Moments with marketers: Cameron McPherson
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Marketingmag.com.au chats to Cameron McPherson – general manager of Rodeo Agency. If you would like to see a certain
marketer profiled, please email your suggestion to Sean Greaney on [email protected].
What do you do?
I have recently joined Rodeo Agency, part of the Mitchell Communication Group, as general manager.
Rodeo is not a traditional creative agency. Our team offers full service graphic design and production, advertising and marketing know-how and limitless online and interactive digital capabilities.We create highly engaging campaigns across online, print, outdoor, mobile and more, and are lucky enough to work with a brilliant range of clients including ANZ, Renault, Jetstar and Heinz.
What was your first job?
As soon as I was old enough to work, Mum sent me off to the local Red Rooster as she was sick and tired of forking out pocket money.
My first professional job was working in inside sales for Macromedia in the UK, which is how I got started in online marketing.
What did you study?
Bachelor of Business Administration at Monash University.
Describe a typical day?
I am generally woken up at 5.45am by my girlfriend going to the gym, promising her that I’ll go for a run around the Tan. I actually get up at about 7am after she’s back from the gym throwing a pillow at my lazy arse.
Rodeo is at a very exciting time in our short history so at the moment my days are very full working on new and exciting projects for our clients, which could include developing a tailored micro-site, creating an online game or producing a print booklet for clients.
In addition, I’m spending a lot of time planning and executing key strategies to drive growth.
After work I’m either getting active – I’m passionate about tennis and part of a social volleyball team Supfoo – or relaxing and unwinding with a movie and a glass of wine.
What is on the agenda for 2009?
A lot! Many organisations are shifting budget from traditional media spend to online, and we are experiencing significant demand for our creative and interactive services.
2009 will be a year of growth and my time will be heavily spent going to market with our new service offerings, promoting the work of our talented team, such as the 200 Year Anniversary campaign for Australia Post. I’ll be establishing a solid framework to underpin our continuing growth. We’ll be adding to our existing team in the second half of the year.
Despite all this hard work, there will also be time for a bit of fun with a trip to Europe to show my better half around Germany and Italy, which basically means a lot of good beer, wine and pasta.
What brand do you love the most? Hate the most? Why?
It’s hard to go past Apple with the way they combine innovation, design and technology in such a use friendly way. It’s very inspirational especially for an agency such as ours, who try to deliver this day in and day out for our clients.
I wouldn’t say I hate any brands, but there are organisations and agencies with good brands who do a really poor job at creating effective and targeted campaigns and that’s frustrating. You don’t need big budgets, you just need to spend a little time to know your audience and make the most of the tools available. That’s what online does so well: targeted, effective campaigns within a very achievable budget.
What do you believe has been the most significant moment in the history of marketing?
The ability of brands to use digital marketing tools has been one of the biggest transformations for marketing departments. Tools such as SEM, banner ads, electronic direct mail and m-sites can be used to create targeted campaigns that are measurable and produce significant ROI.
Working in online marketing, my view point is a little biased, but the statistics are amazing when you look at just how effective the revolution of the digital mediums has been for businesses.
Where can people find you?
