Media & Money 'Unconference'

Are you a digital media enthusiast or an entrepreneur? 

Mark your calendars: Saturday, September 29, 2012, 10am-5pm.

Ok, so this is not just one of those events strictly targeted at marketing fans. If you understand and value the opportunity to network, you might want to spare some time for this too.

Let's cut to the chase; I am referring to a barcamp event organized by Altcity (and at Altcity), 'Media & Money Unconference'.

The names of the people on the panel alone should get you all excited. If you haven't heard of them yet and care about the Lebanese online scene, Google might be very useful right now:

• Wais Bashir, Chief Editor/Editorial News Manager, Demotix 
• Nina Curley, Editor-in-Chief, Wamda
• Omar Christidis, CEO & Founder, ArabNet  
• Marc Dfouni, CEO/Managing Partner, Eastline Marketing 
• Moderated by Munir Nabti, CEO/Co-Founder, AltCity 

To register, just head to this page http://barcamp.org/w/page/58755030/MediaAndMoneyLB and yes, it is free. See you there!

Designs and Promotions in Lebanon - What My Brain Perceives

 Ted - This promotional stand was placed at Abc Dbayeh's Grand Cinemas. I wonder how the mothers will be able to convince the kids that this movie is not for them!

Talking of which; isn't Grand Cinemas logo a bit similar to Genova's bags' logo?

 Haier had something fun in football/ soccer season - they even managed to make the glass look as though it was broken. Beautiful.



Now, I am not sure what's up with this 'new world' but was it trending on our streets or something?

 Have you seen the Bank Audi personal loan ads - what's MSN buddy doing there?!  :)

MSN Buddy Icon

Now you know what crosses my mind when I see some of the promotions out there...

Rise of the StartUps

As you might have noticed through my blogging 'disconnection'. I have been a bit overloaded lately, in a good way. 

I took part of the Seeqnce accelerator program. For those who haven't heard of it, it's a program that focused on finding / building online start-ups. After a rather long ride, we have reached the end. From 433 applicants, we are down to about 30 finalists; 8 cool new start-ups you will be hearing a lot about soon. 

I am just writing this quick post to invite you to join me tomorrow in Hamra at Seeqnce's rooftop event to witness the rise of the start-ups and hopefully welcome a new era of entrepreneurship and online endeavors in Lebanon. You can find me at the Yoofers booth.

Discount Card vs Coupon

Coupons haven't caught the trend in Lebanon; while discount cards have started to abound. Could it be a question of maintaining the brand image? I believe so. Yet, for argument's sake, and in regard of sales,  here's why I find coupons to be more efficient:

•  Limited validity: While discount cards tend to rely on customers' loyalty, coupons offer a 'limited' opportunity; which translates into a call to action. 

•  Value: Having a coupon in your wallet almost feels like having money redeemable at a particular store or for a particular product; it almost feels like cash.

•  Percentage vs dollars: Being able to tailor the message to emphasize a dollar amount rather than a discount percentage appears more rewarding for the consumer. Unless of course the percentage is 70% or more.

 Now when it comes to loyalty cards, I always prefer those where you get a stamp every time you purchase, as opposed to the ones where you gather points. It's just more graphic and you really 'see' what you gained. Kind of like a badge on a social network. It feels good.

Moreover, if you're getting your clients to gather points in your loyalty program, you might want to actually reward them for their effort; and not just give them a ticket for a draw (tsk tsk Roadster Diner). Few are those who would go out of their way to gather points for the 'chance' to win. Had the program emphasized smaller prizes with a 'certainty' rather than 'risk' level, it would have gotten even more participants on board.

Nonetheless, it's always good to keep track of your clients and get all the details you can on their purchases and profile. It helps better cater to your 'right' market, and reshape your firm if the need arises.

A Call to Artists

 I am posting this 'humanitarian call for artists in Lebanon' as I received it:

'Chocol'art is looking for artists who are willing to volunteer in a festival of fun, taste, inspiration and creativity in support of regional Children's charities. 
This year Chocol'art is organizing its annual event in Beirut Souks on October 2012 in support of the Brave Heart Fund. '

If you happen to be an artist living in Lebanon and would like to help, you can reach them here: mo@integrityme.co.uk or facebook.com/chocolart.ME