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. 

Central West - Are You Ready To Fly?

Central West businesses will continue to grow and flourish making way for new enterprises and add-on industries to enter the local market. The question you have to ask is – are you ready to catch this wind and fly?

In the lead-up to the 2016 Central West Business Summit in May, it is thought-provoking to reflect on the growth the region has seen in the past ten years and how it has made way for exciting future times for local business.

We are seeing an amazing change in the tapestry of business across the region. Whilst we may see the inevitable seasonal ebb and flow within the traditional industries that underpin the Central West’s economy, we are continuing to see retail, hospitality and tourism creating an eclectic diversity.

The region is really shining. Never would our communities have dreamt that we would have such a vibrant energy 15 or 20 years ago. Many business owners have situated themselves to take advantage of this growth and change. It’s really beginning to pay off.

The recent expansion of a number of local businesses is a sign of the changing nature of the local market. Canowindra business, K&H Interiors and Design, is going from strength-to-strength with a second store planned for the region.

In Cowra, Rourke and Henry Kids Boutique is growing an online following throughout the State and in Molong Yates Baker McLean Accountants and Business Advisors are continuing to grow their advisory services with the evolution of their agribusiness group based in Molong.

Our businesses are doing some great things. Sometimes we undervalue ourselves, but I see it as a brilliant opportunity to help people in regional locations elevate their business through marketing.

Online marketing has been a game changer along with an expansion in hospitality and tourism. The Central West is now a solid destination for local, interstate and international visitors who are keen to explore the riches of the region.

Mining and agriculture are still our strengths as a region. The Central West is one of the most heavily prospected regions in Australia.

Business owners can position themselves to take further advantage of the market by knowing their customers, taking care of the local market, and understanding their business and capabilities.

Getting to know your customers is one of the most important things you can do for your business. Really listen to and care about the people who are using your services and buying your products – they are your business!

Always sell to locals first especially in hospitality and tourism. The visiting friends and relatives market is an important one to tap into.

Understand your business and your capabilities. You hear it all the time, but setting realistic goals for your business and working towards them on a daily basis is integral.

Finally, gathering a trusted team of employees, associates and networks around you is the number one factor which will ensure your business success during times of change.

One of my key strengths in business has been forging a diverse range of connections throughout the Central West to facilitate strategic alliances with complimentary business.

Adloyalty is currently working with Regional Development Australia Central West, the Business Enterprise Centre Central NSW and Yates Baker McLean in preparing for the 2016 Central West Business Summit to be held in Parkes on the 24^th May.

Key themes for this year include innovation, agribusiness, engineering, heavy vehicle industry and mining. 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, and facilitates the sharing of ideas and knowledge.

For more information about the Summit or to purchase tickets go to www.centralwestbusinesssummit.com.au.

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 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.