Deborah Van Wyk

Experience

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  Birnam Business College

  Jan 1995 - Sept 1997

  Vice Principal
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  Prudential Investment Managers

  Jan 1997 - Jan 1998

  Legal Assistant
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  Damelin

  Jan 1998 - Jan 2005

  Lectured in: Principles of Marketing, Business Communication, Business Management, Consumer & Buyer Behaviour, Advertising, Hospitality Marketing, Sports Marketing

  • Branch Manager

    Nov 2001 - Jan 2005

  • Lecturer In Marketing

    Jan 1996 - Jan 2003

  • National Course Director for Business & Degree Campus

    Jan 1998 - Jan 2001
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  Chatterbox Marketing

  Jan 2005 - Jan 2007

  Owner | Manager
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  Fog Pilots Limited

  Mar 2007 - Jul 2012

  Founder

  Built business with $1K investment to $120K turnover/year despite recession; achieved 20% growth YOYManaged 4 contract designers and 2 copywriters; supervised 3 print companies and outsourced production team Delivered successful re-brand, market positioning, and marketing activities for Kaiwaka Clothing Co; after 35 years, company now expanding to Australia and EuropeLed brand, advertising, and positioning of Weston Milling Flour; created Weston Milling icon and steered marketing of products into mainstream retailInstrumental in launch, brand, advertising, and marketing development of Jazabaloo; now adopted by Pumpkin Patch, with early adoption by Whitcoulls and interest from the UK, Australia, South AfricaSteered rebrand of Charlton Jewellers, Carolyn Skilling Chartered Accounting, and SkellerUp (Viking Containment)Enhanced marketing strategy for Auckland Waitakere Estate; acquired by Heritage Hotel Group due to sales increaseGained significant press release exposure for Global Intelligence Solutions via print, radio, and TV in just 48 hoursCarried out research and marketing strategy development for FLEXCO SA; dramatically impacted business growthSupported Enlightenz with 20-year international company celebrations campaign for clients and new brand development moving forward; provided ongoing assistance for printing and promotional needsPrevented $1M business failure by delivering meticulous research and business risk assessment Show less

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  Worldwide Printing Solutions

  Aug 2012 - Jul 2019

  Group Marketing Manager

  Created and structured department; provided strategic direction, leadership, and mentoring to marketing teamDeveloped savvy, creative, strategically-sound marketing programmes while ensuring rigorous brand complianceDirected creation and delivery of National Marketing Plan/budget in conjunction with MD and Finance ManagerManaged key business relationships (Bonfire, Australia Post, Corporate Social Responsibility entities)Supported franchisees in development and implementation of local area marketing initiativesEstablished and managed organisational sales & marketing policies and operations including market research, brand management, promotions, advertising campaigns, and pricing strategyDefined long-term positioning, product development, and customer development Developed marketing tools and lead generation activities across Worldwide networkConducted market research and feasibility studies for new products/services; steered new product development from ideation to implementation Show less

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  The Station Marketing

  Aug 2019 - Mar 2022

  Head Of Marketing

  Launched The Station as marketing agency and tech provider (spin-off from Worldwide); currently oversee day-to-day operations including people leadership, client relationship management, and vendor partnershipsManage team of 6 direct reports and 10 indirect reports; formerly managed 162 franchiseesSupervise key accounts including Wendy's, Timezone, MSP Photography, Ryobi, Orbitz, Fleetwood, ASB Marketing, The CEO Institute, Yonga SolutionsManage key business relationships (Bonfire, Fisher Digital, Blue Cherry, Channel 10, Perth Video Production, Ardent Communications (Wendy’s))Liaise with clients to align marketing solutions with their business objectives: write and implement marketing strategies and creative campaigns; work with external providers to develop content strategy, SEO, social mediaSteer campaign planning/development and new product development from ideation to implementationOversee promotion of The Station’s marketing technology products through social media, reseller programmes, and strategic partner networksLeverage The Station’s web-to-print software XMPIE to help clients gain Google reviews, NPS ratings, online brand management portal, proposal builders, marketing automation, and campaign on demand solutionsDeveloped and launched reseller programme in Q4 2021; already secured first major client Support carbon neutrality/sustainability initiatives (e.g. created collateral for Crystal Printing Solutions’ sustainability initiatives; launched TV commercials to promote carbon offset achievement tinyurl.com/cpsnetzero Show less

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  Self-employed

  Aug 2022 - now

  Founder - Connect The Dots

  At Connect the Dots we specialize in developing, creating, and implementing marketing and brand strategies. We help businesses of all sizes and industries achieve their goals by providing a specialist service in the field of strategic development in order to drive commercial success? A Strategy first approach is important to us, as deciding why we are doing something is just as important as implementing great tactical ideas. We won’t just leave it there, if required, we will help you implement your strategy and monitor progress and results.We work closely with clients to understand their unique needs and goals and create customized strategies that deliver results. With a proven track record of success, Connect the Dots is a trusted partner for businesses looking to build stronger, more valuable brands. Show less