Summit set to Workshop Key Future Opportunities for Central West Businesses

Business leaders are set to workshop key future opportunities for the Region at the Central West Business Summit in Parkes on June 7.

Digital Integration, innovation, strategic planning, funding and Inland Rail economic development opportunities will be among the big ticket topics for the highly popular breakout sessions during the one-day event.

The Breakout Sessions have been designed to facilitate one-on-one communication between attendees and business experts. They create a platform for attendees to learn about opportunities for their own businesses, with key takeaways that can be implemented directly for growth and development.

The line-up for the 2016 Summit includes:         

• “Let’s Get Digital”…Digital Integration in today’s business environment - Hosted by Adloyalty

• Change, Innovation and Collaboration - Hosted by Yates Baker McLean

• Leveraging Competitive Advantage in the Central West - Hosted by RDA Central West

• Inland Rail Economic Development Opportunities - Hosted by RDA Central West

• Developing a Strategic Plan for your Business - Hosted by Central NSW BEC

• Funding Opportunities for Central West Business - Hosted by AusIndustry

• In Space, No One Can Hear You Scream … Internet West of the Great Divide – Hosted by Central West Networks

Attendees will be given the opportunity to register online to participate in three of the above sessions. 

Summit participants should register online by close of business May 31.

There is currently limited availability for businesses wishing to partner with the Central West Business Summit. Businesses can showcase their expertise by hosting a breakout session, exhibition space or website promotion.

Summit Speaker Announced - James O'Loghlin

Renowned speaker from ABC TV’s The New Inventors, and author of Innovation is a State of Mind, James O’Loghlin has been announced as the keynote speaker for the 2016 Central West Business Summit in Parkes on June 7.

James will be speaking on a topic close to his heart – innovation, going hand in hand with the key themes for this year - inspiring innovation and digital integration in agribusiness, logistics and engineering. 

The take home message for Summit participants will be that innovation is not what you do if you have some time left after you have done all your work. It is the work! In eight years hosting “The New Inventors”, James worked with more than a thousand innovators who thought outside the box and came up with new and better ways of doing things.

Attendees to the Central West Business Summit will learn James’ strategies for success including:

• Why every business needs to be continually innovating.
• The three things innovators do better than everyone else.
• How innovation happens. Everyone talks about the need to be more innovative, but no one tells you how to actually do it. James will share a process that enables everyone to come up with more innovative ideas.
• The six things every business can do to build a workplace culture that encourages everyone to be innovative.
• Why some organisations can encourage their staff to not only have ideas, but also to share them, and why some organisations never get access to the good ideas their people have.
• How to grow, test, assess and implement new ideas.

The one-day event will include Breakout Sessions hosted by AusIndustry, Regional Development Australia – Central West, Central NSW Business Enterprise Centre, Yates Baker Mclean and Adloyalty, as well as a Business Exhibition and Panel Discussion. 

The day also includes plenty of networking opportunities, a sit-down lunch and “Case Study Speakers” from Central West businesses who will speak about change, organisational culture and embracing innovation and digital integration. 

Summit participants should register online by close of business May 31. 

Claim your seat at the table

Innovative business owners are invited to claim their seat at the table for the 2016 Central West Business Summit in Parkes on June 7.

The Summit has proven a pivotal forum for networking and information sharing along with being a unique platform for uniting Central West Business leaders.

The event is again hosted by Adloyalty, with Major Partners including Regional Development Australia Central West, the Business Enterprise Centre Central NSW, Yates Baker McLean, and AusIndustry.

The keynote speaker for this year will be James O’Loghlan from ABC TV’s ‘The New Inventors’. James will be speaking on a topic close to his heart – innovation. Key themes for this year include inspiring innovation and digital integration in agribusiness, logistics and engineering.

The Summit provides access to renowned business experts and speakers, provides Central West businesses with the ability to network with complementary businesses and potential clients.

In 2015 (the inaugural year), the event saw a total of 158 attendees, representing 93 individual businesses across 17 industry sectors.

The concept grew out of an initial idea to bring prevalent regional business issues together. Event organisers work with businesses throughout the Central West to execute business strategies that set solid foundations for sustainable growth.

With shared issues and pressure points for the region’s businesses uncovered, challenges can be collectively addressed to develop confident businesses that achieve growth targets, employ more people and therefore contribute to the economic vibrancy of our communities. 

The one-day event will include keynote speakers, panel discussions, a business exhibition and the highly popular breakout sessions all held at the Parkes Services Club.

There are currently opportunities available for businesses wanting to be involved in this exciting event to increase their profile. Businesses can showcase their skills and expertise by hosting a breakout session, exhibition space or website promotion.

If you would like to partner with the Central West Business Summit, please contact Dannielle Jenkins on 0438 963 664 or dannielle.jenkins@adloyalty.com.au by May 20.

Summit participants should register online by close of business May 31.

Do I need a website if I have a Facebook page?

Facebook is a terrific way for businesses to start building awareness and interest in your products or services. You can make connections with prospective clients and help expand your business networks with the potential to reach a massive audience. 

In fact, Facebook offers a 'business portal' that is super quick to set up and free. So that's it, deal done, case closed. Facebook is the be all end all....well not quite.

Despite the postives that accompany having a strong Facebook presence, there is one important element that all social media lacks. Your control of the environment.

Facebook doesn't let you display your business the way you want, or ultimately need to establish a unique online brand. Sure, you can change the company header and your profile picture, but the static template layout that Facebook provides always remains the same.

A website, on the other hand, enables you to:

• Control the look and feeling, adding a much needed hit of character and brand personality
• Direct people to particular areas of your business, perhaps to a certain product or particular service
• Plan control the content and where it is displayed
• Differentiate your business from its competitors with a customised, responsive design

So while Facebook and other social media sites are useful tools (ones that we use here at Adloyalty), a custom website creates an important point of difference and uniqueness. Used together, this online presence is a great strategy to firstly, gain interest from a crowd of almost infinite people and secondly, point them to a professional site that accurately represents your business.

Call Adloyalty today, or visit our website to find out more information. 

It's time to think about your Christmas marketing!!

If you’re like us, you’re probably sitting there thinking – where did the year go? Well..the silly season us upon us and although your customers may not be thinking about Christmas yet, as a retailer, you should be.

The Christmas period is the most significant spending period for Australians, and if you want to make sure your business is #1 on the Christmas wish list, you need to be well-prepared.

Connect with your customers

With over 60% of Australians using Facebook (Social Media News, June 2015), it has never been more important to connect with your customers online.

If you’re customers don’t like you on Facebook or follow you on Instagram, why not run a promotion this month to get connected? This will really benefit you around the Christmas period when you want your customers to know about your Christmas offers.

If you have a loyalty program, make sure all your customers know about it now. This will encourage them to consider your store first – and don’t forget to collect email addresses!!

Think about your Christmas promotions

October is the perfect time to finalise your Christmas promotions and start your pre-Christmas marketing. Social media and e-marketing are fantastic if you want to let your customers know what you have in-store and on sale.

Think about having a “gift idea” of the week, promote your Christmas catalogue across all platforms and make sure your letting your customers know about “hot gift” items for the whole family!

In order to increase your reach, why not cross promote with a complementary business. For example, if you’re a mechanic, why not promote holiday travel safety with the local tyre dealer? If you’re a beauty spa, why not team up with the local hairdresser? Support each other and encourage people to shop locally!!

Make Christmas easier

Christmas shopping can be stressful, particularly for busy people who work during the week. Now is the time to think about how you can increase the accessibility of your business to ensure you are being flexible for your customers. Have you thought about increasing your business hours mid-week? What about a late-night Christmas shopping night, or providing the ability for your customers to view, or even buy your products online?

It may also be as simple as putting “great gift ideas” together to make shopping really easy for your customers. Why not put together an e-catalogue with ideas for her, for him or for the kids? And don’t forget to promote it via social media and email!

If you’re a supermarket or butcher, post some yummy festive recipes featuring your produce. Tyre dealers and mechanics, why not post a simple car safety check-list for holiday travels. The options are endless, you just need to think outside the square, and put yourself in your customer's shoes.

Do you need help with your Christmas marketing? Contact Adloyalty today!

Smarter Marketing

A new season presents the perfect opportunity to get smarter with your marketing and boost your business at the same time.

We are going to share with you our top 4 ways you can introduce some smarter marketing in your business to achieve new growth!

Get online!!

If you don’t have an online presence, you are missing out on potential leads, and clients.

I read a statistic yesterday that said only 47.1% of Australian businesses have an online presence (Source: Australian Business Statistics (ABS): IT Use and Innovation in Australian Business 2013-2014).  

This statistic is worrying, since the level of Australian’s going online is growing every day, as is the level of Australia’s shopping online! In fact, the value of online retail continues to grow with an estimated worth of $22.1bn last year alone.

If you’re not online – WHY NOT?

Make sure you website is mobile responsive

89% of the population own a smartphone, and 60% own a tablet (2014 Australian Mobile Phone Lifestyle Index).

If you are online, you need to make sure that your website is mobile responsive. 

What does that mean? Essentially, it means that your website can be accessed PROPERLY from a mobile device.

If people need to pinch and adjust the screen to find information, they are going to lose interest. Not only that, Google may not even list you in the search results when people are looking for your products/services. 

Mobile friendly sites are now ranking higher than non-mobile responsive sites. Get mobile today.

Utilise data & stats

Businesses who will achieve the greatest growth moving forward are those who are utilising data and statistics. Data is changing the way marketers are planning for the future, basing our strategy on real facts – not our gut feeling. 

There are different ways to leverage statistics for a more data-driven marketing strategy. We are currently using data to identify challenges or ‘pressure points’ in order to understand a particular target market better. This is allowing us to develop more targeted strategies for our clients, as we can understand what makes their customers tick.

Get your database in order

It has NEVER been more important to have an up to date database. It is considered one the most valuable business resources in the current era, providing the single most targeted and cost effective form of marketing and a means in which a business can invite repeat visitation and referral.

Are you collecting customer details? If so, make sure you are collecting email addresses! Run a competition to build your existing database, or install a sign-up function on your website and Facebook. There are plenty of ways to grow your database, and when you do, make sure you start utilising it to grow your business. Work smarter, not harder.

Do you want to work smarter, not harder?? Check out our website today! Make sure you also like us on Facebook to see more smarter marketing tips!

Master Digital Marketing - The 4 Digital C's

Stage 4 - Connections

Marketing today is a collaborative effort - both internally and externally. If you are an organisation still questioning Social Media because you are afraid you are going to lose control. 

You already have. 

People are already making comments about you, so you may as well be a part of the conversation.

We established years ago that brands were controlled by the consumer, not marketing departments. This is just the next evolution.

As individuals and businesses we need to maximise the number of users - "Connections" - who will interact with your Content, Conversations and Community. 

It is equally as important that you continue to evaluate which platforms your prospects and influencers are using. Test and identify which works best for you.

Connect with us today to discuss how we can make Digital Marketing work harder for you.

Master Digital Marketing - The 4 Digital C's

Stage 3 - Community




People always want to be a part of a community. This is how we feel safe, and this applies even more when we are customers.

Speaking of communities, who has heard of Birds Nest?

Right, gentleman I am going to bring you up to speed. Birds Nest is an online fashion retailer based in Cooma. Cooma isn't even a destination, it's on route to the snow. 

At last check, they had 92,000 fans in their online community. And every morning - fellas you may be checking the news or the weather - she is checking the Outfit of the Day. Every morning, Birds Nest send it out to their "online community" so she can purchase the whole ensemble including the necklace and the shoes. Just sayin.'

Have you thought about how you can build an online community?

Why not utilise tools such as Facebook Groups? This closed conversation platform can allow you and your customers to share ideas and issues. One of our clients identified an industry sector that they wanted to work more closely with, so they are now doing this. They now have a far greater understanding as to what this groups pain points are, and where they need assistance. 

Think about your customer base, and whether creating a community would benefit them...and you!!

Want to join our online community? Subscribe today!!

Master Digital Marketing - The 4 Digital C's

Stage 2 - Conversations

This month, we will be talking you through Digital Marketing, and how utilising the 4 C’s could revolutionise your business. Stage 2 – Conversations.

Social Media is SOCIAL. Don’t lose sight of this. Don’t keep banging on about your product – particularly if it isn’t funny, doesn’t evolve a cranky cat or in seriousness – doesn’t offer the recipient value.

Social Media users want to talk WITH you at least as much as they want to listen to you. And they expect attention, interaction and answers!

Campaigns are OUT Conversations are IN

Hands up those that regularly join discussions on LinkedIn or Twitter. As businesses we need to be part of the conversation, otherwise how do we build awareness for our subject matter expertise.

More conversations, less promotion. We need to Monitor, Listen, Understand and Act. The quicker you get back to them, the better. And if someone takes the time to Comment, Acknowledge it with a Like.

Create monitoring streams around keywords and phrases. Look for interest cues like “want”, “need” and “love”. Check Social Mention regularly.

Find industry influencers, join their conversations. Set up google alerts and start a conversation of your own.

And remember.....CAMPAIGNS ARE OUT. CONVERSATIONS ARE IN.

Want to start a conversation with us? Click here to find out more.

Master Digital Marketing - The 4 Digital C's

Stage 1: Content Marketing

In May, our very own Caddie Marshall presented at the Central West Business Summit. Her topic? Mastering Digital Marketing. In this presentation, Caddie discussed the decline in the 4 Marketing P’s, and the rise of the 4 Digital C’s.

This month, we will be talking you through Digital Marketing, and how utilising the 4 C’s could revolutionise your business. Stage 1 – Content!

We have all seen the word content floating around, usually with the word ‘marketing’ on the end. So what is Content Marketing?

It’s a strategic marketing approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience and ultimately, to drive profitable customer action. That’s a mouth full.

Basically, it is the information about your product or service, and their benefits. It’s what your customers and potential customers are looking for when they are in the actively seeking or are in the research phase of a purchasing decision.

Content should ALWAYS be the focus of your digital marketing. If there is no content, you’re not being found, and most importantly, you’re not making it to the next round of Conversation!

Beyond being found, your content needs to be engaging enough for people to want to Like It, Comment on it and better still - Share it. It needs to offer value.

You don’t need to create all of your content – we are all becoming curators of information.  As humans it is in our makeup to Share Ideas. This is how we have evolved. And it will be how businesses evolve.

SO, remember to invest the time to review trending topics to capitalise on what is popular and topical and participate in conversations. HINT: Check trending #hashtags. 

Adloyalty are "Masters" in Digital Marketing. Click here to read about our services that could help take your business to the next level.