Content innovation - the customer comes first

[Eve Williams] LONDON, UK / CAPE TOWN, SA: There's often a temptation with content marketing to think about the next big innovation or technology without actually thinking about what it could mean for the customer. It's vital that content is always relevant and empowering to customers regardless of the technology used. 7 Feb 2013 06:20

Retainers vs projects

[Keri-Ann Stanton] We love retainers. We adore retainers. We want retainers. But are retainers what clients want and what PR brands need in 2013? 6 Feb 2013 05:48

Wetpaint Advertising

Choosing a PR agency

[Issued by Wetpaint Advertising] Looking for a public relations agency? It's a difficult decision; we know. PR is a very difficult thing to define in absolute terms, and because of this it feels like navigating a minefield in the dark as you go through the process of chemistry meetings and pitches. 4 Feb 2013 11:27

Regularity and relevance breed loyalty

[Mike Taberner] Regular communication is something every human being desires, this need is hard-coded into us and is something that we cannot do without. Relevant communication is equally import to us human beings - there is nothing worse than dealing with irrelevant communication. Brands that plan their communication strategy have an excellent opportunity to exploit these needs by ensuring regular and relevant communication. 2 Feb 2013 11:00

Client service: Five ways to get what you want

[Sid Peimer] Taking a brief is a misnomer. That's as dangerous as taking candy from a stranger (in a long coat). You are sitting in front of the client because he/she wants something. And it's not a Loerie... 1 Feb 2013 07:01

DALRO presents copyright laws to communication professionals

The International Association of Business Communicators will present a workshop on 20 February on the laws of copyright and features the new business licence, launched by the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO), and how it gives businesses legal permission to copy and distribute content through relationships with local publishers and affiliate international organisations. 1 Feb 2013 06:07

Warren Buffett's guide to writing in plain English

[James Hurford] One of the world's most famous and successful investors - Warren Buffett, prefers to write in plain English. He wrote the preface in the Plain English Handbook, published by the US Securities and Exchange Commission - which gives some useful advice... 1 Feb 2013 05:42

[2013 trends] Africa's dynamic markets

[Obaika Consulting Team] The year 2013 for most brands, especially the ones coping with saturated markets in developed countries, will be a decisive one. Incorporating Africa into their corporate brand strategy, if they haven't done so, will be the better part of valour, so to speak. 31 Jan 2013 13:20

[2013 trends] Out-of-the-box branding

[HKLM Exco Team] No, the concepts of "tribalism", "gamification" and "engagement" aren't a promo for the latest computer game, but are in fact the trends that will characterise the way companies and consumers interact in 2013. The branding industry is constantly developing and. while the following trends are evolutions rather than dynamic, short-term changes, we believe there are 10 areas that will define the brandscape over the next year. 31 Jan 2013 12:33

[2013 trends] SA's youth trend-o-meter

[HDI Youth Marketeers Team] Young South Africa is savvier than ever before. If you are looking for a smart and discerning prosumer, this group of kids, teens and young adults will give you more kicks than you've ever bargained for. They know just what they are looking for from any brand, and this makes them that much more satisfying to please. Here are a few trends to look out for in 2013. 31 Jan 2013 11:30

Lance at a glance: A call for a new world order

[Arthur Sithole] I have been closely following the unfolding of events surrounding Lance's confession about using performance-enhancing drugs for all his seven counts of Tour de France victories with keen interest. The reports have painted a gloomy picture: A once highly esteemed sports hero and a philanthropic icon dedicated to a noble cause, has now rewritten his own history as one of the greatest 'fallen' heroes of our times. 31 Jan 2013 08:40

Don't wait 'til the k*k hits the fan

[Marion Scher] Now I'm no soothsayer and there are no crystal balls lying around my house, honest, but you don't need special powers to see, in certain areas, where trouble is barrelling down the road towards you. 31 Jan 2013 08:00

Is this how you choose your PR agency?

[Keri-Ann Stanton] After a couple of decades in business (the agency not me!) it is fascinating to still hear of unhappy clients, that when push comes to shove, stay with the agencies that drive them mad, simply because 'better the devil you know.' 31 Jan 2013 05:55

[2013 trends] It is no longer business as usual

[Dave Nemeth] No matter how slow off the mark, we have all come to the realisation that, no matter what line of business we are in, drastic measures are needed in order for us to not only increase market share but also to survive. It is not, however, all doom and gloom and for those who are embracing innovation and prepared to experiment with new ideas, a lot of opportunity awaits to reconnect with consumers and rise above the negative economic factors. 30 Jan 2013 10:44