Media

By Lauren Durant, Operations Director – Isilumko Media

Entering this new year requires reflection on what contributed to the success (or failures) of the last, and an understanding of which defining trends will allow a business to continue or improve its performance coming out of 2010 A victorious year for South Africa was not devoid of its challenges – hosting the FIFA World Cup in the e shadow of a “dying” recession dominated the latter part of the year and impacted greatly on changes in the media landscape and consumer preferences.

In my mind, two considerations carried us through 2010.  Firstly, the impetus of business as usual ensured success despite many varying obstacles.  Secondly, recognising the power of the “Real Time Review”, that is customers’ reflections and subsequent announcement of their brand experiences.  This phenomenon is especially relevant in an increasingly immediate and social society, albeit dominated by online networks and social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.  Ensuring a positive brand experience through the use of competent, energetic and passionate promoters therefore continues to be invaluable as part of this process.  

Since 2004, Magnet Communications has been naming South Africa’s IDEAL companies to work for through their annual research survey as nominated by some 38,700 participating students, MBA graduates and professionals.  The awards form an integral part of most leading company’s skills retention strategy to ensure they attract and retain the very best South African talent.

Bearing testament to the highly successful strategic marketing partnership between National Health Laboratory Service and Isilumko Media; NHLS has for the first time since the inception of the IDEAL Awards, been ranked as a preferred employer in the Sciences category.  At the award ceremony held in Sandton on 3  December 2010; the NHLS received 3rd place after the Department of Health and CSIR.  

Health TV, the joint venture between Isilumko Media and Zenith Media, due to launch in March 2011, will see this new health and lifestyle channel screened in the public clinic environment across the country; reaching a captive audience currently in excess of 4.5million feet per year.  Sole rights for the marketing and selling of media space for Health TV in South Africa, has been awarded to Isilumko Media, whereby their primary focus will be on education in this unique space.

By Lauren Durant, Isilumko Media, Operations Director

Whilst the actual execution of a promotional campaign is crucial in successfully achieving pre-set objectives; developing a powerful relationship and two-way communication between the activation and logistic legs of the campaign can generate highly desirable and substantially improved results of your in-store campaign.

An example is a recent promotion launching four new products, for which I&J required the execution of a 9-week large-scale in-store campaign targeting 165 chain stores in five regions across the country; a logistical migraine if proper planning is not employed.  Generic objectives included consumer introduction to the four new products, product sampling, distribution of coupons and an overall sales drive.  The strong professional relationship and open communication between Isilumko Media, as the promotional company, and the merchandiser led to an exceedingly successful campaign.

As we approach the December holidays, moms and dads are plagued by the thought of what to do with their kiddies whilst they finish up their work commitments; or how to get through the Christmas madness with kids in tow.  Isilumko Media, powered by Studentwise, national activations and promotions specialists, once again proved their innovation and creativity in offering major malls in the greater KwaZulu-Natal area the opportunity to give their patrons much-needed relief in the form of fun and safe “Kids Zones”. 

Thousands of school children in South Africa do not have the luxury of a nutritious daily meal.  Malnutrition is the ‘silent assassin’ responsible for approximately half of all child deaths worldwide. At a national level, stunted development remains the most common nutritional disorder affecting 1 out of 5 children. In line with their brand commitment to empower our country’s youth, Isilumko Staffing and Isilumko Media recently joined forces with AVIVA African School Feeding Scheme through a CSI initiative to assist this worthy charity in their efforts to feed 36 children daily at a local Cape Town school.

Twinsaver recently embarked on a national above-the-line campaign to get South Africans involved in “the softer side” of life. In line with this theme, the below-the-line activation was conceptualised and executed by promotions specialists Isilumko Media, powered by Studentwise; and consisted of an intensive mall activation across 12 of the country’s busiest centres. The campaign focus was to raise funds and create awareness for Twinsaver’s chosen cause, namely assisting disadvantaged communities to develop sustainable organic vegetable gardens thereby providing these communities with the raw ingredients to make nutritious meals.

Now in its 7th year, the Top Women Awards has been active in gender empowerment through the recognition of local leaders in empowerment paving the future for an equitable professional environment.   More than an event; the ceremony held on 09 September 2010 was a culmination of the pursuit of excellence by women, for women and for the country.  Isilumko (Isilumko Staffing and Isilumko Media), upon our first year of participation, was nominated for two awards:  Top Business and Top Gender Empowered Awards and in an encouraging and inspiring turn of events this year, walked away with one of the coveted awards of the evening; Top Gender Empowered Company in the Business Support Services Category, as well as being a finalist in the Top Woman Owned Company category.

Isilumko Media appreciates the richness that experience can add to a company’s professional offering and has recently added a highly knowledgeable individual to their national team.  

Prem Govender has enjoyed a successful career at the South African Post Office for over two decades, during which time she was a member of numerous governing committees. She ran a diverse portfolio including management of large scale events, sponsorships and trade exchanges; exhibiting resourcefulness throughout each of these major projects. She has developed a long standing relationship with the advertising and media industry and has excellent operations experience. This makes her the perfect candidate for Isilumko Media, powered by Studentwise, where strategising and planning activations in her role as Business Development Manager, is critical.

The look of confusion on motorists’ faces was beautifully captured on video as they were exposed to the innovative and blatantly honest Look ‘n Listen campaign executed by Isilumko Media, powered by Studentwise’s promoters.