There’s never a bad time to refresh and refocus your business…

“How will I benefit from having a marketing consultant on site with my business for one day a month?”

What does a marketing consultant do?

Helen, what will a consultant bring to my business?

In a word, focus. I have learnt how excited business owners are about their business, and that they always set out convinced it will succeed – both financially and with regards to their vision for it. However, in reality, I tend to find that I am met with a “…the doors are open, now what…” state of confusion for new business owners. In this instance, I will explore the pillars of marketing with them, alongside the full implications of brand and behaviour. With regards to established companies, I tend to find they become “stuck” in their ways and keep doing what they have always done. Whilst this may have worked in the past, the pace of technology, communication and internet medias is so fierce that the company may struggle to keep up, or adapt to such frequent changes, so we can bring our up-to-date knowledge to the table. In both cases, however, I work very closely with the existing marketing team and Directors, as my role is to inspire and enhance channels in order to develop growth and awareness. Being able to have fully independent eyes and insight into your business are invaluable. Without clear focus, your marketing may be a little like throwing hundreds of marbles down a staircase and expecting them to find their way into a cup at the bottom.

Helen, what can you really achieve in one day a month?

I already have a marketing department!

Great news! I’m always pleased to hear this, as it means we have a great starting point. However, for some companies, a full-time marketing person may not be essential, and so parachuting my services in is both exciting and can be more cost effective. Part of the role that I love is being able to pass on my knowledge to others and enable them to benefit from my 30+ years of experience!
What if we are happy with what we produce?
Again, this is great to hear! I have yet to find, however, a company that didn’t benefit from having their strategy revisited, or their tone of voice polished up! All business owners believe that they have their marketing nailed, which is what makes employing external assistance such a ‘grudge buy’. But we always urge our customers to remember that they are in business because they have expertise in a certain area, be it manufacturing or hospitality or adhesives or audiology or furnaces or shoes…your expertise is not in marketing – mine is!

In summary