Appco Group

Appco Group Italia conducts its biggest convention ever

2011-07-19T04:19:00.000-07:00

Appco Group has managed to run its business successfully for many years now thanks to the numerous conventions and seminars that they host at frequent intervals for their representatives. These conventions greatly help the personnel at the company to formulate strategies and campaigns in the best manner possible.

Appco Group Italia recently held a convention, the largest in its history. An enthusiastic group of Administrators, FRs, Owners and international guests attended the Appco Group Italian Rally 2011 making the latter one of the most memorable events in the company's history. The event was held at Auditorium del Massimo in Rome on Saturday, July 16th.

The event started with the thumping performance of DJ Stretch who flew into Italy all the way from Netherlands to host the event. This was followed by a dance and a presentation about the history of the country.

Country Head David D'Agostino inaugurated the convention by introducing the Vice Presidents James Greaves and Spencer Galbally as well as the international guests Mark Cox and Howie Seymour. The major charity clients of the company who were invited to the convention thanked the representatives of Appco Group who had helped them achieve great results.

Awards were distributed to the top performers of the company and Jonas Calzone, Owner of XXV Marketing srl, winner of Highrolling MC, MC Sales Achievent and Best Company 2011 expressed his gratitude to his team "Without my team, I would have never achieved this success. They have all worked hard proving to be the number one in the Country".

The Convention wrapped up with celebrations in one of the best clubs in Rome. Needless to say, Appco Group does maintain its standard in every small or big activity it does.

Appco Group Australia and New Zealand R&R ends

2011-06-27T04:56:00.000-07:00

Appco Group Australia and New Zealand 2011 R&R Conference ends, with lots of vital things being discussed and sorted out.

For the ace direct marketing company, the R&R has always been a vital event, as it motivates and empowers the newest generation of leaders coming through the organisation, by providing them with an opportunity to hear from and network with the senior management team. This year's edition of the R&R conference for the company was held from June 13 to June 19 and concluded in the best of manners. The 250 delegates who took part were inspired by several presentations given by leaders and top performers in the organisation. They were also inspired by the words of Appco Group chairman and founder Chris Niarchos, who said, “In our industry and organisation it is crucial to establish a solid foundation for the future with effective business practices. This will enable you to have long term success for several years to come. Understanding how the business operates and showing dedication to the company and your clients is instrumental to being part of Appco Group”.

The different divisions that work within the Appco Group- Sports, Support, Pay TV, Prosales and Energy - held separate meetings to dicuss points relevant to their particular industry. The Support Division discussed, under the leadership of Vice President Spencer Galbally, ways to approach customers in the field with effective role-playing. Prosales held a Q&A style meeting where Vice President Steve Sapsford covered the benefits of training your sales force in all areas of the business including B2B, residential and events.

The formalities of the Appco Group 2011 Australia and New Zealand R&R concluded on Friday, June 17 afternoon leaving delegates free to enjoy Port Douglas and spend the weekend at the Great Barrier Reef, fishing, relaxing on the beach, or taking part in a competition at the resorts award-winning golf course.

Appco Group Australia-New Zealand R & R Conference update

2011-06-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Appco Group Australia-New Zealand annual R&R conference was held from June 13th in Port Douglas. Here's the first update:

Appco Group sources say, “The arrival to Port Douglas from interstate was a little shaky as an ominous ash cloud from a Chilean volcano impacted flights creating some delays. However, this was soon forgotten as more than 250 delegates including senior management staff, Country Heads, Vice Presidents, Owners, Assistant Owners, Team Leaders, and Administrators arrived in the sunny surrounds of the Sheraton Mirage Resort for a week of meetings, workshops and networking opportunities.”

There were series of senior management meetings from Monday 13th June to Wednesday the 15th June. These meetings discussed the direction of the business with the purpose to also map out new areas for growth. On Wednesday evening, a welcome reception was held for delegates with an event at the Sheraton Mirage. Thursday June 16th witnessed the main meeting being held, with senior leaders making insightful presentations. The event was opened by Vice President and Country Head of Australia Shane Ward and Company Founder and Chairman Chris Niarchos. They discussed the business growth experienced over the last year and congratulated the top performers who have strengthened the business.

Here's what Chris Niarchos said at the conference, “The growth we’ve seen in Australia and internationally over the last year if very positive. We’re constantly reviewing our business structure to see how we can assist the broader group. This includes developing new support systems and avenues for new business. We’re noticing the increasing cost of energy in Australia, and the world for that matter, and believe there is a real opportunity to assist businesses and home owners in this area with our expertise...We want to empower those who work within Appco Group, and reward those that achieve success and produce great results for clients. The R&R is an opportunity for us to celebrate progress and recognise high achievers”.

Vice Presidents Paul Burkett, Spencer Galbally and Steve Sapsford also made presentations on a range of topics relevant for Marketing Company Owners and Administrators. Product Owners Anthony Tarquini and Bertrand Lesbros focused on running a successful office and having a profitable company. Assistant Owners and Team Leaders attended a separate session introduced by Country Head of NZ Mick Rose. On Thursday there was an impressive Gala dinner set in the tranquil rainforest at award-winning restaurant, ‘Flames of the Forest’.
Keep watching this space for more updates on the Appco Group Australia-New Zealand annual R&R conference, 2011.

Appco Group R&R conference for Australia, New Zealand

2011-06-13T02:55:00.000-07:00

The Appco Group 2011 R&R Conference for Australia and New Zealand is all set to take place, this week, in Port Douglas, Queensland. The conference, which is for Marketing Company Owners, Assistant Owners, Team Leaders, Administration support and key head office staff from Australia and New Zealand to take place from 15 – 19 June 2011. More than 250 delegates would attend the conference.

The Appco Group 2011 R&R Conference would provide an opportunity to learn and develop techniques that are crucial to the direct marketing industry, The insightful sessions from senior leaders would prove enlightening and enriching for the delegates, who would also get ample time to network with influential members of the team to gain crucial pointers on how they can progress. The conference will have as part of its events a welcome function with all delegates; informative and educational presentations from VPs and senior management; senior meetings; and a group dinner on the final evening. Those who made the most of the 2010 R&R Conference are looking forward to making it great this time too.

Appco Group never leaves things undone when it comes to enriching the minds of its personnel.

Appco Group UK with ample business opportunities

2011-05-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

Appco Group, which has been making it big in all its marketing endeavours, has ample business opportunities for its Field Representatives and for all those who work within its network of Marketing Companies. To those who operate their own business as self-employed Field Representatives, the company provides full assistance.

As we know, the Appco Group works with leading companies in different sectors and Field Representatives promote products and services for these clients. These Field Representatives would be contracted to different Marketing Companies within the Appco network. The company provides them not only with materials and support needed to do such promotions and marketing campaigns, but also offers them client product training as and when required. This helps them a lot. The Appco Group Business Development Programme is a comprehensive programme that helps the Field Representatives a lot and provides them the chance to mentor, guide and product train other FRs; they can aim for moving through the Programme and onward to running one's own Marketing Company.

Appco Group to work in US with an NGO for kids

2011-05-19T02:03:00.000-07:00

Appco Group is all set to work in the US in association with an NGO that works for the welfare of children all across the world. This particular NGO was established in the UK in 1919 and works with separate national organisations in more than 28 countries, sharing the aim of improving the lives of children through education, health care, and economic opportunities, as well as emergency aid in natural disasters, wars, and other conflicts.

Appco Group is associated with this NGO in different countries across the world. Now, as business goes expanding for the company in the US, steps have been initiated to extent support to this NGO and its fundraising activities in the US too.

"As an organisation we look forward to contributing to their vital life saving work around the world. We look forward to sharing stories of our successes over the next few months", says Sarah Cauchi, Appco Group US Country Manager.

Appco Group Fundraisers support Earth Hour

2011-04-21T02:04:00.000-07:00

Appco Group has always supported with all sincerity causes that affect the whole of humanity.
Thus, it was not news when Appco Group Fundraisers stood firm by those who joined hands to observe Earth Hour. It was but natural for the company to support such a cause. The company's personnel did all they could to raise public support for the event.

Earth Hour, as we know, started in 2007, in Sydney, Australia, and the intention has been to urge global leaders to tackle climate changes. In 2007, when the Earth Hour started, 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses in Australia turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. This year, on March 26, when people all the world over switched off their lights for one hour at 8.30 pm, Appco Group stood with pride as the company's network of Fundraisers have been raising awareness of Earth Hour and encouraging the public to take part.

Such moves from the part of the Appco Group have always been appreciated, all the world over.

Appco Group launched in Belgium

2011-04-06T23:50:00.000-07:00

Appco Group has officially been launched in Belgium on April 5, consequent to a successful test of the market, which was done in 2010.

The launch in Belgium is consequent to last year's launch in US, Russia, China and Brazil. Thus the company now gets active in 25 countries worldwide. The operations begin for Appco Group in Belgium with the Energy Division, catering to a prominent client, which is represented in the Netherlands too.

Jess Leeson, the General Manager of Appco Group Belgique says, with utmost confidence, “The tests showed us that Appco can be huge in Belgium. We expect to open a second location with a new client by the end of this year. The growth opportunities are promising”.

“We are incredibly excited about our venture into the first French speaking country within the Group in 2011,”said Appco Group Vice President and Country Head of Belgium, Simon Murphy.

Appco Group personnel have a narrow escape during New Zealand earthquake

2011-03-31T04:28:00.000-07:00

It was a lucky day for Appco Group. On February 22, when an earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck Christchurch, New Zealand, Chris Kiely, the Managing Director of a company associated with Appco Group New Zealand, was conducting a Training Day in his office. But by luck Chris and his team of nine managed to exit safely. They watched in horror as an adjacent building collapsed. Exclaimed Chris, “We are all really lucky to be safe”.

Appco Group New Zealand had even put a hold on all client work from February 23-28 to allow Marketing Companies and their teams to overcome the event, and show compassion to fellow New Zealanders.

“We had given full support to the Christchurch team as they tried to overcome this experience.”, said Appco Group VP Stewart Hartley.

Appco Group does great with major partner in Australia

2011-03-27T23:23:00.000-07:00

Appco Group has been working wonders in the charities sector, helping clients get donor support in all ways.

The company has had a strong alliance with one of the world's largest development agencies which focuses on assisting children in developing countries. This organisation has been doing great in Australia, thanks to the efforts of Appco Group Support. The organisation this year intends to generate more donations through sign-ups in Australia by way of its tie-up with the company. The thrust will be on driving acquisition of new supporters for its monthly program. This monthly program would provide a vital source of income to fund projects that benefit children spread all across the world.

A spokesman representing the organisation has said, “We’ve seen the positive impact of the company's efforts in other territories that we work in, and were eager to replicate the success in the Australian market place. Appco Group Support was able to provide the professional, reliable and cost effective service that we needed."

Appco Group Support representative visits slums in India

2011-02-23T22:32:00.000-08:00

Appco Group Support recently sent its representative, Philip Bresser, to visit slums in Chennai, India. This was to see what difference the company's projects for Street Children, run in lieu of a charity partner, were making.

Philip Bresser was impressed. Says he, “In the Western world we have reached the stage where we are used to the luxuries we have around us or that are so easily accessible. We live in a part of the world where we as individuals are empowered to make choices...I visited the Street Children projects of Anbu Illam in Chennai (Madras) South India. The field visit had a significant impact on me. Probably, because it is as confrontational as it can get.”

He inspected each and every detail of the work done by Appco Group. He adds, about what he has seen and observed, “The things I have heard, seen and smelled in the slums and on the streets are very real. The Street Children projects in Chennai are necessary and really tangible. India is a country with a billion registered people and more than a million children are 'living' in the streets in Chennai. By directly supporting the projects in Chennai, we enable a significant 'extra' amount of children in Chennai to get proper shelter, health care, education and to be treated in a human way. We enable them to get into a position where they can make some choices in life as well, just like we do. The visit to Chennai put things into perspective for me”.

Appco Group is winning appreciation from all quarters for the work that it has been doing to slum children in India.

Appco Group making the most of new iPhone application

2011-02-17T01:37:00.000-08:00

Appco Group is making the most of its new iPhone application, launched recently.

The application, aptly called Appco App, can be downloaded from www.apple.com/itunes and works on all current versions of the iPhone with the iOS 4.0 itunes software update downloaded. This enables users, in fact everyone associated with the Appco Group to share views, news and ideas. Faster and easier communication on the global level is what takes place, thereby helping direct marketing campaigns go great.

“Though the Appco App currently works only on the iPhone, an iPad version is on its way", says a top executive working with the Appco Group.

Appco Group Finance Meeting a success in itself

2011-02-10T00:43:00.000-08:00

The candid discussion held in the Appco Group Finance Meeting hosted by the Appco Group Finance Academy, took an honest and realistic approach to business and finance. The meeting offered advice on efficient techniques to build a financially stable business. Attendees included Managing Directors and Administrators of Marketing Companies affiliated to the Appco Group network.

Appco Group Chairman Chris Niarchos, Appco Group Managing Director Mike Blane and Vice Presidents Simon Murphy and Michael Scully were the key speakers.
Mike Blane, Managing Director, Appco Group commented, “You should have a regular plan where everyone involved is on the same page. Consequently you will find that you can stop problems before they occur.”

Thus the meeting succeeded to help bring in a system in itself and make everybody at Appco Group aware the importance of elaborating the need for financial planning to bring in a sustainable growth for the company.

Appco Group Support massive progression in charity sector

2011-01-04T01:40:00.000-08:00

Appco Group and its charity division, Appco group Support has partnered with the major charity organisations in India and this has blossomed into a successful long-term relationship since the campaign launch in 2001.

The direct marketing methodology has indeed helped the client to reach out to ten different cities across the length and breadth of India, with over 325 dedicated fundraisers in the field spreading awareness of the campaign.

Appco Group, India, is dedicated in creating awareness for their client’s noble initiatives all through the country. The FRs has raised over a million charitable donations over the past nine years.

Saiprakash Kuckian, Vice President Appco Group India, Product Head Charity Division states “....Our sole aim is to take this partnership to an extent where one day we will be able to reach every underprivileged child in this country”.

Appco Group supports the world's leading conference on fundraising

2010-11-30T00:40:00.000-08:00

Fundraising is an integral part of Appco Group Support, Appco’s Charity Division. This is why the company has agreed to be one of the sponsors for the 30th International Fundraising Congress (IFC).

IFC is the world’s leading conference on fundraising and is renowned for its learning and networking opportunities. The event attracted 900 participants from over 55 countries. As well as to agreeing to support the IFC financially, Martin Gaffney, Appco Group Support’s Managing Director, is hosting Appco's international charity partners at the event to discuss the ways charities can benefit from direct marketing.

“Appco Group Support is the largest face-to-face donor recruitment agency in the world we understand the need for fundraising skills in the Charity Division,” he said.

“Therefore we are extremely proud to be associated with the prestigious IFC, who provide visionary leadership in the field of charitable training, education and dialog."
The campaign supported by Appco Group worked as a survival guide for fundraising leaders with talks on finance and working with donors.

Appco Group’s Energy division build successive growth strategies

2010-10-19T02:17:00.000-07:00

The Energy Division has been one of the foundations that Appco Group has been able to build on during its phenomenal growth over the last 10 years. As many governments have deregulated their utilities sectors, the company has been a key player by providing major Energy companies the most valuable contribution of increased customer acquisition volumes.
Appco Group specialises in face-to-face new customer acquisition in the Energy sector and offers a range of channels including residential door-to-door, business-to-business, in-store, shopping centres and events.
Appco Group has acquired over 10 million new customers over 15 years in 11 countries and has added billions of dollars in value for the clients.

Appco Group: Business models that focus on professionalism

2010-10-07T03:38:00.000-07:00

The direct sellers are called out to by Appco Group Chairman Chris Niarchos to move from just pushing sales and customer acquisition and to follow the “brand ambassador” model.

The company strives towards ensuring that Field Representatives are always professional, ethical, and knowledgeable about the client they are representing and remain courteous and polite at all times.

"Our business model has created thousands of jobs and opportunities and that comes with responsibilities, which is why we follow all codes of practice and operate within the law. Unfortunately there are some Organisations who don't operate this way and it is leading the entire industry to be tarnished with the same brush, “says Chris Niarchos, reiterating how Appco Group of companies stands apart.

Appco Group: Annual Meet held for business development

2010-09-29T03:38:00.000-07:00

A six-day event, held at the luxurious five-star Hilton Vilamoura resort in Portugal was a great experience for the world-wide team at Appco Group.
They came together to share their best practises, discuss future strategy, and of course, enjoy some much-needed Rest &Relaxation. Appco Group Chairman Chris Niarchos believes the informal get-together which has proven to be an ideal backdrop for idea-sharing and networking, away from the daily pressures of conducting a business.
He stated that, “Instead of the best of our business being elitist and keeping the secrets of their success hidden, we are very fortunate to enjoy a sharing culture”
With more than 300 delegates from across Europe, Appco Group has proven be a growing business empire.

What's Appco planning in Indonesia?

2009-06-10T04:57:00.000-07:00

Appco Group is bent on bringing about revolutionary changes in the Indonesian market in the coming years.

The recent entry of Appco in Indonesia no doubt marks the beginning of a new chapter, for the whole marketing community in the South East Asian country. Companies as well as the ordinary people have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Appco on the scene, especially since they have heard and read a lot about the Appco Group.

Appco, on the other hand, has planned moves rather carefully, with an aim to make the most of the new territory at its disposal. The target is to open 200 offices in Indonesia by 2020, a thing not at all improbable for Appco. be introducing, of course gradually, to the Indonesian population some of the most popular of international brands and as usual will be employing face-to-face marketing, B2B Marketing and Event Marketing techniques to promote these brands. Appco's presence in Indonesia would also result in generating lots of opportunities in the direct marketing sector.

Direct Marketing is resurging again

2009-06-02T02:34:00.000-07:00

After much hype about electronic media and the new ways to reach consumers, companies are still ultimately turning to the personal approach to woo customers, increase market share and build their brand.

The Appco Group, Southeast Asia’s largest face to face contact company has been winning new business around the region and creating extraordinary success stories along the way. In this edition we focus on Singapore where almost 300 Field Reps are out contacting the public through a variety of channels including Residential, Events and Business to Business.

Clients such as SCB and HSBC banks as well as the country’s largest telco, Singtel are all aiming to increase the size of their Appco outsource sales force by 100% by year end while the programmes being run for the Charity sector clients, Singapore heart Foundation and Singapore Cancer Society have already generated over 3 million dollars of new funding.

It’s all about the People!!
An extremely successful internal training and promotional structure attracts graduate degree holders and entrepreneurs to join Appco’s team primarily because of the opportunities to advance quickly through the ranks into managing their own office. The quality of people in the sales force representing Singapore’s biggest names is therefore second to none and is often credited with being the industry standard . With 11 offices and client demand meaning expansion plans to grow to over 20 offices in the next 12 months it’s easy to see why this is the “go to” firm when it comes to Outsourced sales teams

So why all the buzz about outsourcing your sales team?
Return on investment, cash management and massive customer base increases to name a few. Managing your own sales team in house has traditionally been the best option for service companies in Telco, Banking and Insurance but with Appco’s arrival into Singapore these traditional ideas are changing. An outsourced sales team means a fully focused, highly motivated team that has the fit and feel of your organisation without the fixed overhead. The idea certainly isn’t new but handing your brand over to just any company has long been the risk companies have had to balance with the hunt for more market share. With Appco, clients have track record, testimonials, experience and professionalism through a culture of customer service excellence that gets ingrained into new recruits and is part of the organisation’s DNA. Appco believes that the true measurement of its performance is not how our Field Representatives behave with positive customers but with those that don’t sign for a service on the spot.

Can face-to-face sales ultimately replace above the line media?
Probably not, nor would Appco want it to. The complement of a broad media campaign and targeted direct sales to “finish the job” is now being touted as the ultimate combination in Marketing and Sales. This is being played out in Singapore with an island wide promotion of Singtel’s new MIO TV system. TV, Billboard and Newspaper are all exposing the Singaporean consumer to the features and benefits of the new technology but the customer will still be unclear about all the features, have questions or be too busy to get down to a Hello outlet all of which will result in less take up simply because of a lack of personal touch.
Appco solves all those problems by not only closing the partially convinced customer that needed more information but also those that didn’t even know the product was in the market.

What’s next in Singapore?
Expansion in our Telco, Fundraising and Credit divisions as well as new programmes in our Lifestyle Division which engages clients such as “Room Service”, Singapore’s best Food Delivery Service and the very stylish 789 restaurant down at the Esplanade are all developing well and we look forward to focusing on this new sector of the company in future editions.