Tuesday, June 30, 2015

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!!

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

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.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

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. 



Monday, May 25, 2015

Central West Business Summit - Worth the Climb

Event Organisers Tamara James, Caddie Marshall and Dannielle Jenkins with Keynote Speaker Michael Pascoe


The Central West Business Summit last Tuesday bought together the best of the best. Over 155 people congregated at the Orange Ex-Services Club for the inaugural event, representing over 100 different businesses across 15 industry sectors.

Presented by marketing & business consultancy Adloyalty and workforce specialists, PulseHR the Summit featured an entertaining post-budget review from Michael Pascoe, as well as presentations from business experts from Adloyalty, PulseHR, Telstra, BEC, AusIndustry and Regional Development Australia.

 “We are so pleased with the level of attendance and support from local businesses, from varying growth industries across the Central West such as manufacturing, mining, construction, health & education.” Everyone embraced the opportunity and really enjoyed the day.” Event Coordinator, Dannielle Jenkins said.

Key topics & business issues that were discussed included Digital Marketing & Business Tools, HR, Finance & Investment & Business Planning.

AusIndustry also took the opportunity to discuss their funding opportunities for businesses in key industry growth sectors across the Central West as a part of the Entrepreneurs Infrastructure Programme.

“There is funding available for certain industry groups within the Central West, which is very exciting for regional growth & development. Please visit business.gov.au for more information.” Dannielle said.

The Summit also featured a Business Expo, which showcased key services available to take business to the next level. Exhibitors included Adloyalty, PulseHR, Skillset, AusIndustry, Telstra, Australian Institute of Company Directors, Phocas Software, Prime7, Adbox, Yates Baker Mclean and Xero. This also provided businesses with an opportunity to network and see what else is out there to help achieve growth & success.  

“Networking is such a vital part of doing business in Regional NSW, and allows you to be exposed to greater opportunities for growth. We have seen an incline in business networking groups such as Renweld and the Orange Young Professionals, both of who had representatives attend on the day.” Dannielle continued to say.

The Summit team have also heard some fantastic feedback, which has reinforced the need to host an annual event. 

“Based on the level of interest, we are very excited to announce that the Summit will return in 2016! Meet you at the top!!” Dannielle concluded.

If you would like to register your interest, please visit www.centralwestbusinesssummit.com.au


Friday, May 15, 2015

The results are in for the "Pre-Summit Survey"



This week, we emailed a survey to all businesses who will be attending the Central West Business Summit. 

This is the analysis so far.

The leading key industries that will be in attendance at the Central West Business Summit are manufacturing and business services. 

The majority of businesses attending are located in the Central West Region and reaching as far as the Gold Coast. 


Over half of attendees have an organisational structure of fifteen or less, followed with just under half of businesses with under 200 employees. A small segment of participants will be representing enterprises of plus 500 employees. 


The primary area of expertise participants are hoping to benefit from is Marketing, with 70% of attendees citing this. These are followed very closely with social media, digital marketing, employee/skill development, website development, strategic planning, industry networking, funding and organisations processes. 


Guests of the Central West Business Summit are staying current within their specific industry knowledge and best practice through the medium of industry newsletters, industry websites, industry groups, industry publications and conferences. 


80% of attendees have indicated their business confidence level ranges from 'OK' to 'Good'. 


60% of respondents have stated that they will invest in marketing for the future growth of their business. 50% have expressed organisational processes & systems followed closely with skills development, infrastructure and strategic planning. 


Stay tuned!!!!

Friday, April 17, 2015

Accelerating Regional Economic Development



The Central West Business Summit on May 19 will focus on economic development, and how businesses can capitalise on opportunities to grow their bottom line. Both the regional and national economy will be under the spotlight, with Michael Pascoe delivering a Post-Budget Review, and AusIndustry’s Sally Palmer discussing regional economic development and funding opportunities.

“AusIndustry’s session will look at recent national and local economic data as well as reports and industry trends that inform and impact regional development.” Sally Palmer stated.

Focusing on case studies and initiatives from other regions, Sally will be discussing how businesses in Central West NSW can capitalise on opportunities closer to home.
I think it’s important to provide stimulus for growth and identify opportunities to promote competitive advantage in the Central West.” Sally Palmer stated.

Keynote Speaker, Michael Pascoe will also be focusing on the economy, bringing a wealth of knowledge as one of Australia’s most respected and experienced finance and economic commentators.  As well as delivering a Post-Budget Review, Michael will also be discussing identifying opportunities for the local economy.


 “People are generally so busy running their business - head down, tail up in making it work – that they can lose perspective about the big picture and get swamped by headlines mainly designed to scare them rather than inform. The Central West Business Summit is a great chance to lift your head from the dashboard to see where we’re going.” Michael said.

Michael’s aim is to both inform and entertain Summit attendees, whilst encouraging them to clear their heads and think beyond immediate problems.

 “Just when most economic and political headlines are at their gloomiest in years, there are some green shoots appearing for our economy, opportunities for those willing to seize them. The Central West Business Summit should highlight some of those – an economic boot camp for Orange.” Michael continued to say.

Don’t miss out – Register now at www.centralwestbusinesssummit.com.au

All businesses will also be given the opportunity to attend a free session hosted by AusIndustry after the Summit, which will focus on how businesses can benefit from the Entrepreneurs Infrastructure Programme. For more information, please visit the Central West Business Summit website.


Meet you at the Top!!

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Working together to grow Regional NSW


The Central West Business Summit will bring together business leaders and industry experts from across Regional NSW. It is a great opportunity for businesses to identify opportunities, and provides an ideal platform to canvas current challenges and network with like-minded businesses. It is also a time to appreciate our region, and discuss more ways we can grow and develop Regional NSW.

Regional growth and development is a collective task, with businesses now looking at more efficient ways to maintain sustainability and position themselves as industry leaders in the marketplace. The business environment has also changed so fundamentally, that there is a need for us to change the way we find and ultimately attract more customers and clients to our business.

“Businesses need to be focusing on ways they can capitalise on current opportunities and minimise risks facing their business.” Pulse HR’s Workforce Specialist, Tamara James said.

Opportunities such as Digital Marketing, Government Growth Grants and Workforce Evolution are just some of the topics that will be discussed at the Central West Business Summit.

“We will also be providing the opportunity for businesses to register for sessions after the Event to learn more about funding opportunities such as AusIndustry’s Entrepreneur’s Infrastructure Program and more!” Event Coordinator, Dannielle Jenkins added.

As a region, Central West NSW presents many great opportunities for business and investment. With lower overheads and living costs, there is greater opportunity for businesses to secure and maintain sustainability. Regional communities also tend to be more digitally connected communities, as this is how we access products and services.

It’s time to think globally but act locally – the Summit is about appreciating Central West NSW as a region and the fantastic businesses we boast.” Dannielle continued to say.

The Business Enterprise Centre will also be discussing doing business in turbulent times, which will address shared challenges that Central West businesses face and ways of overcoming them.

“There is a great cross-section of topics, and we want to make sure the day is inspiring, motivational and of tangible value. All Event Partners are united in the fact that we need to ensure we are developing confident businesses that achieve growth targets, employ more people and therefore contribute to the economic vibrancy of our communities.” Tamara concluded.

Tickets are selling fast – make sure you don’t miss out! Register now at www.centralwestbusinesssummit.com.au