Turning 5

As S&R enters its  5^th year, we are excited for 2012. How time flies!  It is interesting to look back and  see how far we’ve come.  Considering a few of the highlights, turning 5 means:

• The company has planned and managed 26 exclusive events on behalf of our clients across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
• We have represented clients at over 35 tradeshows and third party events.
• S&R staff has been the MC and public speakers at nearly 30 events.
• S&R has designed and executed nearly 20 individual advertising campaigns including 5 public/private sector coops with the Mexico Tourism Board on behalf of private companies and associations.
• We’ve launched image, sales and sports campaigns.
• In terms of PR, the company has coordinated press trips, national T.V. network interviews, provided a spokesperson during radio interviews and participated in crisis management for our clients.
• The S&R team has provided graphic design services for corporate branding and advertising.
• We have translated approximately 100 documents including lease agreements, purchase agreements, marketing material, websites, and correspondence, among others. We’ve provided this service for companies from the real estate, tourism, food, mining, and engineering industries doing international business.

We look forward to the continuing our collaboration with clients, partners and service providers. Cheers to the next 5!

Points to Consider for Successful Press Trips

• Objective. Determine what you want to achieve and the line of communication that you want to transmit. Target the media you want to invite accordingly and the numbers you can successfully host. Quantity of journalists should not be the objective.

 

• Plan ahead.  Often press trips are planned with only a few weeks advance notice. The more time there is to plan and provide journalists with detailed information, the better.

 

• Collaborate. The team in charge of logistics on the ground should work closely with the agency or persons coordinating with the media.

 

• Individual media visits vs. group press trips.  Many journalists participate on group trips on a regular basis, and prefer group activities. Yet many others will not participate in group trips, period. Depending on the industry and size of the company/organization launching a PR strategy it is important to decide if individual media visits will be accommodated. If you host a group, make sure your itinerary is relevant to their interests. If you host an individual visit, get to know the journalist before he or she visits.

 

• Downtime/ free time. Press trip hosts understandably want to show their media guests as much as possible.  However, in a recent survey conducted by S&R we found free time was a “must have” for all respondents.  This includes sufficient time between tours and meals for your guests to change and rest.

 

• Internet access. Press trips are work trips. This means media reps need to work on stories and stay in touch with their office. It is imperative that guests have easy access to internet at all hours.  Hotel room internet access is preferred, but as some hotels begin to focus internet usage in common areas it is important that the setting is comfortable, and provides privacy if needed.

 

•  Flexibility. Group visits should allow flexibility within reason. It is especially important to accommodate certain requests that are in reference to assigned story topics.

 

• Hour by hour itineraries.  Everyone is different. Often journalists who have never visited a destination prefer more detailed itineraries, whereas journalists who are familiar prefer less structure. It is important to assign reasonable start and end times so the days are not too long.

There will always be imperfections during press trips, but when they are well organized they can generate great benefits. A couple of weeks ago we received a note from a  journalist for whom we arranged a media visit. He wrote “[the] trip was one of the best media trips I’ve been on, and I’ve been on quite a few! My hat is off to you… and everyone who helped. I was very pleased with all the arrangements, schedule, etc. Outstanding  trip.”  Our client benefited from two months of premium national exposure through the print and online circulation of this journalists article. The article’s message was consistent with the client’s communication strategy, and that is what defines a successful press trip.

Figures for 2012

The Economist recently published its special issue titled “The World in 2012″. Its “The World in Figures” section includes some interesting commentary and predictions for 2012.  We thought we’d share some of their figures regarding predictions on GDP growth v.s. inflation in several countries (please refer to the magazine issue for the full list). We include percentages for both developed and emerging markets, which we think tell an interesting story for entities analyzing options for international business.

Country	GDP Growth %	Inflation %
China	8.2	3.8
India	7.8	7.7
Brazil	3.5	5.5
Turkey	3.5	6.6
Canada	2.5	1.4
Mexico	3.1	3.8
U.S.	1.3	2.1
UK	0.7	2.9
Spain	0.3	1.8
France	0	1.7
Germany	0	1.8

According to this portion of the list China and Canada are the two countries projected to keep a better balance between growth and inflation.The section notes the deepening consumer market in China (page 111). For Canada it highlights efforts to pursue “closer economic ties with major overseas markets to diversify away from its dependence on US consumers” (page 115). The article also sees the U.S. narrowly avoiding a recession, but consumers will likely remain shy. On the other hand, growth in emerging markets such as Brazil and India is tempered by inflation.  All in all, 2012 is approached with caution as well as opportunity.

More on consumer markets:

America’s Slumping Consumer Confidence

Advertising vs. Public Relations

Advertising and public relations are both different and integral parts of the marketing whole. However, there are plenty of people who take sides and passionately believe in one over the other. For example, the anti- PR camp may agree with the statement in a recent article that  “…Anyone who announces anything is a fool because nobody cares unless they’re Apple or Google…[and] many people still don’t get that public relations is no longer public relations. By many people, I don’t mean just PR people: I mean the companies that hire them and demand they do it a certain, familiar way.” On the other hand, I’ve also heard executives say they stay away from advertising because they don’t believe it is effective. For them the best and only valuable promotional strategy is to earn media coverage.

Public Relations

Public Relations includes much more than press releases and media coverage. PR also includes creating networks (not limited to virtual ones), hosting events, participating in trade shows, corresponding with existing and potential clients, and of course social or new media. The right balance and ensuring your message is directed to the correct audience should result in interest and therefore people caring about what you have to say.

In the case of social or new media, its applications are still in the development phase and currently change. The phenomenon has created much excitement in the PR camp. Yet, not everyone is enthusiastic about the challenges new media represents. As the head of a well established PR company closing its doors explained “…Ad firms are having mixed success with their early forays… and jumping in because their clients expect it…” while on the other hand “Companies have no budget line for this. They don’t know how to measure it. They struggle with balance between responding to customers, over-compensating small issues, or being too ‘corporate’ in their responses. There is no measurement tools that make me go, ‘Snap!!’ that’s who is listening to us.”

It is important to recognize that social media opens the door to endless possibilities. The key is not to become consumed by the options, and as with any strategy, stick to a plan that reaches the company’s objectives. Also, don’t forget that social networks are not limited to Facebook and Twitter. Networks are formed through business, partnerships, and memberships. The main goal of PR is to get people talking about you according to the image you want to portray – one that encourages people to become clients.

 

Advertising

Common comments from those who do not like advertising often mention that a) they prefer not to pay for coverage if they can get it for free and b) that people believe what the media says more than what advertisers say. It is important to take into consideration that earned media does not guarantee full control of the message nor does it control exact timing. In addition, it is up to the company to transmit the right message through their advertising and make the necessary information available to people researching the product in order to satisfy consumers. An ad can include specific information and calls to action that may not be conveyed in earned media. In addition ads can be repeated frequently to maintain the message current while- for example- a columnist is not likely to write about your company 3 times a week for an entire month repeating your message. In fact, even Apple – a company that earns more media attention than most- resorts to advertising to communicate specific information about their products.

Balance
The use of Advertising and PR requires a balance that depends on the company, its goals and the situation. An integral and effective campaign should implement both in a complementary way, especially as people choose multiple media through which to research products. The balance may shift according to the needs of the company and must adjust to new developments. The most important element is to know what you want to achieve and have a clear plan as to how you will achieve it.

Contact us to learn how Sinclair and Ruiz can help design the right strategy and balance for your business.

www.sinclairandruiz.com

www.facebook.com/sinclairandruiz

@sinclairandruiz

Mexico Engages International Stakeholders

http://www.canada.com/Mexico+Engages+International+Stakeholders+Tourism+Convention/4169654/story.html

Mexico’s third annual National Tourism Convention kicked-off yesterday in Mexico City. The convention is organized by the Confederation of Mexican Chambers of Commerce (CONCANACO SERVYTUR), presided by Jorge Dávila Flores. This year’s event is the first to bring together national and international stakeholders in Mexico’s tourism industry, as well as government, and academia. Special guests include Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo. Industry speakers include Royal Caribbean Cruises Vice President of Government Relations for Latin America Michael Ronan; and Softec Mexico’s Associate Director Gene Towle…

Mexico Engages International Stakeholders at Tourism Convention

Mexican President Felipe Calderon Declares 2011 the year of Mexican tourism; while Mexico’s Tourism Secretary praised national and international stakeholders at National Tourism Convention.

 Vancouver, B.C. – January 25th, 2011- Mexico’s third annual National Tourism Convention kicked-off yesterday in Mexico City. The convention is organized by the Confederation of Mexican Chambers of Commerce (CONCANACO SERVYTUR), presided by Jorge E. Dávila Flores. This year’s event is the first to bring together national and international stakeholders in Mexico’s tourism industry, as well as government, and academia. Special guests include Mexican President Felipe Calderon, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo and Joint Director for the Mexico Tourism Board Rodolfo Lopez Negrete.  Industry speakers include Royal Caribbean Cruises Vice President of Government Relations for Caribbean, Latin America and Asia Michael Ronan; and Softec Mexico’s Associate Director Gene Towle.

President Calderon declared 2011 the year of Tourism at the convention’s inauguration. The President also announced he would sign a National Tourism Accord in February. These are among several actions that will promote international tourism and investment. The Tourism Secretary noted that Mexico has remained one of the top ten tourist destinations in the world for several years, thanks to all national and international stakeholders. “But we have the potential for further growth…and we recognize it is essential that government, legislators, private sector and academia align efforts towards common actions,” She said.  

 The magnitude of the 2011 convention is the brainchild of Mr. Davila Flores, who as president of CONCANACO SERVYTUR has encouraged positive engagement of tourism-related issues. Mr. Davila Flores promotes the “Let’s speak and act positively for Mexico” slogan. The phrase aims to motivate the nation’s private sector to focus and build on the country’s positive attributes. “We recognize the need to show tourists we can provide safe and certain conditions when they travel to our country,” noted Mr. Davila Flores. Secretary Guevara acknowledged Mr. Davila Flores’ commitment to concrete actions.

The President noted that the Mexican tourism industry grew by 10% in 2010 and that 99.9% of tourists are not affected by violence, but assured the country is working to improve Mexico’s situation. Mr. Davila Flores noted that tourism directly generates 2.5 million Mexican jobs and 5 million indirectly. Canada and the United States represent the largest source of international tourists for Mexico.

 For further information, please contact:

Carolina Ibarra

carolina@sinclairandruiz.com

1-866-836-8797

S&R to cover Mexico’s National Tourism Convention

The Convention is organized by the National Confederation of Mexican Chambers of Commerce and will take place on January 25th and 26th at the Hilton Hotel in Mexico City.  Featured guests and keynote speakers include, Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara.

 Vancouver, B.C. – January 24th, 2011-  Sinclair and Ruiz Consulting will provide international public relations services  for Mexico’s the third annual National Tourism Convention. The Confederation of Mexican Chambers of Commerce (CONCANACO SERVYTUR), presided by Jorge E. Dávila Flores,  will host the convention on January 25th and 26th, 2011 in Mexico City.

This year’s event is the first to bring together national and international stakeholders in Mexico’s tourism industry, as well as government representatives, and academia. Special guests include Mexican President Felipe Calderon, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo and Joint Director for the Mexico Tourism Board Rodolfo Lopez Negrete Coppel.   Industry speakers include Royal Caribbean Cruises Vice President of Government Relations for Caribbean, Latin America and Asia Michael Ronan; and Softec Mexico’s Associate Director Gene Towle; among others.  The Tourism Industry has great expectations for President Calderon’s address  as well as the presentation by the Secretary of Tourism and  Mr. Davila Flores’ address on behalf of the private sector.

The magnitude of the 2011 convention is the brainchild of Mr. Davila Flores, who as president of the National Confederation of Chambers of commerce, has encouraged positive engagement of all tourism-related issues. Among other initiatives, Mr. Davila Flores promotes the “Let’s speak positively about Mexico, because we are all Mexico” slogan among the organization’s members. The slogan aims to motivate the nation’s private sector to focus and build on the country’s positive attributes. Through support for the National Tourism Convention the Confederation of Mexican Chambers shows its commitment to developing concrete actions to back-up the slogan.

S&R is thrilled to collaborate with the Confederation of Mexican Chambers on this high profile event that will influence the international tourism industry.

Selling a Destination in Less Than Ideal Conditions

Many travel and tourism destinations face challenges because of  the ongoing economic downturn. Others additionally face negative press regarding environmental issues, violence, and civil unrest; as well as misinformation.  Therefore destinations must  constantly evaluate their situations and take the necessary measures required to survive and thrive at any given time. The following are a few points that should be considered:

 New Markets – When a traditional market does not respond, destinations must adapt and reach-out to new markets. While traditional markets should not be ignored or forgotten, destinations need to expand their reach.

 Focus Budgets- It is important to target limited funds on very specific areas. Destinations and private organizations must resist diluting their investments by trying to cover as much market as possible. It is amazing what can be achieved with limited budgets if they are applied effectively and consistently.

 A Balanced Approach – Marketing efforts should be directed to the consumer. Tourism and recreational real estate marketing strategies often rely heavily on third parties such as tour operators, travel agents, and brokers to connect with consumers. Though third parties continue to be essential players, consumers increasingly make purchasing decisions based on their own research and peer reviews. Therefore communicating directly with existing and potential clients is a key element in any successful campaign, as are great customer service and ongoing client care.

Education – Destinations should reach out to consumers and educate them about the competitive advantages of their brand. Inform consumers what the destination offers and clarify misinformation.  In addition, communicate what the destination is doing to correct issues that displease consumers.

Speak the Consumers’ Language – Take into account language and cultural nuances to make sure the message being heard by the market is the one you are trying to transmit.

Elements of Successful Marketing Campaigns

I’d like to share some elements that have made marketing campaigns successful in our experience:

• Effective communication and promotions that are attractive to the target audience. In addition to a new audience, the communication strategy should motivate contacts who have known about the company for over a year – but had not done business with the company – to finally respond to the call to action.
• The strategy should take into account past strategies that worked as well as strategies that  may been good ideas originally – but weren’t implemented properly. They should be modified to fit into the objectives of the current campaign if it is thought they can meet the needs of the target market.
• The campaign execution should include plenty of follow-up with  prospects along the way.
• The strategy design and execution phases need to run their course without being rushed. Each phase should be implemented without cutting corners. Once the campaign ends, it is importante for the client’s staff to continue to engage the segments of brand new audiences who were not ready to act right away.

Your Mazatlan Brings Events to Regina, Saskatoon and Edmonton

El Cid Real Estate and Walfre Real Estate will bring a taste of Mazatlan to Regina, Saskatoon and Edmonton on October 14, 15 and 16, respectively.

El Cid Real Estate and Walfre Real Estate will kick-off the  “YourMazatlan” campaign in Saskatchewan and Alberta this October. The campaign – which is also sponsored by the Mexico Tourism Board and the State Tourism Board – will provide a platform for Americans and Canadians who travel to Mazatlan to share their experiences. Thus, travelers who are new to the resort can learn about it through their peers; and Snow Birds will have the opportunity to share their thoughts.

The cocktail receptions, organized by Sinclair and Ruiz, will be a social medium for guests to meet new people and learn about wintering in Mazatlan. A brief presentation will discuss cost of living, healthcare and investment in the city. Several prizes will be raffled  – including accommodation at El Cid Resorts. For further information and to register for the events, please visit www.yourmazatlan.com.

If you don’t live in one of the city’s where the cocktail receptions are taking place, check the website after October 18^th for promotions open to residents across North America and your opportunity to share your experiences.

About the Hosts:

El Cid was one of the first master- planned resorts in Mexico and now boasts 4 hotels, a gated community, 27-hole golf course, Marina and Country Club in Mazatlan; and hotel resorts in Cancun and Cozumel. El Cid is home to the largest community of Americans and Canadians in Mazatlan and continues to be the most exclusive area in Mazatlan.

Walfre Real Estate is the most respected real estate service in Mazatlan with over 30 years of experience serving Americans and Canadians.  Professional services include: sales and leasing, legal and fiscal consulting, property management and rental referrals, translations and interpreter assistance.

El Cid and Walfre, the two most recognized names for Mazatlan’s luxury real estate, have come together to share Mazatlan with North America. There is no better time to experience Mazatlan.