|
||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
St. Louis Business & Technology News
"When you think Saint Louis, think Saint Louis Front Page," a weekly publication covering the news and events in the greater St. Louis area. 
How To Reach Us:St. Louis Front Page P.O. Box 1354 St. Louis, MO 63188 Voice: 314-771-0200 Fax: 314-771-0300 To submit news, contact: editor@slfp.com To advertise, contact: advertising@slfp.com |
 |
Companies Should Invest in Marketing During Economic Down Times ST. LOUIS (PRNewswire), January 25, 2009 - With the official announcement that the United States has been in a recession for the past 12 months, many marketers are cutting spending out of fear of reduced consumer expenditures. However, a recession presents an opportunity for incisive marketers to increase market share by maintaining or even increasing their marketing investment. In a recession, there are three long-term benefits of investing in marketing: 1. Maintain momentum in the marketplace, especially when competitors are sitting on the sidelines and disappearing. 2. Increase your brand equity and drive short-term sales at the same time. 3. Increase your share of voice, and therefore your share of market which will help you come out of the recession faster. According to Mark Schofield, president of Keating Magee, a 28 year old communications firm based in New Orleans, "Keating Magee has weathered the oil bust of the 1980s, the tragedy of 9/11 and the ravages of Hurricane Katrina. In each instance, not only did we recommend to our clients that they increase -- or at least maintain -- their marketing efforts, but we as an agency did the same. The result? Keating Magee had a record breaking year after Hurricane Katrina." In its white paper, "Marketing in a Recession," Keating Magee advises companies to consider several strategies. First, do not cut marketing budgets; rather, invest in yourself. This may mean a different approach, one that is more consumer sensitive. Schofield explains, "We advise our clients to sharpen their strategic focus to use messaging that is empathetic to the consumer's concerns." Second, relationships become even more important, especially to retain current consumers. Marketers that accentuate value, reliability and durability can counter the consumer's concerns. Schofield says, "Examine your client base to identify what they value. By researching the consumer, you will be in a better position not only to maintain but also to grow your business." Third, accountability is critical. Strategies that can be carefully measured, such as online, are often priorities. Fourth, consider public relations, which offers a cost effective way to generate buzz about your product or service. In conclusion, consumer habits are likely to shift during a recession, presenting great opportunities for innovative marketers. Astute marketers can create product or service innovations that are a result of the recession and pinpoint a new and untapped consumer. Edward Jones Ranked No. 2 on FORTUNE Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" List ST. LOUIS (PRNewswire), January 25, 2009 - The financial-services firm Edward Jones ranked No. 2 on FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For 2009" list in its 10th year on the prestigious list. Edward Jones also ranked No. 1 for large-sized companies. Edward Jones' 10 FORTUNE rankings include top 10 finishes for seven years and consecutive No. 1 rankings in 2002 and 2003. "We are delighted by this honor and feel especially proud because it is based largely upon associate feedback during these particularly challenging times," said Jim Weddle, managing partner of Edward Jones. "It indicates we are succeeding in our goal to make Edward Jones a career destination." In naming Edward Jones to the list, FORTUNE editors say that despite the stock market collapse, the firm assured associates it had little to no exposure to high-risk mortgages or financial derivatives and no plans for layoffs. Edward Jones hired nearly 1,000 new financial advisors in 2008. "It is gratifying to know that Edward Jones is a positive place to work and that it offers opportunity for our associates to grow, develop their talents and contribute," Weddle said. "As we all work together to help serve our clients - serious, long-term individual investors - we thank our associates for their contributions. They help make Edward Jones the unique firm that it is." To pick the "100 Best Companies to Work For," FORTUNE works with Robert Levering and Milton Moskowitz of the Great Place to Work(R) Institute -- a global research and consulting firm with offices in 30 countries -- to conduct the most extensive employee survey in corporate America. More than 81,000 employees from 353 companies responded to the 57-question survey created by the Institute. Two-thirds of a company's score is based on the survey, which is sent to a minimum of 400 randomly selected employees. The remaining third is based on a company's responses to the Culture Audit questionnaire, which asks detailed questions about demographics, pay and benefits, and open-ended questions on philosophy, communication and more.  
The Saint Louis Front Page is owned and maintained by the Moore Design Group for the sole purpose of disseminating news and information about the Metropolitan Saint Louis area. Text or graphics may not be copied, rewritten or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permission. For more information, contact editor@slfp.com All rights reserved world wide © 1996 - 2009 Moore Design Group. |
|
St. Louis Front Page Advertising Information
| |||||||
