The Online Marketer

Know thyself and your target market

Filter posts by category

The 2012 amendments that were made to the South African Electronic Communications and Transactions Act of 2002 (“ the ECT Act”) shows that the South African Government is taking a serious approach to the issue of spam. The new amendments to the Act stipulate more severe forms of penalty to be meted out for violations of the Act. These amendments align the ECT Act with current trends in legislation, such as the Consumer Protection Act of 2011 and the Protection of Personal Information Act of 2013.

While the intended purpose of the Act has always been to prevent the abuse of information systems, with these amendments the government appears to have reconsidered how to better achieve this goal.

In the past the Act required a business to provide the consumer with a way to “opt out” of receiving emails whereas the amended Act now dictates that businesses can only ‘spam’ consumers that have “opted in” to receiving information about their business.

So according to Sybaweb’s Patrick Turner, “this means on a practical level is that businesses are no longer allowed to send unsolicited emails to individuals in order to market themselves and their products”. Should the Act be violated it can result in a hefty fine of up to R1 million or up to twelve months imprisonment. 

According to Mike Hendrikse, CEO of The Online Marketer, sending spam is simply bad manners in the electronic world and we should not indulge in it. Now there is a punitive reason to back up this philosophy.

South Africa gets tougher on Spam Read More »

Know thyself and your target market
Online trends

So what are your strengths… as others see it?

I've just been endorsed on LinkedIn for copywriting. I was surprised.

In fact the majority of endorsements I have received on this platform have been for copywriting.

 That’s pretty awesome because I consider myself an average copywriter at best. If you had to ask me what my best skills were, copywriting wouldn’t even get a mention.

In fact my grammar teacher would have an aneurism if she knew and Jenny, an old friend, and sometimes proof reader, would have a great chuckle. To be perfectly honest a number of readers of my online blogs and those that used to read a paper based magazine I used to publish, sometimes edit and even write for, would howl with laughter.
 
Despite this self deprecating stance, some people who I rate very highly, like the ex director of Johnson and Johnson in Sub Saharan Africa think otherwise.
 
So after that sort of name dropping I should come to my point.
 
People’s perceptions and your reality don’t necessarily dovetail.
 
In my case the reason why people have endorsed me is because I write. More people are aware of my copywriting than they are aware of my facilitation work, my strategy work, my passion for productivity hacks, systemising business processes and my passion for embracing the web to increase business leads. Because they know and trust me as a writer they are willing to endorse me.
 
So just maybe I need to write about these other passions as well.
 
Are you scared of writing? Tell me about your experiences and fears. You need to get over this fear because content on your online site will determine your future success.

 

So what are your strengths... as others see it? 1

Digitally First - Physically Enhanced

The Online Business Model has usurped the Physical Business Presence as the primary business presence. Physical businesses now support the online versions.

This transitioning has been fraught with difficulty but has been terribly exciting. Successful transients are alive with possibilities…

Let's Connect -

Let us chat about your business prospects online

Click here

So what are your strengths… as others see it? Read More »

Know thyself and your target market
Strategy

Embracing the New Business Imperatives

Collaboration, Transparency, Sharing, and Empowerment

Collaboration, transparency, sharing, and empowerment

Adapt and innovate

In the ever-evolving business landscape, it is essential for organisations to adapt and innovate in order to stay ahead of the competition. One of the critical factors driving this change is the increasing openness fostered by the internet and digital technologies.
 
In his acclaimed TED Talk on the Four Principles of the Open World, Dan Tapscott argues that the internet has transformed the way we do things, giving rise to a new level of openness characterised by collaboration, transparency, sharing, and empowerment.
 
For businesses to thrive in this new environment, they must embrace these principles and adapt their strategies accordingly.
 

The Power of Collaboration

Collaboration has become a vital component of modern business practices. It allows organisations to pool resources, expertise, and ideas to create innovative solutions and products that can set them apart from their competitors.
 
By working together, businesses can tackle complex challenges more effectively and efficiently than they could on their own.
 
For example, consider how major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft have collaborated with smaller start-ups to develop cutting-edge technologies.
 
These partnerships enable large organisations to access fresh perspectives and ideas while offering smaller companies valuable resources and support. Ultimately, collaboration leads to greater innovation and differentiation in an increasingly competitive market.

The Importance of Transparency

Transparency is another crucial aspect of the open world. Today’s consumers are more informed than ever before, and they expect businesses to be open and honest about their practices, policies, and intentions. By being transparent about their operations, businesses can build trust with their customers and foster long-lasting relationships.
 
One example of transparency in action is Patagonia’s “Footprint Chronicles” initiative. This project allows customers to trace the supply chain of their products from raw materials to finished goods. By being open about its manufacturing processes and environmental impact, Patagonia has built a strong reputation as an ethical and responsible brand.

Sharing: The Key to Growth

Sharing is a powerful tool for businesses looking to expand their reach and tap into new markets. By sharing resources, knowledge, and expertise, businesses can create mutually beneficial relationships that drive growth for all parties involved.
 
Take, for instance, the rise of co-working spaces. These shared office environments bring together entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses under one roof, allowing them to share resources, network, and collaborate on projects. This shared environment fosters creativity, innovation, and growth for all members.
 

Empowering Your Team and Customers

Empowerment is the final principle of the open world. By giving employees the tools, resources, and autonomy they need to succeed, businesses can create a more innovative and agile workforce. Similarly, by empowering customers with information and choices, businesses can build stronger relationships and drive customer loyalty.
 
For example, companies like Zappos have embraced a culture of empowerment by giving their customer service representatives the authority to make decisions without seeking approval from higher-ups. This approach has led to high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.
 
 

Adapting to the New Business Imperatives

The principles of collaboration, transparency, sharing, and empowerment are transforming the way businesses operate and compete in today’s market. To succeed in this new environment, organisations must embrace these principles and adapt their strategies accordingly. This may involve redefining their role in the market or developing new products and services that align with these values.
 
For example, in our “Know Thyself (and Your Target Audience)” course, we guide business owners and consultants through the process of understanding their driving force, mission, and vision. By doing so, they can articulate their business slogan in a way that resonates with their target audience. This approach allows them to attract more customers and retain them for longer periods.
 
In conclusion, embracing the new business imperatives – collaboration, transparency, sharing, and empowerment – is essential for organisations looking to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. By adapting their strategies to incorporate these principles, businesses can foster innovation, build stronger relationships with their customers, and ultimately achieve long-term success.

Know thyself

Adapting to the New Business Imperatives
Click Here

Add Your Heading Text Here

Digitally First but Physically Enhanced

The Online Business Model has usurped the Physical Business Presence as the primary business presence. Physical businesses now support the online versions.

This transitioning has been fraught with difficulty but has been terribly exciting. Successful transients are alive with possibilities…

Blue Ocean Strategy is to be found in openness on the net Read More »

Know thyself and your target market
copilot
Scroll to Top
copilot