Let’s be honest, 2020 is just not the year for celebration. Birthdays, anniversaries, even weddings have come and gone in 2020 with little fanfare. This year, our agency turns 4. Though we are not able to celebrate the way we would like to, a lot has happened since our last anniversary, and we try to make a point of to look back and reflect on all the change we’ve seen since last July.
Continued Commitment to Wisconsin Manufacturers
We already knew that working with manufacturers was a good choice. Our clients are some of the most dedicated, salt of the earth, and fun people around.
This year, however, manufacturing stepped into the global consciousness. People around the world continue to become more aware of just how crucial manufacturing is to not only our economy, but to the well-being of every citizen.
Manufacturing, quite literally, keeps the world moving forward.
Throughout history, manufacturers have stepped up in times of need. During wars and natural disasters, manufacturers have shifted focus to provide what is most needed to support the nation.
Now, during a global pandemic, several manufacturing companies pivoted to help produce personal protective equipment as doctors, nurses and facilities across the country were in desperate need. It was this response from the industry that made us recognize: We’re in the right place. These are our people.
It was this response from the industry that made us recognize: We’re in the right place. These are our people.
Brand Matters
We love doing branding work. As brand strategists, we understand just how vital brand is to the wellbeing of a business, and the happiness of their team.
Throughout this entire pandemic, businesses and consumers alike were paying close attention to businesses, and whether or not they are living up to their brand promises. This will bring a permanent shift in both buyer and talent behavior.
Core Values Are Being Put To The Test
Core values were tested, and brought to the forefront. How was leadership communicating with the team? What protective measures were put in place for the safety of the team and customers? How did your business step up and help the community?
Consumers are paying close attention to these details, and will continue to spend their money at businesses who are living up to their core values, and putting in the extra effort to keep their team safe, treat their employees with compassion and give back to the community.
Company Culture is Holding Companies Together
Figuring out how to run a business during a pandemic has been difficult to say the least. We’ve watched as our clients have adjusted work hours, cleaning routines, schedules and communication to accommodate the safety of their team and customers.
Their culture of teamwork and support has allowed them to stay viable as a business, and avoid employee burnout.
For us, going to full-time WFH has been a shock to the system. We’re still figuring out how we’re going to adjust in the long run, but we do know our culture has held us together.
Concentrating on transparency, honesty, and communication has allowed us to continue forward despite everything being less fun and collaborative because we cannot be with one another.
Company culture has always been important to the happiness and well-being of a team. Now, it is the most important part of working together. We’re so grateful we can fall back on our culture and core values to get us through this period.
Focus on Key Stakeholders
Over the last year, we’ve solidified our Experience Strategies as our core services. Each experience strategy focuses on either employees, customers or community members. Society’s response to COVID has highlighted these groups are becoming equally important in 2020 – and business’ efforts to invest in them are indispensable. Customers have always mattered, but no business can ignore their employees or community today.
The Power of the Feminine
These last couple of months have allowed us to acknowledge what leading differently looks like. Across the world, several countries run by women have been led with sincerity, empathy, and action, and their citizens are now in a much safer and healthier place.
These traits need to exist across all businesses and industries. In a world calling for more empathy, we’re using our strengths as women and as leaders to build a better tomorrow.
Looking Forward
It’s certainly hard to plan for the future when there is so much uncertainty in every decision that can be made. However, we continue to find a path to better serve our clients, expand our customer base and find more ways to support our team.
