Rethinking Your Business for the New Normal

On the recession as a launch pad for reinvention:

“If you look at all the studies over the last three downturns, 20% of market leaders today actually assumed the leadership position in a downturn. Because what they did is they played offense, not defense. They invested in their customers. They invested in advertising. They invested in technology. I think if you step up and you look for ways to reinvent yourself, you look for opportunities to capitalize on in the downturn, you’ll come out even stronger. And that’s a reason to be optimistic.”

Brad Smith, CEO, Intuit

Flexibility, co-marketing, joint ventures, co-sourcing, productivity, over-delivery: these are the buzz words of our restructuring global economy. If you listen closely you can hear the creaking of the foundation and the cracking of the floorboards. The old house is not the same as it was in 2008!

The Rainmaker team has had the privilege over the past few months to work with some of the most innovative organizations and companies, local and abroad, as they strategically and carefully take advantage of the opportunities that this new economic order is bringing. As you will discover in this brief update, Rainmaker continues to be a catalyst for doing things differently. We can co-operate with our clients to find success, even in 2009. It can be done, it is being done.

What you will find in this newsletter are examples of the innovative ways our clients are proactively extending their reach into their target marketplace. I hope after reading you are inspired to get creative and find new ways to grow your business.

— Clark Grue, President & CEO

Co-sponsorship: Increasing Your Presence for Less

HSBC, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Enterprise Saskatchewan and the Alberta Government took advantage of the Gas and Oil Exposition and Conference held in June of this year by co-sponsoring Business Development Seminars on the tradeshow floor at Stampede Park in Calgary. Rainmaker brought these complementary organizations together and organized the co-sponsorship of the BD Seminars, giving them the opportunity to present their insight, expertise and knowledge to attendees of GO EXPO.

The “Building your business locally, Growing your business internationally” Business development seminars ran every day of the show, featuring presentations from an expert representing each sponsor. Subjects included, “Saskatchewan: The new opportunity”, “Competitive intelligence: Knowing your competition,” “Energy Deals: The nuances of international contracts”, and “Banking Support: Basic considerations for going global.” Some of the presenters featured were Perry Englot, HSBC, Bruce Lawrence, BLG, George Galaz, Telvent, Mohammad Makhlouf, Omni Oil Technologies and Mike Major, Energy Industries Council.

The seminars provided a unique opportunity for companies at the show to learn from professionals who help companies grow every day, and from individuals who have been successful themselves in the global marketplace.

This innovative co-sponsorship initiative was an effective tool for the sponsors, allowing each to maximize their profile and minimize their cost at GO EXPO. By synchronizing their messages, Rainmaker provided a unique vehicle for exposure to a broad audience of local and international executives.

Client Profile: EmergeLearning

Productivity drives the bottom line, and employees who are effectively trained and motivated are key contributors to increased productivity. Companies that consider their people as an asset and invest in their learning and development, even during “not-so-pretty” economic times, are leading the pack making them significantly more likely to succeed.

Learning and development has become much more exciting and effective with the introduction of technology. When used properly, the incorporation of advanced technology increases the level of engagement, knowledge and retention experienced by adult learners, thereby maximizing every dollar and minute spent.

One of Rainmaker’s innovative clients, Calgary-based Emerge Learning, has 25 years of experience in designing and producing online, classroom and blended learning. Having worked with some of Canada’s largest companies and specializing in the areas of new employee orientation, technical and safety training, regulatory compliance, product knowledge, leadership development, and soft skill development, Emerge Learning partners with forward-thinking organizations to identify, fine-tune and respond to unique learning objectives.

This is a team of highly professional, creative, and experienced individuals who understand the science behind adult learning and incorporate their unique learning styles into customized, dynamic, engaging and effective learning solutions.

Visit http://www.emergelearning.ca for more information.

Canada Day London: Connecting Business and Culture

July 1st, 2009 followed the recent tradition of bringing Canada Day to the United Kingdom by demonstrating the enthusiastic spirit and culture of Canadians in Trafalgar Square, London. This year marked the 4th annual Canada Day London and attracted 30,000 party-goers, making it the largest celebration of Canada Day outside of Canada.

Fundraising during these times of economic uncertainty is a difficult pursuit. Working closely with the Canadian High Commission, Rainmaker, along with First Capital, accepted the challenge to come up with creative sponsorship attraction for this huge event, and was successful in doing so. Rainmaker, First Capital, Petro-Canada and Canadian Affair rallied around our flag and created an internationally recognized event packed with performances, food and contests, marrying community and business, Canadian and British.

The event featured music, comedy and a road hockey tournament known as the “Trafalgar Cup”, which took place in the middle of the square. NHL alumni Perry Berezan and Colin Patterson were in London to join in the tournament and take part in the Canada Day celebrations. Other popular Canadian acts such as Amy Nelson, Daniel Bernhard, Drew McCreadie, Alexandria Beck and Stereos could be seen and heard on the stage throughout the day as well. Spectators were immersed into the culture of the country by feasting on bison burgers, Sleeman’s finest beer and Tim Horton’s coffee.

Having been surrounded by all things Canadian, the 142nd birthday of Canada was truly successful in London for Canadian citizens living abroad and for the Canadian business who took advantage of this international awareness creation opportunity. Sponsors of Canada Day London were given international media exposure. They were presented as top-notch Canadian service providers and supported a tradition that will definitely be carried on for years to come. Rainmaker was proud to help make this extraordinary event happen.

Please visit the events page for a video link to a live look at Canada Day in action!