A Toolbox For Marketing In Oil, Gas& Energy Sector

People believe that the oil and gas industry in East Africa is relatively new, and so it generates few opportunities.

I totally agree that Tanzania and Uganda are in the early stages of developing their oil and gas resources. But that does not mean that the industry presents limited opportunities in the region.

Opportunities are numerous in the oil and gas sector in East Africa.

If you look deep into the oil and gas sector in Tanzania, you will notice three things:

First, we have a lot of oil and gas facilities, such as natural gas plants, power plants, and oil depots. And they need recurring services such as maintenance and equipment supply that would keep the facilitiesrunning.

Secondly, oil and gas companies are still producing oil and gas resources.

Thirdly, major projects are coming on stream. There is the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project. We shall soonwitness the Tilenga and Kingfisher project in Uganda.

The good news is that, each day, these projects are in need of goods and services that your company can provide and thereby benefiting from the significant natural gas and oil discovery in the region.

Your Brand is Your Most Important Asset

Opportunities in the oil and gas sector in Tanzania and East Africa are numerous.

But marketing for the oil and gas industry needs a different approach. This is an industry where deals are made through handshakes and relationship.

Brand building is the key to developing industry relationship with clients, generating new business leads, and attracting talented employees.

The purpose of marketing and branding in the oil and gas sector is not to make quick sales but to find people who are interested in your offer and put them into your follow up database so that you can build a strong relationship with them.

If your company understands the relationship-based culture of the oil and gas industry and starts implementingmarketing solutions that build your brand value, then you will start to experience an amazing result. The contract will come naturally.

The oil and gas business is a very competitive industry. More companies like yours are looking for better ways to connect and create a solid relationship with clients. A strong brand presents you with numerous opportunities. It helps you build a relationship with clients, stand out from the competition, and win more jobs.

The Biggest Obstacle Facing Service Providers inthe Oil and Gas Sector in Tanzania and East Africa

The common belief among many people is that lack of finance is the biggest obstacle holding back the service sector in growing their business the oil and gas sector.

To me, funding is not a big issue for service providers in Tanzania. Most of the companies providing technical, consulting and professional services have a good reputation in offering amazing products and services.

But they often lack industry brand awareness that gets them considered for sourcing finance, attracting the best talent, and securing new business.

Your company’s brand might have an excellent reputation, but it should have high visibility in the oil and gas marketplace, too.

You can’t underestimate the impact of a visible brand in the energy sector. A strong brand has an easier time attracting new clients and securing funds, and the best employees will want to work with that company.

And once you win a contract or oil companies gives you a purchasing order, the bank can easilyfinance your working capital.