Internationally renowned marketing expert PR Smith will speak to business leaders at a special event in Parliament Buildings, Stormont focusing on the importance of strategic marketing in economic growth.
The Celebrating Strategic Marketing event, organised by Northern Ireland Chartered Marketers Lydia McClelland and Christine Watson, will be held in the Long Gallery on March 20 from 5.30-7.30 and is open to all marketers, business strategists and leaders of organisations across the private, public and social enterprise sectors.
Mr Smith will be speaking at the event about the impact of AI on marketing. He is a digital marketer, an international speaker and TED talker, author of seven books in eight languages and founder of SOSTAC® strategic marketing planning methodology, which has been adopted by blue-chip companies and start-ups alike.
He said: “Integrating AI into marketing can create a strategic competitive advantage for Northern Ireland businesses. I am delighted to return to Belfast to explore how AI and marketing can help organisations to grow.”
Lydia McClelland of LMC Associates, a SOSTAC® Certified Training Company, said: “Strategic marketing serves as the backbone of a company's growth and competitive advantage. For this event, we wanted to bring together marketers and business leaders to hear from one of the world’s most experienced marketing educators about the importance of creating a comprehensive approach and the changes to our industry through AI.”
Strategic marketing is not just about promoting products or services but about creating a comprehensive approach that addresses every aspect of market engagement, from product development to customer relationship management. It fundamentally shapes how a business competes and thrives in its industry.
Through strategic marketing, businesses can identify and leverage their unique selling propositions (USPs) and differentiate themselves from competitors. This differentiation is crucial in crowded markets, where distinguishing one's brand can lead to greater customer loyalty and market share.
Christine Watson of Watson and Co Chartered Marketing said: “Marketing is a highly-skilled profession that continually changes in this fast-paced economy. It is hugely important for individuals and companies to continue to develop and build on existing knowledge, no matter what size the business. By putting strategy before tactical delivery, organisations are more likely to achieve optimal results, and ensure sustainability in competitive landscapes.”
Christine and Lydia are both Chartered Marketers, Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, SOSTAC® Certified Planners and WorldHost™ Customer Service Approved Training Providers. Lydia is a licensed SOSTAC® Certified Trainer also. CIM list SOSTAC® Planning in the Top three business models in the world.
The event in the Long Gallery, sponsored by MLA Peter McReynolds, is free but places need to be booked in advance.