Barry Plant Mitchell Shire was crowned winner of the Marketing and Communication Award at the 2020 Real Estate Institute of Victoria Awards for Excellence on Thursday.
Due to COVID-19, tuxedos and ball gowns were traded in for computers this year, with the annual gala event becoming a digital presentation.
Innovation was a strong theme across the award categories in 2020.
The real estate sector adapted and embraced technology to continue servicing clients in challenging circumstances.
Fifty-two winners were showcased in the REIV’s innovative interactive digital magazine.
Barry Plant Mitchell Shire’s award-winning entry centred on an eye-catching ‘zebra-elephant’ campaign, with the slogan ‘We’re here for you, just doing things differently’.
The clever visual used the image of an elephant covered in zebra stripes.
Barry Plant Mitchell Shire director Simon Best said the message worked beautifully with the ethos of Barry Plant Mitchell Shire, and the company as a whole, which was all about helping and supporting their clients to the best of their ability.
“It’s fantastic that an idea that came out of my regional office went on to be adopted by the entire Barry Plant network and then won a state-wide award for marketing and communication,” he said.
“COVID-19 has been really challenging for all Victorian’s for most of 2020, and I’m proud that this campaign captured just how different times are but that everyone was still working to help people.”
“It’s a message that resonated with so many people.”
The campaign had a significant online presence, communications through the agency’s significant database as well as print and social media.
Mr Best said while the social and online strategy was aimed at those interested in buying, selling, and renting properties, it was also a method of communicating with the entire Mitchell Shire community.
“For us, it’s more than just reaching people interested in our real estate services. It’s about helping the community we live and work in,” he said.
