OneBigPlanet has launched its Web 2.0-based loyalty and retention platform. The platform creates branded portals for organizations and online communities through which members can shop, make dining reservations, print coupons and book flights, among a host of other commerce tools.
InfoUSA, the database and list marketer, will rebrand as InfoGroup, effective June 1. A company press release said that the name change was precipitated by the firm's recent acquisitions of several research companies around the world, including Opinion Research. The release said that these acquisitions "provided the company a significant platform and foothold in the international marketplace."
When a company begins an announcement with the words, "To further enhance a great customer experience..." what frequently follows is a statement that might suggest otherwise. Dell began its announcement of its new premium support option thusly, and as it outlines the inarguably great benefits — paying customers can talk to the same, North America-based technicians every time they have a problem — it is an unfortunate reminder of how quality assistance can often be lacking from many companies' customer service arms.
With Harte-Hanks Inc.'s Shoppers business continuing to deteriorate in the first quarter ended March 31, the direct marketing services company reported a 5.1% drop in revenues for a total of $268.5 million.
In a loyalty-building effort, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has tapped SPSS Inc. to provide predictive analytics software. Sikorsky designs and manufactures helicopters that are used by the US armed forces and other military services, as well as commercial craft operators.
Virgin HealthMiles has partnered with Mall Networks to provide shopping-based member rewards. Virgin's HealthMiles Rebate Center allows HealthMiles members to shop at more than 500 merchants, including Circuit City, Apple and Target, in exchange for HealthCash.
Iain Molland, North American CEO, Vividas April 30, 2008
Customer relationship management is as much a tool of the trade as any other in the advertising/marketing industry. Imperative to the success of a lasting relationship is controlling the unique expectations of each client and translating your success into their ROI.
DMNews' Essential Guide to Lists, Database Marketing & Data Services
Jim Fowler, co-founder and CEO, Jigsaw. April 30, 2008
Starting with an accurate, complete and targeted pool of business contacts is key to the success of every marketing campaign. Yet CRM systems and in-house contact databases are most often bogged down with dead records, duplicate data, partial files and gaps.
