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#123 Navigating B2G Marketing with Omer Frenkel

“You need to explain to the client their challenge and demonstrate how your solution addresses it. Potential purchases don’t always come knocking with a clear need.” -Omer Frenkel
Omer Frenkel is an Intelligence Product Expert for NEXYTE, Cognyte’s Decision Intelligence platform. Omer brings extensive experience and know-how in the intelligence field, with a decorated tenure of over 18 years as an intelligence analyst, department head, and product manager in the Israeli research National Unit. Omer holds a B.A. in International Relations & Middle Eastern Studies and an M.A. in Political Marketing. In this episode, we explore B2G marketing strategies and sales cycles. Discover how to build trust and navigate government sales challenges.

About the Episode

Kicking Off the Podcast

Before delving into the details, let’s set the scene. From listening to countless podcasts about ancient history to making his debut in the podcast world, Omer is a self-described history nerd, particularly in geopolitics and delves deep into subjects like the psychological aspects of Harry Potter. Podcasts aren’t just entertainment for him; they’re a way to consume knowledge during his daily commute.

“A recent favorite was one focused on Israel, providing engaging commentary and insights.”

Introduction to Cognyte and Omer’s Role

In our conversation, we began discussing the priorities at Cognyte, a company where Omer tackles dual roles of product marketing manager and business development. The fascinating aspect is that Omer operates in the business-to-government (B2G) sector—a unique and nuanced field requiring a tailored approach.

What is B2G?

B2G, or business-to-government marketing, involves selling directly to government entities. This differs significantly from traditional business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-customer (B2C) marketing. Omer explains:

“We sell to governmental entities, mostly law enforcement agencies, military organizations, and critical infrastructure sectors.”

A Day in the Life of a B2G Marketer

For Omer, no two days are the same. Operating at the intersection of product marketing and business development requires a versatile approach. His main focus revolves around:

  • Developing Relationships: Connecting with other vendors and companies for collaborations.
  • Campaign Execution: Understanding how to effectively run campaigns, knowing what information can be shared.

Contrary to what one might assume, B2G marketing differs greatly from mainstream perceptions. The audience is less accustomed to buying online, and the products often require face-to-face engagement due to their complexity and cost.

The Challenge of Lengthy Sales Cycles

A striking element of B2G marketing is its extended sales cycles, often stretching from 18 to 24 months. Unlike the fast-paced B2B SaaS environment, clients in the B2G sector aren’t always in a buying mode. The challenge lies in persuasively communicating the need for a solution they hadn’t previously considered.

“You need to explain to the client their challenge and demonstrate how your solution addresses it. Potential purchases don’t always come knocking with a clear need.”

Adapting and Learning Within the B2G Framework

Despite having a rich background in the intelligence community, marketing was a relatively new field for Omer. However, Cognyte provided a conducive environment for learning and adapting to the unique demands of B2G.

  • Focus on Understanding the Audience: Knowing client needs, challenges, and terminology trumps traditional marketing experience.
  • Emphasis on Education and Development: Cognyte’s long-term investment in their team members fosters an environment conducive to learning.

In this context, marketing for B2G is as much about bridging gaps as it is about crafting compelling narratives.

The Role of Trust in B2G Marketing

Building trust in government-related marketing involves more than flashy presentations. It’s about delivering value and solutions tailored to specific challenges. Omer emphasizes the importance of establishing trust by:

  • Providing Valuable Content: Sharing insights through ungated content and webinars.
  • Offering Authentic Expertise: Demonstrating subject matter expertise without being overly promotional.
  • Engaging in Dialogue: Listening to the client’s unique challenges and responding with genuine empathy and understanding.

Getting Attention and Building Trust

There’s a visually captivating book that symbolizes the need to “day trade attention,” focusing efforts on where the audience’s gaze lies. In B2G, with limited platforms, reaching the target audience often requires a blend of online and offline strategies.

Online Strategies

  1. Content Marketing: Emphasize on eBooks, blogs, and webinars that educate rather than sell.
  2. Social Engagements: Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter become valuable arenas for sharing knowledge and sparking conversations.

Offline Strategies

  1. Face-to-Face Meetings: Essential in building relationships and trust.
  2. Conferences and Events: Opportunities for meaningful engagement with potential clients and stakeholders.

“In B2G, trust is built not by pressing for a sale, but by showing genuine insights and understanding the unique challenges faced by governmental entities.”

Wrapping Up

For those interested in B2G marketing, Omer Frenkel’s insights shed light on the nuances and unique challenges of this field. From understanding extended sales cycles to building trust through content, there is much to learn from his approach.

Stay Connected with Omer and Cognyte

Omer Frenkel is personally active on LinkedIn. Don’t hesitate to explore Cognyte’s range of content—no strings attached!

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