Tag Archives: marketing

IT and information systems are a real bargain

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The sooner small businesses realize the power of a well-developed information system, the sooner will they find themselves among the big dogs. Take for example Jody Steinhauer, founder of Bargains Group, a Toronto-based discount wholesale and promotional products company. A recipient of the Canadian Top 40 under 40 award, Ms. Steinhauer has truly embraced the opportunities offered by information technology. She has created an online presence for her company by maintaining a website and being active on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Most importantly, not only does she use these social media sites to advertise and gain exposure, but she also understands the importance and benefit of listening to her customers. Through allowing her customers to leave comments and communicate their interests or dislikes, Ms. Steinhauer has deepened her relationship with them.

The benefits from establishing an information system are plentiful. Through various online platforms, Ms. Steinhauer is able to store, retrieve, transmit, and receive all forms of data more efficiently, such current retail and branding trends. Staying up to date with customer preferences helps her guide her business in the right direction and provide better service. A well-maintained information system is a huge competitive advantage because it helps a business tailor itself more effectively to its customer’s needs.

Scotiabank’s new hockey-themed credit cards appeal to the true blue Canadian in each of us

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Scotiabank, the official bank of the NHL, has come up with an innovative marketing campaign which takes advantage of its partnership in a way that hasn’t been seen before. Rather than putting its logo on jerseys or displaying banners in hockey rinks, the Canada-based bank has developed a new line of debit and credit cards, each of which feature one of the 30 team logos. This leaves the customer free to choose which team they would like to display on their card and show their support for while going through day-to-day transactions. Bank of Nova Scotia Chief Executive Officer Richard Waugh believes that this expensive campaign will be a success because “a large segment of the population watches or goes to see hockey” in Canada. With this strategy, Scotiabank aims to reinforce its connection with current customers, as well as attract new hockey-loving clients.


Scotiabank has revealed its new line of hockey-themed credit and debit cards.

Scotiabank’s hockey strategy is a solid one. By positioning itself as “Canada’s hockey bank” it has established itself in the minds of Canadians as a bank that represents its country’s values. In becoming the sponsor of Canada’s national sport, Scotiabank has created the impression of being a more relatable, trustworthy bank. Potential customers will be more likely to buy products from a bank whose image they can identify with. This campaign has much potential for success, especially given the powerful element of good-natured competition that the bank has introduced in allowing fans to choose their favourite team.