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Hello
This is our marketing issue... it's not business as usual: the world is changing rapidly. We came across this recently: "Innovation needs to be part of your culture. Consumers are transforming faster than we are. If we don't catch up, we're in trouble." Like tourism, marketing affects everybody.
DIRECTORY
Marketing that almost went awry...
 Samara Private Nature Reserve is a stunning 28,000ha reserve outside Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape. These photos show accommodation at Mountain Retreat, one of the options on the reserve.
The Manor at Samara (top) and Karoo Lodge.
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Samara Private Game Reserve almost didn't get published in CapeInfo's directory. It was originally added by their marketing consultants but, when we pointed out that it was the sloppiest entry ever submitted, the consultants told us our criticism was unprofessional and they no longer wanted to be listed.
Now that's not just cutting off your nose to spite your face, it also doesn't serve a client's best interests at all! We responded, copying the owner, pointing out that it would have been unprofessional of us to ignore the horrific entry.
We were delighted that the owner decided to proceed with their entry, which we were only too happy to assist with.
It's only too often that we find marketing consultants submit the worst work. Often, it's because mundane tasks are given to a junior who just doesn't apply his or her mind. Or people think they just don't have to make the effort and that as long as something is online, it's okay...
COURSES
Marketing --- better, faster, easier...
CapeInfo is getting ready to launch an online Marketing Masterclass to help people achieve better results, faster. Most people in their daily jobs have to do some marketing so the skills in this course applies to most people.
Marketing has changed completely over the past five years. What was efficient before is not nearly as effective today. 64% of smartphone owners use their mobile devices to shop online. By 2016, more than half of the dollars spent in US retail will be influenced by the web. But, if you're anticipating the future: 45% of the world's 2 billion internet users live in Asia.
Please take five minutes to take part in our marketing survey? Participants also get to see the results and gain some insight into how others are faring.
Please click here to complete the survey.
MARKETING
Improving experiences at the heart of a strong brand
 The City of Cape Town's Traffic Management Centre must be applauded. Road commuters know that any journey can face unexpected delays and the worst part of it is not knowing what's happening. For freeway users in Cape Town, that's not the case.
The Traffic Management Centre provides ongoing updates on Facebook and Twitter (@CapeTownFreeway) with suggestions for re-routing if necessary. One of their Tweets is shown alongside.
It seems that SA National Roads Agency can learn a thing or two from this...
ACCESSIBILITY
We're mobile!
Most internet searches are now being done on mobile devices. They may be followed up on a desktop, but businesses that fare best are those that cater for mobile usage. Future growth in internet use definitely lies in mobile phones.
CapeInfo has just upgraded its templates, which automatically switch between desktop and mobile versions, depending on what you're using. So visit capeinfo.com on your phone.
INTERVIEWS
 Corporate culture & innovation that wins
There's a worldwide fascination in CEOs and we've been particularly keen to learn about FNB's success as South Africa's strongest banking brand. We interviewed Michael Jordaan, FNB's "cool" CEO, and found a rather remarkable man. Click here for the interview.
On the subject of banking, which affects everybody daily, you might be interested in our blog post, "The problem with banks..."
NEWSLETTERS
More Dash than Cash
Would you like to receive CapeInfo's free, weekly events newsletter? Click here to see an example and click here to subscribe.
ACCOMMODATION
 You can get away!
And if you're looking for a budget getaway,don't forget the quicklink to establishments charging under R350 a day. Click the image to the right.
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