Reprinted from DMI-Online:
We have moved to a spangly new office building, which is wonderful news for us. Made better by the fact that it’s costing us less than our old building, for more space. Yea for the recession!
The problem with this new building is that it doesn’t exist.
At least not in the opinion of the Post Office Postcode database. This does not seem to stop the post lady delivering the post every day, but it does stop me being able to place orders.
Over the last few weeks, I have not been able to do business with three companies because they can’t find our address on their system. And for the benefit of doubt, they did actually refuse to take my money because of that.
Why is that?
In my opinion it’s because the IT department has put its claws around the throat of the sales and service departments. Unless the PAF file or IT department say my building exists, it doesn’t.
The ‘red weed’ of IT is spreading further, with many companies finding that it is almost impossible to get things like websites built UNLESS they are done by IT. IT, by the way, needs a full spec, a six-month lead-time and a budget that is astronomical to do this. And changes . . . well those are a three-month process. I know of one bank that needs three months just to make a one-word change to their website.
I know of another customer who has been forced to allow IT to run their PPC campaign. After all it does involve computers.
It’s time to say Enough! It’s time to stop the madness. Marketing is not a place with a two-drink minimum that is all about being ‘creative’. Marketing is the process of communicating with prospects and customers. By its very nature, that involves the use of IT.
The fight back has begun, I am pleased to see: I noticed in my newsagent (remember those?) the other day that there is a new magazine, all about blogging, Facebook and Twitter.
Yes, that’s right, a paper-based magazine about blogging, Facebook and Twitter!
It might not last five minutes, but it will irritate the technocrats. And while they are ranting, I suggest you run into the IT department and pull the plugs out! Perhaps then we can get back to real business.