The COVID-19 pandemic has changed America’s business landscape – but it hasn’t defeated the human spirit. “For many people, the pandemic has been a confusing, frightening time,” said Mike Vondran, Chief Executive Officer, TAG. “In our line of work here at TAG, we often help clients to navigate crises, and even though the current crisis is a pandemic, which has altered traditional habits in many ways, it’s still not insurmountable. Life can and will go on.”
Many industries have been hampered by the pandemic. Because people were not comfortable leaving their homes during the pandemic, for fear of contamination, the hospitality industry has dwindled. And that’s not all – not by a long shot. Manufacturing, retail, fitness clubs, cinemas and more have also suffered, since workers and customers alike wish to avoid attending businesses where they might have to sit or stand close to strangers.
But even in times of strife, it’s important for businesses to maintain high standards of operation and continue to inform and reassure employees and customers. During this health crisis, people needed to keep their distance from others – and solutions to help with that goal thrived. No one wanted to wait in line, so online banking and shopping surged. Many other online conveniences and business strategies also grew in scope. Food delivery and online movie viewing soon became the norm.
“It’s a relief to know that society is gradually returning to normal,” said Randy Jacobs, President, TAG. “But we must still keep in mind that our country has been altered by the pandemic, and we need to stay updated on the technical advances that have arrived.”
The pandemic changed the way that the public received and reviewed information. Because people were spending more time at home, they became more sophisticated about how they used the Internet and electronic devices. They didn’t want to mingle with people in public, so the Internet, fortified by social networks, became their daily hangout, with more online communications than ever. Video is an aspect of social media that is growing continually, so that people can connect with each other’s images and actions.
The growing prevalence of the Internet compelled the public to seek a greater number of channels and options. People grew accustomed to watching and consulting screens. Consumers searched for information on multiple channels before deciding on major purchases.
For that reason, marketing professionals increased the number of digital strategies they used to attract potential clients. Key online methods include:
Online marketing is constantly evolving, with more new businesses and innovations arising regularly. “Moving forward, the key is success in marketing efforts is to stay aggressive while introducing new digital processes to maintain a technical edge,” Jacobs said.
Hopefully, before long, the pandemic will be completely under control and life will return to a greater degree of normalcy. But while society will become closer to the way it used to be, one still must keep in mind that lives and businesses have changed substantially. We’ve entered an era in which the Internet has become more important than ever. One must always stay updated on developments that might affect business best-practices.
“Never be afraid to rethink the way you are currently doing business,” said Vondran. “Whenever the world starts changing, the smartest thing you can do is evaluate the situation and change with it as advantages arise.”
TAG is located at 230 East Second Street, Davenport, IA. For more information, visit www.tagteamagency.com or call 563-355-2200.
by Mark McLaughlin, P.R. Specialist, TAG
Mike Vondran, Chief Executive Officer For 30 years, Mike Vondran, Chief Executive Officer at TAG, has led an energetic group of talented professionals, working in the fast-paced world of advertising, creative development, and digital communication strategies.
“What I enjoy most about my work is the great variety of people I come in contact with,” Mike said. “Staff, clients, vendors – they are all great sources of energy. I also take great pride in the impact our TAG team makes every day. Knowing we are a large part of success achieved is a real joy. Watching our efforts being put to work and making impact in the market is a thrill.”
Mike still can’t believe that TAG has been in business for more than 30 years. “Thirty years have flown by,” he said. “Mostly I remember stories about the people who have been on our team over the years. Lots of memories revolve around the team when working together to serve. It’s cool when everyone joins in on a project to make WOW happen for the client.”
Happily, WOW takes place at many different levels at TAG. “Bottom line: 30 years of providing employment opportunities, and 30 years of serving clients and helping them score,” Mike said. “It’s amazing, looking back on 30 years of evolution and personal growth. This has been 30 years of learning something new each and every day.”
Mike is also dedicated to helping the young people of the community. He provides guidance through his work with Junior Achievement, and also through the HAVlife Foundation. The mission of HAVlife is to Prevent Lost Potential™ of youth through supporting their participation in athletics, music and the arts. “The HAVlife Foundation is working to build a stronger community by assuring a future filled with optimism, passion for life, and good will,” he said.
Randy Jacobs, PresidentAs president of TAG, Randy focuses on business growth with an emphasis on concept development, brand strategy, financing and launch. He has led or been active in the senior management of eight different successful business launches.
He is a lifelong learner and has attended both Claremont Graduate University and Augustana College. He is also a mentor to his employees in that he offers continuing guidance and support. He has been with TAG for 12 years. His specialties are business strategy development for healthcare, financial services, and advanced manufacturing, always with an eye on brand enhancement and revenue generation.
There’s a lot to love about working at TAG, but above all, Randy said that he enjoys “The variety of clients we work with. The team here at TAG that really cares about the clients, and they live for success.”
Randy has worked on many projects over the years, but he is especially proud of the ones that help the community. One example he mentioned is “The omni-platform campaign, mostly online, for the Robert Young Center’s drug and alcohol clinic, effectively connecting the service with severely addicted individuals.”
He is truly proud to be part of TAG’s 30th Anniversary, since the company has been sustained by many folks with great talent, as well as clients who view TAG as their “Most Trusted Business Partner.”