There is no such thing as Digital Marketing its just Marketing !!

It is not about doing digital marketing its just about marketing cleverly in a world that is now digital. Yes marketing has changed utterly and this is because of the connected world we now live in , and yes how customers buy has change utterly and again this is because of the connected world we now live in.

But strategically its the same old game:

• What insights can we get (usually the most neglected part of marketing planning -but thats for another post),
• Who are we targeting?
• How will we position our products and service?
• How can we get our customers to engage?
• Are we doing all of this effectively?
• If not why not what do we need to change?

The fact that increasingly many of the most effective ways to communicate your messages are via digital channels isnt the point, thats just how you execute your marketing plan.

If you are managing a team and holding regular meetings, you probably realize it is sometimes difficult to get a group to engage right from the beginning, its a challenge to keep them focused , to deal with difficult personalities and disruptive behavior, its hard sometimes to build consensus when people disagree, and to ensure that full commitment is gained for follow through. Facilitators use facilitated sessions as a tool for addressing these issues.

What is a facilitated session?

A structured meeting in which the facilitator guides the participants through a series of preplanned steps to arrive at a result that is created, understood and accepted by all participants.

What is the role of the facilitator?    A skilled facilitator guides the group through interactions and techniques that engage the hearts and minds of those of the participants in the work. Great facilitators are able to help participants excel as a team in focusing on the issues, building a common vision and committing to the actions that will bring that vision into reality!

Aisling Roche is an experienced and skilled facilitator, get in touch and we would be happy to discuss how we might help you  hold better and more productive meetings.

As a mentor and trainer I often meet Irish businesses wondering how to tackle the issue of marketing. What they usually mean is how to tackle promotion, because don’t forget marketing is not just about promotion, but also about pricing, positioning, selecting the right routes to market, the right customers and the list goes on.  In order to decide how to promote to your market you need to understand who your market is, what they buy when they buy, why they buy and what influences them to buy. This means market research and I have yet to meet an Irish business who has done enough market research ( and I include myself in that).  You need to get out and talk to your customers. As a starting point can I recommend and excellent free download book “Talking To Humans” by Giff Constable http://giffconstable.com/2014/09/announcing-talking-to-humans-new-book/

Guerilla Marketing Workshop 10th September in Galway County & City Enterprise Board,  full day practical interactive given by yours truely and only €50 !

http://www.galwayenterprise.ie/k2-tags/training

Bowl-a-Granola Cereal entrepreneur

Congratulations to Siobhan Joyce on the success of her business so far, and thank you for the lovely feedback on my mentoring service.

http://galwayindependent.com/20130807/business/cereal-entrepreneur-S22308.html

This year I have been privaleged to act as a mentor with

Enterprise Ireland

Galway City & County Enterprise Board

Mayo County Enterprise Board

Mayo Ideas Lab

South West Mayo Development Company

Mentoring is a valuable service for every business, it really helps to have some one not as close to the business as you are take a fresh look at it, challenge you ask questions, give advice and push you to set realistic goals.

Farmers Journal Article 2nd November 2012