In this middle of the second quarter, we thought you might want a temperature check on how we are doing in this challenging year.
A recent editorial in Ad Age was the latest in a running commentary on the downward trend of marketing communications budgets last year. Y&R was singled out as one of the few agencies growing in this recessionary environment. Our growth, in fact, helped propel us to a higher ranking as the #4 Agency Network in the world.
While this year is far from being over, and businesses are, by necessity, still improvising with the swirl of change, our corporate strategy is serving us well. The naming of VML as our global digital lead, as well as our alliance with MARS, the #1 shopper marketing agency in North America, give us great opportunities in two areas that remain high-growth, despite (or maybe even owing to) today’s economic environment.
We are getting more deeply involved with Dell by the minute, which is likely to tap into more and more of our global network. We are diligently helping our clients develop the best strategy and range of communications for reaching their customers today — and taking this opportunity to reach for greater share of their business and to help them invest in their brands for the long term. Most important, we are demonstrating our commitment and loyalty to our partners at an incredibly difficult time for nearly every sector.
At the same time, I think you will agree that our creative work around the world is getting better and better. The proof is right here in this newsletter, where it is getting more difficult than ever to narrow down our selection of work to showcase in each issue. That kind of “overcrowding” is great news and really reflects our progress as a creative company since Tony Granger arrived. Our strategic prowess is rapidly being matched by creative excellence. The two in combination are unbeatable.
These next months remain unpredictable. But if we stay on our game, continue to be protective and proactive, innovative and imaginative, we’ll weather these turbulent times.
Hamish