Making the Best of a Bad Situation

We talked to Michael Murdoch on how The House helps businesses grow faster via branding, motion and digital and here is what he said about it.

First of all, how are you and your family doing in these COVID-19 times? 

Michael Murdoch: Good. I was working from home before, so very little has changed, fortunately.

Tell us about you, your career, how you founded The House.

Michael Murdoch: I started The House branding and marketing agency in 2009. It grew organically from my freelance work as a graphic designer. I started Story Cube, the storytelling, and sales framework, in 2018 with Robbie Dale. It’s best to review my LinkedIn for details.

How does The House innovate? 

Michael Murdoch: The agency helps organizations, mainly tech companies, to grow via brand and marketing.

The Story Cube framework is a course, webinar series, and sprint designed to help entrepreneurs inspire, pitch, and sell with ease. We have simplified a complex subject into a recipe for success.

How does the coronavirus pandemic affect your business finances?

Michael Murdoch: It doesn’t too much. We had workshops in the real world cancel, but moved everything online and reached a wider audience, so it’s had its benefits too!

Did you have to make difficult choices regarding human resources, and what are the lessons learned?

Michael Murdoch: Sub-contract rather than hire. It’s more flexible and better all round to relieve the pressure. We also partner with other agencies a lot more now.

How did your customer relationship management evolve? Do you use any specific tools to be efficient?

Michael Murdoch: We get in touch loads more. No more coffees but many more calls on Zoom and teams. We continue to use Dropbox and Google Drive for collaboration. Slack is great when working with the internal team and partners. Trello is great for project management.

Did you benefit from any government grants, and did that help keep your business afloat?

Michael Murdoch: Yes, our events side of the business is on pause. Grants were small but helpful.

Your final thoughts?

Michael Murdoch: Trump out! Vaccines in!

2021 looks more positive. Hope we can travel soon!

Your website?

www.thehouselondon.com 

www.storycube.co.uk