The March 30, 2020 Orange County Business Journal article “Ad Agencies Mobilize Amid Pandemic, Hope to Maintain Growth” states: “Orange County’s largest advertising agencies were on the up last year, but the disruption to business across industries from the coronavirus pandemic has firms in wait-and-see mode.” See Article
Ad Agency clients, in some cases, are either tweaking existing creative or holding off on advertising altogether amid uncertainty. This comes even with lawmakers approval of a $2 trillion stimulus package that includes some $350 billion in small business loans and $500 billion in corporate aid, plus more on the way.
Some agencies appear to be adjusting well to a temporary new normal: working from home (WFH) and social distancing in public. Many technology savvy agencies have been able to adapt and rapidly transition their staff to a WFH scenario.
Flexibility and IT preparedness is key. Those firms using remote support access software, cloud applications, and secure virtual private networks (VPNs) can readily provide workers access to applications and data. Utilizing the latest hybrid VoIP and Cloud based phone systems, company communication lines are extended to home extensions and cell phones. Cloud-based Video Conferencing and Chat apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams provide easy ways to collaborate, hold remote meetings and “chat messaging”.
Technology’s Edge has extensive experience in working with Southern California Advertising Agencies and related service businesses. Contact us at 949.474.9533 to see how we can help your firm survive in these challenging times.