Marketing Communications Archives - Making Every Word Count

Why Marketers Need to Now Embrace a VUCA Mindset to Stay Effective

Marketing today is harder than ever. Customer behavior changes overnight. One viral moment can shift entire brand perceptions. Algorithms update constantly, upending months of planning. Budgets tighten while expectations grow. Channels evolve so fast that yesterday’s best practices quickly feel outdated.

In this chaos, the bar for being a strong marketer keeps rising. It’s no longer enough to be creative. You need data skills, agility, and sharp instincts. And, you must make quick decisions with limited clarity. You need to thrive in uncertainty.

Many See Themselves As a Marketing Expert – Few Really Are

There are many who believe they are a marketing expert. People have opinions on commercials, slogans, and logos. They think they know what works. A finance executive might suggest a rebranding strategy based on their favorite color. A product manager may insist a new feature deserves a full advertising campaign. The CEO’s brother thinks the website needs to be changed, including the color palette (btw, this is a true story)!

Marketing opinions are everywhere. The reality is that few really understand all the repercussions and requirements needed for a cohesive, effective marketing strategy. Those who truly are marketing experts are few and far between. I have met a few and aspire to learn as much as I can from them! This reality makes managing a marketing function both exciting and challenging.

Looking To Ignite Industry Analyst Engagement? Here Are 3 Tips

Industry analysts, such as those at Gartner or IDC, can significantly impact your brand’s reputation and market visibility. This is particularly the case for enterprise software or technology companies. Ideally, your goal should be to build relationships with the analysts who regularly speak with your customers and prospects. This way messaging and product positioning will be regularly communicated with greater alignment and accuracy. Issues can be resolved faster with open communications and can be achieved with industry analyst engagement.

Industry analysts not only shape market perceptions, but they can also help software companies by providing insights on product strategy and competitive positioning. Igniting industry analyst engagement requires a deliberate, consistent approach. Here are three strategies I have found effective in strengthening these critical relationships.

Understanding Industry Analyst Relations: Definition, History, and Impact

Industry analyst relations (AR) is a specialized practice that involves engaging with influential industry analysts. Analysts can provide insights, research, and opinions that shape perceptions of technology vendors in specific markets. These analysts influence buyer decisions and validate the credibility of technology solutions.

This article explains the concept of AR, its evolution, and five key benefits it offers to organizations – provided the relationship is managed appropriately. Not all analyst relations programs are successful in achieving each of these benefits. This shortfall can be based on several factors that I’ll explore deeper in a future article. View this article as a starting point with key objectives that should be factored as part of your initial analyst relations program and strategy.

Set the Stage for Business Growth With These Essential Tips

Starting and running a business is no easy feat. It requires hard work, dedication, and an understanding of the market and how to best position your business. We have compiled a list of tips that will help you get started on the path toward business growth.

Critical Considerations When Expanding Your Business

Growing a business is an exciting time, but it also comes with risks. You need to consider both the financial and legal implications of expanding your business. You must have a solid plan in place before leaping. Here are some crucial considerations for growing your business.

The Quick Reference Branding Guide for Small Business Owners

Brands are powerful – they allow companies to make lasting impressions on customers and, ultimately, influence purchase decisions. There’s a reason why companies spend 10.9 percent of their revenues on marketing, with branding being a large part of it. Focusing on your brand as a small business owner can reap rich rewards.

Branding is a nebulous concept, though, not well-understood and ever-evolving. It can be hard to know where to begin and what’s going to net you solid returns. To help you get started and make informed decisions, GB Marketing & Communications offers this quick reference branding guide for small business owners:

Have We Lost Trust in Communications?

Regardless of your political orientation, I think we can all agree that anytime popular opinion can be manipulated by spreading false news is a bad thing. With a new election set to occur next year in the US, there is a concern (rightly so) about the possibility of foreign actors or others exerting influence on the outcome. Similarly, trust over personal data held by corporations is now at an all-time low. Have we forever lost trust in communications? Can it be regained? What can marketers or communications pros do to help reverse this trend?

The Research Findings are In

The Institute for Public Relations recently conducted a survey addressing this concern. The study, “The 2019 IPR Disinformation in Society Report,” was based on a poll conducted March 19-24, 2019 by 2,200 Americans. The research sought to identify the level of trust the American public has in collecting information from various data sources as well as the parties that are responsible for combatting disinformation.