Comments for AP Marketing Works. Solutions in marketing, sales, advertising, market research, copy writing, training, customer service, promotions, business planning, coaching and strategy.

Comment on Eroding a Brand by Steve

Steve — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 08:01:39 +0000

Speaking as a ‘pommy’ I always saw Qantas as the world’s safest airline, until recently at least. I suppose they still are - just. But recent events have shaken that image…

I know people that flew Qantas PURELY because they were the world’s safest airline. They were nervous passengers or had nervous partners and the extra price on the ticket was worth it because you were confident nothing would go wrong. That competitive edge has been eroded and will take years to regain, if it’s even possible.

I agree with Ailsa, Qantas have taken what they had and shoved it squarely down the toilet by totally misunderstanding that price is not everything. I think Funkyg has misunderstood that too - there is a high price associated with quality (and in aviation, the measure of quality is related to safety).

The next few years for Qantas will be crucial if they can regain their reputation they might just make it. Otherwise they’ll become another mediocre airline and someone else will move into their spot.

Comment on Don’t Look a Complaining Customer in the Mouth by Funkygorilla

Funkygorilla — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:03:13 +0000

They are too busy handing out the $12m to the outgoing CEO. Unfortunately this is big business at it’s worse. The good news is that many are jumping on the social media bandwagon so people that can do something actually hear their complaints. In Australia we are a bit behind on this but I’m sure we’ll catch up.

One story I love is Micheal Dell posting in a forum where people were having troubles with their Dell PCs. That’s a great way to turn a complainer into an advocate!

Comment on Marketing Vs Smart Marketing: Part 1 - Business Attributes by Helen Curmi

Helen Curmi — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 04:06:02 +0000

Ailsa,

I love the blog.

Good on you.

Helen.

Comment on Eroding a Brand by Funkyg

Funkyg — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:13:14 +0000

It is interesting that in Australia the view of Qantas was as you mentioned above. Outside, I don’t think that was the case. What I knew Qantas for in the UK was high prices, low value and prices that seemed to match it’s also highly priced UK partner all too closely.

What always surprised me was how positively Australians thought of Qantas despite paying huge amounts of money for flights that in Europe would have cost very little.

Now that was really good marketing to pull that trick!

Comment on What’s the bigger risk - the current economic climate or your sales team? by » Sales Coaching and new Methodologies

» Sales Coaching and new Methodologies — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:08:33 +0000

[...] What’s the bigger risk - the current economic climate or your … The Sales staff of two dealerships didn’t come out to say hello or assist Mary. They remained in their offices talking to each other. Mary left disgusted that there was no customer service and that no-one seemed to want to sell her a … [...]

Comment on What’s the bigger risk - the current economic climate or your sales team? by » Coaching In The News

» Coaching In The News — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 04:03:16 +0000

Comment on Losing the Procrastination by Ailsa

Ailsa — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:20:09 +0000

Great point you make Funkygorilla.

Comment on Best Way for Small Business to Communicate their Brand by paul williams

paul williams — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 06:23:21 +0000

I agree with this article. It is important for business to be authentic - to truly display the kind of actions, words, and behaviors that seem consistent or congruent to customers.

I have been trying to create an internet advertising firm that serves contractors. But creating a unique identity has been difficult because the business is like a child - its still growing and defining itself.

Comment on Losing the Procrastination by Funkygorilla

Funkygorilla — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:25:08 +0000

scarey, ….what if it doesn’t work

I couldn’t agree more with this. I heard a great podcast once from a guy who said that what you should do when you have your concept is actually to test it as quickly as possible. Even if you have to buy in the product you are intending to make. Otherwise you tend to tweak and tweak and never actually release it.

When you think about it that makes great sense. What you want to do first is test your concept in the market. If it doesn’t work and you can’t sell it, you need to find out as soon as possible, otherwise you are going to be wasting a lot of time you should have been spending elsewhere.

Comment on Marketing in Tough Times Podcast by Philip

Philip — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 01:47:47 +0000

Nice to see your blog coming to life.
Next stop “more content”