Job seekers in the marketing industry have reason to hope based on the February 2010 survey results released by Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. While hiring in the industry have been virtually stalled for some time, nearly half Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) expect to bring on new employees within the next 6 months. CMO optimism is based on their belief that consumer spending will continue to increase. Fuqua professor Christine Moorman says “marketers are beginning to see the signs of a rebound within their own companies.”

Marketing professionals with specific skill sets will be in the highest demand. For example, the business-to-business (b-to-b) arena will see growth on several fronts. First, these companies often outsource their marketing projects. Second, business services companies will need help on the social media front. This group of businesses plans to increase social media as a percentage of total marketing spending.

• Business-to-business services: 11%
• Business-to-consumer services: 7%

In addition, businesses will be looking for employees with experience in Internet marketing. By industry, here are the percentage of firms who expect to use new employees to handle Internet marketing:

• Consumer packaged goods 7.1%
• Communications/media 6.8%
• Mining/Construction 1.4%
• Transportation 1.4%
• Energy 4.6%
• Manufacturing 15.3%
• Retail/wholesale 5.7%
• Technology/Biotech 14.6%
• Banking 13.9%
• Consumer services 2.1%
• Service consulting 15.7%
• Healthcare/Pharma 8.2%

The news is even better in the long run. At least 60 percent of companies plan to increase staff in the next 12 months while about 90 percent will do the same in the next 2 years.

[Source: The CMO Survey, Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, February 2010]

Ad-ology Research recently updated their Industry Marketing Insights report for Racetracks. The following are the predicted Top 5 Opportunities/Challenges from the report for this industry for the upcoming 12 months:

• Some tracks are adding slot machines to attract gamblers.
• Synthetic tracks (rather than the traditional dirt) are gaining interest.
• Horse racing still raises concerns about animal safety among many Americans.
• Racetracks must compete with other forms of entertainment for consumers’ leisure time and money.
• Some states are considering closing racetracks to help strained budgets.

The Industry Marketing Insights report for Racetracks is available on Ad-ology.com (Research Store) for $195 USD with local market data for any U.S. market.

[Source: Ad-ology Research. February 24, 2010]

Ad-ology Research recently updated their Industry Marketing Insights report for Diet/Weight Loss Centers. The following are the predicted Top 5 Opportunities/Challenges from the report for this industry for the upcoming 12 months:

• Many weight loss centers are beginning to offer services for children, as the number of overweight and obese children increases.
• Some national centers are partnering with restaurant chains, which then offer menu items that coordinate with centers’ specific diet plans.
• Online weight loss advice and diet tracking are popular among dieters.
• The industry is highly competitive, especially as more Internet-based companies enter the market.
• More consumers are turning to surgical weight-control procedures.

The Industry Marketing Insights report for Diet/Weight Loss Centers is available on Ad-ology.com (Research Store) for $195 USD with local market data for any U.S. market.

[Source: Ad-ology Research. February 18, 2010.]

Ad-ology Research recently updated their Industry Marketing Insights report for Spas. The following are the predicted Top 5 Opportunities/Challenges from the report for this industry for the upcoming 12 months:

• The men’s market is growing, and many spas are offering services such as hot towel treatments and men’s facials.
• Due to the weak economy, spas report that demand is increasing for shorter treatments.
• Spas are incorporating technology such as Wi-Fi in relaxation rooms and cyber-treatments that combine biofeedback technology with guidance from wellness professionals.
• The weak economy may cause consumers to give up perks such as spa treatments.
• Spas must compete with beauty salons and gyms, which are increasing their spa offerings.

The Industry Marketing Insights report for Spas is available on Ad-ology.com (Research Store) for $195 USD with local market data for any U.S. market.

[Source: Ad-ology Research. February 16, 2010.]