Recreating a restaurant brand

The high street restaurant market is a crowded one. Ask Italian is one of the well-known brands battling to attract hungry consumers - in this case with a major brand transformation. In Marketing Week, an interview with marketing director, Catherine Salloux, shows how the process starts with creating a truly distinctive feel and one that portrays a more up-to-date Italian atmosphere. She explains, “All of the inspiration is rooted in Milanese design which is bright, colourful and contemporary. The idea is to break the paradigm of Italian restaurants in England where the design is general Tuscany-inspired dark woods and…Chianti bottles.” As well as restaurant design, the brand makeover includes the food and customer service. To ensure customers are aware of the brand changes, as it rolls out across all the company’s restaurants, Catherine is involved in a multi-layered PR campaign including a cook book project with Great Ormond Street Hospital. For more details on this retail rebranding visit http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/opinion/qa-catherine-salloux-ask-italian-marketing-director/4004511.article

The winners at the Campaign Big Awards

Last week saw the annual awards celebrating the ‘best creative advertising that has run in the UK’ at Grosvenor House  in London. The Campaign group says that it ‘endeavours to remain a true reflection of the diverse landscape’ of advertising. Awards were given to winners in a full range of product categories including charity, grocery, sport and financial services. Within each sector each discipline had its own award for areas such as digital, outdoor, press and radio. A winning campaign in one of the film categories was  ‘3 Little Pigs’ by Bartle Bogle Hegarty for The Guardian which was awarded Gold. In the charity sector, Vinnie Jones’ lesson in resuscitation to the sound of the Bee Gees was also awarded Gold – a campaign by Grey London for The British Heart Foundation. To see if some of your favourite campaigns were winners, read the full list at the Campaign website at  http://www.campaignbigawards.com/

Engaging employees with a new brand

A new brand launch needs everyone to be engaged and enthusiastic – including staff at all levels. EE, the new rebranded company bringing together Orange and T-Mobile, started its campaign to engage as many of its staff as possible with a meeting for 15,000 of them at the NEC in Birmingham. An article in Marketing Week describes some of the staff activities at the employee launch:‘a 30-metre sprint race to see if staff could beat the speed of 4G’ and a ‘silent disco to represent the ease of media streaming.’ The new company hopes that the enthusiasm generated will be there on Oct 30^th when the new EE stores open. Employees can then keep in touch on a new purpose-built internal social media network called Splash. For more on how these employee engagement tools are designed to reflect the EE brand values, read the full article at http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/news/how-ee-hopes-to-make-staff-its-key-marketing-asset/4004263.article

Digital media Q&A– a creative career sector in growth

Social media editors, digital media managers and mobile managers – many job titles in the digital media world didn’t exist a few years ago so keeping up to date is vital. In The Guardian’s series of online Q&A sessions, it was recently the turn of experts and professionals in the digital media sector to give advice. Their own job titles range from freelance digital brand consultant to online editor and digital innovator. Key points discussed included understanding the difference between using digital media – SEO, social media networks and mobile applications – in a strategic context rather than social. The discussion also highlighted that there are a huge range of skills and experiences that could be relevant to a digital role; from journalism and marketing to technical skills such as database management or photography. Whatever your experience, ensure your C.V. tells a coherent story. For the full discussion on the opportunities in this rising career sector read the article at http://careers.guardian.co.uk/careers-blog/careers-in-digital-media-live-q-a

Market researchers – ten tips to get mobile

Mobile market research opens many doors for market research managers. Audiences can often respond at the point of experience and with permission, even passive browsing and purchase data can be collected. To get the most out of mobile market research, take a minute to read the top ten tips featured on the Research website from the Market Research Society. The advice balances the great potential of customer data uncovered this way with the need for privacy and data protection consideration. It also looks at both the need to design surveys in a completely different way for mobile devices yet urges not be transfixed by the technology itself. Areas highlighted that can now be used in market research include video input, barcode scanning and QR codes. With increasing consumer understanding the technology should be able to facilitate both quick response surveys and longer term projects.  For the complete top ten list read the article at http://www.research-live.com/features/mobile-future/top-ten-tips-for-getting-the-most-out-of-mobile-market-research/4007907.article

How key brands are working with Google+

The newest kid on the social media block, Google+, is celebrating its first birthday in September. In the latest edition of Marketing Week, its success is reviewed in a number of articles, particularly looking at which brands have started to use it in their strategic or tactical plans. Some of the key brands cited as having found Google+ as a useful tool are The Financial Times, Thomson Holidays, Cadbury and H&M. At Thomson Holidays, managers are using the ‘hangout’ facility to host virtual welcome meeting, allowing customers to engage before they reach the resort. Ian Chapman, Thomson’s director of holiday experiences, says this “helps build up the holiday buzz and positive feeling towards the brand.” He also says though that consumer understanding of Google+ needs to increase before they carry out bigger projects.  For more on how Google+ has fared in its first year read the series of articles here http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/news/google-a-year-on/4003495.article

Business to business – the importance of social media

Not having mass consumer markets does not mean a business should ignore social media. The business to business sector still needs to communicate regularly with key customers for a range of purposes from tracking key contacts to customer service. A detailed article in Marketing Week magazine review the latest initiatives by companies using social media in a business to business context. Some were initially nervous about conducting more conversations in a more open fashion but many have embraced the possibilities of Twitter, Facebook etc. Xerox now offers training for its employees called ‘social media fundamentals’ to help with customer service initiatives. Social media activity prior to exhibitions and  conferences are also proving popular. Dell Computers streamed content of interviews and events at a recent conference before and during the event. For more on this rising use of social media read the full article at http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/strategies-and-tactics/talking-business-in-social-circles/4002640.article

Media planning - how would you like to be remembered?

Having a relevant and emotional impact on your target audience is important for a marketing campaign but how well will it be remembered? James Galpin, director of Global Media Practice AMAP, argues in a detailed article on the research agency Millward Brown’s website, that media choice is the key to success in many campaigns.  Different sub-groups within your target audience may react differently to different media and non-T.V. options are discussed in particular. Consider complementary choices of media vehicle to boost a campaign e.g. OOH (out of home) advertising vehicles alongside in-shop advertising are said to boost consumer likelihood to purchase. Unusual yet effective media examples are given such as Zappos’ shoes. Adverts on the bins used at airports which screen carry on luggage catch consumers just as they have to take their shoes off.  To learn more about the latest on media planning and selection read the full article at http://www.millwardbrown.com/Libraries/MB_POV_Downloads/Millward_Brown_POV_Medium_Informs_Message_2012.sflb.ashx

‘Great’ Britain or ‘USA - Land of Dreams’ – international tourism 2012

It’s not just the British tourism industry that is looking to profit from the Olympics and international focus on London and Great Britain. In The Drum magazine, several marketing campaigns for different countries are compared, with more than just the Visit Britain team considering the Olympic effect. In Ireland, they have been targeting Brits, and particularly Londoners, wanting to avoid the Olympics with their ‘Escape the Madness’ campaign. The tourism marketing team from France have also been trying to entice stressed Londoners away. Their aim is also to persuade international visitors to the Games to cross the Channel once they’ve finished their trip to London. Outside of the Olympic effect, the campaigns for Canada, USA and Australia are also discussed. For more on the marketing teams’ strategies to portray their countries in just a few minutes, take a look at all the ads on The Drum website. http://www.thedrum.co.uk/news/2012/07/20/international-tourism-campaigns-whos-doing-what-summer

Research Aid needs your market research skills

You don’t need to run a marathon to help your local charity. They may need your professional market research skills. Or at least some charities might not realise that they do but the Market Research Society are hoping to change that with Research Aid. Larger charities recognise the need for data to analyze their activities and achievements. Smaller charities may not have used market research in the same way. Research Aid aims to act as a broker for charities linking MRS members to a charity. The work will be done pro bono and the network will help establish working guidelines. Jane Frost, MRS Chief Executive said: “The research community is in a unique position to help charities generate the evidence they need to satisfy their supporters and stakeholders. They need this evidence to survive.” For more on how you may be able to help and gain extra valuable work experience, read the full article at http://www.mrs.org.uk/article/item/426

Marketing Week Live 2012

Whatever your marketing discipline from customer loyalty and motivation to promotion and data marketing, the Marketing Week Live event should have something for everyone. The show takes place in the Grand Hall in Olympia, London on the 27^th and 28^th June. It offers seven shows in one, all focusing on different aspects of marketing. Each show has its own speakers at individual conferences. At the Data Marketing show, British Airways will be talking about CRM (customer relationship management). At the Online Marketing show, SKY will be talking about ‘delivering a comprehensive digital channel strategy’. On the centre stage, key marketing personnel from Coca Cola, Lexus and Nokia will be talking about their very successful brands. As well as the conferences there will be great sourcing opportunities with more than 474 exhibitors. Entry is free and can be booked online. For full details visit the Marketing Week site at http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/Journals/2012/06/20/h/r/m/MW_Live_210612_Open.pdf

What makes a successful creative agency?

Whether you already work in a design agency or are researching them as potential employers, knowing the key characteristics of a successful design or creative agency could be very useful. In an article on The Drum website, Rod Petrie from the Design Business Association, offers his 10 key points on how to be a successful agency. He sees agencies as working with the ‘challenge of an increasingly diverse and complex yet exciting brand and media landscape’. To succeed, he cites confidence, professionalism and trust, particularly in terms of maintaining client business. He also suggests that people are an agency’s most valuable asset and it needs to have an ‘ability to spot and develop talent at all levels’. To learn what a top agency should be doing, and in turn who they might be looking for, read the full article at http://www.thedrum.co.uk/opinion/2012/04/30/10-key-points-how-be-successful-agency

Working in the media – popular but competitive

The Association of Graduate Recruiters say that 25% of students listed 'the media' when asked about future career choices. No surprise then that ‘competition for jobs is so intense’ according to an article in GradJobs magazine. With all that in mind, the article then takes a step by step approach for the different branches of media jobs with top tips at every stage to get a foot on the ladder. From television to print journalism, from radio to marketing, gaining experience wherever and whenever you can is seen as crucial. Whether it’s for a student newspaper or hospital radio, the article urges you to “make the most of it by volunteering for anything that crops up, and always try to take the initiative by coming up with ideas…and get noticed.” It’s also important to remember the technical roles available. From television the list includes sound recorders, script editors, floor managers, broadcast engineers and vision mixers.” More tips including pay and qualifications at http://www.gradjobs.co.uk/magazine/features/become-a-media-mogul

Different routes to a market research career

Market research as a career– did you choose it or find it? A new article from Research magazine interviews two research directors on their careers. Richard Noon sought his career after a degree in business and information technology and admits to ‘an interest in all things media’ and being ‘a geek when it comes to Rajar and NRS figures.’ Tim Barber, on the other hand, worked in advertising. While looking to break into television, a colleague’s friend offered him a job in her agency specialising in media and TV research. He soon discovered that “I had found my ideal job.” The contrast between the two routes to the industry shows how many backgrounds can help a career in market research. Tim considers that not having a research degree can be an issue but not in the longer term. Richard benefits from his IT experience. Read both interviews to compare to your research career path. http://www.research-live.com/features/how-i-ended-up-in-research/4006007.article

Gold standards for event management

The many events for the Diamond Jubilee and Olympics will mean a boost and revitalization for the corporate hospitality sector. This is according to an article in Marketing Week quoting the publisher of a new report as saying “After the Olympics, the potential void will be fed by new innovation and ideas, arguably fuelling a new generation of events.” For those already in the industry or looking for a role in event management, the article goes on to look at the latest in events as part of the marketing mix. Tips from professionals include involving the in-house venue team at the event as they know how to get the most out of their venue. Also make sure that all details of an event really reflect your brand. This may mean knowing what each audience understands about the brand and planning activities accordingly. For more on event planning read the article here. http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/trends/how-to-bring-events-up-to-gold-standard/4001597.article

Are your cookies up to EU standards?

If your online marketing role involves management of customer data, targeted advertising, or customer profiling, you will probably be using cookies. And if your retail, commercial or e-commerce website is using them, then from 26^th May you need to be ready for the new EU ‘Cookie Law’. For you and your marketing colleagues, a clear guide to the new law can be found on wired.co.uk. The article defines a cookie as ‘very simple text files that get downloaded onto your PC when you visit a website’ letting the site know that you’ve visited and ‘tailoring the experience that you have.’ The new law demands that companies must gain customers’ consent before ‘serving them a cookie’. Not without controversy, the law will be coming in despite a KPMG study showing that 95% of websites still aren’t yet compliant. Find out all you need to know about cookies by reading the full article http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-05/02/cookies-made-simple

Marketing in China – do you own your own brand?

Brand reputation can mean everything so some companies are surprised and shocked to learn about how their brands are being used in China. An article, in the Telegraph, looks at the issue of how Chinese manufacturers and retailers are registering well-known brands for their own use. Examples given include “a man named Liu Mingxi has the right to produce garments…under the "Asda" label” and a clothing company that has the right to sell its ties under the Hermes brand. The issue arises because in China the brand belongs to the first person to register the name. This differs to the U.S and U.K ‘where the rights to a brand are determined on use and on whether there might be confusion if another company starts using the same name.’ Some companies are already in court; others are unaware of how their brand is being used. Read the full article here http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9234766/Asda-in-China-Thatll-be-Mr-Liu-in-Shenzhen.html

Using social media for research and development

There are a wide range of uses for social media in all product development stages according to an opinion piece in Marketing Week by Michael Nutley. He argues that brands and companies have a lot to learn from harnessing customer views and input through online techniques. The three key areas are called co-creation, crowd sourcing and content creation and the article looks at their applications. Lego is an example of a brand that uses content creation i.e. ‘finding people within fan communities who were also talented amateurs in a particular area and could produce something you needed.” In Lego’s case adult enthusiasts created new product designs yet ‘only wanted to be paid in bricks’. Elsewhere fashion brands develop virtual stores for fans to virtually shop in order to determine popular lines. For the full article and further examples visit http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/opinion/theres-a-lot-more-to-social-media-than-fire-fighting-a-wall-of-gripes/4001228.article

Event planners – excellent multi-taskers required

Designer, press officer, logistics manager, organization expert and financial officer. Just some of the roles that a successful event manager needs to play according to an article on careers website – alec.co.uk. As well as looking at these skills required for a successful event manager, the article notes the wide range of events where your skills might be required. From the more well-known examples such as product launches and conferences to large sporting and charity fundraisers or trade shows, event planners will be “responsible for every aspect”. There is a warning however about prospects. “The conference industry continues to grow rapidly…but bear in mind that hospitality budgets are swiftly cut when the economy goes through a downturn, so corporate event planning careers can have their ups and downs.” On the positive side, event planners can work in many different sectors and locations around the world. See full article about event planning here  http://www.alec.co.uk/free-career-assessment/careers-in-event-planning.htm

Get creative to get into advertising

To demonstrate your creativity for a job in advertising it might take more than just a C.V. according to an article from Guardian Careers. Michelle Greenhalgh is managing director at Saatchi S and recalls some of the more unusual ways that candidates have tried to attract attention. Some of the ways that would-be advertising executives try to make an application stand out include “cupcakes, customised Monopoly board games, cocktail making kits (complete with fresh limes and tequila) and a life-size human cardboard cut-out.” Michelle explains that some strange approaches actually work as advertising doesn’t necessarily need ‘a formal degree. Anyone can be brilliant.” Her tips for making an impression include “Have an idea…that will delight or challenge’ and ‘Get in wherever you can. Start somewhere, but don't get stuck where you don't want to be.’ Read the full article (including how Alex Blacklock got a job at Saatchi &Saatchi) here: http://careers.guardian.co.uk/careers-blog/advertising-industry-job-applications

‘Likeonomics’ – a new marketing term for 2012?

New technologies and associated marketing initiatives can bring new vocabulary for marketers to absorb – with some more likely to catch on than others. In a Marketing Week article, four marketing experts introduce new terms as well as their opinions on whether they will last. Lucy Handley looks at ‘likeonomics’, the subject of a recent book by Rohit Bhargava. Although the term comes from how some ‘marketers around the world obsess over Facebook’s ‘like’ button’ the article looks at the importance of the consumer trust in a brand, citing examples such as John Lewis. Another new term that also involves the rise of social media is SoLoMo, blending the trends of social, local and mobile with a definition of ‘targeting consumers based on their current location with content or promotions designed to be shared via social networks.’ Tempted to know the other two? Read the full article on Marketing Week’s website. http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/strategies-and-tactics/cmo-strategy/marketing-terms-that-will-reach-the-boardroom-in-2012/4000930.article

Marketing the Arts in the South West?

If you work in the marketing department of a museum, theatre or arts centre and you work in the Bristol area there are fellow marketing professionals who would like to meet you. BAM (Bristol Arts Marketers) is a group co-ordinated by Audiences South West, who meet to share advice and co-ordinate specialised training for those working to promote the arts. The group is open to all from freelancers to marketing officers and marketing directors, offering opportunities to network. Some of its members include @Bristol, The Arnolfini and the Wardrobe theatre. There may also be an opportunity to work on Bristol city-wide projects. More information about the group is available on the ‘Bristol Creatives’ website. As well as face to face events, members can go online where ‘toolkits, further advice, plans for meetings, invitations to training, and messages are shared’. See more at http://www.bristolcreatives.co.uk/news/2012/03/22/bristol-arts-marketers-group-invitation-join and http://www.audiencessw.org/page.php?id=196

Marketing strategies of the U.K.’s largest food brand

Managing a brand that has more shops than McDonalds, Costa or Subway involves many different marketing disciplines from concentrating on customer feedback to managing new product and brand launches. In an interview in Marketing Week, CEO of bakery chain Greggs, Ken McMeikan, gives a lot of insight behind the development of the brand. The article describes his first customer feedback initiative when he first started in 2008. ‘He decided to write to the 20,000 customers it had on file to ask what they thought of the brand. He got an impressive 11,000 letters back - not bad for a retailer famous for sausage rolls.” One recent brand strategy is to develop an additional upmarket range of shops called ‘Moment’ with a more sophisticated product range, encouraging customers to sit down and eat. This move allowed access to another growing food sector – coffee sales. Read more about Greggs marketing success at http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/trends/greggs-finds-ingredient-for-growth-on-facebook/4000357.article

Effective design for all

Good design can bring great strategic benefits to all areas of a company. That’s the message that the West of England Design Forum want to get across to businesses that may not have previously put great emphasis on design. A series of talks and workshops, “Five Days of Design’ set in Bristol, hopes to convince them of the need for good design in products and communication to develop and increase sales. The programs for each of the days cover many areas. Day 4 is ‘Why design matters’ looking at design and the electronics industry and takes place at the Bristol and Bath science park. On Day 2, ‘The Value of Design’ is a workshop for those already working as designers on how to communicate better with clients. Whether you work in the design area or you think your role could benefit from a designer’s advice see the full details at the organiser’s website. http://www.wedesignforum.co.uk/events/2012/03

Rolex and the BBC – Superbrands Results 2012

What do the BBC, Royal Doulton and Dulux have in common? In the results just announced of the annual Superbrands survey, they have made the Top Ten of the U.K’s strongest business to consumer brands (5th, 10th and 8th respectively). The survey uses opinions from ‘marketing experts, business professional and thousands of British consumers’ according to its website. The top three were found to be Rolex, Coca-Cola and Google. Google also features in the top three of the other Superbrands survey – B2B Superbrands. It stands at number two below Rolls-Royce and above GlaxoSmithKline. The definition of a Superbrand is said to be a brand that ‘has established the finest reputation in its field. It offers customers significant emotional and/or tangible advantages over its competitors, which customers want and recognise.’ The website also gives an overview of each brand. See if you work for or with any of the total of 500 brands listed. More at http://www.superbrands.uk.com/

The launch of ‘Brand Academy’

Marketing, P.R. and sales training are all seen as important areas by many small businesses but almost half don’t know where to begin, according to a survey by the Federation of Small Businesses. With this in mind, the Federation have teamed up with Burson-Marstellar, the global P.R. and communications company, to launch Brand Academy. According to an article in PR Week, the development programme will ‘help brands understand the effect that good communications can have on their business’. The program, starting with a range of free workshops, will be available for start-ups and junior marketing professionals as well as small businesses. And it seems there is a need out for there for professional marketing advice. Steve Warwick, Greater London regional chairman of the FSB, said: ‘Our members have told us time and again that they need support in marketing themselves.” To learn more about Brand Academy read the full article in PR Week http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/1118964/burson-marsteller-federation-small-businesses-launch-brand-academy/

Gloucester – on the big and small screen

Do your skills link to the film industry or does your career depend on local tourism? If you live in Gloucestershire look out for a film project coming soon to a city near you. The City Council has just signed up to Creative England’s ‘film friendly charter’. The City council aims to welcome all sizes of production companies – helping with locations and other support. City Council Leader Paul James, commented: “Production companies… are important to the city. They encourage tourism and big productions can provide a sizeable cash injection to the local economy.” Filming in Gloucester has included scenes for Harry Potter, Doctor Who and more recently a big Shakespeare production. Stephen Badham, Senior Production Liaison Manager at Creative England said, “This scheme shows filmmakers they will be dealt with in an efficient and friendly manner… which can make the reason to film in that area so much stronger.” Follow the link for the full council statement www.gloucester.gov.uk/YourCouncil/PressOffice/PressReleases/Feb2012/140212FilmFriendlyGloucester.aspx

Designs of the Year at London Design Museum

What do the Kinect for the Xbox 360, the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner and a thousand paper models of birds have in common? They have all been selected for this year’s ‘Designs of the Year’ exhibition at the London Design Museum. The entries are all selected by industry figures and make an eclectic range of areas where the skills of a professional designer are called for – from product design to graphic design, from illustration to architecture. A review including many photos of the exhibits can be found on the Creative Review magazine website.
Some projects are more practical such as the Homeplus Tesco Virtual Store from Korea are or the hospital in Rwanda in the architecture section. Some are more visual such as the ‘Thousand cranes for Japan’ project’ supporting those affected by the tsunami. The exhibition runs until July 15th. For the full review and many images of this year’s designs visit http://www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2012/february/designs-of-the-year-2012

Learning event skills from the Olympics

A letter aimed at organisers of the many events associated with the Olympics this year makes good advice for event planners of any type. The letter written by the Event Industry Forum is discussed in Event Magazine this month. It has been sent to both event organisers and local authorities involved in the summer sporting events.
The Forum is particularly concerned with the use of unproven and unreliable suppliers. It urges organisers to ‘Check out all your suppliers to ensure they have suitable experience and a track record of working in the events industry… check suppliers are members of a reputable trade body and have been in membership for at least 12 months.’ The importance of risk assessment is also stressed. For the full details of the letter and what you may be able to learn for your own event management career see the Event website http://www.eventmagazine.co.uk/channel/news/article/1115623/Events-Industry-Forum-warns-dodgy-suppliers-ruining-events-during-Olympics/

Is your Marketing department a happy place?

According to a recent office survey by Mars Drinks UK, marketing and other creative types are the happiest people and most content with their jobs. Which is just as well, as they are in the office for longer, on average working for 45 minutes longer a day than the average office worker.
The survey, discussed in an article on ‘The Drum’ magazine website, asked questions about working habits from emails to office disagreements. According to the article, the average creative employee ‘ receives 31 emails and sends 28, both makes and receives 24 phone calls and drinks an average of three cups of tea or coffee.’ Despite cited irritants such as IT failures and colleagues gossiping, 50% of creative office workers said they were happy in their job with only 6% saying that they hated their role. To see whether you match up to the average, see more details at http://thedrum.co.uk/news/2012/01/23/creative-professionals-work-longest-hours-50-are-happy-their-jobs

Media Awards for South West

If you’re an innovative media or design company in the south west area, including Gloucestershire, you have a few weeks left to enter the Media Innovation Awards 2012. The awards are a joint initiative by the media, design and music clusters across the South West. Locally the Gloucestershire Media Group based in Cheltenham are a part of the initiative, as are the Gloucestershire and Swindon Design networks.

The 16 categories include branding, website design and exhibitions as well as a range of music categories, so many of the wide range of creative industries in the South West can compete. You have until February 28th to enter a project that was completed any time during 2011. The companies showing the ‘most innovative use of media and design’ can then look forward to celebrations at a Gala dinner in the autumn. See full details at the design awards website. ttp://www.mediainnovationawards.com/home.aspx

Marketing Week’s annual salary survey

Many marketing professionals are expecting restructuring in their marketing departments according to the annual salary survey carried out by Marketing Week and Ball and Hoolahan. In total 3,357 marketers took part in the survey from marketing directors to graduate trainees. Their responses covered changes in their departments and their reward packages.

Salary changes varied between market sectors and level of seniority. On average marketing managers saw a 10.7% drop in salary yet marketing directors increased by 4.7% at just below the rate of inflation. Those working in digital marketing or insight and research also did well compared to other areas. The top three sectors for remuneration proved to be the financial services sector followed by retail marketing and those in the FMCG sector. Find out full details on how your sector and salary stands up, read the full article at Marketing Week

http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/analysis/cover-stories/the-marketing-week/ball-and-hoolahan-salary-survey-2012/3033165.article

Exhibitions in the digital world

How does the value of a trade exhibition stand up in the digital marketing mix? In an interview with Exhibition World magazine, Messe Frankfurt communications director, Kai Hattendorf, talks of digital innovations in exhibition planning management.

Working in the world’s largest trade fair company, Hattendorf sees many new innovations but is also clear about the need for face to face interaction. Although he says less that “less actual trade and fewer deals take place at trade shows” he still sees a need for “a platform for communication and the person-to-person interaction not facilitated through social media or networks.” Digital innovations for trade fairs include smartphone applications accessing exhibitor and product details to plan visits and business appointments. Many fairs also have Facebook pages, forums and virtual venues running alongside the exhibition to continue communication throughout the year. Read more about exhibition life at http://www.exhibitionworld.co.uk/featuredetails/114/advancing-technology-to-enhance-an-exhibition-offering

Are you ready for 2012? Top trends from key marketing agency

Are your marketing messages mobile? Are you engaging with rather than ‘broadcasting’ to customers? And are you being consistent across all communication platforms? In an article on the commpro.biz blog, ‘Top 12 Marketing and PR Trends to watch in 2012’, these are some of the key areas to get right for professional marketing managers and public relations managers in the coming year.

Both the benefits and the pitfalls of the latest marketing trends are highlighted in the list. Social media offers the chance to enhance the customers experience linking different mobile platforms together as well as linking mobile campaigns to more traditional methods such as print advertising and television. Successful marketing campaigns, however, should also always consider the increasing security issues such as spam and phishing. To get your marketing and communications strategy off to a good start in the new year, read the whole article at http://blog.commpro.biz/marketinghq/2011/12/top-12-marketing-and-pr-trends-to-watch-in-2012/