How has the pandemic impacted the marketing industry?

Marketing agencies have had to alter the way they work during the current global pandemic. Businesses, such as Rhino Marketing, have been impacted. BUzz News wanted to know more about how they have been affected and the adaptions they have had to make.

About Rhino Marketing

Rhino Marketing is one of the many marketing and communications groups that have had to change how they work, especially with offices in the USA, UK and India.

This company provides services such as brand building strategies, integrated media plans, relevant creative campaigns and customer activation promotions. Clients include Red Bull, Nissan and the NFL.

How has the pandemic changed business?

Thomas Hensey, managing partner at Rhino Marketing recognises the difficulties in working remotely and discusses adaptations to their business models. “It’s certainly been a challenge as we’ve had to vacate office space and everyone is now working remotely so we’ve had to set up the infrastructure to be able to remote work.

“Firstly, we ensured our employees have the necessary tools to work from their house. Then we had to restructure the working day.

“Initially we didn’t lose anybody or make anyone redundant but over course of time we realised that some people weren’t needed anymore and they were fine with that.” Since the pandemic began, this company has lost about 20% of its employees, simply because the new set up was not a good fit for them. Unlike many other businesses, the employees that left were not forced to do so, they needed to do something that was a better fit for them.

This company had to adapt to the situation and this was done by having virtual meetings which proved difficult especially having offices and clients in different parts of the world.

Prior to Covid-19, meetings would be conducted in person, however many companies have had to rethink this and Rhino Marketing is no exception, as there are still client’s needs and deadlines that they have to adhere to.

How has the pandemic affected business?

Thomas said “Business is definitely off.

“We’re 20%-30% off normal revenue as we can’t go out and do business as normal.”

Initially, he created this company based on human interaction and team work. The advantages of remote working are that it saves money and time on commuting.

However, Thomas added: “There is nothing that can replace being in the same room as people and working through issues as now it’s working in isolation followed by a team call.”

This company also work with the American National Football League bringing the games to London. Thomas explains that “sadly the decision was made to cancel the 2020 NFL London games. Although, it was an easy decision because of Covid-19 and the safety of the players, fans and staff are a priority.

“Personally, it was devastating as it was the first time in 30 years that I haven’t been involved in an NFL game in London and it felt like something was missing.

“From a business standpoint, it was very tough because it was something that we all looked forward to, put a lot of work into and made money off of.”

However, the business decision to cancel the games was completely understood to ensure the safety of everyone involved but “it was tough both emotionally and financially.”

Looking to the future, Rhino Marketing are hopeful that after the pandemic there can be more face to face interaction whilst also incorporating some of the changes made as a result of it.

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