SigmaWay Blog

Email is one of the oldest tools which is still relied upon by the marketers. There is lot of information on optimizing email marketing but not all are true. To make email marketing as effective as possible it is first necessary to separate out the information which one can believe from ones to discard. Myth 1: Consumers are drowning in emails from trusted brands. Myth 1: Consumers are drowning in emails from trusted brands. 60% receive less than 6 mails per day. Myth2: Best time to mail is at 3 pm on Thursday. Only 21% of purchases happen within 2 days of sending mail. Myth 3: You should stop sending to inactive users after 6 months. They are still alive. Myth 4: Consumers mark email as spam. One out of 2000 does this. Myth 5: More the emails sent by brands, ignorance from customer’s side increases. Number of consumers checking the mail increases, increasing revenue. Myth 6: Short subject lines give better results. Over 70 characters increase clicks. Myth 7: Because of subject lines, email lands up in spam folder. According to 540bn emails sent till date, ‘spam’ keywords have little effects on ending up in spam folder. Read more at: http://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/email-marketing-myths-infographic

“Money is King” in the field of call center and the result is well proved in a research. An important feature of human motivation is influenced by perks offered. The company Snowfly, which is the leading provider of Internet based employee incentive and loyalty program offers different rewards to its employees, some of which are reloadable debit or gift cards that can be swiped anywhere, merchandise and donations in form of charity. Out of all anywhere spend cards are overwhelmingly in demand as compared to others. In the results, more than 98% of the value of rewards was both types of cards against the cash equivalent as they are soon forgotten but cards have long term motivational value. Thus, the study shows direction of how incentives are valued and the end line is for all that matters is money. Read more at: http://www.callcentertimes.com/Home/tabid/37/ctl/NewsArticle/mid/395/CategoryID/1/NewsID/549/Default.aspx

Any rupture in the Contact Center can be expensive and damaging so it is worth to approach these matters in the right way. Security is a journey and corporate companies must mesh up with technologies that support it. At the same time with security, friendly culture is appreciated. Some of the key points towards it are following: Security starts at the top: Security experts should be included in the planning before important decisions specially like signing contracts are made. Context is king: Business documentation should be made in a clear way. Caveat Emptor: Vendors are an important link and they can create a whole set of tensions. Experience shows that a well-planned security network saves money and improves economics. Last of all every organization should be honest and lower risks and improve financial conditions. Read more at: http://www.callcentertimes.com/Home/tabid/37/ctl/NewsArticle/mid/395/CategoryID/1/NewsID/795/Default.aspx

Convenience store retailers may eventually reach a point of diminishing returns and so they are trying to find out ways to use transactional promotional and loyalty data in a better manner. we could get valuable insight from Big Data by deciding what type of data streams could combine to provide insights. According to Jim Manzi of the analytics firm Applied Predictive Technologies, Arlington, VA, if retailers want to understand how certain business choices affect the bottom line, Customer Data, Transaction Log Data, Weather Information, Area Demographics and Competitor fuel pricing must be prioritized. Full-motion video from all stores, High-volume website clickstreams, and Raw Twitter feeds are less important. According to Manzi, tweeter feeds are not that important for analysis as they cannot help to out the cause and effect on key-metrics. There is a "first law of big data usefulness," said Adrian Bridgwter a contributing editor at Forbes magazine. The first law says, "The degree to which we take the exact depth of big data analytics is directly determined by the corresponding level of insight it produces and where we can still say that we gain 'productive incremental value' from doing so." Businesses like convenience stores gather a lot of information for regulatory purposes, which could ultimately be analyzed as people grow in their technological sophistication, Bridgwater said. Read more at:

http://www.cspnet.com/industry-news-analysis/technology/articles/what-first-law-big-data-usefulness

To monitor, predict, and fight wildfires like the one currently affecting the University of California at San Diego and the University of Maryland, with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), are in the process of building an end-to-end cyber infrastructure (CI) for that challenge called WIFIRE. It is designed for real-time and data-driven simulation, prediction, and visualization. WIFIRE combines satellite data and real-time remote sensor data with various computational techniques to forecast the rate at which wildfires might spread. Many scientists, engineers, technologists, government policy makers, private companies, and firefighters are a part of the project team involved in architecture and implementation. Some prototypes and pilot applications already are available, although the project is in its first year. The vision for WIFIRE is to put in place a programmable, scalable, and reusable wildfire modeling framework. The project is part of the NSF Hazards SEES program. When fully developed, WIFIRE will be accessible to users via specialized web interfaces and alerts broadcasted to receivers before, during, and after a wildfire. Read more at:

http://www.informationweek.in/informationweek/news-analysis/297321/helping-tackling-wildfire-control

Nowadays powerful connected devices are enabling everything from aircrafts to cars, to industrial machines, providing better user experience and saving time and costs through improved operations. The key to this machine intelligence lies in advanced analytics. The Internet of Things (IoT) connects new places such as manufacturing floors, energy grids, healthcare facilities and transportations systems to the Internet. This ensures more data gathered from more places and more opportunities to leverage that data through real-time predictive analytics to improve business outcomes. In the automotive industry connected devices are bringing new levels of intelligence to ensure safety as well as convenience. New ecosystems of connected machines have the potential to increase efficiency with insights to make smarter decisions. Other emerging areas are also witnessing rapid growth of connected devices. These developments are leading to improved safety, security and loss prevention. The three steps companies can take to embrace IoT are- capture and extract data, leverage an analytical engine and give back the insight. Read more at:

http://www.informationweek.in/informationweek/perspective/297298/companies-unlock-value-generated-connected-machines

Google search algorithms affect around 90% of online searches. These strip out bad searches, sites with keywords, duplicated content and manipulated hyperlinks based on quality, originality and relevance of online content. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) needs to change, we cannot build links like we use to and are more focused on content making. Business still has the need of a SEO professional in a more changed and creative way and aware about how to implement basic optimization. Content written by a reputable journalist or blogger is ranked higher by Google. Google gives importance to the engagement of the user with the content than paid for content. SEO agencies focused on link manipulation through “black hat” techniques and keyword-focused methods of SEO are going out of business while those focused on content marketing are thriving. There is now less differences between the roles of PR, social media, SEO and digital marketing. It is important to create brand value and have good, creative content and be technical sounding. Thus to offer so much for content writing increased collaboration is required creating their own digital newsrooms for real-time marketing strategies. This would maximize on the benefits.

Expansion of SEO is never a threat to PR professionals. PR might now become a part of the SEO agency team as the skill of the former is more vital than before. Google changes are now more human-friendly and people now search online using questions and complex phrases than just stand-alone keywords and content makers solve this with SEO in mind.

 Read more at: http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/jul/28/google-seo-social-media-search-marketing-panda-penguin- 

Every business big or small requires using CRM. This includes being organized in tasks, events, meetings, emails, notes, data etc, enhancing communication between team members, better reports, metrics and analytics, customer status and need updates, communication record and history, tracking and scheduling, and availability of centralised data for easy access and data protection.

Information needs to be available to sales personnel outside the office as well which brings in the need for mobile CRM. It allows employees’ to access information anywhere improving sales performance and team information collaboration. Collection and recording of information is made easier with mobile CRM, easy updates on source cuts the waiting time of the sales personnel in getting back to the office and then updating through CRM.

read more at:  http://www.whatech.com/crm/blog/25523-smbs-do-i-really-need-a-mobile-crm

Social media addiction is quiet similar to any other addition. Disclosing information through social media generates similar sensation as eating or drinking and it can be as addicting as drug. Social media helps you contact with people without any risk. You can control what you show, you look, voice, emotions are not exposed. Little kids should be controlled on the time and extent of usage of internet and parents should have all the information about what they are doing on the web. Kids should not have any secrets. Adults along with children also get addicted to social media. When someone posts in the middle of a crisis or ignores the person next to him for posting on social media he is believed to be addicted. read m http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2014/07/26/study-social-media-my-be-just-as-addicting-as-other-vices-drugs-and-drinking/ore

Traditionally business have relied on graphs and charts to analyse crucial information. But these basic visualizations have a propensity to miss two of the most important aspects of a retailer’s data — where things are located and what is happening around them. Imagine being able to better understand where customers live, what they buy, what they do and why they do. Location analytics is a game changer. It helps organisations see where data is, not just what it is. Location analytics brings together dynamic, interactive mapping; sophisticated spatial analytics; and rich, complementary data to enhance the overall picture of business operations. Best of all, it is available from within already-established analytics software, so there is no need to say goodbye to familiar business tools or workflows.

The combined solution joins key business intelligence (BI) data with spatial location, resulting in improved store performance driven by better marketing decisions. It covers all stores operated by the group to guide expansion and development strategy, optimize direct marketing actions such as distribution of weekly circulars, monitor store performance, and gain a better understanding of the sales territory. Moreover, it helps in viewing and analysing data, including traditional retail information such as trade and mailing areas, competition analysis, customer locations, and advertising hoardings. Geographic data used includes Bing Maps, Nokia data, and aerial and satellite images. A BI map service’s bi-directional link provides a unique and dynamic integration solution between the mapping and BI systems.

The geo-marketing application is used for many strategic activities such as guiding expansion and development strategy of the company and optimizing direct-marketing actions including distributing weekly circulars store performance can be monitored and a better understanding of territories can be provided. All this information feeds one database and can be shared across the enterprise. Location analytics is enabling a refined and deeper understanding of how to improve marketing and other store-level operations. It enriches data for a more intimate understanding of customer relationships, behavior, and need. See more at: http://blogs.hbr.org/2014/03/how-location-analytics-will-transform-retail/

Billions of dollars are lost by gamblers every year along the Vegas Strip, but some casino operators are taking strides to soften the blow of serious gambling losses and leveraging big data to keep customers coming back, according to one executive.  "They could win a lot or they lose a lot or they could have something in the middle. So we do try to make sure that people don't have really unfortunate visits," said Caesars Entertainment Chairman and CEO Gary Loveman on Big Data Download.  Caesars and other casino operators offer loyalty programs. As gamblers spend, companies gather data on those spending trends. Customers also receive tailored incentives for gambling and spending. 

"We give you very tangible and immediate benefits for doing so. So we give you meals, and hotel rooms and limousines and show tickets. You share with us information on what you've been doing, what sorts of transactions you've made," said Loveman, whose company is the biggest U.S. casino operator.

Caesars in particular employs about 200 data experts at its Flamingo Hotel alone. They scour through data on the types of games customers have played, what hotel they've stayed at and where they've been dining. So the next time when you visit a casino, expect a suddenly friendlier slot machine after you are on a losing streak.

Read the complete report here:  http://www.cnbc.com/id/101027330

Social media now holds a place alongside print and broadcast as a major, essential marketing channel for businesses. As such, social media now should be held to the same standard as those channels: your social media ROI needs to contribute to your bottom line. To prove that your social media investment is truly warranted, you need to track how social is influencing every interaction you have with your clients.

The first step involves setting social media goals that complement existing business and departmental goals. If you have set a specific number of leads you’re trying to attain this quarter, set the number of leads you want to specifically be driven by social media. If one of your goals is to increase landing page conversion by say 10%, ensure that you’re tracking the conversion rate of people who land on the page through social channels. Audit your existing social media performance to establish baseline targets, and then set appropriate goals for improvement.

Once you’ve established your social media goals, you’ll need to identify and implement the tools and processes required to measure the ROI on your social media. This may involve adding tracking codes to URLs, building custom landing pages, and more. There are a variety of social media analytics tools which service to track the diverse metrics you are after.

Once you’ve identified what works and what doesn’t work on social, it’s time to adjust your strategy. The point of tracking your social media ROI isn’t just to prove your social campaigns are valuable, it’s to increase their value over time.

Due to the short lifecycle of social media campaigns, a failing campaign should be changed and improved as soon as possible. Social media is never static. To meet your social media ROI goals, you’ll need to constantly update and adapt your strategy taking into account the analytics data you’re tracking. To read the full article visit:http://blog.crazyegg.com/2014/02/10/social-media-roi

Continuous Improvement is the prevalent effort to improve services, products and processes by making incremental improvements within a business. This process must be a continual so that the opportunities for development can be highlighted, measured and evaluated

• Leadership that walks the talk- Leaders must exhibit certain distinct behaviors that not only describe support for the initiative but also the behavioral pattern that they wish all employees to emulate. 

• A major focus on “fire prevention” rather than “firefighting”- The problems that require fixing are generating a series of “fires” that on a constant basis distract managers from solving the main cause of their problems.

• Constancy of purpose- Successful continuous improvement programs includes that improvement is not only a management initiative but also a long-term practice that needs to incorporate everything an organization does.

• Shift from short term to long term mind-set- The company needs to have at look at the long-term result of the work it is doing.

Read more at:

http://www.processexcellencenetwork.com/innovation/articles/continuous-improvement-4-factors-that-make-a-conti/

The Internet is the great equalizer as it gives small businesses marketing opportunities on par with their larger competitors. The good news is that a number of inexpensive small business marketing methods can help a business achieve its goal-and some are even free. The following are the small business Marketing Tips one can afford: 1. Post videos online

2. Post case studies on one’s website

3. Use company’s blog to reach out to prospects and customers

4. List the company on Google Maps/Local

5. Search forums for customers

6. Share information all over the Web

7. Use content curation to drive interest in the products

8. Use online services to re-target lost sales and to list products

9. Use Facebook's sponsored stories

10. Use online services to get the media's attention.

Not every marketing tactics listed above will work well for every company, but a combination of several of them—or adaptations to any of them—should be helpful to just about any company.

Read more at: 

http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/News/Marketing/10-affordable-small-business-marketing-strategies-3.html

Continuous Improvement includes different methodologies and disciplines  including Business Process Management, Performance Management,  Compliance, Quality Management, Lean, Six Sigma and more. In spite of all the different terms,  methods and techniques  available, there are commonalities between these different approaches -all of them seek to continuously improve business processes to improve business results. But often companies are their own worst enemies when it comes to process improvement. Here are the main barriers to continuous improvement:

• Difficult to foster collaboration among multiple stakeholders

• Difficult to recognise which processes to prioritize improvement efforts on

• tooling of ill-suited Process Management

        Process Management tooling is inadequate

        Process Management tooling is too complicated

• Governing change to meet compliance obligations

• Lack of employee engagement

Read more at: 

http://www.processexcellencenetwork.com/lean-six-sigma-business-transformation/articles/five-barriers-to-continuous-improvement-vote-for-t/

With the advancement of measurement and analytics, the pressure on marketers to demonstrate return on investment also advances. According to McKinsey & Company, an integrated marketing approach is essential to uncover meaningful insights and drive growth. Integrated measurement reduces biases in any one measurement method and enables leaders to identify which activities produce the best return.  Standout measurement approaches include: • Marketing mix modeling. Marketing mix models quantify the sales impact of various marketing activities and determine the effectiveness and ROI for each.

• Media measurement. Marketers can measure the reach, cost and quality of components to assess performance — more specifically, the number of target consumers reached, the cost per unique touch and the quality of engagement and/or media placement. 

• Attribution modeling. Attribution modeling, or crediting converting traffic to online touch points, has become increasingly important for media buying and marketing execution.

In order to boost marketing ROI companies use: 

• Marketing mix modeling to track how well each activity generates audiences; 

• Attribution modeling to pinpoint which activities within the marketing mix generate the most conversions (such as search vs. display marketing in digital)

• Media measurement to monitor marketing activities via print, which will help it capture a new audience and generate more revenue.

Although some companies rely on one analytical technique, organizations that use an integrated measurement approach will see the optimal ROI.

Read more at: 

http://www.cyberalert.com/blog/index.php/using-integrated-marketing-measurement-to-make-better-decisions/

Six Sigma has been the key driver for performance improvement for many companies. One of the structured innovation techniques that can be used for tactical innovation within the DMAIC cycles is the TRIZ methodology. One necessary aspect of the definition of innovation from our point of view is that it must result in a significant improvement for customers or some segment of society. One thing is certain, and that is the repeatable, reliable and predictable application of innovation is going to require putting some structure around it.  For an organization or company to be competitively excellent, innovation will be required of all and the only way to make that happen is to put structure into the innovation process. And of course, structure connotes Six Sigma. There's that cycle again-one leading to or needing the other.  According to Mikel Harry, a legitimate founder of Six Sigma, Six Sigma was designed and introduced to generate breakthrough improvement. And that is going to require innovation. Clearly, a balance is needed, for Six Sigma may not have been implemented as it should have been, or maybe the necessary structure for the realization of repeatable and reliable innovation has not yet been established. Nonetheless, it is both clear and proven that Six Sigma needs innovation and that innovation needs Six Sigma, and when they are united, innovation and Six Sigma are an unbeatable force. Read more at: 

http://www.processexcellencenetwork.com/innovation/articles/six-sigma-and-innovation/

Cloud Computing connects large pool of resources through private or public network and this technology makes infrastructure planning easier. Cloud Computing provides dynamically scalable infrastructure for cloud based applications, data, and file storage. Businesses can choose to deploy applications on Public, Private, Hybrid clouds or the newer Community Cloud. Public clouds are provided to the public by a service provider who hosts the cloud infrastructure. Public cloud providers like Amazon AWS, Microsoft and Google own and operate the infrastructure and offer access over the Internet. With this model, customers have no visibility or control over where the infrastructure is located.All customers on public clouds share the same infrastructure pool with limited configuration, security protections and availability variances. Private cloud is cloud infrastructure dedicated to a particular organization. Private clouds allow businesses to host applications in the cloud, ensuring data security and control, which is not ensured inn a public cloud environment. Hybrid Clouds are a composition of two or more clouds (private, community or public) that remain unique entities but are bound together offering the advantages of multiple deployment models. A community cloud is a multi-tenant cloud service model that is shared among several organizations and governed, managed and secured commonly by all the participating organizations or a third party managed service provider. To know more go to: https://blog.zopim.com/2013/11/20/3-ways-analytics-transforming-customer-service/

The strength of social media is that it can answer questions you had not asked and perhaps had not even thought of. Its weakness is that it can't answer most of the questions that market researchers' clients ask. There have been some successes and a couple of examples are

• Assessing campaign or message breaks through.

• Identifying language, topics and ideas.

• Outside market research.

But the key problems are:

• Most people do not comment in social media, and most of the comments are not about clients’ brands and services.

• Social media deals with the world as it is, brands can’t use it to test ads, to test new products and services, or almost any future plan.

• The dynamic quality of social media means that it is very difficult to compare two activities. Thus the accuracy of social media measurements become limited.

• Good social media usage requires people, which tend to make it more expensive and slower.

• It is very difficult to attribute the comments to distinct groups.

Read more at: 

http://www.greenbookblog.org/2014/04/25/why-has-social-media-analytics-met-with-limited-success-in-market-research/</a

Social media defines an array of Internet sites that enable people from all over the world to interact. We all have our own reasons for using social media. What is interesting is that the researchers found that people who are more anxious and socially insecure are more likely to use the social networking site. In 2012, Anxiety UK found that 53% of participants said social media sites had changed their behavior, while 51% of these said the change had been negative. Many people using social networking sites make comparisons with others, which can lead to negative emotions. Furthermore, the survey revealed that two thirds of participants reported difficulty relaxing and sleeping after they used the sites, while 55% said they felt "worried or uncomfortable" when they were unable to log onto their social media accounts. Although many studies point to the negative impacts of social media on mental health and well-being, some researchers say they could have the opposite effect. Social networking sites could be a useful tool in identifying individuals with mental health issues. A study, from the University of California San Diego, suggests that using social media may even spread happiness. They found that happy status updates encourage other users to post happy status updates themselves. Overall, it appears that the exact effects of social media on our mental health and well-being remain to be seen. Read more at:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275361.php</a