A day in the life of a Marketing Manager: Sarah-Jane Hook

What is your role?

I am the Marketing Manager for The Myer Centre Adelaide. I provide an integrated and strategic approach to the Myer Centre’s marketing to drive customer traffic and sales for the retailers within the shopping centre.  This includes being responsible for all customer facing communication channels in the local market and rolling out targeted promotions to drive sales for key categories. Eg, fashion.

What would your average working day look like?

7am, alarm goes off, hit snooze. Sometime between 7am – 8.30am work out what to wear with the added challenge these days of a) styling a fashionable outfit and b) what will work cycling to work without requiring a drastic wardrobe change. 8.30am cycle to work and park bicycle in the Myer Centre’s Pedal, Prep and Go storage room. 9am, coffee time! I always start my day with a quality coffee.  9.30am, attend to emails, review overnight communications on the centre’s social channels and review the day’s schedule.10am management team meeting communicating workflow of other departments amongst team heads. 10.30am on site meeting with event suppliers - stylist, audio visual technician and equipment hire specialist to discuss logistical requirements for upcoming fashion parade.  12pm work in progress meeting with Visual Merchandiser/Social Media coordinator, going over strategy for digital content creation and briefing in centre presentation projects. 1pm (if schedule permits) head to the gym for a quick lunchtime workout. 2pm conference call with creative agencies (media buyer, advertising agency, PR agency) directing a briefing on upcoming targeted promotions. 2.30pm following up on conference call with submission of briefing documents with action deadlines and budget allocations. 3pm catch up on emails and reading of industry trends / case studies / news. 3.30pm analyse results from previous targeted promotion / last month / last period and prepare post campaign debrief reports and presentations. 5pm prepare briefing memo and distribute to centre retailers on an upcoming promotional opportunity relevant to their business.  6pm head off to the Nike Run Club before cycling home or cycle home and head to a Bikram Yoga class to switch off and sweat out the day. Once home find something to eat. 10pm check activity on the centre’s social channels before catching up on reading and heading to bed.

How did you get to your position of being a Marketing Manager?

I started my career working in real estate in a marketing support function. I realized it was the marketing aspect of the industry that really interested me and began to research how to progress with a career in Marketing. I completed a Bachelor of Management (Marketing) while working part time in the real estate industry continuously.  This was invaluable as by the time I graduated from my degree I had six years marketing experience behind me.  I then moved on to a marketing assistant role on a large residential land release.  An opportunity came up with a maternity leave contract as Marketing Manager at Harbour Town (a brand direct outlet shopping centre) and this was my stepping stone into the retail / shopping centre industry. I have since honed my experiences within the industry with marketing roles for Westfield and now in my current role as Marketing Manager for the Myer Centre Adelaide.

Have you always wanted to work in the Marketing area?  Yes, consumer behaviour theories fascinate me as well as blending a love of visual communication and creativity with numbers and statistics.  Marketing is a social science.

What do you love about your role? I love that no two days are the same.  The marketing of a physical location which is a busy, public place results in working amongst a dynamic environment with many, many stakeholders.

In your current role, what has been your biggest achievement? I’m pleased to have rolled out a rebranding project and multiple launch projects with the centre as well as receiving industry recognition awards for several tactical promotions.

Over your career, what has been your ‘love this’ moment?  I love that a career in retail marketing enables you to work in a sphere with very talented and creative people.  The styling advice and exposure to a myriad of fashion can be a girl’s dream!

Any advice for anyone aspiring to work in the Marketing / Fashion industry?  Never lose sight of return on investment and always focus on surprising and delighting the customer.

Lush Grand Re-Opening

Last Friday I attended the Lush Re-Opening in Rundle Mall. This event was open to all, and the rain did not stop the masses of Lush lovers from lining up to be the first to shop at the new look store....

A massive line outside the store in the middle of Rundle Mall, kept on lookers wondering what all the excitement was about. Shoppers were welcomed by Lush rep Ayla and Rundle Malls store manager. We were told that the this new look store is the first of it's kind in Australia......yes that's right Adelaide has the very first new look Lush store!!!

Whilst lining up we were treated to cute little drinks and vegan cupcakes from The Fakery Bakery (which unfortunately I missed out on :( but I heard that they were delicious!

I was one of the first to enter the store, and although there were so many people, the staff were so friendly and helpful. One of the Lush ladies tried the salt scrub on my hand, it felt amazing (I definitely recommend trying it!). I also tried the bubblegum lip scrub, which smelt and tasted so yummy...I was told that you can scrub your lips with it and then just lick it off!

This store is filled with goodies and they're all natural. You can pick up some amazing things from essential skincare items to pamper lux pieces as well as gifts for loved ones.

 It's would be worthwhile to spend some time in the store and speak to the lovely Lush ladies about what products would work best for your skin or what items will make bath time so much more interesting!!! Let me know what you think if you end up checking out the store :)

Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner!

I recently received a special little package from Benefit Cosmetics.....

Inside was the Benefit They're Real Mascara and the all new They're Real Gel Liner Pen....along with some cute little jewels

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I was so excited....I had seen all the posts and all the positive comments about this brand new product by Benefit, on social media. It's an amazing invention and is going to make my life so much easier when it comes to getting the perfect eye liner line!

I couldn't wait to try it out, after practicing on my hand... I went for the eyes. It was so easy, the gel just glided  and the shape of the tip is perfect for getting a precise line around the eye and creating a wing. 

Here's the final look....what do you think? 

Benefit's They're Real Push-up Liner will be available to purchase at the end of June....get your hands on it as soon as you can!!!

Meet the lovely Yelp lady!

What is your current position/job description? 

Community Manager and Adelaide representative for  Yelp.com.au - I am also known as the "Yelp Lady"

How did you get to the position you are in now?

It really came down to Luck and chance! So the story goes; A friend of mine in Brisbane met the National rep for Yelp, she had asked my friend if she knew anyone in Adelaide that would be able to be the Adelaide rep, my friend told her to get in contact with me because "I know a lot of people".

So she got in contact with me, we met, she asked me who I would suggest for the position, I mentioned a few names, but by the end of our conversation she said that I should apply, she sent me the job description, I applied and got the job!

 

What are the opportunities that have opened up for you within this position?

 

Meeting amazing people – Adelaidians don’t talk themselves up, there are so many amzing people doing great things here and we should talk about it....through Yelp I get to do that! I get to connect with business owners, hear their inspirational stories and share them.

Networking – Because of my marketing background, I was going to lots of marketing networking events, but now through Yelp I have been able to mix with and get to know people from so many different industries

 

 

Where do you see yourself or what do you want to be doing in 5 years?

 

I want to be telling peoples stories, connecting business owners with the community and connecting various industries.....so much greatness can happen when people come together!

I would also like to be doing a business which involves event management/marketing and working with small business.

Further down the track, I would like to work more around Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which involves connecting small businesses with the community and not for profit sector strategically.

What advice do you have or can you give to young people who want to get into a position similar to yours?

Networking, Getting Experience, Volunteering.

Say yes to any opportunity that presents itself even if its unpaid.

Work/volunteer during your time at uni…build your resume early!!!!

Get experience doing different things,  these days we need to be 'slashies' (having skills in various areas) it gives you a competitive edge when appoaching potential employers and/or adds to your skill set which will be beneficial for you in any venture.

Your best tip or trick to keep a job like yours?

Knowing people – building relationships, Your benefical to them and vice versa, Always remember you do business with people not with product!

Pirie & Co. Social Club Launch

I was invited to attend the official launch of Adelaide's newest Bar; Pirie & Co. Social Club

Upon arrival we were given some special Social Club money to spend at the bar

As we went down the stairs we could hear the live music playing and the chatter of guests enjoying the space. The atmosphere was just how I like it....warm, lounge like, inviting and styled perfectly.

We were treated to some delicious signature tapas......these chicken drumsticks were to die for....I could have eaten that whole plate if I had the chance!!! I'm definitely going back to eat those! :) 

 I had such a great night catching up with friends and enjoying the space.....definitely check out Pirie & Co its a great place for after work drinks!

Stylish and Successful: Kara Fantasia

What is your current position/job description? 

I am a freelance stylist and a stylist and presenter for Westfield South Australia

How did you get to the position you are in now?

I have been in the fashion industry for over 20 years working in many different areas. I started out working for a fashion agency in Adelaide when I left school which gave me a taste for the industry and I then moved to Melbourne to study fashion marketing and merchandising at the Melbourne College  of Textiles which is now a part of RMIT. I was then in the right place at the right time and got to meet the head of the wardrobe department at Channel 7 Melbourne who offered me a job as a wardrobe stylist at the station. I ended up working there for 7 years and was so lucky to work with many amazing actors and celebrities .

I also learnt makeup artistry while working there. It was a fantastic time but Melbourne was never home so I decided to move back to Adelaide. I went via London (just a little of track) where I studied Fashion Styling for the Media at The London College of Fashion and then did a 6 month stint in the press office of international shoe designer L.K.Bennett London. When I got back to Adelaide I focused on my makeup for a few years and was lucky to be voted SA makeup artist of the year 5 times at the National ABIA awards. I have also been freelancing as a stylist working on many commercials and editorial shoots. The Westfield styling position came up in September last year and I am thrilled to be a part if such a fantastic team.

What are the opportunities that have opened up for you within this position?

Working with celebrities ofcourse! But I really love hosting events and workshops which is quite new to me, the highlight so far was hosting The City of Tea Tree Gully Christmas Carols event in front if 18,000 people. The thing that is fun and exciting about my job is that every week I am meeting someone new or hosting a completely different event.

Where do you see yourself or what do you want to be doing in 5 years?

I hope that I am still working in such a creative, fun industry. I love what I am doing now and can see myself continuing on for many years. I would also love to either write a book or produce an online site for woman who need to gain more confidence about the way we look, especially mums.

What advice do you have or can you give to people who want to get into a position similar to yours?

Don't expect the Fashion industry to be all events and glamour, yes that is some of the time, but a lot  is also very hard slog. On your feet for hours on end, lugging mannequins and clothes racks around, and sitting on the floor taping the bottom of shoes so they don't get dirty in fashion parades- no glamour there! It is also very much about networking, often who you know or just being in the right place. So I highly recommend putting yourself out there for work experience or intern work. We are always looking for helpers during major events or campaigns but remember it can be hard work. Obviously having some experience in retail is very handy, and there are some great fashion courses around which give you a great background but hands on experience is looked upon very highly.

Your best tip or trick to keep a job like yours?

Sometimes you have to step out of your role and help when it's needed, for example, I am employed as a stylist at Westfield but I will also help out with promo work or assist the marketing department when they are busy. By being flexible you will be highly regarded in any industry. 

What an inspirational woman! Thanks so much for sharing you story with us Kara :)

Westfield Marion Style Lounge

In celebration of their new Style Lounge, Westfield Marion invited some of Adelaide's top fashion bloggers to check out this beautiful new space as well as introduce us to all of the Westfield Stylists 

What a lovely space it was.....decorated beautifully, it is definitely a space that I would want to go to, and I would recommend you check out, if your looking to get some one-on-one styling with a Westfield stylist.

 It is truly like a dream wardrobe....and it's a private, quiet space where you can go to think, discuss and dream all things style.

The evening was hosted by Westfield's fashion ambassador and founder of sheshopped.com; Lucy Cornes. Lucy introduced all of us fashion bloggers to the space and to each of the Westfield stylists and Marketing Manager. I really love how each stylist is different in their own way, and can suit anyone's needs when it comes to style

Steve the Bartender was on hand putting together delicious cocktails....I don't really like the taste of alcohol so I usually take the non-alcoholic option, but I asked if he could make the cocktail with the least amount of alcohol possible, which he did...and it tasted delicious!

Westfield's stylists and Marketing Manager

 I had such a great time catching up with my blogger friends....and we all agree that this style lounge provides and amazing opportunity for anyone and everyone to give themselves a new look or just get some tips about how to add pieces to their existing wardrobe

Emily from Style File Australia, Myself, Jody from Silky Bow and Susan from Fashion Adventurer

We had a lovely evening and we were each given an amazing gift to take home! Thankyou Westfield...we look forward to seeing how the style lounge helps us all when we're in need of some styling updates :)