Why Every Marketing And Marketing Office Needs One
In the digital age, with advanced CRM software and online communication tools at our fingertips, it’s easy to overlook the humble whiteboard. However, the classic whiteboard or similar writing surface remains an indispensable tool for marketing offices across the globe. Since my specialty is actively coaching marketers and marketing teams, I’m in ‘back offices’ a lot and witness the great successes of these boards.
Here are five compelling reasons why every marketing office should have a whiteboard prominently displayed on the wall.
Visual Communication: Whiteboards enable visual communication, making it easier to convey complex ideas and strategies. Marketing is often about distilling intricate service details or specific marketing tactics into something easily understandable and helpful. A whiteboard allows marketing teams to draw diagrams, charts, and mind maps, making it simpler to explain concepts and keep everyone on the same page. Whether it’s outlining a marketing strategy or listing a series of steps to initiate, a whiteboard is a powerful visual aid.
Collaboration and Brainstorming: Marketing success often hinges on the collective creativity and problem-solving abilities of the team – even if the team only has one marketer. Whiteboards provide a shared space where marketers and management can brainstorm, share insights, and collaborate on strategies. This not only fosters solidarity but also produces innovative ideas that can give your marketers a competitive edge. I especially like a separate calendar showing 90 days (or more), where planned events are posted for top-of-mind awareness.
Real-Time Updates: Unlike digital tools that require you to log in, update, and share information, a whiteboard is always there, ready for real-time updates. Marketing metrics, target achievements, and goals can be updated instantly, ensuring that the entire team is up-to-date with the latest information. It’s been said by me and many others: “what gets measured get done” and “if it’s not in writing – nobody is accountable.” This instant feedback keeps the team motivated, engaged, and committed as they see their progress (or failure) right in front of them.
Visibility and Accountability: A whiteboard in a marketing office provides transparency and accountability. When marketing targets, individual performances, or pending tasks are on display for all to see, it encourages a sense of responsibility and healthy competition. (Even if that competition is with themselves)! Team members are more likely to stay on track and perform at their best when they know their colleagues can see their progress. If your sales and marketing department has a target goal of $100,000 for the month and on day 15, you are only 25% of the way, it tells everyone that extra work effort may be required. It simply shines a light on the fact that the goal is in jeopardy of being missed!
Minimal Training and Maintenance: Implementing a whiteboard requires minimal training and maintenance. Unlike complex software systems, which often demand time-consuming onboarding, whiteboards are intuitive and familiar to most employees. They also don’t require software updates, expensive licenses, or IT support, making them a cost-effective and hassle-free solution for any marketing office.
In addition to these practical benefits, whiteboards offer intangible advantages that can significantly enhance the dynamics of a marketing office. They promote face-to-face interactions, reduce screen time, and minimize the distractions caused by digital devices. Marketing teams can gather around a whiteboard, fostering a more unified and open feeling.
The Best Board
Please choose the right whiteboard for your specific needs. Modern options include not only traditional dry-erase whiteboards but also glass whiteboards, interactive digital whiteboards, or even paint-on whiteboard surfaces. These options cater to different preferences and requirements, guaranteeing that you can select a solution that aligns with your marketing office’s unique culture and preferences.
As a reminder: the whiteboard is still a timeless and versatile tool that enhances communication, collaboration, and productivity within marketing offices. Its visual appeal, simplicity, and effectiveness make it an invaluable addition to any marketing team’s toolkit.
So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective and straightforward means to boost your marketing office’s efficiency and teamwork, consider installing a whiteboard on your office wall. Its benefits extend far beyond the surface – it’s a symbol of unity, clarity, and the lasting value of in-person communication in the world of marketing.
I’m willing to bet big dollars that if you start using bulletin boards, whiteboards, dry erase boards, or large pre-made calendars in your office and shop, you’ll find a major improvement is staff communication, as well as a higher success rate achieving sales numbers!
By Dick Wagner, Co-Founder The CREST Network, LLC
Nationally recognized coach, consultant, trainer, and speaker
Creator of the renowned PREP™ pre-disaster program
Owner of AskDickWagner.com BLOG
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