Learn the art and science behind building a captivating smart Zoom presentation that keeps your viewers focused!

Ever wonder if all your follow-up emails after a final pitch are helpful to tipping the win in your direction?

• AAR Partners managed a review for an insurance company a number of years ago where a thank you note that was mailed to the client team was the deciding factor for that agency to win the pitch.
• AAR managed a financial review where one of the finalists sent three follow-up emails over the course of a few weeks that highlighted information about the agency which was relevant to the client’s business and of course, to show their continued interest.  Did it make a difference?  The client said it absolutely did not make an impact on the decision but she said, “Maybe it subconsciously stuck that the agency was truly interested which is part of the final selection…”
• AAR Partners managed a tourism review where the client clearly instructed to please allow them a few days to review all materials and make a final decision.  One agency decided to send additional materials to continue the pitch the following day after their final presentation.  They lost the business.  Why?  They didn’t listen to the request.

What’s the point?

Relationship building and authentic interest will absolutely make some kind of an impact in the final agency selection.  But know when to say when and give the client the courtesy to make the best decision for their team and brand.

It’s been almost a year since we’ve left our offices and many are not considering a return until summertime, at the earliest.

Nonetheless, we’ve pivoted quickly and effectively without missing a beat.  In some ways, pitching and prospecting have become more efficient.  As for hiring, that opened up a whole new world of candidates, to fill positions, while sitting in their home offices across the country.

However, we must keep remote team members motivated and engaged in order to keep the agency morale and culture alive.

I want to share a few ideas to consider to help your virtual team remain enthralled.

Thanks to social media, the FOMO phenomenon has led to the belief that others might be having fun while the person experiencing the anxiety is not present. It is characterized by a desire to stay continually connected with what others are doing.

But how do you bake in a little positive FOMO into the professional lockdown life?

Much like other agencies, OMD USA’s chief executive, John Osborn, was holding two all-agency Zoom calls a week to cover the media agency’s response to the unfolding pandemic. Now, these Zooms are twice-monthly, and the content has shifted to a mix of agency news and headline guests. Nelly, Sloane Stephens, Al Roker and Dennis Quaid are just a handful of entertainment and sports stars who’ve appeared – each on their own dime – OMD USA execs point out, to discuss new projects and how they’re adapting to the new way of life.  As you can imagine, the attitude of “Ugh, another meeting” has shifted to, “I don’t want to miss this meeting.”

Pre-pandemic, many agencies built camaraderie by “grabbing a beer” or “breaking bread” after work.  That’s still possible but now you need to do it with an agenda.  Instead of jumping into the Zoom Room and making small talk, bring in a guest speaker to liven the room by focusing on a topic.  February 2019 (which feels like a lifetime ago), AAR Partners brought in a improv expert to the office and held a “cocktails and comedy” evening.  Aside from some networking and conversation, the focus behind getting together was to teach a few lessons around improv to help improve new business.  This can still be done virtually and allows for everyone to participate no matter where they’re sitting.

At Observatory, casual Slack channels are one-way employees stay engaged. “We encourage everyone to share anything they think is cool,” says Brendan Shields-Shimizu, managing director at Observatory. “It might be some awesome Bernie Sanders memes, a new advertising campaign or an interesting read. Those things you’d usually chat about around the espresso machine now get sent via Slack.”

Keeping team members engaged and interested is vital in our virtual world.  It just takes a little extra pinch of creativity and a “heart full” of care to help everyone want to opt-in…

And remember, my inbox is always open if you’d like to schedule a little time to connect live (one way or another).

We are less than two weeks from watching the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV.

Whether or not you’re a football fan or just like to watch the Super Bowl spots, you may be impressed to know that Bucs quarterback, Tom Brady is the oldest active player in the NFL and is heading to his 10^th Super Bowl.

What’s his secret and how do his secrets to success apply to new business?

12 Key Secrets of Tom Brady’s Success is an article that was printed in Inc. on Saturday, January 23^rd.  It’s a quick read and riddled with powerful business lessons that can help you toss a few touchdowns in your new biz role!

Hopefully, these secrets will help make 2021 a more successful year.  Enjoy the big game…