Marketing Forecast from Ad-ology

Corporate gift giving has extended beyond the traditional December holidays, and many companies have adjusted their schedule to send a little something to clients for Thanksgiving.

Finding a retail partner to handle customer relations, marketing and sales is the key to success for many wholesalers. In the early days of e-commerce, many industry experts predicted that structural changes would cut the middle man from the supply chain. Instead some retailers simply expanded their reach to sell products through multiple channels. In other cases, wholesalers have turn to the Web to sell directly to consumers.

Over 200 chief marketing officers and senior marketing professionals recently took part in a survey that uncovers the real wants and needs of marketers. “The Agency of the Future Survey,” sponsored by Sapient, offers ad agencies a top-ten wish list of those involved with their company’s marketing budgets, and with this information, agencies may be able to better meet the needs of their clients.

The role of investment banks will probably change as a result of the recent economic turmoil but a market exists for matching investors with entrepreneurs touting new business concepts. A recent Internet Retailer report notes that the e-commerce industry still draws venture fund attention. Venture capitalists now have significant ability to predict which e-commerce concepts will generate revenue. Projects that are getting funded share some business fundamentals:

At first glance the NFIB’s most recent Small Business Economic Trends report reflects the gloomy outlook held by many US small business owners. Report authors indicate that small business activity remains at recessionary levels but hint at possible optimism in a key area – the significant increase in the number of small business owners who expect general improvement in conditions in the next six months.

According to the September 2008 Ad-ology Media Influence on Consumer Choice survey, 60.5 percent of U.S. consumers who recently purchased a mobile or wireless phone said online product reviews and user comments had some or significant influence on their purchase decision. Nearly 30 percent also rated information from blogs with the same level of influence.