Mediaboss Marketing

On Thursday 24September, RSViP held its most recent event online with talks from twodigital marketing experts.

Hosted by Fiona Duncan-Steer, ofRSViP, andBrand Consultant, Matt Davies, The power of marketing in the digital space featuredTrevor Lorkings aka The Digital Alchemist, who specialises in the development of e-commerce websites, creative design for print, and produces notebooks, planners and journals, as well as hosting his podcast Curious Fire alongside Alan Hennessy.

Trevor launched a food business in 2009, building a community around jam and preserve making, with hiswife Rosemary, with workshops, recipe books and an online recipe site and blog. A monthly preserving magazine, in both digital and paper formats, came shortly afterwards and the business fluctuated over the years then hit lockdown.Four months on the couple have quadrupled their monthly turnover. The event saw Trevor detail their story.

The event also featuredB2B Digital LinkedIn Coach, Charlie Whyman, whospends her time consulting, coaching and mentoring teams and individuals on strategic B2B Marketing and LinkedIn. She is also the host of The Curiosity Key Podcast and founder of The Curious Marketing Club.

This session isjust one example of RSViPs work tokeep businesses connected through troubling times, in the last six months since lockdown began in March.

Taking their in-person Network Social events online, business was able to continue as (un)usual. Named Keep calm and carry on digitally, the events have been running for 6 months now.

Founder of RSViP, Fiona Duncan-Steer, said:Its been a very challenging time for many businesses, in particular the events and hospitality industry. We have been hit extremely hard and it has been difficult seeing many of our clients anxious and struggling. As such many of us have had to switch into survival mode and do whatever it takes to keep going, stay visible and above all, support one another, which is exactly what I decided to do.

After a forty eight hour panic following the first Government announcement, I pulled my socks up and hosted my first ever online event in March, to a positive and grateful response from both business professionals and University students and we are now preparing to host our eighth online event on 29th October and will continue for as long as we need to.

I have very quickly had to adapt a business Ive been running in much of the same way for the past 12 years in a matter of weeks and Id be lying if I said it hasnt been a challenge at times. Knowing I have such a powerful and extensive network and reach, there was no option but to go digital! Ive learnt so much during this process and just feel happy Ive been able to keep going and help so many others along the way.

Fiona has collaborated with brand strategist Matt Davies, Brand Strategist & Co-hostto host the online events and together they both offer their expertise from a business and marketing perspective, inviting guest speakers to share their stories and insights on topics such as how to stay connected in the digital space, maintaining valuable relationships at a distance and such-like, experimenting with various formats and timings to co-inside with the changing times along the way.

Fionas property network WREN have taken their events online too.

Over 300 East Midlands professionals have also joined the new LinkedIn group RSViP Business & The City during lockdown, with the groups intention to bring businesses together to share useful resources and information.Fiona has also been developing her training business, and launching hervirtual training hub,offering businesses free resources.

See shots of the most recent event, capturedby Steve Edwards Photography & Photography by Gem, below:

Continued here:
Social scene: RSViP - 'The power of marketing in the digital space' - East Midlands Business Link

Were Population Services International PSI, a global non-profit. We aim to make it easier for people in the developing world to be healthy by marketing affordable health products and services (think mosquito nets, HIV testing and more) through private sector strategies.

With over 50 years of experience, working in over 60 countries, Population Services International (PSI) is the worlds leading non-profit social marketing organization. PSI is reimagining healthcare, by putting the consumer at the center, and wherever possible bringing care to the front door. With our 50 years of insight, PSI reimagines how to bring quality healthcare closer to those who need it most. Check out http://www.psi.org for more information on our programs.

PSI/SOM started operating in Somalia since 2007 to socially market safe water tablets and long-lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets and has since expanded, including programs for maternal and child health to improve the health status of Somali people especially women, children and the most vulnerable. Working in partnership with the private and public sector and with other development partners, PSI provides life-saving products, clinical services and behavioral change communication interventions throughout Somalia. For more information, please follow the below link: https://www.psi.org/country/somaliasomaliland/

What are we looking for?

Population Services International (PSI Somaliland/Somalia) is hereby inviting all interested eligible bidders (Research Agencies) with the required experience and capacity to provide field data collection enumerators, qualitative researcher in Mogadishu (Banadir), Jubaland State, South West State, Hirshabele State, Galmudug State, Puntland State, and Somaliland for conducting Private Sector Market Assessment of Family Planning Products /Services and Stockholder Birth-spacing Perspectives.

If you are interested and could provide this service please register your company by sending an e-mail with your expression of interest and the following required documents to:Somprocurement@psi.org no than 15th October 2020.

Please include the words IFB Registration- Research Services in the subject line and the following information in the body of the e-mail message: company name, contact name, phone number and e-mail address. In response, PSI will send you the full IFB document which includes the IFB document, scope of work, annexes, Financial Proposal/quotation template, bid evaluation process and other essential bidding instructions & requirements.

All the bid documents mentioned above plus CVs of your roster must be submitted in sealed envelopes bearing only: Procurement of Research Agency across Somalia and Somaliland and dropped in the TENDER BOX at PSI Hargeisa office located at this address:**

Population Services International

Opposite Admas University, Jig-jiga yar, Ibrahim Koodbuur, 150 street

Hargeisa

Tel: +252 (2) 517382/+252634048329/0905081232

Office hours: 8:00am to 4:00pm, Sunday-Thursday

Closing Date for Submission of bid documents: 21st October 2020 before 4:00pm

PSI does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any proposal and is not bound to give reasons for the decisions made thereof. All Bidders are responsible for the cost of preparing proposal documents or any other costs incidental to this bid, during or after the tendering process.

If after bid submission you are unable to participate, please advise us immediately by e-mail. Any questions which you may have in relation to bid must be addressed to somprocurement@psi.org and copying mabdilahi@psi.org

If you are interested and could provide this service please register your company by sending an e-mail with your expression of interest and the following required documents to:Somprocurement@psi.org no than 15th October 2020.

Please include the words IFB Registration- Research Services in the subject line and the following information in the body of the e-mail message: company name, contact name, phone number and e-mail address. In response, PSI will send you the full IFB document which includes the IFB document, scope of work, annexes, Financial Proposal/quotation template, bid evaluation process and other essential bidding instructions & requirements.

All the bid documents mentioned above plus CVs of your roster must be submitted in sealed envelopes bearing only: Procurement of Research Agency across Somalia and Somaliland and dropped in the TENDER BOX at PSI Hargeisa office located at this address:**

Population Services International

Opposite Admas University, Jig-jiga yar, Ibrahim Koodbuur, 150 street

Hargeisa

Tel: +252 (2) 517382/+252634048329/0905081232

Office hours: 8:00am to 4:00pm, Sunday-Thursday

Closing Date for Submission of bid documents: 21st October 2020 before 4:00pm

PSI does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any proposal and is not bound to give reasons for the decisions made thereof. All Bidders are responsible for the cost of preparing proposal documents or any other costs incidental to this bid, during or after the tendering process.

If after bid submission you are unable to participate, please advise us immediately by e-mail. Any questions which you may have in relation to bid must be addressed to somprocurement@psi.org and copying mabdilahi@psi.org

Read this article:
INVITATION FOR BID- IFB PROCUREMENT OF RESEARCH AGENCY - ReliefWeb

Thomas More University and the NKY Chamber join in presenting Startegize More., presented by the Accelerated, Graduate & Professional programs at TMU on Oct. 22 from 9-10 a.m.

We all know going digital during these challenging times is important. But do you and your organization have a digital marketing strategy?

In this session, Kendra Ramirez, will show the steps to help create your digital marketing blueprint to reach your target audience that powers your business development and recruitment.

Takeaways from this session will help you will to

Determine which channels your target audience uses.

Determine the best type of content for your message.

Determine how often you should post content.

How to plan and research your content.

How to measure for success.Who should attend?

Anyone who manages digital communication or business leaders who want more results from their digital efforts.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS VIRTUAL PRESENTATION

Kendra Ramirez

Kendra Ramirez is globally recognized on the home page of LinkedIn.com, Women of Influence Award Winner, John Barrett Entrepreneur Vision Award recipient, Cincy Chic Woman of the Year, AMA Marketing Legend, and a finalist for the Social Media Innovator of the Year.

Since 2005, she has led a digital agency helping hundreds of organizations leverage digital technologies.She has spent more than 15 years in technology companies as a change agent in sales, marketing and recruiting leadership for B2B customers. She started Reset (mindset community) a year and a half ago to help others move from fear and anxiety to joy and gratitude.

Follow this link:
Strategize More.: Thomas More University and NKY Chamber virtual program helps with digital marketing - User-generated content

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, staying connected is more important than ever.

Heard that one before?

Times have changed, and of course, so have many aspects of the way we think about branded content marketing. However, clich messaging still poses the same risk: tired platitudes can drive audiences further away with every attempt to draw them closer.

Your brand is one of millions navigating similar waters. Themes you use for the first time seem fresh to you, but the same emotions and terminology may already be working their way into content campaigns around the worldand consumers are growing tired of the same generalized statements about hard times. Overused, empty messaging can cause your branded content marketing initiatives to land with a thud when you expected a splash.

Becoming aware of these COVID clichs and steering clear of them can help you get back in the business of standing out with campaigns of substance. Whether youre producing copy for enhanced assets, social media posts, video copy, or email newsletters, watch out for these fresh phrases turned tired tropes. With a little creativity, your team can capture the same messaging through more spirited alternatives that resonate with your target audience.

Before the pandemic, using this phrase was a common way to add gravity to marketing pitches. And it made some sense as a lead-in when the effects of COVID-19 were still fresh. Months later, however, people have had time to adapt (to varying extents). Its former meaning is coming back with a vengeance, and using it to introduce an idea will reek of opportunistic capitalizing on the era.

Instead . . .

Skip to the point! Youre bound to type this phrase, or a similar one, without even thinking about itclichs love to sneak into your content that way. Just remove it and watch your sentences step into the present day.

Now more than ever, Effective marketers need to know how to collaborate with other teams effectively, without the meeting rooms and whiteboards.

According to Google Trends, the average monthly online use of the word unprecedented spiked in March 2020 and has remained at levels over double those from before the pandemic began. Thats just . . . well, you know. (This doesnt make it a good SEO keyword, by the way!)

Image attribution: Google Trends.

On top of being such a common word to describe the COVID-19 era, it doesnt actually say very much. If you feel the need to point out the nature of our reality right at this moment, its worth at least finding a novel way to say it.

Instead . . .

The next time youre tempted to use unprecedented or uncertain or difficult times, dig deeper and get specific. Home in on the particular message you want to send out. Alternatively, you can turn the concept on its head by being self-aware, acknowledging the common word, and getting your funny on.

Nobody has a compass to navigate these times, but at least we have . . .

These times are, for lack of a lesser-used word, unprecedented.

Throwback to precedented times.

The one means well, but with the shock value of COVID-19 behind us, this message has lost its power. The general perception of normal has changed, and with no definitive end date in sight, the notion of getting through the pandemic is more a display of disconnection from the COVID-19 reality than anything else.

Instead . . .

Try skipping the sentiment altogether. Focus on offering insights and tips on how your product or service can help consumers as they continue to acclimate to the next normal.

Image attribution: Markus Winkler from Unsplash.

The idea of a brand being present is too abstract to carry much weight. Unless your audience is in need of saving, this phrase is ready to give up the ghost. For general communication by your brand, its just noise; every brand is trying to stay in the minds of their consumers, just as we always have.

Instead . . .

Concentrate less on your own existence. Fast-forward to your audiences pain points, and center your branded content on what you are there forwithout overtly stating it.

We get itZoom fatigue is real. Were here to help your team members stay motivated to do great things.

Here to make online photo-sharing a snap.

This phrase automatically underestimates customers ability to communicate virtually. By now, many among even the most technophobic folks have decorated their video chat backdrops and accepted socially distant calls as the new norm for connection.

Instead . . .

Think about moving forward. Rather than referencing the idea of staying connected, encourage your audience to stay positive. Theyre already connected; get them invested in whats to come.

We get ityouve been around. When the pandemic began, many brands quickly pivoted to speaking about their own histories. Lean on creativity and consumer-focused messaging to help your brand stand out.

Instead . . .

When youre spreading a message of support, dont date yourself. Keep most of your focus on the present day.

Just like how a creative person doesnt prove anything by describing themselves as creative, your brand doesnt need to state how human it is.

Instead . . .

Show, dont tell! Share a photo of your Zoom grid of employees during your next all-hands company meeting. If anyone on your team puts time into volunteering, or even if youre just staying connected remotely, sharing those insider views softens branded content marketing with a dose of everyday truth that encourages empathy.

Image attribution: Engin Akyurt on Pixabay.

If a phrase sounds like it could have come from any company, then including it in your branded content marketing will only obscure your brands message. Quality content remains the lifeblood of effective content marketing. Staying true to your brand messaging will always result in more authentic content than simply jumping onto the latest buzz-phrase bandwagon.

For more stories like this, subscribe to the Content Standard newsletter.

Featured image attribution: Sergey Semenov from Pixabay.

See the original post here:
7 COVID Clichs to Avoid in Your Branded Content Marketing (And What to Say Instead) - The Content Standard by Skyword

Have you ever personally experienced microaggressions or acts of racism in the workplace?

I would say I faced microaggressions for the most part. Whether it was me coming back from the weekend and people saying oh Janishas a new hair style or getting questions about where Im from in Atlanta. I grew up in a predominantly Black area, and as Atlanta became more and more gentrified, colleagues would talk about having to get through the sketchy part [of Atlanta] or saying I wouldnt move there. That was the part I grew up in. When they make comments about [my hometown] being the sketchy part they really mean its a predominantly Black community.

I dont know if its just some hope in me but I do believe this time is different. What "different" means, only time will tell. When I think about where I was in 2012, when Trayvon Martin was killed, I remember coming back [to work] and no one was talking about it at all. Or you could talk about it amongst other Black friends and colleagues at work, which as we know is already a small pool. But this time, I walked into the office and everyone was talking about it.[Her white colleagues] are understanding that Black voices need to be amplified. What were they doing before they got here? Thats always the question. But there is a tiny bit of hope that this time is different, especially given the fact that things have continued. This thing has not closed down.

It changed tremendously. We started our journey four years ago by making our Diversity and Inclusion Council. We had some service activities. When youre trying to move a culture, its a long-term journey. Then, when George Floyd was killed, the roadmap we had was completely thrown out the window. We decided we cannot put diversity and inclusion on the back burner. We had to take action. We had come up with the idea for Brave Spaces [where BIPOC and other employees from marginalized groups can go to share grievancesand creatively inclusive ideas for client work] from Adcolors Courageous Conversations, but we never could figure out how to implement it [across the agency] over the past three years. We thought wed have to have a protocol where employees couldnt talk over each other. The weekend we came back from George Floyd being killed, we threw our protocol out the door and said we need to have these conversations. We had an initial Zoom call that 182 people joined. Ourallies were there to listen.

Brave Spaces has been a hit, weve gotten so much positive feedback from that. Its allowed us to get to know each other. We sit next to the same people every day at work and we dont know them. We tend to assume that just because they "made it,"theyre "good."But we all go through things just as human beings and Brave Spaces has allowed us to share our stories. Weve had our brave sisters and brothers within ourAsian-American community talking about COVID being labeled as the Chinese flu, and all of the other [racist] things being said to them and their children.

Another big piece was the releasing of our [diversity] numbers. We realized he had to talk about where we are. Weve been on this journey for about five years and we know we still have miles to go. I remember meeting with our c-suite [beforehand] about that. I was scared; I was telling them that were going to out ourselves. But they were so receptive. I was talking to them about about the commitments I felt we should make. When my CEO said to me "this is a fair report,"it was the happiest day of my life. It meant he wants to improve and we have reason to improve, both internally and externally with our clients.

Yup. Because I have a strategy background, I know how to use my strategy hat and apply it to how I talk to my clients. I was on the phone with a lot of our clients as the [Black Lives Matter] protests were erupting. We made it clear to them that people are going to be asking about what they look like on the inside. We advised them on how to take care of their employees, how and where to donate. Companies have been called out for posting the black square on Twitter [showing solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement] but not having one person of color in the board room. Consumers today are looking at brands to be moral compasses. Theyre not going to buy from you if you dont stand for something. We are having those conversations. Americas alarm clock has gone off and brands have woken up. Conversations from a casting perspective have been going on for a long time but were moving from casting to cultural conversations. We all talk about how representation matters but nuance matters more. Just seeing a Black woman in a TV spot is not enough. The cultural insights have to be there too.

For sure. Client briefs before would be like we need to reach Gen Z and millennials, but now clients are saying we want to hit the African-American market and we want to make sure we are not just copying and pasting a general market spot and changing out the characters to make it the African-American spot. Before, that was OK.I dont think the culture ever thought it was OK, but the brands saw it as a good way to save money and time. Most brands are starting to see that diversity cant just be a checkpoint in your brief.

Its one of the reasons we released our diversity numbers. I was on a call [with a prospective client] who is a white woman who asked everyone to turn on their cameras because [the pitch] was for a project [targeted] to an African-American audience so she wanted to see the teams [reflectthe audience]. I kind of chuckled at that but was so proud.

Mentorship is number one. We have to make sure we are leveling the playing field for everyone, not just inside our walls but outside. I know we compete against agencies but when it comes to this topic, we need to share tips and tricks. So one of the other things were adding is a resource on our website that gives guidelines on how to hold a Brave Space, how to talk to your C-suite about releasing diversity numbers and implementing culture training. We are also making sure we are continuing to diversify our pipeline. When you hear things like the Wells Fargo CEOs comment [in which he blamed a "very limited pool of Black talent"for the company'slack of diversity within its workforce], we said we are going to go on Instagram and find a whole list of diverse creatives. We have to make sure we diversify our talent pool and when we get them in there, make sure we are inclusive to all.Advertising is already a business where you get thrown into the water; we have to make sure our employees have the tools to swim.

Go here to see the original:
Uncomfortable Conversations: The shift in widespread reactions, from Trayvon Martin to now - AdAge.com