* 84% Economic Conditions * 16% Brand Management * 51% Market Volatility * 15% Supply Chain / Sourcing Risk * 45% Execution of Strategy * 13% Increasing Regulatory Compliance * 19% Shortage of Labor / TalentSimilar to last year, organizations are strategically focused on increasing the sales and capabilities footprint through channel expansion and strategic partnerships. However, instead of staff development / expansion, the strategic agenda now includes a focus on reducing the cost of materials and production -- not surprising given the increased focus on sustainability and the year-long fluctuations in some raw materials and commodities prices. The top three strategies identified by survey participants in the Aberdeen Report include:
57% Improve Business Execution 43% Create / Expand Sales Channels 39% Develop Strategic Partnerships 36% Develop New Products & Services 34% Reduce Cost of Materials / Production 30% Improve Brand Visibility 28% Reengineer Processes 24% Staff Development / Expansion"Although roughly half of the organizations surveyed for the 2009 State of the Market Report have struggled to adjust to a new economic reality and thus adopted a defensive position for the year causing reduction in budgets, staffing and deferred capital spending, many of the organizations view the current economic conditions as an opportunity to innovate, expand and take market share," comments Andrew Boyd, President of Aberdeen Group. About The 2009 Aberdeen Report State of the Market: Mid-Year Insights: Each section of the report is designed to serve two purposes: 1) educate the CEO on key trends, initiatives and developments; and 2) provide guidance to functional leaders as they encounter new challenges, embrace new opportunities and adapt to the changing economic environment, providing executive teams with a roadmap to navigate through uncertain times. A copy of the report can be obtained at: http://resources.aberdeen.com/2009AberdeenReport. About Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company Aberdeen provides fact-based research and market intelligence that delivers demonstrable results. Having queried more than 30,000 companies in the past two years, Aberdeen is positioned to educate users to action: driving market awareness, creating demand, enabling sales, and delivering meaningful return-on-investment analysis. As the trusted advisor to the global technology markets, corporations turn to Aberdeen for insights that drive decisions. As a Harte-Hanks Company, Aberdeen plays a key role of putting content in context for the global direct and targeted marketing company. Aberdeen's analytical and independent view of the "customer optimization" process of Harte-Hanks (Information - Opportunity - Insight - Engagement - Interaction) extends the client value and accentuates the strategic role Harte-Hanks brings to the market. For additional information, visit Aberdeen or call (617) 854-5200, or to learn more about Harte-Hanks, call (800) 456-9748.
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Contact Information: Media Contact: Tracey Jones Aberdeen Harte-Hanks (925) 264-1838 tracey.jones@aberdeen.com