Artificial Intelligence at the Edinburgh Business Banter?

There was quite a buzz at the weekly network meeting. The numbers are up slightly and there is plenty of enthusiasm from all. Hats off to Kallum Russel of Codeus for his new business card - although it’s still missing a QR code.

Good discussion with Kallum about Artificial Intelligence (AI). It’s interesting that most people associate the technology with robotic machines and figures. But of course it is any software/technology that can learn from experience and make internal corrections and changes independent of human intervention. One example with Codeus is automatic email content identification – the forwarding of emails to suitable individuals or departments based on its content.

I might just get Kallum to write a short bit on that for my blog.

But now I’m off to get my gall bladder out (ouch!). See you all in a week(ish).

QR Code on a Business Card

Got into a discussion with some business colleagues about business cards and whether they should have details printed on both sides – minimal information or packed with information.

I suggested placing a QR barcode on the reverse.

The QR code, via a smart phone capture, would link the reader straight to a web landing page for the company, product or service.

It’s a great way to engage directly with a customer, inform them of your services and, if designed correctly, capture their contact details all at the same time.

What’s a QR code? I’ll be putting out another post on that soon.

But if you can’t wait just contact me for more info: graeme.golden@elevateyou.co.uk.

QR (Quick Response) Code

Just completed an interesting project with an Edinburgh client using QR codes on a personalised mailing.

Scanning the code with a smartphone directs the recipient straight to a personalised landing page with a freebie offer....we’re starting to see more of these!

Glasgow Business Banter

Talking with the ever friendly people at the Glasgow business banter this morning I definitely got the feeling that things are picking up.

Business owners were talking about the new customer enquiries and different job requests they’re receiving.

I’ve seen this at Elevate Digital with an increase in the number of companies asking us for advice on document projects - especially on cross-media applications.

Hopefully this is a good sign for all UK businesses.

Happy Birthday to Me!

A full morning in the office then visited my social media mates fatBuzz in Glasgow to go through preparation for the Integrated Marketing Communications seminar.

Somewhere in between I demolished most of the birthday cake in the office (thanks Elaine) and got embarrassed by the in-house produced birthday card (excellent quality) somehow showing me as Borat wearing a lime green mankini on the beach!

Back to normality tomorrow – older & wiser?

Scottish Home Awards 2011

Elevate Digital sponsored the Small Housebuilder Of The Year Award at the recent Scottish Home Awards in Edinburgh.

The winner was the leading Scottish housebuilder Mactaggart & Mickel, who also went on to win the Housebuilder Of The Year Award.

I presented the award in front of 500 people.

And when did I find out I was presenting the award? About 5 minutes before the event started…..never a dull moment with our CE Jim Rae!

The Power of Social Media for Business

The statistics for Facebook are staggering. There are 365m Facebook users worldwide and 39m users in the UK alone.

Let’s assume that on average each Facebook user has 150 friends.

You post an interesting message or offer about your product/brand on Facebook. For every user who “Likes” your message then another 150 users see that recommendation. For every one of them who “Like” your message another 150 become engaged. You can see how quickly interest in a subject can grow – crossing all borders.

Your message/offer may have a limited lifespan but the trick is to keep developing new ideas. If there is no better way to grow business than word of mouth then Facebook has to be the biggest mouth around!

Glasgow Business Banter

Had an interesting conversation at today’s network meeting on how clients often believe their particular business problems are unique. And the great lengths (and long hours) they go to create a solution. This can be true for individuals or whole departments - or even a complete company.

But when they share their problem(s) with a 3rd party business solution provider they often find the problem is fairly common and a solution is already available. It might need a few tweeks to customise things but certainly no need to re-invite the wheel.

Perhaps it’s the challenge and satisfaction of solving a problem yourself (which I can understand because it is part of the learning process) or the belief that a 3rd party supplier is an additional and unnecessary cost.

In these financial times I suggest that companies should concentrate on core business services and wherever feasible look to outsource their non-core activities.

Edinburgh Business Banter

Only two weeks ago it looked like the Edinburgh “Business Banter” weekly network was going to close. While the Glasgow network keeps growing and growing the Edinburgh event seem to be falling away.

So it’s good to see a core of stalwart members determined to revive the group and keep the networking event alive.

I did my bit at 8.30 this morning and mingled with HSBC, Payment Sense, National Library of Scotland, P3 Leadership and Own Your Life. I can think of worse ways to start the business day!

Integrated Marketing Communications Seminar

I met with Royal Mail today to discuss content for their presentation at the Integrated Communications Seminar.

I know I am bias, having worked for the Royal Mail for a number of years, but they are a quality organisation and wonderful to work with. They are also a great source for cross media research & presentation materials.

I'm looking forward to running the seminar and after today’s meeting even more confident of its success.

Integrated Marketing Communications Seminar

Working on the IMC seminar I'm running in Edinburgh and I’ve nearly finalised things.

Elevate Digital, Xerox and Royal Mail are all presenting at the event and I’m hoping to confirm another speaker next week.

I posted a message on LinkedIn to assess interest/numbers and the response was incredible. It looks like we may have to run a number of seminars although I’m considering doing a webcast for those that can’t make it.

The main target audience are marketing professionals from any sector. Ideal delegates are probably manager’s who are knowledgeable of print/post/direct mail channel marketing and want to know how they can utilise electronic (mobile, email, web) channels – or vice versa.

The overriding theme will be that in today’s market cross media communications can be the most cost effective solution and achieve the highest impact. New electronic and traditional physical channels complementing each other. The trick is getting the right mix!.