Work With Me
Every business is unique
People often contact me when they have a specific need – learning to use social media better or getting more customers, for example.
Before we get started, we talk about your business goals because I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all marketing. I provide solutions that fit your time, budget and skills.
What’s it like to work with me?
The majority of my clients either own their own businesses or work for smallish organizations. Many have never worked with a marketing consultant before.
I help them in two basic ways: Some hire me to deliver a project, like creating a marketing strategy, others book hourly coaching sessions, where I provide guidance and accountability as they DIY their project.
Both kinds of collaboration generally work like this:
1. You tell me what’s troubling you.
Usually that’s something specific and tangible like “I need help to launch an email newsletter” but it can be broader like “I want to make more money.”
2. I ask questions about your goals.
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all recommendations. What does success look like to you? What works well for your competitor might be a terrible fit for you, and vice versa.
3. We explore possible solutions.
This helps me gauge what you’ve tried before and what might not work for organizational reasons. I can look for what lights you up and focus there.
4. We consider the broader business.
Nothing should function in a silo. Marketing and sales should be in sync, and your website should sound like your e-newsletter.
5. We prioritize what’s going to make the greatest benefit.
You can do a lot of things but if time and money are finite resources, we’ll focus on what’s most likely to help you achieve your goals.
6. We identify possible challenges.
Are you intimidated by the technology or concerned you won't have time? We work through the practical concerns for implementing.
Here's the bad news: I don’t disappear, then magically solve all your problems.
I worked with a smart lawyer who often said a contract is only as good as the business decisions that went into it. He could help me identify possible points of contention and draft thoughtful language, but it was my job as business owner to navigate the opportunities and hazards of a deal.
Similarly, you need to be committed to doing the work. You know your customers, your competitors, your industry, your systems. I need your help to navigate your business conditions.
And since I’m not your full-time marketing director, you will need a plan to implement any changes. That means understanding the strategy enough to either get it done yourself or advocate for it with your colleagues.
I don’t have all the answers, but I will work with you to find your answers together.
The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone.
I’ll be your partner along the way, helping to untangle whatever’s been frustrating or overwhelming you. You can stop trying to DIY tasks that aren’t your expertise.
Most of my clients are long distance and I was a fan of video tools like Zoom, Skype and Google Meet long before the pandemic. They can make far-away folks feel close and help me see when you’re frustrated or confused so we can tackle it together.
Or we can get together over a drink or lunch.
One of my goals is to lower your stress around marketing.
Promoting your business doesn’t need to feel like a root canal.