While some folks on Capitol Hill would like you to believe that according to certain statistics, the “great recession” ended in mid 2009. Just about everyone on main street however would certainly disagree with that statement. So this leads us once again to take a look at how some businesses make it through challenging times while others do not? The answer is really quite simple. But you have to ask yourself this one question, does your company view advertising as an expense or an investment?
It’s no secret that when the economy goes south, the first cuts companies often make are from marketing. A number of studies suggest this is a significant mistake! Research clearly shows that companies that spend on marketing during a recession come out ahead of the competition. Instead of withdrawing "sticking their head in the sand" and waiting for something to happen, those who expand their programs during slowdowns better position themselves to benefit even before an eventual upturn occurs. Recognition decreases when advertising decreases. Likewise, an increase in advertising causes an increase in recognition. On Hold messaging is a tremendous tool to for recession advertising to increase recognition.
Many agree the “great recession” is vastly different recessions of history’s past. Despite previous behaviors of consumer spending to have the best or the biggest, times have changed, and consumers buying habits have changed as well. “Living well, now means living within your means”. So how do businesses succeed in a soft economy? Marketing experts agree that those companies that tout value are getting more bang for their buck. During challenging economic times, buyers look for value. The more value you provide, the more likely you are to become the provider of choice.
On Hold Messages are like no other when it comes to advertising during a slow economy. It's important to understand where opportunities are—and how to capitalize on them.
When businesses use on hold marketing it provides a unique window of opportunity to:
1) Promote value to targeted people who have some interest in your offerings
2) Solidify your customer base
3) Gain new customers
4) Build equity; by making inroads on your competitors who have cut their advertising during the recession period. This window of opportunity is created by the understanding that advertising is an investment, not an expense.
Despite what economists would like you to believe, the reality is we are facing economic challenges to the likes of which many of us have not experienced before. On Hold Message presentations offer you excellent opportunities to promote value at many different stages of the sales cycle. Some businesses use on hold messaging as a way to tout value and gain new customers, while others use messages on hold to up-sell existing customers. Whether for a prospect or an existing customer, on hold messaging also helps to ensure that you retain callers on hold, and don’t miss out in opportunity when it presents itself. A professional music on hold & message marketing system is a small investment that can pay big dividends, allowing you to break away from stagnation and take advantage of unique opportunities to grow your business.