[2012 trends] Social media marketing and the youth

[Bradley Maseko] The following is a breakdown of 12 social media marketing trends for 2012 with regards to how businesses will target the youth market. The emphasis for businesses/brands in 2012 will be to avoid becoming subject to the "Social Media Burnout Effect". 10 Jan 2012 14:23

[2012 trends] Brand purpose to take lead in brand strategy

[Travis Spence] A critical juncture in brand marketing has arrived. It is led by the internet and the technology changes this brings, along with consumers - who, as we all know, have changed forever. 24 Jan 2012 12:26

Ogilvy Kenya Board announces leadership change

[Carole Kimutai: @CaroleKimutai] The Board of Ogilvy Kenya has reviewed its senior management structure and dropped the position of group chief executive officer following the resignation of Koome Mwambia who until February 2012 held that position. 23 Mar 2012 10:55

The past, present and future of advertising agencies in SA

[Warren Lodge] Advertising is not a new concept all at. Political campaign displays have been found in the ruins of Pompeii and ancient Arabia. Advertising as we know it is generally agreed to have begun with newspapers in the seventeenth century. Simple descriptions along with prices of products then served their purpose until the late nineteenth century. 21 Dec 2011 10:32

PR perspective from bloggers

While the PR industry is engaging with bloggers and using them as an addition to or even replacement for traditional media, bloggers, like the media, have preferred communication norms and rules. 10 May 2012 12:03

Start planning that Loeries trip

The 34th Annual Loerie Awards, which take place in Cape Town from 15-23 September 2012, have opened for ticket sales, accommodation and car hire. The two awards ceremonies are limited to 1500 seats per night, so early booking is advised. 26 Apr 2012 10:16

2012 Loeries entries open with category changes

A separate category for entries from outside of South Africa has been introduced to the Loeries, which has issued its 34th call to enter today, Thursday, 15 March 2012. In order to better promote the work being produced throughout the region, "Rest of Africa and the Middle East" will be judged separately to allow improved representation of all regions and offer greater exposure to each region's creative output. 15 Mar 2012 12:15

[Biz Takeouts Podcast] 16: Destination marketing and cultural awareness

Find out how to market a vibrant and diverse country such as India by listening to the Biz Takeouts podcast of this week's Bizcommunity/Chai FM Media & Marketing radio show, which airs every Wednesday 6pm-7pm on 101.9 FM in Johannesburg and via streaming audio. [twitterfall] 23 Sep 2011 11:13

Valuing the keynote presentation

[Douglas Kruger] Let's talk frankly about cost. In particular, the cost of hiring professional speakers. How on earth is it that one such creature asks R10 000 for a keynote, while another cheerfully sends through an invoice for R30 000? Is there really that much of a difference? Should you choose based on price? If not, then what? And if you find yourself on the other end of the equation, being asked to voice your expertise at a conference, how would you know what to charge? One grandiose thumb-suck? 16 May 2012 14:41

Apex Communications Ltd becomes Apex Porter Novelli

Apex Communications Limited, a communications consultancy firm based in Kenya, has become a network partner of public relations firm Porter Novelli and will from now on be known as Apex Porter Novelli. 7 Dec 2011 12:09

Should you go to SxSW 2013?

[trigger/isobar goes to SxSW] Uno de Waal: SxSW is a crazy place - it's a jam-packed time filled with an insane amount of information and you won't take in everything within five days. The day starts at 9.30am and, if you find yourself hopping from event to event after the talks, you may very well end up getting very little sleep. All in the name of networking, right? 26 Mar 2012 14:04

Five lessons brands can learn from Kony 2012

[Maja Rode] I confess: when I first watched the Kony 2012 clip on YouTube last week, I cried. Creator Jason Russell's web-based film appeals to all of our most basic emotions. The fight of good against evil, the need to protect our children and save those that are unable to save themselves and the belief that we, as ordinary people, can change the world for the better. [video] 14 Mar 2012 11:12

Your 5-step personal branding workout

[Donna Rachelson] Any doctor or health professional will tell you that regular exercise is important to get fit and stay healthy. Likewise, if you want a "fit" and healthy personal brand, you need to flex your branding muscles and give them a workout. Here are a few ideas on how to do that. 28 Feb 2012 15:50