Delhi Belly

June 25, 2009

As I write this, the chaps at Attinger Jack interactive are residing in Bangalore with their technical developers.  Having neatly sidestepped the monsoon – it’s three weeks late already – the boys have been playing as well as working hard.

Admittedly, their usual high spirits have been dampened somewhat after a particularly ferocious curry washed down with what can only be described as ‘moonshine’.  Delhi belly, or should I say ‘Bangalore belly’ has been the unpleasant result.

Subsequently struck down with tummy rumblings in the centre of Bangalore, Tom and Alex made a beeline for the nearest rickshaw.  In a state of moderate inebriation accompanied by urgent toilet yearnings, our heroes simply didn’t have time to negotiate fares or give long-winded directions in pigeon English. 

Grabbing the steering wheel, Tom cast a few rupees in the direction of the rickshaw owner and after installing him in the back, he put his foot down. Word has it that it was the fastest rickshaw in Bangalore’s recent history.  Schumacher eat your heart out!

Tears of joy?

June 19, 2009

This week was a momentous occasion for Alex Attinger who decided to make an honest woman out of his girlfriend, Deidre Williamson, or ‘DJ’ for short.

After visiting Hatton Garden to choose a ring, Alex picked an opportune moment to pop the question…..the response? A resounding ‘yes’.

Everyone at Attinger Jack wishes to congratulate Alex but, wait one second, can it be true that upon hearing the news David Attinger shed a tear or two in joy?  Or was it from sheer relief that Alex’s proposed nuptials on Richard Branson’s Necker island would be paid for by the bride’s family?

On a more serious note, David wishes to tell us that he’s absolutely delighted to be welcoming DJ as his future daughter-in-law and can’t wait for the big day. Over to you Alex!

Caribbean cruise anyone?

June 12, 2009

Active You hits the ground running

June 10, 2009

Active You, Attinger Jack interactive’s lead generation website, has got off to a flying start!  Since its early beginnings in April 2009, the website is attracting tens of thousands of visitors each month.  Containing a heady mix of editorial, competitions, sudoku, blogs, special offers and e-newsletters, the website is firmly established as one of the UK’s premier websites for the Over 40’s demographic.

Leads generated by the website are also delighting client brands. Example? Hearsavers, one of the UK’s major providers of hearing aids, has witnessed a 57% lead to appointment ratio from leads delivered.  The hearing aid company is now taking 1,000 leads a month, a sure sign of Active You’s lead quality.

Likewise, Castle Cover, the specialist insurance provider for the Over 50’s market, is receiving 800 leads a month from Active You as a result of early test results.  Top of the pile though is Barrhead Travel, one of the UK’s largest travel operators, which is now taking, wait for it, nearly 30,000 leads a month.

With no upfront costs or creative expenses, clients can simply put their offers on Active You and pay only for the leads generated.  It’s risk free and enormously profitable - just ask Barrhead Travel, Hearsavers or Castle Cover!

Slumdog Millionaire

June 4, 2009

Following recent travels to Las Vegas, Attinger Jack interactive’s Tom and Alex have decided to cross to the other side of the world.  India to be exact!

Why? Attinger Jack is the only UK agency to have its own lead gen website (www.activeyou.co.uk) and the boys need to pay a visit to the back-end developers who are busy designing and enhancing the site.  With temperatures in the high 20’s and low 30’s the boys think they’ve hit on a winner, especially visiting Goa for a few days R&R.

It all sounds good except that Bangalore and Goa are at the beginning of the monsoon season!  Today’s weather in Goa sums it up – humidity at 70% and thunder & lightening.  With some AJi team members having travelled to that part of the world before, all we can say is take your brollies and you can forget the suncream.

As for the R&R in Goa, we thoroughly recommend the chaps take a few DVD’s for those rainy days.  Slumdog Millionaire anyone? 

Online Lead Generation Taskforce releases its first report

May 25, 2009

Following Alex’s recent appointment to the Internet Advertising Bureau’s Lead Gen Taskforce, our MD recently attended his first meeting at the IAB’s Malkin Street offices in London’s Covent Garden.

And, yes Natasha, he walked there!

The Taskforce reviewed the release of its first whitepaper, written to provide a general overview of the lead gen sector including basic terminology and definitions.  The whitepaper has been downloaded more than 300 times already - if you need any proof about the interest in lead gen, look no further than that impressive stat.

To get your own free copy of the whitepaper, please click here:

http://www.iabuk.net/en/1/onlineleadgeneration.html

Alex was also invited to join the co-registration subgroup which will be producing its own ‘co-reg’ whitepaper in time for the Autumn.  The whitepaper will be written to spell out what ‘co-reg’ means alongside a comprehensive overview of the discipline.  Joining Alex will be Trine from Adpepper, Robin of Goallover, Simon from Clash and Tim of Magnetise. 

In the meantime, if anyone would like to talk to Alex about lead gen or co-reg, then he’d be delighted.  Simply email alex@ajinteractive.co.uk.

AJi invited to join IAB’s Lead Generation Taskforce

May 15, 2009

Attinger Jack’s interactive division based in Farringdon, London, has been invited to join the Internet Advertising Bureau’s Online Lead Generation Taskforce.

Alongside Alex Attinger on the taskforce is Julian of Dianomi; Justin of Leadpoint; Robin of Goallover; Simon of Clash Media; Sean of Platform A; and Peter of Magnetise.  A veritable who’s who of UK lead generation professionals ably overseen by the IAB’s Amit Kotecha.

The goal of the taskforce is to create industry standard definitions and terminology whilst simultaneously promoting best practice and industry-wide initiatives.  According to Alex it couldn’t come to soon, “online lead generation has been calculated to be worth £1 billion a year yet it has no official voice which has been to its detriment.”

Alex continues, “marketing directors up and down the country need to be aware of the outstanding ROI lead gen can deliver, especially on a no-risk cost-per-acquisition basis.”  Alex goes on, “developing best practice criteria is essential in such a fast moving industry and we’re delighted to be helping shape our industry’s future.”

Natasha Bastemiejer, Alex’s PA, has reminded Alex that the IAB is a short walk away from Farringdon and that taxi receipts won’t be accepted.  He’s been warned!!

Attinger Jack’s interactive division risks its life?

May 6, 2009

It’s all very well living and working in one of England’s most beautiful spa towns, as those folks at Attinger Jack in Bath are lucky enough to enjoy.  It’s altogether a different proposition working in London and living in Battersea, epicentre of the UK’s swine flu outbreak.

Step forward Attinger Jack Interactive’s Adam Seogalutze who lives very near the school that today closed in Battersea as a result of the flu epidemic. 

Adam sits in the heart of Attinger Jack interactive’s office in Farringdon and all eyes are beadily focused on Adam’s demeanour.  A sniffle, cheeky cough or watery eye is met with hasty coffee breaks and swiftly planned ‘meetings’ by the rest of us.   Never has home working seemed so attractive…

Andy Turner joins as Business Development Director

April 24, 2009

Attinger Jack’s interactive division, based in Farringdon, has appointed a new Business Development Director to assist in its rapid growth.

A big welcome to Andy Turner, who previously held the role of Account Manager – Lead Generation at digital marketing services company eCircle.

Andy joins during a period of strong growth at AJ’s interactive division due to the launch of the UK’s first dedicated Over-40’s rewards site, www.activeyou.co.uk. With leads flooding in, Andy will help find more clients to participate in the venture.

Andy says, “To become Business Development Director at this time is a real challenge especially as we’ve got to get lead generation’s potent marketing message across to brand managers.  However, I know that once they look at the economics and figures, they won’t fail to be convinced.”

Whilst Andy has impressed everybody with his expertise in lead gen and personable manner, word has it that he keeps leaving the cupboard doors open which drives the office manager crazy - shut those doors man!!!!!  Seriously, welcome to the surreal world of Attinger Jack’s interactive division.  You’ll love it.

A Matter of Luck or Judgement?

April 17, 2009

Just before Easter, an assorted collection of AJ staff and clients enjoyed a superb day at Wincanton Racecourse.  Colder than a Siberian winter with rain lashing off the rolling hills, all and sundry stayed very much within the confines of the hospitality box in order to prevent certain pneumonia.

Icicles aside - where is spring when you need it? – it was unanimously felt that the day was a roaring success.  Perhaps less so for Jeremy who lost £££’s on just the first race (how about pacing yourself?) but spectacular for Voyage Design’s Hannah Brown who is still living off her winnings today.

Many thanks go to Ann and Alice for the well-organised day, to David for the hospitality box (what a view), Vicky for the directions (where exactly is Wincanton?) and to the assorted clients who helped make it such a fun day out – John and Greg from Countrywide, Neil from Toolstation, Dave and Martin from Mobility Clearing House, Michael from Fast Systems and the delectable Jules and Hannah from Voyage Design in Reading.