Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

If you have hired, or are looking to hire a marketing company, what do you look for capabilities wise? What has proven to be the most valuable part to you of working with a marketing company?

Most of the marketing people I see on this list post things that are either completely obvious or highly questionable.  Some keep suggesting they are teaching "secret" information and valuable tips.  For example, I don`t know how much anybody needs to be told "make sure the message on your website it clear" or "try to be better than your competition." 

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James Lindon, Ph.D. Patent Attorney
Lindon & Lindon, LLC
Cleveland, Ohio
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Pharmacy Law, Litigation
[this is not legal advice - provided for discussion only]
Intellectual Property for the Individual and Small Business: Identify, Protect, Enforce, Defend.
"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
http://www.LindonLaw.com

In addition to skills, look for people that you like and communicate well with you.  If you`re going to be working with them, and you just don`t jive well, it doesn`t matter if they can do great things for your company.

I think you should evaluate a company based on your needs, not just their skills. Can they produce results for YOUR business? Do they have your best interest in mine, or are they just billing you by the hour while they sit at the spa?

Hi Brand1m,

Nowadays, it`s all about the ROI, (return on investment). "When will I see ROI and how much of an ROI might I expect to see?" Then let the agency tell you the ways and the means of getting that return.

Your decision should be based on what their strategy is to promote your business/brand, and if it is something that is not only affordable based on the estimated return, but if you can envision it yourself.

What i would look for is results. Nicole is right, you could be working with a top notch Marketing firm who has some great clients  and have some great case studies but it may not be the firm for your companies needs. Start on a small contract see how it goes result wise and then make a decision if they are right for you.

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Our Goal Is Your Success!
Founder Girls with Goals

When I first started my business, I was able to utilize a colleague who had her own marketing boutique firm and boy did it pay off!  She created press releases and and also due to her contacts, my product was even featured in major magazines and local newspaper.

The cost was quite affordable as she alloted me a few hours per months.  If you would like her contact information, please contact me as she`s worked with all sorts of industries and has a proven track record.

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Wishing you all continued blessings and successes!
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To piggyback with nhgnikole`s comment,...it depends on what you are wanting a marketing company to do?

Maybe you are looking for help in positioning your company?

Are you wanting help in branding a product?

The best channel strategy?  And how you will avoid conflict.

Determining your target martket?

A pricing strategy? Do you sell on lowest cost or features and benefits?

Or a promotional strategy which includes; personal selling, advertising, tradeshows, sales promotions, press releases, etc.

Or a company that can help you to develop and execute a complete Marketing Plan that contains all of the above.

How would you ever quantify this concept?


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Michael J. Stelly
Smarter Consulting Starts Today!