SBA looks at overseas opportunities . . . By Director Wayne Hall
February 1, 2007
During January I had the good fortune to meet with various business music operators in the UK and Europe, and it has been interesting to note that they are faced with the same challenges as Australian businesses. A stand-out requirement in these regions is that more and more music programs, to be effective, are having to become more precise to cater for specific tastes and brands. For examples, in Spain, juke box operators no longer want just Spanish music; rather, they require programs made up of the latest Polish, Romanian, English and Spanish tracks to cater for diverging audience preferences. Likewise, retailers need to identify and use distinct music styles in order to differentiate their brand in a cluttered marketplace. It is a matter of quality, not quantity; just as we have found it to be here in Australia.
Then there is the challenge of technology. There is no shortage of new software and gadgets for delivering and playing music, though I suspect – from what I have seen - that many developers are continuing to make the mistake of designing systems based on their view of the world, without too much reference to the market and the end user. Many of the new music system solutions appear to have dozens of features that can be listed in impressive brochures. They can all but make you a cup of coffee, but they still don’t deliver the half dozen features that customers want - simply and effectively. Our experience at SBA is that the more complicated a solution, the more it is prone to issues once placed in the market. Simplicity and relevance is the key.
Finally, it is apparent that there are real opportunities for Australian developers, manufacturers and content suppliers to do business overseas. The Australian business music market is well advanced and sophisticated by world standards and in a great position to take advantage of these markets. Certainly, SBA will be looking to take its supply model and music programming methodology offshore during 2007, so if you are interested in discussing joint opportunities for these markets, feel free to give me a call on +61 2 9699 4188 or email wayneh@sbamusic.com.au
Wayne Hall
Director
- "Having been a SBA customer since the first Radioactivity, Commercial Cutz & BPM, I have been extremely happy with the service provided. Keep up the great work. I, like the rest of your customers, greatly appreciate all the effort everybody at SBA puts into producing these quality products." - Serge - DJ:Plus! Entertainment
- "We approached SBA Music with very specific brief. We knew we wanted an unusual mix of music genres and throughout the day we wanted moods and tempos to change. SBA Music was effective in dissecting our brief, seeking to understand our business and translating it to the quirky audio atmosphere we now have, that reflects our brand and delights our customers."
- Melanie Schwarz, TS 14+ - "SBA is a fantastic avenue for exposure of your artists, not only does it get your song added to many playlists but they also have the facility to get your video played and they are a very professional outfit. "
- Russell Thomas, Kaos Management - "SBA's highly organised programming team is always on top of the game when it comes to supporting local indie artists, giving them the attention and exposure they deserve. It's refreshing to see a company that REALLY does make music their business. "
- Tim West, The Right Profile - "Music is a critical component of store atmosphere and plays a significant role in the purchase decision-making process. "
– Michael Morrison, Monash University - "One of the best things about working with SBA is the roll out system we have in place… all we have to do is notify them of a new site, and they take care of the rest. It’s too easy. "
- Carlos Antonius, Nando’s Australia Marketing Director - "SBA are not just our music supplier. Their capacity to work with us to deliver an in-store music strategy that went above and beyond our initial requirements means we now view them as an integral part of our team."
- Paul Montalto, National Communications & Promotions Manager, Target - "Our no. 1 priority was to implement a music strategy that reinforced our brand and created an atmosphere that was distinct to Gloria Jeans. SBA’s on-going commitment to this process has been outstanding. In addition, they’ve worked with us on a number of initiatives that have continued to add value & develop our brand. "
- Elizabeth West, Gloria Jean's Coffees, Group Marketing Manager - "SBA are always in there working as a partner to assist us. They understand the market and like to get our take on things, which is important. "
- Dennis McGrath, Amarda Operations - "We’ve been subscribing to SBA Music for years. The monthly chart program is always spot on and the theme programs include all the timeless, must-have tracks that punters want to hear... The programs end up paying for themselves. "
- Erwin Boot, Automatic Music - "SBA's CD's takes the guess work out of song selection… if it's on their CD's it will pack the dance floor. "
- DJ Guru - "For us, SBA are a one stop shop. The music solution we’ve put in place has addressed all our needs as bar and restaurant operators. We have the right music playing at the right time, at the right levels… in all key areas of our venues. It fills the gap and provides the right atmosphere for our venues. "
- Jeremy Milner, Bavarian Bier Cafes - "We choose SBA for its diversity and up to the minute track listings" - Rock-On Mobile DJ Services
- “SBA’s Launching Pad Initiative is a fantastic way to bring new bands to a new audience…don’t get left behind.”
- Tim West, The Right Profile - "SBA are always prompt and always have the music I need"
- DJ Bodz - "SBA has taken the pain out of running an effective and reliable source of music for our stores. Their flexibility and knowledge help us create the right atmosphere for our customers every time."
- Robert Marsden, IT Manager – Zarraffa’s Coffee