Belief + behaviour = trust

[Wayne Harrison] The process we follow when dating and sussing out a potential partner is quite similar to how we decide which brands understand us, suit our lifestyle and could be compatible in the long term. This process can be broken into four stages: flirting, dating, commitment, and sharing. 10 May 2013 12:02

Omni-channel shopping coming to SA

[Lee Gill] As online retailing increase, South African retailers can choose to adopt omni-channel offerings in an early market, capitalising on international experience or adopt a 'wait and see' attitude. 14 May 2013 11:57

Loyalty programmes need management

[Ian Steyn] Most South African retailers have added some form of product line extension to their standard offering of household items and produce, so that grocery stores are not just grocery stores anymore. Even corner cafés are selling electricity and airtime, whilst the larger chain stores now allow customers to pay their bills and speeding fines, or even book flights or join incentive programs. 16 May 2013 12:17

Secret to success for most small businesses

The secret to success for most small businesses is to become their customer's default option, by using mobile phones to reach their market. 8 May 2013 11:22

Get familiar with the Ombud process

Consumers who feel that they have experienced poor service, bad quality products and broken promises, can feel safe and empowered in the knowledge that if anything goes wrong, there is an Ombudsman ready to hear their case and resolve disputes. 2 May 2013 07:22

Bizcommunity.com

How to contribute to Bizcommunity, from op-ed pieces to news

[Issued by Bizcommunity.com] Bizcommunity.com has now expanded its operations into 16 new sectors and will soon venture into another 17, providing a whole new range of target audiences for advertisers. The most critical aspect of this is the quality of content and this is a formal invitation to you to become a recognised contributor on Bizcommunity. 3 Oct 2011 14:57

Sorry, the CRM niche is full at the moment

[Denis Pombriant] Yes, customer relationship management solutions are vital for organizations, and social CRM has now worked its way into the mix. So why would any software company want to introduce a new set of CRM tools into what's becoming a very crowded enterprise segment? For businesses considering that question, there are other ways to use technology and data to assist customers on their buying journeys. 15 May 2013 15:30

Will the R1,5 billion SAA borrowed rescue it?

[Chris Moerdyk] So, South African Airways (SAA) has just borrowed R1,5 billion from two banks to keep alive while it "waits for government to accept its turnaround strategy." 7 May 2013 06:49

[2012 trends] Loyalty programme trends for 2012

[Greg Whitfield] When reviewing loyalty programmes, which are proliferating, the key question is, "Are they adding value to the customers' experiences?" Here is what I think will make loyalty programmes stand out from the pack in 2012. 16 Jan 2012 11:50

Bizcommunity.com

[2013 trends] Pdf of 2013 Biz Trends Report now available

[Issued by Bizcommunity.com] Finally, what you've all been waiting for! Bizcommunity.com's 2013 Biz Trends Report is now available for downloading in pdf format - and this year we've improved the quality for a better tablet experience! 13 Feb 2013 14:33

[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. 31 Jan 2013 12:33

[2013 trends] SA's youth trend-o-meter

[HDI Youth Marketeers Team] Young South Africa is savvier than ever before. If you are looking for a smart and discerning prosumer, this group of kids, teens and young adults will give you more kicks than you've ever bargained for. They know just what they are looking for from any brand, and this makes them that much more satisfying to please. Here are a few trends to look out for in 2013. 31 Jan 2013 11:30

Loyalty is about engagement not points

[Amanda Cromhout] The title of this piece is a "catch-phrase" beckoning throughout the global loyalty industry and is seen as one of the top loyalty trends of 2012. I say "globally", because coming from the South African loyalty market place, I can confidently state that South Africa is quickly catching up with the global landscape. 4 Dec 2012 06:32