Mindshare Singapore match-make brands with branded content through M-Content platform

Mindshare recently launched its latest version of M-Content at an event “The Future of TV’, in collaboration with cable TV operator, Starhub Cable, and the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA).

M-Content is a four-party eco-system, consisting of channel partners, content producers, MDA and Mindshare, that will promote the cultivation of the best and latest content ideas from a talent pool of the best creative minds in the business. These made-for-web TV concepts are branded content marketing platforms for Mindshare’s clients to participate and commercialize, on a first-right-of-refusal basis.

‘Today, we are shaping The Future of TV for our clients to get a head-start, where they can leverage on the best content ideas available from top content producers around the region, to gain competitive advantages for their brands,’ said Peter Diermayr, Managing Director of Mindshare Singapore, during the event. During his opening address, he added that while most marketers are still ring-fencing the media world into offline and online worlds, the time will come soon when the two worlds will co-exist in one converged environment.

The M-Content platform will be spearheaded by Mindshare’s Head of Invention, Jimmy Lim, with consulting support from GroupM ESP unit. ‘With internet video consumption growing rapidly, and offering a 360-degree immersive viewer experience, clients will find M-Content a viable, if not sustainable, advertising and marketing model, ranging from search viewing and targeted advertising to direct participation and more immersive audience engagement, said Lim, in his presentation at the event.

In the coming months M-Content will launch some of today’s best video content ideas, with themes ranging from emotionally charged documentaries, youthful fun-filled game shows, reality dating shows, musical travelogues, epic adventures, sabbatical journeys, social entrepreneurship ventures, relationships, and even a horror genre, and every concept has been crafted with consumer engagement in mind.

Mindshare Singapore announces 2nd Co-Creation platform : ‘Facebook Apps for Hire’

Following the recently launched “Mobile Apps for Hire’ platform, Mindshare’s Invention unit announces yet another co-creation platform with major Facebook application developers, named the “Facebook Apps For Hire’

As more brands and businesses begin to appreciate that Facebook can be one of today’s most impactful marketing tool for them, applications will become more relevant to continually engage their fans, thus creating stickiness for the brands.

‘Facebook is a part of millions of people's lives all around the world providing unparalleled distribution potential for branded applications to deliver utilities to consumers, and the opportunity to reinforce engagements that are highly relevant to people’s lives,’ says Jimmy Lim, Head of Invention for Mindshare Singapore

According to Facebook latest figures, more than 500,000 applications now reside on Facebook globally, which are used by more than 70% of the users. More than 250 applications have more than 1 million active users. So a branded application that is interesting, utilitarian or fun, enables advertisers to promote a brand and attract fans via viral marketing.

The ‘Facebook Apps For Hire’ platform enables brands to lease an application’s programming code from Mindshare’s group of partner developers, which they can localize for individual countries and purposes, without the hassle of building an application from groud zero, as such process would normally take 6 months or more depending on the complexity required.

‘Brands are facing constant pressure on costs and razor thin timeline to get ahead of competition. With this foresight and innovation, we decided to set up such a platform, as it benefits all stakeholders in the social economy ; developers, brands and even consumers,’ Lim sums up.

Mindshare ‘Mobile Apps For Hire’ announces 2nd app : OmniHunt

With location-based mobile utilities fast gaining popularity, Mindshare Singapore recently co-developed the OmniHunt app that is loaded with an augmented reality function. The app allows brands to run mobile marketing campaigns to drive consumers to specific locations using the app’s GPS geo-targeting feature.

MOBILE PROMOTIONS
'For example, brands can deliver mobile discount vouchers via the app, and this eliminates wastage as the vouchers will only activate when a motivated consumer arrives at the brand’s outlets. This helps brands saves thousands since they do not need to print paper vouchers which are randomly distributed. The app will also be able to track and measure consumers’ behaviours to different promotions, thus enabling more informed decision-making for future campaign planning,'says Jimmy Lim, Head of Invention for Singapore.


EASY-TO-MANAGE CONSUMER ACTIVATION
Brands can also organize Treasure Hunt-style games minus the hassle of planting clues in physical locations. An entire Treasure Hunt game can be set up within minutes by a remote-controlled Content Management System. The system will remotely track the progress of the entire game, thus eliminating the need to hire stewards to supervise the game, saving brands thousands of dollars.

FASTER & CHEAPER FOR MARKETERS
The OmniHunt is part of Mindshare Singapore’s ‘Apps For Hire’ platform which helps brands to tap into the ever-growing mobile marketing space with branded apps, as it enables brands to go to markets faster and cheaper, by up to 50%, than conventional customized app development.

The ‘Apps For Hire’ platform enables brands to lease an application’s programming code from Mindshare’s group of partner developers, where brands can localize them for individual countries and purposes, without the hassle of building an app from ground zero, as such process will take 6 months or more depending on the complexity required.

IMMERSIVE BRAND EXPERIENCES
‘Parents with kids can use the app to bond through hunting games, such as hunting for aliens or monsters which will appear on their iPhone screens once they are pointed to the right directions. It is great for FMCG brands seeking to increase engagement level with their target audiences, the possibilities are endless,’ adds Lim.

The app is also available for leasing and customization in any country. In Singapore alone, the OmniList app is currently being adopted by a few brands.

Those interested in ‘Apps For Hire’, please contact jimmy.lim@mindshareworld.com or call +65 94505464

Mindshare Singapore announces ‘Mobile Apps For Hire’ with OmniList

Mindshare Singapore’s Invention unit recently launched a mobile application with home-grown app developer, Omnitoons, under Mindshare’s latest co-creation initiative ‘Apps For Hire’.

The apps leasing platform helps brands to tap into the ever-growing mobile marketing space with branded apps, and it enables brands to go to markets faster and cheaper by up to 50% than conventional customized application development.

The ‘Apps For Hire’ platform enables brands to lease an application’s programming code from Mindshare’s group of partner developers, which brands can localize for individual countries and purposes, without the hassle of building an application from ground zero, as such process would normally take 6 months or more depending on the complexity required.

The first of such apps is the OmniList, a GPS-enabled location-based listing application available for the iPhone and Android platforms.

‘We understand many brands only use branded apps for tactical purposes. So it would be more cost effective to lease an app than to invest in one, especially when your campaign only lasts for a couple of months. For example, you wouldn’t buy a car when you are only using it to fetch your overseas guests for a month,’ says Jimmy Lim, Head of Invention for Mindshare Singapore.

‘The OmniList app is the first of many apps co-developed with partners like Omnitoons. We are in the process of co-developing more ‘lifestyle-enhancing’ apps with other developers as well. These apps are co-created as a result of our understanding of the increasingly popular mobile lifestyle utilities that will help brands reinforce engagement with their consumers,’ adds Lim.

‘Brands are facing constant pressure on costs and razor thin timeline to get ahead of competition. We are glad Mindshare has the foresight and innovation to set up such a platform, as it benefits all stakeholders in the mobile economy ; developers, brands and even consumers,’ says Karen New, Managing Director of Omnitoons.

The app is also available for leasing and customization in any country. In Singapore alone, the OmniList app is currently being adopted by a few brands.

Those interested in 'Apps For Hire' are encouraged to email jimmy.lim@mindshareworld.com or call +65 94505464

Mindshare's Greatest Night!

Read my lips, the coalition will work....



Ashu wants me to plug BP in the next speech...



R'll b bag....



M&Ms....



Greg, stop touching my...



I'll show you mine if you show me yours....



I would like to say BP is great for.....



Yeah, now we can go back to the office and work....



Greg, stop touching and smile for the camera....



Bachelors of the year....



Don't believe? Look again....



The G force in full force...



I'll approve your claims if you drink this...



Approved!



Yeah, claims approved! More drinks, but he's paying...

Mindshare Singapore is the Agency of the Year 2010!

Mindshare Singapore dominated the Marketing Magazine Agency of the Year 2010 awards last night, picking up recognition in four categories, and a historic first ever Overall Agency of the Year beating over 100 agencies across all marketing categories.

The Marketing Magazine awards are unique to the industry because the judging panel is comprised of the only people whose opinions really matter, the clients.

In the end over 1,000 clients voted for this year’s winners and despite stiff competition from over 100 Creative, PR, Digital, Branding, Packaging and of course other Media agencies, Mindshare took home awards in two digital categories, as well as maintaining its six year winning streak as Media Agency of the Year.

Most impressively, Mindshare Singapore become the first media agency ever in this market to take home the coveted Overall Agency of the Year, leaving behind traditional heavyweights like Ogilvy, Blue Interactive, DDB, Saatchi, Leo Burnett and Edelman.

The awards tally :
• Overall Agency of the Year
• Gold – Traditional Media Agency of the Year
• Gold – Non Traditional Media Agency of the Year
• Silver – Mobile Marketing Agency of the Year
• Bronze – Search Agency of the Year

'We made a brave announcement to the industry in 2009 that we're not just another media agency, and these wins are proof that we're walking the talk,' said a jubilant Peter Diermayr, Managing Director of Mindshare Singapore.

'As we continue to be the best media agency in town for traditional planning, we've also proven our prowess in the non-traditional areas,' he continues.

In its special Agency of the Year 2010 report, Marketing noted that Mindshare Singapore usurped the majority of the marketers’ votes to claim ownership to the coveted blue cube for the Overall Agency of the Year. It is a given trend that the role of a media agency is undergoing a metamorphosis and this year’s results has only validated the change in tide.

The report also noted that Mindshare garnered significant votes in the search and mobile marketing categories, which is a testimony to where the industry is headed. Digital, for Mindshare, co-exists with traditional media. The way the agency has taken to digital and its seamless integration is reflected in its work for Tiger, Heineken, HSBC, HPB, Starhub, Nissan, Kotex and others. Its M-Social platform has helped defined the social media marketing parameters for many of its clients who were reluctant in this area in 2009.

The M-Content platform too is thriving, with many content projects in the pipeline such as ones with the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA), as well as a network to facilitate the exchanges of thought leaderships between MDA, content producers and marketers.

The report attributed Mindshare’s success to key factors such as the formation of the Business Planning unit to lead the integration of analytics, consumer insights and strategic planning to help clients identify new business opportunities. Not forgetting the Invention unit, often dubbed its creative arm, to provide content and digital innovation strategies for clients looking beyond traditional channels.

Lastly, it reported that with hot digital property and WPP stable mate, Blue, winning 2009’s Agency of the Year, and now with Mindshare’s claim on the 2010 edition, perhaps the era of the good old creative agency (Ogilvy won the 2008 edition) getting all the attention has passed?

Peter says hello!

Mindshare Singapore’s MD, Peter Diermayr, is confident 2010 will be the year of the full service model.

Diermayr has hit the ground running literally since taking on the MD role, as many clients and staff can account for. He has met a lot of senior clients, yet he wished there are 36 hours in a day so he can cover more grounds. Alas, he knows there are many exciting days ahead to meet even more clients, and relish the challenges and opportunities their businesses present.

‘I’ve never shaken so many hands in such a short time before. But I am enjoying the warm reception from all the clients, and my new colleagues as well,’ Diermayr muses.

He continues, ‘I am confident we have the most comprehensive marketing services, beyond media offerings, that our clients will find helpful to their business challenges. I have seen how 2009 has transformed our vision to be our clients’ lead business partner into the realization that Mindshare has the appropriate insights and talents to help clients to leverage on the opportunities from the recovery taking shape in 2010. Which explains why Mindshare is ranked by Fast Company as the top 10 most innovative marketing companies recently.’

Diermayr, who has been a Client Leader in the Mindshare Asia-Pacific regional team since 2008, will be responsible for maintaining the agency's leadership position in the market and for rolling out new services for clients, especially in the areas of digital, content, activation and analytics.

With regards to the Singapore team he has inherited, he proudly announces, ' I am honoured to serve a great agency with award-winning teams who are well-respected by industry peers and clients. It has been 2 months since I took on the role, and I can see now why the Singapore office sets the benchmark for the industry. I have met a lot of senior clients since and have noted their ambitions,' says Diermayr, an avid ice hockey player.

He says, 'Thank you to those who have set aside time from their busy schedules to give me the low-down of their sectors. I can sense their eagerness to leverage on Mindshare’s diverse range of services to achieve those ambitions.'

On his plans in the next months, he says' 'I hope to continue my roadshow in the next couple of months to meet clients whom I have yet to meet. Thereafter I would like to work with my colleagues to map out business-driven strategies for our clients to ride the recovery wave of 2010.'

'I also would like to take this opportunity to thank the senior Exco members who have helped me ease into the role, and for their support as we remodel our business structure and chart growth strategies for our people, company and clients,' he adds.

Finally, with regards to what clients should look forward to in 2010, he says, 'I would like to end by saying digital is not the future anymore, it is the present, co-existing with offline media. Insights are the fuel to identify market drivers, issues and opportunities for our clients’ businesses. Invention is where we add a new dimension to contact planning, by augmenting contact points with compelling content, services and applications that capture the attention of our clients’ customers – essentially creating the ideal customer journey.'

'To borrow a Steve Jobs’ quote, innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. Here’s to a year of innovations for everyone!' quips Diermayr.