Permuto was well represented by our illustrious Director of Sales, Deanne Swartz, at the recent, invite only, iMedia Brand Summit at Coronado, California, September 13 – 16, 2009.  The event is an annual summit between media sales pros and some of biggest brands who are spending on online advertising.

Here are some interesting takeaways observed from the Summit sessions.

• Sell marketing solutions, not advertising ideas – Tell brand buyers how they can sell their product, not where they can buy more advertising.
• It’s about effectiveness, stupid – It’s not what is most efficient – most effective. We are overvaluing clicks – need to readjust our measurement value
• Come with an Interesting POV – Brands like to be taught about new and interesting insights about their audience, not just sold to. Media buyers want sales reps to “bring a point of view about their business” to a meeting.  It is important to use data to make points on whey they should buy from you.
• Come Prepared or Go Home – 25% of all sellers do not come prepared or understand their business.  Tip:  Use Twitter to see where people are talking about their business.

Here are some interesting pictures from the Summit.