Conversion Thursday Manchester

Things we'd like to talk about

Google I/O Conference 2013

For those of you who haven’t had chance to digest all the news following Google’s I/O Conference ...

22/05/2013

22/05/2013

For those of you who haven’t had chance to digest all the news following Google’s I/O Conference in San Francisco last week, we’ve rounded-up some of the key highlights…

22/05/2013

Google unveiled the ‘new look’ Google+, which has been updated considerably, introducing 41 – yes, 41 - new features! The re-designed platform now has a look of Pinterest and Facebook, and has introduced automated filters and ‘related hashtags’ (Google now adds relevant hashtags for you!)

A new version of Google Maps was also revealed at the conference, which has been re-built from the ground up. It now features user generated street views and you can even see clouds floating in real-time. The excitement doesn’t stop there either - you can even look at Earth from the Milky Way too!

Whilst we were all expecting a new phone from Google, they shocked everyone by revealing their own version of Samsung’s Galaxy S4, which is very similar to the existing phone, but with an additional version of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

Google Play Game Services was also launched at the I/O conference. This new product aims to encourage more interaction amongst gamers, by offering multi-player games between users playing on different platforms.

The fun didn’t end there either, as Google also introduced its new “radio without rules” - Google Play Music All Access. Users can store up to 20,000 songs for free in the cloud and listen to them alongside Google's All Access catalog. Being able to listen to your ‘favourites’ on pretty much any device is definitely an advantage. We wonder what Spotify think about this…

For a full update following the conference, check out this article courtesy of Mashable > http://on.mash.to/12cc1By
eCommerce Expo and TFMA Event Manchester 2013

We had a fascinating time at this year’s eCommerce Expo and Technology for Marketing & Advertising ...

16/05/2013

16/05/2013

We had a fascinating time at this year’s eCommerce Expo and Technology for Marketing & Advertising (TFMA) Event at Manchester Central yesterday.

16/05/2013

As one of the UK’s largest industry events, we were amongst a real mix of businesses and individuals from across the digital, direct, data, CRM and social media sectors. We managed to catch up with a few familiar faces and met some new acquaintances too...

After a wander around and a quick coffee, first up was the Manchester Digital’s Cartologie panel debate. Led by Richard Hudson, Chair of Cartologie Network; panellists included Steven Whitehead, Group Commercial Director at The Hut Group; Alan Williamson, Head of eCommerce at Thomas Cook Scheduled Businesses; and last but not least, Rob Smith, Director of Strategy at Blueleaf.

During the debate, the three industry professionals shared their thoughts on the North West’s reputation as a leading location to build an eCommerce business, and went on to explain ways in which we can continue to keep this status as a region. Although there were a few technical issues at the beginning of the session which involved a bit of shouting and re-shuffling around the room, it was a positive debate and very interesting to hear their predictions of what’s to come.

Following this session we had another meander around the conference hall, checking out the stands and meeting with people we’d been tweeting throughout the morning. In a big venue like Manchester Central, social media like Twitter and Foursquare prove a big help in meeting up with other attendees you know, as well as helping know who to look out for.

After some new introductions and catch-ups, Joe from the Orchard team ventured over to the ‘Forget Social Media’ session, which was chaired by Mike Cornwell, CEO of The Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing (IDM). This seminar focused on the importance of traditional marketing, highlighting how similar it actually is to the new digital age. Matt Camps, Digital Strategist at The IDM; Katrina Gallagher, Managing Director at Digitangle; and Suzanne Kay, Regional Manager at the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), discussed how it’s important for us to keep aspects of our basic digital strategy, however we must work smarter by keeping up-to-date with any key changes. Although it was ironic that a session about ‘forgetting social media’ involved Q&As entirely on this topic, overall, Joe found this seminar very insightful and stimulating.

Other than the typical Manchester rain and our Managing Director, Mike Carter causing a minor rebuild of our friends at Manchester Digital’s stand, we had a great day and are already looking forward to next year!
Top tips for that all-important job interview!

So, you’ve managed to impress your dream company with that fabulous CV and now they’ve offered ...

14/05/2013

14/05/2013

So, you’ve managed to impress your dream company with that fabulous CV and now they’ve offered you an interview… Fear not, we’ve put together some top tips to help you nail it on the day!

14/05/2013

Do your homework

Make sure you research the company thoroughly – check out their website and any other online platforms where they have presence. Get yourself some extra brownie points by mentioning a recent news story or post which has caught your eye – it shows you’re enthusiastic and interested in what they do.

Plan your outfit

We all know how good we can feel in the right outfit – it boosts confidence and gives off a great impression the minute you walk through the door. So with that in mind, iron that shirt and shine those shoes and you’ll automatically feel more poised and relaxed.

Practice makes perfect

Ask a friend or family member to sit with you whilst you explain what you know about the company. Get them to ask you challenging questions to prepare you for the worst. If you’ve been asked to present during your interview, make sure you practice in front of one or two people – rehearsing in front of someone you know is often harder than in front of a stranger, and is a great way to challenge your self-confidence. This will also enable you to get feedback in areas that you could potentially improve.

Get your beauty sleep

The better sleep you have the night before your interview, the more ‘on the ball’ you’ll be when the interviewee starts asking you questions. Also, the tired look isn’t really ‘in’ (ever), and neither is yawning throughout – this will only make you appear bored and disinterested. To help you sleep the night before, do something relaxing such as taking a bath, avoid caffeine, drink plenty of water and maybe even treat yourself to a cup of cocoa…

Fuel your brain

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so even if you’re feeling extremely nervous, make sure you eat something to get that brain going - porridge, bananas, yoghurts and fruit/nuts are all good options. Also, if you rely on that morning cuppa to get you going everyday, allow time to sit and drink your usual. The same goes for eating and drinking before an afternoon interview – your brain needs powering at all times of the day!

Keep calm

Plan your outfit and route at least a day before, to ensure that nothing can go wrong before you arrive. When you’re actually in the interview, keep eye contact as much as possible, be aware of your body language and smile. Also, don’t be afraid to laugh and be yourself when appropriate – it reveals your true personality and shows that you’re human.

Ask questions

Interviewees always ask if you have any questions, so to save yourself from stumbling or blanking on the day, prepare between three to five questions in advance. It demonstrates that you’re not afraid to query.

And finally… GOOD LUCK – you’ll be just fine!
It's Fergie's Time...

Almost 27 years and 38 trophies later, Manchester United’s indomitable leader, Sir Alex Ferguson ...

10/05/2013

10/05/2013

Almost 27 years and 38 trophies later, Manchester United’s indomitable leader, Sir Alex Ferguson this week announced that he’s stepping down from his role as manager at the world famous football club.

10/05/2013

Having accomplished one of the greatest managerial careers in football, the Scotsman will take his place as director for Manchester United knowing that he leaves behind a remarkable chapter in the club's, and football's history, as well as some unforgettable quotes, such as “squeaky-bum time”.

Ferguson will stand in the Old Trafford dugout for his final time as manager this Sunday afternoon when his team face Swansea City, on a day which will no doubt be extremely emotional for him, his team and Manchester United’s entire fan-base too.

As the ‘king’ of Manchester United leaves his long-term role as manager behind, we now know that the club will be welcoming current Everton manager, David Moyes to follow in his immense footsteps. Moyes has already established a strong relationship with Ferguson, and as well as building his own empire and legacy at Everton. He has shown himself to be a highly driven, passionate football man, with a very similar work ethic to Ferguson.

Whether it’s in football or any business, when recruiting for such a hugely important role, succession planning is crucial. With a first-class football club such as Manchester United already running so successfully, if a major figure leaves, it makes sense to look to replace them with a similar individual to ensure continuity – basically, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

However, if you’re in a situation where an establishment is struggling and the structure of the company may not necessarily be right, it is likely that the business will decide to have a complete shake-up, maybe bringing in a different type of individual, or even numerous roles to change the configuration of the company completely. In most cases in football, managerial change comes about following perceived failure, so major change is the norm.

Obviously each situation is different when recruiting; therefore it is vital for any business to plan as well as they can for future occurrences. Everton Football Club will now be going through the exact same process as Manchester United, and with the awareness that Moyes' contract was coming to an end and hadn't be renewed, hopefully they will have laid some groundwork already.

As an established, well run club themselves with a manager who has served them extremely well over a long period of time, do they too bring in another experienced English Premier League manager at an equivalent level, with a similar outlook, or do they go for change to bring a fresh approach? It is clear that succession planning has been fundamental for Manchester United, and will be for Everton too…

For all those avid Manchester United fans out there, you can view a picture gallery of Sir Alex Ferguson’s highlights, courtesy of the Manchester Evening News.