KAORU CHAN
As a digital native you have probably never wondered
how many entrepreneurs in Curaçao use their computers for Marketing. Also, websites and social media have
become indispensable for any self-respecting company,
right? Its results of the Business Census Curaçao 2014, as
published on its website, will probably come as a shock
to you. Entrepreneurs who participated in this census
were asked what they used their computers for most. The
answer? Only 3 percent said they used it for Marketing.
Another reality check: a stunning 72 percent of registered
businesses in Curaçao do not have a website.
If you consider that internet connectivity, rapidly updating
and upgrading smartphones, and a whole array of popular social media platforms have turned just about anyone
with a smartphone and internet connectivity into a micro
marketer with lots of different platforms right at their
fingertips, the insight gathered by the Business Census
appears to indicate a major disconnect. Traditional and
conservative companies are, slowly but surely, realizing
that they have to start catching up with the new era of
marketing and marketing platforms. And guess what is
going to take agile digital immigrants to invest in the right
preparation of digital natives to help companies quickly
and steadily bridge that gap and connect to propel their
companies into the now and the future.
Unique Selling Skills
For the up-and-coming marketers in Curaçao, it should
be second nature to constantly be peering into the future
to try to predict the next big trend for their brands or their
clients. In business, marketers are always looking for
better ways to reach their current, potential, and former
clients to either gather or share information while promoting and securing brand recognition and commitment
and ultimately to drive sales. Marketing has turned into
a personal affair. You want to stay relevant as a marketer
and always be on the look out for key answers to book
success on the market. Just like the smart devices have
predictive features, smart marketers of today and in the
future should have a smart predictive wiring and a flexible
and dynamic attitude to stay alert. Here are 5 trends and
skills that we expect are going to have the biggest impact
on the future of marketing in Curaçao.
14
Marketing For The Future
1. Master your smart device
Mobile devices is becoming the center of most of our personal
lives and it is gaining momentum in marketing, even in Curaçao.
From cell phones to smartphones, laptops to tablets and wearable gadgets, the evolution of mobile devices is one of the key
aspects shaping the world of marketing. Brands and companies
will be able to work on a more personalized connection and
relationship with their clients by mastering the power of mobile.
2. Be transparent and offer relevant content
Transparency will dictate brand-customer relationships. Currently, clients are looking for more engagement from companies
and brands. Clients will continue to get more demanding in their
expectation of transparency. Honest brands make sure they
“walk the talk” and create real value. Social Media is great for
instant feedback from former, current, and potential client