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As an ex-journalist, interviewing people of all backgrounds and walks of life is second nature to me. I've interviewed police officers, politicians and met the Prime Minister, but have never been asked to have a sit-down interview with my former news organisation's owner (who would be Rupert Murdoch himself - eep!).
Today, I'm on day two in the marketing industry and have been given the chance to pick the brain of Marketing Eye founder, Mellissah Smith – it’s a slightly daunting ask, especially when you consider that she was little older than I was when she first branched out and went solo in her first agency.
“I’ve been in marketing for 20-odd years and was 25 when I started my first agency – what inspired me to start was an account opportunity falling in my lap,” Mellissah said.
Today, I'm on day two in the marketing industry and have been given the chance to pick the brain of Marketing Eye founder, Mellissah Smith – it’s a slightly daunting ask, especially when you consider that she was little older than I was when she first branched out and went solo in her first agency.
“I’ve been in marketing for 20-odd years and was 25 when I started my first agency – what inspired me to start was an account opportunity falling in my lap,” Mellissah said.
It's a statement that has finality but how much of it is true?
Day 1: loads of emailing.
Pinterest.. more than a passing interest for small business marketing
Published in
Small Business Marketing
I am officially in love! Seriously. Pinterest.com is by far my favourite social media network - ever. I can sit there all day long looking at the art on my Pinterest.com pinboard and still never get bored. It is like being in the most extraordinary gallery, that transcends anything you have ever experienced before. And, there is something for everyone.
Making Hitwise's Top 10 Social Network list beating Linkedin and Google is no easy feat for this unassuming social media platform that is the newest social media platform in town.
It is the best platform for business today particularly small business - especially if you are a visual person and your small business clients are visual people too.
Making Hitwise's Top 10 Social Network list beating Linkedin and Google is no easy feat for this unassuming social media platform that is the newest social media platform in town.
It is the best platform for business today particularly small business - especially if you are a visual person and your small business clients are visual people too.
Bang for your buck
Published in
Mellissah Smith
(BRW, the Marketing Issue, Oct 20-26, 2011)
It needn’t take a huge budget to market a business. All it takes is time and little forethought. Report: Georgina Dent
Many years ago a manager commented off the cut that Marketing Eye Chief executive Mellissah Smith “worked in sales”. Smith was irritated by the description until she decided he’d made a valid point. “I was quite annoyed about him saying marketing was the same as sales but they actually do go hand in hand,” she says. “Marketing creates the forum for sales to occur.”
It needn’t take a huge budget to market a business. All it takes is time and little forethought. Report: Georgina Dent
Many years ago a manager commented off the cut that Marketing Eye Chief executive Mellissah Smith “worked in sales”. Smith was irritated by the description until she decided he’d made a valid point. “I was quite annoyed about him saying marketing was the same as sales but they actually do go hand in hand,” she says. “Marketing creates the forum for sales to occur.”
Anyone can learn how to be a great leader
Published in
Management
When you start a small business, it's hard to think about what leadership style you would like to incorporate in your company. Typically, your thoughts are on what product or service you would like to take to market; your business plan; how you are going to get sales; and how you will attract the right people to work for you.
Leadership styles is often thought to be a medium or larger business thought-process.
Leadership styles is often thought to be a medium or larger business thought-process.
Advertisements that Work
Published in
Small Business Marketing
An outstanding NSS advertisement, placed in Lloyd's List, which was developed by our creative team!
Say NO! to clients - and you will grow faster
Published in
Management
It's a lesson that I learned far too late in the game, but nevertheless, I have learnt it and am reaping the rewards.
When clients are rolling in the door, most entrepreneurs are counting the dollars and working out ways in which to service them.
In the past, I have said 'yes' to far too many dodgy characters - people who I knew would never pay their bills, liars and people who just don't fit in with our brand and culture. Every single time, it ended in disaster.
When clients are rolling in the door, most entrepreneurs are counting the dollars and working out ways in which to service them.
In the past, I have said 'yes' to far too many dodgy characters - people who I knew would never pay their bills, liars and people who just don't fit in with our brand and culture. Every single time, it ended in disaster.
X-FACTOR - DO YOU HAVE IT?
Have you ever walked into a room and everyone has turned to stare at you?
Have you ever started a speech and known that every single person in the audience is holding onto every last word you say?
Do your staff proudly tell the world that they work for your company?
Are you customers skiting over the fact that they use your company's services?
If you are Mel B, she proudly proclaims that she knew she had the X Factor when she first started with the Spice Girls. More modestly, Ronan Keating from the X Factor believes that you never really know but people may start asking for your autographs or listening to your songs. The X Factor show has been a phenomenal success showcasing the talents of people with talent. The winners have the 'X Factor' and often go on to be highly successful. Think Susan Boyle.
Have you ever walked into a room and everyone has turned to stare at you?
Have you ever started a speech and known that every single person in the audience is holding onto every last word you say?
Do your staff proudly tell the world that they work for your company?
Are you customers skiting over the fact that they use your company's services?
If you are Mel B, she proudly proclaims that she knew she had the X Factor when she first started with the Spice Girls. More modestly, Ronan Keating from the X Factor believes that you never really know but people may start asking for your autographs or listening to your songs. The X Factor show has been a phenomenal success showcasing the talents of people with talent. The winners have the 'X Factor' and often go on to be highly successful. Think Susan Boyle.
We are more than 2 weeks into the new financial year and already the business side of things is getting in the way of marketing the brand and driving sales. Is your business any different? Are you being overcome with day-to-day activities that are absorbing all your energy and time?
Marketing is one of those areas in the business that needs to be placed on the agenda. It has to be on the Minutes of Management Meeting's week after week. If not, it is far too often, placed to the way-side.
Marketing is one of those areas in the business that needs to be placed on the agenda. It has to be on the Minutes of Management Meeting's week after week. If not, it is far too often, placed to the way-side.
