About Us
Our Philosophy
Talking Stick Marketing & Communications Ltd is an unusual name for a unique company. Our ancient forefathers often met around the fire to debate and discuss the issues of the time. To avoid the gatherings descending into chaos with everyone speaking at once, the "stick" was introduced to control debate. He who held the “stick” held the sacred power of words and nobody could speak unless they were holding the “stick”. The “Talking Stick” was born and thereafter became the most powerful communications tool of its’ time. Although times have changed, chaotic debates are still commonplace, with new sales and marketing electronic spam clogging channels and messages becoming increasingly difficult to get across. However, our philosophy at Talking Stick Marketing, is to gain control of the “Talking Stick” and hold onto it for the benefit of our clients, ensuring that we deliver your message clearly, consistently and without interruptions.
Our Services
We offer comprehensive representation, marketing and sales solutions for the tourism and hospitality industry in the United Kingdom and Ireland. We tailor make all our marketing plans in conjunction with our clients to ensure that it suits their budgets and meets their goals. We are personally on hand at all times to support our clients’ interests, and ensure that they get the maximum exposure and return on investment that they demand in this highly competitive market.
- Facilitate regular in house sales training, presentations and product knowledge sessions to the travel trade and identified clients on your behalf.
- Coordinate and arrange meetings for your Sales & Marketing and Management staff when in the UK to visit key accounts.
- Organization and co-ordination of press trips and trade educationals, and if required lead such trips.
- Represent and facilitate at agreed upon trade and consumer shows, seminars and conferences
- Regular personalised telephone calls and visits to identified key account Product Managers and decision makers to nurture relationships, build awareness and generally network on your behalf.
- Update the trade on your rate releases, amendments, special offers and availability.
- Advise on UK market trends and suitability of special offers and sales staff incentives which may have an impact on incremental business.
- Inclusion in our regular e-newsletter service, “Talking Points” to our client data base.
- The storage and distribution of brochures, images, marketing and sales collateral.
Our Team
Marc Reading - Director and Founder
Marc, originally from Wales, moved to Southern Africa in the 70's where he was actively involved in the development of hotels, lodges and adventure tourism products in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and throughout Africa. Marc then turned his focus to Sales & Marketing and became responsible for Thomsons Africa Sales and Marketing in Europe and North America and accumulated an intimate knowledge of these areas along with an excellent reputation.
Marc moved back to the UK in 2007 and setup Talking Stick Marketing in the same year, with promoting bespoke properties in Africa being the primary focus. Marc's wanderlust travel spirit took him travelling to Asia, where upon his return, began the development of marketing strategies for clients in Asia. Marc is now a well known personality within the travel industry, with over 25 years of experience and sits on the Board of The Southern Africa Travel Organisers Association (SATOA) in the United Kingdom, where his input is invaluable to the organisations success.
Contact Marc on marc@talkingstickmktg.co.uk , by phone on +44 1278 661 592, skype marc_reading or via Facebook.
Byron Shirto - Co-Owner & Director
Byron, a native Zimbabwean, has a wealth of tourism knowledge and over 17 years of experience in global travel and tourism having both local DMC and European Sales and Marketing experience. Byron spent several years in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe with leading DMC’s specializing in adventure travel as well as photographic safaris in Southern Africa by land, water and air as well as Hospitality and Event Management. In 2000, Byron moved to London and worked for luxury Tour Operator Abercrombie & Kent, UK for 9 years and was responsible for Sales, Marketing and Product Development for Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa.
In 2009, Byron set up his own Marketing Company before joining forces with Marc Reading and Talking Stick Marketing in 2010. Byron sits on the Executive Committee of LATA, an association that promotes travel to Latin America, helping to drive the association forward in terms of strategy, marketing, events and re-branding.
Contact Byron on byron@talkingstickmktg.co.uk , by phone on +44 78281 99600, skype byron.shirto or via Facebook.
David Reading - Marketing Executive
David joined Talking Stick in January of 2010 and was raised in South Africa. Having travelled the region well, he is passionate about eco-friendly projects, conservation wildlife and travel. David specializes in the Indian sub continent market having an in depth knowledge of India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, where he has travelled extensively. As well as his Asia sales portfolio David also handles the African portfolio alongside Marc.
Contact David on david@talkingstickmktg.co.uk by phone on +44 1278 661592, skype reading_david or via Facebook.