Iphone app for the marketing industry

Surprisingly there hasn’t been a great variety of iPhone applications allowing users to learn and stay up-to-date with the online marketing industry. Social Media Ltd has just released their first application on the app store to try and solve that gap in the market. The application features a lot of marketing information and has a built in blog and twitter feed to make sure you're up-to-date with the latest news in the industry. The company has also thought about the general practices of online marketers and have included a PPC Calculator to allow you to work out the success of your current pay per click campaigns.

The free app which was released last week is available on the iPhone app store and includes the following features;

• Pay Per Click Calculator – A simple way to see if your current PPC campaigns are successful
• Marketing blog – a frequently updated blog informing you about the latest marketing news
• Twitter Stream – the thoughts and opinions of Social Media Ltd’s MD
• Marketing information - an insight into PPC, SEO and Social media marketing
• Contact form – an easy way for you to contact the company

The developers also have a list of future plans for the application including an ROI calculator to allow you to easily track the return of investment on your marketing campaigns.

While this application won’t appeal to everybody, if you’re an online marketer or somebody who wants to advertise your company online we would recommend that you give it a try.

Download the app here;

http://social-media.co.uk/iphone-app.php

Invensys EYESim Immersive Training Solution Wins Processing Magazine’s Prestigious Breakthrough Product Award

Invensys Operations Management, a global provider of consulting services, software solutions, and technology systems to the manufacture and processing industries, today stated that that its EYESim™ immersive training solution, an advanced SimSci-Esscor® simulation technology, had been selected by Processing magazine as a Breakthrough Product.

Processing magazines associate publisher and editor in chief, Dennis Van Milligen stated; “The Breakthrough Product of the Year Award recognizes those services, products, and/or technology that have made important contributions in the process sectors within the past year, and are likely to deeply impact the industry in the future. Because of advances like Invensys' EYESim solution, the Breakthrough Product of the Year has become one of the most well-respected and distinguished awards in the industry.”

The EYESim solution merges virtual reality technologies with documentation management applications, control system emulation computer-based maintenance management, and high-fidelity process simulation to provide a safe and highly realistic training environment for improving operational skills and efficiency for process plant employees.

Maurizio Rovaglio, Ph.D. and head of innovation and emerging technologies for Invensys Operations Management stated; “SimSci-Esscor advanced simulation technologies such as the EYESim solution, can help to create a more sustainable future, as well as solve important industry issues. Not only can this solution be used to create confidence in new eco-friendly power sources, including commercial-scale IGCC (Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle) plants, it can also be used to train operators on new systems, as well as train younger or new operators and engineers in a real-time, immersive environment, helping manufacturers and processors replenish and retain the specialized knowledge they need to improve their operations.”

Huffington Post Moving Away from Freelancers

One of the biggest tech-related mergers this year is AOL’s $315 million acquisition of Huffington Post. The website editor and owner, Arianna Huffington, will become the lead editor of the website which is now the Huffington Post Media Group. It’s a very significant acquisition for the online world because it shows how a blog website could become very expensive.

But the movement of Huffington Post from an independent website to AOL is not just a buy-out where the popular website will retain its status-quo as an online journalist. In the process of merger, Huffington Post is slowly eliminating the need for freelancers. The focus of the website is no longer on citizen journalism but on real journalism where they will hire professional editors and writers to write articles on a full time basis. There are still freelance bloggers on the site but they are well known personalities or leaders in their industry.

The reaction from the freelancers with the movement on Huffington Post is naturally negative. It has come to a point where the site is now being sued for more than $100 million. According to the class action lawsuit, Huffington Post reposted some of the content for free in their website without paying the author. Before the revamp of Huffington Post, the website was known to aggregate popular articles online created by other writers without any fee.

Moving away from citizen journalism could be a good business decision for Huffington Post. However, it has created a hole for freelancers and leads the way for another site to take them under its wing.

Marks and Spencer Returns to France with a New Marketing Plan

Marks and Spencer is returning to France after the company removed their stores more than a decade ago. As one of the major clothing retailers in the world, Marks and Spencer opted to return to France because of the increasing awareness of their brand. Plans to open the first retail store in France were announced November 2010 and they expect to open the first retail shop by the end of 2011. Like most of the clothing giants, Marks and Spencer will open shop in the popular Street of Champs de Elysees.

The clothing brand is not just focused on basic retail shops to attract customers. To cater to the increasing demand for their products, Marks and Spencer will also launch a French version of the Marks and Spencer’s website with payment in Euros. The site was created to cater for customers looking for products they can’t easily find in retail shops in France. The website (marksandspencer.fr) will also feature different household items under the Marks and Spencer brand. The expected catalog in the company’s official French website is expected to reach more than 10,000 items.

Marks and Spencer also revealed their plans to open food-only shops in different sites in Paris. Named Marks and Spencer Simply Food Store, the company is also exploring other sites in the country for a possible rapid expansion along with bigger clothing and food shops.

The company caused a controversy when they pulled out of France in 2001 since the Marks and Spencer in the country was still considered profitable. The closure caused many job losses that even the French government intervened in the situation.

Learning More About Mobile Check-in

Mobile check-in is an increasingly popular form of online social networking. It is a totally different form of social network from traditional networks such as Twitter and Facebook because it focuses on locations and places of interest instead of basic sharing of information, pictures and opinions. Some social networks already feature mobile check-in such as Facebook (Facebook Places) and Twitter while others are dedicated to mobile check-in such as Gowalla and FourSquare.

Advantage of Mobile Communications

This type of social networking takes advantage of mobile technology where the precise location of the account holder is detected and updated online. Most of the mobile check-in websites automatically update other social networking sites which mean a single application in the mobile phone could instantly stream the user’s location.

Aside from automatically updating the user account with its location, users are also given an option where they can personally update their account. The option is offered for security purposes since there are some users who do not want to disclose some of the locations they visit.

From Mobile Check-in to Reviews

Mobile check-in consistently develops because of the increasing demand from users. Aside from learning the person’s location, location based social networking websites are also used for review purposes. For example, a person could check-in to a hotel and the account is automatically updated in their preferred social networking site. Because they have checked-in to the hotel, they can provide reviews on the services and facilities. The collective review of visitors who checked-in on the hotel could be used as reference by other users. Businesses can also take advantage of the reviews to promote or improve their services.

Opus Energy Ltd to Create 100 new Jobs following Top Track 250

Opus Energy Ltd has announced that it will be creating 100 new jobs by December 2012. The company has announced the increase in positions following their feature in The Sunday Times Top Track 250. The league table is made up of the UK's leading mid-market private organisations. Opus Energy featured in the Top Track 250 through an increase of 31% sales growth year on year.

Opus Energy is a provider of energy to UK businesses. The Company are a leading independent supplier who is able to offer a high standard of customer service and a competitively priced source of energy.

Established more than 9 years ago, Opus Energy now provides more than 100,000 sites across the United Kingdom with power. The power supplier offers low cost energy through an agreement with major shareholder, International Power Plc. Opus Energy Ltd supply power to the Government sector, the retail industry and housing associations. The company suppliers power to many household names including; Cambridge City Council, Lloyds Pharmacy, Halfords and Stagecoach.

Opus Energy provides three market leading products to their corporate customers. The three products are;

Opus Evolution

The Opus Evolution product is aimed at customers using more than 5 GWhs of electricity. The innovative product has enabled customers to dictate how and when to procure energy and offers companies several benefits including direct access to the wholesale market.

Opus Extra

Opus Energy's Extra option is aimed at companies using between ½ GWhs and 5GWhs. The product gives businesses access to flexible purchasing products. These options are normally only available to larger consuming corporate customers. Unlike Fixed energy products the energy buyer can increase the amount of electricity they purchase during a contract term.

Opus Fixed

The Opus Fixed option gives companies a more traditional fixed priced electricity product. Opus Energy Ltd combines cheap business electricity rates with a personalised account service and business-to-business invoicing.

The Importance of Digital Advertising Offline

Offline advertising or advertising through billboards, newspapers and other media outlets has been highly profitable over the past centuries. Although people constantly see ads online, offline advertising is still considered important because people still interact with their surrounding. As companies spend millions for online advertising, they spend a lot more in offline advertising to get their customers attention.
But offline advertising is no longer just another dull commercial or billboard. Advertising companies and manufacturers are thinking out of the box so that they could get the attention of the potential customers. These agencies are now tapping technology which could offer more than just a simple commercial of the product. With the help of technology, digital advertising offline is quickly becoming interactive.
One of the leading pioneers of digital advertising offline is Nesquick. They created a wall with giant screen that interacts with everyone who pass by. The official mascot and the companies milkshake product were interactive and moved as people passed by, something that will surely catch your attention. The technology implemented is considered revolutionary because this is the first time offline advertising has become truly interactive using such a large screen LCD.
Digital offline advertising is already an increasing trend in Japan. Manufacturers are using tech giants to offer unique advertising with advanced options such as being able to scan the gender of the person looking at the billboard. This idea of a truly interactive environment is slowly being implemented in many countries advertising campaigns and soon people will not just stare at bare billboards they will interact

The Best XLV Super Bowl Ads and Groupon

Super Bowl is not just about the game as people who watch the event are also there to enjoy the commercials. With an average of $3.1 million for a 30-second commercial, you should expect quality advertising and not just something written over the weekend.

The Force is Strong with Volkswagen
The most popular and well loved commercial is undoubtedly from Volkswagen. The mixture of original soundtrack from Star Wars with a near-perfect replica (except the size) of Darth Vader costume worn lovingly by a kid will always draw attention. The kid’s reaction when Dad reaches out for a hug is an epic scene.
Get Out of Prison with Audi
It seems that this is the year of car manufacturers as Audi pulls an impressive commercial for their brand. Millionaires in prison should whet up the appetite for us regular folks but what really makes this commercial interesting is the “Kenny G” references. The appearance of the master musician himself should never be missed.
Eminem’s Detroit by Chrysler
This one doesn’t tickle any funny bones but it certainly gets the attention of millions because of Eminem. Aside from being patriotic, it reminds everyone how bleak it is in Detroit but people are fighting hard to win their city back.

Groupon’s Fiasco
While other companies have enjoyed the publicity during Super Bowl, Groupon had a hard time during this event. Groupon‘s advertisements weren’t shown during the Super Bowl because of complaints. Their ads about Tibet, Whaling and the Amazon were deemed as offensive. Although the idea of dark comedy within commercial is not new, the company opted to pull these out to avoid repercussions. These commercials can still be seen online.

Facts You Need to Know About Super Bowl Advertisements

Super Bowl is a championship game between two professional American football teams. It is the most watched sports event in USA and its popularity is slowly creating different traditions around the country. Half time show performances are always anticipated and sports fans in North America and even in other countries hold viewing parties as they enjoy the game. More than 90 million viewers watch the game each year.
But aside from the half time shows and parties, the Super Bowl is also a chance for companies to advertise their products and services. With more than 90 million viewers, the advertisements space during the Super Bowl have become a traditional time for companies to introduce new adverts. High-quality advertisements that often solicit nationwide reactions are always anticipated, some people even watch the game just to enjoy the advertisements.
30 Seconds to Entice Potential Customers
The real interesting fact about Super Bowl commercials is that they are only given 30 seconds in order to pitch their product. But even in 30 seconds companies can entice their customers to buy their products or subscribe to the services they offer. Some products and brands just want to get the attention of potential buyers this advertising spot allows them to easily promote their products around the whole of the U.S.A.
The Most Expensive 30 Seconds Ever
With 90 million viewers, it is expected that TV spots for the commercials are very expensive. Companies who wanted to have a spot during the game are expected to pay an average of $3 million. This is considered a very costly type of advertising because the ad will only run for 30 seconds and the fee does not include production costs and actor fees.

Starbucks to Go Through 4th Logo Change

The largest coffeehouse company is not only known for their coffee but also its recognizable logo, which is now associated with world-class coffee. The Seattle-based coffee giant has plans to l shed its old logo and introduce a new design in the coming months.

But Starbucks is not changing their logo for the first time. In fact, this is the 4^th logo change for the company. The first version was during the 17^th century and the design was originally brown with a topless siren and a fully visible double fish tail. The second logo was used from 1987 to 1992. The logo features a siren with the breast covered with its flowing hair much like the later version except that the navels are revealed. The current version is used from 1992 and 2011. In this logo, the siren’s navel and breasts are no longer visible but the shape of the fish tail remains.

A few weeks ago, the Seattle-based company announced they will undergo another logo transformation. The logo will feature a simpler image as the logo shows a bare-chested mermaid with the tail fin split in half. The words have been removed and only a larger version of the mermaid image remains. The logo will be launched this coming March 2011 on Starbucks stores in time to celebrate their 40^th anniversary.

There are people who do not agree with the changing of the logo. But considering the track record of Starbucks making good decisions, we think the coffee maker giant will simply breeze through the criticism. After taking a second look at the logo you will realise it hasn’t changed a lot and the major difference to the design is the removal of the coffee chains name.

Photo editing services

The team of talented designers and digital photography manipulators from Fixar offer photo editing and retouching services.
The main Fixar services are: photo retouching (face and body slimming, digital make-up, retouching bad make up), Photo manipulation (removing unwanted people and backgrounds from your pictures, add a celebrity in your photo) and Photo restoration (remove water and ink spots, add sepia tone etc.).

If this doesn't sound convincing enough visit the website gallery and admire some of the photo samples in the portfolio. With Fixar any lady can end up wearing sophisticated make-up, glowing skin, whiten teeth and the look of a top model.

The expertise of the Fixar team did wonders with wedding pictures: unwanted shadows were removed, unflattering light was toned down and the final pictures deserve the best place in any wedding album.

The way to order your photo retouching is simple: just upload your photo, write the instructions and for a fee you will get back a work of art.

Bloomberg.com - New Design & Free Content

Entering Bloomberg.com yesterday was like entering Steven Lisberger’s 1982 Tron movie. The black background and orange font environment created a feeling of 1980s Wall Street madness which made the user’s hearts pump faster, preserving that “boiler room” feeling fondled greatly from the now retiring old-school stockbrokers generation.

The new website features a fresh and easy to read design, blending effortlessly white and orange colours to reinvent Bloomberg’s online identity. The re-design which rolled out in April was in beta until this morning.

The new website incorporates additional changes other than the crisp design, promoting not only user-friendly characteristics but also embracing the current trend of making more free content available while sustaining the business through other-to-subscription revenue-generating sources.

Although the additional free content is a very exciting turn-around on the company’s policy, the design might come across overly simplistic, as it dangerously resembles a blog-like environment where the blog’s content is not always viewed as transmitting market expertise and authority but rather gossiping or capitalizing on old news and content. Have a look at the screenshot taken this morning and you can be the judge.

Opus Energy Poll Shows That SME Owners Think Renewable Energy is Too Expensive or Too Confusing

Opus Energy has recently polled UK SME owners on their attitude to renewable energy. The survey found that companies were put off by the price and perceived complexity of using renewable energy. As a result only 12 % of the businesses Opus asked were currently using renewable power.
Approximately three quarters of the small companies polled were not using a specific renewable energy tariff. 72% have said they would consider renewable energy in the future, the other organisations stated that they did not want to use renewables either because of complexity (18%) or cost (47%). One third claimed they were not interested in the using renewable energy.

Opus Energy's Managing Director, Charlie Crossley Cooke has stated that the findings are insightful and show the current views of UK small businesses on renewable energy. He estimated that approximately 10% of all customers' bills are made up of green subsidiaries. Mr Crossley Cooke also believed that the proportion of renewable subsidies that all UK businesses pay will increase to approximately 25% over the next 12 months. SME businesses are already paying for renewable energy whether they realise it or not.

Mr Crossley Cooke commented that there needs to be more transparency for small companies who are already contributing to renewables. He believes this may then increase the take up of this form of energy by SMEs.

Opus Energy has sourced a large percentage of its energy from cleaner, low-carbon sources. During the past 2 years 70% of the power Opus Energy has supplied to customers has been sourced from cleaner or low carbon sources. 33% of the power was obtained from CHP (Combined Heat and Power) generators; the remaining 37% was sourced from renewable generators.

All the renewable power Opus Energy has sourced has been taken from generators accredited by Ofgem, the UK energy regulator. All the generators have all been given Levy Exemption Certificates by Ofgem to prove they meet the set standard. Opus Energy will continue to source significant proportions of its power from generators accredited as low carbon by Ofgem.

Opus Energy provide gas and electricity to companies within the UK. The business based in Northampton and Oxford was featured in the Sunday Times Top Track 250. A typical top track company has between 100 and 13,000 staff and is run by established families or entrepreneurs. Opus Energy was featured in the lisiting after seeing a 31% growth in sales figures over the previous year. The company has seen a continued growth rate during the first six months of this financial year.

Chemistry Club's Events

The Chemistry Club is an independent business that works within the technology field. The company hosts an assortment of different events each year in Central London and provides a variety of services including; executive coaching, special briefings and master classes. CEO of the Chemistry Club and his team, have run networking events for the past eleven years. They give executives the chance to meet people within their industry and discuss experiences in a neutral environment.


The Chemistry Club currently hosts nine networking events each year. The evenings are all based in Central London venues and enable individuals to meet each other in a very time efficient way. The Company states that the meetings are work events not social occasions.

The forums are usually fairly busy but still allow attendees to move around the room at their own pace. Each executive can meet as few or as many people as they wish. It is entirely by mutual consent as to who each individual speaks with and many people discuss industry topics with people they haven’t met previously.

The Chemistry Club's events also have a relevant topical speaker where possible. This is usually followed by a question and answer session which leads to further thought provoking questions.

The evenings are a great way to bring together people from different groups. Attendees usually include; senior executives from media companies, directors from venture capital firms, individuals from the public sector and executive management from leading companies. To encourage further debate the Chemistry Club also invites; heads of procurement, marketing directors and chief executives.

For more information about The Chemistry Club, Mark Simon and their services please visit the company's website.

Wall business opportunities

Large and small businesses sometimes have to deal with a small but constant problem: graffiti. There are great looking graffiti made by local artists in every city. On the other hand there are graffiti that are just plain annoying and their removal costs time and money.

This problem can turn into a business opportunity. One can offer help to remove the unwanted graffiti from walls for a small fee. This can be a small activity one can do during weekends and can become a full time job.
Setting up this type of business is actually very easy. After taking care of legal documentations for a business license, you can purchase materials that can remove paint and other stains in the walls. Solvents (for paint), scraping tools such as sand paper, squeegees, detergents are some of the tools you will need for this business. Together with the business license, one should spend no more than hundreds of pounds to start this business.

The most challenging part is actually getting clients. Focus on small businesses in your area so that it will fit a one-man operation. As long as you do a great job in these small projects, you can be assured of expansion because of your reputation.