A few alternative Loeries predictions

[Chris Gotz] It has become fairly customary to gather some industry folk together on the eve of the Loeries and get them to do a few predictions. Well, that's happening elsewhere on the lame side of the interweb. Right now, I am going to take a few flyers and make some predictions of my own.

How to stop people from using your product

[Chris Moerdyk] There is nothing more fascinating than to watch reverse branding at work. The most notable of which, in South Africa, was the creation of ABSA Bank.

Facebook promotions just got easier

[Samkelisiwe Dlalisa] So Facebook decided to update its competition guidelines again! But don't despair, it's mostly good news for social media managers.

Trade mark rights and company names

[Christophe van Zyl] For many entrepreneurs, the starting point in setting up a new business is to choose a name for the new business and to register a company with that name. The first step of the registration process of a company is to select, in order of preference, a list of names for consideration and approval by the Commissioner of Companies who oversees the registration of companies in South Africa.

Consumers take a central role in brand stories

[Diane Charton] Brands around the world face a significant challenge in understanding new consumer behaviours and patterns of thinking, which are rendering many of the techniques marketers and advertisers relied on in the past obsolete.

Madama Butterfly spreads its wings

Concept is dead

[Dylan Balkind] Never mind potholes, rampant crime or corruption, what we really need to expend our energy on is the fact that more and more mediocre pedestrians are being allowed to stumble into roles they have absolutely no clue about. (video)

[BizCareers] Interview follow-ups and working in PR

[Juliette Attwell] Have you ever wondered why you haven't heard from the interview you went to ages ago? We find out when it's appropriate to follow up. Want to get into the PR industry? Take a look at the below advice.

Taking a close look at the state of the corporate workspace

[Peter Townshend] 75% of America's corporate workers don't work in optimal workplace environments and are struggling to work effectively. That's quite a remarkable statistic that highlights the gross inefficiency of the corporate world.

5 things travel writers will never tell you

[Phindiwe Nkosi] Nothing is as painful as establishments talking to themselves about themselves. For starters, no one really believes the credibility of one paid to be their own praise poet and secondly, even if you are offering a superior service, what use is it if it is just you and your small community knowing about it?

SABC audit report... Media miffs Mokhobo

Why client satisfaction is not enough

[Ann Nurock] It always surprises me when I read about the value placed on client "satisfaction". In studies we have conducted globally and in South Africa, Relationship Audits and Management (RAM) have concluded that client satisfaction is not enough.

Passion with vigour in Introdans' Superstars

Closing the customer service loop

[Juliet Newton] Never has it been more important to hold on to your customers than it is in the current economic climate.

Let's talk about text, baby...

[Deseré Orrill] Given that mobile penetration rates in SA are higher than any other medium, mobile communication is undoubtedly one of the best ways to reach the widest audience.

African brandcrafting: an opportunity for growth

[Chris Human] When it comes to international surveys, African brands have some way to go in realising their full potential.

POPI must comply

[Lize de la Harpe] The Protection of Personal Information Bill ("POPI") was passed by parliament on 20 August 2013. The bill will now be sent to the president to sign into law and will come into operation upon being published in the Government Gazette, or upon a later date if specified by the president.

Launch a new brand, or stretch an existing one?

[Alison Tucker] Given the widely accepted statistic that around 80% of new product launches fail, in these very tough trading conditions, should you be looking to introduce a new brand to consumers or to stretch your brand?

SA film Felix charms