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Marketing Eye Blog Articles
"Blame the fact that you have attention deficit disorder (A.D.D.) or that you are an A-Type Personality - or just blame the fact that you have never been able to concentrate," said a man sitting on the plane next to me as I moved from reading a book, to reading board papers to stretching - all within 10 minutes.
"But if you keep doing that, you will achieve nothing."
I have neither A.D.D. nor do I have a strong A-Type personality (although some people may challenge that), but I do have problems from time to time focusing and for that matter being able to sleep through the night because I am thinking of a hundred things at once.
"But if you keep doing that, you will achieve nothing."
I have neither A.D.D. nor do I have a strong A-Type personality (although some people may challenge that), but I do have problems from time to time focusing and for that matter being able to sleep through the night because I am thinking of a hundred things at once.
Published in Management
The Rich 200 list is littered with entrepeneurs who have sold their businesses.
Someone once said to me that they never wanted to be on that list because there are only two outcomes that derive from being placed on this list: 1. Telemarketers will harrass you for the rest of your life. 2. You will go broke.
Jan Cameron, the founder of successful retail chain Kathmandu knows this only too well. She built her business over 20 years to be the most successful retail business in the outdoor adventure space, selling for a reported $247 million and being placed on the Rich 200 list only to be in BRW today with the journalist reporting that she almost certainly won't be there this year. Why? She sold her business and then after a break decided to get back into the game and invested $80 million into Retail Adventures discount group. Not long after, she had to double her investment to keep the chain alive. Plagued with poor management and a bad company culture, the chain was put in Voluntary Administration in October.
Someone once said to me that they never wanted to be on that list because there are only two outcomes that derive from being placed on this list: 1. Telemarketers will harrass you for the rest of your life. 2. You will go broke.
Jan Cameron, the founder of successful retail chain Kathmandu knows this only too well. She built her business over 20 years to be the most successful retail business in the outdoor adventure space, selling for a reported $247 million and being placed on the Rich 200 list only to be in BRW today with the journalist reporting that she almost certainly won't be there this year. Why? She sold her business and then after a break decided to get back into the game and invested $80 million into Retail Adventures discount group. Not long after, she had to double her investment to keep the chain alive. Plagued with poor management and a bad company culture, the chain was put in Voluntary Administration in October.
Published in Management
Often, I post blogs that have been written on this site onto Linkedin Groups that are relevant to eithermarketing or entrepreneurs.
Most days, I share my experience as an entrepreneur with a growing international business, on the cusp of something that is hopefully "big" but also has hurdles along the way. Many of these hurdles are the best reminders on how to improve business processes and be a better leader and/or marketer, or just to grow a thicker skin.
Yesterday, an obvious up-and-coming competitor posted some quite offensive commentary on a Linkedin Group. I thought for a while as to whether I would just leave it or if it had an impact in the group which affected what the perception of our brand may be. To that end, I had to respond. I didn't get into the nitty gritty, but it was an overarching response. The idea of Linkedin Groups is to share ideas, interact, demonstrate thought leadership on various topics and meet people who may potentially have something worthwhile to say that may a) change your life, b) improve your knowledge, and/or c) give you a good laugh.
There is potential to misuse the Linkedin Groups platform in ways that it is not intended for, like pitching products and services through making comments on other peoples discussions or by putting down an obvious competitor. So here's a "share" from last night:
Most days, I share my experience as an entrepreneur with a growing international business, on the cusp of something that is hopefully "big" but also has hurdles along the way. Many of these hurdles are the best reminders on how to improve business processes and be a better leader and/or marketer, or just to grow a thicker skin.
Yesterday, an obvious up-and-coming competitor posted some quite offensive commentary on a Linkedin Group. I thought for a while as to whether I would just leave it or if it had an impact in the group which affected what the perception of our brand may be. To that end, I had to respond. I didn't get into the nitty gritty, but it was an overarching response. The idea of Linkedin Groups is to share ideas, interact, demonstrate thought leadership on various topics and meet people who may potentially have something worthwhile to say that may a) change your life, b) improve your knowledge, and/or c) give you a good laugh.
There is potential to misuse the Linkedin Groups platform in ways that it is not intended for, like pitching products and services through making comments on other peoples discussions or by putting down an obvious competitor. So here's a "share" from last night:
Published in Small Business Marketing
What's next? A change in gear, a foot on the brakes or acceleration
Nov 17, 2012 Written by Mellissah Smith About 18 month's ago, I realized that I had a few unfulfilled dreams. A milestone in age was coming up, albeit a few years away, and all of a sudden I couldn't think of anything other than what I had achieved and what I wanted to achieve, which were becoming two very different things.
What I had achieved was for all to see. I was comfortable with my place in the world. In many people's terms, I had achieved a lot and for me, I didn't really have any major aspirations to achieve more than what I had. Well, at least that was what I kept telling myself.
Then I received an email. It was from a friend in Dubai and they were touching base with me after a few years of no communication. We hadn't talked for no other reason other than the tyranny of distance and the lack of urgency in making contact. He asked "have you done all the things we had talked about that time we sat up until 3am in the morning, talking about our dreams". I thought back. It dawned on me that I had not. Sure it was 3am in the morning and I may have had one or two glasses of red too much, so my "dreams" were probably more outlandish than what I really wanted to do in life, but the answer still was the same. No I hadn't. And there was a few things that I said that night that I wouldn't mind crossing off my checklist.
What I had achieved was for all to see. I was comfortable with my place in the world. In many people's terms, I had achieved a lot and for me, I didn't really have any major aspirations to achieve more than what I had. Well, at least that was what I kept telling myself.
Then I received an email. It was from a friend in Dubai and they were touching base with me after a few years of no communication. We hadn't talked for no other reason other than the tyranny of distance and the lack of urgency in making contact. He asked "have you done all the things we had talked about that time we sat up until 3am in the morning, talking about our dreams". I thought back. It dawned on me that I had not. Sure it was 3am in the morning and I may have had one or two glasses of red too much, so my "dreams" were probably more outlandish than what I really wanted to do in life, but the answer still was the same. No I hadn't. And there was a few things that I said that night that I wouldn't mind crossing off my checklist.
Published in Small Business Marketing
Marketing Eye is expanding and evolving… and you could be a part of our global growth.
We’re on the hunt for an experienced marketing communications manager to head a Melbourne team. Because our work is so varied and diverse, we’re taking our time to pick the right person with the right mix of experience across a broad range of marketing skillsets. Our salary packaging is commensurate with experience and passion for marketing, and great performance will be rewarded with bonuses and perks.
We’re on the hunt for an experienced marketing communications manager to head a Melbourne team. Because our work is so varied and diverse, we’re taking our time to pick the right person with the right mix of experience across a broad range of marketing skillsets. Our salary packaging is commensurate with experience and passion for marketing, and great performance will be rewarded with bonuses and perks.
Published in Management
Daily I receive updates on Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin from people that have received publicity whether it is through an online blog or in the media sprouting how successful they are. The first couple of "pushes" of publicity, I applaud and genuinely think "good on that person". Then when it keeps coming in what can sometimes be "D-grade" versions of media that perhaps only a few people ever get to read, I start to think "oh, this person is looking for attention or needs people to think they are successful".
Which, might I add, may not be the case at all, but it is just my immediate perception if I don't know any better about the person.
Which, might I add, may not be the case at all, but it is just my immediate perception if I don't know any better about the person.
Published in Small Business Marketing
Professional services firms are known as the "safest" b2b marketers, only second behind that of the medical industry.
Still stuck in the dark ages, many professional services firms still believe that 'good work speaks for itself' and "you need to find the clients pain" ensuring that they keep it "safe" when embarking on marketing of any kind, rather than looking deep into customer insights to drive leads and create more sustainable client relationships.
What professional services firms are forgetting is that while they may still be on track to achieving their sales goals, being complacent and not moving with the times, will make it almost impossible to stay competitve.
Still stuck in the dark ages, many professional services firms still believe that 'good work speaks for itself' and "you need to find the clients pain" ensuring that they keep it "safe" when embarking on marketing of any kind, rather than looking deep into customer insights to drive leads and create more sustainable client relationships.
What professional services firms are forgetting is that while they may still be on track to achieving their sales goals, being complacent and not moving with the times, will make it almost impossible to stay competitve.
Published in Marketing
For years, I have been fascinated by design in every possible form; shape, configuration, pattern, ornamentation and visual appearance. Of particular interest is architectural design.
Last week, I was fortunate enough to walk the streets of Amsterdam with one of the Netherlands most famed interior architects, Flip Verbeek. He use to be co-owner of a company called Flow that has designed some of the most amazing interiors in buildings throughout the Netherlands. As we walked the streets, looking at building after building that had been designed by Flow and the talented architects in the team, I was inspired. The passion that this man has for design and visuals that are sustainable and complement the environment in which it inhabits, is contagioius.
So contagious in fact, that on my flight home from Amsterdam, I looked up www.realestate.com.au, found a property and days later, bought it.
The property will be the new home for Marketing Eye in Melbourne. It is located in my favourite street in the city, Greville Street and fits inside my inner-city bubble that I love to live in. While I won't be here so much to enjoy it, it gives me great pride to be able to find a building with the character and potential that the one I have just bought has.
Last week, I was fortunate enough to walk the streets of Amsterdam with one of the Netherlands most famed interior architects, Flip Verbeek. He use to be co-owner of a company called Flow that has designed some of the most amazing interiors in buildings throughout the Netherlands. As we walked the streets, looking at building after building that had been designed by Flow and the talented architects in the team, I was inspired. The passion that this man has for design and visuals that are sustainable and complement the environment in which it inhabits, is contagioius.
So contagious in fact, that on my flight home from Amsterdam, I looked up www.realestate.com.au, found a property and days later, bought it.
The property will be the new home for Marketing Eye in Melbourne. It is located in my favourite street in the city, Greville Street and fits inside my inner-city bubble that I love to live in. While I won't be here so much to enjoy it, it gives me great pride to be able to find a building with the character and potential that the one I have just bought has.
Published in Management
Australian and American Companies Doing Business Through Linkedin
Nov 06, 2012 Written by Mellissah Smith
This blog has been spurred by the many challenges in growing an international business leveraging economies of scale and opportunities that are simply too good to pass by.
In the past week, I have been thinking alot about Linkedin. It has been the topic of many conversations and all for the right reasons. Daily I am asked about what social media mediums are best for b2b organizations and of course, there is no one answer because it depends entirely on a companies specific demographic, time constraints, strategy and of course, budget.
I wrote a blog on the value of Linkedin for small businesses and have spent quite a bit of time on this social media platform over past couple of days. It's interesting to see how people interact and reach out to each other. It is equally fascinating to see some people's comments that are purely self-serving or a bit over the top negative for no apparent reason.
In the past week, I have been thinking alot about Linkedin. It has been the topic of many conversations and all for the right reasons. Daily I am asked about what social media mediums are best for b2b organizations and of course, there is no one answer because it depends entirely on a companies specific demographic, time constraints, strategy and of course, budget.
I wrote a blog on the value of Linkedin for small businesses and have spent quite a bit of time on this social media platform over past couple of days. It's interesting to see how people interact and reach out to each other. It is equally fascinating to see some people's comments that are purely self-serving or a bit over the top negative for no apparent reason.
Published in Small Business Marketing
Each day I speak to more than a dozen entrepreneurs at a bare minimum. My job is to connect with entrepreneurs and understand their businesses, challenges and what they are trying to achieve.
Yesterday, I call came through from a man wanting some help with a marketing strategy. He had just started an online business and it wasn't doing so well. He needed a strategy but could do all the work in-house if we told him what to do.
Yesterday, I call came through from a man wanting some help with a marketing strategy. He had just started an online business and it wasn't doing so well. He needed a strategy but could do all the work in-house if we told him what to do.
Published in Marketing
Finding time to spend on social media networks is getting more difficult. There are so many to choose from, that at times, small businesses don't know where to start.
From time to time, re-evaluating which social media networks work best for your company and re-defining your strategy according to changes in features and functionality, can either leverage your business to new heights or create havoc with your sales cycle.
As a firm believer that "you cannot be everything to everyone", it makes perfect sense to spend time looking at the various analytics relating to social media, the demographics of each platform and how it applies to your target audience, brand authenticity and collaborations with clients and partners.
When it comes to b2b marketing, the decision on what social media networks to use and invest in becomes significantly easier.
From time to time, re-evaluating which social media networks work best for your company and re-defining your strategy according to changes in features and functionality, can either leverage your business to new heights or create havoc with your sales cycle.
As a firm believer that "you cannot be everything to everyone", it makes perfect sense to spend time looking at the various analytics relating to social media, the demographics of each platform and how it applies to your target audience, brand authenticity and collaborations with clients and partners.
When it comes to b2b marketing, the decision on what social media networks to use and invest in becomes significantly easier.
Published in Small Business Marketing
Want a marketing consultant in the US? Atlanta? New York? Los Angeles? BEWARE!
Oct 31, 2012 Written by Mellissah Smith
A marketing consultant is not necessarily a marketing consultant.
From one to another, they are completely different. Some have great skills in strategy, others in tactical development and execution of marketing plans. Some are great at communicating but not fully across social media or what role advertising plays in the digital age.
In the past year, I have travelled the world talking to marketers and each one has something different to offer. They all have honed their skills in one area or another.
I first started my involvement in the marketing industry 21 years ago at an advertising agency in Queensland. I remember watching the owner of the business operate and being completely fascinated by his skills and creativity. He had started his career as a window dresser for a large retailer and way back in the early nineties was making more than a million dollars profit out of 5-man agency. Incredible.
From one to another, they are completely different. Some have great skills in strategy, others in tactical development and execution of marketing plans. Some are great at communicating but not fully across social media or what role advertising plays in the digital age.
In the past year, I have travelled the world talking to marketers and each one has something different to offer. They all have honed their skills in one area or another.
I first started my involvement in the marketing industry 21 years ago at an advertising agency in Queensland. I remember watching the owner of the business operate and being completely fascinated by his skills and creativity. He had started his career as a window dresser for a large retailer and way back in the early nineties was making more than a million dollars profit out of 5-man agency. Incredible.
Published in Small Business Marketing
How to keep your old books in one piece : a must read for entrepreneurs
Oct 28, 2012 Written by Mellissah Smith
Walking along the canals in Amsterdam this morning, I came across this piece of art. A park bench made out of old books.
It is a piece of art and each book has a story that it wishes to tell. Each book was put together by people who loved what is inside and wanted to share it with others. Each page is full of dialogue from authors all over the world, wanting to explore their inner most thoughts, passion, and view on something that they believe is meant not just for themselves but for others around them.
We each have a story to be told - don't we? As I sat in a coffee shop with my friend Huib today, we discussed some interesting life stories that people have shared with us in public forums. What we believed was a good story and some that we thought could be told in a different way, or perhaps should not be told at all.
It is a piece of art and each book has a story that it wishes to tell. Each book was put together by people who loved what is inside and wanted to share it with others. Each page is full of dialogue from authors all over the world, wanting to explore their inner most thoughts, passion, and view on something that they believe is meant not just for themselves but for others around them.
We each have a story to be told - don't we? As I sat in a coffee shop with my friend Huib today, we discussed some interesting life stories that people have shared with us in public forums. What we believed was a good story and some that we thought could be told in a different way, or perhaps should not be told at all.
Published in Small Business Marketing
The Food Stalker, LA Magazine Food and Wine Festival and More
Oct 23, 2012 Written by Mellissah Smith
What a crazy day to arrive in LA!!! I hopped off the plane in Los Angeles, headed straight for the Mondrian Hotel, changed then had a meeting with a businessman from Houston (www.mycityrocks.com), then met up with some other friends to head to LA Magazine's Wine and Food Festival at Saddlerock Ranch.
What a day! First we arrive in what is clearly the most exciting ranch I have ever seen. Not only do they have Zebra's and Camels, they have acres of vineyards with some of California's finest grapes.
I spent the day enjoying the exquisite view, good wine and delicious food, while meeting the wine makers and other successful business people who attended the function.
One of my good friends, The Food Stalkers very own Sandie Ward, covered the LA Magazine event, videoing the many eateries showcasing their food and the wineries who had their beste wines on display.
We talked about social media and the importance of offline and online marketing in any marketing strategy. The Food Stalker is one of my favourite blogs. Sandie brings alot of her personality into the blogs and really has a knack as a world-class entertainer whom I frequently liken to a nicer version of Gordon Ramsay.
Los Angeles is full of small business owners and a great destination for any Australian company to set up if they are looking to expand into the US. There is a certain vibrance when you talk to business people in LA, but be careful to do a background check - afterall, it is Hollywood!
What a day! First we arrive in what is clearly the most exciting ranch I have ever seen. Not only do they have Zebra's and Camels, they have acres of vineyards with some of California's finest grapes.
I spent the day enjoying the exquisite view, good wine and delicious food, while meeting the wine makers and other successful business people who attended the function.
One of my good friends, The Food Stalkers very own Sandie Ward, covered the LA Magazine event, videoing the many eateries showcasing their food and the wineries who had their beste wines on display.
We talked about social media and the importance of offline and online marketing in any marketing strategy. The Food Stalker is one of my favourite blogs. Sandie brings alot of her personality into the blogs and really has a knack as a world-class entertainer whom I frequently liken to a nicer version of Gordon Ramsay.
Los Angeles is full of small business owners and a great destination for any Australian company to set up if they are looking to expand into the US. There is a certain vibrance when you talk to business people in LA, but be careful to do a background check - afterall, it is Hollywood!
Published in Small Business Marketing
My Mother has always said to me that I should appreciate what I have got, not what I have not.
Today, as I ready myself for the journey ahead, to the US and Europe for work, I had a moment. You know the one. When you sit back and you start complaining to yourself about your life, your work and how many dreams you have had that haven't become a reality.
Don't get me wrong. I am usually an optimist but even the most optimistic person, has moments of self-doubt.
Today, as I ready myself for the journey ahead, to the US and Europe for work, I had a moment. You know the one. When you sit back and you start complaining to yourself about your life, your work and how many dreams you have had that haven't become a reality.
Don't get me wrong. I am usually an optimist but even the most optimistic person, has moments of self-doubt.
Published in Mellissah Smith
