Don't be surprised when you find out Pacific Mall is open on Christmas Day.
"The mall is a certified city tourist attraction, meaning it is exempt from Ontario’s Retail Business Holidays Act, which allows tourist sites to remain open on statutory holidays." - The Toronto Star
Over the holidays, it's a hot spot for (extremely) last minute gifts, an attraction for mainstream consumers, and a place to spend quality family time. According to The Toronto Star, Pacific Mall was "the only major mall open in the GTA". As expected, the shopping centre's parking lot was jam-packed as if it were peak hours during a busy boxing day.
Even I remember years back going to Pacific Mall during a holiday (not Christmas, but definitely a statutory holiday). At the time, the mall itself and the parking lot were like ants. Cars everywhere you look, people fighting for parking spots... people making their own parking spots! It was like a pre-boxing day experience. I could only imagine how Christmas Day would be like.
As crazy as it may sound though, Christmas Day (along with other holidays) brings in thousands of people and it benefits both the businesses and the consumers. Whether people are there shopping with their families or enjoying the cultural experience, Pacific Mall definitely brings everyone together.
Reference: http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1106932--pacific-mall-attracts-thousands-of-shoppers-on-christmas-day
Friday, 30 December 2011
Monday, 19 December 2011
Embracing the future! 2012 - we are ready for you!
Welcome to all of our new team members!
and
THANK YOU & BEST OF LUCK to those who have inspired Sensu's growth and now move on to part deux in their career journey!
As we review the year in a glance, we can certainly say it's been a great year for us (though we are very excited to have an even better year in 2012)! The opportunities gained, people encountered, relationships built, and of course, lessons learned -- are all integral in shaping our culture here at Sensu Communications.
We have many awesome things lined up for 2012 and are very excited to share them all with you as we move into the New Year. And yes, for many of you that are wondering, we are in the process of rebuilding our website and will be relaunching it in January. I promise you all won't be disappointed :)
And as if the parties over the holidays aren't enough to fill your calendars, please join us on January 12th, 2012 at Rosewater (19 Toronto Street) for American Marketing Association's (Toronto) inaugural Multicultural Marketing breakfast round-table event!! We have awesome speakers, great food, and lots of networking opportunities lined up for the marketing community - just in time after you return from the holidays! Find out about "The Emerging Ethnic Markets in Canada" and learn from the pioneers who have been there, done that and continue to enjoy much success in reaching out to ethnic consumers!
Check out our events page for more details: http://www.ama-toronto.com/events/the-emerging-ethnic-markets-in-canada-the-pioneers-of
and REGISTER YOURSELF!
and
THANK YOU & BEST OF LUCK to those who have inspired Sensu's growth and now move on to part deux in their career journey!
As we review the year in a glance, we can certainly say it's been a great year for us (though we are very excited to have an even better year in 2012)! The opportunities gained, people encountered, relationships built, and of course, lessons learned -- are all integral in shaping our culture here at Sensu Communications.
We have many awesome things lined up for 2012 and are very excited to share them all with you as we move into the New Year. And yes, for many of you that are wondering, we are in the process of rebuilding our website and will be relaunching it in January. I promise you all won't be disappointed :)
And as if the parties over the holidays aren't enough to fill your calendars, please join us on January 12th, 2012 at Rosewater (19 Toronto Street) for American Marketing Association's (Toronto) inaugural Multicultural Marketing breakfast round-table event!! We have awesome speakers, great food, and lots of networking opportunities lined up for the marketing community - just in time after you return from the holidays! Find out about "The Emerging Ethnic Markets in Canada" and learn from the pioneers who have been there, done that and continue to enjoy much success in reaching out to ethnic consumers!
Check out our events page for more details: http://www.ama-toronto.com/events/the-emerging-ethnic-markets-in-canada-the-pioneers-of
and REGISTER YOURSELF!
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Catering to the Needs of Changing Demographics
...Literally.
The South Asian market is emerging just as the Chinese market is in the GTA. Over the past couple of weeks of working with Sensu and searching of related news articles for the blog, I've noticed a number of articles about the Chinese and South Asian markets. Whether it was about the growth of these two markets or the idea of businesses having culturally targeted campaigns, they were definitely mentioned.
An article called, "Langar on Wheels rolls out to Punjabi community" describes an elderly couple who have trouble making home-cooked foods, but are hesistant to sign up for the local Meals on Wheels program. After eating South Asian food for almost their whole lives, changing their preferences would just be too difficult and ultimately, unsatisfying. As the couple stated, they would rather have "roti with some sabzi (vegetables) and dal (lentils)" over the Meals on Wheels choices of shepherd's pie or beef stew.
The cultural gap of Meals on Wheels offerings and prominent increase of immigrants has pushed the program to provide specific meals for the Chinese, Greek, Italian, and Indian market.
With the changing demographics of the city and Canada in general, businesses (for profit) are not the only ones who must incorporate the multicultural aspect into their products or services. From the article, I can see that programs such as Meals on Wheels are gaining a better understanding of their community and refocusing their services. At the end of the day, the objective really is to meet the needs of changing demographics in our communities and Canada as a whole.
Reference: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/globe-to/langar-on-wheels-rolls-out-to-punjabi-community/article2274645/
The South Asian market is emerging just as the Chinese market is in the GTA. Over the past couple of weeks of working with Sensu and searching of related news articles for the blog, I've noticed a number of articles about the Chinese and South Asian markets. Whether it was about the growth of these two markets or the idea of businesses having culturally targeted campaigns, they were definitely mentioned.
An article called, "Langar on Wheels rolls out to Punjabi community" describes an elderly couple who have trouble making home-cooked foods, but are hesistant to sign up for the local Meals on Wheels program. After eating South Asian food for almost their whole lives, changing their preferences would just be too difficult and ultimately, unsatisfying. As the couple stated, they would rather have "roti with some sabzi (vegetables) and dal (lentils)" over the Meals on Wheels choices of shepherd's pie or beef stew.
The cultural gap of Meals on Wheels offerings and prominent increase of immigrants has pushed the program to provide specific meals for the Chinese, Greek, Italian, and Indian market.
With the changing demographics of the city and Canada in general, businesses (for profit) are not the only ones who must incorporate the multicultural aspect into their products or services. From the article, I can see that programs such as Meals on Wheels are gaining a better understanding of their community and refocusing their services. At the end of the day, the objective really is to meet the needs of changing demographics in our communities and Canada as a whole.
Reference: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/globe-to/langar-on-wheels-rolls-out-to-punjabi-community/article2274645/
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
"The whole world wants to do business with China"
...Nothing better than getting straight to the point. When I first came across this quote in an article called, "Telefilm, Canadian movies to tap Chinese Market", I thought it was pretty bold at first, but nonetheless true.
The growing Chinese market in North America has shifted many marketers' eyes and has triggered the makings of Chinese-focused campaigns. While some businesses are just tapping into this prevalent market in Canada, others are already going straight for the homeland, China.
For example, Canadian film makers, Telefilm Canada and the Whistler Film Festival Society (WFFS), are trying to collaborate with film makers in China with goals of creating films that can be released in both countries. By Canada and China working together and targeting both markets, each one can benefit from this partnership. As the article states,
“The China Canada Gateway project would see the Chinese get exposure to Canadian filmmaking expertise – screenwriting, visual effects and post-production in particular” … “[Canadians would] gain access to the huge Chinese market which currently allows only about 20 foreign films into its theatres each year.”
This plan for a Canadian business to work in partner with China is simply an example of whats to come in the future. Be on the lookout for more Canada-China initiatives!
Reference: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/movies/telefilm-canadian-movies-to-tap-chinese-market/article2259572/page1/
The growing Chinese market in North America has shifted many marketers' eyes and has triggered the makings of Chinese-focused campaigns. While some businesses are just tapping into this prevalent market in Canada, others are already going straight for the homeland, China.
For example, Canadian film makers, Telefilm Canada and the Whistler Film Festival Society (WFFS), are trying to collaborate with film makers in China with goals of creating films that can be released in both countries. By Canada and China working together and targeting both markets, each one can benefit from this partnership. As the article states,
“The China Canada Gateway project would see the Chinese get exposure to Canadian filmmaking expertise – screenwriting, visual effects and post-production in particular” … “[Canadians would] gain access to the huge Chinese market which currently allows only about 20 foreign films into its theatres each year.”
This plan for a Canadian business to work in partner with China is simply an example of whats to come in the future. Be on the lookout for more Canada-China initiatives!
Reference: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/movies/telefilm-canadian-movies-to-tap-chinese-market/article2259572/page1/
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Ethnic Marketing is Blooming!
The noticeable (and stats proven) rise of minorities in Canada is definitely sparking opportunities for ethnic marketers. Businesses can no longer mass advertise to consumers… they must have different campaigns for specific consumers and in this case, ethnicity is key.
One important point to consider however, marketers cannot just simply stop at ethnicity – there is a further break down within this segmentation process. As Tony Hernandez, director of the Centre for the Study of Commercial Activity at Ryerson University, states:
“A deeper issue with marketers is they fail to understand generational differences call for different ad strategies. The newcomer requires different treatment from the established family or the Canadian-born children of immigrants.”
Each ethnicity will require a different approach, but within these ethnicities, there requires an even more specific approach. With the differences in generations, it is up to expert ethnic marketers to efficiently target these segments.
Gautam Nath, a partner at Monsoon Communications, also states in the article that the South Asian and Chinese markets are stereotyped. What I would like to know is… who are the ones stereotyping these markets? They must not be of either ethnicity… or so I’m hoping. Ultimately, the ones that know most about these cultures are, in most cases, the ones with the same ethnic backgrounds.
With that said, in regards to the Chinese market… this is exactly where Sensu comes in handy.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Goodbye Steve Jobs
Cheers to the one of the most accomplished and successful entrepreneurs of our time - Mr. Steve Jobs.
While it is sad that he has left this world and his "followers" behind - his legacy lives on - as a source of inspiration to all. His legacy is more than just the revolution he brought to the way consumers interacting with technology - his legacy is truly about his attitude and way of living - not conforming, following your heart, trusting in your gut feelings, and believing in your intuition.
Not too long ago, I was facing some challenges as a young entrepreneur myself and undoubtedly, I turned to his (now famous) Stanford commencement speech from 2005 for some enlightenment. His words never fail to ignite that fire within me, his journey and experience since the day he dropped out of college never fails to put a sparkle in my eye as I listen on:
People call me silly when I say that I have strong intuition about what I believe I can achieve. They say I am still young. Steve tells me otherwise - he tells me I have to trust that "the dots will somehow connect in my future" and "to have the courage to follow my heart and intuition".
People call me naive when I tell them that I gave up a potential career at a leading tech firm to go after my entrepreneurial dreams. They say I am impractical. Steve tells me otherwise - he tells me to "never settle" until we find what we are looking for.
People call me emotional when I say that my work is driven by my passion and love for my business. They say I am not made for business. Steve tells me otherwise - he tells me that "the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do".
People call me arrogant when I don't listen or follow the advice of others. They say I am too self-conceived. Steve tells me otherwise - he tells me not to "let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice".
People call me aggressive when I tell them my career aspirations and that I will make it to become a top 30 under 30 candidate. They say I am too ambitious. Steve tells me otherwise - he tells me to "stay hungry. stay foolish".
Thank you Steve for all your wise words. May you rest in peace.
While it is sad that he has left this world and his "followers" behind - his legacy lives on - as a source of inspiration to all. His legacy is more than just the revolution he brought to the way consumers interacting with technology - his legacy is truly about his attitude and way of living - not conforming, following your heart, trusting in your gut feelings, and believing in your intuition.
Not too long ago, I was facing some challenges as a young entrepreneur myself and undoubtedly, I turned to his (now famous) Stanford commencement speech from 2005 for some enlightenment. His words never fail to ignite that fire within me, his journey and experience since the day he dropped out of college never fails to put a sparkle in my eye as I listen on:
People call me silly when I say that I have strong intuition about what I believe I can achieve. They say I am still young. Steve tells me otherwise - he tells me I have to trust that "the dots will somehow connect in my future" and "to have the courage to follow my heart and intuition".
People call me naive when I tell them that I gave up a potential career at a leading tech firm to go after my entrepreneurial dreams. They say I am impractical. Steve tells me otherwise - he tells me to "never settle" until we find what we are looking for.
People call me emotional when I say that my work is driven by my passion and love for my business. They say I am not made for business. Steve tells me otherwise - he tells me that "the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do".
People call me arrogant when I don't listen or follow the advice of others. They say I am too self-conceived. Steve tells me otherwise - he tells me not to "let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice".
People call me aggressive when I tell them my career aspirations and that I will make it to become a top 30 under 30 candidate. They say I am too ambitious. Steve tells me otherwise - he tells me to "stay hungry. stay foolish".
Thank you Steve for all your wise words. May you rest in peace.
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Home is where the heart is.
The common question for every recent graduate, who came from China, is “to stay or not to stay in Canada”.
Undoubtedly, China, as an emerging market, has attracted so much attention since late 90’s because of its double digit growth. Foreigners always are amazed by how developed those big cities are (i.e. Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shenzhen) when they first visit China. When I moved to Toronto from Shanghai in May, 2009, I felt less dynamic in this city. For example, there are three huge LV stores and five Gucci stores in Shanghai. There are a lot more fashion and luxury brands in Shanghai than Toronto. There are more than 12 subway lines in Shanghai alone.
However, as time passes by, I start to appreciate the peaceful life in Toronto. People are so polite and patient and they follow rules and regulations. I would like to stay here as my second home. My Chinese fellows share the same feeling. On one hand, they understand there are more opportunities in China for them; on the other hand, they enjoy the education and health care system here. So where is the balance between career and life?
Everyone has his own answer. My answer is to enjoy my work and life here and then pursue any opportunity that allows me and Sensu to serve as bridge between China and Canada.
Whatever you choose, remember to chase your dream and follow you heart; because home is where the heart is.
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