23 March 2022

The 5 Cs of Marketing from Anywhere

Submitted by: MyPressportal Team

Way before Covid-19 came along and changed our lives, we in the technology industry were already talking about the idea of ‘anywhere operations’. Basically, what it means is that businesses are people-centric and location-independent – and it’s all enabled by technology. Today, some form of anywhere operations is a must-have for most businesses as we make our way in the post pandemic world.

So how does marketing work in an ‘anywhere operations’ set-up? For me, it’s all about the 5 Cs.

Clear Strategy

It doesn’t matter where you’re working from: successful marketing starts with a clear understanding of goals, objectives, and activities, with clear deadlines to achieve these goals. Then it’s a matter of monitoring your progress and ensuring everyone is aware of any challenges. For me, Microsoft Planner is an excellent project and task management tool to track activities and deadlines.  It’s available on the Microsoft 365 platform (and yes, Itec can provide Microsoft 365 licences!)

Communication Tools

If communication is King, how you communicate is Queen. I stay in touch with people using a variety of tools: WhatsApp groups for ‘to the point’ messaging, email groups to communicate to specific targeted groups or teams, and StarLeafor Microsoft Teamsfor calls and collaboration tools (like Microsoft Planner) so your whole team is in the know.

Collaboration

Whether it’s between you and your team, your agencies, vendors and suppliers, or internal departments, marketing is all about sharing. At Itec, we collaborate across internal platforms like OneDrive and websites with authorised logins, with email notifications to notify team members of any updates. You must however ensure that your hardware, software and network is secure. That’s where we use solutions like Sophos, with Endpoint, Network and Email Protection playing a key role in making sure our collaboration stays safe.

Connection

Even if you’re working remotely, the pandemic has shown us the value of face-to-face connection. I try to set up in-person meetings with my team at least twice a week. We just blossom when we strategise together - you can feel the creativity washing through the room!

Culture

When working remotely, it’s easy to zone out and just focus on the work. But it’s important to check-in with each other, and have simple, non-work-related conversations. Whether that’s a Friday afternoon wine-down session with your team, or a quick chat in the office, make time to connect as people. It’s vital that you keep your company culture alive and make some time for fun!

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NOTE TO THE EDITOR 

About Itec Group South Africa

With over 25 years in existence, Itec SA has delivered simple, smarter, and cost-effective managed business services to help businesses run more efficiently.

Itec is southern Africa's fastest-growing office automation, telecommunications, cybersecurity, cloud and software solutions provider with flexible finance options. Through its 47 southern African branches, the company implements technology solutions based on locally developed as well as imported, industry-leading and award-winning products. Some of its 18 000 customers include Value Logistics, Implats, Department of Housing, Business Connexion, ADT, Rand Refinery, First National Bank, Anglogold Ashanti, National Health Laboratory Services and ADvTECH.

Itec management rebranded the company in 2004 following a merger of the separate copier, printer, and fax business units initially established in 1987.

For more information, please visit www.itecgroup.co.za