Promoting on a shoestring

SOUTHERN Cross University is hosting a free seminar on how to make the most of marketing budgets in tough economic times.

Called Marketing Your Way Through Tough Times, the latest in the series of free business insight evenings will feature presentations from Tim Bond, principal and creative director of advertising agency The Partners Etc and Ben Faranda, business lecturer and facilitator of corporate programs at Southern Cross University.

Faranda, who has extensive international consultancy and industry experience, will discuss how businesses on a tight budget can get the most out of their marketing and stand out from the crowd.

“There are still some cost-effective marketing strategies that businesses can use to reach their customers, including the use of technology and online marketing, referral-based selling and promoting organic growth,” says Faranda.

“It’s also important for business people to properly understand the benefit of their marketing spend so they can market more decisively and spend as little as possible for the best results.

“I will be explaining the options available to businesses and providing practical tips that local business people can apply to their own situation.”

The Partners Etc is one of Brisbane’s leading communications agencies and is the agency behind the university’s advertising campaigns.

With more than 30 years of experience in the industry working with clients like Yamaha, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Heritage Building Society, Tourism Queensland and Bisley, Bond knows better than most what it takes to get a product or service noticed.

“It’s true that consumers see thousands of advertising messages a day, and during tough times advertising may seem to be a luxury that a business can’t afford, but it is still possible – and important – to make sure your target market notices and remembers your business,” says Bond.

The current economic climate also presents an opportunity for businesses to reach their target market and increase market share by continuing to market to them in a time when their competitors may not have the resources to do so.

“I will be providing strategies on how organisations can engage with their consumer, making real and relevant contact, both online and offline.”

The seminar will take place on August 5, at the Sofitel in Broadbeach from 5.30pm. Seats are limited. More info at: www.scu.edu.au/businessinsights.