Blog Author Mellissah Smith - Page 16

In not so many words, the other day I was told that I couldn't play with the big boys because they had more money and could get a software solution out faster than I could. It was devastating to hear, but it was the second time this person who I respect immensely has said this to me.

Did most of the tech companies that became billion dollar enterprises not start from garages? Did they have hundreds of millions to play with when they started? I don't think so. So, why would I not be able to self fund my startups that are disruptive and bring to the market products and solutions that will change the game?

Sitting at my desk that overlooks the Sydney city skyline and harbour, I often look out and cannot appreciate more just how fortunate I am.

I work with immensely talented people, who put their heart and soul into their jobs. I mentor people that are not only appreciative, but really good people. I am mentored by what I consider the best of the best, although I don't always think so when I am 'wrapped over the knuckles' usually because my focus is on the 'new shiny toy' and they don't want me taking my eye off the ball.

The Liberal Party has firmly lost my vote. The fact that they think it is ok to throw away $122 million on a plebiscite postal ABS vote is attrocious. We voted you in to make decisions, not sit on the fence and waste our tax payer money. 

If I was to say to you that I was able to give you a marketing strategy that guarantees a competitive advantage - would you say yes?

In fact, would you sign up now, knowing that it is highly unlikely that your competitors will get into the top 100 signup, which will complete the testing of the robot?

If you don't believe in it, why do it? 

I had breakfast with 'the devil's advocate' this morning. A dear friend who always asks a lot of questions and is possibly so seasoned that instead of having a glass half full when a new idea or business starts, he spends a little too much time in focusing on what won't work.

You may have read that robots will not replace marketers - and I am going to tell you now, in this blog, that largely they will. Marketing as a profession will change in the next 12 month to 2 years so dramatically, that everyone will need to re-invent themselves and companies that are still selling the same old marketing skill set, will find that they no longer have a business.

The amount of times people ring Marketing Eye to talk about their marketing efforts, and they have literally left it to the last minute, I cannot count. It actually happens on a daily basis. Leaving your business' destiny in the hands of a marketing company (or any company) that doesn't know your product and service as intimately as you, and has no data science on what you have done previously from a marketing perspective is simply crazy.

"The new girl is always prettier than the girl that you took to the dance" as Jack Cowin, Canadian/Australian billionaire and owner of Hungry Jacks and major shareholder of Dominos continually reminds me - and with good reason.

After relaying my 'two days from hell' to a confidante, who had an interesting reply, I realised the reality of my world. 

To put it in context, I replied to a text message with: "Life has to have challenges and your feelings have to be hurt to be alive. I wouldn't change a thing."

I'm a Queenslander through and through. Well, kind of. I am from an immigrant family who settled in Queensland, and even though I haven't lived there for 15 years, it is still a place I call home.

Marketing Eye began its journey about 13 years ago, and since then, we have built the business, as a team, into different States and Countries, which has been incredibly exciting. Who doesn't want to fly to New York for a business trip, or to Amsterdam? Even places like Atlanta and Los Angeles have their benefits. I certainly have a few perks up my sleeve from the many miles I travel, but it's not all glamour - and that is something most frequent travellers can attest to. In fact, there is little glamour other than what you see on Instagram and Facebook, and a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. A reality few of us a willing to admit let alone share.