Ways to communicate to BAT local markets

7 Sep 2008

OBJECTIVES and reasoningMAIN

Objective Find a way which would satisfy markets request/need for shares product ideas in a way which would be in line with legal requirements.

BAT Benefits: For long markets have requested a tool which would allow them to have visibility across markets about product ideas and developments in other markets. Sharing of information helps to create synergies between markets, leverage product development capabilities, bring more innovation to markets. Another big benefit is cost saving in cases when tooling charges are lowered and higher volumes allow for economies of scale and scope.

Option 1 – Email with LinkMAIN

Send markets email which would contain only text and suggest that New products are now available and individual can look at them by clicking on the link provided in the body of email.Link would bring to the page on the internet which would have graphic image containing all products and prices.

Email can be send to each individual market representative separately.

Pros: Helps with legal requirements.

Cons: Individuals do not have instant access to information. People still have to make extra step to follow the link. Information like products and prices is available on the internet and

can be accidentally discovered by other parties. (Is it ok to have products and prices on the internet for everybody to see? (this is in case we do not have password)

Option 2 – Email with image PDF and LinkMAIN

Basic images included into email but no prices. This way it is obvious that it is just idea sharing and not selling brochure. Markets are offered to request for pricing or follow the link to learn about prices.

Pros: People have instant access to product ideas and images. Helps with legal requirements.

Cons: People still have to make extra step to get prices. Information like products and prices is available on the internet and

can be accidentally be discovered by other parties. (Is it ok to have products and prices on the internet for everybody to see? (this is in case we do not have password)

Option 3 – LinkedIn GroupMAIN

Create group in LinkedIn and inform markets thought this professional network tool. It allows to upload presentation and documents for sharing between specified invited group.

Pros: Communication is circulated outside the system

Cons:

Not everybody might have LinkedIn. People use their personal email to register to the notification of new

message may come to personal email address Still requires extra steps to reach information.

Option 4 - Direct MailMAIN

Hard Copy Brochure envelope is send by direct mail to markets to update about new product developments.

Pros: Immediate visibility to individuals Communication is circulated outside of the email system

Cons: Needs to be checked if legal in market.