Jim: So Michael, except that New York City is a great place to visit any time of the year, can you tell me just why Perficient is attending CGT’s Sales & Marketing Summit this week? Inquiring minds really want to know!
Michael: Do we really need a reason to ever visit the Big Apple, Jim? But seriously, CGT, through its annual Sales & Marketing Summit, has created a unique and breakthrough forum for executives –on both sides of this discussion– to share what’s working and what’s not. For my part, I can’t wait to hear what’s next, especially where these leaders are going with mobility, digital marketing and social listening, the omnichannel and Big Data.
Jim: Speaking of leadership, there are some pretty big hitters here this week. VP’s of Sales and Marketing may need to work together, but often have different priorities. How’s that going in the Internet age?
Michael: The way I see it today sales execs are, and must continue to become, more marketing savvy. It’s just not enough to bring a wad of trade dollars to the table any more as a way to get a new item on the shelf or obtain volume goals with loading tactics. On the other hand, marketing execs probably need to get out of HQ a bit more and really start working with the trade even as they look to engage consumers through social media and digital marketing. This role blurring, and the tension that goes with it, will be interesting to observe.
Jim: Any thoughts on what Perficient can offer, Michael?
Michael: How about our take on the “Connected Consumer”? But let’s add that two words, strung together, do not a solution make! I say it’s past time to put away the jargon and get down to defining the notion, including what we intend to do with it. More to the point, I’m not sure any one solution is the answer. It’s about a complete re-thinking of what it really means to first be a consumer in today’s hyper-markets, then understand the degree to which technology is operating to change how we –all of us concerned– think and behave. It’s not just about hardware, software and data collection. It’s about observation, adaptation and innovation.
Jim: Last question before we head in for the opening session; Since you’re a self-described “New Yawka” tell me; Do the Yankees win the pennant this year or not?
Michael: Jim, if I knew the answer to that, I’d be in the Bronx instead of Manhattan right now!
Stay tuned and see you back tomorrow for more great information and updates at the show…
Perficient’s “Consumer Corner” – CGT Marketing & Sales Summit Day 1
by Jim Hertzfeld on June 9th, 2014 | ~ minute read
