It is ironic that in the month that Oprah's magazine offshoot in South Africa, O, launches its 'no complaining' campaign complete with trendy little purple wrist bands, that the lights go out and a cacophony of protest rings out. It's been very hard to find the light at the end of the tunnel these past few weeks and my column last week looking at the more humorous side of these dark days even drew its fair share of 'hate' mail. Thanks guys... hoping you're feeling better this week after all that venting! Yes, we must keep the pressure up; this is a national disaster that could plunge us into a deep recession and negate all the economic gains of the last prosperous decade, but we also need to look at solutions and our own electricity consumption as individuals and businesses. Loved Beeld newspaper's front page today with photographs of all the Government buildings in Pretoria with lights blazing at night... and this after Minister Alec Erwin asked us to all save electricity... sies! And on our pages today, brand man Terry Behan says the inevitable economic slowdown makes it essential for brands to focus on protecting existing market share, while continuing to grow new market share - and finding smarter ways of attracting customers.
Have a POWERful week! Louise Marsland, editor: editor@bizcommunity.com. All marketing news to: marketingnews@bizcommunity.com. Responses to this column welcome on our blog: http://blog.bizcommunity.com.