Objective:
Launch of a new brand of mobile phone handsets.Background: India has been one of the world’s fastest growing telecom markets. The mobile handset has gone from being a necessity to being an item of conspicuous consumption, and an extension of an individual’s personality. The company therefore planned to launch a repertoire of handset models with combinations of features to cater to varying preferences.
Strategy:
To make the media and the consumer become familiar with not only the phones but also with the people behind the venture, and to lay emphasis on the bouquet of features and trendy styling of the handsets.
Execution:
Extensive interactions of the management and product development teams were done with the media, across lifestyle, technology, business and consumer reporting. The interactions were done across the length and breadth of the country, ensuring that continuous reporting on the brand was had not only in the national but also in the local and vernacular media.
The Public Relations program was the primary mass communication vehicle employed.
Results:
The Public Relations program helped position the brand as one with cutting edge features and styling. The brand clocked sales of Rs 100 crore in the first year of operations.
Everest Industries Ltd
Objective:
To help expand the market, over the years, of a mature brand in the construction sector.Background: The company has been synonymous for decades with roofing products. The company has since expanded into innovative cement-based building products, allowing it to not only address latent demand for faster and durable constructions but also to afford it more opportunities for growth.
Strategy:
Architects, students of Architecture, dealers and investors were identified as key stakeholders. As the company products are essentially technical in nature, exchange of information and feedback from professionals in the construction industry is desirable. Coupled with this young professionals need to be apprised of the growth and scope afforded by this sector. Also, the investors need to be kept apprised of the company’s broadened product portfolio and increased revenue streams.
Execution:
Separate newsletters were designed and produced for key stakeholders: Architects and dealers. With Architects the newsletter is meant to serve as a platform for networking and information sharing, and with dealers the newsletter is meant to foster a sense of belonging with the company. Regular media coverages in trade, business and vernacular media, across India, have lent background support to these personalized interactions. Awards for excellence in Architecture were established at leading colleges like Sir JJ College of Architecture, IIT Roorkee, Jadavpur University, and the like to encourage fresh perspectives in the discipline, which is in line with the company’s business practice of providing innovative solutions in construction.
Results:
The company has reported increased communication with all stakeholders, helping introduction of new products. The company has steadily increased its revenues over the years and the financial media has repeatedly given ‘buy’ rating to the company stock.