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December 2011

It’s been a while since I have written for my blog. It’s not that I haven’t been writing at all. You may have even come across some of my pen and keyboard strokes without knowing.

It may have been a package of AHAVA’s latest “Time to Revitalize” Extreme Day and Night care with exceptional ingredients from the Earth’s most extreme locations.

It may have been Tamar’s Clinical Training Services website, part of the branding project that I worked on together with Avigail and Yifat at my favourite graphic studio – Studio Avigail.

It may have been a catalogue of eco-friendly designer stationery by {ula}.

You may have seen the world’s smallest camera by Medigus on one of the world’s most famous screens if you were in Times Square, NY. The photo was added to a press release for greater impact! After all – a picture is worth a thousand words.

MarketingSJT2011

The variety of projects is part of the challenge and fun that make my work so interesting: copywriting, marcom management, marketing content, branding, international exhibitions and more.

Another advantage of working as a freelance Marketing Communications professional is the range and scope of projects, each one fascinating in its own industry.

My clients come from different sectors - Medical devices; skincare and cosmetics; innovative start-ups, niche or privately owned training and HR businesses and hi-tech.
They all have one thing in common – they strive to deliver their marketing messages in an interesting way, targeting and captivating their specific audiences.

As 2011 ends, and 2012 awaits us with exciting new projects,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful people I am lucky enough to work with – my clients and business partners whom I also consider as my friends including (but not limited to) : Anat, Avigail, Diva, Itay, Ofer, Tamar and Yaron.

Wishing all a great 2012.

Introduction to Samantha’s Marcom Blog

It has been a fairly lengthy decision process on whether to write a blog or not. Once I had decided to write a blog, then deciding what to write about was next. So the initial results of the decision making process are presented here for you to read and comment about: Presenting Samantha’s Marcom Blog – which will generally be about Marketing Communications and related aspects.

Marcom, sometimes spelt Marcomm and an accepted abbreviation for Marketing Communications, in my opinion refers to anything and everything that is used to communicate marketing strategy and messaging. It is all about relaying what a company or organization wants to say about itself and its products and services.

Maybe it’s a great brochure designed to catch the eye and provide introductory information or perhaps it’s that great booth you noticed at the leading industry trade-show and exhibition. What about a great blog or a catchy viral video on YouTube? Maybe it’s those impressive numbers presented in the latest press release – or a fascinating case study about how your new product can be implemented successfully. Social Media Marketing (SMM) has also become an integral part of the marcom world in many ways.

I hope to blog about subjects that you will find interesting and worth reading. I also look forward to sharing tips and information.

Why Marcom by Samantha you may ask. Well – I’ve been in the International Marketing field for over 12 years and in the hi-tech arena for over 22. I enjoy the Marcom arena – I enjoy the challenge of finding the right medium to deliver the message. I enjoy learning about new companies and offerings and their relevant target audiences. As a free-lance Marketing Communications Consultant, I enjoy the diversity of projects that I can choose from.

On a more personal level, I enjoy working in my own office, in well-lit surroundings, where I can look out of the windows at the trees, and listen to the birds chirping and tweeting (or is that something only Twitter does nowadays?).

To continue on a personal level – what makes me a potential blogger? Those who know me personally know that I’m a “people person” who likes people – but doesn’t that usually mean meeting them or talking on the phone? I must admit that sometimes some of my friends or family may just get an email or Facebook comment or even just a little smiley on Skype!
As a friendly colleague once said – one shouldn’t write emails like one talks – keep them short. But a blog is where I can talk….and you can respond.

So if you would like to comment and actively participate in my blog – we can all benefit from additional marketing communications knowledge and information and as an added bonus – gain new friends and colleagues. Now that’s great for my “people personality”.

Is July Too Early to plan for Mobile World Congress?

Who’s thinking about Mobile World Congress or tradeshows in general? It’s mid-July and there’s that summer feeling in the air. It’s just a little bit too hot; the kids are off school and you may just be thinking that the Spanish idea of an afternoon siesta is a really good one and worth considering for global implementation. So – our siesta brings us back to Barcelona and MWC or, as still referred to by many in the mobile industry: 3GSM. You may be thinking to yourself – why is she writing about MWC in mid-July when February 2010 seems ages away? Well – that’s just the point – advance exhibition and tradeshow planning can save money, time and raise the chances for a successful, smooth event.

Samantha at 3GSM Barcelona with Celltick

With companies looking to keep themselves in the picture and use the “slump” to get ahead, 2010 is not to be ignored. Even if you have reduced tradeshow and exhibition budgets, MWC is considered the place to be seen if you are in Mobile and every industry has it’s own annual event.

So let’s get practical – once you’ve decided to showcase your company at a major tradeshow – what can you consider doing well in advance?

Book space in the hall of choice
Whether you are a new exhibitor or a returning exhibitor, make sure you have space booked. Check out who else is in your hall – and whether the other relevant industry players are in your vicinity – partners and competition alike.

Book hotels
If you haven’t already done so – book your hotels in the hosting city. If you’re looking for hotels within walking distance of the trade exhibition – the price is obviously much higher than hotels a 40-minute cab ride away. On the other hand – the cost of taxis to and fro may make it worthwhile getting a closer hotel. Maybe your team members are prepared to consider doubling up in hotel rooms in order to be in a more central location – which reduces the cost and can also contribute to company team spirit.

Prepare your budget

Even if the exhibition is in 2010 and is part of the 2010 company budget – preparing a budget for your own use can be a great help. If you have last year’s figures – use them as a guideline especially when negotiating with suppliers and contractors. Don’t forget to add travel costs for the company team going to the show. Take into account that someone may opt out at the last minute. On the other hand there may be a guest or partner joining.

Speaker Opportunities

A great way to create awareness for your company and prove your expertise is to speak at a leading industry conference. Choose your best C-level executive and submit an interesting topic according to submission guidelines. If you get a slot, make sure to invite your target audience and use for PR.

If you are looking for someone to run your next exhibition smoothly – please contact me.

If you are exhibiting at MWC – then don’t miss the submission deadline this week for Mobile World Congress 2010 – Friday 24th July 2009
http://www.mobileworldcongress.com/cfp/

PR Newswire Trade Show – a list of upcoming tradeshows

http://www.eventnewscenter.com/shows/list/by-date

My first marcom blog post

This is where my blog will be. For those of you who know me, I’ll probably blog like I talk

However, I do plan to keep this blog fairly professional, therefore it will probably focus on Marketing Communications and anything that I consider marcom-related, in Israel and around the globe. This provides a wonderfully wide scope of subjects to blog about.