7 Sales points for 2019

By Andrea Messimer Henley, Director of New Business Development and Marketing at Circle Graphics.

2019 will be a very pivotal year, like it or not. As we shut the door on 2018 we have much to reflect on in the advertising world.  We have big tech showing some stress fractures in the scrutiny surrounding Facebook, financial strains on other platforms, and an emphasis on analytics and programmatic buying like we have never experienced before.

There are so many things to look toward for 2019 it is hard to narrow it down to just seven. As I look forward and not back I have selected seven topics, I think are worth being top of mind while we move into the New Year.

1.Gen Z is here and you need to consider them: Right now, Gen Z has arguably the most influence in the consumer market. As a generation that does not remember life without a mobile device it is VERY important to consider them when planning a campaign. This means support how the mobile device can be vertically integrated from the inception of the creative process.

2.Simplify the buying process: Customers are getting so accustomed to the buying experience of Amazon that we are all expected to make it that easy.  As a consumer I expect my online shopping experience to be easy, accurate and hassle free.  If it is, I can guarantee I will be a repeat customer and refer others. If you have an automated system in your company, conduct on going webinars, or face to face presentations as often as possible.

3.Push Play: First people did not want to take a meeting so a call would suffice. Then it was please send me an email and do not call. Now email does not get returned. In 2019 one of the things to watch according to Forbes is creative content. Send your partners compelling content and let them push play. Break through the communication buy taking all of the work out of it I know one of the things you can expect out of me is seeing more video in 2019 if it’s a follow up, industry content, or just following up.

4.The importance of Authenticity: Thankfully we have not been replaced by machines quite yet. The best way to keep a healthy relationship with your customer is to remind them that you appreciate their business. I have said this repeatedly through my career that you have to “Show up” as technology seeps deeper into our daily business lives use it to your advantage as another touch point to your customers or prospects.  Continue to provide new ideas to engage clients.  Set up webinars, lunch and learns, share press releases, promote and share your customer successes.

5.Less is always More: Brands want to be memorable, impactful, thought provoking, and the proven way to do this time after time is to have absolutely stellar creative.  With ad dollars stretched over so many different platforms now more than ever the message has to be immediate and have a tie in with the campaign as a whole. If you want to get on the plan, start with compelling creative ideas.

6.Personal Brand-   The importance of personal branding, I can’t emphasize this enough.  A personal brand is not a job title, or a personal mission statement. Rather a “catch phrase” if you will, about your specific expertise.  Be consistent with your messaging on all platforms.  I discovered a void in my industry, and I have worked hard and stayed consistent to provide and share great content. I am excited to share that I have been ranked through google analytics as the #1 influential person on Social Media for 2018 for the Out of Home Industry.  Therefore I have also been able to raise the overall interest of the industry as a whole, which reaches past the US.

7.Face to Face Communication – Communication is more than just words.  Meeting in person helps you detect body language, feelings, tones, and reactions, which can often be misinterpreted through digital channels. If it is not convenient to meet in person due to geographic locations, try conducting a video presentation that will intrigue decision maker’s to participate.  One of my mentor’s gave me great advice, at the beginning of my career. Those who meet with decision makers face to face regularly, will be memorable, stand out, earn more business, and will be considered as a professional who took the time to understand their needs in person, which builds trust and a long term relationship.

Statistics according to Hubspot 2018

  1. Nearly 100% of people say face to face meetings are essential for building long term relationships.
  2. Close rate for in person meetings is 40%
  3. The average company would lose 17% of its profits if it eliminated business travel.

Have a great Holiday Season!

Here’s to wishing you all Health & Happiness in 2019.

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One Comment

  1. Andrea,
    Great article. One question, do you have separate social media profiles for personal vs. business? Merry Christmas