The economy is on a brink to collapse, unprecedented times are ahead, from travel and tourism to the construction industry most of the businesses are facing huge disruption, while the whole world is debating about the post COVID scenario and discussing what will be the new normal. We got an opportunity to be a part of a webinar.

 Futuregazing: What will the new normal look like, this webinar is organized by the School of Communications and Reputation, on the panel were Babita Baruah, Head of WPP GTB India, Barun Jha, National Editor, PTI, Dilip Cherian, Founder, Perfect Relations, and Reema Kundnani, Marketer, Oberoi Realty Ltd. The session was moderated by Rajyasree Sen, a Communication Specialist.

Rajyasree Sen initiated the discussion by asking the panelists what they think, how the new normal will affect the communication industry.

Babita Baruah explained, because of the lockdown spends of the consumers is limited, they can’t step out on a shopping spree. Some business is trying to survive, and some are just trying to sustain at the moment there is no demand no supply and no distribution. Agencies must look at themselves as a growth partner, not just as a communication partner.

Dilip Cherian shared his insights on why companies and brands must communicate the right message right now, he explained marketing and communication budgets should not go towards chest-thumping CSR activities, pushing product sales, and anything which is not innovative.

Barun Jha pointed out that employees will help companies to survive in the new normal, at times like these, every company has a critical role to play. In the future, we will be relying more on digital tools

Reema Kundnani talked about why companies need to reinvent themselves, she explained how the work from home is the new normal, companies are adapting it. The post-COVID world will be all about survival of the fastest, not the fittest. Corporate communication needs to focus on online reputation management, SEO, and standing for whatever brand is going to do in the post-COVID arena. We need to lean toward artificial intelligence and Digital channels.

Covid19 leads to rising of digital media and the OTT industry, they discussed brands that will rely more on digital marketing and advertising channels. Brands can leverage these opportunities.

When panelists were asked about what future PR professionals can learn and focus on to stand out from the crowd, they recommended being honest and kind, and to upskill yourself this is what the time demands.

In the concluding remark, panelists advised everyone to stay positive and safe. Be optimistic because every crisis is an opportunity to learn and grow.

In case you missed the webinar, watch the recording here

– Anurag Sharma

You can also watch all our past webinars here

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Anurag Sharma is a part of the Class of 2020 of PG Programme in PR and Corporate Communications at SCoRe, Mumbai.

He holds a degree in B.A Hons. in Journalism and Mass Communication from DAVV University, Indore. He has always been inclined towards Social Psychology, which drove him towards the field of communication and Public Relations. He is an avid learner and he admires M.S Dhoni and Edward Bernays. In the past, he has interned with MSL India.

He can be reached on Twitter here and on LinkedIn here