I concur with your sentiments and perhaps we’ve failed to recall mnemonics influence to cultivate brand recognition. MaRamaila possibly Loeries introducing a music category shall bring an impetus for agencies, hence such a mechanism will only stimulate agencies to incorporate local music in adverts to make inroads comparable to the proliferation of TV ads resembling our multiculturalist country.South Africa's unique musical sound resonates with audiences that will assist in seamlessly capturing audiences attention instead of relying upon creative asethetics and storylines.
Notwithstanding what the courts say and the valid reasons for Nkosana Makate not winning his case, the matter goes beyond the legalities of a court case. It is clear that this employee came up with a concept that was embraced by Vodacom and their use of that concept has earned them a huge packet of money. For them to adopt the attitude that they will not acknowledge that value and to not settle out of court, especially in the light of the fact that Vodacom are levying perhaps the highest usage rate to customers amongst the other service providers, smacks of greed, insensitivity and downright nastiness. I have therefore resolved not to renew my companies contracts with Vodacom when they expire (one has already expired and it has been placed with one of Vodacom's competitors) and I urge all sensible customers of Vodacom to do the same.
I always find it fascinating to read through anything relating to PR since I aspire to be amongst the industry leading experts. However, I find the article being too harsh especially on us newly graduates as you state 'large number of young people enrol for PR and communications qualifications, which is largely influenced by the minimum requirements required to enrol for the diploma or degree'. What about another bunch that is PR driven? Some of us are very passionate about PR, image and reputation, relation/ships, CSI etc. Yes, the PR industry is a bit behind as compared to International but as fellow PR practitioner lets do something about it, innovate ways to improve our standards and surely in few years to come we will be where and how we want to be. What is it that needs to be learned from international PR professionals?.I am open for critique after all I am here to learn.
Thuli Mdonsella for President! She exhibits a willingness to state things as she sees them despite the potential for political condemnation. And, she is one of the few Public Figures who adheres the ethical standards and moral compass that is required.for a Leader.Robin Prior.
This case reminds me of what we called the Reverse Call in the '80s. Is this Please Call Me not a modern version of the Reverse Call? If so, the person who reinvented it must be rewarded for it.
My brother I am not a PR expert yet I acknowledge that there is a lot we can learn. This is an article which seeks to highlight the issues affecting public relations in South Africa and one solution I proposed is learning from international PR pros, conduct research my brother if you are to use those solutions. As for stating it is just another black guy, I agree it is just another black guy and we need to change that another black guy.
Thought I would actually learn what international PR pros do differently but alas, another black guy ranting about how things are falling apart without offering any solutions!
Instead of concentrating on enforcing proper building practices, they'd rather safeguard the interests of incompetency. The industry is suffering because of builders with doubtful reputations and almost no proper structures to ensure they adhere to good practice. This serves the builder well but the client is the loser, with the industry accumulating distrust.
So hectic. I'm happy I have a Blackberry and it has not yet filtered through. When I accessed FB on my tab though it asked me to download FB messenger, everyone had rated it one star on 'app world', saying that it drastically reduces your phone performance... users beware.
Just a pity it hardly works. My step brother from Switzerland has booked the CPT-PTA trip 5 times (over 5 years). Not because he loved it so much, but as the previous 4 trips were delayed by 24hrs or cancelled.
Thanks for the very informative article Lauren and I totally agree, with the fragmentation of digital marketing channels, marketing automation is an absolute must to help co-ordinate your message online, via email and even at events. In addition, most good MA platforms offer lead nurturing capabilities, which with customers looking to self-educate are invaluable and also lead scoring which is closing the gap between sales and marketing. In fact having used Marketing Automation, integrated with my CRM system for a while, I would go so far as to say sales and marketing teams can be friends. How? Well for me the big win of integrating Marketing Automation with CRM is the ability to share the lead intelligence with Sales. Sales can now see exactly what a contact has done i.e. web pages viewed, content downloaded, blogs read etc. and therefore get an idea of what the contact is interested in. This information then helps the salesperson prepare for the first initial sales call, leading to significantly improved conversion rates – a win, win check out this practitioners guide for more info Anita HolleyMaximizer CRMwww.max.co.uk
Thanks for the very informative article Lauren and I totally agree, with the fragmentation of digital marketing channels, marketing automation is an absolute must to help co-ordinate your message online, via email and even at events. In addition, most good MA platforms offer lead nurturing capabilities, which with customers looking to self-educate are invaluable and also lead scoring which is closing the gap between sales and marketing. In fact having used Marketing Automation, integrated with my CRM system for a while, I would go so far as to say sales and marketing teams can be friends. How? Well for me the big win of integrating Marketing Automation with CRM is the ability to share the lead intelligence with Sales. Sales can now see exactly what a contact has done i.e. web pages viewed, content downloaded, blogs read etc. and therefore get an idea of what the contact is interested in. This information then helps the salesperson prepare for the first initial sales call, leading to significantly improved conversion rates – a win, win check out this practitioners guide for more info Anita HolleyMaximizer CRMwww.max.co.uk
Anton has touched on a characteristic of SA newsrooms in particular and SA journalism in general. It is not unlike the Mafia's sacred oath of Omertà, the code of silence. LIke any such code, it is only as good as it it holds. If even a tiny crack appears, the entire edifice comes crashing down to the ultimate detriment of all involved.Having seen the ugly face of SA media Omertà firsthand, and having fought against it for decades, I am not in the least surprised to see the Sunday Times is involved. It is part of the Times Media Group, itself boasting an obscene history of hanging individuals out to dry while insisting it doesn't air its laundry in the public eye - a hilariously puerile confusion of idioms if ever there was one! But the sad truth is that neither ST nor Times Media, nor even Wa Afrika and Munusamy are isolated. The cancer of Omertà runs through every media group, every newsroom and across the desk of every don, er sorry, every editor in SA. We the public, gullible, naive and trusting as we are, do not deserve this cloak-and-dagger secrecy. And for exposing it for what it is, Anton deserves our thanks.
I couldn't agree more, Chris. Although it is a touch dated by now, the excellent example set by Patrick Doyle, President of Domino's Pizza in the US remains a great example and learning experience for those who find it hard to say "We're sorry". Two of their employees at a store in North Carolina did vile things to customers' pizzas and then went on to video record what they were doing and posted them on YouTube. Not only did the President of the biggest pizza franchise in the world personally apologize, but he did the following right things and we should all learn from that:- Extend your apology on the same forum where the damage was done- Be sincere and let your face and voice reflect that- Say honestly what went wrong- Say what you are doping about it- Thank your stakeholders for hanging in there with you- Promote your brand as you conclude your apology.I cannot tell it better than getting your followers to watch the video here: ?v=xvg4-E2C8UE