CID Update 6/2009
Welcome to our Newsletter.
Enhancing Egypt's IT exports
As part of the Egyptian IT Industry’s National Development Strategy, the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) launched its Enterprise Capacity Building Program "Grow IT," a three year project that effectively began in October and aims at increasing the international competitiveness of 100 Egyptian IT companies that either export, or have potential to. CID Consulting has been selected to be part of an international consortium of companies that is implementing Grow IT, supporting the participating companies in upgrading their various business areas, such as HR, operations, marketing, finance and strategy.
ITWorx Hones Expansion Strategy
In order to facilitate investment in product range and vertical expansion, Egypt’s largest software services firm, ITWorx, contracted CID Consulting to conduct a high-level analysis of the existing software market conditions, as well as the company’s internal environment. The necessary alignment of senior management team on crucial strategic issues was achieved, and key competitive strengths and attractive areas of opportunity for the ITWorx expansion strategy were identified, as were other strategic initiatives.
Citibank Catches Positive Media Attention
Faced with the global financial crisis, which has magnified the critical need to manage media exposure and neutralize viral news, Citibank Egypt relied on CID’s strategic media advisory services. CID aggressively engaged the Egyptian media as Citibank’s partner, facilitating one-on-one interviews, a supply of quality content, and more. The campaign wrapped up 2008 with more than EGP 21 million worth of positive news coverage locally and 470 M+ impressions. The outcome exceeded Citibank’s expectations, with the local and regional media strongly reflecting Citibank’s voice. CID Consulting will continue to work to ensure that this happens as the bank expands further in 2009.
ECCO Members Receive Awards
In a sign of the ever-growing prominence and reputation of ECCO International Communications Network, the worldwide network that CID Consulting is a member of, two of the network’s members have been recognized for their excellence in 2008. In December during the 29th Agencies Awards of the Year, which takes place in France, ECCO member Wellcom was named as the PR agency of the year. In a separate forum, the Polish Advertising and Media Academy labeled ECCO member On Board PR “Most Admired PR Agency of the Year,” with the agency winning the Impactor 2008 award in this category.
NGOs Target Literacy in Yemen
Within the framework of the United Nations Literacy Decade (UNLD) and the Literacy Initiative for Education (LIFE), the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) commissioned CID Consulting to develop a strategy for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focusing on literacy and adult education in Yemen. To pursue this aim, CID conducted a three-day workshop with 30 representatives from Yemeni NGOs to draft a national literacy strategy for NGOs in the country. The strategy aimed to reflect NGOs’ practices at the community level in the sectors of education and development, having a cornerstone in innovative approaches linking people’s lives to the written word.
Waste Management Solutions Implemented
CID Consulting was subcontracted by Chemonics International to take part in a USAID-funded project, “Livelihood and Income from the Environment” (LIFE Red Sea), in which it provided the project’s partners and the indigenous population with a new approach to solid waste management (SWM) in the southern Red Sea area. The overall goal was to promote sustainable natural and cultural tourism development in a manner that meets the needs of both tourists and local residents, while protecting and enhancing economic opportunities for the future. By the end of 2008, CID Consulting succeeded in introducing a new approach for community-based SWM, all while in communication and full partnership with local NGOs and authorities.
Tips and Trends:
MARKETING DURING A CRISIS
Times are tough, and with many companies going into crisis mode, there are a few tips you can bear in mind to help your business through these turbulent conditions. And remember, just because consumers are spending less, that doesn’t mean they still don’t need goods and services. Think about how you can provide customers with a bargain - and fill the niche.
As many companies downsize their staff, it is also expected they will cut marketing budgets. Don’t make this critical mistake - long-run success is contingent on keeping one’s products and services in the public’s mind. Think about creative ways to stay exposed such as free workshops and PR activities targeting the media.
Don’t pursue growth at the expense of focusing on existing customers, who can help sustain your business. It is actually cheaper to keep existing customers than find new ones, and as people look for ways to reduce fixed costs and cut back on discretionary spending, you’ll be able to maintain existing customers’ business if you cater to their needs and provide superior customer service.
Beyond marketing your company, you should also think about how to trim costs in house, utilizing technical solutions to save you money. Why pay for a business trip when a free online video call can fulfill the same purpose? You can also use a number of free organizational tools such as Google Calendar. As you increase the use of technology to save on costs, continue to take precautionary measures regarding your digital assets. Even during a recession, you should be continually working to protect digital information and improve security measures.