Analysing the CRM needs of a midsize business

[Paul Anderson] NEWARK, US: CRM is key to any business's success, so how does one analyse the CRM needs of a midsize business to ensure that business will succeed and grow? 2 Apr 2013 11:24

[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] Africa poised for a great future

[Nandkishor Buty] As 2013 commences, afro-pessimism seems to cede to afro-optimism. There is a global consensus: Africa is poised for a great future. What will be the impact of Africa's growth on our industry? What will be the major trends of the year? In the business world, predicting the future is a crucial exercise. 30 Jan 2013 12:39

Africa's five major trends for potential growth

[Issa Sikiti da Silva] Population growth, rapid urbanisation, adoption of new technologies, unlocking of abundant resources and the deepening of the financial sector are the five major trends that are set to drive Africa's economic growth, Simon Freemantle, Standard Bank Africa senior analyst, told a media roundtable in Johannesburg, South Africa, yesterday, Thursday 6 October 2011. 7 Oct 2011 09:56

[2011 trends] It's a Wild. Wired. Wellthy. World!

[Gisele Wertheim Aymes] The recent global recession has changed our world forever. In a new digital age, characterised by oversupply and too many product types in almost every market, the challenge for companies will be to locate and capture pools of high-profit demand and be able to move with speed and flexibility to take advantage of them. Here are 11 trends for 2011. 18 Jan 2011 14:17

[2011 trends] A year of hard work for brands

[Janice Spark] If 2010 could be summed up as soccer, vuvuzelas and national pride, 2011 will be all about the hard work of restoring the economy to sustainable growth, paying attention to environmental concerns and mastering the technologies that are changing the world. Here are a few trends to watch in 2011. 17 Jan 2011 15:27

Building business: contribution or contamination?

[Linda Hamman] It's reassuring to think that leaders are born. Frankly, I don't buy that. Oh, there may be some exceptions, mostly in history, but good business leaders do not feature among them. 29 Nov 2010 11:35

[IMCC] "Out-imagine your competition" - Dan Pinch

[Sindy Peters] PR and marketing departments need to work together to generate creative ideas. This is the opinion of both social media expert Dan Pinch and Bizcommunity's own Chris Moerdyk, keynote speakers on day one of the two-day 2010 Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) Conference. The event began today, Wednesday, 27 October 2010, in Cape Town at the Crystal Towers Hotel and Spa. 27 Oct 2010 13:49

Austere times as SA, African consumers cut luxury goods spend

[Issa Sikiti da Silva] As the global economic recovery gets off to a slow, uneven start, 45% of South African consumers say they will be restricting their purchases on 'essential' expenses, and in the process cutting down on luxury goods in the next six months, according to a MasterCard Worldwide survey released last week. 15 Jul 2010 14:24

Delayed by volcano

[Rod Baker] The eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano had a massive impact on many spheres - from the airlines, to events, to travel, to health, import and exports, and more, and its impact is likely to be felt for a long time - and that's even should the eruption cease completely - which it hasn't! 29 Apr 2010 09:00

2010 overpricing undermines tourism business - SA Tourism

[Issa Sikiti da Silva] Airline companies selling flight tickets to the highest bidder, B&B and ‘second-class' hotels charging up to R1000 a night for a standard room and one meal at restaurants costing an arm and a leg. Metered-taxi drivers increasing ten-fold the fare of a short distance trip and car rental outlets not budging if you don't cough up. 22 Jan 2010 09:08

Zain Malawi launches mobile commerce service

[Gregory Gondwe] Zain Malawi, on 12 January 2010, launched a pilot phase of a new service that will enable customers to carry out financial transactions using their mobile phones. The mobile commerce service dubbed ZAP Khusa M'manja (money in your hands) is being rolled out this week in Malawi following a successful performance in East Africa Zain operations. 15 Jan 2010 11:48

The head, heart and hand of branding

[Thabani Khumalo] The brand new world created by globalisation, informed citizenry and consumer's demand for brand experience presents a challenge for global brands to balance their aggressive marketing campaigns with social responsibility. 15 Oct 2009 11:45

Air Malawi, Jo'burg partner for shopping festival

[Gregory Gondwe] The financially struggling Air Malawi has struck a deal with South Africa's City of Johannesburg to allow interested Malawians to benefit from the 2009 Jo'burg Shopping Festival scheduled for 1 - 30 September 2009. 17 Jul 2009 09:47

Beer runs low in Malawi

[Gregory Gondwe] Carlsberg Malawi Brewery Limited, which has been trying to re-brand its beer products, has suspended production for January - and consumers are not happy. 14 Jan 2009 08:03

Malawi: US donates machine to protect consumers from sub-standard products

[Gregory Gondwe] The United States government has donated a machine worth close to US$60,000 to the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) which will enable it to identify banned or sub-standard ingredients that may be used in foods produced or imported into the country. 1 Sep 2008 12:04

Malawian companies to participate in Chinese Trade Fair

[Gregory Gondwe] Malawi Export Promotion Council (MEPC) has said it will participate in the African Commodities Trade Fair scheduled for early September this year. 27 Aug 2008 12:00

Malawi government takes over trading of maize

[Gregory Gondwe] Malawi government has taken over trading of maize in the country after private traders have been found hoarding the commodity in order to capitalise on the impending high demand towards the end of the year. 26 Aug 2008 11:23

Illovo Malawi invests K1,5bn in sugar production

[Gregory Gondwe] Illovo Sugar Malawi board chair, Graham Clark announced last week that his company has this year injected K1,5bn to increase production before adding a further K2bn next year. 12 Aug 2008 13:55

Censoring kids' advertising

[Vivian Warby] Retailers, manufacturers and fast food outlets will, by mid next month, have a self regulatory policy in place when it comes to advertising their products to children. 25 Jul 2007 09:21