Friday, May 1, 2009

How to find a lean and mean marketing partner in 6 steps.

By Kathy Fawcett

In this 'do more with less' economy, is there a way that your modest start-up company can tap into the marketing expertise that the national brands are paying for? In a word, yes. This is the perfect time to discover a Lean and Mean Marketing partner willing to supercharge your entrepreneurial spirit. Here's how to choose the most effective marketing partner for growth in this lean and mean economy:

Look into the track records of the agency principals. Were they performing at a Director's level at a big ad agency? If so, for how long? It makes a difference - too long, and they may be disconnected with the trends of customized marketing solutions. On the other hand, if they left their agency before the ink had dried on their new business cards, they may not have enough marketing insight.

Look beyond clever headlines. These are the price of entry in the advertising world, and if their portfolio does not include solid SEO copywriting services, customized marketing solutions and a proven track record in measured results, keep looking.

Avoid victims. If a new agency still has a bitter pill that's only half swallowed from a bad break, they may not be ready to move on and focus on your business. Who has time to wallow? You need clear and focused marketing insight, surrounded by positive energy.

Seek out leadership skills. Chances are, you may find a big agency-trained marketing director or top level creative director who is poised to establish their own business. Take it from me - you need to take full advantage of this opportunity! If you are fortunate enough to get experienced customized marketing solutions for your start-up from the person formerly in charge of a big national brand, it's your lucky day.

Beware the SEO Guru, and examine their claims carefully. Instead, seek out effective SEO copywriting services by taking an optimization tour of the websites optimized by this person or company. Like the jackalope, true SEO Guru's are difficult to identify, because tracking the results of qualified SEO copywriting services is new, and a little imprecise. After all, web lift and traffic increases at your site may not happen for months, you need to choose wisely.

Work with people who are excited about your product or service. Good ad guys and marketing professionals are incurable people/product matchmakers, and usually quite likeable and responsive. If you find someone who's fitting you in between the 'real clients', move on. An engaged marketing professional will bring incredible value and marketing insight, beyond your greatest expectations.

This is the day of the new entrepreneur. The best marketing professionals keep their eyes open for intriguing products and services that break away from corporate limits. And companies that discover a lean and mean marketing partner are in a great position for phenomenal growth - even in a challenging economy like the one we're experiencing now. - 15790

About the Author: