about these insights and other key findings and recommendations from the report, please download Marketing Essentials: CMO Perspectives, Lisa Arthur here.  Lisa’s blog will also explore many of these topics in more detail, beginning with the concept of “collaborative communities,” which is available now by visiting Aprimo’s community blog (1).  You may also follow Lisa Arthur on Twitter, @lisaarthur.  
(1) Lisa Arthur’s Blog: http://blogs.marketingstudio.aprimo.com/blog/cmo/0/0/let-marketing-leads-find-you 
About Aprimo
Aprimo is a leading global provider of marketing software and services that enhance the productivity and performance of marketing organizations. The company’s integrated marketing software, AprimoMarketingStudio® forB2C and AprimoMarketingStudio® forB2B, enables marketers to navigate the changing role of marketing, by taking control of budget and spends, eliminating internal silos with streamlined workflows, and executing innovative multi-channel campaigns to drive measurable return on investment.  Founded in 1998, Aprimo is headquartered in Indianapolis with offices worldwide.  For more information call +1.317.803.4300 or visit http://www.aprimo.com.
Disruptive Trends in B2B Marketing: Interview with Aprimo CMO Lisa Arthur
Key findings about the emerging business models that are transforming marketing
Sydney (December 15, 2010) –Aprimo® Inc., a global leader in integrated, on-demand marketing software solutions for both B2B and B2C companies, is providing online access to Gartner’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Perspectives interview with its CMO, Lisa Arthur. The interview explores disruptive trends in B2B marketing, across social media, mobile and digital marketing, that will further define integrated marketing management (IMM) in the coming decade. 
“This is an exciting time to be a CMO because art and science are converging before our eyes,” says Lisa Arthur. “From social media to digital and mobile marketing, we are profoundly changing how brands engage with customers. We’re finally at a point where the linkage between what we do and its actual contribution to revenue is knowable and, equally important, liberating.” 
Gartner’s Jennifer Beck extracts several key findings from her interview with Lisa Arthur and offers actionable recommendations. Notable insights analyzed within the report include:
Many senior marketing managers are making the mistake of adopting social media as a tactic rather than an integrated part of their media mix
The “collaborative community” is potentially the next most-disruptive trend across marketing functions
A brand is empty, if it doesn't communicate a clear and expressed value to an audience.
CIOs and CMOs must collectively own the customer experience
Gartner’s CMO Perspectives is a series of interviews with strategic thinkers that celebrates their successes and assesses their impact on business and the industry.
To learn more about these insights and other key findings and recommendations from the report, please download Marketing Essentials: CMO Perspectives, Lisa Arthur here.  Lisa’s blog will also explore many of these topics in more detail, beginning with the concept of “collaborative communities,” which is available now by visiting Aprimo’s community blog (1).  You may also follow Lisa Arthur on Twitter, @lisaarthur.  
(1) Lisa Arthur’s Blog: http://blogs.marketingstudio.aprimo.com/blog/cmo/0/0/let-marketing-leads-find-you 
About Aprimo
Aprimo is a leading global provider of marketing software and services that enhance the productivity and performance of marketing organizations. The company’s integrated marketing software, AprimoMarketingStudio® forB2C and AprimoMarketingStudio® forB2B, enables marketers to navigate the changing role of marketing, by taking control of budget and spends, eliminating internal silos with streamlined workflows, and executing innovative multi-channel campaigns to drive measurable return on investment.  Founded in 1998, Aprimo is headquartered in Indianapolis with offices worldwide.  For more information call +1.317.803.4300 or visit http://www.aprimo.com.

Key findings about the emerging business models that are transforming marketing

Sydney (December 15, 2010)Aprimo® Inc., a global leader in integrated, on-demand marketing software solutions for both B2B and B2C companies, is providing online access to Gartner’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Perspectives interview with its CMO, Lisa Arthur. The interview explores disruptive trends in B2B marketing, across social media, mobile and digital marketing, that will further define integrated marketing management (IMM) in the coming decade. 

“This is an exciting time to be a CMO because art and science are converging before our eyes,” says Lisa Arthur. “From social media to digital and mobile marketing, we are profoundly changing how brands engage with customers. We’re finally at a point where the linkage between what we do and its actual contribution to revenue is knowable and, equally important, liberating.” 

Gartner’s Jennifer Beck extracts several key findings from her interview with Lisa Arthur and offers actionable recommendations. Notable insights analyzed within the report include:

  •  Many senior marketing managers are making the mistake of adopting social media as a tactic rather than an integrated part of their media mix
  • The “collaborative community” is potentially the next most-disruptive trend across marketing functions
  • A brand is empty, if it doesn't communicate a clear and expressed value to an audience.
  • CIOs and CMOs must collectively own the customer experience

Gartner’s CMO Perspectives is a series of interviews with strategic thinkers that celebrates their successes and assesses their impact on business and the industry.

To learn more about these insights and other key findings and recommendations from the report, please download Marketing Essentials: CMO Perspectives, Lisa Arthur here.  Lisa’s blog will also explore many of these topics in more detail, beginning with the concept of “collaborative communities,” which is available now by visiting Aprimo’s community blog.  You may also follow Lisa Arthur on Twitter, @lisaarthur.  

About Aprimo
Aprimo is a leading global provider of marketing software and services that enhance the productivity and performance of marketing organizations. The company’s integrated marketing software, AprimoMarketingStudio® forB2C and AprimoMarketingStudio® forB2B, enables marketers to navigate the changing role of marketing, by taking control of budget and spends, eliminating internal silos with streamlined workflows, and executing innovative multi-channel campaigns to drive measurable return on investment. Founded in 1998, Aprimo is headquartered in Indianapolis with offices worldwide.  


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Media Release: ME Bank Starlight Cinema launches another terrific season

Catriona Pollard - Tuesday, December 07, 2010

ME Bank Starlight Outdoor Cinema is launching its eighth season at North Sydney Oval, with a fabulous line-up of new release and classic films.

ME Bank Starlight Cinema offers a fun atmosphere for all ages where everyone can picnic under the stars while watching the best new films as well as some old favourites.

Jill Keyte, Producer of ME Bank Starlight Cinema said, “We have 34 great films on the programme and every night has its own theme. This is looking to be our biggest season yet!”

Nightly themes include Action-Packed Wednesdays, Comedy & Adventure Thursdays, Fun & Romance Fridays, Big Movie Saturdays and Young & Free Sundays. Family films are showing on alternating Friday and Saturday nights.

“What better way to watch a great film than under the stars on a warm summer evening? Make yourself comfortable on the soft grass and relax in front of our huge (16m x 8m) inflatable movie screen.”

“The North Sydney Oval has proven to be very popular over the past seven years, as it is a beautiful, relaxing outdoor location. We have another great line-up of films and early bookings show that this season will be as big as ever,” said Ms Keyte.

The 2011 season will be the second year ME Bank has been the major sponsor of Starlight Cinema in North Sydney.

Ian Hendey, Group Executive, Brands and Products at ME Bank said, “This great summer event provides us with a unique opportunity to bring ME Bank closer to the local community.”

“Over the seven-week season, we look forward to sharing in the fun and entertainment with our customers, shareholders and staff,” said Mr Hendey.

Bring a blanket, hire a backrest or sit in the Crust Lawn Lounge, where customers will have a great view from a bean bed right in front of the screen. ME Bank Starlight Cinema also offers Star Class, with VIP entry and service.

There is a film for everyone – young, old, couples, friends and families. Some of the highlights are The Social Network, potential Academy Award winner The Kings Speech, Love and Other Drugs, Burlesque with Cher and Christina Aguilera, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Breakfast at Tiffany's, plus two great lifestyle movies, the new surf film, First Love (releasing for Valentine’s Day) and spectacular snowboard film, That’s It That’s All, not previously seen on the big screen.

This season will feature two special events, The LAN Brazilian Festa on Saturday 19 February and Valentine’s Day on Monday 14 February.

ME Bank Starlight Cinema will run at North Sydney Oval from Wednesday 19 January until Saturday 5 March 2011, screening Wednesday to Sunday. Gates open at 7.00pm and films begin at sundown. There is covered seating for rainy nights.

Tickets can be bought at the gate or online at www.mebankstarlightcinema.com.au.


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CP Communications PR Tips & News December

Catriona Pollard - Monday, December 06, 2010

While you are enjoying the end of year celebrations it might be worth taking the time to think about what you achieved this year and what your business New Year resolutions might be.
 
Every year for CP Communications seems to be exhilarating – and a touch exhausting! Totally my own fault – I like to have lots of things on the go! This year we have had the opportunity to work with amazing and lovely clients.

One of my favourite projects was the Macquarie University’s Women, Management and Work Conference where we used the collision of PR and social media to get amazing results.

We finally launched our YouTube Channel – PR and Social Media Tips TV. That was a goal for this year, and with my presentation from Social Media Women we finally had content to upload! So check it out! There are more tips to come.

On a personal note, I “got sick of myself” not taking up speaking opportunities, so I went from refusing to do public speaking to teaching a one day PR course and a 45 minute presentation in front 70 people! I’ve really enjoyed sharing my experience and expertise.

Thank you for reading our newsletter this year. It’s been lovely sharing our stories with you. We wish you a very merry Christmas and happy New Year! I am going to go lie under an umbrella on the beach for a couple of weeks and catch up on my reading, day dreaming and thinking about my New Year resolutions.

I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter. 
 
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Exclusives: Are they worth it?

If there is one thing a journalist loves, it’s a big, juicy exclusive, but before you go offering everything to one publication, it’s important to weigh up whether an exclusive will offer you the best results possible.

The argument for exclusives:

  • Exclusives are a clever way of building a relationship with a specific journalist. By giving the story to only one publication, you can build up a good rapport with a journalist that will definitely help you with future pitches.
  • You might get a better placement of the story in the publication by offering an exclusive. 
  • It’s not terribly common, but you will find some editors who only want a story if it is an exclusive. 

The argument against exclusives:

  • Journalists don’t make any promises. So offering an exclusive will not guarantee that the story will run.
  • It might be more effective to have a number of stories in a variety of publications.
  • Do exclusives even exist anymore? In the age of social media, anyone can break news and share stories online before a journalist has even had the chance to ask Who, What, Where, When, How? How often have you read a tweet, or a Facebook page update before hearing about a story on the news? Perhaps exclusives have had their day?

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to exclusives, it’s up to you and should be judged on a case by case basis. As long as you know all the pros and cons, you’re set to make the best decision for your business.

Read the full story on Public Relations Sydney.

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How to connect on LinkedIn without fear

Is LinkedIn still a mystery for you? I still find it hard to figure out how to use it for lead generation so I asked Social Media Lead Generation expert, Tom Skotidas for his hot tips.

"My advice is simple: look for human connection points. They are the commonalities you find by reviewing your intended connection’s LinkedIn profile, Twitter posts, personal blog, and other online mentions. There are dozens of human connection points you can use, but here are some of the obvious ones:

  • People you know in common (available on their LinkedIn profile)
  • LinkedIn groups you share
  • Their blog posts or published articles (i.e. the ones you have read and enjoyed so much, as to form an opinion)
  • Schools you both attended

Once you have identified your human connection points, you are ready to write your LinkedIn invitation.

Be relevant. Make sure to address your invitee by their first name, and to clearly reference your connection points. Tell them how you found them, and why you want to connect. And make sure to pump up your credentials as well, via a strong LinkedIn profile."

To read the full story click here.

Tom is running a course on LinkedIn for Lead Generation on 7 December 2010 (which I am looking forward to attending!). For more information click here.

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Upcoming events

Here are some events coming up that we thought you might be interested in:

Internet Marketing & Social Media Fundamentals: A Full Day Practical
This workshop will focus on the fundamentals of internet marketing and social media marketing. It is entirely web-based rather than theory-driven, and uses online demonstrations and case studies to get you up to speed on the latest trends.
7 December 2010

The Future of Digital: Forecasts and Predictions for 2011
AIMIA presents the third annual ‘The Future of Digital-Forecasts and Predictions for 2011’. Industry experts will give an insight into what the New Year will bring and what opportunities and challenges the industry may face.
10 December 2010

Facebook & Twitter for Lead Generation
This course focuses on how to effectively utilise Facebook and Twitter for successful lead generation. Learn from Tom Skotidas, an industry expert who has met and exceeded divisional sales targets for the past four years with the help of social media. Ideal for marketing professionals and sales people.
14 December 2010

Website Management
Many organisations are still facing challenges in how to successfully design their website to enhance collaboration with customers. Learn how to optimise usability and accessibility to maximise the business benefits of your online presence.
19 January 2010

Marketplace Visibility – How to Grab Your Slice of the Action
A Women’s Network Australia luncheon with guest speaker Debra Jacobs, who will teach you how to catch people’s attention and keep it, create relationships with existing and potential clients, and sell your product, without wasting time and money.
10 February 2010


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How to connect on LinkedIn without fear

Catriona Pollard - Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Is LinkedIn still a mystery for you? I still find it hard to figure out how to use it for lead generation so I asked Social Media Lead Generation expert, Tom Skotidas for his hot tips.

You have identified your target market on LinkedIn. You are ready to start inviting prospects and influencers, and expand your network. Yet you are not sure how you're going to approach complete strangers and ask them to connect with you. In fact, you are worried about being perceived as a networking "spammer" and harming your personal brand.

So how do you grow your network, in a safe and sound way?

My advice is simple: look for Human Connection Points.

Human Connection Points are the commonalities you find by reviewing your intended connection’s LinkedIn profile, Twitter posts, personal blog, and other online mentions. There are dozens of human connection points you can use, but here are some of the obvious ones:

• People you know in common (available on their LinkedIn profile)
• LinkedIn groups you share
• Their blog posts or published articles (i.e. the ones you have read and enjoyed so much, as to form an opinion)
• Schools you both attended

Once you have identified your human connection points, you are ready to write your LinkedIn invitation.

Be relevant. Make sure to address your invitee by their first name, and to clearly reference your connection points. Throughout your invitation, be genuine and respectful. Tell them how you found them, and why you want to connect. And make sure to pump up your credentials as well, via a strong LinkedIn profile.

If you follow this approach, you will experience a consistently high acceptance rate, and grow your LinkedIn network faster among your target market. You are now in a position to start marketing your company to a progressively larger audience, who will get to know you through your status updates and group participation.

Of course, not all will accept, but that’s ok. By following the principles mentioned above, and optimising as you go, you will find your acceptance rate (and LinkedIn network reach) continues to increase.

Tom is running a course on LinkedIn for Lead Generation on 7 December 2010 (which I am looking forward to attending!). For more information click here.
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The recent success story from Soldonline.com.au was featured in The Daily Telegraph

Catriona Pollard - Wednesday, November 24, 2010


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LinkedIn for Lead Generation Seminar with Tom Skotidas

Catriona Pollard - Monday, November 22, 2010
Using LinkedIn for lead generation is still a mystery for many of us. Social media lead generation expert, Tom Skotidas will be running a one-day course focusing on how to effectively utilise LinkedIn for successful lead generation.

Whether you're a marketing professional or a salesperson responsible for meeting new business targets, this course is for you.

This is a rare chance to learn proven principles of social media lead generation, from an industry expert who has met and exceeded divisional sales targets for the past 4 years, using social media.

By the end of this course you’ll know how to:

• Set up profile page on LinkedIn that maximises impact on your target market
• Build high-quality connections
• Search for and identify prospects
• Reach and target these prospects, and convert them into sales leads
• Drive your personal brand and your company’s brand amongst your target market

About Tom Skotidas
First Rate Head of Marketing and Business Development Tom Skotidas has been engaged in digital and direct since 1994. One of the reasons behind Tom's success in business development lies in his pioneering use of social media to generate sales leads, mainly through LinkedIn and Twitter, and more recently Facebook. Today, Tom teaches the strategies and tactics of social media lead generation to audiences in Australia.

This seminar is held at Cliftons, 190 George St, Sydney.
7 December 2010 8:30am – 5:00pm
Fee: ADMA member: $665 inc. GST
Non-member: $898 inc. GST

Course outline

Book now!

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Media Release: The Dubs broadcasts a social media series for Tony Ferguson Weightloss across Facebook and Skype

Catriona Pollard - Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Digital engagement agency The Dubs has launched a conversation campaign for Tony Ferguson Weightloss being broadcast on social platform Facebook and integrating Skype video diaries.

Called the Tony Ferguson ‘Buddies’, the initiative uses Facebook and Skype to stimulate conversation between two recruited buddies selected to diarise their eight week Tony Ferguson Weightloss program using each other for support and inspiring others to do likewise. 

The Dubs Managing Director, Josh Frith said, “the Buddies were chosen from a global recruitment drive across the Tony Ferguson Facebook channel - they are genuine people looking to support each other as they undertake the Tony Ferguson program to reach their weight loss goals.”

“We wanted to capture the real experiences people go through when looking to lose weight. We all know it’s hard without support so this is where the Tony Ferguson program kicks in with the buddies lending encouragement to each other as well. Building a global community where everyone is sharing a common purpose and are each others ‘buddy’ is really important.”

“The two buddies are real people so the weekly journey and video diaries will be unpredictable. These people have holidays planned, children home for holidays, and guests staying bearing alcoholic and carb ridden gifts.”

“Followers of the Facebook series will get to see how our buddies manage their weight loss program in the face of distraction and temptation. We think they’ll relate to the buddies and they can share their own personal experiences with the buddies and build support to others looking to lose weight.”

“Given people like to share their stories and offer advice through social media channels we believe it provides the brand and its founder Tony Ferguson with the perfect channel to become involved. Tony Ferguson participates in the conversation by offering advice which positions the brand as experts in the field to their audience,” said Mr Frith.

The campaign is targeting audiences in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa solely through the Facebook series and Skype video diaries. 

The Dubs has developed the digital strategy and content planning incorporating audience definition, content development and seeding.

The success of the campaign will be measured by increased interaction, new Facebook likes, fan engagement on the Facebook page as well as the amount of traffic driven to the respective Tony Ferguson websites. 

The campaign can be followed by ‘liking’ The Tony Ferguson Weightloss Program on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/TonyFergusonWeightloss.

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The Dubs is a digital engagement agency which creates environments that inspire audiences to interact with brands by connecting them with the brand’s story and each other. The agency has 15 years experience working with brands, content producers and their audiences such as ING Direct, AMP Capital and Bayer Animal Health in Australia and media groups such as the BBC, ITV and FremantleMedia in the United Kingdom. 

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