Think that your investment in a wraparound Straits Times or TODAY ad is going to save your business? How about that huge poster in the MRT station, where gazillions pass by every day. Well, think again. Without good copy, the most in-your-face, eye-popping, jaw-dropping advertisement is going to just go down the drain.
Posts Under: Blog
Walking in Winter Wonderland
As promised, here are some photos of my recent holiday in Hokkaido, with a short one-day trip in Tokyo. It sure was a wonderful wintry experience in near or sub-zero temperatures. Will blog about some key learning points next.
PRELUDE AT TOKYO
Tokyo was our first stopover en route to Hokkaido. Whom did we meet? Well, none other than the lady of liberty herself.
Christmas in the Tropics
Despite not having an inch of snow, Christmas in Singapore has always been celebrated in grand style. Scintillating lights adorn our shopping streets, year-end sales fill the newspaper pages, and lovely Christmas trees all outdo each other. Age-old carols blast through the airwaves, while people make plans for parties, short getaways and breaks. Giving, feasting, celebrating and rejoicing in the reason for the season.
An idea just struck me. Why don’t we get Singaporeans and visitors to blog about their festive-related experiences in Singapore and highlight noteworthy ones to the world? After all, Word Of Mouth is one of the strongest ways to sell a destination, and nothing beats a blog in doing that. Maybe I should suggest that to the Singapore Tourism Board?
Meanwhile, let me help to usher in the spirit of Christmas – Uniquely Singapore style!
Replace Without Question
Just got back from a fabulous holiday in wintry Hokkaido. Will blog about it soon.
Meanwhile, another brilliant example of how service should be from Seth Godin. No questions asked and no serial number, receipt, warranty card or other forms of authentication needed. Just what we need here in “black and white” Singapore.
Laurie writes, “amazing customer service from le creuset, the french enamel on cast iron cookware people
Hokkaido Hiatus
Will be going off for a holiday in the wintry wonderland of Hokkaido for next week or so. Do pardon the tardy updates and I will try to access the Internet if I can.
“Sleigh bells ring….. Are you listening…..”
How Resorts World Can Succeed
Aerial view of Genting’s winning bid Resort World, courtesy of Channelnewsasia
By now, the news would already have been out. Genting International and Star Cruises, the widely-anticipated front runner in the $5 billion plus Sentosa Integrated Resorts stakes, had won the bid.
While the design of their Resorts World may not match the architectural statement and drama of Frank Gehry’s light and glass creation for Kerzner International, it had most of the right ingredients. This included the combination of Universal Studios theme park, Dreamworks Studio, record breaking aquarium, water theme park, and maritime museum. Add to that Genting’s expertise in the Asian tourism market (with 20 million annual visitors to their Genting Highlands Resort) and ability to keep to the nature focus of Sentosa (70% green cover) and it is clear why they won.
VivoCity Adventures
We recently went to VivoCity together with my parents, my niece Mandy and nephew Isaac.
While we generally enjoyed ourselves, the entire experience would have been a lot better if certain attention to customer details were made. For a start, the air-conditioning was butt freezingly cold, and exiting from the carpark took eons.
Our first stop for the night was at Earl Swensen’s for dinner.
Peranakan Museum Akan Datang!
Spotted this just outside my office at Armenian Street. I am so looking forward to its opening, just like I am really excited about attending the official opening of National Museum of Singapore tonight!
The World of WOM
Came across this very useful post for those obsessed with defining how Word Of Mouth (WOM) marketing and its various incarnations work. Quoting from the Media Guerrilla and Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA):
Buzz Marketing Using high-profile entertainment or news to get people to
talk about your brand.Viral Marketing Creating entertaining or informative messages that are
Why Night Safari is World Class
Last Saturday, I brought my family to the Night Safari, one of Singapore’s top performing leisure attraction. The place was swarming with both locals and tourists alike, and the atmosphere was simply electric. Sprawled over 40 hectares, this wildlife destination attracts more than a million visitors a year, and has won numerous Tourism Awards for being the best attraction.
What are the secrets to its success? Well, here are some thoughts from somebody who works in this industry who is also a customer.