Seeing as how The Avengers had the best opening weekend in history, it is clear that there is something enticing about the idea behind this film. And there is! For one thing, Marvel Comics has built up character backstories for years that people identify with either through comic books or the movies. But that is only one aspect that is appealing. The other is the interplay between these powerhouse characters and the fact that, though incredibly powerful on their own, only by combining their unique strengths can they overcome a massive, world-altering threat. It is this characteristic that businesses can learn from, particularly as it relates to the tools they use to solve their business problems. Can businesses really learn from comics characters? Absolutely! Lets delve a little deeper.

The Avengers Are Mighty Individually

Though it can be argued that certain Avengers are more powerful than others (Hulk, anyone?), it nevertheless remains true that each can stand on their own and still represent a potent and efficient fighting force. The same can be said of most quality business software. If a program is entirely dependent on another to be of value, then it is subject to weaknesses that might not befall a more independent system. Further, many programs like this do not represent a significant value, and are often upsells for a core product. While they might increase the functionality, they normally do so at a disproportionate cost. If a business chooses to abandon the core-product, the add-on will become worthless as well. Sunk costs like this can be very damaging.

They Work Better With A Leader

[Minor Movie Spoilers] In the beginning of The Avengers, the heroes are all tossed together and almost everyone gets in a conflict. These characters are all used to being at the top of their game, and they are all strong leaders. However, once they fall in line behind a certain spangly-bannered someone, they become much more organized and effective. In business, there are going to be certain programs that the organization is more comfortable working with. If other programs are proprietary and do not play nice with the programs that the business already feels comfortable with, then their value decreases dramatically. It is always easier to access information in just a few places. The more dashboards that employees have to go through, the more difficult it is to understand and execute on the information available.

Avengers Cover Their Weaknesses

The best part about the avengers is that, when they team up, they can overcome weaknesses. The Hulk has a group that can keep him in check and point him in the right direction. Iron Man has a moral authority to keep him grounded. Hawkeye has people to distract enemies while he shoots arrows from afar. The point is, they accentuate and enhance strengths while minimizing weaknesses. Business tools can and should do the same thing. If there is a facet of a comprehensive program, such as Microsoft Dynamics, that doesn’t quite work to solve your needs, another piece of software can be configured to jump right in so that you can keep going and get your work done. In the end, it’s all about minimizing problems and boosting efficiency.

Are you business tools super-powered? If not, take a look and see what will give them the juice they need to take on problems you face every day. That way, when a metaphorical planet altering invasion of space monsters occurs, you will be able to handle it.

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Marc Mathieu: topped Power 100 ranking

Unilever’s senior vice-president of marketing, Marc Mathieu, has been named the most powerful marketer in Britain, topping Marketing’s annual Power 100 ranking, sponsored by Engine.

Mathieu inspired the marketing community last October with his strategy urging a ‘more magic, less logic’  approach. The former Coca-Cola marketer called on  Unilever’s agencies to move away from numbers-led thinking, instead rewarding those prepared to take risks and support creative ideas.

Mathieu pipped Amanda Mackenzie, Aviva’s chief  marketing and communication officer, to top spot. Despite boardroom woes at the insurer, Mackenzie has continued to show her commitment to the broader marketing industry.

Marketing’s annual Power 100 celebrates the marketers who have had the biggest impact over the past 12 months.

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We’ve made the argument before that Twitter is effectively a media entity, distributing news and entertainment and other content to millions of readers in real time — although unlike traditional media entities, Twitter does this with anyone’s content rather than content it creates in-house. So far, the company has shied away describing itself as a media company, or exercising much editorial control over what it distributes, but there are some tantalizing signs that it may be moving in that direction. Could Twitter become a media player in its own right?

One element of Twitter’s potential mission appeared on Monday with the announcement of a weekly curated email that is designed to show users content they might be interested in from elsewhere in their social graph. The email is clearly an extension of the move towards curation that Twitter made when it acquired Summify earlier this year — and it both looks and sounds an awful lot like the missives that Summify sent out with similar highlighted content, a feature the company said was one of its most popular (News.me offers a similar type of daily newsletter).
Is Twitter hiring editors and producers to curate?
The second sign of what Twitter might have in mind came last week, when a job posting started making the rounds of journalism mailing lists and Twitter streams: namely, an opening for a “sports producer” who could help curate interesting news-related content around sports events. A Twitter spokeswoman suggested that the job was just another part of the media-evangelism task force that works with the company’s various potential media partners to highlight best practices — in other words, nothing special.

Still, it’s interesting to think about what might come next: Is Twitter planning to hire other types of editors in different fields? Does it want to try and create a BuzzFeed-type of offering, where it highlights interesting content being shared by users? The company isn’t saying, but it wouldn’t be a crazy idea — as we’ve discussed before, people desperately need better filters and curation to sift throughthe massive streams of information that are flowing past us all day every day, and Twitter is in a perfect position to provide them. But does it want to do that, or is it happy to leave that to others?

If it really wanted to, Twitter could not only use its own algorithms to generate aggregated content in interesting ways, it could start to accumulate a suite of tools that allow users and even journalists to do the same — whether it’s something like Storify or Storyful (which has a paid-for Pro version that helps media companies verify and fact-check the content they are collecting) or another curation/discovery service like Prismatic or Percolate, or even a consumption and recommendation app like Flipboard.

Being a platform is good — but Twitter may want more
At the moment, Twitter seems to be trying to walk a tightrope of sorts between being a media entity and being a platform that is used by other media players. Being a platform or a tool is good, because it means that the company can form all kinds of valuable partnerships with traditional media entities such as broadcasters and TV networks and movie studios — the kind that Chloe Sladden, head of Twitter’s media group, has gotten a lot of attention for. But platforms don’t always generate large amounts of revenue.

Part of the sales job for the media deals it strikes with broadcasters is that Twitter makes a great “second screen” experience for things like the Olympics, etc. So media conglomerates can incorporate Twitter into shows like The X Factor, and it increases the engagement between the audience and the content, and everybody wins. If Twitter were to start looking and acting too much like a media company itself — producing content or curating it in such a way that it added a lot of value — some media partners might theoretically see it as competition rather than a platform partner.

In a sense, this is the same kind of tightrope that YouTube has had to negotiate: it used to be just a carrier of content, and most of it was user-generated and of little interest to major media players — the only time they cared about YouTube was when it infringed on their copyright and they could launch a lawsuit. But then the network started creating its own channels and content, at the same time as it was trying to sell the networks and studios on its value as a place for long-form video.

Obviously, Twitter isn’t likely to suddenly start producing movies or books based on tweets, so the competitive aspect at least for TV networks is minimal (which could be why that was the first place Twitter started looking for media partnerships). But when it comes to the kind of content that newspapers and magazines are interested in, Twitter looks more like a potential competitor — especially if it gets really good at either aggregating/curating information in real time and/or recommending it.

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Nike: training club iPhone app

Speaking at the launch of Velocity: The Seven New Laws for a World Gone Digital, which he co-authored with AKQA chairman Ajaz Ahmed, Stefan Olander, vice-president of digital sport for Nike, said brands should stop focusing on clicks or “likes”.

He said: “A whole industry is stuck on trying to force old metrics on to new channels.

“Too many businesses are thinking ‘I need to sell inventory’, rather than ‘How can I add value to a smartphone, or a new device?’”

On the topic of social media, Olander questioned the recent valuation of digital companies such as Facebook, commenting that a $100bn valuation of a company based upon an advertising model is “a little risky”.

He said: “Advertising is an old model that is being squeezed into the new framework of social media, when the fact is that people don’t want to be interrupted.”

According to Olander, Google AdWords is the only commercial model that is proven to work.

He said: “You look at the Instagram $1bn valuation – and Instagram doesn’t make money.

“But it will be interesting to see, when it is combined with Facebook’s platform, what value that creates.”

Nike has moved away from investing in advertising to the creation of digital services such as Nike+. According to Olander, “once you have established a direct relationship with a consumer, you don’t need to advertise to them”.

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Role: Java Developer

Duration: 6 months

Location: NYC

Our Business Model: We only work with direct client, implementation partners and candidate employer. No third party resumes.

Bill Rate: DOE. Please send the bill rate for the candidate in Corp to Corp/1099/W2 along with resume to consider for this position.

Payment terms: Monthly invoice with 30 days net

Required skills:

Java, JEE 5 or JEE 6

JSP, Servlets, Oracle, JDBC

Java Server Faces (JSF) and Rich Faces

EJBs, Session, Managed, SOAP and REST Web Services etc.

Oracle pl/sql – stored procedures

Javascript, jquery or equivalent, dwr or equivalent

JDeveloper

Writing Technical Specifications and documentation

Design, Development & Testing of Technical solutions

Please send the resume to lekshmi(at)optimalbg(dot)com.
For more details, Please contact Lekshmi@301-358-3620

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The Internet Marketing Operations Specialist supports Canon USA Imaging, Technology, and Communication Group.

Responsible for all operational aspects of the new and existing eCommerce websites that include new site setup and implementation, daily site maintenance and issue resolution.

Responsible for the promotional setup on eCommerce websites, catalog management and item maintenance for products on the eCommerce websites including all product descriptions, content e-spots. Assists with internet research, testing, reporting, and benchmarking.

Provide support for Backorders, Customer Shortage Fund Orders, and identify all fulfillment issues in relation to the Websphere Back-end system.
Responsibilities:
Responsible for all operational aspects of the new and existing eCommerce websites that include new site setup and implementation, daily site maintenance and issue resolution.Serve as the point contact person for implementation and operational issues that may arise with the eCommerce websites and partner with IT to proactively resolve. Maintain the implementation project plan for each new store in coordination with each Partner, IT and Marketing team and escalate areas that are at risk to management.
Responsible for the promotional setup and QA on eCommerce websites in collaboration with Product groups for each promotion cycle. Coordinate with product groups to receive approval on all promotions. Submit special promotions to legal for review. Partner in educating the product group of all current and future promotional opportunities on a monthly basis during marketing and merchandising team meeting.
Responsible for catalog management and item maintenance for products on the eCommerce websites including all product descriptions, content e-spots, banners using WebSphere back-end system. Maintain strategic position for products that are top selling, top page views, high inventory on the site in order to increase conversion and optimize site experience.
Assist with analyzing sales, reporting, internet research, and benchmarking.
Identify ways of optimizing the promotions process in partnership with product groups.
Communicate to CITS and Logistics on new promotions and products on the eCommerce sites. Partner in creating and presenting to the product groups on a quarterly basis the effectiveness of the different promotional elements vs. the online consumers purchasing behaviors
Provide support for Backorders, Customer Shortage Fund Orders, and identify all fulfillment issues in relation to the WebSphere Back-end system.
Provide support on new functionality and build release for eCommerce websites. Work with IT on testing, validating new site enhancements and CSS changes. Create and maintain all eCommerce website documentation outlining new functionality.
Qualifications:
Candidates must be enthusiastic, smart, self-starters who thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with ability to proactively problem solve and generate ideas.

This role will require 3-5 years experience working in a similar position with Internet Marketing, background in eCommerce and dealing with design vendors is helpful.

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required.

Strong knowledge of web content management tool is important.

Experience with web analytics, database management, HTML, Photoshop and knowledge of online campaign management and measurement are important for success in this role.

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Earn a performance-based, residual income that is unrivalled in the industry with the potential to earn well into the six figures
Manage the entire sales cycle from start to finish, from prospecting to media planning to client retention
Work with a company that has transformed local online marketing with the industry’s most innovative products and services
Did you know that local businesses are shifting more and more marketing dollars from offline to online? And by 2014, local online ad spending is expected to grow from $15.2 billion to $36.7 billion as local businesses realize the power of the Internet to reach new customers. At ReachLocal, helping businesses advertise online is just one part of what we do.

ReachLocal is leading the charge by arming local businesses with the online marketing solutions they need take advantage of the Internet. And to keep up with our explosive growth, we’re looking for a highly motivated and ambitious Sales Representative to drive new sales revenue in our New York office.

Job Summary:

This in-demand position requires an energetic and strategic entrepreneur who will champion ReachLocal in your local market. As an Internet Marketing Consultant, you’ll use a consultative selling approach to build relationships with SMBs. And you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sell a broad set of solutions from our extensive market-leading portfolio, such as:

Search Engine Marketing (PPC)
Display Advertising (Banner Advertising)
Web Presence Optimization, including services for Organic Search, Social Media Marketing and Reputation Management
A wide range of business services, including Online Chat, Video Production, and Analytics

At ReachLocal, you’ll be rewarded with competitive compensation, incredible opportunities for career growth, and a vibrant culture that celebrates achievement. You’ll receive intensive training and simulation that builds the skills you need to be successful in this industry. Plus, you’ll be backed by a dedicated service team to help you manage and retain your client accounts, allowing you to focus on selling.

If you’re highly entrepreneurial, confident, and passionate, with a proven track record of sales achievement, you might be just the person we’re looking for.

Job Skills & Responsibilities:
Consult face-to-face with local clients
Promote and demonstrate the value of ReachLocal’s products and services
Generate sales in your local market via phone and onsite meetings
Build, grow and maintain accounts in your personal book of business
Deliver exceptional customer service and maintain meaningful relationships with clients
Oversee your clients’ campaigns and regularly communicate performance results
Determine vertical and territory plan to achieve sales goals (open vertical/open territory)
Drive retention and growth (upsales) with existing client base
Qualifications:
Minimum 2 years sales experience
Proven ability to meet and exceed sales goals
Proven prospecting and cold calling experience
Media sales experience a plus
Effective communication and client presentation skills
Ability to work independently on multiple tasks
Compensation & Benefits:
Competitive base salary and performance-based residual income
Stock options based on performance, after 12 months
Medical, dental, vision, 401(k)
Expense reimbursement program
About ReachLocal:

Founded in 2004, ReachLocal is a public U.S. corporation (NASDAQ: RLOC) and is the leading provider of online marketing solutions designed specifically for local businesses. A pioneer in local online marketing, ReachLocal was named the No. 1 Fastest Growing Company in North America on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™. Headquartered in Woodland Hills, California, ReachLocal has over 1,000 employees operating in more than 40 offices in the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

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Our Elmwood Park, NJ location is looking for an Internet Marketing Manager to join our team.

The Internet Marketing Manager is responsible for creating and implementing online marketing strategies to increase sales and revenue. Responsible for maximizing the technical and creative opportunities afforded by the breadth of Web-based static and social marketing in order to attract customers to the brand. Aspects of launching a campaign include design, development, advertising and transactions. The position requires the ability to operate on both a strategic and tactical level, touching all aspects of the search and other web-based marketing including, keyword management, creation of campaign messaging, landing pages, test marketing and analytics.
Responsibilities:
Internet Marketing Manager aims to get the word out about their company and its products and services, via the World Wide Web. They oversee the creation of websites, email newsletters and text alerts, putting a positive spin on what their company has to offer. They keep an eye on trends and the competition, developing logos and company mottos through the use of graphics and HTML-generated designs.
Create and execute online marketing campaigns, maintain product assortments, and devise ongoing promotional activity to increase e-commerce revenue
Develop an online marketing plan, conduct research and utilize the most current strategies in order to position the brand in the marketplace. Other tasks include supervising search engine marketing campaigns, tracking results, analyzing statistics and working with clients and to keep an eye out for new online marketing opportunities.
Provide web communication leadership and assistance (content development and management, strategic web use planning); plan and implement web content and technologies to insure that our web presence is current, rich and accurate in content, graphically pleasing, responsive to the information needs of the community; and innovative in design and presentation.
Develop, implement and manage comprehensive SEO and SEM programs and – defining keywords, adding keyword rich sections to Website, optimizing the keyword list for optimal traffic, managing paid search for optimal performance/ROI, and non-paid search engine and directory listing management.
Identify opportunities and making recommendations for improvements of the websites and overall online presence. Make recommendations for websites based on page layout, content, structure or navigational placement, based on traffic trends and other measurements including any external factors in the marketplace and competitor activity.
Track, review, monitor and analyze website activity and statistics of web sites. Generating monthly reports based on meaningful metrics, key indicators, and strategic observations that support and direct the company’s online presence.
Manage the day-to-day search marketing activities across multiple search engines (Google, Yahoo, MSN, Bing, etc.) and social media tools (Twitter, LinkedIn, Blogs, Forums, etc) including campaign planning and implementation, budget management, performance review, optimization and analysis.
Transforming content to make it ‘web friendly’ ensuring maximum organic search engine optimization and high visitor conversion.
Create and implement and measure the effectiveness of online marketing initiatives and promotions, social networking to maintain a client base and seek new clients. Manage online reputation.
Become a “product expert” in our industry, understand the issues, new developments and competitive landscape and create an associated keyword expansion roadmap, working with the Marketing team to develop relevant campaigns and landing page content.
Identifying opportunities to improve organizational and process enhancements that support SEO
Qualifications:
Education
Bachelor Degree preferred in Marketing or internet based marketing specifically, or equivalent professional qualification.

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required; as well as three to five years of web development experience; experience with internet marketing; experience developing content for organizational/corporate websites; experience with top social media platforms; ability to provide high level customer service to a variety of internal clients; expertise and experience with maintaining and editing server-side web environments and applications (i.e. MS SQL Server, PHP, XML, HTML, JavaScript); experience with Content Management Systems (CMS); graphic design skill and experience with web page building applications; and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Experience
Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on experience in Internet marketing as well as three to five years of web development experience; experience with internet marketing; experience developing content for organizational/corporate websites; experience with top social media platforms

Specific Skill
Skilled in both promotions and technology, with a thorough understanding how the two can tied together to bring a business income.
Demonstrated development and implementation of Internet advertising campaigns and online marketing strategies.
Working knowledge of website standards, usability testing, online marketing, search engine marketing (SEM) and search engine optimization (SEO), Google, search rankings, paid search, website reporting tools, and web analytics.
Strong understanding of search engine-friendly web design and ability to make critical design and technical recommendations/changes; web platform experience including content management
Working knowledge about the use of color, flash, HTML graphics, and other multi-media for improving visitor experience highly desirable; strong graphics design skills
Ability to think both strategically and tactically and integrate themes and messaging throughout all websites as appropriate
Ability to cultivate metrics and identify meaningful trends
Track record of results improving search rankings and developing and managing website reporting tools
Experience working with agencies and partners
Passion for the power of content and web analytics combined to achieve a strong brand and a high rate of site visitor conversion.
Strong understanding of online marketing initiatives, online reputation management and how to measure effectiveness of social media, branding, local advertising, grass roots marketing and promotions
Requires flexibility, creativity, project and time management skills, business savvy and excellent verbal and written communications skills; operate in a team-oriented environment.
Be self motivated, and driven by results.
Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
A self-motivated individual with attention to detail and focus on quality of results
Team player
Agfa Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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