[2012 trends] The way to customers' hearts is through their phones

[Vanessa Clark] Never before have people had such a love affair with a communications medium as they have with their mobile phones. Now, marketers aren't communicating with consumers via an impersonal one-way device; rather, they are communicating with them through a device people happily carry around 24/7. Here are my top 12 trends for the mobile world in 2012. 23 Jan 2012 14:53

[2012 trends] Generation Y Not

[Jason Levin & Jessica Oosthuizen] South Africa's young consumers are more savvy and demanding than ever before. Not surprisingly, marketers have to work harder and smarter to make their brands compelling to kids, teens and young adults. 2012 stands for pace, progress, challenge and increased 'prosumer' power. Here are 10 whats and hows, ending with some of the hottest youth brands to look out for this year. 23 Jan 2012 13:32

[2012 trends] Whoosh! The year in which nothing happens

[Walter Pike] In 2012, things will stay the same. Everyone still believes that marketing has not changed and that social is a channel. Yes they are starting to understand how important channel is but they have not and will not grasp just how much. 20 Jan 2012 14:18

[2012 trends] Email marketing trends shaping the year ahead

[Warren Moss] Despite what the doomsday predictions say, email will not become irrelevant due to the rise of social media. As one of the most cost-effective and efficient eMarketing service offerings, email marketing is expected to continue to be a crucial part of the digital marketing mix in 2012. 20 Jan 2012 13:52

[2012 trends] A ratcheting up of existing trends

[Janice Spark] Looking forward, we can expect a ratcheting up of existing trends throughout 2012. Whether you're a politician, an executive or a consumer, the odds are strong you're going to need to hang firmly onto your hat. 20 Jan 2012 12:56

[2012 trends] Occupy 2012

[Charl Thom] The past year will go down in history as a time of unexpected political regime change, social unrest and civil protest, from the bloody end to Muammar Gaddafi's 41-year rule in Libya to the Occupy Wall Street movement in New York that spread very quickly around the world. Such conditions make for interesting and exciting times, because they bring change. Lots of change. 19 Jan 2012 15:44

[2012 trends] Re-evaluating the way we work, communicate

[Lisa Dawson Biggs] 2012 will be a year in which we will be forced to re-evaluate the way we work and the way we convey our clients' messages to the market. Here are my tips and predictions for the months ahead. 19 Jan 2012 14:39

[2012 trends] Is life the new start-up?

[Gisele Wertheim Aymes] Our fast-changing and über-connected world impacts the way in which we work and live and, to stomach the harsh realities of life in 2012, we will all need to learn how to live! 19 Jan 2012 13:55

[2012 trends] GFC's impact on media-marketing arena

[Karen Phelan] There are a number of trends forecast for 2012 that will have an impact on all facets of the media-marketing arena. 18 Jan 2012 15:59

[2012 trends] Print - the new 'cool' in 2012

[Lyn Davis] Smart printing, that fulfils a particular need or niche, will survive the digital shift into 2012 and beyond. I like to think that print will never disappear. With many people spending their entire working day in front of a screen or glued to their smartphone, easing the commute with a newspaper on the Gautrain or relaxing in the bath with a book after a long day are some of life's great luxuries. 18 Jan 2012 12:26

[2012 trends] Apocalypse now!

[Matt Rose] 2012 is the year of the apocalypse (thanks, Mayans). But if you think about it, in a way they are right. Every year it ceases to be the end of the world as we know it. The world is in a constant state of revolution and innovation. 17 Jan 2012 15:05

[2012 trends] Anthropological trends in the digital space

[Marcela Ospina] When putting these trends together, I focused on socio-cultural changes that will transform our interaction with digital technologies, using the concepts of nature and culture to explain the role that we, and technology itself, play in closing the gap between these concepts. Here are 12 trends that describe how our relationship with the environment, politics and one another will shape the future use of digital devices and technologies. 13 Jan 2012 14:07

[2012 trends] Out with fear, in with hope

[Thomas Kolster] Despite a dire economic outlook for the world economy, I'm looking forward to 2012; it's going to be an exciting and positive year. Countries and companies alike might panic and turn their backs on sustainability, asking with a tremble in their voices: Is the well-being of people and planet really a luxury we can afford in these tough times? But, there are reasons to be optimistic. Here are 12 trends that will change your business for the better 12 Jan 2012 14:52

The MediaShop secures Famous Brands

Famous Brands has appointed The MediaShop to handle all strategy, buying and planning for its brands such as Steers, Wimpy, Debonairs Pizza, Mugg & Bean, Milky Lane, Fishaways, House of Coffees and KEG restaurants and pubs. 11 Jan 2012 11:00