COVID19 is changing the way we live and work. It is changing the way we think and is driving individuals and businesses to innovate across all levels of life. There is a need to revise business strategies, find new sources of income, adjust the product offering, review the changes in strategic market behaviours and the way to communicate to entice customers. Companies have also started cutting budgets, optimising their resources and finding ways to get more for less and will often need to work “smarter” to get the same or better results in the “New Normal”.
It’s not always smart to cut; companies have to think smart to optimise resources
One of the areas where companies react to crisis is by cutting costs in marketing. This isn’t necessarily, always the right approach. Procter and Gamble’s success evolved from The Great Depression when all other companies were throttling down their advertising efforts to cut costs. The company actively pursued new marketing avenues and when others in the industry went quiet they dramatically increased their share of voice and brought new innovative ideas of how to engage and excite their customers. Cutting down, even if necessary, needs to be done carefully and rationally with a smart plan in place. If a company cannot afford marketing and, which is even worse, marketing resources, they need to think out of the box to still get the best result, and maintain their presence in new ways.
A Marketing Team Outsourced?
This is why “Your Marketing Team” (YMT) was born. This is not a traditional marketing agency. “We are your marketing team without the headache and stress of having your own in house team. No need to worry about managing us, our efficiency or our deliverables, training and upskilling. We are also experiencing that in these challenging times, when the future is difficult to predict, it is easier for companies not to commit to long term contracts or new hires, and this is where YMT provides the optimal solution”, says Alicja Radwanska the MD of YMT. Businesses can use YMT on a part time basis, monthly fee, project basis or for a strategic consultation when needed. “We have all the skills small and large businesses need: From strategic advisory roles and planning development, through brand building and management, communication and content strategy and implementation to digital graphic design and web development”, mentions Camilla Owen-Jones, HOD.
Executive Leadership
“Too few company boards have a marketing mind in attendance at meetings. No wonder so many companies have been helplessly disrupted”, said famous professor of marketing Phil Kotler. It is critical to bring Marketing Executives to strategic business conversations and use their intimate understanding of markets and customers, expertise in growing profitable revenue and experience in strengthening external and internal brands. But many companies simply cannot afford another executive position and marketing is often the first one to go. YMT can offer this service on a part-time as well as a flexible basis that can bring enormous value to the company business decisions, annual strategy sessions and contingency planning.
Executive leadership in uncertain times.
So how does YMT work?
“Our process consists of three stages: Discovery session, research and recommendations, and implementation. Some businesses will need help in strategy and recommendations, some will need a team to implement and others will just need ad hoc assistance on certain projects as they don’t have marketing expertise or time to build their brands and strengthen their position in the market”, reaffirms Sasha Gomes, PR Manager.
Marketing matters…
Marketing done well creates a demand that doesn’t require “selling”. Your customer will come to you because they want your product or services and experience, because they trust you and because they relate to you. So it is critical that companies don’t underestimate the role marketing plays in the success of their business, not only at a tactical level but also at a strategic decision making vantage point in terms of the direction the company takes.
If you need any assistance to navigate your business through the marketing world and to take you to the profitable destination, contact Your Marketing Team on www.yourmarketingteam.co.za
