SMART MARKETING DELIVERS BIG BUSINESS THINKING - WITHOUT THE BUDGET

It used to be that marketing departments and big ideas went hand-in-hand with big business - but an innovative approach to marketing is making creative and affordable marketing campaigns a reality for Canterbury businesses.
 
After 15 years working internationally in senior marketing positions, born and bred Cantabrian Anne Newman was looking for new challenges when she returned home two years ago.  Now she’s delivering a unique offering in Canterbury through a specialist provider in outsourced marketing resources called Volom which offers businesses a virtual marketing department, without impacting on headcount or blowing budgets.
 
For many businesses, taking on additional staff to manage specialist areas of the business such as marketing just isn’t realistic, says Newman.
 
“For business owners, outsourcing these functions to experts is the best way to ensure any activities actually produce results while being extremely cost effective – ultimately costing far less than bringing on a full-time employee.”
 
Newman says outsourced marketing is particularly attractive to many Canterbury businesses as they continue in the post-earthquake rebuild phase, and especially at a time when new business registrations are on the increase in the region.
 
“Christchurch will see a significant growth over the next five to 10 years and businesses need to be set to make the most of the opportunities that will present themselves.  The earthquake had a devastating impact and now many SMEs are re-evaluating how they’ve operated previously, and what they can do better for the future,” says Newman.
 
“Ninety six per cent of businesses in New Zealand are SMEs and Christchurch is no different with a large number – many of which have no marketing department or a staff member dedicated to marketing requirements.  We’re offering them a virtual marketing department with the skills, expert advice and action they need. And a real advantage for businesses is that it’s completely tailored depending on the business requirements – it may be just five to 10 hours a week, or more as needed.
 
“A traditional marketing consultancy might focus on strategy, while the advertising agency focuses on campaign execution.  Instead, we adopt a fully integrated approach providing the full gamut of marketing services where every activity is carefully integrated with the business and marketing plan, and always measurable,” adds Newman.
 
Over the last 12 months, Newman has supported a number of Christchurch based businesses including The Palms Shopping Centre, Mt Hutt Helicopters, Absolute Homes and the Crusaders. 
 
“Each business is unique in their offering and has different challenges and opportunities.  I love the variety and the challenge of working with a variety of businesses.   Despite their differences they all have one thing in common, a drive to grow their business - not to mention their bottom line,” says Newman.
 
Many of the businesses she’s working with had not previously considered outsourced services to help them, but it’s a model that is gaining momentum in New Zealand, and for good reason she adds.
 
“For most of the businesses I’m working with, the move to outsourced marketing services just makes good sense.  They get all the benefits of an in-house marketing resource, without the cost, expense and headcount impact of taking on a dedicated employee – it’s quite simply a no-brainer.”
 
Anne’s 5 top tips for considering outsourced services:
 
1.       Keep credibility top of mind when considering partners – check references and get to know the individual and/or the wider team.
 
2.       Look for providers who will actually care about your business.  You want your provider coming to you with ideas and solutions rather than someone who only responds when you call.
 
3.       Ensure they are professional in their approach.  If they’re not professional with their own business how will they be with yours?
 
4.       Make sure they’re someone you like and get on with.  A good outsourced services provider will become part of your business so it is important you can see them as one of the team.
 
5.       Make sure you set clear objectives and KPIs, are clear around budget, put an agreement in place, and keep talking.

www.volom.com