How Can We Learn From #FordKuga and Ford South Africa

I love cars, more especially hot hatches to the sporty and sleek performance ones, subsequently when ‘Ford’ is mentioned to me, this is synonymous with the Focus Focus RS, Mustang GT, Shelby GT350R, and the iconic Ford GT.

In hearing about the Kuga situation in South Africa, there are some lessons which we can learn from this experience (…well this the hope.)

Here’s a brief overview of the situation:

Wanted Growth! Brought the Intensity

With the start of the new year, comes new aspirations and hope, sometimes these are presented by the term of ‘resolutions’ (well hopeful these are reinforced with and into action.)

Personally, I don’t do this resolution stuff as, if I’ve learnt anything about Digital Marketing, it is that you’ve gotta be agile and if you see an area that needs work or to be improved upon, do it and follow through!

Although do what works for you!

As the kids have made, their returned to back school after the December vacation yesterday, and still with a sense of excitement in the air,

Here goes a story that took place recently,

Last week Friday, I was having a look at my gym completion schedule (number of times I’ve gymed in a year.)

Then this past Sunday as I was chilling, going through a Marketing Trends Forecast for 2017, I inadvertently clicked on the gyming schedule, so at around 17:15, I decide to hit the gym (the benefits of having a gym at home.)

Durban: After the Storm

After the period of torrential rain in Durban, which was much needed, which was although fairly extreme and intense. Just a weird phenomena of weather patterns in S.A.

Sadly people during the torrential rain, lives where untimely lost, my deepest condolences to the respective families and in our sincere thoughts during this most arduous journey of picking up the pieces you shall remain!!!

On Thursday, I had a presentation to attend after the presentation and grabbing a bite to munch down on. I set forward to find my place of solace and revitalization.

While the Sun emerging radiant and enriching, while taking a walk (my treadmill), it was really energizing to feel this warmth emitted from the sun. It was such an amazing Cardio workout.

Durban is an exceptional beautiful place:

   

   

Amazing right! However, this only the beginning of this story, :)

Five-step solution to starting your AMD Catalyst Control Center

Solution with Five Easy Steps when your AMD Catalyst Control Center cannot be started.

Is this screen which you’re experiencing?

Time to say Goodbye to the this screen! And Hello to Switchable Graphics in this solution with five easy steps!

This worked for me as a solution on my notebook as a solution for the AMD Catalyst Control Center, and this could work for you as well.

Have you had the following experience on your notebook with switchable graphics? 

• AMD Catalyst Control Center cannot be started. There are currently no settings that can be configured using the Catalyst Control Center. 
• Trying to configure Catalyst Control Center to currently no avail.

Needed (What you’re going to need):

Note: This is only for notebooks which have switchable graphics.

a. System Restore Point.

b. Internet Connectivity. 

c. Cleaning Utility (such as CCleaner) – Go here if you need the software. 

d. Administrative rights/privileges; for when you run the setup. 

-        If you are on the move, you can either bookmark this page or if you can’t view the images for some reason, then this link is your friend to get a copy.

The Five-Step Solution:

Gaming: The Alternative Dimension

In this place, you can become whatever you may like; you are the control and dwelling deeper into the progression.

In this place...you become the story and sometimes you create the story by the actions/decisions.

In this place the success depends on you. In this place we call Gaming!!! Just in the Game, this world only exists!

Strategize quickly and accomplish even faster; welcome to my world in gaming one of my many passions!

This passion really started, when I received Half-Life as a gift; launched with a visually pleasing trip to the office, while Gordon and I got acquainted, then later to a horde of baddies around the corner and sometimes you strafed around the around the corner to see no baddies in sight, only to hear a squishing sound, then in the realization you just entered a spawning point, this added to the experience, which kept me at the edge of my chair! Half-Life had been just so visually appealing for the time, there is one point which I remember after emerging from a tunnel; Gordon was on the top of a mountain.

An updated version called Black Mesa Source has been created; you can find-out more at although kindly note it’s an early access game at BlackMesaSource.com:

Ah the Memories!

Advertising Experience & Getting the Win!!!

Dearest You,

 To create a powerful representation, that serves to acquire one’s attention. Sometimes brilliantly crafted; with witty and hilarious lines, it can be deep, impactful & profound, and on occasions it is a celebration.

 Bringing from the onset sheer intensity; to arise distinctive, bold & into creation of an endeavour personified in the campaign, in the awaking off the senses, providing the need to discover, to the representation in seizing the second!

 Advertising is what we are talking about at this very moment;

 Working towards the Win!!!

 Imagine: a situation when a customer walks into brand (store, office, dealership, etc.) – and no one currently knows the promotion/offer that the customer is talking about:

Inspired Greatness - Strategy

Dearest You,

Whom inspires you?

To dream, to rise up again,

To follow the path of your life,

To be the best that you can,

To challenge yourself,

To push yourself,

There many heroes and heroines exist, in all forms various types – many have started in the places with intense challenges, faced the odds and emerged victorious. Along the journey becoming the source of inspiration, and provided an intense spring of hope!

Presenting the: Inspired Greatness Strategy ©

For the power of 48 hours

Dearest You,

In the power of 48 hours:  Think about this:

Are we South Africans or cant’s? ARE WE SOUTH AFRICANS OR CANT’S?

Imagine when you go to your favourite blog – which is no longer there,

Imagine when you go to a site which inspires you to achieve and to envision – it has disappeared,

Imagine the ramifications of this – within power of retrospection,

Unified Africa

Dearest You,

This is a challenging time in S.A with the xenophobic attacks, and some of the scenes that have being viewed are really surreal. I am optimistic that voice of reason, words of inspiration, and action of creation - will prevail and succeed!

If this to continues; think about a team like Orlando Pirates that has an upcoming match in Africa - Think about the next time a South African Team or a National Team has a match in Africa!

Think about the values, the ethos and the philosophy late president Madiba stood for, and live for, and strived for! Even if it is just for a minute, think about that!

The sense of belonging in the eyes, personified in voice – the broken and shattered spirit, standing in remnants of what-once-was; a life, a livelihood, a home, innocence - while searching for the familiarity of embracing eyes. This day is enshrined to the heart and mind for a generation, and a generations’ generation and this day would live forever told from generation to generation.

Personified Contact Connections (The Contact Form 28.03)

Dearest You,

Are you going to be busy in a meeting, so it is best to reach you via email?

Or

Are you going on a trip, so it is best to reach you via a call?

What is your communication preference, today?

Now: What are your customers/clients’ communication preferences?

This is about placing the “contact” back into the form, and building upon the journey and sometimes rejuvenation and re-invigoration  are required to create the change which is and has always being envisioned.

Essence Arising in Presence (Marketing)

Dearest you,

The Day becomes Night…The Night becomes Day….As Seconds….gives us minutes…As Minutes…gives us Hours….As Hours…gives us Days…As Days…gives us Weeks…As Weeks…=…to the opportunity continuously learn, add-value, grow, and understand.

I believe that to create the greatest experience, a brand must be inherently interrelated.

“The day we come upon this universe we have a Presence, then we are set upon an amazing, and exhilarating journey to discover, to grow, to learn and to understand the Essence of ourselves and the universe.”

                                                Think about this:
Do you have a preferred sporting event? Do you have a preferred, brand of device? Do you have a preferred gaming title? Do you have a preferred gaming console? Do you have a preferred app? Do you have a preferred sporting team/person? Do you have a preferred brand? Do you have a preferred T.V program? Do you have a preferred social-media profile? Do you have a preferred movie? Do you have a preferred type of music? Do you have a preferred newspaper, book, and/or magazine?

The Future of Brands Reloaded - Generation Next 2014

Dearest you,

As we proceed, remember whom you are, whom inspires you, remember what you are going to achieve – envision this as your as source of inspiration, remember the potential that you inherently have. Venture to dream boldly and distinctively for you – believe in those whom believe in you as much they believe in you. As the start of a new dawn arises, as the clock ticks along delivering the journey of present, and of the future tense, while aiming for the moon of an alternate universe. Remember to rehearse, live every verse as you have achieved it already.

The Generation Next 2014 is created by HDI Youth Marketeers, Waltons (whom are “breeding success” amazing motto) and Monash South Africa respectively. An amazing thank you goes to Jason and Mokebe for time and effort. Also thank you to all those whom worked in the gathering of this amazing insights.

I acquired this for you via the team at HDI Youth Marketeers – a big thank you goes to all those whom assisted in the creation.

Exchange Rate Alliance Strategy

Dearest You,

“As We Explore - We Learn! As We Seek - We Find! As We Learn - We Grow! As We Find - We Understand! As We Know – We Define! As We Begin - We Walk!”

As a Financial Institution - how would you like to;

a.       Increase the Global Presence? 
b.      Acquire Interest at the respective Source?
c.       Acquire a Global Following?
d.      Be positioned to an individual (and many more individuals) by being on their favourite Global Site?

The Exchange Rate Alliance Strategy would provide:

a.       Building Alliances with Global Sites.
b.      Creating value for “the financial institution” and the Global Sites.
-          Building the Online Profile as“the financial institution”.
-          Increasing the site-traffic as“the financial institution”.
-          Creating Visibility as“the financial institution”
-          Promote Awareness as “the financial institution”brand.
-          Acquiring a direct-source of interactions on the “the financial institution’s”site.
-          Effective targeting and with personalization at the source.

The Rhinos Serenity

Dearest You,

“In the still of silence, the serenity that illuminates the senses, from the frogs cloaking, to the crickets chirping, the combined ambience of the (various) sounds is a soulful song!”

“In the still of silence, the serenity that illuminates the senses; from the roars, to the chirping, to the buzzing, to the meeting of the hooves to the ground, which instils aplethora of euphoria for the senses!”

“In the distance, in the blink of an eye, and earth-shattering bangs…BANG…BANG…BANG…BANG…BANG!!! are heard (almost as if there was a thunder storm of epic portions was approaching)! The Tranquillity has being transported into, scurrying in different directions!”

What has being so tranquil, is now gone! Then in dead-of-silence, which is interjected by the faint cries off sheer-agony, heard in the distance! There is an overwhelming sense of anguishradiates on the faces of all!!!

The disturbing question which perturbs the mind is; “How many would it be today” or “How many would it be tonight?” Would it just be one or an entire family? When knowing that even one is just too many!

Understanding & Categorizing Financial Institutions

Dearest You,

To effectively evaluate and acquire insights in regards to a particular “financial institution”, it would be imperative to understand the characteristics and the traits of the respective brand, that would be truly informed decision-making;

I would strongly advise one to make provision(s) the information presented below – kindly the note that the below is summarized;
1.       The Business Model of the “financial institution”.
2.       The Brand Positioning of the “financial institution”.
3.       The Product Offering(s) of the “financial institutions”.
4.       Financial Position of the “financial institution”.
5.       The Lending Criteria in the provision of loans by the “financial institution”.
6.       The Clients’ Profile of the “financial institution” – Confidential.
7.       The Repayment Frequency by the Clients’ of the “financial institution” – this should be accessible via the Accounting Team (has the repayment term has shortened, or has the term broadened?) - (i.e. once a client acquires a loan from the “financial institution”, how long does it take for the client to pay-back the loan?) – Confidential.

Internalized Insights Acquisition

Internalized Insights Acquisition

Dearest You,

Imagine if there was a magnitude of insights that where readily and easily accessible, Imagine if it was just a matter of time, and effort in acquiring those insights, imagine if those insights where shared for the brands’ benefit and improvement. There is amazing knowledge within and around a brand and channelling those inherent insights into understanding, and into strategy.

Internalized Insights Acquisition – fancy sounding name, right? But this is simply achieved by acquiring the insights, of the internal stakeholders (i.e. the Staff) within a brand. This could be in the form of a survey, or via email. There should be an aspect of confidentiality applied during all stages.

The Fans Cup - Be the Coach - The Carling Black Label Cup

Dearest You,

The fans form part of the game - Whether celebrating or enthralled in amazement by that “so-so close” moment. The fans are the personification of support for a team and the players – the cheering, the laughter, and the full stadium adds to the elation of the game.The Songs, the Chants, the Cheering and the Voices combined to create an orchestra of atmosphere!

I just found this tournament amazing, in terms of bringing together the Fans, the Clubs and the Brand, and enabling an environment where the passion fans whom live and breathe their respective clubs, whom know each and every player, have the opportunity to become and the take-on the role to directly shape the destiny of the club in this one-of kind tournament, this is The Carling Black Label Cupis a brilliant endeavour -the ultimate tribune to the Fans that make the “beautiful game.”

The Carling Black Label Cup: intrigued and naturally amazed and inspired by this awesome phenomenon, there are two teams Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, but the fans are the leading lights as their votes determine whom is going to be in the respective team starting line-up (the XI). Interesting! I told you, that this is amazing! The fans can even make substitutions during the match, Brilliant!

My Passion - Marketing

Dearest You,

I am passionate about Marketing, Digital Marketing, Strategy, Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship and I aspire to be the Leader in Marketing, Digital Marketing, Strategy, Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship in Durban, then in South Africa and then the World. I know that passionate is somewhat clichéd (or overused) – but maybe being passionate is the perspective of being part of the greater, which is being realized by many individuals.

I know that the above vision and strategic intent seems a bit broad, but I believe in challenges and I believe in rising up to challenges and far surpassing the challenges via a solutions and internally – and asking for assistance and guidance when the need arises, and sometimes adversity makes exceptional Leaders. I believe in Dreams and Goals as these magnificent facets – which encourage thinking, questioning, understanding, belief, confidence, and to be aware of the potential we have as an individual and also within a Brand.

The 2014 Insights for Marketing – Coming to a Brand near you!!!

·         Social
·         Information (I called it Information – but it known more commonly as Data)
·         Mobile Marketing
·         Customer Experience
·         Personalization
·         Multi-Channel
·         Native Advertising
·         Localized and Geo-Targeting
·         User Experience (UX) Testing and Optimization
·         Micro-Targeting
·         Micro-Messaging

The Foundations

Dearest You,

·        To build a Home – it is imperative that you have a well-founded Foundation

·        To build a Fortress – it is equally imperative to have well-founded Foundations
·        To create a magnificent Brand – it is imperative to have a strong Foundation within the Brand.

I am passionate about Marketing, Digital Marketing, Strategy, Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship and I aspire to be the Leader in Marketing, Digital Marketing, Strategy, Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship in Durban, in S.A and in the World.

Industries and Brands are continuously evolving in terms of new insights, new knowledge and increased understanding – which makes it even more strategic to have the right Foundations within the Brand to enhance the Brand’s dynamisms, proactive-ness and innovative-ness.

If a Brand has a strong Foundation – Brand can move vertically and horizontally with the Strength, Agility and Flexibility in acquiring the opportunities.     

The Understanding of Foundations;

Foundations are the ground-work that provides the acceleration for the Brand forward into opportunities, understanding, insights and being innovative. Foundations create the Brand as an organization. The Foundations are there to create Agility and Flexibility in achieving opportunities, the Vision and Mission of the Brand – and when challenges occur – the Foundations provide the aspects of action, learning, the understanding, and the resources to far-surpass the challenges which give rise to opportunities.

The Business Plan – The Journey of Your Brand(s) - Understanding why you need a Business Plan

The Business Plan – The Journey of Your Brand(s)

Dearest You,

As you are reading this posting, some of you are going to be venturing into new endeavours, industries, or opportunities – and you owe yourself and those whom support you along your passionate and inspired Expedition to far-surpass your full potential and greatness.

The year is 2014 and we live in a constant evolving environment which is enthused by additional insights, opportunities, knowledge and understanding.

There is a perception that the Business Plan is not required, there are many perspectives of reasoning. I believe that it is fundamental to have a Business Plan for a Start-Up as a Brand, and also for new Business Ventures so that the opportunities are fully capitalized upon.

Will you go somewhere, without knowing where you are going? Will you go there, without knowing where “there” is? So why do this, by not having a Business Plan?