The quieter you become, the more you hear

For those of you that know us well, you will know we are not always the quietest bunch of people in the world. But when it comes our customers, we would like to think we take the time to stop the chatter and listen to you. And that is exactly what we have done recently.
 
Over the last month, we have been carrying out client listening with a broad range of customers and contacts both in the UK and globally. Firstly, a massive thank you to all that took part. The interviews were run independently, to gather impartial, qualitative insights into your needs, challenges and priorities. Most importantly, we wanted to hear how we could improve what we do, in order to continue supporting you in the very best way possible.
 
Some of the things you told us, we’ve already actioned; simplifying our value proposition documents in to visual slides and two-page narratives. Other feedback we are using to build into our plan for the coming year, making sure we can continue to provide our expert, focussed services in the most creative and knowledgeable way possible. For example, using more creative storytelling in what we do.
 
We have also used the interviews to get a sense of what’s happening in your world, and this is what you told us:
 

• Challenges continue with marketing, and specifically partner marketing not being central to the business, therefore increasing the pressure on you to demonstrate ROI and gain the respect internally and amongst peers to shift perceptions. A lack of skilled resource and budget pressure is not helping this situation.
• There is also still a significant disconnect being felt between global and local strategy. Pressure is on to re-invent yourselves as a result of digital transformation, but this is tough when the business is not aligned. New ways to do things are most definitely needed - for example, the ability to tell stories competitively and create personalised content is high on your wish lists.

 
We were delighted to hear that you felt our experience and in-depth understanding of the markets you operate in, along with our partner relationships, were some of the key things that set us apart. We really do pride ourselves on the people we have and, most importantly, their ability to quickly slot in as an extension of your team and mange projects from the top down. Something which you have told us is hugely important, especially within resource light marketing teams or where multiple, often quite senior stakeholders, need engagement.
 
This is not a one time only exercise. Always listening and taking the time to understand more about you, and your world, will help us remain relevant to your needs and continually improve the support and solutions we provide.
 
If you would like to share any more of your thoughts about working with us and how we can evolve what we do to help you, please do just drop us a line.

Hilary Salzman

Director and Head of Value Proposition Development