6 Benefits of Investing in Sales Training for Your Team

A strong sales team is one of the most important tools a company can equip itself with when looking to significantly drive growth. According to sources, the competence of the salesperson in a B2B environment is the most significant element prompting prospects to buy. In the United States, more than $5 billion is invested in sales training and improvement, and for good reason. While ongoing training in 1-1 meetings is always important, bringing in outside expertise to coach and identify gaps in your process is also critical. 

Whether you’re building out an entirely new sales organization at your company, or are a veteran department considering investing in ongoing training here’s 6 reasons why investing in sales training for your team should be a no brainer: 

1. Improved Communication 

While most salespeople are typically good communicators, this is probably the most important skill required for a sales rep. More than just dealing with people, sales reps must connect with clients on a deeper level. 

  • What are their pain points? 
  • How are you helping them solve problems?

When a sales rep communicates effectively, the client feels that their opinions and needs are not only being heard but also acted on. Each client is going to be different and requires a specific type and level of communication. Training programs allow the sales rep to understand, empathize, and effectively communicate with diverse populations. 

Today, most people don’t want to be sold to. They want a solution to the problem they are facing, and a good sales rep will be able to explain how your product does that and work together with the client to find success rather than just sell.

2. Thorough Understanding of Products and Practices 

It can prove difficult to sell something if you don’t know the ins and outs of the product or service you are offering. Sales training will give reps a leg up when they understand all of the different features of a product and the best way to position them to potential clients. 

It’s also imperative that sales reps are prepared to answer the question: how do you size up to competitors? In most cases, your competitors have trained their teams to answer this question effectively. 

With a clear understanding of not only the company product but the entire industry landscape and how your team’s product fits into it, sales reps will be seen as thought leaders in the space that can be trusted.

Recommendation: Meet on a weekly basis and have your sales team talk through objection handling. This can be a collaborative way for the team to discuss with their peers issues their facing while demo’ing the product and have to overcome them. 

3. Help to Attract and Retain Top Talent 

If your company is investing in ongoing training and development not only does it help you attract top talent, but it also helps you retain the talent you already have. Sales professionals are driven, and financially incentivized. Showing them a path to move up in their career by mastering their craft is a smart move for every business. 

Not only does training help motivate individual sales reps, but also the entire team – which ultimately is key in driving overall company growth. The most successful sales organizations are those with clearly defined sales processes that are consistently executed on. While more than 70% of executives believe employee engagement is the key to organizational success, seven in 10 employees rank empowerment as an important element to their engagement. Sales is a high-pressure environment and with stakes remaining high, sales teams need to feel proper support in order to avoid high turnover rates. Training gives reps the capabilities they need to grow and succeed. 

4. Fuels Innovative Thinking

Innovation is the key to success. Without new ideas, your sales techniques will remain stagnant. Each training allows for internal and external voices to be heard, creating a platform of shared ideas where people feel comfortable brainstorming ways to improve current plans in place. 

During sales training, current strategies in place are often reevaluated and this provides an opportunity for the team to provide feedback on what is serving as beneficial and what’s not. An effective sales training program will encourage employees, old and new, to think abstractly, be curious, and be open to new ideas for growth as a team and individually. 

5. Integrated Best Practices 

Any fresh hires, no matter how experienced, need help learning the ropes of your organization. Goals, expectations, and procedures need to be made very clear from the beginning. One of the best ways for new hires to get adjusted and learn is to understand where the team has seen success in the past, and where challenges have arisen also. 

Each business is unique and needs to be treated that way. New hires may have worked in similar industries, but they’ll still need to be brought up to speed on products and services, along with internal sales processes and techniques.. 

With so much access to different resources, particularly online, some people could be fooled into thinking that a google search for “sales best practices” will give you all a salesperson needs to know. However, best practices are different for each team and company. In fact, ensuring best practices are not only taught but stick is an entirely more complex proposition. A good sales program will not only educate on best practices, but also clarify their purpose and significance and how they might help in specific moments. 

6. Develop Accurate Forecasting 

Professional sales training will provide you with the skills needed to accurately predict both long-term and short-term results. With these goals in place, you and your team will be capable of making better business decisions throughout the journey to reach these results. 

Regardless of the product or service you’re selling, having an effective sales training program in place is vital to the success of your business. According to sources, reps who took part in a sales training program exceed expectations in achieving quotas and scoring win rates. This report also revealed that nearly 95% of the companies that have a solid training system met and exceeded their annual revenue plan. 

If you’re looking to bring in outside expertise to boost your internal sales program, here are a few consultants to consider: 

Top Portland Ad Agencies

Not only is Portland known for housing more microbreweries per capita than any other city in the world, but they’re also home to an impressive list of ad agencies. 

Whether you’re looking to partner with Portland ad agencies to help support their clients, or you’re a brand marketer looking for someone to manage your creative project we’ve compiled a list to help start your search. 

Below you’ll find a list of top ad agencies in Portland who have at least $1 million in total client media spend. 

1. Borders Perrin Norrander, Inc 

Since its founding over 40 years ago in Portland, BPN has been building brands with award-winning work. Today, the BPN team brings years of experience working at top agencies across the country on brands admired all over the world. 

Discipline: Creative/Advertising 

Total Client Media Spend: $4.47 M 

Employees: 11-50

Main Phone: (503) 227-2506

Address: 520 Southwest Yamhill Street Suite 950 Portland, OR 97204 USA

Top Clients: Oregon State Lottery, K&N Engineering, Inc 

2. CMD  

CMD is a full-service creative agency that brings great ideas to light. With 170 experts in Portland, Seattle, San Francisco and Charlotte, CMD works with 10 integrated capabilities – from strategy and analytics to UX and video.  

Discipline: Creative/ Advertising

Total Client Media Spend: $85.77 M 

Employees: 51- 200 

Main Phone: (503) 223-6794

Address: 1631 Northwest Thurman Street Suite 400 Portland, OR 97209 USA

Top Clients: Microsoft, Intel Corporation, CenturyLink, HP, Inc

3. Industry

Industry is a global independent creative agency. They exist to impact people and shift culture with the power of creativity.  

Discipline: Design

Total Client Media Spend: $4.8 M

Employees: 51- 200

Main Phone: (503) 395-7538

Address: 415 Southwest 10th Avenue Suite 200 Portland, OR 97205 USA

Top Clients: YouTube Music 

4. Kroger Media Services 

Partnering with Kroger and 84.51 allows you to truly connect with Kroger customers. By gaining unique insights grom Kroger purchase data, Kroger Media Services helps you deliver the right message to the right customer in the right way.  

Discipline: Creative/Advertising 

Total Client Media Spend: $127.33 M 

Main Phone: (503) 232-8844

Address: 3800 Southeast 22nd Avenue Portland, OR 97202 USA

Top Clients: The Kroger Company, Fred Meyer Stores, Fry’s Food & Drug Stores, Inc

5. Lawrence PR 

Lawrence PR provides everything from strategic counsel and media relations to crisis planning and media training, meeting all of your communication needs.  

Discipline: Public Relations

Total Client Media Spend: $98.9 M

Employees: 1-10

Main Phone: (503) 799-8091

Address: 16555 Boones Ferry Road Suite 202 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 USA

Top Clients: Consumer Cellular, Inc 

6. Mindshare

Mindshare’s network consists of 116 offices in 86 countries throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, each dedicated to forging competitive marketing advantage for businesses and their brands.  

Discipline: Media Buying & Planning 

Total Client Media Spend: $148.79 M 

Main Phone: (503) 265-2099

Address: 1800 Northwest Upshur Street Suite 220 Portland, OR 97209 USA

Top Clients: Facebook

7. North 

North is an independent ad agency that makes and tells stories for clients with purpose and soul. They help brands thrive and stand out in analog, digital and social spaces. 

Discipline: Creative/ Advertising 

Total Client Media Spend: $1.67 M 

Employees: 11-50 

Main Phone: (503) 222-4117

Address: 1515 Northwest 19th Avenue Portland, OR 97209 USA

Top Clients: Focus Features, Humm Kombucha, Pacific Natural Foods, Stanley 

8. Opinionated 

Opinionated’s purpose is to provide world-class “big idea” creative platforms and brand strategies in an increasingly commoditized industry once known for its ability to move hearts and change minds.  

Discipline: Creative/ Advertising

Total Client Media Spend: $19.98 M

Employees: 11-50

Main Phone: (503) 983-7899

Address: 116 Northeast Sixth Avenue Suite 300 Portland, OR 97232 USA

Top Clients: Seventh Generation, Inc., Deschutes Brewery, Yogi Tea 

9. Owen Jones and Partners

Owen Jones & Partners is a multi-discipline brand development agency. Owen Jones works with organizations of all sizes to find creative and original ways to communicate unique brand positions.  

Discipline: Creative/ Advertising

Total Client Media Spend: $34.49 M 

Employees: 11-50

Main Phone: (503) 453-5737

Address: 408 Northwest Fifth Avenue Portland, OR 97209 USA

Top Clients: Adobe Systems, Inc, The Nature Conservancy, Jordan 

10. R2C Group  

R2C Group links strategy, creative and production with state-of-the-art audience targeting, dynamic media buying and advanced analytics to deliver on sales and branding goals simultaneously.  

Discipline: Full Service/Integrated 

Total Client Media Spend: $262.64 M

Employees: 51-200

Main Phone: (503) 276-4094

Address: Modern Media Building 207 Northwest Park Avenue Portland, OR 97209 USA

Top Clients: NutriSystem, Inc, LendingTree, 1-800-CONTACTS, Inc, Web.com, Inc

11. Revelry Agency 

For almost 20 years, Revelry Agency has been developing brand strategies, creating brand stories and activating brands of all sizes. From food to foodservice, beverage to hospitality, we design our solutions to meet your business goals and exceed expectations. 

Discipline: Full Service/ Integrated 

Total Client Media Spend: $5.18 M 

Employees: 11-50

Main Phone: (503) 227-3606

Address: 806 Southwest Broadway Suite 300 Portland, OR 97205 USA

Top Clients: Nestle Waters North America, Inc, Schwan Food Company, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute 

12. Roundhouse – Portland 

Roundhouse is a creative company that puts their hearts into making content, design and experiences that transform the way people connect with brands and one another.  

Discipline: Full Service/ Integrated 

Total Client Media Spend: $116.16 M 

Employees: 51- 200 

Main Phone: (503) 287-0398

Address: 975 Southeast Main Street Portland, OR 97214 USA

Top Clients: Red Bull North America, Inc, Intuit, Inc, Constellation Brands, Inc, Leatherman Tool Group, Inc. 

13. Sparkloft Media  

Sparkloft Media is a social-first creative agency that creates growth through engagement. They think globally and strategize locally. You can find their team of 50 in Portland, Atlanta and D.C.  

Discipline: Social 

Total Client Media Spend: $24.05 M 

Employees: 51-200

Main Phone: (503) 974-6103

Address: 601 Southwest Oak Street Portland, OR 97205 USA

Top Clients: Alaska Airlines, Crystal Cruises, Greater Palm Springs CVB, South African Tourism 

14. Sq1

Sq1 works to optimize relevant, real-time marketing experiences for clients. They are a results-driven company that uses predictive modeling and conversion optimization methodology to prove ROI for clients. 

Discipline: Branding 

Total Client Media Spend: $87.19 M 

Employees: 51- 200 

Main Phone: (503) 227-7200

Address: 209 South West Oak Street Suite 300 Portland, OR 97204 USA

Top Clients: AFLAC, Inc

15. Struck  

Struck is a modern agency for evolutionary brands. Their team is an independent, unique blend of thinkers – all dedicated to helping brands evolve and grow.  

Discipline: Creative/ Advertising 

Total Client Media Spend: $28.9 M 

Employees: 51-200 

Main Phone: (503) 517-2526

Address: 531 Southeast 14th Avenue Suite 106 Portland, OR 97214 USA

Top Clients: Jack in the Box, Inc, Lennar Homes, Utah Office of Tourism 

16. Swift  

Swift is a strategic creative agency that lives and breathes digital, leading brands forward with a groundbreaking combination of insights and ideas. They are hyper-focused on delivering campaigns that get results. 

Discipline: Creative/ Advertising

Total Client Media Spend: $159.65 M 

Employees: 51- 200 

Main Phone: (503) 227-8305

Address: 1250 Northwest 17th Avenue Portland, OR 97209 USA

Top Clients: Gatorade, PayPal, Inc, Blue Apron, Fitbit, Outshine Fruit Snacks 

17. The Great Society  

The Great Society is a full-service advertising, design and experiential marketing firm with a national client base in a variety of industries. 

Discipline: Creative/ Advertising 

Total Client Media Spend: $1.48 M 

Employees: 11-50

Address: 1306 Northwest Hoyt Street Suite 202 Portland, OR 97209 USA

Top Clients: Amway Global, Portland General Electric 

18.WE Communications 

WE Communications believes in order to shift perceptions, stir emotions, and incite action, brand stories must rise above the noise. Their purpose is to use their gift of communication to move people to positive action in the world.  

Discipline: Public Relations 

Total Client Media Spend: $247.93 M 

Employees: 501- 1000

Main Phone: (503) 443-7000

Address: 1125 Northwest Couch Street Suite 500 Portland, OR 97209 USA

Top Clients: Microsoft Corporation, CA Technologies 

19. Wieden + Kennedy 

Wieden + Kennedy’s global network compromises eight offices and 1400 people, and their work spans every discipline. They have world-class media, design and tech operations and are driven by creativity with a core mission of building strong and proactive relationships between companies and their customers. 

Discipline: Full Service/ Integrated 

Total Client Media Spend: $1.03 B 

Employees: 1001+

Main Phone: (503) 937-7000

Address: 224 Northwest 13th Avenue Portland, OR 97207 USA

Top Clients: KFC Corporation, Facebook, Samsung Galaxy, TurboTax Consumer, Nike, Inc

7 Business Development Trends for 2020

2020 is here, and with a new year and decade comes new business development trends. From an increased emphasis on personalization to advances in AI, these business development trends are reshaping how you can crush your sales goals this year. The digital transformation continues. Today, technology enables organizations to create personalized interactions to build deeper customer relationships. 

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Now, to help energize your business development strategy, we’ve gathered the top new business trends that will impact growth through 2020. Which business development trends are you incorporating for this fiscal year? 

1)  First, consumers will demand more control over their data 

This state-level legislation began in California with the CCPA, with several other states likely to follow suit. This is just the start of data regulation and privacy evolution, and governments around the world will to change their approach to regulation. 

However, the implementation may come with challenges. But, will provide greater transparency and seek to build trust. 

Keep in mind, compliance is ongoing and what is required of your business today may need to be updated. Organizations should be able to respond as additional requirements come into place. When preparing for the CCPA specifically, check out our guide to best practices when it comes to compliance. 

2)  Increased emphasis on personalization 

In 2020, a supermajority of consumers prefers to work with brands using a channel of choice communication and personalized experiences. Instead of showing every little thing to the customer, you can digitally cut the noise and show the options most relevant. 

According to Gartner, by 2020, smart personalization engines used to recognize customer intent will enable digital businesses to increase their profits by up to 15%. The days of simply showing a wide range of options to every customer are long gone. Naturally, people will gravitate towards businesses with personalized options that cut through the noise and give them precisely what they want.  

3)  Technology as a key investment 

New technologies will define and spur business development trends. Technology is no longer a luxury or cost, it’s a necessity for business growth. Time-saving tools are making it possible for entrepreneurs to accomplish more with fewer resources. With improved efficiency, growth becomes more attainable for companies of any size. 

The promise of 1:1 marketing is now a reality thanks to the combination of rich, contextual data, AI, and technology. Technology is constantly changing, but if you take time to research and implement new tools, you’ll be ahead of the business development trends in 2020 and beyond. According to sources, the global sales intelligence market is projected to grow from $2 billion in 2019 to $3.4 billion by 2024. 

4)  The rise of 5G 

5G technology creates a wealth of opportunities for new products and services. Delivering faster data speeds than ever before, 5G helps brands optimize the relationship between people and machines. 5G networks will likely be all across the world in 2020 and can open avenues as we’ve never seen. 

With such high download speeds, it will radically change the way we interact on the internet. Interactions will become almost instantaneous, which will greatly benefit business to consumer relationships as businesses will communicate and ultimately accomplish things more quickly. 

5G also plays a part in supporting the video-hungry audiences as well as allowing new technologies such as virtual reality to take off. This business development trend could mark the beginning of an ever more connected world. 

5)  Focus on cause marketing 

Brands with a long-term, forward-looking view that care for the planet and causes that really matter to people are winners. Customers are increasingly looking to patronize businesses that follow sustainable, green, and socially responsible practices, and the Gen Z and millennial generations are especially concerned about these values. 

Today, millennials are worth $1 trillion, and 73% say they’d spend more on sustainable products. They are an exceptionally purpose-driven generation and they expect businesses to adapt to their standards in the workplace and in society and want to find meaning where they shop. Hence why environmental sustainability is so important. 

Over the next few years, the next generation is set to take over. Gen Z is made up of 86 million people, and they are expected to represent 40% of all consumers by 2020. To leverage this audience, businesses need to evaluate how they market themselves and what causes are important to them in order to attract this demographic. 

For both of these generations, authentic storytelling and meaningful connections resonate best. Gen Z and millennials look for immersive experiences and expect advertisers to reward their time with something of value. 

6)  Finally, word of mouth referrals and reviews will have greater impact

Word of mouth referrals and reviews have always been popular, but the trend is growing. Now, before they buy a product or try a service, consumers want to know other people have used it and found success. 

Today, online reviews have a strong influence on the success of any business. When scoping out new products or services, consumers first search for client reviews. According to sources, 88% of customers trust online reviews as much as personal reviews. In addition, review quantity gains the trust of 70 percent of consumers. 

In order to encourage the review process, express the value and importance of feedback to your customers. Explain how reviews help your business grow and even offer incentives such as a discount on a product or service if they participate. 

Heading into this year, it’s crucial to build more engagement and community with your company’s prospects and customers. Then, when you create an emotional connection with customers, you humanize your brand and set yourself apart from your competitors. Creating relationships can be simple gestures, but small efforts establish a level of trust with current and potential customers.

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If you liked this blog post, check out:

  1. What Will Nonprofit Sponsorships Look Like in 2021?
  2. It’s the Final Countdown: 100+ Brands Planning in Q4
  3. Why Are There So Many CMO Shifts Right Now?

Prospect Watch: 4 RFPs You Should Know About

Responding to an RFP is a chance to capture new business, and often a necessity when it comes to keeping your full pipeline of opportunities. 

According to reports, 51% of organizations respond to more than 50 RFPs each year. In addition, companies spend between 20-40 hours on each RFP response. 

Following these numbers, for every 20 proposals the average vendor sends, only one will be successful. That’s a lot of time and money to invest in new business efforts with very little success. That’s where Winmo comes in. 

In a process that requires an extensive amount of time and resources, we want to make sure you’re pursuing the right RFP opportunities for you and your team. Our in-house research analysts are bringing you four timely RFP opportunities to target now. Check them out: 

1. WA’s State Lottery Issues RFP for Marketing, Advertising Services 

Due Date: January 9, 2020; the question & answer period will run through December 31, 2019 & there will be a pre-bid conference on December 12, 2019 

This RFP is a competitive procurement issued by Washington State Lottery, which intends to establish and award a contract for Marketing and Advertising Services. 

Scope of Work: The Lottery seeks a marketing and advertising partner, to collaborate with and develop plans that increase brand awareness and contributions to our beneficiaries, promote our products, and increase sales. An ideal partner will also help increase engagement, likability, and reach, as well as understand the Lottery’s strategic goals and help to achieve these goals. 

Plans mentioned within this scope of work include: 

  • Marketing Plan – a comprehensive document/blueprint that outlines the advertising and marketing efforts for the coming year. It incorporates business activities involved in accomplishing specific marketing objectives within a designated time frame.
  • Advertising Plan outlines the creative and media tactics, budget, schedule and other elements based upon the agency and marketing strategic plans.
  • Communication Plan a comprehensive plan to increase brand awareness, trust and likability, to help our business achieve optimum results in the media.
  • Media Plan the process by which marketers determine where, when, and how often they will run an advertisement in order to maximize engagements and ROI. An effective media plan will result in a set of advertising opportunities that target a specific audience and fit in with the Lottery’s marketing budget.
  • Strategic Plan an organization’s process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy. It may also extend to control mechanisms for guiding the implementation of the strategy.

Contract Terms: Four (4) years with four (4) one-year (1) extensions available at the discretion of the Lottery. 

Budget: Not disclosed 

Contact: Jenna Johnson, Jenna.Johnson@walottery.com or 360.480.1611

Request a Demo for Access to WA State Lottery Decision-Maker Contact Info 

2. Sacramento Metro Air Quality Mgmt District Issues RFP for Public Engagement, Outreach Services 

Due date: December 20; questions due December 9 

The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District is issuing this RFP to solicit bids from entities in the fields of public engagement, outreach and advertising to assist the District with air quality public education and outreach that results in meaningful public engagement with all of Sacramento’s diverse communities. 

Scope of Work: Contractor will proactively provide innovative, professional services and strategic recommendations to the District in the performance of the following tasks: 

  • Public Engagement and Outreach – Assist the District with air quality public education and outreach that results in meaningful public engagement with all of Sacramento’s diverse communities. This includes, but it not limited to, outreach related to the District’s Wildfire Smoke Emergency Plan, Community Air Protection Program, shared mobility, electric vehicles, advancement of low carbon awareness and overall promotion of the District’s mission and identity. Work may include, but is not limited to:
    • Website content and design
    • Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube)
    • Print, outdoor and online advertising
    • Brochures and other printed materials
    • Promotional items
    • Exhibits and displays
    • Community event participation
    • Video production
    • Translation services
    • News conferences and special events
    • Media relations
  • Check Before You Burn Campaign –  Assist the District with annual Check Before You Burn campaign, which takes place November through February. Work may include, but is not limited to:
    • Website content and design
    • Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube)
    • Print, outdoor and online advertising
    • Brochures and other printed materials
    • Promotional items
    • Exhibits and displays
    • Community event participation
    • Video production
    • Translation services
    • News conferences and special events
    • Media relations

Contact: Veronica Ruvalcaba, Administrative Specialist, at  vruvalcaba@airquality.org or 916-874-4830 

Request a Demo for Access to Sacramento Metro Air Quality Mgmt District Decision-Maker Contact Info 

3. City of Malibu, CA Issues RFP for Comms Support, Stategy 

Due Date: January 6, 2020 

Opportunity: The City of Malibu is seeking proposals from qualified firms to augment the City’s media team’s ongoing communications work and provide communication and outreach strategies to increase community engagement and awareness of City activities citywide, according to the RFP.

Scope of Work: The selected firm shall augment the City’s media team’s ongoing communications work and provide communication and outreach strategies to increase community engagement and awareness of City activities citywide including but not limited to the following tasks: 

  • Review and monitor the use of the City’s communication channels including social media platforms, the city’s media channels, print materials, videos, surveys, and other communication methods
  • Create and schedule posts to City’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Nextdoor
  • Develop content for the City’s website and website generated e-notifications and messaging
  • Draft written materials including press releases, Letters to the Editor, and op-ed pieces
  • Develop communication campaigns to help launch new City initiatives
  • Identify topics for press releases, Letters to the Editor, op-ed pieces, City website and media campaigns based on knowledge of city activities and priorities
  • Review Council Agendas and Meetings, City website, and local news for opportunities for information sharing with the public
  • Facilitate communication strategy discussions with designated City contact(s)
  • Develop a strategic communication plan to increase community engagement and awareness of civic activities, projects and programs
  • Provide leadership and direction for the implementation and maintenance of a citywide strategic communication plan
  • Advise department’s social media managers on the use of department’s social media platforms
  • Develop and maintain a 12-month calendar for City communications and a related implementation plan
  • Answer communication-related questions, develop strategies, stakeholder outreach or otherwise aid in the City’s communication efforts as needed
  • Have sufficient staffing to provide media support 7 days a week as needed
  • Assist with messaging and all communication-related tasks as needed during emergencies
  • Develop, monitor and report on communications metrics
  • Provide City staff with advice on stakeholder outreach, communication efforts, and public engagement initiatives
  • Provide translation services for written and audio communications
  • Additional media assistance may include photography services, video production services, graphic design support, speech writing, presentation preparation, media training, drafting or reviewing media and communication policies and procedures and working with City consultants and external stakeholders

Contract Terms: The City intends to award a professional service agreement for a base term of two years

Budget: Not disclosed 

Contact: Elizabeth Shavelson, eshavelson@malibucity.org

Request a Demo for Access to City of Malibu Decision-Maker Contact Info 

4. San Francisco International Airport Issues RFP for Marketing, Comms Services 

Due Date: January 3, 2020; there was a pre-submittal conference (non-mandatory) held on November 14, but we haven’t seen a deadline for questions 

Opportunity: In order to provide better guest-focused, personalized marketing and communications messages, San Francisco International Airport wants to advance its marketing and communications efforts through strategic planning, marketing communications services, digital development (web programming, placement, analytics, and optimization), media relations, and internal communications, according to the RFP

Contact Terms: Up to four years, with one possible two-year extension 

Budget: ~2.1 million/year 

Contact: Jean Joshua, (650) 821-5153, jean.joshua@flysfo.com

Request a Demo for Access to San Francisco International Airport Decision-Maker Contact Info 

Winmo Employee Spotlight: McKenna Hight & The Freedom K9 Project

Each month, we highlight a Winmo employee who is creating a change for good in their community. These stories of service call attention to the individual efforts of our employees and how service has inspired them. McKenna Hight creates valuable content for our clients as a staff writer, providing actionable insights to help them win more business. However, outside of Winmo, McKenna is a co-founder and board member of the Freedom K9 Project.

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This service dog organization trains dogs to help victims of sex trafficking and domestic violence overcome the struggles of PTSD. Read more to learn how Freedom K9 is raising awareness for PTSD and works with both the survivors and the dogs to create a team that leads to healing: 

Erynn LaFlamme: What is the mission of the Freedom K9 Project?

McKenna Hight: We provide freedom and improved quality of life for survivors of sexual slavery and domestic violence. Through service dogs trained to the highest caliber, the Freedom K9 Project addresses the trauma of these experiences and strives to raise awareness of PTSD in communities, especially those which are inflicted through violence against women.

EL: How did you get involved with this nonprofit?

MH: I’m a co-founder of The Freedom K9 Project. The other co-founder, Lydia, discovered in college that she was really talented when it came to training dogs. With both of us being passionate about women’s issues and mental health, we realized we could really make a difference by training service dogs to help as many survivors as possible. There are no other services in the US that offer service dogs to overcome PTSD for free, unless for war veterans. 

EL: What is your specific role within the organization?

MH: Since the organization is based in Indianapolis, I do everything I can to contribute from afar. I do a lot of behind-the-scenes work including writing, organizing fundraisers, and was a large part of the creation of the site. We now have a team of five contributing to the growth of The Freedom K9 Project.

EL: How can people in the community get involved in volunteering?

MH: When you raise money as an individual or organization, you can sponsor a puppy and join in the effort to provide service dogs without any cost to the survivor. With this, you will get personalized updates on how training is going with your specific dog. There are also opportunities to volunteer locally in the Indianapolis area, specifically when it comes to helping with dogs and events. The K9 Freedom Project is open to any help or partnerships, so if you’re interested read more here.

EL: Why do you support this nonprofit?

MH: I just think it’s so cool how service dogs can detect PTSD and assist in healing. Dogs can do amazing things like wake people up from nightmares, stop panic attacks when they’re happening, and so much more. The main purpose of our training is to teach dogs to pull people out of PTSD symptoms instead of having people learn to live with them. The goal is to heal their struggles and help people overcome the trauma they’ve experienced.

EL: Tell us about an impactful time in your time working with the Freedom K9 Project.

MH: This past October, I finally got the chance to go to Indianapolis and meet one of the dogs. This trip had been several years coming, but it was so amazing! I also got to meet my Freedom K9 co-workers in person and we put some thought around specific events we want to plan to attend as an organization. In the past, some of the things we’ve gotten involved with include festivals, pride parades, and really anything local. 

EL: What are you most looking forward to in the coming year for the Freedom K9 Project?

MH: The dogs take about a year to train, so this time next year we’ll be able to give two dogs away for free, which is so exciting, especially since it’s the first round. Read more here about the dogs currently in training! 

EL: What advice do you have for those looking to get involved in nonprofit work?

MH: I think the best advice I have is simply to stick with it. It can be really hard, especially at first. It takes a lot of determination to be involved in any nonprofit organization, but it’s worth it.

EL: How does Winmo support you in your volunteer efforts?

MH: Winmo’s volunteer time-off policy helps me to keep the importance of volunteering as a priority. It’s really awesome that we have so many company-wide events and opportunities to give back to the community. To be able to have a positive impact in the community is such an amazing opportunity for change. Especially in Atlanta, this program could make such a big difference.

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If you liked this blog post, check out:

  1. How to Craft & Pitch A Sponsorship Proposal
  2. Turning Project-Based Work into a Growth Opportunity
  3. Are You Full Service, Or Are You Full of It?

Brands Planning in Q1: 6 Millennial & Gen Z Media Opps

Looking for brands that are targeting millennial and Gen Z consumers? 

There’s no doubt both generations hold significant buying power, despite their young age. A recent report shows that Gen Z is predicted to command 40% of all consumer shopping by 2020, along with a millennial generation that currently makes up 21% of consumer discretionary purchases. These audiences are plugged in online more than any other demographic, therefore marketers who can capture the attention of this generation digitally and cater to their unique preferences will have the advantage. 

To help you tap into media opportunities specifically targeted to these generations we’ve put together a hit list of brands planning in Q1. From Pandora to Wrangler and Pinterest, here are 6 brands you should be prioritizing now: 

1. Pandora Jewelry Increases Q1 Marketing Spend by 19% 

Pandora Jewelry decided to put Vice-owned Virtue in charge of global creative after the successful launch of a new brand strategy last August. The first work from the agency dropped at the top of October 2019 in promotion of the Pandora x Millie Bobby Brown collection. 

Keep an eye on additional initiatives the agency plans to launch for the jeweler. There is a campaign titled “Rebelle in Wonderland” and a Christmas campaign in the works. These efforts will promote Pandora’s focus on personalization and help the company further engage Gen-Z. 

Media Seller Opportunity: The jeweler typically spends the most during Q4, but it would also be a good idea to look out for additional new products and initiatives around Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. It holds planning conversations in Q1 and buying conversations in Q4. While there is a main focus on Gen-Z, there may also be opportunities for sellers with high reach among millennials. Spend continues to increase, and we will continue to see a heavier focus on digital and social as marketing team shifts continue. 

Request a Demo for Access to Pandora Jewelry Decision-Maker Contact Info 

2. Casey’s General Stores Names Schafer Condon Carter AOR 

Casey’s General Stores recently named Schafer Condon Carter creative AOR, reported at the end of October. SCC has already developed a new brand platform, “Here For Good” launched through broadcast, print and digital. 

Casey’s functions mainly as a pizza chain, but is technically classified as a convenience store. It made an addition to its marketing leadership team with Megan Elfers as marketing and advertising VP, hired in March of this year. Casey’s put a new digital platform, loyalty program, and mobile app in place to attract more millennials to Midwest locations. 

Media Seller Opportunity: Sellers are encouraged to offer space appealing to Gen Z and millennials. According to Adbeat, Casey’s last spent more highly on digital display this summer, but it has continued spending steadily since that time. Spending has risen exponentially in this channel over the past 12 months, going from $2.2 to $38.2k. Casey’s places most ads site direct. Casey’s hasn’t placed any national TV ads this year, but could see more spend in this channel with new leadership in place. 

Request a Demo for Access to Casey’s General Store Decision-Maker Contact Info 

3. Crate & Barrel Launches Holiday Ads, Limited-Time Products 

Homegoods retailer Crate & Barrel has launched its first work from YARD, which it appointed as it’s AOR in July. “Made for Each Other” promotes products seeking company, and it’s dropped just in time with the holiday season. It also launched holiday-specific collections for Halloween, Hanukkah and Christmas. 

During the past year, Adbeat reports that C&B has spent $19 million on digital display ads, most of which have been placed in H2, primarily programmatically via Google. This amount reflects a 604% increase from the $2.7 million spent within the 365 days prior. 

Media Seller Opportunity: C&B tends to target female household decision-makers. For example, last year’s holiday ad teamed up with Reese Witherspoon. It also tends to launch ads for Mother’s Day. It must be seeing positive results from trying to reach younger millennial parent audiences, considering the rise in digital display and ad spend. The retailer operates in most states, view specific locations here.

Request a Demo for Access to Crate & Barrel Decision-Maker Contact Info 

4. Pinterest Increases Marketing Expenses, Elevates Digital Initiatives 

Pinterest is about to launch its first major campaign since 2017’s “What If.” In preparation for the new effort, Pinterest’s marketing and sales expenses rose 68% YOY, from $66 million to $111 million according to the Drum. It hasn’t done a big brand push yet, but in an effort to keep up with rivals such as Etsy, it will need to start pushing the brand into Gen Z and millennial minds again soon. 

Pinterest’s CMO, Andrea Mallard, has been wanting to enter TV, OOH, and print channels in addition to its traditional digital and social outlets. Pinterest hopes to make feed recommendations and personalized searches more efficient, meaning we may see higher dollars in hyper-targeted digital search. 

According to Adbeat, YOY digital display spend more than doubled over the past year, rising from $1.2 million to $2.5 million. It began increasing in May 2019 and saw record-breaking highs in late June/early July. 

Though Pinterest has placed local TV ads in the past, it has not yet invested in national TV, according to iSpot. We may see this change in coming campaigns. However, it’s more likely that Pinterest will continue to increase digital display over TV. 

Media Seller Opportunity: Offer digital space to get Pinterest in front of female millennial and Gen Z business owners and shoppers. 

Request a Demo for Access to Pinterest Decision-Maker Contact Info 

5. Wrangler Releases First Global Digital Campaign, Continues with New Creative 

Wrangler, clothing brand of Kontoor Brands, has gone wild-west for its first global digital campaign, “Wear With Abandon.” The campaign totes cowboy pride and includes cross-channel outreach in U.S. markets. So far, the campaign has entered digital, radio, and broadcast channels with a plan to enter other regions in other quarters. 

The global Western-wear market has been on a consistent growth trajectory since 2017, projected to reach $99.4 million by 2023. Wrangler offers semi-formal and casual apparel, which should work in the company’s favor as these categories are outpacing the growth of formal wear due to the millennial-influenced professional market. Due to Wrangler’s presumed growth in this market, sellers should continue to have plenty of revenue available. 

Adbeat reports a YOY increase from just $100k to $2.4 million spent on digital display advertising in the past 12 months compared to the year prior. Most ads have been placed site direct in the past 12 months. 

Media Seller Opportunity: According to sources, the “yeehaw agenda” is rising particularly for Gen Z and millennials. Wrangler’s mobile scanning tool, featured on wrangleronmybooty.com, adheres to the younger generation’s interests by allowing consumers to view behind-the-scenes footage for the “Old Town Road” hit single video that Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus mention Wranglers directly in. Focus on offering the channels mentioned above in order to target these generations. 

Request a Demo for Access to Wrangler Decision-Maker Contact Info 

6. Giant Foods Pushes Online Shopper Experience Giant Direct Through Latest Campaign 

PA’s Giant Food grocer released a TV campaign to promote Giant Direct, it’s online D2C grocery delivery and pick-up service. It targets millennial parents who have a difficult time between jobs and children to go shopping. 

Two separate ads feature two separate employees of Giant run as 15 and 30-second spots with the tagline “Everything you need, hand picked and fresh. Direct from us to you.” This is most likely an attempt to play on the millennial desire to have farm-fresh foods. 

Giant Direct, powered through Peapod, is available at 115 locations across four undisclosed states, but it plans to reach 90% of its retailers by the end of the year. The D2C approach helps it compete with Whole Foods, Kroger, and Walmart. The increased personalization and enhanced digital experience is something we should continue to see it pursue. 

The brand switched top spending periods for digital display from Q3 in 2018 to Q2 this year. While spend has significantly decreased in this realm, some of this money could have shifted to bolster the TV efforts. 

Media Seller Opportunity: Offer digital and local ad space near Giant Food store locations. Remember, it should expand the online shoppers market Giant Direct by end of year. Aim to get these ads in front of millennial and Gen X parents. Last year, the top spending period was Q4. 

Request a Demo for Access to Giant Food Decision-Maker Contact Info 

Celebrating the UK’s 100 Most Influential Business Developers

This week the BD100 celebrates the UK’s 100 most influential business developers, recognizing the talent leading the charge in marketing agency new business and business development.

Established in 2017, Richard McHardy and Jody Osman wanted to find a better way to encourage and recognize the craft of business development professionals across the UK sector and allow the community to unite. And, they’ve done just that!

At Winmo we work with agency new business and business development roles every day, enabling them to identify, qualify and close relevant sales opportunities. We understand first-hand the grit and determination required to be successful in this occupation and that’s why we’re thrilled to be sponsoring the Agency New Business Win of the Year award this year.

Agency business development is a team sport, yet a sport where the team Captain is rarely recognised for their triumphs. Supporting these Captains and their teams with exclusive, actionable insights is our mission, so to partner with the BD100 to celebrate the top-guns and their achievements is our honor. – Dave Currie, Winmo CEO 

Join us in congratulating this year’s nominees! And, if you’re currently working with one of these professionals, know you’re in good hands.

 

Agency nameWebsiteDescriptionLocationsPhone
Asher Mediawww.ashermedia.comMedia buying and planningAddison, TX(972) 732-6464
Buonasera Media Serviceswww.buonaseramedia.comMedia buying and planningColumbia, SC(803) 315-2497
Crossmediawww.xmedia.comFull service media agencyLos Angeles, CA(310) 954-9009
Good Apple Digitalwww.goodappledigital.comMedia buying and planningNew York, NY(646) 374-0156
Monahan Mediawww.monahanmedia.comMedia specialtyClarkston, MI(248) 895-8430
NEXTMedia, Inc.www.nextm.comMedia buying and planningDallas, TX(214) 520-9700
Norbellawww.norbella.comFull-service media agencyBoston, MA(617) 542-1040
Reeltime Mediareeltime.comMedia buying and planningKenmore, WA
Strauss Media Strategies, Inc.www.straussmedia.comMedia, radio specialtyWashington, DC(202) 638-0200
TouchPoint Integrated Communicationswww.tpointmedia.comMedia buying and planning, full serviceDarien, CT(203) 665-7700

CCPA Best Practices

Notice: This is for discussion purposes only. Winmo is not qualified to provide legal advice of any kind and is not an authority on the interpretation of the CCPA or any other rule or regulation. To understand how the CCPA or any other law impacts you or your business, you should seek independent advice of qualified legal counsel. 

Our personal data is constantly being gathered and often stored electronically, and recent data regulations are highlighting the importance of it being handled and used responsibly. Several notable laws and regulations have been put in place by governments and by industry in order to more effectively protect personal data, and it’s clear data compliance is here to stay. 

Beginning internationally, Canada introduced  CASL in 2014 , which was followed a few years later by the EU’s GDPR in 2018. These regulations have left businesses frantically preparing their internal processes to avoid penalties and fines. Now, legislation is being implemented here in the US on a state-level, beginning with California and interest from several other states who are likely to follow suit. 

With the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) upon us, beginning January 1, 2020 many companies are wondering how best to prepare. While Winmo has taken measures to become CCPA compliant, we recommend doing so as well if you haven’t already started. 

So, what does the CCPA mean for your business?

As the first state-level privacy law in the United States, the CCPA was created for the purpose of protecting the privacy and personal data of consumers who live within the state of California and as mentioned above, will go into effect January 1, 2020. According to the official CCPA website, the act provides California residents with key core right changes including: 

1. Gives residents more ownership

The CCPA guidelines apply to a much larger amount of data, requiring more transparency when it comes to data. How is this transparency achieved? 

Residents can require more notice and specifics when it comes to uses of their information throughout each category of data being collected. Two free requests for information on what and where personal information is being used are granted to each resident. They can also prohibit companies from disclosing their personal information. 2. 

2. Gives residents more control 

The CCPA also gives residents the ability to request the deletion of personal information as well as the right to know about disclosure and sales of personal data. 

The act also prevents discrimination for exercising these rights. All customers should receive the same quality of service, with no heightened expense for putting CCPA policies into practice. 

3. Gives residents more security

Violations are also put in place for any business that does not implement a reasonable level of security against data breaches. Organizations are subject to expensive fines and penalties should they neglect to take security measures to protect resident’s personal information. 

GDPR vs CCPA 

While the GDPR and CCPA share a fair amount of similarities in how they protect data, there are several key differences between the regulations. 

There is a different scope, exceptions, and definition of rights for each act. For starters, the GDPR applies to data controllers and data processors. The CCPA only applies to for-profit businesses that meet one of the following requirements: 

  • Has an annual gross revenue of $25 million or more. 
  • Possesses the personal information of 50,000 or more consumers, households, or devices. 
  • Earns more than half of its annual revenue by selling personal information. 

Generally, the CCPA applies to any for-profit business that does business in California, collects personal information of California residents or has residents’ information collected on behalf of the business, and determines the purposes and means of processing that personal information. 

Overall, the CCPA gets to the data layer much more quickly than GDPR. You really have to know your data and be able to track that the data was acquired by a regulated business. Commercial agreements amended for GDPR will need to be further amended considering the two differ in privacy notices and rights. 

The GDPR provides consumers the right to correct inaccurate personal data and restrict or object to data processing. While the CCPA doesn’t specifically include these rights, it does require a “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” option on business websites, requirements for disclosing personal information sales or collection to the consumer, and nondiscriminatory treatment of consumers who exercise their rights according to CCPA guidelines. 

CCPA Checklist 

So where should you start? We recommend using this simplified checklist to get the ball moving. These nine steps will help you align your organization with CCPA requirements, as well as help prepare for the regulation and everything it entails for customer data privacy. 

  1. Determine if CCPA applies to your business
  2. Understand your current data collection process, specifically by state (in this case California)
  3. Review privacy policies and procedures 
  4. Create a plan for data requests
  5. Evaluate how personal information is sent
  6. Assess how personal information is shared
  7. Review contracts and disclosures 
  8. Reevaluate third-parties 
  9. Prepare internal training 

Compliance Best Practices 

In order to best prepare your organization to meet CCPA guidelines, take the following steps to ensure customers are able to exercise their rights under the new act: 

  • Provide two or more methods for consumers to submit requests concerning their personal information. These opt-out options must include a toll-free telephone number, and at least one additional method such as a designated email or form. 
  • Establish protocols to respond to consumer requests within 45 days of receiving them. 
  • Update your privacy policies to align with CCPA rights. 
  • Analyze data collection and documentation. It’s crucial to have a system in place to provide consumers with this information. 
  • Provide consumers with a notice that their personal information is being sold. If they would like to opt-out, have an organized process in place to handle these inquiries in a timely manner. 
  • Assess and document your data security practices to ensure your data is taking the right steps to protect itself against security breaches. 

It’s imperative that your legal team reviews the entire CCPA initiative and takes the correct steps to implement a plan to remain CCPA compliant. We also recommend educating your entire company on the key changes going into effect in January. 

The Future of CCPA 

While California is the first state to put guidelines in place, other states will follow their lead soon. With similar legislatures likely to pop up over the next few years, it’s crucial to be prepared to react to these new initiatives. 

Keep in mind that compliance is ongoing, what you’re doing today may not be what you’re doing in 12 months. Organizations should be able to respond as additional requirements come into place with CCPA expansion and other states joining the movement. We recommend having a program in place to think through current legal requirements you have now, and what may be required in the future. 

With the end of the year approaching, the CCPA will be here before you know it. Businesses that have not already begun compliance would do well to begin preparations immediately. 

5 AOR Shifts to Prospect Now

Whether you’re selling media, services, tech, or sponsorships, an agency of record shift indicates potential opportunity ahead. We’ve highlighted five recent shifts that business development professionals in all corners of the marketing landscape should take note of. Before we get into the specifics, let’s break down exactly why AOR appointments affect pitchworthyness, and how the opportunity trigger works for different sellers.

Agencies and Service Providers

AOR shifts are often part of a domino effect, meaning additional changes and agency hires are likely to come. If a brand hires a new creative AOR, they may be shopping for media, PR, production, and specialty agencies to work on project or AOR basis. So if you’re an agency or marketing services provider, you should see an AOR hire as an opportunity to position your services to a brand that’s clearly open to taking a new direction (assuming the service you provide differs from that of the agency of record just hired).

Media

An agency hire signals a change in direction, and often, a campaign on the horizon. For media sellers, this means the time to build relationships is now. If the agency is handling media, you’ll want to connect with the newly-hired team who’ll be responsible for planning and executing buys. Keep in mind the client is the one who hired the agency, so the fact that they’re changing direction can mean they might be more open to considering offerings they’ve previously passed on, so it’s a good time to build a relationship with them as well.

Adtech & Martech

An AOR hire means that the brand-side decision-makers responsible for marketing strategy are open to new ideas, and a new strategy. That means they might be more likely to consider vendors outside of the legacy partners they’ve worked with in the past. If your technology is utilized by an agency, then obviously depending on the type of agency hired there may be opportunity to pitch into a fresh set of newly-hired eyes.

Sponsorship Sales

If a brand hires a new AOR, sponsorship sellers are encouraged to reach out and see if the new decision-makers in place are open to allocating dollars towards partnership opportunities. If you have the ability to get the brand in front of their target demographic, newly-hired eyes will be open to new strategies and relationships. Reaching the right brands at the right time is key when it comes to winning new sponsors, so as soon as a new AOR is in place reach out in order to remain top-of-mind.

1. BMW Motorrad Names New Creative AOR After Promoting Marketing Head to VP of Brand 

After promoting Trudy Hardy to marketing VP of BMW Motorrad, the brand named Hill Holliday creative AOR this November. Hill Holliday now handles strategic recommendations, creative development and channel usage, including print, digital and social media initiatives. 

Motorrad has more than doubled it’s YOY digital display spend (up 116%) from November 2018-2018 to November 2018-2019. In the past 12 months, most ads were placed programmatically (79%) through Google. It’s top spending period this year was Q2. 

Media Seller Opportunity: The top demographic will include millennial males and middle-aged males as well. Offer digital space, as well as print and social space to entice middle-to-upper-class men with new motorcycles. 

Agency Opportunity: This creative AOR announcement may follow with further reviews, considering reviews tend to come in pairs. Reach out to secure your place in line for potential media or digital responsibilities. 

Request a Demo for Access to BMW Motorrad Contact Info 

2. Michelin Announces Havas Media as AOR 

French tire company Michelin named Havas Chicago as global AOR. Havas will manage all the U.S. media buying and planning. They will work with TBWA/Chiat/Day, which retains Michelin’s global creative remit. 

According to iSpot, Michelin has spent $3.9M on national TV ads YTD, a drastic decrease from $20.2M spent in the same time frame of 2018. The drop in TV spend comes as they shift to higher digital spend. 

Adbeat reports digital display ad spend as $645.2k in the last year. 79% were placed site direct on sites such as superstreetonline.com, cardomain.com, mustangfords.com, superchevy.com and popsci.com. 

Media Seller Opportunity: Michelin typically spends the most in Q2 and Q3. Their target audience is older millennials and Gen X men. They have recently shifted most of their spend from TV to digital. Reach out soon to stay top-of-mind for 2020 Q2 if you can provide ad space. 

Agency Opportunity: We reported in September that Michelin named Weber Shandwich as its PR AOR. There may be potential opportunities in the future for agencies to secure business, considering reviews tend to follow one another. Reach out if you have the ability to provide digital services. 

Request a Demo for Access to Michelin Decision-Maker Contact Info 

3. JFK Library Foundation Names Creative AOR, Plans Spring 2020 Campaign 

Boston’s John F. Kennedy Library Foundation named Portland’s The VIA Agency creative AOR last month. In the spring of 2020, VIA will release a campaign in support of the JFK Presidential Library through print, OOH, broadcast and digital display. 

In 2018, the Foundation placed digital display ads at the very end of Q4, so sellers should reach out soon for possible Q4 2019 spending dollars. Keep an eye out for pushes on significant JFK days for possible digital display opportunities. The JFK Presidential Foundation placed a TV spot in January 2018 for $5.6k. It targeted a split amount of Gen X viewers and their children. Since we will see the new campaign hit broadcast, at least locally if not nationally, sellers will likely want to use affordable TV space targeting those demographics. 

Media Seller Opportunity: We encourage sellers to offer digital, TV, print and OOH for the coming spring 2020 campaign pushing awareness of the Library to parents and children (Gen Z, millennials and Gen X). 

Agency Opportunity: The Library has an Instagram page, so agencies with social experience could reach out with services in this channel. Since it worked with TMA on a project basis, consider reaching out with digital and creative services as well. 

Request a Demo for Access to JFK Library Decision-Maker Contact Info 

4. Regis Shifts AORs After Hiring CMO 

In its latest Q1 earnings call (it’s FY closes in June), Regis execs mentioned that the Supercuts parent is working with new agency partners after naming a new CMO earlier this year. Regis is now working to upgrade its marketing and advertising with agencies such as Barkley and TBWA/ Chiat/ Day. Other agencies will likely be added to the roster, and the company also continues to invest in digital influencers. 

According to iSpot, YTD national TV spend of $3.7 million has targeted various male, sports-oriented audiences. Most Supercuts commercials have debuted during Q4, but nearly half the amount compared to the same timeframe in 2018. This drop is likely due to Regis’s ongoing focus on digital. 

During the past 12 months, Adbeat reports that Regis and it’s brands have spent $39,500 on digital display adverts placed primarily site direct and programmatically. This amount marks a 253% increase from the $11,200 spent from October 2017-18. 

Media Seller Opportunity: This shift toward digital, along with Regis’s focus on influencers, signals that Regis wants to reach more millennials and Gen-Z with a slight male skew. The company also uses OOH, print and radio. 

Request a Demo for Access to Regis Decision-Maker Contact Info 

5. Justin’s Names New AOR, Increases Digital Spend 

Justin’s named Barkley (Boulder) AOR this November to oversee brand strategy, creative campaign development, media planning and buying, social media strategy and design. Barkley will develop and execute a media campaign to increase brand awareness and household penetration. 

Justin’s marketing VP, Penny Andino, was elevated to the position last year from marketing director. Justin’s seems interested in increasing it’s marketing investments, but its team is currently small. Parent company Hormel Foods Corporation has increased marketing expenses across brands since 2017, so we should continue to see a rise in spend. 

Digital display spend remained higher from January through May and recently picked back up again from August through September. Spending in this channel increased YOY by 279% from $153.6k to $581.8k in the past 12 months. Most ads were placed site direct onto publishers such as thekitchn.com, outsideonline.com, wellandgood.com, looper.com, and listindiario.com. 

Media Seller Opportunity: Justin’s targets better-for-you consumers and retail grocers across the country. When reaching out, offer digital space for better-for-you millennial moms. Keep in mind that digital display spend was highest from Q1 through mid Q2. We recommend reaching out with Q1 2020 ad space. 

Agency Opportunity: Justin’s tends to partner with agencies near it’s Boulder, CO headquarters. Those in the West will likely have the upper hand. Keep an eye out for reviews likely within the next 12-18 months. 

Request a Demo for Access to Justin’s Decision-Maker Contact Info 

Agency Opps: 5 Brands on the Verge of a Review

When you’re looking to pitch your agency services to major brands, timing is everything. If you wait until the review is announced, you’re too late. That’s why Winmo does more than just tell you who to prospect, we evaluate subtle changes that precipitate new business opportunities, so you know precisely when to reach out. 

We factor in a number of industry shifts to create a scoring system that tells you which accounts will be most receptive to your outreach, and during which time period. To help you end Q4 (and the year) on a strong note, we’re bringing you brands on the verge of an agency review – likely to make a change within the next three to six months. 

We’re also including details on where the specific opportunity lies so your outreach is more likely to resonate. Here are five brands to target now: 

1. Mass Bay Brewing Names First CMO Amid Increased Digital Spending 

Massachusetts Bay Brewing Company, also known as Harpoon Brewery, named Jon London CMO, effective September. MBBC ships it’s beer all over the country, but it has two brewery locations: one in Boston, and another in Vermont. Naturally, sellers and agencies in the Northeast will likely have the most edge. MBBC also hosts millennial-focused festivals including Boston’s St. Patrick’s day festival and Harpoon Fest (May), as well as Vermont’s BBQ Festival. 

MBBC additionally relies on organic growth on social outlets such as Instagram. Agencies should take note a potential social media opportunity is available here. The use of this channel further proves a focus on the millennial demographic, but it also hints at a legal-age Gen Z skew, as does it’s better-for-the-environment push. 

Media Seller Opportunity: Offer digital space for Q1 2020, MBBC should spend during this time again, since it first started placing dollars more heavily during that time period last year. Local sellers near the Boston area should have the upper hand, but MBBC also sells its products in stores and restaurants across the US. 

Agency Opportunity: No known agency relationships exist yet but act fast or you’ll miss out. New CMOs tend to form relationships quickly when trying to fuel brand growth, especially in a market as crowded as craft beer. The more experience you have in the industry, the better. 

Request a Demo for Access to Mass Bay Decision-Maker Contact Info 

2. PVH Loses CDO, Calvin Klein CMO as Tommy Hilfiger Gains CMO 

There have been a number of personnel changes at Phillips-Van Heusen (PVH) and subsidiaries Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. One of the most notable changes is the departure of Marie Gulin-Merle, who served as global CMO of Calvin Klein and global chief digital officer of PVH. Until her replacement is named, her duties will be split between the existing leadership team. One of these leaders is Michael Scheiner, who became CMO of Tommy Hilfiger Global on October 28. 

On top of these changes, Calvin Klein promoted CEO Cheryl Abel-Hodges and also saw a number of lower-level changes to its marketing team. 

Agency and Martech Opportunity: These changes signal opportunity approaching quickly, so agency and martech readers with fashion experience should continue to reach out. Media at Calvin Klein may be your best bet since Vizeum, which handles media across the entire portfolio, lost the account to Tommy Hilfiger. The brand launched a media review across North America and Europe in August and the Dentsu agency decided not to defend. A domino effect is likely to occur and cause it to lose it’s relationship with Calvin Klein as well. 

Media Seller Opportunity: There is also a good chance to secure digital and experiential work. PVH and it’s brands have been focusing on these channels in order to appeal to Gen-Z and millennials. Laird & Partners currently assists with creative and social. PVH faces competition from Ralph Lauren, Lacosta and Levi’s. Sellers who can use digital and experiential to reach millennials and Gen-Z will likely have the advantage. PVH and it’s brands typically spend most during Q4 to capitalize on the holiday season, though new products are released throughout the year. 

Request a Demo for Access to PVH Decision-Maker Contact Info 

3. Gap Plans Early November Launch of Digital Holiday Ads 

Gap has debuted a new holiday season campaign from Johannes Leondardo, it’s AOR since this summer. The November spot is part of Gap’s new “Gift the Thought” gifting platform, and Gap is investing more in this year’s campaign than it did last year. In it’s latest earnings call, Gap CEO Art Peck mentioned that the company plans on “improving marketing effectiveness” with more “measured involvement.” 

During the past 12 months, Adbeat reports that Gap has spent $21.7 million on digital display ads placed primarily via YouTube videos on youtube.com ($8.1 million) and site direct ($8.7 million) on sites such as bustle.com ($1.9 million), romper.com, dailymotion.com, and brit.co. This amount reflects an 8% increase from the $20 million spent from October 2017-2018. This digital shift signals that Gap’s wide target demographic is starting to skew towards millennials and Gen-Z. 

Agency and Martech Opportunity: PHD has handled media buying and planning since 2010, much longer than average agency tenure of 3-4 years, so consider reaching out for potential media work. Rise Interactive and Six Degrees respectively handle digital and PR. 

Request a Demo for Access to Gap Decision-Maker Contact Info 

4. Vireo Health Names New Strategic AOR, Plans Product Launch 

Vireo Health named Connecticut’s Colangelo Synergy strategic marketing AOR to help launch the brand platform “1937” in NYC. This will be Vireo’s first recreational marijuana product, considering it previously focused solely on medicinal products. Vireo is licensed to sell in Arizona, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and Rhode Island. 

This partnership follows Vireo’s $67.3 million funding win in June. Vireo’s CMO, Harris Rabin, has only been with the company since May, so further shifts in spend and agency relationships may occur in the coming quarters. 

Media Seller Opportunity: Jennie Leuzarder, Vireo’s sales and marketing VP, seems to be aiming to target Gen Z with a “social equality” focus. We may see this brand invest in cause marketing as well as digital, but most recreational cannabis companies have to advertise locally, so focus on states in which they have a license. 

Agency Opportunity: Vireo has enough in funding to form other agency relationships, so it may choose to hold another review soon. Those in the Midwest (Vireo headquarters) or the Northeast (Colangelo headquarters) may have the advantage. If you specialize in the Cannabis industry and have experience with Northeast regional marketing, reach out. Vireo seems active on Instagram, so consider offering social media services to continue pulling in millennials and legal-age Gen Z. 

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5. Chicago Ideas Switches Creative AOR 

Chicago Ideas, a year-round event and digital content platform, has selected Havas as it’s creative AOR, replacing incumbent Leo Burnett. According to iSpot, Chicago Ideas hasn’t allocated budget towards national TV commercials since it spent $50,070 in 2015. However, return to this channel under a new creative AOR. 

Chicago Ideas has seen an overall drop in ad spend, likely reflecting a shift toward experiential channels and organic social media growth. However, we may see spend pick back up with upcoming work. The brand’s focus on inclusive innovation at its events signals an effort to reach inclusivity-minded Gen-Z and millennials. 

Agency and Martech Opportunity: Since agency reviews tend to come in pairs, consider reaching out soon for potential digital, media, and social duties. Since Chicago Ideas and Havas are both located in Chicago, local readers will likely have the upper hand. 

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