Comments on: Is Telecommuting a Good Thing for Marketers?

By: Ann Handley

Ann Handley — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 00:27:07 +0000

True enough, Roy.
Although finding a quiet spot inside a Starbucks is pretty rare, in my experience. Last time I tried to work there, the drive-through speaker squawked constantly, and there were a tables of chatty people all about. Plus, the place was cold enough to freeze a Frappucino.
Stabucks needs a “quiet” zone. With space heaters.

By: Roy Young

Roy Young — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 23:13:20 +0000

Having just written a book all about managing marketing INSIDE the organization (Marketing Champions, Wiley 2006), I advocate more time for marketers inside the finance department, inside the R&D department, working side-by-side with sales (and freeing up sales reps to spend more face time with customers. I think “out-of-site/out-of-mind” is unfortunately true for marketers, and their leadership depends upon bringing the customer INSIDE the organization. That means working with others to break down silos and lead teams.
Having said that, a day here or there to do solitary work makes a lot of sense if you can find quiet at home or in a Starbucks.

By: Greg Fisher

Greg Fisher — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 22:09:52 +0000

These are great suggestions if you telecommute. If you are changing jobs, though, you might want to check if telecommuting is “expected” or optional. I did this for a couple of years and found that due to restricted travel budgets, there was not enough face-time and projects proceeded at a snail’s pace.

By: Paul Barsch

Paul Barsch — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 21:45:04 +0000

I think you’d be surprised how many so called “progessive” companies are still stuck in the dark ages when it comes to allowing employees to work at least part time at home.
Sadly, there are still some CEO’s who stare out the window and equate employee productivity with the amount of parked cars in the lot.

By: Ann Handley

Ann Handley — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 21:18:20 +0000

Good insight and advice Paul. MarketingProfs is virtual — I’m in Boston, Publisher Allen Weiss and Director of Strategy Roy Young are in LA, Val Frazee is in northern Cal, and two of our customer service ninjas are in Houston, and so on — and we find that regular “face time” is critical. As an editor, I function well working out of my home and mostly alone. Day to day, I get stuff done and am efficient. But the big picture/strategizing stuff really only happens when two or more of us are gathered as a group. So it’s not just time at headquarters (as you say above)…but time spent as a group together.
And Hazel — I agree with you. I enjoy working at home and am very productive. But so often I meet people who say, “My God! I’d go NUTS!” : )

By: Elaine Fogel

Elaine Fogel — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 16:00:43 +0000

Paul, in my former life working on the “inside,” I used to work at home whenever I had any major copywriting to do. I found it challenging to write in my office, especially when department staff needed my input or guidance. Being interrupted frequently was the norm.
However, when I needed to brainstorm and develop creative ideas for marketing campaigns or tactics, there’s nothing like putting all the brains together in one room, feeding off each other. The synergy that comes from working together as a team, in one location, cannot easily be replaced through teleconferencing and e-mail communication.
It’s a real balancing act to telecommute effectively, I imagine. I agree with you that it’s important to spend some time IN the office, but I think a 4-6 week span may be too much.

By: hazel wagner

hazel wagner — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 15:49:55 +0000

My research shows that being successful working by yourself is more about your own style and needs. Some people can’t handle working on their own and, if telecommuting is a requirement of their job, reach out constantly. They spend loads of time on the phone making connections and re-connections. They arrange to meet friends, if not business associates, for lunch. Or they jump in their car and go somewhere – anywhere – the minute their work-alone day is over.
Other personality styles thrive working alone from home. Knowing yourself and your needs is a great start in understanding whether to accept a position that requires working alone from home.