Mega Advertising

What is Advertising verses Marketing?

2010-07-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we get the question... "what is the difference between Advertising and Marketing?" And what do we do here at Mega Advertising exactly?
Well firstly the difference is HOW for advertising and WHAT for marketing...
Advertising could be what we do, whether it be a website, or a sign or a business card, company profile etc.
And Marketing is more WHAT we say on each of those things. So marketing is more the message.
So at Mega Advertising - we actually do BOTH. You can't really do one without the other - however there isn't a word that covers both. Maybe I should make up a word!
To sum this up... we will take care of all your needs at MEGA, from where to what to why to who. So sit back and relax, knowing you are being well looked after :)
Cheers Phillippa

SERVICE - expected!

2010-06-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

This is the one thing that gets me... that Service shouldn't be a point of difference... BUT I still believe it is somewhat.
We hear it over and over at Mega, that the service has been left behind with other agencies, and clients are looking for answers. Good for us I guess, but not so good that it isn't second nature for others.
I do agree that we should ALL deliver amazing service, and really without trying, it isn't that hard I would have thought! So how come in our industry there doesn't seem to be a STANDARD that is set. One that says that a certain level of design/service/results should be attained.
This is something I just may start setting/writing for the industry and put it out in the open. Standards that you will definitely GET from MEGA! So watch this space. Will be putting ideas to paper/screen soon!
Cheers, PJ

Valuing your people...

2010-06-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

How many times do you hear people say - "what great service"!? I think it is a bit more than that - WHY do you get good service in the first place? Because the person serving you ENJOYS their job! It comes down to the nice environment and the right fit for the job! At MEGA I try my very best for it to be a fantastic environment for clients and staff alike. Staff are proven to not only work harder when they are engaged in enjoying their work, but the retention of staff is so high. Would you want to stay in a work environment that wasn't good/fun/ideal?... me neither!
We love that we have a few laughs here, no bitching, and that people can be confident on what they do is to the best of their ability, and well valued! It makes the clients so happy to come here, and really enjoy the MEGA Experience! I am very proud of our environment at MEGA Advertising! Are you proud of your workplace environment, are you valued or valuing you staff?
Cheers, Phillippa

What are the benefits of using your business?

2010-05-20T14:59:00.001-07:00

How often do you know that you can do better than you opposition... but you aren't so good at communicating it to your prospective clients?
What you need to do is identify what your MAIN KEY BENEFIT is, the one that puts you above others in your industry. There will be something that really makes you better to work with.
Once you have that clear, the percentage of people wanting to come to you will be astronomical... Using that you are a "one stop shop", is good, but others can say that too, really think what you do BETTER... what if you staff were trained at following a job right through from the beginning to the end so the client could not get passed around, like our designers are, that they are multi talented. What if you are a specialist in an area, like we are with Search Engine Optimisation (being found in Google). This all adds to how you can deliver to your client a more professional service.
Do you want to be average? Or do you want to deliver the BEST to your clients... I know what I want! GO FOR GOLD, and tell people you GO FOR GOLD for them!
Cheers, Phillippa

Value what you do!

2010-04-22T14:49:00.001-07:00

How often do we get asked these kind of questions... "can you sharpen the pencil" and "can I have deal as I have lots more work for you coming" or "I can get it cheaper somewhere else"... I think we are all on the same page aren't we... we're all in business, and being in business means making money to pay for staff, overheads and so forth...
What I am thinking is VALUE YOUR BUSINESS and VALUE YOURSELF... I know I have to practice what I preach - but I do believe we need to say... "Hey we are really great at what we do, and your return on investment will be more if it is DONE THE RIGHT WAY"! We can so help businesses grow, it is Mega's job. We improve the look, BUT we also measure reults, so sure your clients can take the short cuts, but will they win... and will you win by discounting? Thank them in a different way! :) Do your best job and get them results for them to come back and happily pay what you are worth! :)
Cheers, Phillippa

Are you thinking deep enough?

2010-04-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

Often when we think about what we should be advertising... we say what WE WANT... not necessarily thinking deep enough to what YOUR clients actually want...
For example: if you are an insurance company... have you ONLY told them what you do, where you are, how long you've been around?
THINK DEEPER... What about telling them you can do their claim in 48 hours, that you have EASY to fill out forms, that they would also have a person they can contact directly, that you will review prices annually, not just roll over the fees again... all of this is what makes you do something a little bit different from what others are doing out there... next time you are on a website, is it REALLY clear what you can do for your customer? Not just all about you!
Need help? call the team at Mega TODAY! :)
Cheers, Phillippa

Seven Deadly Sins of Business...

2010-04-08T15:12:00.000-07:00

I do many many networking events, as do my staff, and some of them are purely for asking for business, which is awesome! Like BNI that I go to weekly and have for 6 years. And Her Business too, which is highly motivating, and makes me proud to be a business woman... then there is Business Chicks... (recently renamed as Kiwi Biz Chicks)... it is awesome, it is for women business owners, who need support. I am the chairperson, and we do lots of talking about what we could improve on, need help with, and the great things we've achieved too! This past meeting was about the 7 deadly sins on business... and it was great. I'll list what they are...
1. Poor financing structures
2. Poor customer base
3. Poor suppliers base
4. Lack of vision and planning
5. Overtrading
6. Poor financial process
7. Lack of performance
If you think you need help with lots of these things, I know the people to help you! Just call us :)

Cheers, Phillippa

Writing your own website...

2010-03-23T12:52:00.000-07:00

We hear you! :) You want to write your own text. We do have copy writing services at MEGA, but we also understand there are different reasons for writing your own text. So at MEGA we have written the rules for helping you do this. With easy to follow steps. If you need any advice on your your advertising needs... let us know as the team can help!

Measure Measure Measure!

2010-03-02T12:48:00.000-08:00

Hi all! - wow what a crazy start to the year, my blogs have been far and few between. But back onto it :)
I have been working BIG TIME with our coaches at Results.com - we have been spending over 1.5 years on measuring where, how, what and who comes to Mega.
Mega Advertising have fantastic ways to measure how your website is working, who is acting on your advertising newspaper, yellow pages and magazine ads, or radio ads. Plus who is reading your PromoM@il (promotional email ad campaigns) adverts etc.
So if you are NOT measuring your RESULTS then... how can you improve your business? Let your team at Mega help you stop gambling with your business advertising dollars. Money is too important to flutter away. We can get you results. It works for us, it WILL work for you too! :)
Cheers, Phillippa

How do I promote my business?

2010-01-13T21:04:00.000-08:00

Often we find that clients don't know where to even start with promoting themselves. We have many different ways that help ALL budgets. From the start up company through to big corporates, and government departments. At Mega we pride ourselves in how we help get results for clients.
If you think you'd like to come and have a coffee and a FREE one hour meeting, come and talk to the team, and we'll help your business grow. Don't wait. As it takes not much to sit down and do a strategic chat. Phone 377 0350 today. Ask for Phillippa or Aimee.
Cheers, Phillippa

THANK YOU

2009-11-22T13:44:00.000-08:00

A huge THANK YOU to our awesome clients. We really enjoy working with you. It is great to have all the fantastic feedback you send. If you want to send us a testimonial please do, the staff here get thrilled to hear what a great job they do.

Cheers, Phillippa

Touching base with clients...

2009-11-15T16:36:00.001-08:00

You've heard it over and over I am sure... but it is true! The more you touch base with your clients, the more you are in their mind for coming to you for your guided help!
Sure there can be a fine line between being there to help your clients, and annoying them! But we have ways at Mega that can help keep your clients, and add value to what you offer them. If you need some strategic planning then see the Mega team today!

Cheers, Phillippa

MEGA Advertising - Facebook page

2009-11-15T16:32:00.000-08:00

Yes - we have a FACEBOOK page for Mega Advertising Limited! It is great to have us up on line in an "active" way. Our clients are loving it, and it is showing them how they too can be active online. We have many fans, and we are still to tell all our clients about it.
If you want to be a fan, check out our site on (Simply copy and paste this link...)
http://www.facebook.com/friends/#/pages/Mega-Advertising-Ltd/80271126643
Do you need help getting a facebook page for your business? Ask us here at Mega today, and we'll help you!
Cheers, Phillippa

Why get a website now?

2009-09-13T14:48:00.000-07:00

We find constantly that people want a website, but think they should just put it off as they are busy now, or don't think they need it quite yet.
Websites, are something that should be as common as a business card now days.
86% of people go online to search before they pick up the phone or visit... Wouldn't you want to be there when potential clients are looking for you? Or how many times are you grateful that someone has passed your name on... yet is that person referred to you able to check you out, and see you are as good as they say before they see you?... it makes that sale much easier once they meet you!
A website is not a complicated thing for us, it is what we do daily! We love designing and programming sites, and getting you RESULTS. Just like you enjoy doing accounts, building driveways or what ever your industry does. We love it too, so come and see THE Professionals at MEGA Advertising about getting up online TODAY!
Cheers, Phillippa

10,000 quotes!

2009-08-27T21:01:00.000-07:00

From starting a business from zero clients nearly 12 years ago... it is VERY exciting day for the MEGA team to get to 10,000 quotes! A satisfying day indeed. Have you celebrated what you do lately? We are about to have a wine or two. - Go spring! Makes everyone feel good.
It has also been our best week in HISTORY work wise, so it is PARTY time!

Results.com

2009-08-03T23:35:00.000-07:00

I/we have been a client of Results.com for 10 months now, and I know they are doing wonders for my business. Have you ever thought about getting someone from the outside look into your business? I thought things were pretty good (and they are) but there are things "you don't know you don't know" - and that is what they have helped me with. Like this morning I went to a Seminar on "Building your Power Productive Team" - and I thought I would humour them and go, and just see, but I found it great... my team here at Mega are AWESOME, and I am so proud to have such a great team, but there are ways we can be more productive. So if you need help with your business... talk to the professionals, Results.com (Christchurch office).

Cheers Phillippa

Business Chicks

2009-08-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

Networking can come in many forms.
I am proud to be someone helping run Business Chicks NZ, We are business owners or shareholders. Whom want to run even better businesses. So we are the motivational business woman! As in if you want to succeed - hang out with successful people. We all support each other in business, ask questions, have great topics each month we talk about, we have guest speakers that talk about relevant things to improve you and your business. It is like no other networking group to date. If you are looking for something that motivates you and you are a female, email me, and I'll tell you more... check out our website for Business Chicks www.BusinessChicks.co.nz
Cheers Phillippa

Stick to your knitting

2009-07-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

I've just had a new client ask if they should be doing their own website or should they "stick to their knitting". Unless you are a great web person, and know how to not only make it look good, but also know how to get it well ranked in google, then - NO don't do it yourself.
Websites to some may look easy, but if you actually did your own website yourself, is it going to get the results? I would guess NO. We are a professional Web company that sole purpose is to get your results. We love making websites that look awesome! And the we set sites up to have call to action buttons (if required) and also the back end of the site well programmed. If you added up all the hours it would be doing your own site, would you be using your time wisely?

Cheers, Phillippa

Articles on Mega and Phillippa

2009-07-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

Yes we have been busy, getting out and noticed, and something else we have been doing, is we have been in the June HER (Business) Magazine (page 31), and the July Who's Who Magazine (page 38). This week we are on page 8 of Canterbury Today Magazine/Newspaper. So if you want to read all about the success of Mega Advertising, and also how Networking can help your business, grab a copy for some light inspirational reading!
Cheers, Phillippa

Getting noticed - in a good way!

2009-07-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

WOW - have you ever had those goals of wanting to do something great, and not done them? Well I have too. But of late, I have had the best business coaches Results.com and they have helped me realise my potential and how to go for want I want to achieve...
My goals have been internal on my business, but also for me personally. Some of them were to enter some awards, and get 'noticed' for all the hard work, myself, and my staff put into Mega Advertising. And guess what... it worked! We became the finalist in the NZ Bloom Business Woman of the Year Awards 2009! In Two categories, 1st, Best SME (Small Medium Enterprise) and 2nd Most inspirational Role Model. So a great feeling! Obviously by doing the small goals they have added up to making the big goals a success!
Go those Goals! THANKS to my awesome support friends, business friends/clients and of course my awesome staff and coaches!

HER Business magazine

2009-06-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

Yes - we've hit the glossy pages!
I am in the June 09 issue of HER business magazine. We have a page on how I have grown Mega from zero client base to over 1300 in 11.5 years! The article shows how I have done it, and how you can do it too with our help. That starting a business is so rewarding but also extremely hard. Also how we work with HUGE clients, but also the small budget client.
Check out the bookshops or supermarket mag section. Page 31!
Cheers, Phillippa

MEGA wins SILVER

2009-05-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

Yes - we won SILVER at the New Zealand Sign & Display Awards 2009!
We won silver for a coffee van we designed. Liquid Velvet. We knew it was great and were super proud of it, but nice to think that this being our first awards entered for signs that we WON! We are thrilled. It is a different to all the other coffee vans, and has that sexiness the client required it to have. It is always a process coming up with the right image, but it was one of the first designs we did. The sign company Signtech were great to acknowledge our great designs, and we thank them for asking to put us forward.
Next year - GOLD! Cheers, Phillippa

Extra help to grow your business

2009-04-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

I had a call from a lady in Auckland in the past week. And as we often do, it was someone that was stuck in knowing what to do next in their business. It is a typical kind of call that we get, and it made me stop and think what valuable information we actually hand out.
We don't know every answer here at Mega Advertising. But we sure know how to put people in the right direction! One of our slogans is "want results? thought so! see you soon!" - and that is what I did to help this lady...
I told her about getting a grant, if she qualified, applying for scholarships, getting free training from like the CDC cdc.org.nz in Christchurch, and getting a mentor, apart from being careful how she used her advertising dollars. And getting networking within the business community!
Just showed me how many people must be out there that so need help! But that there are answers!!!
Cheers, Phillippa

PulzarFM.co.nz

2009-04-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Kiwi Entrepreneur Andy Poulsen...
for re launching his Radio Station Pulzar FM 105.7 in Canterbury!
It is so great to see fellow cantab's get out and shout WE CAN DO IT!
We have designed all their branding, from logo, bumper stickers, posters, websites, flyers, etc which we are super proud of! Aimee (Mega Super Sales rep) and I went to their VIP night on Friday night - it was an awesome night and it was fantastic to see lots of happy people, bubbles flowing, and great music, celebrating such a great event.
If you want to support Andy and his team, get onto 105.7 TODAY!
If you need to get your name out there, they have great advertising spots/deals.
All the best Andy & the Pulzar FM team!
Cheers, Phillippa

Charity Work

2009-04-14T13:02:00.001-07:00

How long has it been since you have done something for someone else in the community?
I am a member of ZONTA (zonta.org.nz) who do a lot of charity work "improving the status of women worldwide".
For about 80 years, Avonside Girls High School have been having a harvest festival, where the girls collect up food for a charity, they collected a couple of van loads of food this year (as they did last year too), so I just thought it is great to show the world there is some awesome work being done out there!
I went to Avonside High Schools' assemblies Easter week to speak with the Battered Womens Trust who were the charity benifitting from AGHS Harvest this year. I was there on behalf of Z Club (which is the youth part of Zonta).
Anyway - do something special for someone! It takes very little time, but you'll make all the difference! :)
Cheers, Phillippa

Afordable Advertising

2009-04-07T22:59:00.000-07:00

Hey! I've just been doing an advert for ourselves, to advertise what we do to the building industry... and it has me thinking...
Often businesses think "oh I can't afford and advertising agency". But YES you can. So when it comes to advertising it doesn't have to be be expensive. It has to be CLEVER!
We really think about what we can do and how to do it with the best results.
Ever gone... I can't afford it! We hear you. I started my business 11+ years ago. And I use to print A4 cards of business cards in my ink jet print and trim them 'painlessly' out with a knife. I wouldn't recommend that now - as I didn't know better. But what I know now, is amazing. I wish I had known what I know now back then. So with that - I pass on info to clients.
I had a client prospect call this morning from Auckland. And I really spent most of the phone call, asking what they do, target market, and then gave them lots of super ideas to help get her business flying. Joining networking groups. Grants for small businesses and so on. Free courses to advance your business knowledge etc. Come and have a coffee or ask me and I'll tell you LOTS more! Cheers, Phillippa

BIG Dirty word Recession!

2009-04-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

What does Recession mean... A period of TEMPORARY Economic DECLINE... HA! While some are finding it tough - it is getting back to basics and THINKING, what can I do! We are doing that with ourselves and lots of clients. And it is WORKING! Diversity is the secret! What else can you do? What could you do better? What are you doing wrong? Think Think Think! There are so many ways to get your name out there. And do things in a great positive way to get results.
So take the time to analyse what you are doing. What do you need to change, improve on and so on. It is probably right in front of your nose!!! :)

Brand Consistency

2009-03-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

Two powerful words = Brand Consistency. It is something I am so passionate about here at Mega! I would say it is one of the main thing that falls over when trying to put ones own branding out there.

I would say it is not that people intentionally do it wrong! I think what happens is people get scared of coming to an advertising - as they think they are all expensive, on the contrary!
We make sure we are not the most expensive agency. We love designing for small and medium businesses, as well as the large (ofcourse!). We want people to not be scared to call us up for help. I'd rather do lots of work for people over and over in small doses than do something once and not be able to help again as it was out of their budget.

By being affordable (I do hate that word - as don't want it to cheapen the quality we do put forward) it means we can make sure it is all done in house by us, and not the client trying to do some of it by themselves, by a "friend of the family" or a "family member". If it is done by us, we can get results. And it is WHAT WE ARE GREAT AT! So leave it to the experts to do your wonderful designs that have LASTING IMPRESSIONS!

RocketWeb.co.nz

2009-03-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered what it would be like to have a website that got results, yet didn't cost the earth. We are constantly trying to come up with great ideas for our clients, and potential clients. Most of our clients are doing really great, which is awesome for nearly 1300 clients! But we do have some that don't have websites yet.
We have spent a long time planning RocketWeb.co.nz and it is launched. The sites are attractive - of course! and they are well search engineed!
If you know someone that wants to get up on line for as little as $890.00 +GST then pass on our name. We have a massive amount of passion to help businesses reach the top - without costing the earth! :) Cheers, Phillippa

BNI - Watch this woman

2009-03-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Reader...

Thank you for looking at our Blog...
Thought I would start with the update of some exciting news...

From the March BNI Newsletter (yesterday)...
A momentous year for BNI

Watch this BNI Woman!

Top BNI networker Phillippa Jacobs of Mega Advertising in Christchurch is on the watch list for judges of one of the worlds top businesswoman high achiever awards.
Phillippa was invited to enter the 2008 Veuve Clicquot Awards. Although she didn't win, the judges were impressed with the way Mega is reinventing the advertising business, generating "mega marketing results without the mega price tag".
Renowned for her tenacity, Phillippa is totally committed to serving New Zealand small and medium businesses especially in these tough times. Constantly thinking of different ways to help her clients grow their businesses.
"It is disturbing to hear in the media that companies need to slash their marketing right now. That may be true for the big companies, but for small and medium sized businesses now is the time they really need to be investing in getting their name out there, driving business growth through lasting impressions which is where Mega can help."
Since the company was established in 1997, the Mega team has grown from one to seven staff who provide excellent affordable design for websites, logos and all types of printed material marketing including signage. A savvy entrepreneur, Phillippa has also formed alliances with allied professionals such as, copywriters and media buyers so the company can provide a one stop shop service for customers.
The formula appears to be working well for customers.
"Our clients keep coming back although sometimes it isn't for a while because they get so much business growth they are too busy to see us."

Thank you. Phillippa