Braddock & Hall launch ‘Chatterblock’ at Block

Two of Perth’s most respected marketing and communication executives, Mark Braddock and Carolyn Hall, have formed ChatterBlock, a division of brand management agency Block that specializes solely in digital and social media strategy.

ChatterBlock now sits alongside Block’s existing divisions: Block Consulting, Block Branding and Block Imagining.

Block’s decision to launch ChatterBlock heralds a major shift in the WA advertising industry, which is making way for niche, specialist players in addition to the large agencies that have traditionally dominated the landscape.

“Many marketing executives are curious about using social media toreach their consumers but they have no idea where to begin. AtChatterBlock, we hope to play a leading role in helping companiesimplement digital and social media strategies,” said Braddock,Creative Director and Co-founder at Block.

“One-on-one conversations with people have always been the holy grailof marketing communications, but until now they have always eluded us,”said Hall, explaining her decision to join ChatterBlock at Block.

“With the rise of digital media, the holy grail is within our grasp. Wecan now communicate directly with people without always needing costly,drawn-out product development cycles and focus groups. We can take aproduct or idea directly to the brand’s audience and they can tell usif they would buy it. This is a radical shift,” said Hall.

ChatterBlock will work with clients to show them how, when usingdigital media, it’s all about integration with their existingcommunication campaigns.  It’s not about technology, but a way to growcloser to existing customers as well as access new audiences far moreeffectively than mainstream media channels sometimes allow.

Braddock brings a wealth of experience to ChatterBlock having worked atThe Martin Agency and Ogilvy in the United States and SmartsAdvertising in the UK before returning to Perth in 2002. He formedBlock with co-founder and Managing Director Tanya Sim in 2002.

Carolyn Hall brings 22 years of experience to ChatterBlock as formerSenior Vice President for McCann World Group in New York. AtChatterBlock, she will also continue at the helm of brand consultancy,City Hall.

“We’re excited about collaborating with Carolyn because she’spassionate about all things digital and offers a fresh perspective as aresult of her mixed background as a marketing and advertisingexecutive. She already authors several blogs, and her websiteSmallNotes has been hugely popular, making her a bona fide digitalexpert,” said Braddock.

In 2006, Hall returned to Perth from the United States as Brand &Communications Director of the Royal Automobile Club (RAC), whichbecame the top-ranking brand in the Annual WA Business News brandingsurvey for two years running under her leadership.