Can there be such a thing as a ‘one-stop marketing creative solutions shop’?
Creative Minds Marketing (CM Marketing) certainly thinks so. They offer an across-the-board marketing service directly to companies as well as assisting marketers in a way they describe as being ‘the marketer’s assistant’.
Ready and willing
Describing the company’s philosophy of being “ready and willing to take clients’ brands to higher places”, two of the founding members, Gerhard de Jager and Michelle, describe their offering of brand alignment as unique.
Two-pronged approach
“What makes us different,” says Michelle, “is our two-pronged offering. We are both a one-stop-shop in the true sense of the word as far as our product and service range is concerned on the one hand, and on the other we are able to offer a full marketing service, albeit in tandem with the marketers themselves.”
The company works with clients to understand all elements of the business. Once achieved, they “align the client’s behaviours, communications and business processes so all internal and external activities are focused on a single strategy”.
The overall offering
CM Marketing’s range of services encompasses:
- Branding and corporate identity (includes creative design)
- Corporate and promotional gifts and clothing
- Promotions and campaign marketing solutions
- Events management and marketing
- Publishing printing and illustration
- Web presence and application development
Branding – more is mightier
While the above points are self-explanatory, as far as branding and corporate identity are concerned, CM Marketing has a full solution, with the activities involved bordering (to the layman) interior decorating.
“You see,” Michelle points out, “we really believe in making your brand bigger – in reaching for the sky.” It is with this in mind that she outlines a few elements in corporate identity projects. “Some companies restrict their branding to the most obvious only,” she says. “However, if the client’s budget allows, we have the expertise and experience to bring the brand through in every aspect of their business. From curtains to carpets, light shades to lighting, counter tops to welcome mats – practically every facet of the business is catered for. This facilitates brand recognition for clients and brand reinforcement for their employees; a pivotal aspect as they themselves are brand ambassadors – or should be.”
Catalogue not necessary
Seeing as CM Marketing, according to Gerhard, boasts “the most comprehensive range of gifts, clothing and bags”, it is somewhat peculiar that the company has no catalogue to present to potential clients.
“We strive to deliver unusual and unique products in this business category,” says Gerhard. “We make every effort to learn as much about our clients as possible. Once we have a full understanding of their business and brand, we are in a position to recommend branded items unique to that company.”
Using international corporate gift distributor Polyframe Concepts, the two faces of CM Marketing are adamant: “The bottom line is if we can’t find it we will source it. If we can’t source it we will manufacture it. And, if we can’t manufacture it – nobody can!” “A catalogue,” adds Michelle, “just cramps our style.”
Eventing and related marketing
Event management is usually left to those specialising in that arena. That there is a demand for this service is underpinned purely by the number of event management companies competing for business. But as Michelle and Gerhard point out, for effective branding all aspects of corporate communication need to be addressed. So, in order to give additional credibility to their self-designated ‘one-stop creative solutions shop’, CM Marketing offers a full function/event planning and execution service which includes, among others, boot camp weekends; teambuilding, executive weekend getaways, launches and year-end functions.
Additional brand solutions
The company’s publishing, printing and illustration service provides a host of elements including type-setting and graphic design to publishing and digital print. It includes vehicle wrapping, copywriting, printing and distribution among others, while its web presence and application development service comprises a complete web solutions company.
Well-rounded
A unique company? I hesitate to call any company unique, especially in this highly competitive environment. However, as an ‘all aspects’ branding and creative solutions agency, CM Marketing has the ability to provide a well-rounded comprehensive service, a service not lost on its clients base.
“We ensure a thorough branding process, one that is critical for your company to be recognised as the brand for what is, ultimately, a strategic business asset,” says Gerhard in conclusion.
*CM Marketing can be contacted on tel: 011 021 1960, visit the website www.cmmarketing.co.za, or mail Michelle and Gerhard at michelleh@cmmarketing.co.za and gerhardj@cmmarketing.co.za.
