News.
In Context newsletter November 2010
In Context Update
During the months of October, November and December we normally spend our time talking budgets – our own, but more importantly that of our clients. As we facilitate strategy sessions, lead their budget processes and assist in carefully crafting goals and business plans we are acutely aware of how difficult it is to put together solid strategies, supported by sound financials.
In the end it’s the figures that tell the real story – past, present and future. Bringing these to life through words is an art – or so we believe. More importantly, we’ve realised that listening plays a key part in this process. Listening (and attending) to the needs and wants of shareholders, executives, clients and accountants (to name but a few) is taxing and delivering on all the requests and requirements tends to take its toll.
So we’ve introduced a words budget. We are aiming to only say things that really matter; shorter, sharper, more meaningful. With the commitment to really listen. As we craft our strategies for 2011 we’d like to hear from you – what are your communication needs for 2011 and beyond? Contact us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to share your thoughts.
Until next time!
Featured course
Business Talk: How to Communicate Effectively
Course description:
This workshop provides practical advice on how to communicate via e-mail, letter or the telephone.
Outcomes:
By the end of the workshop you should:
• know how to structure written communication
• understand e-mail etiquette
• know how quickly to respond
• understand telephone etiquette
Who should attend?
Telesales, customer support, accounts and purchasing staff
Length of course:
Half day
If this sounds perfect for someone in your team, email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Our bookshelf
South Africa’s Greatest Entrepreneurs, compiled by Moky Makura
Ian Mann recently reviewed South Africa’s Greatest Entrepreneurs in the Sunday Times and states that there are three reasons why you should read it, namely:
• One, it is about 22 of South Africa’s finest business leaders, most of whom must rank among the best in the world.
• Two, it provides a unique insight into some of the finest and most important companies in the country.
• Three, it is well written and provides a meaningful statement on each of the featured entrepreneurs.
We agree with him! It contains insights on Sol Kerzner, Koos Bekker, Jenna Clifford, Nkhensani Nkosi, Mark Lamberti and 17 other great entrepreneurs. This would be the perfect book to give as a end-of year gift or to spoil yourself & get some inspiration before we count down the hours to 2011.
Industry Update
Bringing your brand to life through sponsorship
According to morebusiness.com sponsorship provides a great means of broadening your competitive edge by improving your company or brand’s image; prestige; and credibility by supporting events that your target market finds attractive. As such, it is a growing practice, with big organisations through to small companies sponsoring everything from local sports teams to festivals; clean-ups of parks; or even charity or non-profit organisations, as an effective means of boosting their visibility; enhancing their public profile and image developing a stronger relationship with the community and their target audience; and clarifying what they stand for and who they are.
Jaco Pienaar of Newsclip’s Analysis Department comments that event organisers often make use of Newsclip’s Sponsorship Analysis reports to show event sponsors their media-related ‘return on investment’ and brand prominence in relation to their association with the event. This suggests that companies are seeing the benefit of the exposure provided by sponsorship, and also that event organisers are more aware than ever that they need to offer their sponsors an optimal platform from which they can gain maximum publicity.
Whether it is working to improve the environment, as Pick n Pay is doing; improving literacy like Edcon or simply helping the public enjoy their favourite sporting event, sponsorship certainly presents itself as a mutually beneficial practice both for enhancing society and for providing publicity and brand awareness.
Providing an event is well-orchestrated from the organisers’ point-of-view and it fits with your company’s image, choosing to delve into sponsorship is a useful way of gaining publicity and marketing your company or brand in a manner that doesn’t require coming up with your own campaign or creative – you are simply investing in; supporting; and associating yourself with the event or cause, and showing that you are more than just corporate – you are involved in society and have a personality that goes beyond the product or service you usually supply.
Source: http://www.publicityupdate.co.za/?IDStory=30062#
Author: Kerryn Le Cordeur Article shortened and adapted due to space.
Note: In Context Consulting can help you find the perfect event to sponsor. If you would like to have a conversation about this, email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)