Training essential in IT sales environment

[Daniel Silke] I am a good example of a connected, discerning customer who already has done most of his research even before entering a store and I usually shop around looking for the best deals from different vendors. Therefore, I was armed with all the information I needed and I knew the different offerings from the two major outlets selling the new Apple iMac. I was setting the outlets up for a bit of healthy competition by visiting both just before making my decision where to lay down my credit card. 29 Dec 2010 16:25

Christmas shopping helper

LONDON, UK: Marks & Spencer UK High street retailer helps online shoppers avoid the stress of Christmas shopping. The aim is to help the retailer gain a bigger share of the online retail market. 1 Dec 2010 11:16

Instant redemption opportunities lure in loyalty program customers

CHICAGO, US: Loyalty programs are powerful marketing tools for credit card companies, supermarkets and restaurants, but how do consumers choose one program over another? 18 Nov 2010 11:40

Automated service hell: Businesses out of touch

LONDON, UK: Businesses are out of touch with the frustration customers experience from automated customer service systems and are jeopardising their loyalty as a result, according to Ovum, one of the Datamonitor group of companies. 11 Nov 2010 11:32

Consumer trends for 2011

LONDON, UK: While consumers are still reeling from the aftershock created by the global economic crisis, lessons have been learnt, behaviours changed and consumer adaptability has created a new way of life. With that in mind, Mintel predicts nine key consumer trends for the year ahead, examining how long term behaviour has been implicated. In 2011, consumers are living for the long term with attitudes inspired by a changed value set. 8 Nov 2010 07:34

SPS first processor of Street Savings mobile marketing

ORANGE, US: Secure Payments Systems (SPS), a national leader of value-added payment services and transaction processing in the US and Canada, has announced that it has become the first direct processor of Street Savings mobile marketing products. 20 Oct 2010 12:35

Interbrand releases 100 "Best Global Brands"

NEW YORK, US: Coca-Cola retains the number one spot; Google gains on Microsoft, while HP enters the top 10 in Interbrand's 11th annual ranking of the world's top brands. The rankings were released yesterday, 15 September 2010. 16 Sep 2010 08:05

Leaders grapple with tone from the top - PwC

Setting the right tone from the top is viewed as an increasingly important leadership skill that can make or break relationships with shareholders, employees, customers and business partners. 12 Jul 2010 12:35

Investment in speech analytics in call centres set to double

[Published by Ovum, part of the Datamonitor group] GLOBAL: Call centre spending on speech analytics is set to double worldwide, growing from around US$95 million in 2009 to US$180 million (about R720 million to about R1.36 billion, respectively) by 2014 according to Ovum. 23 Jun 2010 11:03