Article

Daisy-Blue Tinne
Daisy-Blue Tinne 29 July 2020

Peer-to-Peer Partnerships can Help us Thrive, in a Pandemic and Beyond

If there’s an upside to the current pandemic, it might be our newfound ability to collaborate more effectively, even when remote from one another. Through Teams, Zoom or WhatsApp, we have been obliged to learn the value of effective and deliberate communication, and I’d like to think we’re getting better at practicing it too. 

But if peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing and a new generosity of spirit are now commonplace within internal teams, I was recently reminded of the benefits of extending the same ambition to our external peers, too. During a panel preparation session - amongst an admittedly non-competitive group of marketer panellists - we shared best practices, experiences with particular partners, platform shortcuts and tips on campaign management. 

Maybe it was the enjoyment of meeting new faces again, or the sense that we’re all facing common challenges greater than those that might incline us to keep our cards close to our chests, but we all came away with fresh expertise, shared freely and earnestly, with no catches. 

In fact, whenever I have seen it in action, I have been struck by the value that advertisers who sit in completely different verticals can offer each other. We gain a lot from sharing mutual pains and opportunities, or from finding alignments on pan-vertical challenges, tech and solutions. We thrive on the empathy and comradeship of others. 

For those with the sole responsibility of managing a partner programme, those just joining the industry or old-timers adapting once again to the new, this pragmatic approach to progress could represent real growth opportunities. And right now, we’re going to need to focus on growth, even in the burgeoning digital world. 

Perhaps, as lockdown eases, we can even incorporate some of these peer-to-peer partnerships into the ‘real world’ and change some of the chat to actionable insights, instead of the age-old argument of attribution. There has never been a better time to reach out to those in your network - such as LinkedIn contacts and industry associations - to keep up momentum and create a ripple effect. 

While I’m not suggesting we all trade our greatest secrets with our closest competitors, there might very well be value in reaching out to form peer-to-peer alliances across the industry. We could do it in the name of an honest desire to raise standards and improve performance, or in order to create better connections for the long run. 

In a sense, I realise that what I’m describing is something like managing partnerships, brought to life. In the multi-channel, always-on, increasingly digital landscape in which we live, partnership programmes can help generate awareness, trust and new customers. Expanded outreach generates improved results, alongside an expanded top of funnel. Different channels can share learnings and strategies, work together better and share the spoils. 

In a challenged economy, it is critical to stay proactive. And as many companies who have walked a similar economic path have found, these uncertain times can offer unprecedented opportunities. With a foundation of transparent, trusting relationships, in which brands and partners set clear expectations, businesses today must focus on adaptability. 

Consumers are talking to each other online and new markets are continuing to open. As brands adapt to a new set of rules - different from those of lockdown and certainly different to the ones that came before it - the need to collaborate will become more acute. So whether in our commercial partnerships or in our direct and indirect circles, let’s ensure we are sharing our knowledge as widely as we can.  

 

Please login or register to add a comment.

Contribute Now!

Loving our articles? Do you have an insightful post that you want to shout about? Well, you've come to the right place! We are always looking for fresh Doughnuts to be a part of our community.

Popular Articles

See all
How to Review a Website — A Guide for Beginners

How to Review a Website — A Guide for Beginners

A company website is crucial for any business's digital marketing strategy. To keep up with the changing trends and customer buying behaviors, it's important to review and make necessary changes regularly...

Digital Doughnut Contributor
Digital Doughnut Contributor 25 March 2024
Read more
The Impact of New Technology on Marketing

The Impact of New Technology on Marketing

Technology has impacted every part of our lives. From household chores to business disciplines and etiquette, there's a gadget or app for it. Marketing has changed dramatically over the years, but what is the...

Alex Lysak
Alex Lysak 3 April 2024
Read more
10 Factors that Influence Customer Buying Behaviour Online

10 Factors that Influence Customer Buying Behaviour Online

Now is an era where customers take the center stags influencing business strategies across industries. No business can afford to overlook factors that could either break the customer experience or even pose a risk of...

Edward Roesch
Edward Roesch 4 June 2018
Read more
The 80/20 Rule Of Headlines

The 80/20 Rule Of Headlines

Your brilliant blog post will get no attention whatsoever if your headline misses the mark.

Rick Barron
Rick Barron 5 November 2019
Read more
Digital Marketing Vs. Traditional Marketing: Which One Is Better?

Digital Marketing Vs. Traditional Marketing: Which One Is Better?

What's the difference between digital marketing and traditional marketing, and why does it matter? The answers may surprise you.

Julie Cave
Julie Cave 14 July 2016
Read more