Last week we released consumer research revealing that nearly 90% of people in the UK want to take control of the type and timing of the promotional messages they receive.

Our online survey of 300 UK consumers found the overwhelming majority want an alternative to regular targeted promotions. 86% would be interested in a service that enables the requesting of offers for relevant products, in real-time, and almost half (48%) said that the targeted offers they receive at present are not relevant.

The shift in consumer attitudes that will support advances in VRM (Vendor Relationship Management) presents a huge opportunity for businesses that market better, and that properly eliminate waste: to get ahead of the competition by offering a better experience to their customers.

You can read more about the research in our press release.

So says Philip Lynch , CEO Nomura Asia Holding, reported in The Economic Times today.

Lynch goes on to suggest that Indian Companies are more global than their Chinese counterparts. That’s a bit vague as an observation, but we’re with him in our conviction that the Europe-India linkage is very strong and cultural affinities underly the business and investment story.

Book Review for The Marketing Society Cognitive Surplus: Creativity and Generosity in a Connected Age by Clay Shirky.

Clay Shirky looks set to become the Malcolm Gladwell of new media. His first book, the snappily titled ‘Here Comes Everybody’ quickly established itself as the bible for Social Media experts, thinkers and theorists.

His latest book ‘Cognitive Surplus’ starts with a big idea, and follows it through with dazzling and detailed analyses of the meaning and use of media. Shirky has an ability to get to the essentials, which will make anyone with even a slight professional interest in communication sit up and pay attention.

Continue Reading …

Cathryn Sleight urges marketers to “light more fires”

Source: Marketing Week | Author: Joe Fernandez | Published: 29 June 2010 13:20

“Taking chances and lighting small fires using digital media can  really help add extra value to brands in the long run, without the fire  having to catch and go wild. Done correctly, it has the ability to  increase brand affinity and engage audiences wherever they are. These  advances are making the digital space much more exciting,” she said.

We agree about lighting small fires – the concept and the language used to describe it – but it isn’t just about the digital space…