Marketing: A CFO’s Perspective
Ahh, my desk. I love being behind my desk crunching numbers, working on budgets, forecasts, and analytics. It’s safe, familiar, and my domain. I thought I had everything I needed to manage and help grow the business by making decisions based on financial charts, metrics and trends. Somehow, this wasn’t translating into a healthy pipeline or bottom line. I could not understand why, when we had a great product, a top sales team, and an internal marketing group in place. We’d allocated two-thirds of our sales/marketing budget to sales and one-third to marketing…what was I missing? One thing I know is that numbers don’t lie.
Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation is in Effect…What Does That Mean for Marketing Communications Now?
As of July 1, 2014, Canada Day of all times, Canadian companies and individuals are subject to hefty fines of between $1 and $10 million CAD through Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) organization if the people they solicit have not agreed to said solicitation. This new law requires companies and individuals to obtain this consent before sending Electronic Marketing Communications (CEM), and to provide an “opt-out” method, too.
Next-Gen Networking
I was in Maui in early May of this year, kitesurfing with a friend. As I chatted with other kiters there – who have subsequently become friends – I learned about Maui’s MaiTai’s event. This unique annual networking gathering brings together elite kiteboarders, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and tech companies.
Get on the Wiki-Wiki Bus, Part II
In part one of a two-part series discussing the importance of Wikipedia, we explored the reasons why your organization might – should, really – want to add a Wikipedia article to its communications toolbox. Its status as the sixth most-visited website on the Internet, prominence in organic search engine results, and frequent use as a research resource by the media should make the decision to join the hallowed pages of Wikipedia a no-brainer.
How to Survive SXSW: What to Bring and How to Party
Continuing my blog on how to survive SXSW, here’s my list of “must haves” to pack for Austin. And, if you’re keen on parties, I’ve added some points to remember when planning your nightly party hopping activities.
How to Survive SXSW: Before You Go
Attending the South By Southwest (SXSW) Festival teaches you a thing or two about how to survive in the downtown Austin wilderness. For some, it can be a daunting event to navigate—especially if new to the SXSW shuffle. But it’s actually one of those experiences that require a full jump into the deep end. Just go for it.
Heard it Through the Great Vine
Have you heard of Vine? It’s the bee’s knees. Of course, everyone loves a good video. But who has the time to watch? Our quick-to-the-punch social media world doesn’t have the patience for long-winded and whimsical video presentations—unless you’re stuck at the airport.
Dreamforce: A Look Into the Future
My complimentary pass to Dreamforce 2013 (#DF13) exposed me to information (keynotes and expo) to affirm change has arrived and is coming for many in the way we communicate.
Internal communications, collaboration and engagement with customers and partners is evolving and business professionals are increasingly using mobile devices to reach…
Blurred Lines
“Blurred Lines,” the controversial smash hit that topped U.S. Billboard magazine’s 2013 Songs of the Summer list and achieved No. 1 in more than 100 countries, continues to make headlines, but for the wrong reasons. It’s a case of “be careful what you wish for” as not all publicity is good PR. Sending the wrong message can have devastating consequences for your brand and hard-earned reputation.