Positive Dialogue scooped honours in the Influencer Marketing category at the 2020 New Generation Digital & Social Media Awards for its 'One Plus 7T Pro' campaign.

Following this achievement, it says it that it has now launched a new influence division. The sector will aim to offer a hybrid blend of authentic human connection underpinned by artificial intelligence and machine learning.

According to managing director Tracy Jones, the move 'hits the sweet spot' where being culturally relevant overlaps with data and insights.

"This launch was the next logical step in the DUKE Group's overall strategy, with all the agencies in the group fitting together like puzzle pieces that reveal the big picture: an insights-driven, 360-degree brand and communications solution," says Jones. "DUKE is making big, bold moves as it bets on the future of our industry on this continent and beyond."

"While we don't chase accolades for the sake of winning awards, winning Best Influencer Marketing Campaign alongside our DUKE partner Mark 1 provides the validation and impetus to take our influencer marketing to a new level," adds Jones.

"Our influencer division works in parallel to the existing Positive Dialogue PR business with its proven skillset, as well as with DUKE's other businesses, such as digital creative agency Mark 1. Content created in our campaigns can be amplified with a paid media strategy with our expert in-house partners," says Jones.

Jones adds that, while the fourth industrial revolution has shifted the paradigm in what's possible from data insights, a crucial aspect of authentic communications that should never be forgotten is the human touch. 

Influencer and renowned content creator Natalie Roos will lead the Positive Dialogue Influence team from Nairobi, Kenya, opening Africa's borders to clients. The rest of the team will sit alongside Positive Dialogue's extended team and important partners in the DUKE Group, such as CEO Wayne Naidoo, Brand Strategist Steve Miller, as well as Suhana Gordon who recently joined the Duke Group as executive creative director.

Roos has worked on integrated, content-driven digital campaigns for brands like Old Mutual and Land Rover and has won brands such as the Protea Hotels group and Pepsi. She is also an accomplished digital media editor, having served numerous positions at the Associated Media group.

"Having had the opportunity to work as an influencer myself, I have experience working on campaigns with brands such as Cotton On, Capitec Bank, Volkswagen, Adidas, Attitude Hotels and many more — creating content that both resonates with my audience and effectively communicates the brand's message," cocnludes Roos. "My passion is content excellence."

For more information, visit www.positivedialogue.co.za. You can also follow Positive Dialogue Communications on Facebook or on Twitter