If you’re interested in what we make of the latest working trends, want to read from our series of resourcing ‘think-pieces’ or see the most recent editions of UpClose (once you’ve registered), you’ve come to the right place.
Resourcing - selecting your fantasy marketing team
This ‘think-piece’ explains how the resourcing concept can give the marketing function real flexibility and dimension.
Introducing the Technology Market Interest Group (TMIG)
Formed in association with the Chartered Institute of Marketing, The Technology Market Interest Group (TMIG) is the first dedicated forum for best practice and professional development for those tasked with marketing technology. Whilst the technology sector has seen exponential growth in the past two decades, there has been little recognition of the unique dynamics and challenges that it creates for marketers. With this in mind, our goal is to enhance the contribution and effectiveness of our members and help them to create measurable success for their organisations.
Are you a ‘Corporate Prisoner’?
Economic conditions have created professionals who are now seen as ‘Corporate Prisoners’. Here, we take a slightly light-hearted look at the hostages held in roles that aren’t ideal for them, or their employers. And, as the recession begins to unlock, we consider the chances of early release.
How do you maintain momentum in your marketing team?
In many organisations, marketing departments are being put on “Pause” in response to the continuing recession. The resulting stalemate has created an environment that is stifling the creativity and drive that makes marketing so important to organisational success. It’s time for marketing to regain the initiative by adapting to the new economic conditions and demonstrating the leadership and flexibility to rebuild momentum. Finding new ways of motivating the team and delivering results is essential.
Sales and Marketing: working towards greater commercial impact
Sales and marketing have long been uncomfortable “bed-fellows”. Rewind to the 1980s and the focus was on marketing as the Holy Grail. Marketing was creative and was perceived as a very appealing industry to work in. Despite the fact that it formed the final part of the creative process, sales frequently got the brunt of unsuccessful activities - not being able to close sales or generate enough revenue. Fast forward to present day, and it is sales that are setting the pace in terms of the use of supporting technology, metrics and accountability. Marketing now has to play the catch-up game to make the same level of commercial impact.
Misconceptions of Contracting
Bring down the barriers Recruiting mid-term contract staff as part of a policy of flexible team selection appeals to marketing departments in most industries. But, for ICT businesses, the need to have the right marketing skills in the right place at the right time is perhaps more acute because the challenges of direct and indirect sales, lengthy sales cycles, fluctuating market conditions, extended decision-making groups, ever-evolving technologies and investor demands create a tough market where only the best can win. Project-based contracting is therefore becoming an increasingly important part of the ICT marketing scene. However, misconceptions about the role, responsibilities and value of contracting are rife among both marketing departments and contractors, and this may be proving a barrier to its potential contribution to marketing success. In this issue of UpClose, we look at the perceptions and the realities from both perspectives.
Virtual teams - are they working hard or hard work?
Team working has long been an integral element of project management, but the nature and composition of team working is changing as more and more organisations recognise the benefits of creating virtual teams. We’re talking about teams consisting of members based in separate locations who “meet” or communicate via different forms of technology such as audio, video or web conferencing, email, instant messaging, groupware or project programmes. Location is no longer an issue in team composition - members can work at home, on the move, in the office or in different parts of the world.
Will the credit crunch become an ICT marketing salary crunch?
Turmoil in the global money markets is set to create a ripple effect on business investment, and this is likely to impact on the technology sector during 2008. The question facing technology marketers and their employers is how will this impact on jobs and salaries?
Quantity or quality - is working from home working?
According to the Government’s Workplace Employment Relations Survey, almost one third of UK organisations now encourage their employees to work from home more often. Perhaps not surprisingly, IT and communications (ICT) companies such as BT are at the forefront of this trend - but is home-working delivering what these employers and their staff expected?
Do technology marketers earn more?
Wilson Miller Resourcing’s most recent Technology Marketing Recruitment & Salary Survey reveals that ICT Marketing Managers earn thousands more than professional marketers from other industries. Here’s why…
